32
BPOV
James was driving us to dinner and the silence had been deafening. We were almost there when he finally said something to me.
"You still don't trust me, do you?", he smirked as he glanced at my face, my eyes staring straight ahead through the windshield.
"I don't trust anyone anymore.", I said coldly, not making any effort to look at him.
I looked down at my fingers and smiled to myself as Edward's ring beamed up at me. This is the friendship ring I gave him, the one he left behind for me to guard. I hoped, no matter what he heard or saw tonight, he'd see this on my finger, and know I am still his friend. I am still the one who loves him. I prayed for him to be brave tonight. I kept picturing his expressions and reactions when he saw me coming into the club with James on my arm.
I was also wearing Edward's bear claw necklace, and it went nicely with the dress Alice lent me for tonight. I was just going to come in my jeans and a blouse, but Alice insisted I look the part, so she took over my costuming. She almost made me wear three inch heels but I convinced her I might have to do some running tonight, so she allowed me to wear one inch heels instead.
"You look very beautiful tonight.", James said and instantly my skin began to crawl.
I already know James isn't my friend. Anyone willing to bring me into Victoria's club, even with the premise that he's going to help me, isn't worried about my safety. He's taking a chance with my life by bringing me there. He's risking me getting hurt. So in part, my agreeing to go with him, and him accepting that, was a test from me. And James failed. Edward would never have let me go near Fire after that incident when Victoria threatened me. Even if it was to save his life, he wouldn't use me or risk me at all.
I know who my friends are.
"I'm just playing my part.", I looked out the side window of the car, trying to keep strong, thinking of what I'd have to do when we got there. What would Edward look like? What would he do? What would he say?
"I know.", James said with a pleasant voice, "I'm sorry you have to do this. Believe me, once she thinks you don't care about Edward, and he doesn't care about you, she'll be alright. Edward will be safe. You'll be safe."
"Mmmm hmmm.", I felt myself getting pissed off. This act of James' to help me was fooling no one. And it was insulting to think James found me this stupid and gullible.
We pulled up to the club and my stomach sank. Could I really do this? I have to.
"Here we are.", James announced.
"I have eyes.", I opened my door and got out before he could come around and help me out.
As James came up to me I said, "It's cold tonight."
It's not cold. This is May. That was my code to Charlie, telling him I was here and going inside now. I wore a little bug behind the bear claw of Edward's necklace that I was wearing. I looked east and saw the quick flash of headlights, Charlie signaling he heard me and was there.
I felt so bad for my father, having to sit out there, waiting…listening…taping everything the bug would hear tonight. I asked him to promise not to do anything stupid if things went wrong or sounded too dangerous. He didn't. I can't say I was surprised or blame him, but I had to try.
I know Charlie would give his life for mine. I just hoped I'd never have to see him do it, or even risk it.
"Cold?", James curled his arm around me, his cotton shirtsleeve on my bare arm, "It's like 75 degrees!"
I hate him touching me. But I let it be for now, letting him think I was going along with his plan until mine began to come together.
Great, now I'm nauseous. I'd love to throw up all over Victoria. I think it would be one of the most significant moments of my life.
I took a deep breath as he opened the door for me to enter the club. James knew the club and the employees well and he just breezed past the man at the door, taking me with him as he passed the busy, loud club area and went right, unlocking a door that said Employees Only. We went in, and it was very quiet. A long hallway was before us, with plush red carpeting, white walls.
I could hear beautiful opera music as we neared another door at the end of the hall and James knocked on it, winking at me, tightening his arm around me as I winced a little.
I wondered who would be answering it. Please not Edward. Please.
The door finally opened and I felt a little gush of air escape my lungs as I looked up, readying myself for anything.
It was Victoria. Answering her own door? Where are all her slaves? Maybe she knew it was me and just had to be the first one to confront me tonight.
She was dressed in a gorgeous gown, a white and black creation that looked like something you'd see Angelina Jolie wearing to the Oscars. Her hair was down but styled very perfectly.
She smiled at us like we were her best friends in the world. Funny, considering last time we met, she tried to slash my face.
I tried to smile, knowing I was already in danger of being seen for the fraud I was.
"James!", she put her arms around James and I broke contact with him, not wanting her to touch me more than necessary.
"Hey woman!", he hugged her back. They certainly didn't look like siblings who didn't agree with each other's lifestyles.
Then she looked at me and said, "Thanks so much for coming!"
And she embraced me, too. I had to force myself to pat my hands on her back, seeming to return her affection.
"Come in, come in!", she pulled me in by the hand and I swallowed, adjusting my necklace to make sure it hadn't turned or revealed the bug on it.
My eyes were almost afraid to see what was inside but my legs were working, following.
James was right beside me and I felt myself looking for Edward as the opera music intensified, a woman's voice high and singing gloriously above us.
There was a medium sized dining room table there, completely decked out with nice china, candles, flowers. As Victoria led us to our seats, around the other side of the table, I saw him. He wore no shirt but had on a black leather thong. No shoes. His hands were cuffed by leather and chains behind him and he was kneeling on the carpet at the side of the chair at the head of the table, his head down, his face calm and dormant…a leather blindfold over his eyes.
I let out a little disturbed breath but no one heard it over the music. James stroked my hair in the back, sensing my thoughts as we looked at him. He had still not heard me speak, I'm sure he didn't know I was even here. But as Victoria seated us right next to her chair, on her left side, putting me right next to Edward, I feared the secret would be out very soon.
James pushed in my chair for me and took his seat next to mine. Victoria was watching me closely as I ignored Edward and took a sip of my water, pretending nothing was there, at least while she was staring at my reaction.
"We have one other guest coming.", Victoria informed, "Please make yourself at home and order a drink while we're waiting."
She walked away and I saw Emmett come in from another doorway to the right. Probably the kitchen area. When he saw me, he looked surprised but held it together better than I was.
I smiled slightly at him, feeling myself exhale. It felt good to see a friend here.
But I had to act like I didn't know Emmett.
