Hey all – thank you for sticking with me through the fail of, well, you know…I hope everyone liked the first chapter of Starlet. It's something that I've never done before but I hope you enjoy it. Anyhow, on with the show.
Summary/Disclaimer: None of this is owned by me. (HA! I wish…). Stephenie Meyer created the world of Twilight. I just like to visit and make them do pervy things, like have sex and swear.
In this chapter, I will be switching between the points of view. I personally don't care for that but I don't want to give you a million short chapters as opposed to one long one. Also, some of the behaviors displayed by Jacob and James may be disturbing to some. So, here's your warning…strong nonconsensual sexual content (not rape). Put your minds at ease about that. Just some inappropriate touching…
Chapter Seven: Nightmare
EPOV
Eight Months Later…
"Bella, where are you going?" I asked as I watched her get ready. She was dressed to kill in a skimpy black dress and curled hair. "Why am I not going with you?"
"Jacob wants me to get to know my new costar," she answered. "James and I are going to be working on that new film being directed by your dad. It's the first of nearly five films. We need to have a rapport. Besides, Jacob will be there. So will James' girlfriend, Victoria. I'll be fine, Dad."
"Bella," I growled.
"Sorry. Look, I appreciate you worrying about me but it needs to happen. It's just dinner. Jacob will be here in about a half hour to pick me up. Can you help me run lines?"
"Sure," I sighed as we walked to her couch. I picked up her worn script and we went over lines and subtle nuances that her character, Becca, needed to have. Bella was the perfect woman to play this part since she had an innocence about her that she really played up when she fell into the role. That and she was physically perfect for it. Becca was a young girl with long, chocolate brown hair and wide doe eyes. Just like Bella.
Stop it. Boss, remember? No fucking the boss. You need to get over her. Find some random chick and bang her.
NO. I just want her. Only her. No one will compare.
"Edward! You're spacing out, dude," she said as she smacked my leg. "Why do you look like someone ran over your cat?"
"I'm allergic to cats," I mumbled. "I've got a bad feeling about tonight, Bella. Jacob is always insistent that I'm with you everywhere you go, even while he's there. Promise me, you'll call me if you're in a situation that you don't feel comfortable in? Please? I would hate for you to get into any kind of trouble. Carlisle hates when actors and actresses dabble in drugs. You've been clean for nearly a year and I would hate…"
"I'm not going back to that. I'm going to drink, but that's it. The situation with No-Dick scared me. No more drugs," Bella assured me. "Besides, you need a night off. Go out. You have fun. Get drunk. Have sex with a girl." After she said that, her smile quickly left her face. "Um, have a good time but you be safe, too." Her voice dropped to barely a whisper as she hopped up. She grabbed her cigarettes and went out onto the balcony. I watched her as she chain smoked three cigarettes nervously.
With a sigh, I headed outside and stood next to her. "You okay?"
"I'm fine," she said as she tossed the cigarette over the balcony. "Just nervous about going out tonight. That's all."
"Bella, have you ever considered using a different publicist? Someone other than Jacob?" I asked. "He never seems to have your best interests at heart."
"According to Jake, I'm poison. No publicist wants me because of my partying and my former lifestyle," she said bitterly. "I'm a walking, talking, fucking liability. Not that I haven't had any recently. I've been practically a nun since Christmas. BOB has been getting a work out."
"BOB?" I asked.
"Battery operated boyfriend," she said. "Vibrator?"
"Oh, right," I blushed. "Bella, you can go out and have fun, but make wise decisions."
"I've had my fun. I need to grow up," she answered, looking at me. "I don't want some random guy. I want someone to love me. No one loves the slut. I'm still perceived as a slut. A whore."
Bella, I love you. "You're not a slut, Bella. Or a whore," I frowned as I put my hand on her shoulder. "You've changed since I've met you. You have grown up. Will you consider looking for a new publicist? Alice and Jasper use Angela Weber. She's new but really good."
"Get me her number," Bella said as she turned to me. "I'll give her a call." She grabbed my wrist and squeaked when she saw the time. "Shit, I've got to go. Jacob is waiting for me in the garage. I'll see you later, Edward. Lock up when you leave?"
"Sure," I said as I watched her scamper out of her condo, grabbing her purse from the foyer. Bella blew me a kiss and left the condo. I stayed on the balcony as I watched Jacob's silver Hummer roar down the street in front of Bella's condo complex. I definitely felt like something was going to happen and it wasn't going to be good.
BPOV
"So, where are we going, Jake?" I asked as I fluffed my hair.
"We're going out to eat and then heading to a club. This is great news, Bella. A major franchise with Carlisle Cullen as the director! Did you fuck him? I bet he loved pounding into your tight little pussy," Jacob said as he put his meaty hand on my thigh.
"Fuck you, you ass! I didn't fuck him!" I snarled. "And keep your paws away from me." I grabbed his thumb and tossed his hand back to his side of the car.
"Awww, come on, baby," Jacob wheedled as his hand moved back to my thigh. "You know I like you. Why not seal the deal?"
"I'd rather eat my own shit," I said flatly. "Jacob, seriously, it's not professional…"
"Jesus! You're going to pull that crap? Professional? Bella, you're such a fucking slut. You open your legs for any guy with a functioning dick. Yet, you won't do it for me. Come on, baby," he snarled as he moved his hand up my inner thigh, moving closer to my panties. I slipped off my shoe and hit him with the pointy end of my stiletto. "FUCK! Isabella!"
"Keep your grubby, nasty fingers away from me, Jacob," I said, tears threatening to fall. "One more grope like that and I'm calling the cops after I call Edward who will pummel you."
"Please," Jacob scoffed. "Edward couldn't hurt me. He's a fucking pussy, pretty boy. Besides, I made you, Bella. I deserve some payback."
