Chapter 12: Coping Together-Pt. 1
Smack! "You've been a very bad girl, Anastasia," Christian says as his hand connects with my behind. I am leaning over the desk in his office wearing an indecently short plaid skirt and a white oxford blouse that is tied around my navel. My hair is in pigtails high on the sides of my head. Smack! "I think it's time you've learned your lesson."
"No please, Sir, I'm sorry, it won't happen again. Please just stop."
"You want me to stop, Anastasia?" Smack! "Did you stop when I asked you to? No, you kept on walking right out the door." Smack! "Besides, I think you're enjoying this more than you're letting on."
"No, I'm not. I'm not submissive…Mhmm… Please, Christian."
SMACK! "Please what, Anastasia?"
"Please…" I cry out as his hand comes down hard on my ass once more.
"Shh. Baby, don't worry. I'll take care of you, always." He coos, rubbing small circles over my sore behind. "See? I told you that you would like this." Slowly his fingers inch down and slip into my soaking folds and he rhythmically pumps them in and out, out and in, in and out until the pain from my spanking mixed with the sensation he creates with his fingers drives me closer and closer to the edge.
"Please, Sir. Faster, mhm, harder." I moan, pushing back, grinding against his hand.
"Oh no you don't, Anastasia. You'll come when I say it's ok," he commands...
"Oh. No you don't Anastasia... Ana… Earth to Ana, WAKE UP," Elliot yells, snapping me out of my dream. Ho-ly Fuck that was hot.
"No. Go away," I groan, turning my back to him. "It's too early. It's a Saturday for crying out loud and it's only," I pause, looking at the clock on the nightstand, "Seven A.M."
"Rise and motherfucking shine, princess. You promised you would come today so get your butt up and get ready," he reprimands. "I don't care if you and my brother avoid each other all day, this is about the children, so get your ass in gear. We're leaving in thirty minutes." He throws a neon green t-shirt, similar to the one he's wearing, on my bed and turns and walks out of my room.
Sitting up, I pick up the shirt and inspect it. Written on the front in a white font resembling a child's handwriting are the words Coping Together Annual Carnival; the back of the shirt reads Volunteer. I stand shakily, still reeling from my erotic dream, and head towards the bathroom. The mixture of yesterday's visit to the submissive salon, my showdown with Christian, and alcohol really did a number on my head. What's more annoying is the fact that despite all the fucked up shit he said to me Thursday night, I still find myself attracted to him. I have a feeling this carnival is a train wreck waiting to happen.
After a quick shower I head back to my room and throw on the too short shorts from Thursday, my chucks, and the volunteer shirt. Once I'm dressed I head out to the kitchen to grab a cup of tea. Kate and Elliot are seated at the breakfast bar, arguing over something. "I'm up, are you happy now?" I tease, and Elliot sticks his tongue out at me. It's hard to believe that he grew up in the same house as Mr. I Don't Fuck Virgins.
"Ana, you don't have to go if you don't want to," Kate says to me before fixing her glare on Elliot.
"Yes she does, babe, I already told Mom that I had four more volunteers, and now with Jose and Kendall out I can't show up with just you, no offense," he adds giving her a peck on the cheek.
"Jose and Kendall don't have to go?" I groan.
"Jose called while you were in the shower, he said she's still in pretty bad shape so they're just going to hang out at her place, watch movies, and ugly cry," Kate explains.
"I think she needs to get out. Being around the kids, watching their little faces light up might do her some good, and if that won't take her mind off of that asshole I doubt watching chick flicks with Jose will," I argue.
"Ana, you've never had your heart broken, so you don't understand. It's not that simple," Kate counters. "I don't even think you should go today. Christian is a dick, no offence," she shoots to Elliot, "and after last night I don't want you anywhere near him. He's bat shit crazy and more than a little possessive. I mean he picked you up and carried you out of the bar. Who does shit like that?"
"Cut him some slack," Elliot interjects, "He never dates. I didn't even think he was interested in women until about a month ago. He just doesn't know how to interact with people outside of the business world. Anger is pretty much the only emotion he knows how to express, anything else he just shuts down. He's like that with everyone, everyone but Mia," I give him a puzzled look, who the fuck is Mia? "Our sister," Elliot clarifies. "Just give him another chance. I know he cares about you - he just has a shit way of showing it."
