Patience - Rhye

Black and Blue - Ramsey

Chapter Two

Bella Swan

"Hey can you get table four for me? They've been waiting for a while," I look up from the order I needed to take out to a table when Jessica, my nosy coworker adds even more work by giving me one of her tables. I keep quiet and do as I'm told since I'm already pushing my luck with the manager lately and being fired now is not an option I can afford right now.

"Why don't you get it Jess? Bella is already busy with her whole zone being full." Angela questions, the one decent person working in this restaurant and my only friend. After Jessica insists she has to leave work early I tell Angela it's not a problem. The rest of my day goes on like this, occasionally receiving a glare or scoff from the manager every time I did or said something he didn't agree with. As long as he stayed away from me and I could work, I didn't care.

"Bella! It's your brother!" Angela calls out to me from behind the counter, the restaurant's telephone in her hand and a look I knew all too well at this point. Sighing deeply I excuse myself from the table I had just brought drinks to and walked over to her, to pass me the phone. The next thing I knew I was throwing my apron behind the counter and Angela said she would cover my tables before the manager could find out. I thanked her and ran out of the restaurant, fear and worry filling my mind.

I quickly paid the taxi driver and jumped out, running into the police station's entrance. My heart was pounding in my chest as the worst case scenario played out in my head.

Please be okay. Please tell me you didn't kill anyone.

"I got a call from Paul Swan, he's my brother," I say to the police officer behind the counter and for a moment I questioned if I spoke a different language or he hadn't even heard me because he never even acknowledged me. I let out a shaky breath to control my frustration that was already on a fine line today. I place my hand on the counter to catch the officers attention from the magazine he was reading and spoke up, making sure he and the rest of his coworkers could hear, "Excuse me, I hate to bother you but I really need to see my brother. I'm here to bail him out."

I force a smile when the officer finally looks up at me and grumbles under his breath, typing at the keys of his compute, looking up Paul's name in the system.

Then I saw how much the bail was - $300.

Shit…

I open my wallet and bite my lip, trying to keep it together as a series of emotions run through me when I realize I won't be able to afford this months rent - worst of all, I won't be able to pay Him what we owe. Hoping to get this all over with, I pay the bail and wait outside for Paul to get released. I paced in front of the entrance with my arms hugging me, an unconscious way to keep myself from killing my idiot younger brother when I see him.

When Paul gets escorted out by the officer, he shrugs the man's hand off his shoulder and readjusts his wrinkled flannel shirt with his right hand that had a prominent bruise wrapping around his knuckles. I know he hasn't seen me yet because if he had, he would have a look of pure shame on his face, or embarrassment which quite honestly would mirror what I felt right now. True to my assumption, once his eyes land on me I swore his bruised up face went pale. I stand in front of him and wait for him to walk up to me, looking down at his feet in shame or to try to hide the bruise on his cheekbone and jaw. I still can't think of what to say to him but I honestly didn't want to test it out right now.

"…Bella," He started, his short black hair shinning under the light of the lamp post.

"I have to get back to work or I'm going to get another earful," I cut him off before I start walking down the sidewalk, knowing Paul would be following behind me. We get on the bus that would take us back downtown where I suspected my manager was seething. Sitting down by the window, Paul sits in front of me but I can't bring myself to look at him right now. There were so many things running through my mind right now and the most dominating feeling was worry.

"Bella, please look at me," I obliged but I couldn't shake the solemn look from my face. He knew he was in deep this time. He decided to continue trying to justify himself, "I'm really sorry but it wasn't my fault, Jacob and Embry wanted to go drinking and then these punks picked a fight. All I did was defend myself I swear."

Running my hand through my tangled mess of hair I studied my brother closely. He was so young - barely turned eighteen a month ago and starting college soon. He has so much on the line for him and yet he's always getting into trouble. I can't blame him, it's my fault for not being able to take care of him like I was supposed to but him getting into college is more than I or our parents ever did so that's something to be proud of.

"You say this every time, Paul. I…I don't even know what to say to you. You know how difficult things are for us right now and because of this little incident I'm not sure if we can even afford this month's rent."

Paul nods his head, understanding very well how difficult our lives are right now. How difficult they've always been. When I was thirteen years old, I found out just how cruel the world was when our father Charlie left us with our grandmother, a drug addict who couldn't even take care of himself. When I turned seventeen, Charlie died from an overdose, leaving me with an incredible amount of debt to pay off his dealer, James. It's been a never ending cycle of debt and non-stop fear that if I can't pay when James comes to collect, things will not end well for me or worst of all, Paul.