"What? A cut of my paycheck isn't enough for you?" I spat. "Now you want to fuck me? As payment? I'm not your whore, Jacob Black."
"Tonight, you are," Jacob snarled as he pulled over, flying across four lanes of traffic. He grabbed my face and forced me to look at him. "We are celebrating your role as Becca with James and his girlfriend and you will do everything I ask of you. If not, then, your career will be over, Isabella. I'll see to it that you will never work in this town again."
"I'm not fucking you," I seethed.
"That remains to be seen," Jacob said as he shoved me away. His hand moved up my leg and he cupped my sex. "I will get inside of this. I promise you." He slapped my pussy and tore away from the curb. Tears were falling down my cheeks and all I wanted was Edward. I moved closer to the door, trying to get away from Jacob. I slipped out my phone and sent a brief text to Edward.
I miss you – B
"Give me that," Jacob snapped as he grabbed my phone from me. He turned it off and shoved it in his pocket. "Masen is not coming to save you, bitch." I cried silently as Jacob drove to some popular hot spot for celebrities. He used the valet to park his car and hissed at me to smile. I dried my tears and put on my Hollywood grin. The paparazzi were snapping pictures of Jacob and I as he grabbed my ass and made it look like we were a couple. Dragging me into the restaurant, Jacob was led to a back room. James and his girlfriend were already there, sitting inside. James leered at me as Victoria just gazed into space. She looked like she was higher than a kite.
"Jacob! Isabella!" James smiled as he stood up. He walked over to Jacob and hugged him tightly. "You look good, my friend." He turned to me and grinned at me. It looked way creepy, like he was undressing me with his eyes. "As do you, Isabella," he purred, picking up my hand and kissing it. "Fucking sexy." I ripped my hand from his and glared at him. "Now, now. I'm just stating the truth," James chided. "People Magazine named you the sexiest actress under the age of twenty-five. And your body? It's sick. Perfect tits." He palmed my breast and I jumped back.
"What the fuck?" I gasped. "Do you normally grope your co-stars?"
"Only on set but you are the exception, Isabella," James smirked. "Jacob promised me that the four of us would be having fun tonight. I sincerely hope that he isn't lying."
"No, I'm not," Jacob said as he ran his hand up and down my back, moving closer to my ass. "We're going to have a fabulous time. Just the four of us."
"Her bodyguard stayed home?" James asked. "Excellent. He is such a stick in the mud. Now, let's do a line before we order dinner."
"Coke?" I squeaked. "Carlisle doesn't approve of his actors doing drugs. I'm not into this shit."
"You used to be," Jacob hissed. "One line will not hurt you. It may loosen you up. Make you want to spread your legs for us, bitch."
"Like I'm really going to want to do that for you," I spat. "You've got another thing coming. Give me my phone. I'm out of here."
"Excuse us, James," Jacob said as he looked at me murderously. I shrank back as he grabbed my arm. Dragging me through the restaurant, he pushed me into the men's room, locking the door. He slammed me against the door and glared at me. "You are not fucking leaving, you whore."
"Stop calling me that," I whimpered. "I'm not a whore."
"Whatever, Bella. You're not leaving. You are going to stay," Jacob threatened. "You will have fun with us."
"I'm not doing any drugs," I fumed. "I'll drink but that's it. Please, can I have my phone?"
"No."
"Fine. At least keep James away from me. I don't want him touching me," I scowled.
Jacob smiled at me lecherously, palming my breast. "Would you rather it be me? I can make you feel so good, Bella," he purred, moving his other hand up my leg, hitching my skirt up.
"Stop it," I cried. "I don't want anyone to touch me." Only Edward. His hands are the only ones I want.
"Fuck, you've turned into such a fucking prude," Jacob glowered. "I will have you, Bella. Rest assured. I will fuck you. Your pussy will be mine." He leaned down and kissed me sloppily, shoving his tongue into my mouth. I squirmed and shoved him away. Rearing back, I punched him squarely in the jaw just like Gustavo and Edward taught me. A sickening crunch radiated up my arm and I groaned. Jacob backhanded me and pushed me out of the way. "Wash your face, whore and meet me back in the room. If you don't come back, I will be leaking all of your conquests to the media so they can see what a slut you really are." He left me in the bathroom and I whimpered quietly.
What the hell is happening? This is a nightmare. I want Edward.
I washed my face and put my hand underneath the cold water. My right knuckle was already starting to swell up and throb. I took a few deep breaths and walked back to the room from hell. I wonder what they have planned for me next?
EPOV
"Edward, you need to stop pacing," Alice said as she filed her nails. "She'll call you if she needs you."
"That's the thing. She sent me a text saying she missed me and then nothing, Tinker!" I wailed, running my hands through my hair. I was at Alice and Jasper's shared home in Hollywood Hills. I locked up Bella's condo and drove to visit them. They were working on their lines for my uncle's movie. Alice was playing 'Molly,' the all-knowing vampire and Jasper was going to play the part of 'Jackson,' an emo vamp.
"Edward, here. Have a drink," Jasper snickered as he handed me a glass of scotch. I hated the shit but I needed to calm down. I slammed it. "Jesus, Edward. You're supposed to sip it."
"Shut the fuck up. Gimme another one," I said as I plopped down on the couch.
"Edward, drinking your worries away is not going to achieve anything," Alice chided. I shot her a look. She arched a brow and pursed her lips. "Have you told Bella how you feel?"
"What?" I barked.
"Don't lie to me, Edward. You enjoyed that kiss at Christmas a little too much. Plus, you watch over her even when you aren't getting paid," Alice said, arching her brow. "Do you love her? Be honest. I'll know if you lie to me, Edward Anthony."
