What happened so far: Bella is still being held by Edward. In the previous chapter, Jasper was getting closer as Peter and Alice started working together. They found a letter left by Bella in which she declares her love to Jasper and tells him she has a plan.

Chapter 15 – The Plan

BPOV

I delicately placed my hand on his arm and tried to look sad, instead of showing the outrage that was twirling around inside me.

"I don't hate you, Edward," I said with a sigh, "but I don't think I can forgive you yet. First, I have to learn how to trust you again."

We had been talking after he fed me and it was quite obvious he was trying to manipulate me. He was making that angel face with a slightly pouty bottom lip and so much sadness in his eyes. That used to work on me perfectly. I wasn't naïve anymore though; two could play that game. And when he said in a heartbreaking tone 'I know you hate me, Isabella, and I can't blame you' I saw my chance at playing him.

"I understand, Isabella, and I will try my hardest to gain that trust again," he spoke in his most velvety voice.

He probably thought I'd swoon all over him once he started talking like that, but it just creeped me out. His eyes shifted to the door almost too fast for me to catch and I knew it was time for him to leave like he did every night.

"I have to leave you now, love, but I'll be back soon."

He kissed me softly on my forehead and I shivered in disgust. Since he smiled his smug grin at me, he probably had the idea he was winning me over and I let him in his delusion. He was reaching for the handcuffs to tie me to the bed as usual, when he stilled in mid-movement.

"I think I'm not going to cuff you tonight, love. If I want to earn your trust, I'm going to start with trusting you first."

The smile that lit up my face was absolutely genuine. My wrists had taken all the abuse they could stand and I was suddenly so relieved I could cry. At the same time, I knew this was a test and his charade with the last minute decision was carefully orchestrated. He was good, very good. I was already thankful for the small gesture.

That whole night while he was gone, I stayed put. I took a long, hot shower which did my sore muscles a world of good, I watched TV and went to bed early. I gave no indication I couldn't be trusted, didn't come near the windows, didn't open the door, didn't use the phone. I was even surprised with myself that I could act so level-headed because on the inside I was boiling. I felt just about ready to jump out of my skin, this caged feeling haunting me, but I forced myself to stay utterly calm.

I woke up to the sound of the door opening and l let out a small groan. Still not a morning person. Admittedly, sleeping without being tied up was much more comfortable and again there was that hint of gratefulness towards Edward that I quickly smothered in hate.

"Wake up, Isabella," he whispered too close to my ear for my comfort and I groaned again.

He chuckled and then unceremoniously ripped the sheets off of me.

"What the fuck?" I yelled in surprise, shooting upright in the bed as he stiffened. He was absolutely not amused with my reaction and probably with my choice of words, stern look in his eyes, like he needed to educate me all over again.

"I'm sorry, Edward," I quickly recovered, casting my eyes down in my shy pose. "I didn't mean to be so rude. You just took me by surprise, that's all."

He didn't react and I thought I'd make a little joke to diffuse the tension between us.

"By the way, waking me up this way isn't going to let you back into my good graces. You know I'm no morning person."

I smiled at him and after a few seconds he smiled back.

"I'm sorry too, Isabella. I seemed to have forgotten about your morning habits, but it's coming back to me now. I promise I won't ambush you like that in the morning ever again."

The next days went on in much the same manner. Edward left me untied and I tried my hardest not to escape. It was slowly killing me and I was pretty sure it was all part of his game. I still had not much of a clue as to how I could break free. Jasper was my only hope and it was taking him awfully long to reach me. I was beginning to fear how far I was going to have to take my charade if he didn't come rescue me soon. I wouldn't be able to keep Edward off my back for much longer. I had to show him some hints that his scheme was working. At least ten times in the course of the days I had been close to leaving Jasper a letter of some sorts, but I chickened out each time. It was a combination of fear of getting caught and having nothing to tell Jasper. In the end, it was Edward who forced my decision.

