To the reviewer 'Casey' I couldn't respond to you personally because you registered as guest. I just wanted you to know I heard you, and I ask you to stick with the story, as you won't be disappointed in the end. If you sincerely have come to dislike it already, only six chapters in, then by all means I understand you moving on. But I would like to address something you said about Ana and her becoming unlikeable, and this is for everyone: I'm basing my Ana a lot on myself, so I guess you wouldn't like me either very much. I wanted Ana to have a life, not just be there for CG. I wanted CG to realize he can't just wave money at women and get what he wants. I want him to work for it, and grow from the experience. I don't think a person can become 'too independent'. We become what we have to be in order to survive. Remember, Ana's back story hasn't been revealed yet; just because she is strong and somewhat independent doesn't mean she has lost her innocence completely. I do agree with you on the ex-submissive's showing up, and I have no intention of that. Elena is an exception to that rule.
As for Ana dating Paul while she has feelings for Christian, again, Christian can't just get his way. He needs to work for her and maybe she will take him back. How does she know that he won't freak out, leaving her heartbroken once again? I dated a guy years ago who was hot and cold like that. Said he loved me, talked about marrying me, kids, etc. But yet kept pushing me away every time he got scared, and felt things were too close. I ended up walking away, and he regrets it to this day. This stuff does happen in real life. Keep in mind she is a newbie at the whole relationship thing. All she knows is she likes Paul, he's sweet, but she feels real heat and chemistry with Christian. I planned on having Paul have a discussion with her on where things are going between them. Ana is not a bad person, she is not intentionally trying to hurt Paul, but she's confused and scared. Give the story and characters a chance to blossom. I just love when people think they figured out the story this early on. Really, why bother reading if you know it all? ;)
Let me make this clear as well: if you threaten to no longer read it for whatever reason, well then-don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya! Buh-bye! Yes, I'm deleting the few nasty comments I've received. This is all about fun and positivity. For me personally it's a learning experience as well. I had written a long paragraph responding to negative comments and complaints. I decided against it and deleted it all. Why give focus to the minority when the majority is more than pleased? So going forward, I will not allow, nor will I bother responding to negativity. You will be ignored-so go get the attention you obviously desperately need someplace else. If you have a legitimate question or critique, by all means, speak up. I enjoy discussing it, as others will tell you. (See 'Casey' above)
So please all, this is only the seventh chapter! Bear with me! I don't want to give everything away, but I can promise you no cheating, a completed story, and a HEA befitting the characters. As for all the other reviewers, I thank you profusely for your continued support. And thank you for the well wishes and prayers. It truly means a lot. WHEW! Okay, moving on...lol
Chapter 7
APOV
"Paul, I'm so sorry. Please don't be mad." I plead as I button my blouse. Paul came over to 'talk' before my graduation tomorrow. I get up off my bed and walk over to him standing at the window in my room.
"Ana, what's wrong? We've been seeing each other a few weeks now, and you don't want to do anything other than kiss. Is it me?"
"No Paul, not at all. It's me, not you." I can't believe those words just came out of my mouth. Hypocrite!
"We need to talk Ana; about where we, where this is going." He gestures between the two of us as he speaks. "I care so much for you, and I want to be physical with you. Why won't you let me touch you? Don't you trust me?"
My less than quick response tells him what he didn't want to hear. "It's not personal, I swear. I'm just really fucked up." I shrug.
"You don't trust me? After all the years we've known each other? Damn it, Ana! You're just content to let me walk around with a major hard on." He runs his hand over his head.
Where have I seen that move before?
"It's really a long, complicated story."
He takes a seat on my bed, getting comfortable, "Okay, well I've got time. Tell me!"
"I can't talk about it. I never talk about it. I'm sorry Paul, It's just too hard."
