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On to the chapter ...
~Chapter 32~
"Move now. Hurry up," James orders.
I don't argue or fight; I can feel the barrel of the gun pressing against my side as he pushes me out the room and up a flight of stairs at such a fast pace I struggle to keep up. When we reach the first floor, it becomes apparent we were being held in the downstairs basement of an old derelict building, but before I can take in my surroundings, James forces us out of the house at what seems to be the back of the building.
Once we are outside, it takes my eyes a moment to adjust to the daylight. But when they do, I take note of the surrounding houses, which all appear in similar disarray. There is no sign of life or movement. We are isolated.
I feel my blood run cold when I spot an SUV parked at the back of the building. Fear paralyzes my body, but it takes me a moment before adrenaline kicks in. Not knowing how close the family is, I need to slow them down; my baby's life depends on it. If they get us in that car, there's no saying when anyone will have another chance to find us.
I need to buy some time. But how?
Perhaps the answer lies in using the only thing I have at my disposal; I need to play the weak, fragile pregnant lady they take me for.
"Ouch!" I cry.
Dropping to the ground, I clutch my stomach dramatically. However, it appears James isn't buying it quite so easily.
"Get up," he appears completely unmoved and forcefully takes hold of my arm to force me back to my feet. He attempts to lift me, so I let out an ear-piercing scream as I stay crouched down, holding my stomach for dramatic effect.
"She's pregnant, you fucking animals," Rose shouts as she kneels in front of me. Her troubled gaze finds mine, and I see the genuine fear in her eyes.
"I'm okay, Rose; I'm not in labor; they're just cramps. I'll be okay in a minute," I tell her, hoping to ease some of her fears. Sending her a pointed look, she calms a little, so maybe she understands what I'm doing. The sly wink she sends me tells me she does.
"She's heavily pregnant, you idiots! You shouldn't be dragging her around like that." Rosalie says in disgust. "Give her a fucking break!"
"Please," I beg, as the tears stream down my face. I don't care how desperate I sound - I'm playing for time here, not trying to win an Oscar. James is completely heartless … unmoving, but Sam, on the other hand, looks torn … sympathetic ... conflicted.
Sensing he's the weaker of the two, I look up at him with fresh tears in my eyes.
"Please, Sam. Just give me a minute. I'll go with you. I won't fight. Just let me catch my breath."
My pleading seems to work; when he faces James, they appear in some kind of stand-off. A look passes between the two of them before Sam starts speaking.
"We have a little time; besides, it will be more of a struggle getting her in the car in this state. Give her a moment, and she'll come easy. Won't you, Bella?"
Stupid, gullible man…
However, I don't feel an ounce of sympathy for him; he betrayed me … he betrayed the family. After everything he's put Rosalie and me through, he deserves whatever comes his way when the family gets their hands on him.
"Yes … I'll be good," I lie, keeping the pained expression on my face when Rose sits beside me. Gripping Rosalie's hand in mine, I nudged her side, sending her a firm look, then subtly glance over my shoulder. Her eyes widen before she gives me a small nod, so I think she understands. I just need to keep my act up long enough for her to slip away unnoticed.
Thankfully, my ploy seems to be working, and while James is clearly pissed off by the hold-up, he gives me a minute to catch my breath.
"You better not be faking," he warns before getting into another heated conversation with Sam. The unexpectedness of the family's arrival and their lack of a plan seems to be making them careless—they're losing their edge.
Apparently, James' patience will only stretch so far. He's had enough.
"We need to get her to the car now! We haven't got time for this."
He attempts to move me, but I deliberately make it difficult for him. In the end, Sam has to help him get me to my feet. Amongst all the drama, both men are too focused on the crying pregnant lady and squabbling between themselves to notice Rose slipping away. It's only when she's made it to the far side of the building that they notice she's escaping.
"Go, get her now, and use whatever means are necessary. Don't let her get away." James snarls before glaring at me.
"That wasn't a very smart thing to do, Bella; you've just signed your friend's death warrant."