I glanced at Edward now, Victoria out of my sight, and saw something. It was very subtle, but I noticed. He inhaled. Then his face, well, his mouth tightened a little and his brow creased. Was he smelling my shampoo or soap? I was using the strawberry combo again, as usual.
He stayed as still as a statue, and I noticed his scars were almost invisible. His hair was perfectly groomed and I ached to touch it. I would only have to lean over a bit to reach him.
Hang on, baby. You're not alone. I'm here to take you home.
Emmett asked James, "What can I get for you, Sir?"
Good. He was trying not to alert Edward to my presence yet.
"What would you like, sweetheart?", James took my hand again.
I frowned and shook my head at Emmett, not wanting a drink right now. I needed one, but, for some reason I didn't want Edward knowing I was here. I tried to put it off as long as possible. I wasn't sure if he could handle it yet. I wasn't sure if I could handle it yet.
"Rum and coke.", James ordered, "And bring my girl a red wine."
"Yes Sir.", he looked up into my eyes and gave me a warm little smile, turning and heading back through the door he came in through.
"Dinner smells good.", James leaned in, almost whispering in my ear, "You smell good, too. BELLA."
Prick! Edward heard that. I hate you James!
I turned and felt tears mist in my eyes as Edward's mouth opened and then his jaw tensed. His brows slanted in anguish and his breathing began to quicken. But he didn't break his position. He remained there, as ordered, and wordlessly wrestled with all the emotions raging in his head at the moment.
"Edward…", I breathed, almost so low that even James didn't hear it.
But then Victoria was coming back in, saying, "Our last guest has arrived."
I couldn't tear my eyes from Edward but made myself do it as James stood up, greeting the newcomer. I stood and turned my head in his direction, and my body froze.
"Raven, nice to see you again.", James kissed her cheek and embraced her, "This is my date, Bella Swan."
I heard Edward let out another hard breath behind me and I was holding one of my own in as I tried to act like I've never seen this woman before.
"Hello.", I cracked a smile, "Nice to meet you."
"Raven and Swan.", she smiled wickedly at me and I'm sure she knew who I was, "Two very different birds. One lovely and soft. One dark and lethal."
Nice conversation starter.
"Looks can be very deceiving.", I replied, "I'll bet on a protective swan over a little crow any day."
I heard Edward give a little groan behind me, clearly not enjoying our conversation at all.
"Excuse me.", she smiled and moved around us to approach Edward. I half spun, watching her like a hawk, another fierce bird.
"Edward!", she took his face into her hands, tilting it up towards hers, "You look so beautiful!"
His lips tried to smile and she added, "You may speak."
"Thank you, Raven.", he said and I thought my heart would break at the sound of it. I felt like I hadn't heard his voice for two thousand years.
Victoria watched them, smiling like Raven was playing with her dog, as if to say, isn't that cute?
"She is obsessed with my pet.", Victoria shared with James.
"Come.", Raven tapped the side of Edward's cheek and he winced slightly, opening his lips and kissing her mouth as she leaned down, giving it to him.
I couldn't look away, even though I wanted to. I'd never seen him performing his slave duties to these bitches, I'd only imagined it. I can't imagine how hard it must be for him normally, let alone now. I didn't feel much jealousy or anger towards Edward. This was his way of life for so long, it's how he survived…and helped Katie survive. I only felt a deeper sadness for him as I watched the kiss intensify and deepen.
"Mmmm…", Raven placed three more small kisses on his shiny lips and stroked his hair with both hands, "I love those lips."
She brought his face to her chest and was really stroking his scalp through his hair as she looked at Victoria and said, almost irately, "When are you going to let me have this pup? I've waited forever!"
Victoria laughed and shook her head, "I told you, when I'm bored of him, he's yours. It's not my fault he never gets boring."
"And he keeps getting cuter and sexier, too.", Raven took another look down at the blindfolded face.
Then she grabbed the back of his hair and her other hand pinched at his right nipple, hard.
Edward moaned out, cringing a bit, making a beautiful submissive expression, his head pulled back by the hair.
"SSSSS", he hissed as Raven toyed with him. I could see he was trying to hold it together and pretend I wasn't here, watching this. It might have been easier for him with the blindfold on.
"Good boy…so good…", Raven twisted his nipple as Edward stayed in position, enduring it quietly.
"Come on, sit down and have a drink.", Victoria rolled her eyes at Raven, taking her own seat at the head of the table.
Emmett was coming back into the room with our drinks and placed them down. Raven tried to sit in my chair next to Edward but I darted in front of my seat, blocking her.
"This is MY place.", I stated firmly, my eyes not afraid to glare into hers.
Raven smirked at me and took a step or two back, moving to Victoria's right side, sitting down and ordering a hard drink from Emmett.
James and I sat down, and again, James pushed my chair in for me.
"Come here, boy.", Victoria patted her leg and Edward stiffly moved to her side, very close to her.
"Let's take this off.", she unbuckled the blindfold at the back of his head, "Those eyes are too gorgeous to keep hidden for long."
"That's the truth.", Raven watched admiringly as the blindfold laid on the table and Edward's eyes blinked open a couple times.
Raven gave a light gasp, enjoying the view, "Magical…", she whispered.
I forced myself to look away, anywhere else. I was afraid to see how he would look at me. He had told me to stay away from here, to be safe.
"No female subs?", James smiled, "Doesn't anyone ever bring me a snack anymore?"
Victoria laughed, "Shut up, James, you have a gorgeous woman of your own now."
I looked at her and at Edward. His eyes were cast down at the floor, but the pain there was obvious.
"That's the truth.", James repeated Raven's statement from earlier, putting his arm around me again, his nose touching my hair as I smiled weakly.
Under the table, I wiggled the middle finger wearing Edward's friendship ring at his downcast eyes.
It wasn't easy to do with Victoria sitting there, but I did it. And I think Edward saw it.
His eyes rose up a bit, finding mine as I glanced at him, winking for a quarter of a split second.
"So how long have you two been dating now?", Victoria asked, sounding happy for us.
I let James answer that. He was already jumping in anyway.
