A/N: This one is longer than the last few and more interesting. I know the last few have been pretty short, so I wanted to get this one out quickly. Make sure you catch Chapter 30 that I posted last night before continuing to this one since they're posted so close together. Also, I'm happy to say that I am finished writing for it, so I won't be leaving it incomplete this time! There will be two more chapters after this one.
I'm hoping I can continue to roll onto one of my other two that aren't finished soon. Which one would you like to see finished next?
"I'm starting to lose hope, beau." It's been a month since they started looking at properties and none of them felt right. "Why isn't anyone selling?!?" Pouting, she puts her phone down, sick of looking on realtor sites.
Christian is driving them to one last property, hoping it's the one. "It's off season, love. no one wants to be moving when it's cold."
"Well they better get to stepping. The baby isn't going to wait!"
Her comment makes him laugh. "Hopefully, this one is it." They both liked the house online, so they're hoping that it's as good as it looks on paper.
The house is private, taking up hundreds of feet of waterfront in back of it with 6 bedrooms, 8.5 baths, an indoor pool, hot tub and sauna, a heated patio and outside kitchen for BBQ's, a wine cellar, a boat house down by the water, plus so much more. It sounds too good to be true, but this is what Christian wants for his girls. He wants to spoil them both rotten.
When they pull up, her eyes almost pop right out of the head. "Oh my word, Christian! this place is massive! It's gorgeous."
He grins, knowing that only he can give her something like this. He hops out and hurries around to her side, helping her out of the car. His R8 is his favorite, but he knows he's going to have to put it up soon... at least for awhile with his heavily pregnant girlfriend unable to get out without help.
Hand-in-hand they head into the front foyer and find their realtor, Kevon Slack, in the entryway. He's a handsome black gentleman with a short fade haircut, a navy suit, and black shoes. He's got a gold watch and diamond cufflinks. A realtor for the high class and Uber rich. Between him and Christian, Anastasia always felt plain when they were together.
"So, what do you guys think?" Kevon asks, guiding them into the great room.
"It's beautiful." She turns in a circle, trying to take everything in. The detail on every rail, every floor, every corner was superb.
"That's a good start! Much better than last time, Ana." Kevon teases lightly. The last house didn't go over well. It smelled like old people and she was hangry and swollen making her turn and walk out not even twenty feet into the house.
She laughs. "Yes! This time I remembered to wear my flats!" She liked her heels better, but her body had been begging her for mercy for the last couple weeks and so she has been in flats and pregnancy bottoms to hold her big belly.
"Let's continue!"
Christian guides her around by the small of the back, following Kevon around the property, but her energy is waning.
"I'm sorry, guys, but I need to go sit down. You continue on without me." She tries to excuse herself graciously, but Christian is worried.
"Ana, baby, are you okay?" She looks flushed and sweat is glistening around her hairline.
She nods. "It's just pregnancy. Carrying your baby around is hard work!" She pecks his lips and turns, but he holds her wrist, keeping her from leaving.
"Let me walk you down, Ana." Christian's fingers slide down to hers and entwines his own in hers.
"Take the elevator." Kevon mentions. "I'll wait for you here, Christian."
He gets her settled in one of the chairs at the table in the kitchen and gives her another kiss. "You sure you're okay?"
She giggles and pushes him along. "I'm fine, Christian. Go on!"
His phone rings and as he puts it to his ear she sees the word 'Gia', making her heart lurch. Reaching forward, she grabs onto his belt and jerks him back, startling him.
"Shit Ana-Yea, I'm here, sorry. Yes. Sounds good. See you soon." He slips his phone back into his pocket. "What the fuck was that for?"
"Gia? You'll see her soon?" Christian knows how Anastasia feels about the girl. She got under Elliot and once he was bored of her, she'd been coming onto Christian every chance she could.
"I know you don't like her, Ana, but she's the best around."
"Bull shit."
"She's coming to take notes on the property. I got ahold of her once we saw it online. There are a few small changes I'd like to make if we decide on it and I want her input."
Anastasia rolls her eyes. "You want her input? It's mine you should be wanting!"
He runs a hand through his hair reminding himself to keep calm. She's pregnant. "I do, but she's a professional. We need to see if the changes we want are plausible."
