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Chapter Thirteen

Deja Vu

Ana

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Heading in the direction of Will's office. My feet are slow and sluggish. I hardly slept last night, I was far too restless and preoccupied. Trying to keep Christian out of my head was hard work, and my run yesterday, only made things worse. I can't believe I had my chance to speak to him, and I blew it. Big time. I turned to stone, swallowed my tongue and spluttered like an idiot.

I was shocked to distraction when it happened. Firstly, by being put on my ass and secondly, because it was Christian, who put me there. Hearing him curse, and feeling the heat from his angry, blazing eyes, had me mortified. By the time my brain had caught up, and begun to function enough for coherent speech, he'd ran off and was nothing but a blur in the distance.

Despondently, I pulled myself up, trudged back to my hotel and funnily enough, lost the urge to roam Seattle after that. I hid myself away in my hotel room, and dove into a book that I'd picked up from reception, forcing myself not to think of Christian again. Or his reaction to bumping into me.

I've held true to that conviction over the past twenty four hours, but today is a new day, and I'm keen to find out what Will, has managed to find out about Christian, over the weekend.

I'm not sure what time Will's office opens, but I'm impatient. I didn't want to just sit in my hotel room, watching the clock turn. I've been awake since it was light. Which is why, I'm out and about and plan on killing some time at the Grey House, coffee shop.

Ten minutes later, I'm standing in line, waiting for my beverage. Lost in the aroma of coffee, and sweet smelling pastries, I'm daydreaming. My head's, running through scenarios of how Will, may try, or maybe even have managed, to gain access to Christian. I hope his search has been more productive than mine has. It should be, he has more experience and resources than I do, and after missing my golden opportunity, I need his help more than ever.

My eyes refocus as the line shuffles forward. I bounce on my toes as I watch the barrister preparing my drink. I'm waiting, for a cup of hot chocolate, I thought it would be a safer option than coffee. I may be feeling tired, but I'm edgy, and don't need the added caffeine buzz, not this early in the day. The hot chocolate will be soothing.

When I hear my name being called. In a bored sounding mumble. I step up to the counter and gratefully, accept my cup. As I do, a sudden, and uncomfortable hush falls over the staff and regulars around me.

I turn, unconcerned, to head away from the counter, unintentionally, walking straight into the person standing behind me. My startled yelp, coincides with his growl of annoyance, as the cup I'm holding is squashed between me and the chest I've barged into.

I step back and stumble into the counter, feeling the heat from the spilt liquid, beginning to soak through my thin blouse. "So much for making an effort." I mutter to myself. I deliberately, wore a skirt and blouse today, so I would blend in a little. Well, the stain I'm now wearing, will in no way make me inconspicuous.

The guy, steps away, as the barrister, comes around from behind the counter and begins to fuss with concern and hands me a cloth. I accept it from her gratefully, and quickly begin to dab at the spill. She, then, attempts to aid the casualty of my unawareness, but she seems hesitant and becomes tongue tied as he snaps at her and refuses her help.

I look up, wanting to see the person I've scalded and apologies, but when I meet the eyes glaring back at me, I freeze. My hand stops moving as my body shivers and folds in on itself, as I feel a sudden rush of fear. The cold, blatant, hatred in the eyes glaring back at me, has me paralyzed, and I'm speechless.

More so, than yesterday.

It's Christian, who I've bumped into. Again, and he looks royally pissed.

His fuming eyes, sear into mine, holding me captive. It feels like it's never going to end, but as his breathing deepens, I see it crack and dissipate. His eyes darken further, before they widen, with what looks like fear, pain, then pure anger fueled frustration.

I stare, dumbfounded and shaken to my very soul. My growing nerves and sheer terror, keeping me from moving. How can a man, freeze you to the bone with a single look? How can someone express so much, without saying a word?

Why is he looking at me like that? Like he hates me.

Just as my faculties return, I hear his mumbled apology and catch his abrupt departure. Again. A tall, buzz cut security detail, steps in front of me, blocking my path, just as my feet begin to follow.

My eyes, remain on Christian's retreating form as I feel the palm of the security detail resting on my shoulder. He mumbles something to me, while holding out a card. I mutter my name at his request for it, and hear the words, "New attire, charge to, please accept..." But I'm not listening anymore. I'm watching the back of the man that brought me here, and once again he's leaving.

It only takes seconds, for me to lose sight of him in the crowd outside. I reluctantly, bring my eyes back to the suit in front of me, and take the card being offered. He gives me a sharp, respectful nod, and before I can ask him anything, he's turned and followed Christian out of the coffee shop.

I gape after him dumbfounded.

It's happened again. Why does he stun me to the bone?

As sense, slowly returns. I note the room is still quiet and eyes are lingering in my direction. I can feel my cheeks flame as the hurt and disappointment rushes through me. My embarrassment, becomes unbearable, when looks of sympathy, and amusement, begin to head my way. All the attention is suddenly too much, and I need to get out of here.

Ignoring the eyes that follow me, and the baristar calling after me, offering me another drink. I head out of the coffee shop, and allow myself to be swallowed up by the crowd. I start to walk in the direction of Will's office, trying to ignore my growing doubts and confusion as my frustration grows.

I try to rein in my emotions as passersby glance my way, for just a second to long. I must look a sight, but I don't care. I'm to angry, no, not angry. Pissed. I'm pissed. First at myself, for once again missing my chance to speak to him, and secondly, at Christian. I'm pissed he didn't recognize me.

Then again, maybe he did and doesn't want anything to do with me. I admit consciously, and my feet falter for just a second. It's believable. I got exactly the same reaction yesterday. Instant hatred. It's written all over his face, and even if it wasn't, his disappearing act within seconds is more than enough proof that he can't get away from me quick enough.

Why? Why? Why? Why does he look at me with such venom?

Does he blames me for the death of his father?

Maybe, Aunt Meg's right, and this is all a waste of time, and a very bad idea. Maybe I should leave things as they are?

I've bumped into him twice now, and each time has ended the exact same way.

Maybe, I should take it as an omen? Maybe, I should listen to my gut.

Maybe, I should just head home?

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A/N

I'm sorry for all these dribble chapters, but the word count will grow as the story does.