Seeds of Doubt

A/n: This is a flashback to when they were still together and the first seeds of doubt were sewn into Christians mind. Sorry update took so long, I literally have no spare time between work and uni :( damn science degree and need for money!

The smile on her face was bright as she left the master bedroom. Her behind stung slightly from the hit he had managed to land as she made a run for it. She raced for the island in the centre of the kitchen, and ran to the other side before ducking down.

She could hear his footsteps as he made his way to where he thought she had gone.

"You know I will find you," His voice rang clear around the kitchen, and she smirked to herself. That was what she counted on. It would be what she always counted on.

She heard his footsteps once more, and she began to crawl around the island, ensuring he didn't find her just yet.

"Sir," She sighed, maybe the footsteps weren't his after all. When would they ever get to do something without being interrupted? "Ms Lincoln is on her way up."

There came no reply, and so she stayed where she was. All too quickly she heard the ping of the elevator doors as they opened.

"Ms Lincoln," The voice from before announced. She fought the urge to stand, instead choosing to wait and listen.

"All alone I see," She could hear the smirk on Ms Lincolns face as she spoke, making her hand twitch in the manner he usually said his did when she used her smart mouth.

"No," His answer was short and blunt. "What do you want?"

She didn't know whether to listen in, or to stand and make herself known. It was rude to eavesdrop, but she couldn't help but think this would be the only way to find out what the women was here for.

"So, still infatuated with your little pet then," There was poison in the elder ladies voice as she spoke, making her hairs stand on end.

"She's no pet Elena! You have no right to talk about her like that," he growled in response. "But either way it's no business of yours."

"Of course it's business of mine Christian!" She spat. "This new infatuation of yours could cost you gravely! You are losing focus, becoming weak. You are losing your ruthless streak that made you the business man you are today."

"Once again Elena, my empire is no concern of yours. I have paid you back, with interest. I have invested in your business, given you revenue when no one else would even bother looking twice at your failing business," His voice is cold.

"When you had a real sub, you were a real man, a force to be reckoned with in every aspect of your life. When you were living the lifestyle I taught you, you were invincible in all of your conquests. Do you really think that this is what you want? How long do you think this newest brunette can hold your interest before you get bored? You are a sadist Christian, nothing more, nothing less. You are incapable of giving someone more, so I don't know why you keep trying with this one! She can't satisfy your needs, just like you can't satisfy hers. She needs a loving flowers and hearts man, while you need a spineless brunette that you can whip into submission. Although they never last," She hears footsteps, the soft clink of heels as Elena moves towards Christian. She knows she should stand, but she can't. She needs to know what will happen next. "The only one that ever lasted was me, Christian. I am what you need, not her."

"Don't you dare touch me," his voice is little more than a growl, and followed by his hasty footprints as he retreats. "I don't need you."

She decides now is when she should make herself known.

"Hello Elena," She says as she stands from her hiding place. "I think it's time you leave."

"I don't think that is your choice Anastasia," The older woman replies, turning to glare at the brunette. "The longer this goes on Christian, the more you will hurt her. Is that what you want? You want to hurt and destroy this youngster? You don't have a heart, you aren't incapable of love. Love is for weaklings Christian; and you are not weak like her; you are strong like I am. She already thinks of herself as more, you need to end this."

"That's because she is more Elena," His voice was quiet. "Ana was right, you need to leave now."

"Hmph," Elena turned to leave, escorted by Taylor. "You are making a grave mistake Christian." She stated before entering the awaiting elevator.

She turned to Christian, who stood there motionless.

"She is a manipulative old hag Christian, pay her no attention," She said, walking towards him. "She knew you during a tough time, a time when you needed guidance. She took advantage of you. You have the largest heart I have ever known. Just because you have never felt love towards another woman, does not mean that you don't care. You care for them all, hence why you make the contract, to make sure you don't push them too far, and so that they enjoy it as well as you. If you were a true sadist, you would not set limits, you would just push them."

She took his head in her hands, and he gently leant into her hands, lost eyes looking into hers.

"You just needed to find the right person to teach you how to love," She said, smiling sweetly at him. "It's hard, we both know that, but we are doing our best. I don't know if what we are doing is right or wrong, but what I do know is that you are the most amazing man I know. In the month we have known each other, the changes in you are enormous, and I can't imagine life without you."

"I can't imagine life without you either…" His voice is small as he looks into her eyes. "And that's what scares me more then anything."