Disclaimer: i own nothing...

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Chapter 37

Kidnapped

BPOV

"OW!" I rubbed the back of my head where I felt the throbbing. "Riley? Riley!" I called feeling around me with my hands. Where was I? I closed my eyes and tried to recall what happened. We went to the mall, followed by Barnes and Noble, and then something hit me in the back of the head before everything went black.

I moved my hands again and felt the coolness of what I think is cement. When I wasn't too disoriented, I moved around and found a cot with a mattress and a pillow. Though it was better than the floor it was stinky and yucky. I moved over to the far wall and settled myself there.

I padded myself down and found my shirt ripped at the hem, my rings were still on my finger, my earrings in my ears, my watch on my wrist. I quickly removed my rings and put them in my pants pocket. I didn't want whoever was out there to take them away from me.

The door to the room opened and I someone I through I would never see again walked inside. "Hello, Isabella," he smiled. "How have you been? I missed you." He walked over to me and ran a finger down my cheek, making my skin crawl.

"What do you want James?"

"You of course. I told you that you were mine. Then you put that TRO on me and marry the freaking doctor. Why are you so infatuated by him, Isabella?" he paused and sat on the bed. "What does he have that I don't?" Uh, everything? I thought to myself.

"Where is Riley?" I asked.

"He's with Royce." Royce? Who the hell is Royce?

"Give him to me James," I demanded.

"You're in no position to make demands pumpkin. Royce has a score to settle with Emmett Cullen. His motive was purely business, mine is purely pleasure." He came over to me and ran his hands down my sides. I tried to pull away but he held me in place.

"Tell me Isabella, will your precious Dr. Cullen still want you after I've had my way with you? If I get you pregnant, will he still take you back, huh?" He moved his hands down my thighs causing me to clamp then tighter together.

"Don't touch me asshole!" I swatted his hand away.

"Oh, you've become feisty. I like that." He kissed my cheek with his rough lips then moved to my mouth, which I kept shut. "You'll open up to me soon Isabella, in more ways than one." With those parting words, he left me once again in the dark.

I began to breakdown and cry. I tried to recall my happy times with Edward, such as our wedding, our honeymoon, and our times alone and found myself believing that he will come for me. I remembered his words and believed he loves me enough to search the ends of the earth for me.

Ending with that thought, I drifted to Riley. The little guy must be so scared. Who was this Royce guy and what did he want with Emmett? Why did he have to take it out on the kid? Was it just convenient that he was with me or was this whole thing planned out? So many questions with no answers at the moment.

My pondering was broken by the sound of crying outside my room. My door again opened and a short burly guy came in. "Royce wants you to help the kid." He pulled me by my arm to get me to stand and led me to what looked like a living room. After my eyes adjusted to the light I figured out that we were in some sort of apartment.

"Aunt Bella!" Riley yelled and started squirming in the arms of a man about half the size of Emmett. "Let me go! Let me go!"

"So this is the famous Isabella. She is beautiful, not as beautiful as Rosalie though." The man who I assumed was Royce said. He was about a couple inches shorter than Edward, his skin was lightly tanned, and he had blue eyes and blonde hair. He knows Rosalie? Was this guy also someone from her past? "Let him go," Royce ordered.

Riley ran into my arms and started to cry. I tried at calm him as much as I can but had little luck. "Sit on the chair with him on your lap and facing the camera," Royce ordered and I followed. After we were seated, we were tied with a rope, our hands in front of us.

"Tell him to read this." I was handed a card with the statement written in terrible hand writing.

"This is illegible. How do you expect him to read this?" I asked.

"You whisper to him what it says and he can say out loud."

I explained to Riley what we were going to do and he nodded his head indicating that he understood. I began to whisper the statement and Riley said it out loud into the camera. After we were done, we were again separated.

"I want my Aunt Bella!" Riley screamed over and over. My heart was breaking when I saw the pain on his face.

"Can't he stay with me?" I asked.

Royce looked at James. "I guess. I don't need to have her tonight. If it will keep the kid quiet, then I guess its okay with me, if it's okay with you," James replied and Royce nodded. Riley was handed to me and we were escorted into our room and given sandwich and water.

"Time for me to call Dr. Cullen and let him know that he won't be seeing you again," James said and then turned on his heel.

