 
B r o k e n

A Novel

Janie S. Monares
B r o k e n

Janie S. Monares

Copyright 2013 by Janie S. Monares

Smashwords Edition

Published by dMon Publishing, LLC

Dallas, TX

www.dmonpublishing.com

Cover design and cover illustration by dMon Publishing, LLC.

Front cover photographs by ©Alexmoe|Dreamstime.com, ©Tadija Savoc|Dreamstime.com, ©Andrey Popov|Dreamstime.com

Back cover photograph by ©Francesco Cura (curaphotography via stockfresh.com)

Editing by dMon Publishing, LLC. Proofreading by Missy Jones Gnann

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

This book is based on some true events; however, has been fictionalized and all persons appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real people, living or dead is entirely coincidental.

www.janiemonares.com

https://www.facebook.com/janiemonares

Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN): 2013951864

All rights reserved.

Paperback ISBN-10: 0989324915

Paperback ISBN-13: 978-0989324915

Copyright © 2013 Janie S. Monares
Dedication

To Tonya, Tammy, and Julie
Books available by Janie S. Monares:

Ship Mates: What Happens at Sea Stays at Sea

Ship Mates II: What Happens on Det Stays on Det

Ship Mates III: The Final Tour

Ship Mates: The Trilogy

Back Door Betty: Fire in the Hole

Always Bite the Hand that Feeds You

Join Janie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janiemonares

Follow Janie on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JanieMonares

Signed copies available at:

www.janiemonares.com
Acknowledgments

Special thanks to my college professors for encouraging me to write and also for believing in me.
Chapter One

She takes a dreadful, exasperated sigh into the mirror and dabs on a fifth coat of foundation underneath her right eye. Elliana is determined to conceal the black and purple bruise that is still trying to peek its way through the caked on makeup.

With one final brush through the lustrous waves of her golden hair, she grabs her purse from the bathroom counter, and restlessly paces her way into the living room. Eyeing her husband shrewdly, who is fast asleep on the sofa, Elliana cautiously saunters toward him, and retrieves an empty beer bottle from the floor that had fallen from his hand the night before. After Elliana tosses it into the trashcan underneath the kitchen sink, she scrambles out the front door, and takes the stairs down to the carport.

Smoothing out the back of her pink wraparound dress with a plunging ruffle neckline, she sinks down into her car and inhales deeply. Exhaling a long tranquil breath and adjusting the rearview mirror, Elliana backs from her parking space of the base-housing driveway.

At age twenty-three, Elliana Lattimer married her fantasy man fresh out of high school. She believed him to be the best thing that has ever walked the face of this God-given earth. Without going to college, Mark joined the Navy, and became one of the elite members of the Naval Search and Rescue team also known as SAR.

Mark, twenty-four, transferred from the Pensacola Naval Air Station to Moffett Federal Airfield in Mountain View, California, where they now live in base-housing. Luckily for Mark, his parents' sold their home in Florida, and moved to Santa Rosa, California, which is on the outskirts of San Francisco.

Elliana is employed off base in the small California town of Mountain View as a receptionist at a well-known advertising and marketing firm. She took the job two-weeks after arriving in California. Mark wasn't particularly happy about her acquiring the job, but it was extra money, and it seemed to help her cope with missing her parents' who she had left behind in Florida.

Elliana had never left the state of Florida in all her twenty-three years and was heartbroken when she had to say goodbye to her mother and father. She was elated to see a job posting in the community center on base and was granted an interview the day after she submitted her resume.

Kate Slidell, her boss, is the wife of an Air Force command chief master sergeant. Kate has been with the advertising firm for ten years. Being the office manager and the CEO's executive assistant, Kate was responsible for hiring the new receptionist, so she posted a job listing on base as well as some online publications. As soon as Kate noticed Elliana's address on her resume, she knew that it would be nice to hire another military wife. Knowing how lonely it can be with your husband gone the majority of the time on Det, she knew by hiring Elliana that she would be helping her overcome some of her emptiness from being so far away from her parents', and sometimes, her husband.

Elliana has been with the advertising and marketing firm for nearly six months. She honestly enjoys her job and the people she works with, and everyone at the firm enjoys working with her. She's very punctual and takes on every task as soon as they're presented to her. She keeps mainly to herself; though, seeming slightly guarded, but always maintaining a smile, quite cheery, and seems in good spirits mostly.

Every Friday night after work, the employees along with the CEO go to Burks and have a few drinks to unwind from the busy workweek. Even though Elliana is always asked to attend, she never obliges the gesture.

A few weeks before, Kate had noticed that Elliana was wearing more makeup than usual and her personality seemed to change to a more timid side than her usual cheery self. Kate was never one to pry, so she kept to her business, and hoped that maybe it was only a temporary phase of mild depression.

* * *

Elliana parks her red Chevy Camaro in her reserved space behind the building of Bazelle and Echart and makes her way to the front entrance of the advertising firm. Walking around the cherry wood desk, she pushes her purse underneath, and situates herself in her swivel chair. Booting up her computer, she looks over at the massive amount of timesheets inside her in-basket, and prepares for a busy day of entering payroll into the database.

The phone rings and Elliana picks up the receiver. "Bazelle and Echart, this is Elliana speaking. How may I help you?" she asks in a sweet, inviting, virginal voice.

"I have an appointment with Dave Echart at eleven," a man says, bearing a serious, but gentle tone. "I'm going to be a little late. Can you let him know?"

"Yes, sir," she says. "May I have your name and I'll relay the message to him?"

"Reid." He clears his throat. "Griffin Reid."

Elliana's eyes shoot open in surprise. She knows exactly who Griffin Reid is. One of the wealthiest men in the United States, owner of a major semiconductor company, Reid Semiconductor based in Silicon Valley. "Thank you, Mr. Reid," her voice is meek. "I will let Mr. Echart know that you'll be running late."

The call disconnects and Elliana stands from her desk and strides confidently down the hallway toward Dave's office.

The business of Bazelle and Echart is in the heart of downtown Mountain View and is a one story, modest gray building nestled in the midst of independent bookstores, coffee houses, and restaurants.

She saunters past the many cubicles that line the hallway and arrives at Dave's office. She sees the attractive bald man in his mid-forties staring at his computer monitor appearing heavily in thought. Elliana clears her throat. "Um, Mr. Echart."

Dave alertly lifts his head to look at her. "Yes, Elliana?"

"Mr. Reid just called and wanted me to tell ya that he will be a little late for the eleven o'clock meeting."

"Did he say why?"

She shakes her head weakly. "No, sir."

"Thank you. I'll let the rest of the staff know."

Elliana turns on her heel and walks back to her desk. As she sits, she sees Kate enter the building through the glass double-doors.

"Good morning, Kate," Elliana greets, barely able to see over the high counter. "Mr. Reid called a few minutes ago and informed me that he will be a few minutes late for the eleven o'clock meeting."

Kate places her expensive Louis Vuitton purse on the receiving counter of the desk. "Do Dave or I have any mail?"

Elliana intently examines the mail slots that are behind her and pulls the envelopes from the assigned spots. "Here ya are." She extends her hand and offers the mail over the counter to Kate.

"Thank you." Kate looks through the few envelopes and then peeks up from her black, Chanel eyeglasses and notices the slight purple hue underneath Elliana's eye. "You okay?"

"I'm fine," Elliana says in a thin, unsure voice. "Why?"

Kate shrugs her shoulders. "I'm just wondering. You know that if you ever need to talk about anything, I'll always be here to listen, don't you?"

Elliana smiles trying to prevent the slight quiver to her lip. "Yes."

"Well, then...I better get everything prepared for that meeting." Kate walks down the hallway toward her cubicle in swift strides as if she's preparing to put out a wildfire.

After Kate takes her leave, Elliana pulls her compact mirror from her purse and carefully studies her reflection. Smoothing her index finger over what she thought was a well-concealed bruise; she notices a slight hint of purple showing through. She rubs a little powder on the applicator and sweeps it underneath her eye. There. That should do it. She closes the compact and shoves it back inside her handbag.
Chapter Two

Griffin Reid flings the blankets off and sits at the edge of the bed with his head hanging low. Brushing his hands through his jet-black wavy hair, he shakes his head in disbelief. Disgusted with himself, he whispers, "When will I stop this madness?" He refers to the one-night stand that had just left his home. Picking up his cell phone after making a call to delay his appointment, he goes into the bathroom to shower off the woman's rancid perfume that still lingers on his skin.

Entering his massive closet that could easily fit a New York studio apartment, he pulls out one of his many custom tailored slim-fit suits. Choosing a navy blue suit, he dresses, and tightens the Windsor knot of his smoky gray silk tie. With a quick fasten of his silver Gucci cufflinks, he grabs his cell phone and wallet, and slides them in the inside pocket of his jacket.

As he pulls from the fifteen car garage in his white Audi R8, he makes his way from his Palo Alto estate toward Mountain View.

He pulls up to the front of Bazelle and Echart and parks alongside the curb. Closing the door to his R8 and arming the alarm system, Griffin rushes inside and heads straight to the front desk.

Elliana looks up from her computer and sees a very handsome gentleman standing before her dressed to the nines. She's taken aback by his icy blue eyes and his sharp, but warming smile. "How can I help ya?" she asks, knowing exactly who the man is due to his signature blue eye color. She's only seen him in tabloid magazines, but seeing those gorgeous icy blue eyes up-close and in person was beguiling to her.

"I'm Reid and I have an appointment with Dave."

"Yes, sir. I will let him know that you've arrived. May I get ya some coffee or water while ya wait?"

Griffin shakes his head from side-to-side. "No, I'm good, but thanks." He turns and takes a seat in the lobby. Picking up a magazine, he flips through it, but peeks over the pages while he watches Elliana walk down the hallway. "Those legs..." he mumbles to himself as he flips carelessly to another page.

Elliana walks back to the lobby and stands before Griffin as she fidgets nervously with her fingers, feeling totally intimidated by him. "Sir, if you would follow me please," she says, unconfidently. "They're ready for ya in the conference room."

Griffin casually sets down the magazine on a side table and stands. He follows behind Elliana and he can't take his eyes off her gorgeous slender calves. Opening the door, she holds it ajar and allows Griffin to walk inside the conference room. She deeply inhales the manly scent of his cologne wafting from his body, and it sends a cool, exhilarating shiver down her spine. The door closes and she heads back to her desk.

It's noon, so Elliana puts the phone on do-not-disturb, grabs her purse from underneath her desk, and walks to a deli down the street. While she's sitting alone at a table, she watches as Dave, Kate, and Mr. Reid enter the restaurant. Elliana waves modestly and smiles at them as they make their way to the counter to order their lunch. Elliana can hear them speaking among one another as she listens to Dave offer to buy Mr. Reid his meal.

Moments later, Kate sits across from Elliana. Dave and Mr. Reid are lost in conversation at another table a few feet away.

"Looks like we got the account," Kate says, peeling the wrapper from her straw.

"Oh, yeah?" Elliana arches an interested brow and takes a bite of her ham and cheese sandwich.

"It's a major account for us. Dave says that he's going to throw a big party to celebrate and it's mandatory that everyone attend. Mr. Bazelle is even flying in from New York."

Elliana knew it must be something huge if Mr. Bazelle was flying in. Suddenly, Elliana experiences a sinking feeling in her gut. How is Mark going to react to this? "Mandatory?" She shifts uncomfortably in her seat.

"Is that going to be a problem?"

"I don't believe so." Elliana takes a gulp of water and sets down her Fiji bottle on the table. Looking through her peripheral vision, Elliana can see Griffin glancing her way. He politely smiles and then focuses his conversation back to Dave.

Kate places her hand on Elliana's across the table. "Look, Elliana," she says, bearing her sympathetic light brown eyes. "I know something is going on at home. I wasn't born yesterday."

Shocked by the statement, Elliana pulls her hand from Kate's gentle grasp, and takes another drink of water. With a slight shaky hand, she sets down her bottle and swallows hard. "What do you mean?"

"I can see the bruise on your face. Not only that, you've been hiding a lot of things lately."

Elliana uncomfortably giggles. "Oh, this?" She points to her eye. "My cabinet knocked me in the eye. I'm so clumsy at times."

"C'mon, Ellie, you can confide in me. I won't say anything. I've been in your same situation."

Elliana looks down at her knotted fingers in her lap. "And what situation is that?"

"Abused by my husband."

Elliana casually slams back in her seat and crosses her arms in front. She laughs loudly. "Abused? I'm not being abused."

"I can see the signs, Ellie."

Elliana shakes her head in disbelief. "You've got it all wrong. It was an accident. Trust me, if I was being abused, I would hop in my car and hightail it back to Florida." A sudden pang of worry shoots through her core.

"I sure hope that you're telling the truth. In any case, if you ever need somewhere to go, I'm only three apartment buildings down from you." Kate takes one final bite of her sandwich and stands from the table. "Do you want to walk with me back to the office?"

"Not right now. I'm going to sit for a few more minutes and finish eating."

Kate walks toward Dave and Mr. Reid's table. Dave and Mr. Reid shake hands. "I'll see you tomorrow afternoon at four to go over the final details," Mr. Reid says. Dave gives Griffin a friendly pat on the back before he and Kate leave the deli.

Mr. Reid looks over in Elliana's direction. She looks up and sees him coming toward her table. Setting the rest of her sandwich down, she quickly combs her fingers through her hair and sits posture perfect. "Hi, Mr. Reid," she says, shyly displaying a slight hint of a grin.

The corners of Griffin's lips curl into a genial smile. Seeing the slight bruising on her face, he wonders what could have happened, but he doesn't pry. "Hello there," he responds, warmly.

"Would ya like to have a seat?"

"Thank you. Wouldn't mind if I do." He pulls out a chair and takes a seat across from her. "I noticed a slight southern accent when I spoke to you this morning."

Her heart beats a tad faster than normal. She timidly looks down at the table and hesitantly raises her eyelids to him. "Accent?" she inquires. "I don't have an accent."

He tosses his head back and laughs. "Yes, you do! Not many people here in Cali use the word, "ya" when implying, you."

Elliana looks down, fidgeting with her knotted fingers in her lap once more. "I didn't realize it. I'm so very sorry."

His cheerful expression fades to slightly panicked, realizing that he said something that may have hurt her feelings. "I hope that I didn't upset you. I think it's very endearing. Cute as a matter of fact." He can sense her nervousness, so he tries to keep the conversation going in hopes to ease her tension. "So, where are you from?"

She looks up through her long black lashes and smiles, raising the bottle of water to her lips. "A little town in Florida called Deland. I've lived there my whole life. I've only been here for about six months."

"What brings you here?"

"My husband is stationed here at Moffett."

Griffin notices the tiny diamond ring on her finger. "What branch of service is he in?"

"Navy," she says. "I think we're gonna be here for the next two years."

Griffin looks at his Breitling watch. "Shit!" His eyes shift to Elliana. "I'm running late for another meeting. Do you mind if I walk you back to the office?"

Elliana takes one final drink of water and stands from the table, pushing in her chair. "Thank you, Mr. Reid." She stares down at the floor, her arms wrapped shyly in front. "But it's really not necessary."

"Nonsense!" he says in a fine break of laughter. "But, please, call me Griffin." He softly places his palm upon the small of her back to help usher her through the door and she flinches in a startled jerk. "Oh, I'm sorry," he says, noticing her slightly tensing when he touched her.

"It's alright, Mr. Reid." She swallows hard. "You just took me by surprise is all."

"And what's your name?" he asks as they walk side-by-side down the sidewalk.

"Elliana."

"Beautiful name...Elliana..." he says in a hollow, but well enunciated manner, her name rolling off his delicately shaped mouth.

Griffin stops his stride when they come to his Audi. "Well, it was nice speaking with you, Elliana" he says. "Looks like I'll be back again tomorrow, though." He presses the button on his key fob and the door locks unlatch. Swinging open the door, he crouches down into the seat. "And I mean that." His eyelids fan upward to look at her. "It was really nice speaking with you, although it was short."

Elliana crosses her arms in front, insecurely hugging herself. "Nice chatting with ya, too," she pauses. "I mean you."

He laughs, playfully shaking his head at her accent, and then closes the door. Elliana stands on the sidewalk and hears the roar of the magnificent engine. She's totally in awe by his hot car. Turning around, she walks back to her office, sits down at her desk, and finishes up with the database entries.

* * *

Looking up at the clock, Elliana notices that it's almost five. Grabbing her purse from underneath her desk, she shuts off her computer and walks to Kate's cubicle. Leaning in, she gains Kate's attention. "I'm taking off. See you in the morning."

"Have a good night, Ellie. Remember what I told you earlier. I'm only three apartment buildings down from you. Come over anytime, day or night if need be. I mean that." Kate's tiny, oval face looks on as she bores her squinty brown eyes to Elliana.

Elliana smiles and nods. "Goodnight, Kate."

Rushing to her car, Elliana slams herself down, throwing her oversized handbag in the passenger seat. As she approaches Castro Street, she stops at the traffic light. "Please, please, please don't let this be CalTrain," she anxiously prays. Knowing if she's even five minutes late, Mark will be pissed.

Sure enough, she sees the gates lower, and the train pulls to a stop. Her hands sink into her lap and she just sits and wonders what will be in store for her when she gets home.

After the train pulls away, she crosses over the tracks onto Moffett Boulevard. Turning onto Vernon Circle, she sees Mark's truck parked by the curb. She pulls onto the carport, shuts off the car, grabs her purse, and takes the dreaded walk up the stairs to her apartment on the second floor.

As she opens the door, Elliana steps inside. She walks down the hallway past the utility room and the bathroom and then enters her bedroom. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she slips off her shoes and can hear Mark shuffling his feet as he strides down the hallway. Pain resonates in her belly and she dreads to hear the words come from his mouth. Her eyelids fall and she squints them tightly.

"You're late again, Ellie." Mark towers in the doorway wearing his blue Navy utility coveralls and black socks.

"I'm barely late. CalTrain caught me." She sucks in a shuddering breath.

"Your job is only three and a half miles away. It shouldn't take you ten minutes to get home." He walks toward her and he yanks her up forcefully by her bicep.

She sees his brown eyes turn to rage, his skin reddens. "Please, Mark. It was the train, I swear," she says, her eyes pleading.

Mark sniffs her neck and smells her hair. "You were with somebody. I can smell him." His expression clots with terror.

"No, I wasn't. I swear!"

"I checked my bank account, Ellie. I know you went to La Boulanger for lunch. Who did you have lunch with?"

"Kate! I had lunch with Kate, I swear." Tears swell up in her eyes. "Please, you can call and ask her."

"She'll just lie for you."

Elliana tries to take her arm from Mark's strong hold, but fails.

"Don't you dare try to pull away from me," he hisses through gritted teeth, his jaw clenching tight.

Elliana can sense by the vengeful look in his eyes and the smell on his rancid breath that he's been drinking. His glassy gaze skims over her body and he unties the belt to her dress. Spreading it open, he slips the dress off her shoulders. Elliana stares up at the ceiling dreading the inevitable.

"Take off your panties," he orders, bearing an extremely loud voice.

"Please, Mark. Let's not do this now."

He immediately strips off his clothes. "I said; take off your God damn panties."

Elliana hesitantly slides her panties down her legs and they pool at her feet.

"Good girl. Now, remove your bra."

Her stomach knots and she feels as though she's going to vomit. "Please, Mark. Not tonight. I don't feel well."

"Do it!" he demands as he backhands her across the face. "Don't you fuckin' defy me!"

Elliana's right hand meets her stinging cheek and she looks at Mark with pleading eyes. "Please, not tonight."

"We'll do this the hard way then." He reaches behind her back and unfastens her bra. It drops to the floor. "Now, lay back on the bed."

Elliana reluctantly sits on the bed and scoots back to the pillow. His lips meet her neck and he kisses her aggressively. Tears stream down her cheeks while she watches sweat bead at the roots of his thin spiky blond hair. As he thrusts himself violently inside her, he punishingly looks into her eyes, and notices her tears. "Are you fuckin' kidding me? You're crying?"

"I'm sorry."

"I'll give you something to fuckin' cry about." Another smack to the face, and this time it was much harder than before. So hard in fact that a cut spread above her eyebrow. Wrapping his hands around her throat, he demands, "Tell me you love me."

Elliana remains silent, except for a few whimpers that escape her lips.

"Tell me you love me!"

"I love you!" she responds weakly through strangling sobs.

With one final pump, he finishes his sexual torture. Elliana picks her dress up off the floor along with her panties, and scurries off toward the bathroom. Staring at her sorrowful reflection in the mirror, she sees the blunt laceration above her eye and the blood oozing from her bottom lip.

You need to get out of this marriage. Go back home to your parents', her subconscious tells her. Shaking the thought from her head, she strives to make this marriage work. No way in hell was she going to Florida and telling her mother and father of her failed marriage. It's not like they would believe the abuse anyway. They adored Mark. Hell, everyone did. He had a split personality that only Elliana knew about. Loving and caring to his friends and family, but as soon as he came home from the hangar, he was Lucifer himself. His abuse seemed to start right after he left Pensacola. They didn't even make it in to New Mexico without him punching his windshield and shattering it. That's when Elliana knew something was awry, but she pressed on in hopes that it was only a onetime incident.

Sliding into a hot bath, she tries to allow the soothing water to take her pain away. Leaning back, closing her eyes, she's startled by a knock on the door.

"Why is the God damned door locked?" Mark's voice bellows like thunder from the other side.

"I'm taking a bath," she calls out. "I'll be out in a minute." Pulling the plug from the bathtub, she stands and grabs a towel from the rack hanging on the wall. Cinching it around her body, she emerges from the bathroom and heads down the hallway to the bedroom. She takes a set of pajamas from the dresser and puts them on. Dreadfully, she paces down the hallway to the living room where Mark is seated on the couch.

"What are you making for dinner?"

As she walks past him and into the kitchen, she pulls the first aid kit down from a cabinet. "I'm fixing spaghetti," she says as she glances over her shoulder. She grabs some Neosporin and rubs some above her eyebrow.

"Sounds good," he calls out, flipping through the television channels. "Oh, by the way, I'm going on a two-week Det to Alaska tomorrow."

Elliana looks up at the ceiling and mouths the words, "Thank God."
Chapter Three

You're not staying overnight," Griffin says, coldly to Portia, who is another notch on his bedpost. He grabs her dress off the floor and carelessly tosses it at her. "You can shower, but you're leaving afterward."

Portia acidly rolls her eyes and holds the dress against her naked body. "Fine!" She turns around, heads to the bathroom, and starts the shower.

Griffin is fully aware that the only reason why women want him is for his money. Yes, he's extremely attractive, but because women are so eager to bang him the first night, he has no respect for them, and tosses them out like rotten meat afterward. He hasn't minded it too much because he was getting free sex out of the deal, not to mention beautiful women swooning over him, but he's come to realize that this is not what he's wanting out of life. At age thirty-three, he begins to yearn for someone who he can respect and be a wonderful mother to his future children. Suddenly, Elliana crosses his mind, but he quickly shakes her from his thoughts. "She's married," he whispers. "She's not my type anyway. Too God damn shy."

As Portia walks through the bedroom, she looks at Griffin and flirtatiously smiles. "It's been fun, handsome. I'll be looking forward to the next romp." She presses her red lipstick stained lips to her fingertips and blows Griffin a kiss, waving before she closes the door behind her.

Griffin shuts out the light, rolls over, and tries to get some much needed sleep. Work has been stressful and trying to keep up with meeting-after-meeting has been cumbersome.

* * *

Elliana rubs the sleep from her eyes and can sense that her face will look worse than it actually feels. Stepping from the bedroom and making her way to the kitchen, she notices a note left on the counter from her husband.

I didn't want to wake you. You looked so peaceful sleeping. I took your car keys and your ATM card. There is plenty of food in the pantry until I return from Det and feel free to use my bicycle if you would like to get to and from work. I will call you nightly at 10:00.

I love you so much,

Mark

This time, he has sunk to a whole new low. Elliana grasps the note in her hands and just stands in utter shock. Placing it back onto the counter, she shakes the despairing thoughts from her mind, puts on a brave face, and gets ready for work.

Sliding on a navy-blue pencil skirt, a crisp white button-down fitted blouse and cardigan, she pulls her black pumps from the closet along with her Skechers, and laces the tennis shoes on her feet. Throwing her pumps into her oversize purse, she heads out the door, and begins taking the three and a half mile walk to work.

Thankfully, autumn just made its debut and she rather enjoys the calming stroll down Moffett Boulevard toward Castro Street in the crisp, cool air. Hearing the birds chirping and staring up at the clear blue sky seems to take all the horrible memories away from the night before. She didn't bother trying to conceal her cuts and her busted lip. Everyone could see the marks anyway, she just thought of a new excuse to account for her new laceration that now rests above her black and blue eye.

Swinging open the doors of Bazelle and Echart, Elliana traces around her desk, takes a seat, pulls her tennis shoes from her feet, and slips on her pumps. Hanging her oversized purse on the back of her chair, she boots up her computer.

Moments later, Kate enters and stops by the main desk to collect her and Dave's mail. Not even wanting to look up in fear Kate would know what had happened, Elliana keeps her head hung low as she swivels her chair toward the mail slots. "Here ya are, Kate." Elliana pushes the mail across the counter, staring into her lap. "Looks mostly like junk mail."

Kate skims through the pamphlets and tosses them in the trashcan next to the entrance. "How are things this morning, Ellie?" she asks. "I noticed your car not parked in your spot. Did someone drop you off?"

Elliana shakes her head. "No, it was such a beautiful autumn day. I th-thought that I would wa-walk to work."

Kate raises an inquisitive eyebrow. "You walked from base?"

Elliana nods. "Yes."

"Look at me," Kate says in almost a whisper, noticing how jittery Elliana's voice is becoming.

Elliana inhales deeply and looks into Kate's brown eyes. "Your hair looks lovely today, Kate. I really like your new haircut. Short hair looks great on you and that dark color really makes you look so much younger. No way would anyone believe you're forty-eight." Elliana manages to crack a slight smile through her embarrassment.

Kate's eyes shoot open wide with surprise when she sees the cut above Elliana's eye, the huge bruise, and her swollen lip. "What the hell happened to you?" Kate asks, but deep down, she knew exactly the reason why.

"It's nothing. I tripped down the stairs this morning when I left for work."

Kate slams her hands on the counter, frustrated, and stomps off toward her cubicle.

After setting her purse underneath her desk, Kate immediately walks to Annette Spalding's cubicle who is head of human resources.

Kate leans in and knocks on the fabric covered partition. "Annette, may I see you in the conference room?" she asks. "Dave and I need to have a word with you."

"Sure," Annette responds, tossing her long black wavy curls over her shoulder. "When would you like to speak?"

"Give us about fifteen minutes."

"Alright, I'll see you in the conference room in a few."

Kate turns and then heads to Dave's office. Standing in the doorway, she clears he throat. "Dave, you and I need to have a meeting with Annette in the conference room in fifteen minutes. Is that okay?"

Dave looks up from his desk, and expresses concern, "What's this about?"

Kate walks toward Dave's desk and sits down in a chair. "It's Ellie. Have you seen her this morning?"

"Not yet. She must have arrived after me."

"She's been beaten to a pulp!"

Shock washes over Dave's face. "What?"

"Her face! She has a black eye, a swollen lip, and a cut above her eyebrow." Kate looks down at her lap and shakes her head, dismayed. "Dave, I know she's being abused by her husband."

"You honestly think so?"

"Yes, I know the signs. I was in her place once. Stuck in Germany with my ex-husband, no friends, no family, no one to turn to. My ex-husband made me his prisoner." Tears began to pool in her eyes as she explained her story. "If it weren't for my brother, who saved me, I may not be alive today."

"You really think she's being abused?"

"Yes. We need to speak with human resources about this. I believe Annette can help her," Kate pauses. "We can help her."

Dave stands from his desk dressed in a fine black suit and red tie. Towering tall, he inquisitively brushes his index finger across his chin. "Let's see what we can do."

They walk side-by-side to the conference room where Annette is already seated at a large, oblong, mahogany table. Dave and Kate take a seat directly across from her.

"What's all this about?" Annette asks.

"It's regarding Elliana. I suspect that she's being abused by her husband," Kate answers.

"I knew something wasn't right with her by the way she's disengaged herself from everyone. She was so cheery when she started working here. Now, she's so shy."

Dave looks over at Annette with concern showing on his face. "Is there anything HR can do? Like, maybe find her a shelter, a therapist, something."

"I'm not familiar with this type of situation, but I will look through the handbook and see if there's something that the company can do for her."

"She can't go back home tonight. I'm going to see if she would like to stay at my place," Kate says.

"Do you think she will? Do you think it will place her in more danger if she doesn't go home?" Dave asks.

Kate shrugs her shoulders, unsure. "I have no idea, but I cannot allow that man to hurt her anymore. Have you ever seen him?"

Annette shakes her head. "No."

Dave responds, "I've never seen him attend any business functions with her. She's always alone."

"He's a huge man. Over two-hundred and fifty pounds of hard muscle. He could crush her with one squeeze, not to mention, probably kill her with one hard blow to the face." Kate's expression is horrified. "I can see the silent call for help in her eyes when I look at her. She needs assistance, but she doesn't know how to ask. The first thing that went through my mind when I wanted to ask for help was my husband getting arrested. I didn't want him to lose his military career. I just wanted out."

Dave clenches his fists tightly on the surface of the table and looks down. "We can't let her go back there."

Annette brushes her hands over her face, seeming distraught. "Has her work suffered because of this?"

"That's the weird part," Kate says. "Her work hasn't suffered at all. I believe she uses her job as her sanctuary. It's her safe haven."

Dave stands from the table. "Kate, cancel my eleven o'clock appointment. You and I are taking Elliana to lunch. Maybe she will open up to us if we show her how concerned we are. Convince her that we can help her and she can trust us." He looks over at Annette. "Annette, you go see what you can find out about getting her some therapy. I don't care the cost. Find her the best. If the company doesn't cover it with our insurance program, I will pay for it myself."

As they all take their leave from the conference room, Kate heads straight to Elliana's desk. "Hey, do you have any plans for lunch today?"

Elliana stares down at her keyboard, shaking her head back and forth. "Nuh, uh."

"How about you join Dave and me for lunch this afternoon? Let's go someplace fun. You like Chevy's?"

Elliana looks up and cracks a smile. Kate cringes when she sees her swollen lip and bruised face.

"I love Chevy's. That would be wonderful."

"Great! Noon it is." Kate walks off and heads to Dave's office. "Dave, noon at Chevy's. Sound good?"

Dave's lips curl into a smile. "Perfect."

* * *

Elliana collects her purse and walks out with Dave and Kate. Dave opens the passenger side of his black Bentley Continental GT and Elliana slides onto the cobra designed leather seat. Kate climbs into the backseat and Dave positions himself behind the wheel. Elliana looks over at Dave. "Thank you so much for inviting me to lunch," Elliana says, thankful that she's getting a free meal because her husband took possession of her debit card. Her plan is to order an overabundant amount of food, so she could save it for the next day or two. Ramen noodles and canned chili just wouldn't be satisfying for two weeks.

Dave smiles, warmly. "Oh, you're very welcome. You've been doing a fantastic job and this is Kate and my way of saying thank you."

Elliana crosses her arms in front and stares blankly out the window the entire drive down El Camino Real. She only listens to Dave and Kate discuss their upcoming meeting with Griffin Reid this afternoon.

Walking through the entrance of the Tex-Mex restaurant, they are seated near the tortilla machine. Elliana stares as she watches the warm tortillas spill from the contraption. She comes out of her trance by Dave's words, "Order whatever you like, Elliana."

"Thank you, sir."

He relaxes back in his chair. "Please, call me Dave."

Kate chuckles. "Yeah, Dave doesn't like things too formal. He might look intimidating with that suit, but he's a big ole average man on the inside."

A waitress approaches their table and asks if they would like to order some cocktails. Elliana says that she doesn't drink alcohol very much, so she orders a Coke. Kate and Dave order frozen cactus margaritas.

"So, why don't you drink alcohol?" Dave asks.

"I don't really care for the taste. Plus, it makes me talk too much."

Kate, who is sitting next to Dave, nudges him slightly in the ribs. "Have a drink. The frozen margaritas are so yummy."

Dave also tries to persuade her to drink in hopes of her opening up about her home life. "I won't take no for an answer." He lifts his hand in the air and waves for the waitress to come back to their table. "Can you please bring her a cactus margarita as well?"

"Yes, sir." The waitress nods and turns on her heel.

After eating a basket of chips and salsa and downing a margarita, Elliana orders another with her entrée. Noticing how relaxed Elliana seems, Kate knew it was time to start asking questions. She leans in with seriousness in her gaze. "Now, Elliana, please tell me the truth on how you got that swollen lip and bruise."

Elliana looks over at Dave, who is pretending to be caught up with his Blackberry, but in all actuality, he is honed in on their conversation. Elliana sits back, relaxing in her seat with her arms folded across her chest. "Can you please not allow this to go any further from this table?"

Kate leans in. "I promise."

Elliana leans in to meet Kate over the table in an effort not to speak too loudly. "My husband did this to me." Elliana sucks more of the margarita through her straw. Her extremities were becoming tingly. "He's away on Det for the next two weeks. He took my car keys so I couldn't go anywhere and he also took my debit card so I couldn't buy anything while he's away."

Kate puts her hand over her mouth in utter shock. "And he also beat you?"

"I don't want to talk about it anymore." Elliana glances down at her watch. "Besides, you and Dave need to prepare for that big meeting at four."

Dave just sat there, clicking on his Blackberry appearing casual as ever, but inside, he was extremely furious. A man taking a woman's car keys from her? Her debit card? He's twisted!

Kate takes Elliana's hand across the table and stares sympathetically into her eyes. "Like I said before, if you need help, I'm here."

"I appreciate that. I'm fine, really." Elliana tosses her golden-blonde hair over her shoulders and it falls in waves down the middle of her back.

"No, you're not. I've been down the road you're on. Please, let us help you."

Suddenly, when Kate said, "us," Elliana knew that Dave was in on it, too. She looks over at Dave and he places his Blackberry to the table, his eyes surveying her closely. "Elliana, I have Annette looking into some programs that we can provide for you to get you out of this mess."

Mortified, Elliana looks at both of them sternly across the table. "Mess? It's not a mess. He just lets off steam. He worries about me. He takes my car keys and my debit card so I won't go off while he's away. He wants to be certain that I'm not kidnapped by some loon or something."

"You're an adult, Ellie. An adult should not be treated this way," Dave says, now sipping on a cappuccino.

"That's right," Kate agrees. "You need to get out of that marriage fast! Take it from someone who was once in your shoes. My ex-husband almost killed me."

Elliana looks down at her lap, humiliated. "I love him. He's just stressed with his squadron. He'll change when we move on to another base."

"Stop being so naïve!" Dave raises his voice out of frustration. "You're a smart, beautiful woman. How can you allow a man to treat you like that?"

"He's my husband. For better or worse was my vow to him. I'm sticking by him no matter what!"

Dave huffs toward Kate, shaking his head in disgust, and stands from the table. "Don't say we didn't try to help you. You have a way out if you want it. Other than that, we can't force you to do anything." He pushes in his chair and walks toward the exit. Kate and Elliana trail behind.

Before climbing into the car, Kate whispers to Elliana, "Please, please let me help you." Kate hands Elliana a key to her apartment. "Anytime you want to get away...I mean anytime, day or night, you're welcome to stay as long as you like."

Elliana grasps the key in the palm of her hand, her other hand clenching onto her doggie bag. She looks up at Kate and smiles appreciatively. "Thank you."

* * *

"Jenna, I'm heading over to Bazelle. I'll be gone for the rest of the day. Feel free to leave early if you like," Griffin says to his executive assistant as he rushes to the door.

Jumping into his white Audi R8, he speeds up the 101 ramp and heads toward Mountain View. Coming off the exit, he makes his way toward California Street off Castro. Conveniently finding a spot directly in front of the building, he secures his car and enters the double glass doors of the advertising business. Dressed in a fine, tailored, steel gray suit, and a burgundy tie, he approaches the front desk.

Elliana looks up at him, her eyes sparkling, displaying a magnetic smile. "Hi, sir. I will let Mr. Echart know that you've arrived."

Griffin painfully gasps when he notices Elliana's bruised face and swollen lip. Elliana picks up the phone and alerts Dave that Mr. Reid has arrived. As soon as she hangs up the phone, Griffin just stares in disbelief. "What happened to you?"

"I fell down a flight of stairs. It actually looks worse than it feels."

Kate walks down the hall and informs Griffin that Dave is ready for their meeting.

As Griffin and Kate walk down the hallway side-by-side toward the conference room, he asks under his breath, "What's the story with Elliana?"

Kate exasperatedly rolls her eyes. "Long story, Mr. Reid. We're trying to control it."

"Control it?" he questions.

"I promised her that I wouldn't say anything, so I think it would be best for you not to pry."

"Very well, Kate." He takes a seat at the conference table. Kate sits across from him.

Dave enters the conference room and takes his seat at the head of the table after shaking Mr. Reid's hand. Concerned by Griffin's expression, Dave arches an eyebrow. "Griffin, what's with that look?"

Kate interrupts, "He saw Elliana when he came in and was asking questions regarding her appearance."

"Yes, Dave. What happened to her?" Griffin asks.

Dave looks down at the table, dreadfully shaking his head back and forth. "You and I have known each other since high school. Now, I trust that what I'm about to tell you goes no further than this conference room."

"But!" Kate exclaims. "We promised her that we wouldn't say anything."

"No, you promised her that you wouldn't say anything. I promised nothing."

Kate grumpily slams herself back into her chair, legs crossed; flipping through the papers that Griffin needs to sign.

"I won't say anything, Dave," Griffin replies.

"She's being abused by her husband. It sickens me that she refuses to receive any help from us."

Because Griffin rescued his mother a few years back from his abusive father, he knew exactly what Elliana must be going through behind closed doors. His heart aches for Elliana. "Dave, you know that my mother went through a horrific ordeal with my father. She's well educated in domestic violence. Her practice specializes in helping women who are afraid to leave their abusive husbands."

Sandy, Griffin's mother, decided to attend college for psychology. Specializing in domestic abuse, she has rescued many of abused women out of deadly situations. Living in a modest cottage behind Griffin's large mansion, she maintains a private practice in the confines of the gated estate. "I think my mother can convince her to get the help that Elliana needs."

That day, the conversation only stemmed around Elliana. Not even mentioning the business deal, the only thing Griffin did in regards to the meeting was sign the documents that Kate presented to him.

* * *

Elliana peers up at the clock on the wall and notices that it's time to go home. Seeing rain pouring down as she looks out the window, she dreads the walk home, especially after not bringing an umbrella. Placing her pumps in her bag, she laces her Skechers to her feet, and exits the office.

Making her way down California Street in the cold, autumn rain, she stares down at her feet with each step that she makes. Turning right on Castro, she gets caught by CalTrain.

* * *

"Shoot!" Kate looks at her watch. At five minutes after five o'clock, Kate assumes that Elliana has walked home in the rain.

"What's the matter?" Dave asks.

"I was going to give Elliana a ride home, but I didn't realize the time slipping away."

"She doesn't have a car?" Griffin asks.

"She does, but her husband took her car keys along with her debit card before he left on his two-week deployment."

"Can't she just go inside and withdraw money from the bank?"

"He only has the account in his name."

"She can't cash her paycheck at the company's bank?"

"She has direct deposit."

Griffin jumps from his seat. "You say she lives on base, right?"

"Yes," Kate responds.

"Do I need a pass to get on there?"

"No, base housing doesn't have security."

"I'll see if I can find her." Griffin rushes from the conference room, flees from the building, and fires up his Audi. Squealing from his parking space, he speeds toward Castro Street in hopes to see Elliana walking.

Crossing over the railroad tracks and making his way onto Moffett Boulevard, he sees a slender, young woman walking in a skirt, wearing tennis shoes, and carrying a Chevy's doggie bag. Slowly passing by her, he pulls off onto the side of the road, and slams on his brakes.

Elliana sees the brake lights through the falling rain and notices Griffin stepping from the car. Flipping open an umbrella, he rushes toward her. Wrapping his arm around her, he pulls her into him, and holds the umbrella over their heads as he ushers her to his Audi.

"What are you doing?" she asks.

"I'm taking you home. You'll catch pneumonia out here!" He opens the passenger door and gently guides her inside.

Running around his Audi, he quickly shrugs off his jacket, and positions himself behind the wheel. With one leg still outside the car, he shakes off his umbrella and closes it shut. Shoving the umbrella behind the seat, he places his jacket over Elliana's chest. "Here, this will keep you a little warm until I can get you home." He closes the door and shifts the car into first gear, making his way back onto the street.

At a loss for words, Elliana remains silent until Griffin asks her if he's going the right way. Nodding, she then meekly speaks, "Please, don't pull up in front of my apartment. If anyone sees me get out of this car, word will get out to my husband and..." she cut herself off and stares out the window.

"And, what?" he asks.

"Never mind."

"Elliana, and, what?" he still pries.

She shrugs her shoulders. "I forgot what I was gonna say."

He pulls to a curb, coming to an abrupt halt, and adjusts himself to face her. "Elliana, I know what's going on. I know someone who can help you."

Elliana, becoming angry, glares into his icy blue eyes. "What do you mean; you know what's going on?"

He lightly sweeps his thumb over the bruise above her eyebrow and sucks in a deep breath. "I know your husband did this to you."

Elliana winces at his touch, but at the same time, a weird tingling sensation of pleasure shoots down her spine. She tilts her head away. "It's nothing," she says. "Now, I mean no disrespect when I say this, but please, mind your own business."

His thumb gingerly brushes across her bottom lip. "I know he did this, too," he says in a sweetened whisper.

She flinches and another tingling shiver of pleasure shoots down her back. "Please, don't touch me." She flings open the door. "It stopped raining. I can walk from here."

He grabs hold of her left arm before she can stand. "Take this." He reaches into the pocket of his slacks, pulls out a wad of cash that is secured with a silver money clip. Counting out every single bill that he has, he offers it to her. "I know this isn't much, but $500 will open you up your own bank account. Please, take this, and on your lunch hour tomorrow, I want you to go across the street from your office to the bank and deposit it."

Adamantly pushing the money away, she shakes her head. "I can't take your money. Besides, I know of your reputation. What do you want in return?"

Elliana is right. His reputation was that of a playboy. Every magazine article he's in, a different girl, even several sometimes are hanging on his arm.

"I don't want anything in return," he pauses. "Well, I would like for you to seek some help."

"I'm fine!" she boldly snaps. "Thank you for the offer, but I don't need your money." She steps from the car, tosses his jacket at him, and slams the door shut.

Griffin follows a slight distance behind only to make certain that she makes it home safely.

As he watches her make her way up the flight of stairs to her second story apartment, he drives away and calls his mother.

"Mom, I need your help."

"Is everything alright, darling?" Sandy asks.

"No, I have a colleague who is being abused by her husband. And I mean severely abused. Do you think you could speak with her soon?"

"Of course, dear. When would you like me to see her?"

"Are you free tomorrow evening? Around six?"

"Yes, I am. I'll be sure to have Ralph prepare a meal for us. We'll discuss this more in detail when you come home. I'll be waiting for you in the grand room, sweetheart."

Griffin disconnects the call and heads onto Highway 101 toward his estate.

* * *

Elliana places the bag of leftover food from lunch into the refrigerator. Unlacing her tennis shoes, she places them next to the sofa. Feeling utterly humiliated as she went over the day's events in her head, she couldn't help but wonder why Griffin wanted to help her so badly. She could understand Kate and Dave because they're her boss, but why Griffin? A slight smile beams across her face as she envisions Griffin's icy blue eyes, his jet-black hair, and the slight hint of dark stubble that accents his finely chiseled jaw. He is so sublime and could see why women tossed themselves constantly at him.

* * *

Griffin enters his home and meets his mother in the grand room. Sandy stands from the custom Chantel chair with her arms open wide. Griffin meets her embrace and kisses her on the cheek.

Taking his hand, Sandy leads him to the tufted back, brown leather sofa. "Now, darling, tell me more about the girl."

Resting his elbows on his knees, folding his hands, he shakes his head desperately back and forth. "Mother, I don't know how to explain this, but this girl, who admitted to being abused by her husband, tugs at my heart."

Sandy smiles a warming glow. "Go on."

"I don't know what to say, or how to explain it. I get this weird pull in my gut when I'm near her. It's as if I can't breathe. I want to help her so badly, but I'm afraid she won't allow me to do anything for her."

"What happened today?" Sandy picks up a glass of red wine from the side table and takes a sip.

"I saw her walking home in the rain. Her husband took the keys to her car while he's away on deployment for two weeks. I picked her up and gave her a ride."

"And was she grateful?" Sandy places the glass back down to the table, her other hand still holding onto to Griffin's.

"You would think, but I fear that I only pissed her off. I handed her $500 so she could open a bank account. That man even took her debit card. The bank account does not have her name on it. She refused to take my money."

"What makes you certain that she will want to speak to me?"

Griffin adjusts himself and faces his mother. He looks sympathetically into her blue eyes. "Because you've been there. I feel that if she receives advice from someone who has been in her shoes, she'll listen." Griffin pulls his hand from his mother's and stands. "He's going to kill her if I don't do something about it."

Ralph, the chef, interrupts the conversation, "Excuse me, sir. Dinner is now being served."

"Thank you, Ralph."

* * *

After dinner, Elliana dozes off on the sofa, but a few hours later, she's awakened by the ring of the telephone. As she looks at the clock, it reads ten, so she knows that Mark is making his routine call.

She picks up the phone, but says nothing in the receiver.

"Beautiful...you there?" he asks.

"I'm here."

"How was your day?"

"It was okay. How is Alaska?"

"Cold."

"I bet it is."

"Did you take my bicycle to work today?"

"No, I walked."

"What did you do for lunch?"

"My boss took me to lunch."

Mark knew of her two bosses. Anger began to erupt inside him, hoping she wasn't speaking of Dave. "Kate, I hope?"

"Yes, it was Kate," she pauses. "And Dave."

Elliana hears Mark breathe in deeply. "I told you no lunches with men!"

"He's my boss. I can't tell him no."

"Would you tell him no if he wanted to take you to bed?"

"That's different!"

"Well, you said you can't say no to your boss. Sounds the same to me."

"This is ridiculous, Mark. I'm too tired to fight."

"We'll discuss this tomorrow night when I call. I need to get to bed. I have to unload a plane early in the morning."

Elliana callously rolls her eyes. "Okay."

"I love you," he says.

Elliana disconnects the call.
Chapter Four

Adjusting his silk red tie in the bathroom mirror, Griffin fastens his cufflinks to his white linen shirt, and then shrugs on his black suit coat. He grabs his brown leather briefcase and heads out the door.

Looking at his watch before starting his car, Griffin knows that he can make it to the base in time to pick up Elliana for work.

He exits the 101 freeway in his white Audi and makes his way into base housing. Stopping alongside a curb next to the Navy Lodge, Griffin's car idles while he hopes to see Elliana snake around the corner.

Looking through his windshield, he watches Elliana as she walks along the sidewalk. She's as beautiful as ever wearing a floral print flowing dress and matching cardigan. As he looks down at her feet, he sees the horrible Skechers that totally clash with her outfit. He smiles briefly and waits for her to approach.

Gliding by Griffin's car, she looks ahead, pretending not to acknowledge his presence.

Griffin leans out the driver's side window. "Hey! Elliana! Can I give you a ride?"

She stops, turns, and looks down shaking her head. She tries hard not to crack a smile. "What brings you over this way?" she asks, approaching the hot sports car.

Griffin shrugs. "I don't know. Just thought you'd like a ride into work is all."

She sighs. "Fine!" She opens the passenger door and climbs inside.

Examining her shoes, Griffin laughs. "You can take those ugly shoes off. You're not walking a long distance now, so you can put on your heels."

Reaching into her bag, she pulls out her black pumps. As she unlaces her tennis shoes, she pulls them off, and places them inside her large tote bag that she uses as a purse. Griffin stares at her beautifully pink painted toenails and adjusts himself in the seat. Elliana looks over at him before sliding on her heels. "Something amusing to you, Mr. Reid?"

He shakes his head and runs his hands through his hair. "No," he says. "It's just—"

Elliana interrupts, "It's just, what?"

Not knowing what to say, he plays it safe by telling her, "I just thought of something funny that my mother told me last night."

She arches an inquisitive eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Yes, she's quite amusing, but it's an inside joke, so you wouldn't understand."

Clicking her seatbelt, she relaxes back against the black leather seat. "Ya know, this car is gorgeous."

"Thank you. It's one of my favorites."

Becoming intrigued, she shifts her body toward him. "One of your favorites?"

"I have many cars. Out of my Maserati, Ferrari, and Lamborghini, this one is by far my favorite."

"You have all those cars?"

"Yes, among other ones, but it's not important right now." He pulls from the curb and heads onto Moffett Boulevard. "Do you have any plans this evening?" he asks, looking dead-straight ahead.

"If I did, I wouldn't know how to get there," she playfully snorts.

"There is someone I would like you to meet."

"Yeah? Who?"

"My mother."

Elliana practically chokes on her own saliva. "Your mom?"

"You remind me of her. You two have a lot in common."

"How do ya know we have a lot in common? You've only known me for about an hour, tops!"

"I can just tell." He grins eagerly. "So, after work, I will pick you up and take you to my place."

"I'm sorry, but I must decline. I'm married and going to a man's house, even to meet a woman, is not setting comfortably with me."

"Oh, c'mon! He won't find out."

"That's not the point." Elliana is becoming irritated. "It's not moral."

"I'm not taking no for an answer." He pulls up in front of the advertising firm. "A meeting with my mother and dinner. I will be here by five."

Elliana swings open the door and steps from the car. "Thank ya for the ride, Mr. Reid. I'll think about your offer." She slams the door closed.

Settling at her desk, she boots up her computer and begins to enter information in the database. Kate comes through the double doors of the building and smiles. "Wow! Elliana, you look radiant this morning."

Elliana looks up from her desk at Kate and smiles. "I don't know why." She hands Kate her mail.

"Something's different about you. I don't know what it is, but something is surely different. In a good way, of course." Kate begins to walk toward her cubicle, but she stops dead in her tracks, and turns around. "Oh, I was going to take you home last night, but you had already left before I had the chance to ask you. Did you need a ride tonight?"

"Mr. Reid took me home last night."

Kate gasps and swiftly walks toward Elliana's desk. "Okay, fill me in on the details." She leans in closely over the counter.

"It was nothing really. But he also picked me up this morning."

"Oh my. What did you two talk about?"

"I don't even remember. I was soaked from the rain, and all I was concentrating on was getting out of my wet clothes."

"What about this morning?"

"He wants me to meet his mother for some reason."

Kate knew exactly why, but didn't divulge any information. "Sounds lovely."

"You won't say anything to anyone on base, will you?" Suddenly, Elliana expresses a detrimental look on her face. "It's not like I'm doing anything wrong."

"Sweetie," Kate replies. "I won't say a thing. You have fun while you can." Kate turns on her heel and walks away.

After a brisk stroll in the autumn breeze and eating her leftover Chevy's burrito in the break room, Elliana sits at her desk and notices a box on the counter that is addressed to her. She looks quizzically at it, not seeing a return address, and sees that it's from a local courier company. Grabbing a pair of scissors, she runs the blade along the seam, and opens the box. Inside, she finds a cell phone and a checkbook with a handwritten note attached.

I know this isn't much, but it's a start. I know you don't have a cell phone, so I took the liberty in buying you one, and because you threw my money back at me, I also took the liberty on opening you up your very own checking account. Now, you talk to Kate about transferring your direct deposit into this new account. Looking forward to this evening.

Yours Truly,

Griffin

Elliana opens the checkbook and notices that the beginning balance is $5000 and sees a debit card tucked underneath the flap. Pulling out the debit card, she spots a yellow post-it note with the numbers 3800 scribbled on it. It also reads:

You can change this pass-code at the bank if you like.

Her mouth gapes open in shock. I can't accept this! Oh my God! If Mark discovers this, I'm dead!

Shoving the phone and the checkbook back into the box, she slides it underneath her desk. For the remainder of the day, all she thinks about is, what could Mr. Reid possibly want in return? So many women swoon over him, and not just average women, supermodels. Why on earth is he interested in a Floridian redneck with no college education, who is stuck in an abusive marriage? Maybe because she isn't as easy as the others. Maybe he thinks she's a challenge to him. All in all, she knew that she must nip this in bud. Am I leading him on? She ran the events constantly through her mind trying to recollect anything that could have triggered a flirtation, but she couldn't come up with anything.

Elliana looks up from her desk after hearing the loud roar of a car engine outside. She sees Griffin fly by the window in his Audi. She suspects that he parked in the back of the building because there wasn't an available spot out front.

Moments later, the double doors fling open and in walks Griffin looking as handsome as ever. Why in the heck this guy wants anything to do with me, I'll never know.

With a grin from ear-to-ear, he approaches Elliana's desk. "Did you receive the package that I sent?"

She reaches underneath her desk, pulls out the box, and sets it on the counter. "Yes, and although it's very thoughtful, I can't accept it."

Looking a bit shocked, he says, "Well, it's not mine anymore. If you don't want it, throw it away!" Why is she acting this way? My God! Any other woman would have jumped all over this, and even ask for more!

"Well, for starters, if my husband sees this cell phone bill coming to my apartment each month, he'd probably have my ass."

"He won't find out because the bill is coming to my house."

"You're very generous, Mr. Reid, but I'm confused."

"Call me, Griffin," he says, appearing slightly frustrated. "Confused?"

"Yes, what do you expect in return?"

He opens his mouth to speak, but Elliana interrupts, "I know the type of women you date. I'm nothing like them. I don't look like a supermodel, I have a husband, and what comes with that is a lot of baggage. You're wasting your time, Mr. Reid. I think you should go and take your box with you."

Griffin crinkles his forehead and displays a determined look on his face. "I will not take no for an answer, young lady. You will take this box, meet my mother, and join us for dinner tonight. Is that clear?"

"I-I," she stammers.

Griffin interrupts, "If I have to, I will take you out of here over my shoulder. Do you want everyone in this office to witness that, because I will do it?" He cracks a tiny crooked smile.

"Well, I guess I can't argue with that." Elliana collects her things and meets Griffin on the other side of the desk. Griffin opens the double doors for her, and she squeezes by him, making her way onto the sidewalk. Griffin can smell the scent of her hair tickle his nose, which has a hint of vanilla. As they walk side-by-side to his car, he opens the passenger door for her and she climbs inside and places the box and her purse at her feet. He sits down behind the wheel and Elliana takes in the scent of leather and his masculine cologne. He smells so wonderful.

Starting the car, he reaches above her headrest, and looks back as he shifts the car into reverse. Breathing in the fragrance of jasmine and ginger eluding from his wrist near Elliana's face evokes a mysterious spark upon her senses. She shakes her head, attempting to erase the sinful thoughts from her mind.

Pulling forward onto the main street, he looks over at her. "You okay?"

"Yes, why? Do I seem disheveled?"

"Looks like you're thinking hard about something."

"No, it's nothing." She reaches toward the dashboard. "Do you mind if I find some music on the radio?"

"Be my guest."

Elliana flips through the stations until she comes to a country music station. She sinks into the seat, her head leaning against the headrest, her eyes closed as she listens to a Rascall Flatts song, "Come Wake me Up." Griffin looks over at her and is mesmerized at how relaxed she is. She's so damn beautiful. He wants so badly just to reach over and touch her skin, but doesn't want to scare her. She'd probably smack the crap out of me. He cracks a sheepish smile.

Stopping in front of a wrought iron gate, Elliana shoots open her eyes in surprise, and stares as they swing slowly inward. Griffin idles through the gates and approaches a long driveway that leads to a beautiful, white French Palladian mansion. Elliana gasps. "This is your house?"

"One of them."

"One of them? You have more?"

He chuckles slightly at her questions. "I have homes all over the world."

"As big as this?"

"Not as big as this one, but they are rather large."

"It's breathtaking."

They pull around the circular driveway and he stops. Running around the car, he opens the passenger door, and offers his hand to Elliana. She takes his hand and steps from the car. An erotic spark shivers down their spines and they look into each other's eyes. Elliana shakes her head numbly and takes her hand from his.

She stands in front of the house, staring up at the enormousness of the estate.

"Follow me." He leads her up the finely textured cement steps to the entry of the home. The double glass doors constructed of ornate wrought iron, displays an exquisite elliptical top. When he swings open the doors, Elliana enters the foyer rotunda and is entranced by the huge pillars and a grand marble, two-way formal staircase. "Words cannot describe how beautiful your home is, Mr. Reid."

"Stop calling me that," he says, coolly. "You're making me feel old."

"I'm sorry. It's out of respect."

"Look, I consider us friends. Please, stop calling me Mr. Reid and sir."

"I'll try."

A short man with dark hair walks toward them and he's dressed in a pair of slacks and a pale blue, long sleeve, button down top. "Good evening, sir," the gentleman says.

"Good evening, Jameson. This will be our dinner guest for the evening." He turns to Elliana. "Elliana, this is Jameson, my butler. Jameson, this is Elliana, a dear friend," he introduces.

Elliana offers her hand to shake Jameson's, but he holds her fingers, brings them up to his lips, and places a gentle kiss to her knuckles. "Very nice to meet you, ma'am."

"Likewise." She smiles.

"Would you like me to give you a tour of the mansion?" Griffin asks.

"That would be lovely."

"Jameson, let my mother know that we'll meet in the dining room shortly."

"Very well, sir. Thank you." He turns and walks away.

"Let me show you the ground floor first."

"So, how large is your home?"

"36,000 square feet. It has twelve bedrooms and fourteen bathrooms."

"Oh my goodness. You could fit my apartment in just your foyer." She laughs.

Walking through the grand room, beyond the antique mirrors that adorn the walls as well as the expensive paintings, he brings her to a room that looks as though it's a gym. "This is where I train."

"Train?" she questions. "For what?"

"Martial arts. This is where you will be training, too."

"Me?"

"Yes, you. I'm going to teach you some moves so you can protect yourself."

"That's really not necessary."

"No ifs, ands, or buts. It's happening." He then takes her outside through the floor-to-ceiling glass doors and they enter the patio where Elliana sees an expansive pool with a trickling waterfall and hot tub. "Oh, Mr. Reid. It's absolutely gorgeous." With the estate high upon a hilltop site, Elliana looks out and sees a spectacular panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay.

"I can tell that trying to persuade you to call me by my first name is useless," he jokes.

"I'm sorry. It's a habit." She notices small white, Swiss style A-frame cottages on the grounds that resemble doll houses. "Those houses are adorable. What are they for?"

"My mother designed them. She lives in one. They're each about fifteen-hundred square-feet. Not much, but it's sufficient for their purpose."

"And what purpose is that?"

"My mother will fill you in on the details later." He cocks his arm and Elliana snakes her arm through his elbow. "Now, let me show you the upstairs."

Showing her a state-of-the-art movie theater, a bowling alley, and several bedrooms, Griffin comes to his master suite. Opening the door, Elliana steps inside, looking at the marble floor beneath her feet. "This is your bedroom?" she questions, examining the four-poster English style bed. With finial carvings in mahogany wood, the extravagant bed is placed strategically in the center of the room and raised up on a small pedestal. "I guess you like to show off, huh?" she teases. "I would feel like I'm on display lying on that thing!"

Griffin laughs. "Don't be silly." He leads her to his en-suite bathroom.

Entering through the white French doors, she sees two separate granite countertop sinks, a shower encased in glass with four shower heads of different heights, and a large garden style, whirlpool bathtub. "This is so stunning, Mr. Reid." She walks toward the bathtub. "I would feel like a princess in this."

Standing behind her, Griffin softly whispers over shoulder, "You are a princess."

His voice tingles through her core. She shrugs off the comment and walks around him, through the bedroom, making her way back into the monstrous hallway.

After touring the upstairs portion of the house, Elliana and Griffin trace their way back down the grand marble staircase and enter the dining room where they see Sandy seated at the head of the long rectangular table. Sandy stands, her arms open wide, hugging Griffin, and kissing his cheek. "Good evening, darling."

"Mother you look lovely," he says.

Elliana looks at Sandy, who doesn't look a day over thirty, obviously because of plastic surgery, and notices that her eyes are the same signature icy blue as Griffin's. In her pink Chanel suit, Sandy brushes her long blonde extensions across her shoulder, and relinquishes her hold from her son, and then embraces Elliana. "You must be Elliana," Sandy says closely to Elliana's ear. Elliana steps back. "Griffin has told me so much about you."

So much about me? He barely knows me.

"Come, dear. Sit down next to me." Sandy pulls out a chair and invites Elliana to sit. Griffin sits across the table from Elliana.

Ralph steps into the dining room and sets salads before each of them and pours them glasses of red wine.

"Oh, Elliana, this is our chef, Ralph."

Elliana smiles. "Nice to meet you, Ralph."

He bows slightly and disappears into the kitchen.

Not accustomed to such elegance, Elliana picks up her salad plate with platinum edging and looks underneath to sneak a peek at the designer. Herend.

Griffin grins at her. "Is it to your liking?"

She places the plate back to the table quickly. "I'm sorry. The plate is so beautiful. I only wanted to see who designed it."

"That's alright, darling," Sandy says, bleakly nodding.

Embarrassed, Elliana takes a bite of her lettuce wedge salad doused in ranch dressing and topped with bacon bits. Sandy and Griffin speak about business and Elliana just concentrates on eating.

Ralph enters with the entrees. He places another Herend plate before her. She stares in awe at the artsy array food. Farfalle pasta garnished with fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and finely grated parmesan cheese. "This looks delicious."

"Enjoy," Griffin says. "And if you would like more, just ask."

Elliana takes a sip of wine. Scooping some pasta onto her fork, she chews. After swallowing and taking another hearty sip of her wine, she smiles. "This is very tasty." She pats her tummy.

Sandy grins at her. "You can have more if you like, but you need to save room for dessert."

Griffin looks across the table from her and breaks a smile through his chewing. Pouring another glass of wine, he asks, "So, tell me about Florida."

Elliana dabs the corners of her mouth with a white linen napkin and then places it back upon her lap. "What would ya like to know?"

"Tell me about school. That's a good start."

She clears her throat and fidgets uncomfortably in her chair. "Well, I graduated from Umatilla High School and got married a month later. I turned down a full paid scholarship to FSU for tennis." She took in a deep breath. "My husband believes that a woman's place is in the home and college education is not necessary. It took him a while to get used to the fact that I took a job here in California."

Sandy takes a bite of her pasta. "You don't have to tell me how those old fashioned men operate. I was married to one myself. What a nightmare that was."

Griffin grabs his mother's hand underneath the table and squeezes, mouthing the words, "Not now, Mother."

"But, enough about me. Now that you are working, do you have any plans to move up in the company?"

Elliana shakes her head in doubt. "I haven't really thought that far ahead, ma'am."

Ralph removes the plates and replaces them with Tiramisu. Elliana takes a small bite and expels a tiny cough because of ingesting the cocoa powder.

Griffin laughs. "It does that every time." He takes a bite and coughs. "See?"

She wipes her mouth and polishes off her glass of wine and pours another. "I hope you don't mind. I'm a little nervous."

"Nervous?" Sandy asks. "Why on earth for?"

"I've never been in a place like this and I've never been surrounded by people of your stature."

"Our stature?" Griffin inquires.

"Wealthy, successful."

He tosses his head back and laughs. "Nonsense. We're just regular people, too." His laughter changes to sincerity. "Please don't feel that way, Elliana. I want you to be comfortable in my home." He stands from the table and looks over at his mother. "I'm going to get in a good workout. Why don't you show Elliana around the grounds, Mother?"

"Would you like that, Elliana?"

Elliana glances at the large ornate grandfather clock that is nestled in the corner of the dining room. "I have to be home by ten."

"Perfect! That gives us two hours."

Elliana stands, picks up her dessert plate and glass, and begins to walk toward the kitchen.

"Darling, leave those. Griffin has people who will take care of that."

"People?" She stops her stride.

"Yes, sweetheart."

Griffin smiles. Damn, she's so adorable. "If you would excuse me, I'll take my leave. Elliana, I will drive you home around 9:30. Is that okay?"

"Yes, sir."

"It's Griffin, remember?"

"I'm sorry."

Sandy takes the plate and glass from Elliana's hands and places them back down onto the table. Taking her hand, Sandy leads Elliana outside to the backyard. When Elliana steps out onto the concrete near the pool, she takes in a deep breath. "I can't get over how beautiful this place is. It's like a fairy tale." Elliana can see in the distance, a woman sitting on a white porch swing at one of the cottages reading a book, and a little girl playing with a puppy. "Who is that?"

