Anna opened her eyes and felt behind her on the bed but the spot was empty. The sheets still held a little warmth and as she sat up, putting a hand through her hair, she squinted around the room. John's clothes were gone from the chair and her dress hung in the closet with her shoes back in their slot.

Pushing out of the covers Anna grabbed her dressing gown from the back of her door and tied it around her waist before padding into the hallway. Noises drew her to the kitchen where she saw John, wearing his shirt and trousers from the night before with her apron around his neck, dug in her cabinets. She smiled to herself and leaned on the counter, "I don't usually get treated to breakfast."

He glanced up, grinning at her, "Well, I thought it the least I could do."

"This is the least?" Anna scoffed, "It'd hate to see what you think of other people's least."

"How'd you mean?"

"I've had boyfriends who never did more than bring me the wrong order from a coffee shop and acted like it was a privilege they bought me anything at all."

"I admit I don't know your coffee order but since all you have in your kitchen is tea I'd suspect you don't drink coffee." John leaned over the counter to kiss her, "Good morning, by the way."

"Morning." She beamed at him, taking one of the chairs at her island. "What's on the menu?"

"I've had to be a bit inventive." John showed her the contents of her fridge and Anna cringed, "But the little shop up your street is twenty-four hours so I got everything I needed."

"I don't know if a more perfect man has ever walked the face of the earth."

"That depends on which religion you follow I guess," John cracked some eggs into a pan, "I do hope you're not secretly vegan."

"No." Anna paused, "Why, would that end the relationship in a hurry?"

"It might cause some damage," John leaned over, making a conspiratorial face, "What if I wanted to cook meat for you? I'd lose all chance of impressing you."

"I think you impressed me enough last night, John." She snickered when he fumbled with something on the counter, "Given that performance, I think I'd change nationalities if that's what it took to eat anything you'd make me."

"That's good to know. Regardless, a man can never be too careful when seeking to impress a lady."

"I'm not a lady."

"But you are," John held Anna's gaze and she swore she blushed, "And I never knew a finer one."

"Charmer."

"I try." John went back to manning the food, "I hope you like omelets."

They talked as John cooked, narrowly missing setting off the smoke detector when he was too busy kissing Anna over the island at one point and burned a corner of an omelet. He joined her, both eating off one another's plates as they talked about his new line of drinks for the Swans. Anna insisted on paying for the campaign to market them and eventually John gave in to her.

When Anna finally set her fork down and pushed the plate away she caught John staring at her, "What? Do I have something on my face?"

"Yes, but don't worry," He leaned forward, "I'll get it."

His lips met hers and Anna wrapped her arms around his neck. A moment later he lifted her out of her chair, holding her to him. Anna gripped tightly, bringing her legs around to lock at his back, and tilted her head just a tad sideways to better access John's mouth.

Better than his cooking, she decided when he swept the inside of her mouth with his tongue, was his kissing. He set her on the island and worked a hand up her leg. Anna lifted the back of the apron off his neck and John risked the half-second it took to untie it at the back and toss it into his abandoned chair. He was back to running his hands up and down her legs, sending shivers down Anna's spine as she pulled him closer to her.

His hands ventured farther up and Anna gasped away from his mouth as he teased her legs apart. Her fingers dug into the back of neck, raking through his hair when he stroked down and back up again. With her eyes closed and her head back, she moaned as he worked one finger inside her while bringing his lips to her neck.

He worked his mouth downward, sucking and licking at her skin while his fingers massaged inside her. Just at the point Anna thought he reached the height of his abilities he pushed her dressing gown aside enough to pull one of her breasts into his mouth. The design of her kitchen, though perhaps not built with acoustics in mind, reverberated the shriek of ecstasy Anna gave off.

"You know," Anna could barely hear his voice over her own panting when John slipped a second finger into her, spreading her wide, "I think I should've taken more time with you last night."

"What?" She gasped, struggling to focus when his thumb flicked over her nerves, sending shocks and zings through her spasming body.