Now he is furious and lets it be known. "You can't talk about it? What the fuck Ana? Listen, I hate to be 'that' guy." He makes air quotes as he speaks. "But if you don't give me some idea of what's going on with you, I can't stay in this relationship. I can't date a woman who doesn't trust me enough to share things, let alone one who won't fuck me!" He starts putting his shoes back on, along with gathering his personal effects as he continues to scold me. "You're such a frustrating woman! You can't lead me on Ana, It's cruel, and I won't allow it. You're either all in or it's over. Figure out what you want."
I prevent him from leaving by blocking the door. "Listen, I care a great deal for you." I place my hands on his face, and stare directly into his eyes. "This is all very new to me. I've never been in a relationship before. I don't know what I'm doing. I'm so confused!" I start to cry, and walk to my bed where I sit with my face in my hands. Paul kneels in front of me and grabs my hands in his.
"Go on Ana, keep talking." He prompts me. Maybe this is all I need to open up—emotional support from him.
"There was a man I had one date with before you, but, he ran out on me during dinner. That's the extent of my dating history." He hands me a tissue to wipe my eyes and blow my nose. I continue, "But it's more than that. My past, my life growing up…I feel worthless. I'm not worthy of love. If my own father hated me, why would anyone else love me? I never could understand that." I'm really not ready to dig deep into this conversation.
Paul immediately had a look of guilt cross his face. "Oh my sweet Ana…that's not true." He wipes the new tears that have formed on my cheeks.
"There's more…I'm a virgin" I manage to spit out to a shocked Paul. "I'm a virgin despite several attempts to take it from me; unwillingly." With those memories coming vividly to mind, I run to the bathroom and vomit. I'm disappointed that he doesn't follow. It's not guilt or confusion I feel right now—its anger.
As I finish vomiting and stand up to rinse my mouth and wash my face, Kate comes barreling in.
"Oh my God Ana, are you okay? What happened?" She has grabbed me by the shoulders and is looking into my eyes, as if she will see an answer in them. Surprisingly, she does. With a nod she asks, "Did you tell him everything?" I shake my head no, my eyes downcast. Kate takes me in her arms and gives me the biggest hug only Kate can give. Over her shoulder I see Elliot. He looks sincerely concerned as he walks over.
"Anything I can do kiddo?" He really is so sweet. Too bad his brother can be such an ass!
I manage a smile at him and say, "No, I don't think so Elliot. But thanks so much."
Just then Paul comes out of my room looking completely stunned. Yeah, I'm a lot to handle emotionally. He nods at Kate and Elliot, and then without stepping closer to me he says, "I think it best I head out, let you rest. I will call you later." And with that, I think I've scared another guy out of my life.
Thanks for the support asshole!
I start to get teary eyed again when I suddenly hear Frank Sinatra. What the hell? A red faced Elliot grabs his phone from his pocket and steps away. I look at Kate who chuckles and says, "It's his ring tone for Chris." A few moments later Elliot comes back to the living room and asks if I'd like Chris to come by. He's worried about me and wants to make sure I'm okay.
I snort and answer, "Oh that's kind of him! Tell him I appreciate the offer, but no thanks. I've had about all the emotional upheaval I can take in a night." Elliot gets back on his phone and I hear him make his excuses to Chris.
Elliot returns and says, "Pizza and movie night baby girl?" He knows Kate wouldn't have it any other way.
"Don't forget the ice cream sundaes" I add with an easy smile.
KPOV
"Paul fucking Clayton. That son of a bitch! I can't believe he made her puke El., and then he just left her! He must've been pushing her to go further than making out. She's not ready for that." He sighs loudly, and nods his head in agreement.
Elliot and I are in my bed after watching some violent action movies and pigging out with Ana. She finally settled down enough to fall asleep after watching the twentieth man get blown away in film; her blood lust finally sated.
"What'd your brother want?"
"He texted me asking what I was up to tonight and eventually the conversation turned to Ana of course. When I mentioned her puking, being upset, and having a rough night he called in a panic. He was very worried."
I snuggle up to Elliot in my bed. I know we'll be seeing Christian tomorrow at graduation, but I hope he gets to talk to Ana beforehand; otherwise it's going to be a shock to her system. Ana has already been through enough lately. I make up my mind to try to give Ana a clue about tomorrow.