"Come with me, dear. I'll fill you in on our little sanctuary."

They come to one of the cottages, painted white, with beautiful landscaped flowers of many different colors lining the sidewalk. Opening the door, Sandy allows Elliana to walk inside before her. "This is gorgeous!" Elliana says, looking at the shabby chic décor, floral wallpaper, and white wicker furniture. "It's so cozy in here."

"I'm glad you like it, dear." Sandy walks into the kitchen, which has all white cabinets and a white island in the center. She reaches into a cabinet and pulls out two glasses. "Iced tea?"

"Yes, please."

Sandy grabs a pitcher from the refrigerator and pours them each a glass. She offers one to Elliana.

"Thank you."

"Now, let's go have a little chat in the living room."

Elliana follows Sandy into the living room and they sit on a wicker sofa with floral print cushions.

"I really enjoyed your story at dinner. It's kind of like mine as a matter of fact."

"Oh?" Elliana crinkles her forehead as her mind formlessly wanders.

Sandy knew that she couldn't directly ask Elliana about the abuse in fear of scaring her off, so she indulged Elliana with her own story.

"Yes." Sandy crosses her legs and relaxes back against the sofa.

Elliana places her tea glass on a coaster on the coffee table.

Sandy slowly exhales. "Yes, I too got married fresh out of high school. I was accepted into Harvard, but my husband convinced me that I would never have to work a day in my life, and that college would be useless to me."

"I'm so sorry, ma'am." Elliana folds her hands in her lap and focuses on more of what Sandy has to say.

"We were doing very well financially, but a few years later, I felt empty, like I was missing something in my life." Sandy grabs Elliana's hands and gazes deeply into her eyes. Elliana can see Griffin in those icy blue eyes. "See, dear, because I wanted to better my life and go to school, I started taking classes behind my husband's back. When he discovered the money being withdrawn from the bank account by our CPA, all hell broke loose. I was abused for five straight years."

The look of horror washes over Elliana's face. Sandy unbuttons her Chanel jacket, lifts up her white blouse, and reveals her scars.

Elliana gasps in horror. "What happened?"

"Sweetie, these are cigarette burns. They were caused by my ex-husband."

Elliana covers her mouth, looking affright. "I'm so sorry." Her eyes began to swell with tears. There were multitudes of scars covering Sandy from her chest all the way down to her hips.

"Griffin was a teenager at the time. He was never aware of the abuse until it became worse as he grew older."

"I don't know what to say. I can't tell you how sorry I am."

Sandy smiles and pats Elliana on her thigh. "It's alright now. He's in prison for attempted murder. San Quentin."

"Poor Griffin." A lonely tear trickles down her face. Sandy wipes it away with her thumb. "How did you get away from him?" Elliana asks.

"Griffin saved me. He came home from college and saw his father on top of me with a knife to my throat."

"Oh my goodness!"

She removes the pink scarf from around her neck and reveals a lengthy scar. "If it wasn't for Griffin coming home at precisely that time, I would be six-feet under the ground."

"Thank goodness he came home," Elliana says, totally flabbergasted.

"Before that happened, the cigarette burning had stopped, and my ex-husband would just beat me in the face with his fist. I was forbidden to leave the house. My face looked like raw, pounded meat. He only did this when Griffin was away at college. He would give me time to heal, so Griffin wouldn't discover the bruising when he came home to visit."

Elliana looks down at her lap, shaking her head in anguish. "My husband hits me." Tears flow more freely down her cheeks. "He did this to me." She pushes her bangs over her forehead and shows Sandy the cut above her eyebrow. "He also busted my lip before he left on deployment."

"How long has he been doing this to you?"

"A while, but it's becoming worse."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, when we got married, the first year was great. We were so much in love. But it seemed after boot camp, he became easily angered. It started with him criticizing me all the time and when we were being transferred from Florida to California, he started to become violent. We got into a disagreement in his truck once, and he punched the windshield so hard, that he cracked it."

"Oh my."

"The lady who was driving behind us saw him do it. Mark pulled off on the side of the road and told me to get out of the truck. The lady pulled over and asked me if I was alright and offered me a ride home, but I ended up climbing back in that truck with Mark."

"Have you thought of divorcing him?"

"No. I can't. My parents' would disown me. Besides, I took a vow. I vowed to stay with him for better or worse."

"Yes, but your life is more important than a vow."

"He treats me like a prisoner now. He takes my keys and debit card when he's away so he has assurance knowing that I'm not straying when he's on Det."

"Have you ever given him a reason to believe that you might stray?"

"No, not at all. He was my first. I have never been with another man."

Sandy smiles warmly. "You're a very special girl. There are not very many women like you who are moralistic. I'm sure you know of my son's reputation with women."

"Yes, ma'am."

"He has yet to find a woman who he can trust. It seems that all women who he dates are after one thing...his money."

"I know those types of women. They're disgusting."

"Yes, dear, they are." Sandy takes a sip of tea. "He's a good man, though. Very caring when he knows that he's not being taken advantage of. He is very passionate about rescuing women from domestic abuse because of what his father had done to me. That's why he allowed me to build this sanctuary on his twenty acres of land. Each cottage has housed and will house a woman who is fleeing from her abusive husband. That woman who you saw with her child in the courtyard came to live here a month ago."

Elliana breaks a smile through her tears. "That's wonderful."

"We provide these women a safe place to stay, and all we ask in return is a little help around the estate. Some women will grow vegetables and tend the garden, help with the household chores, and we pay them. We set up their bank accounts, buy their first car in their own name, and when they're ready to leave, we pay for their first year lease on their apartment. We get them back on their feet. It gives them independence and prepares them for the real world when they're free from their abusive marriages." Sandy brushes a strand of hair across Elliana's shoulder and takes her hands in hers. "What else has he done to you?"

More tears flow and Elliana looks up at the ceiling before speaking. "He forces me to have sex with him. He haunts my dreams. I have never been able to have a peaceful night's rest because I'm startled awake by nightmares of what he's done to me."

Looking sincerely into Elliana's eyes, Sandy speaks soft words, "Elliana, I want you to become a guest here."

Elliana pulls away from Sandy's grasp. "I-I-I can't."

"The first step of getting away is always the hardest. I can assure you that no one, only the women who have stayed here, knows of this place. You will be safe."

"My husband would find out for sure. I know him. What if a women who has stayed here, opens her mouth about this place?"

"They sign non-disclosure agreements. Besides, do you honestly think that they would endanger the lives of others?"

Elliana shrugs her shoulders. "I suppose not."

"So, what do you say? Would you like to become a guest here?"

"I'm so confused. I don't know." Elliana glances at the small clock on a side table. "I have to go. My husband is going to call me at ten. I really have to go." Elliana stands from the sofa and rushes toward the front door. "Thank you for the tea, ma'am."

Hurrying through the doors of the main estate that lead into the kitchen from the backyard, Elliana bends over, trying to catch her breath. When she stands up straight, she's shocked to see Griffin standing beside the counter in only a pair of gray drawstring sweat pants. A weird feeling tugs in the lower part of her belly. She gazes at his lean, toned physique that glistens slightly with his sweat. She admires how his pants hang loosely below his tapered waist, exposing the top of his hips. She never imagined Griffin looking like that underneath his suit.

He sets his water bottle to the counter and smiles. "Are you okay? Why are you so winded?"

"I can't talk about it now. Please, Mr. Reid, take me home."

He could tell by the redness in her cheeks that she had been crying. He knew that his mother got to her, but he wasn't expecting Elliana to look so horrified. "Let me grab a t-shirt and I'll drive you home."

She watches him disappear and can hear his feet pounding up the stairs. Moments later, he was back down. He motions his head toward the front door. "C'mon, it's almost 9:30."

Climbing into the Audi, Griffin sits behind the wheel after securing Elliana in her seatbelt. She looks over at Griffin as she scowls. "I mean no disrespect, Mr. Reid, but I'm not a charity case."

He starts the car and heads toward Moffett Field. He remains silent.

"Did you hear me?"

"Yes, I heard you. Is that what you think you are? A charity case?"

"Well, your mother introduced me to your weird sanctuary. I can't help but wonder if that's the only reason why you invited me to your home."

"That is not the reason. I wanted my mother to share her story with you. She can help you, Elliana."

"I don't need anyone's help!" She slams herself against the leather seat, frustrated. "Jeez! I wish you and everyone else would just leave me the hell alone!"

The car pulls up to the curb before entering the neighborhood. Griffin makes certain that no one will see her get out of his car in case it gets back to her husband. "Listen here! You can either take my help, or I can call the police on your husband. It's your choice."

Elliana looks up at the ceiling and laughs obscenely. "Call the police!" she urges. "The civilian police won't do anything."

"I'll call his commanding officer then."

She laughs even louder. "He won't do anything, either. All Mark will get is a talking to, nothing else, and it will only anger him more, so if that's what ya want to do, by all means, do it!" She steps from the car and slams the door. Remembering something, she opens the door, throws the box containing the cell phone and checkbook at him, and slams the door shut.

He lets his window down. "You need this, Elliana."

"No, I don't."

"Fine!" He tosses the box out onto the street.

"What are you doing?" she asks through the window.

"Well, I have no use for it."

She stands with arms folded, angrily tapping her foot. She won't even look him in the eye.

"You may as well start walking because I won't leave until I know you've made it home safely."

She still stands, stubborn as ever. He looks at the time on the dashboard. "You better hurry. It's almost ten."

"Shoot!" she yells. She bends down and picks up the box. She speed walks up the street with Griffin trailing behind at a safe distance. Before she starts walking up the sidewalk to her apartment, he hollers from the window, "I'll pick you up in the morning."

"Ugh!" She thunderously stomps up the stairs and unlocks the door.

* * *

Griffin enters his home and sees his mother waiting for him in the grand room.

"Sit, darling. We need to have a talk," Sandy says.

Griffin sits down on the sofa waiting to hear his mother's words. He knows it's about Elliana and his mother's conversation. Sandy sits down beside Griffin and takes his hands in hers. "Now, darling, I have spoken to Elliana and she has revealed to me some of the disturbing things that her husband has done to her."

"Mother, when she left here, she was extremely upset. What did you say to her?"

"I didn't say anything that should've upset her. I think she was rather offended that I asked her to become a guest here."

Griffin stands from the sofa. "No, Mother!" he raises his voice. "I do not want her staying in one of the cottages. If she agrees to stay, she will stay in my home in one of the guest rooms."

"Darling, she won't go for that. She will not sleep in another man's home," she says. "Honey, this girl is different from those who you are accustomed to. She has morals. She cherishes her vows. If you feel something for her, whatever you do will be wasted. You will not win her heart."

"I will win her heart. I can already sense that she's starting to feel something, too. If she didn't, she wouldn't have come over this evening."

"Griffin, she's broken. What that poor girl has been through will take her maybe years to recover from. Not only is she broken on the outside, but also, on the inside."

"I don't care. I will wait for her. Do you realize that I can't stop thinking about her? Every second since I have met her, she's been in my thoughts. I have never felt this way about anybody else."

"Darling, she's been only with one man her entire life. You will have to work hard to win her heart. I doubt that she will even allow you to penetrate her heart until she breaks away from the horrible marriage that she's in. Besides, she told me that she's aware of how you are with women. A girl like that will have nothing to do with you."

"I can't even think of other women right now. Oh.My.God, Mother; I think I may be falling in love with her.

* * *

"Where in the hell were you?" Mark barks in a stern tone through the telephone.

"What do you mean?"

"I called you at nine and there was no answer. Where were you?"

She had to think of something quickly. Her pulse began to race and she came up with an excuse. "I went for a walk."

"Where to?"

"I went to the park here on base and sat on the swing for a little while. Is that okay?"

"You better not be lying to me."

Out of frustration, Elliana slams down the phone. Mark keeps calling and calling persistently until midnight, but she never answers.

As she prepares for bed, she hears a slight buzzing noise coming from Griffin's box on the dresser. Pulling the phone from the box, Elliana looks at the screen and notices a text message that reads, "8:30 in the morning, be ready, and have your workout clothes with you."

Her heart flutters knowing it's from Griffin. Why am I feeling this way? As her fingers click rapidly on the phone, she replies, "Alright." She hits send. He immediately responds with a smiley face emoticon.
Chapter Five

Elliana peers into the mirror and manages to break a smile as she looks at her bruises that will soon fade away. Her smile suddenly changes to a frown, knowing they will soon be replaced by more as soon as Mark returns. It makes her stomach churn. With the last coat of foundation, she's satisfied knowing that the bruises are well concealed.

Smoothing out her form-fitted red dress, she slips on some red high heels, grabs her purse, and walks down the stairs. Making her way onto the sidewalk, she glances down the street, and sees the white Audi R8 waiting as promised. A hint of a smile breaks on her face and as she approaches more closely, she bears a wide toothy grin. Glancing around hoping no one sees her climb into the passenger side, she closes the door.

Griffin can smell her lightly scented perfume as she sits next to him. He breathes in deeply, savoring her sweet, fruity scent. "You are so beautiful when you smile."

She places her purse down by her feet and knots her fingers in her lap. "Thank you, but are you saying that I'm ugly when I frown?" she jokes.

"You could never be ugly, Elliana." Revving the engine and taking off from the curb, he gets her to the office with fifteen minutes to spare. She attempts to put her hand on the lever to open the door, but Griffin stops her. With his hand grasped around her wrist, he speaks softly, "Call in today," he suggests. "Tell Kate you're sick. I want to take you somewhere."

Pulling her hand away from his hold, she looks shrewdly at him. "I can't lie. My gosh! I can't believe you would even tell me to do that!"

He runs his fingers through his jet-black hair and chuckles. "It's no big deal. I'm sure you get at least ten sick days per year. Take one."

"No. Please don't pressure me." She swings open the door and steps from the car.

Before she closes the door, Griffin says, "I'll be here by five."

Seeing Kate walk through the front doors, Elliana smiles.

"Wow! You're beaming!" Kate exclaims. "What gives?"

"I'm just happy is all." Elliana hands Kate the mail. "Oh, can I get with you later and change my direct deposit to a different bank account?"

Kate smiles brightly knowing that Elliana accepted Griffin's gift. "Sure, I would love to."

At noon, Elliana hears a car come to a screeching halt in front of the building. She looks out the window and sees a bright yellow Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. The driver jumps from the car and Elliana is shocked to see Griffin standing alongside it dressed in a custom tailored pinstripe suit, adjusting his tie. That tingly feeling tugs inside her gut again. He begins walking to the entrance and he opens the double doors. Smiling, he approaches her desk. "Good afternoon. Would you allow me to treat you to lunch?"

"Oh my. I thought you may have had a meeting with Dave. I didn't expect this."

"Well, is that a yes?" He places his elbows on the counter and leans in, resting his face against the heel of his hands.

"I'm sorry, but I can't."

"Sure you can. You get an hour." He sees Kate walking down the hallway toward the reception desk. "Kate won't mind if I keep you a little more than hour, right Kate?" He smiles arrogantly.

"Not at all." She smiles back. "You can stay out as long as you like."

"It's not that," Elliana says. "I can't because I'm married."

"I see." He looks down disappointed. "Are you sure you won't reconsider?"

"I just can't."

"Well, you had dinner with me last night, what's the difference?"

"Because your mother was there."

"So, if I go get my mother, then will you go to lunch with me?" Dammit! Why am I begging? I never beg for a woman to accompany me, ever!

"No."

"You're still coming with me tonight, right?"

"Only to train with you. That's it."

"Alright. I'll be back by five." He turns and leaves.

"You sure are giving that man a hard time," Kate says, slightly laughing.

"He can't seem to accept the fact that I'm married."

"Where are you going for lunch? Do you need some money?"

"No, I have money, but thank you. I may go to the bookstore café down the street."

"Okay, take your time. No rush," Kate says as she exits the office with her purse swung over her shoulder.

Elliana stands from her desk and grabs her purse. She looks out the window and sees that Griffin's Ferrari is still parked out front, but she sees no sign of him.

Walking down the sidewalk, Elliana comes to an ATM and slides her new debit card into the slot. She chooses to withdraw twenty dollars. She grabs the twenty dollar bill along with the receipt, and makes her way to the bookstore.

Grabbing a Cosmo magazine from the stand, she approaches the café and orders half a sandwich and a Coke. Elliana situates herself at a small, round table and places her food and drink, along with her purse on the surface. While sliding the ATM receipt in her checkbook, she gasps when she sees the balance. $9,980? There was $5000 yesterday!

A sales clerk approaches and places a paper bag on Elliana's table. "A gentleman purchased this and asked me to give it to you." She leisurely walks away.

Elliana reaches inside the paper bag and pulls out a thick book of almost six-hundred pages. The cover reads, "Ship Mates: The Trilogy." Elliana flips to the back cover and notices that the book is based on the Navy. Opening the book, she pulls out the receipt and scribbled upon it reads:

I think you should read this. It will open your eyes to what actually goes on in the Navy that wives are not aware of.

Elliana looks around the bookstore for Griffin, but sees no sign of him. After taking the last bite of her sandwich, she places the book inside her purse, and heads back to the office. She doesn't see the yellow Ferrari parked alongside the curb anymore.

As Elliana sits at her desk, Kate strides in. "How was lunch?"

"It was okay. I think Mr. Reid bought this book for me." She holds up the massively thick novel.

Kate's eyes bulge. "I don't think you should read that."

"Why?"

"It doesn't settle well with military wives."

"How do you mean?" Now, Elliana became more fascinated with the book.

"Let me just say this. The subtitles of the first two books of that trilogy are true. Everything that a man does while away at sea or on Det remains in the strictest of confidence between their Unit. It's like an unwritten law or something."

"Like what sort of things happen?"

"Prostitution. My ex-husband came back from Det one time and he gave me bacterial vaginoses."

"What the heck is that?"

"It's a sexually transmitted disease. The nurse at the clinic told me that. I immediately knew that my husband was cheating on me. I knew I didn't catch it from anyone else because I never cheated on my husband."

"Is it cured?"

"Yes, simple antibiotics took care of it."

"Did you confront him about it?"

"No, I was too scared of what he might do to me, so I went to his commanding officer, and that's when he told me those infamous words that I will never get out of my head."

"What's that?"

"What happens on Det stays on Det."

"I see. Aren't you afraid that your current husband will stray?"

"It's trust, sweetie. I trust him. He's never criticized me, never struck his hand to me. I trust him with every part of my soul."

Elliana smiles. "I wish I could say the same for mine."

"Elliana, you need to break away from that man. The sooner, the better. You don't want him to kill you." Kate looks at Elliana almost pitifully. "Sweetie, why are you still with him?"

Elliana looks up at the ceiling trying to prevent the tears from streaming down her face. "I don't want my parents' to disown me. My daddy is a Southern Baptist preacher. I would be committing the ultimate sin if I were to divorce Mark."

"Your life is more important than anything. You're an adult; you have to live your life the way you want, not the way your father wants." Kate smooth's her thumb over Elliana's eyebrow. Elliana flinches. "Look at what that man has done to your beautiful face. You don't deserve to be treated this way."

Elliana pushes back. "No one understands."

"Trust me, I understand."

Elliana takes a Kleenex from the box on top of the counter and dabs lightly underneath her eyes. Attempting to change the subject, she looks up at Kate and asks, "When can we change my direct deposit information?"

"Right now." Kate motions her hand for Elliana to follow her to her cubicle. "Come."

After filling out the paperwork, the new transfer would take place on the next payday. Elliana began to worry about what her husband will think when he discovers that her money won't be in his account in two days. A horrible pain evokes in her stomach, an ache so intense that she feels as though she may vomit. Standing from the chair inside the cramped cubicle, Elliana rushes down the hallway to the bathroom. Forcing open a stall door, she throws up her entire lunch.

Kate comes bursting inside the bathroom. "Elliana, everything alright?" she asks.

Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, she answers, "Everything's fine."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure."

Kate stands by the sink and waits for Elliana to step from the stall.

When Elliana emerges, Kate is stunned by her flushed appearance. "My gosh, Ellie. You don't look well at all."

"I'm okay." Elliana leans over the sink and washes her hands.

"Do you want me to take you home?"

"No, but thank you. Mr. Reid is picking me up around five."

Kate raises an interested eyebrow. "Really?"

"Yes. He's putting me through some training class of some sort."

"Martial arts?" Kate asks. "I know he's really into that sort of thing. He used to be a champion."

Elliana smiles widely. "Are you serious?"

"Sure am."

"Wow, I had no idea."

"There's a lot that you probably don't know about him, but I suspect that you will soon."

Elliana tosses a paper towel into the trashcan. "And why do you suspect that?"

Kate shrugs her shoulders. "Just a hunch."

Elliana sits back down at her desk and finishes up the rest of her work for the day. Hearing the loud purr of an engine, she looks out the window from her desk, and sees the bright yellow Ferrari come to a halt. Elliana's heart begins to flutter and butterflies take over her belly. She sucks in a deep breath before she sees Griffin enter.

"Wow! You're pasty white," he says, walking toward her desk. "Are you feeling alright?"

"Nerves, I suppose."

Kate walks up to the front, ready to leave as she hears their conversation. "She's a little nervous. She made a big step today. Bless her heart." She smiles. "I'll see you on Monday, Ellie. Have a good weekend." She looks at Griffin and smiles eagerly. "You have a good weekend, too, Mr. Reid."

Piquing his curiosity, Griffin leans over the desk with elbows resting on the counter. "So, what big step did you take, Elliana?"

"It's nothing." She bends down from her chair and grabs her purse from underneath the desk. Standing, she tilts her head to the side. "Shall we go?"

"Indeed." Griffin, dressed as gorgeous as ever in that custom tailored suit of his, escorts Elliana outside to his car. Opening the door for her, Griffin helps her climb inside.

"Gorgeous car. Why no Audi today?"

Before closing the door, he smiles. "It's having some routine maintenance done. Should have it back on Tuesday." He closes the door.

As he climbs inside, Elliana can smell his cologne tickling her senses. She breathes deeply and tries to inhale all that she can. Why am I feeling like this? She watches Griffin clench the gear shift, and the car shoots forward. As they make their way on the 101, he rockets his way up the freeway, and Elliana is slammed back against the black leather seat. "Whoa!"

"You like speed?" He glances over.

"It made my stomach feel funny."

"Do you feel queasy?" he asks, worrying that he may be making her carsick.

"No, it's a good feeling." She laughs. "Like a tickle."

He downshifts and they take off even faster, leaving cars at what seems to be a standstill.

"Why in such a hurry?"

"I'm not, just like driving fast sometimes. Speed turns me on. As well as other things." He flirtatiously winks.

She laughs loudly.

Pulling up to the gate, they pull through and drive toward the back of the house where a massive garage is located. He presses a button on the remote and the door opens, and he slowly makes his way inside. Elliana is absolutely flabbergasted when she sees all the cars that he has. A Bentley, Mercedes, Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche Cayenne SUV and a Cayman were parked inside seeming as though they were in a car show.

Stepping from the Ferrari, she walks toward the Lamborghini.

"You like that one?" he asks as he shoves his keys in his front pants pocket.

Studying the blunt lines of the red Lambo, she flicks her eyes at him, grinning. "It's breathtaking."

He stands inches apart from her, gazing intently into her eyes. "You're breathtaking."

She looks down and skims her foot across the concrete, embarrassed, and then her eyelids shift up to meet his gaze. "You're a car collector?"

He shrugs his shoulders. "Nah, I just love exotic cars. They're my passion." He tucks a stray strand of hair behind her ear. She flinches slightly and brushes her cheek across her shoulder. Taking a step back, she stares down at the ground.

"Why are you so shy?" Before he can give her a chance to explain, he motions with his hand. "Come with me."

She keeps up with his stride and they enter through the backdoor of his estate into the kitchen. "You can set your purse on the bar if you like."

She places her purse on the bar and sees the book inside it. "Oh, I'm so sorry that I forgot to thank you for the book."

He shrugs off his jacket and loosens his tie. "You're welcome."

Then she remembers the extra money that was placed into her new checking account. "Oh, I saw that you also put an extra five grand in the account."

"There's more where that came from." He playfully winks.

"Please, stop. I don't want your money."

"It's already done." He unfastens the top button on his crisp white shirt. "Now, get your workout clothes on." He points down the corridor. "And go down there. At the second door on the right, you can change. Meet me in the gym."

He takes off out of the kitchen and runs up the stairs.

Pulling her workout clothes from her purse, she wanders to the bedroom where Griffin told her to change. Opening the door, she sees a beautiful Queen size bed draped in powder blue satin. The headboard is constructed of black wood. Matching curtains hang from the windows, and the dresser and armoire are of the same matching wood as the bed.

She slides her heels from her feet and unzips the back of her dress. Pulling it down her shoulders, she steps out, and sets it on the bed. Feeling a bit uneasy, she stares constantly at the door, hoping no one will barge in. She walks over, twists the doorknob, and locks it.

She removes her bra and sets it on the dress. Pulling her tight, tank top over her head, it sits right below her breasts. Her midriff is totally exposed. Pulling on the matching teal shorts, she then slips on her socks and tennis shoes and then laces them.

Swinging open the bedroom door, she wanders the halls until she comes to the gym. She can hear music coming from inside, a loud bass it seems. Hesitantly opening the door, she steps inside and sees Griffin shirtless wearing only black drawstring sweat pants, and barefoot. She inhales deeply, staring at his sublime physique.

With a swift kick to the kickboxing bag, Griffin can see Elliana out of his peripheral vision. His mouth drops as he sees her standing alone, half naked. Oh my God! He tries to shake torrid thoughts from his mind, but he can't. He's speechless. All he can do is smile. His heart races as he walks toward her. This is going to be impossible.

Elliana can't help but notice the look on his face and she knows that he probably can't help but notice the expression on her face as well. They both just stand; staring at one another, surveying each other's bodies.

Elliana opens her mouth to speak, "I hope what I'm wearing is alright. It's the only workout outfit that I have."

"It's hot!" He shakes his head. "I mean, it's perfect." I can't believe I said that out loud. Damn! I want to smack myself! "I hope you're in good shape. Let me tell you, it's a very strenuous workout."

"I'm sure I can handle it," she boasts confidently.

"First, you need to stretch." He points to a mat on the floor. "You can use that mat over there."

She turns to walk toward the mat. He hollers, "Oh, the water cooler is over there." He points to a five gallon water cooler next to the wall.

She nods. Rob Zombie blasts through the speakers as she takes a seat on the mat. Spreading her legs, she lunges to the right, her cheek touching flush with her knee. She holds it for fifteen seconds and then does the same with the other side. After a few reps, she stands, bends over, and rests her palms upon the floor, stretching her calves.

Griffin can't help but notice how flexible she is. He's mesmerized by her moves and can't focus on his own workout.

She stands and calls out, "Interesting musician, Mr. Reid."

"What?" He seems confused, but shakes his head, knowing what she's referring to. "Oh, Rob Zombie! Best artist to train to. Raw, loud, hard, just the way I like it," he teases.

Elliana walks toward him. "Okay, Mr. Reid. I'm ready for hell," she jokes.

"You think you can handle it?"

"You don't know what I can handle." Damn! Why am I being so flirtatious?

"Okay, now isn't the time to be shy. I take this very seriously. You will do everything I tell you to do. If I say, hit me, you hit me. Do you understand?"

Elliana cautiously nods.

"Now, let's go over to the bag."

She follows closely behind and has a perfect view of his gorgeous sculpted back. She loves the fact that he's so toned and not over muscular like her husband.

Standing close to the bag, he takes his stance. "Now, watch what I do." He does a few blunt kicks to the bag in perfect form. "Your turn."

Elliana takes her stance in front of the bag and mimics the same moves that he showed her.

"Good girl."

For some odd reason, as he calls her good girl, that tingly sensation rushes down into her belly again.

"Now, I want to teach you something else." He grabs a hold of her hand. She's standing, facing him, her hand clutched in his. He traces his index finger of his other hand across the heel of her palm. The touch of his hand on hers stir up an intense sensation from within her soul. She pulls away.

"What's the matter?" he asks.

"Can you not touch me?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to overstep my bounds. Now, that part of your hand...I want you to hit me dead square in the chest with the heel of your hand. Can you do that?"

"I don't want to hit you."

"I told you that when I tell you to hit me, you hit me. No questions."

"I can't."

"Hit me, Elliana," he urges.

She turns her back toward him. He steps closely behind, his chin hovering directly above her shoulder. "Hit me, Elliana," he whispers.

She can feel his breath hot in her ear. His hand sweeps her long hair across her shoulder. "Hit me, Elliana," another whisper escapes his lips.

She shakes her head insistently back and forth.

"I see we're going to have to do this the hard way." He rolls his eyes and frustratingly runs his fingers through his hair. "You're not going to like me when I do what I'm about to do, but I must evoke something within you, to make you drum up enough courage to hit me."

"Why do ya want me to hit you so badly?"

"You're training, Elliana. You won't hurt me."

He presses his index finger into her shoulder and pokes it over and over again.

"Stop!" She rolls her shoulder, trying to get him to quit prodding.

Now, a slight shove. She steps forward from the push.

"Please."

"You don't like it when I push you?" Another push.

"I said stop!"

"What if I don't?" He traces around her, glaring into her eyes like a caged lion.

She wraps her arms across her chest, hugging herself; her eyes begin to pool with tears.

This is tearing me up seeing her like this, but it's the only way to get her mad enough to hit me. He stops in front of her and shoves her backward. "C'mon, Elliana. What are you going to do? I'm provoking you, I'm pissing you off! What in the fuck are you going to do about it?"

She breathes deeply and can feel the rage coming upon her, her face flushing red.

Another push and then a poke at her cheek with his finger.

"Stop, you're hurting me."

"Shut the fuck up, Elliana. I'm not hurting you. C'mon! What are you going to do about it?" Another push, but this time it was much harder. She almost trips backward.

With her fists clenched down by her side, she glares at him. "Take me home!"

He throws his head back and evilly laughs. "Not until you hit me, Elliana." Another push and she falls to the floor. Offering her his hand, Griffin helps her to her feet. "C'mon, you little bitch. Beat the fuck outta me, now!"

He called me a bitch? Oh, no he didn't! She charges swiftly toward him, her nose flaring like a raging bull. Taking the heel of her hand, she thrusts it hard into his chest.

Grabbing her wrist, he turns her around, and holds her tight against his bare chest, her back facing him. "Atta girl," he whispers.

Her heart is pounding; he can feel it against his arms. "More!" he demands.

She shakes her head back and forth. His nose is nestled in her hair. He takes in her scent. "More!"

She spins around, but his hands grip her wrists tightly. She's trying to pull away from his hold, but he's too strong. "How are you going to get out of this?"

"Please, let me go!"

"You have to get out of my hold. After that, you're free."

"Please, Mr. Reid. I don't want to hurt you."

"Stop calling me Mr. Reid, dammit!" he yells at her.

"I'm sorry."

"Stop the fucking apologies. Get out of my hold!" God! I hate speaking to her this way! It's ripping me apart!

She tries to pull her hands from his grip, but is unsuccessful.

"Hurt me, Elliana! Kick me! I don't care what you do, get out of my hold!"

"I'm trying."

"I'm not letting you go by you simply pulling away. Hurt me! Act as though your life depends on it. NOW!" He suddenly remembers that when called her a bitch, that was when she hit him. "NOW, you fucking bitch!" God, I'm dying here.

"You fucking asshole! Don't you call me a fucking bitch, you insensitive prick!" Suddenly, her knee meets his groin, and he unleashes his grasp.

Dropping to his knees, he looks up at her, breathing heavily through the pain. "Now, that's all I wanted."

Elliana rushes toward the mat and falls facedown. Engulfed in tears, she prays that Griffin doesn't come near her.

Hearing her whimpers, he manages to stand and limps over to her. Sitting down beside her, he brushes the back of her hair with his fingers. "Don't cry, Elliana. It's part of the training process. I wanted to anger you enough so when you're in a violent situation with your husband, you will know how to protect yourself."

She says nothing, only cries harder with her face buried into the mat.

"Shh...it's alright." He tries to lift her, but he can tell by the resistance that she's placing against him; she wants to stay the way she is. I can't stand seeing her cry.

She finally rises and is sitting close to Griffin. So close, their shoulders touch. Hugging her arms around her knees, she stares down at the mat. Griffin can see the tears streaming down her cheeks, making a faded trail through her makeup.

Cupping his hand to her cheeks, he guides her face to look into his eyes. "I'm sorry. Please forgive me." Their eyes lock.

Her bottom lip quivers and he brushes his thumb to wipe away her tears. I want to kiss her so badly.

Still staring into his icy blue eyes, an electrifying feeling stirs from within, and she inches her lips to his. With his hands fisted in the back of her hair, he holds her to his lips tightly. The kiss lingers. Her arms snake around his back and she pulls him closer.

They pull apart and he stares tenderly into her eyes. "Oh, baby. I've wanted this so badly." He moves in again, but she backs away.

"I can't. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to lead you on, Mr. Reid."

"Will you please stop calling me that?"

She shifts away from him and stares blankly at the wall. Shaking her head back and forth, more tears begin to flow.

Griffin can tell by her back rising and falling that she's still crying. He pulls her around and kisses her once more. He can taste the salt of her tears as they linger on his lips. He pulls back. "Baby, please...please don't cry."

"I've done something terribly wrong."

"No you haven't."

"I cheated on my husband."

Confused by her statement, he couldn't help but ask, "Did you have sex with another man?"

"No, I kissed you. I cheated."

He looks down, smiling. "You didn't cheat, Elliana. It's was only a kiss."

"I need to go. Can you please take me home now?"

"We haven't had dinner. Can you wait until we eat?"

"No, I can't wait. I need to leave now."

"You don't want to take a bath in my tub? I remember you saying you would feel like a princess in there."

"Are you kidding me? You want me to take a bath with you?"

"No, it's not that." He laughs with a jovial smile fixed upon his face. "You would be alone."

"Oh," she said with a sigh of relief. "No, I really must go."

"Elliana, I didn't mean to scare you off. I'll maintain my distance. If you want more from me, it's your call. I promise."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." He stands and extends his hand.

She places her hand in his and he lifts her off the floor. "Now, go change your clothes, and meet me in my bedroom."

Elliana wanders the halls once more and comes to the guestroom where her clothes were still resting on the bed. Grabbing them, she climbs her way upstairs to Griffin's master suite.

When she enters Griffin's bedroom, she hears water filling into the massive tub. She walks into the en-suite bathroom and sees Griffin bending over the tub, wearing a white V-neck T-shirt along with his workout pants, running his hand through the water.

Elliana clears her throat. Griffin stands and turns to her. "I thought I would get the water started for you. I hope the water isn't too hot." He smiles, flinging water droplets from his hand. "Oh, and I placed a towel on the counter and there's a washcloth on the side of the tub."

Elliana looks down smiling bashfully. "Thank you."

Griffin turns to leave and closes the bathroom door behind him. He walks downstairs and sees his mother in the kitchen.

"Hi, darling." She wraps her arms around him and kisses his cheek. "You look happy," she says, noticing the big smile illuminating on his face.

"I am." He picks up his mother and spins her in circles. "I kissed her...twice!" He places her back on her feet.

"Dear, you know she has some issues. You shouldn't move so fast."

"It was mutual, I assure you. And, I already told her that if she wants more, it's her call."

"I don't want you hurting her, Griffin. I know how you are with women." Sandy takes a seat on the stool at the bar.

"Mother, this is different." He places his hand over his heart. "I feel it in here."

"I don't want you getting hurt, either. She has set ways. I hope you don't think she will leave her husband and come running to you."

"The running part is already happening."

"It may be a rebound thing."

"No, it's not!" he raises his voice out of frustration. "Can't you be happy for me?"

Sandy places her index finger over her lips indicating Griffin to keep quiet. She motions her head toward the doorway facing the stairs.

Griffin looks behind and sees Elliana gliding down in her red dress. Walking into the kitchen, she smiles infectiously. "Hi, Ms. Reid."

"Call me Sandy please." She grins. Standing from the stool, she looks at Griffin. "I'm going home. You two have fun."

Elliana demonstrates concern at the sudden gesture of Sandy leaving them alone. "You're not joining us for dinner?"

"No, I have other plans." Sandy turns and heads out the backdoor.

"It looks like it's just you and me," Griffin says. "Come, let's wait in the dining room. Ralph should be finished cooking soon."

Ralph is standing at the island counter, cutting up lettuce. "Yes, sir. Dinner will be ready shortly."

Griffin leads Elliana into the dining room and they take their seats across from one another. Unfolding his napkin, he looks at Elliana bearing a small smile of enhancement. "So, any plans for the weekend?"

"Not sure how I can do anything without a car." She expels brittle laughter, placing her napkin across her lap.

"Why don't you spend it with me?"

"Um, that wouldn't be too wise."

"I can get you home tonight so you can answer your ten o'clock call. You can grab some clothes and I can bring you back here."

She shakes her head in protest. "No, please don't pressure me."

Why is she being so difficult? "Okay, I won't pressure you. The invitation stands if you change your mind." He places his elbows on the table and rests his chin in his hands. "So, tell me about yourself. Your school, extracurricular activities, hobbies, whatever, I want to know you better," he says, his icy blue eyes gazing intently at her.

"My life is a bore compared to yours." She looks around at all the extravagance of his home.

"Enlighten me."

"Well, I was born in Orlando and lived there until I was thirteen years old. My daddy is a Southern Baptist minister, so I come from a very religious upbringing. I grew up poor, raised in a trailer. Because my neighborhood was becoming overrun by drugs and gang violence, my daddy decided to move my mother and me to a little town called, Deland. There, we upgraded to a double-wide trailer." She laughs, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. "Am I boring you, yet?"

"Not at all."

"Well, the rest isn't too entertaining. It mainly stems around how I met my husband."

"Go on," he eagerly urges to hear more.

"Throughout high school, I was often made fun of because I'm so thin. Boys would tease me because I was flat chested."

He chuckles. "Flat chested?" he questions. "You're breasts are quite nice." His cheeks flush beet-red. Did I just say that?

"They're fake."

"Really?" He cocks an interested eyebrow.

"Yes, my husband bought them for me as a graduation present." She laughs wildly.

"Well, I think you're stunning. You don't seem too thin to me. You're perfect."

Her face flushes crimson. "You're being silly."

"I speak only the truth."

"Getting back on the subject." She clears her throat. "I played tennis all throughout high school. I even earned a full-paid scholarship to FSU. I also dated my husband in my senior year. We married right after graduating and he told me not to go to college. Said my place was in the home. He then joined the Navy and that's how I wound up here. Jumping from Florida to California."

A serious expression eludes on Griffin's face. "When did the abuse start?"

Ralph interrupts with the salad plates. He places a plate in front of Elliana and she looks up through the fringe of her black lashes and smiles. "Thank you, sir."

"You're welcome, madam." He places a plate in front of Griffin.

"Thank you, Ralph. What's the entrée for this evening?"

"Prime top sirloin served with herb and butter mashed potatoes, and steamed asparagus, sir."

"Sounds delicious."

Ralph pours them each a glass of red wine. Elliana sinks down into her chair. Griffin notices how uncomfortable she seems. "Did my question make you uneasy?" he asks. "I'm so sorry if it did. It wasn't my intention to make you feel uncomfortable."

"A little, Mr. Reid."

Griffin devilishly smirks. "I think we're beyond the formal graces, Elliana. I believe the kisses that we shared took care of that."

"We need to forget that ever happened. I don't want it to interfere with my job. If I were to ever anger you, I could lose my job because of tension between you and Dave."

"That's absurd. Dave and I are practically best friends. Besides, you could never anger me."

"I anger my husband all the time it seems, why would you be any different?"

"I respect you, Elliana. He obviously doesn't. That man has no idea what he has and he's an utter fool to treat you the way that he does." Griffin stares down at his plate, shaking his head in dismay. He breathes in a deep breath. "If you were mine—"

Elliana interrupts, "But, I'm not, Mr. Reid."

"But, if you were..." he says, looking at her a little annoyed that she cut him off. "I would spoil the hell out of you. Give you things you so very well deserve." His icy blue eyes shift up to meet her gaze. "If you want to go to college, it's yours. You want your dream car? It's yours. If you want your family taken care of for the rest of their lives, financially, I can make that happen."

"I'm sure you're just saying those things to get me into bed. I wasn't born yesterday, Mr. Reid. I've seen you in the newspapers, on the Internet, in magazines...you're a major playboy, and I refuse to be another notch on your bed post."

Griffin's face burns flaming red. How in the hell can she say those things to me? He abruptly stands from the table and turns his back toward her. With his fists clenched at his side, he inhales deeply. "Elliana, you're different than those women," he explains, staring at the Monet painting hanging on the wall. "Ever since I met you, I can't get you out of my mind. I don't know what's come over me, but I desire no other woman but you—"

Elliana rudely interrupts once more, "And, it's because you can't have me, that's why you say you want me so badly. If I was an easy lay, you would've tossed me out like the rest of 'em."

"No-I-would-not!" he barks out a voice as loud as thunder, his words echoing throughout the entire ground floor.

Elliana flinches at his tone. "Save your explanations. It's not ever going to happen."

"So, you plan on staying married to that monster for the rest of your life?" his voice more subtle.

"I vowed to do so, Mr. Reid."

He turns around, white hot anger filling his eyes. "I TOLD YOU TO STOP CALLING ME THAT!"

Elliana stands from the table. "I want to go home, NOW!"

As Griffin squints his eyes shut, Elliana can see his chest rise in his tight T-shirt with every deep breath.

"Not until you eat. Now, sit!" he demands, stubbornly unyielding.

Feeling like a child who was being told what to do, and seeing the madness settling in his eyes, she didn't think twice, and does as she's told.

Griffin plops down in his chair and gulps an entire glass of wine and pours another.

Elliana looks at him defiantly. "You better take it easy on that wine if you plan on driving me home."

He callously rolls his eyes and irritably brushes his hands through his hair. "Simon will drive you home."

"Simon?" she queries.

"Yes, my driver."

She opens her mouth to speak, but Griffin holds up a dismissive hand and shakes it. "No more talking. Let's just enjoy a quiet meal."

The entrée is placed before them and Elliana only picks at her food.

"Eat!" His icy blue eyes no longer look so angelic to her anymore.

"I'm not hungry."

"You're not leaving until I know you have something in your stomach."

Elliana cuts through her steak and takes a bite. Never tasting steak so good, she savors the juices as they burst into her mouth. Stabbing another piece of steak onto her fork, she glides it through her mashed potatoes, and takes another bite.

"Your asparagus...eat it," he orders, his eyes searing through her soul.

"I don't like asparagus."

"Have you ever tried it?"

"No."

"Then how do you know if you don't like it?"

"Because..." She shrugs her shoulders up and down.

The dinner went on silently. Griffin finished way before Elliana, so he just sat and waited for her to finish. Finally, after the last bite, Elliana places her fork onto the plate.

Ralph enters and takes their plates and then brings them cherry cheesecake.

Elliana stands from the table and goes into the kitchen. She opens the refrigerator and grabs a bottle of water. Ralph stands behind her. "I could have brought you that, madam."

"It's alright. Why have someone do something for you when you're capable of doing it yourself?"

Ralph cracks a tiny approving smile and swats at a hanging piece of black hair that dangles over his brown eyes. Elliana meanders her way back into the dining room.

When Griffin sees the bottle of water in her hand, he rolls his eyes. "I guess my choice of wine isn't to your liking..."

"Honestly, I despise the taste of wine. The taste reminds me of smelly feet."

He tries hard not laugh, but he can't prevent from breaking a slight smile. He looks down so Elliana can't see it.

With the last bite of her cheesecake, she grabs her tote bag and heads toward the front door.

Griffin follows quickly behind. "Wait, Elliana." He grabs her wrist and spins her around to face him. Looking sincerely into her eyes, he whispers, "What can I do to convince you to stay?"

She swiftly pulls her hand away from his grasp. "Nothing."

He takes his cell phone from his pocket. "Simon, can you get the SUV and meet me out front?" He disconnects the call.

Opening the door, Elliana walks down the steps of his massive mansion and sees a black Porsche Cayenne pull up and stop in front of her.

Simon, dressed in black slacks and a white button down long-sleeve shirt opens the back door for her. She looks at his muscular stature and his slicked back, dark brown hair, and smiles before she climbs inside. "Thank you, sir."

"Je t'en prie, mademoiselle," he replies in French.

"Huh?"

"My pleasure, madam," he responds, bearing a French accent and smiling leisurely.

She clicks on her seatbelt and Griffin just stands outside the SUV, speechless.

Simon attempts to close the door, but Griffin stops him. "Wait!" He leans into the vehicle. "Please stay." He tries to grab her hand, but she pulls it away.

She looks at Simon. "I'm ready."

Griffin pulls his hand from the SUV and Simon closes the door. He climbs in behind the wheel and drives away as Griffin watches the SUV disappear from view.

"Navy base?" Simon asks, peering into the rearview mirror, looking at Elliana in the backseat.

"Yes, sir, but only pull up at the neighborhood entrance. I don't want anyone seeing me get out of this SUV."

He nods.

Twenty minutes later, stopping at the base entrance, Simon shifts the SUV in park and attempts to get out of the vehicle to open her door.

"It's alright, sir. I can open my own door. Thank you so much for the ride," Elliana announces over the headrest as she steps out and walks two blocks to her apartment. While she climbs the stairs, she can hear the telephone ringing from inside the apartment. She scrambles to find her keys in her purse and anxiously tries to put the key in the tiny keyhole. "Shit!" She knows it's Mark calling.

Finally, swinging open the door, she tosses her purse to the floor and rushes toward the telephone that's resting on the side table next to the sofa. "Hello." All she hears is a dial tone. "Crap!"

She falls back onto the sofa and props her feet up on the coffee table. Praying that it wasn't Mark who had called, she rests her head against the cushion, and blankly stares up at the ceiling while unsettling thoughts of him incessantly creep into her mind.

She's startled by another ring. She stands and frantically picks up the phone. "Hello."

"Where in the hell have you been?" Mark scowls. "I've been calling since five-thirty!"

"I walked to the gym on base and worked out," she lies.

"You were where?"

"The gym."

"You were there with all those men?"

"I'm sorry. Was that bad?"

"I don't want those men salivating all over you. You better not go back there, is that clear?"

"Whatever." She rolls her eyes in disgust.

"Don't you get smart with me! Why in the hell did you hang up on me last night?"

Suddenly, she acquires enough courage to tell him, "I'm tired of your attitude!"

Mark clenches the phone tightly in his hand, rage filling his eyes. "My deployment is cut short. I'll be home on Sunday."

Elliana's heart begins to race. She feels as though she might faint. "Mark, I need to go. I'm not feeling too well. I think I over exerted myself at the gym."

"I'll call you tomorrow."

"What time?"

"It doesn't matter what time. Your ass better be home when I call!"

Elliana falls to the sofa. "I'll speak with you tomorrow."

"I love you," he says.

"I love you, too."
Chapter Six

Griffin walks downstairs and instructs Ralph to prepare a picnic lunch for him and Elliana. Ralph fills a wicker basket with a bottle of wine, different imported cheeses, crackers, white grapes, and sandwiches.

Stepping from the shower and drying himself off, Griffin cinches a white towel around his waist. He picks up his cell phone and sends a text to Elliana. "I'm picking you up in an hour. Wear something comfortable."

Elliana hears the vibration of her phone on the dresser. Flipping off the blankets, she walks over to the dresser and her eyes examine the text. Her heart sinks to her stomach. "I can't go anywhere today. Please, respect my wishes. I can't see you anymore."

That text didn't faze him at all. He pulls on a pair of khaki shorts and slides a white polo over his chest. After brushing his teeth, he slides on his brown hiking boots and rushes downstairs.

"Ralph, is the basket ready?"

"Yes, sir." Ralph hands the basket to Griffin.

"Perfect! Thank you."

Griffin heads to the garage and sits behind the wheel of his black Porsche Cayenne. As he makes his way to the base's neighborhood entrance, he pulls off alongside a curb. He texts Elliana again. "I'm parked down the street in my SUV. I'll be expecting you shortly."

Shocked to see that he has already arrived and didn't take 'no' for an answer, she responds, "I told you to leave me alone!"

Frustrated, he dials her number.

She looks at the incoming call and presses the button to answer. "What?"

"If you don't meet me here in fifteen minutes, I'm coming up to your apartment." He disconnects the call.

With her stomach in knots, she just stands in her bedroom, dumbfounded. She grabs a bra, her panties, a pair of denim shorts along with a white t-shirt from her dresser, and rushes into the bathroom to take a quick shower.

Horrible thoughts continually race through her mind as she stands underneath the cascading water. Please, please, please...Mark call now. He's going to kill me if I'm not here to answer his call. Oh God, please make the phone ring...please!

With no answer to her prayer and only five-minutes left, Elliana slips on a pair of flip flops, grabs her purse, and rushes down the stairs with her hair still wet. She paces around the corner and Griffin can see her rushing toward his SUV.

She jumps in and slams the door shut. "What is the meaning of this?" she asks, her eyes showing a hint of hostility. "And don't ever threaten me again. You don't realize the shit I went through last night!"

Thinking that she's referring to dinner, the corners of his mouth curve into a smile. "I'm so sorry about dinner last night. I didn't mean to raise my voice."

She shifts in the leather seat and looks toward him. "It's not that. My husband had been trying to reach me since five-thirty yesterday. I had to make up a lie, so he wouldn't suspect anything."

"What did you tell him?"

"I told him I was at the gym."

"Well, that wasn't a lie."

"I told him it was at the one on base."

Griffin sinks back into the seat. "I'm sorry."

"Not only that! He's coming home early. He'll be here tomorrow." She doubles over into her lap as tears stream down her face.

Griffin wraps his arm around her and tries to comfort her, but she pushes him away. "Just stop. I will go with you, but after today, no more." She lifts her head and wipes her tears with the back of her hand.

Griffin reaches into the glove box and pulls out a tissue. "Here."

She takes the tissue and dabs it underneath her eyes. "You didn't even give me time to dry my hair or put on any makeup. I look affright."

"No, you look beautiful. You don't need makeup."

He shifts the SUV in drive and pulls from the curb. "You can find some music on the radio if you like."

She adjusts the dial and sets it on a country station. The song, "Wanted" by Hunter Hays is heard through the speakers.

Griffin smiles tenderly. "You like country, huh?"

"Yes. Now, where are we going?"

"Up Page Mill Road. There is this hidden place with a creek and waterfall we can hike along. We can sit on the bank and have lunch," he says. "Ralph packed us a nice picnic basket."

"Look at my shoes!" She points to her feet. "I can't hike in flip flops!"

His eyes shift quickly to her pretty pink toenails. He cracks a delighted smile. "It's not a far hike from the SUV to the creek. You'll be fine."

"Whatever," she huffs; crossing her arms in front, and then reclines against the seat.

The drive is silent. Elliana appears to be so wrapped up in the music on the radio that Griffin didn't want to disturb her. They turn off El Camino Real and make their way toward Page Mill. The drive was steep. Elliana becomes nervous as she sees how the SUV is riding dangerously close to the edge of the cliff. Griffin could sense that she was worried. "It's alright, baby. I know this road well and I know how to handle my SUV."

"Please, call me Ellie or Elliana. I'm not your, "baby."

He chuckles inside. Parking next to a wooden fence that is shaded with overlapping trees, Griffin steps from the SUV. He walks around to assist Elliana from the seat. He opens the back hatch and grabs the picnic basket and a beautiful handmade quilt.

Elliana examines it closely as it hangs loosely over his forearm. "That quilt is beautiful."

He smiles appreciatively. "My grandmother made it for me when I was a baby."

Elliana giggles inside, trying to imagine Griffin as a baby. "You're not afraid of getting it dirty?"

"Nah, that's what washers are for," he says. "Besides, it has cigarette burns on it and spit-up stains. More damage would only add to its character."

"Cigarette burns?" she questions.

"My father was a smoker."

Elliana remembers Griffin's mother telling her how his father would burn Sandy with cigarettes. "I see."

She walks beside him as they come to a narrow, shaded dirt trail. She spots an old bridge up ahead and can hear a trickling waterfall in the distance. As they make their way closer to Griffin's preferred spot, her foot slips into a small hole, and she tumbles to the ground.

"Shit!" She quickly jumps to her feet, brushing off the back of her shorts. "How embarrassing!"

"Are you okay?" Griffin sets the picnic basket and the quilt to the ground.

She tries to put some pressure on her foot, but the pain is too much to endure. She grabs Griffin's shoulder to support her weight.

"Let me take a look at it."

"No, it's okay."

Looking sternly at her, he wasn't taking no for an answer. Carefully guiding her to the ground, he looks at her broken flip-flop and then at her ankle that is beginning to swell. "Looks like you sprained it, or worse, fractured it." He pulls the flip-flop from her foot and closely examines her ankle. "Platform flip flops?" he questions. "Seriously?" He tosses it to the ground and lifts her foot. The touch of his fingers against her skin felt far better than the pain of her ankle. She couldn't help but smile as she watches him study her ankle so intently. "We need to get you to a hospital."

"No, I'm fine. It looks much worse than it feels...honestly."

"I don't want you walking on it." He picks up the picnic basket and quilt. "You wait right here. I'll be back in a second."

She sits on the ground as she watches Griffin rush his way to the spot where they are to eat. Moments later, he's back, scoops her into his arms, and carries her to the secluded area.

With her arms held tightly around his neck, she smells the cologne eluding from his skin. She wants so badly to nestle herself into his chest, but she clenches tightly to him, unable to relax into his hold.

He drops to his knees, gently places her onto the quilt, and looks at her ankle once more. "It's swelling even more." He opens the picnic basket and pulls out a frozen icepack that is used to keep the sandwiches and cheeses cold. He places it to her ankle and she painfully winces.

"I know it's cold, but it will help with the swelling."

Elliana's eyes are focused on his well-manicured hand that is gripped on her calf as he holds the icepack with the other. She breathes in deeply, trying her best to relax.

"Just lie back and let me take care of this."

She reluctantly reclines her back onto the quilt. The touch of his hands on her ankle and her leg is stirring up an erotic feeling within. She loves the way she feels when he touches her. The tenderness of his touch and the softness of his voice place her at ease.

"Now, be still. I don't want this icepack slipping off." He slips off his hiking boots and socks and then sanitizes his hands with a trial size bottle of Purell. He offers the bottle to Elliana, and she rubs some into her palms.

"Looks like you practice good hygiene," she jokes.

He reaches into the picnic basket, pulls out the food and wine, and organizes it on the quilt.

She rises onto her elbows and watches as he pours each of them a glass of white wine. She rolls her eyes and Griffin notices. "What's the matter?"

"Wine. I hate wine."

"I almost forgot." He pulls out a can of Coke and pops the top.

She laughs a tiny cry of pleasure. "You've thought of everything."

"Anything to make you happy." He unwraps the sandwiches and cheeses. Picking up a cube of cheddar, he offers it to her. "Open up."

She opens her lips and he places the cube between her pink full-lipped mouth. She chews and takes a sip of her soda. "It's very good."

"You like ham?"

"Yes."

He offers her a ham and cheese sandwich garnished with lettuce and sundried tomato.

"Thank you." She takes a bite. Squinting up into the bright sunny, cloudless sky, she asks, "So, Mr. Reid, have you always been wealthy?"

He leans casually onto his side, propping himself onto his elbow. He brushes a stray hair away from her face and endearingly tucks it behind her ear. "Yes. My father was a big real estate magnate—"

Elliana interrupts, "Magnate?"

"Mogul, tycoon..."

"Oh, I see."

"He taught me how to invest. When I turned eighteen, I began buying houses and flipping them, or I would turn them into rental properties," he explains. "That became boring after a while, so I started to buy up buildings all over the world."

"Oh," she says. "I thought you earned all your money from your semi-conductor company."

He laughs heartily. "Nah, I kind of fell ass backward into that, but let's not get into the boring specifics of semiconductors. Tell me about you."

"There isn't much to tell that I hadn't already told you last night. I grew up poor. I started working when I was thirteen for a family friend. I would accompany him to car auctions and we would sell tools, hats, sunglasses, and such. He wouldn't pay me in cash, but he and his wife would take me on really fun vacations. They took me to Fort Wilderness Resort, Jetty Park Beach. It was so fun. We travelled in his RV. I learned how to swim at Jetty Park."

"You learned how to swim at thirteen?" he asks. "Why so old?"

"My family didn't know anyone with a swimming pool and my parents' couldn't afford swimming lessons," she says. "Funny that I learned to swim in the ocean, huh?"

"You amaze me."

"I'm not boring you?"

"I'm totally transfixed on everything you have to say."

"Transfixed?"

"Spellbound, fascinated..." He slightly giggles, almost laughing.

"Oh," she responds, seeming embarrassed that she didn't know the meaning of transfixed. "I'm sorry if I appear ignorant."

"I don't see you as ignorant at all." He moves in closer. "I have noticed that your accent is fading."

"I never knew I had one, until you so graciously pointed it out."

"Well, ya isn't the way we Californians speak," he jokes.

"I suppose not. Ever since you brought it to my attention, I catch myself before I say it." She smiles candidly.

"I think it's adorable." He gazes into her teal-green eyes and stares at her full, sensuous pink lips. He moves in so closely that she's forced to lie back completely. Hovering above her, feeling like he's staring through her soul, Griffin romantically strokes her hair. "You are undoubtedly the most beautiful woman that I have ever seen," he whispers.

She can feel his sweet breath upon her face. Her chest rises and falls noticeably. She wants him to kiss her badly, but she knows it would be a mistake. "I-I—"

He places his index finger to her lips. "Shh..." His mouth claims her lips and she relaxes into the quilt, his body just inches above. Their lips part and Griffin stares longingly into her eyes. "Oh, Elliana. If you only knew how you make me feel." He kisses her again. Their tongues dance and she encircles her arms around him, pulling his chest more closely into her.

She can feel his erection pressing against her thigh. She stops the kiss. "We can't do this."

"Do what?" he asks, confused. "We're only kissing."

"Yes, but, but, I can feel—" She motions her eyes toward his hips.

He chuckles. "That?" His index finger points toward his groin.

She nods.

"Baby, I hate to tell you this, but you've been doing that to me ever since the moment I set eyes on you."

Elliana gently pushes Griffin up and she sits beside him. "I'm sorry."

"I know...I know...you're married." He exhaustively rolls his eyes.

"Do you not respect the act of marriage?"

"It's not that I don't respect it because I do. I just think you need a better man in your life. Your husband is not worthy of you." Griffin stands and extends his hand. "Come."

She takes his hand and rises to her feet, and then attempts to put weight on her swollen ankle. She smiles up at him. "It's feeling much better."

"Good." He sweeps her up into his arms and props her over his shoulder.

She squeals. "What are you doing?" She giggles.

He walks toward the water with her bottom only inches away from his face. He sets her down and her bare feet wade in the cool water of the stream. He takes in a deep breath, savoring the crisp, clean autumn air. "Isn't this place beautiful?"

"Yes, it is."

"You're the only woman I've ever brought here. I come here mostly to think. It's so serene."

"When did you discover this treasure?"

"After my father was put away. I just laid on that quilt, listening to the trickling water, and looking up into the sun. I didn't come home for two days one time. My mother had a search party looking for me."

Elliana wants to hug him so badly, but she's extremely scared, afraid of giving off the wrong signals.

It's as if he can read her mind. He faces her, wraps his arms around her, and pulls her into his chest. His fingers fall upon her head like gentle droplets of misting rain. "Damn, Elliana," he whispers, softly stroking her hair. "Why do you have to stay married to that man?"

She encircles her arms around him and feels secure wrapped in his embrace. She didn't answer his question, just relished in the moment of herself held firmly against him, feeling his heart beat against her ear.

Curling his index finger underneath her chin, Griffin guides her lips to meet his and their kiss lingers. As their lips part, he cups her face in his hands, gazing into her teal-green eyes. "I think I'm falling for you," he whispers.

Her heart practically skips a beat and she steps back. Her body trembles. "No! This can't be happening." She incessantly shakes her head from side-to-side.

He pulls her back into him. "It already has."

"But, it's wrong."

"I can't help the way I feel, Elliana. You're the only woman that I have ever been able to say that to." He takes her hand and holds it close to his heart. "You're right in here."

She smooth's her fingers over his herculean chest, feeling the white cotton polo beneath her touch.

"Break down that wall, Elliana. Let me in."

"It's a sin. Adultery is a sin. I don't want to spend eternity in Hell."

"Hell is without you in my life. Don't you see?" He exasperatedly brushes his hands through his hair. "I can't stop thinking about you. I can't sleep. The only time I can eat is if you're with me. No one has ever evoked these feelings within me. You stir up something that is totally unexplainable. My heart aches when I'm not with you."

"I don't know what to say..."

"Say you'll leave him, Elliana. If I know you're with him, it will eat me alive. I'm so afraid that man is going to kill you. Seeing my father slice my mother's throat was the most horrific thing I had ever endured. Please, don't allow me to go through something like that again because it may be too late."

"Too late?"

"He may kill you before I can get to you." Tears began to pool in his eyes. He looks into the sky, preventing his tears to cascade down his cheeks. "If you die at the hands of that monster, I will never forgive myself."

Seeing him almost crying was painful. "Please, don't do this."

He wraps his arms around her. "I only want to protect you, love you, give you what you deserve." He gently kisses the top of her hair. He can feel her starting to shiver. "You cold?"

"Yes, it's becoming windy."

"Let's get you back to the Porsche."

After lacing up his hiking boots, Griffin scoops her up, cradling her into his arms, and holds her securely against his chest. "I'm not letting you walk back, especially barefoot."

"What about the quilt and picnic basket?"

"Once I have you secure in the Porsche, I'll come back here and get it."

Back at the SUV, he helps her into the passenger seat and buckles her seatbelt. "I'm going to lock the doors. I don't want anyone stealing you away." He smiles and then closes the door.

She watches in the side mirror as he makes his way back down to the creek. Noticing a car almost hidden from view, she sees a man wearing a camera around his neck climb inside. She thinks it's rather odd because she didn't see him anywhere around taking pictures.

Griffin makes it back to the SUV, opens the hatch, and places the picnic basket in the back. Climbing in behind the wheel, he rests the quilt over Elliana. "Warm now?"

"Yes, thank you," she says. "I saw something rather peculiar when you were away."

He starts the SUV and backs away from the wooden fence. "Oh, yeah?"

"Yeah. Did you notice a man in the woods taking pictures?"

"No."

She shakes her head. "Perhaps it was nothing."

"You're paranoid. He was probably bird watching or paparazzi."

"Shit!" Elliana hollers. "If he's paparazzi and his pictures go public, I'm as good as dead!"

Griffin gently squeezes her knee, smiling. "Relax, I was only joking."

Elliana eases back against the seat and drifts off to sleep. Griffin takes swift glances at her while she's napping. He giggles when her mouth parts open and she begins to snore. Should I wake her? Nah, this is way too cute.

As they come down the bottom of the mountain, Griffin drives over a bump, which startles Elliana awake. She wipes the side of her mouth with the back of her hand and glances over at Griffin, embarrassed.

"Sounded like you had one helluva nap," he teases.

"Please don't tell me that I was snoring."

He clears his throat. "Well, um, that and drooling."

"Oh-my-God! I'm so mortified! Why didn't you wake me?"

"You were too beautiful to disturb."

She smiles, shaking her head from side-to-side. "Yeah, drooling is really attractive," she says, sarcastically.

Looking at the clock on the dash board, Elliana notices that it's almost four. She suspects that Mark has called several times already. Griffin can see by the way she's shifting back and forth in her seat that she's extremely nervous.

He places his hand upon her thigh and runs his fingers up and down her skin, hoping to calm her. "You okay?"

"Just nervous."

"Why?"

"Because I know my husband has probably tried to call, which means that if I'm not there to answer, he's going to give me an earful when we speak."

"Don't go back there then."

"Well, where am I going to go?" she asks. "And don't say your house because I do not believe in shacking up with someone if I'm not married to him."

"You liked that guest bedroom where you changed your clothes yesterday, didn't you?"

"It's was very beautiful."

"Well, that room can be yours for as long as you like."

"I just can't. Thank you for the offer, though."

He pulls up to the curb at the base housing entrance. She swings open the door and before she steps out, he grabs her wrist. "Please, don't go."

"Griffin, I have to."

"When will I see you again?"

"I'm not sure." She innocently shrugs her shoulders.

"I still want you training at my house. There's more that I must teach you."

"I'll be fine."