Paul was too young to understand all of this and I always tried to make sure he didn't know about the burden our father left us with. I wanted Paul to have a life worth living, one that wasn't filled with any one else's burdens except for his own.

I sigh once I see we've arrived at our stop and stand up, holding my hand out to my young, inexperienced brother. When Paul looks up at me with the same uncertain brown eyes that he's always had since he was a little boy, he knows I forgive him - and I always would.

"I'm sorry, Bells. I promise it'll never happen again, I'm going to change." Paul says as he pulls me into a hug when we make it to the street that leads back to my job. I hug him back, trying to keep my emotions at bay, praying to anyone that will listen that he means it. After telling Paul to go home and get some rest, I run back into the restaurant to see my manager, Tyler, looking at Angela as he chastises her for something regarding an order before noticing me and mouths the words, 'you're fired' at me.

Pushing the double doors open I walk out of the godforsaken restaurant I once worked in and close my eyes as I tilt my head up. Keep it together, Bella.

Just as it started raining I pull my hood from my jacket up and start walking down the sidewalk where the bus stop was.

"Bella, wait!" When I hear Angela's voice call out to me I turn around and see her with a piece of paper in her hand, "I'm so sorry about what happened, it's really unfair but you're better off without this shitty place."

"Thanks, Angela…As bad as it was working there - I really needed that job. Now I'm not sure what to do."

Pushing her glasses up her nose, she grabs my hand and smiles, "I think I know someone who will be willing to help. Her name's Rosalie Cullen - I met her when I was in a similar situation like you. She's always looking to hire people in need of help, so if you really need a new job soon then try giving her a call. I'll even send her a message and let her know you're interested."

I stood there in silence as she continued telling me about Rosalie Cullen and that she was a successful owner of a club named 'Eclipse'. I've never worked in a club before but I can't be picky right now. Angela hands me the address and phone number of Rosalie before having to run back into the restaurant to keep the manager from firing her too. I thank her by giving my closest friend a hug and promise her I'll call her to let her know how everything went - if I even got called in for an interview. After a restless night of stress and anxiety, I received a call from Angela telling me that she managed to get me an interview with Rosalie Cullen tonight. I couldn't believe my ears and I thanked her several times before getting on with my day until tonight.

Looking back down at the paper with 'Eclipse's' address I double check to make sure I'm in the right place. The club looked to be about two maybe three stories tall, an inauspicious impression was made on me when there wasn't music booming from the inside of the club and there were only a few people waiting in line however, I feared there would be many more to arrive as soon as the sun completely set.

I considered going home, leaving and trying to find another job that was less daunting to me. But I didn't have much time to look and even if I did I needed the money now.

After some deliberating on the sidewalk I bite my lip and breath in before stepping up to the entrance.

You can do this, Bella.

My interview with Rosalie Cullen started quickly once she took me to her office. The interview went by effortlessly enough, much like the beautiful woman that claims to be one of the owner's of Eclipse. While Rosalie appeared to be a very intimidating woman not only in her professional demeanor but with her beauty, she was a very understanding woman. She had long honey blonde hair that curled at the ends naturally and her perfectly pristine features that caught the attention of all the men and women in the club, even the ones that worked for her.

"So Bella, I know that Angela sent you here because you are under financial strain but I'd like to know a little more about you," Rosalie says as I sat down in her office that reflected this woman's personality perfectly, clean and beautiful furniture followed by neutral colors - it was calming and felt safe. "Why is it that you want to work for Eclipse when you could be working a normal nine to five job?"

I bit my lip as I grew nervous under this woman's curious stare, eyes so blue they were almost the color of amethyst. I sensed she was a patient person as it took me longer than usual to tell her why I was here in the first place. I didn't want to scare her off by explaining my situation or my personal life - so I tried sugarcoating it a bit to no avail.

"Well...I'm supporting my brother with college and along with that I have to pay the bills. It's just been me and him for a long time now."

"I see," she says as she places her hands on the marble desk in front of her, "but that's not what I was trying to ask. Why do you need this job so badly?"

I furrowed my brows as my mouth opened and closed several times before I finally found the words necessary to own up to my true objective, "My father left me to pay for his debts, he owed money to...a man that did business with him. When my father died, someone needed to pay this man what was owed to him. My brother just turned eighteen this year so naturally it was left up to me being the oldest."

"And this man - is he involved in your life outside of the debt?"

