*TRIGGER WARNING: VIOLENCE. IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS, PLEASE PM.
-CHAPTER FIFTEEN-
NOT COPING TOGETHER
Friday 20th November 2009, continued…
CHRISTIAN
"LET ME. PLEASE," I caressed Ana's sleek skin after being hydrated from our steamy shower together.
Rubbing my body lotion into her skin, how could I not resist burying my nose in the crook of her neck. The mixed scent of body lotion and Ana made my cock twitch.
"My sweet girl," my face was tight from my smile.
"No more," giggles exploded from her, "I'm sorry to inform you," she sighed, "But, I'm too sore," ending with another giggle.
"I could listen to that laughter all day, everyday," caressing her neck with small nibbles.
"Don't mark me Christian… hey…" she continued to chirp her giggles aloud.
Nibbling her soft neck and dragging the tip of my tongue along her prominent collarbone, Ana's laughter bellowed from within. It was infectious as I joined her chorus and it was such a relief from the stress earlier today.
"I would never," shaking my head back and forth, "Come to think of it, I've marked you in other places," growling at the thought.
"Ewww, gross," she said while punching my bicep.
My lips crashed on to hers. Utterly in the moment as the words 'nar you love me,' whispered out. Holding our heads back glaring at one another, her eyes bulged in amazement. I swear I heard a cricket during the awkward silence. Shit.
On autopilot, I drifted my face, essentially my lips along her arm ending with a peck on Ana's hand. With a winning smile, and a little wink all tensions eased.
That was close! Too soon, but deep down I think I do love her.
…..
MY HAND WAS LOCKED together with the most beautiful woman I have ever laid my eyes on. The world wind of today has been phenomenal: Pixie, twins and the most passionate sex I could ever dream of.
"Sooo,"Ana whispered rolling her eyes around, "is it ok if I stay tonight," she gave an innocent grin.
"Ana it's more than ok," kissing her forehead.
Admiring Ana's crystal blue eyes and swollen pink lips, we entered the open living area, loathing my so-called home of bleached white walls and floors. It was colder than a clinical office. It was time to move on, cut ties with that god-awful woman. With GEH's current quarterly profits I can finally make it a reality sooner rather than later. Escala is quite promising, closer to the business district, generous sized apartments and added security.
Neither of us spoke. The sexual tension was raiding off us, which this was enough. She is enough and will forever be enough.
Ana's hitched breath broke, instantly our bubble burst as a stool scuffed over the kitchen floor.
What the fuck?
Rummaging through my mental list:
1. Elliot: No he would have buzzed, since he doesn't have a key.
2. Ros: No, she's away with Gwen.
3. Mia: Not possible. Socializing is more important.
4. Mom: She wouldn't… would she? She always tells me when she's coming over.
5. Dad: refer to number four.
6. Mrs…
FUCK!
Mouthing her name sent chills down my spine, 'Mrs Lincoln.'
Instantly my smile was gone as an excruciating burning sensation drowned my whole body, "Christian, what's wr–-" Ana's voice wobbled, as her frown line crinkled across her forehead.
Slowly we made our way to the kitchen and she was there, as always making her self at home. In my fucking apartment!
Why?
The fiery sensation continued, the pain was so excruciating it turned cold, to a frost bitten reaction to the extremities of my body.
I was numb, unable to move. Closing my eyes trying some how to ease this issue, I slowly counted down from ten. It never fails, this woman brings out pain and anger which I've tried to keep hidden for years.
"Mrs Lincoln. What the fuck?" I growled through my teeth.
My reaction made Ana flinch.
"Well, you took your time. So you're finally done or are you going to go round three or are we up to four?" Mrs Lincoln purred causing my stomach to twist.
Ana's complexion dashed to white at the revelation. Was she watching us? This was beyond any breach of privacy and utterly sick. Calming Ana I rubbed her hand refusing to let it go, especially at this moment.
Why can't this woman leave me the fuck alone?
Mrs Lincoln has been apart of our family for close to ten years. She was first an acquaintance. Within twelve months she clawed a friendship with my Mother. Everything changed a month before my eighteenth birthday. She creeps me the fuck out, or in the words of my brother 'she's a fucking bitch troll.'
