Darker – Chapter 24

Universal Pictures owns all rights of Fifty Shades of Grey and Pitch Perfect…I only own the idea of this twisted mash-up of an alternate universe love story.

Warning! Chapters may include graphic sexual situations (BDSM) which may not be suitable for everyone. Reviews and comments are always welcome. Thank you for reading.

Last time on Darker…

Taking the elevator to the fifth floor we checked in with reception then took our seats in the waiting room. After a twenty minute wait our names were called.

"Dr. Moss will see you now."

And now…

Taking my hand Jesse escorted me down a long hall to a large office with brown leather couches facing each other and a matching recliner at the end where a casually dressed Dr. Moss was already seated. When he saw us entering he rose to his feet and greeted us with affection.

"Jesse! Always a pleasure." The good doctor extended his arm for a manly handshake. "And Rebeca, it's so nice to see you again."

"Um...it's just Beca." For some reason I was nervous as I extended my shaky hand to meet his firm grip. "Thank you for seeing us on such short notice."

"Please...have a seat." He smiled warmly and motioned for us to sit opposite of each other. "When Jesse called for this appointment, he said it was your idea. Just so you know these sessions are treated with complete confidentiality. So...tell me what's going on."

"I'm not sure if I can." Looking over at Jesse, I'd forgotten about the damn NDA. "Um...I've signed a nondisclosure agreement."

"Ahhh...the infamous gag order." Dr. Moss joked, tossing virtual daggers at his other patient. "Are you still starting off your relationships with women this way?"

Smirking to himself Jesse shook his head. "Not anymore, Roger. Since meeting Beca I'm done with all of that." He paused to gauge my reaction. "We may have started out that way but we don't have that kind of arrangement. The NDA no longer applies so she's free to say whatever she wants. I'm just hoping after all of this is said and done to enter into a different kind of contract with her."

"I see." Without needing further explanation the doctor's eyebrows disappeared into his receded hairline as he glanced over at me for confirmation. "Beca, I have to warn you because I probably know a lot more about you than you think from my sessions with Jesse; he's been quite forthright."

Shit! What has he said?

"Yeah...well, I figured as much. It's fine."

"Very good...then let's proceed." He commented. "So...in a nutshell he's proposed and you haven't given him an answer." It came out as more of a statement as I nodded. With his full attention on me I felt as though I was under a magnifying glass. "You obviously have reservations about entering into this sort of agreement with Jesse otherwise you wouldn't have called this meeting." I nodded again confirming his observation. "So...what would you like to talk about?"

I had no idea where to start and looked to Jesse for guidance who shrugged his shoulders. When neither of us spoke up, our curly haired shrink in faded jeans and Birkenstock sandals smiled at us then took the lead.

"Okay...let's start from the beginning. Beca, how did you feel about the NDA? That must have been a shock to you."

Thinking back to that morning at the hotel I remembered how confused I was at the time. I was hungover and felt like an ass from my irresponsible actions. It was also the first time in my life I wanted to be with someone and would have sold my soul to the devil. Having practically no experience with men I was about to embark on a new adventure with a handsome billionaire and was told I couldn't talk about it with anyone.

"Beca, how did you feel?" He asked again, bringing me out of my reverie.

"Um...it bothered me at first, but like I told Jesse I'm a very private person so I wouldn't have told anyone anyway. It wasn't a deal breaker. The truth was I wanted him and he knew that."

Dr. Moss redirected his attention to Jesse. "She's the only real relationship you've ever had." Smiling to himself Jesse nodded in agreement.

"Yes, from the beginning Beca was different because she was the only woman I could actually have an intelligent conversation with who also challenged me. I couldn't resist her if I tried, and boy did I try. Besides her innocence there was something about her I just had to have, and when she refused to conform and said no to me, I was a goner because nobody had ever given me resistance before. That's probably why I fell in love with her."

Hearing his candidness in front of our therapist made my heart swell as Dr. Moss jotted down some notes in his leather binder.

"From what Jesse has told me, he's the only man you've ever had sexual relations with." Feeling myself flush with embarrassment my lips tightened in a hard line while Jesse reached for my hand.

"Yes." I sighed with resignation and smirked. "He was my first everything."

Watching our interaction Dr. Moss couldn't hide his amusement. "It's quite obvious you two are nuts about each other. So, what's on your mind, Beca? What made you seek therapy?"