"No..." I can't look her in the eyes at this point. The shame I feel in admitting the life I lead out loud to Rosalie was enough to tell me I wouldn't get this job. Why would I when I carry such a burden on my shoulders? Who would want to hire someone so complicated in the first place?

"I want to be clear about something, Bella. Please, don't feel embarrassed. Look at me," I do as I'm told with uncertainty and see nothing but understanding and reassurance in Rosalie's clear blue eyes, "I will help you just as I have helped many other women in need but you have to promise me that once you pay off this debt, you will try to make something for yourself."

"Y-you mean I-I got the job?"

Rosalie gives me a kind smile and extends her hand to me, I take her soft, delicate hand in mine without hesitating this time, "You got the job. I'll get you to sign some paperwork today and get you acquainted with your section. You start tomorrow night unless that doesn't work for you?"

"No! That works just fine! T-Thank you so much, Rosalie! I can't tell you how much I appreciate this." I practically jump out of my seat from the shock and pure relief that went through me in that instant. I couldn't believe she hired me without hesitating!

Standing up and walking around her desk, placing her hand on my shoulder and smiling empathetically.

"If you have any questions whatsoever do not hesitate to reach out to me. But promise me one thing?"

I nod.

"If you see the police ever come in here or fights breaking out, stay as far away from them as you possibly can. Under no circumstances are you to interfere, do you understand?"

For Rosalie to warn me of occasional bar fights was completely normal considering how quiet and unsure I am but why would the police show up to a club? Not wanting to contradict my new employer I smile, "I understand.

The first night I worked in Eclipse was filled unexpected turns. Between my coworkers gossiping about how strict our employers are to Rosalie dating one of the bouncers named Emmett and most intriguing of all, the police coming to investigate the establishment more than once. I tried my best to stay out of the toxic gossip coming from the waitresses, Tanya and Lauren who seem to keep an eye out for any drama they can get their hands on.

The bartender, however, was the calmest one of the bunch on the team. He introduced himself as Benjamin and he showed me around the back of the bar for when I would have to make drinks and where I would pick them up. If it hadn't been for Benjamin taking the time to teach me how things go around here, I would have felt very lost.

As the club progressively got full with young couples, rowdy college students, and wealthy men and women with their friends, the more I grew accustomed to the work load I had. While carrying a tray full of alcoholic beverages wasn't my favorite part of my job I was just glad I was making money and once I would see the tips I would get from the tables I served, the more motivated I was. Maybe this job wouldn't be so bad after all.

But I came to realize how wrong I was when the later it got, the more drunk people in the club would get.

I knew I was in trouble when a group of men sat at in my zone, already holding drinks in their hands and watching women that passed by with eyes that told me exactly what they were thinking. Chills ran down my spine as I knew I would have a tough time waiting on them but a part of me was hopeful it wouldn't be a big problem and they wouldn't give me a second glance unless they needed drinks. I was wrong.

When I took their first order, all of them looked at me as if I was a piece of meat. The looks they gave me made me feel sick to my stomach and I grew more nervous when one of them made a sexual remark towards me as I set their first round of drinks down on the table. Choosing to ignore them I made my way back to the bar where I deemed my safe zone knowing Benjamin was making drinks behind the bar. I couldn't help by bite my lip as I dreaded having to go back to that table but I let myself relax when I forced myself to acknowledge not every man is going to be like Him.

I took in my surroundings to focus on something else and felt in awe at how detailed and intricate the club really was on the inside. I could tell whoever was in charge of running the business took great care in the club. The music was loud yet enticing and the dancers on the large stage to the right were the main attraction for the audience.

Even the uniform I wore was made of great quality, although a little too revealing for my liking. All the waitresses had to wear a black pleated chiffon blouse with red details, a black pencil skirt that went a few inches above my knees and black lace up heels. If not for the comfortable uniform I was given I would have guessed I'd be completely exhausted much like I have been in the past with my other jobs.

I made sure to sway along with the music occasionally whenever my feet would start hurting from standing in one spot for too long. I hadn't realized I spaced out until one of the men from the table yelled at me from afar, waving his hand at me in a snapping motion. I take a deep breath and make my way over to the men who were now all turning to look at me, amused grins on their lips.