"Yes, I love her, Alice," I said quietly, idly playing with the glass in my hands. "But she's my boss, Tinker. I cannot put myself in that position. I need to protect her. That's it."
"Then why are you freaking out, Edward?" Jasper asked as he gave me another scotch, taking the empty glass from my hands. "Do you think something is going to happen tonight while she's out with her publicist?"
"I do, Jas. Jacob has become increasingly more overt in his sexual advances," I said, narrowing my eyes. "He'll make some comment about her body and then touch her. Bella slaps his hands away, but it doesn't stop him. I've tried to hover but Jacob always manages to find a way where I get called to do something else or I need to get something. He's the one who wanted a bodyguard for Bella. Now, he's acting all territorial like I'm encroaching on his woman."
"But Bella doesn't want him that way, does she?" Alice asked.
"No. Bella is repulsed by Jacob," I answered. "So much that she asked me for Angela's phone number. I'm thinking that Jacob's days as her publicist are numbered."
"Angela would be great for Bella. She's amazing. Hell, she's made me out to be a fucking saint and I was more of a party animal than Bella. Before I met Alice, though," Jasper smirked. "But, why hadn't she fired him in the first place?"
"Jacob told her that she was poison," I explained as I finished my scotch. "A walking, talking, fucking liability."
"Ooooh, I hate Jacob Black. He's such a dog," Alice growled. "Bella is such a sweet girl. She's not poison."
"She's perfect," I murmured. Fuck, I need her. I want her so badly. I don't know how much longer I'm going to last keeping this secret. I have to tell her. "But, I just know that something is going to happen tonight. Something that's irrevocably going to change my relationship with her."
"What do you mean, Red?" Alice asked as she put her hand on my shoulder as I stared out over the Hollywood Hills.
"Jacob is going to either force into a situation that will force her make an impossible choice," I said, looking at my cousin. "I trust her but I'm so afraid that she's going to make the wrong choice."
"Do you think she'll go back to the drugs?" Jasper asked.
"I don't know." I frowned and pinched my nose. "You heard what happened at the Metropolis wrap party, right?"
"Didn't Newton spike her drink?" Jasper questioned.
I nodded. "It really freaked her out that she wasn't aware of what was going on. She was a mess," I sighed. "I've got to go. I just know that something is going to happen."
"Where is she? Do you know where she's at?" Alice asked.
"Shit. No," I pouted. "I've got to do something." I picked up my cell phone and dialed Bella's number. Straight to voicemail. "Fuck! Something is wrong. She always has her cell phone on. It's going right to voice mail. Alice, I'm going crazy here."
"Edward, screaming isn't going to do anything about it," Alice said sagely. "Come on. Let's watch a movie or play a video game. Anything to get your mind of what's ailing you." She dragged me down to the massive entertainment room on the main floor. The first hour or so, we Wii bowled. Then, Jasper wanted to have a Star Trek movie marathon. I wrinkled my nose at his choice but found that their distractions were what I needed to stop my obsessive thoughts about Bella. However, having a Star Trek movie marathon must have been code for Jasper and Alice to dry hump each other on the couch. They didn't even notice when I left.
I drove along the streets of LA, trying to figure out where Bella was. I knew she was going out to eat but was she going to club afterward? Was she heading back to her condo? Did she want to see me? God knows I wanted to see her. But, I didn't want to act like her bodyguard. I wanted to hold her. Love her.
I wanted more with Bella.
I dialed her number again. "Hi, this is Isabella Swan and I'm unavailable at the moment. Please leave your name, number and I'll get back to you soon," her recording chirped to me.
"Hey, Bella. I got your text a few hours ago but haven't heard back from you. I miss you, too, dolcezza. Please call me. I'm worried about you," I said sadly into my cell phone. "Bye." I love you.
BPOV
Dinner was uncomfortable. To say the least. Victoria was very out of it while Jacob and James were leering at me like I was the meal. Thankfully, I managed to sit opposite of Victoria and away from the guys or else I'd have hands all over me. I picked at my meal as James prattled on about this threesome he had with Victoria and another guy named, Riley. There was a third guy that was supposed to be involved, Laurent, but he had another commitment. James described in detail the things they did to Victoria and I was appalled. Never had I heard such repulsive things in my life and I'd been around the block a few times.
Jacob seemed highly interested in a foursome with Victoria and James. I was the fourth. I nearly vomited right there. There was no way in hell that I was going to have any part of these three touch me. I'd rather move to Antarctica with the fucking penguins.
Also, during dinner, Jacob, James and Victoria kept snorting up coke lines like they were going out of style. I just sipped my wine and ignored the jabs I got from them for being a 'goody-goody' for not wanting to do the cocaine with them.
Soon after the bill was paid, we left the restaurant. Jacob was driving since James had imbibed a little too much alcohol. I tried to sit in the back with Victoria, but James shoved her to the front with Jacob and he sat with me in the back, pulling me across the bench seat next to his too hot body. His breath was rancid from the alcohol, garlic and cocaine. He cupped my chin and forced me to look at him. "Are you having fun, Isabella?" he purred drunkenly.
"No," I answered flatly. "Let me go."
"Why would I do that?" he asked condescendingly. "I've got a fuck hot woman in my arms. A woman that I fully intend on fucking tonight." His hand moved to my thigh and tried to pry my legs apart. "Oh, don't be like that, Isabella. Jacob told me that you like to fuck. I'm a good fuck. Right, Vicki?"
"He's the best," she slurred. "Goes for hours. Have some fun with him, Isabella."
"I'd rather not," I said as I wiggled out of his arms.
"James, do you have our stash? We can make a killing at the club," Victoria smirked. "Oh, I like that Jacob. Finger my pussy, baby." I looked at her and saw that she was sitting with her legs splayed open. Jacob was pounding his hand between her legs as she humped his hand. "If you're this talented with your fingers, I'd die to know what your tongue feels like."