"Look, I know he's your brother but he fucked up, big time, and it will take a hell of a lot more than some half-assed apology for me to even think about starting over with him," I state.
"I get it," Elliot nods, "and just so you know, as half—assed as his apology may have been, I don't think I've heard him utter the words, 'I'm sorry' to anyone, EVER."
"We should probably get going," I shrug, taking one last sip of my tea before we head out the door.
Bellevue is buzzing with activity. There are trucks coming and going up the long driveway, workers are setting up rides and booths and tents while handlers are wrangling animals into a makeshift pen. "You guys do this every year?" I ask in astonishment, as Elliot parks his Rover on the side of the house.
"Yep," Elliot answers, "We have a few smaller events and outings throughout the year but the summer carnival is always the biggest, and most elaborate."
"Sounds like you guys do a lot of good," Kate replies, looking at Elliot lovingly.
"Yea, Coping Together grants scholarships to the older kids as well as providing rehab for the parents. We also help with medical expenses and housing costs. It's a cause that's really close to all our hearts, mom especially."
Elliot leads us around the house and into one of the side doors to the kitchen. "I can't believe you grew up here," I say, looking around in awe. His childhood home is as grand as anything I've ever seen on MTV Cribs. "This place is incredible. I bet you had a lot of fun living here when you were little."
Before Elliot has a chance to respond a gorgeous brunette interrupts, "We sure did! Isn't that right, big brother?"
"Damn skippy," Elliot says, wrapping his arms around his sister.
"Is this her?" The raven haired bombshell asks, looking in my direction. I flush, averting her gaze.
"Oh yea, Mia, you remember my girl Kate, this is her roommate…" Elliot begins.
"Anastasia."
Simultaneously we turn our heads to see Christian walking through the door, looking as beautiful as ever. He's wearing the compulsory lime green shirt, along with cargo shorts, and a pair of aviators resting on the top of his head. What a shame he's such an ass. He fixes his gaze on me, as if I am the only other person in the room. Walking right up to me he sighs, "I'm glad you came." His fists clench at his sides and he looks as if he's fighting the urge to touch me.
"Oh, you were right El, he's got it bad. I didn't think I would ever see the day," Mia giggles.
Christian turns, scowling at his sister, "Mia, have I told you how happy I am that you're back from Paris?"
"Once or twice," Mia counters, "Why don't you introduce me to your girlfriend?"
"I am not his girlfriend," I say, stunned. Christian shoots daggers in my direction. "Hi. I'm Ana," I extend my hand, ignoring his steely glare, "Kate's roommate," I emphasis, "pleased to meet you." Mia smirks, looking from me to her brother then back to me and declares, "Oh I think I like you already."
Christian opens his mouth to speak, but is interrupted by a sudden flurry of activity in the hallway. An older woman with sandy hair enters the kitchen followed by a dozen or so other volunteers. "Oh good, you're all here," she states, as she floats over to where we are standing, somehow managing to make the god-awful lime green t-shirt look elegant and sophisticated.
"Is this her?" The woman asks as she gets closer.
"Umm hmm," Mia chirps smugly
"Jesus, do you people have nothing better to talk about?' Christian snaps, rolling his eyes. Oh so you're allowed to do it but I'm not.
"Christian," the woman warns.
"Hi, I'm Ana, Kate's roommate," I introduce myself, breaking the tension.
"Oh, where are my manners? I'm Grace, mother to these three knuckleheads," she smiles lovingly at her children. "I'm sorry for our behavior; it's just that when we first heard Christian had a girlfriend we were all a little shocked."
"Oh no, I'm not..." I begin to explain but she cuts me off.
"I mean he's NEVER dated anyone, EVER," she emphasizes. "I see now he was just holding out for someone special," her eyes soften and she pulls me in for a hug. While in her embrace she whispers, "I know he can be a bit of an ass but it's because he had a rough start in life, it's how he copes. He's going to test your patience, heck he used to test mine hourly, but stick with him, he'll make you feel more anger than you've ever thought humanly possible, but he'll also love you more profoundly than any other man ever could." She steps back, giving me a wink, and I know deep down she's right. Her son brings out the most extreme emotions in me and, try as I might, I can't get him out of my head.
