I've added a few things towards the end of chapter 5 as I felt I rushed through it a bit because I wanted to get it out before I left – so you might want to back a step and check out the changes before continuing on with this chapter.

I'm sorry for taking time to get this chapter posted, but another story kept sneaking its way into my head so I simply had to get that one into print and out of my head before I could continue this one.
It's a story about Christian, Ana and Elena – it's called The perfect birthday present if you want to check it out.

And I know I wrote in the author's note for that story that I would post this chapter like two days ago – but I kept rewriting and changing things and I didn't seem to ever feel finished with this chapter.


For all eyes to see – Chapter 6


Anastasia doesn't say much during the ride to the hospital. She simply sits and stares at her hands folded in her lap and only answers briefly to any of my attempts to start a conversation. I wonder if she's shy, or embarrassed or if she simply doesn't want to talk to me.

Fuck! I probably ruined everything by showing up at the club. She probably thinks I'm one of them; one of the drooling men that would want nothing more than to fuck the pretty stripper that has been feeding their imagination from up the stage.

Well, aren't I? What makes me different from them?

Everything, I decide. I would have wanted to fuck her even if she wasn't a stripper. Hell, unlike them, I wish she wasn't a stripper. If she weren't I could have made her my submissive, I could have taken my time getting to know every delicious inch of her.

I feel my cock growing harder as I think about it. Yes…it would have been wonderful to have Miss Steele as my submissive.

"You really didn't have to do this" Anastasia's voice rips me away from my daydreaming about her on her knees, at my mercy, eager to please me in any way possible.

"I could have taken a cab" She continues, still not taking her eyes off of her hands.

"It is my pleasure to take you" I tell her and can't help but smile at the double meaning of my words. Yes Anastasia, it will be a real pleasure to take you.

"Thank you" She whispers and for the first time since we got into the car she looks up and meet my eyes. Fuck, she's gorgeous!

She sinks her teeth into her lower lip for a few seconds and looks like she's about to say something when the car stops and Taylor announces that we have arrived at the hospital.

With me supporting her on one side and Taylor on the other, we manage to get Anastasia into the hospital and luckily it seems like a slow night and one of the doctors is able to see her almost right away.

I take a seat in the waiting room and reach for a copy of The Seattle Times, opening it up to the business section in attempt to occupy myself as I wait.

It's useless. My thoughts keep drifting away and when I've read the same article three times without being able to make out what it's really about I give up and toss the paper away.

I lean my head back and close my eyes. I hope she's not too badly hurt.


Finally, after what feels like forever, Anastasia comes back to the waiting room supported by a couple of crutches and I quickly walk over to find her looking at me, a hint of surprise in her eyes. I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Come on Anastasia, give me some credit here.

"What did he say?" I ask, trying to distract myself from the anger building inside over the fact that she obviously thought I would have left.

"I have sprained my ankle…" She explains in an almost-whisper. "…luckily it doesn't look that severe and the doctor thinks I'll recover within two or three weeks. Until then, these…" She rests her weight on her non-injured foot and holds the crutches up in the air. "…are my new best friends"

I know I should feel bad – because on some level it is actually my fault that she fell and hurt her ankle. But I can't. There's one thought rushing around my brain, leaving no room for anything else. Sprained ankle plus crutches equals no dancing. For at least two weeks.

Two weeks is plenty of time if spent the right way. I could have a two-week contract drawn up by tomorrow. With her injured wrist she might not be able to do everything that I had planned for our one night together – but in return I'll get two weeks of having her as my sub.

I look down at her injured feet, it's covered in bandages and I can't help but wonder if it will be too swollen to be restrained…

"You're smiling" Anastasia points out and I realize I am. I hadn't noticed.

"I'm just glad you're okay" I tell her as we start walking.

"I like it when you smile" She looks at me sideways and I can see a shy smile on her lips.

"Likewise, Anastasia" I say and to my surprise I find that I actually really mean it. I like it when she smiles – it lights her entire face up and makes her eyes sparkle.

We walk in silence until we reach the street outside the hospital; or rather – I walk and Anastasia limps, supporting herself on the crutches.

