Wounds to Bind Chapter 43 – "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." –Thomas Hardy, Tess of the D'Urbervilles
February 11 – TPOV
We didn't get home until after eleven, and the Boss went straight to bed. It's almost six o'clock, his hair is wet and he's dressed in sweats and running shoes. I turn on my Soundhound app. He's playing Beethoven's Piano Sonata 09, Opus 14…over and over. I text Flynn and Koch and tell them I believe he had a night terror. I text Bastille and confirm Grey's seven o'clock kick boxing appointment, followed by breakfast at Escala. Gail left breakfast sandwiches and fruit salad for us for today and tomorrow.
Grey has a golf lesson at an indoor driving range with Bastille after breakfast. I change into sweats and running shoes because I'm running with him…and not in the direction of Miss Steele's condo. We're running at Lake Union. I text Sawyer and suggest he invite the Grey boys to go wall climbing with him this afternoon. I'll suggest pizza, beer and watching ESPN tonight to take Grey's mind off things. Tomorrow will sort itself.
XXX – APOV
We all arrive in professional clothes at Saturday's class. Cassie likes the navy column dress with pale blue accessories. She approves of the mid-heel navy pumps and purse. She approves of the left-side braid in my hair and the silver jewelry and minimal makeup. I explain this afternoon is lunch and spa day with Kate and Mia, so I get a pass on my manicure until tomorrow.
She throws one of the men's ties away. She forbids them to wear polyester ties. She recommends where to find silk ties. She recommends having suits of one color, plain white shirts, with plain and textured but not patterned ties. I think back at Christian's grey suits, his perfectly starched and ironed white shirts and his drawer of 36 different textured ties in shades of pale grey to midnight black. I remember his workout clothes are all grey also, coordinating no matter what he's doing in the gym. His underwear is grey or black, ditto with the socks. Why are clothes so fucking easy for men?
Cassie asked each of us to bring a party/event ensemble with us, and she critiques them also. She loves the Winter Gala ensemble I bought with me, including the shoes, purse and wrap. She asked what I wore for jewelry. When I tell her pearl drop earrings and pearl bracelet, she claims it's too much white and recommends color, suggesting sapphire, ruby or emerald earrings with matching tennis bracelet.
We get printouts of the selfies we sent this week. I've bombed…only three out of twelve were 'right' and the remainder have comments regarding accessories or hair. Tonight's assignment is find and print twelve hairstyles I like. I have to put the printout or tear sheets into plastic sleeves to take to class. The problem is…if there are more than five steps…I'm not interested in learning how to do it. I'm even less interested in printing the Cassie approved hairstyle on one side of a 4x6 card with the directions on the other side for inclusion in my wardrobe binder.
For the last few minutes of class, we are ordered to share a tip we've learned about clothes or closet organization. I share Kate's space saver hangers. Everyone knows about them…but no one thought to use a space saver hanger to hold one day's ensemble. Even Cassie approves of the tip, and recommends it would be an easy way to assemble one's wardrobe for the week.
The best tip I hear is the guy who watches the You Tube videos. He has a word processing app open while watching the videos. He copes the title, and types his synopsis. He purchased printable postcards and formats his word processing. It beats handwriting each of those postcard synopses. I'm ordering some printable postcards off Amazon.
XXX
At Aqua Spa, I tell Serena about my hair assignment. I stress the hairstyle can only have five or six directions. She helps me go through the various hairstyle books in the salon. I pick a dozen which seem easy enough to do. I photograph them with their directions on my phone. I can print them on Cassie's required 4x6 cards with directions. While I'm having a detox massage, I laid there and cleared my mind…hoping clothing issues will soon pass.
XXX
Shawn and Harley take pity on my mentally exhausted ass. They bring dinner, which is citrus roasted chicken breasts, lemon couscous, asparagus and a tossed salad with citrus vinaigrette. We open a cold bottle of white wine and they make me laugh for hours, erasing my whines about clothes, hair and makeup. I explain about the binder assignment and Shawn gives it a once-over, critiquing outfits and generating three more outfits I hadn't considered. Once he feels the lists are complete, he leaves me to update my word document and print it for the binder. He helps create a cover picture for the binder which has one casual, work, cocktail and event picture on the front, with accessories and jewelry. He says it will gain me points with Cassie. I hope so.