"Ok, let's get this show on the road," Elliot's voice booms, breaking me from my thoughts. The room suddenly quiets down and Grace begins by thanking everyone for volunteering their time to help such a worthwhile cause. As she runs down the itinerary for the day, I feel myself being gently pulled backwards. Before I know it, I am resting firmly against Christian's body and he hooks his thumbs through the front belt loops of my shorts.
"I'm glad you came," he whispers, while his mother continues to outline the day.
"I'm here for the kids, not for you," I murmur, trying to discreetly pry his thumbs from my shorts. "And why does everyone think I'm your girlfriend? We went on one date, which ended when you gave my virginal ass the boot," I remind him, bitterly.
"Stop squirming," his voice low, sexy, and commanding. "It doesn't matter why you're here, just that you are." He rests his chin on the side of my neck and inhales deeply, "God, you smell amazing, like strawberries and Ana. It's intoxicating, no one else compares." Fuck why does he have to be so damn sexy? Get it together, Steele, nothing has changed since Thursday.
"Look, Christian," I hiss, pushing him away from me, fuck being discrete. "You had your chance, and you blew it. Find some other girl to mind fuck because I'm done playing your games."
He looks at me, determination washing over his face. Pulling me back against him, he wraps his arms around my shoulders, growling, "You. Are. Mine. You can be pissed at me all you want, but you can't deny your attraction, I can smell your arousal from here. You want me. I want you. I've apologized, why can't we just move the fuck on?"
Oh he's an even bigger asshole than I thought. I force my elbow into his side with as much force as I can manage in our current position. He grunts, momentarily loosening his grip on me and I slip out of his arms, turning to mouth, "fuck you" before taking my place on the opposite side of Kate and Mia.
Grace finishes up her welcome speech and hands the floor over to Elliot to announce booth assignments. Great, like I don't know where this is going. I refuse to be stuck in a booth all day with that rat bastard.
"…Ok so next up is the batting cages, me and you little brother." Elliot says with a smirk. Whew! Dodged a bullet there. I look over at Christian and he's mad, really mad. Looks like Elliot is team Ana, sorry dickhead. "Dunk tank, that's going to be Jake and Ana," I glance around the room, trying to find the person Elliot paired me with and a good looking man, appearing to be in his late twenties, early thirties, smiles and gives me a wink. I look back to Christian and he is positively livid; his jaw clenches and his fists are balled at his sides.
"If I didn't call your name, that means you're in concessions with Mia, so hang back in the kitchen and she'll give further direction. Everyone else, follow me out to the grounds and we can get everything set up before the buses arrive," Elliot finishes.
Everyone begins to pair off and out of the corner of my eye I notice Christian pull Elliot aside. I can't make out what they're saying but Christian looks pissed. Serves you right. I say my goodbyes to Kate and then head out the back door.
Once outside I begin searching for Jake. I start walking in the direction of the dunk tank when I hear someone call out my name. "Ana? Ana is that you?" I stop, turning towards the voice. I freeze upon seeing the halo of blonde hair walking in my direction - Cruella! "Ana darling, what a pleasant surprise," Elena says to me with a wicked gleam in her eyes. "I didn't know you were involved with Coping Together. Is Kendal here as well?" She asks amused.
"Uh. No, she couldn't make it," I answer, feeling uneasy. "And this is my first time volunteering with the organization, my roommate… " I begin, feeling the need to explain my presence.
"Elena, there you are," Grace interrupts, walking towards us. Thank God! "Oh, I see you met Christian's girlfriend, Anastasia."
Elena's eyes widen, momentarily stunned. "Ana-stasia?" She repeats, emphasizing the last syllable of my name.
"Yes, well everyone calls me Ana," I clarify.
"And she's dating Christian?"
"Yes, and they make the cutest couple," Grace coos. "You should see him with her, he's quite smitten. He was hugging her and whispering in her ear throughout my entire welcome speech." I flush, mortified that Grace was watching us.
"Well isn't that wonderful," Elena says smiling, although it doesn't quite reach her eyes.
"Oh look, there's Jake," Grace says pointing behind me. "We'll leave you to it, Ana. If you need anything just let me know. Have fun and thanks again for helping. Let's go Elena, I'll get you all set up at the ticket booth."
With one last knowing look, Elena turns and walks back toward the front of the lawn with Grace. Shuddering, I take a deep breath and go meet the person I will be spending the next few hours with. "Jake, right?" I ask extending my hand.