"I thought I adored you last night but I don't think that's true," He looked at her, sliding a third finger inside her. "I didn't watch you closely enough when you came."

"It's nothing to see." Anna hauled in air, her lungs shrieking for it as all the muscles in her body contracted around his fingers.

"But it is Anna," John kissed back to her neck, her dressing gown fully open as his other hand kneaded over her breasts, pinching at her nipples, "You're beautiful when you're completely free."

She gave in then. With his lips back on her breasts and his fingers caressing her from the inside it was all Anna could do to even manage basic functions. Any of the energy she had she invested in holding onto his neck as she broke, sobbing his name when he sent her over the edge in her kitchen. Her vision dotted and her chest rose and fell faster than she thought possible but eventually she came back to earth.

Anna glanced down and saw John remove his fingers, tracing over her for a moment before taking them one by one into his mouth to suck them dry. She waited until he finished and pulled him close, kissing him as lazily as she could while trying to taste him. He held at her hips, slipping her off the counter, and carrying her back to her room.

The bed, still with ruffled blankets and sheets from the night before, surrounded Anna. With John above her there were few better feelings in the world. But, with a push at his shoulder, Anna decided it was not enough.

John lay back, grinning at her as Anna unbuttoned his shirt slowly. She kissed at each new patch of skin with the same care he lavished over her the night before. When she covered his chest in her affections John sat up just enough to let her pull the shirt from him. However, to the raise of his eyebrows and overall confusion, Anna did not drop it off the side of the bed. Instead she removed her dressing gown before wrapped herself in his shirt and smiled at him while reaching into the drawer next to her bed to find the right package.

"You robbed me this morning John."

"Did I?" He shifted under her and Anna had to catch her breath when she felt him through his trousers, hard and ready beneath her.

"Well I couldn't wear your shirt," She only buttoned the center three buttons, to keep the fabric over her but still giving John the view he obviously enjoyed since his gaze did not return to her face. "And while I loved seeing you in my apron I'd rather that was all you wore."

"Next time I make you breakfast I'll remember that." He ran a hand up her hip, losing it under the fabric of his shirt as she ground down on him.

"Or I'll do it when I make you breakfast." Anna reached under herself, sitting up on her knees, to pull the zipper of his trousers down. "But you also robbed me last night."

"I'm the worst." John's breath hitched as Anna caressed a hand over him, feeling the pulsing and twitches of his response to her motions.

"While I enjoyed the view," Anna dipped her head to kiss at his hip, "I think I'd rather undress you next time. It'll give me a chance to really show you how I feel."

"Will it?"

"Yes. But that's next time." Anna moved John's trousers down his legs and took up position on his thighs while ripping the package open. "For now, I think there's somewhere else you want to be."

"Yes," John's eyes rolled back into his head when Anna ran a hand up him before rolling the condom down.

"Then it's my turn to spoil you." He tried to rise but Anna pushed him back, "Let me do all the heavy lifting this time."

"You're no lighter than a feather."

"Then this should be easy."

Anna raised herself, using her hands on his chest for leverage, and sunk down. He struck deeper than he did the night before and Anna had thought that was the epitome of experience. She twisted before rising up again to sink back down.

John grabbed at the tails of his shirt, his knuckles going white as Anna shifted and moved on him. After a moment he slid his hand to her waist. The point of contact burned and Anna sighed with it. That sent John into overdrive and he met her thrust for thrust, plunging in as deeply as he could.

Scrabbling at him, Anna pulled him up to attack his mouth while her other hand scratched down his chest. She tangled in the hair at the back of his head and tugged at the hair on his chest. He gripped tighter at her waist, slipping his other hand between them to rub at her center.

Anna broke from his lips to moan and he nipped and sucked at her neck in response. Her hand joined his at her core, guiding his motions while struggling to pull his shoulders as if they could get any closer. His hips pistoned into her and Anna gyrated to counter him.