Shawn announces he's consignment shopping over the long weekend. He plans to purchase spring and summer items for my wardrobe.
Sunday, February 12 – APOV
Everyone leaves their binders on Cassie's desk. We'll get them back next Friday night with reviews. We're all in jeans and t-shirts today to work on hair, makeup and grooming. The gentlemen are distressed as the aestheticians wax their eyebrows, ears and teach them to trim nose hairs. They don't do well with facials or manicures either.
Each lady is assigned an aesthetician. Mine wraps my hair in a towel to conduct a one hour makeup lesson. I learn to apply casual, professional and dressy makeup. She assures me I have the skin tone and skin quality to wear minimal makeup. She teaches me to make a smoky eye. It's not as stressful as I thought it would be.
Cassie critiques hairstyles. Several of the men receive haircuts. However, for the next two hours, I'm subjected to practicing hairstyles. I tell my aesthetician I'm a big fan of ponytails, so she concentrates on teaching me five easy hairstyles. Cassie says I need to work on my messy updo, because it's too messy to be considered a hairstyle. It is the perfect mop for housecleaning! We talk about hair accessories I can buy online, like the bun, French twist, or angel braid maker. She said to use them until I can master hairstyles, but she recommends at least an hour of practicing hairstyles and applying makeup on weekends when I have free time.
The last hour of class is spent working on jewelry and scents. I luck out, my skin tone will accept gold, white gold, silver, copper and rose gold. Black titanium jewelry makes my skin look pasty. Cassie has a dozen tester bottles of scents for men and women. I've seen those designer scents on Mom's or Kate's dressing table. I wasn't impressed with them before, I'm not impressed with them now. Cassie suggests buying designer sample lots online if we don't want to test scents at department stores every weekend for a few months. Then we can test one daily for a week or two. Cassie claims using the same suite of toiletries makes our lives easier, albeit boring. Right now…I'll stay with boring…less decisions to make daily. However, I will order two or three sets of perfume samples when I order the hairdo helpers, and put the order invoice in my binder with makeup and hair tips. What I smell and don't like, I'll set aside to share with Hannah, Amber, Claire and Emily. What they don't take – I'll dump in a Ziploc bag and give to Grace for her charity event. The issue is I'm required to evaluate each of the samples. Not so much of an issue when I can research them online and discover their 'notes' and other consumer reviews. Cassie gives us a list of You Tube videos she swears will help us if we take time to watch them. It's really an assignment, not a suggestion, since the video list is accompanied by synopses questions to answer.
Prescott takes me to the mall. I need to shop for Mia's present. I have three ideas, it's just a matter of finding one of them as expediently as possible. One hour later – wrapped present in hand – Prescott takes me to an office supply store, grocery shopping and picking up dry cleaning.
I'm hungry when we finally get back to the condo. I raid the refrigerator while putting things away. I set up the kitchen counter to make take and bake lasagnas for Valentine's Day. I count six – Dad and Laura, Shawn and Harley, the Rodriguez men, Kate and Elliot, the Kavanaghs, and the Greys. Once they are assembled and in the freezer, I print the baking directions. I prep breakfast and lunches for the week.
I pick the clothes to wear tonight. We're having dinner at the Kavanaghs, so I choose navy leggings and tunic sweater with low-heeled navy ankle boots. A high pony braid and petite silver hoops – I ought to pass inspection. Plus, my neck will be exposed…STFU inner goddess! I have to take a dozen more selfies this week and email them to Cassie for critiquing. I pick five outfits for work which are selfie worthy. I'm taking a nap before tonight. When I return from dinner, it's an hour of walking practice, while listening to Cassie's You Tube videos. I know I need help on Mia's birthday.
