Chapter 16

When I get back, filled with a new sense of euphoria, I find Christian talking to Fe. For a woman he said he never met before, they looked pretty cozy. Her hand resting on his arm made my blood turn to ice. They stood off to the side, sheltered from bystanders. From my view, they were both in profile, so I couldn't see their faces. Sparing her fake qualities, she was a beautiful woman and at Christian's side, they made a stunning couple.

Abruptly, Christian's head turns and found me, as if he had felt me watching them. The moment our gazes met, I had felt the earth shattering recognition pierce through me, the primitive awareness I was trying to keep buried. To keep our relationship professional. Yet, inside me was this elemental force making me want to claim him. That he was mine. It hadn't been the first time I felt this way.

My mind was stirring with silent curses and combinations of vulgar words I would never repeat out loud. Creases form in between my brows in a silent WTF? Fe takes notice of his lack of attention and follows his gaze. She looked pretty calm to see me paused in the middle of the main room, staring at them. I don't know what I expect her reaction to be but it wasn't that.

Usually a woman like Fe, gets off on attention. Get off on it. When a man such as Christian comes around, it's like she hit the jackpot and doesn't want to share the wealth. Fe then cupped his jaw, dragging his attention back to her. The sight of her lifting onto her tiptoes, made me cringe. She looked back at me and winked. The nerve this woman had.

Fe moved closer, their lips inches from each other. Was she really going to kiss him? My thought quickly vanishes when Christian jerked his head back before she could accomplish her goal. He caught her arms, thrusting her away, surprisingly not drawing anyone's attention except mine.

I was floored by the whole debacle and needed air to release my reined temper. Looking around to locate the doors at which we entered in, I feel like the green-eyed monster has crept inside me. Denying that I had felt envious would only make matters worse. She could be with him publicly. She doesn't have to be concerned of her very action around him. They could be together and we couldn't. Yes, I want and need this between Christian and me to be professional. Yet, that doesn't mean I don't have feelings for him.

With my old confession card still in hand, I dispose it and head out the building. As I exit, I wish I had felt the gust of wind outside brings. But we are underground, where it is dark and cold. Never have I wanted to feel the sun on my skin more.

"Hey." Approaching footsteps tell me Christian is not far from me. He comes up behind me, gathering me towards him so my back is against his hard chest. This is what I wish we could have. Something so simple as an embrace without the worry of being caught. I fall against him soaking up this moment before it had to end. "You're shivering." It was a shock to me. Christian was so warm, he felt like a crackling fire you couldn't help be snuggle up to on a cold winter's night. His soft lips pressed onto the side of my neck, leaving a heated kiss. "Should we head out?"

I nod, feeling a sense of accomplishment of what I've done here today. "You hungry?" I pull out of his embrace and turn to face him. His gray eyes shining through the dark lit underground parking lot. Why did he have to be so beautiful?

"Starved." On cue my stomach growled, making us both laugh. Christian wraps his arm around my waist and we head back to his car.

Christian reaches the driver's side after escorting me in. Once he enters and clicks in his seat belt, he glances over at me. Despite the apprehension I notice flickering his eyes, he reaches over and places his hand on my knee, squeezing it firmly.

We drive in a comfortable silence and now not being blindfolded, I can finally absorb the breathtaking view of the city. I hadn't realized how long we had been at the gallery. The sun is beginning to set, oranges and purples paint the September sky.

"So where did you run off to?" Christian says, breaking the serene silence.

"Oh, I umm..." It's not that I didn't want to tell him, because I did. I think I just had to take a moment to realize myself what I had did. The progress I have made. "The booths."

"Really?" And there is was – a smile. Not just any smile but one that was purely genuine. One that spread to his entire face to where I could finally sense his emotion. He was proud. At me. A feeling I haven't seen someone have towards me in god knows how long. I didn't want it to stop.

Christian takes us to a small baroque restaurant. Even after I suggested a small burger joint would've sufficed but he wouldn't have it. Despite the busy Saturday night crowd, when the hostess noticed Christian, she greeted him by name and whisked us out to a rather private table that overlooked the city's skyline.

Our dinner was sinfully delicious. Christian had ordered us a bottle of red wine to go with it. By the elaborate name it had, my guess was it was extremely expensive. But the dessert... it was almost magical. I almost passed it up but Christian convinced me their chocolate soufflé was to die for. And it was. Each bite felt like I was on a stairway to heaven.