He takes me roughly by the arm, dragging me to my feet. His fingers dig into my flesh, and I fight to get free from his firm grip, but my resistance isn't enough, and he easily maneuvers me towards the car.
"You won't get away with this." I continue to fight him off, but he's too strong, and he's able to pin me against the car with relative ease.
"That shows how little you know about me. I'm going to make you pay for that little stunt you just pulled. We're going to have fun, you and I." He smiles a slow and dangerous smile that sends a chill through me.
"You're delusional if you think I'll let you anywhere near me." I hit back.
I struggle against him, but he captures my hands above my head, easily holding them in place with one of his. His free hand touches my cheek, my neck, before he leans down to whisper in my ear.
"You know, I never did see the attraction, but I suppose you do have a certain appeal. I will enjoy having fun with you," he sneers, his disgusting breath against my neck. "We can pick up where we left off at the house. How about that?" His lips brush against my ear, and with every repulsive, vile word that comes out of his mouth, I shudder.
Still, I refuse to make this easy for him. I'm not giving in without a fight. With that in mind, I ram my knee upward, making contact with the target. James grunts, his grip slackens, but it isn't enough to get him to loosen the painful hold he has on me. His face is now level with mine; he looks even more furious than before.
"Now, why did you want to do that?" He snarls, gripping my jaw even harder. I whimper when he forces my face to the side. As he calls out instructions to someone in the car to get the engine running, I catch a movement out of the corner of my eye - a glimpse of a man taking position near the far side of the building.
Could the family be already here? Or is it one of James' men?
"You act all tough, but you're scared; admit it." I laugh mockingly, which immediately draws James' attention back to me. His eyes harden, his face darkening in unadulterated anger.
"Scared of who? Edward?" His laugh is deranged like there is no way it can be true.
"I don't think so, baby, cause I'm going to enjoy our time together very much, and then, maybe, when I'm bored with you—done with you, I'll send you back to your husband; let him have whatever's left of you. But wait ... he won't be around anymore, will he?" He laughs cruelly. "Oh, maybe I'll keep him alive so he can see the state you're in when I'm done."
His vile words bring out anger - a fury I've never experienced before. I have no control over myself or my body, and I launch myself at him.
James seems to enjoy my struggle.
"Keep it up, darling. You're only turning me on." His breath washes over my face and repulses me.
"Now we can do this the easy way or the hard way; the choice is yours." He emphasizes his words by rubbing his groin against me.
His words enraged me, and I fight against him, much to James' amusement. He leans in closer, too close for comfort, whispering in my ear, "The hard way it is."
A shiver goes through me at the threat behind his words. I'm grateful when a voice from inside the car pulls James' attention from me. Momentarily at least.
"James! We don't have time for this. We have to go. Now!"
While the two of them exchange some heated words, I allow myself a moment to think calmly. They're worried ... nervous … unprepared for a potential showdown with the family here and now, without backup. With this in mind, I need to delay them further - I know just how to keep him preoccupied. James is so arrogant and vain - any threat to his ego will distract him, or at least I hope it will.
"You should be scared, James, because when Edward finds you; and believe me, he will find you … he is going to kill you," I say slowly, deliberately, to wind him up.
I'm playing a dangerous game, trying to provoke him, but I need to do something … anything to distract him. My words have the desired effect; he turns back to me, his gaze narrow and his jaw set in a grim line. His nostrils flare, and his fists are clenched; He looks absolutely livid.
I have his full attention.
"He'll make you pay for your treachery, and he'll enjoy every second of it." I taunt.
Before I can anticipate it, James slaps me across the face. My cheek stings and I try to turn away, but he grabs my chin forcefully; he tips my face up, so I am forced to stare into his cold, angry eyes.
"Say that again, bitch," he snarls. His cool is gone, his eyes are wild ... livid. He doesn't like to be challenged.
"I said … my husband is going to destroy you."
When he lifts his hand and hits me again, harder this time, and I falter. I see another coming, a backhand this time, and I brace myself for it, but before he has a chance to make contact, a shot rings out, and James clutches his hand near his shoulder, which immediately begins to bleed. He grunts, his grip slackens, and he drops to his knees, crying out in pain.