"Does it hurt?" I ask, scolding myself for not having asked this earlier and offered to carry her is the answer had been yes. I don't want her to hurt.

"No" She shakes her head and smiles. "The doctor gave me some pain-killers and they seem to be pretty effective"

"Good" I quicken my steps and reach the car door in time to hold it open for her to take her seat inside, which she does after almost knocking both me and herself out trying to get the crutches in with her.

I walk around the car and get in next to her. "Take us back to Escala" I command Taylor and in the corner of my eye I see Anastasia frown.

"What's Escala?" She asks.

"That's where I live" I explain and she pulls back in her seat, her frown deepening. I sigh. "I don't want you being alone when you're injured and under the influence of 'pretty effective' pain-killers"

"I'll be fine" She insists as she bores her eyes into me, her shy demeanor completely vanished.

I run a hand through my hair. Of course she doesn't want to follow a creep from the club home. I should be thrilled about that fact. But I'm not.

I'm honestly concerned about leaving her alone. She can barely walk and even though she doesn't seem to be that affected by the pain-killers – who knows when that might kick in? Or worse…what if she wakes up in pain and accidentally takes too many pills, or takes them too soon after the first dose?

What if she falls and there's no one there to help her? What if there's a fire and she won't be able to make it out of the apartment quick enough? What if… What if… What if…

What if Miss Steele wasn't so god damn stubborn and just accepted the help I'm offering?

"I don't want you being alone" I repeat, trying to get her to see that I'm insisting because I care about her – not because I'm hoping to get laid. Well, I do hope that too, but not tonight.

"I'll be fine" She repeats as well.

I clench my teeth to stop myself from saying something I might regret later. "Is there anyone you need to call that might worry if you don't get home tonight?" I ask, suddenly remembering that she has a roommate.

She shakes her head. "I would just really want you to take me home" She says and sigh. I guess I just have to have faith in Miss Kavanagh's ability to look after her friend.

Normally, I wouldn't budge on a matter like this. I don't like having to trust other people to take care of what's mine.

She's not mine – nor will she ever be, I remind myself. I don't want that. And I don't invest this kind of effort into a one-night stand!

Well, to be fair…it will be more like a two-week stand if only she agrees; I try to justify my actions to myself.

"Taylor" I address my right hand man. "Will you please make a stop on the way to take Miss Steele home?"

"Yes sir" He nods and Ana leans forward to tell him her address. He nods, not letting it show with a single look that both he and I already know where she lives.


I get out of the car and walk to the side to help Anastasia manage her crutches onto the sidewalk. She smiles shyly as she thanks me and I feel something gripping at my chest. I don't want her to leave. Not yet.

I make a rush decision and sweep her up into my arms causing her mouth to open into a perfect 'o', but she doesn't say anything. "It will take you forever to climb the stairs with those" I nod towards the crutches that have now fallen to the ground.

Why is it always rush decisions with this one? I always think things through and form careful decisions based on the possible outcomes. I don't act on a whim and I certainly don't usually go around sweeping women into my arms all the time.

"Taylor" I call to his attention, not wanting to delve to deep into my thoughts. "Would you carry Miss Steele's crutches to her apartment?" He nods and steps out of the car to obey my orders as I start walking toward the entrance with Miss Steele in my arms.

"You don't have to…" She starts protesting, but I cut her off – I don't want to hear it.

"Would you please press the code Miss Steele?" I ask and lean her towards the code panel. She rolls her eyes but still presses the code and the door opens.

As I climb the stairs I take the time to enjoy the feeling of her body against mine. She has put her arms around my neck and her head is leaning against my shoulder. If I turn my head, those sweet lips will be just about an inch away from mine.

I don't. Instead I focus on climbing the stairs and getting her home safe and sound – which won't happen if I give in to the temptation of tasting her full lips.

When we reach the door to her apartment I set her down and her arms linger around my neck while she tries to balance herself on one foot. I take the opportunity to allow myself to reach out and touch her face.

Her skin is so soft against my fingers. I slowly run my hand down the side of her face and she stops moving and leans into the touch. I reach my other arm around her waist to steady her and – I have to admit that – to pull her just a little bit closer.

