I don't own.
This is a very out of character chapter. There may be triggers for some. Please read cautiously.
Chapter 16
Isabella stood stunned. She didn't know what to say. She was pleased that he didn't remember her but confused as to why he looked at her with such ire.
"Are you simple? Who are you and what are you doing in my house?" He was shouting at her now, his face pulling into a sneer.
"Speak, damn it." He barked again.
"Isabella, sir. The nanny." Almost all of Bella's new found confidence was gone.
"Well, I don't need a nanny right now. You may go." He dismissed her with a flick of his hand.
She starred at him. Just like that, dismissed. No questions about the welfare of his children. No questions about the state of his home. This man stooped over his desk on front of her was an enigma. He was beautiful, yes, very handsome, but there was an air of danger about him that set Bella's nerves on edge.
A man raised in a loving, wealthy, happy home. A man who willingly left his family for years, first for education, then for seclusion and finally for inebriation. Did he not care for those who loved him?
What was he doing at the house at this time? He wasn't due for a few days and even then he was to have an entourage. Had he escaped Emmett? Was he going to stay and help raise his children?
Isabella didn't know what to think, but something of this whole situation had her very worried. She made her way back upstairs and decided to hold vigil over the children until Dr. and Mrs. Cullen arrived in the afternoon. She didn't think he would harm them but decided to be cautious just the same.
She gathered her knitting and sewing and sat herself on the rocking chair facing the nursery door.
She heard Mr. Cullen come up stairs and begin to do something in the master bedroom. She couldn't quite figure what but there was a lot of ferreting about. Thankfully none of the noises woke the children or Angela.
After approximately three hours, one of the babies started to fuss. Bella leapt up and calmed her before placing her beside the waking Angela to feed. She quickly grabbed the other child and held her until Angela was ready.
She explained to a sleepy Angela that Mr. Cullen was here and that something wasn't right. She asked Angela to keep hold of the girls in Bella's bed lest they disturb Mr. Cullen. She no sooner had returned to the nursery as the door opened and Mr. Cullen stood, imposing, in the half moonlight.
"They're here? You brought them here?" He thundered at her. "They shouldn't be here, its not safe."
"What do you mean, sir?"
"There are demons here, she brought them. They'll infect the girls, they'll infect all of you. You must get the babies out, now."
Mr. Cullen was not making any sense. A crazed look was on his face. His green eyes, which had been so loving on his mother's face, were deranged in his. The pupils were so large there wasn't hardly any green left.
"Now? They can't leave now, it is the middle of the night and cold. I can't take them out now." The only monster Bella could see was Mr. Cullen and she would do anything she could to protect the children from him.
"You must!" He reached forward and grabbed her firmly by the upper arms. So firm as to leave bruises but Bella did not waiver. She stood stock still in front of the mad man.
"No. Your family wants them here. They will be raised in their own home. I'm here to protect them."
"You? A tiny, plain, insignificant slip of a girl? You couldn't possibly protect them." He tried to push past her but she would not let him.
"The only demon here is you, sir."
"Be that as it may, you must get them out."
"No, leave them alone. What would your parents say, what would your wife say, if you turned them out in the night?"
"My wife? My wife? She is the cause of all of this, she turned me into this. And I'll be damned if I let her get the children. Now, get out of my way"
Bella turned on her heel and ran to the connecting door where the children were. She drew herself up to the door and folded her arms across her chest, hoping against hope that he wouldn't get past her.
He stalked towards her, nostrils flaring, like a ferocious beast.
"Move." Was all he said.
"No" Bella stood firm. There was no way she would let this man anywhere near the children.
He drew one hand back and hit her across the face with the back of it. The signet ring on his finger cut painfully into her cheek.
Her head swung sharply to the side. Bella made no sound, she did not move from her position in front of the door. He would have to kill her to gain access. She turned her head back to face him, blood running down her cheek.
He looked at her face, his eyes clearing of their haze.
"Dear God, what have I done?" He looked down at his hands, spun around and left the room with out another word.
Bella stayed her place until she heard the front door slam. She knew he was gone from the house, so she let her legs collapse beneath her.
AN: There is a reason for everything and there will be redemption. If you feel you can no longer read this I understand. Thank you for your support so far.