He opens his glove box and pulls out a keychain with pepper spray attached to it. He opens her palm and places it firmly against it. "I want you to keep this on you at all times. Promise me."

She nods.

"Say it, Elliana."

"I promise."

"You keep your cell phone on you at all times, too. Don't let him see it. Keep it on vibrate."

"I will." She reluctantly pulls her wrist from his grasp and climbs from the SUV, but before she closes the door, Griffin says, "Please be careful. If you need me, do not hesitate to call or text. I don't care what time, day or night, I will be here for you. Just ask."

She nods and closes the door. "Wait!" he hollers. The door opens. "You can't walk barefoot!"

She tilts her head to the side bearing a slight smile. "I grew up in a trailer park. I played in the yard barefoot all the time. That's what we trailer trash folk do." The door closes.

Griffin follows closely behind until he sees her enter her apartment safely. Watching her disappear from view hurt him so deeply. With all his money and power, he still couldn't persuade her to leave her monster of a husband.

* * *

Elliana lazily props her feet onto the coffee table. Looking at her purse beside her, she sees the book, Ship Mates peeking from the top and she pulls it out. Opening the book, she begins to read through the first several chapters. Suddenly, she hears a knock on the door. Placing the book onto the sofa, she walks to the door and peeks through the peep hole. Seeing what looks to be a delivery driver, she cracks open the door. "Can I help you?" she asks.

"You have a delivery, ma'am," the young man of Asian descent says.

"I didn't order anything."

"It's already been paid for by a gentleman named Reid."

She smiles and takes the bag of Chinese food from his hands. "Can you wait a moment?"

"Don't worry about the tip, ma'am. It's been taken care of."

"Oh, I see."

The gentleman politely smiles and turns away.

"Thank you!" she calls out.

"You're welcome. Enjoy!"

Elliana pours a glass of sweet tea. She eats her food while seated on the sofa as she reads her book. Almost choking on a piece of orange chicken, she's astonished when she reads about Navy women prostituting themselves when they're on an aircraft carrier. Kate was right!

Her eyes steadily skim over the pages as she becomes even more shocked. It's appalling! She wonders if her husband has participated in any of those acts. Suddenly, she began to worry if he possibly gave her an STD. I feel fine. Nothing seems out of the ordinary. But still, she knew she had to make an appointment with the base's nurse first thing on Monday just to be certain.
Chapter Seven

The sun makes its debut and Elliana gradually opens her eyes, staring up at the ceiling, dreading the day's events. Stepping from bed in only a T-shirt and panties, she slightly limps over to the dresser and picks up her phone. She sees a text from Griffin. "Good morning, beautiful" it reads. Her heart flutters wildly. Never has she felt such intense feelings. Her heart was doing back flips.

Her excitement suddenly turns to fear when she hears the sound of flight boots stomping up the stairs outside. Trying to figure out where to hide her phone, she rushes into her closet, and places it in the pocket of one of her work blazers. She can hear the doorknob jiggle, her heart beating swiftly. The door swings open and in steps Mark. She walks down the hallway and forces a tolerant smile on her face.

"Hi, baby." His lips press into a forgiving smile. Walking to the sofa, he sits, unlaces his black flight boots, and pulls them from his feet.

"Hi, Mark. I've missed you." She stares down at the floor as a gusty sigh escapes her lips.

"Oh, have you?" He pats his thigh indicating for her to sit on his lap.

She breathes in a long, shuddering breath and does as he suggests. "Aren't you hot in this thing?" she asks, eyeing his one-piece, olive green flight suit.

"Not really. The only thing underneath this is a T-shirt and my underwear." He laughs boldly. "But, I'd like you to take this off me." He lifts her from his lap and places her on her feet. Rising from the sofa, he takes her by the hand, leading her to the bedroom. Oh, how she dreaded this, but the only way to get through it, is to imagine Mark as Griffin. "You're limping." His eyes waver down to her sprained ankle.

She looks down at her feet. "Oh, I have a slightly sprained ankle from jogging around the neighborhood. It's nothing."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, it's fine. I iced it. There's nothing more that can be done."

Standing at the foot of the bed, Mark places her hands flush against his chest. Elliana hesitantly unsnaps each button on the front of his flight suit one-by-one. It falls to his feet and he steps out. Standing in only white boxers and a white t-shirt, he sweeps Elliana's hair across her shoulder with a quick flick of his hand. His lips press firmly upon her neck. "I've missed your scent, Ellie. My God! You still turn me on like the first day I met you."

Remembering what she read in, Ship Mates, she looks at him, guarded. "Do you have a condom?"

Shocked by the question, he takes a step back on his heel. "What?"

"A condom. Do you have a condom?" she repeats.

His eyes pose a threat as he leers at her with scrutiny. "Why in the fuck are you asking me that for?" he asks, gasping harshly. "We've never used them." Horrible thoughts began to race through his mind and he violently grabs her by the wrists. "Is there something you're not telling me? Are you fooling around on me?"

Looking up at his face, her eyes plead. "I swear! I'm not fooling around on you."

"Then why are you asking me for a condom?"

She quickly came up with an answer. "Pregnant! I don't want to become pregnant." Whew!

His head tilts back and he laughs exultantly. "Is that all?"

"Yes, I'm not ready for a baby."

"To answer your question...no, I don't have a condom." He pushes her backward onto the bed and strips her of her clothes. He yanks his boxers down and pulls his T-shirt over his head, throwing it across the room. He climbs on top of Elliana and gazes like an animal in heat into her teal-green eyes. "I love you so much," he whispers, softly.

She looks into his dark brown eyes and runs her fingers through his sandy blond, prickly hair. Squeezing her eyes shut, she imagines Griffin above her. She feels Mark inside her and her hips meet his. She wants to cry so badly, but knew if she did, Mark would only ask questions that she didn't want to provide the answers to.

"Oh, baby." He breathes in a hint of satisfaction. Elliana knows he's about to finish and she couldn't wait any longer. She began pivoting her hips faster, hoping to make him finish more quickly.

Finally, he stops and collapses onto her. She rolls him over and pulls the blankets up to her chin. He joins her underneath the covers.

Tenderly brushing her bangs away from her face, he smiles. "I noticed leftover Chinese food on the coffee table when I came in. How did you buy that?"

Shoot! "I found a twenty dollar bill in the pocket of your jeans when I was doing the laundry."

Slinging his feet over the bed, he sits, staring down at the floor. "I'm going to take a shower. Is there anything you wanted to do today?"

She shrugs her shoulders. "No. I just want to stay here and relax."

He stands and heads down the hallway.

Elliana jumps from bed, slips into her panties and T-shirt, and looks in the closet for the blazer containing her cell phone. Her fingers swiftly text, "He's here. I can't text you anymore."

Immediately, a reply, "I understand. I will wait until you contact me. I will see you at the Bazelle company party tomorrow night."

Crap! I forgot about the party! It was being thrown in Griffin's honor.

She slides the phone back into the pocket of her blazer and traces her way down the hallway, and then into the living room. Clearing the leftover food from the night before off the coffee table, she takes it into the kitchen, and tosses it into the trashcan. She stands at the kitchen sink and looks out the window, seeing a hummingbird flying around a feeder that she had made a few weeks before. She studies it closely and is mesmerized by how tiny the bird is and how fast its wings flutter, almost looking like an insect instead of a bird. She sees a squirrel that she named Petro perched on the railing of the balcony. Many times when Mark was away on Det, she would sit on the balcony upon her black metal glider and feed that little squirrel. She tamed him and now he eats right from her hand.

She walks over to the pantry and pulls a bag of roasted peanuts from the shelf. Opening the backdoor, she sits on the glider, and waits for Petro to take a peanut from her fingers. He scampers up, and quickly swipes the peanut. Elliana laughs and watches him intently.

Mark startles Elliana when he calls from the backdoor, "What are you doing out here? It's chilly."

"Just feeding Petro and watching the hummingbird."

"You're in your God damn underwear for Christ sake! Get your ass inside."

Not understanding why he was so upset because her T-shirt was so long, it looked like a dress.

"Mark, honey, I have something to ask you."

He pops a k-cup into the Keurig and pushes the start button. "Yeah?"

"I have a mandatory company party that I must attend tomorrow night. Will you come with me?"

"What's the dress code?" He pulls his coffee mug from the machine, adds a spoonful of sugar, and stirs.

"It's black tie."

"Where is it at?"

"Stanford Park Hotel. It's at eight."

"I'll go, but you better not wear nothing too revealing."

She nods.

"I'm not wearing a tuxedo. I'll wear my dress blues." He looks up from his coffee mug. "Oh, I forgot to tell you. I just received orders to Afghanistan. That's why my Det was cut short. I deploy out first thing on Tuesday morning."

Her jaw practically hits the floor in exhilarating astonishment. "That's not much notice."

"I know. I'm sorry. Looks like it's a rescue mission."

"How long will you be away for?"

"Six months."

"Please, don't take my keys with you this time. I had to walk home in the rain from work last week."

"I'm sorry, but it's my reassurance that you won't go anywhere while I'm away."

"I need my car for work!" She realizes that her check is to be directly deposited into her new bank account tomorrow. He will be furious when he notices that her money won't post into his account. She didn't expect him to be home so soon and thought that if he were away when the transfer happens, that she would be safe from being at the wrath of his violent hand.

"You only work three miles up the street," he says, nonchalantly. "Besides, a little exercise will do you some good."

"It's becoming colder, Mark. I don't want to walk in the rain in the autumn air."

"You have no choice in the matter."

Elliana turns around and rolls her eyes in utter disgust. She darts off toward the bedroom and grabs a pair of leggings, some panties, and T-shirt from her dresser.

Entering the bathroom, she attempts to lock the door, but pulls her hand away remembering that Mark doesn't allow locked doors in the apartment. She shakes her head with a hint of reluctance, and locks it anyway.

Drawing the water, she undresses, and sinks into the bathtub. The hot water rushing over her body feels so serene and welcoming. She relaxes her head against the bath pillow and closes her eyes, thinking of Griffin. Remembering the gentle touch of his well-manicured fingers, the sound of his voice, the taste of his kiss were pleasant memories that she enjoys reminiscing over.

A loud pound on the door brings Elliana from her daydream. "What?" she calls out, sitting posture perfect.

"Why is this fucking door locked, Elliana?" The question burns on his lips.

"Because I want some privacy."

She could see Mark crouching down and peeking underneath the crack of the door. What an absolute psycho! "I'll be out in a minute!"

Nothing else was said.

Drying herself off, she dresses, and opens the door. She nearly trips over Mark who is sitting on the floor, his back pressed against wall, his legs out straight. "You waited here for me to finish?"

He swiftly rises to his feet. "You know the rules about locked doors in this apartment. But, because I'm in such a great mood, I'll let this one slide."

Elliana sucks in a rib-stretching breath, relieved that he's not angry.
Chapter Eight

Sweeping pink glossy lipstick over her lips, Elliana takes one last glance into the mirror at her reflection, and then heads to the bedroom. Relieved that she sees her car keys on the dresser, she grabs them, and shoves them in her purse. Pulling the blazer from the hanger that contains her cell phone, she shrugs it on.

She closes the door behind her and walks down the stairs to the carport. Climbing inside and firing up her Camaro, she sinks into the seat, happy to be finally in her own vehicle. Shifting it into reverse, she pulls from the driveway, and heads to the base's clinic.

As she enters the building, she approaches the front desk and informs the receptionist that she needs to see the nurse. Instructed to take a seat, Elliana waits for a few minutes, and is called into an exam room.

Elliana informs the nurse that her husband had just returned from deployment and she has a feeling that he had been messing around, so she wants to be tested for every possible STD.

After the blood tests and Pap smear, Elliana is instructed that the nurse will call her at her place of employment that afternoon as soon as the results come in.

She climbs inside her car. A smile spreads across her face as she thinks of Griffin. He will be so pleased when he hears that Mark will be away for six whole months! But what is she thinking? She knows that she can't see him. She struggles with the thoughts of Griffin and the vows of her marriage to Mark.

She pulls into her reserved parking spot and steps from the car. Entering the office, she makes her way around her desk and takes a seat. As she boots up her computer, she sees an e-mail from Griffin.

______________________________

From: Griffin Reid

Subject: Missing you

To: Elliana Lattimer

It's only been a day and it feels like forever since our last kiss. I can't erase you from my mind, Elliana. You're driving me crazy.

Griffin Reid

President/CEO Reid Semiconductor

256785 Shoreline Rd.

Mountain View, California 94043

______________________________

Elliana's heart pounds strongly against the walls of her chest. She clicks reply.

______________________________

From: Elliana Lattimer

Subject: Re: Missing you

To: Griffin Reid

I'm sorry that I make you feel that way, Mr. Reid. It wasn't my intention.

Elliana Lattimer

Receptionist

Bazelle and Echart

______________________________

Within seconds, another e-mail.

______________________________

From: Griffin Reid

Subject: Re: Missing you

To: Elliana Lattimer

I told you to stop calling me that! On to another subject. Are you okay? I couldn't sleep all night worrying about you. Do you want to do lunch?

Griffin Reid

President/CEO Reid Semiconductor

256785 Shoreline Rd.

Mountain View, California 94043

______________________________

Elliana breathes in a deep breath and clicks reply.

______________________________

From: Elliana Lattimer

Subject: Re: Missing you

To: Griffin Reid

I can't. My husband could surprise me any time and show up here. He will be at the party tonight. Please don't approach me there. To answer your question. I was unharmed yesterday. I'm fine.

Elliana Lattimer

Receptionist

Bazelle and Echart

______________________________

Griffin expels a sigh of relief knowing she's okay, but rage begins to erupt when he's informed of Mark coming to the party. He wants to be with her, but now, he gets to see the asshole who hurts the woman who he believes he's in love with. He clicks reply.

______________________________

From: Griffin Reid

Subject: Re: Missing you

To: Elliana Lattimer

I will see you tonight.

Griffin Reid

President/CEO Reid Semiconductor

256785 Shoreline Rd.

Mountain View, California 94043

____________________________

That's all he wrote. With anger consuming him, Griffin stands from his desk, frustratingly brushing his hands through his hair, and walks outside to get some fresh air.

Kate enters and approaches Elliana's desk with a welcoming smile. "Are you all set for the party tonight?"

"Yes. I have my dress picked out and my husband is wearing his dress blues."

"Your husband is back?"

"He arrived yesterday."

Kate examines Elliana intently, looking for bruises, cuts, whatever she can find.

Elliana can see what Kate is doing. "I'm fine, Kate. He didn't hurt me yesterday."

"You still have my key, don't you?"

Elliana pats the pocket of her blazer. "It's always on me." She smiles.

"My husband is wearing his formal uniform tonight, too. He wouldn't be caught dead in a tux." She laughs.

"Mine too." Elliana hands Kate her mail and Kate heads to her cubicle.

At noon, Elliana grabs her purse and heads for the door. Jumping in her car, she heads to the Chevy dealership in San Jose to get a copy made of her car key.

When the man behind the parts and service counter tells her that he can't have the key for her today, her hearts falls to her stomach.

"It's because of this chip." The bald man with brown eyes shows her a tiny black chip on the key. "It's a computer chip that's used as a theft deterrent. I can have it ready in two days."

"Two days? I need it today!" She grimly looks down at her feet.

"It's not possible." He can see the detriment on her face. Never had he seen a customer looking so distraught. He knew there was a reason of needing the key as soon as possible, but he didn't pry. He smiles. "Well, I'll tell ya what I'm gonna do." He leans over the counter and whispers, "I'll put a rush on this. Hopefully I can have it ready this afternoon."

Sudden relief shows on her face. "Really?"

"Yes. I'll call you when it's done." He slides her key across the counter.

"You don't need this?" She holds up the key.

"No, your car is registered in our database. We can get your key imprint from there."

She turns to walk away and looks over her shoulder. "Thank you for all your help."

"You're welcome, ma'am."

Back at work as she's contently typing information into the database, Elliana receives a call from the base's nurse. "Everything checks out perfect. You have a clean bill of health."

Elliana relaxes deep into her chair, relieved. "Thank you." She disconnects the call.

At three, Elliana walks to Kate's cubicle and informs her that she needs to leave early to pick up her car key.

"I'll see you tonight, Ellie. Drive safely," Kate says.

* * *

Standing in only a towel at her dresser, Elliana twists her hair and secures it with a pin at the back of her head allowing a few tendrils to frame her face. Stepping into her maroon, velvet, floor-length dress, Elliana zips up the back and looks into the mirror. Mark comes down the hallway to the bedroom and his eyes bulge when he sees her. "You're wearing that?" he asks, staring at her breasts that are practically spilling over the top.

"You like?"

"In the privacy of our own home, but not in public."

She glares at him. "Look, I can't help the way the dress fits me up top. You were the one who ordered me to get a boob job. If you didn't want my clothes to look this way, then you shouldn't have told me to get double-Ds!"

"Don't you speak to me in that tone," he says, grimly, his nostrils flaring.

Elliana rolls her eyes and puts her lip gloss into her black clutch that matches her pumps. "Now, are you ready?" She tucks the clutch under her arm and walks toward the front door.

"Give me your keys," he instructs.

Elliana hands the keys over to him and he opens the passenger door for her.

Mark climbs in behind the wheel. "I need to stop at the ATM."

Her heart drops to her stomach. If he requests a balance inquiry with his withdraw, she's doomed.

He drives through the base security checkpoint and heads to the ATM at the Navy Federal Credit Union. Her heart beats hard against her chest as he steps from the car. "Please, please, please, don't let him find out yet," she prays.

He turns from the machine and glances down at the receipt with a puzzled expression. Getting back into the car, he asks, "Didn't you get paid today?"

"Yes...why?" She stares out the window, not able to look him in the eye.

"Because your paycheck isn't showing."

"Oh, it's because Kate switched our direct deposit company. She said it should post no later than Wednesday."

Mark folds the receipt and sticks it in his pocket.

Whew! He believed it.

Arriving at their destination, Elliana is in awe as she looks at the beautiful landscape of the colonial inspired hotel. Leaving the car with the valet, they walk arm-in-arm through the double doors framed in white. The elegance of the lobby is so warm and inviting with original antiques and expensive paintings adorning the walls. Beautiful couches surround the crackling fireplace and a Grand piano sets off to the side with cozy two-person tables accompanied by wing-back chairs upon a black and white checkered floor.

"Where is the party?" Marks asks.

"It's in the Woodside Room." Elliana is becoming tremendously nervous as they make their way to the party. Excited about seeing Griffin, but also disappointed that she won't be able to even speak to him.

Entering the doors of the party, the crowd turns to look at the couple. Her eyes closely skim the room for Griffin, but Elliana doesn't see him.

Kate rushes up to Elliana and Mark. "You look stunning." She exposes an exuberant smile.

"You look beautiful," Elliana says as she looks Kate up and down in her floor-length, tight, black dress. "Where's your husband?"

"He's here somewhere. Probably out on the balcony with Dave smoking a cigar." She looks over at Mark. "Would you like to join them?"

"Point me in the direction," Mark says with a genial smile on his lips.

Kate motions toward the back. She turns to look at Elliana. When Kate sees Mark disappear from view, she takes Elliana's hand. "Come, let's go have a drink." Kate leads Elliana to the bar and offers her a glass of red wine. Even though Elliana despises the taste of wine, she took tiny sips so Kate wouldn't be offended.

Standing at the bar, Kate leans in and whispers, "Did your husband find out about the direct deposit yet?"

"Yes, but I told him that you switched direct deposit companies and my check may not post until Wednesday.

Kate laughs. "That's a good one."

"So, go along with it if he asks."

"I will, no need to worry." Suddenly, Kate's eyes light up as she looks over Elliana's shoulder. Wondering why Kate appears so illuminated, Elliana turns and sees Griffin enter wearing a black tuxedo and a maroon cummerbund and bow tie. He looks so handsome and Elliana's butterflies flutter wildly in her belly when she sees him. He locks eyes with Elliana and begins to approach, but she raises a dismissive hand, shaking it from side-to-side, indicating him not to come any closer.

He shifts his stride and meets the men out on the balcony for cigars. When Elliana sees him disappear through the doors, the utter thought of knowing that he's out there with her husband makes her completely sickened.

"Oh, God, Kate," her voice twitches.

"It's alright, sweetie. Griffin is a total gentleman and won't let on to anything to make your husband suspicious."

"But I haven't done anything wrong." She pauses. "Well, we've kissed a couple of times..."

Kate interrupts, "Shut up! You've kissed Mr. Reid?"

Elliana nods. She looks toward the balcony doors and sees Griffin enter. Putting out his cigar and tossing it in the trashcan, he walks toward one of the executives and starts speaking to him. Elliana wants to talk to him so badly, but she knows that she can't. Not taking her eyes off him, she stares at his backside as he casually slips his hand in his front pocket. She can hear the men laughing as they're standing in a circle. She strums up enough courage and walks toward them.

Kate hollers, "Wait! Are you sure you should be going over there?"

Elliana turns around, walks up to Kate, and takes her by the hand. "You're coming with me."

They stand in the circle and listen to the executives talk about work. Griffin looks across at Elliana, his eyes examining every inch of her in that dress. Staring at her pastel pink lips, he wants to kiss them so badly. He loses his train of thought and is standing in a daze.

"Oh, Griffin." A tall, blond executive snaps his fingers in Griffin's face. "Earth to Griffin."

Griffin shakes his head and focuses back on the conversation. His eyes shoot open when he sees Mark approaching with a stern expression on his face. Elliana, wondering why Griffin suddenly looks a bit startled, turns around and sees Mark standing behind her. He places his arm around her and pulls her tightly up against him, into his side. Griffin glares at the tight hold that Mark has around her waist. He can see Elliana's chest rise as she takes in a deep breath. The look on her face seems terrifying.

Mark leans in and whispers into her ear, "You've been a bad girl, I hear."

Griffin sees Elliana's skin flush pale white after she hears Mark's whisper.

"What do you mean?"

"You need to tell me the things you've done while I was away." His fingers pinch her back and she flinches at the pain.

Griffin steps forward, but Elliana's eyes tell him to stay back.

Mark extends his hand to everyone. "Sorry to cut this short, but the wife and I need to get back. We have a lot of things that we need to do before I leave for Afghanistan tomorrow."

Everyone shakes his hand and thanks him for his service. He offers his hand to Griffin, but Griffin doesn't reciprocate, and walks toward the bar.

Mark shrugs off Griffin's rude gesture as he pushes against Elliana's back, ushering her to the exit. She looks across her shoulder and can see Griffin staring at them, her eyes swelling up with tears.

Griffin takes off to the balcony where Dave is standing among the other executives. He pulls Dave off to the side. "Did you say anything to Elliana's husband to make him upset?"

Dave looks at Griffin with glazed eyes. He stammers out the words, "Just th-that I-I-I'm gonna ki-ki-kick his ass if I-I ev-ev-ever see Ellie come b-b-back into the off-off-office hurt."

"You're drunk! Shit!" Griffin bolts toward the exit and orders the valet to bring his car around.

* * *

The valet holds open the door for Elliana and she climbs into the passenger side. Mark gets behind the wheel.

"Do you mind telling me what has you so upset?" she asks.

He speeds onto the street with no words spoken as he glares forward through the windshield.

"Mark! What's going on?"

He speeds faster, accelerating up to eighty miles-per-hour on a forty mile-per-hour street.

"Please, Mark! Talk to me," she pleads.

He says nothing. As he makes his way to the carport, he tells Elliana to get out. He parks her car along the curb and hops in his truck. As Elliana stands on the sidewalk, she wonders if he's leaving.

Mark parks the truck on the street, hops back in the Camaro, and pulls it onto the driveway. Slamming the door, he makes his way to his truck, and parks behind her car. As he steps out, he slams the door. "There! Now I know you won't be going anywhere with my truck parked behind you.

* * *

Slamming the Ferrari into first gear, Griffin squeals from the hotel, and makes his way onto El Camino Real. Racing toward the base's neighborhood, he stops in the distance and parks alongside the curb. He can see Elliana's car and Mark's truck parked in the driveway with them standing on the sidewalk. He watches as Mark grabs Elliana by the arm and pulls her up the stairs.

His heart sinks. Clenching tightly onto the steering wheel, his knuckles white, he tries his damnedest to remain calm.

He steps from the car and walks toward the apartment. He sees a light flicker on in the window of the second floor. He makes his way onto their carport and stands underneath the shelter, directly below their bedroom window, but he can't hear anything.

"You tell me what you said to your fucking boss, Elliana!" His nostrils flare.

"I didn't say anything." She stands at the foot of the bed.

"Don't you fucking lie to me!" Mark backhands her across the face.

She falls to the floor, her hand covering her cheek. She looks up with pleading eyes. "Please, Mark. I didn't say anything."

"Liar!" He pulls her to her feet. "What goes on in this apartment is between you and me. No one else." He throws her against the wall.

Her forehead lands sharp against the white slab.

He comes closer and grabs her hair. "That man threatened to kick my ass!"

"What man?"

"Your fucking boss!" Mark grabs her wrist and slings her to the bed. Cupping her face in his hands, he squeezes her cheeks tightly. "Listen here, Elliana. You're not going back to work. Do I make myself clear?"

Her face is squeezed so tightly that she can't speak. She shakes her head no. He releases his grasp. "Do I make myself clear?"

"No!" She watches as his hand raises and lands stingingly hard upon her cheek.

"You will quit your job!"

"No, I will not!"

He jerks her from the bed and slams her against the wall a second time. "You will fucking do as I say." His hands wrap tightly around her throat.

She nods her approval. He backs away and turns to leave the bedroom. Rage envelops within and she glares angrily toward him. "Fuck you, Mark! You don't own me. I will not quit my job!"

He rushes at her, pushing her back against the wall. Only millimeters away from her face, his eyes dark, he pulls back his fist, and crushes it powerfully against her jaw. She drops to the floor.

Mark picks her up, slams her onto the bed, and lifts her dress above her hips. He stands alongside the bed, her legs dangling to the floor, and he drops his pants and boxers to his ankles.

She cries through streaming blood and tears. "Please, Mark. Don't do this!"

"Shut up, you fucking cunt!"

He shifts the crotch of her panties to the side. She feels him enter her and she stares at the ceiling wishing it to be over.

After he pulls himself away, he pulls up his pants. She stands from the bed and gains enough courage to use the heel of her hand at his throat. His hands clench around his neck as he gasps desperately for air. Kneeing him sharply in the testicles, he collapses to the floor. She rushes to the closet and pulls out the blazer that has Kate's key, pepper spray, and her car key hidden in the pocket.

Mark tries to stand, but Elliana grips the pepper spray and aims it directly into Mark's eyes. He crouches down, doubling over, hollering, "You bitch!"

She takes off down the hallway and kicks her shoes wildly from her feet, bursts out the front door, and runs down the stairs barefoot. Running over to Kate's, she frantically pounds on the door, but there's no answer.

Griffin sees her pounding desperately on Kate's door, but before he can catch up to her, she pulls the key from the pocket of her blazer, and unlocks the door.

Flipping on the lights, out of breath, Elliana slams herself down onto the couch. With her head in her hands, she cries uncontrollably.

Suddenly, she hears a knock at the door. As she stands from the sofa, she suspects that it's Mark.

"Go away!"

"Elliana, it's Griffin. Let me in."

She yells though sobbing breaths, "No! You can't see me this way!"

"Elliana, please let me in."

She turns away from the door and walks back to the couch. After the shock of the struggle and the abuse begin to wear off, the pain starts to kick in. Her head is pounding, her face is throbbing, and blood is streaming everywhere. She stands from the couch and sees blood on the cushion that drained from her nose. She runs to the kitchen sink, grabs a wet washcloth, and tries her damnedest to get the stain out.

Griffin, still standing at the front door, hears Mark calling from down the street, "Elliana! Elliana, where are you?"

Enraged, Griffin charges toward Mark like a cheetah chasing its prey. "What did you do to her?"

"That's none of your fucking business." Mark pulls his fist back and attempts to strike Griffin between the eyes, but Griffin leans to the side, and throws a body blow into his gut. Mark bends down, clenching at his stomach. Grabbing Mark from behind the ears, Griffin holds him steady, and knees him directly in the face. Mark drops to the ground. Griffin straddles Mark's chest and begins pummeling him in the face with his balled fists. Mark's legs are flailing about as he attempts to get Griffin off his chest, but Griffin is far too strong and continues beating Mark until he is unconscious.

Griffin looks behind as he sees headlights coming up the street. He sees Kate and her husband pulling into the driveway. As soon as Kate steps from the vehicle, Griffin rushes over. "Kate! It's Elliana." He's standing with his hands on his hips, breathing heavily.

"What? What happened?"

Kate's husband, Reginald, steps from the car. "What's going on?" he asks. His brown eyes showing confusion.

"Kate, Reginald." Griffin looks at the both of them. "Elliana is inside your apartment. I think Mark hurt her pretty badly this time."

Out of her peripheral vision, Kate sees Mark stand from the dirt. Mark yells out, "You're going to pay for this!" He turns and limps away.

"Did you do that?" Kate asks, knowing that Griffin had something to do with Mark being laid-out in the dirt.

"I couldn't control myself."

"Hurry! Let's get inside." Kate takes off toward the front door of her ground floor apartment. She fishes for her keys, trying her damnedest to hurry and unlock the door. As soon as she enters, she sees a trail of blood leading to the couch. She sees Elliana lying face down on the sofa, unconscious. Griffin scoops her into his arms and when he sees her face, his heart almost stops. "Kate, call the police."

Kate grabs her phone and calls the base authorities. Griffin places Elliana on the floor and taps her cheek lightly. "Elliana, baby, wake up." No response.

Griffin looks up at Reginald. "Can you get me a cold washcloth?"

Reginald rushes to the hall closet and grabs a washcloth from the shelf and he wets it in the bathroom sink. He hands it to Griffin and he gently wipes her face. The cool water upon her skin starts to awaken her. She barely opens one eye and can see Griffin's icy blue eyes staring back at her.

"It's alright, baby. You're safe." He looks up at the ceiling, shaking his head in disbelief. Staring at the horrific lacerations on her face made him hurt so deeply that he couldn't bear to look at her. Her left eye, black and blue, swollen completely shut. Her lips, busted. Her cheeks, puffy and red with multiple scratches. Her forehead, a profound bluish-red. Her dress entirely drenched in blood.

She tries to speak, but Griffin places his index finger to her lips. "Shh, it's alright. No need to speak."

Griffin gently lays her on the sofa, pulls his phone from his front pants pocket, and calls 911. An ambulance would be arriving shortly.

Pounding is heard upon the door and Kate answers. The base police come inside to get some information on the incident. Griffin explains what had happened and Kate is with the EMT's at Elliana's side. Elliana props herself onto her elbows and tells the EMT's that she will not be going to the hospital. When Griffin hears those words, he leaves his conversation with the police, and is immediately by her side. "You need to get checked out, Elliana. What if you have a concussion?"

She rubs her hand across her forehead. "I'll be okay."

"Elliana, you were lying here unconscious for God knows how long. You need medical attention."

Elliana attempts to stand, but she becomes so dizzy, that she sinks back down to the couch.

The two EMT's make questionable glances at Griffin. "We can't make her go with us if she doesn't want to."

The two police officers tell Griffin that they're on their way to Mark's. Griffin nods as they take their leave.

Griffin painstakingly runs his fingers through his hair. "Elliana." He cups her hand in his. "Please, go to the hospital."

"Why? So they can poke me with needles..." She shakes her head in protest. "No, I'm not having any of that."

One of the EMT's looks at Griffin. "Just keep a watchful eye on her. If she runs a fever or starts vomiting, she needs to go to the hospital."

Griffin nods.

The EMT's gather their equipment and leave the apartment.

Reginald tells Griffin that the two of them can have the spare bedroom.

Kate offers Elliana a bottle of water. "There is a first aid kit in the bathroom cabinet. Please, use whatever you need."

Drinking half the bottle of water, Elliana places it on the coffee table. "I can't tell you how thankful I am that you loaned me your key."

"Something told me to give it to you. I'm so glad that I listened to my instincts." Kate looks at her husband. "Are you ready for bed?"

He nods. Kate and Reginald head down the hallway and Griffin kneels down on the floor, holding Elliana's hand. "I could kill myself for not getting to you in time."

"There's nothing you could have done."

"I could have barged into your apartment and rescued you."

"That never would have been possible because the door automatically locks when it closes."

"Still, I feel so helpless."

Elliana tries to stand, but feels woozy. "I need to take a bath." She holds her hands in front of her face and stares at them. "Look at all this blood."

"Lean on me." Griffin shifts her weight into him as he helps her to the bathroom. She sits on the toilet and he starts the bath water.

Sweeping her hair over her shoulders, he ties it back with a scrunchie, and begins to unzip her dress. "You need to stand so I can help you out of this."

Elliana looks up, frightened. "I can't let you see me naked."

"It's nothing I've never seen before."

"You've never seen me naked before."

"Elliana, you need help. Please, let me help you."

"Okay, but don't look." She stands apprehensively and Griffin tugs at her zipper. "Promise me that you won't look."

"I promise."

The dress falls to her ankles. She reaches behind her back and unfastens her bra. She doesn't take her eyes from Griffin in fear that he'll shift his gaze to her nude body. As he stares into her eyes, he can feel the hurt from within her soul. Trying to look beyond the blood and bruises is extremely hard. He wants so badly to wrap his arms around her, but knows that with her being undressed would be a definite, no no.

Elliana steps from her panties and she kicks them into the bathtub.

Griffin's eyes give her a puzzled look.

"It's the only pair I have. They'll be clean and dry in the morning."

He smiles. "Ah, gotcha."

She steps back toward the bathtub, making certain that Griffin doesn't unlock his eyes with hers. She closes the shower curtain and sinks into the warm water.

Griffin takes a seat on the toilet. "Do you need me to wash your back?"

"No, I'm fine." She watches as the water turns from clear to red in an instant. Never has she seen so much blood.

Griffin can hear her sniffling beyond the shower curtain. His heart tugs at him knowing that she's hurting. He wants so badly to slip in the bathtub behind her and cradle her in his arms.

"Griffin..."

"Yes, Elliana."

"Can you look in the cabinet and see if Kate has some ibuprofen in that first aid kit?"

Griffin stands and opens the door to the cabinet. "I found some."

"You don't need to stay in here. I'll be fine."

"I will help you from the tub. I don't want you falling and hurting yourself."

She takes the washcloth to her face and feels the swelling against her hand. Brushing the washcloth across her forehead and cheeks lightly, she manages to wipe the remainder of the blood from her skin. She perches herself to her knees and lathers her hands together with soap, and then smooth's it between her legs, and washes the remnants of Mark's violence off her body. The pain is excruciating. She groans at the touch.

"Are you okay?"

"Uh, huh."

"Are you sure? You don't sound like you're okay."

She sits back down into the water to wash the soap away. Cleaning her panties, she hangs them to dry on the faucet.

She stands and reaches her hand from around the curtain and asks Griffin to hand her a towel. He does as she asks and she steps from the bathtub. "Shoot! The only thing I have to wear is that blazer that I carried with me. My dress is sopping in blood."

Griffin shrugs off his tuxedo jacket, vest, and removes his bowtie. Elliana watches closely, wondering why he's stripping before her. He unfastens the buttons on his white shirt that is stained with her blood, and slides it off his shoulders. Pulling his undershirt off over his head, he asks Elliana to lift up her arms, and the towel drops to the floor. He sees Elliana's pert, beautiful breasts only inches away from him. He shifts his eyes back to hers as he pulls the shirt down her body. The hem sets directly at her mid-thigh. She pulls the scrunchie from her hair and her tresses splay down her back in gracious waves.

She stares at his bare chest. "What are you going to wear?" she asks, eyeing his blood stained, long sleeve shirt on the floor.

"Just my underwear. That's how I always sleep." His hands rest upon her shoulders and he guides her down gently onto the toilet seat. Looking up at him, she can see the hurt in his eyes as he lightly strokes her cheek. "Baby, I'm going to dress your wounds." After washing his hands with antibacterial soap, Griffin reaches into the first aid kit and pulls out a tube of triple antibiotic ointment. Squeezing a dab on his index finger, he places it delicately to Elliana's temple and spreads the medicine over the cut. "I don't think you'll need stitches. I think the blood mainly came from your nose."

"Do you think it's broken?"

He shrugs his shoulders, unsure. "Don't know. It's too swollen to tell."

"I must look affright."

"You're still the most beautiful woman that I've ever seen." He opens a Band-Aid and places it over the laceration. "There, good as new." He closes the first aid kit, extends his hand, and pulls Elliana to her feet.

Elliana bends down, picking up her dress, bra, and Griffin's shirt from the floor. She tosses everything in the waste basket next to the toilet.

"Don't think I didn't catch you looking at my boobs."

He doesn't respond, handing Elliana 800 milligrams of ibuprofen, and helps her to the guest bedroom. He turns down the bed. "I'll get you some water so you can take your medicine." Griffin heads to the kitchen and pulls a fresh bottle of water from the fridge as well as an icepack from the freezer.

Elliana pulls the blankets up to her chin. Griffin enters and offers her some water. She plops the pills at the back of her throat and the water chases them down. Handing the bottle back to Griffin, she turns on her side facing the wall.

Griffin stands near the bed and pulls down his pants and tosses them over a wingback chair that is next to the window. Sliding underneath the blankets shirtless, he wraps his arms around her and cradles her into his chest, spooning her. He smooth's the back of her hair and gently kisses her head. Reaching around, he places the icepack to her forehead. "Get some sleep, baby." He leans over and clicks off the lamp.

She flinches at the cold compress on her head and breathes deeply, feeling safe against him, but also a little weird being without panties.

"I did what you taught me," she whispers.

"What's that?"

"I punched him in the throat with the heel of my hand."

He smiles, proudly. Elliana can feel his body shake slightly as he giggles. "Good girl. Now, go to sleep."

She manages to crack a smile.

* * *

At 2:00 a.m., Griffin opens his eyes and places the palm of his hand upon Elliana's forehead to feel if she has a fever. He shakes her slightly. "Elliana," he whispers.

She blinks open her eyes, but the pain from the sharp blow to her left eye is excruciating. "Yes?"

"I'm checking on you. Seems you have no fever. Can I get you anything?"

"More ibuprofen would be nice."

Griffin flips the blanket off and steps from the bed. Elliana rolls over and can see his backside as the moonlight glimmers through the window. He cracks open the door and peeks out to be certain that Kate and Reginald won't see him prancing down the hallway in his skivvy's. Tiptoeing down the hallway to the bathroom, he takes more ibuprofen from the bottle.

Grabbing the water bottle off the dresser, he offers it to Elliana as he hands her the pills. She sits up and chases the pills back with water, and then hands Griffin the bottle. "Thank you."

Placing the bottle back on the dresser, he slides underneath the blankets. Elliana lies back down, facing the wall. Encircling his arms around her, Griffin nuzzles his nose in the back of her hair, and closes his eyes.
Chapter Nine

The sunlight beams brightly, bouncing its blinding rays off the bedroom wall. Elliana turns over, but Griffin is not there. She can hear chatting going on in the kitchen, so she tries to eavesdrop on the conversation.

"If I ever see that bastard on base, or anywhere for that matter, I'm going to kill that mother fucker," Reginald says, his voice stern.

"I wonder what the police did to him last night..." Kate queries.

"Seeing her like that just rips me apart. That man is a monster." Griffin shakes his head in disgust and takes a sip of his coffee. "It sure felt good beating that bastard to a pulp last night."

Elliana is more alert after hearing Griffin's words. Griffin beat up Mark?

"I'm going to tell Dave that Elliana needs some time off," Kate adds. "With pay of course. After all, Dave should have never opened his mouth in the first place."

"How much time?" Griffin asks.

"I think thirty days will do her well. She needs to recoup. I know how she feels. Stressing about work is something she need not do."

Griffin smiles appreciatively. "That's very sweet of you."

Reginald chimes in, "Before I get to work, I'll check-in with base authorities and ask them what happened with Mark. I'll call you and let you know." His eyes shift to Kate. She nods approvingly.

"Do you think they'll tell you anything about Mark?" Griffin asks, taking another sip of coffee.

"Reginald is a very high ranking officer. Nothing happens on that base that he doesn't know about." Kate stands on her tiptoes and kisses Reginald on the cheek. "Have a good day at work."

"Love ya, babe."

Reginald looks at Griffin, smiles, and inclines his head with a brief nod.

Elliana can hear the front door close as Reginald leaves.

"Now, what are we going to do about Ellie?" Kate asks, shifting her attention to Griffin.

"She can stay at my place. I have a guest room all set up for her."

"She's welcome to stay here."

Griffin shakes his head defiantly, concerned for her wellbeing. "No, she doesn't need to be around this base. Too many bad memories for her. She needs to be taken away from here."

Kate mutely nods.

"I need to get home and wait for the dealership to pick me up. My Audi will be out of the shop this morning. I'll see if Elliana wants to come with me. She needs something to do to get her mind off of last night." Griffin places his coffee mug to the counter. "Thank you so much for last night, Kate. You're a real lifesaver."

Kate exudes an openhearted smile. "She's like a daughter to me. I'd do anything for that girl."

Griffin steps toward Kate and wraps his arms around her, hugging her tightly.

Kate turns toward the counter and places her coffee cup in the sink. "I have some clothes that will fit her in the bottom drawer of my dresser. Make sure she picks out something to wear." Kate grabs her purse and starts to head out for work. Before she opens the front door, she looks over her shoulder at Griffin. "You take care of her."

"You have nothing to worry about, Kate," he says.

Elliana can hear the shuffling of Griffin's feet coming toward the bedroom. Elliana flops down and pretends that she's asleep.

Griffin sits down on the bed and gently shakes her. "Elliana, you awake?"

She rolls over and yawns. "Yes." He appears magnificent just sitting there in his black tuxedo slacks, shirtless.

"How are you feeling? Can I get you some coffee?"

Elliana runs her fingers over her nose and it feels humongous. She cups her hand over it with a horrified expression on her face. "Oh-My-God, Griffin. My nose!"

He runs his fingers over the bed sheet, looking down, he whispers, "It's alright. The swelling will go down soon." He picks up the icepack that's now melted and tosses it on the dresser. "Kate says that you can borrow some of her clothes to wear."

She sits up. "I suppose you need your shirt." She smiles.

"The dealership is going to have a shuttle at my house in an hour. I need to be there so I can pick up my car. Did you want to come with me?"

Elliana shakes her head. "No. I want to rest."

Griffin nods in understanding. "I won't be long. I'll be back as soon as I pick up my car. I Promise."

She stands from the bed. She looks so damn cute in my shirt. He notices that she's a little wobbly. He stands and rushes to assist her. "Let me help you."

She raises her hands, resistant. "No, I can do this."

He backs away, but follows her into Kate's bedroom. Elliana kneels down and pulls a gray sweat suit from the bottom drawer. "If you don't mind, I'd like to change my clothes in privacy."

He exits Kate's bedroom and closes the door.

After changing her clothes, she hands Griffin his shirt, and walks down the hallway toward the bathroom. Griffin quickly pulls the shirt over his head as he trails behind. She looks over her shoulder. "I'm fine. Please, go ahead and get your car."

"Are you sure you're alright? I don't want to leave you if you feel unstable."

"I'm okay."

He encircles his arms around her compressing her into him. Brushing her bangs from her eyes, he smiles warmly. "I'll be back within two hours."

She nods.

As soon as Elliana hears the front door close, she goes into the bathroom. Looking into the mirror, the shock and awe of last night's event stare back at her. Her hand slowly rises to her face and her eyes stream with tears. She collapses to the floor, doubling over, hugging her knees into her chest.

Finally, after fifteen minutes of excessive crying, rage overcomes her. She stands in front of the sink and slams her hands on the surface. She stares in the mirror and screams at the top of her lungs.

Stomping in the living room, she retrieves her blazer, and grabs her car key.

She picks up Kate's phone and dials Mark's commanding officer.

"I need to know about Mark," she demands, almost shouting.

"He was scheduled to go on Det, but because of the incident last night, he has to take mandatory anger management counseling, and must live in the barracks for thirty days."

"That's all?" she questions.

"First offense, ma'am."

She slams down the phone and feels like kicking herself for not reporting the previous incidents.

Knowing that Mark isn't home, she grabs her car key, and angrily marches her way to the apartment. Realizing that she has a spare key to her apartment hidden underneath the floor mat in her car, she unlocks her car door, and takes it.

When she enters the apartment, she immediately heads straight to the bedroom, pulls a duffle bag from the closet, and begins filling it with as many clothes as she can fit. Zipping it shut, she laces on her tennis shoes.

Inside the bathroom, she brushes her teeth, and then shoves her toothpaste and toothbrush into the outside zipper compartment of her bag.

She looks at the wedding rings on her finger and yanks them off, throwing them against the living room wall.

Still raging with anger, she grabs her purse containing her debit card and cell phone, and exits the apartment with her duffle bag in hand. Seeing Mark's truck parked behind her car pisses her off even more. He thinks I can't leave just because he's parked behind me? Think again, asshole!

Standing underneath the carport shelter, Elliana opens the storage closet, pulling out a baseball bat. She sets her duffle bag and purse on the driveway.

Gripping the baseball bat tightly, she walks over to Mark's brand new Ford F-150 and bashes in the driver's side window. As she reaches inside the truck, she pulls up on the lever, and unlocks the door. The sound of the alarm has no effect on her whatsoever.

Brushing the shattered glass from the seat, she climbs inside, shifts the truck in neutral, and backs it from the driveway, parking it alongside the curb.

She steps out, grabs her duffle bag and purse, and tosses them in the passenger seat of her Camaro. She jumps behind the wheel, cranks the car, and squeals out backward. She's gone in an instant.

* * *

Freshly showered and dressed in a steel gray suit, Griffin drives past Elliana's apartment on his way back to Kate's in his Audi. He's shocked to see that Elliana's car is gone. He sees shattered glass all over the driveway and notices Mark's truck parked alongside the curb. What the hell?

He rushes to Kate's apartment and bangs on the door, but there's no answer. He runs three buildings down and begins banging on Elliana's door. No answer.

The only thing running through his mind is Mark kidnapping Elliana. But why would his truck window be smashed?

He picks up his cell phone and calls Elliana, but she doesn't answer. He tries Kate's office. Pick up!

"Bazelle and Echart, this is Kate."

"Kate, she's gone!"

"What?"

"Elliana...she's gone! Her husband's truck window is busted out and her car is gone!"

"Before you worry, I just spoke with Reginald, and Mark has to stay in the barracks. He didn't go on Det, but he's not allowed in base housing for thirty days."

"So, we can rule out him kidnapping her?" he asks, unsure.

"Yes. She may have just gone somewhere to blow off steam."

"Call me if you hear from her. I'll do the same." He disconnects the call and dials Elliana again. "Fuck! Her voicemail!"

"The caller you are trying to reach has not set up the voicemail program. Please try your call again."

"Where are you?" His fingers swiftly text.

No response after ten minutes.

Another text. "At least let me know you're safe."

She sends a text back. "I'm safe."

At least he feels a little relieved, but it's just killing him not knowing where she is.

Hours pass and there are no more texts from Elliana. An idea pops into Griffin's mind and he heads to his office and checks her bank account on his computer. When he logs in, he examines Elliana's transactions, and can see a recent debit from a gas station off I-10. Fuck! She's going to Florida! He assumes.

He opens a GPS application on his phone that will track Elliana's route. She's heading east for sure.

Griffin enters the office of the vice president. "Alan, an emergency has come up. I need you to take over while I'm away."

Baffled by the sudden request, Alan crinkles his forehead. "Is everything alright?"

Griffin sits on the chair in front of Alan's desk and crosses his legs. Tracing his index finger across his chin, he shakes his head. "No. I'm not sure how long I will be gone. Just please, don't let me down."

Alan looks across his desk through his dark brown eyes. "Can I be of assistance?"

"Just keep the company running smoothly. That's all I need."

Alan relaxes back against his seat and runs his hand across his balding head, confused. "Is it legal issues?"

"No, everything is fine in that aspect. It's personal." Griffin stands and turns on his heel, but before he leaves Alan's office, he says, "I'll keep in touch daily."

Alan nods.

Griffin knocks on the doorframe of his executive assistant. "Jenna, I need your help."

Jenna looks up from her computer through her frumpy red bangs. She brushes them away from her eyes. "Sir, what can I do for you?"

"Call Gary. Tell him I need my jet ready and fueled ASAP."

Jenna flips through Griffin's schedule. "Sir, I don't see any travel arrangements for you. Is everything okay?" Her green eyes demonstrate concern.

"It's family business. Cancel everything on my calendar for the next two weeks. I don't know how long I will be gone, but I'm putting all my trust in Alan. He's your boss when I'm not here. Understood?" He looks at her sternly.

Jenna nods. "Understood, sir."

He exits the massive forty story building that's mirrored with glass. Jumping in his Audi, Griffin speeds off toward home. He rushes through the front door and heads straight to his bedroom and loads up his suitcase with suits and underwear. In a frantic state, he doesn't even fold them, just shoves as much as he can inside the luggage, and zips it closed.

He rushes downstairs and sees his mother helping one of the shelter ladies, Michelle; clean the dust from one of his extravagant paintings. Sandy looks up, wondering why Griffin seems to be in such a rush. "Everything alright, dear?"

"Mother, it's Elliana. Her husband beat the hell out of her last night. It's really bad this time. I think she's fleeing to Florida to be with her parents'."

"Son, you might need to let her be alone for a while. She needs time to recoup. I'm sure she's fine."

"I need her!"

"Darling, I know how she feels. She needs some time by herself."

He shakes his head incessantly. "No." Then an idea strikes him. "Mom, come with me."

"Whatever for?"

"We can get to Florida by tonight. Tomorrow, you and I can explain to her parents' about what has happened. I'm sure if her father realizes the horrific situation she's been in; he will give her his blessing to divorce the son-of–a-bitch."

"But, why do I need to be there?"

"You can explain to them how you got out of your situation. How you help women to restart their lives. Give her parents' reassurance in knowing that if she ever decides to be with me, she'll be safe."

Michelle looks at Sandy and smiles. "Go, ma'am. Your son needs you."

"So what do you say, Mother?"

"Give me a few minutes to pack my things."

As Sandy turns to leave, Griffin calls Simon. "I need you take my mother and me to San Jose Airport right now." He promptly disconnects the call.

A half hour later, Griffin and Sandy are out front, loading the SUV with their luggage. As they climb into the backseat, Griffin tries calling Elliana again. He angrily grips the phone in his hand when he hears the voicemail recording. Placing the phone back into his front pocket, he stares silently out the window.

Sandy places her hand on Griffin's. "Dear, she needs time to think. She's very confused right now. She's toying with a big decision...leaving her husband."

Griffin is still silent.

Proceeding through the security clearance, the Porsche SUV makes its way onto the tarmac. Griffin and his mother jump from the vehicle and pull their luggage from the back.

They climb their way up the stairs to Griffin's Gulfstream 650 and he takes a seat in a plush, leather chair next to a window, his mother facing him. With a table separating them, his mother asks if she can get Griffin something to drink.

"I need something really strong. I'm all torn up inside."

She notifies Cindy, a flight attendant. The blonde, slender woman bends down, and places a shot of whisky on the table. "Here you are, Mr. Reid." She smiles flirtatiously. "If you need anything else, I mean anything, please don't hesitate to let me know."

Sandy rolls her eyes in disgust. "I take it you've had that one." She says in almost a mumble as Cindy walks away. "I have never been fond of that woman."

"Had, Mother. Had." He drinks the shot. "Never again. Those days are long gone."

He pulls his phone from his pocket and calls Kate. "Kate, she's headed to Florida. I'm in my jet about to take off, but I need her parents' address. Did she happen to give that to you when you hired her?"

Kate pulls Elliana's file and looks at her who to contact in case of emergency. "It's right here. 319 Pine Drive in Deland, Florida.

"You're a lifesaver, Kate. I'll keep you updated."

"Please do and be careful."

"The captain has illuminated the-fasten-your-seatbelt sign. Please remain seated and prepare for take-off," Cindy's voice calls over the loudspeaker.

Griffin and Sandy buckle themselves into their seats. The first captain emerges from the cockpit and welcomes Griffin and his mother aboard. "We'll be flying into Sanford, sir. It's a long flight. I'll try to keep her as steady as possible, but strong headwinds are reported in Alabama."

"I'll trust you'll do well, Gary," Griffin says.

The pilot returns to the cockpit. The plane begins to taxi down the runway, preparing for its ascent.

As the plane begins to take flight, Sandy rests her hand on Griffin's forearm. "I sure hope you know what you're doing."

"I do, Mother. Trust me."

* * *

Eleven hours later, Elliana pulls into a truck stop diner off I-10 in Phoenix. Sliding into a booth, exhausted from the long drive, she picks up a menu, and skims over it.

A young woman who looks to be in her early twenties approaches her bearing a friendly smile. "What can I get you?" the waitress asks, holding a pad and pencil.

Elliana slightly trembles as she stares down at the menu not giving eye contact, afraid of the waitress seeing her battered face. "I'll just have a grilled cheese sandwich and a Coke, please," she meekly replies.

The waitress writes the order on her pad. "Coming right up." She walks into the kitchen and hands the sheet of paper to the cook.

Elliana sees her cell phone shake on the table when it vibrates. She takes a deep breath and reads the text. "Please set up your voicemail so I can at least leave you messages."

She does as Griffin asks and scrolls through all the texts that he has sent her while she was on the road. 45 texts?

They are mainly asking her where she is and if she is okay. She texts back. "I'm fine. Please, don't take this the wrong way, but I need to be alone. It's not that I don't appreciate all that you have done, I just need some time to think."

After eating her late dinner, she pays with her debit card, hops back in her car, and heads north toward I-40. She comes to a rest stop that seems safe and sleeps in her car.

* * *

Acquiring a rental car at the Sanford airport, Griffin drives his mother and him to a hotel in Heathrow.

"We'll rest tonight and visit her parents' tomorrow."

Sitting in the main room, Sandy looks over the room service menu, and orders dinner for them both.

Griffin logs onto the bank account and sees that Elliana's last transaction was in Phoenix. God, I hope she at least stops and gets some rest.

After dinner, Sandy goes into the bathroom to shower. When she emerges, she looks at Griffin. "Surely you're not going to wear a suit tomorrow," she assumes. "You need to be relaxed."

"Mother, I won't be taken seriously if I'm not wearing a suit. Besides, I'm in my most relaxed state when I wear a suit. You should know that by now." He barely belts out a laugh. "Plus, I need to impress her parents'."

Sandy rolls her eyes, but she understands. "Whatever, dear." She meanders her way to the separate bedroom.

Griffin grabs a clean pair of underwear from his luggage and goes into the bathroom. Standing underneath the shower, all he can think about is Elliana. Not being near her is torture. As he shuts off the water, he wraps a towel around his waist, and stares into the mirror above the sink. Pulling a razor from his toiletry bag, he starts to shave. He splashes on some aftershave, blots his face with a washcloth, and steps into his boxer's. Hanging the towel on a rack, he shuts out the light, and heads to his room.

Sliding underneath the covers, he only imagines what Elliana could be doing. He wants so badly to console her, to reassure her that everything will be okay. She should be in Florida in two days. He clicks off the lamp and tries his damnedest to fall asleep, but he only tosses and turns.

* * *

Elliana is startled awake when the sound of a semi truck's airbrakes makes a loud screeching noise. She tries to rub the sleep from her eyes, but the bruising in her left eye is painful to the touch. The sun barely making its appearance, Elliana steps from the car and locks the door. Walking to the restroom with her phone in hand, she receives another text. "Good morning."

A smile breaks through her pain, but she doesn't reply. She shoves the phone inside the front pocket of her sweats.

Adjusting herself behind the wheel, she continues to drive toward I-40.

* * *

After eating breakfast, Griffin adjusts his slate blue tie and shrugs on his jacket of his tan Gucci suit.

"You look very handsome," Sandy says.

"Thank you, Mother. You don't look too bad yourself."

Sandy slides into a pair of dark brown Ferragamo heels and admires the way that she looks in her tweed maroon Chanel suit. She then cinches a matching silk scarf around her neck.

"You ready?" Griffin asks.

"Let's do this."

Climbing inside the black Lincoln Navigator rental, Griffin programs the GPS with Elliana's parents' address. "Looks like a forty-five minute drive." He looks at his Breitling watch. "Should be there by eleven."

Driving down I-4, they make their way onto 17-92, and head toward Highway 44. Driving deeper out of the city, Griffin wonders if the GPS is giving him the proper directions. "My God! This is the boonies."

The GPS instructs him to turn onto Highway 42, so he makes a right turn off Highway 44. They pass a large brown sign off to their right that reads, 'Ocala National Forest.'

A smirk sweeps across his face. "I wonder if she was named after Ellie Mae Clampett..."

Sandy looks over at him harshly. "Now, dear, just because you grew up with a silver spoon in your mouth, gives you no right to judge other people."

"I wasn't judging. Elliana told me she grew up poor, just never expected this," he says, driving by mobile home after mobile home.

The GPS instructs Griffin to make a left onto Sixth Street. He drives down a narrow, black tar road that is shaded by overlapping trees. He passes a pond off to the right and more mobile homes. Coming up a hill, he's instructed to make a right onto Pine Drive. Elliana's parents' house sits off to the left.

He slowly pulls into the grassy front yard and parks behind a burgundy Mitsubishi Outlander SUV.

He steps from the Lincoln and walks around, opening his mother's door, and helps her from the vehicle.

Griffin looks at the beige double-wide trailer with dark brown trim, and he and his mother make their way up the metal steps that lead to the entrance. Griffin expels an elongated sigh and knocks on the screen door.

Mr. Jenkins opens the front door and is surprised to see a business man and woman standing on his steps. "Something I can do ya for?"

Griffin smiles appreciatively. Observing the retired, elderly man standing before him with thinning gray hair and light brown eyes, wearing a red and blue plaid shirt and baggy blue jeans; Griffin extends his hand. "Sir, I'm a friend of your daughter."

Mr. Jenkins shakes Griffin's hand and surveys him, confused. Looking at least ten years older than Elliana, he knew that this man must have not attended high school with her. "Friend?" he questions.

"In California."

"Oh." He opens the door wider and invites Griffin and his mother inside.

"I'm Griffin Reid and this is my mother, Sandy."

"Call me Dan. Please, have a seat."

Griffin and his mother seat themselves on the couch inside the living room.

Griffin glances around, noticing a beautiful stone fireplace in the corner. A modest dining room is off to the left, a quaint kitchen is offset from the living room, and to the right is a narrow hallway, which he assumes must be where the bedrooms are.

Dan takes a seat in a black leather recliner. "Honey!" Mr. Jenkins calls out in a raised voice. "Can you come in here?"

Mrs. Jenkins emerges from the bedroom dressed in a pair of jeans and a long-sleeve button down floral blouse. Griffin is pleasantly surprised to see how much Elliana resembles her mother.

"Honey, this is Griffin and his mother, Sandy. They're friends of Ellie's all the way from California."

"Nice to meet you." She stands before them and smiles a welcome grin. "My name is Sally." She shakes their hands. "May I get you something to drink?"

"No, ma'am. I'm fine." Griffin looks at his mother. "Mom, would you like something?"

Sandy shakes her head from side-to-side. "No, thank you."

Sally takes a seat in a matching chair beside the black leather sofa.

Dan casually crosses his legs, puts some tobacco in the side of his cheek, and chews. "So, what brings y'all all the way out here?"

"It's your daughter, sir," Griffin responds.

"What about Ellie?"

Griffin rests his elbows on his knees, drops his head, sinking it between his shoulders, shaking it back and forth. Dan can see that Griffin appears troubled.

"Griffin, what about Ellie?" Dan repeats.

Griffin looks up at the white popcorn ceiling, desperately fighting back tears.

Sandy can see how hard it is for him to speak. She interrupts, "Mr. Jenkins, it has come to our attention that your daughter is being abused by her husband."

Dan's index finger strokes the underside of his chin. "Surely, you're mistaken," he says with exultant laughter. "Mark? He wouldn't hurt a fly."

"It's true, sir. She's afraid to tell you," Sandy says.

Griffin reaches into his front pants pocket and scrolls through the photos on his phone. He shows Mr. Jenkins a picture of Elliana that he snapped in secrecy as she lay sleeping the night of the incident.

Extreme shock washes over Mr. Jenkins' face. "That can't be Ellie. It doesn't even look like her." He takes the phone from Griffin's grasp and passes it to Sally. Tears pool in Sally's eyes as she intently studies the photo, and suddenly, the tears stream down her pinkened cheeks. "My baby," she says in a gasping sob. "Where is she now?"

"I don't know. I think she's on her way here," Griffin replies.

Mr. Jenkins tightly balls his fists, his knuckles burning white. "That bastard! He had us all fooled! How long has this been going on?" he asks in total befuddlement.

"For a while, sir," Griffin answers, hoarsely. "The other night was the worst of all."

"When did ya first see the signs?"

"I'm a client for the company she works for. I came in for a meeting one day and saw her seated behind her desk with bruises on her face and a swollen lip."

Sandy interrupts, "—And because I am familiar with domestic abuse, he alerted me of her situation."

"You?" Sally queries, with a hint of solemn shyness.

"You see," Sandy says, shifting in her seat. "My husband would beat me. If it wasn't for my Griffin, I would be dead."

"I'm so sorry," Sally says, sympathetically.

"Griffin brought Elliana to his estate, where I also live, and we tried like hell to convince her to stay with us."

"Why would she stay with you?" Dan asks. "She barely knows you."

Sandy adjusts her gaze toward Sally. "Ma'am, we live on a twenty acre estate. Behind Griffin's mansion are cottages. Those cottages are shelters for women who were being abused by their husbands. We asked Elliana if she would like to stay in one, but she declined. The sanctuary is very private and is gated so the women are safe. We help them become independent, which guides them to survive without the assistance of their husbands' income. We even pay for their college if they choose to go that route."

"I wonder why she wouldn't take your generous offer..." Sally wipes the tears from her face with the sleeve of her blouse.

Griffin looks sincerely at Sally. "Ma'am, she said it is because she's afraid of you and your husband disowning her," he says, politely. "Because Mr. Jenkins is a religious man, she thinks that if she flees her husband, you won't ever speak to her again."

"That's absurd!" Mr. Jenkins says, spitting brown tobacco juice in a Styrofoam cup. "We need to know where she is."

"I tried my best to get her out of that situation. I provided her with ten-thousand dollars in her own private bank account as a start."

"Why would you give her so much money?" Dan asks, incredulously.

"Because it kills me seeing her go through all that pain. That man controlled her to the point where he stole her car keys while he was away on Det so she couldn't drive anywhere and also took her ATM card so she couldn't buy food. Her name is not on the account that her paycheck was being deposited in to. I actually picked her up off the side of the road in the rain as she was walking home from work one day."

Sally covers her face with her hands and shakes her head back and forth in utter astonishment.

Griffin pulls a pen from the inside of his jacket and writes down Elliana's cell phone number on a scrap piece of paper. He hands the paper to Dan. "This is her cell phone number. She's not answering because she wants some time to think. The last I checked, she was in Phoenix. I predict she will be here in two days."

"I wonder why a man of your wealth and stature would want anything to do with my daughter," Dan says, displaying much interest.

"I think I love her, sir."

"You think?" he questions, his voice becoming stern. "You can't think love. You know love."

"I love her, sir." Griffin feels elated admitting it aloud. "And I assure you that she has not strayed from her wedding vows. She made it abundantly clear to me that she wants nothing to do with me as long as she's married."

Dan belts out a fine break of laughter. "Yep, that's definitely my Ellie." He spits into the cup once more. "Can ya find out where she is now?"

Griffin scrolls through his phone and pulls up the application of her whereabouts. His mouth drops and his head makes a startling jerk.

"What's the matter?" Sally asks, looking at Griffin's painful expression.

"She's not on I-10 anymore. She's in Albuquerque on I-40!"

"Where in the hell could she be going?" Dan asks, in a puzzled voice.

Griffin dials her number and the call goes into voicemail. Thankfully, this time, he was able to leave a message. "Elliana, my mother and I are sitting here at your parents' house. Please call your father and let him know that you're alright. He knows everything." He disconnects the call.

Mrs. Jenkins flashes her attention to Griffin. "What happened to Mark?"

Griffin sighs. "Just a slap on the wrist." After a short pause, he continues, "He's only ordered to stay out of base housing for thirty days. He's living in the barracks for now."

"Surely she can't go back to him. She needs to divorce that man and get a retaining order on him!" Mrs. Jenkins says through gasping sobs.

