Anastasia
I didn't stay. I was a complete coward and snuck out while Christian was still sleeping. I ended up losing an earring and my panties in the mess of it all, but I didn't have the guts to search the bed and floor too long. Thankfully, it was early enough not to do the walk of shame in front of my father. I moved back in with him last month when we graduated, but I'm hoping it's only temporary. My father would freak if he kept catching me coming in at all hours of the night. I need to find myself a job and then an apartment.
After a couple more hours of sleep and a shower, I spent the morning searching and applying for jobs around the city. Applying for a job is a full time job in itself. Too bad I don't get paid for it.
My phone pings and I look down at it, expecting it to be the Golden Trio group chat, but it's a text from a number I don't have saved.
Unknown: You really think you can get away that easy?
I stare down at my phone, confused. Another text comes through.
Unknown: Answer your door.
Suddenly the doorbell rings and my stomach twists. Who the fuck is stalking me? My first thought is to call my father at work and freak out that there is some serial killer at the door, but I'm a grown-ass woman. He is never going to have faith that I can live on my own if I do that. When there is a hard knock on the door, I jump out of my chair at the kitchen table and grab a knife from the knife block before inching my way toward the door.
Peeking through the curtains at the window beside the entryway, I find a broad-shouldered man in a suit knocking at my door again. I relax. It's Christian's driver/bodyguard man. Feeling stupid that I'm white knuckling the knife, I set it down on the table beside the door before unlocking it and yanking it open.
"Ms. Steele." He gives me a nod. He's holding a wrapped box.
"Hello. Mr. Taylor right?"
He pushes his aviators up on his head and gives me a polite smile. "Just Taylor will do."
"Alright, just Taylor. I'm sorry it took me so long to answer the door."
His lips turn up into a smile. "Have to make sure I'm not a serial killer first."
I laugh. "Well, I got a text from a random phone number to answer my door... so, my worry was valid."
"Well, I'm glad not to be met with that knife you have sitting beside you."
My face colors. Of course he would notice that.
"This is from Mr. Grey." He offers me the package and I take it.
"Oh. Um, thanks." What did he get me? "Would you like a bottle of water or anything for your trouble?" It sounds ridiculous, but I don't know what to say! No ones ever sent their employee over to give me something.
He looks entertained as he looks at me. "No, thank you, Ms. Steele. I've got to get going. Lots of work to do."
"Oh?" My eyebrow cocks. "More presents to give to more women?"
He actually laughs. "No, I assure you, there are no other presents or women for that matter."
"Good answer, Taylor." He doesn't throw his employer under the bus and I appreciate that.
"Goodbye, Ms. Steele."
"Have a good day. Don't let him boss you around too much!" I wave as he makes his way back down the walk to the SUV parked in the driveway.
When I come back to the table, I have alerts from the number I've realized is Christian's.
Christian: Did you get the package?
Christian: Are you ignoring me, Sugar?
Christian: Anastasia!
I shake my head. This man is impatient.
Me: Don't pop an artery, I'm back. I got a very worrisome text message from an unknown number and thought I was being stalked, so it took me a minute. No worries though, Taylor remains unharmed. Opening the package now.
Yanking on the red bow, it unravels and I pull the lid off the white box. Inside is a red garment. I pull it out and realize it's a one-piece swimming suit. I laugh. I had forgotten all about our little deal last night.
Christian: Do you like it?
Me: It's red. It's beautiful, but I look terrible in red.
Christian: I like you in red.
Me: I never wear red.
Christian: Okay, I'd like to see you in red.
Me: Thank you for the swimsuit, Christian.
Christian: We could have chosen it together if you would have stayed.
I wince at his text. He seems unhappy with my decision, but I just figured it'd be easier. I decide to he honest with him.
Me: I figured leaving would be easier. I figured you didn't need the awkward morning after thing.
Christian: No one said it'd be awkward. I'm not some fuck boy, Anastasia. And you aren't just a conquest. I had plans for us this morning.
Me: Oh? What kind of plans?
Christian: Maybe if you stay next time, you'll find out.
I stare down at his text. Next time. He wants more? I expected this to be a one night stand kind of a deal. What would he want with me?
Christian: You can try to run from me, but you can't hide. I'll find you, Sugar.
He's a little on the creepy possessive side, but I kind of like it. Does that mean there's something wrong with me?
