Christian

I fucking hate this. The cars are lined up and it's been a twenty-minute wait. This Gala raises some damn good money, but the shit show that includes photographers from all the big-named papers and magazines is too much tonight. I'm trying to wait patiently in the back of my own car with Lennon, who I just picked up. The car in front of us is Elliot's, so I imagine that Anastasia and Ethan's is somewhere close, too. Why didn't I spring for a limo?

It isn't proper for a load of people to climb out of a limo like a clown car and overwhelm the photographers, so I refrained. I want everything to go perfectly for my parents. I can just imagine what kind of pictures would turn out while we were crawling out. God forbid one of the girl's dresses slipped. My need to play perfect overrides my need to be close to Anastasia, so I made the decision to keep it separate.

Lennon beside me is a beautiful Latina woman who was named from her mother's obsession with the Beatles. Her grandmother came from Mexico and supposedly, her mother learned to speak English by listening to their songs. Her mother was the janitor of our private high school, so the schoolboard allowed Lennon to attend free of charge.

She knew her mother could make better money elsewhere, but she sacrificed herself to send her daughter to the best of the best and Lennon repaid her by being the best student, graduating valedictorian, and going to school to become a doctor. Her mother no longer has to work and she pays tor everything. She's incredible.

We lost touch during college, but when she heard that Leila and I separated, she reached out. She was back in town and working at the same hospital my mother did. Yes, I was inspired by her and yes, we did fall into bed a few times. Even though we had a thing for a little while, I never let her meet Ellie. I felt Ellie met too many of Leila's friends and I wasn't about to do the same. Especially since we weren't committed. I had Ellie and my work and she had her work and her mother to worry about.

The last time we fell into bed was after this same gala last year. When I had asked her again this year, I was honestly hoping it would happen again. I even jumped the gun and rented a suite at the hotel close to my parents that same day. I needed a good lay with someone I trusted. Obviously, things are different now and that room is going to go to waste. Fine with me.

"Long wait this year." She shifts in her seat uncomfortably.

I look over at the caramel-skin beauty in the regal blue dress and give her a smile. "Nervous?"

She gives me the side-eye. "You know these things aren't my cup of tea."

I laugh. "Well, you look stunning, so don't worry about it. Soon, we'll have liquor in our hands."

"Can't wait."

I look out the window and my grin disappears. Walking the red carpet with her arm in Ethan's is Anastasia in a deep red lace dress. Her hair is down in long, beautiful curls, but I can't get enough of her face to see her make-up. I imagine it smoky like the time at the club. She looks completely rigid from behind, probably intimidated by the amount of photographers. I watch as Ethan leans in to her ear to whisper something and turning her head, she smiles up at him. Whatever he's said has relaxed her. He takes advantage of her relaxed state and wraps an arm around her waist, forgoing the arm-in-arm.

Fucker.

She should be in my arms.

Kate and Elliot are right behind them and it restricts my view. I drag my eyes away to look at my date.

"Ready?" I plaster a grin on my face.

"For liquor."

It makes me laugh. "Soon, Len, soon."

Anastasia

"Hello." I offer when I see the woman hanging off Christian's arm. She has curves for days, a straight smile with dimples on both sides, and brown eyes so dark they're just a shade from black. She's absolutely gorgeous. The blue dress she is wearing compliments her skin tone perfectly and I wince internally, knowing mine does the opposite. It just makes me look more pale. Bugger.

"Hi! I'm Lennon."

I stand and offer my hand with a smile. "I'm Anastasia Steele."

"Oh! Eloise's nanny! I've heard so much about you." My stomach drops, my heart aching. I force myself to keep my smile through the hurt.

"Right. The nanny." My eyes shift to Christian and I see him frowning. "I don't know if you've met, but this is my date, Ethan Kavanagh."

"No, we haven't." She smiles at him as he stands and greets her. "Eamon's son?"

He gives her a nod. "You know my family, then?"

Kate cuts in, explaining that Lennon is Eamon's neurologist. I didn't even know he had the issues to see one. It makes me a little sad that he's going through something like that. It reminds me that I need to say hi to their parents soon.

As we take our seats and give our drink orders to the waiter, Ethan leans in to my ear as his arm rests on the back of my chair.