She sinks her teeth into her bottom lip yet again and I lose the ability to think straight. Fuck, that's hot! I move my thumb to trace her lip and free it from her teeth. I want to lean in and let my teeth sink into it. Yes. I want to bite down on that lip and hear her moan as I taste her.

A rustling sound is heard as Taylor sets the crutches down against the wall next to the door, reminding me that we're not alone.

I take a step back, thankful for the interruption. This girl is making me forget everything that's important; rules, contracts and protecting my privacy. I can't be seen making out with a stripper! I already have too much to hide. But when she gets too close all coherent and logical thought escapes my brain. I must be careful not to let that happen again.

I loosen my grip around her waist while she takes her arms down and reaches for the crutches. She balances them in one hand as she goes about unlocking the door. She misses the keyhole a couple of times before she manages to get it right and I smirk, apparently the closeness affects her as well.

When she finally gets the door unlocked and opened, I wait for her to enter the hallway and then invite myself in. She looks confused and opens her mouth to say something, but I beat her to it.

"I just want to make sure you won't fall or knock yourself out with those…" I gesture towards the crutches. "…on your way to bed. Then I'll leave" As it is in the middle of the night, I'm guessing her roommate is sound asleep and I don't want Anastasia lying in pains on the floor until her roommate wakes if she'd happen to fall.

She sighs, but by the looks of it, she complies as she nods towards the next room. I motion for Taylor to follow us into the apartment – I don't want any nosy neighbors seeing him out there and start wondering about his presence.

I follow Anastasia into what I assume is her room. She stops in the middle of it and looks at me.

"I'll stay until you're safely tucked into bed" I inform her and she rolls her eyes. Oh, you just wait sweet girl, in a couple of days there will be a proper punishment to go with that.

"I need to change" She gestures towards the sweat-pants and tank top she's wearing. I nod. That's okay. I'm in no hurry. She sighs deeply and nods towards the door with a stern look in her eyes.

I resist the impulse to tell her I've seen it all before – as I would rather see that she'd forget about that and instead I obey her wishes. Me – obeying? That's new.

I leave the room to give Anastasia the privacy she requested while she changes, even though I don't understand why she feels she needs it. I've already seen her wearing nothing but a pair of teasingly small panties. And I can't wait to see that again.

I linger around her apartment. I don't want to leave until I'm confident she's been tucked in and doesn't have to leave the bed until her roommate wakes up in the morning to take care of her.

And maybe…just maybe…I can allow myself one small taste of her lips before I leave. Just to give her a little something to dream about – nothing else.

I will make it a sweet kiss, full of promises and just a hint of passion underneath. Just to make sure to plant a few thoughts about what I want to do with her in her mind. Make her long for Monday just as much as I do. It will be easier to get her to say 'yes' to my suggestion if she's even an inch as frustrated and wanting as I am.

I walk around the apartment, hoping to gain a couple of clues to who this intriguing woman might be. The living room holds a couch, a bookshelf littered with book of all sorts and a TV. It's obvious neither she nor her roommate has spent any money on decorating the apartment. Everything in it seems to be there for practical reasons only. A couch for sitting in. A TV for looking at. A bookshelf to store books in. No tablecloths, no flowers or candles, no ridiculously expensive rugs.

Again, my mind drifts to the savings account in Anastasia's name. Whatever the money is for, that is obviously more important to her than a cozy, decorated home. Or, she just doesn't care about decorating – stop overanalyzing every single thing!

I stroll on into the kitchen which is right next to the living room separated only by a kitchen island. Everything is very neat and in place. I walk back into the living room.

The door next to Anastasia's room seems to be leading to the bathroom as it is a lock on it, but it is the door next to that that catches my attention. It is slightly open and there's a stream of light coming from inside.

If her roommate is awake, why hasn't she come out?

I stop and listen for a while, there's no sound coming from either room and I decide I have the time to peek into the roommate's room to see what's going on before Anastasia is done changing.

Carefully, I push the door open and the sight raises both suspicion and anger inside me. The room is empty. The bed is still made and unless her roommate prefers to sleep on top the covers I don't think anyone's slept in it tonight.

