Fifty Shades: Starting Over

by belinda-w

Linda's life was perfect. She had a loving husband that she loved dearly, until tragedy struck and he was gone. Now she is left alone and wondering how she can go on. Linda decides she needs a change and moves to a new city: Seattle, where she meets a mysterious and handsome man. Can she find love again?

25. Chapter 25

I APOLOGIZE WHOLEHEARTEDLY FOR NOT UPDATING SOONER. I NEEDED TO TAKE A WEEK OFF TO "RECHARGE MY BATTERIES."

CAN'T BELIEVE I'M ALREADY UP TO CHAPTER 25! THANKS FOR ALL OF THE ENCOURAGING PM'S AND REVIEWS. PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING! REMEMBER, I DO NOT OWN ALL OF THE CHARACTERS. I'M JUST HAVING FUN WITH THEM! NOW, ON TO CHAPTER 25!

Christian and I are still sitting on the bed holding each other after "the talk." I look out the big picture window and take in the scenery. It really is beautiful up here and it so peaceful and serene. I don't know what time it is but by the way the sun is in the sky, it will be setting soon. I look over at Christian and he is looking out the window as well and is deep in thought. He turns to me, smiles, and pushes my hair away from my neck and kisses me. "Where were you just now?" I ask turning on to my side to look at him. Just to think, a few weeks ago I didn't know this man and now we are in his home in beautiful Aspen. "I was just thinking how incredibly lucky I was to be at the Fairmont that day I saw you in the dining room. I still can't believe I just walked up to your table and introduced myself. That is so NOT like me." I smile as I remember that day as well.

"I remember hearing a sexy baritone voice nearby when I was checking in and when I looked up to see where that voice was coming from, I saw you. I just stood there and watched you. You were in your element. I could only hear a little of your conversation, but I think it was something about solar powered generators you wanted to develop for poor countries. You were so passionate while talking about that idea. I could tell you were a man of great power, but I could also see and hear the compassion coming from you. You wanted to help others. That is so amazing. Then you show up at my table later at dinner. I was shocked, to say the least! I was thinking, "This powerful man is introducing himself to me, WHY? But the real surprise was you showing up to my room." Christian laughs and nods his head. "Yes, that was one of my finer moments." I'll say.

"So, I have a sexy voice, huh?" Christian looks at me with his billion dollar smile. "Oh, yes. Very sexy."

"How about the man with the sexy voice take you out to eat and show you some of Aspen. Do you feel up to it?"

"I do but I'm not exactly dressed nice enough to go out." Christian kisses me and pops up off of the bed. "I already planned ahead." Christian walks over to the closet and pulls out a very sexy blue dress. "Well, it looks like someone thinks of everything." I slide off the bed to get a closer look. It's a Dolce and Gabbana blue leopard print dress.. "I love it. Thank you."

"I'd be more than happy to volunteer to help you get dressed," Christian says with that low sexy voice again. "If I did, we wouldn't eat. I'll be fine. Go. I'll be out in a few minutes." I laugh and shake my head as he turns around one more time to see if I changed my mind. "GO!"

I slide the dress on. It feels so good next to my skin. It's also pretty form fitting, showing off my curves. I've never been comfortable wearing anything like this, but I like it. He even got me a comfortable pair of black shoes. The dress doesn't exactly go with my pink cast, but hey, I can live with it! I do love a man that pays attention to details! There is a knock and Christian comes in and looks up and down at me. "Do you approve, Mr. Grey?" I feel like I'm being stalked by a predator and I'm his prey. He walks over to me and he has a sexy smile forming on his lips. "Yes, I most definitely approve. You look amazing." Chistian looks amazing as well. White shirt with the top two buttons open, tight black jeans and his black John Lobb shoes. HE looks good enough to have for dinner.

"One thing I do need to warn you about. The press has been trying to find out who else was on the jet when it went down. When we are seen out together, expect to be hounded by paparazzi. They can be ruthless bastards and will put two and two together when they see us. Be ready for that. It's just one of the many hazards of being associated with me. "I'm noticing!" as I look down at my cast and bandages. "Ready, baby." I'm as ready as I'll ever be. "Yes."

Christian takes us to a place called Steakhouse No. 316. We are seated in a secluded corner of the restaurant. He was right about the paparazzi. Those people would take down their own mother to get a picture. I just kept my head down and my mouth shut. Being on crutches made the journey into the restaurant a little slow, but thank god for valet parking. Looking around the restaurant, I'm noticing people staring at us. I'm starting to feel very self-conscious about my appearance, mainly my burns and bandages. Christian takes my hand and rubs my knuckles. "They are only wondering who the beautiful woman is that I am with. Don't worry about it. I really love that dress on you. That color on you is amazing." He has such a way of making me feel confident and pretty. "Thank you. I love it. I've never worn anything like this before."