When we practically lick the plate clean, Christian removes his wallet out of his back pocket and pulls a generous amount of bills out, placing them inside the check that laid on the table. Clearly it was more than enough to pay for our meals and a handsome tip for our server.

This all didn't settle well with me. Having someone pay for me has never felt right. I've always had to take care of myself. This wasn't any different. He speaks instantly as if I had just said my thoughts out loud. "Dinner's on me. It's my treat."

I begin to protest but the waitress approaches, taking the check, and asking if we needed anything else for the night. Christian politely declines and she walks away. "Thank you."

I say wishing this night would never end. Suddenly, a thought that has been raking in the back of my mind all throughout dinner seems to find its way out my mouth.

"So why there? Why take me to an underground art gallery?"

He didn't seemed shocked by the question. It was like he had been waiting for me to ask it. "I knew you were lying about writing in your journal. So I decided to give you a push." He offers as an explanation, leaning back in his chair. He crosses his arms over his chest, the pressure flexing his biceps to press against the thin material of his button down.

"How noble of you." I coax making my sarcasm evident. "Does this work with all your female friends?" 'Friends' was pushing the context of what female paramours defined.

"Excuse me?" Christian reprimands at me, cocking his head to the side.

"Take them to a fancy remote spot. Make them feel special. Wine and dine them. Get them tipsy. I'm sure it doesn't take much to get them jumping in your pants after that."

Christian leans forward with anger in his eyes. He moves closer so that his mouth is next to my ear. The warmth from his breath prickles my skin. "Someone's jealous." He whispers, trailing a finger down my neckline. "But no. I've only been here with my mother and a couple of close friends. Otherwise it's just a place I come to get away. Ahhh and of course the mouthwatering..." Christian holds his words as he closes his lips on my earlobe, sucking on it. The small but effective sexual sensation mainlines right down to my core. "Insatiable..." My body arches instinctively in response. I become attentively aware that we are still in a restaurant full of people. "Christian..."

"Yes?" A seductive edge makes his taunting voice even more mesmerizing and everything he was doing even harder to resists. He takes his finger and traces it down my shoulder to my arm until it reaches my hip. The palm of his hand grazes over my thigh and making my eyes shut from the beginning of a sensory overload. I suck in what felt like the last breath of air I'll ever get. He slides his hand slowly and teasingly closer. This needed to stop before I completely lose it. Before I lose my self-control and finally break.

"Well..." he pulls back, stopping his seductive assault, beating me to the punch," I think it's about that time I take you home, Miss Steele. Don't you?"

"Tease." The word had slipped out and the need for a hiding place quickly became compulsory.

"Hmmm... you do know what a tease is, don't you?" It was a silly question. Why else would I had said it, even if it was accidental? He stood from the table, composure in place while mine left the building some time ago. Offering his hand out, I take it willingly. I instantly regret my decision when he pulls me toward his chest, lowering his lips once more to my ear.

"A tease is someone who promises," Christian threads his fingers through my hair, "but does not deliver." My throat collapses on itself and my tongue darts out, licking my lips as they feel suddenly dry.

"I, Anastasia. Deliver."

We head back to my place, giving him directions as we go. I'm still pent up and sexually frustrated from Christian's tantalizing words. I found sitting in my seat, almost immobile nearly impossible. Needing a distraction, I gaze out the window. The moon is out and its limelight lights up the road ahead. The distraction didn't last long as gaze over and see the skill Christian has over maneuvering his car. I shouldn't be turned on by such a mundane ability, but I am. With every second that passes, I find myself restraining to reach out and touch him. Wanting more. More of what he had tortuously teased me with earlier at dinner. Make that physical connection that ignites every pore on my skin and fiber of my body despite knowing the dangerous line I would be crossing. Willingly.

I catch him watching me curiously and I can't help but blush under his stare. He subtly shakes his head and a diminutive smile forms on his lips before focusing back on the road.

"Ana." Trepidation springs within me. Oh god what now? "I am only going to ask this once and only once." Although his stern tone brought chills to my skin, I nod my head in approval for him to go on. "Who is Kalum?" A shiver runs through me at the blunt finality in his tone and the disdain of his gaze.

"No one." I say attempting to prevent having a conversation relating to that low life. Right when the words left my mouth, Christian whiplashes towards me, and I instantly regretting my choice of words. "This isn't going to work if you're going to lie to me. And I don't tolerate being lied to."

