Christian was tapping away on his phone, probably responding to emails when Taylor slammed on the breaks, causing us to lurch forwards in out seats. Before either Christian or I could react, Taylor was out of the driver's seat running towards the flaming car on the side of the highway in front of us.
"What the fuck?" Christian asked, getting out of the car. He tucked his gun into the back of his jeans before climbing out. "Stay in the car, Anastasia."
I nodded, reaching towards the front of the car to turn on the blinkers and called 911. I didn't know what was going on, but if there was someone in that car they would need medical attention. My phone flashed with a call from Gwen once I finished talking to the 911 operator.
"Gwen," I said in greeting.
"Are you with Christian, I can't get through to him," she said, sounding agitated.
"Yes, what's wrong?" I asked, concerned.
"Esclava is on fire," she said. I paused, not really knowing how to respond.
"Shouldn't we just let it burn?" I asked, knowing that this was the perfect opportunity for him the get out of business with Elena Lincoln.
"Normally I'd say yes. But the fire department is here and there are people inside, Ana. This could be a murder investigation if someone dies and the fire is ruled as arson," Gwen said.
"Taylor and Christian and myself will have airtight alibis," I said, watching a police car pull up with an ambulance and firetruck behind them.
"It's not you three I'm worried about. Apparently, a witness spotted someone fitting Mia's description fleeing from the scene. And we both know if she was with her family, that won't hold up in court because of their reputation and past indiscretions, even though they are always acquitted," Gwen said.
"Shit," I breathed out. "I'll talk to Christian as soon as he finishes pulling this person from a burning car."
Gwen chuckled humorously. "I'll meet you both at GEH soon."
"See you soon," I said hanging up. I watched as Taylor and Christian pulled a charred body from the car. The policemen quickly asked them to step back and the paramedics stepped in, rushing around the person. I couldn't tell if the person was male or female- there was no hair on their head and it was covered in burns and charred skin.
Taylor and Christian were pulled to side, talking with one of the police officers. They shook hands and looked morose as we watched a yellow sheet being pulled over the person's head. They were dead.
"Christian, we need to get to GEH," I said softly as soon as they were back in the car. "Gwen called me."
He nodded, seeming very detached and I could tell he was stressed. His jaw was clenched tight and his eyes were dark and heavy. He held my hand, seeming to try and seek some sort of comfort from the gesture. Taylor glanced at me through the rearview mirror and I nodded, telling him to drive.
Gwen was standing by the elevators as we pulled into the private garage. I smiled at her, Christian standing socially behind me. She looked at me questioningly and I shrugged, letting her know I'd explain later. "I'll brief you on the ride up."
Gwen launched into her explanation. Christian asked a few questions, but I was too focused on the text I had received. It was from Elliot. Call me.
I tucked my phone into my back pocket and followed Gwen and Christian into his office where Ros was waiting and on the phone. She hung up and shook her head. "Two bodies were found."
"Jesus Christ," Christian exhaled. "What can we do?"
Ros studied him evenly. "The fire chief believe it is arson from what they've discovered about the starting point of the fire. We'll know the official ruling in a couple of hours. The press haven't caught wind of anything yet, just the fire. Your silent partnership should help keep any press off of us."
Christian nodded.
"I need to make a call," I said, excusing myself and slipping from the office.
"Elliot?" I asked, as he picked up on the first ring.
"It's Mia. She's gone," he choked out.
I froze, feeling chills run up and down my spine. "When you say gone…"
"Dead," Elliot whispered. "Can you tell Christian? He needs to get to the hospital."
"Sure, we'll see you soon. I'm so sorry Elliot," I said, my voice breaking slightly. Taking a steadying breathe I texted Barney, letting him know to speak to Gwen about all of this and how Mia was possibly connected. I called Welch next.
"Welch."
"Hi Welch, it's Anastasia Steele," I said, still wondering what his first name was.
