Chapter 6:
"Mmmm" I groan, not wanting to wake up. I feel like Jell-O. Lethargic and tired… achy. Slowly, I blink my eyes open and immediately shut them again. They burn. I feel like I haven't slept in days, like-
"Marcus" I slur as angrily as I can, trying to lift my body away from him.
"Hmm" I can hear the smile in his voice as his arms tighten around me.
"You drugged me?"
I snap up into a sitting position immediately. Oh my god. I'm lying down on a massive bed, and-where the hell are my clothes! I'm completely naked. Oh-please say he didn't…
God I hope he didn't.
Doesn't…
Tears prick my eyes and I search frantically around the room. I'm in his playroom. No, it's more like a dungeon! I'm surrounded by 4 black walls, no windows and I see a stair case leading up…must be to the main house. The rest of the room has dozens of contraptions. I see a large wire grid attached to the length of one wall, a cross, some sort of saw horse, an assortment of whips, floggers, paddles, and canes hung on display, and a bunch of other things I don't recognize. I don't like it. It doesn't look inviting or erotic… it looks like a torture chamber. I'm working really hard not to have a panic attack. I work to control my breathing.
A soft sob escapes just as the door creaks open. I pull the sheets up to my chest and watch as little by little Marcus descends down the stairs. Fuck. I can't let him know I'm scared shitless.
"Ah Isabella" he grins creepily at me "You're awake"
I can feel my body shaking in fear as he approaches; panic is trying to take hold of me, what is he going to do to me? Who- and the horror seeps in. No one knows where I am…!
I didn't bother telling Rose. I didn't bother telling anyone. How could I be so stupid?
"Now now, Bella" Marcus mock soothes, still walking towards me "it's not as bad as you think, please stay calm." He's reached the foot of the bed and I quickly shuffle backwards, taking the sheet with me; trying to get as far away from him as I can.
"You want this Bella. You're just too scared to let yourself have it" he spoke to me like I was an idiot. Like he needed to think for me… "So I'm going to help you. Once you've tried it, I know you will love it. I'm going to introduce you to my world. I've waited long enough for you; it's time to make you mine!"
"Please Marcus, don't…" I finally whisper, pleading with him to not do this.
He sits down on the edge of the bed "It seems I need to explain my rules to you" he says calmly. "All in due time; but for now don't ever call me by my first name in here again. This is my playroom, I expect respect from you at all times. Until you have earned the privilege of calling me Master, you will refer to me as Sir".
Oh god. This is happening. He's going to go through with it.
I can't help it. I start to cry. Tears pour down my cheeks like water from a faucet and I have to struggle to hold back my sobs.
"Don't cry, Isabella, stop worrying, relax" he murmurs, a hand reaches out to stroke my leg.
"DON'T FUCKING TOUCH ME!" I scream in fear. If he thinks I'm going to cooperate willingly, he's wrong.
He sighs and retracts his arm. "What did I just say, Isabella? It seems I'll just have to show you." And with that he stands up.
Fuck! What's next?
"I'll be back in 20 minutes. I expect you to be kneeling for me in front of the bed." He states seriously; "I would do as you're told pet, you wouldn't want to add to your punishment, now would you?" He's scolds me like I'm a child.
And just like that he's gone. I strip the sheet off me and stand up, groaning as my foot steps on something hard. Looking down, I see it's my zipper…the zipper from my sweatshirt!
Please tell me you didn't take my phone…god please. I pick it up and frantically search, almost screaming in relief when my pocket is still heavy with my iPhone.
It's 4:01 am. I've been here for almost 7 hours.
My fingers are moving on their own, and before I even realize what's happening, the phone is ringing.
"Hello?" a sleepy voice mumbles. I freeze. I open my mouth but no sound comes out, just heavy whooshes of air "Hello?" he asked again before stringing out a stream of profanities and hanging up.
Cold fear grips my chest and I redial the number quickly "Hello?" he answers almost immediately this time, annoyed.
