Love is like war: easy to begin but very hard to stop. H. L. Mencken

My hands shook as I stared at my screen with the big letters "Mom" glowing. I knew this call was coming but now was not a good time. I was really shaken by the woman who had thrown questions at us. Was this what I was going to have to live through for the next few months?

Zak rubbed his hand on my thigh.

-"Ana? Are you going to answer?"

-"Do I have too?" I whispered. I looked up at him. I was so scared.

How pathetic, I was thirty three and still scared of my mother ... Zak gave me a lopped sided grin.

-"I'm right here, you'll be alright ..."

I nodded and slid the answer bar. My hands trembled so badly as I brought my phone to my ear.

-"Hello?" I squeaked.

-"Anastasia Marie Campbell!" My mother shrieked into the phone. "What the hell is going on?"

-"I can explain ..." But she didn't listen.

-"I get several phone calls from reporters asking about you and your new husband! I told them that you didn't marry Justin that we moved the date because of your step father's schedule; I didn't want to tell them that you ran off like some wild child. But the reporter tells me that you were married in Vegas!" As she spoke her voice got louder and louder. "Las Vegas!" She yelled. I held the phone away from my ear cringing. "How could you do this to me, Anastasia?"

-"I'm sorry, mom, I -"

-"You're sorry?! Sorry? You got married in Las Vegas to a soap opera actor! How can I show my face at the country club?"

-"Zak isn't a soap opera actor mom, he's a ghost hunter."

I heard my mother let out a cry at the other end. That probably wasn't the best thing to say ... I glanced at Zak which was only inches away from me. I'd accuse him of eavesdropping but my mother's loud screaming was easily being heard through the whole car. He gave me a sympathetic squeeze on my thigh.

-"I cannot believe you hid this from me! I knew there was something strange going on when you returned. Did you think I wouldn't find out?" She asked sharply.

-"No ... I ..." I really had not thought much about it, truthfully. I had only known for a bit under twenty four hours, even though it felt much longer. After dealing with Justin and the emotional rollercoaster Zak was putting me through, my mother had not been a huge concern of mine. "I just haven't had a chance to tell you."

-"Yes, I imagine you been busy." She said with disgust. "Where are you now, Anastasia? I will not discuss your ridiculous rebellion over the phone."

-"I am not rebelling, mother." I said tensely.

-"Then why in heavens name would you run off and marry this ... this ... half-witted chav!" I felt my fist tighten slightly. My mother could get pretty cruel and she often said insults that most Americans did not know. I think she got a kick out of it.

-"I - I'm sorry."

-"You should be!"

I had so many things running through my heads. Great insults, come backs and so many words to say to defend Zak. He was not stupid or white trash like she thought he was. But as per usual I froze. It was like my mouth had broken and I couldn't speak all the words I wanted to say to my mother. Just once I wanted her to tell me everything would be okay, to tell me that she would support me no matter what happens.

I heard my mother take a deep breath. When she spoke again her words were a bit calmer.

-"First thing Monday morning, we will go see our lawyer and get this sorted out. I will get your step father's public representative to make us a statement that you were cohered into marrying this man, then we will put this all behind us so you can marry Justin."

-"No! I told you I won't marry Justin."

-"Is this why you married this man, because you thought it would get you out of marrying him?"

-"Of course not, I just don't understand why you just can't leave this be." I said with a mix of anger and sadness.

-"Justin is the right man for you. He is a successful reporter that will go very far, and he will help your step father's career when he runs for president in two years."

I felt my heart sink. Was this why she wanted me to marry Justin so much? For her husband's career? Zak must of notice a change in my face because he shifted and turned his body towards me.

-"What's wrong?" I asked quietly.

Because my mother wasn't shouting anymore he had not heard what she had just said. Tears flooded my eyes and my lower lips started to tremble.

-"This is why you want me to marry Justin, so Craig has a better chance at being president?" I whispered, unable to make my voice louder.

-"Of course." She said nonchalantly. "There are of course many other perks, he is from a great family, he's handsome, and this will be great for your children."

I thought I was going to throw up.

-"Ana?" Zak said a bit louder.