"Shawn, I need help fixing my hair for a birthday dinner party on the fifteenth. I'd like to be able to go from work to the dinner party." I try to enlist his help.
"What are you wearing?" Shawn is all about the clothes.
"The watercolor print dress, purple accessories, pearl studs, dressy gold watch," I wait for his critique of my ensemble. "I know it is a spring dress, but I need some color in my life right now."
"I'll meet you at your work by six. I'll fix your hair. How about a messy updo… something a man can look at and fantasize about pulling the pins out and letting it down." Shawn suggested.
"You are evil," I laughed.
XXX – TPOV
Gail arranged for workers to replace the kickboxing dummy. She sent suits and shirts to the cleaners while we were in New York. She cooked like a fiend and stocked the freezers and pantry. While I appreciate the household staff in New York…none compare to my Gail. I used to look forward to Sunday evenings. At six p.m. Grey's current fuck toy left, and by seven p.m. Gail was back at Escala. Now there is no fuck toy and we have wedding planning dinners on Sunday evening. The CPOs and I take turns shooting one another with rubber band guns in the kitchen at Grey Manor while eating delicious dinners. At the Kavanagh house, we split the duties among the CPOs. Sawyer and I have hour one, while Prescott and Anders grab dinner. Hour two we trade tasks. We'll ready to wring Katherine Kavanagh's neck when the evening edges into hour three.
XXX
Christ, what is she up to? He's pissy because it's a full house for dinner at Chateau de Kavanagh tonight, so the chances of a private conversation with her are slim and none. Friday night she couldn't have a quick dinner with him because she said she had class. Prescott confirmed Ana attended class, but Prescott stays outside, guarding the perimeter. She does not provide details. Saturday morning was another class, followed by lunch with Kate and Mia followed by spa day. Prescott said she had dinner guests. I infer it wasn't coworkers, but Prescott won't say who. She does say Ana was alone by ten p.m. so she could rest for class.
Today Ana attended class again. Prescott drove to the appointment and provided security. Then there were errands to run. Prescott claimed Ana spent the afternoon prepping for next week. I don't have answers for Grey about the situation. Ana's not telling Kate who is not telling Elliot who is not telling Grey. Clusterfuck squared.
Prescott refuses to take pictures of everyone in the class, so we can conduct facial recognition to find out who they are. She explains Ana's schedule is supposed to be off limits to inquiries by Grey House Security. She says if we don't back off, she'll tell Ana about our inquiries. Grey's pissed because Ana's holding to Wednesday night as date night and isn't dropping everything to run to Escala when he gets the urge to see her.
She's taciturn tonight; he's quiet and reserved tonight. It is Christian, Elliot, Kate and Ana on one side of the table facing off against Ethan, Mia and the Greys on the other side with the Kavanaghs holding court at the ends of the table. Dinner was another gourmet meal prepared by the Kavanaghs' cook and served by the maid. She freezes and almost spills the soup course on Mia because she's too busy staring at Christian. Ana focuses on her hands in her lap and bites her lip to keep from laughing, which causes Grey to stare at her like she's the entrée. Did I say clusterfuck squared? It's a clusterfuck cube. Kate comes to the rescue and helps gob-smacked maid serve.
The dinner guests were served Wild Rice Soup garnished with scallion curls for starters. The entrée course was Roasted Pork Loin, Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Sautéed Spinach with Cherry Tomatoes in Lemon Butter Sauce. A dry Riesling was poured. Dessert was a Champagne Sorbet garnished with a chocolate-covered rose petal. It's too many taste sensations for Ana. She eats the bland offerings, but toys with the remainder which aggravates the Boss. She doesn't bother to look in his direction because if she catches his eye – he'll glare at her, silently ordering her to eat.
The wedding conversation centers on the reception. Mia insists the reception venue will hold 250 people at table rounds of eight people with bar, banquet, stage and dancing. This does not make mothers happy. Mia announces she already has issues with the catering. They have an appointment the first Saturday afternoon in March with catering. They have to pick the menu by then to have the cards printed to include in the invitation. She will email Grace, Kate and Celeste printouts of their options.
