BPOV

The smells of cinnamon, lilac, and honey surrounded me. I felt the IV in my arm before I saw it, and I expected to be in a hospital bed, but hospitals don't smell like cinnamon. The bed was large, I could stretch my legs if need be. Sinking into an obviously pricey mattress, with a lightweight duvet over me, I continued to sleep.

My dreams were filled with a 6 '2'' Adonis, fair-skinned with emerald eyes. Hair in disarray- with this beautiful copper tint. With a prominent jaw, he seemed to be constantly tense, except for those rare moments when he smirked at me. Then his face relaxes and his eyes hold a childlike wonder that I envy. He is consistently in a suit, invariably driving different vehicles, a definite anomaly.

The next time I woke, without opening my eyes, I still smelled lilac and honey. My right cheekbone stung as I pulled my hand up to trace it, I traced it down to my chest and felt the scratch marks Garrett left on me. Reaching lower I felt I was in a camisole, it felt as if it was made out of silk, and I believe I had silk pants on too. Who invented silk pajamas? I deepened my eyes closed and exhaled before falling into slumber.

I woke again, it felt as if it were days later, but it was a nightmare that woke me this time. Shooting up into a sitting position at once, I felt something sharp rip out of my arm and groaned. I detested blood and could smell the iron that dripped from my forearm. My breathing was quick and heady, and I felt beyond flustered.

My eyes opened and took in my surroundings, it was an off-white room that must have been twice the size of my apartment. The bedding was light grey and the pillows surrounding me were plush. Anxiety overlooked me and I began to attempt to count my breathing, 1-2-3-4 hold, 1-2-3-4 hold, repeat. The only thing that comforted me was the faint smell of cinnamon.

The one-of-a-kind wooden door to the room opened slowly and cautiously. My inhales became sharper.

A small woman with dark brown hair, styled in a pixie cut with light brown eyes entered the room. She wore a small white button-down with a small back vest over it, a short black pleated skirt, and three hanging bohemian necklaces.

She carefully tiptoed towards me, "Hi! I'm Alice, Edward's sister- I've heard a lot about you, Bella. Oh… you're bleeding!"

She spoke so hurriedly that I almost couldn't keep up, "I think I sat up too quickly, I didn't even realize I had an IV until now, I'm sorry".

Alice smiled kindly, "Why are you apologizing? I'm sure the fluids are done anyway. I'll just press a bandage to it and it'll be good as new! Are you feeling any better after some sleep? Are you hungry? I made some homemade ravioli!"

She stepped to the side of the bed and grabbed gauze from on top of the nightstand, then reached for my left forearm where the blood was running. My entire body flinched backward, and I realized I was fearful of her touch.

She moved her arm away slowly, "If you want, you can do it, just press it onto the area to stop the blood", caringly she smiled.

I took the gauze from her, "Thanks.. Alice".

She beamed and looked happy with herself, "If you're in any pain, you'll have to eat before taking the medication. I've been told under strict order that you must eat!"

I sighed, "I'm not too hungry, but I can certainly try. Hey, where am I? Is this the presidential wing of the hospital or something?" I attempted to smile.

"Oh! I should've told you before. This is Edward's penthouse, and this is one of his guestrooms" How is it possible to talk so fast?

I nodded mutely, "And where is, Edward?"

Alice fluttered to the foot of the bed, "He's just handling some business, he'll be back within the hour! I'm going to go make you a plate, and just to warn you, my homemade ravioli is the best, so you will eat it all!" She quickly danced out of the room like a tinkering fairy.

Laying back down into the heaven that was this bed, I let my eyes flutter closed. The musings of Edward played through my throbbing head, and before I knew it, the smell of cinnamon and honey rushed through my nose.

Unsettled, I slowly opened my eyes and turned my head to the right. There he was, all 6'2'' of him, with his green eyes looking at me, the color reminding me of the forests in Forks. At this moment I was oddly comforted by his presence.

"Hi.." I said unsteadily.

Edward smiled wearily, "Ciao Isabella", he reached over and gently stroked my forehead, "How are you feeling?"

"I slept a lot, but my back is pretty sore", I was captivated by the way he looked at me.

He grabbed a tube of cream off of the nightstand and began to open the small tube, "This is just Neosporin, but I'm going to put some of the cut on your cheekbone. Can I ask you something?"

Edward's long fingers reached out and delicately pressed into my abrasion, "Yes," I exhaled.

His hand stayed rubbing the side of my cheekbone with his touch as light as a feather, "Did he...has he-"

I cut him off, knowing exactly what he would ask, "Yes. The first time I met him".

Despair crossed his features, and I knew right then, that Edward cared about me. After all, he did come to save me from whatever could've happened in that basement. It was confusing to me, though, "Edward, why do you care about me?"

He looked perplexed by my question, then took a breath and answered, "I feel very… protective over you."

We sat gazing at each other for a few moments. Deciding to break the silence, "You didn't answer my question."

There were two knocks on the door to the guest room I was occupying. Edward's hand immediately moved from caressing my face. A tall blonde man with almost shoulder-length hair walked in, "Mr. Cullen, sorry to interrupt. I have her Morphine shot if she's ready."

"She is right here."

"Bella, this is Felix, my Doctor. He's been treating your injuries," Just like that, the mask Edward wore was back on.

The doctor reached out to shake my hand, "It's nice to be of service to you, Isabella. How is your pain right now?"

I shook his hand cautiously and immediately let go, "It's not so good."

He chuckled, probably trying to break the tension, "Four fractured ribs will do that. This is a morphine injection, it's a low dose, but will cause drowsiness."

Felix moved the needle closer to me and I drew back, hit with memories of Garrett hurting me.

Edward shifted uncomfortably, "Felix, would you mind leaving the medication with me? I'd like to speak with Bella."

The good doctor handed the injection to Edward, and scurried out of the guest room, "Isabella. This will make the pain go away. Are you afraid of needles?"

"No", I answered honestly.

Edward understood at once, "Was it because he's a stranger trying to touch you?"

I cleared my throat, "Yes."

He reached out and ran his fingers through my hair, "But you allow me to touch you."

I shook my head yes in response, "So we aren't strangers, Isabella?"

I took the arm closest to him and moved it from out of the covers, I reached my hand to go onto his forearm, "Not anymore."

He looked contemplative, "Would you like me to give you the injection then?"

"Yes, I trust you", I said without wavering.

Edward took the injection and uncapped the needle, he took an alcohol pad and rubbed it on my shoulder, before pushing the medication into my skin. A wave of tranquility washed over me, but it was nothing compared to him sitting here.

I started feeling fuzzy, "I think your sister made me ravioli... Hm.." Then I giggled.

His hand was stroking my hair, the feeling was mesmerizing, "Isabella, the drugs are making you sciocco, but I prefer when you are laughing." ("silly")

Looking at Adonis, he wore a lopsided grin and I adored it, "I prefer when you're close to me", I said seriously.

My eyes began to shut on their own regard when Edward spoke, "Isabella, I only say this because in a moment you'll be sleeping and you'll forget it by the morning, but I do like being close to you Angelo. I really, truly, do." ( "angel")

In the next few seconds, the scent of cinnamon grew closer, and I could've sworn I felt a pair of lips gently place a kiss on my forehead.