I quickly understand that I can use his temporary immobility to get away. But before I do, I grab James' gun, thinking I might need it … knowing I might. I'm hardly speedy, but panic and sheer determination drive me forward. I push on, not really knowing where I am going, just trying to get as far away as possible. I haven't gotten very far - only around the corner of the house when a strong pair of arms grab me around the waist. I start to fight back when a familiar voice whispers in my ear.
"It's me!"
I look up, freezing in disbelief, then relief.
"Edward," a half gasp, half sob escapes my lips as I look into my husband's frantic green eyes.
The relief I feel is so great; I'm close to tears; my eyes fill up as I throw my arms around his waist, pressing my face into his chest.
He's really here … he came for me.
"You're okay. I've got you." He whispers reassuringly. Edward wraps both his arms securely around me, tugging me against him. I snuggle into his strong arm, letting his touch … his scent … his words calm and comfort me.
"Rosalie! Where is she! She ran off!"
"She's safe, Bella; Emmett is with her."
"I'm so sorry, Bella." His voice is broken. He looks it too; his eyes are bloodshot and sunken, with dark black bags beneath his eyes.
Had he slept at all?
"I thought I'd never see you again," I cry.
I've tried so hard to be brave, to keep it together, but I can no longer hold back the tears any longer; I buried my face against his chest.
When Edward pulls back slightly, the concern is written all over his face. His hands reach up, lightly brushing his fingers over my cheek. No matter how gentle he is, I wince at even the slightest touch. His expression suddenly turns furious as he observes the bruise that is no doubt forming from where James struck me.
Edward begins leading me away, but when my steps falter, he looks down at me questioningly. Pulling away from me slightly, he sees the weary expression on my face. "What's wrong?" he asks, alarmed.
I'm not sure now is the time to tell him about Marcus, but I can't risk him being out there on the loose, calling the shots with the family blissfully ignorant to his deception.
"I need to tell you something first," I begin apprehensively. "Something terrible."
I take a deep breath, preparing myself for Edward's reaction.
"It's Marcus; he's involved too; He set this whole thing up." I force the words out, waiting in bated breath for Edward to react—to do something. Instead, I'm met with silence. When he speaks, his reaction takes me by surprise.
"I know about Marcus," he says finally, his voice croaky and black.
Edward looks … well, I don't know how he looks. Devastated, but that word isn't adequate even enough to describe the betrayal he's feeling - it's written all over his face. It's like my words have taken him to a dark place where he's replaying the betrayal. The broken look on his face after Garett's death was bad enough, but this latest blow has completely blindsided him, and it's understandable.
"You know?" I repeat slowly. I don't understand how he can speak so calmly, in contrast to the harsh look on his face,
"Yes." Edward grounds out through gritted teeth. "Don't worry about him; Carlisle and some of the family are out looking for him now."
Before I can think about it too much, the deafening sound of gunfire in the distance breaks the moment. Edward pulls me against him, shielding my body with his. I have no idea what's going on, or even who's doing the shooting, but Edward remains on guard, protecting me. When there's a temporary ceasefire, an eerie silence falls; he pulls back slightly; I can see he's torn between staying with me and joining his family.
My fears are confirmed when he releases my waist abruptly, reaching out to tenderly take my face in his hands; he draws my wide, panicked eyes up to his. Don't ask me how, but I know exactly what he's planning.
"Stay here while I go check it's all clear," he says calmly. He hands me a gun, and I look up at him in absolute horror.
"Edward, no!" I start to say, but he cuts me off by gently placing his finger against my lips.
"Bella, I need to know everyone is okay."
Taking my hand in his, he slowly starts running his thumb over my knuckle, attempts to soothe my panic. "I'll be back, and I promise I won't leave you again, but I need to check the rest of our family are okay,"
I understand Edward's reasoning, but he can think again if he thinks I'm standing by doing nothing. I refuse to wait it out when my family - the family who came looking for us are out there risking their lives for me.
"If you're going back out there, I'm coming with you," I say adamantly, leaving no room for argument.