I need to speak. "Look I don't know who-"
"Edward" I choke out before covering my mouth to contain another sob.
"Bella?" he asks "Bella what's wrong" I hear the distinct shuffling of sheets.
"Edward please!" I whisper in fear. I'm so scared my voice is shaking "I'm so scared".
"Okay Bella" he soothes "I need you to calm down for a second. Where are you?"
"He left me in the basement" I cry softly, unable to stop myself "He won't let me leave".
"Marcus?" Edward asks "How long have you been there?"
Fuck. How long have I been here... "Since last night". I shiver as another chill runs through me "He's coming back soon. Edward he won't let me leave" I repeat as I tremble. What is he going to do to me?
"Hey" He says strongly, and I had no choice but to tune into his voice "Deep breaths Bella. I'm coming, okay? You're going to be fine".
His words calm me slightly and I whisper a shaky "okay".
"I need to hang up and make some calls" he says "If you need anything, call my cell".
He's hanging up? Call my cell? Is he serious?
"Bella, do you understand?" he asks seriously.
"Ye-yes" I cough; just get here, Edward...please.
"Okay sweetheart" his voice softens and the term of endearment warms my heart "Don't be scared. I'm coming". I hide my phone in the pocket again in case I need it later.
"Bella" Marcus's harsh voice snaps "Have you thought about your punishment?"
I shake my head and close my eyes as he makes his way down the stairs once again. No. No he can't do this to me. My body shakes as panic seizes with each step he takes down the stairs.
"Ah, once again you've failed to follow my instructions, Pet" he states when he sees I'm not kneeling. "Perhaps an introduction to my whip will help" he chuckles darkly.
"Red" I whimper pleadingly. I can't do this. I need to get out of here.
"No Bella." He states and I see him walk over to his wall of implements, picking up a single tail brown whip.
"Please" I sob, not caring if I sound pathetic anymore. He's walking towards me now "RED" I scream. I thrash violently as his arm grabs mine in a tight grip. He's dragging me to the large cross on his wall and I'm fighting…but it does no good. He's too strong.
"Hush now" he snaps, quickly shackling me, face first to his cross, despite my struggles. I cry softly, my tears dripping on the hard wood against my cheek and pray that Edward is coming soon.
How could I let this happen…?
"I think 10" he says, and with no other preamble I hear the distinct whoosh before blinding pain seizes my lower back. It's like an out of body experience. A piercing sound fills the room and I wish my hands were free so I could block the sound out.
I suddenly realized that sound is coming from me. I'm just about to plead-do anything for him to stop when the doorbell rings. I'm incredibly thankful that we can hear it from down here.
"What the fuck" I hear Marcus mutter "Don't go anywhere, pet".
Eww. I hate when he calls me that.
EPOV
I'm going to slaughter him. Kill him. What in the fuck does Marcus think he's doing? He left her in the fucking basement all night? This isn't safe. There is something horribly wrong.
"Caius" I say to my friend in the car "I need you to be on standby. If I give you the signal, call the police immediately".
"Of course Edward but-"
"I know, I'll explain later" I dismiss. Now is not the time.
I jump out of the car and quickly make my way to his front door. After taking a calming breath, I ring the doorbell, waiting several minutes before hearing the door click open.
"Edward?" Marcus asks in confusion. Hmm…fully clothed and not any semblance of sleep on him. Why the fuck is he up at 4am?
"Marcus" I greet coolly. Resisting the urge to beat the shit out of him.
"Is something wrong? It's nearly 4:30 in the morning" he asks, as if he's truly concerned.
"It seems Marcus…" I say in soft venom "That there's been a breach in protocol" I cock my head to the side "You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"
I see beads of sweat form on the fucker's brow. While he acts like he's a hard ass, Marcus is a pansy. And he's scared shitless of me.
Score.
"Sorry, not that I'm aware of".
"If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to ask Isabella the same question" I raise an eyebrow, daring him to challenge me.
"She's asleep, Edward".
