Our Kiss, Evermore

16th Century, England

"As per the rules of the tourney, I am granted one wish: I wish to marry your daughter," Knight Christoff Greyson told King Raymond Von Steele, as he stood before him and the rest of the court. He had just won the jousting tournament at Von Steele Castle, one of many knights willing to fight to have one wish granted by the honorable King Von Steele. A tradition upheld for decades before King Von Steele was born. His ancestors had started the tourney and granting one wish when several lands dealt with death, poverty, plagues, and famish.

Princess Annabelle Von Steele had just turned eighteen, and her father had wished she would have married been married off by now, however, she has only had a love of books. Knights never interested her; she never saw the lingering eyes of the men around her in the castle. Her love was for the heroes she read about, not for the real knights in shining armor. However, when Knight Cristoff took off his metal helmet, as he sat on his stallion, making his one wish to her father; her heart leaped out of her chest, her stomach tightened, and her knees grew weak.

He was beautiful; Hercules himself. His copper hair glistened in the sun, his peculiar gray eyes outshined the night stars, his muscles bulging beneath his armor, she was drawn to him. Every fair maiden was drawn to him. Like Princess Annabelle, he never gave thought to the maidens losing their breath when he was near. He trained and trained to be a good solider, a magnificent knight. His other wish, was to become part of the King's knighthood, to sit at that round table, engage in conversations about tactics, train others, and to be in battles for his King and land.

That one wish changed once he walked into the arena and saw the Princess walk out and take her coveted seat above. Her hair, long and in waves, is the color of mahogany with traces of honey, her eyes, well they shined like the depths of the bluest sea. Then she smiled, and the whole arena smiled along with her, not even realizing they were doing it. The aura around her encompassed innocence, sensuality, beauty, and grace. He was hers the moment his eyes laid upon her. He would fight to the death for her if he had to. His one wish now was to be hers and for her to be his, forever. His destiny to be a knight for the King brought him to the tourney, however; the moment he knew of her presence, she became his one and final wish. She became his fate, forever.

"You want to marry my daughter? That is your wish?" King Von Steele asked in disbelief, no man has had the courage to ask for his daughter's hand. The Princess was his only child, and his wife, Queen Carlita passed away when she was a young girl. Yes, he wanted her to be courted, and to marry, but now that it was presented to him, from a knight he has never heard from before, his fatherly instincts kicked in. His little girl was sheltered, coddled to an extent.

Knight Cristoff looked right into the King's eyes, "Yes, your majesty. It would be a great honor to court and love your Princess."

Princess Annabelle's breath hitched to his response. He seemed sincere in his words. She glanced at her father, watching his facial expressions, she knew them well. A bite to the inside of his cheek meant annoyance, a crease in his forehead meant confusion, and when his nostrils flared, anger. She saw none of that, what she saw in that single moment, changed her life forever.

King Von Steele's lips pursed, then in a nanosecond, the corners of his lips curled up and his eyes glistened with pride. He had hoped the winner of the tourney would choose her to be his beloved. He eyed the strong man, still down in the arena, with pride. He did well in the tournament, taking out knights that have been training for years with him himself. Knight Hyde was taken out in one round, much to Princess Annabelle's relief.

Knight Jacques Hyde has been vying for Princess Annabelle's attention since she was fifteen. She always thought of him as impertinent and villainous. She wishes her father would and could get rid of him. She doesn't trust him, and has no place at the table to discuss such manners.

"Come." The king signaled to Cristoff. The king's guards, Taylor and Sawyer, quickly went down to retrieve him, while Ms. Gail quickly made sure the princess was presentable. She was of course, she always was. Ms. Gail, her maiden, is always attentive to the needs of the princess. Ms. Gail, her handmaiden, was a gentle soul. She never did have children of her own, she has bee with the princess since her birth. At times, Princess Annabelle wished she could be her mom, alas, she has a friend and a confidant. Ms. Gail and Knight Taylor have been together, with the permission of King Raymond for several years. She would be a good person to confide in when Princess Annabelle needs someone to talk to about a certain knight.

