Chapter 8 - Fathers

Ana's POV

"Fuck, Christian! I'm cumming!" I scream as he rams into me from behind.

"That's it, baby. Cum for me," he grunts while pinching my nipple.

I feel a wave a pleasure rush through my body, and I sink down on the bed crying out his name. Christian spills himself into me and rolls on his side of the bed.

Yes. He has his side of the bed now. Cute, right? Anyways, making love to Christian is my new favorite pastime and when he takes charge and fucks me. Mind-blowing.

He still isn't entirely comfortable with my touch. He has never had a problem with me touching him while he's clothed. But I think when we're making love, he feels vulnerable, like that little four-year-old boy who lost his mother.

It's almost Christmas, and I'm so excited for my father to finally meet Christian. He's taking a much needed three weeks off from work so that he can spend as much time with me as possible. I've been talking to him nonstop about Christian for the past few weeks. I know that as a father, he's a bit skeptical of me finally having a boyfriend. But he's very supportive of me because of how happy he knows I am.

Christian and I are now cuddling in bed, basking in the afterglow of our lovemaking.

"My dad's coming tomorrow," I remind him.

"I'm nervous," he admits with a shaky voice.

"Don't be," I try to reassure him. "My dad's not going to kill you," I joke.

"I'm not worried that he's going to kill me, baby," he says, "But he might think I'm not good enough for his beloved daughter."

"Christian," I say, looking at him with hooded eyes, "Don't sell yourself short. I know my dad's going to love you. Just be yourself."

And just like that his nervous demeanor is gone and is replaced by an air of confidence.

He smirks at me and says, "Enough talking about your father."

He dives under the covers and attaches his lips to my clit, sucking hard on the nub.

"Mmmm," I moan and let Christian work his magic.

Christian's POV

Ana's father is having a driver pick him up from the airport. He didn't want to trouble Ana with having to deal with the airport traffic.

Ana and I are putting Christmas decorations around the apartment and cleaning up, preparing for his visit. Ana and I bought a Christmas tree and had it delivered too. We haven't decorated it yet. Ana said she wanted to save that for when her dad arrived.

Ana's been telling me that she's spoken to her father about our relationship many, many times. She says that he's happy that she's so happy, but I think I know how most fathers are. He's probably ready to grill me about my intentions with his daughter the moment he meets me. Also, the guy is definitely scary. He was in the military for goodness sakes. And he works for the president now, which is exponentially more intimidating.

I'm also nervous as hell to meet Ana's father. This might be the most important person I'll ever meet. Considering I want to marry his daughter someday (hopefully soon), I'll need him to like me.

Ana's putting tinsel and garland on the fireplace and is also hanging the stockings. There's one for Ana, her dad, and what the hell? Is she really hanging up one for me?

I sneak up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist.

"You got me a stocking," I murmur, kissing down her neck.

"Well, you're part of the family now," she replies, turning around and giving me a quick kiss.

Just then, the elevator dings, signaling her father's arrival.

Shit, shit, shit! I don't want to be making out with his daughter the first time he sees me.

Ana breaks from my embrace and runs to the elevator.

"Daddy!" she shrieks, crushing him into a big hug.

"Annie," he replies, "I missed you so much peanut."

"Where's all your stuff?" she asks.

"The doorman's bringing it up soon," he replies, as he walks into the apartment with Ana.

Raymond Steele is about 6'4" and is well built. He was in the army after all. He has a stern but caring face, and he looks so happy to see his daughter.

I can feel my nerves build up and my heart starts racing, apprehension setting in. Don't embarrass yourself, Grey.

"Daddy, this is Christian," she introduces.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Steele," I say, holding out my hand for him to shake.

"You too, son," he states, giving me a firm handshake. "Annie's been telling me all about you," he continues.

"Good things I hope," I chuckle nervously.

"Of course all good," Ana says.

Sensing the awkward silence, Ana jumps in. "Daddy, I think you worked with Christian's dad before. Grey & Associates."

"Ah, yes," Mr. Steele recalls. "Carrick Grey is your father?" he asks.

"Yes, sir," I reply, "My dad speaks highly of you."

"Send your dad my regards then," he says.

"I will sir," I respond.

"Call me Ray, son," he declares.

Ana gives me a sly wink, signaling to me that I've made a good first impression.

Ana, her father, and I are currently eating dinner at Canlis. Her idea. I wanted her to have some alone time with her father, but she insisted I come with them.