Our waiter comes to the table and Christian orders us a 2006 Justin Paso Robles Savant red wine. The waiter returns with our bottle and pours some in Christian's glass for approval. "That's fine," and fills his glass and pours mine as well. Christian orders us a Prime Filet, Roasted Wild Mushrooms and French Fries. "So tell me why you bought a place here in Aspen. I take it you know how to ski?" I tried skiing once. That's all I'll say about that.

"I do. Mom and Dad always brought us to Aspen to ski and snowboard. I love the town and its charm. It's also a great place to get away and relax." I can understand that. Christian has huge responsibilities and carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and would need a place to go to and recharge his batteries, so to speak. "Do you ski?" Christian asks. "Well, I tried once. Let's just say I spent the rest of the time in the lodge by the fire drinking hot chocolate." We both laugh. "But I have always wanted to learn snowboarding. I rode skateboards when I was younger and figured it wouldn't be that hard."

"I would love to bring you back during the winter and teach you if you'd like." Christian has a sultry look on his face at the moment. Hmmmmmm. I could think of other things we could do in the snow. "I'd like that." Our food arrives and it looks amazing. I haven't had a decent meal since Christian's birthday party on Tuesday. I cut into my steak and I think I could actually have an orgasm right here in the restaurant. It is that good. "This is the best piece of meat I have ever had," I say with an eyebrow raised. Christian is really trying to refrain from commenting. "Really, Linda?" I have to bite my lip to keep from saying anything else.

We finish our meal and are waiting inside the restaurant for our car. I'd really like to be holding his hand instead of propping myself up on crutches, but I'll just have to wait until we are in the car. "What would you like to do now, Linda? We can go to a club for a drink or we could just go back to the house. Your choice." I don't really want to go back to the house, but my eyes are telling another story. "I think I have my answer. You're tired, aren't you? Let's go back to the house and we can save the club for tomorrow night." The only response I can muster is a nod. Christian laughs. I must have dozed off as soon as I got in the car. We were back at the house in no time. "Come on, I'll carry you inside," are the next words I hear. Christian carries me inside and up the stairs to the bedroom and deposits me on the bed.

"Since you wouldn't take my help of getting you dressed earlier, can I have the pleasure of…" I look up at him with half closed eyes. "You'd really take advantage of someone in my condition?" I say then laugh. "Frankly, yes, I would." He is all smiles and is proud of himself. "Fine. Do your best. Let me know how it was," I fall back on the bed. Christian lets out a loud laugh and leans down over me. I could get lost in those eyes. "Unconscious doesn't do it for me. Here, sit up." He holds out his hands and pulls me back up. He slowly unzips my dress and lets it fall to my feet. "No bra, Mrs. Morrison? I approve." He's just having way too much fun doing this. He bends down to remove my lone shoe and picks up the dress and puts it on the chair. Christian then grabs one of his T-shirts and puts it on me. I give him an approving smile. A girl could really get used to this. Christian then pulls back the covers and tucks me in. "I'll be back in a few minutes." He gently kisses me then turns to leave the bedroom, shutting the door behind him. That's the last thing I remember.

CHRISTIAN POV

I go downstairs to get myself a brandy. This evening went better than I thought it would. I didn't know how Linda would feel about leaving the house to go to dinner. I noticed her looking at her bandages a few times tonight. I could see the discomfort on her face, but she never once complained. Taylor was right. She is a strong woman. I still feel like such a colossal ass blowing up at her the way I did. How can you judge a person when you haven't walked in their shoes? Even I don't know how I would have reacted if I was in the same situation she was in.

I make my way back upstairs to find Linda is already asleep. I sit in the chair next to the bed and watch her sleep. I have never been happier in my life than I am right now, but I'm also sad and frustrated. This woman that entered my life only a few weeks ago has now been hurt twice because of me. I don't want anything else to happen to her. Maybe she would be better off without me. Forget that idea, Grey. You would be miserable without her and you know it. I love her and I want to protect her. End of story.