Something tugging, curling under my skin woke me. My hand wrapped around her arm, she pulled trying to release my grip, but automatically I clasped my hand tighter. The memories waved in and out, I couldn't focus with that woman in the room.
Ana continued to heave her arm towards her, I was seeing her terrified eyes, she was whimpering but her stare was screaming for me to stop. Scared, she's scared. This is because of me, because of Lincoln. FUCK!
'Let go, let go' her eyes cried at me. Dragging her closer to me, I can't let her leave; I need the support to push this vulgar woman away. 'Don't,' I mouthed to Ana.
"Oh Christian stop with the formality. I thought we were past that. How about using the correct term… Grandmother," she stated over emphasizing her pompous voice. My eyes drew towards the ultrasound picture as she tapped it on the granite counter.
A primal instinct was to protect her. I pushed her with force to hide behind me, clenching her wrist and parts of her hand.
"Get the fuck out of my apartment Lincoln," the power of my voice made Ana recoil. A voice is usually reserved for GEH. My CEO persona. It's natural now.
"Sorry" was the only comfort I gave Ana.
"Grandmother," Mrs Lincoln insisted, "I thought my legal team explained I'm leasing my apartment to you. You do not own this, I've made that very clear," Lincoln hissed.
Rolling my eyes at her declaration, I bit my tongue trying to hold back. But how could I, she reminded me too much of my drugged fucked up birth mother. I can't understand why I never noticed the similarities sooner. They are identical in attitude, apparent satisfaction, that's clear from my memory as a four year old.
"I requested all the keys. How?" I spat. This is highly unacceptable.
"Grace," her lipped pouted, causing her smile lines to wrinkle and crease.
Groaning at the innocent thought of Grace, what form of manipulation did Lincoln perform on Mom to hand over her key? If she had any idea who Mrs Lincoln truly was I'm sure her foot would be in her ass, kicked to the curb.
Ana tugged on my shoulder and mouthed "Grandmother?" I nodded. "But I thought–" she whispered.
Dismissing her exchange, I ensured she remained behind me, "Ana stay quiet. I can answer your questions later," I turned back at her sneering at her face.
Fuck, I need Lincoln out! She clouds my judgment causing my blood to boil and anger to go wild. Rubbing my temples, Jesus now wasn't the time for a fucking headache.
"Oh, allow me to do the honors Christian. I can easily explain our family ties to your flavor of the week…" Mrs Lincoln continued to use her pretentious tone.
"Flavor of the week?" Ana's voice hitched as it raised an octave.
This was not how I had planned the remainder of my evening.
"Oh take it easy, bitch troll…" that felt good to let that out, "don't play with fire especially when she's concerned," I flicked my head back, implying my Ana.
Again Ana tried to loosen my grip, I held tight, yanking her wrist hard. I didn't even flinch by her pained reaction.
"STOP!" I yelled in her face, shaking her arm to force her to still. "Stop fucking moving!" I tugged on her wrist one final time.
Watching her eyes well up as she stood still broke my heart. It's me, it's my fault. This is my doing, no one else. I'm hurting her.
"Ah, I see," Mrs Lincoln continued to tap the kitchen counter top, "things never change. You have the temper of your mother and a slut just like her," pointing at a very pale Ana.
Her tears were silent but damply obvious. The slick liquid falling down her cheeks. I'm over Lincoln's stunts and bullshit. I need her gone, it's time to cut all ties.
"I still insist you referring to me as Grandmother," her voice was firm, confident the complete opposite to the distressed Ana.
"What? I don't believe this bullshit. This," I waved to the space between us, "only happens when we are alone. You never want Grace or Carrick to know. No one. Why Lincoln, fucking why? A one point I thought you were bullshitting, but the DNA test came back positive. Why?" My throat was raspy through the sheer force of my voice.
"I would never lie," she chuckled, "just hurdles."
I cocked my brow as she brushed off my question a little too quickly.
"So whose money are you using? Grey's, mine or your own? You know to pay for–" she pursed her lips and flicked her nose up at Ana.
