Chapter twenty-two

Ana giggled again and staggered a little as she and James moved together to the dance floor. She drank so seldom, the alcohol had gone straight to her head, and she got kittenish.

"You got to get more food in you," James observed. "That way, you won't get so giggly."

"Are you kidding me? I cannot possibly eat another bite!"

James thought about it for a moment before leading her back to the table. "I think you're in no condition to dance," he sighed and motioned to the waiter. "Can you please get the young lady a cup of coffee?"

"But I really want to dance!" she bemoaned, but James insisted that she sit down. He pulled a chair and sat across from her.

"Hey! Who the heck are you?"

Ana and James turned to see Christian glaring down at them.

James stood up and extended his hand. "James Buchanan."

Christian just stood there, refusing to shake his hand. "Listen, I don't know who you are or what your intentions are...but she's mine."

James took two steps back, and his hands went up in surrender. "No problem, man," he snorted, giving Ana a cursory glance before walking away.

She was suddenly startled at the sharpness in Christian's voice.

"What the heck were you doing? I don't want to see you with another man again!" He growled all of a sudden. "You understand?"

"Okay," she glanced up at him stupidly, slurring her words. "We don't want to give the IRS the wrong impression, right?" She giggled.

"You're wasted."

"I'm not!... I'm just REALLY HAPPY!" she replied a little too loudly.

Christian was slightly amused. "Well, at least you're a happy drunk." He looked around him and started planning their exit. He wondered where Mia was. There she was with that fellow again. He was about to suggest they leave when the waiter arrived with a cup of coffee in a silver tray.

"Sugar? Cream?"

She shrugged. "I'm not much of a coffee drinker...but sure, sugar and cream would be okay."

"How about you, sir?" The waiter asked Christian.

Christian shook his head no. The waiter stirred in the coffee and cream and handed the cup to Ana before promptly disappearing.

For a while, they just sat together as Ana sipped her coffee, quietly watching the other couples dance. Ana grew strangely quiet. He imagined she was sobering up a little. He had had more to drink than she, but he had a good tolerance for alcohol; he never let it get to the point of messing with his head. Besides, his encounter with That woman had been a sobering experience in itself.

"We need to find Mia and leave," Christian said.

"Leave? I want to dance!"

"I don't think you're in any condition," he shook his head. "We need to get you home."

"No! Christian, please! I'm feeling better, let me show you," she pleaded. "Let's dance."

Right then, the pianist finished playing his classical pieces and took bow after bow, followed by rounds of applause.

Next, a saxophone player came on stage to play Lady in Red, one of Ana's favorite songs ever. She'd never heard the song played before in instrumental, and it was lovely. Sylvia introduced him as a highly talented musician; his cover of the song had gone viral.

The lights were dimmed, and that, in combination with the slow music, was an open invitation for lovers to dance.

"My Lady in Red," Christian winked at her, for she indeed was wearing red. "Okay, just one dance, and then we'll go."

Ana sighed a sigh of relief that Christian was willing to indulge her. She took his outstretched hand, and together they headed to the dance floor. They embraced and started to glide and gently rock to the rhythm of the music. His one hand clasping hers to the side and his other hand resting on the small of her back, old-fashioned-style.

For a moment, she closed her eyes. His chin rested on her forehead and then against her hair. As they continued to sway, his nose grazed her neck, and he began singing the lyrics softly in her ear.

The lady in Red is dancing with me, cheek to cheek

There's nobody here. It's just you and me

It's where I want to be

But I hardly know this beauty by my side

I'll never forget the way you look tonight

They didn't speak; there was no need for words. The sensual harmonious movement of their bodies was enough. It was as if they'd been dancing like this their entire lives.

He lifted her chin upwards and looked into her accepting, uplifted face with his body tightly pressed to hers. She truly had never looked more lovely than she did tonight. His gaze dropped to her lips and lingered there, teasing her playfully, barely gracing, no tongue.

They continued to sway, nose to nose, their faces mere inches away, their hips moving in a hot close rhythm as though they had a mind of their own. Her senses were heightened with the feel of his body pressing against hers. And it was too much to bear. She needed him at the moment more than she needed air.