Within minutes, Knight Cristoff was presented in front of King Von Steele and the princess. Cristoff looked right into the blue orbs and felt his heart stop for a moment, before he realized what that particular feeling was, the eyes that have captivated him was downcast. He noticed a slight blush appear on the apples of her cheeks. As he was surveying her eyes and blush, he also saw her face more clearly; it's flawless. Her skin is of porcelain, her long lashes kiss her cheeks, and her lips; the color of the ripest strawberry; plump and inviting. He inwardly groaned at the sight of her. She is Aphrodite, pure beauty.

The princess' heart was pounding; her skin scorching. Upon first glimpse, of what she allowed herself, the knight's eyes were a gray color, with specks of green and blue around the pupils, reminding her of a lightening storm. His copper hair, sweaty and unruly, made her want to run her hands through it. To feel the silky curls at the nape of his neck. His lips, full for a man, made her stomach flutter when she thought about them on her skin. She has never had those feelings before, and if she were being honest with herself, it petrified her. She has only read about men like him in her books, she never had the pleasure of standing in front of one. What a pleasure it was. She was cocooned in his aura, it was unsettling and safe at the same time.

King Von Steele watched the two young adults admire one another. He knew his daughter, the purest of hearts, he has been afraid of her innocence, her naivety. He knows nothing of the knight that seemed to capture his only child's heart, and he must find out more before he is willing to grant him his wish. Who sent him here? Why here? Was it just because of the tradition of the tourney? There are so many unanswered questions. Who was this knight? Who trained him?

"Why did you truly come to the tourney? I know not of your name, your nobility. It is time to be honest with yourself and the court." King Raymond demanded of him.

The arena below has cleared out, just some lingering peasants that took it upon themselves to clean the arena of debris. Guards and knights walk around, making sure the palace is secure.

Taylor and Sawyer, King Raymond's most trusted guards, stay with them, far enough away to give a little piece of privacy, but nearby to step in when needed.

Cristoff thought about his answer before responding, "Your majesty, at first I came here, to the tournament to test my skills as a noble knight. I have trained for years to become the best of the best, and I believe that has been proven today. I beat your best solider in the first round, I wanted a chance to have a seat at your round table, to strategize with your and your other knights, to fight in battle as a true solider for the King. However, once I saw Princess Annabelle, that one wish to stand by your side, changed to stand by her side. To court her. To protect her. To be hers, and only hers. I vow to cherish her, to learn from her, to teach her, to honor her." He turned to the princess, and waited for her look back up at him.

Her father cleared his throat, "Annabelle."

She looked up, but not at her father, at the knight that was vying for her heart to her father, and once their eyes locked again, Cristoff continued his sermon. "To love her, and only her, for the rest of forever."

It's been one month since the king has invited Cristoff to stay at Von Steele Castle. When he isn't courting the princess, he trains with the other knights on the court, and he has quickly become a member at the kings round table. He had proved himself to the king and the rest of the court by dueling with everyone, and beating almost all of them. He has yet to win against Taylor or Sawyer, the two trusted guards and highest knights in the kings castle.

When he isn't training or strategizing; Cristoff spends his time with Annabelle. He has been courting her for the last month, they take walks around the grounds, always spending time in the garden, Annabelle's second favorite place. Her first place being the enormous library located just across the hall from her chambers.

"It's a beautiful day today." Annabelle notices as the young couple make their way to the garden to read.

"It appears so, although, I know something that is even more beautiful." Cristoff looks down to Annabelle, watching her blush when his words hit her ears. He loves her blush, her girlish giggle, and the way her eyes light up when she is with him.

He hasn't kissed her yet, and they both yearned for it to happen. There were always watching eyes from afar, usually Sawyer or Princess Annabelle's maiden, Gail. The couple was never left alone, even when on the grounds. Cristoff thought to himself to ask permission from the king to escort Annabelle out to the town village, knowing she would like to marketplace and small bookstore. He had found both places when he and a few other knights were doing their rounds in town. One of his responsibilities was to make sure the townspeople were kept safe and order was present.