Now that she has in a sense "given herself to me" by removing her wedding rings, how do we proceed? I'm hounded by the press all of the time and like I told her tonight, they can be ruthless. I want to show her off in public as my girlfriend but I don't want her to be scared off because of me. There is a charity dinner coming up the end of next week and I think that would be a great time to officially introduce her and show her off. As I sit here and stare at her while she sleeps, she looks much younger than she is. She is beautiful, funny, strong, smart, and talented and has the best smart mouth of anyone I know.

I call Taylor to see if he and Sawyer made it back to Seattle alright. I told Sawyer to go over to Linda's apartment and pack up all of her things and bring them back to Escala. I told her before she left for Oklahoma that if there was any hint of trouble after she moved back to her apartment her sweet ass would come back to the penthouse. I smile remembering telling her that. I'm sure she will put up a big fight about this, but she'll just have to accept it. I understand she wanted to prove she could make it on her own after Steve died, but it's my responsibility now to make sure she isn't harmed.

I hope I can do this without waking her, but I need to change her bandages. I don't want her to have any scars from the burns. This feels so good taking care of someone else besides me. There. Not a bad job if I do say so myself! I crawl in bed and gently pull her to me and kiss her on the lips. "Good night baby. I Love You."

The next morning I wake to cloudy skies, but no rain. I want to take Linda up on the Silver Queen Gondola today and let her see the view from up there. It's over 11,000 feet up to the summit and the views are breathtaking. When we get up there, we will eat lunch at the Sundeck. I roll over and prop myself up on one elbow to look at Linda. I push her hair away from her face and kiss her on the cheek.

"Baby. Wake up. It's morning." She slowly opens her eyes and looks over at me. "Good morning. I'm sorry I fell asleep last night." I could lose myself in her eyes and her touch. Her touch means so much…more. "I have something planned for us this morning that I know you'll love. How would you like to take a gondola ride up to the top of Aspen Mountain?" A smile forms on her lips. Speaking of lips… "I haven't given you a proper kiss good morning." Uhmmmm. This is nice. We'll be here in bed for a little while longer.

LINDA POV

I was awakened by the most handsome man with the best grey eyes you could ever look at. "Good morning. I'm sorry I fell asleep last night." I look down at my bandages and they look fresh. "Did you change my bandages?" Christian smiles and looks very proud of himself. "Yes I did. I did such a good job, you didn't even wake up!" I don't deserve him. Christian told me he wants to take me up on the gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain. Now this is the way to start a Saturday.

The ride up to the top of Aspen Mountain (or known as Ajax Mountain by the locals) on the gondola is absolutely amazing. I'm sure Christian had something to do with it, but we were the only ones in the gondola car going up. How romantic is that. "I wanted you all to myself for the ride up. I don't like to share," Christian whispers in my ear. Just his words alone send a shiver up my spine. If I could jump him right here, I would. I'll just have to wait until later.

We arrive at the top and eat lunch out on the patio of the Sundeck. "I could stay up here all day. Thank you for bringing me," I say to Christian as I take his hand. "You're most welcome. You look better today. How do you feel?" How do I feel? Well, I feel lucky to be alive. "I feel really good. My ankle doesn't hurt at all right now and my burns, tended by your ever capable hands, feel good as well. What have I done to deserve you?" I take his hand again and I lightly trace my finger around his palm. I notice him squirm in his chair. That got him. Christian is giving me a look that would make steel melt. "Are you finished? Let's go back to the house for a while." I'm going to make him wait just a little longer. "But I thought you were going to show me around Aspen?" I cock my head to the right and pout. "Oh, alright. Let's go. I also promised to take you shopping and get you a new iPod and Kindle. What are you doing to me? I just might combust!" Don't worry, baby. I'll put out the fire if there is one.

We make our way back into town. There are a lot of designer stores as well as some trendy shops. Christian is scouring the streets looking for paparazzi. It must be a light and boring day for them. We don't see one single "buzzing insect!" He parks the car and we start walking.

Christian had said he wanted to take me shopping. He doesn't need to buy me anything. I agreed to the dress to his parent's masquerade ball only because I wanted to look nice for him and fit in. "You don't need to buy me anything, Christian. We're going home tomorrow and all of my things are at my apartment." All of a sudden Christian's expression changes. There is something he hasn't told me and I think he didn't want me to know until we got home.

"Is there something you're not telling me?" I stop walking. "What is it?"

"Well…" I suddenly remember something Christian told me before I left for Oklahoma. He is stalling big time because he knows that I now remember him saying that if there is any trouble after I move back to my place, that my "sweet ass" will be brought back to Escala. Oh, what did he do?