Mia guides the conversation away from the sticky guest and food situations to discussing the Save-the-Date cards/magnets and the upcoming engagement announcement on Valentine's Day. Everyone is looking forward to the holiday weekend. Grey invites everyone to Aspen for one last perfect weekend of skiing over Presidents Day weekend. Ana apologizes and turns down the invitation, Ray and Laura are coming to town.
At the end of the evening, Carrick holds Ana's coat for her, because Grey has been sidelined with business by Eamon Kavanagh. Carrick entrusted Ana to me. I walked her to Prescott's SUV and ensured she was safely ensconced. I ask Prescott to take her directly home. She appears tired. Their date night is Mia's birthday. While Ana agrees to attend Mia's birthday dinner at Grey Manor, Grey is obvious he wants quality alone time with her.
XXX – CPOV
"May I touch?" Anastasia ran her hand down my chest, feeling muscles ripple and feeling my breath catch. Her fingernails grazed my nipples and I hissed. "I want to touch your happy trail…" She feathered kisses across my jawline, down to my collarbones, down my chest while avoiding the scars, and across my hipbones.
"Don't tease me…" I stared down at her as her petite little hand encircled my erect cock.
She stroked up and down, slowly, torturing me. Her sweet little tongue snaked out and licked me on that spot…that sweet hot spot on the underside of my cock…just below the swollen and tender helmet. Her mouth made me swell to the point I had to edge myself or this would be over too soon.
I reached down for her, grabbing her up to me, pushing her against the wall. My mouth crashed onto her eager mouth, capturing her breathy sigh. Her sweet honey lips parted and let my tongue dance with hers.
I abandoned her mouth in search of her breast, taking the hard peak into my mouth. I swirled my tongue over the pebbled flesh as her hands found my short copper curls and held my mouth captive. My teeth nipped at her, lashing the peak with my tongue. She writhed against me when I switched breasts. I held her by the ass against the wall. Her heartbeat raced and her breathing quickened.
"Please," she begged me. "Let me touch you…"
I angled her body against the wall so I could gain entry into her sweet spot. She wiggled at the brush of my cock against her sensitive tissues. I bent my knees and pushed up into her…feeling her warm soft wetness envelope me, grasping me tightly. "God, you are so tight and so wet…" I pulled back and thrust upwards again, holding her there. My mouth found hers again, as she cried out when I seated myself fully in her. I pinioned into her, keeping her body pinned against the wall. God, we were a perfect fit…why didn't she realize how perfect we were together? I thrust into her one more time…. feeling my legs tremble as I lost control and buried myself deep in Anastasia before I felt my release.
And…I woke…alone in my bed…and so miserable without her. I'm tempted to throw on clothes, drive to her condo and crawl into her bed. Instead, I showered, played the piano and caressed the soft satin bow on her Valentine's Day present.
February 14 – APOV
Prescott hands me a dozen white roses and a box of gourmet truffles when she arrives to take me to work. It's a quick task to set the roses on one of my nightstands. The card says, Thinking of You, CG. I take the chocolates to work to share with everyone at the editorial meeting today. I'm glad I opened it before the meeting. Inside, in the middle of the box, is a red velvet pouch…with diamond heart-shaped stud earrings. Why is he giving me roses, chocolates and diamonds? I it an apology for the ruined date…or an agenda. I guess I'll be discussing this with Mary tonight.
The editorial meeting opens with an update on the national search for the ePublishing Editor. Grey Construction will not be reconfiguring offices over the long weekend. The new editor will take Hyde's office. His or her support staff will take the support staff space previously occupied by Lauren. One dozen manuscripts which are in progress are discussed. PR and Finance are in attendance to discuss the current status of manuscripts going to the printer, book launches and new author media appearances.