"Daddy, Christian helps me with math all the time. He's the reason I'm not failing," she declares.

"Wow, if you can help her with math, you deserve a medal," he jokes.

I laugh along with them, and Ana admonishes, "Hey, I'm not that helpless."

I raise my eyebrows at her and she giggles, "Okay, math is definitely not my strong suit. I'll admit it."

"That's okay, Annie," Ray says, "We all have our strengths." "So son, have you thought about college yet?" he inquires, "Annie tells me you're absolutely brilliant."

"She's probably exaggerating my intelligence," I reply.

"Definitely not," Ana quips.

Ray looks at me knowing I just dodged his question.

"As for college," I reply honestly, "Harvard."

"Ambitious," Ray states.

"My mom went to Yale, and my dad went to Harvard. My brother's doing his first year at Yale right now, so I think anything less will be met with grave disappointment."

"Fitz went to Harvard," Ray remarks, looking at Ana.

I'm a bit confused until Ana mouths to me, 'the President.'

"Ana's going to Harvard," Ray states like it's no big deal. Ana rolls her eyes at her dad but he continues, "I'll speak to President Grant about making a call for you."

"That's really not necessary, sir," I say, "I don't want to put you through the trouble. And I'm sure the president has more pressing matters to attend to."

"Don't worry, son," Ray replies, "It's not a problem at all. Welcome to the family."

Just then, Ray gets a call. "I'm sorry kids, I have to take this," he declares, getting up from his seat and stepping outside.

"What the hell was that?!" I ask Ana.

She shrugs her shoulders and says, "My dad can be very pushy at times."

"You think?" I raise my voice.

She giggles at me and says, "I didn't know you wanted to go to Harvard."

"Who doesn't," I brush her off. "What about you? You never mentioned anything to me about Harvard either."

"As if I had a choice," she states. My dad and the president have practically been planning it since me, and the president's son were kids."

"You're friends with the president's son?" I inquire, feeling jealousy run through my veins.

She senses this and tries to calm me down, "I love you Christian. You. No one else. The president's son and I are like brother and sister. There's nothing there. Please drop it."

I raise an eyebrow at her in skepticism, and she grabs one of my hands to reassure me.

"I know what you're thinking, Christian," she states, "But really. I promise. Jerry and I are nothing but friends, honorary siblings if you will."

I know Ana loves me. But a part of me is jealous. Jealous and worried and angry. Jealous because someone like the president's son might be the better choice for Ana. Worried because I know I'm fucked up. Worried because I know Ana's too good for me, no matter what she tells me otherwise. Angry because Ana has never mentioned him to me before.

"How come you've never told me about him before?" I question with anger laced through my voice.

"It never came up," Ana defends, "And he doesn't mean anything to me, baby. You're my whole world." Her face is begging and pleading at me to drop it, so I do.

When Ana's dad comes back, he apologizes for the interruption.

"Consider Harvard a done deal, son," he declares.

I don't know what else to say but, "Thank you."

The food comes a few minutes later, and we all dig in to the delicious meal. Ana gets up needing to use the restroom, leaving me with her father alone. Fuck, fuck, fuck. This is when the grilling is really going to start.

"You make my daughter happy," he states.

"I try," I reply sheepishly.

"She loves you, you know."

"I love her too," I say confidently.

"That's good to hear."

From his facial expression, I can't tell what he's thinking. He's impossible to read, unlike his daughter who wears her emotions on her sleeve.

"She doesn't let people in easily," he continues, "She's always been guarded. The girl has tons of friends, but only a few close ones. She doesn't usually let new people into her heart. Don't hurt her."

"That's the last thing I want to do, sir," I reply, scared shitless.

Ana finally comes back to the table, saving me from her scary ass father, and we finish our meal over light conversation.

Ana's POV

My father seemed to really like Christian. Thank God. I honestly can't believe my dad bulldozed Christian over Harvard like that. He wouldn't do that for just anyone. My dad must really like Christian if he's going to go through all that trouble.

Christian's still a little pissed over the Jerry thing. I mean, I guess I should've told him that I'm friends with the president's son. That seems like a significant friendship in my life. We practically grew up together. But it really never crossed my mind to mention it to Christian.
We haven't seen each other in a while with him moving to D.C. and everything, and we don't talk as much as we used to.

I get why Christian is annoyed, but at the same time, I don't think I made that big of a mistake. I guess Christian's the jealous type, and that's something I'm going to have to deal with later on.