"I had Taylor and Sawyer pack up your things and bring them back to the penthouse. You're staying with me. No arguments." This is beyond belief.

"You WHAT? Why didn't you talk to me about this first before charging up San Juan Hill and move me in with you? I told you it's crazy to even be thinking about living together. I want and need to be on my OWN for a while!" I really don't mean to sound ungrateful for all he has done for me, but give me a fucking break! Who knew there was a class called Control Freakery 101!

"Well I want and need for you to be SAFE! Who the hell knew that fucker Roger Davis would take my jet down and crash it into a mountain. You are so fucking lucky to be alive. Don't you see that? You have been hurt twice because of me. That's why I want you living with me so I can watch you 24/7. Why is this so hard for you to understand?" I'm getting nowhere with this man.

"Why is it so hard for you to understand that I want to be on my own right now? I don't want to be "tied down", excuse the pun, and I don't want either of us to feel trapped. I want to be able to go out when I want and do what I want. I want to have a relationship with you. I love being with you, but I'm not ready to be around you 24/7. Please don't take that the wrong way. I want to be with you, go out with you, go to events, galas or just out to dinner and maybe a movie, or order take-out and eat at my place. But I need to have that barrier there where I have my privacy and you have yours. Does any of this make any sense at all? I don't want to ruin what we have right now. I don't know, maybe…" I better stop myself before I say what was about to come out of my mouth.

Christian looks up suddenly and is glaring at me. Please don't ask. Please don't ask. "Maybe what?" Shit. He asked. "Forget it. Look, I don't want to do this here in the streets of Aspen. We can either finish enjoying our day or we could go back to the house now. Your choice."

Christian sighs and runs his hands through his hair. "Come. I need to get your electronics replaced. Let's do that then we will decide what to do." His tone is much softer and quieter than it was just 5 minutes ago. That scares me. SHIT. I've hurt his feelings. It's written all over his face. That was the last thing I wanted to do. I keep forgetting he is so sensitive and unsure of himself dealing with a "normal" relationship. If you can call this normal.

I have acquired a new iPod, a Kindle Fire, as well as a new cellphone. Christian insisted I go ahead and get it now. "Thanks. I really did miss my phone. It's like having a third arm. You never knew you needed one until it was gone." Christian laughs but I can tell it was a forced response.

We sit down on a bench in downtown Aspen. I take his hands in mine and look him in the eye. "I'm sorry. I've obviously hurt your feelings. I keep forgetting that you haven't done this before. I see your pain and I feel like crap because I know it's my fault I made you feel this way. You are way too good for me. I'm the one who is not worthy of you. You know I'm stubborn and independent. I want to walk before I run. Does that make sense?"

Christian starts laughing at me. "Dr. Flynn, my psychiatrist, says the same thing. You have to walk before you can run. I get it, I do. But you have to understand this, if we are going to be together, it's not going to be easy." You're telling me. "I am always under the microscope and now that you are with me, which I hope you will still be, your life isn't going to be the same from here on out. It will be hectic, chaotic and challenging at times. I want you by my side. I Love You. I want to show you off, protect you, and tell the world this is the person who captured my heart." I fully understand his intentions. "Ok."

"Ok what?" Christian whispers.

"Ok. I will move in with you."

He gets the biggest smile on his face and takes my head in his hands and kisses me right in front of the shoppers here in downtown Aspen. "Thank you. Thank you. Do you know how happy you have made me?" Christian envelopes me in his arms.

"I think I have a pretty good idea. We'll figure this out." Christian's mood has lifted rapidly. Listening to his declaration of love is what changed my mind.

We finish our shopping and decide to go back to the house for a while. I swear, his smile has gotten bigger since our talk.

"Would you mind terribly if I made some calls and checked in with Ros? I want to make sure she hasn't changed the name of the company in my absence." I shake my head. "Not at all. I think I will crash down here on the couch if that's ok. I'm beat."

"Sure. I'll come join you when I'm done." There's that look in his eye again. Down boy.

I'm on my back here on the couch looking around at the first floor of the house. Why does one person need such a big place? I'm know he brings his family here from time to time. This is the perfect place to come to and get away from his highly stressful job. I look over at the huge fireplace and the large white fluffy rug in front of it. I would love to build a fire when it is cold and snowing out and make love there. Now that would be special. Too bad it isn't cold right now.