"You look completely gorgeous tonight... you know... in a platonic sort of way."

My head falls back in a laugh. "I appreciate that. You too... you know... platonicly." I tease, making him laugh.

I had forgotten what a friendship with Ethan was like. It's easy. That's probably why we gave our relationship a try. Unfortunately, the chemistry wasn't what it should have been... or at least what I wanted it to be. I wanted chemistry like... well, shit. Like Christian and I have.

My eyes leave Ethan and find their way across the table to Christian. He's staring intently at me, his thumb rubbing across his bottom lip. I wonder what he's thinking.

I feel a hand on my shoulder and Christian's eyes drop down to it, his jaw clenching. Looking down myself, I find Ethan's thumb running its way back and forth over my bare shoulder. I place my hand over it and lightly push.

When I turn to him, I see him scowling at Christian. He's doing it to piss him off. He isn't happy about him bringing Lennon, so he wants to push his buttons.

"Stop." I whisper in his ear. "I don't want this to turn into a pissing contest."

"He's acting like he owns you. Throwing me out, staring at you, pretending he doesn't have his own date." He whispers back, the music loud enough that no one can hear. "He did this, remember? He could have had you. You weren't his first choice."

The words sting something awful, but I have to remember that he made this commitment before I showed up.

"I wasn't anyone's." I hiss back, reminding him.

He sits back as if I slapped him. "That was something I said in anger, Ana. You were breaking up with me and I was stupid. I wanted you to hurt, too. It was wrong of me. "

Letting out a sigh, I apologize. "I'm sorry. It was wrong for me to bring it up. Let's have a good night without bashing anyone."

He searches my face. "Yea, okay. I can do that."

XxXxXx

We eat dinner and I do my best to keep my eyes away from Christian and his date. It's hard, considering the woman is constantly touching his arm or reaching for his thigh to rub. I want to cry. I really do. I know I'm in too deep. I don't know how I'm going to separate myself emotionally from him, but it's obvious I need to.

"So what are your plans after this summer?" Ethan makes easy conversation and I'm thankful for the distraction.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, the nannying job isn't going to last forever. The kid will go back to school, won't she?" My fork stops halfway to my mouth and I place it back on my plate. I hadn't even thought about that. Will they still need me? I look across at Christian who is in deep conversation with his father beside him. He doesn't get home until the evening and she'll be out of school long before that. Perhaps I can talk to him about a part time gig. I wonder if I'll have to move.

"Oh. I haven't thought about it. I guess I should figure out what to do with my time... but, I've been interested in photography lately. I don't know if that will make me any money though. My camera isn't even that great..."

Kate is listening on the other side of me. "So, why don't you buy a new one? You're making money now."

"I have other plans for most of the money. I had been saving for a new one, but the money went elsewhere." I tug at my dress, making my point.

"I don't understand why you're so stingey with your money."

I notice we got the attention of Christian and Lennon across from us and my cheeks color. "I know you don't and I'm glad for your sake that you've never had to worry about that. Most people aren't that lucky, Kate."

"Then explain it to me."

"I..." I shrug, not knowing how to explain myself.

"If I may..." I turn when I hear Lennon's voice. "When you don't have unlimited access to money growing up, you learn to respect it. You learn to think twice about what you buy. You don't need material things. Having the security of knowing you have money in the bank is more important- more satisfying- than any material thing. Knowing that if something devastating happens, you'll be secure... that's the best feeling in the world."

I find myself smiling at the woman across the table. She understands.

"I've taken away my parents security, Kate, by taking their money for my college. Then to turn around and decide not to use my degree... it's a slap in the face. I need to pay them back. I've taken a year of their retirement, but I'm determined to give it back."

Leaning over, she wraps her arms around me. "I'm a spoiled brat, aren't I?"

I laugh. "I love you anyway." And honestly, I'm glad they never had to worry about money. Kate is a beautiful person and she deserves the luxury.

"You're too good for us." She pulls away from me and I scoff.

"Not true, but I won't complain if you want to put me on a pedestal." I frame the bottom of my chin with the back of my hand and batt my eyes.

Christian

The night is going smoother than I thought it would. Anastasia seems to be having a good time even though the Ethan fucker is taking up most of her time instead of me. I want to be annoyed with that, but as long as Ana is happy, I'll swallow my jealousy.