Suddenly feeling shy I nervously bit my lip and couldn't bring myself to say anything. Picking up on my discomfort Dr. Moss dismissed Jesse and sat across from me.

"He intimidates you, doesn't he?"

"Not as much as he used to."

"Well...it's just the two of us now so whatever is discussed will not leave this room. Just so you know, Jesse has consented to divulge anything about him to you so ask whatever you want."

Sweet! After a beat I found my voice.

"He's sacrificed so much to be with me. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever be enough for him."

"You're referring to the BDSM contractual agreements he had with the women before you." I nodded. "Beca, you have to understand that was a very different time when that lifestyle acted as a coping mechanism for him. Exerting his will over a submissive was necessary to mask his pain and bring order to his life. With this order he's been able to channel his energy into the business world and has been quite successful. I never condoned his actions or that kind of lifestyle, however it worked for him until recently when you came into his life and changed those needs."

"I did?"

"Yes." He merely answered. "You may have been inexperienced but your spirit gave him hope when he was hopeless and you showed him how to love and love himself. I've never seen him so happy, the man is head over heels in love with you. You're his future."

"And he's mine but sometimes I wonder if we would still be together if he hadn't experienced that horrendous childhood."

Letting out a sigh Dr. Moss placed his leather binder on the table between us.

"This is what I sensed when we danced at the fundraiser." Looking up he paused to organize his thoughts. "For such a bright young woman I'm surprised to hear you say that after all you've been through together. Tell me Beca, why do you feel that way?"

Oh crap! Now I've done it...

"Well...look at us! He's stunningly handsome and bigger than life when I'm so ordinary. Sometimes I think he'll get bored with me and revert back to who he was before I face planted into his office."

"You're afraid he'll leave you?"

"I don't know...maybe."

"Is that what happened with your parents?"

Here we go...

Letting out a sigh I nodded because I knew this was coming. "My father had an affair and left us when I was a teenager."

"That must have been very painful for you but Jesse isn't your father."

"No...he's not."

"I'm curious, how do you see yourself?"

"What do you mean?"

Do you think of yourself as being pretty?"

"I don't know, I never thought about it."

"Well...what I see are two attractive young adults with bright futures who compliment each other. Does Jesse know what a low opinion you have of yourself?"

Oh fuck! Why did I go there?

"No! I don't...It's just that...I didn't mean it that way!" I became flustered and tried to back peddle my last comment. "What if I can't give him what he needs?"

"You already have."

"He's just been through so much."

"You're right...he has, and so have you." His brief pause allowed me time to consider all that's happened recently. "Jesse has found himself in a situation where his coping methods are no longer effective. I don't know how you've done it but you've forced him to confront his demons and rethink his position on some of the decisions he's made."

"Yes...I know all about his demons."

"What about yours?"

"What about mine?"

Could I sound anymore defensive?

"Beca, the last time we spoke was in the hospital after your assault. Even though you fought back, the damage was done. It hasn't been that long, have you come to terms with what's happened? How are you coping?"

Chuckling to myself I looked down to my fingers which were shredding a paper napkin I didn't realize I was holding. I should have known this was going to come up as I thought about how I almost let that son of a bitch take away the pleasure I felt with Jesse. Recalling that night in Copenhagen, I surrendered my body and soul over to Jesse, for it was my trust in him that brought me back from darkness and into a place of solace.

"Beca?" He snapped his fingers to bring me back. "How are you coping?"

"Um...sorry. I guess you could say I sort of relinquished control back to Jesse."

"What kind of control?"

Scrunching my nose I'd dug myself into a hole. My hippy looking shrink was going to make me admit something that I never wanted to verbalize. Taking a deep breath, I let the words fall from my lips. "My submission."

"And why do think that works for you?"

Thinking about the reasons behind my actions I realized submitting to him had become my coping mechanism. "Because I trust him."

"You're absolutely correct. Without realizing it you've both been helping each other with some serious issues and ultimately have the same goal. Jesse's told me about you bringing up the playroom and how he's hesitant to bring you back there because of what happened the last time."

"I know that, he's afraid I'll leave him again."

"Will you?"

"No." I shook my head to validate my response.

"That's good to hear." He paused to write down some notes. "Tell me what happened after the Kayla incident."

Letting out a sigh I raked my fingers through my hair. The gesture amused Dr. Moss because it was a mannerism I picked up from Jesse.

"Well...after you guys dragged her off to the loony bin, Jesse admitted to bathing her. I'd had enough with his fucked up past and literally wanted to leave the country."