"We've been dating on an off for about a year now.", James said, "We've had to be careful because she's still a student and I'm a teacher. But, we're really together now. Your pet, there, Edwin, really helped Bella see some important things."
"Edward.", I corrected, hating James and his yukky story about us.
"Whatever.", James grinned, "She told me that their sex was great, but there was no real emotion involved. It was all so mechanical. It made her realize how much better it is to make love instead of just fucking in different sleazy little scenarios. As soon as he left, she came to me and we've been together ever since."
You cocksucker. I only pray Edward's not believing a fucking word of that. Poor Charlie…he can hear all this too. He's gonna kill me.
"Lo Mein.", I said clearly and Edward's eyes nearly sparkled as he eyed me carefully, not being caught by anyone.
"What?", James squinted, smiling.
"I thought I smelled Lo Mein.", I grinned at Edward, "In the kitchen."
There you go, sweet heart. Don't you believe anything except I love you. I moved my fingers over my necklace and Edward noticed that, too.
Smart Edward. He understood. He smiled at me.
"No, I don't think so.", Victoria pondered, totally out of the loop on our secret word.
Emmett was bringing Raven's drink to her now and he asked Victoria if she cared for anything. She ordered a vodka on the rocks.
The conversation stalled for a minute or two but then Victoria sighed and glanced at Edward.
"Come here, baby.", she beckoned to Edward and he moved on his knees towards her. I saw Raven's eyes staring at his perfect ass as he was turned to his side now.
She gently moved his head to her lap and turned his face towards me, laying his cheek on her dress as she played with his hair, casually, as if she hardly was paying him any attention.
He looked at me and his eyes shined a little as Victoria was talking idly with Raven. A hundred things were being said to me from those eyes.
Why are you here?
I'm sorry.
I'm afraid for you.
Get out of here, Bella.
Don't see me this way.
I hate what I am.
Save yourself, Bella.
I'm so ashamed.
I might have been showing too much emotion as I looked back into his eyes, but I couldn't look upon him with cold, uncaring eyes anymore. My eyes kept saying I love you over and over again. They said hang on. Be strong. We will survive this. We will be free. We will be together.
His eyes closed and his body shivered a little and I looked up at Victoria, wondering if she'd feel it…it would give him away.
"What do you think, Bella?", Victoria asked me, and Raven was looking at me too.
"What?", I asked, feeling like a kid in class who wasn't paying attention to the teacher as he spoke.
"Do you prefer dominating…or are you a sub?", Victoria asked, adding, "And James, you shut up, I want her to answer."
I almost wanted to say, 'Neither. I'm normal.' But I knew that wouldn't be taken lightly by this crowd. Edward opened his eyes and they widened a little at me.
I knew I had to lie. I was weighing my options both ways and I realized I was taking too long when they both laughed at me.
"See, this is a play party.", Victoria spoke to me like I was a toddler, "After dinner, we will begin to play. We were just curious what you are. It'll help the games."
Edward was panting harder now and I felt Victoria stroking her fingernails along the back of his neck as if he were a silly puppy she were soothing, hardly giving him a thought.
This is a play party. James you fuck.
I almost said I liked to dominate but I'd die before I put myself in the same category with these sick bitches.
So I dared it.
"I'm a sub.", I said squarely right back at them, unafraid.
"NO!", Edward lunged at me a bit but Victoria smiled, ready for that, and yanked him back to her lap.
Anything you are, Edward, I am too. If I have to choose a team, I choose Team Edward.
"Shhh, boy.", she said to him but kept smirking at me, playfully covering Edward's mouth, inserting a finger into his mouth as his eyes closed, pained.
"Yea, the best sex I ever had was when Edward tied me to a stool in my apartment and spanked me.", I felt so brave suddenly, mentally apologizing to my Dad as I said the words. I'd be in a convent full of nuns if I ever made it out of here alive.
"Ughhh…", Edward was muffled by two of Victoria's fingers now in his mouth but I stayed strong. Show no weakness. Show them what it looks like when someone stands up to them. Let's see how dominant they are now.
James gave me a strange look, as if I were doing something wrong. I just smiled at him, crossing my arms as Emmett placed Victoria's vodka glass down before her.
"Thank you Emmett.", she smiled up at him and he returned the smile.
She took the glass in her hand as Emmett began to walk away, glancing back at her.
"Come here, baby, drink.", Victoria jerked Edward's face up and poured the drink into his mouth.
Emmett spun around, his mouth falling open as Edward swallowed the bitter drink.
I felt scared, seeing Emmett's reaction to this. What was in that drink?
Edward coughed a little, taken by surprise by the drink suddenly, and again, he was looking at me, fear painted in his eyes.
"Good, I can tie you back to back with Edward, here and we can have a little contest to see which holds out longer.", Victoria giggled, delighted with her idea.
Emmett blinked in disbelief and rushed back into the kitchen.
"I like it.", Raven grinned, "I volunteer to handle Bella."
"Bring it on.", I put on my tough game face, smirking.
A ragged breath came out of Edward, I knew this was putting him through Hell and I hated it, but we would have to go through Hell to get out of here. I was willing to do that for him…and us.
Emmett soon brought out the food for all of us and I found myself just picking at it, keeping my mind on all the details of our plan.
Victoria hardly ate, either, but she did enjoy feeding bites of her food to Edward, who knelt at her side obediently, looking at me every so often, his eyes lost and frightened with intense sorrow.
James ate like there was no tomorrow and Raven ate some of her food, not all of it.
Victoria fed Edward a piece of steak and the steak sauce was on her fingers. Without a word, she held her fingers to his mouth and he looked at me in shame, licking off and sucking each fingertip, tears almost filling his eyes as he stared at me, closing his eyes as he reached the third finger, unable to face me anymore during this task.
Raven's eyes were always on Edward and I noticed that. She envied Victoria. She wanted Edward and she looked heartbroken every time the two interacted.
Maybe I could use that. Turn Raven and Victoria on one another. Psychology could come in very useful here, I thought, surprised and amazed by that fact.
I joined in the conversation and said, "So, Raven, Edward tells me you are one wicked dominatrix…maybe even more intense than Victoria."