"What can I do for you?" he asked, sounding slightly more alert.
"I need you to get me Mia Grey's phone records. Please do this subtlety and tell no one else. I'm trying to prove myself wrong before going to be boss," I explained, hoping he'd buy it. I knew the police would pull them soon, and I really wanted to get ahead of them on this.
"No problem. I'll get them to you within the hour.," he said, hanging up.
I took a deep breathe and headed back into the office.
"Christian we need to go to Seattle Grace," I said softly, watching his face change from tense to confused. His eyes were filled with dread. He nodded, not asking any questions and I didn't know what to tell him. He left the office and I caught Gwen's arm.
"What type of car did the witness say Mia was driving?" I asked, hoping that Christian hadn't inadvertently pulled his own sister's body from the flaming car.
Gwen looked puzzled. "A silver sedan. Maybe a Toyota."
My blood ran cold and I nodded. "Would she have enough time to leave the warehouse with her parents and go to Esclava?"
Gwen nodded. "If she was dropped off at her loft, then yes."
"Thanks Gwen," I said, ignoring her suspicious face. "I've got to go with Christian. Call me if you need us."
We sat in the SUV in silence, Christian holding my hand even more tightly than before. He swallowed before asking the one question I was dreading. "Who?"
My heart broke as I saw how scared he was. "Mia."
His jaw clenched tight and I saw him trying to control his breathing as his eyes filled with tears. Blinking rapidly, his let his head fall and I watched as the wracking sobs took over his body. My heart broke all over again as I watched this strong man break in front of me. I unbuckled my seat belt and slid over to wrap my arms around him. His breathing caught as I slipped my arms around his shoulders.
"Ana," he gasped out, frozen. "I can't."
I shut my eyes, realizing I had crossed a line. I loosened my grip around him, and was about to pull away before his hand shot up to keep my arms in place.
"Lightly," he whispered, during his face into my arm. I let my other hand trail up and stroke his head softly, trying to provide him with some form of comfort. I knew from watching Lincoln with him that he was uncomfortable being touched and I knew I would cry if he wanted me to hug him properly. In that moment, I realized just how much he trusted me.
Christian didn't let go of my hand as we walked into the small, clinical room. Grace was wrapped in Carrick's arms as they were sitting on a love seat. I couldn't see Grace's head. Elliot was standing in the corner, looking up at the ceiling, tears rolling down his cheeks. Only Carrick acknowledged our presence. I kissed Christian's hands, feeling like an intruder and I slipped out of the room to find some coffee and water for everyone. My phone buzzed with an email from Welch.
I sat down at the cafeteria table and froze when I recognized Luke Sawyer's number. I flipped through the pages of text messages, pausing when I read the last two she received.
Mia, don't do it!
I swear to fucking God Mia! You think you're protecting him, but you're not. Christian is a big boy and you need to leave Elena alone!
I had no idea what to make of those texts, but I knew Luke was somehow mixed up in all of this. I took a screenshot and texted the image to Barney. Right now, I wanted out from whatever fucked up informant relationship we had. I didn't want to help that bastard.
I slipped back into the room with the coffees and water, earning a grateful smile from Carrick. I sat down on one of the chairs, letting the family I had come to care about mourn in peace.
"Thank you, Anastasia," Carrick said, standing once Grace had more of a hold over her emotions.
"I've talked to the hospital and Gwen. There's a media circus outside, but I've arranged for Taylor to pick us up from the service entrance," I said softly. "I'm so sorry."
Grace gave me a watery smile before pulling on her sunglasses and leaving the room, followed by Carrick. Christian lingered with me, and took both of my hands in his. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
I swallowed thickly. "Let's get you home."
He allowed me to lead him from the room and through the hospital. The car ride was quiet and tense. Taylor dropped Elliot, Grace, and Carrick off in Bellevue, before continuing back to Escala.