Also, with Christian's many demons and his somewhat lack of self-esteem, I can understand why he was so upset to find out about our friendship. Jerry Grant is our age and is objectively very good looking. And let's not forget he's the president's son. Christian must feel like he now has to compete with him. And I know how deep his self-loathing issues run. That is not a good combination.

I need to reassure Christian that he's the only one I want. I have to convince him that he's good enough, that he's not competing with anybody. I love him. Nothing is going to change that.

Christian is pretending to be alright with me in front of my dad, but I know he's still upset. After dinner, my dad and I went back to the apartment, and Christian left abruptly, barely kissing me on the cheek.

Dad and I are sitting at the breakfast bar, talking over coffee and tea.

"You liked, Christian right daddy?" I question him.

"I did, Annie," he replies, "He's a fine boy."

"I'm so glad," I say with a beaming smile.

"Jerry misses you, you know," he says reminding me of the elephant in the room with Christian.

"I miss him too dad," I reply genuinely. There's without a doubt no romantic interest there. I meant what I said to Christian. He's like my brother, and I miss him.

"You have to visit D.C. again sometime. The president wants to see you too. And if that's not reason enough, your dear old dad loves spending time with you."

I pull him into a hug, not realizing how much I missed having him around before.

When we break apart, he declares, "I've been having the secret service keeping an eye on you."

I go wide-eyed at his comment, in complete shock that he doesn't trust me.

"Are you kidding me?" I ask with an attitude. Now I'm getting angry.

"It's for your safety, Annie," he tries to reason with me.

While I know that safety is an issue, I'm furious that he didn't tell me he had some goons spying on me.

I don't respond and just give him my irritated face.

He continues, "That boy really loves you, Annie. You could see it from a mile away."

The fact that my dad tells me that warms my heart. I know that's his way of telling me he supports our relationship.

"I love him too," I respond earnestly.

After my dad went to bed, I text Christian wanting to patch things up.

A: I'm sorry I didn't tell you

I get a reply almost instantaneously.

C: Don't be. I just have things I need to work out

My heart breaks for him, and I'm so upset that it was me this time who caused his distress, making him second guess himself and comparing himself to other guys. I need to make this right.

I run up to my closet and change into some very sexy cherry red lingerie and grab two scarves. I put on a trench coat, to complete this sexy cliche and sneak down to the garage to head to Christian's house.

When I arrive, the house is dark, signaling everyone has already gone to bed. I quietly enter the house and tiptoe to Christian's room.

I carefully open the door and see Christian lying in bed with the lamp on staring at the ceiling.

He looks surprised at my interruption. He immediately sits up and asks, "What are you doing here, Ana? Isn't your dad staying with you?"

I go sit down next to him on his bed and wrap my arms around him, nuzzling my head into the crook of his neck.

"He's dead asleep," I respond, "And I needed to see you to make things right. And prove to you that you're the only one for me."

I lightly graze my lips over his neck and continue, "I know I already said this, but I'm sorry. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about my friendship with the president's son, and I'm sorry that I'm making you feel this way. It was never my intention to lie to you or hide things from you. It just never crossed my mind as something important to tell you because he's not the most important person in my life. You are."

After my little speech, Christian pulls me into a passionate kiss.

"You're fucking mine," he spits out possessively.

"Yes. Yours," I manage to mumble out in between kisses.

Christian goes to unbutton my trench coat before I stop him. He looks up at me, non-verbally asking me if something's wrong.

I shake my head 'no' and reach into my bag for the scarves.

"I know you're not completely comfortable with me touching your bare skin. And I know it's something you struggle with when my hands are free to touch you. I want you to tie my hands up, Christian," I say, handing him the scarves.

"Oh, Ana," he replies, grabbing my face and pulling me into another kiss.

"I want to show you that I'm all yours, Christian," I say in a whisper, "And I think you'll feel more comfortable if you know I can't inadvertently touch you."

He looks reluctantly at the scarves I placed in his hands, so I encourage him, "You can tie my wrists to the bedposts, baby." "It could be insanely hot too," I try to crack a joke.

Christian looks as if he's pondering the situation and asserts, "I don't want to hurt you, baby."

"You won't," I immediately reply, "I know you won't."

He still looks reluctant, so I kiss him to convey my feelings. When I break away, I encourage, "Please, Christian. This is for you. Take me. However you want."