"Don't push me Lincoln. How dare you. She's important to me, so fuck off!" I bellowed at Mrs Lincoln.
"Sooo," unaffected from my verbal force she pointed in our direction with disgust, "I would have confirmed this was your flavor of the week, but by the looks like you've met before," I began to grind my teeth.
"It's yours. Correct?" scratching her red nails over our ultrasound picture.
"Yes," was all I could muster, as there wasn't a reason to elaborate.
"At least she's not 14 like your mother, or is she Christian?" I dropped my lip in shock, "she could pass for a 14 year old," Lincoln's venom spat back.
"Are you fucking serious? Pot calling the kettle black, you were a teenager yourself when you were pregnant with my mother," my anger was out of control, "fucking ENOUGH! Get the FUCK OUT," I screamed at Lincoln.
I could hear Ana's breathing pant faster as her tears were becoming a full sob. She was hitting her head along my back repetitively while trying to break free of my grip.
Oh my God, I need to get her out of here. What the fuck am my doing?
"Please Christian, let me go…" she gasped into my back.
With a stern voice I replied "NO!" Pulling hard again on her wrist I didn't want to lose her. Not tonight.
Stay.
I know as soon as I let her hand go she'll leave.
"Christian please," she winced, "Ouch! Fuck, Christian you're hurting me. Please let me go I can't… please," her voice ached with terror as she began to tug on my hold.
I removed my grip immediately.
Holding her right wrist, she sprinted almost losing her footing into my bedroom.
If I look back, it makes this even more fucked up.
…..
ANASTASIA
STUMBLING INTO CHRISTIAN'S ROOM, my knees took the brunt of the fall, slamming to the ground. I winced when I went on all fours as my wrist hurt. But it was my breathing which was my challenge. My lungs refused to release a breath as I felt like I was being strangled.
Air. I need air.
I need to breathe. Dark spots are in my sight, as my head grows heavy.
Need air!
Attempting to crawl with a painful wrist has its draw backs, as I staggered towards the window. Dragging the curtains open with the little energy I had, scratching at the glass trying my best to find a latch or something to slide. Fuck. There wasn't one. Oh my God.
"I can't breathe," gasping and scraping my neck. I felt the room falling on top of me.
'Air' was the final word which escaped my lips.
Instantly I glued my face to the cold glass pane with every erratic breath causing ice crystals to form. The cold sensation was easing my racing heart. From nowhere my stomach churned.
Erecting my body from the floor, my head pounded every step I took to the bathroom. Splashing icy cold water over my face, my breathing slowed and regulate again.
Deep breaths Ana. You need to calm the fuck down.
Rubbing my stomach, I began to calm.
How am I going to do this until June next year? Wiping the burning tears from my face, I can't believe that woman and honestly I can't believe Christian. I can't do this. Christian's eyes were so dark, that woman brought out so much anger to him. I can't be around him, it reminds me too much of Morton.
I promised myself never to be belittled again.
"I need, I need to call Kate," I whispered to myself.
Shit I don't have my cell, or anything for that matter. Elliot still hasn't brought my things over.
Staring at myself in the mirror, my head began to spin. Oh my god I think I'm going to be sick. Lurching towards the toilet wincing at the pain on my wrist, some how I just made the porcelain bowl, throwing up the entire contents of my stomach.
Can I be any more miserable?
"Oh come on, what the fuck do you want?" I heard the muffled sounds of Christian screaming at Mrs Lincoln.
"You're not using my apartment as a sex pad, but by the looks of it she's locked you in all ready," the vile sound blared throughout the apartment.
Nursing my bruised wrist I dragged myself to the door and slam it shut. Crying into my palms, I don't want to hear it.
"Stranger" flies through my head repeatedly and the tears didn't stop, they just fell harder. Looking at the travertine-tiled shower, I couldn't help but crawl inside clothed, turning the faucet to hot.
What have I done?
"Stranger" it wouldn't leave my mind no matter how hard I tried.
He yelled at me. Stop fucking moving. Stop fucking moving.
Straight to my face. Stop fucking moving. Stop fucking moving.