"You always say that, Cristoff."

"Only because it is true, Annie." Annabelle loved when he called her 'Annie', he was the only one that she tolerated the nickname from. To her, it was a term of endearment, something only the two of them shared.

They have reached the garden, where they sat upon a bench overlooking the bed of wild flowers nature has provided for them. Cristoff placed the linen down on the bench, gesturing for Annabelle to sit first, as always the gentleman. Once she was situated, he sat beside her, his arm wrapping protectively around her waist as she leaned her head against his shoulder. They have been becoming close with every passing day. It was a matter of time before King Raymond gave them permission to marry. They would live in the East wing, the same chambers as Annabelle's room now.

"Cristoff, tell me about your childhood. We've never discussed such matters."

Before answering, he sweeps a tendril of hair that has fallen in her face, placing it back behind her ear, and slowly bringing his hand down her cheek, caressing it.

"I was an orphan, found in the woods. A group of knights was traveling between lands, one just lost his wife and son. He picked me up on the way back to his land. Knight Carrick Greyson raised me as his own, trained me, loved me. He taught me how to fight, how to be a gentleman," he said with a wink, "how to love."

"You talk about him in the past."

"I do. He died protecting me, I was in my first battle. A little one, but I forgot to watch my back, he pushed me out of the way. The sword hit him, straight through his heart. There was nothing I could do. I went after the other knight, avenged my fathers death right away. That was my first kill in a battle. It never leaves you."

He looked down into her eyes which are now shedding tears for the little boy and young man he once was.

"I would do it again."

"You would?"

"For you. I would kill whoever plans to harm you. Annie, I love you."

A gasp of air left her body, she blinked up at him, once, twice, three times, before answering. "Chris," stating her nickname for him, "I love you too."

He quickly glances around to see how far Ms. Gail and Taylor are away from them, and to see if thy are paying attention, which they aren't. As time went on, the other couple distanced themselves from Cristoff and Annabelle, finally trusting him with the precious and sweet princess they both love and adore as their own.

He took his chance, slowly moving his hands to cusp her blush pink cheeks, with her angelic face in his hands, he slowly moved towards her until his lips gently caressed hers. Sparks. She lets him take control of the kiss, feeling his lips on hers, melding them together. Annabelle hesitantly brings her arms up, forcing herself to wrap them around his neck, causing Cristoff to move even closer to her. The kiss was sweet, loving, and endearing. Neither of them has ever felt this way before, it was new, exciting, and enchanting. They wanted this moment to last a lifetime, Cristoff knew what he had to do.

He pulled slightly back, giving them both access to much needed oxygen. They never let each other go, their eyes never leaving the other's gaze, their hearts beating as one.

"It's time." He simply states to his princess. She gives him a confused look, knowing they only just got to the garden, and they usually spend a few hours talking and reading to one another. Cristoff tells her tales of knighthood, and Annabelle reads poetry.

"Time?"

"I need speak to the king, urgently." He kisses her again, full of passion and love. "Taylor, please escort Princess Annabelle and Ms. Gail back to the castle, I need to get to the king."

A slow smile starts to form on Taylor and Ms. Gail's face, their eyes shining with approval and love. He simply nods his head at Cristoff, and leads his beloved to the princess. Once Taylor is close enough, Cristoff takes off running to the castle, leaving Princess Annabelle to her thoughts.

"What was that all about?" Annabelle asks of her maiden and guard.

"Who knows? Maybe he thought of a tactic for the impending battle that your father got word of not too long ago." Taylor suggests.

"Hmm," Annabelle cocks her head at him, "then why aren't you running after Cristoff?"

Taylor contemplates his next words wisely, "You're right, I should go. We will need to strategize if that is what Cristoff is thinking." With that, and before either one of the ladies can ask any further questions, he quickly ushers them down the path back to the castle. Once the castle is in view, and Sawyer walks towards the little entourage, Taylor starts to speed up his pace.