"Haven't seen you around before, you new?" The man sitting closest to me calls out as I leaned down to replace the empty bottle of whiskey with another one. I simply nodded in response and turned to make my way back. Suddenly I felt a clammy hand grab a hold of my arm, pulling me back to face the man that had just spoken to me. I held my breath as a strong wave of cigarettes and alcohol wafted towards me when the man stood up, towering over me. I could feel myself beginning to panic as the rest of his friends at the table stood up telling him to let them have a turn when he was done tormenting me. As if I were some sort of object the man yanks me by my wrist and makes me stand between him and his drunk friends. I wanted to scream, to tell them to leave me alone but I couldn't find the words when flashes of images I never wanted my mind to remind me of returned.

Don't panic!

I shut my eyes tight to keep myself grounded in what was happening around me, with what could happen if I don't do something now.

Just as I was about to tell the man to get off me I caught sight of a quick movement from the corner of my eyes and the next thing I knew the man went tumbling down to the ground, knocking over the glasses on the table and releasing me as a result. I had lost my balance and fell on one of my knees just behind the seat. When I looked up, I stared in shock as the most beautiful man stood before me, if I thought the drunk man was tall - this beautiful stranger was even more so, above six foot tall with a build that would make any man wary of him. His muscles practically strained in his black button up shirt as he rolled his sleeves up.

God, he looked like a perfect sculpture, standing there staring the drunk man down with a look that exuded pure dominance. It was a look that could have killed me if he had turned to face me in that moment when my heart began pounding in my chest wildly, sending a wave of heat down to my stomach.

Watching this man closely, it took me a moment to gather that he had nearly knocked the drunk out with a single punch, poor guy didn't even have a chance to see that coming.

The drunk attempted to stand up with the help of his friends and cursed at my rescuer harshly. I closed my eyes as I saw him start walking up to the group of angry men and feared this wouldn't end well at all.

"Alright, break it up ladies! Party's over!" A loud booming voice said from behind the group and the next thing I knew, a large frightening man was hauling one of the drunk men up by his jacket and escorting the rest with other bouncers. I hadn't realized I was still kneeling down on the floor when my rescuer crouched down in front of me. I felt my breathing hitch at the sight of him even under the changing lights above us. His hair was short yet ruffled, giving off a wild look to him even in his elegant attire. And his eyes...they were breathtaking. Eyes the color of ashes and smoke that flows around the air after a fire extinguishes. And just like that, a fire began burning in my stomach and it trailed down between my thighs rapidly. I had to press my legs together to keep the discomfort I felt down there at bay.

"Can you stand?" He asks me and holds his large hand out towards me, offering to help me stand up. I felt my cheeks flush, no doubt turning bright red being under this man's attentive gaze. I bit my lip as I nodded and slipped my hand into his. I felt electrifying tingles run through me as soon as our hands touched and I saw a look on his face that I couldn't quite describe as he swiftly pulled me up bringin me incredibly close to his broad chest.

I watched his full lips part slowly, releasing a voice that sounded smooth and gentle yet husky.

"Are you alright, darlin'?"

I nodded slowly, "Yes, thank you for helping me."

He stared at me as if it had been the first time he's ever heard a woman speak. He still held my hand in his, slightly giving my hand a squeeze when I spoke.

And then, I heard the most dominating voice coated in what I could only describe as dark honey, sending a mixture of fire and ice all over my body and my senses to heighten.

"Next time there's a group of drunks like that get one of the male waiters to attend to them."

I turned around to look to where the deep voice had come from and everything else completely fades away around me. I came face to face with another man that was just saw beautiful as my rescuer behind me.

Greek gods...

He stood there in an all black suit, his hands tucked in his pockets, giving off a presence of confidence. As if he owned everything around him. He could have convinced me.

His eyes. His eyes were burning into me with an deep blue fire that could take anyone down with them if he looked at you the wrong way. His hair was a honey blonde, much like Rosalie's and went just past his ears, perfectly accentuating his pale face.

I felt myself grow uncomfortable once more as my stomach clenched at the attractive man before me. I wanted to shrink away behind my rescuer to shield me from this man's intimidating gaze but I could feel even his eyes were glued on me from behind and incredibly close.

I was about to start apologizing to the both of them for the scene that just took place a few moments ago but before I could the blonde haired man grabbed onto my hand, gently and tugged me behind him just as several dancers and performers began taking to the stage. The way his warm hand held mine sent even more sparks all over me and a part of me was both terrified of what these two men were going to do to me and the other part knew I wasn't going to forget the incredible attraction I felt for not just one - both of them. What's the matter with me?

I couldn't stop fidgeting. My eyes kept wandering from the elevator floor indicator to the two men around me. I closed my eyes as the scent of musk and spices filled the confined space around us. It was intimidating and frightening how much I enjoyed being around them.