Victoria's smile stalled as she regarded me but I smiled more, looking at Raven's pleased face.
Edward couldn't help it, his eyes darted up to me and rounded in shock at me.
"Is that so?", Victoria looked at Edward and picked up her steak knife, slightly placing the sharp tip to Edward's ass cheek, getting a gasp from him.
"No, Mistress.", he breathed, "You…only you."
I held my breath, glancing Raven's way now. Good, Edward. Hang in there.
"Of course he says that when there's a knife in his ass.", Raven took a sip of her drink, "But Edward talks to clients about me, even when I'm not around…or you, Vicky."
"Don't be so sure, Raven.", Victoria sneered, "He does anything I say. If I ordered him to go fuck my brother right now, he'd do it."
Edward groaned, closing his eyes as James scoffed, "Leave me out of this. I don't want Edwin fucking me, thanks, though."
"His name is Edward, Jamie!", I scowled at James.
"Whatever."
"I say we settle this tonight, once and for all.", Raven suggested, frowning, "Whoever gets the safe word out of him, wins him."
No. No. No. This is taking a wrong turn. Fix it, Bella!
"I don't have to fight for something that's already mine.", Victoria frowned defensively, "End of discussion. Edward is mine. He's going to remain mine. And if you keep pissing me off, when it's time, I'll give him to Sir Kevin instead as a birthday gift."
Wrong bitch. Edward is mine. God, am I no better than them? I felt so guilty for that thought, but it just slipped into mind. Maybe deep down we're all doms and subs.
"You're just afraid that you'll lose.", Raven challenged, "When Edward's with me, he says he loves me, he adores me."
"He's PAID to!", Victoria stood up, grabbing Edward's hair tight as he winced, "He's very fucking good at it! Even this dumb little bitch believes he's in love with her!"
She jerked her head at me now and Edward opened his eyes, struggling a little in his cuffs as James chuckled.
"Victoria…", Edward began to struggle a bit more, his wrists tightly pinned behind him. He began to rise off his knees but she shoved him to the floor, onto his ass.
"Emmett!!", Victoria screamed and I froze, looking at Raven's face as Emmett entered from the kitchen.
"Yes, Victoria?", he asked respectfully.
"Raven…", Victoria frowned, removing her belt and looping it around Edward's neck securely, holding him close to her leg, "Are these the two who rescued Edward from your place that night?"
She looked at me and then again at Emmett, confirming it.
"Yes.", she crossed her arms.
"Dead shit, Emmett.", Victoria sneered as two large men came up behind him, a towel tightly capturing his face as they shoved him to the wall, handcuffing his hands behind him.
"Take him outside, in back. Beat him unrecognizable for starters..", Victoria ordered as Edward struggled harder, choking from the tight grip the belt had around his own neck the more he fought.
"It was my idea!", I jumped up, tears in my eyes, "Don't hurt him!"
"Emmett!", Edward said in a strangled cry, growling as they took Emmett away.
"It was her fault!", Edward groaned loudly, "She intended to keep me again! She had no plans on letting me go! It was past the time I was supposed to leave!"
"Don't care.", Victoria sneered at him, "He broke the rules. You broke the rules. I told you, you're not allowed friends. You can kiss Emmett goodbye."
"No, please don't, Victoria!", Edward pleaded, "I'm sorry, so sorry! Please!"
"James, do something.", I said to him, knowing he was a traitor and a liar, but this would be my proof of it.
"I will.", he said, and the next thing I knew, I was being thrown into the table.
"Bella Swan…", James was handcuffing me and I heard Edward yelling at the top of his lungs.
"No!!!", I could hear Edward's guttural screams while James grabbed me up by my hair.
"You belong to me now.", James seethed in my ear as I focused and saw Edward, being overtaken by those men that had taken Emmett a minute ago.
"All of them, downstairs.", Victoria grumbled, displeased as she followed the men who were shoving Edward around. James had me by the hair, shoving me after them.
We went through another door that lead downstairs without having to go through the club, no one would see us.
Raven was walking along with the group, not saying a word but the noise was obviously all coming from Edward.
"Not yet Charlie.", I said in a low voice into my necklace, drowned out by Edward's screaming voice.
It was dark going down this hallway. I couldn't see him, but I could hear him.
"You WILL NOT hurt Emmett OR BELLA!!", he was roaring, "I won't let you, you murdering BITCH!! TAKE YOUR FUCKING HANDS OFF ME, YOU GOD DAMNED CHILD MOLESTERS!!"
The traffic stopped then in the narrow hallway and I screamed as I heard a scuffle and fists punching flesh. Edward's shouts quieted and then I heard him coughing wetly in the dark.
"Got anything else to say?", a man's voice asked.
"Edward!", I shivered.
"Don't hit his face.", I heard Raven say in Edward's defense.
"If you hurt them, Victoria…", Edward's voice sounded evil and almost psychotic now, "I'll kill you with my own hands."
I heard Edward shout out again, as if the wind had been knocked out of him, as if he were being punched in the stomach – hard.
"STOP IT!", I tried to move towards them but James' arm curled around my neck, holding me to him, "LEAVE HIM ALONE!!"
"Move this into the dungeon.", Victoria said, "Every few years this pup needs a little reminder."
"NO!!", Edward roared as we began moving again, "BELLA!! RUN!!"
"It will be okay.", I said quietly into my necklace, giving Charlie a message, "It's okay."
James thought I was assuring myself of this and he chuckled behind me.
"You'll be okay, Bella.", he whispered to me, "A little punishment for you and then we're outta here. We can begin your training first thing in the morning. You'll like it at my place. My dungeon is much nicer than Victoria's."
"I knew it.", I gritted, "Having just one sick fuck in the family was too good to be true."
I could hear Edward ahead of me, resisting very hard, it sounded like as they were taking him into the dungeon again.
"Chain him there. Hoist him up.", I heard Victoria demanding as James and I walked through the darker end of the hall.
"It's alright, sweetie.", I heard Raven saying to Edward in the background, "Just relax."