Finally he broke, calling out her name as he held her close. Anna only took a minute more, accepting his final thrusts and his insistent hand, to peak with him. She slumped over his shoulders and felt them falling back to the bed. His chest lifted her up and down as he tried to breathe and she matched him breath for breath.

After a moment John raised his head to kiss her, running a hand through her hair. She sighed, holding him close before sitting up. He smiled, unbuttoning the shirt to run his hands over her chest unimpeded.

"Next time I might ask that we're both fully exposed for this."

"Will you?" Anna pulled her wrists from the cuffs and let the shirt drop over the side. "And why's that?"

"Because seeing you in my clothes might be too much for me next time and I'll not be in control of myself."

"And who wanted that?" Anna kissed along his jaw, bending her torso above his again, "The whole point is that we're free, isn't it?"

"I guess," He rubbed over her back, "Can I ask you something?"

"Didn't you just?" She grinned at him and squealed when he tickled her side.

"Cheeky," John kissed her quickly, "But I wanted to know if it'd be too much to ask if I can call you my girlfriend."

"Oh?" Anna sat up, "And what do you get from that?"

"Except to say that I'm yours and you're mine?" John's voice was quiet, any of the joking gone.

"Except that." Anna swallowed, "What else do you get John?"

"I get you, Anna." John sat up, slipping out of her and quickly managing the condom while Anna sat cross-legged on her bed. "That's all I want."

"You said something like that last night."

"And I meant it," John put his hand to her face, "I've never met anyone like you and I've never loved like I love you."

Anna took his hand from her face and kissed it. She kept her focus on his hand, stroking over it before smiling up at him. Her vision distorted a little as she felt the tears there. "No one's ever said anything that beautiful to me."

"Well, as I once heard, beautiful things deserve beautiful things." John pulled his hand back, taking hers with it. "I think beautiful people deserve beautiful things and beautiful words too."

"Do we?" Anna giggled as John dragged her back over to him, "I think I could get used to that."

"Good," John set Anna back on his lap and she gasped slightly when she felt him between them. "Because I intend to show you that it's not changing. Ever."

Anna felt all eyes on her when she finally arrived at work. Talbot waited outside her office, playing with something on his phone, but stuffed it quickly in his pocket when she approached. She watched the way he looked her up and down before grinning. She ignored him, unlocking her office door and pushing inside as he followed.

"Well, if that's not the after glow then I've never had sex." Talbot took his seat as Anna removed her coat and placed it over the back of her chair. "I wasn't the only one who saw you and Mr. Bates escape the opening early."

"It's only escape if someone was holding you hostage." Anna sat, holding her chin high, "We snuck out, there's a difference."

"And I'm sure it made a difference to him." Talbot leaned forward. "How was it?"

"Are we really going to gossip about how good it was? We're not in secondary school." Anna turned on her computer and pulled a few things out of her bag before locking it in the bottom drawer of her desk. "Because if that's why you're here the door's behind you."

"No," Talbot held up his hands, "I'm here to say congratulations on a successful reopening. We're the headline for three of the major five papers and, thanks to Mary's performance, we've had four calls just this morning for bookings."

"Run those by Gwen."

"You're putting the DJ in charge of bookings?"

"She's the one who has to work around the live acts and it's only fair," Anna sat back, "Besides, I think she's got a handle on the aesthetic we're looking for. She signed Ethel for the Scarlet and I think that deserves a bit of recognition."

"Alright," Talbot made a note on a pad, "I'll tell Mrs. Hughes to have Gwen come talk to you."

"No," Anna shook her head, "I'll do it. You're not the assistant manager here. You've got your own place to run."

"Speaking of," Talbot smiled at her, "Thank you for what you said last night. It was the loveliest thing I think anyone's ever said about me in public."

"Henry," Anna took his hand, "It's no more than you deserve."

"Still, my gratitude."

"I'm sure you can show your gratitude better when we're reading all about your success with the Scarlet."