"Aunt Bella, who are those people and why did I have to say those things to daddy?" Riley asked once we were left alone.

"I don't know yet sweetie. But I'm sure your dad and Uncle Edward will come for us. You always have to believe alright. Never lose hope. Our family loves us and they will come for us." We ate in silence before eventually fell asleep on the stinky bed.

***************

I was being roused my something wet rubbing on my cheek. "Edward?" I groaned and the wet something was replaced by a slap. Why would Edward slap me? I opened my eyes and was met by blue instead of green.

"Up, Isabella. And don't wake the kid. I'm in horny and I want you." I followed suit and he led me to another room keeping my hand firmly in his. As we walked through the halls, it was quiet and I assumed everyone else was asleep. We entered the room and he immediately tackled me onto the bed. I fell face down, him on top of me and his erection was pressing into my butt. Eewww! Gross!

While I was pinned down, he skimmed his nose along my ear, his hands kneading my side. "I've waited so long for this Isabella." His rough hand went under my shirt and he made his way up to cup my breast. As he pushed his erection into me, I sank into the bed and my rings pressed into my thigh reminding me that Edward will come for me. I was not going to let this delusional asshole have his way with me. Only Edward had that privilege. He didn't tie me up so that gave me several options to consider.

"Let's get this how on the road." He flipped me over and started to undo his pants. He was having a hard time getting his pants down so he stood up freeing me. I folded my knees to my chest and as he came back down on me I kicked as hard as I could, taking aim at his groin.

As I made contact, he stumbled to the ground moaning in pain. I ran out of the room and smashed into somebody. "What are you doing out of the room?" He lifted me and headed to the room where Riley was sleeping. I was able to again survey the surroundings as the big man brought me back and I knew I had to devise a plan to get out of here.

EPOV

"Is it okay Dr. Cullen? Do I have to add or change anything?" Dr. Styles asked me. He was my mentee for the research paper he was doing for his fellowship. I browsed through the paper again, checking the side notes I previously made.

"I think you just need to add a little more about the new drugs and compare them to the ones already in use. Your paper looks very promising." I handed him back the folder, shook his hand and wished him a good afternoon.

After signing more papers, I checked my watch and saw it was nearing 4:00 in the afternoon. I wondered why I haven't heard from Bella. I assume she's having fun with the girls and the kids. I packed up my things and decided to head home.

As I pulled out of the hospital parking lot my cell phone rang. I took a peek at the caller ID and it read Emmett. "What's up bro?"

"Hey, can you come over to the office? Something came up and I need your input."

"Okay, I'll be over in fifteen."

"Okay, see you then." After hanging up I got this feeling in my gut that something wasn't right. Emmett didn't sound right on the phone. I tried Bella's cell but she was out of coverage area. Hmm, I wonder where they went. I drove over to Platt Tower and pulled into my assigned parking space before heading up to the top floor where Emmett's office was located.

"Hello Edward," Senna, Emmett's secretary greeted me as I got off the elevator.

"Senna," I nodded. "Where is Emmett?"

"He's in the big conference room. Come I'll take you." We walked down the hall of offices and turned right at the end. "Can I get you anything?"

"Uh, no thank you." She nodded and turned to return to reception. I knocked on the door before opening it. When I entered the room, I was shocked at what I saw. My parents' and the Hale's were there along with the rest of my family.

I took a quick survey around the room and noticed Alice crying in Jasper's arms. Rose was sitting on one of the high back chairs clinging on to Bree, my mother was cradling Joshua, and Emmet was talking with my dad by the window.

"Where's Bella and Riley?" I asked after processing the scene.

"Sit down son," my dad said.

"What's wrong dad?" I asked refusing to sit down.

"Sit down," my dad said more forcefully. I took the chair closest to me and looked at him and Emmett who came to stand in front of me. "We have some bad news," my dad began.

He took a deep breath and let it out before speaking. "Bella and Riley have been missing since about 2:00 this afternoon."

What? Did I hear him correctly? My wife and nephew were missing? "I beg your pardon?" I asked.

My mom walked around to me and knelt in front of me. "Honey, when the girls and the kids were in Barnes and Noble, Bella took Riley to the bathroom and they never returned. Alice and Rose looked for them and reported them to the guards as well but no one saw or came up with anything." I wasn't processing what my mother said. How can this be? My wife, the love of my life, is missing?