And when you turned to me and smiled, it took my breath away,

And I have never had such a feeling,

Such a feeling of complete and utter love, as I do tonight

Lady in Red is dancing with me, cheek to cheek

There's nobody here; it's just you and me.

"Kiss me," she whispered, raising her mouth to his for a long eager kiss that quickly turned passionate with lots of tongue and kissing fervor. Her responsiveness surprised him with all that had transpired this evening. For both of them, it was as if nothing else mattered in the face of such simple pleasure.

The saxophone player seamlessly blended the end of Lady in Red with You are not alone.

Ana and Christian easily transitioned into the next song. They danced slow and in perfect synchrony, never breaking eye contact except when kissing. He pressed her so tightly she could feel his erection pressing against her core. It was sensual; it was magical. It was as if they were making love on the dance floor. In her movements and in the way her body naturally molded to his, he felt he felt her complete submission to him and the palpable desire that radiated through them.

She was so perfect for him to hold, the right height, and perfect in every way. With his lips still on hers, his hands went to caress her back and shoulders. His lips briefly left her mouth, making their way to her shoulders, and she naturally pulled her neck to the side to allow him full access to her neck and shoulders. His lips were making her go wild; not realizing what she was doing, she pulled him in so much closer like he was her second skin. He was turning her on so much, she'd forgotten they were not alone; she was more than willing to let him make love to her right then a there. Somehow, he had completely unlocked her heart, reservations be damned. She wanted him so much that her hand strayed to his back, pulling him closer.

The next song was one of her absolute favorites. Enchanted, she listened to the saxophone version of Hasta Que te Conoci by Juan Gabriel. Bewitched, her lips sought his with abandon.

Her kiss tasted so sweet and pure; it aroused something animal in him, something primal, a desperate need to claim her as his own. He told his mind and imagination to stop it, to cool down, but he wanted to run his hands all over her body, making him do the things his head was telling him to do. Suddenly, the music ended, and bright lights rudely blinded them both.

And this broke the kiss. Ana and Christian looked at each other, their faces flushed. They were out of breath, gloriously out of breath. It was shocking. Their kisses had been hotter and heavier than ever before, and it had all happened in public.

"My, you two are the sweetest lovebirds," Mia smirked. She was standing right there with her Romeo by her side. "Ethan, meet my brother and sister-in-law."

"Nice to meet you," Ethan shook Ana's hand first.

While Christian and Ethan exchanged a few words, Mia pulled Ana aside.

"Your father and Sylvia were shaking their heads in horror watching you two dancing like that," she whispered.

Ana blushed and bit her lip. All of a sudden, she wanted nothing but to make a quiet exit.

"Ethan is taking me to his place tonight."

Ana's widened in surprise. "But what about Matt?"

Mia shook her head, smiling wistfully. "Ethan is the one."

Christian moved to take Ana's hand in his. "We're leaving."

"What? NO!" Protested Mia. "Ethan and I are having fun.

"I can take her home if that's okay with you all," Ethan said, and Mia beamed at him.

Christian shrugged. "Alright, just be home before the stroke of midnight," he joked, and Mia rolled her eyes playfully.

Normally, Ana would have been more concerned about Mia being left alone with a stranger, but she wasn't thinking clearly. All she wanted was to be alone with Christian; it was an all-consuming need, a dangerous obsession.

"I guess it's time to say goodbye to our hosts," Christian murmured, making a beeline to where Ana's father was standing chatting with one of his male guests.

Ray furrowed his brow. "Wait. You can't leave yet. Let me get one of my men to drive you home."

Christian threw his head back and laughed. "What? "

"You're too drunk to drive," Ray pointed out, glaring at Christian.

Christian shook his head. He was far from drunk, he thought. Maybe a little tipsy, if that. He handled alcohol well, thank you very much.

"Thanks, father," Ana said, casting Christian a pointed look.

Ray let out a sigh of irritation. It annoyed how his daughter had taken to calling him 'father' as if to put a respectful distance between them. It made him feel like a stranger in her life. With a flick of his fingers, Taylor, his number one, promptly appeared.

