The sight that greeted Isabellas eyes was one that would be seared into her memory forever. Long, muscular legs, skin as smooth as jade with a rosy glow, hair beads with glistening water droplets, and the steamy heat that cast a blush over Edward Cullens chiseled features. His usually cool eyes were now filled with a watery sheen, adding an unintended sensuality to his appearance.
Isabella found herself gulping involuntarily, her heart pounding in her chest. "Get out!" came the cold, stern command from the man, his usually handsome face now darkened with anger.
She quickly retreated, pulling the door shut behind her and turning away, trying to calm her racing heart. The image of Dr. Cullen, looking like a water nymph tempting her with his allure, was burned into her mind. Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment and excitement.
Moments later, the door was flung open with a bang, indicating the owners fury. Jamie Fraser glared at her, his eyes flashing with a murderous intent: "These eyes have seen what they shouldnt have. They should be gouged out!"
Gouged out, gouged out... The terrifying echo rang in her mind, and Isabellas face paled in fear. "No, no, Ill take responsibility, can I do that?" she blurted out, trying to defuse the situation.
At the mention of "responsibility," Dr. Cullens face darkened even further. He gritted his teeth and said to Jamie, "Take her to the authorities. Charge her with trespassing and theft!"
"Yes, Master!" Jamie dragged her towards the door.
"Hey, Jamie, lets talk this through, no need for violence!" Isabella, who was taller than Jamie, felt a bit embarrassed. She couldnt afford to be seen beaten by a child. Jamies eyes were cold, showing no mercy as he tightened his grip on her wrist. "Keep talking, and well see how much you talk in jail!"
Well, if you wont play nice, then dont blame me for playing dirty, Isabella thought. On the count of three, she rolled her eyes back and let out a dramatic "wail," pretending to faint.
Jamie was caught off guard and hurriedly supported her, looking to Dr. Cullen for guidance. "Master, shes fainted!"
Dr. Cullen approached slowly, feeling for her pulse with a wry smile. "Go to the Swan residence and inform Lord Finch to collect her."
"Yes, sir!" Jamie left, forgetting that he was still holding her.
Thud! The heavy object hit the ground as Isabella bit back a cry of pain, determined to continue her act.
"Jamie is really too harsh, not even showing a bit of chivalry!" Dr. Cullen crouched down beside her, his tone dripping with feigned sympathy. Isabella could tell he was actually quite amused.
"You really should show some mercy, Dr. Cullen. At least help me up? Lying here for long will give me rheumatism, you know?" Isabella grumbled to herself.
As if hearing her thoughts, Dr. Cullens sleeve brushed against her as he reached out. Her heart leaped in anticipation. Men, she thought, always say one thing but their actions tell a different story. I mean, with my looks—
"Perhaps shes suffered from heatstroke. We should pinch her to bring her around," he said, and without ceremony, he pinched her tigers mouth, hard. The pain was so intense that Isabella nearly jumped up, remembering just in time that she was pretending to be unconscious.
Revenge is a dish best served cold, she told herself, gritting her teeth against the pain. Dr. Cullen, youll pay for this!
"No reaction from pinching? It seems shes quite ill," Dr. Cullen feigned concern. "In that case, we must resort to more drastic measures..."
Isabellas heart skipped a beat, her mind racing. What drastic measures could he possibly have?
Dr. Cullens voice drifted to her ears, "Bloodletting." With that, he went back into the room and returned with a knife. As the warmth of his palm cradled her finger and the cold blade touched her delicate skin, Isabella could no longer maintain her act.
"Ouch, that hurts, but it works," Dr. Cullen muttered, preparing to make the cut.
Isabella jumped up with a scream, leaping back a meter, clutching herself and wailing, "Dr. Cullen, are you really going to draw my blood?"
He raised an eyebrow, "But youre unconscious. How could you know Im about to draw blood?"
"I—!" Isabellas eyes darted around, and she lifted her chin defiantly, "So what? I just woke up and heard you talking about drawing my blood. Is that a problem? Let me tell you, your behavior is going to ensure you never get a girlfriend!"
Dr. Cullen gave a cold smile, "Since youre awake, then off to the authorities we go."
"What? Still?" Isabella was taken aback. After all her dramatics, it seemed she couldnt escape her fate. "Dr. Cullen, dont push me too far. Ive said it wasnt intentional!"
"Save it for the officials," Dr. Cullen replied, dusting off his sleeves as he advanced towards her.
Isabella retreated, pointing at him in warning, "Dont come any closer, or youll regret it!"
"Oh? Regret how?" he asked, seemingly unfazed.
Seeing his nonchalant attitude, Isabellas anger boiled over. Dr. Cullen, since youre heartless, dont blame me for being ruthless!
She began to unfasten her sash, pretending to undress, and shouted dramatically, "Help! Assault! Dr. Cullen is assaulting me—"
"Silence!" Dr. Cullens eyebrows twitched in anger, reaching out to cover her mouth, but Isabella dodged out of the way, continuing to shout, "Help! Assault! Dr. Cullen is assaulting me—"
"Youre going too far, Isabella Swan!" Dr. Cullen ground his teeth, clearly agitated. "Youre the one crying wolf!"
Isabella stuck her tongue out at him from behind a row of drying herbs, taunting, "This is called fighting fire with fire. Its all your fault for accusing me of theft and wanting to report me to the authorities. But I ask you, what exactly did I steal from you? Show me the evidence!"
"You!" Dr. Cullen was left speechless, choked with frustration.
Isabella pressed her advantage, "I say, I should be the one to sue you for theft! Youre the real thief!" She pointed at him assertively.
Dr. Cullen found this absurd, looking at her as if she were delusional. "Youre turning the tables? Your ability to distort the truth is truly masterful!"
Isabella flashed him a sly smile. "Youve stolen my heart, arent you a thief then?" She blew him a kiss and made a heart sign with her fingers.
"Isabella Swan, do you have no sense of shame?!" Dr. Cullen suddenly felt a pang in his chest.
Isabella shrugged. "Shame? Whats that? I only have a heart full of love for you~biubiubiu~"
Humph, Ive still got you beat, dont I, little man? Isabella thought triumphantly.
Dr. Cullen felt lightheaded, his cheeks flushed unnaturally. Not wanting to engage with what he considered to be a madwoman, he grabbed her wrist and threw her towards the door. "Get out, and dont come back!"
Isabella took a deep breath,Speed up the undressing process. "Help! Assault!"
"Youre doing what!" Dr. Cullen jolted in shock, seeing that she had no intention of stopping. Her sash was already loose, revealing her undergarments. Alarmed, he hurriedly helped her pull up her clothes and fasten her sash, gruffly saying, "Put your clothes on this instant!"
"But, Dr. Cullen, what are you doing?!" An astonished voice rang out from behind.