I just got back from seeing Darker in the theater. If you have not already seen it, you must go! It was so much better than the first movie.
Chapter 29
APOV
I don't know what I thought this would be like but I'm feeling nervous sitting here with Christian's family. Most of them didn't even know I existed before tonight and now Christian introduces me as his girlfriend.
As we are sitting at the table enjoying some wine before dinner, Christian's father, who is sitting next to me asks, "So, Anastasia, how did you meet Christian?" I can hear everyone get quieter so they can hear my answer.
"I teach ballet to Mr. Taylor's daughter, Sophie. We met one day after Sophie's class. I had no idea he was my best friend's boyfriend's brother." I can feel my cheeks heat as I blush from the attention.
Christian's mom is still beaming, "It sounds like kismet to me. I think you were meant to meet." She gives Christian a wink. It's sweet to see how happy she is for him.
"So, you are a ballet teacher then?" Christian's dad gets back on track.
"Yes, I'm trained and can teach any type of dance but ballet is my first love," I reply sincerely.
"You should see Ana dance. She is amazing. I think she was the best Swan Princess ever." Kate excitedly tells the Greys.
"You danced Swan Lake? In Seattle?" Grace asks. She must know ballet to know the character.
"No, not in Seattle. It was with the New York City Ballet, my first role as a principal dancer."
"The New York City Ballet is very prestigious. Why did you leave?" Well, this is a hard part to explain why I left my dream job.
"Oh, it's just how life worked out. Plus, I missed being so far away from everyone I love." That is the truth - I'm not lying.
As Christian looks at me, he is absent-mindedly rubbing my back. "Anastasia did a number with her friend, Anton, at the recital and I think it was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." He gives me a sweet smile, "She was wonderful."
"Who are you and what have you done with my brother?" Elliot teases lightening the conversation and taking the topic off me. For the rest of the meal, conversation flows nicely and luckily it's not about me.
After dinner, Christian's parents excuse themselves and Kate and Elliot have disappeared somewhere leaving Christian, Mia and her date, Elena and me. Mia hops up, "Matt and I are going to go dancing in the other tent. Ana, I hope you'll dance with me later! Toodles!" Mia doesn't wait for my response and while holding Matt's hand practically runs to the other tent. Now it's just Christian, me, and his mom's friend, Elena.
"Hey, Christian, I'm going to make my way to the restroom. I'll be right back." I tell him as I am getting up from the table.
"Don't take too long, baby. You still owe me a couple of dances."
CPOV
Great, I must be getting punished. Of course, everyone at the table has left so it's just Elena and me.
"So, Christian, is she why you haven't returned my calls?" Elena icily grills me.
"Partly. I enjoy spending all my free time with Anastasia and I just don't have anything to talk to you about." I made sure to say Ana's name. I don't like how Elena referred to her.
"Has she joined you in the playroom?"
"No. She knows about my past but she knows I don't want that anymore." I don't want to be having this discussion with family around.
"Well, you must be going through some type of withdrawal. Do you need another sub to help curb your… appetite?"
"No. I am not going through any type of withdrawal and I am extremely satisfied with my sex life with Ana; not that it's any of your concern."
"Well, when the newness of it wears off and Little Miss Twinkle Toes gets boring you know I will always be here to help you."
I can't believe what I am hearing. For the first time, I am actually repulsed at the thought of anything sexual with Elena. "I love Ana and she won't ever get boring."
Just then I can see Ana walking back towards the table. Since this conversation is over, I get up and walk over to meet her. "Hey beautiful, do you want to dance?"
She puts her arms around my neck and lifts her head up so I can kiss her. I can see a look of shock that has registered on Elena's face. Yes, Ana can touch me - well for the most part anyway. "I'd love to."
I wrap my arm possessively around her shoulders and lead her to the dance floor. The band just started to play, 'It Had to Be You' so I sweep her into a foxtrot. I hold her close to me and inhale her scent. "I love you, Anastasia."
She looks at me and even behind the gold mask, her large blue eyes sparkle. "I love you too, Christian."
From behind me, I hear, "May I cut in?" I turn to see my father standing there with a smile on his face. I return his smile and gesture towards Ana.
"It's not my decision." Ana smiles shyly and puts her hand in my dad's. He swirls her onto the dance floor into a waltz to 'Moon River'. He may be the only person who wouldn't make me jealous. I can see my father and Ana talking animatedly. I feel a hand on my shoulder and turn to see Elena.
"Dance with me Christian, for old time's sake." I can tell by the tone of her voice that it isn't as much of a question as a command.
"No, Elena. I don't think that would be appropriate."
"Why? Would Ana get jealous?"
"She doesn't even know about us."
"Why didn't you tell her? I was the longest relationship you've had."
"Yeah, and how fucked up is it to tell her that you fucked me starting when I was fifteen. And worse yet, you are the one who introduced me to the BDSM lifestyle. She doesn't need that fucked up shit in her head."
"You say you love her and she loves you but yet you can't even show her the real you. That doesn't sound like love to me."
"Elena, this conversation is over." I turn from her without waiting for her response and get Ana from my dad.
My father bows at Ana once the song is over and she giggles. I don't know what I would do without her. I remember how I felt when she went to Vegas and I don't ever want to be without her. I want her by my side for the rest of my life. "Would you like to take a walk and get some fresh air?"
She gives me her trusting and shining smile, "Sure, I could use the break." Holding her hand, I walk her away from the tents and the party to the walking path that leads down to the water. "Christian, this is such a beautiful view."
I look out at the water and I realize it is a beautiful view but I never appreciated it. I never appreciated anything before I met Ana. I turn to her in trepidation, "Ana, I don't want you to ever leave me. I couldn't bear it. I love you and I need you."
She looks at me studying my face trying to see what is wrong. "Christian, I love you too. What's wrong? Why are you suddenly so upset?"
"I feel like I didn't live before I met you. You breathed life into me and if I didn't have you in my life I would suffocate and die."
"Christian, I'm not going anywhere. You don't have to worry."
I lean down to kiss her gently. "Let me take you home. I want to make love to you. I want to hold you in my arms."
She returns my kiss, "Yes."