Me: I'm not running.
Christian: Good girl. Remember whose marks you're wearing.
I feel scandalized by his words, but I let out a laugh. What the fuck did I get myself into?
Me: Oh, I'm yours now?
Christian: Yes. And you should know I take care of what's mine. How are you feeling after last night?
Me: Sore, but good.
Christian: Take some Advil and soak in the bath for a bit. You need time to recover.
I put my phone down on the table. That's enough of that for now. I'm about two seconds away from begging him to tell me where he is so he can claim me again. I don't know why I like him so bossy. I've always hated men who threw their weight around. Maybe this is what I get for opening my legs to him so willingly. Now I'm going to be following him around like a puppy. Fuck, I hope not.
My phone rings and I see it's Christian. Oh, hell. I should have known I wouldn't get away that easy.
"Hello?"
"Sugar, I won't be left on read. You answer me."
I sigh. "I didn't answer you because I was afraid to."
"Why? You should never be afraid of me."
I smile. "Noted... but, I don't mean because of that. Because..." I swallow. Jesus it sounds so stupid.
"Use your words, Sugar. Tell me."
"Because you were turning me on with your bossy tone." I squeeze my eyes shut and wait. But it's quiet on the other side. I'm so damn stupid. I'm about to give up and just hang up, but he clears his throat.
"Jesus, Anastasia. Do you have any idea how much you challenge my self control?"
"Huh?"
"Your body needs rest, but all I can think about is when I can get you in my bed again. You're dangerous."
I laugh. "Dangerous? Me?"
"Yes, you. The fact that you don't realize just drives home that fact."
"If you say so, Grey."
I hear him blow out a breath and I imagine how his soft lips look as he does. I miss those lips already. He's such a good kisser. I want those lips on mine again.
"I need you to do what I requested. Take some Advil and a bath."
"Requested? Is that what it was? Seemed more like a demand to me."
"Do I need to demand it?" He's all growly and bossy and I actually swoon.
"Yes, please." I'm breathy and giddy and want to hear him get all bossy again.
"Anastasia. Get your ass in the bathtub and take some Advil. Now."
I practically purr into the phone. Fuck, maybe I am a cat. "Yes, sir."
"Good girl. Send me the proof." Before I can respond, the call disconnects. He just hung up just like that. No goodbye, no see you later, no nothing.
Still, I find myself making my way toward the medicine cabinet so I can find some Advil and take a picture for evidence before I wash them down with a bottle of water.
XxXxXx
The swimsuit that Christian got me actually fits perfectly. It's a red one piece halter top with a cut out between my breasts. It has ruching along the abdomen and a small bow at the small of the back. It manages to cover all the bites except for the three on my thighs, but there's nothing that will hide those. Hopefully, no one notices them. I throw on my loose white cotton and lace cover up and slip into some white Old Navy flipflops before heading out towards the Grey compound.
It's overcast today, like normal, but I've been tricked before and ended up with a terrible sunburn that gave me blisters on an overcast day, so my first task for the day is to lather myself up. I haven't seen Christian since I ran out on him and I know I have to talk to him at some point, but I'm hoping if I stay busy enough today, that it'll wait until later.
I greet Mia and Kate on the back patio and notice that the party has already started. In my periphery, I can see Christian laying on a chair watching me. Thankfully, the girls swerve to the opposite side of the pool, offering me a lounge chair next to theirs.
"It's pooltime, Ana!" Mia pulls on my hand as soon as I set my stuff down. It makes me laugh.
"Give me a minute. I need my sunscreen."
She rolls here eyes. "You and your sunscreen."
"Sorry, not all of us can have beautiful olive skin like you. You get nice and sun-kissed outside and I just become a lobster."
She smiles at me. "Yea, it's great, isn't it?" Her hand runs up her arm.
"God, I hate you. Go away!" I push her playfully toward the pool and have a seat on my lounger to rummage through my bag for my Coppertone. Unfortunately, my lounge chair is directly across from the hot bossman who I can feel staring at me when I finally find it and yank the cover up off.
I risk a sneak peek at him and watch his head hit the back of his chair, his book lowering to his lap. I've caught his attention and I notice him taking his time looking my body over. When his eyes meet mine, I cock an eyebrow at him. I want him to know I caught him, even though I doubt he cares.