"Yes, he came to me after he realized you weren't coming back. Instead of facing your problems you chose to run away." The truth stung like a scorpion but the therapist was right. I was a coward for giving up. "What made you decide to stop running?"

"He came to Copenhagen where I was competing with my a cappella group from college. I was so messed up that I wanted to leave it all behind. Jesse confronted me in front of my friends and said he would sacrifice everything to stay with me in Europe, if that's what I decided to do. He made me realize how much we needed each other. We reconciled and then he proposed."

"So...you're here because you're looking for reassurance."

"I don't know, I guess so." Shrugging my shoulders I didn't know what else to say. "We haven't been together that long."

"It took you leaving him to realize what he needed and wanted." He continued. "We both know what he went through, but the goal is not to dwell about the past but focus on the present which, is having a loving relationship with you and looking forward to a future he never thought was possible. The technical term is called SFBT or Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Had you not walked out on him none of this would be possible."

"Is there anything else I can do to help?"

Dr. Moss let out a hearty laugh. "Beca...you've been the best therapy for him. Whatever it was you did, just keep doing it." He paused to write something else down. "By wanting to take that next step with you also shows he's willing to expose himself to potential heartbreak because of the love and trust he feels for you."

"I feel the same."

"Speaking of feeling, how have you dealt with his Haphephobia?"

"I'm sorry...his what?"

"My apologies, in layman's terms it means fear of being touched."

"Oh...we're passed that."

"Really!" Jotting down more notes, the good doctor was surprised. "How about his parasomnia...night terrors."

"Since moving in with him and sharing his bed they've nearly disappeared, but now I've got them."

"Post Traumatic Stress?"

"Yes. Mostly flashbacks of the attack and…"

"Go on."

"Something happens to Jesse. I wake up before the dream ends."

"That's very interesting." He admitted, putting his pen down. "Dream interpretation is another specialty of mine. A wise man called Fox Mulder once said, 'dreams are answers to questions we haven't yet figured out how to ask'. If you're up to another session I'd like to revisit your dreams through hypnotic regression therapy and find out why you're subconscious mind is creating these images. Before I bring Jesse back in, is there anything more you'd like to discuss?"

Finally the real reason I was there.

"Um...yeah. Jesse admitted to being a sadist. Is it true?"

The doctor rolled his eyes and exhaled deeply.

"I've told him that term ceased to be recognized as a psychiatric disorder since the nineties however, there is such a thing as sexual sadism which, is a lifestyle choice. If it's practiced in a safe and sane relationship between consenting adults, it's not an issue." Reaching for my hand he must have sensed my apprehension. "He's not sadist, Beca. Nor is he evil. Jesse is an angry, frightened brilliant young man who's been dealt a shitty hand of cards and is emotionally an adolescent because of skipping over that part of his life. He may have had other sexual partners before you but you're the only lover he's ever had."

Lover?

"You're his coping mechanism now, and seeing the profound effect it's had on him, I couldn't be more pleased. In the two years I've counseled Jesse, could not compare to what you've done for him in the short amount of time. He's a good man with a big heart which, I'm sure you already know. I see your relationship as being mutually beneficial and flourishing. You should give him the benefit of a doubt."

"Is that my reassurance?"

"It's the best I can offer, and it's my professional opinion. There are no guarantees in life."

Knock...Knock...Knock!

With the door opening Jesse appeared with trepidation. "Time's almost up, can I come in?"

"Yes." Dr. Moss smiled and waved Jesse inside. "We were just about to send for you...please join us."

"How is she?" Jesse asked, taking the seat next to me with his hand on my knee. The gesture caught Dr. Moss's attention.

"She's an intriguing and bright young woman."

Taking compliments was never my strong suit as I blushed while Jesse agreed with him.

"Regardless of what her decision is, I think both of you would benefit from more counseling. Is there anything else you'd like to discuss today?"

"No Roger, let's save it for another time. Thank you for seeing us."

As we stood up Dr. Moss escorted us down the hall. I felt a little shaky after being counseled but also felt the decision I made was the right one. Walking out of the building the SUV pulled up and we clambered inside. Sitting in the back I was unusually quiet and looked out the side window. With so many thoughts flooding my mind I was feeling overwhelmed.

"Did you get your answers?" Jesse asked softly, raising the privacy glass. Nodding my head I continued to look outside. "I know it's a lot to consider so take your time."

"Thank you." I finally responded, taking a deep breath. "He just gave me a lot to think about."