Mia invited me to lunch…fabulous chicken Caesar wraps and green tea. Ethan sent her a box of chocolate dipped strawberries for the holiday. We read the engagement announcement again. "Mr. and Mrs. Eamon Kavanagh announce the engagement of their daughter, Katherine Agnes Kavanagh to Elliot Trevelyan Grey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carrick Grey…"
"I've read it over a dozen times," Mia confessed. "What are you doing tonight?" She looks over my red angora sweater and black pants.
"You mean how am I celebrating Singles Awareness Day?" I laughed. "I am having dinner with a woman friend. Then I'm going home, lighting candles and pampering myself with a hot bubble bath and bed."
"Come clubbing with me…" Mia requested. "It's a shame to waste a gorgeous vintage sweater on dinner with a girlfriend."
"Nope, but I will be at Grey Manor for your birthday tomorrow night. Believe it or not, I shopped for your birthday." I teased her. "Actual, real, braving the crowds at the mall shopping."
"So if you won't go clubbing tonight, will you go clubbing Friday night? One of my night clubs is having Flashback Friday. It's karaoke night." Mia explained.
"I can't come until after 10, but I'll bring friends," I offered.
"As long as they are willing to sing and dance, I don't have a problem. Thanks for trying to donate blood this morning." Mia offered me another strawberry.
"Thanks for coordinating it. But, please don't tell Christian I couldn't donate because I don't weigh enough. I can't deal with being nagged at to eat. I like your new office décor," I looked at the photo collage pillows on her outer office couch and the photo collages framed on the wall above the couch. Each one is created from pictures, programs, and newspaper announcements from an event she planned. It's a creative way to show off the events Grey Calendars had planned to date. There's a picture of Christian holding the food platter at the Grey Publishing open house. I'm standing next to him. We're gazing fondly at each other. Damn…another picture of the enigmatic Christian Grey and friend.
"There will be a new pillow tomorrow," Mia grinned. "I have a great picture of Christian, Elliot and Kate all donating blood. I also got a picture of Taylor and Sawyer donating blood."
"Don't tell me…Sawyer or Taylor got light headed afterwards," I scoff.
"Oh hell no…Elliot fainted. He smacked his head on the table on the way to the floor. Kate's pissed, because he's got a bruised face again. She's so glad the engagement announcement pictures are done." Mia laughed and related the story.
"Hasn't he ever seen the sight of blood before?" The phlebotomist asked Christian in a snotty tone of voice.
"I'm sorry, but we don't practice blood-letting at our house," Kate snapped at her. "He fainted because you are too busy staring at my future-brother-in-law to make sure Elliot drank his juice before he tried to leave." She turned to Christian, "If you're hanging out, waiting for Ana to show, she was here before she went to the gym. She's probably in the shower now, getting ready for work. If Taylor, Sawyer and you are done, will you please help me get Elliot on his feet so we can get out of here? All you pretty boys are causing a crowd to gather."
XXX – APOV
Mary orders a French dinner for us. The food is delicious…but we both make yummy noises when we eat the three-chocolate mousse. Mary asks what I want in a man. I am mute; Christian is the only man I've ever wanted. I'm not on a mission to heal him anymore. I'm on a mission to grow up and feel comfortable at wedding events for Kate. He has to deal with his own issues.
"There's a list of traits women want in a man…tall and good-looking with a good build and chemistry, intelligent, well-educated and confident, good income or good income potential, older, protective and a gentleman. Those traits were wanted by almost 75 percent of the single women polled in America. So…how does Christian fit the list?" Mary inquired.
"I don't think he's confident all the time…" I bit my lip. "I think he projects a great game, but I've seen his face, and there's a scared four-year-old boy who owns a part of his soul."
"There's a scared four-year-old in all of us," Mary noted wryly. "The traits men like in women are confidence, humor, attractiveness, good manners with appropriate language, feminine, honest, independent, understanding, approachable, affectionate, creative, encouraging, adaptable, and presentable. And, believe it or not…a woman who smells good. SO how do you measure up?"