"Perfect timing, Sawyer. Let's go meet with King Von Steele, and see how those tactic plans are coming along."

"What tactic—" Sawyer begins to question, only to have Taylor interrupt him.

"Cristoff thought of an idea for the battle, we need to go. Now." Sawyer gives Taylor a questioning look, but decides not to question him.

Once the men are back in the castle, Annabelle and Ms. Gail head to Annabelle's room to get her ready for dinner.

"What do you think that was about, Ms. Gail?"

"I haven't had the slightest idea, Annabelle." Ms. Gail responds, however, she knows. The entire castle knows, and they couldn't be any more happier for the princess, which they all love and adore. Well, except for one person; Hyde.

Hyde has had his eyes on the princess since she turned sixteen. He thought the closer he could get to the King, become trusted, King Von Steele would then trust him with his precious daughter. Then, the annual tourney occurred, and all of a sudden another knight from a different land won, and won the affections of the princess and king. Not only them, but the rest of the castle. Golden Boy, Hyde labeled him. He has had it out for Cristoff ever since the tournament, a month ago, he shouldn't have been able to win against him. Hyde, so he thought, was one of the top knights the king employed. Cristoff knocked him down within seconds. Then, he went on to win the entire tourney. Cristoff was everything Hyde wasn't, stronger, smarter.

Hyde was walking through the halls, more specifically around the knight's room, where the meetings were held. The door was ajar, and when he heard familiar voices, he stopped to listen.

"Sir, I thank you. I won't let you down, I give you my word to protect, cherish, and love Annabelle with everything in me." Cristoff declared, as he had so many times before.

"I know, son," King Von Steele started. Hyde couldn't believe what he heard. The king called him son, the king never showed his emotions to any of the knights like that before. Hyde stays and listens more intently, wanting all the information that he can learn. He wants Annabelle, and he will get her, one way or another.

"I trust you with my daughter, which is why I accept your proposal to marry her. I must admit, Cristoff, it took you longer than that I thought to come to me. I can see the love you two share, the way your eyes find one another in a room, how your arm is a protective armor to her body. It's how I was with her mother."

"Thank you, sir. I wanted to ask her tonight, at dinner, if that would suffice?"

"Granted. I would say good luck, but you do not need that. You are a strong and noble knight, and you will be a loving and protective husband. Welcome!"

Hyde's hands were in fists at his sides, his teeth clenched, and his body trembled with hate for Cristoff. Who the hell does he think he is? Coming here out of no where, taking my life, my future away from me.

Hyde always felt a sense of entitlement. He did work to get where he is today, however, he wasn't as honorable as the other knights that serve King Von Steele and the land. He paid other knights from other lands off when battling in a tourney, or he would see to it that he was always at the right spot to help a damsel in distress.

Now with Cristoff at the castle and wooing not only Princess Annabelle, but her father, and other knights, Hyde knew he had to do something and fast. Cristoff was planning on asking for sweet Annabelle's hand in marriage tonight, and plans would move rather quickly after that.

Hyde walked away, with a devious smile appearing on his face as his plan started to form in his sinister mind.

He quickly made it to his quarters, gathering any valuable materials he may have, which wasn't much. He took some extra gowns and dress, enough for a few days in hiding.

Next, he went down to the stable to get his stallion, he made sure that he was ready to go when the time was right. Fortunately for him, the stableboy was in the staff quarters eating his lunch. Hyde hide his belongings in the corner of the stable, so no one would find it, and covered it with loose hay.

He then went to search the castle for Princess Annabelle. On his way he needed to come up with a reason why he had to get her away from the castle, and why Sawyer wouldn't be bringing her. It was always Sawyer, and now Cristoff, but he never took her anywhere off the castle land.

Maybe he should be ambush her? Take her against her will, carry her to the stable, throw her on the horse and ride away. Or, maybe, he should tell her that a battle would be coming, and King Von Steele and Cristoff need him to take her somewhere safe, away from the castle, for a few days. That should work, she would believe that those two only want her protected and away from danger. He would need to get her away from Ms. Gail.

