Chapter 2 - Intolerable

Edward Cullen looked around the set much like an old English lord might survey his estate. He appeared to take no notice of the staring eyes of the others as he moved fluidly across the floor. With leonine grace, he folded himself into a director's chair, crossed one ankle over his other knee, and picked up a nearby magazine to peruse. Tousled bronze hair spilled over his forehead as he made himself comfortable in the seat.

Bella took some more calming breaths and concentrated on slowing her racing heartbeat. It didn't seem there was much she could do about the unhappy stomach, but she refused to let it interfere with her upcoming performance. In all her life, she had never failed at any of her goals, and this was a streak she didn't plan on breaking any time soon. Especially not with something involving one frustratingly annoying person like Edward "I'm Too Good for You" Cullen.

Before auditioning for this film, she had never met the Hollywood playboy, but his reputation far preceded him. One would have to be completely removed from all mainstream media not to hear about the many lavish parties at his extravagant mansion or see the photos of him with a different posse of women hanging off his body every other week. The gossip rags were kept abuzz with countless exclusive interviews from women detailing the effusive Cullen charm.

As susceptible as attention-seeking girls were to his allure, the film industry bigwigs proved worse. They courted him with all the zeal of love-struck teenagers. Those select few who were fortunate enough to win his favor kowtowed and capitulated to his every demand. Edward Cullen was the current gold standard in Hollywood, and everyone wanted a piece of his stock.

The first time Bella and Edward met was during the screen test. They were reading a scene in which Bella's character, Bree Tanner, propositions her father's boss Riley Biers in exchange for assistance with her family's financial plight. Riley owned several exclusive nightclubs, and Bree's father, Sam, was one of his managers. Sam was recovering from alcohol and gambling problems, and he owed Riley a large sum of money.

At first, Bella was in awe of Edward's apparent acting skills. He artfully conveyed the haughtiness afforded by his character's position and wealth. As she began undressing for him in accordance with the screenplay, he raised an eyebrow and directed her to turn around so he could examine her assets. Then without warning, he closed the distance between them in two swift strides, roughly grabbed her upper arms, and brought his lips to her ear.

"We might be able to work something out," he rasped as he delivered the scene's closing line. He released her quickly and walked away, leaving Bella reeling from the intensity in his voice.

It wasn't long, however, until she began to wonder if he had been acting at all during his performance. Bella was used to chatting with potential castmates before and after readings, and even the staunchest method actors usually broke character upon a scene's completion to make polite conversation. Edward, however, had left the room without any interaction outside of the test scene.

Being one who didn't jump to hasty conclusions, Bella withheld judgment about him during that encounter. But even after she had secured the role and filming began, Edward made no attempt at courtesy. When she approached him in a respectful effort to get to know her costar or to discuss the film, his only response was a sly smirk and deafening silence.

The first time this one-sided exchange occurred, Bella blinked at him in confusion, then awkwardly excused herself from his presence. She tried to make conversation once more. When he looked up from his phone, met her gaze, then deliberately dismissed her by returning his eyes to the device, Bella turned on her heel and marched away.

She could take a hint.

Bella was not lacking in self-esteem, but she had spent a few moments attempting to resolve Edward's actions toward her with what she had heard and read about him. As Bella sipped her water and waited for the day's filming to begin, she recalled a conversation she'd held with Angela and Esme a few days ago.

"I don't understand why he's so rude to me," Bella had mused while the ladies relaxed in Esme's pool.

"It's not just you, Bella," Angela replied as she floated lazily on a water lounger. "He's like that with almost everyone on set."

Bella shrugged. "How does he have so many dates and all those big parties if he's such an ass? Who could stand to be around him with a crappy attitude like that?"

Esme snorted in a decidedly unladylike fashion. "I doubt they're after him for his winning personality."

"Hmm." Bella tapped her fingers to her chin. "I wonder why he acts the way he does."

"Maybe because he can? He's a spoiled brat with good looks and money and the world at his feet." Angela shook her head in disgust. "Why bother himself with the effort of having manners if he doesn't need to?"

