A/N So this is an idea I came up with because I started a similar story before, but it never went anywhere so have come up with a new idea.
There will be pairings such as Hanna, Helsa and eventual Kristana.
It will start off as a T rating, but may increase to a M rating in future chapters as there will be some graphic violence, abuse and sexual content.
All chapters will carry warnings if necessary.
Please review and let me know what you think.
Chapter One.
Twenty-three year old Anna Summers and twenty-four year old Kristoff Bjorgman walked down the busy street, preparing to start another exciting and fulfilling day at Oaken's candy and chocolate emporium.
They had both been working at the store for the past six months and so far, Anna thought it was the best job ever. And rather fitting really, due to her love of all things chocolate.
"Good morning, Anna. Good morning, Kristoff," Oaken greeted, as they both breezed inside looking rather cheery. "How are you both feeling on this fine morning?"
The redhead smiled at her boss. "Very well, thank you."
Oaken was a large, burly man, with strawberry-blonde hair, sideburns and a mustache. The business man had previously lived in Norway, and owned a trading post and sauna there. But once his son had been old enough to take over the family business, he had relocated to the States and decided on a business venture that was rather new to him.
Anna was quite glad that he had. She and her older sister, Elsa were total chocoholics, so when she had learned this place was opening, Anna's resume was the first one on the pile.
Upon first introductions though. Her boss had come across as quite firm, strict and a little grumpy, but he had soon livened up, and they had quickly formed a very close working relationship.
Kristoff hadn't begun his employment until a week later, when Oaken realized he was going to require an extra pair of hands. It seems you American's can't get enough of the sweet stuff, yah? he had said when the shop began filling up with customers and they found themselves rather overwhelmed.
When meeting him for the first time, Anna hadn't been too impressed with her new co-worker. He was too gruff, rather rude and his manners had left a lot to be desired. But after she had taught him some civility, they had become the best of friends. After a few weeks of daily conversations, Kristoff had started to slowly open up to her. During this time, she learned that he was an orphan, had spent much of his childhood moving between different foster homes and therefore had a rather underpriviledged upbringing. Now though, he was rather happy living independently with his faithful husky dog, Sven.
Kristoff would have to admit that he cared for the redhead...a lot. And sometimes he could be a little overprotective, although in a brotherly sort of way. Of course, once upon a time he had misread the signals, and had pursued her in the hope of a romantic relationship. Anna however, had made it quite clear that their relationship was strictly platonic. Even though he had felt dejected; he had respected her decision, and they had chosen to remain in the friend zone.
Once the store had opened, but was still relatively quiet, Anna made a start on the delivery. After an hour of unpacking boxes, it was time to stack the boxes on the shelves, whilst Kristoff was busy serving customers. Stepping onto a small ladder, she gathered several boxes in her arms and starting placing them on the appropriate shelves.
It wasn't until she had stacked the last box, that her foot slipped and she lost her balance. Panicking, Anna let out a shrill scream as she fell backwards, luckily landing into a pair of strong, muscular arms. "Thanks Kristoff. There's nothing like a crazy trust exercise."
"Glad I caught you," came the deep, mysterious voice.
Kristoff, who had just finished with the customer, heard Anna's cry and had dashed across, but it seemed the stranger had already beaten him to it.
Once Anna had regained her balance and had taken a much needed deep breath, she gazed up at her rescuer, rather captivated by his appearance. Well this certainly is not Kristoff.
This man was rather tall and dashingly handsome. He had auburn hair, cute sideburns and emerald green eyes. He wore a dark suit and by the looks of him, appeared to be rather wealthy.
"Thank you...sir."
The stranger extended his hand. "You can call me Hans...Hans Westergard."
Westergard? Surely not Westergard of Southern Isles industries. Oh my god. What if it is? This guy was a multi millionaire...no rephrase that. Multi billionaire.
"Yes, before you ask, it is. Actually my Father owns the company. But one day, very soon, I will come to inherit it...and everything will be mine."
Anna admired his drive and passion to continue his Father's legacy once he was no longer around. "Aww, that's so sweet to want to follow in his footsteps."
Kristoff rolled his eyes, as he continued to listen to the pair exchanging pleasantries and staring at each other all gooey eyed. Anna obviously thought he hadn't noticed, but the two of them had spent a considerable amount of time just gazing at one another, like a pair of lovesick teenagers. So the blond gently nudged her. "Anna, you're drooling."
The redhead blushed as she wiped the dribble from her chin. "I'm very sorry...it's just, you're gorgeous." Anna immediately slapped a hand over her mouth in utter embarrassment. "I'm sorry. Did I just say that out loud?"
Hans didn't seem surprised. "Don't worry, I get that a lot. It must be my due to my intelligence, attractiveness and incredible charm. Now, does this damsel in distress have a name?"
"Who me?" Anna could have smacked herself for neglecting to introduce herself sooner. But when being in such close proximity to a juicy millionaire, who could blame her. "Oh yes, it's Anna. Anna Summers, and this here is Kristoff Bjorgman."
