Take my breath
By: Wendy Grandchester
Chapter 2
I couldn't move, couldn't even blink, he kept his gray eyes on me like he wanted me to know he is watching me and didn't give a fuck if that bothers me.
—Anne! You were great - Kate gives me a bear hug like I were a superstar.
—Beautiful voice, Anna, you go it!— Elliot says and smiles, then took a sip of his beer.
—Guys, you are making this bigger than it is ...
—Never underestimate yourself, Miss Anna ...
I looked up. A strong, manly, deep voice echoed in my ears, my heart started beating very fast. it was him. The man with the gray eyes!
He called me by my name ... I couldn't answer, I'm still in shock.
—Christian, I did not expect you finally come.—said Elliot. Christian ... I muttered to myself.
—I always keep my word.—answered and showed that curved, arrogant smile again, but has not take his eyes off me for a moment.
—Oh, please, meet my girlfriend, Kate and her friend, Anna.
—It's my pleasure, ladies.- makes a brief eye contact with Kate and then turns all his attention to me.
He shook hands with both of us, but he held mine for long seconds, he held it and looked at me with intent, my frightened eyes looked at him, then he let go my hand slowly, allowing our palms slowly brushed up until we break contact.
—It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Christian, your brother is always talking about you ...
So they are brothers! I still have not clue how he knew my name, unless ... Kate! Surely she arranged a double date without telling me.
—Don't trust him, Kate, my brother tends to exaggerate.
—Well, Chris, let's get some drinks for the ladies.—both men head to the bar, Kate and I were alone.
—Why you didn't tell me about that guy?—I accused her.
—I forgot it, Elliot said he probably wouldn't appear here ... but ... what's the problem?
—I don't know ... he makes me feel strange ...- we must strive to listen because the person who is now singing plus mix more conversations and people shouting and Kate made an amused expression.
—You're being paranoid, Anna. Just relax, okay?—She puts her carefree big smile.
But I can't not just relax. Since that man, Christian, looked at me ... I felt his eyes undressed me and then ... the way he held my hand, I recall it and again I feel chills.
—Another martini, Miss Anna? — "Miss Anna." Is so polite that makes me feel uncomfortable, I don't know if this is the right adjective, but when he speaks, when his eyes look at me, all the space get smaller.
—No thanks, I think I've had enough ...— I smiled and tried to not seem rude, but I couldn't even made eye contact with him.
—God! This girl likes things the hard way. Just take it!— Kate removes the cup from Christian's hands and then planted it on the table, just in front of my eyes.
We all sat, I couldn't relax, because even when they are involved in a lively conversation, Christian looks at me, even when his eyes are not on me, I know he does. I choose to drink my third martini and try to lose my mind on something and I think it worked for a while because I didn't notice when Kate and Elliott left to dance.
—So you like things the hard way, Anna?— I almost spitted out my martini, not that I have experience, but I could perceive a little intimacy in that question. Not only his voice is deep and powerful, but his accent ... his accent is strange, but I like it ...
—It's not that, sir ...— his eyes lit up when I called him sir, with a devilish brilliance and his lips curled into a smile again and again I felt that I couldn't breathe.
I don't even know why I called him sir, how old he should be? he must be in his middle twenties ... but there is something in his stance, in his eyes and around his body language indicating experience. Much experience.
— Then what is it?— He looked at me directly, waiting for an answer.
—These places are not my thing. I really came for Kate ...
—And what is your thing, Anna?
I looked straight because I was suddenly speechless. This guy is persistent. He looks at me like he really had an interest in keeping a conversation.
—I don't know... I ...
—You don't know?— He raised an eyebrow, and even when he's usually serious, he looks relaxed, his arrogance is still there.
—I Like a lot of things ...
—Interesting ...- Mutters, but he's expecting I keep talking. It's weird, I've never had trouble talking with people, but he intimidates me.
—No ... interesting is not a word that fits me ...— I smiled shyly.
—What fits you?
—Uh ... excuse me, I need the bathroom ...- It was an excuse to get rid of him.