Christian saw no point in resisting. Ray assured them that their car would be dropped off at their place in the morning. But the main reason he acquiesced was to make Ana happy. She wanted this, and he wasn't about to start an argument with her over something like this.

…..

The ride in the limousine was heavenly. It had a built-in bar and a TV, just like in the movies. Ana rode next to Christian, her thighs plastered to his, barely paying attention to the movie playing full volume. Pretty woman. She'd seen the movie before but never really understood it as a romance. She could only watch for so long. More champagne. Christian drained half his glass, and Ana took a couple of sips. She relished the warmth of the alcohol as it raced through her system, and she giggled as she spilled part of the drink on her dress.

Christian distracted her beyond her, his hands making sure of that. Taking her drink aside, his thumb drew little circles along the underside of her wrist. The gentle caress was heavenly; it completely blew her mind. For the life of her, she didn't want him to ever stop doing that. She was torn between the pleasure she was feeling and the desire to kiss him again.

…

They rode up the elevator holding hands. The pinging of the doors opening filled the air filled with pregnant expectations. Christian longed to carry her inside bridal style but was afraid she would turn him down even though there was no indication that she wouldn't. Tonight she appeared so happy and carefree. He'd only hoped she wouldn't bring up the love requirement that seemed to be so important to her. Frankly, it was absolutely ridiculous asking for a declaration of love at this point in their relationship was like putting the cart before the horse.

Christian quickly shut the door behind him and pressed her against the door, his mouth crashing into hers. She completely poured herself into that kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck and holding on, pressing into him. Ever since their long make-out session at the dance floor, she had wanted nothing but to lose herself into him again like this. She arched into him into his kiss, but it wasn't enough. Feeling the need of his skin against hers, she shoved him long enough to slide out of her coat, then tugged at his dinner jacket. While still kissing her, he quickly removed the garment and tie, promptly dropping them somewhere on the floor.

"Christian," she murmured hesitantly as his lips followed the trail to her neck and found that sweet spot behind her ear.

"Don't worry, nothing is going to happen," he said breathlessly, "I just want you to come, that's all," he said as he yanked his shirt off.

Ana gazed at his beautiful torso in awe. As if in a trance, she skimmed her hands over the hard ridges of his stomach. His muscles quivered under her touch, and he gasped in surprise. No other woman had ever touched him like this before. He worked his hands to the nape of her neck, and slowly, reverently, he bent down and slipped the straps of her dress off her shoulders and unhooked her bra almost in one seamless movement. She gladly stepped out of the wet dress, letting her bra fall in front of her, hooking her arms around his neck.

His lips, once again, did their magic, circling back to that spot behind her earlobe that drove her insane. Their breathing grew rapid, their hands more adventurous and hurried as they sought contact of skin on skin. His hands, insistent, skimmed over her thighs, seeking her heat. Her panties were soaked with her need. The discovery brought a new level of excitement. His fingers went to circle her clit through the fabric, and she let out a long moan.

"Christian, please," she breathed, desire dragging the words from her mouth, "I love you," the neediness in her voice so raw and palpable. She wanted him to do something about this, but not sure exactly what would tame down the fire raging within her.

He gazed down at her, drinking her as he slid his finger around the elastic of her panties and bent down to removed them. When she stepped out of them, and he straightened to face her, his heart nearly stalled at the raw naked desire he saw in her eyes. At last, he laid his hand flat against her core, and she moaned. With a well-timed growl, he effortlessly lifted her into his arms, carried her to the master bedroom, and deposited her on the bed.

There was no awareness of time or the room, whether it was cold or hot, light or dark, just the feel of him and her tout overstimulated body. There was just him, just his mouth, his hands, his ability to strip away all her thoughts until her focus was on one spot, one spot only.

He undid his buckle and dropped his pants, finally letting his erection free.

Ana was staring at him, mesmerized like he was a beast on the prowl, and he liked that. He liked that she was at his mercy.

He crawled on the bed, and she gasped when he buried his head between her legs and sniffed her sweet pheromones.

