Chapter 31

~I Believe~

I awaken suddenly, my heart beating fast. I listen hard, trying to discern what disturbed me. There is only the soft whoosh of air through the vents, and beyond the door to my room, the muted sounds of the hospital—the squeak of rubber-soled shoes, hushed voices, the rattle of equipment being rolled along the hall.

Dizziness causes the room to waver before my eyes when I try to sit up. Sharp pain blooms in the center of my chest, and I gasp, unable to catch my breath. I remember that I was shot with a tranquilizer gun. I'm lucky, so lucky to be alive, that I wasn't the one chosen to die. My fingers drift across the bandage, and I draw in as much air as I can and shut my eyes until the room rights itself.

Please give me this—this peace. I haven't felt a moment of peace in so long.

I gasp as Bella's words echo in my mind, not caring about the jolt of pain that steals my meager supply of air. Bella was here! She curled up beside me and trusted me enough to fall asleep with my arms around her. I pat the spot on the mattress next to me, wondering if she was just a hope or a dream.

The bed is warm, a slight indentation from where her body curled into a ball at my side. Now that the pain is receding, I feel the ghost of her body pressed against mine.

Memories flit slowly through the fog. She was worried for me. Her tears wet the back of my hand, and when I swiped the hair away from her face—one eye was swollen shut and a cluster of bruises discolored her pale skin.

"Bella." My voice is a pained, raspy whisper.

The shadows in the room morph, and then she's standing beside me with a generic hot cup in hand. "You're awake."

"Thought I dreamed you." The words slip out before I can stop them.

She puts the cup on the bedside table and draws close, clasping my hand. "I'm sorry, Edward. I thought I could make it back before you woke up."

I tug on Bella's hand, encouraging her to sit on the bed. This time, she doesn't fight but comes to me easily, perching on the edge of the mattress. Her face is obscured by the dimness of the room and a thick lock of hair; there's no need to scare her away by drawing attention to the damage I already know is there.

I squeeze her hand gently. "Who hurt you?"

She looks away. "Edward . . ."

"Please don't do that. You can trust me, tell me anything."

"I know that." She turns back, swiping a soothing hand over my forehead, and allows her fingers to tangle in my hair, massaging lightly. "I trust you."

"Who did this?" I skim my index finger along the side of her face.

She gasps, letting the air out on a soft sob. "He found me." A moment that feels like an hour goes by as I wait for her to confirm what I already suspect. "Phoenix."

"When? How?"

"After Jim left. He must have been watching, p-planning." She tilts her head back, gazing at the ceiling. "I got too complacent, forgot how devious he is."

"Bella . . ."

Her laugh is rife with sadness. "He's never marked my face before, but I've made him so angry. He usually makes sure the bruises aren't visible. He lost control."

"He's never going to touch you again." I clench my jaw, angry at Jimmy for not protecting her and angry with myself for not stepping in sooner.

"But he will. I was a fool to think I could outrun him."

"I won't let him."

She shakes her head sadly. "You can't stop him—nobody can."

We're interrupted as Ali breezes into the room and pulls the curtain, blocking us from the view of anyone in the hall. I've never been so unhappy to see my sister.

Bella straightens up, moving to pull away, but I grasp the sleeve of her hoodie. "Please stay."

She seems torn, glancing back and forth between Ali and me. "I—"

My sister doesn't seem bothered by Bella's presence. She moves to the head of the bed, reaching for the light bar. "Edward, shield your eyes a moment. I'm making the light brighter."

I lower my lids, but I'm not willing to close my eyes completely. I'm not sure if it's because I'm afraid Bella is a figment or that she might take the opportunity to slip my grasp and run, but I'm not taking any chances.

Once I'm accustomed to the light, I open my eyes all the way. Bella's head is down, her hair concealing her face from view. Ali stands beside the bed with her arms crossed and a stubborn pinch to her face that I recognize all too well; she wants answers.

"Ali—"

"Shut up, Edward," Ali says brusquely, then looks at Bella. "Listen, honey, I know you're going through a rough time right now, but this bastard killed someone and made it clear that my brother will be next. You need to tell me what the hell is going on."

Bella sobs quietly, nodding her head. "Yes, I'll tell you."

"Was it him? The guy who whipped you?"

"Yes."

Ali slips her cell phone from her pocket and dials, a determined expression hardening her delicate features. "Sam, I want an officer posted at Edward's door until he's released from the hospital." She listens for a few seconds. "Isn't the fact the murder victim fit his description coupled with the threatening note pinned to his damn shirt enough evidence?" Sam spoke for a few seconds more before Ali thanked him and ended the call.

Normally, I would argue with my sister but not when I know Phoenix is so close, and Bella is in danger.

Within an hour, there is a guard posted at my door. An undercover officer dressed in scrubs patrols the floor, alert for anyone suspicious. Ali has gone into "boss mode," directing everyone around us. The resolute gleam in her eye deters any argument. I'm often annoyed when she gets like this, but not this time. I'm so grateful because she's determined to keep Bella safe. We're aligned on that goal. I'm done lying to myself about my feelings, and if Jimmy isn't going to adequately protect Bella, I'll make it my priority.

I'm not sure what's going on with Jimmy. Ever since he came to town, I've been dealt one curveball after another, throwing me off balance. I've been letting things happen to me and influence the direction of my life. That stops now; I'm taking the reins.