—Okay.— He rose when I got up and then sat back down. He is very polite ...
There is an endless row for the bathrooms, I've been so long waiting for my turn that it really made me want to pee, should be the martinis. It is the row of women's bathroom which is impossible, in the row of men's are just a few men waiting.
I look everywhere while I'm waiting for my turn, I still invading the feeling that someone looks at me and my nerves made my need to pee even stronger. There are still many women before me, there is no row for the men ... I went into the men's restroom despite the curiosity looks of everyone else.
I also needed to escape somehow. When I got into the bathroom, the smell of urine is very strong, I step in front of the row of urinals and finally see the toilet, I look first if there's bath tissue, I get my jeans and panties down and do some stunts to pee without touching the toilet with my ass.
When I'm done I go straight to the sink, I press the soap container, it's empty, seems I haven't other choice but wash my hands with water only. Before leaving, I stopped to take a look in the mirror.
Again that girl looks at me, that's not me, I'm a little sweaty by the effects of alcohol, my nerves and the excitement. And Christian.
I open the door to exit.
—Shit! I exclaimed in amazement and even ashamed for that nothing polite expression.
—I didn't mean to scare you, Anna.
Christian was at the door like a guard, facing him abruptly scared me.
—You took so long, I was worried.
—You were worried? We women take our time, you know.— I sounded upset, this man I've known for less than an hour makes me feel harassed and stalked.
—But you got to men's restroom.
—So?— I know I'm being spoiled and even when he's trying to pretend, he is irritated.
—As soon as you got into the bathroom, there were some guys fooling around for you.— said very seriously.
—And you came to rescue me ...—I rolled my eyes.
I don't know what's wrong with me, but I'm acting weird, I've never been so direct and acid, it must be the martinis.
Christian is walking behind me while I'm looking for Kate everywhere. I want to go home. The presence of Christian overwhelms me.
—Kate and Elliott left.-he told me in a dry tone.
— What? How so? Kate couldn't ...
He just shrugs. The gesture was so carefree, I couldn't help it, I looked at him. This man is very handsome. He's so tall, more even than José, his presence is dominant. His face, his features are disturbingly perfect and has that cold stare, but so hot at the same time, it's like he made me freeze and burn at the same time.
Has something that drown me, his gaze suffocates me. I can't escape even if I wanted to. Besides, I don't know why I feel I must escape.
—I ... I should leave too.
—Yes, you should.— He said and looked at me seriously, it was like I was given an order.
—Good night.— I said and headed for the exit.
He followed me to the parking lot.
—You didn't have to escort me.
—A woman should never leave a bar alone, specially if she has been drinking. Have you any idea of all the predators just waiting around?— I felt a genuine concern in his eyes and some bitterness.
—I appreciate your concern, but ... I'm not drunk.
—Well, you're not entirely sober.
—Yeah, and who are you? My father?— I finally found my key and was trying to open my car's door.
His eyes became hard, his whole expression, his jaw clenched and suddenly I felt so small, I was shaking, I could not even open the fucking car's door and suddenly I felt very dizzy.
—I won't let you drive like this.—He took my key and held me because I felt I was going to fall. His grip is strong, but it doesn't hurt me.
I feel that this man is very powerful, not only by his behavior, he's so tall that when he's in front of me I totally disappear, his arms are muscled, he emanates strength.
—I'm Fine ...
—You know that's not true. Why are you so foolish? I'll call a taxi to drop you at your house.
—I won't leave my car here!— I shouted.
That car was Mom's, it is meaningful for me.
—Nothing will happen to your car.
—How are you so sure?
—I Give you my word.
It was all he said and a few minutes later came the taxi.
...
I got home, I was not staggering or anything, but is clear that I'm not used to alcohol, I feel a little dizzy, heated, there's nothing I want more than a good shower.
I undress and throw the clothes in the hamper. I washed my hair too to get rid of the smell of alcohol and cigarettes. The warm water relaxes me.