I'm getting tired of this bullshit. And-fuck! Is that alcohol on his breath? Cold fear grips my chest and I narrow my eyes at the bastard. "Cut the crap Marcus" I hiss, stepping inside his house.
"Get the fuck out of my house!" he exclaims angrily.
"As of right now, any reputation you had as a Dom is destroyed. I suggest you let me take Isabella and leave you to your bottle. If you want to be difficult, I have the authorities on standby".
"Ed-"
I hold a hand up, signaling for him to shut up "I have nothing more to say" I shake my head, not wanting to hear anymore "If you do, make an appointment" I snap before descending down into the basement where I could hear only the ragged breathing of a scared woman.
"Get your motherfucking hands off me unless you want a suit filed against you" I hiss when he grabs my arm in protest.
His arm drops with a huff and he stumbles back upstairs.
I close my eyes and re-open them to see Bella. She is naked and facing the cross, arms and legs shackled to it. A single red stripe adorned her lower back and her body trembled as she struggled in her too tight bonds.
"Bella" I spoke softly while approaching her slowly.
"Edward?" she startles quietly "Please help" She whispers "it hurts".
I walk more quickly now, seeing her legs straining in the awkward position they are in. Stepping up behind her, I press my chest firmly against her back before untying her arms, holding her up as she sagged against me for support. "Ah!" she gasps.
"Shh" I hush "I've got you".
I wrap one arm around her waist and bend down, quickly undoing the ropes on her legs as well "Better?" I ask softly when she groans while straightening her knees out.
"Yes." She whispers hoarsely "Thank you".
"I'm sorry, Bella" I murmur softly, a heavy weight settling over me as I hold her in my arms.
"I'm okay" She murmurs back in attempted assurance. No. You're not. I shake my head at her and shrug off my trench coat before slipping it onto her and zipping it up.
"Lets get you out of here" I say, slinging a gentle arm around her shoulders and tucking her into my side as we walked up the stairs, "He won't object" I say seriously when she tenses as we reach the top.
"How" she whispers with wide fearful eyes.
She looks so broken. So crushed. It's taking everything I have not to beat the shit out of Marcus right now. "Bella" I say softly "Do you trust me?"
"Yes" She says immediately, making me smile.
I unwrap my arm from her shoulders and held it out in front of her "Then take my hand, and let's do this together".
She pulls my coat tighter around her and places her small hand in mine "Okay" she whispers.
BPOV
"Caius" I hear Edward murmur when he sits down in the backseat with me. And it's only then that I realize there's someone else in the car. Who the fuck is that! Reaching for Edward, I grasp the front of his shirt and tug him closer.
He looks down at me momentarily in concern "Can you drive us back home, please?"
I hear some muttering before the engine turns on. Slowly my mind begins to relax…
I'm here with Edward.
Edward came for me.
I close my eyes and let my head rest on his shoulder while listening to the soothing hum of the engine.
The ride is quicker than I anticipate, and before I know it, Edward is calling my name. "Bella?" My eyes remain closed and I lay still against him, not wanting to leave the comfort of his arms just yet. I don't want to think about what happened. It was silent for a moment, and I knew he was aware that I'm awake.
I hear him sigh softly before gathering me more securely in his arms and lifting me out of the car.
"Sorry" I whisper into his neck. He has to be annoyed with me. I'm acting like a 3 year old.
"No sweetheart" he murmurs back "You rest. We'll talk in a minute"
I nod against his shoulder and relax against once more. Once inside the house, I hear him say a few words before we are climbing up stairs.
What am I doing? I'm not weak…I'm not this fragile little thing. Nothing happened. Marcus had taken a snap at me sure….but nothing else happened. I take a deep breath and lift my head from his shoulder just as he's opening a door.
His head snaps up to mine and my breath catches in my throat. He's so close. So beautiful. His eyes are a deep sea of emerald green, concern and worry evident in them as he takes me in "You okay?" he asks softly.
"Yeah" I whisper "I'm fine. Sorry for the hysterics. You can put me down".
