Chapter 4

CPOV

Tonight my brother is having a birthday party at his house. I wouldn't normally go, but he did help me dodge a huge bullet with my family about Ana. I'll just show up long enough to say hello and have a drink, then I can leave and finish some work.

I get to the party and everything is fine… until I see her. Ana's here. I haven't seen her since we broke off our arrangement but she is just as beautiful and stunning. I stand, making small talk with one of Elliot's friends from high school while I watch Ana from across the room. Then I see him, José. He walks up to Ana, puts his arm around her, gives her a drink, and kisses her on the cheek. What the fuck is this? She's dating him? She's dating the guy who tried to force his tongue down her throat when she was inebriated? My blood boils. What is she doing? Does she have no regard for her personal safety?

I planned on leaving by now but I think I'll stay and keep an eye on her. She obviously can't. I make my way outside and try and make some more small talk. I think I've been out here for about twenty minutes. I see her walking outside alone and decide this is my opportunity.

"Anastasia, may I speak with you for a moment privately?"

She looks up at me in shock. "Christian, I didn't know you were here." At first, my thoughts go to how she says my name and that I actually like it. I snap back to the present.

"Well, I am. A moment please?" I can tell she's been drinking and is slightly drunk. She nods at me and I take her arm leading her to a quiet and secluded spot. I try to hide my anger but I can't. "You're with him now?"

She looks up at me in shock, opening and then closing her mouth without responding. "Christian, it's none of your concern who I am or am not dating." I can feel the anger rising from within.

"Are you fucking him?" Ana looks at me with a mixture of bewilderment and anger.

"Christian, that is none of your goddamn business! I can't believe you! We aren't together. We aren't anything. We just fucked, remember?"

"Last time I saw him he was trying to shove his tongue down your throat when you couldn't defend yourself. I had to save you from him."

"Save me? You call that saving me? I would have been better off taking my chances with him. At least I know he cares something about me."

"Ana, you're the one who broke things off with me. You're the one who didn't want to sign the contract."

"Christian, I need more than kinky sex. I need someone who wants more."

"And that person for you is José? Seriously, Anastasia?"

"I don't know."

"You're mine, Anastasia."

"No, I'm not. I never was." Her voice cracks and I can see her strong mask start to break down.

I look at her and feel some unknown emotion but I don't want to fight with her anymore. "You never gave me the chance." Her bright blue eyes dart up to mine and her breath hitches. Before either of us has the chance, I grasp her face in my hands and bring my lips down to hers. I kiss her with all that I have pulling her body against mine while at the same time pushing her against the brick wall. I don't want to let her go. The spark that we both felt that day in May is still there. I allow my kiss to consume her. She has her hands in my hair and gently tugs. I press my erection into her and abruptly stop the kiss.

I'm breathing heavy. "Jesus Christ, Ana. What you do to me. Does he kiss you like that? Does he make you feel the same way I do?"

She's still panting, "Christian, please."

I'm still pressing my body into hers. I place my finger under her chin to lift her face and look at me. Slowly I close my eyes and rub my nose up and down hers. I give her a sweet kiss and whisper, "Anastasia."

I open my eyes and look at her, she has tears in her eyes. "Christian, I can't do this." I step back and she squeezes past me and goes back into the house.


APOV

I go into the house as quickly as I can and lock myself in the bathroom before anyone can see me. What just happened? Does Christian want me back or does he just not want me with anyone else?

Why can't this be simple? José cares for me and he's there, uncomplicated. But Christian, he brings out feelings in me I didn't even know were possible. I try to calm down and rinse my face with cool water. I stare at myself in the mirror trying to figure out my next steps. Was this just a one-last-thing with Christian or was it more? How do I even know?

Just then there's a knock on the door. "Ana, are you OK?" It's José.

"Um, yeah. I'll be right out." Shit. I open the door and he's standing there looking concerned.

"Are you not feeling well? Do you want to go home?" I look at him and nod. Maybe if I just get out of here things will be OK. José and I make our way through the party to find Kate and Elliot and tell them we're leaving.

As we walk out the door hand in hand I see Christian. His eyes are dark and clouded he looks angry but also something else, maybe sad? I look back at him, our eyes locking, and I feel that pull again. It doesn't go away. It won't go away. José turns and sees Christian, he looks at me and tugs my hand. Then in a complete power move against Christian he gives me a kiss on the cheek and we walk out.

"José, I know what you did back there. Why?" José starts his car and we drive off back towards the apartment.

"He was looking at you all night long. I was just letting him know what is mine."

"José, I'm not your property. I'm not anyone's property." I am so confused, so conflicted. I feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. One choice will only hurt the other. He pulls up in front of the apartment and gives me a kiss.

"Ana, can I come up? Can I stay with you tonight?"

I shake my head. "No, José. Not yet." I can see the hurt in his eyes but I know if I let him upstairs it will only make things more complicated.