I just sat in the chair staring at my mother. I was speechless and my mind wasn't working. "Edward, Darling?" my mother coaxed but I just sat the unmoving like a statue. I don't know how long I sat there but the next thing I knew, my phone was ringing.

I pulled it out of my pocket and answered without checking the caller ID. "Bella? Sweetheart, where are you?"

"Oh, how sweet. She's with me," I male voice replied. Wait, male?

"Who the fuck is this? Why do you have my wife's phone?"

"Now, now Dr. Cullen, let's not get nasty. I'm sure you know who I am."

"Nasty? Nasty? You haven't seen nasty. Give me back my wife, James!" I demanded and a collective gasp filled the room.

"Now why would I do that? I told you before she belongs to me. She's just infatuated by you and your money," he said. I heard movement around the room and the screaming of a child. "Is that my nephew?"

"Maybe," he laughed.

"You better not hurt them you son of a bitch."

"Or what? What will you do Dr. Cullen? You're not here to protect them. Hell, you don't even know where they are," he taunted.

"What do you want?" I conceded.

"I want Isabella. And now I have her. I just called to let you know that you won't be seeing your wife again. I have what I want, and well, you don't," he said then hung up the phone. I was outraged and threw my hone across the room causing it to break into several pieces.

"Who was that son?" my dad asked.

"James. He has Bella and Riley and he told me that I won't be seeing my wife again." After realizing what I had just said, I fell to my knees and sobbed into my hands.

***************

My mom drove me home last night and stayed with me. When we got home, I changed and went to the home gym. I ran about an hour on the treadmill before beating up the punching bag. After I headed to the pool and did I don't know how many laps.

After my shower I took out a bottle of Johnny Walker Green Label and drowned my sorrows with it. I finished the whole bottle, by the way. After all that I still wasn't able to sleep. I watched the sunrise from out bedroom balcony thinking of what to do next. I was so useless yesterday that I wasn't included in the planning anymore.

"Edward," my mom called from below. "Come down and have some breakfast darling. Your father is here as well." I pulled on a shirt and headed down to the kitchen hoping to find Bella standing there and not my mother. I was brought out of my dreams when I saw Charlie and Renee, along with my dad, sitting at our breakfast bar.

"You look like hell son," Charlie said.

"I'm sorry Charlie. I know I said I would protect her and I let you down."

"It's not your fault son." Charlie walked over and put a hand on my shoulder. "I guess the TRO wasn't enough. We will get her back. I've called Karen Newton. She and Mike will meet us at Emmett's office at 10:00. I've also contacted Aro Volturi and he will be there as well. We'll get then back Edward."

I just nodded and took a seat beside Renee who immediately hugged me. My mother came around and hugged me from the other side. I wasn't sure how long we held that position, but the next thing I knew, my mother was leading me to my bedroom and she ordered me to change out of my house clothes. I chose jeans and a plain gray shirt and threw on my pea coat. I settled with a pair of Converse shoes and gathered my things before heading back down.

I wasn't allowed to drive so my dad and I rode the Volvo, with him at the wheel, while the others took his Mercedes. We made it to Platt Tower at 9:30 and headed straight up to Emmett's floor.

When we entered the conference room, Rose was breastfeeding Joshua and I could see her eyes were bloodshot. Emmett was at the window holding onto Bree and pointing things out on the horizon. Alice and Jasper we cuddled up in one corner.

"Sir, this just came in," Senna said carrying a manila envelope. No one moved except Charlie who retrieved the envelope with gloved hands.

"Let's wait for Karen and Mike. Do you have any clear plastic bag around?" he asked Senna.

"Yes Chief, just a moment." She returned shortly with a zip-lock bag and Charlie put the package in it.

"We'll check for prints before we open it. I'll inform Karen so she can bring the materials needed so she can do it here." He pulled out his phone and stood by the windows. His conversation lasted about five minutes and he turned to us after he hung up. "They'll be here in ten minutes. Edward can you tell me what James told you?"

I repeated the conversation and Charlie took down some notes. I guess it was an FBI thing. When I was done, we scattered around the room and waited in silence for the others to arrive.