"You got it, pretty lady, and you must be Ana, although I think you should change your name to Angel, because you are a godsend."
"Umm… okay," I mutter, not sure how to respond.
"Did it hurt?" he asks.
"Did what hurt?"
"When you fell from heaven." This day just keeps getting better and better.
An hour and six come-ons later, Jake and I have the tank filled and we've received a condensed lesson on operating the booth. "Alright," the man that helped us set up the tank claps, "you guys are all set, anymore questions before I leave you to it?"
"Nope, it all seems pretty simple," I say.
"Yea, dude, this pretty lady right here has it all under control," Jake says wrapping his arm around my shoulder. The tank operator shakes his head, shooting me an apologetic look before turning to leave. "So, Ana," Jake begins
"What is it?" I sigh, exacerbated, shrugging his arm off me.
"What's your last name?"
"Steele," I sigh, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
"Oh really, I thought it was Campbell cause your mmm mmm good," he replies licking his lips.
"Jake, it's not going to happen, ever, so just please give it a rest already."
He grins
"Ok.. Uh, you need to get in position, the kids will be arriving any minute now," I say, willing myself to wake up from this nightmare.
Jake walks around the back of the booth and climbs up into the seat just as Kate approaches, "How's it going over here?" she asks.
I roll my eyes but before I have a chance to speak, Jake butts in, "Are you a parking ticket?"
"Excuse me?" Kate looks at Jake likes he's got two heads.
"Wait for it," I whisper to my friend. "Wait for it."
"Cause you got FINE written all. Over. You!"
Get him, Kavanaugh!
"Ana, what the fuck is his problem?" Kate fumes, pointing her thumb at Jake.
"Fuck if I know. He's been at it all morning."
"Aw baby, don't be like that. Not when you're wearing those space pants," Jake rebuts.
"Space pants?" Kate and I ask in unison.
"Cause her ass is outta this world," He grins, pleased with himself.
"What did you just say to me?" Oh yes, Kate, please rip him a new one.
"Whoa Whoa! Calm down pretty lady, I meant no disrespect. I was just complimenting your fine body of work." He really doesn't know when to quit, does he?
Kate's fuming now. Poor Jakey doesn't stand a chance. "Fuck you, asshole," Kate yells, hitting the dunk button with all her might. The last thing Jake sees before splashing into the water is one Ms. Katherine Kavanaugh's perfectly polished middle finger. "Let's go Ana, we need to get you a new booth assignment.
"You said she wouldn't last thirty minutes with him," I remind my brother, fuming. "It's been a fucking hour. I still don't get why you just didn't put us together in the first fucking place."
"I told you already, Chris, she definitely wouldn't go for being assigned to the same booth as you, I had to make it so you were her last resort." Elliot explains loading up the ball machine. "You know as well as I do, Jake is going to piss her off eventually and when he does she'll have to come to me to be reassigned. He's so slimy, she'll be begging to work with you, anything to get away from him," he smirks, pleased with his plan.
I have to admit, it is genius, but it's taking way too long to take effect. Before I can voice my opinions, Kate comes barreling towards us dragging Ana behind her. "Elliot, you have to give Ana a new booth assignment! Do you know how sleazy that Jake guy is?" Kate demands.
"What are you talking about?" Elliot asks, playing dumb. "This is his first year helping with the carnival." But we've known him our whole lives.
"Well, he's a dick. Ana can't be stuck with him all day; can't you move someone else over to the dunk tank and reassign Ana?" Kate pushes.
"Well, everyone is already trained on their booths. There's no time to retrain anyone else before the children arrive," Elliot lies, coolly.
"Babe," Kate says fluttering her lashes, "There's got to be something you can do."
"Well, I worked the dunk tank last year. I guess Ana can switch with me and work the batting cages with Christian. It isn't hard; all she has to do is keep refilling the ball machine, Christian can handle everything else." Fuck, my brother is a sneaky bastard.
"Good, then it's settled!" Kate claps looking back at Ana, who looks pissed, no doubt working out Elliot's plan. "Well, Ana, it's him or Jake."
"Fine," Ana huffs. "But keep your fucking hands to yourself, Grey." Kate and Elliot leave us to it. "You think you're so fucking smart," Ana seethes, crossing her arms under her chest.
"Firstly, watch your mouth and secondly, if it were up to me, you would have been with me from the beginning," I clarify.