To my surprise he hoists me higher in his arms and shakes his head "you're not fine" he mutters under his breath and walks us into what I now realize this is his bedroom.
His words bring tears to my eyes. I don't want to cry. I don't want to dwell on what could have happened if I hadn't managed to get a hold of Edward. "I'm sorry for ruining your night" I sob into his neck. He has to have something better to do with himself than babysit me. Women were lining up to date, scene or even talk to Edward.
He sets me down on my feet gently and pulls back "Bella" he says softly, cupping my cheeks with his warm hands and tilting my head up to his "none of this is your fault. Do you understand?" he speaks with soft seriousness.
I shake my head, another dam of tears "No" I whisper, feeling defeated. No I don't understand why this happened. Why Marcus turned so quickly. "I don't know what I did!" I cry, my tears spilling onto his fingers.
He sucks in a sharp breath and the next thing I know, I'm being crushed against his chest, hands running up and down my back as heavy sobs wrack my body "I'm sorry, Bella".
I clutch his arms like he's my lifeline. He is the only thing keeping me from slipping into a deep dark hole. I feel safe here.
He holds me for a long time, neither of us speaking.
"I'm going to run you a bath" he says softly "Are you hurt anywhere?"
I shake my head. No. Physically I'm not hurt. His fingers brush under my eyes and wipe away the last of my tears "Just a sec" He turns on the water and adjusts it to his desired temperature before pouring some sort of salt inside "Will you be okay here?"
A bath sounds like heaven right now. There's nothing I want more…but I also don't want him to leave. "Are you leaving?" I ask quietly, unable to look him in the eye.
"Just for a few minutes. I have to take care of something" he says "I'll be back soon. Don't be scared, Bella" he whispers, leaning down and pressing his warm lips to my forehead "You're safe here".
I nod and give him a sad smile. "I'll be okay".
"Good" he smiles back "use whatever you need to. I'll be back soon."
The hot water laps deliciously at my skin and the aroma of sweet lavender calms my senses. The jets were pressed at just the right spots on my back. I never want to leave this tub. Edward has been gone for a good 15 minutes now…I'm beginning to worry.
"Hey" His soft voice rings out, startling me "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you".
"It's okay" I say softly "Just startled me." I nervously popped a bubble in the water.
"How are you doing? Feeling better?" He came into view then, and sits down on the small ottoman next to the bath.
"Much better. Thank you, Edward" I whisper sincerely. I don't know what else to say.
"What happened last night, Bella" he asks softly, but with a firm tone "Have you guys been playing without a proper contract?"
How-"What?" I stutter, my head snapping up to his. I almost wish I hadn't. His eyes were dark…intense. Black almost.
"I could smell the alcohol on his breath today" he cocks his head to the side as he spoke calmly.
"He-We aren't sceneing. I didn't consent" I whisper in rushed nervousness.
"Please answer my question, Bella" he shook his head.
"Last night. I was so scared, Edward" I cry quietly "We were just watching a movie…and-"
"Tell me" he says; his tone a little softer now.
I shrug in defeat and let heavy sobs wrack my body. My head lolling on the cool tile.
"Shit" I hear him mumble before feeling soft fingers stroking my forehead. I open my eyes and find Edward sitting on the floor next to the tub, a pained expression on his lips "Don't cry, Bella" he pleads "I'm sorry. I just need to know".
"Why didn't you want me" I choke, not even believing the words that are coming out of my mouth. Oh shit. What the fuck did I just do?
I gasp, my soap covered hands flying to my mouth immediately "I'm sorry" I shake my head "I'm so sorry".
"Hush" he whispers "you need to calm down. You're making yourself sick".
I shake my head and scramble up into a kneeling position, trying to stand up "Sorry I shouldn't have—I should go" I need to get out of here. I need to leave.
"Stop" he stresses, gripping my shoulders.
"No" I wail loudly "I can't…I can't".
"Baby" he whispers, and that's it. I stop fighting him. My body sags down into the water again and I let it take over me.
