Hey everyone! So, last chapter was a little confusing. Sorry about that, I wrote it in pieces at separate times whereas I'll usually sit down and write the entire chapter at one time. Hopefully, this chapter isn't so confusing! I'm excited for y'all to read this chapter! It's got a ton of excitement in it!

Chapter Twenty-Three – Fight or Flight

I was so excited for today. It was Edward's and I one-year anniversary of being together. I had bought him a ball gag. It sounded stupid, but, this was one thing about BDSM that was a very slow progression. But, I was ready, nervous, but ready.

The ball gag was blue, his favorite color, and I had it specialized to say 'Master,' on the ball in white letters. It was really pretty, as far as ball gags went. I was sure he'd like it and would appreciate its symbolism of readiness and moving forward in our relationship.

Tonight, was going to be amazing. Both of us had taken off work and we were going to a very upscale restaurant for dinner, then we would go on a sunset boat ride around the bay for drinks. Finally ending the night by coming back here and hopefully putting the ball gag to use.

I decided to get ready at Alice's house and meet him at the restaurant. It was silly, but, I just wanted to surprise him with the new dress I bought. And Alice really wanted to help me do my hair and makeup.

When I got to Alice's apartment, she wrapped me in a tight hug.

"Oh my gosh, it's been so long!" She gushed.

I hugged her back, "It's only been a couple of weeks."

"I know, but it feels like forever," She chuckled, "I guess I just miss living with you. Always having a girlfriend to hangout with and watch sappy movies together."

"You have Jasper though."

"Yeah, but he doesn't like romantic movies like I do. And his idea of a drink is beer, not wine."

I couldn't help but laugh, "My goodness you're crazy."

She snorted, "Okay, whateves," She waved her hand in dismissal, "Let me see the dress you bought by yourself. I have to see what you picked out."

I pulled the dress out of the bag. It was caramel colored dress, shimmery and cocktailed style. It was a tight skirt bottom and a V cut neckline with wide shoulder straps. I saw it and fell in love with it.

"Oh, this is pretty," Alice said, "You picked this out? I'm surprised."

"I don't have a bad taste in style," I said, "I just can't afford it."

She giggled and hung the dress on the door, "Well, I love this dress. What shoes are you wearing with it?"

"I don't have any shoes. I was hoping you could loan me a pair?"

"Of course," She said as she gave the dress another once over, "Hmm, let me see what I have to match this. Help yourself to a glass of wine."

I walked into the kitchen and poured myself a glass of wine while she found the perfect pair of shoes. I poured her a glass also. She walked into the kitchen and took a sip after she had found shoes.

"So, what do you want to do with your hair and your makeup?" She asked.

"I wanted to do my hair up, and I wanted a smoky eye. A very natural smoky eye. If that's doable."

"Of course, it's doable. I can do anything." She laughed.

I smiled and finished my glass of wine. We poured ourselves another glass then retreated into her bathroom. I sat in the dining chair she had brought in the bathroom from her table.

"So, how are you and Jasper?" I asked while she did my hair.

"We're doing good. We're actually talking about moving in with one another."

I smiled, "That's great, so, your relationship is definitely moving forward?"

She gave me a look in the mirror, "Yes, it's moving forward. Trust me, with Jasper it's not a hit it and quit it relationship. I know my record isn't exactly spotless."

I shrugged, "I'm just asking. You know I just want you to be happy."

"I know," she said, "But, you're the one celebrating a one-year anniversary. That's a big accomplishment, considering you've never shown an interest in dating. Ever."

"Edward's different." I said.

She smiled, "I'm really glad you did find him though. I was a little worried you'd never find anyone."

"I guess it just took the right one to get me out of my shell."

She bit her lip, "Bella, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"Three years ago, when you and I met up again, and you were living on the streets. What happened that put you there?"

I swallowed; I had never explained to Alice what had happened to me. I never really said anything about it. She made her assumptions, and was probably mostly correct, but I never went into full detail.