With a soft grin, he flicks his glasses onto his face from his head and now I can't tell where he's looking. Jerk. I am going to be self conscious now. Fuck he's so hot though. He's so lean and muscular, his abs looking phenomenal while he sits up in his lounger and his thighs looking so damn strong against his sky blue swim shorts. I look down at my sunscreen and pout. It isn't fucking fair.
Speaking of muscle... Large bare feet and a leg tattoo come into my view as I pop open my sunscreen.
"Hey, Sugar."
My heart does that gallopy thing it always does when he's near. My eyes climb his tan muscular legs to his white Hawaiian swimshorts with red flowers and my nervous system goes into overdrive when I take in his thick torso covered in tattoos and muscles to his smiling face. Why are tattoos so fucking hot?
"Hi, Elliot." I clear my throat when I hear how tight my voice sounds.
"Need some help with that?" He has a seat on Kate's lounger next to me and reaches for my sunscreen before I can yank it away.
"I...I don't think... I can do it."
Pushing his sunglasses onto his head, his hazel eyes meet mine. There is a lot of blue in them today with green and brown around the middle.
"Your eyes have a lot of blue in them today." I'm confused. Usually, they're mostly green and brown.
He grins. "Make it a habit to memorize my eye shade?"
Oh, bugger. I look down. "Sorry. They're just different today."
He runs his index finger over my cheek, making me look back up at him. "They turn blue after an adrenaline rush."
My eyebrows shoot up. "That's actually really interesting. What caused your rush today?"
"I might have ridden my motorcycle a little faster than deemed safe."
I giggle. I am not surprised about his speeding.
"Maybe you can take a ride with me sometime and you can see the blue eyes again."
My heart thumps hard in my chest, but I shrug. "Maybe." I try to sound calm, cool, and collected but I'm not sure it's working. "I haven't been on a motorcycle since I was seventeen and my father banned me from my twenty year old motorcycle boyfriend."
His head falls back in a laugh. "Maybe we won't tell Ray about our little excursion then."
"I think it was less about the motorcycle and more about the boy on it."
"I can't blame him for being pissed. A sweet thing like you can get into some big trouble with a man like that."
I roll my eyes. "You're a man like that." I try to grab my sunscreen from him, but he's too fast and keeps it out of reach.
"I am. That's how I know."
"Tall, dark, and dangerous, huh?" I tease.
"I like that." He scratches his cheek stubble and looks at the sky. "We better get this sunscreen on you before you burn."
"Let me do it myself."
"I don't bite, Sugar. At least not in public." He gives me a wink and moves next to me on my lounger, making me feel jittery. My eyes land on Christian, worried he'll be pissed. I'm surprised when his mouth turns up into a grin and he gives me a subtle nod.
My body relaxes instantly. He trusts his brother and I don't have to worry the whole time Elliot touches me.
Fuck.
Elliot is going to touch me. Like... all over.
I am trying to keep my trembling in check when his large, rough hands yank my calves into his lap, so he can apply the lotion. I'm already in overdrive, but I need to pretend like Elliot doesn't affect me. I don't want Christian thinking I'm that kind of girl. I'm hoping he won't considering he knows first hand I don't know much about the male form. While his hands run over my legs, I try not to squirm while my eyes keep flicking over to Christian. His glasses are back on top of his head and he gives me a wink.
"Relax. He's a big boy." Elliot's words force my gaze off of Christian and to Elliot.
"What?" Does he know?
"My brother did a good job on these thighs." His thumb brushes over the bruise on my inner thigh and I smack at his hand.
"What? You know?"
He gives me a grin. "I do."
I blow out a puff of air. "How much do you know?"
Smirking, his eyes watch his own hands rub the lotion over my thighs. "Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me."
I facepalm. The two men I didn't want knowing I was a virgin both know now.
He chuckles at my reaction. "There's nothing to be worried about. We care about our Sugar. You're special. To both of us."
"What does that mean?" Both of them?
"It means I want a chance to take you out."
"I'm sorry, what?" Have I stroked? Surely the words aren't comprehending like they're supposed to.
He starts rubbing down my arms with lotion, looking completely unaffected. "I want to spend some time with you."
"You...but...I'm not..." What am I trying to say?
"Just a little of your time. I'm not expecting anything more. Not unless you want to, of course."
"Oh... I get it. This is some sort of joke or test, right? Did Christian put you up to this? See if I'd bite? Test my loyalty?" I find myself actually getting riled up at the thought. "This is bullshit."