Exactly two weeks after the kidnapping Edward decided it was no longer needed for me to travel in the trunk, since I proved I was trustworthy. If only he knew, I snorted inwardly. I had become an expert at the inward snort and eye roll.

Yes, my imprisonment was weighing heavily on me.

Being in the car like that together was awkward for me. I had no idea what to say and to be honest, I really felt no need to chat with him. But of course he had to play his gentlemanly role and made conversation easily. There was this whole new side of him that seemed to emerge, no doubt to impress me. It looked like he was truly interested in what I had to say. And that made it hard to stay emotionally unattached. I was very afraid he would get under my skin if I kept interacting with him the entire drive, but I had no choice. The only thing I could do, was reminding myself over and over again of how much I hated him and wanted him to die a horrible, bloody death.

At nightfall, we pulled up at a grubby little motel in middle-of-nowhere Montana. The rooms were separate lodges painted a bright lilac and were all facing a small rose garden in the center. How that ever got to be part of the Super 8 chain was beyond me. Why somebody wanted to live out here was beyond me, but that was not the point.

"Do you like it?" Edward suddenly asked.

"It seems… cozy," I replied with a forced smile. I hated every inch of it, but I was glad I finally got to see where we were. Even if it wouldn't help me get away one single bit.

He seemed content with my reply and motioned for me to get out of the car with him. We walked together to the little admittance office under the large neon vacancy sign. This undoubtedly was another test to see if I would give anything away. It was completely unnecessary of course. As if I would willingly endanger the life of the poor clerk sitting behind his ugly desk for a chance to get rescued.

"A very pleasant evening," a scruffy old man greeted us as we entered. "How can I help you?"

"My fiancée and I are looking for a room for the night," Edward announced and gently put his arm around my waist while he smiled warmly down at me.

I immediately blushed, which fitted nicely in my shy girl routine and produced a hesitant little smile.

"I have exactly what you are looking for young man," said the clerk with a huge grin and a fat wink at Edward as he took a key set with a pink feather attached to it. He handed it to me while Edward wrote down our names and paid.

There was a plaque hanging next to the feather which read 'Honeymoon Suite' and I only barely contained my snort. Great. Like I could use more forced romance in my life.

"Why thank you sir," I said in my best southern drawl as I plastered a huge smile on my face. "My man and I appreciate the kindness."

To top it off, I gave Edward a quick kiss on his cheek. That move seemed to take him by surprise. Hell, I even surprised myself. I felt him go rigid under my touch and he swept me away to our room as fast as he could without raising suspicion. I'm quite sure I heard the old man chuckle at our presumed eagerness to be alone.

As soon as we were inside our room, I was pressed roughly against the door. Edward's body covered my own and I felt his erection grinding against my stomach. Straight away my fear was spiking as my imagination was running haywire with scenarios of being forced into having sex with him. It wasn't like I hadn't slept with him before, but now, the thought of any man but Jasper touching me, was making me feel sick. My heart was racing out of my chest and my breathing was getting ragged while Edward slowly slid his hand up my thigh towards my ass. Now I know why the fucker had made me wear these ridiculous flowery skirts. Rapid access.

His other hand fisted in my hair and he tilted my head slightly. At first I feared he wanted to kiss me, which made my heart beat even faster. I kept my eyes away from him, not sure that I could keep the repulsion out, but his lips didn't come near mine. His breath was on my neck unexpectedly and I gasped. Cold and wet, his tongue connected with my skin and my life was nearly flashing before my eyes. He pulled me even closer, his dick painfully pressing into me. Then, agonizingly slow, he licked from my collarbone up to my ear. It was the most disgusting thing anyone had ever done to me and I felt filthy and violated.

Through all this, I hadn't moved an inch, trying not to encourage him, but also trying to keep him from noticing my disgust. To my great relieve, he didn't take it further and disentangled himself after the lick. He took a small step away from me, so we weren't touching anymore and I sighed.

"I'm sorry," he muttered.

"It's okay," I managed to say, but my voice cracked a little.