But this was only the beginning. He further tantalized her by barely brushing his lips on her pussy lips. Even that brief touch had her making a keening sound. She gasped in shock, completely unprepared for the avalanche of sensations.

He licked, nibbled, and suckled her core, coaxing pleasure out of her with his soft expert touch. And then, his touch became demanding and rough, gripping her by the hips and holding her in place as he feasted on her with a ruthless carnality. She writhed, utterly helpless in his grip, exploding into a climax that peaked and peaked as she fought for enough breath to scream.

All the while, he insisted that she admit that she was his. She said it every time he demanded it. She moaned it, sobbed it, until she lay boneless on her back, a mass of exposed, quivering nerves.

He straddled her, pinning her to the bed with his heavier weight. She looked a brazen beauty, her lips parted in an unspoken message, her eyes full of desire.

When at last, his tongue touched hers, all rationality flew out the window. All night, ever since he'd teased her at the table and then later at the dance floor, she'd wanted nothing but give herself to him. The depth and the urgency of her desire defied reason and frightened the heck out of her.

Oh, Dios. God, what's happening to me? I don't want him to stop.

Still, she went a little rigid underneath him, and he panicked when he sensed she was starting to withdraw a little. Was she about to reject his advances once again?

"I will not go all the way," he murmured in her ear. "Like the other day? I won't come inside you. It will all be for you."

"Okay," she breathed. She shouldn't worry. She couldn't possibly get pregnant if he didn't come inside her.

He captured her nipple in his mouth to distract her and then the other. The stiffness left her on a low reluctant moan as her breasts thrived on the unexpected attention. His mouth latched on, suction, tongue, the barest tease of teeth. The sensations were overwhelming, his mouth making the crux between her legs throb with pulsating need.

"I need, I need...Please," she was whimpering. Her breath ragged, her heart racing, a caged bird in her chest. Tremors building, a mini-earthquake rising.

There was no part of her he had not pleasured when he finally positioned himself at her drenched and inviting entrance and pushed his way inside. He could almost feel the shock reverberate through her body as it absorbed his penetration, her virginal walls tightening all around him.

"How's that?"

She could barely speak. "Feels... full."

"It's only the head, sweetheart. You can take a little more. Open a little wider, relax," he breathed in her ear, and it delighted him how quickly she complied.

He framed her face with his hands as his cock pushed all the way inside, seated to the root. With infinite patience, he stretched her insides, moving gently until she got used to it. And opened her mouth and her lips stretched into a big "O."

He loved watching her face experience the pain mixed with the pleasure of having her virginity taken. The feeling of joy in him had no measure.

"Wrap your legs around me," he urged her. He knew he should stop now as he promised, but it was too late now. There was no stopping now; he had to come inside.

She did as she was told, her eyes locked on his, picking up the rhythm pretty quickly. Her moans turned into soft cries, and tears streamed down her face; she was in ecstasy.

Christian felt himself quickly climbing to the peak. He was going to need to slow down if he would make sure she got the full experience. But then, her moans were getting louder, and her grip on him tightened. Oh, God, she was almost there. The thought of her detonating all around him brought him to the edge. He went into hyper-drive, his thrusts turning into a series of long deep strokes fueled by the excitement in her voice. Moments later, she reached the mountain top. He followed closely behind, with Ana screaming her pleasure as he deposited his seed deep inside of her. His spasms filled her with even more pleasure, and she squeezed every single drop he had to give into the depths of her womb.

She lifted her lips to his, and they kissed. It was the most intimate kiss yet. Christian had never dreamed this kind of intimacy was even possible. He still wanted to hold her, even though his passion was spent. He kissed the tip of her nose and held her protectively against him. She was his, alright, in a way she had never belonged to another.

He eased himself out of her and rolled to the side of her. Facing her, he supported himself on his elbow.

Suddenly, she looked away, brow furrowed.

"What's wrong?"

"I don't want a baby," she said, at last, making no effort to keep the alarm out of her voice. Not now, not like this!

It suddenly dawned on him. It all made sense now. Was the fear of getting knocked up the reason she'd rejected him so many times before?