I just noticed the baby grand piano on the other side of the room. How did I miss that when we got here yesterday? I walk over and see it is a Steinway. I sit down and start to play the first thing that comes to mind. It is Elegie in E flat Minor Op. 3, No. 1 by Rachmaninoff. This piece is usually played slow and sounds mournful, but I like to play it a little faster and not so "heavy handed." This piano concerto was one of the last things I was working on before Steve passed away. He kept telling me to play it in the style it was written, but I couldn't. I kept telling him I loved playing it "happier" because it was just so sad sounding. We argued and argued over this. I know it sounds lame, but you have to understand musicians. We want to do things our own way how we want to and when we want to. In other words: we are stubborn!

That thought brings me back to the here and now. I want to live by myself but Christian wants me to stay with him. I'll go along with him for a while, but hopefully when everything dies down I can change his mind. I laugh to myself. "Good luck with that!" I suddenly feel arms being wrapping around me from behind. I scoot forward on the bench and Christian sits behind me. I lean my head back while I continue playing. "Have you ever played this?" He says no. I tell him to put his hands on top of mine and we will play it together. He chuckles. "My piano teacher used to do the same thing with me at my lessons."

We, well I, finish the piece and Christian starts kissing me behind my ear and down my neck. Something awakens in me that has been asleep for days. "Why do we argue so much?" Christian asks, temporarily breaking the spell he is casting over me. "Because we're getting to know each other," I say while my breathing is increasing as he continues his slow, sensuous assault. He has now moved to the back of my neck kissing and lightly biting. That sends a message to the rest of my body.

Christian reaches around and lifts my shirt over my head and throws it to the floor. He takes his off as well. I can feel the warmth from his body on my back. His hands slowly move around to my throat and stomach. Christian pushes my head back to his shoulder as his hands slowly move up and down my body, lightly touching. My skin is on fire. Christian stands abruptly and turns me around. Holding out his hands he pulls me up from the piano bench and carries me over to the big rug that is in front of the fireplace I was looking at earlier.

We are sitting down and Christian reaches up and pulls the blanket off of the sofa and wraps it around us. Christian also turns on the iPod that was docked near the piano. The music of Enigma is softly playing in the background. He snuggles his nose into my hair and kisses my cheek. My breath catches as he moves down my neck and throat slowly with his mouth. "So beautiful," he whispers as he reaches around to undo my bra and his hands slowly move up and down my arms. I am trembling with anticipation.

He pulls me to him and starts kissing me gradually increasing the intensity. He gently pushes me so I am lying down. Towering over me, he starts his slow gentle kissing down the front of my body again, his hands just touching the sides of my breasts.

"Christian," I moan in anticipation.

"Shhh. I want to savor this moment," he says as he continues kissing in between my breasts and moves down my stomach to my navel. His tongue swirls around and around causing my back to arch off of the rug. My breathing and moaning are increasing.

Christian then undoes the button on my shorts and slowly pulls the zipper down. I lift up my hips to help him take them and my underwear off. He then sits up and removes his jeans and black boxer briefs. His knee is spreading my legs as he lowers himself back down on top of me then is inside me. He relaxes for a few moments as I reach up and run my hands through his hair. He begins to move but soon increases the pace little by little.

I want him to move faster but it is like he can read my mind at that moment. "I'm going to take my time and enjoy this. I love the feeling of being inside you." I feel myself slowly beginning to build and Christian knows it too. He sits up suddenly and pulls me up with him. We are looking deep into each other's eyes, savoring this moment between us. We're both breathing faster and heavier as we are both close to our release. Christian holds my face with both hands and kisses my eyes, nose then my lips. He is thrusting harder and harder until he finds his release. "I Love You. Come, baby." That was my undoing. My release comes fast and hard. I bury my head into his shoulder, kissing it. "I Love You, too."

We sit in each other's arms on the floor with the blanket wrapped around us. Christian turns to me and raises my face to his. "I always have the most amazing feeling inside of me after making love with you. It scares me that we could have lost this." He rests his forehead against mine and kisses my nose. "I want to have this feeling every day when you are with me. I'm a selfish man, Linda. I want you with me. I want to wake up with you every morning and go to sleep with you every night. I just wish I could have found you a long time ago. You have been able to fill a void in my soul in a short amount of time. I LOVE YOU." What do I say to that. To think I could have lost this when the jet crashed. I don't want to dwell on that anymore. "I'm not going anywhere any time soon. You can count on that."

It's Sunday and we have to return to Seattle today. Last night we decided to stay in, ordered a pizza and watched a movie in bed. We talked and laughed until 2:30 am. I don't want to leave. "Thank you for bringing me here. I love Aspen. This was the best medicine." I wrap my arms around Christian's neck and nuzzle into him.