"BELLA!!", he shouted, panting, growling in protest as I began to see a red light and a doorway.
"Where's BELLA?!!", he screamed as I heard a chain clanging.
"Don't worry, she's coming.", Victoria cooed, "This punishment wouldn't be half as effective without HER."
"No, Victoria!", he was struggling fiercely when I was brought in.
I could see him now, hanging by his wrists, on tiptoes, wildly thrashing around in vein as the two men left the room, not needed anymore.
"Guard this room.", Victoria told them, "Kill anyone who tries to come in this hallway."
Good, Charlie heard that. I didn't want them trying to come in until we found something or got Victoria to confess to something that would stick. I pictured Alice and Rosalie, wearing their disguises, sneaking into Victoria's office to hack into her computer and find any type of incriminating evidence against her. They wore wigs and pretended to be women in the club, customers.
"Calm down, angel.", Raven was trying to relax Edward but he kept roaring out, enraged.
"He's never like this with me.", Raven commented, shaking her head at Victoria, watching as James brought me closer to where Edward was hanging.
"Hang her right next to him.", Victoria said to James as Edward kept struggling.
"NO!!", Edward yelled, "Don't touch her!! I swear to GOD, VICTORIA!!"
"LET HER GO!!", Edward screamed out louder.
"Edward…it's okay.", I tried to sound tough, although inside I was freaking out.
I never saw Edward this way, so out of control. He could barely form real words as James uncuffed my wrists from behind me, then Victoria was cuffing my wrists with leather restraints in front, clipping them into a hook.
Edward was growling and struggling like a tiger, screaming out and almost whimpering as he looked at me and Victoria moved back to a lever, turning it, making my cuffs raise up on the hook, slowly brining me to my tiptoes right across from Edward.
"No, please, Victoria!!! I'll do whatever you say!!", Edward panted, tears in his eyes, his teeth gritted in frustration as he bared his teeth and lunged again, uselessly caught in his own cuffs.
"Ow.", I winced, already finding it hard to keep up on my toes, pulled so high up this way.
Raven was behind Edward, rubbing his back affectionately as James began unbuttoning his own shirt, slipping it off and tossing it aside. Victoria just turned and went to another corner of the room
Edward's breathing was deep and fast, his fists jerked in his cuffs. He sounded in pain.
"Victoria, I'm begging you!!", Edward was looking at her, his eyes wild, "Please!! I've given you everything I am! I've never asked for ANYTHING !! Please…just give me this one thing. Please let her go!! PLEASE!!"
I took this small little opportunity to help him. I knew they were watching me but I didn't care. Victoria wouldn't listen to him, as heartbreaking as his plea was, I knew it would do me no good. But I loved him with all my heart for saying the words.
"How adorable.", Victoria smiled, "Trying to protect your girl."
I put my forehead to his and closed my eyes, my nose nuzzling against his.
"Shhhhh….", I whispered and right away he began to quiet a little, "It's alright. Shhhh…we're together again. Nothing can hurt us now. Breathe…"
Edward whimpered, trying to relax…but I'm sure he knew better than I did what these people could do. And that there was plenty that could hurt us now. But I also knew we weren't alone here. I wish I could've told him that. I was certain my father could now help Emmett and I prayed those men didn't hurt Charlie instead. It was two against one. But I'll also bet Emmett is pretty dangerous, even handcuffed. He once beat two men that were hurting Edward in that same back alleyway.
"Sweet, aren't they?", James commented behind me.
"RRRRRRRRRR!!!!", Edward frowned again, lunging at James, but his chains jerked him back again, and he cried out in a bit of pain.
"See, I don't blame you, Edward.", Victoria was coming back over to us as I felt James behind me, lifting my right leg and taking my shoe off.
"You're a man.", Victoria continued, "You are always so proper and obedient. Once in awhile, the testosterone must rise and then you burst out, like you are now, a writhing beast that wants to challenge me. It's natural. I don't mind going through this with you every so often. But I have to correct your mistake. And enforce my rules."
James had my other shoe off now and Edward was growling again, low in his chest as he watched James.
"Bella…", Edward cried softly, shaking.
Then James stood and I felt the zipper of my dress in back pulling down my spine, the little sound almost echoed in the air.
Again, Edward screamed out and tried to thrash at James, but he only hurt himself again.
I braced myself, feeling my insides turn to jelly. Being naked in front of strangers was something Edward had to live with but I'm also sure he clearly remembers the first time in Victoria's office when he had to strip and let her look him over while the loan sharks were waiting downstairs to kill him. Be brave, I told myself, using my mind to fight them. Keep in control. Don't let this break you. That's what they want. Pretend you still have clothes on. They can't hurt me. They can't hurt me.
I felt a scissor snip at the shoulders of my dress while Edward's pained breathing kept getting more and more hollow and anguished.
This was the most cruel punishment of all for him. Not being hurt himself, having to watch someone he cared for being hurt right in front of him, and him helpless to do anything about it but watch.
"Shhhhh….", Raven was trying to ease Edward now, hugging him from behind and moving her hands over his perfect chest softly, she laid her head on his back but he still didn't calm down at all.
I could use Raven here. When the time is right, I can use her to my advantage. She cares for Edward. She's a sick bitch, but she cares. I can use that.
A hard tug on the fabric and my breasts were exposed now, my black bra staring Edward in the face as he bellowed obscenities at James.
The bottom half of my dress fell to the floor in a puddle and I was in my bra and panties now.
I went to the one place I could be brave. I leaned my head back to Edward's and closed my eyes, hearing him crying and feeling his tears on my own face as I felt the scissors cutting at my underwear, being roughly yanked from me. I shivered but I didn't cry. I didn't scream. I was with Edward. I am okay. I am fine. I kept willing my brain to accept these messages as truth.
"I'm sorry, Bella.", he sobbed, "I am so fucking sorry."
"I'm not.", I said and his eyes opened to stare into mine, in awe at what I'd just said.
"I'd rather be here with you now…than anywhere else in the world.", I whispered to him. James was talking to Victoria and Raven a couple feet away now, no doubt preparing their little game.