Christian headed straight for his office as soon as we got back. Mrs. Jones was standing in the foyer wringing her hands nervously. "Is there anything I can do?"
I smiled sadly at her. "Maybe just a light dinner. Then you can go home. I think Taylor will need the support."
She looked shocked for a second, probably that I had been able to discern that they were in a relationship, and nodded, slipping back into the kitchen. I trailed towards Christian's office, knocking lightly on the door. It pushed open- he hadn't shut it properly, and I saw him sitting at his desk, gazing at a photograph drinking a glass full of whiskey.
He didn't look up as I stood in front of the desk. "We stopped getting along when she turned eighteen. I didn't try to do anything to fix it."
I bit my lip, trying to figure out how to tell him that Mia seemed to be trying to target Lincoln for a reason. She knew something or was angry about something. He continued before I could say anything.
"She hated me. She hated the fact I was so successful. And when she chose not to go to college, she thought she could get away with it, like I did when I dropped out. She had no idea what I did to get the money to start GEH," he took a large gulp from his glass. "And when my dad refused to help her, she started fucking a cop. I mean, we were okay with her dating, but a cop? I'd never seen Carrick get so mad. I think that's when we really lost her."
I sat down at one of the chairs in front of his desk. "Christian, it's not your fault."
His stormy grey eyes met my own. "How can you possibly say that? I wasn't so focused on the illegal side of things, Mia would still be alive. We could have reached her car sooner if I hadn't have offered to help Elliot hide a body."
I sighed sadly. "I'm so sorry Christian."
He looked at me and stood suddenly. I stayed seated as he came around the desk and too my hand. He gently pulled me to my feel and cupped my face with his hands. His eyes were searching mine, and I felt myself respond the intensity of his gaze.
It was soft as first, his lips lightly brushing my own, causing me to inhale sharply. Taking advantage of my open lips, he slipped his tongue inside, tasting of whiskey. I threw my arms around his neck as he increased the intensity, his arms tracing down the sides of my body. He pulled back, my lips were tingling and my body was on fire.
Taking my hand he led me through the empty apartment towards his bedroom. Shutting the door, he pressed me up against it, once again claiming my mouth in a fierce kiss, owning me. I felt his hard length press against my stomach, and his hand moved from the small of my back to squeeze my behind, causing me to arch into him. His lips trailed from my mouth to my neck, causing me moan and shiver with anticipation.
He pulled off his jacket, followed by his shirt, and then yanked mine off. I could feel our desperation roll off of us creating a heady and intense atmosphere, pulling my shirt over my head, he took a step back. "Touch me, Ana."
I made a move to go to his belt, but he caught my hands and placed them on his hard chest. I gasped, feeling something more than arousal. My eyes began to water, and I could see him blinking back tears.
"I need something good," he said, closing his eyes and encouraging me to press harder. I trailed my hands over his shoulders, dancing my fingertips over the light circular scars on his chest. His breathing hitched as I skimmed over every single one. He made no move to stop me. I trailed my hands past his chest and traced over his cut abs, gliding over hard swell of muscle. He tensed, his eyes opening gazing carnally at me. I shivered as his hands trailed up to my back and unclasped my bra. He gently pulled it down off my shoulders, gazing at me. He made no secret of his enjoyment, his eyes raking over my body, drinking me in like a thirsty man. It was one of those rare moments when I felt truly beautiful.
He led me over the bed, where I sat down and made quick work of his belt, tugging down his jeans and boxers at once. I grasped him gently in my hand, feeling his rock solid member twitch as my fingers danced up and down his shaft, similar to the touches I traced on his chest.
His eyes closed and he let our a guttural moan as I took him in my mouth. Gently I let my tongue massage him, savoring the taste of him. I began taking him farther and farther into my mouth, causing him to moan sharply and gaze down at me in surprise when my nose came into contact with his body. He grinned salaciously then and I swallowed, raising an eyebrow as a strong of curses slipped from his lips. I let him go with a pop, and quickly removed my shoes, jeans and panties, and kneeled on the floor instead of sitting in the bed. I went to take him in my hand, but he stepped back, and pulled me to my feet quickly, capturing my lips in a ferocious kiss, pushing me back on the bed.