-"Who is that Anastasia? Where are you? Are you with that awful man now?"

Zak grabbed the phone from my hand with no difficulty. I was so numb, everywhere.

-"Anastasia?" I heard my mother yell as Zak put my phone on speaker.

-"No." He said.

-"You!" She hissed. "I should have known when I let you into my home you were no good! You listen to me, you will take my daughter and drop her off at my home now, then we will settle this divorce and you can each go your separate ways, no harm no foul." Her tone was all business.

-"I don't think so." Zak said simply with a hint of humor to his voice.

-"You don't think so?" She shrieked. "What is it that you want? Money?"

Zak laughed.

-"Why would I want your money? I want nothing from an old bitchy cunt."

I heard my mother sputter.

-"How dare you...!"

-"No, how dare you!" Zak yelled. I had never heard him raise his voice and sound so angry, even when Justin had hit him he had not seemed this mad. "Ana is a grown woman and she can do whatever the hell she wants without worrying about her mother judging her. She can kiss, marry and fuck who ever she wants, so get over yourself."

-"You cannot speak to me that way!"

-"I just did. Next time think carefully how you will talk to my wife." Zak ended the call and threw my phone on the seat next to him.

I was blown away. No one had ever stood up to my mother like that for me. Not even Cathy.

-"Are you alright Ana?" Zak asked right away, he put an arm over my shoulder.

-"I'm fine." I said in a small voice.

-"What did she tell you about Justin?"

-"It was nothing Zak." I shrugged, trying to get him to move his arm.

-"Like hell it was nothing. Tell me."

I didn't want to tell him, it was embarrassing. My own mother, the woman that was supposed to love me unconditionally was using me for her own benefit! But the real kicker was that I had not known. Over three years and I had no clue that this was her plan all along. Was I really so stupid?

More than anything in the world I wished I was home in my bed. I just wanted to cry and keep crying until I passed out. I nervously grabbed the hem of my shirt and started to fiddle with it. I kept my eyes on my lap, refusing to meet Zak's demanding stare. When I spoke I barely could recognize my voice, it was strangled and surprisingly void of all emotions.

-"She told me ... that she basically pushed Justin and I together ..." My breath hitched at those words. "She is just using me to help her husband's career."

Zak let out a foul curse, but to my dismay he scooted to the other side of the car. I couldn't help but feel so utterly alone. But to my surprise Zak put his left arm over the seat.

-"Come here." He said softly.

He had just moved so we could have a bit more room. I wanted to tell him I didn't want to, that I didn't need him, but who was I kidding? His open arms looked so inviting. But I resisted.

-"No, I'm fine." I hiccupped, trying to hold back the tears that were building.

-"Ana ... please. I just ... I just want to be here for you."

I was about to shake my head no but to my surprise Zak reached out and without much effort he dragged me to his side. As if it were the most natural thing in the world I found myself snuggling into his hard chest. As soon as I felt the heat from his chest on my cheek it was as if a dam had been opened and the tears just started to pour. Zak wrapped his arms around me so tightly. He didn't say anything, he didn't need too.

Zak held Ana tightly, almost like he was afraid she might disappear or something. He knew she was crying, although she never looked up or sobbed loudly, he just knew from the gentle shake of her shoulders and the occasional sniffling coming from her.

He couldn't wrap his brain around the idea that her mother was so cruel. How could a woman do that to her own child? And to Ana of all people, one of the most gentle people he had the pleasure to meet. He simply couldn't understand. He wanted to tell her something to comfort her, to make her feel better, but what does someone say in these situations? He was at a loss for words so he did the only thing he could, and that was show her that he was here for her.

-"Zak?" Ana croaked.

-"Yeah?"

-"Why does everyone want to use me?" She asked in a small pitiful voice.

Zak felt a stab to his chest at her painful words.

-"I don't know sweetie ... " Was all he could say. He wanted to say so much more, but he wasn't sure if it would make things worse at this point...

That is how most of the car ride was spent and truthfully, Zak didn't mind it at all. Ana had put her feet up on the seat and was pressed tightly against his chest; he was starting to wonder if she had fallen asleep. He kept both arms around her, except he found himself running his fingers through her thick, auburn hair. He really was content ... if you didn't think about the trashy articles that were written on him and Ana, the lady that tried to get their picture, her psychotic mother and ex-boyfriend with issues...