I don't think I'm confidant or creative. But I think I have good manners and am honest. Kate and Christian said I'm pretty. Christian used to say I smell good. I slam the door shut on the memory of him burying his nose in my panties! I shrug at Mary. "Perhaps I don't know how to analyze myself."
"The self-doubt you have is because your psyche knows where you are vulnerable, and that's where it attacks when you experience self-doubts and anxieties." Mary watched my face. "What was that thought?"
"I think you're right about my psyche attacking me where I'm vulnerable." I smiled wanly.
"You need to rely on your instincts. Having a mother who was either emotionally absent or emotionally overbearing caused issues for you. I have seen your achievements in college and at your work. You have remarkable inner strength and courage. This is the time for you to grow as a person. It is the time to work on your future. Solidify your self-esteem. You can't base your present and future choices on old insecurities and past history. You are loved and are capable of love. Through Cassie's help, you will polish skills which will make you self-confident."
"And then?" I wonder where this pep talk is headed.
"Then you are never celebrating another Singles Awareness Day." Mary commented. "Hypothetically, who do you want to date?"
"Someone tall, dark and handsome, who loves literature as much as I do. Someone who wants to run an antique store with a bookstore and a tea shop all in one building." I shrugged. "I might as well wish for the impossible all at once."
"Grey is tall and handsome...the dark you'll have to decide upon yourself." Mary counseled. "There was a thought." She observed my frown.
"Christian is incredibly handsome, intelligent and articulate when he wants to be. Seriously, any woman pre-menstrual to post-menopausal would look at him at least twice…and get tongue-tied in the process. When I compliment his looks…he always says, 'It's just a face.' I'm tired of the Greys' maid or the Kavanaghs' maid who almost dump food and drink on me because they are busy staring at him. I have to figure out how I feel about everyone watching him…and watching me with him…and wishing they were me. I don't like feeling I'm lacking…and replaceable."
Last Sunday I was starving after class and shopping, so I raided the refrigerator. Then I prepped take and bake lasagnas for family and friends for Valentine's Day. Consequently, at dinner time, I wasn't hungry. I didn't eat like I should have, which vexed him…but I can't fix me and him right now. Mary and I talked about my lack of appetite at dinner Sunday night. I swear I ate too much lunch after Cassie's class – not because I was upset by the maid eye-fucking Christian. That conversation segued into my not being able to donate blood until I weigh 110 pounds. Mary said as I continue to work out and build muscle, I will gain muscle weight. She said not to stress over it. She said if it happens, it happens. If not, there are other ways to volunteer.
"I did your assignment from three weeks ago. Something that's a need – I tried to donate blood and couldn't, so I donated to their online fundraiser. Something to read – I'm researching raising Pomsky puppies. Something you share – I'm partying with friends on Friday for karaoke night. Something that shows you care – I invited my Dad and Laura to Seattle for the weekend, with my college friend José. I'm spending the three-day weekend cleaning, cooking and entertaining family."
"Good, although I have another assignment for you. You've been busy organizing your work life, wardrobe, your new condo, your budget…and now prepping for Kate's wedding. You must take some down time for Ana. I don't mean down time where you're researching Cassie ordered topics on the internet. You need perspective on your life. I know you said you have issues and Christian has issues."
"I think of how I've been intimidated by him, awed by him, infuriated by him…and all the times I couldn't control my smart mouth. Sometimes I wonder if there's enough therapy or magic in the world to get us on the same page and working with one another.'"
"Tell me something he does that awes you…and I'm not talking sex." Mary directed.
"Christian feels it's his obligation to help feed the world because he was hungry as a child. Grey House donates truckloads of food to the Northwest Food Bank. He arranges food drops to Darfur. He says he has no heart…but I think he has a wonderful caring side to him…when he doesn't go overboard and stalkerish and becomes a control freak."
"Speaking of control. How are you handling your mother's emails with constant wedding hints?" Mary looked at her list of questions for me.
"Mostly I'm ignoring them. However, I share the really outrageous ones with Kate. Mom is great comic relief lately." I find myself grinning from memory of Mom's disdain for the sapphire and amethyst color scheme. I share the email with Mary.