APOV
I wake up early and decide to get a run in to clear my head. I get back to our apartment to find Kate making coffee for Elliot; their collective yawning making it apparent that they just woke up. I grabbed the mail on my way in, as we neglected to check it yesterday. I look through it as we all make small talk. I separate it into three piles; mine, Kate's, and shared bills. It's all the usual stuff, except for a few 'congratulations graduate' cards for each of us, and a mysterious letter for me.
"Well this is strange…I got a letter from someone anonymously. There's no return address."
"That's weird. What does it say Ana?" Kate has no patience.
"Hold on, I'm opening it!" As I open the folded piece of paper and begin to read the single paragraph, I can't help but feel someone is playing a prank on me. I giggle nervously as I read it. As I finish it, all the color leaves my face. Elliot makes it to my side just as my knees buckle out from under me. The next few minutes are a blur; Kate screaming, asking what the hell is going on as Elliot leads me to the couch. He picks up the note I had dropped and reads it. Immediately he hands it to Kate, and is on the phone. I'm still stunned, maybe going into shock. It had been simply printed on regular copy paper and read,
"I know who you are. I know where you live. I know your next move before you do. You can't hide. I'm watching you bitch! I'm coming for you. I'm going to beat the shit out of you until you lose consciousness. When you come to, you will be tied up, tortured, and fucked within an inch of your life. It will be fun to watch you suffer you stupid whore. You'll get exactly what you deserve! Try and run: I will find you!"
Kate's hysterics are interrupted by a loud knock on the door. Elliot answers for us, and in walks a delivery man with two huge bouquets of beautiful lavender roses—my favorite. He walks back to the door, only to turn right back around with a bottle of champagne and a box. Elliot grabs the box before I can get it and opens it, fearful of its contents. It's two crystal glasses to accompany the champagne, along with a note. Not another note! Elliot reads beside me and sees that it's all safe, just a gift from Chris. His note is a heartfelt 'congratulations' on our graduation. Well that was sweet of him; but sucky timing!
Kate comes and sits next to me, handing me a cup of tea. I thank her, and shaking, try to take a sip. I notice Elliot isn't in sight. Kate can see me looking for him and assures me he is still there at the apartment, he just needed to send a text or to call someone.
"He chose an odd time to go text a buddy!" I'm obviously a little on edge, and very nervous without Elliot around me now.
"Ana, Elliot is here, and he would never let anyone hurt you—or me. We are safe. If he had to text someone I know it must've been very important and couldn't wait." She stands and makes her way over to the kitchen, returning with the corkscrew. "Now, why don't we enjoy these beautiful roses, and top of the line champagne Chris just sent us. It's our graduation day! Smile Ana baby! May I read the note he sent with it?"
Kate's smile is infectious, and the champagne kicks my cup of teas ass any day. She's right about Elliot. I know he will keep us safe, and it must be important for him to have to text or call someone right now. I know he already called the police, so maybe it was Chris? I'd really love to see him right now. Maybe I'll call him tonight after the ceremony and time with my dad.
After reading the note from Chris, Kate expresses her gratitude towards him to nobody in particular, and then has me up and literally smelling the roses. These are just the most perfect roses I have ever seen. Chris must be doing alright if he can afford to send us this!
His thoughtful gesture is quickly forgotten though when there's another knock on the door. Elliot comes quickly out of wherever he was, and opens it to the expected police. The young, and attractive gentlemen Officers—Cameron and Shultz, mention they need a statement, and the threatening letter. They get statements from all three of us, along with our fingerprints to rule us out when forensics check the letter and envelope for fingerprints. I can tell they are refraining from flirting because of the obvious current circumstance. Officer Cameron looks around and remarks, "Beautiful flowers. Who are they for?"
Kate smiles and simply responds, "Both of us!"
He smiles and nods, then points to the champagne. "That's some expensive stuff there! What's the occasion if you don't mind me asking?"