I sighed as I tried to muster up the courage to speak. I didn't want to go fully into detail, or else we'd be here all night.

"Well, I was severely abused by a couple of people I lived with for several months."

She nodded, "They're the ones that left those scars on your back?"

"You saw the scars?"

"I've seen them occasionally. I never said anything about them because I knew you were trying to hide them."

"Yeah, they left those scars."

"Who were they?"

I shrugged, "I don't really know. I never learned much about them."

"What did they do to you? Why didn't you ever try to leave before everything went so bad? Why didn't you report them for domestic abuse?"

"There's a lot of details that would just take too long to explain." I said.

She nodded, "Okay, I understand. But, I would like to hear it one day."

"One day," I said, "But today is supposed to be a happy day. I'm celebrating."

She laughed, "And you have every reason to celebrate!"

Alice finished working on me thirty minutes before I had to leave to meet Edward. I slipped my dress on and she drove me to the restaurant.

It was silly, but I had nervous butterflies in my stomach. Maybe it was a mixture of excitement and nervousness. It was our one-year anniversary, I guess being excited slash nervous was okay.

"Thank you, Alice," I said as I hugged her.

"No problem! Anytime, Bella." She smiled.

I slid out of her car and looked for Edward. He was standing in front of the restaurant, looking down at his watch. As I was walked to him, he looked up, then smiled widely.

"You look beautiful." He said as he kissed me.

I smiled, "Thank you, you don't look so bad yourself."

He hugged me in a tight hug, "Are you hungry? I'm starved. I skipped lunch."

"Why'd you skip lunch?" I asked as we walked in.

He sighed, "A partner of mine wanted to meet as soon as possible. He wanted to meet tomorrow, but I don't want to do anything business related tomorrow. I have something planned. So, I skipped lunch to meet with him."

"What do you have planned tomorrow?" I asked.

"It's a secret." He smiled.

I chuckled, "Okay, I guess I'll find out tomorrow."

"You'll find out tonight when I give you your present."

He slid out my chair for me then sat down across from me. Our table was right by the big window that overlook the sea. It was a beautiful atmosphere.

"You look so beautiful," He said again, "The dress and your hair. It's perfect."

I blushed, "Thank you."

As he picked up the menu, his eyes scanned the crowd, then stopped as he stared at someone behind me. His loving expression turned to pure hatred as he shook his head and sighed sharply.

"Bella, I'm so sorry, but we need to go to a different restaurant." He said.

"Why Edward?" I asked surprise.

He shook his head again, glaring out the window, "Remember the 'friend,' that fucked me over and got me sent to prison? He's right over there with his skanky girlfriend."

"Really?" I asked, "Where, do you mind if I look?"

"Yeah, I don't care if you look. But, can we go?"

"Of course," I said as I quickly looked over my shoulder. My eyes fell on a couple that was sitting several tables away from us.

Both my stomach and my heart sank to my feet. My head suddenly felt dizzy, like the room was spinning out of control. I was hot and cold, so many emotions running through my being. I spun back around in my chair, staring at the table as a flood of memories invaded my mind.

"Bella, are you okay?" Edward asked concerned as he grabbed my hand.

I jerked my hand out of his, then slowly look up at him. The color drained from my face as I look into his big green eyes.

"T-t-that's t-them." My voice barely a whisper, my jaw quivering.

"Who?" He asked but I could see the realization flittering across his face as he realized what I meant. His green eyes suddenly turned to fire.

Edward stood, the chair he was sitting in clattered behind him as he stormed away from the table. I didn't look back, my eyes stayed on the flickering candle upon the table. I could hear pure chaos breaking out behind me, but, I didn't look back. I just stared at the candle, gripping the bottom of my dress.

Surprise! Edward's old business partner is Bella's abusive dom! Dum bum bum! Drama! Leave me a little review, I'd love to see who's shocked and who saw it coming!