I'm doing my best not to neglect my own date and by the way she's rubbing my thigh, I think I'm failing. It's her way of begging for my attention. I'm trying my best to try to ignore her hand, but when it moves too far up, my hand lands on hers, taking her hand in my own. The only woman I want copping a feel is the woman across the table who's with another man.

She turns toward me and rests her cheek on her fist as looks at me with bedroom eyes. Shit.

"I called ahead to the hotel we used last year, but they said the suite had already been rented out. When I asked if it was by you, imagine my surprise when they said yes. Pretty sure of yourself big fella. I'll let it slide this time if you whisk me away now."

My mouth falls open. Before I can respond, I see Anastasia push out of her seat across from us and stride away in the opposite direction.

"Shit. Lennon, I can't. I made that reservation before I fell for Anastasia."

She sits up straight and clears her throat. "Anastasia, huh? Why are you with me then? You should have taken her."

I shrug. "We had already agreed to go." I push myself up. "If you excuse me, I have to fix this."

I hurry towards the back entrance to the tent, where I saw her disappear. I find her in the dark corner between the trees and the edge of the tent.

"Stupid, stupid, stupid." She's whispering to herself and it slices through me.

"Ana."

She startles and turns toward me, wiping her tears quickly.

"Hello, Christian. I take it you've come to let me know you won't be back this evening." She gives me a tight-lipped smile and I can see the pain in her eyes. I hate that she's doing her best to hide the pain for my benefit.

"No, I've come to let you know that I told Lennon I'm enamored with you."

Air hisses through her teeth. "What?"

I yank her toward me and kiss her roughly. "The only woman I want in bed with me is you." I run my hands down her lace dress, gripping her hips. "Fuck, babydoll. I've been itching to get my hands on this dress all night. I wanted to dance with you so fucking bad."

She searches my face. "Are you sure? I mean... she just fits. She's a doctor and-"

I roll my eyes. "And you're a nanny and a photographer. What's your point."

She giggles. "Photographer? I am not."

Shrugging, I pull her close and nibble her lip a second. "You will be. You're too good at it. You'll be my own personal photographer if you aren't willing to go further."

She hums. "Does that mean I get to take pictures of you?" She runs her hands down my chest and it makes me hard. "Do I get a private collection of my own?"

I groan and capture her lips. When I feel my phone vibrate, I pull away. I have my do not disturb on, only allowing a few numbers through.

"It's Ellie's grandmother."

Hitting accept, I say hello.

"Christian. You need to come! Leila has showed up. She wants to take Ellie."

FUCK! "I'll be there. Don't let her go. Keep them there."

"What? What is it?" Anastasia looks panicked by my reaction.

"Leila. She's trying to take our girl."

"No! She can't! We have to go!"

I'm already calling Taylor. "Pull the car around. It's an emergency. We'll meet you at the end of the drive." We don't have time to wait for the car traffic.

I yank on Ana's hand and she stumbles in her heels as we begin to run, but rights herself and yanks her shoes off so she can run faster. With her shoes in one hand and her dress bunched up in the other, I find myself realizing how fucking in love with her I am. She's making a mad dash to save my baby from her terrible mother and I didn't know I could feel love like this for a woman. The little brunette looks like she's ready to go to war with my ex and I can barely control my emotions. I want to cry for Ellie, who is trapped in a house with her deadbeat mother and I want to cry for Anastasia, who shouldn't have to deal with this shit, but is taking it head on.

Taylor pulls up just as we make it to the mouth of the drive. Yanking the door open, I help Ana up quickly and dive in after her, explaining to Taylor what has happened.

"That bitch. I'll fucking murder her." Anastasia is murmuring to herself as she types away on her phone and I can only imagine she's letting the blonde fucker know she left.

That reminds me.

I send my own text to Lennon, explaining the emergency and letting her know that Luca will take her home when she's ready. I give her his number and send him a message so he's aware of the change.

"I swear it, Christian. If she causes anymore pain to that child or she tries to take her, I will make sure she never walks again. Stiletto, meet spine!"

I pull her to me and press a kiss to her hair. Seeing her in war-mode like this gives me all the feels. "Our baby will be okay. She has to be. We'll be there in a few minutes and Eloise will be in the car, riding home with us."