Don't break down in front of him. Don't break down in front of him. He can't see you cry.

"I scared you," he stated, his voice laced in concern.

He put his hand on my cheek and made me look at him. His eyes were a very dark burgundy, but already turning lighter. The worry in them was real and I wondered if maybe he had changed and was a better man now. The Edward I knew wouldn't have stopped without an explicit 'no' from my part.

"I'm fine," I sighed, not sure of how to act or what to say.

"Don't say that, Isabella. It's pretty obvious that you're anything but fine."

It was all for nothing if I didn't find a way to explain my behavior right this instant. If he found out that it was all an act, he would never grant me any freedom. I had to buy more time.

"You're right, Edward," I said, deliberately adding his name. "Your reaction scared me."

Now he was the one who averted his eyes. But he had been too late, I had seen the hint of sadness in them. This was my chance. I put my hand on his cheek in the same way he just did and the symbolics of that gesture didn't go unnoticed. He looked at me with a burning intensity which made my heart pick up a beat.

"I told you before that I don't hate you," I said and he nodded. "But you know that I'm not ready. I know you can feel it."

I decided to play on his insecurities and it seemed to work, because he bowed his head in shame.

"I need time, Edward. And a little space."

He nodded again and put a chaste kiss on my forehead. A second later he had disappeared from the room into the night air. Another second later I broke down. I made it to the bed and lay down on the covers while the tears were already silently falling. I didn't sob or wail or do any theatrics, I just cried for hours. I felt like in some way I had betrayed Jasper. And while my plan took a more solid shape in my head, I cried even more. Because for it to work, I would have to betray Jasper completely. And that sickened me to the bone.

I was going to force Edward into making me a vampire. Then, my strength would match his and I would be able to break free. How I was going to do that, I wasn't sure yet. I either had to convince him I wanted to be with him forever – not option A – or I had to convince him I was in danger and he couldn't protect me in my human form. Which brought me back to the fact that Jasper hadn't found me yet.

Why wasn't he here?

Why did he let Edward take me in the first place?

Jasper…

And then I got angry, furious even. Was it so hard to find me? Was he even trying? He was a motherfucking badass bastard back in the days. Did he even want to find me?

My doubt and rage went on for a good hour until finally my sanity returned. Jasper loved me and he would do anything to get to me. But in the mean time, my sense of self-preservation kicked in and I would do anything to see the man of my dreams again. Damsel in distress be damned. Knight in shining armor be damned. If I had to betray him to lay eyes on him once more, I would do it. Even if it meant he wouldn't love me anymore.

And that's when I decided to leave him a letter. I couldn't explain anything to him. But I could let him know I was unharmed and not giving up. And I lied in it. Told him this was the first chance I had to write anything. I thought it would make him feel better and regain his focus. I did share with him my love and I hoped that eventually he would understand why I did what I did. And if my plan failed and I was killed in the process, he would know that I died with him in my heart, only him. Dramatic much? Yes, but I was entitled to I felt.

When Edward came back later that night, I was fully composed. The part of me that belonged to Jasper was safely locked away, leaving only a shell of myself. A shell that didn't care what happened to her, who touched her or what the consequences of her actions were. In a way, it was strangely liberating. I had my goal and there would be nothing to deter me from it. Not even my own conscience.

I walked up to Edward and kissed him softly on the mouth, taking him completely by surprise. I told him in my shy voice I had feared he wouldn't come back to me. I managed to blush a little and fluttered my lashes, went all out. He smiled and embraced me gently. There was no more disgust, no more shudders. I was empty.

He kissed me back equally soft and chaste. He smiled his smile that would light up a room, but there was nothing in me left that could see it. I was a genuine zombie now.

Deep down inside the real Bella had only one thought.

I will kill you for this.

AN: This is an unbeta'd chapter and I apologize for any mistakes.

Thanks for all the great responses to the last chapter. I didn't answer many reviews, but I read them all and they mean the world to me.