"When we get to the club, dollface," Jacob purred as he pulled his hand from her pussy. He slurped his fingers clean of her juices. "Taste yourself, Vicki. You are fucking delicious." Victoria eagerly sucked Jacob's fingers into her mouth. I scrunched my nose in disgust as I turned away from them. James had tried to do the same to me. His hand was inching closer to my thighs. I glared at him and he backed off. "You guys are going to sell at Boulevard 3?"
"We've sold there before," James said. "You want in on the cut?"
"How much?" Jacob asked.
"Thirty percent of what we take," James answered. "Fifty percent if you can convince Isabella to open her legs for me."
"Bella, fuck him," Jacob snapped.
"Nope. I'd rather die," I said. "Can I have my phone back now?" Jacob glared at me from the rearview mirror but didn't respond. Eventually, we arrived at the club and were ushered in without having to pay a cover charge. Apparently, James had called ahead and made arrangements for our arrival. We had to do some publicity but it wasn't all that bad. I managed to stay away from Jacob and James, while hiding my still throbbing hand. It was now purple and quite swollen.
The club was hopping and crammed tight. Jacob wrapped his arm around me and held me to his body. "Better stay close, Bella. We don't want anything happening to you." His hand moved to my ass and he massaged it roughly. He leaned down and his lips caressed my earlobe. "Are you wet, Bella?"
"I'm drier than the Sahara Desert, Jacob. This little display you're putting on is disgusting. Get your hand off my ass or I will pummel you with my stiletto," I seethed. Jacob chuckled darkly and smacked my ass hard. I hissed in pain as he moved away. His dark eyes promised more pain before the night was over. Great. Can't I just leave?
"Don't even think about leaving Isabella," Jacob fumed. "My threat from earlier still stands. You don't want your little black book to get leaked, do you? Or your history with drugs? Or how you asked Newton to spike your drink?"
"You wouldn't," I squeaked. "Jacob, he tried to fucking rape me! And you'd twist it so I was the one asking for it?"
"Fuck me and I'll conveniently forget it all, Bella," Jacob said as he led me up to the VIP lounge. James and Victoria were already trying to sell the wares and by the looks of it, appeared to be successful. Jacob walked to the bar and ordered some drinks. Do not drink it, Bella. Don't drink the drink. Just hold it. "Here, Bella. It's your favorite, a metropolitan." I stared at the purple drink and felt my stomach drop to my knees. Definitely don't drink the drink.
"Thanks, Jacob," I said as I held it up to my lips, pretending to sip it. Once his eyes were turned, I dumped some of the drink into a nearby plant.
Things went by without a hitch for a few hours. Jacob had found a skank who wanted to make out so he ditched me to fuck her in the bathroom. James and Victoria were still hocking their little baggies of cocaine. And not discreetly, mind you. People were flocking to them and begging for their stash. They were so going to get busted.
I sat down at the bar and ordered some water. The bartender gave me a skeptical look but I threw down a hundred dollar bill saying that was his tip if he didn't give me shit for not wanting to be a fucking lush. Pretty boy behind the bar nodded and pocketed the bill and I got my water.
"Bella?" Victoria called as she weaved through the crowd near the bar. Her bright red hair was pulled away from her face and her dress was disheveled. "Can you watch my purse while I go to the bathroom?"
No. Your stash is in there. I do not want to be caught with it. "I'd rather not," I answered shortly.
"Why? I have my cell phone and some money in here. I just don't want to carry it with me," she pouted.
"You and I both know that you have more than just your cell phone and money in there. I'm not that stupid, Victoria. I'm not watching your purse," I said.
She growled and thrust the purse into my lap before turning. It was then, that I noticed two men walking toward her with badges on the belts. Fuck!
"Hold it," one of the men snarled as he grabbed Victoria's arm. "You're not going anywhere, missy. I got this one while you get the other one?"
"Yep," the dark haired guy said as he turned to me. "You're coming with me, sweetheart."
"What? I didn't do anything," I squeaked. "She just thrust her purse at me!"
"Sorry, sweetheart," he said coldly as he picked up Victoria's purse and mine before he wrapped his hand around my bicep. We were brought down to the main level of the club and escorted out to a waiting squad car. The cop handling me put a pair of handcuffs around my wrists and helped me into the back. Tears were flowing down my cheeks and I started sobbing. I didn't do anything. Why is this happening to me? I should have stayed home. I want Edward.
"Shut up, you cunt," Victoria spat. "I don't want to hear you snivel the entire ride to the police station."
"You bitch. You set me up and now I'm fucking arrested for something I didn't do!" I cried.
"Both of you, shut up," the cop snarled.
"Don't you have to read us our rights?" I asked.
"Fine," he said. He rattled off our Miranda rights and he pulled away from the club, following another squad car.
I cried the entire ride and all through processing. I was tossed into an interrogation room. I'm not sure how long I was in there. At some point a female detective came into the room with Victoria's purse. She sat across from me and stared me down. I didn't say anything. I just returned her stare. I wasn't wrong. I was fucking innocent. "When can I go home?" I asked.
"When you explain what is in your purse," she answered.
"That's not my purse. I was carrying a red purse that looked like an envelope," I said as I pointed to the gaudy clutch in the detective's hand. "In there, I had my ID, some cash, one of my credit cards and some lip gloss. I did have a phone in there but it was taken by my publicist, Jacob Black. Is he here? I'd like my phone, then."
"So, this isn't your purse," she confirmed.
"No. It's ugly and I'd never buy it," I said as I sat back in the metal, folding chair. "I didn't have anything to do with what was going on up there. I knew about it, yes, but I was not involved. I don't do that shit."
"Would you consent to a drug test?"