He doesn't say a word. He deliberately undoes every single one of the buttons on my trench coat and pushes it off my shoulders so it pools at my feet. His eyes feast all over my body and the very scandalous lingerie I'm wearing.

"You're so sexy baby," he says with a raspy voice.

I bite my lip while Christian unhooks my bra and places me onto the bed. He carefully ties my hands to either side of the headboard, so I can't move them. I feel exposed and vulnerable but sexy under his hot gaze.

He removes his clothes and climbs into bed with me, leaving a trail of kisses from my legs to my collarbone. I squirm and moan with every touch, and Christian continues his assault.

When his kisses reach my neck, he whispers, "You're mine."

He lightly rubs my clit over my underwear, and my immediate reaction is to squirm and move around on the bed. However, I'm stuck in place due to the ties on my wrist, and surprisingly it turns me on even more.

"Tell me you're mine," Christian declares.

He slips my panties down my legs and methodically slides two fingers into my soaking wet heat.

"Tell me you're mine," he repeats.

"I'm yours," I manage to moan out, "God, I'm all yours Christian. Please fuck me."

Christian swiftly lines himself up with my entrance and forcefully thrusts into me.

"Ahhhh," I gasp at his sudden intrusion.

He starts to pick up the pace and slams into me harder and harder. I want to cry out in ecstasy, but I'm forced to keep quiet, not wanting to wake anyone in the house.

"Oooh, Christian. Harder," I command, wanting more and more.

His thrusts become more forceful, and his voice rings raspy in my ear, "You're fucking mine, Anastasia. Mine."

Mmmm, I fucking love a demanding and possessive Christian.

"I'm yours," I whisper.

Panting and heavy breathing fills the room, and I submit myself to the feeling.

"Cum for me, baby," Christian murmurs in my ear as his thrusts become more erratic.

The floodgates open as I reach my peak and Christian empties himself into me.

He carefully unties my wrists, and I don't know what comes over me, but I start crying as he wraps me in his arms.

He caresses my head and asks sincerely, "What's wrong baby? I didn't hurt you, did I?"

I shake my head as the tears stream down my face. I shakily reply, "No, no, baby. I, I just. I'm so overwhelmed."

He wipes the tears off my face and blurts, "Touch me."

"What?" I croak in surprise.

"Touch me," he repeats, "I want you to touch me. Your touch means everything to me. I want you to have all of me." The tears are still running down my face, and this time he kisses them away.

Trembling, I reach out my hand to his chest, looking for a signal on his face telling me to stop. Christian's eyes are closed, and he looks like he's shaking.

"Are you sure, Christian? I don't want to hurt you," I ask earnestly.

He shakes his head, still with his eyes closed. "I need you to touch me. Please."

With a shaking hand, I lay my palm against his bare chest, apprehensive of what his reaction might be.

Christian's eyes are still closed, and he looks like he's having a hard time. His breathing becomes more labored and his whole body is trembling.

In the soft light of the moon, I can barely make out small scars and burns speckled across Christian's chest.

I feel more tears pooling in my eyes and start sobbing again.

Christian finally opens his beautiful gray eyes and pulls my other hand towards his chest.

I try to pull it back, not wanting to cause Christian any more pain.

"No, no, no, baby," Christian breathes, "I need this. You're healing me."

I gently place my other hand on his bare chest, and run my hands all over his body, moving them to his back.

As I continue to roam my hands across his body, Christian's shoulders ease up and his breathing steadies.

I lovingly kiss each one of his scars and burns, in an effort to try to heal the wounds.

"I love you," I whisper in between kisses.

"They're so ugly," Christian says referring to his scars.

"No," I refute, "They're beautiful because they're a part of you. It shows you're a survivor. Your scars make you stronger. You're beautiful."

When he's had enough, Christian grabs both my hands and pins me to the bed as he makes love to me for a second, third, and fourth time.

After making love for the fourth time, Christian fell dead asleep. My poor boy still has so many issues, and as much as I try to fix them, they'll always be lurking in the shadows.

All I want to do it comfort him, and love him, and heal him. I make a huge fucking mistake not telling Christian about Jerry, and that's brought out the worst demons, self-consciousness, and fear out of him.

I desperately want to stay in bed with him, but I know I must get home before my dad wakes up. He's an early riser. I give Christian a soft kiss on his forehead and reluctantly get out of bed, tiptoeing around the room to retrieve my clothing.

I sneak out of Christian's house as quietly as I snuck in and hop in my car back home.