"I've missed you, Edward.", I whispered, letting my body touch his, hearing his breathing calm a bit, "Be strong. We will get out of this. I love you. I love you more than anything, Edward Cullen."
He let out another tortured sob and whispered, "I love you, Bella Swan."
I kissed his salty lips with all the passion I had in me and he returned it ten fold. For a moment, I forgot the situation we were in, where we were.
A hard lash whipped out and Edward's back arched a bit, his growl loud and labored.
"Break over.", Victoria announced, holding a chain whip in her hand.
My necklace was still on and I was glad. Even if they took it off me and tossed it to the ground, the bug would still work, so it didn't really matter. But I liked it that Edward could see it. Maybe it would bring him strength…it would bring US strength. We would need it now.
I was terrified of the pain they would inflict upon us. I was afraid of dieing here. But, looking into Edward's eyes…I felt braver. For him, for the love he's given me, I would gladly endure anything they could dish out. His touch is worth a hundred thousand deaths.
But Edward defied her and gave me another soft kiss.
James was stroking my hair and moving his fingers down my bare back as I clenched my eyes shut.
"I knew you had a tight little body under those sweaters.", James reached around and cupped my right breast in his hand.
I tensed and let a little scream escape me and Edward shouted again, a shout of anger and pain.
"Let's get started, shall we?", Victoria asked, "Let's start with our new toy."
"She's NOT a TOY!!", Edward roared.
"She is now.", Victoria said, playing with Edward's hair, "She is James' new toy. So don't be afraid. I won't kill her. But she deserves a little punishment for leading you astray. Then James will take her home. Maybe, if you behave, and after Bella learns her place, we can all play together sometimes, like we are now. This way, I know you'll behave…and so will she. If either of you steps out of line, all we have to do is call each other and set up a play date."
"RRRRR!!!!", Edward raged, jerking away from her hand in his hair, struggling and yanking on his arms again, in vein.
"James…begin discipline on your bitch.", Victoria took a step or two back, unsnapping the leather thong from the front of Edward's crotch, making him as naked as I was.
"So difficult to decide what to do first.", he was touching me again, palming my ass as I closed my eyes and tensed, trying to block it out of my mind, using Edward's face near mine for courage.
"She's so new to all this.", James pondered out loud.
I opened my eyes and found Victoria and made my voice loud.
"At least you won't be chopping off my fingers and eating them.", I sneered at her and Edward's eyes snapped open, looking at me with terror.
Victoria just stared.
"I know you've killed people in here before.", I stated, "I know about Jason White. I'm sure he's just one of the many people you've murdered!"
"Bella, don't.", Edward breathed.
"I don't know what you're talking about.", Victoria gave me a lethal glare, "Shut her up, James."
Then I felt a thin, hard instrument crack down hard across both my asscheeks.
The force of it and the bite was super intense. I couldn't help it, I screamed out like a savage, tears welling up instantly in my eyes.
"You FUCKING BASTARD!", Edward raged, "That cane is not for beginners, you FAGGOT!!"
I don't think they're considering the etiquette associated with responsible masters and safe, sane, consensual players. The tears spilled from my eyes and ran down my cheeks as I shivered violently and breathed heavy…trying to wait the pain out, hoping it would fade.
James laughed and so did Victoria. I didn't hear anything from Raven.
Edward was kissing my forehead, then my cheek, trying to calm me, his own body trembled as his eyes closed, another tear or two trickling out of the corners.
He just kept whispering over and over again, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry…I'm sorry…"
I kept thinking of what Edward told me about pain and pleasure…I wish I could learn to be tougher. I needed it right now. My body wasn't hardened or ready for this. Edward would see me hurt greatly and I wouldn't be able to hold it in or pretend.
"Maybe he's right.", James chuckled, handing it to Victoria, "Edward is no beginner, is he, Vic?"
"Absolutely not.", she smirked, taking it, "Although the way he's acting tonight, who could tell?"
"No.", I whimpered, knowing they'd hurt Edward now.
"It's okay.", he whispered to me, almost inaudibly.
"Now, Edward, every time you scream, Bella will pay for it.", Victoria informed.
His lips pursed together and his jaw tightened as I felt James' fingers caressing the line he'd made across my butt. I wanted to get sick all over him, right now.
"Five lashes to start off.", Victoria said behind Edward, "Count off, boy."
I heard the cane slice through the air, a horrible WHOOSH sound and then a very loud crack snapped in my ears.
Shivering again, tighter than before, Edward bit down harder, his face trembling and his eyes closed as he silently endured the first lash.
"One." He gritted through his teeth.
CRACK!!.
Edward's back arched and his forehead left mine as he looked straight up at the ceiling, breathing deeper and giving a small growl.
"Two."
Tears fell from my eyes again as I blinked, hating this. I know how it hurts and he is just taking it, without even the luxury of getting to scream or howl out to release a little bit of that torment. I began to cry, softly, unable to hold it in anymore as the third blow was struck.
With a sudden jerk of the head, his face was back near mine again and his whole body quivered in pain.
"Three.", he breathed hotly across my face.
"Edward, scream if you have to, please.", I pleaded tearfully, kissing his chin, the closest part of him near my lips.
"For what?", he tried to smile at me, "This doesn't hurt."
SLASH!!
That last comment by him made Victoria angry and I could tell this particular blow was very hard. Edward shook harder, against my body and squeezed his eyes tight, panting for air.
"Four."
"One more.", Victoria bit on her bottom lip and really swung it this time.
Edward nearly did scream out that time. But he held it in, his head bending down tight and his fists struggling above him, clanging the chains. His breaths came in fast, hard gusts…and when he looked up at me, and opened his eyes, tears trailed down on both sides of his face.
"Five.", he choked.
I saw Raven behind Edward, now taking a moment to ease his pain. Victoria stepped away while Raven planted soft kisses over the welts the cane left behind. She began licking the harsh lines as Edward nuzzled his face into my neck.
"No screaming.", Victoria said, slapping Edward's ass hard, "That means you get another turn and Bella gets a pass this round."