With a resigned sigh, Bella adjusted her sunglasses and crossed her arms in front of her chest. "I suppose so. But I'd rather not have anything to do with that type of person. It'll be harder for me to pull off convincing love scenes if I can barely stand to be around him."

Esme smiled at Bella in a very maternal way. "My dear, you are a consummate professional. I have full confidence in your acting ability. And remember: you are supposed to show passion. Love isn't the only passionate emotion."

The corners of Bella's lips turned up fondly at the thought of Esme. While the young actress took pride in the hard work she had dedicated to her career, she knew that Esme was a large factor in where she was today. One couldn't ask for a better agent…or friend.

There was a sudden quiet on set as a black-haired head poked up from the middle of the room. Bella looked over to where Alice Brandon, the director of the film, was standing on an apple box and waving her clipboard in the air.

"Okay, everyone! Listen up!" she commanded with a loud voice that belied her petite, 5'1" frame. "If you haven't done a love scene with me before, here's how I run things. We'll do basic blocking, lights, and sound setup as usual, and then there'll be a quick rehearsal to shake out any bugs. You've all seen the shot list and know I don't have much on there. That's because I like to see how the actors respond to each other and where they take the scene on their own before I step in and show them the right way – my way, of course."

Several of the crew chuckled. "We'll do mostly medium range shots this morning, and after I review the film during lunch, there may be more mediums before the close-ups."

Alice spun around quickly on her box, but still managed to look into the eyes of every person in the room. "You know this is a closed set today. After rehearsal, we'll lock the doors, and anyone who isn't on the list will be out of here. Any questions about the process?"

There were murmured noes and head shaking from the group. Bella's gaze wandered over to Edward, who was still flipping through the magazine and sporting an ear bud attached to an iPod. She fought the urge to roll her eyes at his cavalier display of inattention.

"Bella! Cullen!" Alice barked. "Get over here!"

After a quick hand squeeze from Angela, Bella made her way over to Alice, who was now standing by a small wooden desk within the shell of a sparsely decorated office room. Edward had already taken his position as Riley in the chair behind the desk.

"You two are ready to go with this scene, right?" Alice looked back and forth between her stars. "You talked?"

Edward only glanced at Bella and shrugged. Shooting an irritated scowl at him, Bella turned to the director.

"I've been trying…"

Alice cut her off with an impatient sigh. "We'll make this quick. Cullen, do you have any limitations concerning this scene? Any 'Do Not Cross' lines?"

Without blinking, he directed his reply to Bella. "No. None at all."

Bella was determined not to squirm under his penetrating stare. "Same here."

"Okay, then. Good. Now Bella, Riley kicked your dad out of his office at the club and sent him to summon you." Alice glanced down at her clipboard, then pointed to the office door.

"You'll come in here from the club where you've just had the argument scene with Sam. He begged you not to go to Riley, but you're desperate. You're scared and ashamed, but you've gotta convince Riley to take your offer." Alice barely paused to catch a breath before yelling for the camera crew.

Bella took the last few minutes until rehearsal commenced to focus her thoughts and get into character. Bree loved her family fiercely and would go to any lengths to care for them. She and Bella were very similar in that respect. However, Bella did not have the sexual experience that Bree was written to have had. In fact, the only kisses she had ever shared were the G- and PG-rated lip touches included in scripts. Esme and Angela had plopped Bella in front of a computer and exposed her to hours of the best pornography they could find in order to get her prepped for this role.

Marrying her protective nature with the lasciviousness of those whose erotic acts she had witnessed, Bella channeled her inner Bree. She would do anything for the ones she loved. She would grovel to whoever could help her. She would give herself to the arrogant, impassive man who…

"I'm feeling lucky. This rehearsal will be the first take. Let's see what you've got!" Alice signaled.

"Quiet on the set!"

Lost in Bree's thoughts, Bella hit her mark outside the office door and smoothed the short leather skirt over her hips.

"Roll it."

"Rolling."

"Speed. Twenty-five, take one."

The clacker sounded.

"Action!"