Finding whatever courage I can muster I quip, "Christian really –"

He abruptly stops the car, and I begin to yell thinking we are at a halt in the middle the road but then I notice we're at my place. "I want you to choose your next words carefully, Ana." Shifting the car in park, Christian's attention is now completely on me.

I exhale a breath of much needed air and face towards him. He tilts his head the way he always does when I know he is trying to crack my head open for answers. Nerves scattered, my lips part slightly as I finally find my voice. "How do you know who he is?

"You said his name in your sleep." Christian mumbles. "I was hoping that it was nothing. He's obviously on your mind."

"You're jealous!" I laugh. What a turn of events. His mouth twitches slightly and I immediately shut up.

"I don't get jealous Ana," he replied casually, "Not when I know you're mine."

"And you assume this because of what? Because of the one date, if you could even call what we had today that."

"Because Ana, I see what you don't. You're different. And I know that sooner or later you'll stop fighting me. And how you feel."

Good old fashioned sweet talk. "That's a good line. I bet all the girls love that one. I expected better from you."

"That wasn't –"

"Listen." I snap, exhausted this game we seem to be playing and the warring emotions stirring with in me. "Today was – different. But I know how this works. I know how men like you operate. And you trying to prove otherwise is simply just... exhausting. Why you want me..." Christian remains stoic but mildly responsive. "...I don't think I'll ever come to terms with. You could have any female wrapped around your finger. And this boundary you say you are willing to cross. Are you willing to sacrifice everything and endure the costs that come with it?" Seconds of silence follow my last word. Not one emotion spreads across Christian's face. Just perfect. I've managed to make the most articulate man I know speechless and at the time I need to hear his thoughts the most. An uncontrollable scoff erupts and my brows furrow in annoyance.

"Goodbye Christian." I reach for the handle of the car door, agitated beyond human limits. Barely getting the door ajar, Christian manages in one swift moment to reach over me and shut it closed. Whipping my head towards him, my hands pulsate from the unruly rage radiating to slapping the living daylights out of him. "You can't do that Christian!"

Ugh! Why does he have to suck every ounce of control out of me? Leaving me with nothing. Not even my own dignity. I had to say something. Just how do I say it without sounding like a bitch? Fuck it! "You're a clusterfuck Christian! I'm vulnerable around you. I –I haven't been like that since..." I huff out, midway losing my confidence. "I can't remember the last time I've been able to –" My words and thoughts were jumbled. I myself didn't know what I was trying to say.

"Let go." Christian's interruption completes my sentence.

All at once power, scorching intensity, and desire burned in his eyes. His fingertips traced down from my temples, to my cheeks, finally ending at throat. My veins pulsated uncontrollably and all sense of control of my body gets lost in wake of him.

"I. Want. You. And if there is someone who is preventing me from getting what I want..." His jaw clinches as deep conflict wages inside him. "...Who I have to get out of the picture to make it official."

"And what is this 'it' exactly that you want to be officiated?" My mind wanders on the many things Christian might be referencing to but I come up short.

"Us. You and me." Christian encounters my 'space' once more and flutters his breath over my face as his daunting gaze swallows me whole. "I will have you and I won't settle with nothing less than all of you."

He didn't have to say it. I knew. Christian wanted to cross the forbidden line. The boundary and Golden Rule students and professors are scolded to not cross.

"So you want to be boyfriend and girlfriend? That's what all of this is about?"

He erupts in a deep, throaty laughter when he tilts back his head. "We've gone over this. I don't do the relationship thing."

"I do recall you saying 'couple' earlier today."

"Yes. But in my book 'couple' doesn't fit the textbook definition many relate to."

"Oh..." I continue mockingly, "...so you just thought I'd fall to your feet and beg you to let me be your submissive? That I'd drop my panties and spread my legs for you at your every beck and call?" Does he think just because he screams sex that I would negate all my morals?

"Things get messy when relationships are romantic." He shrugs. "There's no blurred lines when a mutual agreement is consented between two individuals, rules and requirements expressed in detail, specifics negotiated to a degree, and before they get out of hand – expectations are managed. Simple. Nothing more. Nothing less."