"I agree, ma'am."

Mr. Jenkins presses more chew into his cheek. "If I ever see that bastard, he will be six-feet under the dirt," he says through gritted teeth. "Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I'm almost positive she will be here for that. She never misses spending the holidays with us."

"I hope you're right," Griffin replies. He and Sandy stand. Griffin shakes Dan's hand. "Sir, I will keep you updated on everything that I find out. If you hear from her, please call me. My number is on the piece of paper I gave you with Elliana's number."

"I will."

Sally hugs Griffin and squeezes him tightly. "Please find my baby," she whispers. "It was so nice meeting the both of you."

"The pleasure is all mine." Griffin strokes his thumb across Sally's cheek and wipes off a tear. "I just wish it was under better circumstances."

"Me too."

"Take care of yourself, Mrs. Jenkins," Sandy says. She turns toward Dan. "You too, Mr. Jenkins."

Griffin and Sandy walk down the steps and climb into the Lincoln. He backs from the driveway and makes his way to Highway 42.

"She has some very nice parents'," Sandy says, managing to break a smile.

"Yes, she does," he agrees. "Damn! Where is she going?" He grasps hard at the steering wheel.

"You love her," she says as though a great discovery had been made. "You don't know how much it warmed my heart when I heard you say that."

Griffin glances over at her and furrows his brow. "Really? Why's that?"

"Because I never thought you would ever settle down. I almost gave up the dream of ever having grandchildren."

Griffin thought hard about that statement. Grandchildren? Me, a father? A smile slowly traces upon his lips.
Chapter Ten

A few days pass. Elliana has not answered Griffin's calls or responded to his numerous texts. She did; however, answer a call from her parents' and explained to them that she will be home for Thanksgiving, but for now, she needs some time alone to sort out her thoughts and feelings.

Elliana was ultimately furious that Griffin took it upon himself to tell her parents' about Mark without her approval, but she didn't let him know how angry she was. Her father did ask her why she endured such abuse for so long, but she didn't elaborate on the details, and she didn't dare ask her father for his blessing of divorce. Divorce was never even mentioned in their conversations, so Elliana has no clue that her parents' would be agreeable toward her decision if she were to take the divorce route.

Griffin notices on the bank withdrawals that Elliana had been staying in a hotel in Fort Worth. She hadn't moved her location for several days, so he flew his mother back to California and he ordered Gary to fly him to the airport in Denton, Texas where he rented a vehicle and stayed in the area, observing Elliana closely in hopes that she wouldn't land in any danger. A young, beautiful woman all alone in an unfamiliar city was no place to be.

* * *

"Okay, darlin', you've been eating here for the past several days. Surely you would like something other than grilled cheese sandwiches," the chubby Hispanic waitress with black hair piled high on top says.

Elvira has worked at the Starlight Café for the past ten years in the Fort Worth Stockyards. She knew all the locals and all the locals adored her. After Elvira saw how massively banged up Elliana's face was the day she entered the café, she knew she had to do something for the poor girl, so she introduced her to the innkeeper upstairs of the former bordello dated back to 1910, which is now a bed and breakfast.

Tawna, the innkeeper of the bed and breakfast, welcomed Elliana with open arms and gave her a 50% discount on the average room rate. When Tawna saw how much Elliana helped around the hotel, she offered Elliana a job at the Inn across the street as the innkeeper where she would receive free room and board, plus two-hundred dollars a week.

Tawna, a black-haired middle aged woman was raised in an abusive home, so even though Elliana didn't explain the reasoning behind her black and blue face, Tawna knew why.

Elliana loves the atmosphere of the Stockyards. Tawna and Elvira introduced her to all the independent business owners on the main strip and even took her to a real rodeo the night before. She even bought her first Stetson hat and a pair of cowboy boots in one of the western boutiques just doors down from the hotel that she is innkeeper of.

Elliana looks up through her long black lashes. "You make the best grilled cheese sandwiches ever, Ms. Mendoza."

Elvira tosses her head back and laughs. "You need fruits and vegetables, young lady."

Elliana smiles pleasantly. "Okay, mom."

Elvira turns and heads toward the kitchen and comes out with a plate of assorted sliced fruits. Watermelon, cantaloupe, red grapes, and strawberries.

"Thank you, Ms. Mendoza."

"It's on the house." She makes her way behind the counter and stands at the register by the door, ringing up customers.

The café used to be part of the former bordello upstairs, but branched off separately when Tawna took it over and sold the bottom half of the hotel to Elvira. Many old pictures, such as John Wayne traced the walls. Signed championship photos of real cowboys were fastened on the walls as well.

The locals were very friendly and immediately took Elliana under their wing. The man who owns the old saloon around the corner offered to take her to the Cowboy Museum down the street and watch the daily cattle drive. She loved this new town and toyed with the thought of remaining there to live. But, Griffin still stays heavily in her thoughts. Trying to force him out of her mind was torture. She often feels like a sinner by thinking of the way she has toward him while still being married. She knows it to be wrong, and in her daddy's eyes it's considered adultery. But, she refuses to be an adulteress, and she believes that staying far away from Griffin will make those thoughts disappear.

With one final bite of watermelon, Elliana tosses a ten dollar bill on the table, stands, and carries her plate to the kitchen. Paul, the teenage Hispanic busboy, who is Elvira's son, stands at the sink, splashing water on all the dirty dishes. He sees Elliana approach with her plate and glass in hand. She sets them down in the sink. The dark-haired, slender kid looks at her and smiles. "You're the only customer we have ever had that busses their own table." He chuckles. "I would have taken care of that for you."

"It's alright. It's no bother, really." Elliana sees the massive pile of dishes left over from breakfast. "Need some help?"

"Thank you, but I got it under control."

"If there's anything I can do, just let me know." She politely turns and walks away.

She passes by the register and waves her hand. "Bye, Ms. Mendoza. Thank you for lunch. I'll see you soon."

"Alright, darlin'." Elvira looks up and smiles. "Take care."

The bell on the door chimes when Elliana opens it.

Griffin sits at a table outside at a small coffee house across the street from the café. He secretly watches Elliana walking down the sidewalk dressed in her dark brown Justin boots, blue jeans, button down western shirt and cowboy hat as she makes her way around the corner to the saloon. She holds her head down when she walks, ashamed of all the bruises on her face, but she tries her best to hide it with makeup, but there's only so much that makeup can do.

All the locals in the town suspect the reasoning behind the bruising, but like good Texans, they know not to pry, and made her feel as welcome as possible.

Elliana approaches the bar where she sees the owner stocking it with beer. "Hi, Travis."

He looks up and smiles eagerly. "I told ya to call me Pops," he speaks in a southern drawl. "That's what the locals call me," the pot belly man with dark brown hair and beard says. His chestnut-colored eyes examine her. "Did ya eat lunch?"

She nods.

"Ya ready for the tour?"

"Yes, sir."

He raises his index finger and shakes it side-to-side. "Pops, not sir."

"Yes, Pops." She giggles slightly.

Pops wipes down the bar with a damp towel that he pulled from his shoulder and then tosses it on the counter behind him. Leading her to the exit, he locks the door behind them, and they stroll their way down Exchange Avenue.

Griffin sets his coffee cup on the table and watches intently as he sees the two walking side-by-side.

Griffin's mother made it perfectly clear not to let Elliana acknowledge that he's in Fort Worth in fear it would scare her off. "Don't be a stalker," she told him. Even though he wasn't a stalker, only worrying for her wellbeing, Sandy knew that a woman in Elliana's condition would immediately assume otherwise. "Reveal your presence slowly," she said before she and Griffin parted ways.

Griffin stands and pushes his chair underneath the table. He follows at a good distance behind the two until he sees them enter the Cowboy Museum.

Entering a western wear store, Griffin paces up and down the aisles looking at all the different styles of western boots. Pulling a pair of black ones from the top shelf, he sits on a wooden bench, and tries them on. He glances in the floor length mirror and begins to laugh at how he looks in them with his suit slacks.

"You'll need to getcha some jeans if ya wanna wear those," the gray-haired, long bearded man jokes. "Otherwise, you'll look just plum silly."

"I believe you're right," Griffin responds extending his hand. "I'm Griffin Reid. Nice to meet you, sir."

Shaking his hand, the man says, "I'm Kip. I'm owner of this here store."

"Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"Not that I'm one to pry, but you don't look like yer from these here parts," the chubby man with blue eyes says.

Griffin takes a seat back down on the bench and pulls the black boots from his feet exposing his black socks. He looks up, "California."

"Ah, good ole Californie."

Griffin chuckles. "Yes, good ole Californie," he mimics. He turns one of the boots over, looks at the sole, and sees that the price is almost a grand. He hands them to Kip. "I'll take these."

Kip takes the boots from Griffin's hand.

"And, if you could help me find some jeans and a shirt, I'd be much obliged."

"Certainly." Kip sets the boots down near the register. "Come this here way."

After about an hour of trying to find the right pair of jeans for his six-foot four-inch height along with a shirt, Griffin meets Kip at the register.

Kip sees Pops and Elliana passing by the window of the store. With the door propped open by a doorstop, Kip hollers out the door to them, "Hey, you two!"

Griffin quickly turns his back in hopes that Elliana won't see him.

Pops yells back waving his hand, "Hey, hey, Kip!" And they continue on down the sidewalk.

Kip shakes his head back and forth genuinely concerned as he rings up the sale. "Poor gal. Musta had somethin' really bad happen to her. She showed up here all black and blue. Bless her heart. The town's folk think it's her husband, although we won't pry. But we know. We weren't born yesterday." He looks at the total on the screen. "That'll be sixteen-hunerd dollars."

Griffin recites hunerd in his head, giggling inside, as he pulls his American Express black card from his wallet and hands it over the counter to Kip.

"Eww wee! Ain't never seen one of these." Kip examines it closely. "I hear ya have to spend at least $250,000 a year to even keep these here cards."

Griffin just smiles and shrugs his shoulders.

Kip hands Griffin his credit card and his bag of western wear across the counter. "Don't be a stranger now, ya hear?"

"Thank you, sir." Griffin slides his card back into his wallet and walks out the door.

Griffin sees Elliana and Pops sitting at a table at an old dive bar out on the patio. Avoiding the possibility of Elliana seeing him, he turns, darts across the street and walks along the opposite side.

He enters the quaint hotel that he had booked for the next few days, and makes his way to his room.

Pops sits back casually against his chair and looks sincerely into Elliana's eyes. "Now, are ya gonna tell me what happened to ya?"

Elliana exudes a brittle laugh. "Is it that obvious?"

"Don't be upset about my pryin', but I can spot trouble. Someone's done ya wrong, little lady. Who ya runnin' from?"

Elliana stares down at her soda and grips her hands around the cold glass. "My husband."

"How long ya been married?"

"Four years." Feeling comfortable around Pops, she couldn't hold it in any longer, and her story just flowed freely from her lips. When she spoke of Griffin, her face illuminated, and her teal-green eyes sparkled like gems.

Horrified by her story, Pops makes a suggestion to try to take her mind off her pain. "I have a daughter yer age. She likes goin' over to that bar across the street every night for dancin'. Mind if I call her up and ask if ya'd like to join her tonight?"

"Um, well, everyone should be checked in at the Inn by seven tonight. I don't see why not." Elliana looks at her watch. "It's almost three. I need to get back to the Inn. Guests will be arriving soon."

They stand from the table and push in their chairs. Pops walks Elliana to the Inn. She wraps her arms around his neck and hugs him tightly. "Thank you for taking me to the museum."

"Anytime, Ellie." He smiles warmly. "My daughter will call ya soon on the Inn's phone." He turns and leaves.

Walking up the red carpeted stairs of the old hotel, Elliana feels her phone vibrate, and sees a text from Griffin. "Just want you to know that I'm thinking of you." A smiley face emoticon follows.

Elliana texts back, "Thank you."

Griffin looks at the text and tosses his phone to the bed, frustratingly running his hands through his hair. Not being able to see her or touch her is killing me!

After eating take-out in his room, Griffin dresses in his new western attire, and sits outside at the café for a cappuccino. As it becomes darker outside, he looks up from his coffee cup, and sees Elliana and another young girl exit the hotel. Both dressed in jeans, western shirts, cowboy hats and boots, he watches closely to see where they might be going. He trails behind. Just in case Elliana turns around, Griffin positions his cowboy hat down to cover his eyebrows. Elliana would never expect Griffin to be dressed as a cowboy anyway, so it was the perfect disguise.

"You did a great job covering up my bruises, Brandy." Elliana says to Pops' daughter.

Brandy's long blonde, pin straight hair sways at the bottom of her back. Her blue eyes blink through her long black lashes. "Makeup artistry is my thing," she says as they walk side-by-side toward Billy Bob's. "I work the makeup counter at the mall."

"That seems fun."

"It is until you get those rich bitches in there. I hate working on those women. Their faces are always pulled so tight, I feel like I'm putting makeup on a duck!"

Elliana laughs loudly.

"Oh, I hope you won't be mad at my dad, but he told me your story."

Elliana smiles approvingly. "I kind of figured as much. I could tell that you knew something when you didn't do a double-take at my face."

They arrive at the entrance of the club and the line curls around the block. "Wow!" Elliana says. "This place must be awesome."

"Oh, it is," Brandy responds, pointing at the rodeo across the street. "And, after the rodeo, the bull riders come over here."

Elliana laughs bearing a slight hint of pleasure. "That's hot."

"Sure is!" Brandy says matter-of-factly. "I know two of them personally. I'll introduce them to you when they get here."

They flash their identification to the bouncer who is standing at the entrance, and then they enter. Elliana stands and just looks around the place. It was magnificent. Lights everywhere, a large hardwood dance floor surrounded by barstools, a stage filled with musical instruments.

Brandy nudges Elliana in the side. "A lot of stars have been discovered here." She pulls Elliana by her hand. "C'mon. There's someone I want ya to meet!"

They head over to the bar and a tall, slender man leans over and smiles. "Hey there, gorgeous."

"Hi, Brent. This is Elliana. Elliana, this is Brent."

Elliana reaches over the bar and shakes his hand. "Nice to meet you," she says, smiling.

His brown eyes gleam. "Likewise," he replies, popping the top off a beer bottle. "Where are ya from?"

Taking the beer from his hand, she places it in front of her. "California."

"What's a city girl like you, doing all the way over here?"

Elliana shrugs. "Just traveling is all."

He nods. "Welcome."

Brandy takes a beer from Brent's hand, gulps a hearty swig, and sets it down.

The crowd seems to becoming thicker and the music, louder. The song, Cruise by Florida Georgia Line begins to play.

"Oh! This is my favorite song!" Brandy grabs Elliana by the hand and leads her onto the dance floor.

"I can't dance." Elliana's eyes shoot open in fear.

"Ah, sure ya can! Just go with the music." Brandy began to sway to the beat and Elliana soon felt comfortable enough to do the same.

Griffin walks in and heads straight over to the bar. His eyes skim the club, searching for Elliana. After finding her, he sits on a stool and orders a beer. His heart warms when he sees the smile spread on her face. He's elated to see her smiling finally after all that had happened to her.

Griffin becomes more alert when he sees two cowboys who are dressed in bull riders gear approaching Elliana and her friend.

Brandy introduces them to Elliana as Camden and Red. Camden takes Elliana by the hand and spins her in circles. She laughs. "I can't dance worth a crap," Elliana says.

The blond wavy-haired cowboy pulls her into his chest and whispers in her ear, "Just follow my lead."

Brandy, dancing with Red, leans in near Elliana and says, "Just follow his lead, Ellie. With these fellas, you don't need to know how to dance."

Elliana can smell Camden's citrusy cologne as her cheek rests firmly against his chest. The front snap of his western shirt stings against the bruises on her cheek. She lifts her head and looks into his deep green eyes as he smiles at her. She breathes in heavily. He spins her once more and pulls her into him again. He lifts her in the air and flips her, then places her at her feet. She squeals loudly, and then laughs. "How did you do that?"

"I told you to follow my lead. I won't let ya fall, I promise."

Griffin stands to his feet when he sees Elliana being tossed in the air like a rag doll, but sits back down when he notices that the handsome cowboy knew what he was doing. Griffin, not realizing the two half-full beer bottles beside him was Elliana's and Brandy's, Brandy and Red rush to the bar, and she takes an ample drink.

Griffin stares down at the floor, looking at his new black cowboy boots.

Brandy wipes the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand. "Wow, I'm hot." She takes another sip of beer. Griffin can hear their entire conversation.

"What's the story on your friend?" Red asks Brandy.

"She's a sweetheart. Everyone has taken kindly to her, especially my father. Apparently, she's been beaten by her husband. She drove from Cali to collect her thoughts. She's in love with a man, but doesn't know how to deal with her feelings because she's still married." She takes a final sip of her beer and yells across the bar, smacking her hand on the counter, "Brent! Slide me down another!"

Brent pops the top off the beer, slides it all the way down the bar, and Brandy catches it. She takes a sip. "She's working as the innkeeper at the hotel up the street."

"She doesn't look abused," Red says.

"It's because I did a bang-up job on her makeup." She looks to her right at Griffin. "Hey! You're new here. What's your name?"

He looks up and tries to think of a name quickly, but the only one that came to mind was Reid. "It's Reid." He extends his hand and Brandy shakes it.

Brandy's fascinated by his icy blue eyes and how they pop against the slight, dark scruff on his dominate jaw line. "You look as though you just stepped out of Playgirl magazine," she teases.

He tosses his head back and laughs. "I take that as a compliment I guess."

Red holds out his hand and Griffin shakes it. "Name's Red."

"Nice to meet you, Red."

"How long ya in town for?"

"Not sure." Griffin shrugs. "I have a few business affairs to tie up."

"What do ya do?"

"Real estate."

"Are ya one of those flippers?"

Griffin smiles and lifts the beer bottle against his lips, taking a hearty gulp. "You could say that." Suddenly, he stands and tosses some money on the bar when he sees Elliana and Camden coming toward them.

"Nice to meet you both." Griffin tips his hat and walks away.

Elliana takes a drink of beer. "What's that look for, Brandy?" she asks, wondering why Brandy has a silly expression on her face.

She points to the gentleman with his back facing them. "See that man over there?"

"Yes."

"I should introduce you to him."

"Why is that?"

"He's flipping gorgeous! His blue eyes are like glass."

"I'm married, remember?"

"I know, but what's a little fun gonna hurt?"

Elliana shakes her head in protest. "Not interested."

Red and Camden take one last drink of their beers and say their farewells. "We must be going. We have some intense training tomorrow for the bull riding championship."

Elliana extends her hand. "It was nice meeting you both."

Camden pulls her hand to his lips and kisses her knuckles. "Don't be a stranger." He flirtatiously winks.

Red shakes her hand and pats her on the back. "Hope to see you gals tomorrow night." He kisses Brandy on the cheek. "Bye, darlin'."

Elliana and Brandy continue speaking to each other at the bar. A band goes up on stage and begins to play a slow country song. A tall, husky gentleman approaches Elliana and asks her to dance.

"Thank you, but no."

Brandy looks at Elliana. "C'mon, go have some fun. Let loose," she urges.

Elliana drinks one more sip of beer and takes the gentleman's hand. Griffin watches from a distance.

Elliana looks up into the gentleman's brown eyes. He smiles down at her. "Hi, I'm Evan."

"Elliana," she replies, glancing up at his brown hair and buzz cut. "You're in the military."

He laughs boldly. "How'd ya guess?"

"I know that haircut."

He places his hand behind her head and rests it against his chest. Griffin, feeling a tad uncomfortable at how the man is looking at her, slowly approaches the dance floor, but maintains a good distance as not to be discovered.

Brandy walks up to Griffin bearing a large grin. "Care to dance, handsome?"

He shakes his head, not taking his gaze off Elliana. "No, I'm good."

Brandy notices how intently Griffin is watching Elliana. "You like her, don't you?"

Before Griffin can respond, he sees Evan grope Elliana's rear end. She shoves Evan's arms from around her and steps back. "What are you doing?"

Evan tries to pull her back into him, but she pushes him away. "Stop!"

Griffin rushes toward her, rears his fist back, and punches Evan dead square between the eyes. He drops to the floor. With Griffin standing above him, he shakes the sting from his hand.

Elliana stands in shock, not noticing that it's Griffin until he looks straight at her. Her jaw practically hits the floor. "Griffin! What are you doing here?"

He says nothing and walks swiftly toward the exit.

Following quickly behind with Brandy hot on her tail, she hollers, "Griffin!"

Brandy grabs Elliana by the arm and turns her around. "You know that guy?"

"It's Griffin. The guy that I told you I have feelings for."

"Reid?"

"Yes, Griffin Reid."

Brandy shakes her head, confused. "No, he told me his name was Reid."

"That's his last name." Elliana's eyes widen in shrewd contempt. "When did you speak to him?"

"While you were dancing with Camden."

Griffin walks quickly up the street toward his hotel.

"Griffin! Please! Come back here!" she screams.

Disappearing from view, Elliana drops to the edge of the curb with her head in her hands. Tears begin to stream down her face.

"What's the matter, Ellie?"

"I had a feeling he followed me here. When I spoke to my parents', they told me that he went to their house and showed them a picture of my battered face. He told my dad that he loves me."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"It is when I'm still married. Besides, I can't even think of a relationship right now when I'm still married to another man."

"Well, that's an easy fix."

"I don't want Griffin to think that he's my rebound."

"I'm sure he doesn't think that. He obviously loves you to come all the way here to make sure you're okay."

A smile gently spreads on Elliana's face. "He's always saving me."

"How do you mean?"

Elliana shakes her head attempting to focus. "It's nothing." She stands and brushes off the back of her jeans. "I'm going to get back to the hotel. I'm tired. Too much excitement for one night."

They start walking up the street.

"I don't see how you can stay in that hotel all by yourself," Brandy says.

"There's a couple staying there tonight."

"Just one couple?" Brandy questions. "The other six rooms are vacant?"

"Yes, why?"

"Did anyone stay last night?"

"No, I was there alone."

"Did you hear anything weird?"

Elliana laughs. "Like what?"

"Bumps in the night, clanking chains, a little girl giggling..."

"I heard some clanging pipes, but that was just about it."

"That place is one of the most haunted places in the world!"

Elliana rolls her eyes in disbelief. "Yeah, right. I don't believe in that stuff."

"It's true. It was on television."

"And you believe everything on T.V.?"

"It was a documentary."

"So..."

"You believe in Jesus, right?" Brandy asks.

"Yeah, of course."

"Then you must believe in ghosts."

Elliana thinks for a moment. "I guess you're right."

"Now, are you scared to sleep there?"

Elliana shakes her head from side-to-side. "The dead can't hurt you, but the alive can. That's what my mama always told me."

Brandy laughs. "If you need me to stay, I will."

"I need you to stay because you've been drinking, not because I'm scared. You're not driving home tonight."

When Elliana enters the hotel, she shows Brandy to one of the vacant rooms.

"I'm not sleeping in here alone. I'm sleeping with you!"

"Are you serious?"

"Yes!"

Elliana sighs heavily and shuts out the light of the unoccupied room. "Alright, follow me to my room then."

Elliana opens a dresser drawer and pulls out a T-shirt and a pair of cotton shorts. She tosses them at Brandy. "Here," she says. "You can wear this to sleep in."

Brandy catches the clothes and goes into the bathroom to change.

Elliana walks through the modest hotel, looking at all the antique Victorian furniture and décor. She walks past a mirror and thinks that she sees someone other than herself in the reflection. She looks again, and no one is there. She shrugs. "Now, my mind is playing tricks on me."

She walks toward the bathroom and notices the door is wide open. "Why are you changing with the door open?" Elliana asks.

"'Cause I'm scared!"

Elliana laughs. That couple should be getting back soon from their night on the town. You don't want them seeing you like that!"

"I don't care."

Elliana pulls her cell phone from her jeans and texts Griffin. "Why did you run off without speaking to me?"

"It sucks, right?" His text reads.

She rolls her eyes and heads back to her room. Changing into a T-shirt and shorts, she slides underneath the covers.

Brandy comes in with her jeans, shirt, cowboy hat and boots tucked under arm. Placing them on an antique wingback chair, she then climbs into bed with Elliana, and shuts off the lamp.

"Do you think you'll see him tomorrow?" Brandy whispers to the back of Elliana's head.

She shrugs. "Don't know."

"Why's that?"

"I think he's giving me a taste of my own medicine."

"How?"

"I've avoided his calls and texts for some time now. I think he's letting me know how it feels."

"What do you mean?"

"While you were getting dressed, I asked him why he ran off without speaking to me. He texted me back saying, it sucks, right?"

"He sure is gorgeous."

Elliana smiles and nods in agreement. "Yeah, I know."

"How can you have so much self-control? I'd rip that man's clothes off and have my way with him if he wanted me," she playfully teases.

"His past with women is what keeps me second guessing his intentions."

"Like what?"

"He's a very wealthy man. He's California's most eligible bachelor. Every magazine article I've seen him in, he's got at least two tramps hanging off each arm. A real playboy that guy is."

"Four women at a time? Sheesh! He's a man whore!" Brandy giggles. "You think he's still that way?"

"I don't know. I'm afraid of getting hurt emotionally by him. I'm so afraid of giving myself wholeheartedly to him. Plus, I'm married anyway."

"Have you considered divorce?"

"Yeah." Elliana exhales heavily. "But, in California, there's a six month waiting period for it to become finalized."

"Have you kissed him?"

Elliana reminisces about the few kisses they did share. "Yes, and he's such a good kisser."

"I bet he is."

"Have you made love to him?"

"No way!"

"I bet he's fucking awesome in the sack!"

"Brandy!" Elliana laughs and whacks her with the pillow. "Now, be quiet. I want to see if we can hear the haunts you've been telling me about."
Chapter Eleven

At six in the morning, Elliana is awakened by her cell phone buzzing on the nightstand beside her bed. She jolts up; expecting to see a text from Griffin, but it was an actual call coming through from her mother.

Four missed calls since 3:00 a.m... "Mom?"

"Ellie, it's your father," Sally says through breathing gasps.

"What, Mom? What's wrong with Daddy?"

"His heart! It's his heart. I need you here."

Shock washes over Elliana's face. "Is he okay?"

"He's in ICU at Central Florida Regional in Sanford. He's asking for you."

"I'll be there as soon as I can!"

The phone drops to the bed. Brandy rubs her eyes and sits up. "What's wrong?"

Elliana sniffles taking in a deep inhale. "It's my dad. He's in the hospital. Something about his heart." She stands from the bed and walks over toward the dresser. Retrieving her duffle bag off the floor, she sets it on the bed, and begins filling it with all her clothes.

"Can I do anything?"

"Can you please let Tawna know that I'm leaving? I don't want to wake her." Elliana quickly dresses in a T-shirt and jeans.

Brandy nods. "Sure."

"I hate leaving her like this."

"She's been runnin' both hotels for years. Trust me; she knows family comes first. Don't worry about her, she'll understand."

Elliana slips into her cowboy boots and hears a knock at the front door of the hotel. She looks down the hallway, through the window of the front entrance, and sees Griffin standing outside wearing a dark gray suit and navy blue tie. "Oh-My-Gosh! It's Griffin!" She pulls her duffle bag off the bed. "I can't deal with him right now!"

"Go out the backdoor!"

Griffin can see inside the hotel and he watches Elliana go the opposite way with her duffle bag in hand. He runs around the corner and beats Elliana to her car. He casually leans against it with his arms folded across his chest.

"Not now, Griffin. I have to go."

He can tell she had been crying. Her puffy face and red eyes gave her away.

"Baby, your mother called me at three this morning."

She pops the trunk open on her car and tosses her duffle bag inside. Griffin takes her bag from the trunk, and slams the trunk closed.

"What are you doing?"

"My jet is waiting at the airport. You're coming with me."

"Listen!" She defiantly taps her foot, pointing her index finger at him. "You can't make me go with you. I'm going to Florida to be with my family!"

He shakes his head back and forth. "I meant that I'm flying you to Florida in my jet."

She pauses. "Oh?"

He grabs her by the hand. "Your car will be fine here." He leads her to his rental.

After tossing her duffle bag in the back of the SUV, Griffin opens the passenger door, and helps her inside.

Running around the front of the vehicle, he jumps in, and sits behind the wheel.

She looks at him snidely. "You looked so handsome last night in your cowboy wear. Why are you in a stuffy suit now?"

"I have one pair of jeans with me and I wore those last night." He starts the SUV and backs away, then heads onto the freeway.

Elliana stares blankly out the window, tears streaming down her face.

"He's going to be alright, Elliana."

"How do you know?"

"Because I'm having the best heart specialist in the world flown in from Europe to help him."

She wipes away the tears with the knuckle of her forefinger. "You did that?"

"Yes. I know how much he means to you, Elliana. I would do anything for you. You should know that by now."

They pull up to the airport and Griffin helps Elliana from the SUV. He grabs their luggage from the back, and they make their way to his private jet.

Elliana stops dead in her tracks when she sees the plane.

"What's the matter?" Griffin asks, wondering why she stopped so quickly.

"I've never flown on an airplane before."

"You've got to be kidding me."

She shakes her head back and forth. "No, I'm not." Her face flushes pale white.

Griffin knows that he has a problem on his hands. "Elliana, your father. Get on that plane for your father! Put your fear aside for him. You can do this!"

Elliana knows that Griffin is right. She breathes deeply, grabs hold of his hand, and walks up the stairs to the plane.

Once onboard, she is astonished at the sight. White everywhere.

Cindy walks down the aisle, smiling. "Hi, I'm Cindy," she introduces herself to Elliana and then she looks at Griffin in a flirtatious way.

"Cindy, this is Elliana. Elliana, Cindy," Griffin says.

"If you need anything, let me know," Cindy responds.

"Yes, ma'am."

Griffin leads Elliana to her seat and straps on her seatbelt. He sits down beside her, and holds her hand tightly. She looks at him and manages to crack a tiny smile. He brings her hand to his mouth and kisses her knuckles. Closing his eyes, he savors the feel of her skin upon his lips.

Her hand begins to tremble. "Baby, are you okay?" he asks.

"No. I'm frightened."

He motions for Cindy by waving his hand in the air.

"Yes, sir?"

"Can you bring her a shot of whisky?"

Elliana perches up in her seat. "Whiskey? I can't drink that stuff!"

He pats her forearm. "Trust me. It will calm your nerves."

Cindy arrives with a filled shot glass. "Here you go, ma'am."

With a shaky hand, Elliana lifts the glass to her lips. She tilts it back and the liquor rushes to the back of her throat. She squeezes her eyes shut and then squeals from the bitter taste when she swallows. She hands the glass back to Cindy. "Thank you."

Griffin looks at Cindy. "Can you bring her a blanket?"

Cindy winks. "Anything for you, sir. Will that be all?" She rests her hand on his shoulder, her fingers pressing firmly, massaging into the fabric of his jacket.

"That will be all."

Elliana notices how Cindy was eyeing Griffin. Immediately, the thought crosses her mind of his philandering ways.

"Did you—"

"Don't even go there, Elliana," he says, coldly.

Elliana stares at the blonde's long slender legs with sheer black nylons coming toward her. She begins to feel a little jealous.

"Here you are, sir." Cindy hands the blanket to Griffin.

Gary comes from the cockpit and walks down the aisle.

"Sir, we should be departing shortly. Just waiting for a storm to clear, and we'll be good to go."

Griffin nods. "Thank you."

Unfolding the black fleece blanket, Griffin lays it over Elliana, and she pulls it up to her chest. Taking off her boots and folding her feet into the chair, she hugs the blanket tightly against her. Trying her best to get comfortable, but not having any luck, Griffin places his hand against her cheek and leans her head onto his shoulder. "Better?" he asks.

She nods and closes her eyes, managing to fall asleep due to the help of the whiskey shot.

In the air, Griffin doesn't take his eyes off Elliana. How he wants to hold her so badly, but afraid he'd move too fast. Just wanting to comfort her and not being able to had been torture.

She wiggles slightly in her seat and yawns. Peeking open her eyes, Elliana sees Griffin looking at her with a full formed smile on his face. She reaches out her hand and he takes it. Unbuckling her seatbelt, Griffin leads her to a large reclining white leather chair. He ushers her down into the seat and places the blanket over her. He kneels down beside her and grins. "Can I get you anything?"

She blinks her eyes and shakes her head. "No, I have all I need right here."

His heart warms at those very words. He stands, and bends down to kiss her lips. She receives his kiss willingly. He pulls away and stares longingly into her teal-green eyes. Stroking her hair, his index finger lightly brushes her cheek. "I've missed you so much."

"I might not show it, but I've missed you, too." She encircles her arms around him and hugs him tightly.

"I love you, Elliana," he whispers.

Her lips slightly part. "I-I lov-lov."

"It's okay, baby. I know." He knows it's a struggle for her to tell him exactly how she feels with her still married.

"You do?"

"Yes, Elliana. I know how you feel about me." He places her hand over his heart. "I feel it in here."

"The captain has asked that you take your seats and fasten your seatbelts. We're preparing to descend," Cindy says.

Griffin helps Elliana from the chair and leads her to her seat, so he can buckle her in safely.

"Flying isn't so bad now, is it?" he asks.

"I suppose not."

During the descent, Elliana grabs tightly onto Griffin's arm, almost hanging on for dear life. He wraps his hand around hers and tries his best to offer some reassurance. "I've got you, baby. It might be a little bumpy, but I've got you."

She tilts her head toward him and smiles.

The plane makes a smooth landing and they disembark. Griffin and Elliana head over to the rental car area and is handed the keys to a BMW X-6. Assisting Elliana up into the passenger seat, he buckles her seatbelt and grins. "It's not an R8, but it'll do." He runs around the front and adjusts himself behind the wheel. As he's fiddling with the GPS, Elliana says, "Don't worry about programming that. I know the way."

Griffin nods. "Of course."

Elliana is quiet as they drive toward Sanford on Interstate 4. Taking her hand in his, Griffin lifts her knuckles to his lips where he brushes a delicate kiss upon them. She looks over at him and smiles.

"He's going to be okay."

Elliana only nods. Kicking off her boots, she shoves her socks inside. Griffin stares at her pretty pink toenails as she rests her feet on the dashboard.

She looks over at him. "Is this too red-neckish for you?"

He shakes his head back and forth. "No, it's quite sexy."

She bursts out laughing, playfully spreading her toes apart. "This? Sexy?"

Griffin nods. "I love the pink polish."

She raises her eyebrows. "Really?"

"Indeed."

She reclines the seat slightly and relaxes back. "We're almost there."

Arriving at the hospital, Elliana and Griffin step from the SUV, and head toward the entrance. Elliana sees her mother rushing toward her with her arms open wide. "I've missed you so much, Ellie," she says, wrapping her arms tightly around her.

"I've missed you too, Mama."

"Let me get a good look at you." Sally cups Elliana's face in her hands and is shocked to see the scar above her eye. "You let him do this to you?"

Elliana looks down at the floor and shamefully nods.

"He's here, you know..."

Griffin appears shocked when he hears those words. "Who?" he asks. "You surely can't mean Mark."

Sally nods. "I'm afraid so."

Elliana interrupts, "What in the hell is he doing here?"

He called your daddy and asked him where you were. Said he was pissed off because you busted out the window of his truck. Said he knew you'd be in town because Thanksgiving is approaching."

Elliana walks to a chair in the waiting area and plops down. Her hands began to shake. "He's here?" she asks. "In this very hospital?"

"No," Sally says. "I meant that he's here in town for Thanksgiving."

"I hope you didn't invite him over for Thanksgiving dinner."

"No, he's spending it with his aunt and uncle in Orange City."

Elliana takes in a deep sigh of relief.

Sally looks over at Griffin and hugs him tightly. "So nice to see you again."

"You too, ma'am."

"Your mother didn't come?"

Griffin shakes his head. "No, she's back home."

"That's too bad." She looks at Elliana. "Well, let me show you to your daddy's room, Ellie."

Elliana and Griffin follow Sally to the room. When Elliana enters, she becomes overwhelmed, and collapses at the sight of her father, but Griffin catches her fall. Tears pool in her eyes as she stares at her daddy lying in bed hooked up to so many machines. She looks toward her mom, tears streaming down her face. "What did the doctor say?"

"They've done all that they can here. We're waiting on the specialist who Griffin called in."

"He should be here tomorrow," Griffin says, placing his arm around Elliana.

Elliana pushes his arm away and whispers through clenched teeth, "Don't do that in front of my parents'."

Sally can hear what Elliana says. "It's alright, Ellie. Let him console you."

"It's not right, Mama. Besides, what's Daddy gonna think if he were to see another man hanging onto his married daughter?"

Just then, Mr. Jenkins shifts in the bed and peeks open his eyes. He sees Elliana next to his bedside and he smiles brightly. "Ah, Ellie." He reaches out to her.

She hugs him, taking his hand, and kissing his forehead. "I love you, Daddy."

He sees Griffin sitting in a chair next to the window. "Hi, there."

"Hi, sir."

Mr. Jenkins presses a button on his bed and causes it to sit upright. He clears his throat. "Honey." He looks at Sally. "Can you and Griffin wait outside for a few minutes?" he asks. "I would like to have a word with Elliana privately."

Griffin stands. "Very well, sir." He escorts Sally into the hallway.

Mr. Jenkins pats his bed, indicating Elliana to take a seat beside him. "Sit, Ellie."

Elliana sits next to him and studies her father's face. Seeing him so pasty white was devastating. She never saw him appear so sickly. He clears his throat. "Now, Elliana, I know what Mark has done to you. I saw photos."

"I know, but—"

"No buts, Ellie." He looks at her sternly. "You need to get the hell away from that man."

"But, he's my husband."

"I don't care if he's God himself. No man will hurt my daughter."

"But, Daddy!"

"I said no buts, Ellie. If I ever get out of this hospital and I run into Mark, I will kill that son-of-a-bitch for what he did to you."

"But, I can't leave him. I'm married to him!"

"You have my blessing to divorce him."

Shocked, hearing those words spill from her father's mouth, she is speechless.

"Now, I've researched on how to get a divorce in the state of Florida. It's not difficult and while you're here, you better get it done."

"But, but!"

"I said no buts! Now, you have a wonderful man right outside that door who has turned his entire world upside down to protect you. He can provide for you, love you, and give you everything that you could ever dream of. He's smart, Ellie. You need to get away from that monster of a husband."

"I don't know where to even begin."

"It's simple. Go to the Deland courthouse to the family law division. Request a dissolution of marriage form. Once you fill it out and have it notarized, you will send it to Mark."

"He won't sign it, Daddy."

"Hear me out."

Elliana nods.

"Once he has his signature notarized, file it at the courthouse and you'll be scheduled a hearing. After the hearing, it's final. It's a lot faster than waiting for six months in California. And because you were married here, it makes it all the more easier."

"But, Daddy, divorce?"

"You do love that man out there, don't you?" He points toward the hallway.

She shrugs her shoulders.

"You can tell me the truth. I won't be mad."

"Yes, Daddy. I love him."

"Well, your love for Griffin should give you enough strength to get this done."

"I suppose so."

Mr. Jenkins takes Elliana's hands in his. "Now, I don't know how much longer I have on this earth, but I will not go peacefully if I know that you're not away from that horrible monster."

"Don't talk like that! You have plenty of time left."

He looks down at the bed, grimly. "I'm gonna be honest, Ellie. It doesn't look very good."

Elliana stands to her feet. "Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! You're not gonna die!"

Griffin barges into the room after hearing Elliana's outburst. "Everything alright in here?"

Mr. Jenkins looks at Griffin. "It will be if she does what I told her to do."

Elliana shakes her head back and forth and bolts toward the door. She runs past her mother, takes the elevator, and heads toward the exit. She stands outside with her hands upon her hips, pacing back and forth. Looking up at the bright sky, she screams, "God! Help me!"

Suddenly, the sky opens and a sun shower rains down. She feels the cool drops as they pound against her face. "Is this a sign?" She was told always by her mother that when it rains when the sun is shining that means that the Devil is beating his wife. Maybe this is God's way of telling Elliana to get out of her marriage.

She feels strong arms wrap around her from behind. A kiss is pressed upon her shoulder. Pushing his arms free, Elliana turns to look at him. "Please, Griffin. Please help me."

He can see the pleading in her eyes. "Anything, baby."

"Because I have my father's blessing now, I'm going to divorce Mark."

A spark ignites inside his belly. With a smile so big and bright, he pulls her into his strong chest, stroking her hair. "Tell me what you need me to do and I'll do whatever you wish." He presses his lips at the top of her hair.

"Take me to the courthouse tomorrow. I want this over with quickly."

He takes in a deep breath, relishing the scent of her fragrant damp hair. "I'll do whatever you ask, Elliana."

She can hear his heart beating rapidly as she rests her face to his chest. Her head moves with the rise and fall of each breath that Griffin takes. Squeezing him tightly, Elliana looks up into his icy blue eyes. He trails his thumb across her bottom lip, and curls his index finger underneath her chin guiding her lips to meet his. They kiss tenderly and then pull away. Holding each other in the pouring rain, they relish in each other's warmth and compassion as they sway side-to-side, lost in their own little world.

* * *

Climbing into the SUV with Griffin's help, Elliana buckles her seatbelt. When Griffin jumps behind the wheel, he looks over at her and smiles. "We need to get you to a hotel so you can change out of those wet clothes."

Elliana nods in agreement, shivering slightly.

They check into a hotel in Heathrow. Griffin requests a room with two beds. Heading toward the elevator, Elliana clings tightly to Griffin's arm.

Elliana pushes her back against the elevator wall and looks shyly at Griffin. Butterflies are running rampant within her stomach and Griffin can see the nervousness on her face. He sets the bags down and stands before her, cupping her face, looking deeply into her eyes. "Words cannot describe how incredibly beautiful you are," he softly whispers. He presses his lips to hers and the elevator doors open. He gathers their luggage.

Taking Elliana's hand, Griffin steps out into the hallway, leading her toward their room, and unlocks the door. Knowing that his kiss didn't put her at ease, possibly because she's reluctant to a share a room with him, he sets the bags onto the bed, and turns toward her. "If you don't want to share a room, I can get you your own," he says. "I'm sorry if I was presumptuous."

Elliana shakes her head and sits down on the bed. "No, this is okay." She looks up at him. "Can you please not kiss me, though?" she asks. "I know we've been kissing, but I still don't feel right being married."

He smiles brightly. "Anything you ask for, it's yours."

She stands from the bed and pulls a set of flannel pajamas from her duffle bag. "If you don't mind, I'd like to take a bath."

"Go right ahead. I'll order us some food from the room service menu."

Elliana disappears into the bathroom and starts the water. Her nerves are overbearing as she strips down to nothing. She hated telling Griffin not to kiss her anymore. She loves the feel of his lips on hers, the taste of his kiss, the smell of his cologne, everything about him made her purr. Her quickening heartbeat only made her think of things that she shouldn't as a married woman. How her nerve endings tingled with Griffin's simple touch. Her face warms with the thoughts of him on her mind. How she wishes she could toss her morals aside and have one hot night with him. How just looking into his gorgeous icy blue eyes makes her unable to articulate her own thoughts. She loves that man dearly, but she thinks of his past, and all the women he's been with. Can she measure up to them? She often wonders. Why in the hell is he interested in her? She's not high-class like his past dates. Is it her vulnerability that's attracting her to him? Will he treat her like her husband? Hurt her. Belittle her. Degrade her.

Picking up a soapy loofah, she glides it across her skin. Her lips part slightly as she takes in a deep breath, and relaxes back against the tub. A knock at the door jolts her from her meditative state.

"Elliana, the food will be here in about fifteen-minutes," Griffin's voice is slightly muffled as he calls through the bathroom door.

"I'll be right out." Stepping from the tub, she grabs a towel from the brass hook on the wall, and dries herself off. She dresses in her pajamas and emerges from the bathroom.

Griffin is on his cell phone when he sees her and he smiles, his eyes are glossy bright as he speaks into the receiver. "Perfect! Your flight lands at MCO tomorrow at 1:45. I'll have a car pick you up and transport you to the hospital." Griffin hangs up the phone and walks toward Elliana. "That was the heart specialist who is going to see your father tomorrow."

She looks up at him, her voice cracks, "Oh, wh-what did he have to say?"

"Nothing much." His posture stiffens. "When he sees your father tomorrow, we'll know more of his condition." His eyes trace along her body. "Nice pj's." He moves in closer.

She backs away.

"What's the matter?"

Her knees grow weak and her heart races. "N-n-nothing."

"You look flushed, Elliana."

"I'm fine."

He can tell by her stalled breaths that something wasn't quite right. He steps in closer and takes her left hand in his and brushes her hair away from her face with his other so he can look into her eyes. "Baby, what is it?"

Her heart feels as though it's freezing, but then it suddenly pounds. Her blood rushes to her face and her cheeks flush red. She looks down at the floor, shaking her head. "I'm scared."

A playful pinch tugs at his heart and he smiles. "What are you afraid of?" he asks. "Me?"

She shrugs her shoulders. "I'm not sure."

He encircles his arms around her and holds her into his chest. "I can assure you that you're safe with me." His body temperature climbs as he holds her tightly into his chest, his heart pounding excessively against her ear.

She looks up at him. "You're afraid, too. I can feel your skin becoming overheated and your heart is racing."

His arms drop to his side and he takes a step back. Turning his back toward her, he mentally tells himself to relax.

"You are afraid!"

His hands deliriously brush through his hair. He stands frustrated, not understanding his feelings of confusion. Turning to face her, Griffin's desire to move closer becomes more evident. He charges toward her, swoops her into his arms, kissing her passionately. She doesn't show any resistance.

He places her onto the bed and hovers above, gazing deeply into her eyes, studying her face. "I want to show you how much I love you so very badly, Elliana," he whispers.

She inches herself toward his lips and savors his kiss. When their lips part, he gazes longingly into her eyes once more, his thumb tenderly brushing along her bottom lip.

A sudden knock on the door makes them jump and they rise off the bed. "Shit!" Griffin exclaims. "Must be room service."

When Griffin turns his back to answer the door, Elliana fans herself, and then presses her palms to her cheeks.

"I hope you like Chinese," he says to Elliana after giving the man his tip and closing the door.

She plucks nervously at the bedspread, not showing eye contact. "Chinese is alright."

"Good." He pulls the food from the cart and places it on a desk. "This is one small room." He hands her a plate of orange chicken and steamed rice.

"It's okay to me," she says, taking the food from his hand.

"Not my style."

They sit on the bed and begin eating dinner. She looks at him trying to control her laughter. "Oh, I forgot, you like staying in those big swanky hotels, huh?"

His eyes display an inner glow of mischief. "That's right, Miss Ellie."

"Miss Ellie?" She playfully cocks her head to the side. "What am I? A character on Dallas?"

"That reminds me. Why Fort Worth, Elliana?"

She shrugs and then rubs the back of her neck. "I don't know. I just drove until I felt safe."

Griffin sighs. "How are you feeling?" he asks. "Your face looks pretty much healed."

She nods. "I feel fine on the outside. It's the inside that hurts."

Griffin drops his chopsticks onto his plate and ushers toward her. "Where?" His hands desperately pat at her stomach, her arms. He cups his hands to her face attempting to find her pain.

"It's not that." She gently pulls away. "I'm hurting because of my dad."

Griffin releases a long sigh of relief. "I thought you meant that you had some internal damage."

"Well, I am internally damaged. Seeing my daddy hurting makes my heart ache." She places Griffin's hand over her left breast.

He becomes suddenly still and feels a tingle in his groin as she holds his hand steadily against her chest. His disorientation causes his inability to find the right words to say to her. She lightly traces her index finger across his bottom lip. "You have such beautiful lips, Griffin," she whispers. She's aware that she shouldn't be telling him that, but she can't resist. She grabs the nape of his neck and pulls him toward her. Their lips meet and they kiss, her body quakes.

Feeling her shaking, Griffin pulls away, staring into her eyes. "Are you sure you're ready for this?"

A long breath escapes her lips. "I'm not sure, but I have this stinging feeling pulsing within me. I feel the only way to cure it, is to make love to you."

He turns away to hide his emotion. "Elliana," he clears his throat. "Although it pangs me deeply to say it, we shouldn't do this. I know how you feel about adultery. I don't want you to become angry with me in the morning for not stopping you."

She rests her hands upon the back of his shoulders. "I need you, Griffin."

He quickly shy's her hands from his shoulders. Standing from the bed, he looks down at her soft, hurtful expression. "You'll thank me in the morning." With that, he pulls some clothes from his suitcase and disappears into the bathroom.

Elliana finishes her dinner and then slides underneath the blankets. Pulling the blankets up over her chest, she rolls over, facing the wall. There was no way in hell she could look at Griffin when he comes out of the bathroom after being painfully rejected.
Chapter Twelve

Peeking through her long black eyelashes, Elliana rapidly blinks, and sees Griffin's eyes intently examining her.

"Morning, beautiful," he says in a deep but gentle tone.

She rolls her eyes in agitation. "Morning," she replies, sarcastically, rolling over, staring at the wall.

"I take it you're mad with me," he queries.

"Gee...you think?"

He stands from his bed and leans down, touching Elliana's back. She flinches. "Please, let me be alone."

He walks around her bed and she sees him standing before her in only a pair of blue and black plaid pajama bottoms with a drawstring waist. She gazes at his tapered stomach, admiring how his pants hang loosely below his navel. His abs look so sublime, which stirs up another tingling sensation within her loins. She rolls over.

"Baby, talk to me." He walks around the bed.

She turns over again.

"C'mon." Agitated, he brushes his hands through his hair. "Why are you acting this way?"

"Because you led me on!"

He leans down on bended knee and strokes the back of her hair. "What do you mean?"

"You get me all worked up and then, BAM! You reject me!"

"Look at me, Elliana," he orders, sternly.

She shakes her head in defiance.

"I said, look at me."

She rolls over reluctantly and looks into his eyes. He glides his fingers across her delicate cheek. Her skin tingles hot against his touch.

"It's not that I rejected you. I did it for your own good. I don't want you going against your faith."

"Then why even kiss me?"

"Kissing isn't sex."

"It's still considered adultery in my book."

He boasts a spontaneous laugh. "You consider kissing adultery?" he questions.

She sits tall on the bed. "It is!"

"I'm sorry, Elliana. I'm not a religious person, so I'm a little confused on what you consider adultery. I thought it was sex."

"Even thinking of you the way I have been is adultery."

Griffin looks down, shaking his head, a sheen of sweat glistens on his forehead. "C'mon, Elliana. God and Jesus, is a fucking God damn myth!"

Horrified by his outburst, she stands from the bed. "You don't believe in God?" she gasps in a whining shriek.

Griffin's eyes widen. "No, I never have. Maybe if you attended college instead of marrying that asshole monster, you would have taken some science classes and realized that God is a myth!"

"You can't be serious!"

"Go ahead; ask any doctor or anyone of the sciences, they'll tell you! God is fiction, Elliana!"

Appalled by what Griffin was saying to her, she rushes over to her duffle bag, and grabs a white V-neck ¾ sleeve T-shirt and jeans. "Don't you dare speak to me right now!" She goes into the bathroom and slams the door.

Griffin can hear her sobbing through the door, but he meant what he said. Elliana's heart aches for a man who she started to trust, but suddenly discovers that he's agnostic.

Jiggling the bathroom door, Griffin calls out, "Elliana, can you please come out?"

She doesn't say a word as she changes her clothes.

"Elliana, if you don't come out, I'm coming in."

"The hell you are!"

"I mean it, Elliana. You better open this fucking door right now!"

Feeling terror stricken, she suddenly feels like she was back at home with her husband who would forbid her to lock the bathroom door. "I knew it! I knew it!"

"What are you talking about?" The jiggling on the doorknob was becoming more aggressive.

"What is it about me?"

Griffin beats on the bathroom door. "You're rambling Elliana! Open this fucking door!"

"You're acting just like my husband!"

"How do you mean?"

"He wouldn't let me lock the bathroom door."

Griffin stops with his excessive attempts to break the door down. He paces back-and-forth with his hands on his hips. Running his hands repeatedly through his hair, he slams himself down onto the bed. "I'm sorry, Elliana. I didn't know." He can still hear her sobbing. "If I would have known, I wouldn't have reacted that way."

She sniffles. "Please leave," her voice strains through her tears.

"I'm not leaving you, Elliana."

"I'm scared."

He looks down at the floor with his elbows resting on his knees, cupping his head in his hands. She really is broken. "I'm not going to hurt you, Elliana. I want to talk to you."

"That's what my husband would tell me when he tried luring me out from locked rooms. Then he beat me."

His hands drop. "I'm not him!" he yells. "Fuck!"

"I'll stay in here all day until I know that you're gone."

"I promise you. I will not lay a hand on you. You have my word."

"You sound so angry."

In a softer tone, he says, "Please, Elliana. I only want to speak to you, face-to-face. I can't do this behind a closed door."

"You promise that you won't hurt me?"

He shakes his head in dismay. I don't know why she wants me to promise when she knows I don't believe in God. "Yes, I promise."

Griffin hears the door unlatch and he watches Elliana come from the bathroom, hugging herself, gazing down at the floor. She appears so lost, distraught, a look he doesn't like. "Come here, baby."

She walks hesitantly toward him, her eyes searching for some sort of comfort. He brushes her bangs away from her face and then places his hands upon her hips as she stands facing him.

Standing between his knees, Elliana stares down at the floor. Griffin curls his index finger underneath her chin and lifts her head to look at him.

"I'm sorry," she says, sniffling.

He looks sincerely into her teal-green eyes. "There's no need for apologies, Elliana." He slips his hands in hers, holding them in front. "I'm the one who's sorry. I didn't mean to become so angry. I would never hurt you."

Elliana feels that tingle in her belly again, the feeling of excitement...arousal, she did not know, but she feels the need to kiss him. She leans in to him and presses her lips to his. A tiny peck. A peck very meaningful. She rests her chin upon his shoulder and feels his comforting arms wrap around her, squeezing her tightly.

"We need to eat some breakfast before I take you over to the courthouse," he whispers softly into her ear.

She backs away and nods.

* * *

After eating breakfast, Elliana and Griffin arrive at the courthouse. They find the Family Law division and Elliana requests the forms to file a dissolution of marriage.

Looking through the papers, she prays silently that Mark agrees to the terms. If he does, she's free and clear. She doesn't want anything from him, not even alimony. She only wants to be free of him.

As they climb inside the SUV, Griffin looks over at her, displaying concern. "You okay?"

She looks down at the papers in her lap and nods. She shifts toward him. "I need you to take me somewhere before we get to the hospital," she says. "It's on the way." She hands the papers to Griffin. He folds them long-ways and slides them into the inside pocket of his jacket.

Griffin smiles. "Okay." He shifts the SUV in reverse and pulls from the parking space. Shifting in drive, they pull onto the main strip, and make their way onto 17-92.

"It's up ahead," she says, pointing toward a housing development. "Take a right at the light."

Griffin does as he's told.

"Now, make a left."

He makes the left onto the street.

"Stop!"

He pulls to the curb.

"This is where Mark's aunt and uncle live. My mom was right. He's there." She points toward the F-150 in the driveway. "That's his truck."

"Looks like he got the window fixed." Griffin snickers. "Why did he drive across country?"

"He always takes his annual thirty-day vacation around Thanksgiving, so he drives rather than flies. He likes having his own truck to drive around town, so he doesn't have to rent one."

"I see."

"Guess he didn't go to Afghanistan after the mishap."

"I guess not," Griffin says. "Why are we here?"

"I just wanted to be certain he was in town. It will be easier and faster with the divorce."

Griffin places his right hand on Elliana's left thigh. "You alright?"

She nods. "Yes, I'm fine." She breathes in deeply. "Now, let's get to the hospital so I can see my dad."

"As you wish." Griffin shifts the SUV into drive and heads to the hospital.

* * *

Elliana and Griffin walk past the ICU reception desk and see Sally standing outside Mr. Jenkins' door. Sally looks up, her face red and swollen from crying. "Elliana," Sally whimpers.

Seeing her mother appear so distraught, Elliana walks faster toward Sally with open arms. Sally places her arms around Elliana. "Baby." Sally strokes the back of her hair. "It's your father. His organs are beginning to shut down. They don't think he'll even make it another forty-eight hours."

Tears flow like a river down Elliana's cheeks. "No, Mama! This can't be happening!" She turns to look at Griffin, hoping he can fix it.

Griffin looks down, appearing helpless, and then walks over toward them both and wraps his strong arms around them. "It will be okay," he whispers.

Sally backs away and looks at Griffin with a half-smile, attempting to make a joke. "He's not dead yet. Why are you wearing a suit?"

Elliana looks at Griffin in his dark gray, pinstripe suit with a red silk tie. "Mom, he always dresses this way."

Sally nods, slipping her hand in Elliana's. "Let's go see your daddy."

Elliana looks at her father who is asleep in his bed. All the contraptions are making unsettling noises that are monitoring his vitals. Elliana brushes the back of her hand across her father's pale cheek. "I love you, Daddy. You're going to pull through this." She grabs his hand and lifts it to her face, strumming his knuckles against her cheek.

Sally looks at Griffin and motions for him to meet her in the hallway.

"What happened overnight?" Griffin asks. "He seemed okay when Elliana and I left yesterday."

Sally shakes her head, looking down at the floor. "I don't know." She shrugs. "Something about his blood levels. He needs a blood transfusion and his kidneys aren't so good."

Griffin looks at his watch. "The specialist should be here soon. Can I get you something to eat?"

"No, but thank you."

"You need to eat, Mrs. Jenkins. You need your strength for your husband."

"I'm just concerned about Ellie. She sure loves her father and if she loses him, it will devastate her." Sally's eyes widen when she sees someone familiar walking down the hallway toward her.

Griffin looks behind and sees Mark. "What the fuck is he doing here?" He shakes his head attempting to erase the sight from his mind, thinking it's a mirage of some sort. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Jenkins. I didn't mean to use that kind of language in your presence."

"It's okay." She steps toward Mark.

"How is he?" Mark asks.

Griffin glares daggers at him.

"What is he doing here?" Mark asks, his eyes scrutinizing over Griffin.

Griffin fists are at his side balled up tightly. He breathes in deeply, trying his best not to explode.

"Now, boys," Sally says. "Don't you go startin' any trouble while that man is resting in that bed." She points into the room.

Mark brushes past Sally and enters the room. Elliana turns around and sees Mark coming toward her. Her heart pounds ferociously against her chest and she feels faint. Her knees nearly buckle as she clenches onto her father's bed rails to catch her fall.

"Boy! Are you a sight for sore eyes," Mark says, bearing a soulless gaze at Elliana.

Griffin attempts to walk into the room, but Sally grabs his wrist. "No, let them talk. He can't hurt her here. Too many people."

Griffin's eyes blaze at Mark. Mark sarcastically winks at him, and then closes the door.

Griffin paces back and forth, feeling helpless. "I don't want that man near her! He should be locked up for what he did!"

"I know, sweetheart," Sally says in a comforting tone. "His day will come, but for now, you need to let Mark and Elliana figure out what they're gonna do."

Mr. Jenkins opens his eyes. They widen when he sees Mark at his bedside. He hits the call button on his bed and rings the nurse. He tries to open his mouth to speak, but Elliana cuts him off. "Daddy, it's okay. He was just leaving." She glares angrily at Mark. "I need to speak with you in the lobby." Elliana leans in and gives her dad a kiss on the cheek. "I'll be right back, Daddy."

When the nurse enters the room, Mr. Jenkins tells her that he doesn't want Mark anywhere near his room, ever.

Looking at Griffin in the hallway, Elliana dreadfully rolls her eyes. "I need to speak with Mark in private." She and Mark take the elevator down to the hospital lobby.

"I'm not letting him alone with her!" Griffin looks at Sally. "I'll be right back." Griffin takes off toward the elevator and when it hits the bottom floor, the door slides open, and he sees Elliana and Mark sitting on a couch in the main pavilion.

Griffin sits on a sofa that is a few feet away. Elliana can see him and she slightly smiles, acknowledging his presence. With Mark's back turned, he has no clue that he's being watched.

Elliana's hands are folded in her lap. She looks at Mark. "I went to the courthouse today and picked up some paperwork for a dissolution of marriage."

Mark's jaw practically hits the floor. "You can't be serious."

Elliana nods. "I've never been more serious about anything in my entire life, Mark."

"I won't sign anything!" His voice became extremely loud.

"Oh, but you will."

"You can't make me sign those papers."

"Maybe not, but I will never, ever be alone with you, so you might as well sign them, and move on with your pathetic life."

Mark stands and leans down toward Elliana. Grabbing her by the collar of her T-shirt, he glares into her eyes. "I am not signing anything. Do you hear me? You are mine, Elliana. No one else's! Not even suit-guy over there." He motions his head in Griffin's direction. "Yeah, I know he's there." He relinquishes his grasp from her shirt and she sinks back down into the couch.

Griffin jumps from his seat and rushes toward them. "You better not ever touch her again." Griffin's eyes blaze with fire.

Mark stares at Griffin, not ceasing eye contact. "Oh, yeah...what the fuck are you gonna do about it?"

"Exactly what I did the last time, you piece of shit!"

"I told you I'd get you back for that. Just you wait."

"Oh, I'm ready." Griffin's hands are balled tightly into fists. "I think you better leave."

"Please, stop!" Elliana pleads.

"You wait right here, Elliana," Griffin says. "Mark and I are going outside and have a little man-to-man chat."

Mark and Griffin exit the hospital doors and stand in the parking lot next to Mark's truck. Mark lights up a cigarette and tosses the match to the ground. He inhales deeply and smoke expels from his mouth. "What do you need to talk about, Mr. Suit?"

Griffin steps back slightly to avoid the smell of cigarettes. "I have a proposition for you."

"Oh, yeah?" Mark questions, rudely. "What's that?"

Griffin pulls the papers from the inside pocket of his jacket and unfolds them. "If you sign these papers in front of a notary, I will pay you one-million dollars." He presents the papers to Mark.

He looks at Griffin with a stunned expression on his face. He takes another puff on the cigarette. "Are you fuckin' her?"

Griffin shakes his head swiftly back and forth. "No."

"You have that much money?" Mark glances at the papers.

"Yes."

"One-million dollars, you say?"

"One-million dollars," Griffin repeats.

Mark folds the papers and tosses them in the window of his truck. They fall to the seat. "Let me think it over."

Griffin hands Mark his business card. "The sooner the better. I want this taken care of as quickly as possible," he says. "My number is on the card. You call me when you make your decision."

Mark climbs into the cab of his truck and closes the door. "I'll call you this evening." With that, he starts the truck and pulls from the parking lot.

Griffin turns around and heads toward the hospital entrance. Elliana is nowhere to be found in the lobby, so he heads upstairs to ICU in hopes that she's up there with her father.

Griffin sees Elliana at her father's bedside and looking at the pleading expression on her face, tears him apart inside. The gut-wrenching pull in his stomach is a pain he wish would go away.

Elliana turns to look at Griffin. She wipes the tears from her face with her fingertips. He offers her a tissue, and then he looks at his watch. "Dr. Vasquez should be here any time, Elliana." He wraps his arms around her and pulls her into his chest. "I wish I could take the pain away," he whispers, softly, lovingly stroking her hair.

"I don't think there's anything he can do," her voice muffles against his gray pinstripe jacket.

"He's the best, Elliana."

She looks up at him gravely. "Will you pray with me?"

He smiles down at her. "Yes, baby, I will pray with you."

She takes Griffin's hand along with her sleeping father's and says a silent prayer. A prayer that will hopefully bring him out of his dying state. Tears stream from her eyes and fall to the floor. She looks up and sees a nurse enter the room.

"I'm sorry to interrupt. Your mother wanted me to let you know that she's in the chapel."

Elliana looks at the nurse and nods, dabbing the tissue underneath her eyes.

Tears pool in Griffin's eyes and he closes them tightly, trying to prevent them from sliding down his cheeks. He turns toward the door and allows Elliana to be alone with her father.

Mr. Jenkins opens his tired eyes and sees his beloved daughter standing beside him, holding on to his hand. He places his other hand on top of hers. "Ellie, it's going to be okay."

She looks down into her father's eyes. "Daddy, he doesn't believe in God."

"Griffin?" he asks.

She nods. "Yes."

"Ah, a non-believer," he says with a hint of a smile. "He will, trust me. As long as he has you in his life, you'll show him the way. It may take some time, but he will eventually believe."

They hear a knock on the door and in walks a doctor with jet-black hair, dark eyes, and the bushiest black eyebrows Elliana has ever seen. With his hand extended, he says, "Good afternoon, Mr. Jenkins."