**********

As noon came around, Mike notified us that the package was free of prints and that we were allowed to open it. It was addressed to Emmett so he did the honors. He tipped over the envelope and a disc fell out. "Senna, please bring in our audio-visual equipment," he said into the intercom.

"Yes sir," Senna's voice fell from the box. In about five minutes, she came in with a male staff member who was pushing a trolley which contained a television and several media players. He handed over the disc and the male staff inserted it into the CD player.

We waited several moments for the content to load. The first picture that came out was one of a man. He had blue eyes and blonde hair and his skin seemed lightly tanned. From somewhere in the room someone let out a gasp. I looked around and saw Rosalie with her hand clasped on her mouth and she was starting to shake.

"Pause the video," I said and my dad, who was holding the remote, did as I requested. I walked over to join Emmett who was already seated on the floor with Rosalie cradled in his arms. Bree was with Alice and Joshua was being fed by my mom.

"Do you know that guy Rose?" I asked and she nodded her head. "Who is he?"

"Let's watch the whole video before we get into that," my dad suggested. I stood up and returned to my seat. Mike and Jane, the Volturi's private investigator, were seated across me with their pens at the ready. My dad pressed the remote and the video started again.

"Hello Rosalie. I'm sure you remember me. We did have some good times together after all. But let's not get into that now. I want you to know that I have your son and he has a message for your husband. Listen, and listen well," guy on the TV said.

The scene shifted and Bella, with Riley on her lap, came on screen. They were seated on a chair and tied around the waist and chest, their hands secured in front of them. I took a look at my wife and was glad to see that she was unharmed, at least for now. I looked down at her hands and noticed her rings were gone. I hope they didn't get it, I thought. But that was a minute concern. I could easily buy her another set.

I saw that she was holding a card and she whispered something to Riley before he started talking. "Daddy, I'm safe for now," he began. Bella whispered something again. "The man who took me said you took mommy from him before, and in return, he took me from you." Another pause and whispering occurred. "You need to give him three billion dollars if you want to get me back." Pause. Whisper. "The deadline will be the day after tomorrow at noon."

The video went to static before the man came on again. "So, Mr. Emmett Cullen, I'm sure you're with your wife right now and that you know about me in one way or another. You are a greedy man Mr. Cullen and you seem to keep picking on me. First you take Rosalie Hale then last month you take away the most important contract that my company would ever attain.

"Three billion dollars should be jump change for you. I should ask for more considering Rosalie costs more than five hundred million. But I think three billion is reasonable, for now. So you heard your son, deadline is day after tomorrow at noon. I'll contact you again with the account details." The video went dead.

The authoritative people in the room started talking all at once. "We'll pay!" Rose screamed. "We can pay right Emmett?" she turned to him with a pleading look on her face.

"Yes, Rose. We can afford that." He hugged Rose and reached for the intercom. "Senna."

"Yes sir?"

"Check all the recent deals we closed in the last month or so. Find the one that was worth two point five billion dollars or more," Emmett ordered.

"Right away sir."

"He didn't mention anything about Bella. I have to find her. He really has no intention of giving her back." I said and fell into my seat. I rested my elbows on my knees and buried my face in my hands.

"We'll get her back darling," my mom cooed and that's when I realized I was crying.

"Don't lose faith Edward. Bella certainly hasn't. Did you look in her eyes when Riley was reciting? It was full of hope. You have to be strong for her," Renee said as she hugged me. "Play the video without sound and just look in her eyes. You'll see what I mean.

My mom set up the video and I did as she said. They were right. She believed that I would come for her. Her eyes were always very expressive and they were conveying a message to me.

"The Rolex! Emmett she's wearing the Rolex!" Rosalie started screaming.

"Edward, does Bella only have one Rolex?" Emmett asked me.

"Yeah, I haven't got around to getting one for her personally. Why?"

"That is a special watch. We tweaked it a bit. Now it's time to see if it works," Emmett explained and turned to the intercom again. "Senna, get Liam up here immediately."

A/N: my apologies for a short chapter. it's my first time to write something like this and i couldn't figure out how to make it longer.

i also apologize for any mistakes in spelling and grammar. i promise i proof read it before i posted but i may have missed something. since i only have two chapters to go i thought it would be pointless to get a beta at this time.