"Has he sufficiently scared you away from me?"

"Not even close. What he did do was make me look at myself and realize things I hadn't considered before."

"That's what shrinks do." His comment made me snicker because he was right. I'd never been in therapy before which, left me feeling exposed as though my covers had been pulled. "What did he tell you?"

"He referred to me as your lover."

"Well...aren't you?"

Turning away from the window I unconsciously bit my lower lip as our eyes locked. "I guess I am." He smirked at my comment.

"What else did he say?"

"You're not a sadist."

"Really?"

"Yeah...he said that term is no longer recognized but sexual sadism exists which, is basically what we've done."

"That's very interesting. Tell me more."

"He spoke about SFBT."

"Ahh...yes! The latest in goal oriented therapy."

"Sounds like you've been through a few different kinds."

"You have no idea." He admitted. "Anything else?"

"He said that life has no guarantees and that I should give you the benefit of a doubt."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means you'll have my decision soon."

He sighed in frustration. "Okay...I'll wait a little bit longer."

Sitting in a comfortable silence, no words were necessary as I unhooked my seatbelt and launched myself in his arms. There were no more secrets between us and nothing standing in the way of our happiness other than the mystery women pursuing us the other day. Forty-eight hours from now it would be Jesse's birthday and he would have my decision that would ultimately affect the rest of our lives.

"Baby...I was going to wait but I want to show you something."

Breaking the silence Jesse decided to alter our destination from going home and handed Don a post it note with an address who quickly programmed it into the vehicle's GPS.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"It's just an idea so, I need you to have an open mind."

A short drive later we pulled up to a large ornate gated entry. Rolling down his window Jesse inputted a code into a keypad then we started our ascent up a long and windy road. When we reached the top there was an older style mansion with a circular driveway and covered parking for up to a dozen vehicles. The multi-level house was enormous in size and architecturally unique.

"What is this place?"

"C'mon...let's go inside and take a look." Ignoring my inquiry, Jesse exited his side and came around to help me out. Not letting go of my hand we approached the front of the house as Jesse entered another code into a lockbox to release a key. "Instead of going to work that day I got an idea and called my parent's realtor who found this place. Wait until you see the view from the back." He continued on, unlocking the front door.

The floors were a shiny marble with gaudy chandeliers hanging from the cathedral ceilings. Just like his parent's place there were staircases on both sides leading to the upper level. Taking my hand Jesse playfully dragged me into the enormous kitchen and then into the many rooms on the first floor before heading upstairs. The house was beautiful and had to have at least a dozen bedrooms with a dedicated servant's wing. Entering through a double door entry was a master retreat which could easily be the size of the penthouse's first level.

"Check this out." Pulling a cord, the thick velour drapes were drawn back displaying French doors leading out to a balcony that faced the Pacific Ocean. With the sun setting, the view was spectacular. "What do you think?"

There were no words to describe how I was feeling. Still reeling from the therapy session I was so emotionally spent, I needed some time to reflect on all that's happened.

"It's beautiful." Was all I could think of to say because it really was.

"Could you see yourself living here?"

"I...I don't know. This is way too much. What about the penthouse? I thought we were going to live there."

"Not if we're going to start a family someday." Pulling me into his arms, he pressed his lips to mine. "I'd like to raise our children in a place like this. Somewhere that's safe and secluded with breathtaking views and large enough to grow into. I know it's kind of old and can use some TLC, but the location is perfect. Heck, we can always knock it down and rebuild if you like."

Leaving his arms I walked out onto the terrace, I could see an entertainers backyard with a built in barbeque, fire pit and cabana at one end with a large pool and spa with cascading waterfalls. To the other side was a grassy area that could easily be the size of a football field. For a brief moment I imagined Jesse and I with our two children having a picnic out in the open field, then another image popped into my mind of Jesse running with his son trying to launch a kite into the air as they laughed in unison. The images left me feeling hopeful as I wondered if this was the future I was seeing.

"Beca?" He brought me out of my fog. "What do you think? Would you want to rebuild?"

"No way! Don't you dare think about demolishing this house when it's amazing." Walking back inside I looked around the master bedroom then took a peek at the ensuite bath and couldn't believe the amount of space there was. "We can renovate with the latest and greatest. Imagine the possibilities, it could be our dream house and your brother can do it."

"Does that mean you like it?"

"No Jesse, I love it."

"Me too and I love your idea. You can do whatever you want with the first and second levels, but the third is all mine."