"You're very welcome. We can come back anytime you want to. I'll teach you how to snowboard." Christian and myself in the snow. Now that's a nice thought. Hurry Winter!

Christian has rented another jet to take us back to Seattle. He had hoped Sandra could come back with us, but she won't be released until Tuesday or Wednesday. I'm so nervous to the point of throwing up about flying home. Christian takes me into his arms and assures me everything will be fine. The jet has been under guard and has been checked and double-checked to make sure everything will be fine to go home.

"I'm sad about leaving but I'm ready to get back. Do we have everything?" Christian made me sit and relax while he packed up everything. "Yes." Our car arrives to take us to the airport. When we arrive, we board immediately and a few minutes later we are in the air. Two hours later we land at Sea-Tac and are greeted by Taylor and Sawyer.

"Welcome back, Sir. Linda." He remembered. He gives me a wink and I giggle. Sawyer gets what little luggage we have and loads the SUV.

"Mr. Grey. Your family is already back at Escala waiting for you to arrive." Christian sighs.

"Thanks, Taylor."

As soon as we exit the elevator at Escala and open the doors, we are greeted by Grace and Carrick. Grace immediately pulls me to the side and hugs me. She is crying as well. "Oh, sweetheart. We are all so glad you are back with us. She releases me to look over my bandages and my cast. "I want to check you over later." Carrick hugs me next. "I'm glad you're going to be ok."

Elliott is the next to hug me. "I'm glad you're back." Christian peels his arms off of me. "We need to find you your own girl to fondle. Go away."

Mia is the last to greet me. "Cool! A pink cast!" She would be thinking about fashion at a time like this. But that's alright with me.

Taylor enters the room and he has that serious look on his face.

"Mr. Grey. I'm sorry to interrupt but I need to speak to you in your study."

Grace comes over to me and says she will change my bandages. We head off to Christian's bedroom while he talks to Taylor. I wonder what that is about?

Grace leads me into the bathroom and pulls over the chair that is in the corner and shuts the door. "Let's get these unwrapped and see how you are healing. Christian told me he has been changing your bandages. It looks like he has done a good job."

"He's been taking good care of me, Grace. If Mergers and Acquisitions don't work out for him, he would make a good nurse!" We both laugh. I realize that is the first good laugh I have had since all this shit happened. I'm so glad to be home.

CHRISTIAN POV

Taylor comes into the great room and says he needs to speak with me. We head to my study and he shuts the door.

"Sir, Mr. Cunningham from the FAA is on the phone for you. I walk over to the desk and put him on speakerphone.

"Cunningham, what do you have for me?"

"Sir, after initially speaking with you in Denver, we can confirm that your jet was deliberately tampered with. Tests are ongoing, but it looks like the thrusters and fuel pumps on both engines were compromised. I'm sorry we don't have any more information right now but we should have another report by the end of the week."

"Thank you. I will be waiting for your call." I hang up.

I run my hands through my hair and turn to look out the window behind me.

"Any luck finding Roger Davis?"

"No, sir. It's like he has fallen off the grid. But I have a hunch someone is hiding him. Someone will slip up soon. If I may ask Sir, how is Linda, really?"

I walk to the front of my desk and lean against it folding my arms in front of me. "I think she is putting up a brave front. I could tell she didn't want to board the jet this afternoon. She will be ok in time. Thanks for asking." I slap Taylor on the shoulder. "If you don't mind, I'd like a moment please."

"Certainly, Sir. Can I bring you anything?" I shake my head no. "Very well."

I go back and lean on the window while looking out over Seattle. I still can't believe that dumb fuck Davis did this. This was extreme, even for him. If someone is hiding him, they will feel the wrath of me as well. Taylor is right. Davis, and or whoever is hiding him, will screw up eventually. When they do, they will wish they were dead. Now that we are together, it is now my life's mission to watch over and protect Linda.

I open the door to my study and look out into the Great Room at my family laughing and talking with Linda. They have welcomed her with open arms. I know my arms would be empty and lonely if I didn't have her to hold and love. I will protect you. I love you.

ALBUM

ENIGMA MCMXC A.D.

A/N NOTE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CHECK OUT THE DRESS THAT WAS MENTIONED ABOVE, HEAD OVER TO MY PINTEREST PAGE AT WWW DOT PINTEREST DOT COM/LADYMARTIN1965

I WILL HAVE CHAPTER 26 UP IN A DAY OR TWO. THANKS FOR STICKING WITH ME!