Chapter 35: Bellevue, part 3

Hours after receiving the text, Christian and Ana were still in his bedroom. He was pacing the floor with Carrick, Taylor and Sawyer standing by the door. Ana, now dressed in Christians sweatshirt and pajama pants, was sitting on the bed. Biting her nails. Christian was barking orders on his phone to Welch before hitting the end button and throwing the phone into the wall. Smashing it in thousand pieces. Ana jumped on the bed, startled by the action.

"Shit"

He mumbled and turned to her. Sitting down next to her, he cupped her face in his hands.

"Baby, I'm so sorry for scaring you"

Ana only nodded. Her eyes brimming with tears and her whole body shaking. He pulled her into his warm embrace and held her tightly. A knock at the door averted everyones eyes away from the couple. Grace, with Kate and Elliott behind her, walked in. A soft smile as she looked at Ana. They had to tell his parents what was going on, of course leaving out the horrid details. Grace had suggested calling the police, but Christian was furious. They hadn't done their job the first time around. He would handle this. Personally. Ana had cringed at the thought of something happening to Christian.

"Ana, would you like something to eat? Drink?"

Grace asked carefully. Ana shook her head. The last thing she wanted was food.

"How about some tea"

Kate asked, walking up to Ana. Again she shook her head. Tea was her dads go to in bad situations and Kate knew that, but this was beyond bad. This was beyond horrible. Her thoughts were interrupted by Christians soft kiss on her temple. He stood up and walked to the door before turning and looking at Kate

"Come"

Kate gave Ana a quick hug before walking out the door with Elliott and Carrick following behind. Ana lay back in bed. Grace, now seated beside her, gently stroked her hair. Ana closed her eyes, trying to prevent the tears from falling. She missed her mom. She wished her parents knew about this, but found it hard to tell them.

"This is bad Christian. You have to report this to the police"

"The fuck I will Dad! They didn't do shit the first time around! They fucked up! I will take care of this!"

Christian was screaming down the hallway. His hands gripping his hair.

"Christian, your father is right. We have to report this. The police has to be involved. Besides, maybe they can help"

"Kate, if they get involved I can't do anything. They won't let me"

"And what is it that you want to do, Christian"

Elliott asked, but not wanting an answer. He knew Christian well enough to know that the rage he felt at the moment would blind him from all rational thoughts.

"I will kill the motherfucker with my bare hands"

Kates eyes widened at Christians sincerity. She had said it herself many times, but thinking about it she would never really murder someone. But Christians eyes told her that he definitely would. His father had seen the same. He layed his hands on Christians shoulders, forcing his son to look him in the eyes.

"Son"

He said, looking at Christian. Making sure they kept eye contact before he continued.

"First step is to report this. You have to Christian, you know that. Next step, and probably the hardest one is to tell her family. They will bring her solace. Everyone finds comfort with their loved ones and Ana needs as much as she can get. And the final step is to find that bastard. I will help you every step of the way. And when we do find him Christian, I will be there to ensure that justice is served. Without you ending up behind bars. Understood?"

Christian sighed, feeling deflated. This whole situation had him on the verge of insanity. He had no control over what was happening, and even worse. He was risking losing the one light in his life. His father walked back into the room, Kate followed behind leaving the two brothers alone. Elliott grabbed Christian by his elbow and looked him in the eyes.

"I'm right there with you, no matter how you wish to handle this. But talk to Ana. Okay? Don't make any decisions without her"

Too late for that. Christian had already arranged for her things to be moved to his apartment. He had already told Ros that Ana wasn't coming back to work anytime soon. He had already arranged for them to travel to her parents in the morning. And he had ordered Welch and Taylor to hire more protection, enough to protect the goddamn Pope. Shit she's going to flip. But fuck it. I will do anything to keep her safe.

The ride from Bellevue to Anas loft was silent. She was tired, just so tired of everything. Decisions were made for her, instead of with her. I understand his need to protect me, I love him for it. But this is my life. He has to talk to me. She was still uncertain about moving in with him, she needed her space. It was all too much to handle. She had to have some time alone, just to gather her thoughts. Her strength for what was coming. And being around Christian, as amazing as it was at times, in this moment it was suffocating. He was too protective. She couldn't even go to the bathroom by herself. He has demanded to sit next to her while she was peeing. To ensure her safety. Ana inwardly rolled her eyes.

"We're here"

She looked up at him and nodded. His face was set in a permanent scowl. He hadn't smiled once since she showed him the text. Ana sighed and walked out of the car when Taylor opened the door for her. Christian took her hand and they walked upstairs together. Her door was ajar. Christian pulled her back from the entrance and let Taylor walk in first. He took out a gun from inside his jacket. Anas eyes widened. She had seen guns before, her father was a marine man, but she had never expected Taylor to walk around with one. Christian pulled her down the hallway, away from her door and whispered to her

"All of them have guns now after Jose's threat. I hate it, but it's necessary"

"It's clear Sir"

Taylor yelled out into the hallway and they made their way into the apartment. It was trashed. Her furniture destroyed. Her couch slashed. Glasses and plates smashed. She ran upstairs to her bedroom. Her clothes were all ruined. Her photos were ripped. And her face in each one was marked with a red X. On the wall over her bed a message was written in big red letters. I will have your head.

She couldn't take it anymore. She felt her body give in to the pain. She fell down to the floor. Her chest heaving for air as she sobbed. The despair taking over. She could only feel his strong arms pick her up and take her away from the hell her home had become.