Christian's POV

I'm awoken by a sliver of light shining through my window. Instinctively, I reach across to the other side of the bed, expecting Ana to be there. She isn't. Ugh.

I know I completely overreacted regarding the situation with the president's son, but I couldn't help it. I felt hurt, betrayed, even lied to. But I know that was never Ana's intention. She's my angel.

When she came over last night, I wasn't expecting her at all. Knowing that I needed reassurance that she's all mine, she let me tie her up so I could have my wicked way with her. She knows exactly what I need, and I can't thank her enough for that.

I had to give her something back in return, so I let her touch me. Before Ana, no one had ever touched me clothed or unclothed in over a decade. After I met Ana, I was comfortable with her touch over clothes, but couldn't tolerate it on my bare skin. Last night, I finally let go of that fear, and I feel like I can really begin to heal now.

Maybe I'll finally be able to give my mother a proper hug. She's loved and cared for me my whole life, and the least I can do is show her how much I love her and how thankful I am for her. Ana is truly healing me. My angel.

I'm not wearing any clothes, as a result from last night, so I hop out of bed to put some on. I see one of the scarves I used to tie Ana up from last night and smirk to myself. She must've forgotten it.

I then hear my phone buzzing on my nightstand, and it's my angel herself.

"Hey baby," I answer flirtatiously.

"Hi baby," she greets, "Are you doing anything today?"

"Nope," I reply, hoping to get in some more alone time with her.

"My dad wants you to come fishing with us," she states.

"Fishing?" I reply incredulously. Ana's dad does not seem like the fishing type.

She giggles and responds, "I know. Not my favorite activity either. But it wasn't really an invitation. It was more of a demand."

I smile and say, "I'll be there. But I don't know how to fish."

She giggles again and says, "Yay! I'll see you soon. Be at the apartment by 10. Laters baby."

"Laters baby," I repeat to her and end the call.

Well, it looks like I have a fishing trip to prepare for. It's 8 am so that gives me about an hour to research everything I can about fishing. I need to impress Ana's dad.

Ana's POV

When my dad says 'fishing,' what he really means is sailing on a small yacht with a full crew and wait staff.

I also don't fish. That's why my dad told me that Christian should tag along. I would normally just watch my dad fish, not wanting dead fish to ruin my outfit. It's about time he had someone participating in the activity with him.

I put on some black Rag & Bone jeans, a white cable knit sweater from Maje, and a black puffer jacket from Moncler. I pair it with a black Givenchy bag, and some Golden Goose sneakers then head downstairs. Christian should be here at any minute.

"You didn't have to get all dressed up, Annie," my dad says when I see him in the kitchen.

"I would hardly call this dressed up," I reply smiling.

"I remember a time you used to wear ratty sneakers and an old sweatshirt," he remarks, giving me a kiss on the cheek.

"Well, let's be glad to times are over," I say smiling at my father. "Christian should be here any minute," I inform him.

He nods his head, and the elevator opens up with Christian coming out of it.

He looks so handsome with his messy hair, signature smirk, and his sexy casual outfit. He's wearing khaki-colored pant, with a light blue, long-sleeve button-down tucked in and his favorite leather jacket. He's also wearing white sneakers from Common Projects, and he looks like a very well put together man. He looks absolutely edible.

"Christian," my dad greets him with a handshake.

"Hello Ray," Christian says, "Thanks for inviting me today."

"Not a problem son," Ray responds.

Christian smiles at me and greets me with a kiss on the cheek.

"Shall we?" my dad asks walking to the elevator to go down to the car.

We both nod our heads and follow suit.

Christian's POV

"Dad," Ana whines, "Why are we being driven by the Secret Service?"

We're currently sitting in an unmarked, large black Suburban accompanied by two Secret Service agents.

"It's just a precaution, sweetie," he states. "You know what? Think of this as a perk."

"What!" Ana admonishes. "The lovely perk of being spied on by two goons!" she says sarcastically.

"You know they can hear you," I whisper into her ear. She's not exactly being quiet, and the agents are only a few feet away from us in the front seats.

"We're not offended ma'am," the agent in the passenger seat says.

She rolls her eyes and mouths 'ma'am' to me, and I laugh at her childishness.

Ana doesn't look amused and glances at me.

"Oh for goodness sake, Ana," Ray declares, "Deal with it."

Ana pouts, but that did seem to silence her though. She doesn't mention anything else about the Secret Service agents after that.