Mr. Jenkins shakes his hand.

"I'm Dr. Vasquez."

Elliana smiles brightly. "I'm so happy to meet you!" She wraps her arms around him and squeezes him tightly. "I'm so sorry." She steps back, embarrassed about the sudden embrace. "I'm depending on you."

He laughs. "It's quite alright, ma'am," he says. "I'm going to do everything I can for your father."

"I'll let you two be alone. I'll notify Griffin that you have arrived." Elliana emerges from the room and looks down the hallway for Griffin. Seeing no sign of him, she steps onto the elevator, and heads to the chapel.

As she strolls down the long cold sanitary hallways, she finds the chapel door, and enters. She sees Griffin's arms wrapped tightly around her mother, sitting on a pew. They turn their heads to look at her.

"He's here!" Elliana blasts. "The doctor is here!"

Griffin rises from the pew. Offering his hand to Sally, he assists her to her feet. "Let's go see what he has to say."

Elliana takes her mother's hand and they walk side-by-side to the elevator. Griffin holds the door firmly and allows Elliana and Sandy to enter the elevator before him. Griffin sees the hope on Elliana's face and wishes like hell that this doctor can do something for her father.

The elevator chimes and they step off. Griffin rushes down the hallway toward Mr. Jenkins' room and sees the doctor speaking with him. "Wait right here," he says to Sally and Elliana. "Let me speak to him for a brief moment."

Elliana and Sally nod. "I must say, Ellie. That man is not only devilishly handsome, but he's so caring."

Elliana looks up at her and smiles. "Really?"

"Yes. I just hope he isn't pulling the wool over your father and my eyes like Mark did."

"I hope he isn't, either."

"Do you really love him, Ellie?"

Elliana's eyes gleam and she smiles from ear-to-ear. "Yes, Mama. I love him."

"But...."

"What do you mean, but?" Elliana asks.

"I sense a little hesitation in your voice."

"I know. I'm sorry. I just discovered that today he doesn't believe in God."

"Well, neither do I."

Elliana gasps in astonishment. "What?"

"Nope, never have."

"And Daddy still married you?"

"He told me that I will become a believer one day. That was many years ago. I still haven't become a believer yet."

"Then why were you in the chapel?"

"Because your father asked me to pray for him."

Griffin and the doctor walk out of Mr. Jenkins' room. The doctor informs Sally that Mr. Jenkins must be prepped for surgery immediately.

"We need to get this show on the road, NOW. His heart muscles are thickening, which explains his hypertrophic cardiomyopathy."

Sally looks as if she has seen a ghost. Her face flushes white. Elliana holds tightly onto her mother's hand, hoping that she doesn't faint.

"What does the surgery entail?" Griffin asks.

"It's a very complicated procedure, but I have done many, all with great success," he says. "The reason it is complicated is because he must be placed on a cardiopulmonary bypass."

"What is that?" Elliana asks.

"It's a heart-lung machine. The surgery will last three to six hours and his heart will be completely still. The machine will keep him alive until the surgery is completed."

"What are the chances of his survival?" Sally asks.

"I would say fifty-percent."

"Only fifty?" Elliana's heart feels as if it has skipped a beat.

"It's better odds than without the surgery." The doctor places his hand on Elliana's shoulder. "I assure you, ma'am, he will be in the best hands," he says. "Now, if you would excuse me, I need to alert the staff." He turns on his heel and walks away.

Sally breaks down in tears. Griffin leads her to a chair in the hallway and she takes a seat. Elliana walks into her father's room and takes hold of his hand. "Oh, Daddy. I'm so scared."

He lifts his hand and strokes her golden hair. "Don't be, sweetheart. I have faith in this doctor."

"But..."

"No, buts, sweetheart," he says, smiling. "Now, buck up and wipe those tears."

She nods, sniffling. "Yes, Daddy."

In comes three nurses and everything happens so suddenly. They unplug machines from the wall and begin rolling him into the hallway.

"Daddy!" Elliana calls out. "I love you."

"I love you, too, darlin'," he says. "I'll be alright."

Mr. Jenkins asks the nurses to stop his gurney in the hallway so he can have a moment with Sally. She stands and looks down at him, tears flowing steadily. "I love you," she says.

He takes hold of her hand and squeezes it tightly. "I love you, too." He lets go of her hand and it drops by her side. Elliana and Griffin watch him disappear down the hallway.

Elliana turns to her mother and tells her that she needs to go home and rest a little. "A nice bath will do you some good," she says.

"I don't want to leave him."

"I promise that I will stay here. I will call you if anything happens."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Mama. Now, go home, eat, take a bath, and change your clothes."

She nods, turns, and walks away.

Griffin encircles his arms around Elliana. "You gonna be okay?"

"I hope so."

"Come, I need to get you something to eat."

Sitting at a small round table in the cafeteria, Elliana takes a bite of her ham and cheese sandwich. She tosses it down on her plate and slams herself back into her chair. "I can't eat," she says. "I have no appetite."

"Baby, you need to get something in your stomach," he says, setting his bottle of water to the table. "You need to keep your strength for your father." Griffin takes his cell phone from his pocket. Seeing an unfamiliar number coming through on his phone with a 386 area code, he suspects that it's Mark.

Griffin stands. "I'll be right back. I need to take this call."

Griffin walks outside into the courtyard with his phone placed to his ear.

"Griffin, I did an Internet search on you and it seems that one-million dollars is chump change to you," Mark says.

Griffin rolls his eyes, knowing Mark's full intention. "How much do you want, Mark?"

"Five-mill. No less."

Griffin shakes his head, dreadfully. Sucking in a deep breath, he says, "Alright, five-million it is."

"Perfect," Mark says. "Now, when can I expect the funds?"

"As soon as your signature is notarized on those papers."

"Is tomorrow good for you?"

"If everything turns out alright with Elliana's father, tomorrow is fine."

"Good...good." Mark clears his throat. "Meet me on Old New York Avenue at the little white cottage on the right, next to the 7-11 at noon. A notary will acknowledge Elliana's and my signature."

"See you then." Griffin disconnects the call.

* * *

Several hours later, Elliana, Griffin, and Sally are sitting in a waiting area hoping for the doctor to give them some hopeful news. Elliana's legs twitch in her seat, her fingers knotted in her lap. Griffin places his hand on her bouncing knees attempting to calm her. He leans over and whispers into ear, "Mark is signing the papers tomorrow."

A glimmer of hope spreads across her face. "Really?" She perches up in her seat.

"Yes, ma'am," Griffin says, matter-of-factly.

"So, after tomorrow, it will all be over?"

"Well, we have to submit the paperwork to the clerk and set a hearing date with the judge, but it's pretty much over."

Elliana looks at her mother. "Did you hear that, Mama?"

She nods. "Yes, it's wonderful news, Ellie." Sally stares down at the floor in sorrow, worrying over her husband.

An hour later, Dr. Vasquez enters the waiting area and removes his surgical mask from his face. They all stand, hoping to hear good news.

"The surgery was a success. He's resting comfortably right now. You'll be able to see him in about an hour."

Elliana leaps into the doctor's arms and hugs him tightly. "Thank you!"

Griffin pulls her away, wrapping his arms around her. Sally looks at the doctor. "How are his other organs?"

"We won't know until another blood test, but I suspect his levels should be back to normal."

Sally breathes in a sigh of relief. "I can't thank you enough, Doctor." She shakes his hand.

"I'll be in early in the morning to check in on him."

Griffin shakes his hand. "I can't tell you how grateful I am, sir."

"The pleasure is all mine." He lets go of Griffin's hand and walks out the door.

Griffin wraps his arms around both Elliana and Sally. "I told you everything would be okay." He pulls away. "Now, what do you say I treat you lovely ladies to dinner?"

Sally looks up into Griffin's eyes with a wide grin. "You two go ahead and enjoy your evening. I'm going to stay in Dan's room and sleep on the sofa."

"Are you sure, Mama?"

Sally nods. "Yes, I'm sure, Ellie."

* * *

Back at the hotel, Elliana sits on the bed and crosses her legs, leaning back casually on her elbows. Griffin loosens the Windsor knot of his tie and slips it from around his neck, tossing it on the bed beside her. He unfastens the top button of his shirt and Elliana looks at him in amazement.

He smiles. "What's that look for?"

"What look?"

"That look." His eyes widen as he says it. "You're all googly eyed." He laughs.

She looks away and stares down at her feet, shrugging her shoulders. "I don't know," she says, seeming embarrassed. She glances up at him, blinking flirtatiously. "You're just an incredibly handsome man." She grabs his tie and sweeps it under her nose, inhaling his manly scent.

A devilish grin sweeps across his face. "Oh, am I now?"

She nods.

He leans in and presses his forehead to hers, their lips only millimeters apart. "And you're a very beautiful woman, Elliana," he whispers.

Her heart flutters as she wraps her arms around him, leaning back, forcing his body directly above her.

Brushing her golden hair from her face, he stares longingly into her eyes, yearning to have her. "Oh, Ellie," he says, softly. "I want to make love to you so bad that it hurts."

"Then do it," she challenges.

He raises himself from above her and stands at the foot of the bed, shaking his head. "Not yet." He looks around the hotel room. "Especially not here."

"Why not here?" She sits up.

"I want our first time to be meaningful. And after careful consideration, I will make love to you in my bed, with you unattached. Not in some impersonal hotel room."

She nods in approval.

After eating dinner in the hotel restaurant downstairs, they retire to their room. Elliana in one bed, and of course, Griffin in the other.
Chapter Thirteen

"How many suits did you bring with you?" Elliana asks Griffin as she watches him knot his light blue silk tie around his neck.

Looking in the mirror above the dresser; he tightens his tie, lifting his chin slightly. "About ten."

"You have no casual clothes?" Elliana bends down into her duffle bag and pulls out a pair of jeans and a red sweater.

"Only the pair of jeans and hick shirt that I bought in Fort Worth," he says. "I didn't think I'd be chasing you all over the country."

"Ha ha," she says, sarcastically. "You know, I didn't ask you to do that."

"I know you didn't. I wanted to."

She playfully rolls her eyes. "After we get back from the notary, and seeing how my father's doing, we're going shopping to get you some clothes."

He turns around, grabs her arm, stopping her stride on her way to the bathroom. "As you wish, baby." He presses a kiss to her cheek and then flirtatiously pats her ass.

"You smell divine."

"I know," he says, arrogantly.

"Are you always this cocky?"

"I can show you cocky, Elliana."

"I'm sure you could." She walks into the bathroom and closes the door to dress in privacy.

* * *

Pulling into the notary's parking lot, Elliana's hands tremble as she rests them in her lap. She squeezes her knotted fingers and fidgets in her seat.

Griffin places his hand on hers, hoping to ease the tension, but to no avail. She looks around and sees no sign of Mark's truck anywhere. "He's not coming."

Griffin looks over at her. "He'll be here."

"What makes you so sure?"

"Trust me, he'll be here." He steps from the SUV and walks around to help Elliana from the passenger seat. Griffin offers his hand and she takes it. She slides down from the seat, her cowboy boots hitting the dirt driveway.

Suddenly a truck comes speeding up, slamming on its brakes, almost rear ending Griffin's BMW rental.

"That would be the asshole," Elliana chides.

Mark climbs from his truck and tosses a cigarette to the ground, stomping it with the right foot of his Naval flight boot. Dressed in denim shorts and a green T-shirt, Elliana looks at him, disgusted by his appearance. "Nice tube socks."

Mark looks down at his muscular legs and smirks. "I know how you like seeing me in my flight boots and shorts."

Bile lurches in Griffin's throat, disgusted with the comment.

"Used to, Mark. Used to," she emphasizes.

Griffin tries to slip his hand in Elliana's, but she brushes it away. Through gritted teeth, she says, "Not in front of him."

Griffin nods his understanding.

The three of them trace up the five steps to the old white Victorian cottage. Tiny bells chime as Elliana pushes open the door. A tall slender man dressed in a baggy suit and tie with black hair approaches with his hand extended.

Elliana shakes his hand. "Sir, we need a dissolution-of-marriage document notarized."

Mark pulls the papers from the back pocket of his shorts and hands them to the notary.

"Name's Mack," the notary says, unfolding the papers. "Come." He motions with his hand. "Follow me."

They follow Mack to his office toward the back of the cottage. They pass by other small offices that are empty. Three chairs are positioned in front of Mack's desk and they all take a seat.

"Who wants to go first?" Mack asks.

Elliana leans over the desk with a pen in hand. She signs her name, bequeathing her maiden name to be restored.

Mack looks at Mark. "Sir, we need your John Hancock, too."

Mark leans over the desk and signs his name. The notary stamps it, and hands the papers to Elliana. "That'll be $20."

Mark looks at Elliana. "You can pay for it. It's you who wants the fucking divorce."

Griffin stands, removes his wallet from the inside front pocket of his gray suit, and hands Mack a twenty dollar bill.

"Your sugar daddy's paying for everything, isn't he?" Mark asks, sarcastically.

"What do you mean?" she queries.

Mark ignores her question and looks at Griffin. Reaching into his back pocket, he pulls out a piece of paper that has his bank routing and account numbers on it and hands it to Griffin. "That money better be in my account today." With that, Mark walks outside and lights up a cigarette.

Elliana looks at Griffin, confused. "What is he talking about?"

"Don't worry about it."

Elliana stares puzzling into Griffin's icy blue eyes. "Griffin, don't play games with me. What did Mark mean?"

Griffin's eyes darken and he looks at her sternly. "Don't press it, Elliana."

Her stomach knots as she sees the steel hard gaze in his eyes. She nods.

With his hand at the small of her back, Griffin ushers her out the door. They see Mark standing next to his truck, taking the last puff on his cigarette. "I mean, it...money better be in there today." He tosses the cigarette to the ground and hops in the cab of his truck. As he begins to back from the driveway, he pokes his head out the window. "Oh, and Griffin, when I told you that you're going to pay for what you've done back in Cali, I meant every fucking word!" Mark's tires squeal as he leaves a trail of dust in his wake.

The arrogance of that asshole weighs on Griffin's nerves. He opens the door to the SUV and helps Elliana climb inside. She crosses her arms in front and stares silently out the window. When Griffin situates himself behind the wheel, he looks over at her. "Don't worry about it, Elliana. What I did was for your benefit. Don't be angry with me."

She shakes her head back and forth, not saying a word.

"Now, we're going to the courthouse so you can file that paperwork and get a date for the hearing."

After receiving her hearing date scheduled the Monday after Thanksgiving, Griffin drives Elliana to the hospital so she can see her father.

Walking into her father's room, Elliana feels relief as she sees him sitting up, eating lunch. When Dan sees his daughter enter the room, he smiles so brightly, and places his fork to his plate. "Ellie," he says, his arms reaching out toward her.

"Daddy!" She hugs him tightly. "I love you so much."

He pats her on the back. Griffin takes a seat on the couch.

Elliana pulls away and looks around the room. "Where's Mama?"

"She said she had to go to the store and pick up some groceries for Thanksgiving. I guess because I have to spend Thanksgiving in the hospital, she plans on having a feast in here."

Elliana laughs. "Yep, sounds like something Mama would do." She sits on the edge of his bed and takes one of his hands in hers. "Daddy," she says, staring down at his plate of spaghetti. "I filed the divorce papers today."

"Atta girl, Ellie."

"You promise you're not mad?"

"Ellie." He endearingly tilts his head to the side. "The only thing I was mad about was finding out that you were with Mark for so long after the way he treated you. You should have gotten the hell outta there the first time he struck his hand to ya."

"I know, Daddy. I just didn't want to disappoint you."

He cups Elliana's face in his hands and looks sincerely into her eyes. "Ellie, you could never disappoint me."

He looks over at Griffin. "And you, sir."

"Yes?" Griffin asks.

"I can't thank you enough. If it wasn't for you bringing Dr. Vasquez out here, I would probably be dead."

"It's the least I could do," Griffin says, humbly.

Elliana looks over at Griffin. "Yes, Griffin. We can't thank you enough."

Griffin stands and fastens the front button on his jacket. "I'll be back in a moment."

After Griffin leaves the room, Elliana's father looks at her. "Does that man always wear a damn suit?"

Elliana chuckles. "I suppose so. He is awfully handsome in it; though, don't you think?"

Mr. Jenkins throws his head back and laughs loudly. "Oh, Ellie." He strokes her face with his knuckles. "You're my best girl."

Griffin makes his way down to the billing department and informs the lady behind the counter that anything that is not covered under Mr. Jenkins' insurance, to bill Griffin directly. He hands her his black Amex card and tells her to charge everything to it.

The lady places Griffin's credit card on file and hands it back to him.

Making a call to Michelle, his wealth management representative at UBS, Griffin informs her to wire five-million dollars into Mark's account.

Walking back into Dan's room, Griffin glances at his watch. "If you want to get to the mall, Elliana, we better go now before rush hour traffic."

Elliana rises off her father's bed and kisses his cheek. "Can I get you anything from the mall?" she asks.

"No, Ellie. I'm fine. You go have some fun."

"I love you."

"I love you, too, Ellie."

* * *

Elliana helps Griffin pick out some casual clothes. He buys a few Ralph Lauren polo's, a few pairs of jeans, and a pair of brown leather Sperry top-siders.

Sitting at a table across from Griffin in the mall's food court, Elliana spreads her napkin across her lap, and opens her box of orange chicken and steamed rice.

Griffin hands her a set of chopsticks and she breaks them apart. He notices her standoffish body language and can't help but wonder if he did something to upset her. "What's the matter, Elliana?"

She looks at him and grins, shrugging her shoulders. "A little nervous is all."

"Nervous?" he questions. "Nervous about what?" He picks up a piece of chicken with his chopsticks and pops it into his mouth.

"Well," she says, hesitantly. "Something's been bothering me for a while."

"What's that, baby?"

She places her chopsticks alongside her tray and takes a sip of her soda. "What do you see in me?" she asks, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. "I mean, I've seen the type of women who you've been with. I don't measure up to them. What gives, Griffin?"

He stares into her eyes across the table. "You've got it backward," he says. "They can't measure up to you."

She shakes her head back and forth in disbelief. "I just don't get it. I don't dress sophisticated, my makeup is never perfect." She looks at her fingernails. "Hell! I don't even get my nails professionally done."

He takes her hand over the table. "These nails are perfect." He lifts her hand to his lips and presses a kiss to her knuckles.

She pulls her hand away. "Stop being so silly, Griffin."

"It's true." He relaxes back in his seat. "There's just something about you. I don't know exactly what it is, but I can't get you off my mind."

Elliana stiffens in her chair, hanging on to every word that spills from Griffin's gorgeous lips.

"From the first day I set eyes on you, you took my breath away. No woman has ever done that."

Her heart quickens in her chest. She can hear the fierce pounding in her ears. "But, Griffin..."

"Yes, baby."

She looks down. "Never mind."

"Spill it, Elliana."

She shakes her head in protest.

"Elliana...talk to me."

She nervously fidgets with her hands in her lap. "I-I...I can't."

"Baby, you can tell me anything."

"I'm too embarrassed," she whispers.

"Nonsense."

She looks up. "I'm so afraid that when you and I..." She swallows the huge lump in her throat. "Make love...you're going to be so disappointed."

"Aw, Elliana." His heart tugs inside his chest.

"It's true," she says, struggling to say more. "I'm so inexperienced."

"You're not a virgin, I know that. How can you be inexperienced?"

She looks down in her lap again, seeming squeamish. "I've never had an orgasm with Mark."

He chuckles softly. "Surely, you've pleased yourself," he assumes.

"Yes, but that doesn't count, does it?"

Sinfully grinning and speaking with confidence, he says, "I like a challenge." A salacious wink comes from his icy blue right eye.

"I'm serious, Griffin."

"So, you mean to tell me that Mark never made you come?"

Goosebumps prickled on her skin when she heard him say the word "come." She shakes her head back and forth. "Our sessions only last, at the most, five minutes. He's a wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am kind of guy."

"What a selfish jerk!"

"But..."

"But, what, Elliana?"

"The reason why I'm telling you that I'm inexperienced is because I know a guy like you probably likes to give and receive orally, and I've never done either one."

A smile wants to erupt so badly upon his face, but he tries his damnedest to hide it. "So, you're basically an oral virgin."

"Well, yes, I suppose. I just don't want you to get your hopes up only to have them crash down at how horrible I am in bed."

She's so fucking cute! "You could never disappoint me."

Finishing their dinner, they climb into the SUV and head back to the hotel. Griffin tosses the car keys on the dresser and sits on the edge of the bed. Slipping his shoes off his feet, he pulls off his socks and carelessly tosses them across the room. He unbuttons his jacket, slides it off his shoulders and lays it beside him. Elliana positions herself between his knees, her fingers loosening the Windsor knot of his tie. Staring deeply into his eyes, she slips it from around his neck and tosses it to the floor. She cups his face in her hands and gently brushes his forehead with her soft lips. Her heart flutters and she's breathless. "Oh, Griffin..."

Wrapping his arms around her, his hands caressing her back, Griffin rests his head into her breasts. "I can hear your heart beating..."

She holds his head steady against her, her fingers twisting in his hair. "You're such a beautiful man," she whispers.

"And you're such a beautiful woman." He looks up at her and claims her mouth with his. She leans into him, pushing him back onto the bed, she hovering above, eyeing him savagely.

Unfastening the top button of his white shirt, Elliana's lips meet his skin. With every button unleashed, her lips travel down to his navel. Licking along the thin dark hair of his happy trail, she breathes in the delectable scent of his smooth skin that smells like woodsy musk mixed with his own pheromone. "Beautiful," she whispers.

"Elliana." He raises himself on his elbows and looks down at her. "Not here."

She crawls on top of him, straddling his chest. Taking his arms and placing them out to the side, she rests her knees on his elbows so he can't move. Tracing his chest with her fingers, relishing the feel of his skin on her hands, she bends down and places a kiss on his perfect brown nipple. Her tongue wanders around his peaked tip, savoring his flavor.

He breathes deeply and she rises with each breath he takes in. She lifts her sweater above her head and tosses it to the floor. Griffin admires her, staring, yearning to touch her.

Reaching behind her back, she unclasps her black lacy bra and it hangs loosely from her shoulders, concealing her nipples.

Griffin bites his bottom lip, wanting so badly to see her perfect breasts, but he pulls his arms from underneath her knees and grabs her wrists. "No, Elliana. Not here." He reaches around her and fastens her bra. Picking her up, he places her to her feet, and he disappears into the bathroom.

Elliana puts on her shirt and then pouts like an angry child on the bed. She hears the shower start.

Griffin stands underneath the streaming cold water, trying to calm his hormones. He knows that the only way to calm himself is to relieve himself on his own. He sees the vision in his mind of Elliana sitting on top of him with her bra hanging loosely from her shoulders. How he wanted so badly to touch her naked body, to slide the bra off her shoulders, and take a glimpse of those perfect breasts. To press his lips to her flesh...to please her the way she hungers to be pleased. Oh, yes...the day will come, but for now, he be damned if he would take her in this shitty hotel room. She deserves so much better. He just hopes that he doesn't go sexually insane until the day finally comes.

With a towel wrapped around his waist, Griffin emerges from the bathroom and saunters across the room to get his pajama bottoms from his luggage. Elliana is sitting on the bed, her back against the headboard as she watches television. She stares lustfully at his well sculpted back as he bends over to get his clothes. Such a perfect man.

She turns the volume down on the television with the remote and sets it on the nightstand. "So, I hear that you had a nice time in the shower." She raises her eyebrows.

"And how would you know that?" He stands tall, gripping onto his towel so it won't drop to the floor.

"I could hear your heavy breathing through the door."

Looking a bit embarrassed, he strides past the bed, and closes the bathroom door behind him. Hanging the towel on the hook, he pulls on his pants.

"And you sounded oh-so-sexy..." she teases, hoping he can hear her through the closed door.

He opens the door and peeks out. "Oh, did I?"

She nods. "Mmm, yes, indeed."

He steps from the bathroom and climbs underneath the blankets on his bed.

Elliana walks over to her duffle bag and pulls out a sheer slip. Heading into the bathroom, she starts the shower.

The warm water cascading over her skin is so relaxing. How she would give anything for Griffin to join her, but she knew he was sticking to his guns. At least he knew how to please himself when he was sexually frustrated. She often tried, but was never successful without her special toy. She even went as far as watching a porno a few years back and tried to mimic the way a woman would touch herself and bring herself to orgasm on film, but she was never successful. She often wondered if something was wrong with her.

Stepping from the bathroom, she strides past Griffin in her see-through, pink flowing slip.

He grins when he sees her. "Damn! You look like an angel."

She turns around to face him and he can see her tightened nipples through the thin silk fabric.

"You wore that to tease me, didn't you?"

"Is it working?"

He flips over and faces the wall. "If you only knew."

She climbs into bed and pulls the blankets up to her chin. Griffin turns back over to look at her. "Elliana, something urgent has come up regarding my company. After the hearing, I need to get back to California."

"Really?"

"I want you to come with me."

"I have nowhere to live. I can't stay at my place on base anymore when my divorce is final."

He shakes his head. "You do not understand what I'm trying to say," he says. "I want you to move in with me."

"Griffin." She smiles. "I can't move in with you. It's not Christian to shack up with a man and not be married to him."

Looking a bit unnerving, he says, "Well, it wasn't very Christian of you attempting to seduce me about an hour ago, but you sure as hell tried."

She shuts off the lamp and rolls over. "Goodnight, Mr. Reid."
Chapter Fourteen

The judge smiles at Elliana and stamps her paperwork, approving the divorce. Feeling like a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders; she rushes out into the lobby of the courthouse, and straight into Griffin's arms. "I'm a free woman!" she squeals loudly.

He spins her in circles. "We need to celebrate." He places her back on her feet and kisses her forehead.

"Yeah, we do. Let's find a nice hotel in Orlando."

He throws his head back and laughs. "Not that kind of celebration. I mean a nice dinner and drinks."

"Dammit, Griffin!"

"Don't worry. The time will come."

"Whatever." She rolls her eyes, frustrated. She climbs into the SUV.

Griffin starts the SUV and looks at Elliana. "I need to head back to Cali soon."

She nods, feeling sad. "I know."

"Have you thought about what I offered you?"

"I have."

"And..."

"I'm sorry, but I can't move in with you."

"Are you worried about what your parents' may think?" he asks. "Because I assure you, they're okay with it. I got their blessing on Thanksgiving when I asked them."

Her eyes blaze angrily at him. "You what?"

"I asked for your parents' blessing, Elliana."

She presses her back into the seat. "Well, in that case, let's go shack up!" she belts out, sarcastically.

"You mean that?"

"No!" she scowls. "I was joking!"

His hands grip tightly to the steering wheel as he makes his way to the hotel. "Don't fuck with me, Elliana."

"I'm not fucking with you."

"Yes, you are! I don't like this side of you."

"Oh, well." She kicks off her flats and plants her bare feet on the dashboard.

Griffin looks over at her painted toes. "C'mon, Elliana. You can't stay here. Are you going to stay in that rundown trailer with your parents'?"

She glares; her eyes practically shoot with fire. "What did you just say?"

"You heard me," he answers. "You can't possibly give up what I'm offering you to live in a fucking trailer." He stops at the traffic light in the heart of downtown Deland.

Elliana slips on her flats, throws her purse over her shoulder, and swings open the door. Jumping from the SUV, she slams the door closed. She walks down the sidewalk with her arms crossed in front.

Griffin lets the passenger window down and calls out, "Get in the fucking car, Elliana."

She keeps walking. A few honks from other cars are behind him as he slows down traffic. "Get in the fucking car!"

She ignores him.

He pulls ahead and stops alongside a curb. Jumping out, wearing a white polo and jeans, he hurries toward her, his temper flaring. He halts in front of her and grabs her by the arm.

She flings her arm from his grasp. "Don't you ever grab me like that!" she shouts.

"Well, you won't say a God damn word to me, what choice do I have?"

"Don't you ever use the Lord's name in vain in front of me!"

"This is bullshit, Elliana. You're much too immature for me. What in the hell was I thinking?" He holds his arm up and hails a cab. Opening the door, he tells Elliana to climb inside. "Don't worry about going to the hotel. I'll have your things sent to your parents' trailer." He slams the door closed.

She sinks into the seat, playing the event over and over in her mind. Her heart aches. What has she done?

"Where to, ma'am?" the cab driver interrupts her thoughts.

She shakes her head to focus. "Um, take me to the Clarion," she says over the headrest.

She watches Griffin climb into the SUV and he speeds off from the curb.

As the cab pulls onto 17-92, she stares out the window. How could such a happy day turn so awful? How could he criticize the way that her family lives? That's what ticks her off the most. How could a man as wealthy as Griffin ever understand where she comes from?

She pulls her phone from her purse and calls her mother to let her know that the divorce had been finalized. Her mother asks if Elliana would be going back to California with Griffin and she tells her that she wasn't. "I'm just going to stay at the Clarion in town tonight, Mama," she says. "I need some time to myself."

"That's alright, dear. Your daddy is being released this evening, so don't go by the hospital later."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Will you be home tomorrow?"

"Yeah."

"Alright, sweetheart. I'll see you tomorrow. I love you."

"I love you, too, Mama." Elliana disconnects the call. She stares at the screen, praying that Griffin will call, but he doesn't.

As the cab pulls to the front of the hotel, Elliana collects her purse, and heads to the front desk to book a one-night stay.

When she enters the room, she places her key-card on the desk, and tosses her purse on the bed. She holds her phone in her hand hoping that Griffin will call.

Finally, after waiting for fifteen minutes, she sends him a text. I'm staying at the Clarion in Deland for the night. If you could send my things here, that would be greatly appreciated. She tosses the phone onto the mattress and lays back. No response to the text. She wonders if he is already on his plane.

* * *

Startled awake from her nap by a loud knock on her door, Elliana walks over and looks through the peephole.

"Ma'am, your luggage has arrived," a hotel staff member says through the door.

She unlatches the chain and opens the door, taking the duffle bag from his hands. "Thank you."

The man turns and takes his leave.

She sets her bag on the bed and unzips it. Pulling everything out, she hopes to find a note...something from Griffin, but there is nothing. Her heart sinks. She picks up her phone and sends another text. I'm sorry, Griffin.

No response.

After taking a shower, Elliana dresses in a pair of blue jeans and a tight, long-sleeve T-shirt. Pulling on her boots, she looks into the mirror applying the final touches to her makeup. With her golden hair cascading down her back in romantic loose waves, she is ready to go out and have some fun. She asks the man at the front desk to call her a cab.

After sliding across the backseat of the Taxi, she tells the driver to take her to The Barn on 17-92. She hadn't been there since last year and she knew the staff quite well. That's where she tried learning how to line dance. She was determined to let loose, and wouldn't allow anyone to stand in her way from having some much needed excitement.

Walking into the nightclub well beyond 10:00, she goes straight to the bar where she sees her old friend, Mitch, mixing drinks. His dark eyes shoot open in surprise when he sees Elliana pacing toward him, a smile so wide, his eyes squint. Rushing around the bar, he wraps his arms around her, lifting her off her feet, and spinning her in circles. "Oh-my-God! You sure are a sight for sore eyes!" His cheerful expression makes Elliana's heart flutter. Mitch, a handsome, rugged man, places Elliana to her feet. He takes her hands in his and steps back on his heels. "Let me get a good look at you." His deep chestnut eyes skim her body up and down. He pulls her into his chest. He's so tall that Elliana's cheek was buried into his burly pecs.

Elliana encircles her arms around him, breathes in his masculine scent, and looks up. "I missed you." She smiles warmly.

He pats a stool at the bar. "Sit."

She hops up onto the stool and Mitch makes his way around the bar. Popping off the top of a bottle of Bud, Mitch slides the beer toward her direction.

Elliana takes a hearty chug and cringes.

"Still hate the taste of alcohol, I see."

"You know me all too well."

He grabs her left hand, noticing her missing wedding rings. "Oh, Ellie...no rings?" He relinquishes her hand. "Spill the beans."

She motions with her right hand for Mitch to lean in. She strokes her fingers along his bushy, dark whiskers. "You're really letting this grow out, aren't you?"

He pulls back and shakes his head. "I know you're trying to change the subject. Why no ring?"

She nonchalantly crosses her legs. "As of today, I'm a free woman," she says, proudly.

"No shit?"

"That's right!"

"You okay?" he asks, concerned. "I mean, was it your decision or his?"

"Mine." She takes another drink of beer. "But, let's not talk about that. I'm here to have some fun, to let loose."

"Sounds good to me!" He glances toward the DJ booth and hollers, "Jim! Play this lady a Keith Urban song. Not a slow one, either!"

Jim nods in approval.

Elliana turns her back toward Mitch and looks through the crowd silently hoping she would see Griffin in the midst, but he was nowhere to be found.

An older gentleman who looks to be in his mid-forties approaches her. "Care to dance?"

She looks up at his dark hair with gray streaks and smiles. "I'm sorry, I can't dance."

"No worries. I can help with that." He offers his hand and she takes it.

On the dance floor, he twirls her like a ballerina. She feels so carefree, but her heart still aches for Griffin, and she wishes like hell that he'd rescue her from this man's clenches.

* * *

Gary pokes his head from the cockpit and looks at Griffin staring blankly out the airplane's window. "Sir, we'll be in California about midnight Pacific time."

He nods.

Cindy leans over with her hand resting on the top of his seat, her fake breasts practically pressing into his face. "Can I get you a cocktail, Mr. Reid?"

"A shot of Crown," he says in a husky voice.

Cindy glides down the aisle toward the galley; Griffin's eyes are fixed on her long legs ensconced in black sheer nylons.

Placing the shot glass on his table, she leans in closely. He can smell her beguiling scent eluding off her neck. "Will that be all for you, Mr. Reid?"

He grabs her wrist and stares a smoldering look. "No, that will not be all, Cindy." His hand explores the dark blue fabric of the back of her skirt, finding her rounded bottom. His eyes, curiously dead as if there were no soul in them.

She looks at him with a wistful gaze. "Anything, Mr. Reid," she says with crackling emotion.

He whispers, "As soon as we're steady in the air, I want you in my chamber."

"As you wish, sir." She takes her leave and he slams the shot of Crown to the back of his throat. The burn makes him shudder.

After the plane levels in the air, the captain informs Griffin that it's okay to roam the cabin, so he heads straight toward the back, and into his private chamber.

A queen size bed draped in red is centered in the room. Griffin unbinds his tie from around his neck and tosses it to the floor. He strips down to nothing, slides on a condom, and slivers the blankets up to his waist as he casually sits up against the headboard.

Cindy enters with a seductive glance. He bears a challenging stare, piercing through her soul, his hands cocked behind his head, his fingers entwined. "Strip for me."

She starts with the sheer blue scarf around her neck and lets it fall gracefully to the floor. Removing the two sticks from her hair that is keeping her blonde French twist in place, she allows her long tresses to cascade freely over her shoulders. Her hips slowly sway side-to-side and she seductively moistens her lips with her tongue. The top button of her uniform is released, then the others, and she slides her blouse from her shoulders, and it hits the floor. Standing in her navy blue pencil skirt, Griffin eagerly licks his lips. "Your bra," he says.

Reaching behind her back, she unclasps her bra and it falls down her arms. Griffin craves her high and full breasts, wanting to palm them in his hands. His eyes blaze toward her. "Your skirt, Cindy."

Her fingers reach behind and she unfastens the button and her skirt falls to the floor, pooling at her feet around her black stilettos. "Your panties," he says, sternly.

Sliding her thumbs at the waistband of her black lacy panties at each hip, she dances them down her long slender legs. Standing before him only wearing black heels and black thigh-highs, he extends his hand, and she meets him on the bed.

Griffin flings off the blanket and they're on their knees, staring hungrily into one another's eyes. He grabs Cindy's wrists with one hand and places them behind her back, forcing her to arch, one breast skimming the dark stubble on his jaw. His hand cups her breast and he savagely takes her perfect pink nipple into his mouth. His lips worship her luscious tits, his hand wandering to her smoldering sweet spot. Sliding his middle finger into her moist folds, Cindy throws her head back, relishing in the feel of his total control. "Ah, Mr. Reid..."

"No words," he snaps.

She nods.

He takes her hand and guides her to stand at the edge of the bed, her back facing him. Pushing her face down into the mattress with one hand at the back of her head, his other hand traces along her bare, flawless ass. He pulls his hand back and smacks her flush on the rear, her bottom pinkens.

"Oh, Mr. Reid!" Her head snaps back.

"I said no words!" Another smack to her rear. He positions himself behind, opening her folds with his fingers, and plunges himself into her. Gripping tightly to her hips, he thrusts deep and hard. His head tosses back, his eyes closed, he whispers, "Oh, Ellie..."

Cindy looks around with a questionable glance. His thrusts become faster and harder. Snatching off his condom, Griffin then relieves himself all over Cindy's backside.

When he finally expels the last drop of his essence, he bends down, grabs Cindy's clothes, and tosses them at her. "Here!"

She catches them, holding them at her belly.

"Get dressed and get out!"

She rushes into the bathroom and does as she's told. Griffin dresses back in his suit, and staggers his way back to his seat.

* * *

At the end of the night, Elliana calls a cab to take her back to the hotel. She hugs Mitch goodnight and they exchange phone numbers as she waits out front for the Taxi to collect her.

Back at the hotel, she flops down onto the bed. The several beers that she drank help her drift off to sleep.
Chapter Fifteen

Elliana's cell phone rings and she sees Griffin's mother's number displayed on the screen.

"Yes, Ms. Reid?" Elliana's voice is raspy.

"Sweety, what happened with you and Griffin?"

"Is he there?" Her eyes widen with hope.

"He got in late last night," she says. "I saw him this morning and asked about his trip, but he said nothing."

Elliana swallows hard. "We had a fight."

"Oh, honey," Sandy says, her voice sincere. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not really."

"Although, Griffin did tell me about your divorce."

"Yes, it was finalized yesterday."

"Well, sweetheart, you need to come back here. Your job is waiting for you and you can stay in one of the cottages."

Tears swell in Elliana's eyes. "I don't think Griffin would appreciate that."

"Oh nonsense! I am in total control of these cottages. Griffin has nothing to do with them."

"But my car is still in Fort Worth."

"How about you text me the address of its location, and I will have it shipped to the estate?" Sandy suggests.

Elliana knew that she still has a good job waiting for her in Cali and is very appreciative that her boss allowed her the time off to recoup. She kind of feels indebted to them because of their gracious generosity.

"But, Mark is still stationed there."

"Don't worry about Mark. He can't get into the estate. You know it's heavily guarded."

She nods. "Yes, ma'am."

"Perfect! I will make you a flight arrangement for this evening. I will pick you up from the airport."

"Alright." Elliana wipes the tears with the back of her hand. "It will give me time to say goodbye to my parents'."

After a bath and breakfast, Elliana calls a cab to take her to her parents' house. With the assurance that her father is doing very well, and the blessing from her mother to go back to Cali, Elliana hugs them goodbye, and takes the cab to MCO.

Nervous as hell to see Griffin, Elliana swallows her fear, and proceeds down the jet-way to the commercial airliner. How she misses not being able to hold onto Griffin's hand as she takes off into the sky. She wonders if he will ever forgive her, after all, he told her that he loves her, but was it a lie? How can you let someone go so easily if you love them?

Propping a pillow against the window, she closes her eyes, and sleeps the length of the five hour flight.

Walking outside after retrieving her duffle bag from baggage claim, she sees Sandy dressed in a blue Chanel suit and scarf with black heels at curbside, standing beside her white BMW 750. Elliana smiles, but sadness eludes in her eyes as she hugs Ms. Reid tightly. Sandy steps back and glimpses in Elliana's gaze. "You look well."

Elliana nods. "Thank you."

Popping open the trunk, Sandy tosses Elliana's duffle bag inside. Elliana sits on the black leather seat and waits for Sandy to get into the car.

During the ride down Highway 101 South, Sandy takes quick glances in Elliana's direction. "We're going to need your help around the estate while you're there. It's all we ask in return for your stay in the cottage. I'll provide you with some money and also get you enrolled in college."

"Thank you, but I have money," she says. "I don't have time for college; though, because of my job."

"You can take night courses," Sandy suggests.

"I'll think about it." Elliana stares out the window, thinking of Griffin, and how it's killing her not speaking to him. "I love him."

Sandy's eyes widen. "What's that, dear?"

"Your son," she says. "I love him."

Sandy reaches over and takes Elliana's hand. "He'll come around," she says, smiling. "Just give him some time." She takes her hand away and places it back on the steering wheel. "He's a bit stressed with his semiconductor company right now."

Elliana alertly stiffens in her seat. "Is everything alright?"

"It seems there's about to be a hostile takeover."

"Oh, how terrible!"

"When do you go back to work?"

"Next week, ma'am."

Sandy laughs. "Please, call me Sandy."

Elliana nods.

"So, tomorrow, I'll have you do the dusting upstairs."

Griffin's room is upstairs! "Do I have to dust Griffin's room?"

"Every room, sweetheart."

As the gates to the estate slowly swing open, Sandy rolls up the driveway. Elliana sees Griffin's white Audi R8 parked in front of the house and her heart practically falls to her stomach. They pull into a garage that Elliana has never seen before.

Shifting the car in park, Sandy steps out, and pops open the trunk. Elliana looks around at all the cars in the garage and notices plain, modest cars, like Chevys, Fords, Mazdas... Her curiosity piques. "These can't be Griffin's cars..."

"No, sweetheart. They belong to the other ladies who are staying in the cottages. Your spot is along that wall over there." She points her French manicured finger toward a corner space. "Your car should arrive in about seven days," she says. "Until then, you're welcome to drive my car to and from work, or anywhere else for that matter."

Elliana pulls her luggage from the trunk. "Thank you."

Sandy leads Elliana to a vacant white cottage and opens the door. Elliana steps inside and places her duffle bag to the floor. The décor is shabby chic just like Sandy's.

Sandy walks into the modest kitchen with a white island in the center. "There's plenty of groceries. You have everything you need to make meals."

Elliana nods bleakly.

Sandy places her hands on her hips and sighs. "So...if you need anything, you know where to find me."

"Yes, ma'am."

Sandy shakes her index finger from side-to-side. "Nah, uh, uh, it's Sandy."

"Of course," Elliana says. "I'm sorry."

"No apologies necessary."

Elliana wraps her arms around Sandy, and starts to cry inconsolably on her shoulder.

"Dear, what's the matter?" Sandy strokes the back of Elliana's hair with a gentle hand.

"I think I've lost him."

Prying Elliana from the strong hold around her, Sandy wipes Elliana's tears away with her finger. "Now, I told you he will come around. I know my son and I know that he loves you deeply. Just give it some time."

Elliana nods and sniffles. "Yes, ma'am."

"Now, you get yourself settled. I will see you in the house tomorrow morning at seven, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Sandy smiles. "You're just not going to stop calling me ma'am, are you?"

"It's a habit. I'm sorry."

"Please, no apologies."

* * *

Sandy walks through the backdoor of Griffin's house and into the kitchen. Griffin stands casually against the cabinet next to the refrigerator with a glass of iced tea in hand.

Shaking her head genuinely concerned, she looks at Griffin. "You're hurting that poor girl, you know..."

Setting his tea down on the counter, he paces back and forth. "Mother, it was the only way to get her out here. She wouldn't come with me without a God damn ring on her finger," he says. "I knew if you asked her to come, she would."

"And is a ring on her finger a bad thing?"

"She just got a divorce, Mother!" he snaps. "Let the fucking ink dry on the paper first."

She looks sternly at him. "Don't you use that language at me."

Griffin shakes his head in distress. "I'm sorry, Mother."

Sandy pulls out a stool and sits at the bar. Griffin places a glass of iced tea before her.

"I'm telling you now, Griffin. That girl's heart is breaking."

"And you don't think mine is?"

"You can fix this just like you messed it up."

"She needs time, Mother."

"Time for what?"

"Time to heal."

"You're the one who hurt her."

"Her ex-husband hurt her."

"But you tossing her into a cab and leaving her behind surely didn't heal her."

Turning his head away, feeling regret, he rests his palms on the counter.

"I told her that you're having trouble with your company."

He spins around, laughing. "What?"

"It was the only excuse I could come up with on why you left her so abruptly."

His hands went straight to his head, brushing his fingers through his hair. "She didn't believe that, did she?"

"I suspect that she did."

"Well, I did tell her that there was some urgency regarding my company," he says. "Maybe she believes it. I'm just glad that she's here."
Chapter Sixteen

Bright and early, Elliana showers and slips into a pair of gray cotton shorts, and puts on a dark blue T-shirt. Grabbing a pair of flip flops, she shimmies her feet into them, and heads toward the backdoor of Griffin's massive estate. As soon as she enters, she sees Sandy sitting at the bar drinking a cup of coffee. "Good morning," Elliana says, her smile as warm as the sun.

"Morning," Sandy replies. "Would you like some coffee?"

"Already had some." Elliana's face beams, delighted.

"You look awfully chipper this morning."

"I slept really well and I feel great," she says. "I'm ready to start."

Sandy clears her throat. "Cassandra!" she calls out.

Elliana watches a short, thin woman come from the dining room.

"Cassandra, this is Elliana. Elliana, this is Cassandra," Sandy introduces.

"Nice to meet you," Cassandra responds.

Elliana smiles, admiring Cassandra's loose fiery red curls. "Likewise."

"Cassandra will show you where the cleaning supplies are," Sandy says.

Cassandra's emerald green eyes sparkle at Elliana. "You can follow me."

Elliana follows Cassandra upstairs. As they go into a room filled with supplies, Cassandra explains to Elliana of her abusive husband. Cassandra has been staying on the estate for the past four months. She was hospitalized for weeks and almost died from the abuse from her monster of a husband. Her husband beat her in the stomach several times, causing her to miscarry. Elliana can't imagine the horror of losing a child and feels thankful that she never became pregnant with Mark's baby.

Handing a feather duster to Elliana, Cassandra instructs her that she is to dust the entire top floor. "You can start in Mr. Reid's room. He likes his room to be cleaned first. He doesn't like coming to his room to take a shower after his workout worrying about stumbling upon the help."

"The help?" Elliana questions.

"We call ourselves, the help." Cassandra laughs. "Also, you will need to make his bed."

"He doesn't hire professionals to do this?"

"The only professionals he hires are his driver, his pilot and copilot, his flight attendants, butler, his chef, and of course, the people who work for his company," she says, leaning into a closet to collect a toilet brush. "We maintain the cleanliness of the house out of respect for Mr. Reid's generosity."

Elliana keeps her face blank. "Well, if you would excuse me," she says, holding a yellow feather duster. "I guess I'll get started with the dusting."

Elliana traces down the long corridor of the estate, straight toward Griffin's bedroom. She spreads her fingers upon the doorknob, a little apprehensive to push the door open. She presses her ear to the door to reassure herself that he wasn't inside. The silence was dead as night. Twisting the ornate brass doorknob, she pushes open the door, and hesitantly enters.

She takes in a long deep breath and glances about the room, her eyes fixed on his massive bed resting on a one-foot pedestal. Dusting along the headboard, her face almost nestled into his pillow; she takes in a breath, and can smell his scent. Her heart races, remembering the smell all too well.

She makes her way to the mahogany antique dresser and dusts along the top. Family portraits cover the surface and her eyes stop at a particular picture, which she suspects is of his father. A handsome man. Just like his son, who doesn't look as though he has a violent bone in his body. How awful Griffin must have felt walking into that horrific situation as he watched his father hold a knife to his mother's throat.

Elliana's shin hits a half-open drawer and she reaches down to close it, dropping the feather duster to the ground. To her amazement, it's not a drawer full of clothes, but a drawer full of kinky toys. She gasps as she looks at a flogger. She reaches in and pulls it out, examining it closely. She looks again into the drawer and sees huge dildos, other sexual toys, and handcuffs. Her heart pounds so strongly that she can hear it beating in her ears. What is this guy into?

Glancing into the mirror above the dresser, she's painfully shocked to see the love of her life standing behind her, his eyes tight with strain, his face very watchful.

Startled, she drops the flogger and it lands on the floor at Griffin's bare feet.

With his face tense, his words strike, "What are you doing going through my personal things?"

Her pulse quickens at the grim tone of his voice. She tries to speak, but the words won't come out.

He bends down to retrieve the flogger off the floor. He lightly taps the leather tassels to his open palm as he paces back and forth before her.

She watches intently as he plays with the flogger and is fearful that he will strike her with it.

"You scared?" His voice almost teasing, but sharp.

She presses her back into the dresser, the knobs practically impaling her skin.

He smacks the flogger hard across his hand. "Speak to me!"

She breathes in deeply, staring at his bare chest and his gray sweat pants.

"I-I-I," her voice stutters.

His expression is bold as he looks at her with withering harshness.

Her face tenses and he leans into her, almost causing her back to arch over the surface of the dresser. He traces the flogger along her T-shirt, up her neck, and then it touches her cheek lightly.

She shakes her head, attempting to focus. Not understanding her feelings toward this awkward moment, she adjusts her eyes to the floor.

"Elliana, you didn't answer me."

She looks into his gaze, her heart fluttering. She leans in to touch his lips with hers, but he backs away. Turning her back toward him, she rests her palms on the dresser, staring down at the portraits. She can hear his heavy breathing from behind. Her face burns, the excitement in her belly becoming too much to bear. A stinging sensation throbs between her legs as she yearns for Griffin to take it away.

She hears the flogger hit the floor. He turns to walk away and then he closes the door. She spins around when she hears Griffin lock it. She searches his face gravely, trying to see some sort of reaction, but it's so desolate as if in deep thought.

The tense expression on his face relaxes and he grabs her by the nape of her neck, and forcefully presses his lips to hers. "Now, Elliana. I have you here... in my room," he affirms. "And soon, I will have you in my bed." Cupping her face in his hands, he studies her expression. She brushes her knuckles against the faint dark stubble of his jaw, his icy blue eyes drilling into her core.

Pulling back her hair, his lips meet the soft delicate skin of her décolleté. "Oh, Ellie..."

She wraps her arms around him tightly and he lifts her up, and carries her to his humongous bed. He gently places her head to his pillow, his finger stroking her cheek ever so lightly. "I honestly love you, Elliana."

Her eyes glimmer. "I love you, too, Griffin."

He watches as a burst of pleasure blushes along her cheeks. She can feel his exceptionally large erection pressing into her thigh.

Elliana touches the sudden beads of perspiration upon his back as she lightly strokes his bare skin with her fingertips.

Reaching for the hem of her T-shirt, he slides it over her head and lets it drop to the floor. He worships her neck, her breasts, her belly, giving special attention to her navel. "You taste so sweet, Elliana," he whispers, faintly.

Her chest rises and falls noticeably with every savored breath she takes in. Reaching underneath, he unclasps her bra and slides it down her arms, tossing it off to the side. "Beautiful..." he says, his eyes totally fixated on her taut, pert nipples. His tongue encircles her pinkish areola, relishing the blunt tip against his lips. Closing his eyes, he can feel the sweat beading upon his forehead. Never has he been so nervous when taking a woman to bed.

Elliana enjoys the sensation of his lips upon her breasts. His hand wanders to the drawstring of her shorts and he pulls them down to her ankles and she kicks them off. He unlaces her tennis shoes and they hit the marble floor.

"Beautiful..." he whispers, peeling her panties down her thighs.

Kissing the delicate arch of her foot, his tongue travels along her calf, to her inner thigh, and halts at her warming entrance. She can feel his hot breath upon her and she arches her back attempting to guide her sex to his lips.

He blows lightly upon her tiny bud and she quivers. A quick flick of his tongue on her pink sphere makes her moan in great passion. Holding her hips steady with his hands, he lightly suckles her, making her squirm against his lips.

"Oh, Griffin..."

Placing his palms flush against the inside of her thighs, he pushes them wider. He lifts the skin on her pubis slightly, and exposes her pellet even more as his lips take her all in. A gentle slip of his middle finger enters her sex and he probes it in and out as he suckles her pink bead at the same time.

Her heart feels as if it's skipping beats, her legs shake, and her back arches. Holding her hips steady, Griffin allows her to explode upon his soft lips.

The thunderous sensation ripples throughout her soul as she feels the strong hold he has upon her. His fingers dig into her hips. "More..." he says. "Baby, one more time."

Elliana's skin prickles at the sound of his voice. And in seconds, she relinquishes into him once more.

He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, strips from his pants, and is wondrously naked on top of her. Her eyes meet his as she feels him enter deep inside her. The tingle of the depth of his member sends shivers throughout her core. Never has she felt that spot he constantly hit with each thrust. Her thighs shake against his waist and she screams out pleasurable moans. Digging her fingernails into his sculpted back, she holds him tightly against her. His lips nestle her neck, his tongue travels alongside her ear.

"Oh, Griffin...please!" she calls out, loudly.

His thrusts become faster, his breathing more erratic, and she feels warm liquid expel from him, filling her deep within. His body halts and with the last drop of his essence, he slips out of her.

Rolling off to the side, he lightly brushes her bangs away from her face so he can look into her beautiful teal-green eyes. "I love you more than you can imagine, Elliana," he whispers as he props himself up on his elbow.

She pulls the blankets up over her bare breasts. "I love you more than anything, Griffin."

His head exhaustively hits the pillow and he takes her hand in his, entwining his fingers in hers.

She shifts her eyes toward him. "Griffin, please don't ever leave me again."

"I will never let you go." He presses his lips to her knuckles. "You have my word."

* * *

After a much needed and well deserved nap, Griffin and Elliana awaken, wrapped in each other's arm. Her naked body cradles against him, his legs tossed over hers. Nuzzling her bare shoulder with his nose, he takes in the sweet smell of her scent. She looks straight ahead toward the bedroom door, blinking. "When are we going to speak about that questionable drawer?" Elliana asks.

"That's private, Elliana," his words burn slightly on his tongue.

"I didn't look in there on purpose."

"Not now, Elliana," he says low with an edge to his tone.

"Is that the sort of thing you're into? I mean," she pauses and swallows hard. "BDSM?"

With only silence, his edgy tone changes to a more amiable one. Griffin flings the blankets off him and stands from the bed. Pulling on his sweatpants, he walks around to Elliana's side of the bed, bends down, and kisses her forehead. "Don't worry about the cleaning. It was only a ploy to get you here."

She sits up, blankets clenched to her chin. "What?"

"I knew you would only come if my mother convinced you."

She glares harshly at him. "You tricked me?"

He nods. "Now, why don't you get dressed and meet me downstairs for some lunch?"

She watches as he disappears from his bedroom. She, feeling like she had been taken for a fool, climbs from the bed, and puts on her clothes.

When she makes her way downstairs to the kitchen, she sees Griffin sitting at the bar eating a sandwich and drinking a tall glass of iced tea.

"What's with that look?" he asks, politely concerned, pinching off a crust of bread and placing it in his mouth.

"You know why!" She crosses her arms defiantly in front.

His laugh is rich. "You can't stay mad at me."

She rolls her eyes at him and shakes her head in disbelief. "Whatever." She opens the backdoor and heads toward her cottage.

Flinging off her tennis shoes and socks, she slams down on the sofa, and sits there heavily in thought. A tiny smile creeps upon her face when she reminisces of Griffin making love to her. Then she thinks of that play drawer. A bit intrigued and spooked at the same time, she can't help but wonder who he had used those sex toys on. She shakes her head swiftly from side-to-side, trying to erase the thought. Suddenly, the door swings open, and in walks Griffin. She rises from the sofa and he charges her with full force. With his eyes lustfully burning, he passionately pushes her against the wall, and kisses her in a punishing manner. He pulls back with a penetrating gaze into her luminous teal-green eyes. "Oh, Elliana..." his voice is honey sweet, soft.

She says nothing. His hand wanders up her shirt and fondles her firm breasts. He intently watches the look in her eyes as he taunts her. "I must have you again."

He practically rips her shorts down her legs, tearing her panties from her flesh.

"Griffin! You ripped them!"

"Big deal! I can buy you more." He pulls her shirt over her head and undresses himself in a swift, sweeping motion. With a deep inhale, he claims her mouth with his; his hands palming her breasts; his fingers twisting and squeezing her nipples into tiny pebbles. His tongue travels down her chin, her neck, to the nipples he teased with his touch. His lips sucking, his teeth nibbling, his tongue dancing an erotic pleasurable torture against her skin.

"Griffin..." She breathes heavily, her hands gripping his taut back.

He places his hands underneath her thighs, below her buttocks, and lifts her to meet his severely engorged phallus. With her back pressing against the wall, he uses one hand to guide himself into her. Her lips meeting his neck, savoring the salty taste of the sweat on his skin, she blinks back her eyes, and savors the feel of his colossal length. "Oh-my-gosh, Griffin..." her voice trails off.

"Yes, baby..." He leans his head down so his lips can take in her indulgent nipple once more. He can feel her tighten all around him. "I can feel you squeeze me, baby..."

Her body trembles, quaking vigorously against him. He presses her harder against the wall. "C'mon, baby..." he says, softly. "You're right there. Come for me."

She wails a scream so loud it could break a window. He meets her release and relinquishes himself into her.

Placing her to her feet, Griffin helps to lead her to the sofa. She sits, completely out of breath, and grinning, her cheeks flaming hot. He grabs her clothes off the floor and hands them to her and she dresses.

"Is this what you plan on doing all day?" she asks, exhausted.

"Maybe." He playfully moves his eyebrows up and down. Pulling on his pants, he sits down next to her and puts his arm around her. Griffin takes her hand and locks his fingers in hers. "I can't get enough of you, Elliana. You're like an addictive drug to me."

"And you are to me."

"I can't believe you're here."

"Why?" she questions. "You seem to always get what you want."

He laughs, confidently. "Yeah, I do, don't I?"

"Ha, ha," she says. "Arrogance isn't a good look on you."

"Everything is a good look on me," he teases. "Oh, by the way..." He suddenly remembers. "My company's Christmas ball is quickly approaching. I want you by my side."

"And where is this ball going to take place?"

"At the Inn at Spanish Bay. It's at Pebble Beach."

"Wow! Pretty fancy."

"The party will be in the ballroom and I'm booking a suite for you and me."

"What's the dress code?"

"It's a ball, Elliana," he answers, assuming that she knew the dress code of that type of event. "Black tie as always."

She dreadfully rolls her eyes. "Great, now I need to buy a dress."

He shakes his head back and forth. "Nope, I've got it already taken care of."

She twirls a tiny lock of his black hair with her index finger as she lovingly gazes at him. "You're extremely handsome."

"Looks like you're ready for round three, Miss Jenkins."

She laughs heartily. "It feels so good to hear my maiden name again."

"And it feels good to say it," he says. "So, you go back to work next week, right?" he asks.

She nods.

"You know you don't have to work."

"I'm not a gold digger. I will earn my own money."

He puts both hands up as though he's being held at gunpoint. "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" He playfully chuckles. "I wasn't insinuating anything."

"I just wanted to be clear."

"I just don't want you to become stressed. You've been through a great deal. You need some time to relax."

"I'll be fine, Griffin," she says, calmly. "Now that I'm here with you, I'm totally relaxed."

He intertwines his fingers with hers, studying the smooth skin on the back of her hand. "Can I convince you to move into the main house?"

She looks down at her lap, shaking her head. "I'm sorry. I can't."

He takes in a deep distressing sigh. "Okay, just thought I'd ask." He stands. "I need to take care of some business." He leans down and gently plants a kiss to her forehead. "I'll see you at dinner in my dining room." He looks into her eyes, daring her to protest.

She smiles wildly at him. "Yes, Mr. Reid," she teases. "I'll see you this evening."
Chapter Seventeen

With a sweep of sparkling gloss to her lips and a final glance into the mirror, Elliana grabs her purse, and meets Griffin at the front of his estate. Hearing the engine of his hot R8 causes her heart to flutter when she sees him pulling up.

He jumps from the car wearing a dark suit and a deep purple tie with a starchy white shirt underneath. Opening the passenger door, he smiles. "Good morning, Miss Jenkins."

"Good morning, Mr. Reid," she says, playing along with his banter.

Positioning himself behind the wheel, he takes quick glimpses toward her as they make their way to her office. "You look sensational."

"Thank you." She smooth's her hands along the fabric of her beige pencil skirt.

Griffin's eyes are fixed on her spray tanned legs and her four-inch black high heels. "I want those heels wrapped around my neck."

She playfully smacks his shoulder. "Stop that! You're being silly."

"Well, it's true." He touches the flowing ruffles on her white blouse. "And you look dangerously naughty in white."

She breathes hard. His words begin to stir up an arousal. He watches as she crosses her legs and squeezes them together.

"Uncomfortable?" he asks.

"A little," she whispers.

He pulls up to the front of the building at her workplace and shifts the car in park. He leans over with his right arm resting on Elliana's headrest. His left hand is at the nape of her neck, pulling her into his kiss. She loves the way he smells as she takes in his masculine scent; her eyes closed. His lips meet her forehead. "I want you so badly right now, Elliana," he whispers, his words muffled against her skin.

She pulls back and looks into his gorgeous icy blue eyes. "Tonight, Griffin."

He shakes his head trying to focus. "I don't think I can hold out that long. You're an addiction."

She swings open her door and steps out. "What can I say?" She smiles widely and closes the door.

Griffin tugs at his pants with the fault of his growing erection. Watching her enter the building safely, he pulls from the curb, and heads to Reid Semiconductor.

Upon entrance of the building, Kate and Dave greet Elliana with warm felt hugs.

"We heard the news!" Kate squeals. "I'm so happy and relieved you divorced that jerk of a husband."

"You can't imagine how proud I am of you, Elliana," Dave says, smiling."

"Thank you." Elliana walks around her desk, tossing her purse underneath, and taking a seat in her chair.

Elliana pulls the mail from its slot and hands it to Dave and Kate. Dave looks through his mail and tosses it all in the trashcan. "Damn junk!"

Elliana chuckles.

He looks at her over the counter. "If you need anything, Elliana, you know where to find me."

She nods. "Thank you, sir."

After Dave leaves the lobby, Kate leans over the counter with curiosity written all over her face. "So, are you living with Mr. Reid?"

Elliana shakes her head from side-to-side. "Not actually."

"What do you mean, not actually?"

"Well, I'm staying in a guest house."

Kate raises a questionable eyebrow. "Oh, I see," she says. "Have you fucked him yet?"

Elliana bursts out in laughter. "Oh-My-God! You don't beat around the bush, do you?"

"Nope!"

"Well, to answer your question...Yes, I have."

"Oh my! How is he?"

"Magnificent!"

"I bet! Damn!" she exclaims. "That man is gorgeous!"

Elliana smiles from ear-to-ear. "I know, and he's even more gorgeous when he's naked."

"Ellie!" She laughs loudly. "Well, I better start on some work."

"I'll talk to you later."

At lunchtime, Elliana collects her purse and takes a stroll through downtown Mountain View. A black Porsche Panamera pulls to the curb and makes a sudden stop. Startled by the screech of the tires, she jerks her head to look at the car. A man dressed in a black watch-cap, blue jeans, a black turtleneck, and black flight boots jumps from the driver's side and heads straight toward Elliana. Stunned by the mad dash he's making toward her, she doesn't move, and freezes. He encircles his arms around her and ushers her into the backseat, slams the door closed, and then he jumps behind the wheel.

He pulls the watch-cap off his head and looks in the backseat. Elliana's heart practically falls to her stomach when she sees Mark glaring a hardened stare at her.

"Long time no see, Miss Jenkins." He slams the car in drive and squeals from the curb. The car taking off so swiftly, slams her against the black leather seat.

"Where are you taking me?"

He says nothing.

"Whose car is this?"

He still says nothing. Approaching Highway 101, Mark heads south.

"Where are we going!?" she screams.

He reaches behind and backhands her across the face. "Shut the fuck up!"

She pulls out her cell phone and attempts to call Griffin, but Mark snatches the phone from her grasp and tosses it in the front passenger seat.

"I'll jump out!"

"Go ahead and try," he urges.

She tries to open the door and it's locked.

He laughs. "Child safety, you stupid bitch!"

They're headed onto Highway 237 and he still will not enlighten her on their journey.

"Mark, tell me where you're taking me?!" She frenetically kicks the back of his seat.

"You better stop that." He glares at her through the rearview mirror. "Don't make me pull off and restrain your ass."

"Fuck you!" she yells and spits at the back of his head.

"That's it!" He takes the next exit and pulls off behind a convenient store. Stepping from the car, he rushes toward the trunk and pulls out zip-ties.