I feel tight arms surrounding my body "Shhhhh" he murmurs, pulling me between his legs and leaning back against the tub so I'm against his chest "Let it out. I've got you"
"I'm sorry for what I said earlier, that wasn't fair" I say quietly, clutching the cup of hot coffee in my hands.
"Bella I- "he starts "What is it that you meant exactly?"
"I just-I thought you liked me." I whisper "I thought-Never mind. It doesn't matter" I force a smile "you're my friend; one of my best friends. Anything to have you in my life, I'll take it," I whisper.
He eyed me curiously for a minute and his expression changed to one of awe and anguish. What the- "You're in love with me" he whispers in horror.
Well that explains it. Clearly he isn't.
"Yes." I whisper back, my voice cracking. I'm tired of hiding it.
"Bella-"
"It's okay I know you don't… couldn't" I cut him off, swallowing a lump of tears in my throat "And why would you?" I laugh humorlessly, staring down at my mug.
"Stop!" he says sharply making me jump "stop with this shit. I don't want to hear you talk about yourself like that!"
"Don't you know me at all, Bella?" he asks in exasperation, fingers tugging at his already messy hair "I'm no good. I'm fucked up…I'm so fucked up" he whispers sadly.
"As your friend Edward…" I start quietly "Maybe you are fucked up. But...you're never malicious. Your hearts always in the right place…and from what I can tell, you're a great friend. A great person." Oh god. I'm about to tell him. "You're fucked up? I'm fucked up" I whisper, my eyes filling with tears again "We're all fucked up. I don't-"I let out a shaky breath "I was married before".
"What?" He breathed.
"I don't talk about it. I don't even consider it a real marriage." Fuck I'm really telling him this "His name was Jacob. The perfect gentleman. We dated for a year….got engaged. Married. Everything was great at first, I was so young…" I pause, shaking my head as I reminisced "A couple months into the marriage, I noticed things were going downhill" I glance up at Edward, he's listening intently "I stayed married to a man who was openly cheating on me." I say strongly "I knew. Hell, he'd bring them over to our home, Edward. And I stayed married to him."
"Why" he asks softly, actual confusion in his tone.
"Because I didn't believe I could do better" I whisper strongly, my hand beating on my chest. "I didn't believe I deserved any better. I know what I need to work on, Edward." I say softer now "I have major self-esteem issues. I know that. And maybe that's where these 'submissive tendencies' come from. But….I truly do admire and respect this lifestyle. If that's what I need to feel good about myself…to survive and make it through each day, then - sorry I'm rambling" I shake my head. This isn't a conversation for Edward. He isn't judging my lifestyle. "My point is… we all have skeletons in the closet. You can't let them keep you from living your life".
There. I said it. I told him. I can't bear to look at him right now. I don't want to see the pity in his eyes….or how pathetic he thinks I am.
"Do you remember when I did your test scene?" he speaks softly after a few moments.
Keeping my eyes down, I nodded, tracing the rim of my coffee mug "yes".
"I may have loved you even then…" he whispers.
What? My head snaps up to his and I gape at him in shock. What the fuck did he just say?
"I haven't been in a relationship in a long while, Bella" he starts softly "I don't know how to- I feel lost when it comes to you. And I don't like that" he admits "I like control. I like to know what I'm going into. You disarm me completely, Isabella Swan". He whispers "And it terrifies me".
Holy shit. HOLY fucking shit. My feet are moving on their own accord. I hear my chair being pushed back as I stand up and walk to his side of the table. He stares up at me, vulnerability evident in his emerald eyes. I hear him suck in a sharp breath as I lower myself into his lap, my arms loop around his neck. I hug him tightly for a long moment, resting my head on his shoulder and smile in contentment when I feel his arms finally come around me. Holding me to him.
"Say it again" I whisper against his warm skin. I need to hear it.
His lips barely graze my ear "I love you". He whispers in soft conviction.
"I love you" I whisper back, tears of joy trailing down onto his shirt.
