So here's what happened yesterday. Jack kidnapped me and brought me to this place where Eric was staying for a couple of days. He sent his righthand man, James, to "distract" my father- which worked. I pressed the help button on my police bracelet and told Mr. Bodyguard Paul's full name and which police station he worked at. Mr. Bodyguard called the station demanding my location, then got there before the cops arrived. Originally Mr. Bodyguard was going to strangle or at least crush Eric to death but didn't want to kill in front of me. The Dollars killed James and incinerated the body. Eric escaped before the police arrived, which they eventually did. Paul was the first to run up to me, tightly embracing me in his arms. The place was searched, only to find a ton of thug bodies inside; most unconscious. After pulling some strings, Mr. Bodyguard was let go by the police and Paul drove me to my father's instead of back to the hospital. Oh yeah- did I mention that I handed over the entire Dollar empire to Mr. Bodyguard on a silver platter? He kissed me, which meant that he became my vassal, he pressed his loyalty to me and only me. I know that sounds weird when a man and woman do that; it's much more profound and ceremony-like when two thugs do it, trust me.
Daddy was hysterical when he found out what had happened. He got to the manor only to be told by Jason that I ran out to break up a fight with the Yellow Scarves. On the one hand, he was super proud how I handled that situation. On the other, his mind blew up at hearing that Eric had me abducted. I cried when they informed me that James was dead; I didn't want anyone to die, but Daddy reassured me that he didn't suffer. I don't know how true that was but didn't want to press it further.
Daddy ordered a man-hunt. Every Dollar was to spend the next week searching for Eric and Jack; he gave the command to kill on sight if they were spotted. He didn't care about hearing their side of the story, he just wanted them dead by now. Of course I had my problems with that, but also had mixed feelings when I heard that no traces of either men were found next week. Eric's still out there…. And I bet he was still searching, waiting for me. "I won't stop until I'm holding you." I was sure he was. And I did run into Eric a couple more times in my life before Paul finally shot him- but that's another story.
Mr. Bodyguard didn't leave my side since he came to save me. I didn't even ask him to stay either; he was like this very loyal, very protective guard dog. He unofficially declared himself my bodyguard, and while he still treated it like babysitting, he was softer, kinder now. Don't get me wrong; he was still gruff and grumpy- but he did seem a lot more relaxed around me. Daddy didn't ask why this was the case when we got the manor and Mr. Bodyguard followed me into his office; I think he was actually quite pleased to see this.
I didn't get a chance to see or call Christian. Before leaving the manor, Paul assured me that he'd go visit him in the hospital; I told him to buy some red roses for him. He grinned and nodded after shaking Mr. Bodyguard's hand and thanking him again. We went straight into Daddy's office where he and Jerome already were. Daddy politely excused Jerome and Mr. Bodyguard, who went to stand outside the room in the hall. What can I say? Us Steeles know how to pick 'em. Daddy proceeded to hold me in his arms on the couch for an hour, weeping softly into my hair and trying to control his trembling.
"Are you sure you're ok, Ana? Did he touch you? You positive he didn't hurt you?" Daddy repeatedly asked as he stroked my tear-stained hair. "I'm fine, Daddy- really," I omitted that Mr. Bodyguard threw me into a wall; that still hurt everywhere. "Oh, Anastasia…. I'm so sorry," more tears. "It's not your fault, Daddy. I understand why you never told me about Eric," I rested my hand on his arm which was still coiled around me. "I tried so hard to protect you, to keep you out of his grasp… like your mother." "I know," my eyes lowered a bit. I know… "That's why I want you to succeed me; surround yourself with strong men who can protect you. You're my daughter, Ana…." "I know, Daddy…. I know the target that paints on my back," those words were familiar. Daddy's grip tightened around me a little. "If only you knew how much I love you, Anastasia….." "I love you too, Daddy- so, so much," my eyes shut tenderly.
"I know you don't want this life. I know you want to get your PhD and focus on your writing; you were born to write. But it's not that simple, sweetheart." I don't know why I thought of it just then, but I suddenly remembered that I hadn't told Daddy yet… one of my original sources of pain; what the doctor told me that day. Moving slightly, my head swirled around so I could meet his gaze. He looked a bit puzzled but didn't verbally address it, instead continuing to watch me with gentle, soft eyes.
"Daddy, I haven't told you yet but…. I'm infertile; I can't have kids." To my surprise, Daddy didn't react immediately; just kept staring down at me with wide eyes. Eventually his face visibly relaxed around the edges; a small, sad grin bloomed across his lips. "I know…" "What?!" "You don't think I called the hospital? Why else would I get you a UK visa?" "So…. you knew? This whole time?" "Well only for a couple of weeks. I had to be sure before…." Before?
Gently shuffling out of Daddy's arms, I got up to stand in front of him. He shifted on the couch so to face me again, clasping his hands and resting his elbows on his knees. "There's something else…. I want…. I want….." I stopped to take in a deep, deep breath. Well, there's no time like the present; here goes nothing. "Daddy, I want to give the succession to Odo." "Odo?" This definitely caught his attention; his back arching up a bit. I nodded firmly. "I trust him, and I believe he trusts me." "Odo isn't a Dollar." "He is now…"
Daddy stared at me for the longest time, his expression considerate and calm. "Are you sure about Odo?" I nodded. Yes- oh, yes. I knew if anyone would safeguard anything, it was him. He saved me, after all. Daddy thought for a minute. "Would you marry him?" My eyes widened though I tried to keep outwardly poised. "I-I don't want to, but if that's what it takes, then yes- I will." I knew this was coming anyway; my future was one of an arranged marriage. And I could do worse than Mr. Bodyguard. Still…. Christian's image flashed through my mind. I bit my lower lip nervously.
To my shock and delight, Daddy flashed me a brilliant smile. He put his arms out at his side and leaned back on the couch. "I don't think that is necessary." "D-Daddy!" I gasped totally dumbfounded. What was happening? "Odo's already pleaded himself to you, didn't he?" He meant if he kissed me or not. My cheeks blushed a bit, but I nodded shyly. "That's it, then; he won't betray you or the Steele clan." "Daddy, what are you….?" "I will him act as regent in your steed on one condition," his eyes glued onto mine once more. A condition? What could that be if not an arranged marriage? How much better could this get? "He'll run the Dollars here with me on one single condition on your part. You move to Europe, permanently." Freedom… That's what I saw in that moment. After all those years of wishing, hoping, dreaming, wanting, praying, fantasizing, desiring…. For the first time, real freedom was within my sight.
"I can do that."