Thanks to all who are reading! After this chapter, there is one more left and I'll post that on Thursday!

I own nothing Twilight!

Chapter Two

It was a beautiful July afternoon. Bella and Edward were spending a few days alone at his cabin on Willow Lake. She sat in the lounge chair on the deck, reading and soaking up the sun. After they spent a perfect morning together in bed, he decided to run into town to get some groceries. Edward told her to relax, that she needed her rest because he had a romantic night planned for them. He even took the time to apply sunscreen to her skin so she wouldn't burn. He was the perfect man: patient, kind, honest, loyal, and passionate as hell. An enormous smile graced her face as she fantasized about the things they'd hopefully be doing later.

After finishing her novel, she placed it in her bag, grabbed her cell phone, and headed inside to shower. She wanted to be fresh and clean when he returned.

When Bella walked into the bedroom, she was hit by a strange, yet familiar, scent lingering in the air. She couldn't place why it made her feel uneasy. She looked around, but nothing seemed out of place. Get a grip. You're in the middle of nowhere. She scolded herself for having an overactive imagination. She walked toward the bed, placed her bag and cell phone down, undressed, and then put her pink robe on. She glanced toward the closet and a chill instantly went through her body, but she couldn't understand why. Shaking her head she turned and headed to the bathroom.

As she reached for the doorknob, her gut told her something was wrong. Instantly, her heartbeat sped up. The familiar scent hit her like a freight train and fear immobilized her. Before she could turn around, a hand clamped over her mouth.

"Hello, Bella. Did you think I'd forgotten about you?"

Terror coursed through her veins when she felt his warm breath against her skin. Bella swallowed hard, she needed to stay calm. She knew from experience that he would only hurt her more if she fought.

"I've missed you," James whispered against her neck. "I see it didn't take you long to move on. That ends now. Remember, you're mine and always will be." Bella closed her eyes, all of the hair on her body standing on end. Every instinct she had told her to fight him, but her body went limp as she tried to breathe. "If you scream, you'll pay." She nodded her understanding as she willed herself not cry. He lowered his hand from her mouth.

"I told you if I couldn't have you no one would." He taunted while his hand slid under the robe and caressed her skin. She cringed and fought the urge to vomit.

"Please don't do this. Please."

"I love it when you beg." He teased, and then spun her around, pressing her back against the wall.

"Don't hurt me."

She shuddered when his right hand grazed over her breast.

"All I want is what's rightfully mine," he hissed.

The reality of what he intended to do rocked through her body. This couldn't be happening. She prayed it was a terrible dream.

"Look at me!" He demanded.

Bella lifted her head and looked him in the eyes. His eyes were full of anger. The man in front of her was not the one she fell in love long ago with but the monster he became. She knew she had to keep it together if she wanted to get out of this alive, that she couldn't show any fear. The words stay calm and keep him talking ran through her mind. I can do this. I have to do this.

"I don't understand. I thought you were getting married." She tried to reason with him.

"Are you jealous, baby?" James smirked while he stroked her hair "You're as beautiful as ever." With his hand, he caressed her skin just above the robe opening before running it down her cleavage exposing more of her body. Bella never thought it was possible to loathe someone so much. His touch made her skin crawl, but she refused to flinch and give him any satisfaction. She steadied herself, suppressed all her emotions, and went numb. Retreating into herself and shutting down her mind was the only way she knew how to cope. It was the only way she could endure what was about to happen. When she felt his lips on hers and the sash of the only thing she was wearing opening, she closed her eyes, then braced herself.

A loud crash caused her eyes to fly open. What she saw in front of her was both a dream and a nightmare. Was Edward actually here? Edward and James fought as she looked on. Bella couldn't focus on what they were saying. She stood there frozen to the wall trying to wrap her brain around everything. Finally finding her voice, she screamed, "Edward!"

Edward glanced toward her giving James the upper hand. James took the opportunity and punched him in the stomach, causing him to stumble back.

"No!" she yelled.

Edward steadied himself and then punched James in the face, pushing him to the ground. He tried to get up, but Edward kicked him in the stomach. He was on the ground in the fetal position bleeding from his lip.

"You will never touch her again! I'll kill you before I ever let you hurt her!" Edward turned toward her. "Bella, are you alright?"

"Yes." The tears finally started to fall.

"Go call the police."

Bella nodded. With shaky hands she wrapped the robe around her body and ran toward the bedroom.

Finally reaching the bed she grabbed her cell phone and dialed 911.

"911. What's your emergency?" the calm voice asked.

"My ex-husband broke into the house and attacked me."

"Are you okay?"

"Yes."

"Is he still there?"

"Yes. My boyfriend came home. They're arguing and fighting." She cried.

"Stay calm. What is your address?"

"23 Haven Drive on Willow Lake. Please hurry."

"The police are on their way. Is anyone hurt?"

"My ex is bleeding. Edward stopped him before he-" Bella took a deep breath. "before he could-" She couldn't say the words. Tears fell down her cheek.

"Help is on the way. Stay on the line until they arrive."

"Thank you," Bella whispered.

"Where are you?"

"In the bedroom."

"Where are they?"

"Down the hall."

"Just stay calm and keep talking to me. They'll be there soon."

Just as the words left the ladies mouth she heard, thud, thud, thud, and then a loud crash. She dropped the phone and ran toward the noise praying Edward was okay. He was standing at the top of the stairs. She was by his side instantly, "You're okay!" Relief swept through her.

Edward took a deep breath and nodded.

"Where's James?" As the words left her mouth she looked down and saw his lifeless body lying at the bottom of the staircase. "Oh my God!" She felt her knees weaken. The last thing she remembered was the feeling of Edward's arms around her and his soothing words, "You're safe now," before she passed out.

End Notes:

See you Thursday!