He held me for a long while, neither of us saying anything. Just the sounds of our calmed breathing as we cherished the feeling of each other.
"I still have a lot to work through" he says after a while, hands running up and down my back.
"Me too" I whisper, pulling back so I could see his face. I smiled and laugh softly when he returned the gesture. Closing my eyes, I leaned down to kiss him, frowning when I was met by two of his fingers against my lips instead "Tell me what he did, Bella" he says softly.
"You're not even going to kiss me?" I exclaim, trying not to sound hurt.
"Please".
"We were watching a movie, I had a glass of wine… He drugged me last night. He drugged me and I played right into it" I say, closing my eyes "I woke up in the basement…"
"Edward" I whisper with a shake of my head. I feel so overwhelmed right now. I just need to be grounded. I need to stop talking about it for a second. I need-
Lips. Warm, soft lips envelope mine in a tender kiss. I sigh into his mouth as all the tension leaves me and groan when his teeth gently run across my bottom lip. And with the comfort of his lips on mine, I relax against him. My fingers run across his jaw. It's the most wonderful kiss I've ever had. Soft, warm, caring, and passionate…..all at the same time. It's perfect.
He pulls back and rests his forehead against mine "Stop thinking" he whispers, lips still dangerously close to my panting ones "I'm sorry. Let me take care of you"
"I'll be down the hall, Bella. Do you need anything?" He asks.
I shake my head. I don't want him to leave... and my heart constricts painfully when he shoots me a small smile before turning to make his way out "Wait!" I call out, sounding desperate even to myself. I'm tired. I hurt. And I just want to feel close to him...despite needing time to process all the emotions that were just laid out "Please don't leave me?"
His brow furrows in alarm and he comes back to me "I'm just going to the next room so you can sleep, sweetheart" he murmurs, cupping my cheek. Mm, I can't help but lean into his warmth...but rejection sets in after what he says "Please?" I whisper.
He must read the panic and alarm in my eyes because as hot tears descend down my cheeks, he shakes his head vigorously, his other hand cupping my cheek so my face was cradled in his hands "No baby, no!" He gasps, sitting down beside me on the bed "Please don't cry. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere" His thumbs run under my eyes, trying to clear the tears there.
"I'm scared." I cry desperately.
"Okay" he says after a long beat "Okay" another breath "Would you like me to stay?"
"Will you?" I whisper hopefully.
"Yes" he smiles "Lie down. Get comfortable" he says while pulling the covers up and over me. After I'm settled in, I watch as he walks around the bed and slips into bed beside me. "Sleep, Bella. You're safe here."
I don't know if it's the shit day I just had...or the emotions running through my body...or if I just didn't care anymore; but I turned onto my side and wrapped an arm around his abdomen, resting my head on his chest. "I'm sorry" I whisper quietly.
His left arm comes around my shoulders and holds me close "Don't be." he responds.
I sniffle and nod against him. I feel like a wreck. His hand comes and cups my jaw "Stop clenching your jaw" he says softly "This is more than okay, Bella."
I can't help it. My body takes over and I begin to cry softly into his shirt clad chest. "Oh sweetheart" he breathes.
"I feel like a wreck, Edward" I gasp "I-I'm so happy. I'm so happy that you're here now...and I feel stupid. How could I be so stupid? I would be lost without you. No one even knew where I was...what if something had happened to me? What if-"
"Bella" he murmured "Nothing happened." he said strongly "Nothing happened. And nothing is going to happen."
"What if you hadn't answered your phone? No one would-" I shook my head. I would still be stuck in that room with Marcus. Doing god knows what to me.
"I did answer the phone, love. And I did come get you. You have to stop dwelling on what could have happened. The important thing is that you're safe now."
I took deep calming breaths and focused on his warmth, his security. The steady beat of his heart and that he said he loves me.
A/N: Thanks for all the great reviews guys :) And as always, thanks to aabcarr (my awesome beta)
Let me know what you're thinking!