APOV

Sawyer is driving me to my dad's house. I'm nervous as to how he will take the news that I've moved in with Christian. He wasn't very pleased to hear I have a boyfriend. And we've only been together a few short weeks. I know my dad wants me safe and happy. But Christian makes me happy and I feel so incredibly safe with him. And I know in my heart, he will never intentionally hurt me. If my dad could just see this, maybe he wont be so reluctant to accepting this. I just need him to see it for himself. Hopefully, he will tomorrow when Christian and I take him out. But it's best I break the 'living together' news today. Alone.

We've just pulled into the driveway of my dad's home. Here goes nothing... or everything. Regardless if my dad approves or not, I will be with Christian and live with him. I just need to let my dad know. However, it will make it a lot easier if my dad accepts us. I take a deep breath and slowly let it out. Sawyer opens the door and I step out.

"Best of luck, Ms. Steele."

"Thanks."

I slowly walk to the porch and up the steps. The door swings open before I even reach it.

"Annie?"

"Hi, daddy." I hug him.

"What are you doing here kiddo?" He looks around. I can tell he's starting to get nervous. Crap! I should of called to let him I was coming.

"Do I really need a reason to see my dad?"

"Of course, not." He ushers me inside, closing the door. We go into the living room to sit. "Well, you look good. How are you baby girl?"

"I'm good. Really good. Great."

"Anastasia?"

"I um. I-. I want to talk to you about something." He stays quiet, waiting for me to continue. "ChristianandIarelivingtogether." I blurt out.

"What? Annie slow down. I didn't get that. Say again?"

"Christian and I are living together." I tell him clearer. He's quiet. "I've moved in with him."

"WHAT?!"

"Daddy. Please. Calm down."

"I'm sorry. I'm calm." He takes a breath. Once he's clam enough, he continues. "You're living together?"

"Yes. He's asked me to move in with him and I've agreed."

"This is getting serious awfully fast, Annie."

"I know."

"You're happy?"

"Very." I smile brightly.

"And you feel safe?"

"Impeccably." I tell him sincerely.

He nods. "He's not too old for you?"

I giggle. "Dad. He's not that much older than me. It's only about six years and some odd months difference." When is his birthday?
I know he's twenty-seven. I'll have to ask him.

He furrows his brow. "That young? I thought he owned a company and such."

"He does."

"He's quite young to have amassed such success." Dad states.

"He's very driven. Very talented." I blush, hoping to god my dad doesn't see it. "He's even bought a publishing company. He bought it for me so I could have my dream job."

"I thought you already had a job?"

"Yes. I did. As a receptionist. He knew I dreamed of going into publishing. He wants me happy."

"He bought a company just so he could give you a job?"

"He didn't just give me the job. I earned it. I have my degree and I know what I'm doing. I just transferred to the new publishing department instead of a main lobby receptionist."

"That man has more money than sense. Being a millionaire-"

"Actually, he's a billionaire."

"Is that why you're with him?"

"No! Of course, not. You know that doesn't appeal to me. I just want to be happy with the person I love."

"I know, but you come from two very different worlds, Annie. I hope he's not trying to buy your affection. Can you handle all that comes with being with someone like him?"

"I'm trying." Really. I am. "But he's not like that. In private, he's different. He's very caring and sweet. And his family is very down to earth."

He nods and continues his questions. "Doesn't he have to answer to a board before he makes decisions like that?"

"He owns his own company. He doesn't have a board." Maybe this will get my dad on 'Team Christian.' "He- He also bought Clayton's Hardware."

My dad looks murderous. "Why the fuck did he do that?!"

"He didn't know. I didn't tell him." I shake my head. "I told him about my past, but not his name. But as soon as he found out, he sold off the company piece by piece. I'm not exactly sure how that works, but Christian bankrupted him."

My dad sits back and grins. "I like him already."

"Daddy!" I say, astonished. He laughs.

"So how did your Christian find out?"

"Well, um. Christian took me to a charity thing. It was rather very dull and boring. But later we danced and it was so magical. I was lost in the moment and I saw Paul there. Daddy, I was so frightened. All your training me and I freeze when I see him."

"No, Annie. No." He says very concerned then turns serious. "Baby girl, you listen to me. Don't let that... Don't let him do this to you. You are strong. Stronger than that. Clear your mind and hear my voice when you encounter that bastard. He's only as powerful as you let him be. Show him you are no longer weak and fragile. I hope you never encounter him again but if it happens. Hold on to my voice."

I nod. I know this.

"So what did Grey do after he found out? You said he ruined him financially? Did he find out there or later?"

"There. I tried getting Christian to leave. But he was so stubborn. He put two and two together. He figured it out. Paul came out after Christian pieced the puzzle together. Christian snapped. He- He.."

"He hit him." I nod. I don't want to go into detail. Christian scared me that night. I can't tell my dad that. He'll never accept him. "Good."

I look up at my dad.

"You was worried how I would react to that."

I nod. "Yes." I whisper.

"That man was doing what any man would do. What Jose and I did for you. He was protecting you."

I nod frantically. "Yes. Yes, he was." My dad gets it!

He nods slowly. I can see he is in deep thought, rubbing his chin. I discreetly cross my fingers and stay quiet.

"You say you're very happy with this man." I nod. "He makes you feel safe." I nod. "And he proves that to you, that he loves you." I nod.

He's quiet again.

"I'd like another meeting with this man. With Christian. I wasn't very nice to him the first time, when you introduced me to him. I held what someone else did against him. That isn't right. And if you're going to be living with him. I want to know more about him, from the man himself. I want to see for myself, if you will, how safe and happy you really are. I know you're grown now and what I say doesn't count. I can't stop you from doing what you want. You're going to do as you want either way, you always have. I just want to know my baby girl is safe, happy. You'll always be my little girl, Annie. If this man is that important to you. I'll give him a shot."

"Oh, daddy!" I get up and climb on my dad's lap like I did when I was little and hug him. "I love you! He really does make me happy. And I feel so safe with him. He's my everything. And I'm his."

"I'm happy you're happy. I'm relieved you're safe." He wraps his arms around me. "But if he hurts you..."

~..~..~

We talk and visit a little longer. I made Dad and Sawyer lunch. I ate as well. I changed into my yoga shorts, sports bra and tank top, that I keep here. We go through more training, like I'm always forced to do when I visit. Though this time, Sawyer joined my dad in training me. They've exhausted me. My workout combined with Christian exhausting me last night, I'm beyond tired. So I'll shower when I get back to our suite. And probably sleep the next few days. I'm in a hurry and excited to get back to Christian anyway. I'm going back to the hotel now to tell him the news that my dad accepts us.

Dad hugs me once more at the door.

"So you want to go to dinner with us or something tomorrow?"

"I don't want to sit. I want to get out and do something. You think your hot-shot boyfriend is up for something outdoors? Or he too much of a indoorsy business type?"

I giggle. "He likes to hike. We can all go hiking?" I suggest.

"Sounds great. I'll see y'all tomorrow."

I get into the back of the SUV with Sawyer driving.

I'm too excited to wait. I want to tell Christian now. I call him. He answers on the first ring.

"Baby?" He sounds so nervous.

"Hi." I say grinning.

"How did it go?"

"Well..."

"Anastasia!"

I giggle. "He's okay with it. Happy that I'm happy." I hear him let out a breath I know he was holding. "He doesn't want to go to dinner though. I told him we can all go hiking. Is that okay?"

"Of course, baby. Anything you want. You know that."

"I'm on my way back to the hotel now. I just couldn't wait any longer to tell you."

"Thank you, baby. I don't think I could have waited a second more."