I turn the light out and close the door. Just to make sure, I peek into the bathroom – it's empty as well – before I go back to Anastasia's door and knock on it. I don't wait for answer before I open the door and enter back into her bedroom. I've never been a patient man.

She's sitting on the bed, wearing a black t-shirt that fits snugly around her breasts but is otherwise rather loose and the sheets are covering her legs. Her hair is curling down her back no hairclips or braids keeping it in place and if I wasn't too busy being pissed off I would probably have thrown myself at her.

"Where is your roommate?" I ask, trying to keep my anger at bay and her mouth drop open.

She looks completely fazed. "Excuse me?"

I step closer to the bed. Did she really think she could fool me? "Your roommate – Miss Kavanagh – where is she?"

"How did you know I had a roommate?" She counters my question with a mix of shock and suspicion in her voice.

I hesitate. Usually I take pride in letting my prospective subs know I've looked them up, it gives me the upper-hand right away and give them a clue to the power and resources I have at hand. But, Anastasia is not a sub – yet – and I'm really trying to come off as different from the creep she probably already thinks I am. I run a hand through my hair, trying to find a way to phrase this that will not freak her out.

"There were two names on the door" She seems to be easing up a bit at the simple explanation. "You told me you didn't have a boyfriend, so I assume the other name belongs to a roommate"

She nods. "It does"

I wait. She doesn't say anything. "Where is your roommate now" I repeat my previous question.

"She's out of town" She informs me and I feel my blood starting to boil.

"You should have told me" My voice is firm and I try my very best to resist the urge to pull her up on my lap and give her a proper spanking for misleading me and attempting to put herself at risk.

Her eyebrows knit together. "I didn't think it mattered" She simply says and I'm fazed. How could she think it wouldn't matter?

"Of course it matters – you're injured and I told you I don't want you to be alone in that state" I remind her.

She pouts and pulls the sheets tighter around her. "I'll be fine on my own, thank you"

Making yet another rush decision, I stalk out of her room, find Taylor still in the hallway and informs him that I want him to drive the car back to Escala and wait until the morning for further instructions.

"Very well, sir" He replies and turns to walk out the door without changing his expression the least bit. I do admire a man that knows how to keep his emotions under control. I'm pretty sure he's shocked to his core. Hell, I'm shocked about this decision.

I walk back into Anastasia's room; her head is now rested on the pillow and her eyes look drowsy as she opens them. Without hesitation I undo the top buttons of my shirt and then pull it over my head.

Anastasia's eyes widen and she darts up into a sitting position. "What are you doing?"

"Your roommate is out of town and I don't want you spending the night alone when you're injured" I explain in a calm voice as I start unbuttoning my pants.

She sits up at the edge of the bed. "That's really not necessary" She says and her eyes drop to the floor at the same time my pants do. Although I did see the blush on her cheeks before her hair fell down shielding her face from my sight. I smirk, knowing full-well the effect my body usually has on women.

"Don't be silly" I tell her as I walk closer to the bed. "What if you need to get up and fall over on your way to the bathroom?" She bites down on her lip. She probably hadn't thought about that. "I'm staying the night" I state again and add: "End of discussion", to avoid any further injections.

"Lie down and move over" I say and sigh as she hesitates. "I won't take advantage of you in your sleep Anastasia" But I do plan on doing so when you're awake and under a contract…

I pick up a blanket that is thrown over the foot of the bed and hold it up for her to see. "You'll sleep under the cover and I'll sleep under the blanket and there will be no touching." Thank God. "I'm only here because I want you to be safe Anastasia and you won't be that if you're alone and injured" Who am I trying to convince – her or myself?

She finally complies with one last eye roll and moves to leave room for me on the bed. I smile as I lie down next to her and I can't resist leaning closer and offer a bit of inspiration for her dreams. "Sweet dreams Anastasia" I breathe into her ear so close my lips actually touch her earlobe as I speak.

I hear her gasp and I lean back, smiling contently to myself. Who knew flirting could be so much fun?


A/N: I know there's at least one issue in this chapter that didn't quite get sorted out – but don't worry, I plan on addressing it in the next chapter, I just thought this was a good place to end chapter 6.