"Give me the damn cup," I said as I leaned forward. "I'm clean. I only had ONE glass of wine. And after I pee in the cup, I want my phone call."
"Fine," she huffed as she got up and left me in the room. Ten minutes later, I was escorted to the bathroom where I peed in the cup for a very masculine looking female cop. She reminded me of Emmett but bigger and with enormous boobs. She then led me to a phone and said that I could call someone. I dialed Edward's cell phone.
His groggy voice filled my ear. "Hello?" he grumbled.
"Edward, it's me! Bella. I'm at the police station," I sniffled.
"What happened?" he asked.
"I was arrested, I think. It was awful," I cried. "Can you please come and pick me up? Bring me some clothes, too?"
"Do you need me to call an attorney?"
"It would probably be smart. Not Jenks, though. He's associated with Jacob," I said.
"I'll call my uncle, Bella. He has someone that he uses regularly," he replied. "I'll be there in an hour."
"Hurry," I whispered. I hung up the phone and stared at my guard. "Am I arrested?"
"Pending the results of your drug test," she said in a gruff voice. She led me back to the interrogation room and I sat down, putting my head in my hands. I cried. Sobbed. Felt so utterly worthless. I just wanted Edward.
EPOV
After I got the phone call from Bella, I pulled on some clothes and a baseball cap. I jumped into my car and drove to Bella's condo. As I drove, I called Uncle Carlisle.
"Edward, it's three in the fucking morning," he grumbled. "Why are you calling now?"
"What's the name of the attorney you use?" I asked.
"Eleazar Denali. Why?"
"Can I get his number? Bella is in sort of trouble and she doesn't trust the attorney associated with her publicist," I explained as I parked my Volvo into my spot at Bella's condo.
"Should I be concerned, Edward? You know my stance on actors and actresses that make poor choices," Carlisle said sternly.
"I don't know. I had a nagging feeling that something bad was going to happen. But, she's been doing so well. She wouldn't have thrown it away on a whim," I defended.
"I trust you, Edward. You've known this girl for nearly two years and have built a relationship with her. Here's Eleazar's phone number," he said as he rattled off the number of his attorney. I jotted it down on an envelope and thanked him. We hung up and I headed up to Bella's condo. I grabbed a pair of yoga pants, a pair of sneakers and one of my hoodies that found its way into her closet. I locked up her place and headed down to the car. Backing out of the spot, I left the garage, driving to the police station where Bella was being held. Parking in one of the visitor spots, I headed inside.
"Excuse me, I'm here to pick up someone," I said to the fat cop sitting at the front desk.
"What's the name?" he asked in a bored tone.
"Isabella Swan," I answered.
"Hold on," he said as he groaned while he got up from the chair. He waddled to a door, punching in some numbers and poking his head inside. "Is Swan free to go? Okay…" He walked back and plopped back down. "It'll be another hour or so. She's being questioned about a drug case."
"Is she under arrest?" I asked.
"No. She's not under arrest. She was a witness to several drug deals at the club, Boulevard 3," he answered. "She'll be ready to go in an hour. Get comfortable, kid. We'll bring your girlfriend out."
I scowled at him and sat down in the plastic chairs in the waiting area. Roughly an hour later, the phone rang at the cop's desk and he picked it up. He grunted a few times before he heaved his body up and left me. I watched him as he went through the door. A few minutes later, he was bringing out Bella by her arm. "You got lucky, sweetheart," he said. "You can pick up your property at the quarter master before you leave."
"Thank you," she said in a raspy voice.
"Bella," I murmured. She looked up at me and her makeup was smeared, her eyes were vacant and she had a nasty bruise on her cheek. Tears fell down her cheeks and she ran toward me, wrapping her arms around my waist. I held her tightly, swaying gently as I held her in my arms. "What happened?"
She shook her head and tried to get closer to me. "I don't want to talk about it," she sobbed. "Not now. I just want to burn my clothes, shower for days and forget this whole thing ever happened."
"Come on, dolcezza," I soothed as I guided her to the bathroom. I handed her the clothes I brought and she smiled appreciatively but it didn't reach her eyes. Then again, I was too focused on the bruise on her cheek. A bruise that closely resembled a hand. Bella came out a few minutes later wearing her comfy clothes. "Where's your dress?"
"Garbage," she answered. "Along with my shoes. The jewelry I'll keep but that's only because it's worth a shit-ton of money."
"Okay," I murmured as I wrapped my arm around her waist. "Let's get your stuff and then we'll get you home."
"You're staying, right?" she asked, panic rising in her eyes.
"Of course, Bella," I assured her. She calmed down and we headed to the quarter master to pick up her purse and cell phone. The quarter master handed her the purse but said her cell phone was evidence since it was on Jacob. Bella scowled at the young woman but didn't say anything. She just grabbed her purse and left with me on her heels.
The car ride back to her condo was tense as Bella was clawing at her skin, like she was dirty. "Bella, stop," I soothed.
"I just need to shower," she cringed.
"You're going to claw off your skin," I said as I took her hand in mine. "We're almost home."
"Good," she sniffled. I parked and we rode up to her place in the elevator. Bella had a look of absolute pain in her eyes. I wanted to comfort her but she wouldn't let me touch her. When I moved closer, she'd counter. I stopped and let her do her thing. Inside of the condo, Bella ran to her room and slammed the door shut. I heard the shower start and I stayed near her door. It only took a few minutes before the wailing started. "Why!? WHY? Why is this happening to me?!" She screamed and it broke my heart. I fell to my knees, wanting to go in there to comfort her. Her screams became more frantic and I made the decision that I couldn't take it. I needed to help her. I'll deal with consequences later.