It is two in the morning. I put on a pajamas cotton trousers and I dry my hair a bit. I'm exhausted, but I'm not sleepy. I'm trying to think about boring things, it just comes to my mind images of Christian. Christian and his penetrating and mysterious look. His accent...
...
—Anna? I'm hearing Ray knocking on my door. I open my eyes a little lost, look at my clock, it's ten in the morning.
—What is it, Ray?
—A Crane came to bring your car ...— I jumped out of bed like a spring, remembering everything.
—All right ...- I said more calmly than I felt.
I washed my face and brushed teeth, I went downstairs still wearing pajamas, Ray sat in one of the counter's chair reading a newspaper, I looked out the window to see that my car had arrived safely.
I guess you already had breakfast ...— I told Ray while opening the fridge.
—I poured myself some coffee.— He didn't take his eyes off the newspaper.
—I'll make some pancakes, would you like?
—Yes— He's highly concentrated in the newspaper.
—What are you reading with such interest?— I asked mixing the flour.
—I'm looking for an extra job as I get to catch up on all the bills.
I didn't say a word, I'm feeling guilty. Mom's disease took much money, I remember we were about to sell the house to pay a new treatment, but for better or worse that never happened, mom passed away before we even tried it.
I should be looking for a job to help and not him, Ray has done too much. He works long hours in the postal service and has just one day off, it is not fair that he has to take a second job.
...
When I finished breakfast, I grabbed my laptop, I called several employment agencies and completed some applications online. My cell phone vibrates on my nightstand, a text message. I don't recognize that phone number.
'Good morning, Anna.
I hope you arrived safely.
Your car should be home. '
Christian Grey
My heart jumped. Christian Grey ... his name fleet on my lips. Christian looking at me with those gray eyes ... Christian smirking ... arrogant, demanding ...
'My car and I are fine.
Thanks for everything. '
Anastasia Steel
I replied and left my full name as he did, wanting to appear as formal or I possess the same domain as him, I know well that I didn't, the mere presence of Christian makes me feel very tiny.
'Then you have an excellent day.
And be careful, Miss Steel. '
For some reason I felt that that "be careful" locked much than it meant, like a warning. While I was torn between whether I should respond to that message, I get a call from Kate.
—Until you show up, how could you leave me alone with that man?— that was my warm greetings.
—I'm sorry, Ann, I suddenly didn't see you anywhere and I thought you left ...-— I could hear her yawning, I could tell she just woke up.
—I wouldn't left without telling you.
—I know, honey, I'm sorry. It will not happen again, well, I think I left you in good hands, didn't I ?
—I'd rather not answer that question.
—Huh? Is there something you're not telling me?
—Except for the fact that your boyfriend's brother is a bit pedantic, no, I don't think I have to tell you anything.
—To me, he was very friendly and gentlemanly ...
—Yeah, Right ...
—Ann, Elliot is calling, I'll call you back.— She just hung up.
...
After two weeks of arduous job search, I finally got a job as a waitress in a Spanish restaurant. It is a fancy place, has an activity room where senior executives have their parties, wedding receptions and so.
Like the other waitresses, I have an uniform consisting of a white long-sleeved blouse, I have a black tie and long black pants. I also use an apron in case of accidents. I have the hair in a high and sober ponytail.
I head to the table they have given me. The client is concentrated in the menu.
—Good afternoon, sir, may I take your order? ...
—¿Anna?
I was paralyzed again. His eyes reflected astonishment. It is Christian. He's wearing a suit, his abundant dark hair, wavy in the tips is very well groomed.
—Mr. Grey ...
To be continued ...
Hola, chicas!
I hope you had enjoyed this chapter, as I said, English is my second language, so I insist, if you notice some grammatical mistakes or any kind of mistakes, don't be shy, let me know.
I really appreciate your support, this is much more than I expected.
Thank u for your comments:
Andrea, ss711ssmith, perfectdark8523, intuitive1, KyKathy101, norma, Norma Angelica.
Thanks to all those girls who already put this story as their favorite and those who read anonymous, thanks for your time.
Your humble friend,
Wendy