We sit there, dead silence taking over except for the engine idling. After turning the car off, Christian reaches behind him to the back seat. He retrieves a bag, not indicated what is inside, and exits out his side. Popping open my door, I step out not waiting for him as I walk to my front door.

We both head to my porch; hearing nature claiming the night. Stopping just before the door, we turn towards one another. And for the first time it felt awkward to be around him.

"Your belonging are in here Along with something else." Christian shifts his weight from foot to foot obviously feeling the awkwardness.

"Thank you." My voice was flat, as I numbly take the bag and place it on one of the porch chairs beside my door.

"You know I came into this not expecting all of this. How much I want this to work. How much I want you." He says quickly. His facial expression remaining soft but serious. "However, we can't move forward until you agree to my terms." A ringing strangely begins in my ear. Why couldn't this whole thing just drop? My chest grows tight, to where it is almost painful. Why did I have to submit for this to work out? "Control is something I've always known. And with you it's hard to hold on to it. That frightens me..." Where was he going with this?

"Why does it frighten you?"

"Because I'm not use to someone else having power over me." He says softly, entering my space. "The power to... change everything. That someone is you." His words befuddled me, making me confused and my judgments clouded. Causing me to think twice about who the man was in front of me. That I hadn't given him a real chance. "That why I need some leeway. Some sort of ground with you where I know I have full control."

"I can't..." I mutter.

"Why not?" He asks, confusion washes over him. I become stiff under his stare.

"My life... it's complicated."

"No more than the rest of us."

It didn't take long for his words to envelop me. He wasn't going to give this up – me up. I didn't want to believe it. That he'd be so serious to risk his life and career. For one girl. No matter what lines that'd be crossed in the process. I didn't have to make things more complex than they had to be. He wanted me.

He had shown me this new side of him. Not the dark and domineering one I thought he'd only possessed. Christian hesitantly brings his hand up to my cheek, holding it there with grace. The space between us closes, as he pulls me near. A familiar electric current crackles in the air as his lips rests above mine. Never have I wanted a kiss more. For his lips to be on mine. Christian tilts my jaw upward, and I knew I wouldn't have to wait any longer.

The kiss was far from gentle – I didn't want it to be. A low moan escaped me as his tongue stroked deep into my wanting mouth. Our bodies molding into one, and I realized this is what I wanted. He is what I wanted. I've been resisting all this time to see it.

Too soon, he pulled back. From the unyielding wanton still blazing in his eyes, I knew it was more for him than me.

"I want to learn every inch of your body. To know it intimately. I want to trace my fingers over every bump, every crease, every ridge, and every scar. I want to know how your body reacts under my touch. The sounds you make. The little gasps and sighs that escape you when can't contain the pleasure I bring you. But most of all the moan. The one you make as I enter you sinfully slow. Taking you all in. I want to get to know that moan real well like second nature."

I'm speechless. Never have I've been spoken this way – would I ever allow someone speak to me – but his words, and the way he spoke without an ounce of hesitation only vigor, turned me on. I can feel the flush of heat spread on my cheeks, as I can only stare at a crack in the concrete floor of my doorway. "Christian –"

My blue eyes flash to his gray then almost simultaneously, my front door swings right open.

"What the hell." A familiar yet repulsive voice rang in my ears.

Out of all people who could've stood in my doorway, there he was in the flesh. Kalum. Sporting a grey v neck and jeans with a stunned expression lit on his rugged face. What on earth is he doing here?

I leap away from Christian not wanting to have an unwanted and extremely uncomfortable conversation. Ignoring Kalum, my eyes lock with Christian's. What I saw, I immediately regretted pulling away. Jealously surged in his eyes. If looks could burn I'd be cinder and ash. I felt so trapped.

"Kalum! Why are you – I mean what –" I stammered pathetically.

"Just dropped by. Kate let me in." No way Kate would let him in. She'd fight tooth and nail before she let him take one step inside.

Kalum leans his shoulder against the door post like he owned the place. He makes my blood boil. I wonder what Christian is thinking right now. "I've been calling you all day. I was worried." Worried my ass! He then finally acknowledges Christian's existence. "But now I know why you haven't been answering my calls."

"She's been with me." I double take who voiced those words. It didn't take me long for my brain to gather the calm but firm voice I've been around all day. I knew this two men. Their personalities too strong and too similar that it was only a matter of time before one's fist collided with the other's jaw. Kalum trails his eyes up and down Christian, sizing him up, almost testing him. Beads of sweat perspire on my forehead. Kill me now!