As they got closer to the hotel room the tension in the car seemed to grow until Nick broke the silence.

-"Who do you think that woman was?" He asked.

Zak had almost forgotten Nick and Aaron were in the car. Both had remained so silent through all this and for that he was thankful. For the first time in a long time he remembered why they were more than just his coworkers, they were his friends.

-"I think she was just someone trying to make a quick buck." Aaron replied with a hint of anger in his voice.

-"You don't think she was a paparazzi?"

-"I don't think so." Zak said from the back. "No one knew where we were going."

The other all nodded.

-"Why would she make money?" Ana asked softly.

-"Those gossip websites and magazines pay you for good pictures and video. The more scandalous they are, the more money they make." Nick spat. He hated those leeches almost as much as Zak did.

To Zak's dismay, Ana moved away from his chest and sat up.

-"They pay people?" She sounded outraged. "That's disgusting! Who reads that crap?"

-"Everyone." All three men in the car replied.

Ana cracked a small smile and the mood was instantly lightened in the car as Nick pulled into the hotel driveway. He left the car running as everyone piled out and helped him get his bags out of the trunk. Aaron ran to the driver's side.

-"I'll catch you guy later." He said with a toothy grin and took off.

Nick, Zak and Ana walked into the hotel lobby. Nick went to the front desk to get a room, while Ana strolled to the soda machine, Zak joined Ana and seconds later Nick came along, looking annoyed.

-"There are no rooms." He frowned. "It's a Holiday; there will be no rooms until the day after tomorrow."

-"Well shit."

-"Should I text Aaron and ask him for his room since he's not going to use it?" Nick asked as he grabbed his phone from his pocket.

-"Uhhmm ... Aaron gave me his room." Ana said apologetically.

-"Oh ..." Nick looked at Zak. "Mind if we bunk tonight?"

-"Dude, you fucking snore ..." Zak whined.

Ana dug into her pocket.

-"You can have Aaron's room, Nick. I guess I can go back to Cathy's ... " She didn't sound too thrilled about that, so Zak saw the perfect opening.

-"You can stay in my room." He said trying to sound as casual as he could.

-"Err ... " Ana shifted awkwardly.

I was really not sure about this. Zak and I, alone together in a room ... all night? Was that really such a good idea? We had enough sexual tension between us to fill up a lifetime and with how confused I was about everything right now I didn't want to jump into any bad decisions.

Nick looked at me expectantly and I found myself slowly nodding.

-"Oh thanks Ana, you are the best!" Nick exclaimed happily as he grabbed the key card from my hand. "I'll see you guys tomorrow morning, we'll have breakfast and head off to do some research on this house." Nick hurried off with his bags without a glance back.

I was left standing alone with Zak in the small alcove where the soda machine was located. I was suddenly glad I bought a ginger ale because my stomach was all in knots.

-"Well, I guess we should head on up too." Zak said gruffly.

I didn't say anything but started to walk towards the elevators. As we went up the tension between Zak and I was almost unbearable. It was amazed how it could change so quickly. In the car, he had been so sweet and comforting. I had felt so at home with him, like I could have told him anything and he would have understood. But right now ... it felt so different. He was a bit darker. I felt my stomach do a small flip as the elevator doors opened for our floor.

I stood frozen, unable to move to my legs. I had never been so nervous in my life. Zak got out and started to walk towards his room, as he glanced back he noticed I was still standing in the elevator.

-"Are you coming?" He asked.

I opened my mouth to speak but it felt so dry. I slowly nodded and ordered my legs to move. Taking careful tentative steps I followed Zak.

-"Are you okay?" He asked concerned when we reached his door.

I was going to say yes. I wanted to say yes. But instead my mouth decided to disconnect from my brain.

-"I'm not having sex with you." I blurred out.

Surprise was written all over Zak's face as I mentally slapped myself. What the hell is wrong with me! Why did I even say that?

-"I wasn't even thinking about it." A slow grin crept onto his lips.