"Speaking of reading," Talbot pulled out his phone again and tapped at something, "I think there's something you need to read."

Anna took the phone and scrolled through the article, raising an eyebrow before looking back at Talbot, "Explains why he was spitting blood the last time he was here."

"Yeah, I'd think a visit by the Fraud Squad's enough to knock anyone off kilter." Talbot took his phone back, "But it could come back to us. My friend over there, Charlie, tells me it's a full investigation and that means all his business dealings for at least the last seven years."

"Lovely." Anna ran a hand over her face, "Just what we need. Another headline for the Cerulean."

"I think the fact you kicked his ass to the curb when you did should stand in our favor but I'd suggest we get a numbers man on it, just to make sure our accounts are in order."

"Who're you using at the Scarlet these days?"

"His name's Drewe. Very dependable."

"Good. We'll have him do it."

"Alright," Talbot stood, "Anything else you need from me?"

"Just your continued support." Anna shook his hand, "And I stand by what I said last night Henry. I couldn't have done this without you."

Talbot put his other hand over hers before breaking grip. "And you won't ever have to. Always a pleasure Anna."

When Talbot left Anna got to work. She called Drewe and the man really was as good as Talbot claimed. He came within the hour and immediately set to work looking over their books to certify everything. By the time he finished, shirtsleeves rolled to his elbows, he confirmed Anna's books were all in order and offered to provide a statement should the Fraud Squad take an interest in it later. Anna thanked him and offered him a retainer for their franchise. He politely refused the request for the time being.

Mrs. Hughes came later and Anna discussed the decision to move musical selections to Gwen's hands, which Mrs. Hughes hardily agreed was the best decision, and they drew up an expanded contract Gwen signed within minutes. They discussed their live performances and both Gwen and Mrs. Hughes agreed to contact the interested parties to create a set list appropriate for the days they wanted and work on related advertisements.

The day had gone so well Anna almost believed it a dream. Especially the moment John arrived at her office with a single rose. He held it out to her and Anna kissed him on the cheek before taking it.

"You spoil me, Mr. Bates." She slipped it into the slim glass vase on her desk.

"I'd like to spoil you on that desk," John wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and Anna closed her eyes as he kissed her neck.

"You did promise me that once."

"I did." His hand slid up to brush against her breast through her shirt.

Anna sighed but pulled away, "Unfortunately I need to be down on the floor. It's the first official night since we reopened and I'd hate to leave my guests waiting."

"Well, if you must." John pouted but kissed the back of her hand. "Should I wait for you here?"

"If you want I think you could make the rounds with me." Anna pulled him toward the door, "You are my boyfriend after all and I think you should answer any questions about the drinks."

"Sounds like a plan." John put his hands on either side of her face, kissing her softly, "I'd go anywhere with you."

"Then downstairs should be easy."

They took the back stairs, Anna wanting to confirm a few things with Phyllis and Mrs. Patmore before she took to the main floor. Mrs. Hughes nodded over at them from where she was explaining an allergen issue with a table and Anna stopped at the bar. Tom waved John to help him and Anna nudged him over.

"I think you'll do well helping him a minute."

John kissed her forehead and ducked behind the bar, helping Tom suggest drinks to a party of what looked like a bachelorette hoping to get smashed before a wedding. Anna shook her head and walked to Carson, standing vigil at the door.

"Anyone interesting Mr. Carson?"

"There is a party of two that wanted to pay their compliments to the owner if it was possible. They complimented the decor and wanted to discuss possible rental for a wedding party."

"Where are they?" Anna eyed the group and Carson pointed to a table for two in the middle of the floor. "Better go and see if I can get us good business."

Anna weaved through the chairs, thanking the few who recognized her and congratulated her on the reopening. She spent a few minutes with them, waving down Moseley to get them complimentary drinks before stopping at the table Carson pointed to. The man sat with his back to her across from a lovely looking woman, all smiles and bright teeth.