Opening her door and moving into the bathroom, I found Bella huddled in a ball of her shower, tearing at her hair. She looked so small and vulnerable. I toed off my sneakers and flipped off my hat, crawling into the shower with her. "Dolcezza, please stop," I cooed as I pulled her naked body to me. "You're hurting yourself."
She continued to sob, burying her nose into my neck. I just held her and cradled her as she fell apart. Water was pouring down steadily as she cried, gripping at my now soaking wet shirt. It wasn't until the water turned cold that I dared move her. I picked her up and carried her to the counter. She was catatonic as I dried her. Tears were still falling down her face. I wrapped her in a towel as I left briefly to put on some dry clothes. When I came back, she was still sitting in the same spot, staring off into space. "Bella, I need to put some clothes on you. I'm going to need some help from you, okay?" No response. I sighed and put on my hoodie around her slight frame. As I pulled her arms through, I noticed the swelling on her right hand. "What happened?"
"I punched Jacob," she whispered. "His hard head broke my hand."
"You need to go to the doctor," I replied as I brought her injured hand to my lips.
"Not now. I need to sleep," she cried. "It doesn't hurt much." I nodded and grabbed a pair of plain panties, handing them to her. She just hopped off the counter and pulled them up, leaning against me. She was weary and exhausted. Gingerly, I picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. Placing her on the bed, I tucked her in. I backed away only to have my hand grabbed by Bella. "Please. Don't. Go. Please? Please? Please? Stay with me?"
"I'll stay, Bella," I said in a quiet voice. "I'm just turning off the lights and making sure that the shades are drawn."
"But you'll stay, right? Please?" she begged, sounding so lost.
"Where would I go, dolcezza?" I replied as I kissed her forehead. She sighed and relaxed into the bed. I turned off the lights and tossed my wet clothes into the washer before climbing into bed with her. I stayed away, not wanting to overstep my bounds but Bella reached for me and tangled her body next to mine. I held her close and hummed quietly until she finally fell asleep.
xx STARLET xx
When I woke up several hours later, Bella was still sleeping, draped across my body. However, her sleep was not restful. She was twitching and whimpering. "No, Jacob. Don't touch me. I'll never fuck you…Only want Edward…"
What? Jacob propositioned her?
"Stop it, Jacob! You have no right to call me that. I'm not a whore," she cried in her sleep.
"Bella, wake up," I said as I gently woke her up. "Please, baby? Wake up."
Her eyes blinked and she stiffened when she realized that she wasn't alone. She sat up quickly but calmed when she saw it was me. I sat up and stared at her, gently rubbing her back. "You were dreaming," I said.
"More like a nightmare," she said as she curled up tightly.
"Please, tell me what happened?" I begged.
"You'll hate me, Edward," she frowned.
"Impossible," I said as brushed her hair back from her face. It was a tangled mess because I never brushed it after her shower. But she looked so beautiful despite her pain.
She sighed and looked at me. "You have to promise me that you will not kill Jacob or James," she murmured. I frowned, not liking where this was going. But, I nodded. Then, Bella told me what happened from the moment she left the condo until I picked her up at the police station.
I so wanted to kill Jacob Black and James Cobb.
"Bella, they sexually assaulted you. You said no," I said, barely able to control the tremor in my voice.
"Edward, they're in enough trouble with the drugs. James was arrested for dealing. Both of them were also being held for having drugs in their system. That's the only reason I was let go. I didn't partake and I was just a witness," she sniffled. "But, I just know that I'm going to lose this role."
"Bella, you're not," I said as I took her face in my hands. "I called my uncle this morning, asking for his attorney's number. He asked me if I felt that you would jeopardize your career like that. When we first met, I would have said yes. Now, you've changed. James, on the other hand, he'll probably be out."
"I don't know what to do," Bella wailed as she threw herself into my arms. I just held her as she sobbed.
"First thing you need to do is fire Jacob," I said tersely. "Do you have a copy of your contract with him?" She nodded. "Good, we're going to need it. We're still going to call Eleazar Denali to look at the contract to get you out of the agreement with Jacob."
"Edward, he said he's going to break me. He's going to share all of my transgressions with the media. He's going to say that I asked for Michael to spike my drink at the Metropolis wrap party; that I wanted to be raped. He's going to leak all of my drug habits…"
"He can't. Part of his contract to represent you is a non-disclosure agreement. He can't do that without legal ramifications," I said.
"How do you know that?"
"Business major in college. I took an entire class on contracts," I said. "Can I see the contract? I want to go in with our meeting Eleazar with a clear idea of what Jacob has agreed to do and what you agreed to do in return." Bella got up and left the bedroom. Her walk was defeated and her shoulders slumped. When she came back, she crawled into the bed with a large folder. She handed it to me and curled around her pillow. I skimmed through the contract, trying to make sense of the legalese, but it was pretty standard. There was a non-disclosure agreement. Jacob could not sell any of Bella's secrets to the press. If he did, this contract would be null and void and he'd have to fork over all of the payments he'd ever received from her. And they were hefty. Most publicists/manager types would get roughly ten percent of their client's pay from a movie or appearance. Jacob was getting thirty percent. I jotted down some notes on the folder and closed it. Bella was dozing next to me. Even in slumber, she looked so troubled. Her brow was furrowed and her face was pulled into a deep frown.
Dolcezza, I'm going to take care of you. I promise.
I kissed her forehead and dialed up Eleazar Denali. We spoke briefly on the phone. I explained Bella's situation and my relationship to her. I also explained that I was Carlisle's nephew. I never wanted to use my uncle to get ahead in this world, but now was the time. Someone that I loved was being hurt and swindled by an asshole and I was going to use every channel necessary to make it right. Eleazar agreed to meet with us this afternoon, as a favor to Uncle Carlisle.