"Oh no, it's fine, It's our college graduation today. Hell of a way to start it, huh?" I add. With that I smile at him, say "Cheers!" and down my second flute of the liquid silk.
Elliot jumps in, having finished up with Officer Shultz, and adds, "No worries officers, she won't be driving anything today."
Both officers chuckle, nod and wish us sincere congratulations on our graduation. As Elliot walks them outside, I hear them say they will do everything in their power to find out who sent the mystery letter. They leave with promises of keeping in touch. Elliot places a business card from one officer on the coffee table when he comes back inside.
This is not how I pictured spending the morning of my graduation! Nevertheless, we need to get ready and head over to the college. I'm buzzed and depressed for obvious reasons, but manage to shower and dry my hair. I'm borrowing one of Kate's dresses again—the short, plum, form fitting one. It has a sweetheart neckline that enhances my cleavage without overdoing it and the thick sheer straps show just enough skin. I'm wearing my own black stilettos, which may not be a great idea if I'm still woozy. Kate has graciously just stepped in and put some makeup on for me. She knows exactly what and how much to use, which I love about her.
We pile into Elliot's car, and we are off to the university for the last time in the near future.
When did Elliot get a car? I need more champagne…
CPOV
Taylor and I have had our morning run, showered and dressed, and had a delicious breakfast. After we have our debriefing here in my office, we will head over to WSU where I will be a large part of the commencement… and I'll get to see Ana.
"Have a seat Taylor. Tell me what you found out."
Taylor is dressed in his usual all black suit and tie, with a crisp white shirt. I think he is most comfortable in this uniform. He takes a seat in front of my desk and gets right down to business.
"It's all quite disturbing Sir. The lead guy, Samuel O'Brian, is indeed twenty-five but is in fact married with two children. He's never done time, but there are several dismissed cases against him involving possible drugging, kidnapping and rape. Along with some battery charges that were later dropped as well. He doesn't appear to be mentally ill, just a complete asshole." Taylor is obviously affected by this man. I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of his justified rage. "His real estate business has been successful; that's actually how he met most of his victims; lure them to an empty house for a showing…offers a roofied drink…bam! He takes them someplace else, assaults and beats them, leaves them anywhere convenient."
I sit back in my chair, and give Taylor a moment to control his burning anger. "What about the other three men?" I ask, not sure I want the answer.
"Yes, Paul Raymond, Caleb Vincent, and Keith Madison. Only Keith served time, in juvie, for stealing a car. All three are the same age as Mister O'Brian—twenty—five years old. They each own a home, but are all headed into foreclosure since they have no income or savings left. None of them are married or have children— thank God. It doesn't appear any of them have dated recently either."
"Why date when you can just fuck some drugged up girl and be done with her? They don't have to date to get 'laid'." Taylor and I both look and feel ready to go down to the gym and beat the shit out of the bag. Men like these four disgust me, and fortunately, I have the means to stop them in their tracks.
"Exactly boss. When I think of Gail, and my daughter Sophie out there with men like this around…" He shakes his head, no doubt at the visions of what could happen, and I'm sure it horrified him.
"I understand T. I feel the same about Gail and Sophie too. Plus I think of my mom and sister…and of course Ana who already met the four fuckers." I need to stop these guys now!
"These motherfuckers made bail Christian." It's never a good sign when Taylor uses my first name. He never says it out of disrespect. It's more to show his hurt and sadness, or his extreme passion for something. This attempted attack on Ana, and the subsequent information that was found, has really hit him hard. I guess if I were a father, or had a real significant other, I'd feel more as he does. "Apparently, Sam's wife ponied up for him and his cronies."
"Please tell me you have at least some good news, Jason!" I say as I lean my elbows on my desk, and place my hands on the sides of my head.
"Actually, I do. Welch has all but shut down his business. He has no money for defense, so he has to take state appointed attorneys. They have all been blacklisted—nobody will go near them. Not to mention that thanks to Mister Kavanagh, their names, faces, and 'alleged' crimes are plastered not just state wide; but nationwide!"
