Summary: She's troubled, he's in a rut. They're complete opposites – but they've been brought together. She's a young, naïve stripper and he's the successful recently-single man who wants to help her. BxE . OOC.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Twilight saga.

A/N: This'll be BPOV to start with, but then we'll go into EPOV.

Stranded in this hoogie town
Stop right this way
And then the phone lines are down
Snow is crackling cold
She took my heart, I think she took my soul

Closer – Kings of Leon

Fourteen

Bella's POV

Walking through the club felt strange. I almost felt unwelcome, but the staff made sure to force themselves to smile at me as if they all thought I was emotionally unstable. We weren't open yet, so there was no loud music or customers for them to be distracted by so I was – most unfortunately – their focus. Voyeurism never felt so wrong. It made me feel somewhat vulnerable so I hurried into the change rooms, eager to put on my costume and be Marie for the night instead of Bella.

Kristen was the only one back there and for that, I was relieved. She was the most non-judgemental out of all the girls and probably the only one – aside from myself – who didn't have a huge coke problem. "Hey, Bell. Missed you around this place."

"Yeah," I shrugged. "Well, I'm back now."

Kristen stood up and moved closer to me. Her face was free of make-up and I'd never realised she was actually very beautiful without a shitload of make-up clogging her face. "You alright?"

"Um, not really but I'll get over it." I shrugged again and sat down. "It's just stupid shit."

"Is it lover-boy? He scared the shit out of our staff," she laughed. "They thought the rich bastard was gunna have us shut down after you were....well, you know. Anyway, what's going on there?"

I smiled at the thought of the staff finding Edward scary; for some reason it just seemed so foreign to me. "That whole...thing...it's done, over. Edward hates me."

"I'm sure he doesn't hate you."

"He thinks I'm a whore and he doesn't trust me, that's close enough to hate."

Before our conversation could continue, Laurent – the club manager – burst into the room. "Hello ladies," he said in his French accent, his pearly white teeth shining. "Good to see you back, Bella. I was worried I'd have to replace one of my star dancers, but now you're back I have a wonderful surprise!"

Kristen rolled her eyes. "Here we go, I'm out." She left the change room, leaving me alone with Laurent.

"What's up, Laurent?"

"Well, young Bella. How would you feel about working on the main stage tonight?" Laurent asked seductively.

The main stage meant more tips and much, much more attention. While the money aspect was definitely appealing, I wasn't sure how I felt about that much attention just yet. Sure, I still got plenty of attention on the smaller stage, but this was different somehow.

"Oh, don't be self-conscious," Laurent said. "You have a beautiful body."

Edward thought I was beautiful and now he knew my body, too. People could pay to see my body, though. He gave me everything and my body was all I could give to him – now it'd be showcased for anyone. The only thing I couldn't give away was my heart, because that was already Edward's – and it could stay there. Maybe I didn't want or need to feel anything. Just go with it.

"Yeah," I said softly. "I'll do it."

Laurent was pleased. He pulled me into a hug – making sure to grab my ass – before leaving the room.

"Fuck," I muttered to myself.

I just hoped I was ready for this.

I could hear it getting noisier in the club and the music had started to play. Kristen return to the room briefly to change into her costume before she sauntered back out. Girls fluttered in and out as I waited for Laurent to call me. My hands were shaking and my heart was beating in and out of it's chest. Never before had I been so nervous before going on stage – not even on my first night here where I tripped in my heels and fell onto a patron who then attempted to slide his fingers inside me before I managed to push him off.

It should've been a warning back then: get the fuck out of here. I wish I had.

"Bella?" Laurent called as he ducked his head in. "You're up in five."

"Okay," I responded, my voice uneven and nervous.

I tried to calm myself, but instead I just got angry. I pulled on my outfit for the night which consisted of a patriotic thong bikini and near-transparent dress and stomped over to the mirror. Most of my emotions were hidden underneath the thick coat of make-up I was wearing and for that, I was thankful. I needed my mask tonight more than ever.

When I knew it was my time, I walked out to the stage dead-set on just making it through and then getting the fuck out of there. I'd feign illness, I didn't care – I just wanted out. Approaching the main stage, I felt everyone's eyes on me. Lizzie – another stripper – walked past and gave me a light kiss on the lips, mainly for the benefit of the crowd before wishing me luck.

I approached the pole, not slowly but quickly, fired by anger. Anger at the damn club and the patrons, but most of all, I was angry with myself for revealing to Edward my true colours.