When we get to the marina, Ana is definitely in a better mood.

"Have you gone fishing before, son?" Ray questions.

"No, sir," I reply, "But my family does go sailing often."

"Well, this is going to be fun then," he says smiling at me.

Long story short, fishing was a disaster. Despite my Google search on fishing, I was not an expert. Ray and Ana were laughing at me the whole time I was trying to figure the fishing pole out. Ray caught three fish, but that wasn't as good as my zero fish.

Anyways, Ana seemed to be amused by my idiocy, and I fucking love the sound of her laughter.

After the fishing disaster, Ana and I spent some time lounging on the deck while her dad had to make some work calls. Ana noticed one of the Secret Service agents who was watching us from across the deck. She kept giving the man side-eye, but if I were her, I would've thought twice. That guy was twice my size! And I'm also pretty sure he had a gun.

Come to think of it, Ana did mention her dad was a gun nut. Fuck! That means I'll really have to be careful around him.

Christmas is in a week, and Ana said her father was staying until the new year. My mom wants me to invite Ana and her father to our house for Christmas Eve. I'm pretty sure Ana would like the idea. Anyways, Elliot's coming home for Christmas this year, so my mom's pretty much going all out. She's excited to have all her kids under one roof this year. Plus, she now has the added guest of Ana, which I think she might be more excited about than Elliot's return.

Ana's POV

After sailing, dad took us to our favorite little seafood restaurant right on the water, so that's where we are right now.

Christian seems to be a lot more comfortable with my dad. He seems more at ease, and he isn't overanalyzing everything he's saying anymore.

"Oh, I almost forgot," dad remarks, "You're coming to D.C. for ski week right? You should bring Christian along."

"Ski week?" Christian questions.

"We have a random week off of school in February. Apparently, it's an optimal time to go skiing, so the school calls it ski-week," I inform him.

Christian nods his head and waits for my response.

"Of course I'm coming daddy," I respond. "Do you want to come with?" I ask Christian.

"Yeah sure," he replies nonchalantly, "Sounds like fun."

"I'll tell Fitz you're all set, sweetie," dad states, "He's going to be so excited to see you."

Fuck! Christian is going to have to meet Jerry. That might not be the best thing for him. He's already shown he's insanely jealous. I wonder how he might act when Jerry's around. The Secret Service might have to kick his ass. Shit! I can only hope Christian forgets all about it when February rolls around.

Other than that, I'm so stoked for Christian to explore D.C. with me. I'm a sucker for political dramas, so being in D.C. makes me feel like I'm part of the show. It's silly, but whatever.

Also, my dad keeps on surprising me this weekend. Not only did he demand Christian come on our outing today, but he's also already invited him to spend the week in D.C. What the hell has gotten into him? We're going to need to talk later. I'm not upset that my dad likes my boyfriend. It's quite the opposite actually. I'm just confused as to why my dad seems overly friendly. He's usually not one to take to new people easily, and I'm in shock that he's so taken with the guy who's dating his daughter. He's always had a protective streak over me, so I'm puzzled and delighted that Christian and my father seem to be getting along so well.

After our meal, the Secret Service took us back to the apartment, where Christian politely excused himself despite my father telling him to stay for as long as he wanted. Christian insisted that his mother was expecting him to be home tonight to help with Christmas decorations.

After Christian leaves, I begin questioning my dad.

"Is there a reason why you're obsessed with my boyfriend now?" I question, raising an eyebrow.

"What! You want me to hate your boyfriend?" he retorts.

"Of course not," I reply, "But you seem a little too friendly, dad. What's your game?"

"What game," he tries to brush off my comment.

"You know what I'm talking about," I insist.

"Fine, fine, fine," he relents, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."

"Dad!" I admonish, "Christian's not your enemy!"

"I know he's not," he replies, "I do like the kid a lot. I think he's impressive. He's the first boyfriend you've had Annie, and you picked one hell of a kid. I can't pick out any flaws about him. But he is dating my daughter. And a father can never be too protective."

I love my dad for trying to protect me even when it's completely unnecessary. I guess that's what fathers are for.

I give my dad a big hug and declare, "I'm so glad you're here daddy."

"Me too, Annie. Me too," he replies.

A/N: Hi readers! I love reading all your reviews! It makes my day!

Just as a side note, if you watch Scandal, you might notice some of the characters. :)

Not sure if I should include some of these extra characters in future chapters like the president and his family. What do you guys think?