Edward's POV

"Edward, it's Raymond Wallace. I have some great news. I have a few designers in Paris who have taken a liking to your girl."

I smiled widely and Bella seemed to notice. "What?" She asked anxiously. I mouthed, "One minute."

"Really. So do they want to sign her?" I asked as calmly as I could. Bella knew exactly what Raymond and I were talking about. She began jumping up and down like a five year old. I smiled at her. Gosh she's beautiful I thought.

"They're interested, but they would like to see more pictures of your Bella. And if they like what they see then you and her would have to fly off to Paris so they can meet her." Raymond said casually.

I nodded. "Okay. I'll get you more pictures of Bella as soon as possible."

"Good. I'll talk to you later Edward." Raymond said before the line went dead. I immediately hung up my phone and looked at Bella. She smiled at me. Bella is probably the most beautiful girl in the world. Those big chocolate brown eyes get me everytime. I returned her smile with an even bigger one.

"I sent a few of your best photos to my agent Raymond Wallace, and some designers are interested in you." I said, trying to sound casual. Bella immediately raced up to me and threw herself in my arms. I hugged her back tightly. I was so proud of her. Bella flinched in pain and let go of me. I released her and saw her grabbing her side in pain. "What?" I asked, worried because the last thing I wanted to do was hurt her. I could tell she was delicate.

A few tears escaped from her eyes. "It's nothing." She said, obviously still in pain. I immediately knew that if I didn't cause her pain, somebody else at that strip club did. Either a customer or Bruno did this. I could feel my blood boil from underneath my skin. My hands clenched into fists. My smile faded. I reached towards Bella's aching side. I attempted to lift her shirt up so I could see the damage but Bella immediately pulled away.

"No, Edward. Please stop!" She cried. I didn't listen. I kept trying to lift up her shirt. "Bella. Stop. Let me see." I said raising my voice everytime she struggled to get away from me. Bella finally gave up, and let me lift up her shirt.

There was a huge blue and purple bruise that covered up her entire side. I raised my free hand and began to rub her bruise lightly. Bella flinched at the touch, but that didn't stop me. Bella began to cry.

"Who did this to you Bella?" I asked softly. She didn't answer. "Bella, who did this to you." I asked with more force.

Bella sniffled and said something but I couldn't hear her. "Sorry, I didn't hear you." I said.

"Bruno." She whispered, barely audible.

I began to shake my head. Of course Bruno did this.

"Why?" I asked with a hint of anger in my voice.

Bella looked down, "Because I was late to work last night..." She stopped to wipe her nose on her shirt. "because of our photo session ran late."

I began to feel extremely guilty. This was my fault.

"Why didn't you tell me you were late when we were shooting?" I asked.

"Because I was having fun and I lost track of time." Bella said, sniffling and once again grabbing her aching side.

"Bella, when exactly are you going to quit working for Bruno?" I asked seriously.

Bella didn't answer. I was beginning to think that she was never going to quit. She was still going to let that bastard Bruno trash her innocence, she's 18 years old for christ sakes.

"Answer me." I said raising my voice. She jumped at the sound of anger in my voice, and began to tense up. I didn't want to scare her, but it was the only way I was going to get answers. I'm beginning to act like Bruno which was the last thing I ever wanted to do. I didn't want to be another man Bella can't trust.

I sighed and ask in a more softer tone, "Bella, please answer my question."

Bella began to loosen up and whispered, "I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know?" I asked.

Tears began to stream down her beautiful face. "I don't know if I can. Bruno owns me. He won't let go."

"Bella, I can't do this. You can't have both. Either you quit stripping or you quit modeling." I said harshly.

She nodded. "I can't quit stripping. Thanks for the opportunity." Bella said quietly as she walked out of the room. I stood there in silence. I heard the front door close. What have I just done?

4:19 am

I was awoken by a loud banging sound on my front door.

"Ugh..." I said. I was hoping whoever was at the door would take a hint and go away. But they didn't because the knocking only got louder. I reluctantly got out of bed and walked to the front door. I yawned and wiped my eyes. I reached over towards the door and unlocked the deadbolt and swung the door open.

It was Bella. Oh my god.

She had a big gash on her forehead which was dripping blood, her clothes were torn, her bottom lip was swollen. She looked horrible.

"Bella. What happened?" I asked worried.

"I'm so sorry I bothered you. It's just... I have no other place to go." She cried.

END OF CHAPTER!

CLIFFY!! Don't hate me please. I'm so so so so sorry it took a long time to update. School started up again (first year of college.) so everything has been scattered lately and holding up a job is taking a toll. Since I have a routine down, I should be able to do weekly updates! Thanks for reading and I hope you review because reviews are a confidence booster and it lets me know that you like what you read!

If you are readers of my first fanfic Once More, With Feeling I have a poll up on my profile. Please vote because I need your opinion. I hope you like this chapter and I'm sorry that it's short. Next chapter is drama... KEEP READING!

xoxo Soleil Blu Moon