"There's a third floor?" I asked. When Jesse said nothing and smirked mischievously I rolled my eyes because I knew what the perv was alluding to. "A playroom...here?" My deduction was correct as he nodded with enthusiasm. "Tom is going to love that."

"You really think I'm going to let my brother handle our new and improved Red Room of Pain? I've got a special contractor for that. It's going to double the size of the penthouse."

"I can't wait."

I really couldn't...

"Me too" His smile was so infectious, I couldn't keep the grin off my face. Here I was with a proposal looming over my head and I hadn't even given him an answer yet. "I'm going to call the realtor. Let's buy it."

"Seriously? Right now?"

"Yeah...right now. Be right back."

Leaving me on my own I wandered around and found another set of stairs leading up to the third floor, then saw the vast open space perfect for what Jesse had in mind. Just the thought of the kinky fuckery we could do in a place like this sent my libido into overdrive; we would need to take care of that later. When I turned around to exit the room Jesse was standing at the doorway with his cell phone in hand.

"Something's come up. I need to be in San Francisco tomorrow to sign some papers. My VP and I will be taking Charlie Tango first thing in the morning and should be back by late afternoon. When I return we'll contact the realtor and make an offer."

"Do you really have to go?" I asked, sounding a bit too whiny. "Is there anything I can do to persuade you to stay?"

He laughed at my comment. "I'm sure there is but I need to be there. I promise to call the minute we land and when we get back."

"Jesse...whoever that woman was chasing us, is still out here. I don't feel comfortable with you going."

"Baby, I've been neglecting my business and have to. I'll have Don and the uniforms do a security sweep before we leave. Don't worry."

Resigned to the fact that Jesse was going regardless of how I felt, I had to let it go but couldn't shake the feeling of dread as my reoccurring nightmare flashed into my mind.

Later that evening we shared a delicious meal prepared by Christine and couldn't stop talking about all the renovations we wanted to do with the house. With the hundreds of thousands being put into the budget our home would be upgraded with the latest in technology while being environmentally friendly.

After dinner we retreated to the family room and continued our conversation of the new home. Sipping a delicious wine Jesse had picked out, I decided to tell him about my vision from earlier of the picnic. To my surprise Jesse admitted to having similar images of his own; we were definitely in tune and on the right page.

As it got later Jesse drew us a bath and added oils into the hot running water. Sitting with my rear to his front he enveloped me into his arms and legs while nuzzling my neck. Like the many times we did this I'd never felt closer to anyone as he held me against him. But knowing Jesse, he had something else up his sleeve.

"Do you trust me?"

"Mmm..."

"Give me your hand." He chuckled. With no warning he guided my hand between my thighs. "Have you done this before?"

"No...I told you, I don't do that."

"Well, here's another first." I could hear his smile. "Consider this as part of your training."

More training?

Responding with a nod he pressed against my clit with my fingers and slowly had me massage the soft tissue. It didn't feel the same as when he did it, but it didn't feel all that bad.

"Concentrate here, that's where the blood flow is." I did as he said and started to feel tingly. "That's it...how does it feel?"

Moaning softly I closed my eyes and felt the familiar pull building as he guided my fingers to my opening.

"Spread your thighs wider and insert a finger." With reluctance I slipped a digit inside. It was an odd sensation as I explored myself in this manner. I'd been curious to see if I could actually get myself off but didn't dare touch myself without Jesse's consent since he wanted all of my pleasure. "Like this…" He whispered into my ear as I was shown how to locate my g-spot. He had me add another finger and pump my aperture until I was nearly there. "Cup your breast with your other hand...like this." Holding my palm over my boob I could feel the hardening of my nipple and took the initiative to pinch and tug on it. With Jesse helping me along, he fondled my other breast while he manipulated my clit making my respiration and heart rate increase. I was nearly there when he pulled his hands away.

What the hell!

"Now you do it without me."

My inner goddess's mouth gaped open while my subconscious shook its head.

Letting out a sigh of frustration I was not a happy camper.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing...just forget about it."

""You'd rather I do this for you?"

"Yes!"

Jesse chuckled at my abrupt response as he held me closer. "Such a needy thing but I guess I could lend a hand...or two."

My body shook as we both laughed. Feeling his long digits fill me and then his other fingers manipulating my clit didn't take long before I was coming apart in his arms.