Edward let out a sigh of relief and I swear I think I saw him smile. He had spared me some pain, for now, and he looked so proud of himself for finding a way to protect me.
I hadn't heard anything from James that whole time. I wondered why.
"What's your problem?", Victoria said to James behind me.
"I don't know.", James sat on a table a couple feet away, "I feel so…out of it. Tired."
"James told me all about Jason White.", I inserted now, watching Victoria's face, "He told my father everything, too. NYPD knows, too. He's telling everyone everything about you. He's sick of playing teacher. He's tired of babysitting you. He wants what's yours. He wants this place. He wants to be free of you…for good."
"Bullshit!", James sneered as Victoria looked at him, a look of distrust now there.
A chain looped around my neck then and it tightened, James closing it behind my neck as Edward screamed.
"You better start telling the truth if you want air, you little bitch!", James sneered as I felt the chain dig in a bit, making it very difficult to breathe.
"NO!!", Edward screamed, pleading, "Victoria, STOP HIM!!"
"Tell her the TRUTH, BELLA!", James tightened it, "NOW!!"
Gasping, I kept to my story. She would never believe I was lying to them while being choked.
"Jasper is in on it with James.", I choked, "Jasper wanted to work the bar so he could spike your drinks tonight. He spiked yours, to put you to sleep so he could kill you easier. But you made Edward drink it. Just watch, Edward will start to get sleepy any minute. He'll fall asleep."
"Let her go.", Victoria demanded to James, "She's telling the truth, isn't she?"
"Oh, come on!", James argued, letting go of the chain around my throat, "You're gonna believe her lies after all we've been through together?!"
I gulped up the air and stared into Edward's relieved face, feeling his cheek stroking itself up and down mine to give me whatever comfort he could. His lips reached down to the marks in my neck, kissing them away.
"Sleep.", I whispered to him, placing my lips so delicately upon his.
I saw Edward's crooked grin then and felt as if we were already free. A second or two later, his eyes fluttered and he let out a hard breath, whispering, "Victoria…"
And then he let his head drop weakly, his arms hung limp in their restraints and his feet relaxed, slumped on the concrete floor.
"Edward!", Victoria lifted his chin and his tear stained face was so peaceful, so dormant. He is one great actor. Even Raven walked over to check him, concerned.
"SEE?!", I shouted, "He's just waiting to get you, one way or another! He told me to play along and that he'd let us go once you were taken care of! But I never trusted him!"
"Go ask Jasper if you don't believe me!", I said, "He's still upstairs, waiting for James! My necklace is a bug James gave me! Jasper is listening!"
Victoria snatched the necklace off my neck and looked at it.
Then she looked at James, a deadly stare.
"You fuck!", she raged and hit James across the face with the iron cane.
He went down on the first blow, his real dose of sedatives taking effect along with the crushing strike of the cane.
One down. Two to go.
James laid in a heap on the floor, twitching for a moment before going completely still.
"Watch them!", Victoria pointed at Raven with the cane, "I'll be right back!"
She tore out the dungeon door and walked into the hallway, ordering the two men out there to follow her. She was going after Jasper. The necklace and bug went with her, in her hand, so we were off the record right now.
Edward stayed asleep, playing his part to perfection as Raven shoved me away from him, jealously, tapping his face, trying to awaken him.
"Come on, baby, wake up.", she coaxed, "You have to stand or you could hurt your arms and legs, please…"
"You should lower him down maybe.", I suggested, "Let him lay down until he wakes up."
"Yea.", she looked up at his wrists and winced to herself, going to his lever and slowly cranking his hook down, eventually laying him on the floor on his back. It was beautiful the way he never tensed, his body always limp and still as she lowered him. Even I believed he was unconscious.
Raven went to the corner of the room and came back with water, spilling some onto her own hands, gliding the cool water onto Edward's forehead and cheeks, trying to bring him around.
I smiled down at her and after a moment or two, I said, "You really seem to care for him, more than she does."
"I do!", she glanced up at me, cradling Edward's head in her lap, "He loves me, too. But Victoria will never give him to me. We want to be together."
"You should have him, then.", I said softly, "Why wait for her to sell him to you? Just take him. Victoria's going to jail, if she lives through this night. Edward will go to jail, too. She'll no doubt blame him for everything she's done. She has his blood somewhere. She can frame him and he could go to prison for life! Then you'll never get him."
Raven was looking down at his beautiful face, stroking it, thinking about it. Then she jerked her head up at me.
"Why should I believe you?", she squinted at me, "You're the one who saved him from my place! You care about him, too. Why would you tell me to take him now?"
"I care about him, like you said.", I breathed, "I'd rather see him with you than rot away in jail – or dead. Victoria might kill him before he's even arrested. She could shoot him and James and blame the whole thing on the two of them, saying she was an innocent victim caught in the middle."
"You're pretty cool.", Raven smiled at me, "Smart. Maybe I'll take you with us, too. I see my Edward likes you. I want a happy pet, not a sad one, like he is now. That's the way to keep a pet, to make him happy. Then you never have to go through all this kind of drams. If I take him, would you come too? Would you be my pet, too?"
I didn't see that coming. But it works.
I smiled, surprised, "Really?"
"Yes.", she smiled affectionately. I thought I'd see Edward tense up but he never did.
"I would like being with Edward, even as a fellow submissive. And you do seem like a kind mistress.", I thought aloud, "A whole lot nicer than James."
"We'll go to the other side of the world, to be safe.", Raven added, "I have my own place in Puerto Rico. No one would find us there. You'd get to play on the beach everyday, swim, it's so beautiful there. I wouldn't be cruel to either of you."
"Yes.", I answered firmly.
"How are we going to get Edward out of here?", Raven asked as she lowered the lever that held me up on my tiptoes. In seconds, I was standing on my feet again and she came over to unlock my cuffs.
Edward rose up behind Raven then and, using his own chain between his cuffs, he had Raven by the neck. She gasped and tried to reach around behind herself to Edward but he had her.
Tightening the chain slightly, he sneered, "STOP! HOLD STILL!"