Tears form in her eyes and she looks down. She doesn't like this jealous side of herself, but she feels self-consious and emotional. "Oh, please, Ana, please don't cry. My heart can't take it. Let's just see what she has to say today okay? After that we can decide what to do from there." He pulls out a handkerchief and wipes her eyes. "Kevon is going to come looking if I don't go back up soon. Are you going to be okay or should we finish another time?"
She shakes her head and sniffles. "I'm fine. Go, Christian. I'll be okay right here."
Her heart aches at the thought of Christian and Gia spending time together. Gia is beautiful and manipulative and for some reason men couldn't see it. But she does. Gia wants Christian. Anastasia has seen it first hand. She didn't like Gia trying to sink her claws into him even when they were friends. She could see what Gia was really about. Gold-digging man-eater. Every Gala, every party, every get together at the country club she batted her eyes and did her best to manipulate him into being with her. Anastasia isn't about to let Gia manipulate Christian into doing something he's going to regret later. Their lives depended on it.
XxXxXx
"Christian! It's so nice to see you!" Gia hugs him while Anastssia scowls at the back of her head. Christian pulls away quickly, trying to ease his emotional girl.
"Gia, remember Ana?" Christian's arm is around her, trying to ease her nerves.
"Of course I do! Oh, wow. Ana. You look like you're about to bust! Due soon?"
Anastasia opens her mouth to retort, but Christian rushes to answer for her. "Still got a few months left. She's all baby, I know." He rubs her stomach affectionately, trying to soothe his hormonal girl.
Skinny bitch. She can't help but scowl in Gia's direction.
"And this is our realtor Kevon. Kevon, this is Gia. The woman I told you about."
The woman I told you about? Anastasia is about to go Mortal Combat on their asses. It is taking every ounce of self control not to yank Christian right out of that house. Unfortunately, she loves the house and doesn't want to lose it because of her temper.
Gia giggles. "You told him about me? All good things I hope!" She holds her hand out to shake Kevon's.
"Of course. He spoke very highly of you. Says your the best around. Shall we do a walk through of the problem areas?"
"Yes! Let's! I'm dying to see this new house of yours, Christian." Gia's hand finds the crook of his elbow, causing Anastasia to stand quickly.
"Yes, let's take a walk through of our new house."
Christian politely pulls away from Gia's grasp and wraps his arm around his girlfriend. "You okay to do a walk-through?" He's uncertain.
"Yes, there are some things I would like to change too."
Christian grins at her, delighted that she really feels at home and wants to make some changes too.
"Then walk with me, baby. If you get too tired, I'll carry you."
Anastasia smiles up at her sweet man, knowing he means every word. She wants to stick her tongue out at Gia, but she controls herself.
Toward the end of the walk through, Anastasia realizes it's too much. Her stomach hurts, her legs are aching, and her feet feel like pins and needles. She's going to have to let Gia have her way for a few minutes because her body can't handle much more.
"Christian..." She whispers into his ear. "I can't do this anymore. I need to sit down." Seeing the pain in her face, he instantly lifts her. "Oh, Ana. You look miserable. Let's get you a comfortable chair."
Excusing them, he carries her to the sitting room, depositing her into a luxe armchair. "You look so exhausted. I've run you too long." He feels terrible. Between baby shopping, house hunting, appointments, and work, he's completely exhausted her. "Tell me what you need."
"Honestly? The bathroom." It's been awhile since she's relieved her bladder. He helps her up and makes sure she's steady.
"Do you need me to carry you? You know I will."
She smiles at him. "I know you would. It's right here. I'll be out in a minute." Still, he walks her to the bathroom and tells her he'll wait for her.
Gia and Kevon make their way down, smiling and laughing together. "I've made notes on everything you commented on, Christian. I know you said that you wanted the games room to be a nautical blue but I think a chocolate brown would set the tone better. Especially since you're wanting the cigar lounge feel."
"I hadn't thought about that. If you can get me a sketch of what you have in mind." Anastasia re-emerges from the bathroom and he puts an arm around her. "I'd also love your thoughts on-"
Anastasia pulls on his shirt sleeve, making him look down at her. Her eyes are wide and worried. "Ana? What- what is it."