"Bella …" Edward starts to protest, but it's my turn to cut him off.
"I mean it, Edward. They are my family too."
He looks annoyed, but he must sense I'm not budging because he sighs, then nods in agreement before urging me behind him. There's complete silence, but Edward is not taking any chances as we creep towards the direction that, moments earlier, I was running from. However, before he can take a step around the corner, a familiar voice calls out.
"All clear. We've got them."
Was that Jasper's voice? It's hard to tell from so far away.
Still, Edwards remains on guard; I watched him raise his gun and step slowly… cautiously around the corner. When he turns back, he sends me a smile that tells me everything is okay … that we are safe.
We round the corner, and I'm overjoyed to see Rosalie glued to Emmett's side. There's barely a millimeter separating the two of them as they cling to one another. I'm beyond relieved to see she appears unharmed. The moment she spots me, she rushes over; We hug and embrace, and there's plenty of tears too; tears of joy, and most of all, tears of relief. We're okay - we survived this ordeal, relatively unscathed.
After Rosalie releases me from her embrace, I immediately find myself in Emmett's arms in a welcome hug before I return to Edward's side. Rose sends me a curious look; she won't even meet Edward's eye, but I can see she's itching to lay into him. Something holds her back. Perhaps, like me, she's too relieved that we're okay - that we're alive to start another fight right now. We have bigger shit to deal with.
Meanwhile, I spot Jasper and several other men around the corner, dragging a battered and bruised Sam and James towards us. Even though both men are no longer a threat, I instinctively move closer to Edward's side. His grip tightens the closer they get. I'm so focused on Jasper, who's lining the pair of them against the wall, that I barely hear Rosalie's pleas for me to come with her to the car. Shaking my head, she accepts my decision to stay, and she and Emmett walk away.
Once Jasper has James where he wants him, Edward pulls away, looking down at me with tired, weary eyes.
"I'll be back," he tells me. His lips brush my forehead briefly before addressing Jasper.
"Jasper takes Bella back to the car," he instructs.
"No."
Edward's gaze snaps to mine; he's shocked by my refusal. "Bella, you don't need to see this. Go with Jasper to the car," he urges, but I refuse to back down now.
I shake my head, but I don't care. This is something I need to do.
In shock, everyone watches as I walk toward James, my hand in my pocket. I'm shaking, but I need this for myself. I want to be able to stand up to him, make James see I won.
As I get closer, he sneers, still clutching his wound. He smiles as he looks at my bruises, and I laugh as I take out the gun … his gun—the one I took from him minutes before. It's heavy in my hand, but I hold it up, shaking. I hear someone approach me from behind, but I don't turn; I just keep it pointed at James, with my hand on the trigger.
Edward comes up beside me, wrapping his arm around my waist. "Bella, I will take care of this, please. You've been so strong; you saved yourself and our baby; let me take this burden from you.
"Okay, but I'm going nowhere, " I tell him adamantly. I need to know that Edward will never let him hurt me again, that he'll make them pay.
"After everything that's happened, I need to see him punished… I need to know that he can't hurt me … can't hurt us again," I struggle to express what I'm feeling, but something on my face makes Edward think twice. He knows not to question me. Instead, he nods before turning to James.
I don't know what he plans to do, nor do I really care. I am too relieved to be away from those men … to be safe, to feel anything but hate for the men who threatened me - threatened our child.
"If it gets too much, Jasper will take you to the car." He tells me before returning his attention to James.
Edward has never looked more deadly ... more powerful than in that moment as he stalks towards James; murderous intent and determination painted on his face.
He moves so fast; I don't have time to track him; he launches himself at James taking him down to the ground with a loud thud. They land on the ground with Edward on top; he holds James down and over and over, his fists start flying, releasing anger I had never seen in him before. He uses James as his punching bag; even when he is bloodied and unmoving, he continues pounding his fists into James' lifeless body until he is practically unconscious.
Still, Edward isn't finished there; he drags James to his feet and slams him against the wall. I hear a painful crack as his head makes contact, but that doesn't deter my husband. He's a man possessed.