I let Bella sleep some more as I hopped into the shower. Thankfully, I had some clothes here in her condo so I didn't have to leave her. She was so broken. I put on a pair of dark jeans and white button-up shirt before going to wake her. However, it was the ear-piercing shriek that caused me to run into her room. Bella was clawing at her bed, screaming bloody murder. "Bella! Wake up, baby," I said as I took her into my arms. She jumped but melted into my body. "What is it?"
"They succeeded," she whimpered. "I was their whore."
"No, Bella. Never. You'll never be that," I said as I held her to my chest. I just wanted to keep her wrapped up in my arms and keep her safe, but we had to make our appointment with Eleazar. "Bella, I called that attorney. We have an appointment with him at three."
"Okay," Bella murmured as she extricated herself from my hold. She looked so tiny in my hoodie and so worn. "Thank you, Edward. For everything…"
BPOV
I turned and padded to the bathroom. Even though I was dirty and nasty, Edward still caring for me. God knows where his next paycheck will come from. Jacob and Jenks handle my finances. I mean, I have access to my accounts, but they were also linked to them. I could write him a personal check.
Don't worry about that. You'll pay him.
I took off the hoodie and stepped under the hot spray of my shower. I rubbed my skin raw as I washed my body. Then, I remembered the shower last night. Edward in my shower. He saw me. Like that. I was so broken. Fuck, I still am broken. But, he took care of me.
Why?
I am a poison. I'll ruin him. He shouldn't be linked with me.
Finishing up my shower, I pulled on my fluffy pink robe as I brushed my knotted hair. Blow drying it, I pulled it up into a messy bun. My right hand was throbbing and I couldn't do much with it. It was after I fixed my hair that I looked at my face. Dear God! Jacob did that? I ran my fingers across my left cheek that was bruised and swollen. I slipped off my robe and saw his finger marks on my upper arm. I didn't even realize that I was wailing until Edward came into the bathroom. He slipped behind me and put my robe over my shoulders. "He hurt you, Bella. You need to press charges," he said as he looked at me in the mirror. His fingers glided across my cheek and he looked like he was going to cry.
"I will," I whispered, dropping my gaze to the sink. "Can you take some pictures? For proof?"
"Sure, dolcezza," he said as he hugged me slightly. I winced as I felt another pain on my hip. He left the bathroom and got my camera from the office. Very professionally, he took photos of the hand print on my face, the finger marks on my arm and my hip. He blushed when he said that he noticed some bruising on my ass, too. I turned around, looking at the mark and saw another hand print there. Tears fell down my cheeks as Edward snapped that picture, too. He covered me the robe and crushed me to his chest. "I should have been there, Bella. I should have followed you. I'm so sorry. Please say that you forgive me, Bella. It's my job to make sure you're safe and you weren't."
"Edward, it wasn't your fault," I whispered. "In theory, I should have been safe. But, we're going to fix it. Jacob is no longer going to be a part of my life." Edward nodded and he held me tighter. I relished his strength and his comfort. I needed it. With a soft kiss to my forehead, Edward took the camera and let me finish getting ready. I decided to wear a pair of comfortable jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. I picked out another one of Edward's hoodies from my closet and wrapped it around me. I felt like I was being held by him even though he couldn't.
"While you were in the shower, I made some breakfast and a list of things you should do to get Jacob out of your life," Edward said as he pushed a cup of coffee along with a pad of paper toward me. "You don't have to follow them. They're just suggestions," Edward said as an afterthought.
"You're so much smarter than me, Edward. I'll probably end up taking all of your suggestions," I said as I smiled at him.
"You're smart, too, Bella," he said, frowning slightly.
"But out of the two of us, only one went to college with a business degree," I teased as I looked at his suggestions. They all made sense. I needed to switch banks and remove Jacob and Jenks from my accounts. I also needed a new publicist. Edward gave me the number of Angela Weber. He also suggested that I take some time off, away from Hollywood, for a few weeks prior to I start filming the moving with his Uncle. That did sound nice but would he want to come with me?
"Breakfast for you," he said as he put a plate of eggs, sausage and hash browns in front of me. I smiled at him gratefully and tucked into my meal. He nibbled on his own breakfast as I finished reading this suggestions. They all made sense. I probably would take him up on all of them. "We probably have to go, Bella."
"Kay," I answered as I finished my breakfast. I washed the dishes and we headed down to Edward's Volvo. The drive was quiet. Somber. The only good thing was that Edward held onto my hand tightly as we drove. I welcomed the gesture, even more so since he had initiated it. After a short drive, Edward parked in a garage near to a glossy building in downtown LA. We checked in the receptionist at the lobby who directed us to Eleazar Denali's office. We rode up the elevator to the fiftieth floor and checked in with the receptionist there. She offered us something to drink. Edward declined but I asked for some water. I was changing my life. I'd rather it be vodka, but water will suffice for now.
Edward held my hand as I fidgeted in the waiting room. Eventually, an older gentleman with graying black hair walked over to us. "Edward! How are you doing, son?" he said as he hugged Edward.
"I'm good, Eleazar," he smiled. "Thank you for seeing us on such short notice. This is Isabella Swan."
"Hello, my dear," Eleazar said as he shook my hand. He noticed my face and he frowned. "What happened here?"
"Part of the reason why I'm here," I whispered.
"Okay, Isabella," Eleazar said with a genuine smile. "Come with me."
"Can Edward come? I trust him and he knows everything that happened," I said as I tugged on Eleazar's hand. Eleazar frowned but nodded. We walked back to a lavish office that held cherry furniture and glossy, leather accents. Eleazar sat down on one of the leather chairs while Edward and I sat on the matching couch.
"Now, what can I do for you, Isabella?"
"Please, call me Bella," I urged. "Um, I want to get rid of my publicist and manager, Jacob Black."