I wrapped my legs around the pole and with all the hooting form the crowd, all I could hear was "isn't that what whore's do?"

I arched my back as I slowly pulled my shirt off. "I...just don't think I can trust you." It fell to the floor and I suddenly felt so much more vulnerable, like I was transparent and everyone could see right through the front I put up.

"You should leave."

Edward's voice cut right through me, a horrible memory rehashed over and over, as I tugged at the strings of my bikini top before it completely came unravelled. Money was thrusted at me, words like baby and oh yeah were chanted over and over.

I wasn't even looking at the crowd anymore; I couldn't bring myself to do it. Until I heard a voice, a smooth, even voice calling my name. A voice that I often associated with protection, comfort, love. I blocked out the negative thoughts it also brought to my mind before lowering my eyes to survey the crowd.

James.

He was just as I'd remembered; brilliant blue eyes, light brown hair. He was wearing jeans and a wife-beater with a plaid shirt which was his signature look; he was even wearing that the first time we met. He looked more drawn that I'd come to expect, but he was still there – the James I knew – and he was just as mesmerising as the first time I'd seen him.

The first man I'd ever loved – the only man to ever love me. I had to remind myself I was up on stage and I continued my routine, but my eyes never left James' and his never left mine.

Finally, my routine came to an end and I sauntered down to the floor. "What are you doing here?" I asked James, who was smirking at me.

"You know me," he shrugged. "I occasionally indulge in my voyeuristic tendancies."

"Seriously?"

"I came to see my favourite girl. I didn't know you were working the main stage."

"I only started tonight," I told him.

"I've missed you," James admitted and it tugged at my heart strings. He was using the same tone he used to use to get me on his side. It was the way he said I love you, or I need you, baby.

My little, pathetic heart still fell for it.

I hadn't given myself an opportunity to miss James, so wrapped up as I was in everything else, but what I hadn't forgotten was how he offered deliverance. The hurt, everything...sometimes it all seemed so insignificant when he could offer me an escape. We were fucked up and dysfunctional, but some of my happiest times were when it was just me and him.

"Do you think about me still?" He asked in a timid voice. I'd never known James to be shy. He was always so confident, maybe even cocky – but always charming.

"I haven't really had a chance," I admitted. "I miss the way things were, though. Before everything got so fucked up." I really had no idea why I was being so honest with the man who had hit me. Then again, what was one strike compared to the hundreds of times he'd held me, made love to me, told me he loved me? He said we'd be forever and always.

"Bella, I still love you. I'm sorry for hurting you. I just want to make it up to you, baby. I'll do anything," he pleaded.

"Do you want to get out of here?" I asked before I could reconsider my actions.

Edward's POV

I was sure the sound of Bella shutting the door to my apartment was going to ring in my ears for years to come, even though she didn't slam it. I'd called her a whore and as soon as the words were out of my mouth, I'd regretted them. I'd attacked something I knew she was so vulnerable about and she wasn't even angry with me. She was sorry.

I really wanted to say it was okay, but it wasn't. As much as I didn't want to admit it, it hurt a lot when I woke up alone knowing she'd obviously been planning to leave yet she let me make love to her anyway and that's exactly what it was to me. I know it was stupid and that people don't normally develop such strong feelings after only knowing someone for a short time, but that's the only way I could describe it. Love. I wanted to put her well being over my own. I wanted to trust her, even though she didn't deserve my trust. That's why it was so hard to stay rooted to the spot I was standing, rather than to chase her.

I tried to go about my day after that, but I couldn't. I showered yet I could still smell her on my skin, I changed the sheets but found a hair elastic of hers sitting on my bed side table. I washed the dishes, but found the mark of her lip stick on one of my wine glasses. I felt alone. More alone than when Tanya had left because this was different. The relationship between Tanya and I had been dead a long time, whereas with Bella the feelings were so fresh and so strong.

Yet, she did try to make amends. She came here and tried to explain and to say sorry, but I wouldn't accept it. I told her to leave and I was sure she was going to do something completely reckless because that was just her impulse reaction to these things.

I tried to calm myself and I continuously told myself that it was out of my control and it wasn't my problem, but it didn't make me feel any less guilty. I wondered where she was and if she was okay. I wondered if she was upset or if she was angry; already hardened and trying to find a way to rebel against her vulnerability.

I couldn't take it anymore; the not knowing.