Mary laughed. "This week…love yourself. Burn the candles. Drink the wine. Use the best sheets and towels. Wear your fancy lingerie and your best dress. Situations are like the weather…they will change."
XXX
"You're not a member," Dominic stopped Elena Lincoln from entering Locke and Keyes.
"Don't be tedious!" Elena snapped "It's open mixer night."
"It's open mixer night for new clients, and single Doms/Dommes and submissives." Dominic protested. His large, bodybuilder frame barred the entrance.
"Well, I'm a single Domme," Elena informed him. "You've let six of my clients pass. I'm here to keep an eye on them."
Dominic's refusal was interrupted by a message on his cell phone. 'Entry fee for the evening for Mistress Elena is $1K.'
"Aedan said it's a special – we don't want your patronage – entry fee. One thousand dollars. Cash." Dominic smirked.
Elena's eyes narrowed. She lost her home, 99 percent of her funds, but she would be damned if she would turn tail and run. "Challenge accepted," she offered a VISA card to Dominic.
"So you can call the company tomorrow and refuse to pay the charges? We're not that stupid. ATM's over there." Dominic pointed at a large machine in a small private alcove.
"What if I can't withdraw $1K on this card?" Elena groused.
"You'd better hope you have a second one which will let you take $1K or the balance." Dominic shrugged. "Otherwise you aren't coming in tonight." He waited until Elena gave him ten $100 bills. "Aedan says your first drink is free. He's at the first floor bar."
Elena glided to the first floor bar, accepting a glass of white wine from Aedan. It wasn't her usual standard of wine, but she couldn't afford a bottle of Sancerre tonight.
"This is your only warning. Restrain yourself or I will take great pleasure in throwing you out of here. If it's not under contract to you…you don't touch. If it doesn't agree to a scene with you tonight…you don't touch."
"Where's Sabine?" Elena purred.
"Resting. It's tax season," Aedan's eyes challenged Elena.
"I should ask her to do the taxes for the salons," Elena sipped her wine.
"I thought the IRS was doing the taxes on your salon chain." Aedan assessed her. "You must miss your afternoons of drinking Sancerre while watching the sea winds tousle Christian Grey's copper locks. Your normally brilliant, scathing personality is missing along with your diamonds. Good luck with your recruitment efforts…without your funds…or Christian Grey's funds…I predict you won't find any playmates tonight."
Elena threw the rest of her wine in his face.
Aedan reached for the PA system and activated it. "Red, first bar."
Within seconds six beefy men in Locke and Keyes security attire advanced on the bar. "Mrs. Lincoln is leaving because she's incapable of behaving herself. Leave quietly or I'm calling SPD. Don't come back. You will never be allowed entrance again. You'll just have to go home…rent porn off pay-per-view…and self-flagellate." Aedan would save a copy of tonight's situation to show to Sabine. It would be a perfect extra Valentine's gift for his pretty girl. He would share Lincoln's $1K entry fee among the security staff. If Elena planned to fuck with Sabine while she was bored…Aedan would give her a rude awakening.
XXX
I'm grateful to be home, and the bubble bath was heaven…but I can't sleep. I decide to watch some of Cassie's You Tube recommended videos. As one ends, I stand and sit properly. It's a good thing Cassie has a list for this round, because there is a plethora of how to write introductory paragraphs videos for business reports, term papers, etc.
Look at each person in order. Speak clearly. Use first and last names in casual introductions. Finding/knowing a shared common interest makes casual introductions easier. Teach children to use adult titles. Use your spouse and children's last names if they are different from yours. Use preferred names and titles, especially in business introductions. Introduce the large group to the individual. Introduce person of lesser business rank to person of higher business rank. Interviews and introductions. How to write an introduction letter. How to introduce yourself at a funeral. How to introduce yourself to sales associates. How to introduce yourself using email. How to introduce yourself before you teach a seminar or conduct a presentation.
I hate rules. I need to turn off my brain and go to bed.