"Why don't you start from the beginning, Bella?" Eleazar said as he leaned forward. I handed him the folder with the contract in it and told him every minute detail of Jacob's 'hold' on me, culminating in the nightmarish outing last night. Eleazar was writing down a lot of notes as I spoke and his brown eyes were filled with fury. An hour later, I finished my story and I collapsed onto the leather sofa. Edward handed me the water bottle and pulled me to his side. "Bella, you've got a strong case for breach of contract, assault, aggravated sexual assault and several other minor charges as well. Did you want to press charges?"
"Initially, no. But, he touched me without my permission. After the situation at the Metropolis wrap party, I made a vow to myself that I would never let that happen," I said quietly.
"Good," Eleazar said. "Let me call a friend of mine at the police department. She can come and take your statement and photograph your injuries."
"I already did that," Edward said. He produced a thumb drive and handed it to him. "I made sure I included the time stamp on each picture."
"The police won't accept this but I can use it in my case against Jacob," Eleazar explained. He made his phone call and then turned his attention back to us. "Now, Bella, what Jacob did to you is highly unethical, unprofessional and bad taste. He will never work in Hollywood again. The vitriol that spewed about your choices is none of his concern and the fact that he even threatened you with it, defies your non-disclosure agreement. I'm certain that I can help you if you decide to work with me."
"I want to," I said.
"Okay, good. Here's what you need to do," Eleazar said as he pretty much rattled off all of the suggestions from Edward's list. After he did that, a woman was led into the office and she hugged Eleazar. "Bella, this is my daughter, Kate Denali. She's a detective for the LAPD. She's here to take your statement regarding Jacob."
"Jacob Black?" Kate asked as she took out her pad from her pocket. "He was just brought in drug charges last night."
"I know. I was there," I frowned.
"Were you charged, Bella?" Kate asked.
"I was questioned but not charged. I was just with them, not partaking in any drugs," I said as I looked at her. "I'm now a witness in the case. But there was more that Jacob did. James Cobb, too." For the third time, I told the story of my hellish evening. Kate wrote down all of the facts and took me to a small, private conference room where she photographed my bruises and injuries. After she finished taking the photos, Kate led me back to the office and I sat down next to Edward, emotionally and physically drained. He held me up.
"I put these charges into his file, Bella. They are pretty substantial allegations but you have the physical proof for the physical assault. The sexual assault would be harder to prove. It's a he-said/she-said type of situation. You could say that he touched you without your permission and he could twist it saying that you wanted it. Pray you get a lenient judge when he gets arraigned and charged," Kate said. "Do you have any questions?"
"No," I whispered.
"Is there a number where I can call you?" Kate asked.
"I have to get a new cell phone. Jacob was holding mine last night and now it's evidence," I frowned.
"You can reach her through my cell phone until she gets a new one," Edward said. He gave Kate the number and she nodded curtly.
"Great, I think that's it. I'll be in contact with you, Bella. And I'm truly sorry about what happened," Kate said sympathetically. "Bye, Dad. Make sure you take care of this one."
"Will do, Katie," Eleazar chuckled. Kate kissed his cheek and left. Eleazar handed me a card and said that he'd go forward with filing the charges against Jacob that weren't tied to my assault; the biggest one being his breach of contract. With that, Edward and I left the office nearly two hours after we arrived.
Before we headed back to my condo, I asked Edward to drive me to get a new cell phone. We arrived at the Apple Store and I got a new iPhone 4GS with all the bells and whistles. I also had my old phone deactivated and my information, which was backed up on the Apple servers, transferred to my new phone. Unfortunately, I couldn't really play with my phone. I was dead on my feet. The rest I had gotten the night before was shady, at best. Edward looked exhausted too. So, he drove us back to my condo and we ordered some pizza. We cuddled up on the couch as we waited for our food, Edward lightly tracing his fingers along my arm.
"Edward, I want to thank you," I said as we watched television. "You've gone truly, above and beyond the call of duty, and I don't know what I would have done without you."
"Bella, I would have done it for anyone," he said as he kissed my head.
"Would you?" I asked as I sat up, looking at him. "Would you have done this for Jasper?"
"I probably wouldn't have gotten in the shower with him. The idea of seeing his peen kind of squicks me out," he chuckled.
"Edward," I warned.
"Bella," he echoed. "Seriously, I would have done this for anyone. But, if you had drugs in your system, I probably would have brought you home and left. You wouldn't ever see me again if that was the case. Thank goodness you didn't have anything in your system because it would be hell for me to stay away." His cell phone rang and Edward looked at it. "It's my uncle. Hold on, okay?"
I nodded and watched him step out onto the balcony. While he was on the phone, Ricky, the doorman, called up and said that the pizza was here. I told him to send up the delivery guy. I swiped a fifty from my purse and paid for our dinner. Edward was off the phone with his mouth gaping open. "What's wrong, Edward?"
"Nothing's wrong. It's good," he smiled. "Uncle Carlisle called to inform me that James has been fired due to his drug arrest. He's going to forego auditions and he told me that I'm playing the part of Daniel."
A/N: We're about two chapters away from the first chapter. The next chapter will probably be some fluffiness. Alice, Bella and Esme are going to take Bella away for a trip to someplace tropical while she recuperates from her ordeal. We're also going to meet Angela, Bella's new publicist. Edward is going to dive headlong into his new part. As for Jacob and James, they are not gone. Unfortunately. They will be back. Be prepared. Anyhow, pictures of Alice and Jasper's home are on my blog along with pictures of the club where Bella got arrested. The link for my blog is in my profile. Finally, come hang out in my facebook group: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Extra teasers and discussion about my stories (and other's as well) happen there. We also share some delicious Rob porn (gah, his pictures from Comic Con. I was in heaven. The sex hair is back!) Leave me some love (I'm not above begging!) MUAH!