I groaned at my stupidity and really wished the earth would just open up and swallow me, right now. Zak opened the door with a chuckle and turned the lights on. Once in the room I made the mistake to look at the bed. The only bed in the room.

-"Where I'm I going to sleep?" I asked in a small voice.

Zak shrugged as he took his shoes off.

-"In the bed?"

-"And what about you?"

-"Ana, we are adults; I think I can managed to sleep in the same bed as you and control myself." He sounded a little annoyed.

-"Yeah ... of course!" I said in a high pitched voice.

I really needed to get a grip with myself. I was not this hot, sexual woman that all the men drooled over. I had just assumed he wanted more from me, which was rather stupid. No one wanted me unless they had something more in it. My mother had made that clear. Zak was only being nice to me because he felt sorry for me. That was it. I should consider myself lucky that I had a place to sleep tonight that wasn't at Cathy's or Justin's.

Part of me also felt incredible guilt. I still had feelings for Justin. I know crazy right? But I couldn't just erase the last three years of my life. Regardless of what happened, he had been part of my life for so long, I still loved him. Although I wondered if I loved him or the man I thought he was. I also had so many questions. Did he know my mother was just using him as well? Were they in this deal together and I had been blind to everything?

I sat at the small desk trying to shake away all those thoughts I was having, while Zak was in the bathroom. I had nothing to change into since all my clothes were at Cathy's and Justin's. I really needed to get my stuff from her place tomorrow so I could change. I slowly sipped on my ginger ale, and after a few minutes Zak came out wearing no shirt and a black pair of pajama bottoms. As he came out I was taking a sip of my drink and found myself thickly swallowing and chocking.

I turned bright red and tried to look away, but my eyes were not cooperating and decided to keep ogling at Zak.

He was amazingly beautiful, and the morning of waking up next to him in Vegas soon came rushing back to me. I could see him sprawled on his stomach sleeping, his head turned to the side and his hair all tousled. His perfect white skin made his jet black hair really stick out, almost appearing blue in the low light of the hotel room.

I took in everything I could see right now and it would probably be burnt into my memory forever. He had the most amazing muscles that I had ever seen on his bare chest which was chiseled and he didn't have an ounce of fat on him, making me feel very self-conscience.

Zak grinned at me obviously having no shame at all about his body. He walked to his suitcase, which was on the bed behind me. When he turned I couldn't help but stare at his back. The thick muscles of his back and arms bunching and flexing as he moved. I noticed his short black hair was wet, like he had ran it under the sink and he had smoothed it back with his fingers, making glossy spikes that gave him a wilder air than normal.

My eyes finally stopped roaming and locked onto his upper back, where his tattoo of a winged guardian was located. The unnerving figure hands were outstretched as if welcomed all souls in. I knew Zak had some tattoos. Most were visible, but this one … it called to me. I just wanted to run my fingers down his back and kiss every inch of its flesh.

I shook my head and quickly turned back around to face the wall before he could catch me gawking at him. I heard him zipping up his suitcase and set it down.

-"Ana, can we talk for a minute?" He asked, his voice held an edge to it.

-"Uhmm ... sure." I turned to look at him. He sat on the bed and patted the spot next to him.

I hesitated for a moment but went over and sat down next to him. The light in the room was very dim and I couldn't make out his face very well from this angle. He reached for my hand and held it in a light grasp, giving me the power to pull away if I chose too. But I didn't.

I automatically entwined my fingers through his, looking up into his dark face.

-"What's up?" I squeaked.

-"I - I just wanted to tell you that ... you know, whatever happens, you can trust me, you know that right?" When he looked at my face, his gaze softened a bit. With his free hand he cupped it along the curve of my cheek.

-"I ... I'm not sure what to think right now." I said frowning as I gazed up at him. "My mother has been lying, Justin is ... well Justin. And you ..." I let out a small huff. "You just confused me."

Zak nodded and he gave me a sad smile.

-"Too much excitement in your world for you?" He tried to joke.

My expression stayed serious.

-"It scares me." I whispered.

-"Don't be."

-"You scare me, Zak. All my life I've been just Ana ... the girl that no one pays attention too. The shy girl … But you came into my life and it's all turned upside down …" I released a slow, uncertain sigh. "I am actually quite scared of what will happen next."