She squeezes through the two front seats and lands in the passenger seat, desperately trying to open the door. Mark swings open the door and violently yanks her from the car by her arm. "You wouldn't listen!" He pulls her hands behind her back and zip-ties her wrists together.

"Let me go, you asshole!"

Opening the door to the backseat, he pushes her onto the seat and then, zip-ties her ankles together.

"You're not going to get away with this!"

He holds a roll of duct tape in his hands and raises it to his lips. He bites off a strip and slaps it harshly against her mouth. "There! Now I'll have silence."

He slams the trunk closed and climbs behind the wheel. Elliana raises herself up so she can see out the window.

Mark mumbles to himself, "I told that fucker I'd get him back for what he'd done. Stupid son-of-a-bitch. Trying to take my wife from me..."

They're on Highway 880. Elliana has no clue where he's taking her. She's never been in this area.

"You may as well lie back and enjoy the ride, honey. We have about three hours until we arrive to our destination.

Where, she wonders. Her eyes begin to swell up with tears.

"Stop your crying, you big baby! All you do is cry, cry, cry! For once, just hold back your tears, you bawlin' idiot!" he shouts. "Did you honestly think I would give you up that easily?"

She shrugs her shoulders.

"Did you know that your boyfriend gave me five-million bucks to sign the divorce papers?"

She shakes her head back and forth.

"That's how I bought this baby." His massive hand pats the steering wheel.

Elliana's phone rings and Mark picks it up from the seat and sees Griffin's name on the screen. He hits ignore and tosses it back down.

Merging onto Highway 680, Elliana glances out the back window hoping to see Griffin trailing behind, but there was no one familiar, just semi-trucks and cars all going about eighty miles-per-hour.

Elliana's phone chimes and Mark looks at the screen. "Looks like your boyfriend sent you a text." He scrolls through it. "Can't wait to see you this evening. I love you," Mark reads. "Aw...isn't that sweet?" He throws the phone to the floorboard on the passenger side. "Fucking douche bag!"

Elliana hopes that people on the freeway can see her in the backseat with her mouth duct taped. She slips her hands underneath her butt and slides them down the back of her legs, to her feet, causing her hands to now be in front. She holds up her zip-tied wrists to the window, but no one acknowledges her.

"You can try," Mark says, knowing exactly what she's trying to do. "But, these windows are so dark, no one will see anything."

She wants so badly to hit him upside the head, but she's afraid he'll wreck and they'll both be dead.

Now making their way onto Interstate 80, they're heading toward Reno, Nevada.

* * *

"Kate, it's Griffin. Is Elliana around?"

"I'm sorry," Kate replies. "It's the most peculiar thing. I haven't seen her for a few hours. I thought that maybe you picked her up."

Terror pulses through Griffin's veins and the first person who comes to mind is Mark. "She's not answering her cell phone, Kate."

"Oh, Griffin...I don't know what to tell you."

"It's okay. I'll see if I can find her."

"Wait, Griffin, let me check something first." Kate rushes to Elliana's desk and looks underneath, noticing her purse is gone. "Griffin, her purse isn't here. She must have never come back from her lunch break. She usually walks through downtown during her lunch hour. I'm going to try the bookstore down the street. She loves to read, so maybe she got caught up in a book and lost track of time."

"I'm going down there." Griffin disconnects the call, flees from his office building, and fires up his R8.

He rushes through the door and sees Kate standing at Elliana's desk, winded.

"She's not at the bookstore, in fact, the clerk said that she didn't even come in today."

Griffin paces back and forth with his hands on his hips, looking disheveled. Frustratingly running his fingers through his hair, he pulls out his cell phone and calls Elliana. "Fuck!" he yells when he gets her voicemail. Seconds later, he hears a chime indicating a text.

"I'm working, I will see you tonight," is what it read.

"What the fuck!?" He looks at Kate, puzzled. "Mark has her!" He shows Kate the text message.

Kate, looking worried, says, "I'm calling the police!"

She phones the police and Griffin paces the room looking as though he's confused. He opens an application on his phone and traces Elliana's cell. Seconds later, the coordinates of her location shows on his screen. "Kate!"

She holds her hand over the receiver and looks at him.

"She's in Lake Tahoe!"

Kate informs the police of her whereabouts and they contact the Tahoe police.

"I'm going there!" Griffin disappears through the front door and jumps in his R8 and speeds off.

* * *

Opening the backdoor, Mark grabs Elliana by the arm and brutally pulls her from the car. Her legs hit the grass that is lightly dusted with snow. Mark picks her up and tosses her over his shoulder. Elliana looks around at her surroundings hoping to remember anything that can help explain to the police of her whereabouts if she's able to escape. She sees a forest of trees, snowcapped mountains, and a tiny brown log cabin nestled away from public civilization.

Mark walks up the steps to the cabin, unlocks the door, and enters. Flinging her to the sofa, he snatches the duct tape from her lips, and kneels down before her.

Elliana raises herself up and attempts to scream, but his hand covers her mouth as his soulless eyes examine her. "Shh, don't say anything. Let me explain to you why you're here," he says in a calming tone. "Will you let me do that?"

She nods.

He hesitantly removes his hand. He paces back and forth in front of her appearing distraught. "I love you, Ellie. More than anyone ever could."

"If you love me as much as you say, then why did you hurt me?"

He shakes his head from side-to-side. "I don't know."

She twists her hands trying to loosen the zip-ties, but to no avail. "Please, Mark." Her eyes pleading. "Please, take these off."

"I can't."

"What do you mean, you can't?"

"You'll try to escape."

"Please. I can't speak to you bound like this."

He sits down on the sofa next to her. Holding a strand of her wavy blonde hair between his fingers, he intently studies it. "Beautiful..."

She jerks her head away.

Grabbing her behind the neck, he forces a kiss upon her lips; his tongue trying to force its way into her mouth.

She bites it. He pulls away and smacks her hard across the face. "Bitch!"

"I'm sorry!" she says, looking down, tears swelling in her eyes.

"Now, let's try this again." He pulls her into him once more. His lips come at her as if in slow motion. Her stomach churns.

She attempts to pull away, but his hold is far too strong. When his lips fall upon hers, his tongue tries to invade her mouth. Bile rises in her throat and she vomits all over him.

He stands. "Fuck!" he yells, looking down at his saturated clothes. He administers another blow to her face.

She peers down at her lap and sees drops of scarlet blood flow from her nose and fall to her skirt.

He pulls the turtleneck over his head and tosses it to the floor. His pecs, which used to be an attraction to her, are now nothing more than horrid disgust.

"What the hell is wrong with you?"

"I think I'm getting sick."

He rolls his eyes, exasperated. "Great...that's all I need."

"Can I have some water?"

"Just a second." He turns on his heel and scampers off into the kitchen.

Elliana glimpses around the living room. It's filled with rundown tattered furniture, a scratched up coffee table, and Aztec art hang on the walls covered in dust.

Mark holds a glass of water to her lips and she takes a sip. "What is this place?"

"You like it?" he asks. "I bought it a few days ago. He looks around." I haven't been able to decorate yet. All this furniture came with it."

"Oh..."

"I bought it especially for this occasion."

She looks puzzled.

"I'll show you the bedroom later."

Heat boils in her stomach and up to her esophagus. Vomit hits the rustic hardwood floor.

"Damn!" He takes a dusty blanket that is draped along the top of the sofa and wipes the floor. "Control yourself!"

"I'm sorry."

Mark hears a car pull up and he slides open the drapes just enough to peek outside. "Fuck!" He bites off another piece of duct tape and presses it to Elliana's lips. Flinging her over his shoulder, he heads through a narrow hallway and enters a door that leads to stairs to an underground cellar. A large number of stacked wine barrels line the wall. The room smells musty and feels humid. Mark places her on the cold cement ground and rushes up the stairs. As soon as the cellar door closes, the room goes black as night.

Hearing a knock on the front door, Mark opens it and sees a police officer standing on the steps.

"Can I help you?" Mark asks, holding the door slightly ajar.

The dark-haired police officer tries to peek inside the house, but Mark has the door barely cracked open, obstructing the officers view. "We're just doing some routine checks in the area. There's a blizzard on the way. Just making sure you're well stocked and prepared in case you get snowed in."

"I'm fine."

"Are you alone?"

Mark looks at the police officer with a hardened glare in his eyes. "Yes, I'm alone," he answers, snidely. "Why do you ask?"

"Just taking a head count is all." He flips open a small notepad and writes something in it. He flips it closed. "Well, I guess that's all I need to know."

Mark nods his head and closes the door. He rushes to the window, and peeks out at the police officer who is sitting in his squad car, speaking into the mic that's attached to his collar.

"Subject doesn't appear questionable," Lieutenant Wells says. "Did not see or hear a female on the residence's property...over." He pulls from the snow covered driveway and heads back on patrol.

Mark closes the curtain and heads into his bedroom. He pulls a white T-shirt from his dresser and slips it over his head. Pulling a box from underneath his bed, he retrieves an AK-47 and pops a clip inside. Grabbing a 9mm Glock, he loads it with a magazine, and places it behind his back, the waistband of his jeans securing it tightly against him.

Exiting his room and heading to the dark, cold wine cellar, he makes his way down the stairs, leaving the door open to allow some light inside.

Elliana sits in a corner curled up like a frightened child, shivering, her teeth chattering against the duct tape. Mark encircles his arms around her and rubs her biceps with his hands attempting to warm her, but she doesn't stop shivering.

Pulling the tape from her lips, he stares at her mouth, places his lips to hers, and then pulls away, staring intently into her eyes. "I love you so much, Ellie," he whispers as he rocks her back and forth in his arms.

She looks at him, her eyes pleading. "Please, Mark," she says. "Please take these zip-ties off me. They hurt."

He picks up her tightly secured wrists and looks at the bruising caused by the restraints. Flinging her over his shoulder, he carries her up the stairs, and sets her on his bed in his room.

Elliana sees the AK-47 on the floor and her heart pounds ferociously. "Wh-wh-what are y-y-you going to do with that?" she stammers, eyeing the gun.

He pulls out a survival knife from his back pocket and cuts the ties from her wrists. "Don't you worry your pretty little head about that."

She rubs the burn on her wrists. He cuts the zip-ties from her ankles and removes her black pumps from her feet, caressing her arches. "Beautiful..."

He stands before her and kisses her lips. She falls back onto the bed, her only attempt to get his lips off her.

With her legs dangling off the edge of the bed, he in between her knees, he hovers above her, looking devilishly into her eyes. "Beautiful..."

She breathes in deeply, afraid he's going to take her, but he rises himself off her, and turns his back as he faces the dresser.

Elliana sits, noticing the 9mm planted at his back and her heart sinks. He reaches into a drawer and pulls out a white see-through negligee and tosses it at her. "After your bath, I want you to put that on."

She picks it up and looks at the matching panties. "I'm so cold, Mark. Do I have to wear this?"

"You do as you're told and you won't get hurt!" he barks at her. "Do you understand?"

She nods. "Okay."

He shakes his head back and forth like a crazy person and paces before her. "From here on out, you address me as sir." He shakes his head again, attempting to focus. "No, better yet, you address me as Petty Officer Lattimer."

What the hell is wrong with him? She knew she better do as he orders, otherwise she can envision him using that 9mm on her. "Yes, Petty Officer Lattimer."

He pulls her from the bed by her arm and leads her to the bathroom. Forcing her to sit on the toilet, he takes some peroxide from the medicine cabinet above the sink along with a cotton ball, and dabs it at the cut next to her eye. He wipes the dried blood from her face and cups her head in his hands, studying her nose. "Doesn't look broken."

She winces when he applies peroxide to her cut.

"Stop fidgeting!" He dabs more onto her face. "Now, stand!"

She does as she's told and he unfastens the button on the back of her skirt, and it falls to her ankles. Starting at the first button of her white blouse, his fingers trail to the last one, and he pushes her shirt off her shoulders. It falls to the floor.

Reaching behind her back, Mark unhooks her bra and sets it on the back of the toilet. He gazes lustfully down at her. "Beautiful..."

She modestly crosses her arms in front, concealing her breasts. He pulls them away. "Those tits will always be mine," he says, snarky. "I paid for 'em."

He leans over the porcelain bathtub and starts the water. "This will warm you up." He swishes his hands in the water, testing the temperature.

"Can I do this in private?"

"No. I'm going to wash you."

Her stomach knots. "But, I need to use the bathroom."

He lifts the toilet lid and pushes her down upon the seat by her shoulders. "Have at it."

"But—"

"But nothing," he interrupts. "Do you honestly think I'm letting you out of my sight?" he asks. "I'm not an idiot."

She grabs some tissue from the roll and dabs herself dry. He lifts her up by the arm and helps her to step into the bathtub. The warm water, almost hot, rushes over her and it feels so good.

Relaxing back against the bathtub, she closes her eyes, trying to think of something soothing. Imagining the sound of Griffin's voice puts her at ease.

Mark kneels next to the bathtub and runs a loofah through the water. "Up," he orders.

Elliana sits up, hugging her knees into her chest. Mark squeezes the loofah and water trickles down her back. He pulls a plastic cup from underneath the sink's cabinet. "Lean your head back." He pours water over her hair. The water cascades down her back. Mark squirts shampoo into his palm and then lathers it in her golden tresses. He pours water over her hair once more, rinsing the suds as the soap gracefully spills down her back.

Grabbing the loofah, he saturates it with soap. "Unhook your arms, Elliana." He washes her arms, her neck, breasts, and abdomen. "Spread 'em," he says.

She slightly opens her knees and feels him apply the loofah down there, and then, he washes her legs and feet. "Up."

She stands, crossing her arms in front. He places a dark brown towel around her and lifts her from the bathtub and dries her off. "Get dressed."

She puts on the white negligee and pulls the matching see-through panties up her thighs. He stands back, admiring her. "Beautiful..." he whispers.

* * *

"What the fuck do you mean, there's nothing you can do about it?" Griffin speaks sternly to the officer at the police station.

"We sent an officer over to the residence and there was nothing out of the ordinary."

"I'm telling you—" Griffin pauses. "She's being held against her will!"

"Until there's an actual crime committed, our hands are tied."

Griffin's hands are on his hips and then he brushes his hands through his hair, frustrated. "So, we have to wait until she's killed before you can do anything?" he asks. "This is total bullshit!"

"Unless we have probable cause for a warrant, we can't really do anything."

"So, this text that was sent to me a few hours ago does not show probable cause?" He pulls his cell phone from his pocket and shows it to the officer. "See, she texted me that she was at work while I was standing at her desk. SHE WAS NOT THERE!" Griffin slams his hands down on the officer's desk. "Please, you have to help me here," his voice begins to soften.

The officer looks into Griffin's pleading eyes. "Does this guy have a history of domestic abuse?"

"Yes, he does. It's all on record at the base at Moffett Federal Airfield."

"I can't obtain those files. If he doesn't have any arrests as a civilian for domestic abuse, it's useless."

"He almost killed her!"

The officer rests back against his seat and crosses his legs, swiveling back and forth in his chair. "What can I say?" He shrugs audaciously. "I can't do anything."

"I can't stand here and argue with you." Griffin turns around and heads for the door.

The officer stands from his chair. "Wait!" he hollers. "You can't go over there on your own."

Griffin stops before opening the glass double doors and looks sharply at the officer. "Watch me!"

* * *

Mark leads Elliana back to his bedroom. He pulls down the blankets and tells her to climb underneath them. "I'll be back in a few minutes." He picks up the AK-47 off the floor, turns, and leaves the room.

Elliana watches the door close and she hears Mark locking it from the outside. She looks around noticing a small window behind her above the bed, but it's much too tiny for her to fit through. It's becoming dark and the events of the day are making her grow very exhausted. She wonders what Griffin was thinking when he went to pick her up at work and she wasn't there.

Pulling the blankets securely up to her eyes, she sinks her head down onto the pillow and tries to take her mind to a better place. As she stares up at the ceiling, an idea sparks. She walks to the dresser and finds an envelope on the surface and an ink pen next to Mark's bottle of Polo cologne. Her heart pounds as she quickly scribbles some words to the paper.

Please, help me. I've been kidnapped.

She folds the envelope in half and stands on the bed. Prying the window open, she drops the envelope outside. It falls to the lightly dusted, snow covered ground. How she prays more snow doesn't fall. She doesn't want to run the risk of her note being concealed.

She crawls back underneath the blankets and hears the doorknob jiggle. She breathes in deeply, scared of what is coming next.

Mark walks in and closes the door behind him. "Miss me?"

She disgustingly rolls her eyes and says nothing.

He strips from his clothes, sets his 9mm on the dresser, and climbs underneath the blankets, naked. He wraps his arms tightly around her, she facing the wall as he guides her ass against his warm hips. She can feel his erection against her and she cringes.

He tenderly strokes the back of her hair. "Ellie, you don't know how much I've missed you," he whispers.

Tears pool in her eyes as she silently prays that he won't force himself upon her.

"Did you miss me?"

She says nothing.

His voice becomes more stern. "I said, did you miss me?"

She nods.

"I can't hear you."

"Yes, I missed you," she lies to him.

He squeezes her tighter. "I knew you did."

"What are you going to do with me?"

He lightly kisses her shoulder. "I'm taking you to Reno tomorrow and we're getting married all over again."

"You can't make me do that!"

"That gun on my dresser can."

Elliana's tears flow freely down her cheeks and Mark can hear her whimpering.

"Fuck, Elliana!" He raises his voice. "Do you always have to cry?"

She wipes the tears from her eyes with her fingers. "I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry, what?" he asks.

"I'm sorry, Petty Officer Lattimer."

"That's my girl."

* * *

Griffin parks his car about an eighth of a mile down the street from Mark's cabin. Because his engine is emphatically loud, he didn't want to run the risk of Mark hearing his Audi.

The cold wind is chilling and his black, lace-up oxfords pace the road swiftly with each step; his shoes becoming wet with each stride due to the snow. With no lights illuminating the lonely path, Griffin uses his cell phone's flashlight feature, and follows the trail that leads directly to the cabin.

When he arrives, Griffin sees no lights on in the cabin, whatsoever. He walks around the house, trying to get a peek inside, but everything is too dark.

When he looks into the living room window, he can see by the moonlight beaming through the window, an AK-47 resting in a chair.

His heart practically stops. He walks around toward the back and comes to the bedroom window. His foot hits something on the ground that didn't sound like snow crunching beneath his feet. Shining the cell phone's light toward the ground, he picks up the neatly folded envelope. Sheer horror thunders through his soul when he reads Elliana's words, hoping he's not too late.

Relieved that he has proof for the police to help, he places the envelope into the inside pocket of his jacket. How he wishes that he could rescue her now, but without a gun, he was helpless.

He rushes his way back to his car and speeds back to the police station.

* * *

"Elliana, you know I love you deeply, right?" Mark asks.

"Yes, Petty Officer Lattimer."

A smile quirks on his lips when he hears his name and rank, making him feel important.

"Why do you have those guns?"

"For protection."

"Protection from what?"

"From whoever tries to take you away from me."

Her stomach knots when she hears those words. All she can think of is Griffin.

He sucks in a deep breath. "Elliana, I want you to know that I will never let you go—" he pauses. "I will die protecting you and will kill anyone who tries to steal you away."

She feels sickened.

"I will make you very happy," he adds. "Now that I have a few million dollars, I'm going to take us away from all this, to another country where we can spend the rest of our lives together."

"But, where?"

"How does Europe sound?"

"But, your job..."

"Fuck my job! As of right now, I'm AWOL."

She feels a sense of calmness when he tells her he's AWOL. Certainly, the Navy must be looking for him.

"So...after you marry me tomorrow, we're heading straight to the airport, and fleeing the country."

"I don't have my passport."

"I'm not stupid, Elliana," he chides. "I have it."

"But—"

He rolls her over to face him and presses his index finger to her lips. "Shh..." His knuckles slightly graze her jaw. His hand wanders up her negligee and palms her breast. His lips press firmly against hers. She feels his other hand between her thighs, stroking the outside of her panties. "So warm..." he hisses.

She wants to vomit badly, but with no food in her stomach, she has no release of the knot cinched tightly in her gut.

Mark feels her tears fall upon his lips. "Don't cry, Ellie." He brushes a tear away with his thumb.

Flinging the blankets off, he positions himself between her knees, and peels her panties down her legs. She stares up at the dark ceiling then squeezes her eyes shut. 'Just make it be over with quickly,' she silently prays.

She feels his middle finger probe into her folds and his groans sound like shards of glass piercing her soul. "Beautiful..."

As Elliana opens her eyes and looks at the ceiling, she can see red and blue lights bouncing off the walls coming through the bedroom window. Mark quickly stands, looks from the bedroom window, and sees numerous squad cars coming to a screeching halt at his cabin.

Elliana hears the familiar sound of Griffin's R8.

"Come out with your hands up, Mark Lattimer. We've got the entire place surrounded," A man's voice bellows through a megaphone.

He snatches Elliana up by her arms, throws her over his shoulder, and takes her down the hallway toward the wine cellar. He opens the door, and pushes her down the stairs. When she rolls to the bottom, she crawls her way to the corner, hugging her knees into her chest, and then all goes black as night.

Mark gets dressed, takes his 9mm from the dresser, and then rushes into the living room, strapping the AK-47 to his chest.

"We know you're in there! Come out now, or the SWAT team is going in!"

Mark tightly grips his AK-47. He ducks underneath the living room window and slightly cracks it open, just enough for the front sight housing of his gun to be exposed.

Mark fires off a round, bullets fly through the front yard. Officers are ducking behind open car doors, hiding behind trees, and some are protected by their handheld shields.

Griffin is in a fire truck putting on some rubber boots, his feet practically frozen from the snow. He jumps from the truck and stares up at the sky with his eyes closed tightly. "Please," he prays. "I know I have never asked anything of you, but please, God, please...let Elliana come out of this alive." He breathes in deeply, clinging on to hope.

The SWAT team feels helpless during this situation because they want nothing more than to blow up the cabin with bullets, but knowing that Elliana is inside, they don't want to run the risk of her getting shot.

Mark fires more shots from the window. No one is hit.

A loud voice from Sergeant Williams calls over the megaphone again, "Lattimer, release the girl."

Mark fires off another round of gunfire and refuses to do as he's told.

Griffin paces the snow covered ground behind the fire truck feeling absolutely helpless, his heart racing. "Fuck!" he yells. "Get her out of there!"

"We're doing all we can," Captain Armstrong says, puffing addictively on a cigarette.

Mark drops the gun to the floor and rushes back to the wine cellar. He runs down the stairs with a flashlight in hand and sees Elliana lying on the floor unconscious.

Lightly tapping her cheek, he whispers, "Wake up, Ellie. Wake up now!"

Elliana doesn't even flinch at his touch or the sound of his voice. Wrapping his fingers around her wrist, he's relieved that she has a pulse after the forceful tumble down the stairs. He drops her hand and hurries back up to the action.

Taking the AK-47 off the floor, Mark sticks it back through the crack of the window, firing off more rounds.

"Kill the fucker!" Griffin hollers.

"Where is the girl?" Sergeant Williams blusters through the megaphone.

Mark yells through the window, "You'll never take her or me alive!"

Hearing those words practically rip Griffin apart.

Members of the SWAT team have placed heat sensors all over the outside of the house in hopes to detect where Elliana is, but the only thing they detect is Mark. One of the SWAT officers rushes up to the captain. "Sir, we can't find her. The only movement we are detecting is that of the shooter."

Griffin doesn't know how to process the news that was told to the captain. Before he can say anything, the captain tells the SWAT officer, "Ambush the house. Take him dead or alive. Once we have him in custody, we'll locate the girl."

Griffin's nerves are reeling, his stomach churning. He watches intently as the SWAT team secures their tactical gear and helmets. They spread into a line that is the full length of the cabin, aiming their assault rifles directly at the house. "Ready, boys?" the captain asks.

Suddenly, the front door swings open and Mark comes out with his hands held high in the air. With all the SWAT's guns aimed directly at him, Mark pulls his 9mm handgun from behind his back, places the barrel in his mouth, and pulls the trigger.

Blood sprays from the back of his head and he falls lifeless to the ground.

Griffin runs toward the front door, but the captain yells out, "Stop! You can't go in there!"

But Griffin doesn't listen. He rushes through the house, checking every room, but can't find Elliana. He comes to the wine cellar door and kicks it open. The light from the hallway allows a little light for him to see and he notices Elliana half-naked at the foot of the stairs.

With his heart racing, he believes his worst nightmare has come true. He encircles her body into his chest and is relieved that he feels her heart beating against him. "You're safe now," he softly whispers. He looks up and says, "Thank you, God." Now, he believes.

Shrugging off his jacket, he wraps it around her, and lifts her off the floor. Carrying her to the bedroom, he places her onto the bed, and wraps her securely in a blanket.

The SWAT team informs the captain that Elliana is in the house, but is in dire need of medical attention.

Tears stream down Griffin's face as he stares at her swollen, busted cheeks. "My God...what has he done to you, baby?" he whispers, rocking her listless body back and forth as she's cradled against his chest.

The paramedics arrive and load her in the back of the ambulance. Griffin rushes to Mark's Porsche and grabs Elliana's cell phone and purse from the floorboard. He hops in his R8 and follows behind the ambulance.
Chapter Eighteen

"She has a collapsed lung, bruised ribs, and her jaw seems slightly out of alignment," Dr. Ingram says. "I'm surprised it wasn't worse."

Griffin plummets sorrowfully onto the chair inside the ER's waiting room when he hears the news.

"We need to do a pleurodesis to repair that lung," the doctor explains. "She was conscious to approve the procedure."

"Whatever needs to be done," Griffin says, running his hands through his hair, exhausted.

"We'll get her prepped and start the procedure momentarily."

At three o'clock in the morning, Sandy comes rushing down the hallway into the surgery waiting room, and sees Griffin sitting in a chair wearing rubber boots with his suit. She places a bag on his lap and bends down to kiss his forehead. "I brought you some clothes and shoes," she says.

"Thank you, Mother."

"How is she?"

He looks down at the ground, shaking his head in doubt. "She's going to be in a lot of pain when she awakens."

Sandy can tell by the puffiness of Griffin's face that he had been sobbing, which is something he rarely does.

"She's in good hands."

"Yes, I know." He looks up at the ceiling, trying to prevent tears from streaming down his face. "When I saw her at the bottom of those stairs, I thought she was..." He can't bring himself to say the words.

Sandy places her hand on Griffin's knee and squeezes. "I know, Grif...I know what you were thinking."

He looks into her eyes. "He's gone for good, Mother."

"I know, sweetheart. He'll never be able to hurt her again."

"I just can't begin to fathom of what that monster did to her in that cabin."

Sandy wraps her arms around her son and cradles him into her chest like a baby.

He stands with the bag in hand and goes to the restroom to change his clothes.

An hour later, Dr. Ingram enters the waiting room and stands before Griffin and Sandy. "She went through the repair just fine. She will be sedated for a while, though. We have her on a morphine drip for the pain. You can see her as soon as she's wheeled from recovery."

Griffin rises to his feet, shaking the doctor's hand. "Thank you so much."

"You're welcome." He smiles and takes his leave.

Sandy stands from her seat and tells Griffin that she's going to the Grand Sierra resort to get a room. He heads off to Elliana's room where she's due to be wheeled in any moment.

Sitting in a reclining chair, he waits restlessly for Elliana to arrive. Not able to keep his legs from bouncing up and down, he stands and paces about the room.

Suddenly, he sees Elliana being wheeled into her room. Two strong men help her from the gurney and onto her bed.

His heart breaks when he sees how badly beaten she is. Her bruising appears much worse underneath the bright lights at Saint Mary's Regional.

The nurse plugs in the machines behind Elliana's bed and checks her IV. "Do you want these lights on?" she asks.

Griffin shakes his head. "No, please turn them off."

The nurse flicks the light switch off on the wall, shuts the door, and leaves the room.

Griffin stands at Elliana's bedside, lovingly stroking her arm, staring into her black and blue battered face.

She slightly shifts on the bed, but doesn't awaken. He gently kisses her forehead and brushes her bangs away from her eyes. He backs up toward the fold-out couch and unfolds a blanket. Kicking off his loafers, Griffin leaves on his white socks and lies back wearing his jeans and dark blue polo. He covers himself, rolls onto his side, facing Elliana.

Although utterly exhausted, Griffin can't sleep as he plays the event over and over in his mind. He sees Elliana moving and moaning slightly. He jumps to his feet and rushes to her bedside. She cracks open her eyes, but everything is fuzzy.

She parts her lips to speak, but her saliva is immensely thick, so she makes a smacking sound, and falls back to sleep.

* * *

The next morning, the doctor comes into Elliana's room to check in on her. "Her vitals look good. I think tomorrow we can x-ray that jaw and see if she needs surgery."

Griffin did notice how Elliana's jaw was a little out of alignment. He just can't imagine the pain she must have felt when it happened.

She attempts to open her eyes, but squints because of the bright light above her bed. She raises her hand to her jaw, rubs it, and painfully groans.

"Do you need some more pain meds?" the doctor asks.

Elliana nods. She glances to her right and sees Griffin standing beside her bed. She manages to smile slightly. Griffin places his hand in hers and strokes her knuckles with his thumb.

The doctor presses a button that is connected to the tube of her IV and morphine pulses into her veins. Her eyes close, and she's sleeping again.

Sandy and Elliana's parents' come rushing through the door. With her mother in tears, Sally stands beside Elliana's bed, holding her hand while Griffin explains everything to her father.

"She's coming home with us," Mr. Jenkins says.

"Sir, I assure you, she's safe at my house."

"She needs her family."

Griffin nods in agreement. "Yes, sir...I know, but I can take good care of her. She's no longer in harm's way."

"I heard on the news that Mark took his own life."

"Yes, you are right," Griffin says. "I saw the whole thing."

"My poor Ellie..." Mr. Jenkins says, looking at her sleeping body lying in the bed hooked up to an IV. "Look at her face." Dan's knuckles tenderly brush along her cheek.

The doctor comes in and explains that he needs to repair Elliana's jaw. "Looks minor. She will be sedated. Just needs a quick pop back in place."

The staff wheels her from the room and down to the surgery wing of the hospital.

Elliana's parents', Sandy, and Griffin go downstairs to the cafeteria to eat lunch.

As they sit together at a round table by a window, Griffin places his napkin on his lap, and clears his throat. He takes a sip of bottled water. "I have something to ask you." He looks at Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins.

"And, what's that?" Mr. Jenkins asks as he takes a small bite of his turkey sandwich.

Griffin takes in a deep breath and exhales slowly. "I would like your blessing," he says. "I'm going to ask Elliana to become my wife."

Sandy's face beams with sudden delight. Elliana's father, not so much. Sally cracks a meager smile.

Mr. Jenkins sets his hands to the surface of the table, clenching them tightly into balled fists. His eyes glare at Griffin. "Boy! Her divorce barely became final!"

Not taking his gaze from Mr. Jenkins, Griffin says, "I realize that, sir, but I love her with all my heart. I fell in love with her the first day we met. I found my other half, my better half." Griffin smiles brightly as he speaks of how much he cherishes her. "She makes my heart skip a beat. Every thought is of her," he says. "I want nothing more than to take care of her and spend the rest of my life doing just that."

Mr. Jenkins lowers his head, places his elbows on the table, and locks his fingers behind his neck. "If she says yes, then I will give you my blessing," he says, speaking down at the table.

"Thank you very much, sir."

Sandy and Sally look at each other, their eyes gleaming brightly as they're excited to hear about Griffin's future proposal.
Chapter Nineteen

The following morning, Elliana blinks open her eyes and sees Griffin asleep in the chair next to her bed. She smiles, her teal-green eyes sparkle. She breathes in deeply with a slight groan, and Griffin awakens when he hears her. He stands at her bedside, his hand holding hers. "Hi, beautiful." He curls his hand and strokes her cheek with his knuckles.

She saddens.

"What's the matter, baby?"

"It's just...just." She's afraid to say.

"Please, Elliana. You can tell me anything."

"Mark called me "beautiful" the entire time we were at his cabin." She takes a long sigh. "I've grown accustomed to hating that word."

Griffin looks down at her, smiling. "I understand," he says. "How about gorgeous?"

She smiles wide. "I like that."

Griffin takes a seat in the doctor's swivel stool beside the bed. He cups her hand to his cheek and displays a serious look on his face. "Elliana, I need to tell you something."

She blinks her eyes. "Yes?"

"Mark took his own life that night at the cabin."

Her hand pulls away from Griffin's hold and she sits up straight in the bed. "What?"

"Mark took his own life, Elliana."

Cold shivers shoot down her spine making her skin tingle. "But, how?"

"He shot himself with a 9mm Glock."

She shakes her head back and forth in dismay. "The only thing I remember is seeing blue and red lights coming up to the cabin through the window and Mark pushing me down the stairs in that creepy old wine cellar."

"That's all you remember?"

"I woke up and heard a lot of shouting and gunfire, but I couldn't stand." Tears pool in her eyes. "Oh God, Griffin. Please tell me no one else was hurt."

He endearingly strokes her hair. "He was the only one who suffered from a gunshot wound."

She relaxes back against her pillow, breathing a sigh of relief. Then, she looks at Griffin with a blank stare. "Is it bad that I'm not upset over Mark dying?"

Griffin's thumb lightly traces her bottom lip. "Not at all, baby."

Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins walk into the room carrying get well Mylar balloons and a dozen of red roses elegantly arranged in an ornate glass vase.

"Mama! Daddy!" she squeals with delight, her arms open wide.

They lean in to her hug her, Mr. Jenkins eyes filling with tears. "You had us extremely worried."

"I'm sorry."

Sally smooth's out Elliana's hair over her shoulders. "No apologies," she says. "We're just happy that you're alright." She looks at Griffin. "Did you ask her yet?"

Elliana looks at Griffin and crinkles her forehead in wonder. "Ask me what?"

Griffin pushes his index finger to his lips. "Shh..."

Sally slaps her hand over her mouth, her eyes pop. "Sorry." She giggles.

Elliana continues to press the subject, "What are you going to ask me?"

Griffin looks toward the door and sees the doctor enter. The doctor picks up her chart from the foot of the bed and flips through a few pages. "Looks like we can let her go today," he says, tucking the chart under his arm. "Everything looks great, but I need her to follow up here in a week."

"That's fine. She and I can stay in a hotel here in Reno until then," Griffin says.

"Perfect!" The doctor playfully shakes Elliana's foot. "You're a real trooper, young lady," he says. "Let me get the staff to draw up your release papers and aftercare instructions, and then you'll be on your way."

Worry washes over Elliana as she looks at her parents'. "Mama, Daddy, where are you staying?"

"It's alright," Griffin says. "They're taking my jet home with my mother and will stay in your cottage as long as they wish."

"But, Daddy, is it okay for you to travel with your bad heart?"

He chuckles, his shoulders bob up and down with each laugh. "I don't have a bad heart anymore, Ellie. I'm fine."

Elliana turns her focus back to Griffin. "Now, what are you supposed to ask me?"

"Let's wait until we get to the hotel," he says, playfully, winking at her parents'. "It's nothing to worry about. It's all good," he jokes.

Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins lean in to hug Elliana goodbye.

"We'll see you when you get home, sweetheart." Her mother kisses Elliana's forehead.

Her dad bends down and kisses her on the cheek. "I love you, Elliana."

"I love you guys, too."

She turns to look at Griffin who has a sheepish grin on his face. "Spill it, Griffin."

He shakes his head back and forth. "Nope! It's not the proper time."

The nurse enters the room with Elliana's release paperwork. "Someone will be here shortly to wheel you downstairs." She hands Elliana a pen to sign the papers.

After washing her hands, the nurse takes the IV from Elliana's vein. She puts a piece of gauze and surgical tape over the puncture wound.

The nurse takes the signed paperwork from Elliana's bed, rips off the bottom copy, and hands it to Griffin.

As soon as the nurse leaves the room, Elliana looks at Griffin worriedly. "Oh no! I have no clothes!"

He pulls a bag off the pull-out sofa and hands it to her. "Yes, you do. My mother bought them while she was at the mall for you." He smiles.

She expels a sigh of relief. "Where is she?"

"She's at the airport with your parents'."

"Please tell her thank you for me when you speak to her on the phone."

Griffin nods. "I will, gorgeous."

Elliana climbs from bed with the bag in hand and goes into the bathroom to change. Pulling a bra and matching panties from the bag, her brow arches as she wonders how he knew her bra size.

She emerges from the bathroom wearing a white thermal polo, khaki capris, and white canvas flats.

"Cute!" Griffin says.

Elliana looks down at herself. "I'd be even cuter if my face didn't look like such a monster," she says. "And, how did you know what size bra and panties to get me?"

Griffin wraps his arms around her, holding her close. "First, you could never look like a monster. And second, I have my ways on finding out your sizes."

A heavyset African American gentleman named Gabe who is dressed in dark blue scrubs enters the room pushing a wheelchair. "Your chariot," he says, smiling.

"I'll pull the car around," Griffin says, stepping into the hallway.

Once outside, Elliana hears the throaty growl of Griffin's R8 engine.

"Whoa!" Gabe hollers. "Nice wheels." He smiles down at Elliana.

"It's my boyfriend's car."

Griffin steps from the car and runs around it to open the passenger door for Elliana. She winces slightly at the pain in her ribs as she crouches down to climb inside.

"You okay?" Griffin asks, pulling her seatbelt around her, buckling it in place.

"I'm okay."

He shuts the door and is positioned behind the wheel. "So, what hotel would you like to stay in?"

She shrugs her shoulders, doubtful. "I don't know," she replies, unsure. "How about the Silver Legacy?"

"If that's what you want, that's what you shall have." He shifts the car in gear and pulls from the hospital. As they make their way down Virginia Street, Elliana's mesmerized by all the large hotels and casinos. "Where do you stay when you visit?" she asks Griffin.

"The Peppermill."

"I'm sorry. Is that where you want to stay?"

"This is all about you, Elliana. We'll stay wherever you like."

"But, I don't want you to be unhappy."

He throws his head back against the headrest, laughing. "Trust me, I won't be unhappy."

Pulling up to the hotel's valet, Griffin takes his luggage from the trunk, places his arm around Elliana, and they walk inside to the check-in desk. Rows of staff stand behind the counter anticipating the three o'clock check-in rush.

While Griffin books their suite, Elliana is glancing around at the elegant décor. Gold and crystal chandeliers dangle from the ceiling; beautifully arranged tall standing floral bouquets set upon a shiny marble floor.

As Elliana is looking about in awe, people stroll by taking second glances at her face. Finally realizing they're all staring at her bruising, she looks down at the floor, shamefully.

Griffin approaches from behind, placing his hand upon the small of her back. "Ready?"

She looks up weary eyed. "Uh, huh." She nods.

"What's the matter?" he asks, concerned by her expression.

She shrugs. "It's nothing."

"Nonsense," he says. "Tell me."

"It's all these people staring at me."

"Oh, baby. It's okay." He holds out his arm and Elliana snakes her hand around his elbow.

They enter their suite and Griffin sets his luggage to the floor. Elliana looks around the room. Red and gold damask bedspreads drape over the massive king size bed. Two Victorian wing-back chairs with a small wooden table are in a corner next to a window. Underneath a panoramic window is a large rectangular hot tub, and a dark brown velvet sofa sits off to the left.

"It's absolutely stunning!" Elliana stares out the window admiring the breathtaking view of the Tahoe snowcapped mountainside.

"Come here," Griffin says, pulling her into him.

She flinches slightly at the pressure against her ribs.

He backs away, but not relinquishing his grasp from her waist. "I'm so sorry," he says. "I keep forgetting about your bruised ribs."

She stands on her tiptoes and tries to kiss his lips, but he's much too tall. "You need to meet me halfway," she jokes.

A childish grin displays on his face. His lips gladly meet hers. She sinks into his kiss and she stumbles, feeling faint. His arms catch her fall. "You okay?"

She giggles, embarrassed. "Yeah, your kiss makes me weak."

He tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. "Are you sure that's it?"

She nods, staring into those icy blue eyes of his. "Yes, that's it." She pulls away, turns, and walks over to the bed. Yanking the blankets down, she kicks off her shoes, and climbs underneath the covers. "I hope you don't mind," she says. "I'm feeling a little dizzy."

"From the kiss?"

"I don't know. Maybe from the meds."

"I'll order you some food." He grabs the room service menu from the desk and hands it to her. "Choose anything you want and I'll place the order."

"I just want something light. Can you order me some chicken soup and a garden salad please?"

"Anything, gorgeous. What would you like to drink?"

"Sprite."

He picks up the phone and places the order. While he's speaking into the phone, Elliana keeps flashing Griffin provocative glances. When his icy blue eyes look her way, her stomach tingles.

He sets the receiver down. "You're going to get yourself into some trouble if you keep looking at me like that."

She temptingly bites her bottom lip, her eyes appearing innocent. "What look?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about."

She shakes her head, flirting. "No, I don't."

He kneels down beside her and strokes her golden blonde hair. His index finger lightly grazes her injured jaw. He presses his lips lightly to it. Squeezing her eyes closed, Elliana wraps her arms around his neck and he guides his lips to hers.

"Does this hurt?" he asks when he pulls away.

"It's worth the pain, Mr. Reid."

His stomach gets butterflies when he hears her say his last name. He takes in a deep breath, almost afraid to ask. "Mr. Reid, huh?" He curls his index finger around one of the loose waves in her hair.

She nods. "Yes. I love saying your name." She chuckles. "I find it incredibly erotic when I call you mister," she says. "It's as though I'm doing something naughty with the boss."

He tosses his head back and laughs loudly. "You're really something else," he says. His expression takes on a more serious approach. He clears his throat, taking her hand in his. He holds it up to the slight stubble on his jaw. The nerves in his stomach are tense, his hand starts to tremble.

"Oh, Griffin." She sits up, cupping his hand that is wrapped around hers. "Are you okay? You're shaking."

He nods and clears his throat one more time. "Elliana, from the first day that I met you, I became complete. No other woman in this world has ever made me feel the way that you do."

Elliana notices his lips slightly quivering.

"I know we haven't known each other that long and you should believe that I will always protect you, provide you with the things that you need, love you the way you deserve, and will always respect you."

Her stomach starts to churn. "There's a "but" in there, isn't it?" she asks. "You're breaking up with me, aren't you?" Tears begin to settle in her eyes.

He attentively strokes the back of her hair. "No, Elliana. I'm asking you to become my wife."

Her heart pounds savagely. She breathes briskly. "Um...I-I-I...Oh my goodness..."

He stares into her eyes, hoping to hear the three letter word come from her lips.

"Oh, Griffin..."

"Yes, baby?"

"Oh my gosh...I just love you so much! Um, well...it's awfully sudden. I mean, we've only known each other a few weeks." She pulls her hand from his and excitedly fidgets with her fingers in her lap. "But, there's a feeling I have when I'm with you. I just can't explain it. It just feels so right."

"Well?"

She looks into his eyes and beams a bright smile. "Of course...Yes!" she squeaks. "Yes! I will marry you."

Tears stream down his cheeks, happy tears as he hugs her tightly, but not painfully tight, respecting her ribs. "I can feel your heart racing, Elliana."

She takes in a deep breath. "I'm excited," she says, nearly breathless. She cups his face in her hands. "Thank you."

"Thank you?" he questions.

"Yes, thank you for everything that you have done for me. You saved me." She hugs him again. "Oh, Griffin, words cannot describe how much you mean to me."

"You don't need to thank me, gorgeous. You saved me, too."
Chapter Twenty

"Griffin, you need to get her to sign a prenup," Sandy says through the phone.

"I'm not having her sign a prenup, Mother. God forbid if we ever do split, she can have everything anyway because without her, I'm nothing."

Sandy dreadfully shakes her head back and forth. "Oh, darling...you know that I love the hell out of that girl, but you need to protect yourself."

"I trust her, Mother. When have you ever known me to make a bad decision?"

"You're correct," she says. "If you feel it's right, then I won't pressure you."

Elliana emerges from the bathroom with a white terrycloth bathrobe wrapped around her.

Griffin changes the subject. "How are Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins settling in?"

"Quite well. I'm having Ralph prepare dinner for us tonight in the main house."

"Make sure they're well taken care of."

"I will, darling," Sandy says. "I love you."

"Love you, too, Mother."

Griffin sets his phone down on the coffee table. "Look at you! Don't you look cute all cozied up in that robe?" He walks up to her, places his hand on her hip, and tugs at the sash holding her robe together. "I wonder what surprise I have hiding for me underneath this..."

She steps back. "Please, Griffin. You don't want to see what's under there."

"Why?"

"I'm all black and blue."

"I don't care what color you are."

"Please..."

He puts his hands up. "Okay, okay...I won't peek."

She tilts her head speculatively to the side and looks into his eyes. "I heard your phone conversation with your mother."

His eyes widen displaying curiosity. "Oh?"

"Griffin, if you want me to sign a prenup, I will."

He takes her hands in his. "Baby, you will not sign a prenup. What's mine is yours. And even if you ever decide to leave me and run off with the next hot stud, you can take everything."

She laughs loudly. "Oh, Griffin!" She playfully smacks his shoulder. "You're just being plain silly!"

A knock on the door interrupts their playful banter. Griffin answers it and a woman dressed in a tweed suit with long brunette hair enters holding several shopping bags.

"Surprise!" Griffin shouts.

"What is this?" Elliana asks, looking at the several bags the woman sets to the floor.

Griffin hands the woman a cash tip and she leaves.

"Go on, baby," he says. "It's all yours."

"Now, what on earth did you do, Griffin?"

"I bought you a few gifts."

"Seriously?"

He nods. "Uh, huh." He sits on the bed, props himself against the headboard, and locks his fingers behind his head. Crossing his bare feet, he smiles brightly. "Go on, baby. Take a look."

"You're too much, Griffin."

"You haven't seen nothin' yet."

She opens one of the bags and pulls out a beautiful flouncy, A-line full-length, one-shoulder, white chiffon gown with a ruffled hem and sequin beading. She holds it against her, looking down at her feet.

"You'll look like my very own Greek goddess in that dress."

She smiles. "Oh, Griffin. It's absolutely stunning," she says. "But where will I ever wear this gorgeous gown?"

"Trust me; you'll be flying all over the world with me. You'll definitely have a place to wear it."

"Really?"

"Whether it be a candlelit dinner on a terrace in Paris, or the grand ballroom at the St. Regis in Rome, you will find the need to wear it."

"Thank you." She spreads the gown onto the bed.

Looking into another bag, she pulls out a dark brown box that is secured with dark brown leather strings. "What is this?"

"Open it."

She unties the strings and lifts the cover off the box. Inside is a felt dust bag with the words, "Louis Vuitton" on the outside. She unfolds the bag, and pulls out a beautiful brown purse with monogram LV's all over it. "Lewis Vitton..." she tries to pronounce the name.

He laughs. "You've never heard of Louis Vuitton?"

She shakes her head. "No, but it's a gorgeous bag. She examines the brass hardware and then sets it on the coffee table.

She reaches into another bag that has a hint of peach coloring. Pulling out a box that matches the color of the bag, she takes out a red dust bag that reads "Christian Louboutin." She opens the dust bag and pulls out a pair of basic black Pigalle four-inch pumps with a pointy toe. "These are hot!" She runs her fingers over the fine soft leather. "Christian Lew-bow-ten..." she tries to pronounce the designer's name, but is unsuccessful.

Griffin slaps his knee. "Ha! Surely, you've heard of Christian Louboutin."

"I'm sorry, but I haven't."

"C'mon...the guy famous for the sexy red-bottom shoes?"

She flips the shoe over and sees the red bottom. "Oh, these are unique."

He chuckles. "Wow! You really are a redneck!" he jokes.

She arches her brow at him and places her hand on her hip. "You know, I'm still mad at you for making fun of my family's way of living when you shoved me into that cab in Florida."

"And I'm sorry about that."

She smiles and sets the shoe down on the floor. "I forgive you." She winks.

She reaches into another bag and pulls out a few pairs of jeans, some sweaters, and of course, bras and panties. "I definitely needed these."

"I know," he says. "Don't worry about a thing. If there's anything else that you need that I haven't bought, just ask."

Elliana feels strange asking for anything. She doesn't know if she can get used to being spoiled by someone who is so wealthy.

Suddenly, she remembers the hostile takeover comment that Sandy made to her. Griffin notices the grim expression on her face.

"What's the matter?"

"Your mother told me about your company."

"What about my company?"

"The hostile takeover."

He laughs. "Oh..." He remembers. "It's not true."

"What do you mean?"

"It was just an excuse," he says. "My company isn't even publically traded, so it's not like a hostile takeover can even be possible."

"An excuse for what?" Elliana was beginning to become a little anxious.

"For the reason I left Florida so abruptly."

"You had your mother lie for you?"

"Not a lie, per sey," he answers. "Just a little fib."

She looks at him sternly while standing at the foot of the bed and points her finger at him. "Now, let me tell you one thing...I do not tolerate liars."

"I'm sorry, Elliana."

"I mean it," she says. "If I ever catch you in a lie, there will be hell to pay."

"Yes, ma'am!" He stands from the bed and walks over to her. Placing his arms around her, he looks into her eyes. "You're gorgeous when you're angry."

"Stop being silly, Griffin. I mean what I say."

"I know. And, I won't lie to you."

She rests her head against his chest. He places his hands upon her head, brushing his fingers through her hair. "I love you so much," he says.

"I love you, too." She looks up at him. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Anything."

"Tell me about your past."

"My past?" he queries. "What about my past?"

"Your lovers."

His heart practically jumps into his throat. "That's a part of my past I would like to forget."

"I'm only curious."

He takes her hand and leads her to the sofa. They sit, knees touching one another. "Elliana, trust me," he says, seriousness resonates in his eyes. "You don't want to go there."

She leans back casually. "Enlighten me."

He gulps the huge lump down his throat, shifting uncomfortably on the couch. He takes both of her hands in his. "Elliana," he says. "Before I met you, I was such a dark person. Someone who would disgust you."

"Go on," she urges.

"Sex was meaningless to me. It was...shall I say...something I could do to satisfy a need." He looks down at his lap, dreadfully. "I guess the reason I never developed feelings for any of those women is because I did not respect them." He painfully swallows. "How can I respect someone so eager for a one-night stand?"

Elliana huffs. "They sound like two-bit whores to me."

Griffin quirks a slight smile. "And that's what they are, Elliana. Whores. I never treated them with any sort of dignity. I humiliated every single one of them just so I could satisfy my weird fetishes."

Elliana tilts her head to the side, her eyes showing interest. "Fetishes?"

He nods. "Yes, fetishes," he says. "See, when I was a young boy, about eleven years old, I came across my first Hustler magazine." He anxiously rocks his head from side-to-side, popping his neck to help ease his tension. "I found it on top of a trash pile when I was walking to the bus stop."

"And..." Elliana says.

"And, I picked it up and flipped through it. That was the first time I ever saw a woman's vagina. I became intrigued, fascinated even."

Heat resonates through Elliana's loins. She takes a deep breath and expels the air slowly from her lungs. Griffin can sense that she's becoming uncomfortable.

"Do you need me to stop?"

"No," she says, exasperatedly. "Go on."

He sucks in air and slowly breathes out. "I couldn't stop thinking about it. Sex was always on my mind after that. I lost my virginity at age thirteen."

"Oh-my-gosh, Griffin."

"College is when all the raunchy experimentation happened. I met a girl at a local nightclub. She introduced to me things I could never imagine."

"Like what?"

"Toys, BDSM..."

Elliana's stomach bunches in knots. She wants him to stop, but she also wants him to continue at the same time.

"She allowed me to take total control of her."

"And, what did you do?"

"The first night, she took control of me. She tied me up naked and beat me with a riding crop. The pain was unbearable, but also extremely erotic."

Elliana slips her hands from Griffin's grasp and stands. "Okay, from what I'm hearing so far is not that far out of the ordinary," she says, agitated, pacing back and forth. "What else did she do?"

"I was totally defenseless to everything she did. I was bound in restraints that were permanently drilled into the wall while she had her way with me. From her sucking me off, titty fucking me, giving..." He shakes his trying to stay focused.

"Giving you what?"

"The most explosive orgasm that I have ever had."

"And why is that?"

"You just don't understand. It's extremely hard to explain it."

"Try me." She leans up against the arm of the sofa, her arms crossed in front.

"Just being restrained when an orgasm shoots through you is the sexiest feeling one can ever experience," he says. "So, I thought to myself, if it feels this good on me as a man, how would it feel as a woman?"

"So, what did you do next?"

"The next day, I went to the local adult bookstore and bought so many sexual toys. From whips, floggers, dildos...you name it, I bought it."

"Continue."

"That evening, that girl came to my apartment. I restrained her to the bed totally naked. I treated her like a shameless plaything because I didn't respect her whatsoever."

"Well, what did you do to her?"

He slightly laughs. "Do you really want to hear this?"

Elliana sits beside him. "Yes."

I positioned myself between her legs and examined every inch of her labia. I spread her open, touched everything on the outside as well as the inside. I spit on her cunt and rubbed my saliva all over her, making her extremely wet. It was so erotic."

Elliana squeezes her knees together; a weird tingle shoots from her sex. "Please, go on," she urges.

"I fucked her with my fingers at first as I studied her clitoris. That tiny little bead was so fascinating to me. Just knowing that something so small can make a woman feel so good got me so excited."

"What else did you do?"

"I spread her folds wide and inserted a dildo into her. The way she moved to the rhythm of when I probed it in and out excited me. It went in so deep."

Elliana leans back against the couch, her eyes looking relaxed.

"Are you okay, baby?"

"Uh, huh."

"I made her come so hard when I played with that sex toy. I wanted her to come again. I wanted to see what it felt like to have a woman come against my cock because I have never made a woman come before."

"I see." Her chest moves up and down profoundly with each breath that she takes in. She slightly winces at the pain in her ribs.

Griffin looks at the relaxed state she's in. "Is this turning you on?" He crinkles his forehead, puzzled.

She playfully nibbles the tip of her index finger. "Maybe."

"Well, I better continue," he teases. "After I let her loose from the restraints, I made her bend over the edge of the bed with her face pushed into the mattress. I spanked her ass continually until it was totally cherry red. Not only did I use my hand, but also a flogger. She was so swollen and wet. I knew I was exciting her, but I didn't want to fuck her just yet. I made her stand and I fastened nipple clamps to her. With each tug of the chain with my finger, she would moan in ecstasy."

Elliana can see the rise in his jeans. Not only was she becoming excited, but also, Griffin.

Elliana's nipples tighten with each word he speaks.

"I bent her over the bed once more and stared at her ass while she was spread eagle in front of me."

Awkwardly shifting about on the sofa, Elliana inches her way toward Griffin. She strums her fingers along his forearm. "What did you do next?"

"I slid my pinky finger into her ass."

Elliana's heart quickens. "And..."

"I fucked her pussy with my hard cock."

"While you were fingering her ass?" Elliana asks.

Griffin runs his fingers temptingly along Elliana's jaw line. "Yes, Elliana."

"Did she like it?"

"When she exploded against me and I felt her pussy throbbing around my dick, I knew she liked it."

"Really?"

"She told me that she had never experienced an orgasm so powerful in her life."

"And it was because of you playing with her ass?"

"Uh, huh."

"Wow!"

"After that, I was hooked."

Elliana straddles herself across Griffin's lap and presses his head against the top of the sofa, claiming his mouth with hers. "Oh, Griffin..."

He leisurely unties the sash of her robe and slides it over her shoulders. "Ellie..." he whispers, palming both breasts in his strong hands. Pinching her nipples between his thumb and index finger, they pearl at his touch. "Damn, baby! You're so hot!"

Pulling Griffin's polo over his head, Elliana tosses it to the floor. "Your chest is to die for," she whispers, her voice heated. She runs her hands across his chest, up over his shoulders, and they meet his neck. She claims his mouth once more. Her breasts grazing Griffin's chest causes him to become even more aroused.

"I want to fuck you so hard," he says through clenched teeth.

She looks at him with a challenging glare. "Do it."

"Well, I can't be too rough, baby. You're still recovering."

"Do what you can." She giggles under her breath.

He scoops her up into his strong arms and places her down onto the bed. Totally naked, Elliana tries her best to cover up her ribs to hide her bruising. Griffin pulls her arms out to the side, and then he positions her wrists high above her head bound in his firm grasp. He intently skims her slender body with his icy blue eyes. "You're the most gorgeous woman these eyes have ever seen."

She wriggles slightly, entirely turned on by his words.

"Keep your hands above your head," he demands, his voice stern.

She nods.

His lips meet her chest and his tongue trails down her cleavage. His teeth nibble at her nipple, crowning hard against his lips. Oh, baby..." he whispers, his voice muffled against her skin.

Palming her other breast while he worships her other with his mouth, his other hand wanders between her thighs, his finger filling her sweet spot.

He rises from above her. "I have an idea!" He jumps from the bed and grabs two neckties from his luggage. One black, the other, gray. He strips off his pants and pounces back onto the bed, the head of his penis severely engorged.

Elliana studies the neckties in his hand. "What are you going to do with those?"

"Do you trust me?"

She nods.

"Okay, that's all I need to know." He gently secures her wrists together above her head with the black tie, and then secures her ankles with the gray one. "Don't move your hands."

She nods, speaking no words.

"They're not too tight on your wrists, are they?"

Silently, she shakes her head no.

"Good. You look so damn inviting right now." He hungrily moistens his lips with his tongue. Pushing her knees up toward her hips, he kneels in between her thighs, the bottoms of her feet pressed together. He slides his middle finger into her entrance and she moves to his rhythm. "That's it baby..."

"Mmm..." she moans.

He enters another finger. "You're so hot..." His lips press against her clitoris, his tongue oscillates around her tiny bead making her sexually quiver. The swift movement of his tongue almost brings her to the brink of orgasm. By the sensation of her beginning to tighten against his fingers, Griffin slips them out and gazes into her teal-green eyes. "Not yet, baby."

"Oh, Griffin. You're teasing me," she says, her legs slightly shaking.

He straddles himself across her hips, each knee out to the side. Pushing her breasts together, he slides his stiff cock in between them, moving himself back and forth, back and forth while he titty fucks her. He takes in a deep breath and exhales. "Am I hurting your ribs?"

She shakes her head no.

"My God, Elliana. Your tits are magnificent..."

She glances down and can see the head of his penis probing in and out, almost hitting her chin. She salaciously licks her lips. "Let me taste you, Griffin."

"Are you sure?" he asks. "You've never done that."

She nods, "Oh, I'm sure."

He scooches closer to her face, his penis hovers above her mouth. Grabbing a hold of it, Griffin aims it into her mouth, her lips wrap around his stiffness, her tongue savoring his taste.

The lulling hums against his phallus send a bewitching vibration throughout his whole body. She watches his expression from above, relishing in the wonderful feeling she's evoking within him. Focusing her attention to his swollen head, she sucks hard.

"Fuck, baby..." he groans. He pulls his cock from her mouth. "You're going to make me let loose too soon," he says. "I haven't pleased you yet." He slips two fingers into her sheath. "And, you're very ready."

Sliding his cock deep inside her hot, wet folds, Griffin's arm stabilizes himself above her so he doesn't put his weight against her chest. With each stoke, he can feel her clenching tightly against him.

Reaching from behind, he unties her ankles and then unties her wrists. She looks up at him, smiling. "Stick your finger in my ass."

Shock consumes him at the sound of those words. "What?"

"Stick your pinky in my ass."

"Are you sure?"

She nods. "Fuck me from behind, like you described about that girl."

"Are you serious?"

"Uh, huh."

He guides her to the edge of the bed, bends her over, and delicately pushes her face into the mattress. He stands back and studies the roundness of her perfect bottom.

"Spank me," she orders.

"As you wish." He does as he's told and a slight pink imprint of his hand is exhibited upon her flesh.

Her head jerks back when his hand makes contact a second time.

"More?" he asks.

"Yes!"

He smacks her rounded bottom a third time and she presses her ass unyieldingly against his pelvis, provoking him to enter her from behind.

Steadying himself, his hands run along her backside as he worships her skin with his fingers. His middle finger probes into her moist folds until she's practically dripping all over his hand. "Yeah...you're so fucking wet." He smooth's her essence all over her folds, her anus, and he slowly slides his pinky finger inside her tight virgin orifice.

Arching her back, Elliana feels the tingles shoot throughout her body when she experiences his finger slowly enter. "Oh, yes..."

His finger slips out and he spreads her folds wide, driving his massive cock into her tight, wet opening. He stares at her hungry ass and slides his middle finger inside.

Elliana's knees start to shake and her sex begins to tighten all around him.

"Yeah, baby...come hard for me!" He slaps her ass harder this time.

"Oh!" she squeals, loudly.

His fingers clench around her left hip, the middle finger of his right hand still inside her well satisfied cavity. He probes it in and out, in and out. "Fuck, baby! Yeah!" he groans as he feels her tighten even more.

She pounds her ass ferociously into him. "Harder, baby!" she barks out a demand.

He grabs the back of her hair with his left hand, tugging hard.

"Yes!" she screams, her voice echoing throughout the room.

Griffin feels her inlet throbbing against him, his cock being squeezed so hard that his liquid explodes inside her orgasmic sheath. "Yes, baby!"

She collapses to the bed, Griffin falling to the side of her. As they climb their way underneath the blankets, he cradles her against him. "You're such an amazing woman, Elliana." He kisses her forehead. "I love you so much."

"And I love you, Griffin."
Chapter Twenty-One

Elliana rolls over and sees Griffin lying beside her, eyes closed, bearing a slight smile. She dotingly strokes his jaw with her knuckles, his stubble prickling against her fingers.

He opens his eyes and smiles brightly. "I can get used to this view every morning," he says in almost a whisper.

Elliana only smiles, gazing into those magnificent icy blue eyes of his. "You have the most intriguing eyes on anyone I have ever seen," she says. "Never have I seen a color so icy blue in my life."

"I'm glad you like them. I grew them myself," he teases. Curling his index finger under her chin, Griffin guides her to meet his lips.

She pulls away and steps from the bed. "I need to brush my teeth before you get all up in my grill," she jokes.

"What?"

"You heard me." She tugs on the bedspread and wraps it around her naked body. Grabbing her bathrobe off the floor, she puts it on, and heads into the bathroom.

Griffin flings the sheet off him and pulls on his pajama bottoms. Checking his cell phone, he sees a missed call from Cindy. He presses the call button. "Did you get it?" he asks. "When can I see you?"

Elliana emerges from the bathroom and sits on the sofa.

"Perfect. I'll see you then." He disconnects the call. Looking at Elliana, he smiles so wide that tiny wrinkles form on the outer corners of his eyes. "Now, it's my turn to brush my teeth." He walks into the bathroom and closes the door behind him.

Seeing the phone on the dresser piques Elliana's curiosity. She has a suspicious feeling about the call Griffin was on and wants to know who he had been speaking to. Should I? She shakes her head. No, I better not. If he catches me, he'll be so mad. But, she doesn't listen to her subconscious. She walks over to the dresser and picks up his cell phone.

Persistently eyeing the bathroom, hoping Griffin doesn't come out, she scrolls to his recent calls, and sees Cindy's name. Why is he going to see her? I knew something was awry when I met that skank.

Elliana sets the phone back on the dresser when she hears the water from the sink stop. Griffin steps from the bathroom and pulls a pair of jeans and a cream colored cable-knit sweater from his luggage. He notices the weird expression on Elliana's face. "Something wrong, gorgeous?"

Sitting on the edge of the bed, she looks down at the floor, shaking her head. "No, everything is fine."

"Are you sure?" he asks. "Are you hurting?"

"No, just a little sore." She rises to her feet and claps her hands together. "I need to get dressed." She takes a pink sweater and a pair of jeans from one of the bags that arrived the day before from Griffin's personal shopper. Reaching into a La Perla bag, she grabs a pink lacy bra and matching panties.

Griffin observes them in her hand. "Nice choice." He smirks.

She callously rolls her eyes and closes the bathroom door behind her.

"You know you can get dressed in front of me, Elliana," he says, through the door.

"I'm modest."

He laughs boldly. "Modest?" he questions. "You didn't seem too modest last night."

"Ha ha ha, very funny," she chides. "Crap!"

"What is it?"

"I have no makeup," she says. "I can't go anywhere looking like this."

Starting the water in the shower, she steps in and washes her hair. As she lathers up her body with shower gel, she begins to reminisce of the day Mark kidnapped her. She often thought about what made him the way he was. Was it her? Would she turn Griffin into a monster, too?

Of course Griffin makes a quick phone call and fifteen minutes later, there's a knock at the door. He takes a bag from the hotel staff member and knocks on the bathroom door.