After I finished with my dinner – which was nowhere near as good as her cooking – I walked over to my DVD cabinet and tried to watch Queen of the Damned, purely because Bella had told me it was one of her favourite movies. I liked the music – I'd give it that – but it was no masterpiece. I found myself wanting to pick another fight with Bella and tease her about it.

And that brought on a whole new round of worrying.

I picked up my cell and dialled Jasper's number.

"What?" Jasper answered roughly.

"Jaz, it's me," I said. "What's wrong?"

"Bella," he sighed. "What can I do for you?"

"She's not with you?" I asked.

"After I took her to yours – "

"You're the one who brought her over today?" I asked, shocked. I didn't expect Jasper to be involved.

"Well, uh yeah," Jasper admitted. "She was upset and said she wanted to apologise to you,but then she was even worse and she just left our apartment to go back to that fucking club. What did you say to her that was so bad, Edward?"

I couldn't admit to anyone else how much of a pig I'd been.

"I just....I attacked her insecurities. I didn't mean to, I was upset."

"I've been pretty harsh to her, too," Jasper admitted. "I don't know what we can do now. I think she really wanted to make things right with you."

"Yeah," I sighed. "I think I'm going go to the club."

"What?" Jasper asked. "That's ridiculous. Let it go, Edward."

"I can't, Jaz...not now. I think I...."

"So it's true. Alice said you loved Bella, but I didn't believe it. I don't know what to tell you."

"I have to go," I told him abruptly.

"Edward, don't be stu – "

I hung up my phone with a new resolve; I had to make things right with Bella.

I pulled up outside the club, dreading going inside but knowing I had to make things right with Bella. I didn't know what I wanted to say or how I should act, but I just knew I had to do something.

I walked over to the entrance, presenting my ID to the bouncer whom I remembered from when Bella was attached. A flash of recognition spread across his face before it turned into anger; evidently, he remembered me. "You're not welcome on these premises," he said curtly.

"Oh come the fuck on. Do you want money? I just need to see Bella," I pleaded with him.

"No," the bouncer replied firmly.

"What's your name?"

"Jacob," the bouncer granted.

"Look, Jacob, Bella and I had a falling out and I just need to make sure she's okay," I told him desperately. "Can't you call her out here or something?"

"Hey," a voice called from behind me. I turned and saw a lean brunette, maybe one or two years younger than me, leaning against the wall, a smoke in hand. "You Edward?"

"Yeah," I answered, approaching her. "Do I know you?"

"No, I'm Kristen." She extended her hand to me. "I work with Bella."

"Oh. Do you know where she is?"

She stomped her cigarette out and turned back to me. "Uh, she was working on the main stage tonight. I didn't see but apparently James, you know, her ex?"

"Yes," I growled. "Did he fucking take her?"

"No, she went voluntarily," Kristen replied. "I heard you were a bit of an asshole to her. He was worse, but there's just no telling that girl when she gets her mind set. She's as stubborn as the day is long."

"Tell me about it," I muttered. "Do you know where they went?"

"Probably back to James' apartment."

"Fuck. I need to go get her, do you know where he lives?"

"No, man. James'll kill you," she warned. "You should just walk away from that girl. I love her, but she's a total fucking mess and not to mention that guy is fucking nuts."

"And you people just let her walk off with him?"

"Well, Laurent wasn't pleased but don't go blaming the rest of us. She willingly walked out with him. I don't think she'll be coming back, either. Laurent has had enough with her. He fired her."

"How long ago?" I demanded to know.

"Fuck, I dunno. Maybe an hour, two tops," she answered.

I looked at my watch, it was already midnight. "Do you know where he lives or not?"

"Yeah, I do. I picked her up once or twice. Do you have a pen and paper?" I handed her my card and a pen and she jotted his address down. "Here you go. I gotta get back in there seeing as Bella bailed."

"Okay, thanks for your help," I said as I rushed back to my car. I programmed the address into my GPS and sped off in the directions it indicated. The address was in White Center, a less....affluent part of Seattle about 20 minutes drive away from the CBD.

The traffic was a disaster and of course, it was raining. "This is fucking brilliant!" I cursed as I stopped at a set of lights.

Maybe Kristen was right. If Bella was happy when I got there, then what? I couldn't very well drag her away. I still needed to be sure or I'd never stop worrying.