Ali has a cot brought in for Bella and asks for a list of things she needs from home. Emmett and Jasper go out to the farmhouse to gather Bella's belongings.

In the meantime, Ali pulls a chair next to the bed. "Who is Phoenix?"

Bella sits on the edge of the mattress and laces her fingers in mine. "I don't know his real name. Jim hired a private detective, but Phoenix is like a ghost."

Ali leans forward, her hands clasped between her knees. "No, who is Phoenix?" She taps her temple with her index finger. "What makes him tick up here?"

"I don't know."

Ali places a gentle hand on Bella's knee. "Honey, you know a lot more than you think you do. What does he want and need? Think of habits, hot buttons, repeat behavior—anything that might help us figure him out."

Bella stares into space for several seconds before answering. "When I first met him, he made me feel special. Everyone on Fire Island treated him with deference. He's very charming and has an ability to make you feel special, like you're the only one. I fell hard for him . . . had stars in my eyes. Ming Li tried to discourage me, but before I knew it, I was his. He showered me with gifts and affection. I felt"—she pauses, tears slipping down her face—"I felt so lucky to have him. When he first brought me to one of the dungeons and started my training, it seemed harmless enough. I figured he gave me so much that I should make his fantasy come true in return. And it was okay until he started whipping me, sharing me! He w-watched while other men used me!" She pulls away from me, curling in on herself, and sobs brokenly.

I reach for her, but Ali shakes her head before moving to put her arm around Bella's shoulders. Bella grabs for my sister, taking refuge in her embrace. Ali strokes Bella's hair and shushes her, whispering encouraging words. After the initial pang of jealousy ebbs away, I'm grateful Ali is here to offer her comfort. Maybe a feminine touch is what she needs right now.

Eventually, Bella's sobs die down, and she swipes at her face with the sleeve of her hoodie.

Ali rubs her back in soothing circles. "You're doing so well, honey. It's good to let this out. Whenever you're ready, you can tell us more."

Bella sniffles, nodding her head. "Thank you. I think I can talk now."

Ali walks over to the bedside table and pours a cup of water from the pitcher, handing it to Bella. She drinks most of the water, then hands the cup back to Ali and takes a deep breath, staring down at her hands. "Phoenix is full of ego and rage. He expects everyone to fall in line, to revere him. I always obeyed, but more and more often, he would show up angry. He'd mutter about people who didn't meet his expectations and needed to be put in line. I would listen with sympathy and try to help him relax. It worked at first, but then he started telling me I'd displeased him, that I wasn't obedient enough. He started to whip me, hurt me so badly, and then he would treat my wounds, coddle me. He would touch me gently and whisper soothing words. And that was good enough—at least until Jim showed up. Jim was so different, thoughtful and kind. He gave me flowers and jewelry, but what impressed me the most was the way he listened to me. Phoenix wanted someone to defer to him and stroke his ego; Jim cared about me, my thoughts and dreams. When Jim saw my scars for the first time, he had tears in his eyes. He touched me so gently, massaging pain-relieving cream on my back." Bella pauses a moment, lost in her memories. "Soon after, Jim started campaigning to buy my freedom and take me away from Fire Island. The day she finally agreed, Ming looked at me with such sorrow. She insisted on speaking with me alone and asked if I knew what I was doing. But I couldn't stay there and be a slave to Phoenix—not after being cared for by Jim. I begged her to let me go even though it would endanger us both, so she did."

I had become so enthralled with Bella's story that I didn't notice the effect it had on Ali. My sister's face is wet with tears, and she looks at me with such pain in her eyes. "I had no idea, Bella. I'm so very sorry you had to go through that." Ali wipes her tears, and her expression is steely. "We are going to protect you. That bastard is never hurting you again." Her intense gaze lands on me, and I nod, knowing what she's trying to convey. Jim saved Bella from unimaginable abuse, but something captured his attention to the point he failed Bella. Phoenix found her, hurt her, and we're not going to allow it to happen again.

"Bella, honey, Edward will be discharged tomorrow—"

Ali's words are interrupted by a fearful animal sound. Bella wrings her hands and rocks lightly, whispering, "He'll find me."

"No, no." Ali kneels at Bella's feet and takes her hands, looking up at her imploringly. "You are coming home with us. We are going to protect you. Okay?"

"O-okay."

Ali leaves to go on her rounds. Bella sits silently for a while, and I give her space to process everything. After a time, she looks at me, no longer hiding her injured face.

"Hey there." I duck my head, seeking out her gaze.

Bella offers a small smile in return. "Hey."

"Come here." I shift over on the bed, opening my arms, and Bella curls against my side, allowing me to hold her. I plant a kiss on the crown of her head and rest my cheek against her hair. "Phoenix isn't going to hurt you anymore. I won't let him."

Bella snuggles against my chest with a soft sigh. "I believe you."

~oOo~

Things are about to go sideways with some rough times ahead, but this will (eventually) be HEA. Would love to hear your thoughts and theories. Do you think Edward should remain loyal to Jimmy or should he follow his heart?

PSA: Fanfail has been a weenie lately with spotty notifications and missing pages. Be sure to adjust your settings to receive alerts as they are automatically turned off every few months.

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