"Kalum Gallagher." To my surprise Kalum sticks out his hand. "Have we met before? You look familiar." It then clicks to me that I was standing next to Christian. Under normal circumstances that'd be okay until I realize that Kalum, the academic dean's son was standing before us – a student and a university professor. At night... in a compromising situation.

Fuck! Putting two and two together wouldn't be too difficult. Kalum had his idiotic moments but he was smart. His hobby was practically ruining my life. All it would take was a rumor to spread and I'd be in the midst of a scandal. A modern day Hester from the Scarlet Letter. Has Christian grasped this fatal situation we are currently in? He had too.

Christian ignores his outreached hand and keeps his to his side, tightly fisted. I needed to separate these two fast. "I've met a lot of people and you don't particularly stand out." Christian smiles sarcastically. I can feel all the blood in my face rush out. Was he asking for a fight?

I'm lost and rattled on what to do. If I introduce Christian, then Kalum will easily figure out who he is and speculate why I was with him. And if I don't, Kalum's curious and belittling ways would just intrigue him to find out who Christian is for himself. Turn it into a sadistic game. Neither were an option I could risk. Not without hurting Christian and I both. So I did the only thing I could do. Constrain the inevitable pain and sacrifice one relationship for the other. Or just make it look that way...

"You need to leave." I advised coolly.

I hadn't directed the statement solely to either Kalum or Christian. Yet it was Kalum who took offense to my words. "Come on Ana I didn't –" This caused Christian to straighten his posture, exhibiting the reaffirmation of his confidence. Thinking the threat standing before him had diminished.

God I didn't want to do this. "Not you Kalum." I sounded so uncertain which would only make this more difficult to fall through. Under my eyelashes Christian backs away from me as if lightning struck him.

"No." Christian refused, an obvious spring back reflex. His voice was colder than it has ever been. My skin quaked and my breathing became hallow. I was panicking.

"Dude she said to leave. Ana's a very decisive girl. I would give her what she wants. That's obviously me and not–" Kalum's eyes went wide and I knew Christian had given him one of his deathly stares to shut him up like he has done with me in the past.

He grabbed my elbow in a vise, nearly to the point of pain. "Dude!" Kalum touched Christian's shoulder.

"If you'd like to keep your hand, I suggest you move it off me." Not an ounce of hesitation graced Kalum's face. As he let go, I could tell he was concerned about me with Christian.

"Kalum, I'm fine. I'll be inside in a minute." Christian leads me to the edge of my walkway. I glance back to the front door, and notice Klaum finally trusted my words as he is no longer there. "We need to talk..." His deep words personified as a daunting growl.

I attempt to free my arm from his clutch. "What is with you?" His eyes flashed. I was heated and I could tell he was too.

"Me?" Christian's jaw clenched which would've turned me on in a different circumstance other than where my arm wasn't being turned into a stress therapy ball. "How could you pick him over me? You said he wasn't an issue."

"He isn't! And I didn't –"

"Do not lie to me." His grip turned harder. My skin started to burn.

I sobbed. Staring at my arm, my flesh was raw and began to turn a light pink. "Christian you're hurting me." He let go almost instantly. Regret engulfed him head to toe. Stepping back he exhaled a number of curses. Christian appeared like he was seconds from falling to his knees. He stared down at his shaking hands as if blood stained them.

"I –I'm sorry. That wasn't –I wasn't me." Taking one more step back, he stood in the middle of a street light's illumination. The yellow tinted light emphasized his eyes as he gazed back up. Never have I seen one's pupils so dilated. His emotions were at a high. Undoubtedly, mine were too.

A tear sprung from the corner of my eye. Yes, Christian's actions were inexcusable. In hind sight, Christian was visibly impulsive and destructive but in those few seconds I saw a glimpse of a man who was afraid. Of what? I'm not sure.

"Look at me. Please." He quickly appeared to my side, wiping a falling tear away with the pad of his thumb before lifting my chin to meet his gaze.

What? But how? His harrowed façade was now replaced with a placid one. He was cool, calm and collected. There was no other way to put it. How could someone recover that fast. It was almost inhuman. The once distraught man, was now the Christian I had been around all day. It was as if nothing happened. And bringing up what just happened wouldn't change that. He would just shoot me down. Dodge and deflect.