I cruised down the highway as the rain drizzled down against the cars and my wipers made that annoying squelching noise. Eventually, I arrived at James' street which was quite dilapidated and consisted of mainly run down blocks of units. I pulled up outside a shop that was the number James supposedly lived at. I was about to curse Kristen, assuming she'd sent me on a wild goose chase, when I realised there was a door at the side of the shop and what appeared to be an apartment up the top.

I parked the Volvo across the street and walked across to the apartment, hearing noise as if James was having guests over. Before I could convince myself otherwise, I pressed the buzzer on the side of the door.

"Whos'it?" A female voice slurred over the background noise.

"I'm a friend of Bella's."

"Mmkay," the female hummed before I was buzzed in the building.

I walked up a grimy set of stairs and was faced with a door. I took a deep breath before knocking and was completely taken aback when Victoria – the horrible escort from the charity gala – opened the door. "Mhm, well hello you."

"Where is Bella?" I demanded over the thumping music. I took a moment to survey the room; it was a messy, old studio apartment with a small kitchen and another door which I assume was a bathroom. There were five others sitting around a table, two of which appeared to be passed out while the other three leaned over the table cutting up a white powder which I assumed to be cocaine. None of them paid me any attention.

Oh, Bella. Where the fuck was she.

"Where the hell is Bella?" I asked, my tone desperate.

"S'not here," Victoria called to me. "James went to go get the little whore and never came back. He's probably fucking that cunt in an alley like she deserves."

"You have to have some idea where they could be?"

Victoria leaned forward, but tripped and fell against me. Instinctively I caught her and she latched onto me tightly. "Give us something and maybe I'll tell ya," She slurred.

I pulled my wallet out and handed her a hundred roughly.

"Mhm," she hummed. "Not quite what I mean by something but I'll take it. James bought a house on Damon street. Number 69...ha, ironic right? He probably took the slut there so they could christen it or somethin'."

I felt sick to the pit of my stomach and quickly hurried out of the apartment and back to my car without bothering to say anything further to Victoria. I searched for Damon street on my GPS and instantly sped off in the direction, following the map, before pulling up outside a small, single storey house.

There were lights on inside, but I couldn't see any cars anywhere or hear any noise.

I leapt out of my car and ran across the road, the only thought in my head please let her be okay. I stopped at the front door of the small weatherboard house and kicked it open before I could psych myself out, instantly hearing Bella's cries.

"James, stop!" She sobbed desperately.

"Shut up you fucking whore!" He roared back at her before I heard the slapping of skin.

That fucking prick hit her!

"Bella!" I yelled out as I ran through the small house, trying to locate her. I pushed open the bedroom door and found who I assumed was James on top of her, forcing himself on her. He was kneeling between her legs, his hands pushing her wrists down against the bed.

Tears were streaming down her red cheeks, but she looked more concerned for me – even as she lay there in nothing but a bra and undies. I yearned to protect her, the one I loved. If she was hurt, then nothing could be well. I needed her to be okay.

"Get off her," I barked and instantly, James turned to face me, a sadistic smirk playing on his face. He was ready to strike but I caught his arm with my hand and twisted it back before pushing him against the wall.

"Who the fuck are you?" He roared at me. "Get the fuck out of my house!"

"Edward," Bella cried out from behind James as he moved to strike me again. He managed to land a sharp blow to the side of my face which left me momentarily stunned. I fell a few steps backwards before charging forward and pushing James down to the ground.

I smashed my fist into his forehead, brow and mouth before he pushed me off and kicked my stomach and threw me to the floor while Bella continued to cry and scream behind us. I kicked James and his legs gave out and sent him toppling to the floor where I instantly pounced on him and punched his face repeatedly.

"Edward, stop! You'll kill him," Bella screamed from behind me. I felt her little hands pulling at my arms and my shirt and it was her touch that stopped me. I pushed myself up from James who was now far too brutalised to retaliate.

"Bella," I murmured as I turned away from James. I reached for her waist and pulled her small body against mine, inhaling her scent.

"Edward, please. I just want to get away from here."

"Okay, Bella. Whatever you need," I whispered as James groaned behind us.

"Bella, do not leave," he pleaded with her as he clutched at his stomach.

"Edward," she muttered, grabbing the sleeve of my shirt.

I didn't need her to ask again. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and pulled her body into mine before leading us out of that hell.

Only once she was in my car, did she truly let the tears fall.

A/N: Originally, I planned for Bella to OD, but I really have no knowledge about any of that so I'm sure it would've just sounded stupid. Hope this still works out okay...