"Not soon enough."

I agree. "Not nearly soon enough." I want to thank her for coming, but I know there's no need. Ellie is hers now too and thanking her might just get her pissed at me and I want her to stay pissed at the right person.

Anastasia

As soon as we pull up to their house, I'm marching straight up their sidewalk, my stilettos clicking harshly against the concrete. I'm ready to meet this bitch. She better be ready to meet her maker.

I can hear Christian right behind me as I push my way into the door, not bothering to knock. In the entryway stands who I would assume are Leila's parents, Leila, and our baby between them. Leila has her hand in Ellie's even though both her parents are holding their grand daughter by a shoulder.

"Get your hands off her." I scowl at the woman in front of me.

Ellie gasps. "Daddy! Ana!" She yanks away from the other adults and Christian opens his arms to scoop her up and hold her. "I want to go home, Daddy. I don't want to go with Mommy."

"I know, lovebug. We are. We're going home."

"She's mine, too!" Leila snaps.

"She ceased to be yours the second you signed your rights away." I growl back, stepping between her and Christian holding Ellie.

"And you think you have rights to her? I've seen the videos... the pictures. He's not going to change for you! She'll never truly be yours." She steps up to me and it makes me realize.

"So this is to get back at Christian. You don't really want to take Ellie, but you know it'll hurt Christian the most. You're mad because he wouldn't keep you and now he's moved on."

"Fuck you. He hasn't moved on. The man is incapable of loving anyone."

I laugh. Right in her face. "I think you're getting him mixed up with yourself. You can't honestly watch him with his daughter and not see that she's his world. You trying to take her from him shows that you do see."

"He won't marry you."

"I never expect him to."

"No matter how much you play happy family with Ellie, it won't matter."

I roll my eyes. "I don't play anything, Leila. I love Ellie with everything I have. The status of Christian and my relationship has nothing to do with her. She will always be mine, no matter what happens. I don't need a man or money to keep me. Ellie is the only thing I need."

"She isn't yours."

"You don't get to decide that. You've got no rights. You've ceased to exist in our lives. Now take one last long look at Ellie, cause you're never going to see her again."

"You don't decide that!"

"Neither do you. But I know this man behind me wants nothing but the best for his daughter and he knows you're nothing she needs. He won't allow your vile, toxic self around her. I'm letting you know that you're getting away easy tonight for this shit you pulled. I want to hurt you, but for Ellie's sake, I won't. She doesnt need to see violence like that and I won't have her thinking of me like that. Don't you ever try to come around her again or I will have to assert myself. Twenty to life will still let me out in time to see my girl walking down the aisle."

I turn away from the bitch who broke her family. She doesn't deserve one more glance. My eyes meet Christian's and I sigh. "Baby, let's go home."

He gives me a smile. "Let's." Offering a hand to me while he holds Ellie with the other, I take it so we can make our way back to the car with our girl.

"This is bullshit!" Leila screams behind us as we make it to the sidewalk. Neither of us bother to turn around.

"Hi, Uncle Taylor."

"Hello, sweetheart. Everything okay?" He turns to look at her as she buckles herself in the center of the backseat. Christian and I sit on opposite sides of her, keeping her safe. If that bitch dares to come out here, she'll be missing half her scalp.

"Yes. Now it's good. Ana is going to be my mommy." I startle at her comment, but when my eyes meet Christian's, he just smiles. "She doesn't know it, yet, Uncle Taylor, but I'll wait."

Taylor gives her a megawatt smile. "Sounds like you have a bright future ahead of you kid."

As Taylor pulls away from the curb, she reaches for our hands so we can hold her hand on the way back home.

"I don't want to go back there, Daddy."

"You don't have to, lovebug." He presses a kiss to her hand. "I won't make you."

"Can we sleep in your bed tonight?" She gives him a sweet smile and I find myself tearing up at her sweetness. Now that she's safe and my adrenaline has worn off, I feel super weepy. I do my best to wipe my tears so she doesn't see.

"I was hoping you'd ask that."

"Ana, too." She turns her head toward me and gives me her bright smile.

"Of course, Ana too." Christian tears up himself.

Ellie relaxes back into her seat with a sigh. "I love my family."

Teaser?

Up Next: The three of them enjoy the day out. A little family date if you will.