But where were they taking me? What did they want from me? I couldn't bring myself to look at the brown haired man's face as I knew he was still watching me from behind while the brooding blonde man was standing in front of me, his posture told me he wasn't in the best mood. I kept my head down and bit my bottom lip to gather the courage to speak.

Instead I said the only thing that seemed adequate at the moment, "T-thank you...for helping me."

Neither one of them said anything to help me keep my nerves at bay but I noticed they shifted towards me just as the elevator doors opened. I stood in the elevator as the men walked in to a large office surrounded by ceiling to floor windows on the left that I assumed oversees the entire club.

"It's okay, you're safe here. Come in," my rescuer whispers in my ear as he places his hands on my shoulders, sending goosebumps all over my skin.

I stare warily at the other man as he was already on the other side of the room, behind his desk but I do as I'm told.

"You may sit down," startled by the blonde man as he spoke to me, his voice very clear now that we're not in the loud booming atmosphere downstairs anymore. I watched as he walked back over to me, motioning to the black sofa I hadn't even noticed. I was relieved when the mysterious man that saved me sat down next to me. I grew instantly embarrassed when the blonde man kneeled down in front of me and an unexpected thought entered my mind as he was dangerously close to my knees. Another wave of heat coarsed through my body.

I noticed he had a bottle of antiseptic spray in his hand and a bandaid in the other, he kept his blue eyes on my knee only and I relaxed as I didn't sense any ulterior motive behind his actions. I hadn't even realized I cut my knee until he asked me what my name was and sprayed the cut, "What's your name, sweetheart?"

His voice sounded so perfect and the way his tongue rolled as he addressed me excited me but I had to ignore it. Snap out of it!

I flinched away at the stinging sensation from the antiseptic spray but I felt two pairs of hands settle on me. One on my shoulder and one at the top of my knee, sending an even more overwhelming warm shocks all over me.

"How long have you been working in our club Bella?" my rescuer asks me.

"Your club? Oh my god I'm so sorry I didn't know, I'll pay for the damages made downstairs. It won't happen again," I started rambling nervously as it dawned on me. That's why they brought me up here! They're the owners of Eclipse, my employers and it hadn't been a whole day since I was hired and I'm making trouble already. What will I do if they fire me? I can't lose this job!

"You're not in trouble, Bella. It's okay, I would just like to know why a beautiful girl like you is working in such a...hectic place like this."

If not for his reassuring words I wouldn't have been able to relax back into the sofa. Before I knew it I was being completely honest with them. Why not be honest when I've done a thorough job at embarrassing myself so far, "I just really need a job. I was fired from my last job a few days ago and after looking everywhere, the first person to give me a chance was Rosalie. I figured it wouldn't be so bad?"

"Have you changed your mind?" the brown haired man asks me, his fingers lightly brushing against my neck and tucking my hair behind my ear.

Wanting to know what the correct answer would be I looked down to see the serious man kneeling down in front of me. He really was incredibly attractive, with his piercing eyes that looked right through me.

"No..." I shook my head. Hearing a sigh coming from him, he places the bandaid on my knee and smooths it out gently before standing up.

"Well then it looks like you officially have the job then, Bella. I hope you find this little club of ours an enjoyable workplace and if you have any questions regarding anything," the two men exchange looks as they grin at one another. I found their amusement, intriguing, "Don't hesitate to ask us, darlin'."

The blonde man reaches his hand out for me and I don't hesitate this time to take it. I watched as he reluctantly let go of my hand and made his way back to his desk.

"May I ask...what your names are?" I had to know.

The first one to speak was none other than my rescuer as he walks around and faces me, his grey orbs a slight shade darker now. "My name is Peter. Just as my partner has said, if you have any questions you can always come to me, darlin'. I'd be more than happy to show you around."

Peter...it suit him and his entire presence. Damn, was there not a single second where I didn't find these two men attractive? If I wasn't wet before, I sure as hell am now.

Turning to face the man that was now sitting behind the ebony desk, "Jasper Cullen, at your service Bella."

I didn't know the two men before me but based on the way they looked at me and how they made my body and mind react, I worried they would make my life even more challenging than it already was. But maybe that wouldn't be a bad thing in this case...

A/N :

Well, I hope you enjoyed Bella's POV. Next chapter we'll get moving along with the story!

The reviews I received for the first chapter were really amusing and motivating! Thanks to everyone for supporting this story so far!

Please don't forget to review, follow, and favorite this story to know when I publish! I promise chapter three will be up sometime this week!