When Anna moved to face both of them she felt the bottom of her stomach drop out. Her hands shook and she had to wrap them into fists until her knuckles whitened and she felt her nails dig into her palms before she could speak. She cleared her throat, choking on the dryness, and tried to smile but just felt like someone was pulling her face to the side.

"My door manager indicated you wanted to ask about wedding planning."

"Yes," The man smiled, beaming at the woman across from him, "My name's Larry Merton and this is my fiancé, Amelia. We're planning our wedding for three months from now and we'd been at a loss for a venue until we heard about your reopening and thought, 'This place looks perfect.' Didn't we Amelia?"

"Oh," Amelia put a hand to her chest, "I almost died when I saw the pictures. How did you ever create this place? It's a masterpiece."

"It is, isn't it?" Anna cleared her throat, "So you're getting married?"

"Yes," Amelia grabbed Larry's hand, "We've been engaged a month now and I don't know how I could love him more."

"I'm sure I know how you could love him less." Anna heard the words slip out of her mouth before she could stop herself and saw their faces fall.

"Excuse me?" Amelia shook her head, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I mean I hope you know that this man is a predator." Anna turned back to Larry, "Do you even remember?"

"Remember what?" Larry looked between Anna and Amelia, "Honestly darling I've no idea what she's on about. But if it's a joke it's in pretty poor taste."

"No joke. However I'm actually glad you like this place," Anna pointed to the scenery around them, "It was built with your money."

"My money? What do you mean I never gave money to-" Larry scrunched his face but then paled. His jaw gaped like a fish sucking for air before he spluttered in response, "You?"

"That's right, me." Anna motioned for Carson, "And I think it's time you both left, before this whole thing gets worse."

"Larry, what's going on?" Amelia reached for Larry's hand but he pulled away from her. "Larry, who's this woman to you?"

"Your fiancé is the man who raped me when I was at Uni," Anna turned to Amelia, "And every year he pays me a part of a lifetime settlement so he doesn't have to take his miserable ass to prison."

"Settlement?"

"For rape." Anna stepped back as Carson came to the table, "These two've changed their minds. They're taking their business elsewhere, unfortunately."

"Larry?" Amelia's voice rose to a shrill shriek, bringing glares from those around them, "Is what she's saying true?"

"You can read about it in the paper if you want." Anna kept her focus on Larry, "Yorkshire post from fifteen years ago. It's there in a headline about how a local boy spent a night in jail for attacking a junkie in an alley."

"It wasn't what it looked like," Larry defended as Carson put a heavy hand on the man's shoulder, "It was a misunderstanding."

"Then why pay her Larry?" Amelia put a hand on her chest as Mrs. Hughes hurried over, "When were you going to tell me that we'd be taking an expense like that every year?"

"Amelia I-"

Amelia slapped him loud enough to bring everyone's attention to them before storming out of the restaurant. Carson patted Larry's shoulder, "I'd suggest you make your way to the door before I grab you by collar and britches and toss you out myself."

Larry stumbled sideways, digging in his billfold for a few bills before tossing them on the table. He only met Anna's eyes for a second before ducking his head and leaving the restaurant. Anna took a deep breath and turned to Mrs. Hughes, "Please make sure neither Larry Merton nor his fiancé, Amelia whatever her last name is, are allowed in the Cerulean again. And please put them on a no-entrance list with the Scarlet."

"Of course." Mrs. Hughes disappeared and Anna turned to Carson.

"I think I'll be off early. Don't hesitate to tell me if there are any other problems."

"I'll let you know Ms. Smith."

Anna went back up to her office, dumping her things into her bag and grabbing her coat. She was almost to the door when it opened and John stood there. They faced one another, John with open hands and Anna with one arm in her coat. She worked the other arm in, refusing to look at him, and went to push past him for the door.

"Anna," John stepped in front of her. "What was that?"

"Get out of my way John."

"I just want to know how I can help."

"You can't help this John." Anna tried to move for the door, "Get out of the way now please."

"Who was that man?"