Zak stroked my cheek, smoothing the pads of his fingers over the light crease of my brow.

-"There is no reason to be afraid when you're with me." He said with such conviction I wanted to believe.

He bent his head and pressed his lips to mine, the kiss that started off as tender reassurance, ignited into something wilder as I kissed him back so openly, teasing his mouth with the tip of my tongue. All the passion that had happened between us this evening at the restaurant sprang to life again.

Zak slowly drew back

-"Ana … " He groaned. "I can't take much more of your torture."

I laughed nervously and bowed my head embarrassed. I am such an idiot, why did I kiss him back? He didn't want me in that way ... I repeated in my head, over and over.

Zak grabbed my chin and lifted my face to his.

-"I didn't mean it like I regretted it …." He said, like he had just read my mind.

-"Zak, I understand ..." I started. "Look, maybe I should just go to Cathy's ... "

But Zak cut me off before I could finish my statement. He bent his head towards mine. His lips crashed into mine hard. My arms instinctively wrapped around his neck, as he buried his hand into my hair. Zak moved away again, just a few inches. His eyes locked onto my mouth which was wet and swollen from his kiss, he didn't say a word and guided me down onto the bed, and he quickly covered me with his body. I felt my heart beat erratically as I felt his heavy weight on top of me. He quickly returned to my mouth, kissing a path from my lips to my chin, then along my throat, and back up to the soft skin below my ear.

God, what was I doing? Why was I letting myself being kissed and touched like this?

With Zak kissing and touching me, my brain and body were not listening to each other at the moment. He felt so amazing. His hands moved to my breasts touching and teasing. A moan escaped my mouth. I ran my hands up his strong back and shoulders. I could feel his hardness pressed against my soft stomach. His hand slid under my shirt, and that's when the little voice in my head became louder. I had to stop!

I turned my head and somehow found the strength to speak up, even though my voice was barely a whisper.

-"Zak … please … we have to stop … "

He was breathing heavy, and lifted his head to gaze down into my eyes with his hot intense look.

-"I – I don't think this is a good idea right now …. " I croaked, not enjoying saying those words.

He nodded and dropped his forehead on mine. After a few minutes of catching our breath he sat up.

-"Ana, am sorry … " He looked shaken and embarrassed and I suddenly felt a stab of guilt.

I grabbed his hand.

-"Hey … it's alright, don't be sorry, I just … I need some time ..."

I sat up and pulled my shirt down, trying to gain a little composure over myself. But that same little voice in my head that had told me to stop, suddenly decided to grow some horns and it urged me to do something I wanted to do since I had woken up in Vegas. I ran my fingers lightly down his back, tracing his dark angel tattoo.

-"He's beautiful … did it hurt?" I asked, my voice was so husky, I barely recognize it.

-"Nah …. " He laughed, giving me a side glance. "Okay, maybe a little."

"Why a dark angel?"

-"It represents the battle between good and evil. In the end it doesn't matter who wins, because death is always the winner."

I frowned. I wondered what made him think such dark thoughts all the time, and just like that the mood changed in the room. Zak shifted awkwardly off the bed.

-"I think I'm just going to go to bed." He said.

I nodded and scrambled off the bed. I took my shoes off and sighed. I hate sleeping in my clothes but I didn't have much choice right now. Zak got under the covers.

-"I left you a shirt in the bathroom if you want to change." Zak said quickly.

I went to the bathroom and washed my face with the little soaps there. I wanted to cool off my hormones that were going crazy. I wanted to go back out into that room and grab Zak and kiss him senseless. Closing my eyes I thought back of his warm hands on my body. I shivered at the thought.

I attempted to comb my hair with my fingers and sighed. I took my shirt off. I reached for the shirt Zak had left me. It was a soft grey t-shirt, and when I put it on, I glanced down and groaned. The shirt was so snug against my breasts that it contoured them, leaving nothing to the imagination. I was glad I opted to keep the bra on. I just couldn't win. Giving myself a look in the mirror, I wished I were tall, skinny and blond with a frame that was not so curvy. Instead I had hair that was so plain and frizzed minutes after it was washed. Everything on my body seemed to curve and not do what it should do. I left my pants on and took a deep breath; I slowly opened the door and went back to the bedroom.