Elliana shuts off the shower. "Yes, Griffin?"

"I got you a little something."

She wraps a towel around her and steps from the shower. Cracking open the door, she notices him holding a black bag. "What is it?"

He offers the bag through the crack. "It's makeup."

"Griffin," she says. "You didn't have to do that."

"It's alright. A hotel staff member picked it up from one of the boutiques downstairs," he explains. "Plus," he adds. "We're not staying cooped up in this hotel room all day and I knew if you didn't have makeup, you wouldn't want to go anywhere."

"Alright. Give me a minute to put this on."

Before she could close the door, he stops it with his hand. "I'll shower while you put your face on."

She laughs. "Suit yourself."

She watches his reflection in the mirror as he shimmies out of his pajama bottoms. The curvature of his ass is so sublime. He catches her taking a glimpse.

"You like?"

She quickly begins applying foundation to her cheeks.

"Well?" He presses on.

She nods exposing a childish grin.

He starts the shower and he's standing totally naked, running his hand in the stream of water. As soon as it warms to his liking, he steps in, and closes the clear shower door.

She intently watches as he lathers up his glorious body. He runs his fingers through his hair, lathering it up, and soap suds trickle down his chest, his abs, over his massive dong. Elliana licks her lips remembering the taste of him from the night before. That slight salty taste of pre-come still lingers on her mind.

The shower stops and she tries to focus on putting the rest of her makeup on. Griffin wraps a white towel around his waist and playfully smacks her on the ass before he walks out the door.

After he dresses, Griffin opens the bathroom door. "Elliana, I'll be back in a few minutes."

"Where are you going?"

"Downstairs. I'll be ten-minutes tops."

She nods and wonders where he's off to, and then Cindy suddenly comes to mind.

With a feathery sweep of lip gloss to her lips, she slides the key card in the back pocket of her jeans, and slips on her flats.

She leaves the room and takes the elevator downstairs to the lobby. Rounding a corner, she sees Griffin and Cindy speaking. She looks so different out of her uniform. Her blonde hair hangs loosely over her shoulders as she stands dressed in a short skirt, a flowing sheer blouse, and extremely high red heels.

Anger boils inside at the thought of what could be going on. Why would he do this? She turns and makes her way back to the suite. She slams herself down on the sofa.

When Griffin enters the suite, an indignant glare shoots across the room from Elliana's fiery eyes.

He's shocked at the angry expression upon her face. "What's wrong with you?" he asks.

"Don't give me that shit, Griffin," she scowls. "Why was Cindy meeting you?"

"How did you know who I was meeting?"

"I followed your ass."

"You followed me?"

"Yeah," she grimaces. "How does it feel?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you always follow me, how does it feel being the one who is followed for a change?"

"Clearly, you can't be jealous."

Elliana defiantly crosses her arms in front, shaking her head back and forth in disgust. "You know, I thought I could trust you..."

"You can trust me, Elliana."

She snorts. "Yeah, right."

"I don't put up with this drama, Elliana," he says. "Remember where it landed you before."

"That reminds me, Griffin. After our little spat when you shoved me into that cab, was Cindy on your jet during your flight home?"

Knots begin to form in his gut. He knew where Elliana was taking this conversation. He looks down at the floor bearing a sorrowful expression. "Yes, she was."

"And, have you ever fucked her?"

He says nothing.

Elliana abruptly jumps to her feet. "Oh-my-God! You fucked her that night!" She snatches her new Louis Vuitton purse from the dresser and tosses it over her shoulder. "I'm so outta here!"

Griffin grabs her wrist before she can get to the door and pulls her to him.

"Let go of me!" She tries jerking her arm away, but his grip is too firm. "Let me go! You're hurting my bruised wrist!"

He suddenly remembers her bruising from the zip-ties and relinquishes her wrist. "Please, Elliana. Don't you dare walk away from me."

"Fuck you!" She pulls on the doorknob and is out in a flash.

He stands befuddled. "What the fuck have I done?" He rushes from the suite and he sees the elevator close with Elliana standing inside. He takes the next one, but when he comes to the lobby, she's nowhere to be found.

He rushes through the crowd of gamblers, diligently trying to find her, but she's nowhere in sight.

Elliana orders a latte and a cream cheese pastry from a small café on the first floor of the hotel. She sits at a table behind a partition and can see Griffin pacing the floors expeditiously searching for her. She looks at her ringless finger. Good thing the bastard didn't waste his money on a ring. She takes a sip of her latte and pinches off a piece of pastry. What the hell was I thinking? I should become a fucking lesbian. Men can't be trusted.

Elliana feels her purse vibrate on her lap and she pulls out her cell phone, and sees the text that reads, "Get back to the room."

She doesn't respond, just hits delete.

"Where are you?"

"Don't worry about me. You can have Cindy now."

"Stop that! Where are you?"

Elliana looks up from her cell phone and sees Cindy walking up to the café's counter.

"Oh, hell no!" She stands from the table and walks toward her. Grabbing Cindy by the wrist, Elliana spins her around to look into her delicate oval face. "Who in the hell do you think you are fucking my fiancé?!" Elliana yells, her voice bellowing throughout the entire ground floor. Not even the flowing waterfalls in all five fountains could drown out the shouting.

"Excuse me?" Cindy queries, carelessly flipping her hair across her shoulder.

"You heard me!" Elliana shakes her index finger directly in Cindy's face. "Don't make me get all white trash up in yo' ass!"

Cindy rolls her eyes and gently pushes Elliana's finger away. Elliana pulls back her fist, but before she can land a blow between Cindy's eyes, Griffin grabs hold of her elbow from behind.

Elliana spins around, seeing Griffin standing there. "There she is, Griffin. Take her ass home with you because I won't be going!" Elliana snatches her elbow from Griffin's hand, walks back to the table, and grabs her purse.

"Put a leash on your pet, Mr. Reid," Cindy says, sarcastically.

"You better watch your tongue." He glares, and then chases off after Elliana.

Elliana walks swiftly to the hotel's exit, but before she can make it outside, she wanders into a public bathroom. All the stalls are open so she knows she's alone. She falls to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably.

Hearing the bathroom door swing open, she pushes herself to her feet, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand. She doesn't even look up to see who enters.

As she stands staring into the sink, more tears fall. She looks into the mirror at the black streaks of mascara running down her cheeks, and sees Griffin standing behind her. She says nothing.

Griffin devotedly wraps his arms around her and she sinks into his hold. He inhales deeply, stroking the top of her hair. "I'm so sorry, baby," he whispers. "I didn't want to tell you a lie."

Elliana can't speak due to her excessive whimpering. She presses her cheek against his chest.

"Please say something."

"I-I-I...can't."

"Can I take you to the room so we can talk?"

All she can do is nod.

As they enter the suite, Griffin leads Elliana to the edge of the bed, and they sit side-by-side. He presses his thumbs to her cheeks and wipes the tears from underneath her eyes. "I hate knowing that I made you cry, baby," he whispers.

"It hurts..."

"Your face? The bruises?"

She picks up his hand and presses it against her heart. "No, here."

His stomach knots when he realizes that he broke her heart. "Baby, I was so angered that day. No other woman has ever made me that angry," he explains. "I drowned my sorrows in whisky when I was on the plane. It clouded my judgment."

"That doesn't make it right, Griffin," she says, through streaming tears. "What if I make you angry again, are you going to fuck someone else?"

He shakes his head. "No, never."

"How can I trust you again?"

"Elliana, I love you so much. That night really opened my eyes for me. Please believe me."

"How many times have you been with her?"

"Elliana, do you really want to know?"

She nods.

"Twice."

"In the same night?"

"No," he says, shaking his head. "About a year ago."

"Why did you meet up with her this morning?"

"Well, I was going to wait until this evening to give it to you, but because of the current circumstances, I should give it to you now." He walks over to the dresser and reaches into a drawer pulling out a velvet box with the initials, H.W. on the outside. He sits next to her and offers her the box. She opens it and sees a gorgeous three-carat cushion cut micropave' diamond ring set in platinum along with a two-carat diamond eternity band.

"Oh, Griffin..." Her teal-green eyes sparkle.

He takes the engagement ring from the box and slides it onto her finger. "Perfect fit." He smiles brightly.

Elliana admires the ring on her finger. "Cindy picked this out?"

He shakes his head from side-to-side. "No, I picked it out. I only asked her to pick it up for me and deliver it here."

"I still don't like her, Griffin."

"I know," he says. "I won't have her on my flight crew anymore."

"Promise?"

He nods. "Yes, I promise. I'll make certain she's provided with a position where I won't ever see her again."

"Can you just fire her?"

He laughs. "I wish it were that easy."

"Well, why isn't it?"

"Lawsuits, Elliana. She could file some type of sexual harassment lawsuit against me."

"Looks like your weird sexual tendencies got you in trouble."

"I guess so."

"Can you just pay her off?" she asks. "I really don't want her working for you anymore."

Griffin wraps his arms tightly around Elliana. "I'll see what my legal team suggests." He pauses. "Now, tell me what you were going to do to Cindy?" He tries not to laugh about the spectacle he saw in the café.

"I was gonna beat her ass..."

"I never heard you speak that way." He chuckles. "Boy! Were you ever angry..."

"I would've killed that bitch."

"Okay, okay...let's talk about something else," he says. "I can see you becoming enraged again. We surely don't want that." He laughs, resting his forehead upon hers. "But, you sure are cute as a button when you're mad."

* * *

As Elliana lay sleeping at three in the morning, cradled in Griffin's arms, she jerks herself up, awakening from a horrible feeling in her stomach. Holding her chest, breathing heavily, Elliana steps from the bed, and hopes not to awaken Griffin. She tiptoes her way into the bathroom, and not even having time to close the door, she vomits in the toilet.

Griffin can hear her heaving and gasping for air, so he springs from bed, and rushes into the bathroom. He sees her on her knees, naked, hugging the toilet. He grabs a towel, wraps it around her, and grips her hair in his fist behind her back. She vomits once more.

"Baby," Griffin says. "Do you need me to call a doctor?"

She looks at him, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand as she's sweating profusely. She shakes her head back and forth. "No, I'll be okay. I think I might have food poisoning."

"From the steak last night?" he asks.

She nods. "Uh, huh."

Griffin offers his hand and helps her off the floor. Placing his arm around her, he leads her back to the bed. "Can I get you anything?"

"Maybe a glass of water."

He walks over to the sink and pours some water from the pitcher. "Here." He hands the glass to her. "The ice is melted, but it will do."

"Thank you." She takes a sip and sets the glass on the nightstand. She lies back and Griffin covers her with the blankets.

* * *

Eight o'clock in the morning, Elliana opens her eyes and doesn't see Griffin next to her. She glances around the room and can see the bathroom light on underneath the door.

When he steps out of the bathroom in nothing but a towel, her insides happily reel.

"With that bright smile, you seem to be feeling better," he says.

"It's weird. I feel fine now." She playfully hops to her knees on the bed. "Let's do something fun today!"

"What did you have in mind?"

She giggles, her face reddens.

"C'mon, Elliana. What do you have in mind?"

"Nah!" she says, shaking a dismissive hand. "Forget it."

"Now you have me curious. What do you want to do?"

She modestly looks down at her knotted fingers in her lap. "Um...well...because we're in Reno, how about you and I elope?" She slaps her hands over her mouth and ducks underneath the covers. "Forget it!" She laughs.

Griffin strokes his index finger underneath his chin and smiles wide. He sees the blankets shaking from her laughter and knows she's embarrassed about what she had said.

Swiftly, jerking the blankets off, Griffin grabs her underneath her arms, lifts her up, and slams her back to the bed. Holding her wrists above her head, straddling her, he tries to force her to look at him, but she's much too embarrassed, and keeps her eyes tightly closed.

"What did you say?" he asks.

She peeks out of one eye and sees his gorgeous bare chest above her. "Nothing."

"Say it, Elliana." He smiles, showing his perfect white teeth.

She shakes her head back and forth in protest. "Never mind."

His smile suddenly saddens and he climbs off her and swings his legs off the edge of the bed, his back facing her. Looking down at the floor, he inhales deeply. "For a second there, I thought you wanted to marry me today."

She sits up and places her arm around him. "Are you sad?" she asks. "I'm sorry."

He flings himself around and slams her to the bed once more. "If you won't say it, then I will." He looks dead-set in her eyes. "Become my wife today, Elliana."

She squeals. "Really?"

"Yes." Locking her fingers around his neck, she pulls him down to her, kissing him passionately.

He pulls away and looks at his watch. "Looks like we better hop to it," he says. "The Washoe County courthouse opens soon and we need to get our marriage license."
Chapter Twenty-Two

"Damn! I had no idea the courthouse needed so much shit!" Elliana says, dropping down exhaustively into the black leather seat of Griffin's car.

"Good thing they were able to get our birth certificates and your divorce decree online," Griffin says, pulling onto Virginia Street in his R8. He presses his palm onto her knee and his fingers gently squeeze. "So, where do you want to get married?" They pass numerous wedding chapels.

Elliana pokes her arm across Griffin's face, pointing to a chapel that reads, 'Chapel of the Bells.' "There!"

He slams on the brakes and pulls in. "A drive-thru wedding?" he queries.

She throws her head back laughing. "Yeah, a drive-thru wedding."

He looks at her, grinning. "Okay, baby. If it's a drive-thru wedding you want, then it's a drive-thru wedding you shall have."

They pull up to the drive-thru window dressed in jeans and casual sweaters and Griffin tells the officiant they would like to be married. He shows the short, bald man the marriage license, and within four minutes, they become husband and wife.

"You may now kiss your bride."

Griffin beams happily and he moistens his lips with his tongue. Elliana's butterflies are so fierce, she's trembling. Griffin takes Elliana by the nape of her neck and their lips meet, savoring one another in a good solid lip lock. When they pull away, Griffin cups Elliana's face in his hands. "I love you so much, Mrs. Reid."

"And I love you, Mr. Reid." She giggles. "My parents' are gonna kill me."

"Your parents'?" he questions. "Hell, my mother is going to have my ass!"

She opens her purse and pulls out a velvet black box. "Here," she says, offering the box to Griffin.

He opens the box and sees a modest platinum wedding band nestled upon a tiny black pillow. Smiling with heartfelt sincerity, he asks," When did you buy this and where?"

"While you were sleeping last night. Way before my puking episode, I snuck to the twenty-four hour gift shop on the gambling floor, and bought it."

He slides it onto his well-manicured finger. "It's beautiful." He wraps his hand behind her neck and pulls her in close, kissing her lips.

"Did you want a big wedding?" Elliana asks. "I mean, with it being your first, did you want a big ceremony?"

Griffin shakes his head back and forth. "No, I hate crowds. This was the best suggestion, Mrs. Reid."

Her stomach tingles when he says her new last name.

He bears a childish grin on his face. "Now, let's get back to the room so we can consummate our marriage."

"I like that idea, Mr. Reid."

Swooping Elliana into his strong arms, Griffin carries her over the threshold. He sets her down gently on the bed, hovering above, gazing into her eyes. "You don't know how happy you have made me," he says, brushing her hair away from her face.

She reaches at the hem of his sweater and pulls it over his head, tossing it aside. Admiring his chest, she lifts herself, and her lips meet his skin. Her tongue trails lightly across his hard pecs and discovers his dark brown pebbled nipples. Her tongue worships the harsh points as she nibbles ever so slightly with her teeth.

"Yes..." he moans.

"I want you so bad, Griffin." She perches up on her knees and Griffin swipes the sweater from her body. He stares lustfully at her black lacy bra. Unlacing her shoes, Griffin drops them to the floor. Unsnapping her jeans, he ushers her to stand so he can peel them down her thighs. He throws them across the room. As he stands at the edge of the bed, he kicks off his shoes, and in one swift motion, his jeans and underwear are gone.

Elliana studies his magnificent body and scooches toward the edge of the bed, rubbing the palms of her hands all over his sculpted torso. "My gosh, you're so defined."

Curling his index finger underneath her chin, he guides her face to look at him, and he claims her mouth with his tongue. His heavy breathing is hot against her cheek. Using his bodyweight, he rests against her, leaning her backward onto the bed.

He begins kissing the tips of her fingers, her wrists, inching his way up her arm, and he starts strumming his tongue along her firm breasts. Her nipples tighten at the touch of his lips, her skin prickles. Breathing heavily, her breasts heaving up and down, Griffin brushes his hand across her tummy. She can feel his fingers trailing their way down to her sweet spot and she spreads her legs wide.

Slithering his way between her thighs, his breath nearing her entrance, he tucks the crotch of her black panties to the side and he gently blows a brisk puff of air onto her moist folds.

"Ah, Griffin..."

His middle finger probes inside, the heel of his hand meeting her sex as he pushes his finger in and out, in and out. His lips take in her clitoris, his tongue thrashing about almost making her scream. "You taste so fucking good, Elliana..." he savagely whispers. "I could drink you all night."

He climbs above her and shoots his gaze dead-set in her eyes.

She feels the stiffness of him enter her and she wraps her calves around his waist, taking in every single inch. "Oh, baby...you're so fucking big..." She breathes deep.

"It's all yours," he moans, sweat forms upon his thick brows. "Am I hurting you?"

"I'm fine." Elliana runs her hands along his pecs and up over his shoulders. He leans in and kisses her passionately. The thrusts become more rapid, their breathing more profound. The sheer way Griffin stares into her eyes, shoots a wave of eroticism through her soul. Her sheath tightens around him and pulses, squeezing him hard.

Knowing she's about to come, Griffin speeds up his rhythm. Elliana's orgasm rips through her entire being.

Feeling her throbbing against him sends electric shivers throughout his body. Elliana watches intently as he clenches his teeth and his body stiffens. She feels him throbbing inside her, releasing every drop of his essence into her hot flection.

Griffin is spent, and collapses on top of her, breathless. Extremely exhausted, they climb underneath the blankets, holding each other tightly.

Griffin strokes the back of her hair as Elliana stares off toward the window. "You are on birth control, aren't' you?"

She shakes her head. "No."

Griffin lifts himself and relaxes against the headboard. "Seriously?"

Elliana rolls over and looks at him. "Yes, seriously."

"Why didn't you tell me?" The concern on his face is maddening.

"You never asked," she answers. "Besides, why do I have to be the one to use birth control? You should've worn a condom."

"I didn't want to wear one with you. You're the only woman I've ever had sex with without a condom."

Elliana holds the blankets to her chest and sits upright, impressed. "Really?"

He nods. "I think I better be careful. I'm not ready to share you with a baby just yet." He playfully winks.

"Do you want children?"

"Yes, but not for a few more years," he says. "I want to show you the world first."

"Sounds lovely." Elliana stands from the bed and puts on her clothes. "It's getting late. Do you want to order in or go out for dinner?"

He grabs the room service menu off the nightstand. "Let's order in." His eyes flirtatiously motion her way. "Anyway, you better take those clothes off because we have a long sex-fest ahead of us tonight, my dear."

* * *

It's three in the morning and Elliana is hugging the toilet once more. Luckily, she was able to slip on a bathrobe so Griffin wouldn't see her hurling into the toilet completely naked.

He dashes into the bathroom, and pulls her hair back as she releases the last bit of her dinner into the toilet. She falls back on her butt and reclines against the bathroom wall. Griffin wets a washcloth and brushes it across her brow. "I think you may have an infection from the incident."

Suddenly, it hits her like a ton of bricks. Her eyes shoot open in surprise, and she jumps up from the floor. Rushing to her purse, she scrolls through her phone, finding her calendar. "Shit!" she yells.

Griffin emerges from the bathroom and sees the look of astonishment on her face. She shakes her head. "Oh, it's nothing," she says in a calmer tone. "I can't believe I forgot to tell Kate that I wasn't coming back to work."

"I already took care of that for you," he says. "She knows what you've been through. They've hired a temp, so you can take all the time off that you need."

Elliana tucks her phone back inside her purse and lies back down. As she faces the window, Griffin's arms snake around her, pulling her into him. Kate wasn't the real reason she was alarmed. She can't bear to tell Griffin what she thinks may actually be making her sick.

* * *

"How are you feeling this morning?" Griffin asks.

"Much better."

He pulls on his jeans and puts on a royal blue cable-knit sweater. Glancing at his watch, he then playfully swats Elliana on her bottom. "You need to get up and get ready. I need to get you to the doctor in an hour."

"I'm so tired." She yawns.

"You can sleep on the drive home," he says, filling up his luggage.

"Yes, sir," she playfully teases as she salutes. Flinging off the blankets, she grabs a pair of jeans and a pastel yellow sweater from one of the many shopping bags, and closes the bathroom door to take a shower.

When she sits on the toilet and peeks at the crotch of her panties, she's disappointed when she sees no blood. She looks up at the ceiling. "Oh please, God...this can't be happening," she prays silently.

Sitting next to Griffin in the waiting room at the doctor's office, Elliana's legs bounce anxiously up and down.

Griffin places his hand on her knee in hopes to make her stop. "Why are you so damn jittery?" he asks, picking up a Forbes magazine from a side table.

Elliana shrugs her shoulders. "I don't know."

The door swings open and a woman's voice asks Elliana to follow her to an exam room. Griffin attempts to stand to join her, but Elliana asks him to wait; she prefers to go in alone. He's a little confused on why Elliana didn't want him to go with her, but he sits, and picks up the magazine, continuing to read.

Elliana sits on the edge of the exam table, her legs dangling as she anxiously nibbles the nail of her index finger. A nurse takes her blood pressure and instructs Elliana that the doctor will be in shortly.

As soon as Dr. Ingram enters, he notices that Elliana appears distraught. "Everything alright?" he asks with her chart in hand.

"Can you do a pregnancy test on me?"

"Is that your only concern?" He places his stethoscope in his ears, placing it under her sweater, listening to her heartbeat.

She nods.

"Any pain in your chest?"

"No, I feel okay."

"Your bruising is fading." He takes a pen to her chart and starts writing. Closing it up, he looks at her through his wire frame glasses. "I'll have the nurse come in and draw some blood. I can have the results in about a half hour if you don't mind waiting."

She nods once more.

The doctor takes his leave and the nurse enters a few moments later. After taking a vile of blood from Elliana's arm, the nurse exits and Elliana is left in the room alone, sitting at the edge of the table staring at the clock.

A half hour later, which seemed much longer, Dr. Ingram enters, smiling. "Your pregnancy test came back positive."

A wave of heat rocks through Elliana's core and her skin turns the palest of white.

"Your HCG level is low; however, so you're not that far along."

Elliana's hands shake. The worst thought crosses her mind, hoping like hell the baby isn't Mark's. She knew deep down that God was punishing her for her divorce and premarital sex with Griffin.

After Elliana receives a prescription for prenatal vitamins, she pushes open the door to the waiting room, and Griffin jumps to his feet.

She walks out, head hanging low, not even able to look Griffin in the eyes.

Alarmed by her demeanor, he places his arm around her. "What did the doctor have to say?" he whispers, leading her out to his car.

"Everything is fine. I just want to get out of here."

Griffin opens the car door for her and she slides across the black leather seat.

When Griffin climbs inside, he gently places his hand upon her knee and gives her a gentle squeeze. "Something is definitely not right, baby."

She stares out the window. "Can we just go?"

He cranks the car, and heads toward Highway 80. He turns on the radio to listen of the road conditions and is thankful that he won't have to put tire chains on his car while he makes his way through the mountains.

Elliana watches the beautiful snow covered trees as they pass. Griffin looks from his peripheral vision at her questionable mannerisms.

Elliana is so heavily in thought that she didn't even realize that Griffin had pulled off on the side of the road.

Shutting the car off, he shifts in his seat toward her. "Alright, Elliana," he says. "Spill."

She shakes her head. "I can't."

"Elliana, we're married now. We can't keep secrets from one another. Now spill it." His words are becoming stern.

Not liking his tone, Elliana slouches down in her seat and withdrawals herself mentally from him.

Griffin slams his hands to the steering wheel. "Dammit, Elliana!" he yells. "What the fuck is going on?"

"You're going to hate me."

"I could never hate you. You should fucking know that by now!"

"Please don't yell at me."

Exasperatingly running his fingers through his hair, he leans into her, his head buried at her shoulder. "I'm sorry. You're scaring me."

"I can't."

"Fuck!" He shifts the car in gear and squeals onto the street. The car fishtails slightly on the slippery wet road. He gains control and begins his fury. "I don't know why in the hell you're not opening up to me, God dammit!"

"Do not say that!"

"Well, you're pissing me the fuck off!"

Shocked by his rage, she curls her knees into her chest, hugging them tightly against her.

Griffin glimpses over at her and she looks like a scared little girl. "How can I help you if you don't tell me what the fuck is going on?"

She glances over at him, her eyes filling with rage. "I'm fucking pregnant!" she spits out. "There! Are you fucking happy now? I'm fucking pregnant!"

Griffin pulls the car back over and shuts it off. He stares at his lap just shaking his head back and forth in doubt.

No words are spoken for what seems like hours, but it was only minutes. Elliana places a trembling hand on the door handle and opens the door. Griffin grabs her forearm before she can step from the car. "Stop," he says. "We need to talk about this."

"There's nothing to talk about, Griffin. I know how you feel about children right now," she says, not able to look him in the eye. "I'm sorry. If you want an annulment, I understand."

Griffin slams himself back against his seat and squeezes the steering wheel. Elliana can see his knuckles whiten and his biceps bulging against the yarn of his sweater.

"See," she says. "Look at how pissed off you are."

"So, you're unhappy that you're pregnant with my child?"

"That's just the thing, Griffin. I don't know if it's yours or Mark's."

Hearing those words felt like a sharp blow to the stomach. He inches his way back onto the street. They don't speak a word to one another the entire trip home.
Chapter Twenty-Three

Griffin pulls his car into the garage and Elliana steps out. Suddenly, feeling totally out of her element, Elliana swiftly makes her way to her cottage alone. When she enters, she discovers that her parents' aren't there. She flops herself down onto the sofa and horrible thoughts run constantly through her mind. Staring at the diamond rings on her finger, she contemplates on taking them off. Adoption crosses her mind, but she places her open hands on her belly and just stares down at them.

Looking over at the front door, she wishes like hell that Griffin would enter, but knew that he needed time to calm down. Seeing his rage wasn't the happiest of moments.

She grabs her keys and walks over to the garage outside her cottage and is relieved to see her Camaro there. Climbing inside and sliding the key into the ignition, she listens to the roar of the engine momentarily before shifting it into reverse.

When she backs from the garage, she shifts it into drive, and burns rubber down the driveway. She leaves the grounds in a heated flash.

Griffin can't help but hear the loud rumble of the engine outside, and when he looks out the window, he sees her squealing from the front gate at a high rate of speed.

He rushes to his R8 and jumps inside, taking off after her.

Elliana makes her way onto Highway 101, barreling at almost 80 miles-per-hour. Picking up speed, she doesn't even acknowledge the speedometer registering over 100 as she passes cars as if they're at standstill. She flicks on her radio and Marilyn Manson blasts loudly through the speakers. Weaving carelessly in and out of traffic, she acts as though she's the only one on the road. If a car is in front of her, she simply takes the shoulder to pass.

Griffin is appalled at how erratically she's driving, afraid she's going to kill herself. He sees a clear spot beside her on the left, and races up next to her with his passenger window down. He blares on his horn. She looks over and flips him the bird. She tries to speed away, but his car is much faster and he stays right alongside her.

Suddenly, she slows down and he rushes ahead. When she sees him pass by the next exit, she speeds up and takes the off ramp to Moffett Field.

Pulling into base housing, she slowly drives to the apartment that she and Mark had shared. Pulling the keys from the ignition, she just sits in the car, pressing her forehead to the steering wheel.

After acquiring enough courage to exit the car, she makes her way up the stairs to the second floor apartment.

Unlocking the door, she steps inside. She can smell the lingering scent of Mark's cologne and it hits her like a ton of bricks.

Breathing heavily, she makes her way to their bedroom and curls herself onto the bed, hugging the blankets around her. Engulfed in tears, she looks up at the ceiling. "God, why? What did I ever do to deserve such a hateful man? And why on earth would you punish me by making me pregnant with his child?"

Surprised by a knock on the front door, Elliana rises from the bed, and peeks out the window. She sees Griffin's white R8 parked along the curb. "Shit!"

"Elliana, let me in!" he shouts through the door, jiggling the knob at the same time.

Elliana walks down the hall to the door. "Please go, Griffin. There's some things I need to do...alone."

"Elliana, please...let me in. We need to talk."

"You need time to calm down. There's no way in hell I'm letting you in here right now."

Becoming exhausted due to the long drive from Reno and the arguing, Griffin presses his forehead to the door. "Please, Elliana. I won't hurt you, I promise."

"I don't believe you."

He slams his fist to the door. "Fuck! Why won't you believe me?"

She jumps back. "Because you're acting like a fool!"

"Only because you won't talk to me." He jiggles the doorknob again. "Let me in."

Elliana presses her back against the door and breathes heavily.

"Elliana," he says, softly. "Please, baby...you should know by now that I'm not going to hurt you. I would kill myself before I ever posed harm upon you."

She places her hand on the doorknob and turns it, allowing him inside. He wraps his arms around her and presses her head into his heaving chest.

"Oh, baby..." He sighs. "I'm so very sorry for the way I acted." He gently cups her face in his hands, staring adoringly into her eyes. "Please forgive me."

She looks sadly into his icy blue gaze. "I can put it up for adoption."

He pulls her into him once more, his nose nuzzling upon her scalp. "No, baby," he says, his lips flush against her hair. "It's our baby."

"But—"

"Shh," he interrupts. "Even if the baby is Mark's, I'll raise it as if it's my own."

"You can't be serious."

"Baby, I love everything about you, including that baby. If he's not mine by blood, he will be mine wholeheartedly."

Elliana looks up at Griffin, smiling, hugging him tightly.

Griffin pulls away and stares down into her eyes. "Now, because we're here, we may as well pack up your things."

She takes Griffin by the hand and leads him to the bedroom.

He sits on the edge of the bed and watches as she pulls a box from the top of the closet.

"Can you look in the top drawer of the dresser and grab me some packing tape?" she asks.

He places his hand on the knob and starts to pull open the drawer.

Suddenly, remembering what she has hidden away in that particular drawer, her eyes widen in swift alarm. "Wait! Don't open it."

Intrigued by her behavior, Griffin pays no mind, and pulls open the wooden drawer. He looks at Elliana bearing a sheepish grin.

Her hands drop to her waist and she looks up embarrassed as if she's been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

"My, my," Griffin says, slightly snickering. "Looks like you had some fun when Mark was away on Det."

"Stop it!" she says. "It's not like you don't have a play drawer."

"Yeah, but coming from innocent little-ole-you is quite fascinating, Mrs. Reid." He pulls a long jelly-like dildo/vibrator from the drawer that has multi-colored beads at the base. "Nice." He surveys it closely. "The Jack Rabbit. Good call." He winks.

"Stop it!" She tries to snatch it from his hand, but he holds it high in the air and with him being so tall, she can't reach it.

She jumps trying to grab it. He jerks back. "Yeah, baby. I like this," he teases.

"C'mon, Griffin...give it to me."

"Are you sure?" His eyes turn serious.

"Yes, give it to me."

He rests his palm flush against her chest and pushes her to the bed. "As you wish, Mrs. Reid." Kneeling on the floor, he starts to jerk her jeans down her thighs, but she shimmies them back on, and sits up. "We're not having sex on this bed!" she hollers. "Jeez! Are you insane?"

He stands. "Well, you told me to give it to you."

"I didn't mean the way you're thinking...perv!"

He laughs and tosses the Jack Rabbit into the box.

Lying back on the bed, Griffin locks his fingers behind his head, and watches as Elliana loads stuff into the box. "Your parents' were at the main house today."

"I was wondering where they were," Elliana says. "You didn't tell them about the pregnancy, did you?" The look of terror registers upon her face.

He shakes his head from side-to-side. "No, Elliana. I didn't. That's your place to tell them."

After placing her last piece of clothing in the box, she closes it, and tapes it shut. Griffin hoists it into his arms and they walk into the living room. Elliana glances around, looking distressed, not even wanting to begin boxing up more things.

"We can come back another time," Griffin says, setting the box down onto the floor.

"I might just have a free sale event and let people from base housing just grab what they want. I don't want any of this stuff."

He wraps his long fingers around her forearm with one hand and softly caresses her cheek with his other. "Are you sure that's what you want?"

She nods. "I can call Kate and see if she can arrange it." Elliana looks around the apartment. "It's so eerie being in here. I can't stand it." She crosses her arms in front, hugging herself.

"I'm sure Kate will take care of everything, baby," he says, tenderly. "Is there anything else you need before we go?"

She looks into his eyes and tries her best to hold back tears. The look on her face breaks Griffin's heart. Suddenly, the flood gates open and she wraps her arms tightly around Griffin, compressing him into her.

Griffin strokes her hair and kisses the top of her head. "Shh, baby. It's alright. I know you're hurting. I'm glad you're finally letting it all out."

Her cheek rises and falls to every breath upon Griffin's chest. Even though Mark was a total asshole to her, just the thought of him dying finally hit her, and it hit her hard. Her legs began to shake and her knees buckled. Griffin prevents her from falling and glides her to sit on the Berber carpeted beige floor.

Elliana cries so much that she's beginning to snort. Mascara is trailing in long black streaks down her face. Griffin tries his best to guide her to look at him, but she defiantly holds her head down, and curls herself into his lap.

Griffin lovingly strokes her hair and brushes his thumb against her cheeks, wiping the tears away. She turns to look at him and her expression of sadness absolutely pains him.

"I-I-I hope you d-d-don't think I-I-I'm crying 'cause I miss him," she whimpers.

"No, baby," he replies in a soft tone. "I know you're crying because you're thinking of when you once loved him."

She places her head back down into his lap. "He used to be a good person, Griffin," she says, her words muffled against his thigh. "I wish that he didn't die. He really needed mental help."

"I know baby," he says, reassuringly. "I know that you couldn't wish death upon your worst enemy, sweetheart. That's not who you are. That's why I fell so deeply in love with you because of your heart, your warmth, the way you care for people." He enfolds his arms around her and lifts her into his strong chest. "My gosh, baby. You're my world. I love you more than words can express."

* * *

Elliana parks her car in the garage outside her cottage and she meets Griffin at the front of the main house. He helps her up the steps and when they enter, they stand in the rotunda, underneath a large crystal chandelier.

They haven't shared the news of their nuptials to anyone yet and are hoping to do that during family dinner this evening. Elliana smells a familiar scent and is drawn to the kitchen. When she and Griffin enter, they're amazed when they see Mr. Jenkins alongside Ralph cooking fried chicken. Mrs. Jenkins and Sandy are sitting at the counter drinking coffee.

Elliana's father sets his greasy tongs on a napkin beside the stove, wipes his hands on the front of his apron, and walks toward Elliana with open arms. "Oh, Ellie!" He pulls her into his chest. "You look a helluva lot better than when I saw you last."

"And you look great, Daddy. Your heart and everything okay?" she asks.

"Good as new," he says, turning toward the stove and picking up the greasy tongs. "With special thanks to that man right there." He motions his head at Griffin.

Sally springs from her chair and rushes toward Elliana. She grabs Elliana's hand and holds it up. "Oh, my word! You didn't?" she asks, looking at the sparkling diamonds on her finger.

Sandy hurries over. "Darling, do you mind explaining this?" She transfers a harsh glare in Griffin's direction, and then notices the wedding band on his finger.

"Well, so much for telling them the news at dinner." Griffin laughs.

"When?" Sandy asks.

"Where?" Sally calls out.

Elliana glances down at the floor at her pigeon-toed feet as she rocks back and forth. "Um, two days ago in Reno."

"Dammit, Griffin!" Sandy chides. "So much for letting me plan my son's wedding."

"Mother, c'mon," he says, pulling Elliana into him. "You know how I feel about crowds. Besides, I don't need anyone up in my grill." He smirks.

"Up in your grill?" Sandy questions.

"Elliana's famous words," he teases.

Elliana laughs seeing him speak that way. A man of his intellect looks quite comical speaking in her white-trash terms as she calls it.

Griffin locks his fingers in hers and leads her into the grand room where he eases her onto the sofa. "I need to make a quick phone call. I'll be right back," he says, kissing her forehead. He disappears from earshot, and heads to his study.

"What do you mean she threatened me?" Griffin's voice booms into the phone.

Elliana stands in the hallway, away from the glass door of his study so he doesn't see her.

"That's unacceptable." He pauses. "Offer her more money then." Another pause. "This is complete utter bullshit!"

By the sound of Griffin's agitated tone, Elliana knows the call is serious. She rushes back to the grand room and sits on the sofa.

Moments later, Griffin walks in, his hair all disheveled, which leaves Elliana to believe that he's been running his hands all through it out of frustration.

"Can I get you something to drink?" he asks as he makes his way into the kitchen.

"I'll take some iced sweet tea if you have it."

He grabs a beer from the refrigerator, pops the cap, and pours a glass of iced tea for Elliana.

"Griffin, dinner will be ready in a few minutes," Mr. Jenkins says. "I hope you gotta good appetite."

"It's smells delicious," Griffin says, turning on his heel and making his way back into the grand room.

He sits beside Elliana and offers her the glass of tea. Kicking off his shoes, he plants his sock covered feet on the coffee table. Elliana rests her head on his shoulder.

He leans toward her ear. "The doctor said that sex is okay, right?"

She shifts her head toward him. "All the way up 'till I'm ready to deliver." She smiles. "Why? You horny?"

He bursts out in laughter. "You sure have a way with words, young lady." He lifts the beer bottle to his lips and takes a sip.

Sally peeks her head in. "Dinner's ready."

Griffin stands and helps Elliana from the couch.

As they all gather 'round the table in the dining room, the room fills with chatter. Elliana feels so blessed to have her family with her along with the new addition of Griffin and his mother. Ralph walks around the table filling everyone's glasses with red wine. Elliana puts her hand up, shying the bottle away. "Water is fine for me."

Sandy raises a concerned eyebrow. "No wine, Elliana?"

"No, thank you. I just want some water."

Griffin shifts uncomfortably in his chair beside her and places his hand on her knee and squeezes gently.

"Something wrong?" Mr. Jenkins asks.

Suddenly Elliana feels as though she's getting the third degree from everyone. Not knowing if it's her raging hormones because of the pregnancy, or if she's just irritated, but she slams her hands to the table and all the plates and silverware make a clanking sound.

Stunned by her unique display, everyone looks at one another with their mouths gaping open, including Griffin.

Elliana pulls her napkin off her lap, dabs the corners of her mouth, and sets it to the table. She stands. "I'm pregnant, alright!" she hollers. "That's why I'm not drinking wine! Jeez!" She pushes the chair from behind her with the back of her knees and storms from the dining room. Having no clue on where to go because she's so unfamiliar with the house, she stands at the front door looking confused.

She barges outside and runs down the steps. Griffin comes rushing from behind. "Elliana!" he calls out. "Come back here!"

She stops and turns to look at him.

"Where are you going?"

Looking dumfounded, she shakes her head. "I don't know."

Stepping toward her at arm length's apart, he tries to take her hand, but she swats it away.

"What got into you back there?"

"I'm not sure. I just suddenly became angry and blew my top."

"I'll say!" His hands rest on his hips. "Now, can we go back inside and enjoy dinner?" he asks. "Your father worked his ass off on that meal."

"I'm too embarrassed," she says, staring down at the ground feeling humiliated. "I think I'm going to go to my cottage and take a bath."

Griffin throws his head back and laughs. "Baby, your home is there." He points to the main house. "That cottage is your parents' house now."

"My parents' house?" she questions.

"Yes, I told them they can live there as long as they like."

"I don't believe my dad would accept your offer, Griffin. He's too much of a country folk to uproot his life and move to California."

"Well, he agreed."

"I don't believe you."

"Sweetheart, trust me. I'm preparing that cottage to suit his taste. When my contractors are through with that thing, your father will feel like he's right back home."

They start walking toward the house. Elliana stops and sits down on the steps. Griffin sits beside her.

"Do you plan on moving his trailer out here and putting it on your property?"

He laughs. "No, but I'm allowing the contractors to do whatever he asks. I'm even having a pond stocked with blue gill, trout, and catfish. It's being dug next to the cottage as a Christmas gift for your parents'."

"You're shittin' me..."

"Shitting you?" he inquires. "What the fuck does that mean?"

"Joshin' me."

"Elliana, I don't speak your language. What is joshing?"

She takes in a deep aggravated breath and exhales slowly. "It means that you're joking with me." She playfully slaps him across his shoulder. "Jeez! Get with it, man!"

He laughs loudly and presses her head into his shoulder. "You're going to get it good tonight, baby."

She tilts her head to see his face. "What do you mean?"

"Well," he says, looking down at his socks. "The way you endangered your life on the freeway today, let alone mine, I think I'm going to spank your fine ass."

Her stomach tingles and the little blonde hairs on her arms stand on ends. "What?"

"You heard me, young lady. I'm going to spank that perfectly rounded bottom of yours and I won't stop until you beg me to."

Holy hell!

He stands and helps her to her feet. "Now, let's go eat dinner civilly, shall we..." He cocks his elbow and she encircles her arm through it.

When they enter the dining room, Griffin pulls out Elliana's chair, and she sits. She looks up feeling embarrassed. "I'm so sorry for my outburst."

Sally looks at Elliana. "Hon, when did you find out about the pregnancy?"

"Mama, can we please not talk about this now?"

"You better not be pregnant with that asshole of an ex-husband of yours," Mr. Jenkins says, picking off pieces of fried chicken. "I don't want any part of that man in your life, including his child."

"But, Daddy!" She pleads, sounding like a toddler.

He takes in a deep breath. "I'm serious, Ellie. You better tell me now if you're pregnant with that man's child."

She dreadfully looks down at her plate of uneaten food, shaking her head back and forth in doubt. "I don't know if it's his."

Mr. Jenkins picks up a butter knife and points it toward Elliana. "I'll tell you right now, young lady. If that baby is his, ya better put that little bastard up for adoption, or I'll disown it."

Shocked by his words, she starts to cry into her napkin.

Griffin glares at Mr. Jenkins. "That's just about enough, sir. Now, I respect you, but right now, you're being downright ignorant toward your daughter. I've accepted the fact that the baby may not be mine and I'm willing to accept it as my own. Now, if you being her father aren't even willing to accept his own grandson, then I've lost all respect for you and I would appreciate it if you never speak to my wife like that again."

"I don't want the bastard turning out to be like his father if it is Mark's."

"Sir, do not call my future child a bastard!" Griffin's nostrils begin to flare.

Mr. Jenkins takes one final sip of his wine and places his napkin on the table. "Sally, let's go." He stands.

Sally looks at Sandy with a sad glance. "It's alright dear; I'll wrap you up a plate and will bring it over to you so you can eat later." Sandy sincerely pats Sally's forearm.

Sally stands behind Elliana's chair and leans in to kiss her cheek. "We'll talk about this tomorrow," she whispers.

Elliana nods.

"Let's go, Sally!" Mr. Jenkins orders in a raised voice.

Elliana finishes her food and polishes off her water. Griffin excuses himself and goes into his study to make a phone call.

Sandy moves to a chair next to Elliana and smiles. "Honey, I know the baby is Griffin's," she says. "You weren't pregnant when you went into the hospital when you were taken by ambulance and now, all of sudden, your test pops positive a week later..."

Elliana questions Sandy's assumption. "You really think?"

Sandy nods. "Unless Mark raped you in that cabin."

Elliana shakes her head back and forth. "If Griffin and the police didn't show up when they did, Mark would have," she replies. "The doctor did tell me that my HCG level was quite low and that I couldn't be far along. He even said if I were to take a home pregnancy test, that it would most likely be negative."

"Your doctor is right, my dear." Sandy delicately pats Elliana on the hand. "Now, we need to set you up with the best OB/GYN there is."

"I don't even know where to begin with all this."

"Leave it all to me, dear," Sandy says, reassuringly. "If I couldn't plan your wedding, then I'm sure as hell going to help with my grandchild." She smiles, warmly.

Elliana stands from her chair, leans down, and hugs Sandy. "Thank you so much. You have made a crappy day do a complete turnaround."

"My pleasure, dear."

Elliana walks toward the study and can hear Griffin's outburst.

"I don't care what the fuck she refuses, you make her take my final offer, and sign those God damn papers!"

Elliana presses her back against the wall, hoping Griffin doesn't glance out his glass French doors and see her eavesdropping.

"I can't believe this bitch is behaving this way!" he hollers. "She honestly thought that she meant something to me?"

Elliana's heart lurches in her chest. Who was he talking about and why was he offering her money? Was she a private escort of some sort?

"I mean it, Miguel. You better get this done. I'm not fucking around here!"

Elliana shoots upstairs and straight into Griffin's room. She sees the box on the edge of the bed that she brought over from her apartment. With torrid thoughts racing through her mind, she reaches in, and starts unloading the box, hoping to keep her occupied from thinking the worst.

Griffin enters his bedroom and stands behind Elliana. He watches as she folds her clothes and sets them on the bed.

He walks over to a closet and opens the double doors. The closet it bare. "This is your very own closet, gorgeous," he says, bearing a warm smile, not even appearing as though he was just in a heated conversation.

"Mine?"

"Yes, yours." He points across the room. "Mine is over there."

"I see." Elliana takes her clothes from the bed and walks into the enormous closet that stretches as long as it does wide. An island made of black and white swirled marble was in the center. "It's magnificent."

"It's all yours, baby." He stands behind and encircles his arms around her, pulling her against his chest. "You smell divine," he says in almost a raspy voice, inhaling the scent of her vanilla shampoo.

"What was your phone conversation about?"

"Nothing that concerns you, baby."

"Everything you do concerns me now." She grabs hold of his arms.

"It's work and you needn't worry about that."

"It didn't sound like work."

He leans in; his lips close to her ear. "You weren't listening in, were you?"

"I couldn't help but not to. You were yelling. Who is she, Griffin?"

"I told you that it does not concern you." He grabs a hanger from the closet and hangs up a sweater.

Impatiently placing her hands on her hips, Elliana's eyes practically shoot fire at him. "You better stop keeping things from me. This is total bullshit."

"What do you mean, bullshit?"

"Look at how you acted in the car on the way back from Reno. You made me tell you what was bothering me. Why in the fuck can't I get the same in return?"

His icy blue eyes narrow and he sternly looks at her. "You listen here, Elliana. I said it does not concern you."

She takes a hanger from the rod and holds it in her hand just staring at it.

"Talk to me, Elliana."

She tosses the hanger to the floor. "That's just it, Griffin, I'm trying to talk to you, but you won't let me in!" She shakes her head in disgust. "It's obvious that this marriage is a one-way street." She attempts to brush past him, but he grabs her by the arm.

"Listen, it has nothing to do with us. It's work."

Elliana rolls her eyes, looking off to the side as she diligently taps her foot. "Whatever."

He lets go of her arm and runs his hands through his hair. "Fuck!" he yells. "We haven't even been married a week and look at us?"

"It's all you, Griffin!"

"Trust me, baby. It's just a business deal."

"Sounds like a whore you're trying to pay off!" Elliana walks toward the bed to get some more clothes to hang. She feels Griffin's palm press upon her back and he pushes her to the bed.

Elliana rolls onto her back to look at him. "What was that for?"

A playful look is set in his eyes. He shrugs. His eyes flicker up and down her body. She feels tingles all throughout her extremities. She breathes in.

"Did I tell you how gorgeous you are today?"

She smirks.

"And do you remember that I told you that you're needing a good spanking on that perfect round ass of yours?"

She nods.

"Every time you challenge me, Elliana, I'm going to make you come hard."

"Sounds to me like you enjoy me challenging you, Mr. Reid," she playfully teases.

"Oh, you have no fucking idea." He sits on the edge of the bed and forces Elliana on his lap. He strokes his fingers through her long blonde hair and presses his lips to her shoulder. "Absolutely gorgeous," he whispers.

Lifting her shirt over her head and tossing it to the floor, Griffin's fingers trace lightly over her bra. "Gorgeous...and they're mine."

She looks through her long eyelashes and breathes heavily. His touch overwhelms her and she claims his mouth with hers. Fisting her hands in his hair, she holds him steady against her lips.

He pulls away and stands her on her feet. "Take off your pants," he orders.

She stares down at the floor and flicks her eyes up to look at him.

"You drive me crazy when you look all innocent," he says. "Now..." He looks at her blue jeans. "Your pants...off, NOW!"

She unfastens the snap and unzips her jeans. She places a thumb at each side of the waistband and shimmies them down her legs along with her panties.

"Good girl." He eagerly licks his lips.

"Now, bend over my knee."

She inhales deeply, slightly nervous, but extremely aroused, and does as she's told.

Griffin softly rubs her bottom with the palm of his hand. "Perfection." His fingers slightly tease at her welcoming entrance. A stinging swat lands flush on her ass and her head jerks. "Oh!" she squeals.

"Yes, baby," Griffin hisses. Another swat to her bare ass.

"Oh, Griffin!" Her head jerks once more.

"I'm happy to see that you're enjoying this, young lady." Another swat.

"Griffin..." she whispers, her rounded ass reddening beneath his palm. She can feel his erection pressing into her belly.

Griffin strokes his index and middle finger along her moist folds. "So wet..."

"Uh, huh..."

"So, so, very wet, Mrs. Reid..." Another swat.

"Please!"

"If you want me to stop spanking your fine ass, you have to beg me to fuck you, baby."

The tingle in her belly pulls and she feels another stinging swat on her fiery red bottom. "Please, Griffin!"

"Please, what?"

"Please, it hurts." But it hurts so fucking good.

"Say it, Elliana."

"Please, Griffin...fuck me!"

His fingers smooth over her entrance once more and he slips his middle finger inside. "So tight..." Another finger in. "So hot..." He leans down and plants a tiny kiss upon the stinging welt on her ass.

Lifting her off him, he strips from his clothes, places the box on the floor, and pushes her onto the bed. Elliana inches her way toward the pillow as she stares lustfully at Griffin's gorgeous body. He climbs above her and stares deep into her eyes. "You are the most gorgeous woman I have ever seen in my life."

"And you're the most gorgeous man I have ever seen in my life," she says, her eyelashes softly fluttering.

"Damn..." he whispers, nuzzling his nose into her neck. "You're going to make me lose it way too soon, baby."

Elliana reaches around and sinks her nails deep into Griffin's rock-hard ass.

"Shit, Elliana...you're not going to let me last." Griffin guides his stiff member into Elliana's welcoming entrance. "Oh God, baby..."

Her nails trace lightly up his back causing tiny goose bumps to rise upon his skin. "Oh, Griffin..." her voice hot in his ear. "I love you so much."

Just hearing those words pushes him over the edge. He collapses exhaustively down on Elliana's chest. "I'm so sorry, baby. You excite me so fucking much." He rolls over, taking her hand in his.

Elliana runs her fingernails over his chest and abs. "Your skin is so smooth." She looks at him and smiles brightly.

He leans in and kisses her, and then his head is suddenly between her thighs. She bursts out laughing. "Your hair is tickling me!"

He looks up. "That's not the only thing I will be tickling." His head sinks down and she feels his soft tongue oscillating around her love bud.

Elliana arches her feet and clings on tightly to the blankets, bunching them up in her hands. Her legs begin to tremble and she feels the sensation of Griffin's long middle finger enter inside. "Oh-my-God..." She breathes out slowly. "You're sexually torturing me, baby."

He ignores her words and continues his assault with his tongue. Her thighs tighten and quake against his cheeks and he knows that he's got her right where he wants her.

"Oh, fuck! Don't stop, baby. Ah...ah...ah...right there, Griffin...OH MY GOD!" she screams, loudly. He doesn't relinquish his finger or his tongue from her bead as she continually bucks on the bed. "Oh, Griffin!" Her orgasm pulses through her entire body. She finally comes back down to earth and relaxes.

Griffin inches his way onto his pillow and plops down beside her. Staring up at the ceiling, Elliana smiles, and then turns to look at him. "How in the hell did you learn to do that?"

"You like?" He sinfully grins.

"Uh, huh."

"I'll never tell." He chuckles, playfully.

"My goodness," she says, still out of breath. "You're a fucking sex god."

* * *

Sandy knocks on Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins' door and offers them a plate of leftover food. They welcome her inside and discuss Elliana's pregnancy. Sandy explains to Elliana's parents' that it is very doubtful she can be pregnant with Mark's child. Mr. Jenkins feels more at ease when he's told of the news, but still has that unsettling feeling that it can still be Mark's baby.

After an hour of talking and drinking coffee, Sandy heads back to her cottage. Her cell phone rings and she rolls her eyes when she sees the number. "Yes, Cindy," she says. "What do you want?"

"Please, Ms. Reid. I need your help badly."

"Why?" Sandy asks. "I thought you were let go."

"I'm not accepting the severance package. You know as well as I do what I really want."

"I know, darling, but Griffin has moved on. You should know after all, you picked up the engagement ring from Harry Winston's yourself."

"Because I thought it was for ME!"

"Sweetheart, you surely couldn't have believed that Griffin wanted anything more from you than sex."

Cindy sniffles into the phone.

"Darling, he loves Elliana. They're already married, and she's having his child."

Like a knife through the heart, Cindy drops the phone to the floor. Sandy hears the thud. "Cindy, are you there?"

Not a word on the other end. Cindy grabs the phone off the floor and hits the end button.

Sandy places her phone on the coffee table and sits down on the couch. She can tell that Cindy is going to become trouble. She could sense it by the instability in her voice.
Chapter Twenty-Four

Elliana rolls over and is saddened to see that Griffin is not asleep by her side. She looks at his pillow and sees a note resting beside a beautiful long stem red rose. She takes the note in her hand and runs her finger along the textured surface of his company's red and gold logo.

Sorry, but you seemed so perfect and peaceful while you were sleeping, and I didn't want to disturb you. I had to go into the office, but I will see you this evening, gorgeous. Please take my credit card that I have left for you on the bar in the kitchen and buy yourself some shoes to match the gorgeous dress that I bought for you for the Christmas ball. The dress is hanging in my closet. I love you lots, sweetheart.

Forever yours,

Griffin

Elliana presses the handwritten note to her chest and takes in a deep breath. She swings her legs off the side of the bed, slips into a white bathrobe and walks over to Griffin's closet. Hanging in a garment bag with the words on the outside reading, "Naeem Khan," Elliana pulls it from the closet and sets it carefully upon the mattress. She stands back admiring the garment bag. She's heard of Naeem Khan before. It's what most movie stars wear to red carpet events.

She pulls the zipper down, revealing a silver-gray and white beaded strapless ball gown. Designed from silk, the beaded tulle over chiffon lining sheath-silhouette dress bears the name Naeem Khan on the inside label. She feels the price tag through her fingers and notices the hefty cost of almost $11,000. She gasps in astonishment. Never has she touched a dress so expensive in her life.

She holds it against her body as she stares at herself in a full-length mirror by the window. The morning sun beams through the cracks of the shutters bringing in just enough natural light.

Shrugging off her robe, she unzips the back of the dress and steps inside, shimmying it up over her breasts. She pulls the zipper to the top and gracefully sashays back-and-forth admiring her reflection. The dress clings in all the right places, the hem gracefully ruches at the floor, and her breasts practically spill over the top. She knows that Griffin will look at her lustfully when he catches his first glance at her in the ornate ball gown with such intricate detail.

The ring of her phone interrupts her daydreaming of Griffin and she sees her mother's name on the screen.

"Honey," Sally says. "I just spoke with Mark's father and he and Mrs. Lattimer are expecting you to be at Mark's funeral tomorrow."

Elliana sinks down onto the bed, her heart drops. "Should I go?"

"Well, honey, I think it would be the right thing to do."

"Are you and Daddy going?"

"Yes, sweetheart. You can come with us."

"I'll see if Griffin will take me. I can't imagine going without him."

"The funeral is at noon, sweetheart. Your dad and I will follow you there in your car if that's alright."

Elliana remembers that her parents' car was in Florida, so their only means of transportation was Elliana's car. "Sure, Mama, that's fine. Use my car whenever you like."

"It will only be temporary. Our car should be here within the next few days."

"Alright, Mama," Elliana replies, running her fingers along the beads of her dress. "I'll see you for dinner tonight. Is Daddy still mad at me?"

"No, honey. He's not mad at you."

With a sigh of relief, Elliana disconnects the call.

Elliana unzips the back of the dress and steps out. Placing it back inside the garment bag, she pulls out the tiny square swatch that is tucked away at the bottom. She sets it on the dresser and looks down at Griffin's play drawer.

Her stomach stings when she sees it, her curiosity pulling at her. She reluctantly opens it and sees an empty drawer with only a tiny note displaying Griffin's handwritten words.

I caught you peeking. Don't worry; I'll introduce you to this when the time is right.

She closes the drawer and pokes out her bottom lip, pouting like a spoiled child. Dammit!

Standing in the glass encased shower with dark beige Travertine floor tile, Elliana feels like a doll on display. Powerful jets of water spray her from all directions and she doesn't like it. She should have taken a nice relaxing bath, but she is much too excited to go shopping, and wants to get the jump on things ASAP.

She puts on a pair of skinny-fit blue jeans, a tight white sweater, and black ballerina flats. When she makes her way downstairs, she sees Simon standing beside the bar drinking coffee.

Remembering that her parents' might need her car for the day, she looks at Simon with a sheepish grin.

"Good morning, Mrs. Reid." Simon sets his coffee mug on the bar, bearing a friendly smile.

"Hi, Simon. Just call me Ellie."

Simon nods.

She clears her throat almost nervous. "Um, Simon, do you happen to have the keys to Griffin's Ferrari?"

Simon's jaw practically hits the floor, amazed by the question. "I don't have them, but I know where they are."

"Well, can you tell me?" she asks. "I need to head into San Francisco to buy some shoes for the Christmas ball."

"Ma'am, I can drive you. That's my job."

She cocks her head to the side and flashes him an endearing smile. "Now, Simon, you can tell me where the keys are. After all, it's my car, too."

He picks up his coffee mug and takes a final sip. "I'll be right back, ma'am."

"Please, call me Ellie."

"Yes, Ellie." He takes his leave.

Elliana studies the gray swatch of fabric and slips it in her purse along with Griffin's credit card.

"Sir, your wife has requested to drive your Ferrari," says Simon into the phone.

Griffin's mouth curls up on each side forming an impish grin. "She did?"

"Yes, sir. She refuses to let me drive her into the city."

"Well, what's mine is now hers. If she wants to take the Ferrari into the city, who am I to stop her?"

"Very well, sir. I'll get the keys to her now."

"Thank you, Simon."

Griffin hangs up the phone and relaxes back against his tall leather chair at his desk. Stroking his index finger underneath his chin, he smiles, feeling elated that Elliana is beginning to feel comfortable in their abrupt marriage.

Suddenly, Cindy comes barging into his office. His executive assistant, Jenna chases from behind. "I'm sorry, sir," Jenna says, tucking her red bangs behind her ear. "She blew right by. I couldn't stop her."

Griffin lifts his hand and shoos Jenna away indicating all is fine. Jenna closes the door behind her.

Cindy stands in front of Griffin's desk dressed in navy blue slacks and a white fitted blouse, the buttons straining against her large fake breasts.

"Cindy, you shouldn't be here," he says.

Her eyes begin swelling up with tears. "Please, please tell me it's not true."

"What are you talking about?"

"You and Elliana." She sniffles and pulls a Kleenex from a box at the edge of Griffin's desk.

"You can't be serious." He shakes his head back and forth in dismay. "You picked up the ring for me."

She stares down at the ground, tears streaming down to the floor.

Griffin sits up straight at his desk. "You didn't think—"

She nods.

"You thought it was for you?"

Cindy looks up and shakes her blonde hair from her face. "Well, yes..."

"Whatever gave you the impression that I wanted to marry you?"

"By the way you made love to me those two times."

He boasts a throaty laugh. "Made love?"

"Yes..."

"That wasn't love, sweetheart. That was just fucking."

Her blue eyes practically shoot fire through him. "I just don't fuck anybody!"

He laughs again. "Well, you sure could've fooled me. It didn't take much convincing to get you in my bed."

"So, you think I'm some kind of whore?"

"Obviously," he says, nonchalantly. "But one who doesn't charge for her services."

She clenches her fists tight at her sides. "Ugh! My God, you piss me off!"

Griffin rises from his chair and walks around his desk toward her. "I think you should leave before I call security to escort you out."

"I'm not accepting your severance package."

"Tell that to my attorney. We're done here." He grabs her by the bicep and leads her to the door.

"Let me go, Griffin!"

"Gladly." He opens the door and ushers her outside of his office. As he stands before Jenna's desk, he looks at her with a serious expression. "Jenna, if you ever see this woman again, alert security."

"Yes, sir." She nods, approvingly.

Cindy snatches her arm from Griffin's grasp. "You haven't seen the last of me." She flings her black quilted Chanel purse over her shoulder, holds her head high, and saunters toward the elevator.

Griffin turns on his heel, slams his office door behind him, and a Rembrandt painting crashes to the floor, shattering glass onto the granite tile.

* * *

Simon steps into the kitchen and hands Elliana the keys to the Ferrari. She studies them in her hand, feeling a little nervous to drive it.

She makes her way to the garage and eases into the fine leather seat. Closing the door, she takes in the scent of leather and a hint of Griffin's cologne. She rubs her hand over the gearshift and adjusts the seat forward, closer to the steering wheel. She jumps when she hears her cell phone ringing. She looks at it and sees Griffin's name. She smiles widely.

"Hey, gorgeous," he says, cheerfully.

"Hi, baby."

"I hope you enjoy the drive in our Ferrari."

Her smile is even wider when he says "our."

"I hope so, too, but I'm a little scared."

"Don't be scared," he says. "Shit! The way you handled your Camaro on the freeway, I think you'll control it just fine."

"I can only hope."

"That baby has twelve cylinders, it's much faster than what you're used to," he says. "Did Simon give you the keys?"

"How did you know?"

"Simon called me," he answers. "Do you have the keys?"

"Yes, I'm sitting in the car now, still in the garage."

"You haven't left yet?" He laughs.

"No, I haven't even started it."

"Baby, please be careful. I can't wait to see you this evening. I love you so much."

"I love you, too." She takes a deep breath and slips the phone back in her purse.

Pressing the red button on the steering wheel, the car starts, and the rumble is heard throughout the massive garage. Damn! How that car purrs. Staring at the round yellow Ferrari logo in the center of the steering wheel, Elliana is too scared to even back from the garage. She jumps when she hears a tapping sound on the driver's window. She presses the button to cause the window to slide down and she sees Simon.

"Do you need some help, Mrs. Reid?"

"I-I-I..." she stammers. "Get in!"

Simon walks over to the passenger side and slides into the seat.

"You're coming with me," she demands.

"Are you sure about this?" he asks, inquisitively, furrowing his brow.

"Yes. I might need your help. Besides, I don't want to go shopping alone."

"Why didn't you ask your mother?"

"She has no concept of fashion," Elliana says, eyeing Simon up and down. "However, you do. I can tell by the way you dress. You're French...the French know fashion! I need your assistance in helping me find some shoes for my dress."

"I'm not sure if Mr. Reid will allow this." Simon nervously fidgets with his hands in his lap. "I mean, of course he'll allow me to drive you, but I'm not sure if he'll appreciate it being the other way around."

"Nonsense. You'll be fine and if he becomes upset, I'll tell him that I told you to come with me." She slowly backs from the garage. "I'll treat you to a nice lunch." She smiles as her hands are white-knuckling the steering wheel.

Driving only forty miles-per-hour, north on Highway 101, Simon stares out the window, hoping that Elliana doesn't see him snickering.

Elliana can tell by the way his body is shaking that he's holding back laughter. "Alright, Simon...spill!"

"You should at least go the speed limit."

"I'm scared." She laughs with a hint of nervousness in her voice.

"Do you want me to take over?"

Elliana breathes in deeply. "Nah, I'll speed up." She stomps heavily on the gas pedal and the car shoots off like a rocket.

Simon clenches onto the door handle, fearing for his life. "You can slow it down a tad," he says.

Elliana glances at the speedometer and she has it at 130 miles-per-hour. "Holy shit!" She eases her foot off the gas pedal. Steadying at seventy, Simon relaxes in his seat.

They pull up to the valet at Union Square and enter the San Francisco Centre. When Elliana and Simon step through the mall entrance, Simon looks over at her while keeping up with her stride. "Um, you shouldn't have left the car with the valet."

"Why?"

"Because once they see Mr. Reid's license plate, they're going to know who the car belongs to. The paparazzi will be notified. They will be especially curious because some strange woman is driving his car."

