Chap 8

Ana POV

If this elevator doesn't open in the next second, I will not be held responsible for my own actions. Christian is standing so close to me, and there is instant electricity swirling around us. I catch his hand twitch as we stand side by side. I wish he would reach out and take my hand, but I also know if he did, I would no longer be able to hold back.

I glance up at him and notice his eyes are closed as if he is in pain. Suddenly, as if my prayers were answered, the elevator opens, and Christian immediately exits. Startled by his sudden movement, it takes me a moment to follow him.

Mr. Black-suit, who I've learned is Christians head of security, is there to meet us and escorts us to a black SUV waiting in front of the building. Christian holds the door open for me and I scoot into the back of the car. I'm hyper-aware of how close we come to each other, so I move as far away from him as possible. This becomes a lost cause when Christian climbs in, leans across me, grabs my seatbelt, and buckles it for me. Once he has buckled it, our eyes catch. I'm in shock at the natural, yet overly protective action that just happened.

"Where to Mr. Grey?" Taylor breaks the moment, but Christian's eyes don't leave mine.

"Sempre Amore on the 56th Taylor. Ms. Steele and I have a lunch to get to." He is now smiling right at me like he has told me some secret I'm not aware of. As the car pulls out into traffic and Christian takes the middle seat next to me, I turn to look out the window to gather myself.

I can't understand how this man has made me feel like my entire body is on fire but yet more comfortable than I've ever been in my entire life. It's insane! Maybe I am finally going crazy? I could also still be dreaming… That's a strong possibility. My mental debate is broken when Christian's phone rings, making me jump in my seat. He immediately turns to see if I'm ok. Ignoring his phone Christian takes my hand and looks at me with concern.

Without having to exchange words he knows I'm ok but doesn't let go of my hand when he answers the call. I find myself staring at our now entwined fingers... When did that happen? My hand looks so dainty and small in his. My brain is screaming for him to never let go.

"Elliot! Calm down! What's wrong?" The alarm in Christian's voice is jolting. His forehead is creased in worry and his hand holding mine is now clenching my hand so hard.

"Ok, Ok... Elliot I'm five minutes from there, just have Jones drive you and meet me there. Call Mia ok? …OK I know. I love you too." He has lowered his voice to now he is almost whispering. Christian lowers the phone from his ear slowly, as if in shock.

"Taylor, change in plans. We need to go to St. Mark's Hospital and quick as you can please." Christian's voice is void of emotion.

Taylor doesn't ask a single question; the SUV makes a sudden left turn and we are moving faster than we were before. I stare at Christian's face for a few moments, wondering if he will tell me what's going on.

"It's my dad, he's had a heart attack." As if he could read my mind Christian finally looks at me like a lost puppy. "I need to go. You don't need to come… Taylor can drop you back at the office. I'm… Look I'm sorry-"

"Stop Christian." I cut him off before he can apologize further for something out of his control. "Do you want me to stay with you? Because I'm not going anywhere unless you tell me you don't want me to come with you." My voice is strong and firm, I don't quite know where that came from but a part of me knows I need to be the strong one right now. His eyes burn into mine with heat and need I have never seen directed at myself before. It's what I look for in male characters in novels. The emotional need to have the woman near them. He almost looks like he wants to cry but I know he won't. I take the hand he is still crushing in his own and squeeze right back. "We will figure this out ok?" He only silently nods at me in return.

"Mr. Grey we are here." Taylor's voice breaks our connection as he jumps out to open our car door. It's then that I see we are at a private entrance to a hospital, not a normal ER.

"Thanks, Taylor, please go and find Mia I know she will want to be here, and I don't need her crashing another Bentley." Christian is now in full-on power mode, but still holding my hand helps me out of the car and pulls me to his side as we walk into the hospital together.

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Going to start this love story again as I keep getting messages. I lost the love of my life one year ago tomorrow and while I may not be able to keep living my own love story I'd like to see where these two end up. To any one grieving right now, know you are not alone, you are strong and I am right there with you. Lots of love LJ xoxoxo