Chapter 2

'Let It Snow' was playing yet again over the car radio and Ana was so glad this drive was almost over. The snow showers had been falling off and on since she left Montesano on the long drive back from Ray's house. She was ready for a nice long soak in the huge bathtub connected to her room at Escala although she was sure Christian would have other plans for her. She hoped for at least a little time to relax before he made her body soar for what would more than likely be the last time.

Christian had texted her this morning that they were going to discuss their contract renewal this evening and she was positive that conversation was not going to end well. Spending time with her Dad, away from Christian had given her time to assess their relationship. Christmas Eve with Christian had sealed her feelings for the man. She was hopelessly in love with him. For a man who always claimed he didn't do "Hearts and Flowers", his gift to her said otherwise. He had put a lot of thought into the charm bracelet she opened Christmas Eve. The fact that he hadn't delegated the task to his assistant warmed her heart. She almost spoke the words that would have ended their relationship that night but managed to stop herself.

Her Father introduced her to his girlfriend on Christmas day and watching them during her stay convinced her not to renew her contract with Christian. She wanted what she saw with Ray and Cathy. Their feelings for each other shown bright in their eyes, innocent touches and sweet kisses under the mistletoe. When she began her relationship with Christian she had hoped he would change his mind and become her boyfriend by now. He had come a long way in the six months they'd been together, but she was tired of waiting and hoping for something that may never come true. Sure, sex with Christian was earth shattering, but it was no longer enough for this romantic hearts and flowers girl.

Sitting at the stoplight just three blocks form Escala she closed her eyes and took a deep breath praying for the strength she was going to need when she meets with Christian. He would be eager to get her into the playroom since they had been apart for nearly a week and she planned on committing everything he did to her body tonight to memory. A memory that may have to last her for the rest of her life. Christian had been her first everything and her heart and mind told her no one else she may meet in her lifetime would measure up to him.

The light turned green in front of her and she took her foot off the brake, moved it to the gas petal and slowly began applying pressure. The tires spun briefly in the snow before gaining traction and starting to move the car forward. She was nearly though the intersection when the car coming toward her spun out of control. She slammed on her brakes and turned the car as far away from the approaching car as safety possible, but there was not enough road to avoid the car hurtling toward her and the hard application of the brakes had caused the car to fishtail the driver side of her car directly into the path of the approaching car. She briefly heard the grinding of metal before feeling the powerful impact of the airbags deploying all around her. The pain was instantaneous. Her left shoulder, side and leg screamed in a level of pain she had never before experienced. Her first thought was to call Christian. The car was still running, and she managed to move her right hand to active the hands-free calling feature.

"Call Christian." She choked out with a ragged breath. Please pick up she prayed as the phone began ringing.

"Good Evening Anastasia." Came his husky voice over the car speaker.

"Christian" she whispered.

She could hear the worry in his voice as he questioned her. "What's wrong Anastasia? Where are you?"

"Car" she moaned out in pain. Something was running in her eyes and she raised her hand to her forehead and came down with a hand brighten with red blood.

"Anastasia, Talk to me. Where are you?" he pleaded. She heard Taylor in the background saying something about receiving an alert and telling Christian to get his coat and they'd get to me on foot.

"Anastasia, Taylor and I are on our way. Keep talking to me."

Darkness was closing in on her and she need to try and convince Christian one more time of what a good person he was before she lost consciousness. "Christian, you're not fucked up." A long paused filled the air as she heard voices calling out to call 911 "You're a good man, never let anyone tell you differently." she continued as voices were getting louder as people were approaching her car.

She heard someone yell. "OMG. Tell 911 there are major injuries involved. Miss can you hear me?"

Taking a deep ragged breath, she managed to tell the person at the side of her car, "Tell Christian I love him."