Chewing her lip, she eyes the other two then leans up on her tiptoes to whisper. "I'm bleeding, Christian."
It's like the wind is knocked out of him. His face goes white. "How much?"
"Christian? Is everything alright?" Of course Gia is more worried about him than Anastasia.
Anastasia just looks up at him and worries her lip.
It causes him to sweep her up and hurry toward the door. "We have to go! We'll get back to you soon! Put in an offer for us, Kevon!"
He tries to reach for the car door with her in his arms, but misses. "Damn it!" He's flustered.
"I'll get it." Anastasia opens the door for them and he sets her down in her car seat carefully.
"Are you okay? Do you feel weak or lightheaded? Sick?" He brushes her hair off her face, making sure she doesn't need an ambulance.
"I'm okay, Christian. Let's go."
Hopping to, he hurries to his side and checks their seatbelts before heading out. He drives quickly, ignoring the speed limit and usually she would admonish him for it, but today there is no time to waste. On their way, he calls his mother through his vehicle, letting her know what is happening. She assures them that she'll take care of it and there will be a bed in the OB unit waiting for them.
"I'm scared, Christian." She holds her stomach, rubbing it gently. "Please let our baby be okay."
"Have you felt her kick lately?" He reaches over and presses on her stomach a little, usually able to get the baby annoyed enough to kick him back. He doesn't feel anything.
"I...I don't know! This morning we felt her... but at the house showing.. I.. I don't remember! Oh, God, Christian. What if-"
"Nope. Everything will be okay. One step at a time, my Ana." The thought of what if is too tragic to think about. They went through too much, came too far, for any what ifs.
He quickly pulls into the Emergency parking lot and carries her in. There is already a nurse in baby footprint scrubs waiting for them with a wheelchair at the desk.
"Anastasia?" She asks as Christian deposits her into the chair.
"Yea, it's me."
"Great, let's get this on a roll. Dr. Trevelyn called ahead for you. Mind if we make this a little speedy, Ms. Steele?"
Nodding, she takes Christian's hand. "Please."
They practically sprint down the long hallway and up the elevator to the 4th floor OB wing. Once in her room, Christian helps her change and the RN comes in immediately with a fetal heart tone monitor.
"We'll do an ultrasound as well, but this is faster."
Anastasia grips Christian's hand so tight, his fingers are losing blood flow, but that's the least of his worries. Come on. Come on, find it!
It takes a few, but the familiar swish swish of the heartbeat makes them relax and Anastasia lets out a sob.
"Thank God." He presses his lips to her temple as they listen to the heartbeat.
"Heartbeat is perfect, Anastasia. Strong and steady. We'll have an ultrasound done and possibly a pelvic exam to find the cause of your bleeding. I need you to slip off your underwear just in case alright?"
After the nurse steps out, she begins to throw her legs over to stand, but Christian stops her. "You just relax. Let me do it." She blinks up at him. "Oh, don't give me that look! Need I remind you how many times I've rid you of your panties like this at home?"
The thought makes her blush and he winks at her as he pulls her underwear down her legs. "Oh." Seeing the blood brings tears to his eyes. "My Ana. I pushed you too far this week. This is all my fault." The ball of guilt in his stomach is churning and growing and he finds himself nauseated.
"Christian, you did no such thing! This isn't your fault. I'm high risk remember? Sometimes things happen and they're no ones fault." His pout shows that he doesn't believe her. "Damn it, Christian, stop staring at my underwear and come sit with me. I need you here with me." Not sulking about something that is out of their control.
Sighing, he folds and places the underwear with her clothes and has a seat beside her in bed, curling up to her. His arm cups the underside of her belly and he nuzzles into her temple, relaxing her further.
"Thank you being so good to me... to us. I'm so thankful for you. I couldn't do it without you." His take charge personality is so important during these times of crisis. He's good for her.
"You'll never have to. You're mine and I take care of what's mine. It's what I want to do."
They stay overnight for observation and find out that Anastasia has partial placenta previa- the placenta is pulling away from the wall, making her bleed. It can cause massive bleeding and in some cases, be fatal for mother and baby if not watched closely. So, Anastasia is sent home on strict bedrest with minimal walking until further notice.