"Fantastic news T! Send Mister Kavanagh the best bottle of bourbon you can find. Also send Welch and Barney season tickets to the Mariners game as a thank you on this one. Did the delivery get sent to Ana and Kate as I asked?"
"Yes sir, as far as I know it was on its way, but I'll double check on that."
"Good, let me know when it gets there. How's Gail by the way? She seemed a little upset this morning."
"Oh, that. Yes, she is a little put out. She's feeling well, don't get me wrong, but she's not herself."
"Why's that?" I ask, honestly concerned.
Taylor stands up with a smirk and says, "Because Ryan pulled her away from Elena before she could knock her out." We chuckle as he reaches into his pocket and retrieves his phone.
"Taylor." He says into the phone. Instant panic hits me as his face changes and he locks eyes with me, ushering me to come with him. We head downstairs as Taylor just listens on his phone, barely saying anything. All I could hear was one side of the conversation. "Is she Okay?"
Fuck! Is who okay?
"Any idea who could've sent it?"
Sent what?
"Are the police still there?"
Oh shit.
It's not until we are already driving does Taylor hang up and fill me in.
"That was Sawyer Sir. He was watching Miss Steele as ordered when he saw all hell break loose. The delivery man was just leaving their apartment when the police arrived. He saw Elliot answer the door, so he felt safe in staying covert and letting him handle things, but he texted him immediately, and moments later Elliot called Sawyer and filled him in. It was too much to put into text sir." Taylor takes a deep breath as he looks in his mirrors, always on the lookout for a tail.
"Apparently Miss Steele returned from a run, must've looked through the mail and opened an anonymous letter threatening her life. It was threatening…Jesus…is threatening her with rape, torture, and a beating until she loses consciousness."
Just breathe Christian…just breathe. I feel sick to my stomach with rage.
"The scariest part is it mentioned that she is being watched and followed. Sawyer has not seen anyone, so we don't know if this is a mind fuck, or a real threat."
"Head there now T."
"No good sir. Sawyer was on the phone with me right after the cops finished up and left the apartment. Elliot told him they would be heading to WSU within thirty minutes." Taylor glances over at me. "I'm going as fast as I can, sir."
APOV
Everything has happened so fast today and it's all such a blur; first my run, then the letter, and the delivery from Chris. Oh yes, and all of that after dealing with Paul "I can't handle this, I'm outta here" Clayton. My head is just not in the moment right now. I really need to make a concentrated effort to enjoy every moment today, as I'll never get this chance again. I really need to find my dad, and Chris, to thank him for the thoughtful gift for Kate and me. I never got a chance to call him due to the morning's unwanted activity.
I see my dad, Ray, as he's walking towards me, eyes beaming but hiding emotion.
"Annie girl, I'm so proud of you!" He says as he embraces me.
Oh daddy, I want to just break down in tears and have you tell me you will take care of everything. I have to be strong and not let him know anything is wrong until today is over. I don't want to ruin this special day for any of us.
"Thanks dad, I'm so happy you made it."
"Of course my little froggy!" The mention of my childhood nickname makes me giggle. "It looks like things are going to start in just a few minutes, so I'll see you on the flip side, okay? Maybe we can go have dinner together after?"
My dad, always the hippie! "That sounds great, and I know Kate is dying to see you as well. There's a reception here directly after, if you don't mind hanging out for a little bit. Then we can head to dinner."
"Now that's a plan! Any time spent with you my dear girl, is like heaven on Earth."
With that comment, I'm reduced to tears. I hug my dad again, and look forward to just relaxing and spending time with him later. I just want to forget about yesterday and earlier today. I want to not think constantly why I'm singled out for hatred and abuse. I want to stop wondering why my birth father left me, and why I can't fully trust any men—including Ray who raised me from the age of five or so. After a few years of therapy, I got nowhere, so I gave it up. I'm not going to feel better by just talking about horrible things that have happened to me. It doesn't answer any questions, or help resolve them.