"Agreed, because had Elliot assigned us together from the beginning I could have just switched with Kate. I'd much rather work concessions with Mia than be stuck here with you." She pouts.
"Thus, your introduction to Jake," I smirk, arching my brow.
"Whatever," she snorts, throwing her hands up in defeat. "You seriously don't fight fair."
"I already told you baby, I never said that I would," I say pulling her into my arms. "But if it's any consolation I'm sorry you had to put up with Jake," I breathe against her neck.
"Stop calling me baby, and why is your entire family under the impression that I'm your girlfriend?" she asks, annoyed but staying in my arms.
"Elliot has a big mouth; I know they can be a bit much but you'll get use to them."
She frowns, her mind racing a mile a minute, and a little 'V' forms in the center of her forehead; I can't help myself, I lean down and plant a kiss on that spot.
"Christian," she groans, freeing herself from my grasp, "You can't do stuff like that, this isn't going to help dispel the rumor that I'm your girlfriend."
"I'm not trying to dispel it, and basically you are."
"No I. Am. Not." She emphasizes, going to sit on the bench. "Especially not after you deemed me unfuckable Thursday night."
"Language, Anastasia" I warn following her.
"What are you going to do? Spank me again?" She biting down on her lip, desperately avoiding my gaze.
"What?" I ask, causing her to flush a delicious shade of pink. "Do you want me to spank you?"
Burying her head in her hands, she mumbles, "Oh God, please just kill me now."
"You liked it, didn't you? Whips and chains, huh. Here I thought you were just a Rihanna fan," I smirk.
"It's not that… It… I shouldn't even be telling you this. It will probably just encourage you," she stammers.
"You can tell me anything."
Silence
"Baby," I say, pulling her to my lap, "Just tell me."
Rolling her eyes, she huffs, "fine, and stop calling me that. Nothing's changed, I still hate your guts. I just...sort of had this dream last night, ok." She tries to stand up but I pull her back down.
"What kind of dream?" I push.
"A sex dream," she whispers, embarrassed. "Don't read anything into it. I'm not letting you off the hook for Thursday, and your behavior last night was ridiculous "she quickly amends.
Grinning, I encourage her to continue. "Did I make an appearance in said dream?" I ask, rubbing my hand up her leg; she's wearing the same shorts she had on Thursday.
"Possibly," she mumbles swatting my hand away.
"Ok, say, hypothetically speaking of course, that I was in said dream, what was I doing?"
"Like I would ever tell you," she rolls her eyes.
"If I am in it, don't I have a right to know?"
"No, I'd say you lost that privileged right around the time you kicked me out of your apartment."
"Ana. I was only trying to do the right thing. I'm bad news, I'm just... bad for you," I struggle. "I was trying not to involve you in my fucked up life but I can't stop thinking about you. You're too good for me and I know I'll somehow manage to ruin you but I'm not strong enough to stay away."
At this she moves to stand up once again but I tighten my arms around her, effectively holding her into place. "Why didn't you just say that?"
"I'm saying it now."
She gazes at me with hooded eyes, chewing away at her bottom lip, internally debating.
"Tell me," I press.
"Hypothetical Christian may or may not have had me bent over his desk, spanking me for being a bad girl." She shakes her head, "I can't believe I just told you that," she narrows her eyes at me, "you have this annoying way of getting me to admit stuff that I never would admit under normal circumstances."
Fuck me, maybe this will work after all. I clear my throat, trying desperately to resist the urge to fuck her right here on this bench. "What else did hypothetical Christian do?" I ask, feeling my dick grow harder and harder with her every word.
As she explains her dream to me, in detail, I am hit with the sudden realization that her dream is eerily similar to how I spent my last few hours with Kendall, only instead of my office, she was in my kitchen.
Before I can analyze the situation any further we are interrupted by a deceptively soft voice. A voice I'd know anywhere. The voice of my former Domme. "Christian, Anastasia," Elena greets, "here I thought you were here to teach the children baseball, not sex education."
I turn to look in her direction and she's standing there, arms crossed over her chest, amusement dancing in her eyes as she watches Ana struggle to get out of my arms. "The buses have arrived. The children will be here any minute." She gives us another once over, pausing briefly at the faint outline of my erection through my shorts. "Pity, looks like the real fun was just about to begin." Without another word, she turns and walks back towards the front gates.