Looking at my hand and wrist I couldn't believe what Christian has done. Wincing, I turned my hand looking at the already bruising wrist. It was beyond tender, it was excruciating. Oh my God is it broken?
I need out.
…..
WALKING BACK INTO THE BEDROOM DRIED, I grabbed my clothes that were thrown throughout the room. Knowing I have only one more item and it was in the hand of that vile woman. It was an understandable sacrifice.
Finding Christian's cell on his side table I opened his contacts and noticed he doesn't have Kate's number. The only other person I could think of was Elliot.
"Bro, why the fuck are you not bang–" I interrupted Elliot with a small sob.
"Ell. It's Ana," trying to catch my breath, "I'm sorry to disturb you and Kate," I paused.
Don't lose it now Ana
"Ell… I need you to get me. Please. I just…"
"What the fuck is going on Ana? Where's Christian?" his voice was confused.
"I just need to go," my throat began to burn, "I need you to come and get me now. Please Ell," I begged.
"Ok Banana. Here I'll put Kate on. I'll be a good, ten maybe 15 minutes."
"Ok," I could hardly speak.
"Annie, what the fuck is going on?" Kate whispered.
"Kate… I just need to see you ok," my head began to pound and the room began to spin.
My stomach wasn't co-operating, or should I say the babies were ensuring I didn't forget them. I threw the cell on the tiled floor as I was lucky to make it to the toilet again.
Even with the cell a great distance from my ear I could here Kate screaming, "Ana, what the fuck is going on? Ana are you sick? I'm on my fucking way with Ell."
Wiping my face, and taking a deep breath I tried my best to compose myself.
"I'm a little sick but I want to leave. If I could I would leave for Ray's now…" I couldn't help that my eyes were burning and the tears began to fall, "can I please stay with you tonight?"
"Oh Annie, sure," her soothing voice was comforting, "I don't know if Elliot will leave my side, but… he does have a really big bed."
I knew that she was trying to ease my anxiety and it was working wonders as a little giggle escaped my mouth.
"Ahh that's what I like to hear. Don't worry I'm sure he will wear pajamas," and a chuckle fell from my lips.
…..
IT WAS THE LONGEST TWELVE MINUTES of my life. My body tried to throw up a total of four times. Well if you want to be technical I dry heaved since there was nothing left in my system.
"Ana, we're in the foyer and waiting for you," said Kate.
"Thank-you," I whispered, as I was more than happy to leave.
I dropped Christian's cell on the floor and slowly crept out of the bedroom. Once I knew Christian was looking in the opposite direction I bolted to the front door. Without thinking I tried to open the door with my injured wrist and it fell from my fingers and slammed right behind me.
Running to the elevator all I could hear was the calling of my name from a desperate Christian. His cries of worry were getting to me as I pounded the closing door button.
"Pixie," "You are gorgeous," "So sexy".
"Oh my god shut up. Shut up. Why did you have to be so perfect but then ruin it," I squealed out in the elevator cart.
The silence within the confined space was deafening. To think hours before Christian was carrying me "over the thresh hold," now I'm just carrying my bruised wrist and extreme nausea.
I miss him and love him. I had no more tears.
…..
"ANA, OH MY GOD. ELLIOT HELP ME," Kate called as the elevator doors opened.
"I just want to go ok. Can we go please. Like now," I whispered with a heavy breath as I held my wrist.
"Fuck Banana! What happened to your wrist? Your eyes, why have you been crying?" With each question he asked, Elliot's cogs turned tighter and tighter.
"Elliot don't. Don't hurt him, please. He didn't–" I yelled at him.
"No Banana. Don't hurt him. Listen to yourself; you've got to be kidding. It was Christian wasn't it?" he continued to whisper "Ana I know," he looked to my stomach, "and he still did this! I'm going to fucking–"
Cutting him off I yelled at Elliot "No," Shaking my head.
This is my fault. I don't want to cause anymore trouble. He's going to hurt Christian.
Ana he hurt you, physically. The asshole deserves it!
Before I had a chance, Elliot sprinted into the open elevator cart. Kate held me and I couldn't help but sob but no tears fell just copious amounts of mucus from my nose.
