Authors note: Hello! Glad to see a few of you have followed my story already. :) Also, I would like to say there is a reason for Ana's demons in my story, keep reading and you will see that it is not just because of Christian. :) ENJOY! and please review, I love reading suggestions. Also, sorry about the short chapter, promise the next will be longer.

Chapter Two: open wounds

"Christian," I don't know what else to say. He has his hand on my arm and is staring straight into my soul only the way he can do. His eyes look angry yet pained at the same time.

"You need to talk to me Ana", his voice is gruff and deep. It sends chills down my spine. I cannot look away from his eyes; it is as if I am underneath his spell. My body may be underneath his spell but my mind is not.

"Let go of me Christian!" I only have enough energy to whisper at him. I can't even yell. He can't do this to me, he wants control, and I do not want to be hurt again.

"Ana please just talk to him, I will call Elliot and we will come with you, we just want you to get better." Turns out Kate had had this planned for a while since she had spoken to Jose and he said I was not myself.

I drop my arms in defeat and walk over to the black SUV that is parked beside Christian. I know Taylor is behind the wheel and it makes me nervous for some reason thinking he is seeing me like this. I don't let Christian touch me as I hop up into the seat and pull on my seatbelt. Instead he follows close and him and Kate talk in hushed voices outside the SUV before he makes his way inside.

"Wait Kate, why aren't you getting in," I panick, "you promised."

Christian closes the door and motions to Taylor to go. " She will meet us there, she is waiting for Elliot." He doesn't look me in the eyes this time as he speaks. I am thankful for that. I do not want to look into his eyes. Looking into them I see a mirror of my own pain.

Once inside Escala I stand awkwardly, not knowing where to look or what to do since I have not had a place here in a while. I don't know why I am here. I watch him move around the apartment so gracefully. He moves into the kitchen and pours himself a glass of wine.

"Are you going to offer me a glass?" I ask while looking at the floor and rubbing my arms as if trying to warm up, even though it is plenty warm inside.

"I believe you have already had enough Anastasia." he looks up and takes a sip of his wine, a ghost of a smile tracing his lips.

"I don't need your help Christian." I turn on my heel and head towards the elevator, hoping to make a quick exit from this situation. While making my way into the elevator I stumble over my feet and Christian catches me.

"Still think you need more to drink?" His smug look makes me want to kill him, but his face so close to mine as he holds me makes my heart thud loudly in my chest. I idly wonder if he can hear it. I feel dizzy, and I'm not sure if it is from the alcohol or from looking at him.

"I can't do this Christian, you cannot be what I need, and I cannot be enough for you." I stammer over my words, trying to make myself sound as strong as I possibly can. I wish I could have been what he wanted me to be, but I couldn't. There is so much I wish I could tell him, so much I need to get of my shoulders.

"Anastasia please." He gently moves me over to the couch and sits me down facing him.

"Christian, I cannot get better and be around you." I look everywhere but at his face, feeling awkward and as if I am a child being lectured for doing something wrong. I know I don't believe what I'm saying, but I cannot stay with him and wind up hurting him again. The demons I've encountered and kept within since walking away from Christian will be too much for him. They are too much for me.

"I wanted you to stay Ana, please hear me out and let me take care of you, let me fix what I have done". He looks so sad, so guilty that he caused me so much pain and suffering. I cannot get over this man, I am struggling so hard to stay away. I look up at him and know he is being genuine. He always was when I was seeing him, but it's hard. I am not sure if I want to open up to him again.

He cradles my face with his hand and I lean into it welcoming his soft touch. While I have my eyes closed he grabs my arm and attempts to lift my sleeve to see my arm. Kate must have told him.

"Don't" I try to push him away but he holds me closer. When he sees the marks he drops my arm and stands up, pacing back and fourth from the couch to the piano and back. His hands move through his hair leaving it a mess. He looks torn with whether to come back and hold me or stay as far away from me as he can. Instead he begins to yell.

"Jesus Christ Ana!" he pauses for a moment and walks back to the piano further away from me . " How could you do this to yourself?" " I did this, this is all my fault..." He looks as though he could cry.

"Christian stop, this isn't your fault" I cover my arms back up with my sleeves hoping hiding them away will somehow mean they are not really there. He crouches down in front of me and holds my hands in his. "Promise me you will let me make this better; I will never hurt you again Ana, please stay."