She stops dead in her tracks. "Seriously? Paparazzi? You've got to be kidding me," she says. "And how can they tell it's him by his license plate?"

"All of his license plates display his last name with a number. His Ferrari reads, 'Reid 1', his R8 reads, 'Reid 2', it goes on and on with his other cars." He stops short and grabs her by both hands, looking directly into her eyes. "I'm not joking, Elliana. I can almost guarantee you that when we leave, we'll be followed."

Elliana takes her hands from Simon's grasp. "Oh, stop," she says, playfully. "You're just shittin' me."

He arches an eyebrow. "Huh?"

Elliana rolls her eyes, frustrated. "I mean, you're just joking with me. Jeez!" She shakes her head from side-to-side. "No one in California knows what shittin' means?"

"Well, here, it's defined differently." Simon laughs.

"Whatever." She grabs Simon by his forearm and they head toward Nordstrom's. "Okay, Simon." She pulls out her gray swatch and shows it to him. "I need to find some elegant shoes that will match this."

He takes it from her hand and examines it, rubbing the feel of silk between his thumb and forefinger. "Very nice." He leads her into the Christian Louboutin section. Pulling a pair of silver strappy, five-inch sandals from the shelf, he hands them to her. "These are gorgeous."

Elliana examines the height of the heel and the spike accents across the toe. "I might kill myself in these." She giggles. Looking underneath the shoe, she notices the red bottom. "Griffin bought me a pair of shoes from this designer." She sees the $1450 dollar price tag and gasps. "Oh, no," she says, putting them back in their place. "These are way too pricey."

Simon laughs. "Trust me, Mr. Reid doesn't care. These will look perfect with that dress," he says. "I can sense it."

Elliana huffs. She asks the associate to bring her a pair in size 38 so she can try them on.

She slips her foot into them, and wraps the long leather strap up her calf, and buckles it. Her white French pedicure is exposed and Simon stares lewdly at her feet. Elliana can sense by the way he's gazing at her, that they are definitely the right shoes. "I take it by your reaction, you like these..."

He nods and she takes them off, and places them in the dust bag and box. "I'll take 'em," she says to the associate.

Simon and Elliana stand at the counter and she hands the associate Griffin's Amex black card. He examines it and knows exactly who the card belongs to. "Ma'am, I need to make a quick call," he says. "I'll be right back." The slender man with short blond hair, dressed in a slim-fit suit and tie disappears into a room behind the counter.

Moments later, he's back. "I'm sorry, ma'am," he says. "Because your name is not on the card, I had to call the credit card company. Everything is fine." He smiles with assurance. "I just need to see your identification."

Elliana reaches into her purse and pulls out her driver's license.

The associate raises his brow indecisively. "I see you haven't taken Mr. Reid's last name yet."

"I have," she replies. "I just haven't updated it with DMV."

"Ah, I see." He hands the bag to her along with her license and credit card. "Congratulations on your nuptials."

Elliana slips her I.D. and credit card back in her purse. "Oh!" She snaps her fingers. "I need to find a purse for the party."

"I have the perfect thing in mind." Simon leads her to the Judith Leiber section.

"These all look weird," she says. "Who in the hell would carry a purse shaped like a cupcake and engulfed in crystals?"

Simon chuckles. "Every woman at the party is who."

"Seriously?"

"Yes, Elliana." He surveys the counter. "We can find you something not so childish, but I assure you that every woman at that party will be carrying a Judith Leiber purse."

"Alright." She shrugs. "After all, I brought you here because you know your stuff."

"Now, that one will be perfect!" He points to a purse that is locked behind glass, displaying a $3195 dollar price bag.

"No!" she exclaims. "That's way too much!"

Simon wraps his fingers over Elliana's forearm and looks sincerely in her eyes. "Now, what did I tell you about money?"

Elliana smiles at the elderly woman behind the counter. "May I see that purse please?" She points as her fingernail taps the glass.

The elderly woman pulls it from its case and hands it over the counter to her. "That's the Zahara Optic shoulder bag," she says, her voice deep and raspy. "We just got it in yesterday."

Elliana examines it and runs her fingers along the chain straps that tuck neatly inside the bag transforming it into a clutch. "It's perfect, I'll take it." Before Elliana hands Griffin's credit card to the associate, she explains that she may need to call the credit card company.

"It's alright, dear. Everyone here has already been notified about who you are."

"Who I am?" Elliana questions, tilting her head to the side, perplexed.

"Yes, dear." She rings up the sale and hands Elliana her purchase and credit card.

"See, Elliana," Simon whispers over her shoulder. "It's already happening."

"What is already happening?"

"People are becoming aware that you took the most eligible bachelor of the West Coast off the market."

"Fuck!"

After eating a quiet delectable meal at Lark Creek Steak House, Elliana and Simon wait for the valet to pull the Ferrari around. Elliana can hear the engine before it even approaches and she gets butterflies in her stomach.

Tossing the bags on the floorboard by Simon's feet, she heads toward Highway 101. Simon glances back and notices a black Dodge Charger tailgating them. Simon holds tightly onto the dashboard with his left hand, his other gripping the passenger door. "Now, Elliana," he says. "Don't panic, but remember when I told you that the paparazzi will be waiting for us?"

She nods, fidgeting aimlessly with the radio.

"Well, there's one on our ass right now."

Elliana glances in the rearview mirror and sees the black car so close, that she can't even see the headlights. "What the hell?"

"You need to lose that asshole, Elliana."

"Piece of cake!" She floors it and they're flying down the highway, passing cars as if they're at a standstill, but the Dodge just won't let up.

"Faster, Elliana!"

The speedometer is registering at 150 and she's beginning to leave the Dodge in the dust, but before she starts to relax, she speeds by a police officer. "Fuck!" she hollers when she sees the red and blue lights flashing behind her.

She takes an exit ramp and pulls into a grocery store parking lot. The police officer parks behind her car and walks up to her window.

"Do you know why I pulled you over?" he asks, his chest so broad, it strains the buttons on his uniform.

"Speeding," she answers softly, flashing a flirtatious smile, and batting her long eyelashes manipulatively.

"Not only were you speeding, you were driving recklessly."

"I'm so sorry officer." She gulps. "But, there was a Dodge Charger on my ass. He was chasing me. I had to lose him."

"Do you know how fast you were going?"

"No, I'm sorry."

The police officer tosses his head back laughing. "Well, neither do I, but you must have been going pretty damn fast because you blew by me as if I wasn't even moving."

"I'm terribly sorry."

"License and registration," he demands, his dark eyes blazing as his joking mood changes to a more serious state.

She opens the glove box and pulls out the registration. Reaching into her purse, she gives the officer her license along with the registration. Simon just sits silently, not even looking at the officer or Elliana.

"I'm gonna let ya off with a warning this time, but if anyone starts to follow you again, you call the police. You not only endanger your life driving like that, but you're endangering other people on the road, too."

"I understand, Officer. Thank you."

He hands Elliana her license and registration and then walks back to his squad car.

Simon busts out laughing. "You are so lucky!"

Elliana takes a deep breath and slowly exhales. "Don't I know it...?"

* * *

Elliana places her new shoes in her closet along with her new purse. She takes a step back and looks at all the emptiness inside; sorrowfully knowing she doesn't have enough clothes to fill the massive closet. She takes another step back and runs right into someone. Startled, she turns around and sees Griffin bearing a wide, playful smile.

"Oh! You scared me." She rocks back on her bare feet.

Griffin steps toward her and wraps his arms around her, pulling her head into his chest. She takes a deep breath and inhales the scent of his cologne. Her fingers reach up to the Windsor knot of his gray tie and she tugs it gently.

"Happy to see me?" he asks, his fingers entwining in her hair.

She nods, her face glides back and forth against his smoky gray jacket.

"I missed you," she says, her voice slightly muffled against his lapel.

He sucks in a deep breath. "Oh, I've missed you, too." He flips her hair across her shoulder and curls his index finger underneath her chin. "Kiss me," he whispers.

Her lips meet his as she folds her fingers behind his neck. Jumping up, she wraps her legs around his waist, locking her ankles behind him. He backs up and plops down on the bed, Elliana straddling him. With her hands splayed upon his shoulders, she pushes his back to the mattress. She gazes lustfully into those icy blue eyes of his. "My God, you're so sexy," she whispers. She loosens the knot of his tie and pulls it from around his collar. Unfastening the buttons on his white shirt, she runs her hands underneath, up over his shoulders, and slides it off. Griffin can see the hunger in her eyes, the lust of her gaze, and the hot whisper in her voice yearning for him. Her fingers meet his belt buckle and she unhooks it, sliding it from the belt loops, and she tosses it to the floor. Like a caged animal in heat, she carelessly opens his pants and her tongue meets his faint happy trail. Standing from the bed, she yanks his pants down to his ankles and he kicks them off.

Resting her hand upon his chest, she pushes him back, his head meeting the mattress. He watches intently as she seductively strips from her clothes, licking his lips in anticipation.

Her finger gently strokes the folds of her entrance and Griffin watches her sultry facial expression as she pleases herself. Griffin can't take the taunting any longer, so he swiftly grabs her by the arm, and thrusts her to the bed.

With Griffin looming above her, he stares down into her eyes. "Oh, baby...you've been a bad girl today..."

"What do you mean?" she asks in a jaunting whisper.

"You were speeding and got pulled over by the police."

"How did you know?"

"I know everything, baby," he says, his voice dark, but teasing. "Do you know what I do to bad girls?"

Butterflies run wild in her stomach, her skin prickles hearing his spellbinding voice.

"I spank bad girls." He flips her onto her stomach and rubs his hand across her bare ass. Smack! Her body lurches to the sting.

"Oh, Griffin," she yelps.

He rubs his hand over the reddening spot and smacks it once more. His lips touch the tingling area of her skin and his tongue trails the curvature of her rounded bottom. "Absolute perfection..."

The sensation of feeling Griffin's middle finger entering her moist folds makes her gasp. He slips in another and circles around, his thumb strumming her love bead, piquing her to climax.

She lifts her ass to allow more penetration and Griffin uses his other hand to knead at her ample breast. He teases her nipples, making them pebble underneath his touch. "Oh, baby..." he whispers through clenched teeth. "You're so wet..." he flips her onto her back and pushes her legs apart with the force of his knees. Elliana stares at his massive erection. Griffin's head is at her freshly shaven pubis, his tongue flicking forcefully against her tiny pellet. With his hands wrapped tightly around her hips, he tries his best to tame her, so he can finish his assault on her surging sex. Her legs begin to buck, her thighs pressing hard against his cheeks, but he doesn't stop until he feels her burst against his lips.

Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he hovers above and whispers, "I love to make you squirt..."

His lips meet her breast; his hand teases and taunts the other. Elliana wraps her legs around his waist and she tries to force his stiff member inside her searing entrance.

He reaches down and guides his rock hard phallus into her and he watches the expression on her face when he enters.

Her back arches as she clenches her teeth tightly together.

"Yes, baby..." he whispers. "I love seeing your reaction when my cock enters you."

She breathes in deeply, his chest against hers. Moving in a rhythmic pattern, she claims his mouth and her tongue dances within. She tightly squeezes his rock hard ass and she feels his body stiffen. He relinquishes every drop of himself into her and then collapses on top. Elliana wraps her arms around him, holding Griffin tightly against her breasts.

He rolls over, lying beside her.

"So, are you really mad about me being pulled over by the police?" she asks.

He takes her hand and studies her fingers. "No, I was only kidding. But, you do need to be more careful. You could've killed yourself."

"I'm sorry. It's just that a car was chasing us."

"Us?"

"Yes...Simon and me."

"Simon went shopping with you?" He raises himself on his elbows, interested.

"Yes, was that a bad thing?"

"No," he answers. "It's just not his job."

Elliana traces her fingers along Griffin's chest. "He didn't really have a choice," she says. "I made him get in the car."

He takes her hand and holds it against his skin. "Elliana, I'm not sure I like you spending time with other men." He purses his lips and then presses them to her knuckles.

She rolls her eyes. "Oh, jeez..." She sighs. "I just didn't want to go alone."

"I know he's an attractive young man, Elliana."

"Even so, I just wanted someone to go with me. Your car scares me."

"Next time, ask my mother. Or your mother. Not another man."

Elliana swings her legs from the bed and puts on her clothes. "Please don't tell me you're jealous."

He sits up; the blankets hang at his waist. "Not jealous, per sey. I just don't like my wife spending time with another man."

"Griffin, he was very helpful."

"I bet he was," he says, sarcastically.

Elliana shakes her head back and forth becoming aggravated. "Griffin, let's get something straight right now."

"What's that?"

"You will not tell me who I can and cannot hang out with. You do not own me!" Her eyes begin to pool with tears.

Griffin sees her sorrowful expression and it jerks at his heart. "Baby, of course I'm jealous. Do you not realize how beautiful you are?" he asks. "Do you not notice how all heads turn in your direction every time you enter a room? I just don't want to lose you to someone on my staff, or anyone for that matter."

"Just because I'm friends with someone of the opposite sex, does not mean I want to fuck them!" she yells.

Griffin springs from the bed, wrapping a sheet around his waist. He grabs Elliana by both wrists and holds them into his chest. "Let's me make something clear to you, my dear," he says, looking her dead-set in the eyes. "You don't ever raise your voice to me."

"I don't like your tone, Griffin."

"I'm not trying to come off as angry, baby. I just want you to speak to me the way you want me to speak to you."

She looks down at the floor, but he curls his index finger underneath her chin, and forces her to look him in the eye. "I don't like you being angry at me," he whispers. "We can speak civilly without you having to raise your voice."

She nods. "I'm sorry that I snapped at you. That's just how Mark started out with his abuse. It was jealousy."

"Baby, all men are jealous. It's just that some men are stronger than others and don't feel the need to lash out and hurt the one's they love." He presses his lips to her forehead. "I'm not telling you that you can't hang out with Simon, I would just prefer you not to."

"I understand."

* * *

Entering the dining room, Elliana sees her father seated at the table. She stands behind and leans her chin on his shoulder, hugging him. "I love you, Daddy."

He looks up and sees her warm smile. "I love you too, Ellie. I'm sorry about the way I behaved last night."

"It's alright." Elliana finds her seat and sits beside Griffin.

As they fill their plates with salad, Elliana clears her throat and whispers at Griffin, "Can you take me to Mark's funeral tomorrow?"

He rests his fork next to his plate and takes her hand, placing it on his lap. "Of course, baby. What time?"

"Noon."

"Not a problem."

After Elliana finishes her lasagna, she carries her plate into the kitchen, but Griffin calls out to her, "Elliana! Ralph will take care of that."

"It's alright, I'm perfectly capable." She smiles at Ralph, rinses her plate in the sink, and slips it into the dishwasher.

She makes her way upstairs and grabs a set of flannel pajamas from the island in the closet. Entering the bathroom, she turns on the water and stares at herself in the mirror, examining her face. It's been a while since she has had a clear complexion with no bruising, so she stands and admires her new flawless complexion looking back at her. She strips from her clothes and rests her splayed fingers against her flat belly. "I sure hope Griffin is the father," she whispers, staring down at her hands.

She climbs into the warm water and relaxes back. Suddenly, she jumps from the bathtub and checks to see if the door is locked. What the hell am I doing? I'm allowed to lock the door now. She climbs back inside the bathtub. A light tap is heard on the door. "Baby," Griffin calls out. "Everything okay?"

"Yes, I'll be out in a few minutes."

"Take your time, sweetheart," he says. "I'll be downstairs in the gym."

"Okay." She relaxes and smiles.

She steps from the tub and applies lotion to her dampened skin. She emerges from the bathroom and sits on the bed. Griffin walks into the bedroom, sweaty from head to toe. Elliana admires him in his drawstring gray sweat pants as his naked pecs glisten. She breathes in deeply.

"I'm going to take a shower. I'll meet you under the blankets in a few," he says, closing the bathroom door behind him.

She slides underneath the blankets and listens for the water to stop. Moments later, he walks toward the bed draped only in a white towel around his waist.

Elliana stares at his gorgeous chest, her heart beating rapidly. She admires his physique and wants him to indecently ravage her.

He flings the towel to the floor and climbs underneath the blankets. Pulling her into him, he wraps his legs over hers, holding her securely against his chest. He kisses the back of her hair and breathes in. "This is a dream come true," he whispers.

She turns her head slightly, kisses his soft lips, and her finger traces lightly against the faint dark stubble on his jaw. "You are so handsome," she says, gazing into his icy blue eyes.

"How are you feeling?"

She shrugs her shoulders. "Okay, I suppose."

"No more puking?"

"Only in the middle of the night," she says. "Other than that, I feel pretty good."

* * *

"Please stop! Get off me!" Elliana screams.

"Wake up, Elliana!" Griffin shakes her by the arms.

Elliana's legs flail about acting as if she's fighting for her life. Griffin tries his best to calm her, but it only makes her fight more.

"Please! Not now! Get off me!"

"Elliana! Wake up, baby!" Griffin flicks on the light and presses Elliana's shoulders to the mattress.

She squints through tired eyes and sees Griffin naked, hovering above her. He smooth's her bangs away from her face. "Baby, it's okay. He can't hurt you anymore."

She leans up and embraces Griffin tightly. "I was so scared."

"It's alright. It's only a nightmare." He can feel her heart beating forcefully against his chest. Stroking her hair, he rocks her gently back and forth. "Shhh..."

Tears flow down her cheeks. "I'm so embarrassed."

He cups her face in his hands. "You should never feel embarrassed around me." He folds his arms around her once more.

"He's done some very horrible things to me, Griffin."

"I know, baby."

"He forced me to have sex with him, Griffin," she says. "That's why I want no part of this baby if it's his."

"Sweetheart, it's not the baby's fault." He leans her gently onto the pillow and lies back down beside her holding her hand.

"I know, but if the baby even looks remotely like Mark, I will hate it."

"And what if the baby is Mark's?" he asks. "What do you want to do?"

"Then I will place it up for adoption."

He leans on his elbow and strokes her cheek with his index finger. "I will support any decision that you make, Elliana, but even if the baby is Mark's, please know that if you decide to keep it, like I said before, I will treat it as if it's my own."

Elliana hugs him tightly. "You are the sweetest man alive, Griffin," she whispers, softly. "You are truly an angel."

He chuckles. "I wouldn't say that."

"It's true. You saved me."

"Only because I love you. I fell in love with you the moment I saw you sitting behind that desk at the advertising firm."

"I felt a spark that day, too."

* * *

Elliana slips into a basic black, wrap around dress with three-quarter sleeves, and pulls her sheer black nylons up her thighs. Shrugging on a steel gray wrap, she cinches it securely below her breasts. Griffin presses a simple kiss to her shoulder as they stare at their reflections in the mirror. Elliana brings her hand up to caress the slight black stubble on Griffin's jaw. "I really appreciate you taking me to the funeral."

"You need closure, baby," he whispers, cupping her hand and kissing her fingertips. "Now..." He glances at his watch. "We need to get going. Are your parents' ready?"

"They should be downstairs already." Elliana sweeps on red lipstick and rubs her lips together. Grabbing her black Gucci clutch, she takes Griffin's hand and he leads her downstairs.

* * *

Outside, during the funeral while the preacher was citing scripture from the bible, Elliana peeks over the crowd to look at Mr. and Mrs. Lattimer. Mark's mother sits in a metal fold-up chair in front of the silver casket as tears stream down her cheeks. Mr. Lattimer's hand rests upon her back, rubbing it ever so gently.

After the final words are read, Mark's parents' stand before the casket, placing a single yellow rose on the top.

Griffin secures his arm tightly around Elliana's waist and her parents' stand on the other side of her.

Mr. Lattimer turns around and sees Elliana standing in the background. He walks toward her and takes her by the hand gently. "May I speak with you?" he asks in almost a whisper.

"I don't think that's wise," Griffin cuts in before Elliana can say anything.

Elliana takes her hand from Mr. Lattimer's grasp. "It's okay, Griffin." She pulls away from Griffin's firm hold, walks side-by-side with Mr. Lattimer as Mrs. Lattimer sits in a chair alone, sobbing, holding a folded up American flag on her lap.

Standing underneath a small tree, a dangerous glare shoots from Mr. Lattimer's gaze. Elliana gulps as she stares into Mr. Lattimer's glass eye. She couldn't tell if he was looking directly at her because his left eye was adrift.

"Listen here, young lady," he says, sternly pointing his index finger at her face. "If it weren't for you, my son would be alive."

"If your son didn't beat the shit out of me, he would still be alive and we'd still be together," she says, her eyes bearing fiercely at him.

He grabs her by her bicep and leans in closely. "You bitch!" He notices the wedding ring on her finger. "What's this?" He holds up her hand.

"I'm married to someone else."

He throws his head back, laughing. "You sure don't waste any time, do you?" he asks. "You're nothing but a God damn whore."

Elliana pulls her hand back and slaps Mr. Lattimer hard across his cheek. She points her index finger at him. "You better not ever touch me again. You raised a monster!"

Griffin sees Elliana slap Mr. Lattimer across his face and Griffin comes rushing toward her. "Is everything okay?"

Mr. Lattimer examines Griffin up and down, judging him in his custom tailored, slim-fit black suit and silk blue tie. "Well, I see you snagged a rich man this time."

"That's enough," Griffin says, dangerously glaring.

"I am sorry that he passed away, Mr. Lattimer, but he was a monster who lost control." Elliana slides her hand into Griffin's. They turn away and he leads her over to her parents'.

With her back turned, Mr. Lattimer belts out his last words, "You're going straight to hell, Elliana."

She stops and turns around, bearing a devilish grin. "Well, I'll enjoy the mother fuckin' ride on the way there!"
Chapter Twenty-Five

Griffin binds Elliana's wrists to her ankles with two of his silk ties. She's sitting on the bed with her right wrist restrained to her right ankle and her left wrist restrained to her left ankle. With her knees up, Griffin paces in front of the bed staring lustfully at his submissive, bound wife. "Simply exquisite..."

She tries to speak, but Griffin cups his hand over her mouth. "No words," he says. "You promised."

She nods, her teal-green eyes peering up at him in agreement.

He curls his index finger over his lips and appears heavily in thought. "Hmm," he groans. "What can I do with you?"

Elliana's stomach tightens as he paces back and forth, hungrily eyeing her like his prey, contemplating on his next move. The anticipation is overwhelming, causing her heart to beat widely against the walls of her chest.

Eyeing his gray slacks on the floor, Griffin bends down, and grabs a key from the front pocket. Pulling a steel box from underneath the bed, he unlocks it, and pulls out a lengthy silver chain resembling a necklace.

Elliana's eyes widen as she watches him unfurl the chain in his grasp. She gulps hard.

The attachments on the end look like little rubber bands. He expands them open between his index finger and thumb. Kneeling on the bed, he takes her nipple between his fingers and kneads it to attention. Securing the band around it tightly, she winces at the stinging sensation that shoots through her extremities. He teases her other nipple to attention, fastening the other band around it, and securing it tightly. He steps back, admiring his handy work.

Griffin breathes in deeply, his heart feeling as though it will burst from excitement.

Elliana takes in a deep breath and exhales slowly. Griffin leans in and tugs lightly on the chain and her body jerks. Sexual electricity flows through her at each pull, her nipples being teased from pain to pleasure.

Slipping a pink satin mask with black trim over her eyes, Griffin presses his soft lips to her forehead. "You trust me, baby?"

She nods and breathes heavily, her breasts elevate with every inhale. She senses Griffin's moist tongue along the blunt tips of her nipples and they ache at his touch.

"Your senses will be heightened if you can't see." He slips his middle finger deep within her folds and thrusts it in and out and he circles within. Another finger in and he spreads her open wide before slipping in a third. Griffin can tell by her labored breathing that she's enjoying it, so he dips his head between her thighs and begins worshipping her meager bead with his tongue. His lips suckle; practically bringing her to orgasm as he delicately rolls her bud between his teeth.

She attempts to spread her legs wider, but the restraints don't allow much room for movement.

Finally, unable to take the intense pleasure, she slams herself back onto the mattress, and her body begs for Griffin to enter her.

"My God, Elliana," he whispers. "You are so swollen down there." He finger bangs her once more, his thumb circling her tiny sphere. Her thighs begin to shake and Griffin thrusts his fingers in deeper. "Come for me, baby..." he demands, staring hungrily at her luscious tits in the nipple restraints.

Her back arches and she screams out in pleasure, squirting all over his hand. "Oh, Griffin! Oh my! Fuck me, baby!" she begs in loud, beckoning cries.

Loosening the ties from her wrists and ankles, they fall to the floor like graceful ribbons. He scoops his hand underneath her neck and pulls her up so her lips can meet his, his other hand still giving pleasure to her pulsing sheath. "Yeah, baby," his voice wavers. "I love to feel you come against my hand..."

Positioning himself between her thighs, he teases her with the head of his penis, stroking the outer portion of her folds. She tries to guide herself into him, but he only taunts her.

Standing from the bed, he reaches into his metal box, and pulls out Elliana's Jack Rabbit. He removes the mask from her face. "Did you miss this?" His eyes tease.

She hesitantly nods, looking at him with much surprise.

He presses the button and it begins to vibrate against his palm. He hands it to her. "Show me how you pleasure yourself."

She turns off the vibrator. "Sit back," she says, spreading her thighs wide. Griffin intently gazes at her. Spreading her labia apart, she inserts the shaft deep into her vagina, and the rabbit ears pleasurably massage her engorged clitoris. Her finger presses the button and it begins to roll and vibrate inside her writhing passage. Elliana raises her arms above her head, her hands clenching onto the pillow as her back arches. Griffin, intrigued by the sheer pleasure that she's bringing upon herself, takes his shaft in his hand, and begins stroking it up and down. "So beautiful, Elliana..."

Her back arches once more and her legs begin to tremble. Griffin can tell by the motion of her body that she's ready to come.

Sliding the vibrator out of her vagina, Griffin plunges himself deep inside. Elliana delightfully squeals as his phallus totally engulfs every ounce of her being, his massive thick cock stretching her to the max. He thrusts harder and faster and Elliana can see his jaw tighten. She reaches up and smooth's her fingers through his gorgeous black hair. "Yes, baby..."

Her thighs shake against his hips and her orgasm bursts around his thick cock. His warm liquid totally fills her as she pulses strongly around his shaft.

* * *

Elliana glides down the stairs, her hair in an up-do with loose tendrils framing her delicate face. Griffin, standing at the foot of the stairs, gazes at her in amazement as she gracefully makes her way toward him in her Naeem Khan formal dress. His lips curl into a smile and he wraps his arms lovingly around her. "You're too gorgeous for words," he says, his lips pressing amorously against her forehead.

She steps back and admires him in his tuxedo and gray bowtie. "You are incredibly handsome, Mr. Reid."

He drapes a warm shawl over her shoulders. Cocking his elbow, Elliana takes hold as they exit the front door of his estate, and make their way down the steps to the black stretch limousine.

She shivers slightly as a cold breeze passes through her.

"Cold?" he asks.

"A little."

Simon opens the door to the limousine and they climb inside. Griffin relaxes against the seat and Elliana curls up next to him. When they pull through the gates, exiting the estate, Elliana playfully grins at Griffin.

He looks at her and smiles. "What's with that look, Elliana?"

"Look?" she questions, trying not to giggle. "I don't have a look."

"It's the look of lust, Elliana," he counters. "I've come to recognize it."

"Oh, have ya now?" she teases.

"Uh, huh."

Elliana's fingers tug at the zipper on Griffin's black tuxedo slacks. Reaching her hand through the opening, she snakes her hand through his boxer's hatch, and massages his member in her hands. He wiggles in the seat and guides his hips to allow more leverage. As Griffin's phallus becomes extremely firm, Elliana leans down and places his full erection in her mouth.

"Oh-my-God, Elliana..." his voice halts. "What has gotten into you this evening?"

She releases her lips from his shaft and looks up at him. "You, Mr. Reid." Her head is back down in his lap. She can feel him throb against her cheeks and he suddenly bursts into her mouth. After swallowing every ounce of his essence, she wipes her mouth with the back of her hand, and cuddles in the nook of his chest. He zips up his pants and wraps his arms around her. "Baby, I love you so fucking much."

"And I love you, Mr. Reid."

Entering the Inn at Spanish Bay, they head toward the check-in desk and retrieve the key card to their suite. When they enter the room, the sound of crackling wood is heard from the brightly lit fireplace. A king size bed with lush coverings of a gold and brown bedspread adorned with matching decorative pillows awaits them. Griffin folds Elliana into his arms and her cheek rests against his chest. She breathes in deeply taking in the scent of his masculine cologne. He nuzzles his nose in her hair. "I can't wait to feel you naked against me in that bed after the Christmas ball, Mrs. Reid."

She looks up and smiles. He kisses her lips. "When are we going on our honeymoon?" she asks.

"I already have it planned," he says. "Next week, I'm taking you to Paris for a whole month."

She grins with glee. "Really?" she asks. "Paris during Christmas? You can take that much time off work?"

"I am the boss, Elliana." He laughs softly.

She nods and holds him tight.

"Are you nervous?" he asks, sensing her heart beating heavily against him.

"A little."

"How come, sweetheart?"

"Just nervous about meeting the people who work for you."

"There's nothing to be nervous about, baby," he says trying to reassure her. "I'll never leave your side."

"You promise?"

"I promise, sweetheart."

When they enter the grand ballroom, all eyes are upon them. Elliana looks to be intimidated as she constantly stares down at the floor. She can hear piano music playing and when she looks up, she sees a man dressed in a tuxedo actually playing a Grand piano near the back of the room. Black chandeliers with dome lights dangle from the ceiling. Elliana looks down at her Louboutin's and sees peach colored carpet with a Victorian design underneath her feet. Paintings of the ocean drape along the caramel wood walls.

Griffin presses his palm at the small of Elliana's back as he tries to usher her to the center of the room. "Would you like to dance?" he asks.

She shakes her head in protest from side-to-side.

He frowns. "Aw, baby. Are you scared?"

"I can't dance." She glances over her shoulder and notices all eyes upon her.

"Do you trust me?"

She nods.

"Then you will trust that I can lead you on the dance floor, right?"

She shrugs her shoulders, her feet cocked in a pigeon-toed stance.

"Trust me." He takes her hand and leads her onto the dance floor.

He smoothly glides across the floor, Elliana held safely in his arms as she keeps up with graceful stride. "I never knew you could dance so well," she says, a smile shimmering.

"I told you that you could trust me." He spins her 'round, dips her backward, and then his lips meet her delectable neck. He flings her up and spins her around once more. Everyone gathers around and watches the happy couple share a loving moment. When the song is over, everyone claps. Griffin takes a playful bow. "Everyone, this is my beautiful wife, Elliana Suzanne Reid." He pulls her into him and kisses her ravenously. "I love you," he says.

"And I love you, Mr. Reid."

As they walk off the dance floor and head toward a table, Griffin is stopped by a colleague. Elliana stands beside him feeling totally out of her element. "Griffin, I'm going to find the little girl's room."

"I'll be right here, baby." He smiles then continues his conversation.

Elliana looks around the room, but can't find the restroom, so she steps from the ballroom and saunters down the hallway. Entering the restroom, she finds an unoccupied stall.

She washes her hands in the sink and looks in the mirror at her reflection. Pulling her lipstick from her crystal encrusted Judith Leiber purse, Elliana smooth's it across her lips. A woman dressed in a satin, sapphire blue, clingy dress stands uncomfortably close behind her. Elliana rubs her lips together and smiles at the blonde woman wearing heavy makeup with her hair piled high on top. "Hi, do I know you?" Elliana asks in a sweet tone.

"You bet your ass you know me!" the blonde woman scowls, pressing a blunt object in the small of Elliana's back.

Elliana stiffens as she realizes the woman is Cindy. Elliana's purse drops to the floor.

"Now, you can come with me quietly or get shot right here," she says. "It's your choice."

Feeling as though her knees are about to give out, Elliana manages to say, "I'll go with you."

"Good choice." Cindy violently pulls Elliana by her arm with the gun still pressing into her back. As they walk out of the bathroom, Cindy makes it look less obvious by making them appear as if they're a lesbian couple. She kisses Elliana on the cheek as the concierge sinfully smiles and nods as they pass.

"You're hurting me," Elliana says as Cindy's fingers squeeze tightly around her wrist.

"Shut the fuck up, you bitch!"

"Where are you taking me?"

"I said, shut the fuck up!"

Cindy leads Elliana outside and they head toward the shoreline. The air is extremely frigid and the wind is blowing fiercely. Cindy pushes Elliana down onto a large rock. "Now sit!"

Elliana does as she's told and hugs herself, swiftly rubbing her hands up and down her arms trying her best to keep warm. Cindy paces back and forth with a .22 pistol in her hand. "You think you've got it all, don't you?" Cindy bellows. "You have the mansion, the hot cars, the steamy sex..." She shakes her head in frustration. "You-fucking-bitch!" Cindy lands a blow to Elliana's face with her open hand.

Elliana begins to become enraged. Never has she lost a fight with a girl in high school and she be damned if she'd allow some preppy little crazy cunt hit her regardless if she's holding a gun or not.

Elliana rises to her feet and pulls back her arm, balling up her fist. Cindy points the gun at Elliana's face. "I wouldn't do that if I were you." She cocks the firearm.

Elliana slowly sits back down on the rock.

* * *

Griffin glances around the room looking for Elliana, studying his watch. It's been over fifteen minutes and she hasn't come back from the bathroom. Sensing something doesn't seem quite right, he makes his way down the hallway toward the restrooms. He waits outside for ten more minutes, but Elliana still doesn't emerge. Pulling his cell phone from his pocket, he dials her number. As he presses the phone to his ear, he can hear ringing echoing from the bathroom. Thinking that she might be having morning sickness, he waits another five minutes, but when she doesn't come out or answer her cell phone the second time, Griffin walks into the ladies restroom, and notices her purse and all its contents scattered on the floor. Retrieving her handbag, he shoves her phone, and other items inside. Confusion sets in and he tucks her purse under his arm, heading toward the concierge desk. "Have you seen a slender blonde woman wearing a gray dress with beading walking around?" he asks.

The concierge smiles. "Yes, sir. She left with another blonde woman wearing a blue dress," he says. "They seemed awfully chummy."

Griffin rushes through the front door of the hotel and looks side-to-side. Pulling his phone from his pocket, he dials 911 and informs the police of what he thinks might be happening.

Griffin rushes toward the shoreline, and in the distance, he can see the silhouette of a woman aiming a gun at something. Walking briskly toward the woman, Elliana finally comes into Griffin's view. His heart practically falls to his stomach when he sees the gun pointed at Elliana.

"Wait!" he shouts.

Cindy turns to his voice, the gun now aiming at Griffin.

"Don't do it, Cindy!" He walks closer.

"Fuck you, Griffin!" She waves the gun at him, indicating for him to take a seat next to Elliana.

Griffin cups his hands to Elliana's face and studies it. "Are you hurt, baby?"

"No, but I'm fucking pissed off at that bitch!" she hollers. "That cunt smacked me across my face!"

Griffin holds her into his chest and kisses the top of her hair. "Don't worry, baby," he whispers. "I won't let anything happen to you."

Griffin turns his gaze to Cindy. "What the fuck has gotten into you?"

She rolls her eyes. "Like you don't know." Her hands become shaky as they clench the handle of the gun.

Griffin's heart beats ferociously against his chest. "Cindy, just hand me the gun. The police are on their way. If you give me the gun, I will hide it so you won't get caught with it."

Elliana looks at him with a stern glare. "What? You're gonna allow her to get away with this?"

"If she promises me that she will seek mental help."

"This is crazy," she says. "The bitch has lost it, Griffin. You don't see that? My God! She's holding a fucking gun to us! And, to your baby!"

"Jail won't do her any good, Elliana. She needs psychiatric help."

"This is absurd." Elliana stands up and approaches Cindy, holding out her hand. "Give me the fucking gun, bitch!" she demands. "We all know it's probably not loaded anyway."

Griffin stands and tries to pull Elliana back down, but is unsuccessful. "Elliana, sit down!"

"Cindy, give me the fucking gun!"

Judging by the look in Cindy's eyes, Griffin can tell that she's about to lose it. He jumps up and leaps in front of Elliana. The sound of the gun explodes and the bullet hits Griffin in the stomach. He drops to the ground, his hands gripping his gut.

"Griffin!" Elliana rushes to him, kneeling by his side, watching the blood seeping slowly from his wound.

Cindy drops the gun and tries to run away, but Elliana jumps to her feet, and tackles her to the sand. Elliana's dress rips as she straddles over Cindy. She pummels Cindy in the face with her fists and doesn't stop until she's knocked unconscious. She raises herself off Cindy and rushes over to Griffin, and applies pressure to his wound with her bare hands. "Baby, stay with me!" Tears flow freely down her cheeks.

He looks into her eyes, his eyelids opening and closing slowly. "Are. You. Hurt?" he asks through halted words.

She shakes her head. "I'm alright."

"I. Love. You." His eyes close and his breathing slows.

Elliana stares up at the black starry sky as the sound of sirens come from all directions. "No!" she screams, cradling his head in her lap.

A police officer with brown hair of muscular stature places his arms around her and gently pulls her to her feet, and rests Elliana's purse in her palm. Griffin is lifted onto a gurney and is loaded into the ambulance to be rushed to Community Hospital of the Monterey Bay Peninsula. Elliana rides in the back of the ambulance with him, her hands and dress covered in his blood.

She watches his chest closely as it barely heaves up and down to breathe. Tears stream down her cheeks leaving long paths of mascara trails.

The EMT starts Griffin's I.V. and Elliana holds tightly onto his hand, her thumb brushing back and forth across his platinum wedding band. "Oh God, baby. I can't lose you..." she pleads, her knees hastily bobbing up and down.

The ambulance comes to a stop and she jumps from the back allowing the technicians to pull Griffin out, and take him into the hospital.

One of the EMT's hands her Griffin's tuxedo jacket and she shrugs it on trying to keep warm from the cold wind. Taking in a deep breath, she engulfs her senses with his cologne that lingers fresh on his lapel. She immediately follows behind the technicians and he's whisked to an exam room.

Elliana sits in a chair up against the wall as several doctors surround his bed. Her heart thumps hard against her chest, feeling as if it's coming up through her throat.

"We need to do surgery now, his blood pressure is extremely low," a balding, thin doctor announces. He looks at Elliana. "Ma'am, we're taking him to the O.R."

"Is he going to be okay?" she asks, but the doctor doesn't acknowledge her question and whisks him away in a flash.

Elliana sinks her head in her hands, sobbing inconsolably. She hears the faint ringing of her phone in her purse. When she looks at the screen, she sees Sandy's name.

"Darling!" Sandy exclaims with worry in her voice. "I just heard on the news about the shooting. How is he?"

Elliana sniffles, trying her best to force the words from her lips. "I-I don't kn-know..."

"I'm coming down there! Is there anything you need before I leave?"

"Can you bring Griffin and me some clothes?" she asks, staring down at her blood soaked gown. "Or, you can stop by the hotel and get our bags..."

"Anything, dear. I'll be there soon," Sandy says. "Now think positive thoughts, sweetheart." The line goes dead.

Elliana stands to her feet and paces back and forth, the sound of her heels clicking against the shiny hospital floor. Hugging Griffin's jacket into her, cinching it tight at her neck, she inhales his scent once more.

Long hours later, Elliana pushes through the double doors of the surgery waiting area, and she's blasted with questions from the local news media.

The flashing lights of numerous cameras blind her and she tries to look for an escape. Suddenly, a muscular man dressed in blue scrubs with black hair pulls her by her arm and tucks her into his chest. "Get out before I call security!" he hollers. "If she's up to it later, she'll hold a news conference," he says. "Until then, leave!"

Elliana looks up into the man's friendly brown eyes. "Thank you."

He nods and smiles. "I'm Dr. Sherman," he says. "I'm one of the surgeons who assisted in your husband's operation."

She looks at him with hopeful eyes. "Please tell me he's going to be okay." They each take a seat at a small table.

"He suffered from a penetrating abdominal trauma."

She nods. "Go on."

The surgeon shifts in his chair and casually crosses his legs. "We removed the bullet, but he's lost a great deal of blood."

Elliana's hand covers her mouth, her eyes still flowing with tears.

"He went through hypovolemic shock."

"What does that mean?"

"It means that he has an insufficient amount of blood in his circulatory system and an inflamed peritoneum."

"I see." Elliana pretends to know what the surgeon is explaining to her. "What now?"

"Well." He lets out a long exhale. "There was no injury to his pancreas and liver," he answers, a smile beginning to sweep across his face. "But he's undergoing a blood transfusion, and he should come out of this okay."

Elliana jumps from her seat and wraps her arms around the surgeon's neck. "Thank you!" she squeals with glee. "Can I see him?"

"He's in recovery right now, but he will be taken to a private room shortly," Dr. Sherman says. "If you come with me, I'll take you there."

Elliana and the doctor walk side-by-side and he opens the door to a private room. "You can wait in here. Mr. Reid should be here within the hour."

Elliana looks at the doctor and hugs him again. Pressing her cheek to his hefty chest, she says, "I don't know how to thank you, Doctor."

His large, strong hands stroke her hair. "It's my job." He pulls away, turns on his heel, but before he leaves, he says, "You can wash all that blood off you in that sink." His head motions toward a double-sink along the wall.

A half hour later, Sandy enters the room wearing a pink Chanel pantsuit with a look of horror on her face when she's sees Elliana's dress doused in dried blood. Elliana grabs a duffle bag from Sandy's hand and sets it on a chair by the window.

"Oh, dear God," Sandy says. "Please tell me you've heard something."

Elliana and Sandy sit on a pullout sofa. Taking Sandy's hand in hers, Elliana smiles. "He's going to be okay."

Sandy wraps her arms around Elliana and hugs her tight. "Thank God!"

"He's lost a lot of blood and they removed the bullet. Thankfully it didn't hit any major organs, so he's going to be fine."

"And how are you, darling?" Sandy brushes her thumb over Elliana's cheeks trying her best to blend away the streaks of dried mascara.

"I'm a bit shaken up, but I'm okay."

"I knew that Cindy was bad news from the get go."

"The police have her in custody."

"The news said that you tackled her to prevent her from getting away."

"Yes, I did." Elliana sees the door swing open and her parents' walk in. Her mother rushes toward her throwing her arms around her.

"Dear Lord, Elliana!" she says, exasperated. "You had us worried sick!"

"I'm alright, Mama." Elliana pulls away. She wraps her arms around her father.

"I don't know how much of this shit we can take, Elliana," he says. "First, you're being beaten by Mark, and then, he kidnaps ya and blows his own head off, and now this?" He shakes his head back and forth in disbelief. "I'm not sure about this California livin'."

"Well, I'm not leaving my husband!" she says, defiantly. "Jeez, Daddy! I'm a fucking adult, okay?"

"Don't you speak to me like that, young lady! You're not too old to be taken over my knee, and be spanked!"

Elliana rolls her eyes. "Please," she says. "Not now, Daddy! Can't you see I'm going through a crisis here?"

The door swings open and Griffin is being wheeled in by a woman dressed in maroon scrubs. She positions the head of the bed against the wall and plugs in some machines.

Sandy looks at Mr. Jenkins and Sally. "We should let them be alone," she says, walking toward Griffin's bed. She places her hand over his and squeezes gently. "My poor baby boy." She looks over his sleeping body in utter sorrow.

The three of them exit the room and Elliana is left with Griffin and the nurse.

Griffin is asleep with warm white blankets draped over him. Elliana tenderly brushes her knuckles against his stubble and smiles.

The nurse looks at her. "I'm Elizabeth," she says. "I'm his nurse until seven. If you need anything, push this button." She holds up an object that is attached to the bed that controls the remote to the television.

Elliana looks at it and sees a red button with a picture of a nurse hat on it and nods.

"I'll be in here every hour checking his vitals. You're free to sleep on the pull-out sofa." The brunette, slender woman with green eyes turns to take her leave.

Elliana pulls up a swivel stool and sits beside Griffin's bed, holding onto his hand. "I love you so much, baby," she whispers. Becoming extremely tired, she rests her forehead on his thigh, and begins to drift off to sleep until she feels Griffin's hand stroking the back of her hair.

She looks at his handsome face, his icy blue eyes beginning to flicker open, and he's bearing a slight smile. He inhales deeply. "I thought I lost you."

She grins, butterflies flying hopelessly through her belly. "Baby, I thought I lost you." Tears trail down her cheeks; Griffin brushes them away with his thumb.

Shifting around in the bed, Griffin winces at the pain in his stomach. "Am I going to be okay?" he asks.

Elliana nods. "Yes, you just got out of surgery and they removed the bullet," she explains. "The bullet didn't hit any organs, but you lost a lot of blood." She looks up at the bag of blood hanging from the I.V. stand. "That's why you have that blood hanging above you."

He glances up and sees the bag. "I'm a vampire," he cracks a slight joke and begins to chuckle, but he rests his hand over his wound and grunts slightly.

"No time for jokes right now. Get some rest, my little hero."

He smiles and nods. "You and the baby are okay?" he inquires, uncertain.

"Yes, baby." She lovingly strokes his chin. "We're fine." She studies his face and watches him drift off to sleep.

* * *

Elliana walks out into the waiting area, greeting her parents' and Sandy. She informs them that Griffin had awakened and he's doing fine and is resting comfortably. She explains to them that they don't have to wait around. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins decide to go back to their cottage and Sandy stays in Griffin and Elliana's hotel room on the beach.

Elliana sits on the swivel stool, clenching onto Griffin's hand as he sleeps. The new shift nurse enters the room at seven-thirty in the morning, checking Griffin's vitals.

"Hi," she says with a half-crooked smile. "I'm Jennifer and I'll be Mr. Reid's nurse until seven this evening." She swats at a few of her bangs that dangle in her brown eyes.

"Nice to meet you," Elliana replies, standing on her feet, still hanging on to Griffin's hand.

Griffin shifts around on the bed, groaning. Elliana's heart tugs as she sees the pain registering on his handsome face. He cracks open his eyes and sees the nurse towering above him.

"Do you need some more morphine?" she asks.

Griffin nods.

She takes his left hand and wraps his fingers around an object with a tiny red button on the top. "Whenever you feel you need more morphine, just press this button, and it will flow through your I.V."

He nods and presses the button twice.

Elliana looks at the nurse with a concerned expression. "Can he overdose on that?"

She shakes her head. "No, it only allows a certain amount. It just gives the patient assurance that they're in control."

"I see."

The nurse smiles, turns around, and exits the room.

Elliana looks at Griffin who is sleeping soundly once more.

A few hours later, Dr. Sherman enters the room and grabs Griffin's chart off the wall and flips through the pages. "Good morning, Mrs. Reid," he greets. "How's he doing?" His eyes shift to Griffin.

"He seems to be doing well," she answers. "Just in some pain."

"That's to be expected," he says, writing down notes. "As long as his vitals continue to stay normal, he can be released in two days."

"That's wonderful news."

The doctor pulls down Griffin's hospital gown. Elliana looks at his gorgeous chest as the doctor sets the stethoscope to his bare skin. The doctor listens intently, and then removes the stethoscope from his ears and smiles. "Sounds great," he says. "Have you eaten breakfast, Mrs. Reid?" He glances at his watch.

"No, sir. I haven't had much of an appetite."

"It's almost lunchtime. Did you want to join me in the cafeteria?"

Flattered by the offer, Elliana appreciatively smiles. "I'm sorry, but I would like to stay here with my husband."

He nods. "I'll bring you a sandwich."

"That would be lovely. Thank you."

When the doctor closes the door behind him, Griffin peeks through one eye, and softly chuckles. "Good answer, baby."

She laughs. "You heard him ask me to lunch?"

"Yes."

"I won't leave your side, sweetheart." She runs her fingers over the smooth delicate skin of his forearm. "Can you believe the shit you and I have been through in such a short time of knowing each other?"

"I guess you have to go through Hell to get to Heaven," he says. He tries to rise up slightly. "Give me a kiss, baby."

She leans down and presses her lips to his, cupping his face. When their lips part, she endearingly looks into his icy blue eyes, her thumb delicately smoothing over his bottom lip. "I love you so much, Mr. Reid."

"And I love you, gorgeous."

She sits back down on the swivel stool and giggles. "I guess Paris for our honeymoon is out of the question."

"The doctor says I can be released in two days."

"No, Griffin," she speaks sternly. "We can put it off. There is no way you're boarding a plane after being shot in the stomach."

"So..." he says. "Christmas with the whole family then?"

She laughs. "Looks that way, Mr. Reid."

While Griffin sleeps, Dr. Sherman enters with a sandwich and apple juice in hand. "I hope you like ham and cheese."

"Thank you."

"The media wants a news conference. Are you up to that?"

Elliana sits down on the pull-out couch and sets her sandwich and drink on a table. She shakes her head. "No. I wouldn't know what to say."

"With your permission, I can do it for you," he suggests.

"That would be wonderful."

He turns around to walk away, but Elliana stops him. "Thank you for the food."

He smiles. "My pleasure, Mrs. Reid."
Chapter Twenty-six

The limousine waits outside the hospital as Elliana and Griffin try dodging all the media attention. "You need a bodyguard, Griffin," she teases.

"I think we both do." He slowly lifts his leg as he attempts to climb inside the limo. Once comfortable inside, Elliana calls toward the front, "Simon, we're good to go."

He nods, looking in the rearview mirror, and smiles.

When they pull through the gates of the large estate, Griffin's mother, his staff, the formerly domestically abused women who are being protected on the grounds, and Elliana's parents' wait out front to greet them.

Simon opens the backdoor of the limousine and Elliana and Griffin step out, receiving welcoming hugs from every one of them.

After a large feast with everyone, Elliana stands at the head of the massive dining room table and looks across at her adoring husband. She clears her throat. "Everyone, I've come to a decision of what I want to do with my life," she says.

Griffin relaxes back against his chair, smiling widely.

"I'm going to go to college and obtain my degree in Psychiatry. I want to help Sandy with domestically abused women. I want to counsel them; not only here on the grounds, but I want to expand safe havens throughout the country."

Sandy smiles, stands from her chair, and wraps her arms around Elliana. "That's a perfect plan, darling."

Griffin's heart warms. "And I will support you every step of the way, baby."

She takes a deep breath and picks up her plate from the table. As she walks into the kitchen, Ralph smiles and shakes his head. Before he can say anything, Elliana says, "I know, Ralph, it's not my job." She giggles.

* * *

Christmas Eve, gathered around the Christmas tree with the entire family, Griffin hands Elliana a box wrapped in shiny red paper with a white satin bow on top. She studies it intently and pulls at the ribbon. When she removes the top, she sees a black key with a bright yellow logo and the word "Lotus" stamped in green. "What is this for?"

Griffin smiles. "It's your car, baby."

"You bought me a car for Christmas?"

"Sure did," he says, casually. "It's out front." He blissfully extends his hand. "Let me show you."

She rises from the floor and takes Griffin by the hand. Her parents' and Sandy follow. When she opens the front door, she sees a bright red, Lotus Elise parked along the circular drive. Her eyes shoot open in surprise. "Oh-my-gosh, Griffin!" Her hands smack over her lips. "You didn't!"

"I did," he says, matter-of-factly.

She wraps her arms around him tightly. "Thank you!" She rushes to the car and swings open the door. She slides upon the black leather seat behind the steering wheel, and runs her hand along the console.

Griffin climbs into the passenger seat. "You like?" he playfully raises his eyebrows.

"I love!" she exclaims. "I have to give you your gift!" She steps from the car and rushes up the steps back into the house. She reaches underneath the Christmas tree and hands Griffin a beautifully wrapped box in glittery green paper adorned with a red ribbon.

He pulls the ribbon and unwraps the paper. A rectangular, green box is held in his hands with the word "Rolex" displayed on the top. He looks at Elliana and smiles. "Rolex?"

She giggles. "It's hard to shop for someone who has everything. I thought, who could go wrong with a Rolex?" she jokes. "Heck, who wouldn't want a Rolex?"

He pulls the watch from the box and studies the platinum band with a sapphire crystal. "It's stunning." He wraps his arms around her.

"Well, it's no car, but I thought you might like it," she teases. "Look at the engraving on the inside of the band."

His eyes closely skim the band and it reads in beautifully calligraphy etched letters, "You mended me. I will forever love you." His heart flutters and his icy blue eyes glimmer with settling tears. "I love it, baby." He embraces her, his nose nestled in her hair. "My gosh, you mean so much to me," he whispers.

"Let me put it on you," she offers. She takes the watch from Griffin's grasp and slides it over his hand, securing it to his wrist.

"Perfect," he says with a heartfelt smile.

"Such lovely gifts," Sally says.

Mr. Jenkins chimes in, "It's gettin' late and your mama has a lot to cook for dinner tomorrow. We're headin' back over to the cottage to rest."

Elliana hugs her mother and father. "I love you both. I hope you enjoy your present."

"We will," Sally says.

"Griffin didn't have to build your mom and me a fish stocked pond." Mr. Jenkins chuckles. "But we'll put it to great use."

"I'm tired," Sandy says, yawning. "I'm going to get some shuteye." She retrieves her Chanel box from the floor, which contains a suit from Elliana and Griffin, and she exits through the kitchen.

Griffin rests his forehead on Elliana's and softly whispers, "Now, you're all mine."

A cold erotic shiver shoots down her spine when she hears those words escape his lips. "But, it's too soon after your surgery for sex."

"There's alternatives to intercourse, baby." He takes her by the hand and leads her up the stairs.

Drawing a warm bath in the Jacuzzi tub, Griffin helps Elliana from her dress and peels her panties to the floor. He rests his watch on the counter, strips from his clothes, and climbs into the bathtub. Elliana sinks in, and leans her back against his strong chest. Running a bar of soap along her bicep, Griffin kisses her bare shoulder. "I love you so much, Elliana," he whispers. His left hand wanders between her thighs as his fingers probe at her inviting entrance. His right hand reaches around to her breast and he teases her nipple between his fingers, causing it to pebble beneath his touch.

She moans, her eyes closed, her legs spreading wider. He glides a finger into her sheath and circles it around, stretching her so he can slide in another.

"Yes, baby..."

"You're so hot..." His erection presses firmly against the small of her back.

"Griffin, I want you so fucking badly..." She turns to him and tells him to sit on the edge of the tub. She kneels between his thighs and engulfs his rock hard member into her mouth. She teases the tip with her tongue, swirling it around, curling her lips over her teeth, taking his shaft to the back of her throat. She gags slightly. Griffin tilts his head back, fisting his hands in the back of Elliana's hair. "Yes, baby..." he groans.

She grips his hips tightly, her nails digging into his flesh, and then she runs her hands over his thighs, feeling his hair tickling her palms. His hips move in a rhythmic pattern and his cock throbs against her lips. She relishes every drop of him as his liquid chases to the back of her throat. She licks her lips and stares up into his eyes.

"You. Are. One. Gorgeous. Fucking. Woman," he moans. "Now, what shall I do to you, young lady?" he teases. Offering his hand, Griffin guides Elliana from the bathtub and leads her to the bed. Her legs dangle from the edge and she lustfully watches Griffin standing before her in all his nakedness.

He roughly pushes her back onto the mattress, forcing her thighs apart with the palms of his hands, his lips meet her clitoris, and he suckles and teases her to oblivion. He slides two fingers into her hot wet corridor, and his tongue still maintains attention on her pinkened bead. He looks forward and sees her huge, perfect breasts standing firm at attention. Her thighs tighten against his cheeks and she starts to buck as her orgasm shoots through her soul. "Fuck, Griffin!" she yells. "You're so good at that!"

He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. "I know, baby," he chides, confidently. "Now, I'm still hard even after you sucked me off. What shall we do about that?"

"I need to feel you inside me so badly, Griffin." Her body passionately gyrates, begging to be filled.

He rubs the tip of his engorged head along her sopping wet folds.

"Don't tease me! Fuck me!" she begs.

He slides in an inch and then pulls out.

"Shit! Stop teasing me!"

He slides in only the tip and then violently thrusts himself hard inside.

"Fuck, baby!" she screams.

He grasps a hold of her thighs and pulls her into him, his thrusts becoming more violent and harder.

"Yes! Oh, baby! Like that! Don't stop!" she pleads.

"Tell me you love my big cock, Elliana!"

"Yes! Oh, yes, Griffin!" she wails loudly. "I love your huge fucking cock! Give me all of it!"

He bangs her harder and faster to the point that he feels his wound may burst apart, but he doesn't care. He releases inside her and collapses to the bed, totally spent.

They lay side-by-side, breathing heavily and he starts to laugh.

Elliana looks to her side. "What's so funny?"

"I think I hurt myself."

"And you think that's funny?" She rises up and looks at the bandage on his stomach. She peels it away and is thankful to see all is fine. "It looks good," she says. "I need to change the bandage anyway."

After applying the final touches to his wound, they crawl underneath the blankets and hold each other tightly. "I just couldn't control myself," he says. "I had to feel the inside of you." He gently kisses her hair.

"I know," she replies. "I shouldn't have begged you."

He shrugs. "It would not have mattered anyway. I was gonna get that pussy whether you begged me or not." He laughs.

"You weren't supposed to take a bath, either," she says. "Only showers."

"Oh, well," he says, nonchalantly. "So, sue me."
Chapter Twenty-Seven

Summertime...

"Baby..." Elliana gently says into the phone. "It's time."

Griffin slides his cell phone into his pocket and jumps in his R8. Firing up the sports car, he speeds home to Elliana from his office.

Practically bursting through the front door, he sees Elliana standing at the bottom of the stairs with her overnight bag in hand. "Are you in any pain?" he asks, his hands resting flush against her protruding tummy.

"I haven't felt any contractions yet, but my water broke right before I called you. The doctor says that it's time."

Griffin paces nervously back and forth, his hands brushing through his hair, seeming confused.

Elliana presses her hands upon his chest, and jiggles his red satin tie, looking into his eyes. "It's alright, baby. Don't be nervous," she says, calmly. "Just put my bag in the car and take me to the hospital."

He nods. "I can do that."

She laughs as he takes the bag from her hand. He rushes down the steps and tosses the bag in the trunk. Elliana is still standing at the bottom of the stairs, shaking her head back and forth at his silly reaction. She hears the car start and he pulls from the circular drive.

He suddenly remembers that he's forgetting the main thing...her! He pulls back around, jumps from the car, and rushes up the steps. Sweeping her into his strong arms, he carries her to the car, and helps her inside.

When he climbs behind the wheel, she laughs loudly.

"What's so funny?"

"You."

He dries his sweaty palms on his steel gray slacks.

"Are you sure you're okay to drive?" she asks. "Simon can take us in the SUV."

He shakes his head. "I'm fine." He presses the gas pedal and flees from the gates of the estate.

After getting comfortably situated in a private room at Lucille Packard in Palo Alto and having her I.V. inserted, Griffin nervously paces the room. Elliana looks at him, amused by his actions.

"Did you call your mother?" she asks.

"No," he replies. "Did you call your parents'?"

"No."

"Well, shit!" He pulls out his cell phone and makes the necessary calls.

While Griffin is on the phone, the nurse attaches a belt to Elliana's stomach so the baby's heartbeat can be monitored on a computer screen.

"Are you comfortable?" the slender, blue-eyed, blonde-haired nurse asks.

"Yes," Elliana answers. "Shouldn't I be feeling contractions by now?"

"If you don't feel anything within the next hour, I'll give you some Pitocin in your I.V."

Elliana nods.

"Before I leave, I need to know your religious preference so I can include that on your paperwork for the baby."

Before Elliana can speak, Griffin places his hand over the phone's receiver and says, "Baptist."

Elliana looks at him, smiling.

The nurse grins and leaves the room.

Griffin slides his cell phone in his pants pocket and holds Elliana's hand, studying the computer screen. "That's the baby's heartbeat?" he questions.

"Yes, it is."

He smiles. "It's weird not knowing the sex."

"Yes, but you and I both agreed a few months ago that we didn't want to know the sex, remember?"

He nods.

Elliana removes her hand from his grasp and wipes it on the blanket. "My goodness, you're sweating."

"I know. I'm so nervous."

"Why are you so nervous?"

He smooth's his fingers across her forehead. "I don't want you to be in any pain."

"Oh, baby. I'm going to be fine."

The doctor comes in and places a welcoming hand on Elliana's shin, shaking it slightly. "How are you feeling?"

"Good. Nothing is really happening yet."

The doctor with a buzz hair cut sits on a swivel stool and listens to Elliana's heartbeat with his stethoscope. "Your heart sounds good." He pats Elliana's thigh. "Let me get the nurse in here to give you some Pitocin."

Elliana experiences a sharp pain in her stomach, radiating around to her back. She screams, "Oh.My.God!"

The doctor looks at Griffin. "Looks like the contractions are starting."

Griffin has a horrific look on his face as Elliana squeezes tightly to his hand.

"Can you give her anything for the pain?" Griffin asks.

"Only Demerol for now," the doctor answers. "It's too early for an epidural."

"That's bullshit!"

"It's for her and the baby's safety, sir." He stands from the stool and takes his leave.

Griffin rushes to the sink, wets a paper towel, and places it on Elliana's forehead.

"Thank you, Griffin." Her jaw clenches tightly and she screams out in pain once more.

After hours of excruciating pain and Griffin's nails bitten down to the nubs, the anesthesiologist enters to administer Elliana's epidural. She finally falls asleep, Griffin at her bedside. His mother and Elliana's parents' sit anxiously in the waiting room outside labor and delivery.

Elliana cracks open her eyes. "Griffin, can you call the nurse in here?" she asks. "I feel some pressure down there." She points to her crotch.

Griffin presses the call button on Elliana's bed and the nurse enters a few minutes later. Elliana explains the pressure and the nurse checks her cervix. "Yes, you're ready. Ten centimeters." The nurse takes off her gloves. "I'll inform the doctor."

Griffin takes in a deep breath. "Are you ready, baby?"

Elliana nods.

Moments later, the doctor enters with two nurses. Elliana's feet are placed in stirrups and the doctor positions himself at the foot of the bed. "Now, when I say push, you press your chin to your chest and push for ten seconds."

Elliana nods. Griffin holds securely onto Elliana's arm as he stands beside her bed.

"Do you feel the pressure building?" the doctor asks.

"Yes."

"Now push!"

Elliana presses her chin to her chest and holds the push for ten solid seconds. She releases her breath and rests her head against the pillow. Griffin wipes the sweat from her forehead. "You're doing great, baby."

After an hour of no baby, Elliana grows extremely tired. In tears, she looks over at Griffin with pleading eyes. "I can't do this anymore."

"Ready?" the doctor asks.

Elliana defiantly shakes her head from side-to-side. "I can't."

"Elliana, you need to do this!" the doctor demands. "Otherwise, you'll be having a C-section."

Elliana grasps a hold of her thighs, pressing them to her chest, and she pushes, making this one count.

"The baby's crowning!"

Griffin rushes to the foot of the bed and looks over the doctor's shoulder. He beams a warm smile. "Elliana, it has jet-black hair."

Elliana grins and nods, feeling the pressure build. She pushes hard, and the baby finally slips out, but she hears no crying. The doctor cuts the umbilical cord, hands the baby to the nurse, and she whisks it away to the bassinet on the other side of the room.

"Why isn't it crying?" Elliana looks over at the nurse who is struggling hard to get the baby to breathe.

The doctor pulls on the umbilical cord from Elliana's vagina, and the afterbirth slips out.

"Why isn't it crying, Griffin?"

Suddenly, she hears the sweet sound of the baby's cry. The nurse swaddles the baby securely in a blanket, and places it on Elliana's chest.

"It's a girl," the doctor says, smiling.

Griffin brushes his hand over the baby's chubby little cheek, and her eyelids flicker open. Elliana and Griffin beam a bright smile as they both recognize, although slightly clouded over, Griffin's signature icy blue eyes staring back at them.

"Let's name her, Lille," Elliana suggests. "After that wonderful city that we visited near the border of France during our honeymoon."

"An absolutely perfect name, Mrs. Reid." Griffin places a gentle kiss to Elliana's forehead and then, a sweet kiss to baby Lille.

The End...

Being from an abusive marriage inspired me to write this novel. If you are a victim of domestic abuse or if you know someone who is, please visit this website to guide you or your loved one in the right direction for help:

http://www.safehorizon.org/index/get-help-8.html
About the Author

Janie is a six-time global bestselling author/novelist who resides in Frisco, Texas, which is a suburb outside of Dallas. She opened a publishing company back in 2012 where she has helped many new authors become bestsellers.

Look for all her books at major book retailers throughout the world.