"Annie, come on let's get to the truck. Oh my god you're so cold," she gave a weak grimace.
Clapping her hands together she informed me the plan, "Ok here's the go. I'll turn the heat on. I'm sure there are some snacks in there. Elliot never stops eating and we are going to talk. Really talk," she gave her Kavanagh pout, "no excuses," I answered by nodding my head and she kindly kissed my nose.
…..
CHRISTIAN
FUCK, SHE LEFT.
"Get the fuck out. NOW!" I screamed to Lincoln's face.
"Ha, it doesn't affect me. This immature attitude. You're so similar you know," constantly tapping the ultrasound picture.
"Give that to me," I tried to snatch the image but she pulled it away.
"Sorry darling, this is my great-grand baby here," she actually smiled.
I chuckled under my breath the word "babies" and her eyes swelled. Fuck I thought I was quiet.
"Twins. Oh this gets better and better."
"Leave!" I hissed.
Instantly she placed the image into her over sided handbag and gave a sickly strut past me.
"You know she's gone, probably for good," she laughed ending with a god awful smirk.
"Fuck off."
"As they say love is for fools."
Maybe it is?
"Your apartment will be returned to you within 14 days. Now get the fuck out of my life."
Just like that I was alone. Again.
"Fuuuuuck!" I screamed out.
…..
SPRINTING TO MY BEDROOM, I went to see if Ana had left a note or something. I don't want to repeat the past. Feeling the wet carpet beneath my feet confused, only to see my wet Harvard shirt and boxers I had given Ana to wear.
Eyeing the doorway of the bathroom, the steam on the mirror was still lingering.
"Shit she must have been sick again and had a shower!" I called out.
It was obvious she was unwell, washcloth next to the bowl, lid up. Oh my god was it the babies or me? FUCK!
The rage was building up my throat and all I wanted to do was put my fist through the mirror. Nursing my knuckles from my early escapade Christian vs sapling, I know I need to change.
Broken from my daze, I could hear the front door banging.
Maybe it's Ana?
My hopes were dashed quickly as Elliot's voice yelled, "open up fuckwit."
Turning the latch, the door flung open. Elliot rubbed his hands together grinning.
"Ell did you see A–" before I had a chance to finish a fist went straight to my left eye.
The pain was instant. Unbearable. Completely understandable and deserved.
"That's for Banana you fucker…" Elliot roared.
"…and this is for her wrist…" he continued.
Bam went his fist into my stomach as a deep huff came from my mouth as I tried to catch my breath.
"…this for the way you treated her. She's fucking pregnant Bro…"
Again I didn't retaliate, I knew I deserved every punch. Elliot continued with his brut force belting my gut for a second and third time.
"…and this last one is for her broken heart."
Air caught in the back of my throat not only trying to suck air into my lungs but hearing the words broken heart.
"You utter piece of shit!"
The final blow I have no recollection. The moment of fist to face knocked me out cold.
It was waking to the taste of blood and the warmth of the morning sun on my bare chest, that I knew Elliot had achieved his goal. To hurt the one that broke Ana's heart.
A/N:
This chapter first time round wasn't favourable with most regarding the choices Christian made (or that Elena was in the story). As older readers would have noticed not much was changed. He has an anger issue, and I hope in future chapters this anger and be explained, not necessarily resolved but rather more controlled.
Originally I didn't want Elena to be a large part to the story (just in passing), but since reworking it, she needs to be in the story for it to make sense. There is no BDSM, they were never sexually involved. Elena Lincoln is Christian's biological grandmother. Christian hates her, and in a way she hates him. A relationship needs to grow between them, it's important for Christian to control and understand why he has these anger issues.
On another note, if you find any mistakes/errors in the story let me know. I'm approachable here on ff via PM or fb. Sometimes I miss things as well as my BETA, it's a fact of live, we are human and this is for fun.
Thank you for reading the new reworked/beta-ed "Misplaced & Found." So may new followers and favourites I appreciate every single one! Finally, if you haven't already done so, please favourite, follow, review and PM me regarding any M&F questions or concerns. See you soon for chapter 16.
missmusicteach