When I came back out the TV was on but muted and all the lights were off. I walked closer to the bed and saw that Zak was asleep. He was on his back with one hand behind his head, the other on his side. His face was relaxed and he looked so lovely like that. I moved the blankets back and very gently got into bed. I was glad he was sleeping and wouldn't see me in his to tight shirt.

I lay down and waited for sleep.

Justin was in my bedroom.

-"What are you doing here?" I demanded, my voice sounding just as raw as it had when I'd called him and another woman answered his phone.

He sat on the corner of the bed and gave me a licentious smile, making my stomach clench. I glanced down at myself and realized I was naked under my bed covers. Pulling the sheet up to my chin, I continued glaring at him.

-"Ana, don't tell me you haven't missed me, I know you have," he said. I had missed him in a way. I couldn't deny it. "You know I'm waiting for you" he continued.

I shook my head.

-"No, I don't want you. Thanks to you and my mother, you both gave me some real trust issues, asshole. It has nothing to do with missing you."

He leaned forward and put his hand on mine. I wanted to pull it away but I couldn't seem to summon up the will.

-"Stand up and let me see you," he whispered.

I stood up in spite of myself, it was as if I'd swallowed a control potion and he was now calling the shots. The duvet dropped away from me, even though I still held it. Justin stood up and approached me, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. He stood so close; I could feel the heat of his breath on my forehead.

-"I don't want to do this," I muttered, even as my traitorous body sung while he ran his hands down my breasts.

-"He's your past, Ana." It was Zak.

I closed my eyes against the embarrassment that not only was Justin witnessing me naked but now Zak was too. When I opened them, Justin was still watching me through those beautiful dark hazel eyes I'd loved so much. Zak stood behind him, his expression stoic.

-"Tell him he's your past," Zak demanded.

I glanced at Justin again and he dropped his head, capturing my lips. My eyelashes fluttered down until they graced the tops of my cheeks.

-"Ana, let him go."

I opened my eyes but didn't stop kissing Justin. Zak grabbed Justin's shoulder and tore him away from me. I glanced at Justin who didn't even react— he just watched me.

-"Tell him he's your past. Let him go."

It was like slow motion as I faced Zak again. He ran his fingers down one side of my face and bent my head as he trailed steaming hot kisses down the length of my neck.

-"Say it," he demanded again.

I focused on Justin who was standing there like the last kid picked in PE. Anger and pain warred within my stomach as I forced myself to gaze at the man who'd so royally screwed me up.

-"You're my past," I said in a breathless voice.

Zak chuckled and ran his fingers down my neck, past my collarbone until he found one of my breasts . He took it in his mouth as I watched Justin begin to fade, as if he were a ghost.

-"Again," Zak demanded.

But I didn't want to focus on Justin. I wanted to focus on how amazing Zak's mouth felt on my breast. He pulled away and glanced up at me.

-"Again," he growled.

I faced Justin.

-"I'm letting you go."

Justin faded even more, until he was nothing but a fleck of whitish steam. I gasped when I felt Zak's fingers between my thighs.

-"Once more until he's gone."

I faced what was left of Justin and the words barely made it out of my mouth.

-"You're my past and I'm letting you go."

The steam disappeared and I woke up tangled in the sheet. I drew in my breath as I realized my own hand was pressed hard against my inner thighs. I quickly pulled it away and sat up, dazed. Zak was an unmoving mound next to me. How freaking embarrassing that I'd been fondling myself with him in the same bed! Humiliation heated my cheeks. I rolled over and closed my eyes, praying the rest of my dreams would be rated PG, or that morning would come very soon.

A/N:

I cannot thank you enough for all the comments I get! :) Really this wouldn't be here if all of you who read, follow/favorite and vote were not here. This story started as a silly thought in my head that I wrote down, and I posted it just for the heck of it. I never intended for it to be this, so thank you for the encouragement.

So I am curious to hear what you all think so far? What is going to happen on this fast approaching investigation?