Hans flicked his eyes back and forth between the two employees. "Are you two...?"
Anna blushed red again. "Wait, what? No...absolutely not! We are just co-workers and good friends."
Kristoff reluctantly agreed, although he couldn't help feel a hint of jealousy. "Yes...very good friends, if you must know."
Thankfully, before Anna could feel anymore lovestruck then she already was, Oaken had made an appearance and by his reaction, their boss had been expecting him.
"Welcome, welcome, Mr Westergard. May I begin by saying, what a pleasure it is to meet your acquaintance, and to say thank you for choosing Oaken's candy and chocolate emporium. Hopefully you'll be very satisfied with what we have to offer."
Anna and Kristoff watched with great interest as their boss led Hans towards the back of the store, until they both vanished from sight.
The redhead composed herself. "Well he was..."
"A stuck up, pompous jerk," Kristoff interjected, before she could finish.
The redhead playfully jabbed his arm. "Kristoff! That is a such a mean thing to say."
"I'm sorry Anna, but were you actually listening to him? And should I dare to mention that he was looking at you way too creepily."
Anna's lip quivered nervously. "Seriously? He was really looking at me?"
"Sometimes you really are clueless, aren't you?" Anyway, c'mon we'd better get back to work. You'll probably never see that jackass again anyway."
"Yeah," she cooed dreamily, only to be interrupted by an elderly lady who announced she was looking for the perfect chocolates for her husband.
Anna curled an arm around the woman's shoulder. "I think we have some perfect ones right over here."
It had been rather busy at the store and by the end of her shift, Anna just wanted to go home, take a shower and then curl up with her sister, with whom she shared an apartment with.
"Did you want me to walk you home?" Kristoff offered, after they had left the store.
Anna immediately declined. "No, it's okay. I'll be fine. Besides, you live on the other side of town. And I'm sure Sven will need feeding...and walking."
"I doubt it. The lazy mutt will probably be snoozing by the time I walk through the door."
"Still, he's probably missed you. And there's nothing more important then bonding time between a master and his beloved dog."
The blond managed a half-smile. "Yeah, I guess you're right. See you tomorrow then?"
They hugged, and then parted ways. A disappointed Kristoff trudged off in one direction, whilst Anna turned towards the opposite direction to begin the thirty minute walk to her apartment.
During the short journey, Anna's mind flicked back to Hans Westergard. She had only met the man that day, but it was like she already felt a strange connection to him.
After crossing the eerily quiet street, Anna became vaguely aware of being followed, so she picked up speed. As soon as she rounded the corner, she noticed the car was still following, so the redhead decided to break into a run. That was until she heard the soft, sultry voice.
"Hey there, Anna Summers," a voice purred.
Startled, she almost choked on the gum she was chewing as the black convertible came to a rolling stop. Slowly, she backed away from the car, before she gazed up, riveted to the figure in front of her. "Mr Westergard?"
There he was, her knight in shining armor sporting an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you. It's just...a beautiful woman such as yourself shouldn't be walking the streets alone, especially at this late hour. Do you need a ride somewhere?"
Her heart was telling her to jump right in, but her head was saying no. "I really shouldn't accept rides from strangers. My sister would kill me."
"Well I won't tell her, if you don't," he countered smoothly.
No Anna, resist. "I really shouldn't. My apartment is not much further anyway. Thank you for the offer though."
"Come on, Anna," he urged. "I won't bite. And I'd never forgive myself if anything was to happen to you."
The redhead hesitated, giving Hans the longest stare. Although berating herself, she stood her ground. "I'm really sorry."
"You wound me, Miss Summers," he drawled despondently. It did seem however, that he had pressed his luck enough, so Hans didn't persist. Instead, he held out a box of chocolates for her. "Here then. Would you at least be willing to accept these?"
Anna glanced at the box of luxury golden chocolate truffles. "These are...wow these are one of the most expensive chocolates we sell."
"Yes, an exquisite chocolate for an exquisite lady."
Don't accept them, don't accept them. Anna's decision was overpowered by the urge to taste these delectable chocolates that she knew she could never afford. So, against her better judgment, she accepted the chocolates. "Thank you. I don't really know what else to say."
"Say you'll come out with me."
Anna's heartbeat quickened. She had butterflies swarming around in her stomach, as she questioned shyly. "W-What, like a date?"
Hans gazed at her curiously. "It can be whatever you want it to be. Now, how about Thursday, say around seven thirty?"
The redhead could hardly contain her excitement. "Y-Yeah that would be cool...I mean, that would be perfect."
He took a page from his notebook and scrawled down a cellphone number, before handing it to her. "Here's my number. Text me your address and I'll be there."
As Hans drove away, Anna was left frozen and speechless. She was too numb to even walk at that moment. All she could hear was the incessant pounding of her heart. And all she could think about about was her impending date with Hans Westergard.
A/N More to come...