"It doesn't matter."

"Yes it does or you wouldn't be leaving right now." John pointed to her, "You're shaking, Anna."

"I'm fine. I just need to go home."

"Then let me take you."

"I don't need your help." Anna brushed off his attempt to touch her.

"I'm just offering to drive you home."

"I have my own car, thank you. I drove myself here and I can drive home." Anna made for the door again but John stopped her. She glared at him, "Move or I'll make you."

John shook his head and stepped to the side, "Anna I'm on your side."

"Then stay on that side." Anna pushed through the door. "I know how to manage this and I intend to manage it on my own."

"But you don't have to manage it alone, Anna," John followed her down the back stairs.

"You're not involved in this John and it's none of your concern." Anna shoved at the exit door, making for her car in the carpark.

"I'm your boyfriend Anna," John slipped in front of her, and Anna could barely contain her snort of rage. "Those aren't just words I say to you in the heat of the moment. They mean that I'm here for everything. Every tear, every frustration, every bad moment."

"I don't need that."

"Then what do you need?"

"I-" Anna growled, "I don't know what I need but it's not you right now."

"So that's it?" John threw up his hands, "You'll go home to your empty apartment and open a bottle of wine to drown your sorrows?"

"Better than when I used to snort cocaine to do it so rest easy knowing I'm not falling off that wagon."

"Anna I don't worry about you falling off the wagon. I worry about how you're feeling and I know you don't need to drown your sorrows. Not if you can tell me what's wrong."

"What's wrong is that you're still in my way when I want to leave."

"Anna-" John came toward her but Anna batted his arm away.

"Leave me alone John."

"So you only want me for sex and to make good business deals with you but you don't want me when you need someone most?" John nodded, stepping to the side, "If that's how you want it then I don't think we want the same things."

"Excuse me?"

"I told you this morning and last night that I'm here for the long haul. That includes all your worst moments, not just the ones where I send you to orgasm. I'm here for when you run into the man who raped you, Anna."

Anna gaped at him, "How'd you know?"

"You don't think I did my research on you?" John scoffed, "I looked up everything I could find on you before I went into business with you. And after you told me what happened when we ate at the Beast I looked deeper. I wanted to know everything there was to know about you because I cared about you. I wanted to be there for you if the moment ever came that you needed me."

"This isn't that moment."

"Obviously not." John waved toward her car. "Go then. Drive yourself back to your flat, wallow in your misery instead of realizing you're not the same person you were in that alley. You're better than he is Anna. You always were and always will be. What he is or what's happening to him now don't matter anymore."

"He's getting married, John."

"So?"

"He doesn't deserve to be happy!"

"It's not about deserve, Anna!" John raked hands through his hair, "The world's not fair and never will be. So what if he's getting married? It's got nothing to do with you."

"You'd side with him? After what he did to me?"

"I'm siding with you, Anna." John threw his arms into the air, "What happened to you was horrible and I wanted to find that man and punch him until either he stopped breathing or I ran out of energy. I wanted it so badly I saw red. But then I realized it doesn't matter. Nothing I do to him will change what happened to you. All that mattered was being there for you now, helping you move forward, supporting you for the future."

"Well, thanks for that."

"He doesn't matter, Anna."

"Then why did I feel like I was back in that alley the moment I laid eyes on him?" Anna tried to control her emotions, feeling them well up inside her. "Why did I feel like my world was crashing down all over again?"

"Because it hurts Anna. It'll always hurt because it was traumatic, because it was life changing, because it was evil. But you can't change that. All you can change is you, right now."

"You don't understand." Anna hung her head, "You'll never understand."

"Then help me understand Anna." John came toward her, taking her hands in his but she yanked them away. "Tell me how to understand."

"Go the lowest point you've ever been and live there until you claw out. Then you'll understand." Anna opened her car door, "I'm going home and I don't want you to follow me."

"Anna, please don't do this."

"Goodbye John." Anna slammed the door shut and peeled out of the carpark.