"Take off the dress, now!", Edward ordered and I took a step towards him, seeing his eyes take on a wicked little glint.
"Edward.", I said.
He looked up at me and said, "You need something to wear, Bella."
Oh. Right. I crossed my arms over my breasts and Edward looked down at Raven who was fumbling, trying to breathe and get her dress off at the same time.
Finally, it slipped off her waist and to the floor.
"Kick it towards Bella.", he ordered with less venom now and Raven moved the dress away from herself and at me. I could bend down and pick it up without worrying about her kicking me in the face.
"Shoes, too.", he added to Raven, but her shoes were very high heeled stilettos.
"I have shoes.", I hurried myself into the dress and slipped my feet into my comfortable one inch heels.
Raven had a bra and panties on, both purple with black trim. Edward took her over to the cage dangling from the ceiling and opened the door, pushing her inside it and closing it, locking the padlock to seal her inside.
"Here's a chair.", I found one in the corner and moved it into the center of the room, "Sit James over here."
Edward had pulled himself away from glaring at Raven now and was yanking James up off the floor, carrying him to the chair and plopping him onto it, a nasty gash across his eye and the bone of his nose, blood on his face.
Edward quickly took off his own cuffs and placed them on James' wrists, pinning them behind him, lacing them through the chair.
"The plan is to wait here now.", I said to Edward, putting another chair next to James', "Jasper and Charlie went to help Emmett and they'll all bring Victoria down here."
"Edward, don't listen to her.", Raven was holding the bars of the cage, tears in her eyes as she watched us, "Victoria's gonna kill you both for this!! Please, just come with me! I can save you, Edward! I'll take good care of you, I swear!"
"Shut up, Raven.", Edward said through gritted teeth, ignoring her as he put his small leather thong back on, "Shut up. I'd rather die than go with you."
She looked truly hurt now and I almost felt sorry for her. But I made myself block that out.
"Bella.", Edward closed the distance between us and held me tight, his arms shivering again, "Are you alright?"
"Yea.", I felt tears in my eyes again, pushing them away, "My ass hurts a little, but other than that, I'm fine."
I put my arms around his back, loving the smooth, warm feel of him.
"Are YOU alright?", I asked, "They hurt you more than me."
"It's nothing.", he shrugged it off, holding my face and kissing my lips tenderly, "I'm fine. I should get real clothes before your father comes in here. I can just run to my room for a sec."
"NO!", I grabbed his arms, "Don't! They could get you! Stay here!"
"Alright, alright.", he held me tighter to him as Raven glared at us from her cell.
"Oh, here!", I broke away from him and went to where James had taken off his shirt, handing it to him, "Wear this."
"Okay.", he quickly tore his arms into the sleeves, starting to button it, "Thanks."
"Did I really drink something bad?", he asked, looking down at me, concerned.
"I don't think so.", I looked at the dungeon door, making sure no one was coming in, "I think Jasper said he wouldn't spike Victoria's stuff because she tends to feed you from her plate, but Emmett made a weird face when she fed you her drink before, so I'm not sure now."
"If I start to conk out, don't try to drag me along.", he held my arms, looking at me sternly, "Just get yourself out of here. I still can't believe you're here now! Who's plan was THIS?!"
Now he sounded angry. And I guess I would be, too, if I were him.
"All of ours.", I answered, wishing he'd lose his tense tone with me, "The plan is to bring Victoria back in here, and get them to confess what they did. Give other names of victims. Tell where the remains are. That will be enough to get them behind bars."
"And you spiked their food!", he smiled a little, "That was a stroke of genius!"
I peeked over at Raven and she was asleep now in the cage. I grinned. It's about time hers took effect. Maybe she only drank a little, she didn't eat much, either.
"That was Jasper's idea.", I grinned, "He seems to somehow know all about sedatives."
I went to the dungeon door, peeking out the crack. The door had been left open but I closed it nearly all the way, just in case someone on the other side came across this room.
"Oh, Raven's out.", Edward noticed as he followed me with his eyes.
"Good.", I huffed, "She was getting on my nerves."
"She made that beach and ocean sound good, didn't she?", he teased, shaking his head, "She's a real manipulator. She could get Jesus himself to sell his soul to the devil."
"I don't see anyone out here yet.", I worried aloud, "It's been awhile. Where are they?"
"I hope they're alright.", Edward worried with me, going over to the walls of the dungeon, taking things that might make good weapons for us, just in case.
That was brilliant on his part, I thought with a sly smile.
"Me too.", I said, "My poor father…he's never going to be the same after hearing all that. I'm sure if he was fighting during that scene, it was just making him more and more dangerous to his opponent."
"He's never going to forgive me.", Edward handed me a large whip with jagged, sharp metallic links of chain hanging from it, "Not that he should. It's all my fault that even had to happen to you."
He frowned at himself and I turned to him, frowning too.
"Hey.", I said in a harsh voice, "Stop that self loathing shit. I'm not Dr. Bella at the moment. We'll handle your therapy later, deal?"
His smile nearly peeked out then.
"Deal.", he agreed.
We waited for another ten minutes and nothing. I was trembling and nearly crying when I had to admit the truth.
"Something's wrong.", I looked at Edward, "They should've been here by now. We need to find them. And Rosalie and Alice, too."
"They're here TOO?!", Edward frowned again, hurting my stomach, "JESUS, BELLA!! Did you need to risk everyone's life in this?! I'm amazed my parents aren't here, too!"
I looked down, not enjoying him yelling at me.
"ARE THEY?!", he asked.
"NO!", I turned to him, crying now, "Don't YELL at ME!!"
He sighed. "I'm sorry, Bella, I'm sorry.", he held me, kissing my forehead, "I'm sorry. What should we do?"
"We can't use James as a hostage if Victoria has them.", I thought aloud, "She thinks he's her enemy now. She won't care if we hurt him. Raven means nothing to her, either."
"She wants me.", Edward said, "You can use me as a hostage if you want."
"No way.", I cringed, just thinking about it, "Risking you is not part of the plan."
"Well, can you think up something better?", he asked.
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See next part soon!!
Love, WinndSinger