Quickly, his mouth moved from my lips as he began to lavish attention on my nipples, causing me to moan. When he pressed his body against mine to stop me moving I began to panic.
"Christian," I said, hoping my voice didn't sound too aroused. He pulled back and looked at me, his forehead crinkling with concern.
"What's wrong?" he asked quickly.
"I can't," I started. "I mean, I have to be on top."
He looked at me and pulled away completely, and I sat up, feeling embarrassed. "Why?"
"I, uh, Bob Adams," I said, chocking back the tears that were threatening to fall. Christian looked murderous and suddenly my mind was filled with the insecurity I fought everyday. He didn't want me anymore. I took a shaky breathe and made a move to stand. When I grabbed my panties, Christian stopped me.
"What are you doing?" he asked, grabbing my hands.
"You don't want me," I whispered, my eyes closed.
"Look at me, Anastasia," he said, gently. I glanced into his grey eyes, seeing nothing but admiration. Everyone else looked at me in pity when I told them. "Does it look like I don't want you?"
I bit my lip as he wrapped my hand around his erection. "I'm harder than I've ever been in my life."
He kissed me slowly, letting me reacclimatize to the previous level of passion and arousal I had felt. He slowly reignited the fire in my belly. He sat back on the bed, pulling me on top of him and I wanted to cry. Instead, I kissed him with everything I had, causing him to moan and it filled me with a level of pride. I was pleased I was affecting him.
"Where were we?" he asked, taking my breasts in both of his hands, pinching the nipples. A sharp wave of arousal washed through me and I inuolvnaritly ground down on his erection. He raised an eyebrow and pushed up against my heat.
I closed my eyes, letting the sensations work their way through my body bringing me closer and closer to the edge.
"Come for me, Ana," he growled out, tipping me over the edge with another roll of his hips.
He pulled me off him and sat up. "Are you clean?"
I nodded, thinking it was a little late for that conversation considering I had soaked his throbbing erection.
"Birth control?" he asked. I shook my head and he sighed standing. "I'll be right back. I don't keep condoms in here."
He kissed me, leaving me breathless before darting out of his room. I giggled to myself as I heard him running down the hall. He was back quickly, holding a whole strip of Magnums, naked. I raised my eyebrows.
He pushed me back on the bed, before pulling back and lying on his back, handing me the condom.
"Are you sure about this?" he asked, looking slightly nervous. I nodded and ripped open the package, pinching the tip and rolling the condom onto his large, erect penis.
I straddled him, kissing his lips and grinding myself onto him, causing him to moan. I lightly grazed his neck with my teeth and he sat up, grabbing his erection and sliding himself into me. I moaned at the feeling, clenching against him. I began to move, rolling my hips and relishing the feeling of him inside of me. Surprisingly, it didn't hurt, considering his size.
It was slow and steady and I could feel myself climbing fast. I could feel myself tighten and clench around him as I chased my orgasm. His thrusts sped up as my moans more and more frequent. The hand that wasn't wrapped around my waist began pinching and expertly rolling my clit, sending me over the edge. I could barely hear myself let out a guttural moan, or feel myself arch my back into him as I rode out the spasms that rocked my body- every part of me filled with exquisite pleasure.
He groaned and stilled, finding his own release, just as I started to come down from mine. He lay back, still inside of me, pulling me on top of him. He gently kissed my lips, wrapping his arms around me, holding him to me as we both recovered. Lying there, I ran my fingertips over his scars again, kissing the one closest to my lips before letting myself relax into the sanctuary of sleep.
I think I put off writing this chapter because I was afraid. I hope you enjoyed it ;) Please let me know what you think!
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