XxXxXxXx
Once they're back in the car, Christian waits to turn on the ignition.
"Christian?"
"With you being on bedrest, I really think it's in your best interest to move into my house-"
"Christian-"
"-I know, I know we said we should wait just a little longer, but you need to be watched and things brought to you and Gail is at Escala-"
"Christian."
"-And so I know that you're taken care of when I can't take care of you and-"
"CHRISTIAN!"
Her shouting stops him in his tracks.
"I agree with you."
"You...you do?" He's surprised.
She giggles. "Yes. I need help, I know and it'll be easier if someone is with me. Especially in case something happens."
"Well..." He breathes out. "That was easier than I thought." He turns on the ignition and pulls out of their parking space.
"See? I can be reasonable some times." She teases, rubbing her stomach. "Baby girl is for it too. She's kicking up a storm."
Reaching over to feel, he grins. "More time with Daddy. I'll read you some bedtime stories, lovebug." He pats her belly affectionately, using the nickname his mother used for him as a child.
XxXxXx
Christian runs Anastasia a bath while she sits patiently at the vanity in his bathroom. He is ready to wash the previous day off of them both and tuck her in bed before serving her brunch in bed. They're both exhausted from spending the night at the hospital and he looks forward to a nap with her before heading to his home office to work the rest of the day.
Once the tub is full, he helps rid her of her clothes and lowers her into the bath, leaning down on his knees so he doesn't drop her into the water. She finds herself wanting to mention she could get in herself, but she decides it's best to let him do his thing. It's a petty thing to fight over considering their situation.
Standing, he begins to disrobe, and she watches him as he unwraps his beautiful body. She pouts. No sex for her. Why does he have to look like that when she can't have her wicked way with him? It isn't fair.
"I see that look in your eyes, Ana. You just get that thought out of your head. It's going to be awhile before any of that happens." Christian steps in behind her, pulling her back against is strong body.
"This is going to be a long few months." She sighs, feeling guilty. Her beau does so much for her and she can't even take care of him like she wants to.
He presses a kiss to her temple, his hands on her stomach. "We'll get through it. I'm not worried. I've got two hands." He teases, nuzzling into her.
She grins. "Me too, but I've got a mouth to go with it." At least she can treat him.
He groans. "You know you don't have to, but fuck that sounds phenomenal."
Her mouth tugs into a frown, the thoughts of yesterday with Gia ruining her mood. He feels the shift in her.
"What is it, baby?" He asks, soaping up his hands before he begins to massage her shoulders.
She melts into him as he works her sore muscles into complete mush. "That feels wonderful, Christian. Don't stop."
"Tell me what's on your mind and I won't." He slowly works down her shoulder blades and she sits up, giving him access to the rest of her back.
"It's Gia."
"Ana..."
"The thought of you two working one-on-one on our house kills me, Christian. I hate that I feel this way, but I can't help it. She wants you, Christian."
He snorts. "She'll have to get in line." She smacks his thigh. "I'm not stupid Ana. I'm a good-looking billionaire. Everyone wants for either fuck me, fuck me up, or fuck me over. Do you really think I'm that stupid?"
She pouts. "I can't give you what you need in the bedroom anymore, beau. And she seems like the type that would love to be bent over your knee-"
"Stop." He wrinkles his nose. He doesn't want anyone but Ana. "Don't you trust me, Ana? Do you honestly think I would cheat on you? I would never cheat. Not on you, not on anyone. I'm a monogamous type of guy."
She sighs. "She's manipulative Christian. I can see you two working one-on-one together and her slowly coming onto you until you don't realize what is happening. My heart aches at the thought."
"I deal with manipulative assholes everyday, Ana. What makes you think she's so special that she could convince me to fuck her."
Anastasia winces at his words, like a slap in the face. "If you feel the need to have her on, then I need you to compromise. I do not want her taking one step into our bedroom or any of the others. I don't want any part of her or her ideas in our rooms. They need to be Gia free."
"Of course, Ana. I will tell her bedrooms are out of bounds."
A/N: The house I had in mind is parcel #UND923R on if anyone is interested about this gorgeous property.