"Ana –" He pleaded. No. Begged.

"Give me a second!" I yelled. Irate wasn't a tone I ever thought I would use. Especially on a professor with a doctoral degree. But there's a first for everything. "Space. I need space."

My head was a merry-go-round of emotions. Once I found a foot hold on what emotion to gage on, I'd get consumed by the other millions of feelings swirling inside me.

"Okay." Christian hushed out. A sigh of relief flooded my senses and my body became relaxed knowing he would give me some distance. But oh how wrong I was. He advanced toward me, each step slow and deliberate. "Please..." I hold my hand out to protest. "I can't –" He didn't stop until he was inches from me.

"Please what? You can't what?"

I wrap my arms around me, in an attempt to shield myself. "Christian –"

As if I just snapped a twig under my foot, something snapped inside him. He grabbed me by the shoulders, fingers digging in. It wasn't painful like his grip on my arm. This was more for reassurance. That he wanted to know if the hook he had in me was still there. Through all of what I've just seen it shouldn't, but it still was.

"What, damn it! What?" I wince. We stand there frozen, staring at each other full of emotion and I begin to wonder how the human body can withstand so much. Again, remorse takes over his body. Hurting me was something he never wanted. That much I could tell. He just had a bad way of showing it. In a ragged whisper he utters my name and attempted to pull me closer. But I knew if I didn't get space now then I wouldn't ever.

"No!" Did he not know what 'I need space' meant?

He pulls away, clinching his fist until his knuckles were a plate white. Clearly he was inching to hit something. Instead, his fingers run through his dark locks. Christian's eyes drifted to mine one last time, wanting to find something. As he starts to turn and walk to his car, I figure he didn't find it.

"Wait!" The word fall from my lips. My hand reached out to his arm, hoping to stop him. Christian gazed down to my grip like I didn't have the right to touch him. Hurt, I pulled away. He hated this. I hate this, too – no more. "I only said what I said to make this – us not look suspicious. Look at the big picture. That was the dean's son for Christ's sake!" I direct my hand towards my front door noticing Kalum is no longer there. Christian faced me. Motionless. And waited. I had so much I wanted to say. The weight on my eyelids begin to increase. Heavier with every blink. I'm exhausted. Only a matter of time before I needed a bed to knock out cold on.
"I should leave."

"But –"

"You need to go inside. Calm things over." But I needed to calm things with you. "You were smart for what you did. I should've had faith in you. I won't make that mistake again." He leans forward, leaving a chased kiss on my forehead. I sigh, closing my eyes. My skin is met with his fingers brushing a lose strand of hair behind my ear. I found myself not wanting to say goodbye.

"Call me when you're ready to talk." Christian turns his back and walks to his car. When he reaches the driver's side and pulls his door open I realize something.

"I don't have your number!"

"Yes you do."

Frown lines emerge on my forehead, right where his lips were. "I put in my number while you were asleep." He leans his arms on the car's frame, analyzing me. As if I should've known. "For professional reasons, of course." Of course he did. "Think over my offer. You won't regret it." He then enters his car, and rolls down the passenger window. "Goodnight Anastasia."

"Night."

Strangely after rolling up the window, he sits in his seat completely still longer than one would before starting their car. Moments later, his engine roars to life and drives off. I must be insane. Who in their right mind would have feelings for a man who just did all that? You. There goes my subconscious popping up unannounced and unwanted. You finally have someone that's as damaged as you are. Stop it! I don't even know why he acted the way he did. Don't you?

Sure. I saw the signs. Mood swings. Sheltered when personal topic came up. An obvious forte in sexual acts – which explained his aggressive tendencies. 'Outlet' he said. Is that how he saw it for him? Or is it about just the sex like most men?

That's Kalum's dogma till death. I can't help but snicker. What a man whore! Then it hits me. Kalum! I still have him to deal with. "Ugh, why me!" Like a child, I stomp my way back to my front door and grab the bag Christian had given me with my belongings and 'something else'. I quickly cherishing my final moments of peace and quiet before turning the knob.

Welcome home to me.

AN: Sorry for the delay but I do hope you enjoy this chapter. It's one of my favorites. The dynamic between Kalum and Christian was so fun for me to write. Review and let me know what you think. Thank you for sticking with me.

And a special shout out to CarpeDiemMonAmi and .9. Your heartfelt reviews make all the difference.

xoxo