Kate comes running up to me, obviously late as usual, and in a rush. She hugs me quickly, and says, "I wanted to talk to you this morning but obviously never got the chance…Ana, whatever you see today, please don't get angry with him! It's not what you think, so just keep an open mind, and we can all discuss it later, okay? Damn! I really have to go! Please don't freak out!" She screams as she runs off towards some tall drink of water in a perfectly fitting grey suit.
I wonder who he is. Kate always gets to be around the hot guys! I laugh to myself. My solitary laughter quickly turns to dread when I see the hot guy in the grey suit is Chris. My Chris! Unexpectedly; my face turns red, my head pounds, and my hands sweat. Why would he be here? I know I drank a lot earlier, and I'm still in a bit of shock, so my overly stressed brain is playing tricks on me. It wasn't him. It couldn't possibly be him.
The music starts and the graduating class makes their way to the seats in single file. Kate won't be sitting down here as she is the valedictorian; she will be up on the platform with the professors, et cetera. The music ends and we all take our seats. I'm not really paying attention as my mind is reeling still from the day's events, and now this new revelation of seeing Kate with 'Chris'—or his doppelgänger. I snap to attention as Kate is called to give her speech. As usual, she does a fantastic job, blending the right amount of humor, seriousness, and the fears every new graduate faces. If she never became a journalist, I'd say she'd have a career as a life coach or motivational speaker.
My mind can't help but wander as I think of what she just urgently said to me. What did that all mean anyway? "Don't get angry with him…It's not what you think…keep an open mind…we can all discuss it later…" Who does she mean by 'all of us'?
I'm seriously confused.
She finishes her speech to rousing applause. The Dean next invites Mister Christian Grey to the stage. Shit, I totally forgot he was giving a speech today.
How could I have forgotten—it's all anyone has talked about for months: the elusive, reclusive billionaire Christian Grey, here on our campus. And it's all because he gave the school a shit load of money for the agricultural department. Well, at least we will finally see what he looks like. Nobody has ever gotten a good clear photograph of him. That's all over today! I hope he's ready for the flood gates to open! I can't help my chuckle. The crowd grows silent as he makes his way to the stage and shakes hands with the Dean. I guess I'm just as curious as the masses over the identity of Mister Grey.
My mouth goes dry, and my hands start to tremble, as I watch Chris take the stage…Christian take the stage…
Holy fuck! Shit! Oh my God!
What the…how the…? Wait, what is going on? Is Chris…my Chris? The Christian Grey?
I'm at a loss. I don't know if I should be pissed at him for hiding the truth from me, or if I should find this big reveal hysterical. Both win out as my stress level reaches its maximum, leaving me a crying, and laughing wreck. I know I'm being stared at, but I don't care. If they only really knew what I've been through in the last day or so, they'd be doing the laugh/cry thing with me!
Even at this distance he looks amazing, and I can feel the electricity between us. He isn't nervous in the slightest, and I can tell he can see me, as he keeps looking at me— directly at me! I can't help but think over everything…Christian owns The Slipknot, along with most of Seattle, something my new friend Molly must have already known…Elliot's his brother, making him the owner of Grey Construction, not just an employee.…Kate must have found this all out and that's why she was trying to talk to me—to tell me to not freak, and we would all talk later. That makes so much more sense! I'm so honestly relieved.
Christian really commands a crowd when he speaks. When he gives a little personal background information on himself—being a small, hungry child—I then understand his donation to the agricultural department. Eating healthy and regularly is important to him, and with good reason.
He finishes his speech to thunderous applause—and some catcalls. He'll be presenting the diplomas as well, so I'll be forced to see him up close and to shake his hand. I'm nervous, and I can't stop crying now. He's still staring at me, and several of the girls around me are saying vulgar things and think he's staring at them!
After waiting for what feels like forever, my name is finally called and I make my way up the stage. It's plainly clear that I've been crying, but yet I can't get this smile off my face. We lock eyes immediately. He hands me my diploma with one hand, while he shakes my right hand with his other.
"Miss Steele. I hope you're okay; I've been terribly worried about you. May I please speak to you privately after the ceremony?"