Before I had a chance to recover I was turned around and impaled by his massive erection. I loved being stretched by his size and slowly lifted myself up onto my knees and then down onto his length. Our eyes were locked as we made love in this manner.

Wrapping my arms around his neck we kissed passionately as his thrusts became more in sync with mine. Taking our time to savor the moment he grabbed my ass with both hands and halted our movement. It felt so deep this way that I nearly came again as I closed my eyes at the incredible sensations I felt from this passionate man.

"Look at me, baby." Opening my eyes I saw the love in his beautiful brown orbs. "You fulfill all of my needs, Beca...every single one of them." His outpouring of affection almost had me in tears as I pressed my lips to his and poured all of my love into a kiss. Jesse and I had come a long way in our relationship to get to this point and knew things would only evolve from here.

"So do you." I murmured into his lips. "I need you."

Our lovemaking was complete with climatic endings for us both, then we retreated to bed and fell asleep in each other's arms. With Jesse and his VP leaving at the ass crack of dawn he needed his sleep since he was piloting his helicopter.

It was the next morning as Jesse gently woke me to say goodbye. It was so early the sun wasn't even up as he gave me a chaste kiss then disappeared into the hall. Deciding to get up I showered, got myself ready and prepared a simple breakfast for myself. My stomach was in knots as I tried my best to digest the yogurt and granola I'd put together.

Seeking out Benji in his office it was time for me to get to work even though I was two hours early when he pulled up to my building. I needed to stay busy and block out the negative feelings I had so by the time the troops arrived I called a meeting with my team and challenged them with a new project.

When I didn't hear from Jesse a few hours later, I began to worry. After sending numerous text messages and emails I followed up with several voicemails on his cell phone and then called his office who hadn't heard from him either. It wasn't like Jesse to not check in with anyone; something just wasn't right.

As the day dragged on I was becoming more agitated as my concentration flew out the window. Sitting at my desk I stared at all of the unread messages in my inbox and decided to call Jesse's executive assistant again who was becoming just as concerned. It was as though he'd disappeared without a trace as it was confirmed that neither Jesse nor his VP made it to their meeting.

Knock...knock…knock!

"Come in!"

"Hey...have you heard from him?" Destiny asked, entering my office. Since returning to work in my new role we had become friends. "You don't think…"

"No! Don't even say it!" Holding my hand up in protest I refused to assume the worst. "He's probably just really busy and didn't have a chance to check in."

If only I believed in my own words...

By ten o'clock in the evening there was still no word from Jesse. It had been more than fifteen hours from the time we said goodbye. My nerves were shot to hell as I approached the wet bar and poured myself a glass of whiskey. Downing the drink in one swig I was about to pour another when the doorbell chimed. To my surprise the entire Swanson clan had made the trip over with Chloe and Luke tagging along. With somber expressions on their faces, my suspicions were confirmed.

"Hi! Um...why are you all here?" I asked, placing my glass down on the bar counter.

"Beca...haven't you heard?" Chloe spoke first.

"Heard what?"

Janet approached with open arms as she pulled me into her embrace. With panic settling in, I pulled away and saw fear in her eyes.

"What's happened?" My voice was almost unrecognizable as it shook. "Where's Jesse?"

Jonathan Swanson approached his wife and draped a supportive arm around her. "Sweetie...our son's helicopter disappeared off radar somewhere in the Santa Ynez Mountains." He solemnly spoke on behalf of the family. "Nobody's heard from him."

The first thought that came to mind was the reoccurring nightmare I'd been having and the guilt I felt for not telling Jesse about it. Perhaps if I would have said something, he wouldn't have taken Charlie Tango to San Francisco. Was it just a dream or a premonition of things to come? Fighting with my emotions my world tilted on its axis as feelings of dread consumed me.

"What does it mean?" I asked on deaf ears as the room became chillingly silent.

"It doesn't mean anything, Beca." Chloe finally stepped forward to lend her support as she took my hand and guided us to a sofa. "The networks have been covering the story...nobody knows anything."

With my biggest fear coming true, I felt as though my heart would beat out of my chest. After being counseled and then seeing that beautiful house, the certainty I felt for our future was slowly slipping away. The only thing I was sure of at that very moment was the love of my life was missing.

A/N: Yes...another cliffhanger. Two more chapters to go. Those of you who have read the second book will know what happens, those of you who haven't will have to wait until the next chapter. Please R&R and let me know your thoughts and if you would like this story continued into "Freed", book three of the Fifty Shades of Grey series. Thank you for reading.