He wraps his hand around James' throat, gripping tightly. James' face is turning red, and sweat is gathering on his forehead, but Edward's grip doesn't loosen. He's playing with James and enjoying every second of it.
James tries to appear unfazed by Edwards' crazed behavior, but his face falls when Edward pulls a knife out of a pocket. Using one hand to keep him in place, Edward twists the blade in the other hands, his actions slow, drawn-out to prolong James' torment.
"I'm trying to decide which part I'd like to slice off first. Maybe I should start with your fingers for daring to touch what could never be yours." Edward punctuates his words by running the blade along with his arm down to his hand.
"Or perhaps your tongue for the words … the lies that slipped out of your foul mouth." He brings the blade up to James' face. And though I'm disturbed by his actions, I can't look away. I always knew this side of him existed. But it's one thing knowing it; it's another thing seeing it for myself. His anger is taking over, and he's relishing torturing James.
"You should have come for me, James. That was your first mistake," Edwards' voice is deadly and has a lethal edge to it. He's in his element as he twists the knife in his hands, taunting James before placing the blade against his throat.
"Your second mistake was that you attempted to use the most important thing in my life against me. You tried getting to me through my wife, James, and I'm going to enjoy making you pay."
He digs the knife into James' arm - above where he was hit. But if the scream that he lets out is anything to go by, it's more painful than the gunshot.
"You touched something precious, James, and you are going to pay for every second she was away from me." He taunts as he drags his knife through James' leg.
"And I'm going to enjoy every second of it," Edward snarled.
He takes a small step back, but James doesn't move … doesn't attempt to flee. There's no point- he's surrounded by the family, not to mention bleeding and barely able to stand, let alone run.
Edward steps closer, his gun aimed directly at James, his stare unwavering. He leans into his ear, but I can still hear every word he says.
"Killing you now would be too easy. She needs me now, but trust me; I will be back. While I'm gone, I want you to think about all the things I'm going to do to you when I return."
I've never heard him speak like this. His voice is hard and low and almost a growl.
Only then does he let James go. His body slumps to the ground, and Edward turns to Jasper, who's approaching them.
"Take him to the warehouse. Don't let him out of your sight, and no one touches him until I get there," he orders, his eyes never leaving James. He's in a zone - a dark place, and I've never seen him like this. I can't look away - it's strangely captivating; equally as fascinating as it is horrifying.
"Bring him to me."
I feel my body tense as another man I don't recognize drags Sam's toward him as Edward instructed.
"You betrayed me, Sam … you betrayed my wife. And for what? Money? Power?"
I catch the look on Edward's face; he looks positively, livid. Sam remains silent; the only sound he makes is a grunt when Edward punches him square in the jaw before dragging his face up, forcefully, pinning him against the wall.
"Tell me why?"
"Thirty years Edward … Thirty years I've served this family, and where has that got me? Nowhere! I saw a chance to improve my standing so, I took it. Marcus made me promises I couldn't refuse. Can you blame me? I'm nothing more than a glorified bodyguard." Sam reveals.
Edward visibly stiffens, I can't see his face, but his shoulders are shaking in fury.
"You had the highest position; the honor of guarding my wife, and you betrayed the family. You deserve torture, but I'm not going to give you that. I'm not wasting another moment of my time on you." He spat.
Turning to Jasper, the two of them share a look before Jasper nods in understanding.
Edward glances at me briefly before addressing Jasper.
"Take Bella to the car now." His tone is emotionless, detached, and leaves no room for argument. Something told me I didn't want to stay for what he had planned for my former bodyguard.
I cast a glance over my shoulder to see Edward forcing Sam down on his knees.
Jasper takes my arm to steady me as he leads me around the corner to the front of the house, where a row of cars are lined up. He holds the door open for me, and I step inside, where I wait impatiently for Edward to return.
Suddenly the sound of a series of shots fired in quick succession echoes through the silence.
Then all is quiet ...
Author's note; As always, thank you to my wonderful Beta, Sunflower Fran. She's the best.
Thank you for reading. I'd love to know what you think:)xx