"Yes Mister Grey, I believe we have a lot of talking to do." I'm still smiling, but tears threaten again, so this Adonis, this gentleman, reaches into his pocket and hands me a handkerchief. I haven't seen one of those since I was a kid and it was my grandfather who had one. I find it just perfection. I thank him, and slowly make my way off the stage. I see Kate and give her 'the look'. It's a look that says so many different things, and it's something that only other women can understand.
Maybe this day will get better after all.
CPOV
Seeing Ana laughing and crying broke my heart. I feel terrible. She's been through the wringer the last twenty—four hours or so. Seeing me here, and having this be the big reveal as to who I really am, probably pushed her to her limit. Yet when we shook hands, that electricity was still there. I need to find her immediately and apologize in private, but I'm stuck here speaking and shaking hands with the higher— ups of the school.
As if he could read my mind, Taylor steps forward and tells me quietly that he sees Miss Steele. I excuse myself politely and head over to Ana, hoping that she doesn't hate me. She's standing there speaking with some very animated friends, but she just looks so very tired— and sad.
"Miss Steele."
"Mister Grey." She nods. "Allow me to introduce a couple of my friends. This is Jennifer, Liz, and Jose who you met at The Slipknot…and of course you already know Molly."
I notice Molly can't wipe the smirk off her face. The other two girls are looking at me like a kid looks at a new toy. Jose speaks up.
"Yeah, I remember you; the bartender, right? Man, this is the guy who saved Ana from those assholes that night!" He says to the two swooning women. "Shit, Ana! Christian Grey saved your ass!" He says finally catching up to the obvious. "I can't thank you enough for looking out for and protecting our little Ana Banana here." He says as he wraps an arm over her shoulder and squeezes her.
Just friends or not—hands off my girl!
Before I can do or say anything, Molly leans in to me and whispers, "Cat's outta the bag now, huh? Guess you won't be coming to The Slipknot much anymore. That's a real shame." She says shaking her head.
"Why's that Mol?" I ask genuinely curious.
"Because I always made phenomenal tips the nights you were there! All those women swooning, wanting me to give you their digits…" She sighs, and it actually makes me laugh heartily. She adds," I know the crew will miss having you around—you're just a cool guy… not to mention the nice bonuses you give us when you are there…" With that I laugh harder, Molly joining in with me. Yeah, I was right about her: she's a good egg, a funny one too.
When we finally control our laughter, I tell them it was lovely meeting all of them, and ask Ana if she will speak with me privately – to which she readily agrees. I grab her hand, feeling that heat that is always there between us. I gently pull her into the men's locker room so we can speak alone, quietly. I motion to lock the door, careful to gauge her feelings; she nods yes, so I lock the door and turn to face her.
Finally, alone with Ana, and she knows exactly who I am.
However, before I can utter a single word, her right hand flies up, landing square on my cheek. I'm stunned—Ana just smacked me! I guess I had that coming. I'm at a loss for words, my mind racing to think of something to say. Before I have a chance to process what's happening; her lips are hungrily on mine. She starts to pull away, just as I place one hand splayed on her back, the other at the back of her head pulling her closer to me. She throws her arms around my neck, running her fingers through my hair. She easily parts her lips, an open invitation for my tongue to explore. She rubs hers all around mine, and then quickly starts to suck on it, sending shivers all over my body. I'm certain she can feel my excitement pressed against her. We are both breathless but unwilling to part lips. Her mouth is soft, warm and inviting. I take my time just kissing and sucking, biting her lower lip.
After several intense moments we part lips but still remain entwined—the passion between us lingering. Both of us panting, desperate for air, but unwilling to let go. My forehead rests on hers, my hands having never moved from their spot; she lowers her hands and places them on my biceps, practically holding herself up. Feeling each other's breath, and with eyes barely opened, I catch my breath enough to whisper,
"I'm sorry?"
Her giggle and flushed face let me know that while we may have a lot to discuss before, and if we decide to move forward, but that I will, at some point, be forgiven.