"What?" He actually looks surprised. "Sugar, no! It isn't some joke. Listen..." He sighs. "Christian and I have both had a thing for you for awhile now. We've been trying to be patient... let you come to one of us... and then Wednesday evening happened."
I narrow my eyes at him. "This doesn't make any sense. So, you two just expect me to be your- what? Plaything or something? I slept with him so now I have to do the same with you? How many times have you done this?"
"Fuck. This is not how I pictured this going, Sugar. We've never done this before... and if you just have feelings for Christian then that's fine. I'll deal with it. But... and tell me if I'm wrong... you feel the attraction to me, too. The way you blush when I look at you... the way your heart speeds up when we talk-"
"How do you know that?"
He smiles and reaches up, his thumb grazing the artery on my neck. "I can see it throb. You're attracted to me."
I sigh and look down. "Maybe."
"And you like Christian."
"Obviously." I wouldn't have ended up in bed with the sexy asshole if I didn't.
"Well, we talked and neither of us are willing to step down... so, if you're willing... we want to both spend time with you." He reaches toward me with lotion and runs it over the cut out on my chest. I smack away his hands.
"Elliot! Boundaries!"
His head falls back in a laugh. "Yea... you're going to have a problem with that if you're going to date either one of us. I think we both struggle with that."
I look over and find Christian giving us a dimple smile, my stomach flip-flopping over it.
"This would be so much easier if you both weren't so fucking hot."
Smiling, he turns to look back at his brother for a second before he turns his attention back to me. "Turn so I can get your back."
I turn away from him and groan when he massages my shoulders into mush. "Your hands are magic."
"If you agree to a couple of dates, I can show you just how magical they really are."
I laugh. "We'll see. I have reservations about all of this."
"We'll work it out. Hopefully soon. I'm a little jealous about the attention you've given my brother and I know he intends on taking you home tonight."
I roll my eyes. "Is he now? What makes him think he'll get what he wants?"
"Because he always does."
I know. Sighing, I know I'll end up back at Escala tonight. He wants to talk and if I'm being honest, I really want more of what we did the other night.
"Just talk to Christian when you're there tonight. You two can work out your reservations and you can even call me if you need to. I'd love to be there, too, but I know we're not there, yet."
"I appreciate that." I look over my shoulder and give him a smile. "See? You can honor boundaries."
He hands me the sunscreen so I can do my face. "Yes, for now. It won't always be that way. I hope that we get to a place where boundaries aren't needed." Patting my thigh, he pushes off the lounger and makes his way toward the tiki bar to get a drink.
Oh, boy.
There is so much to think about.
XxXxXx
It's so hard to push all of the Christian and Elliot stuff to the side, but I manage enough to have fun with everyone in the pool. We're playing Marco Polo which is entertaining with a dozen people in a large inground pool. Most have stayed toward the shallow end, but I've found a great spot close to the diving board to hide that throws my voice enough for them not to find me.
"You look beautiful in red."
I startle at his voice in my ear and feel his strong hand on my hip while I tread water. I look over my shoulder at Christian and give him a smile. "Thanks. It fits perfectly."
"I see that." His hand runs over the ruching on my abdomen. "You're coming to Escala tonight."
"That's what Elliot said."
He smirks. "Not going to fight it?"
"Is there really any point?"
He chuckles behind me. "Good girl. We do have a lot to talk about." His fingertips slip inside the hem around my thigh. "I can't wait to peel this off."
I shiver. "Pretty sure of yourself."
"I know what I want, Sugar, but you're in charge. If you don't-"
"I do." There is no point in denying it. "I just wish I didn't have to wait."
His index finger runs the length of my bare back. "Fun first then. After, we'll talk."
I nod. Oh, yes. I like that. I hate how needy I feel for him but I am so anxious to know how sex will be now that I don't have my barrier in the way.
The others are making their way to us and when Elliot zeroes in on me with a grin, I make a run for it. Unfortunately, he yanks me off the ladder I'm halfway up and throws me towards the middle of the pool where Kate is yelling Marco. I instantly get tagged when I come up for air.
I scowl at the grinning Elliot. He threw me to the wolves and now it's my turn to yell Marco like an idiot. My perfect score is now ruined thanks to the behemoth who likes to flirt with me. Maybe I'll make him wait for those dates.