At that moment, Ms. Gail left Annabelle along in the library, stating she would get her bath ready and dinner dress out and prepared. Ms. Gail knew what was happening tonight, she could see the young love in the eyes of both Annabelle and Cristoff. She and Taylor saw the moment Cristoff's mind was made up, when he decided to go have a talk to King Von Steele. She needed to step away from Annabelle before she squealed the truth out.

As Ms. Gail was in Annabelle's quarters, Annabelle, herself, was lost in another world her library offered her. She heard heavy footsteps behind her, however, her body did not sing and come alive whenever her Cristoff was near. She quickly turned to see Hyde closing the door behind him.

"Oh, Hyde, you scared me. What can I help you with?" She asks, innocently, having no clue what the man before her has planned. She has always been wary of him, trying never to be alone in a room with him. Until now. His burly body covers her only way out, but she keeps her eyes and ears open, alert to anything she can use to distract him. He never made her comfortable, not like Taylor and Sawyer, and certainly nothing like her Cristoff.

"Your father, princess, needs you to be safe. I was assigned the task to take you away, a new battle will be approaching in the next few days, and King Von Steele and Cristoff has requested you be on different land. We must go, Princess Annabelle. Now." The lies come out of his mouth like honey. There was no stuttering or fumbling of words.

"I must see my father and Cristoff right away then, we must prepare Ms. Gail for my things."

"No need. Your things are down in the stable, a page boy already transferred them. Unfortunately, your father and Cristoff are with the other knights preparing for battle, they must not be disturbed, Princess."

"Why aren't you in that council meeting then?" She questions him, cocking her head to its side.

"My part was to bring you to safety, once I was given the command, I left. Princess, please, we must go." Hyde was now thinking how to get the princess to move, and if she wouldn't he would have to get her out of the castle, fighting. He didn't want to do that, he couldn't afford to do that. He needed her to cooperate.

Annabelle stepped forward, "I need to see Cristoff," she commanded.

"I'm sorry Princess, your father is is important tactic meeting, he told me we must go, now. We must. Cristoff will see to you in a couple days, he promised. Come. Now."

He was starting to lose his patience, he reached out, wrapping his fingers around her upper arm, not tightly, yet, but he will use more force if he needs to.

He leads her out of the room, his eyes flaming with hatred for the King and Cristoff, and lust for Annabelle. The naive princess didn't see his facial expression as they walked throughout the castle, making their way to the stables.

"Hyde, please, I need to say goodbye to my father and Cristoff."

"No!" He yells at her.

"What do you mean 'no'? I demand to see them right now."

Hyde stopped in his tracks, they are now outside nearing the stables, and Annabelle has been tugging at him. "No, you are now mine, princess."

"Wh- what? I am not yours. Let me go." She starts to fight back, now realizing that Hyde is trying to take her. "I'm not going anywhere with you. CRIS—" She begins to yell, but Hyde slaps his hand across her nose and mouth, holding it there while trying to drag her farther down the mountain to the stables. She begins to wiggle and moan, causing a reaction from Hyde that she doesn't want to think about.

Due to her fighting back now, he pushed her to the ground, took the dress robe off and tied it around her legs. She screamed and wiggled more against him.

"Shut up! Don't make me hurt you, Princess." Hyde yelled at her, making her stop out of fear.

"Please. Hyde."

"You are coming with me. You belong to me. You have always belonged to me. I was the one always here. Not him!" He starts to pace around the woods, always look back towards the castle. He knew time was limited, he needed to get moving again.

"Up you go." He said to her as he lifted her up over his shoulder. "We should have been on our way by now."

Even though her legs were now tied up, she still wiggled against him, trying everything she could to make him drop her. Her arms were free, she would hit him, but she wasn't strong enough. Her dainty little hands did nothing on his muscular shoulders and back. She wanted to scream, to yell, to let people that could be near to hear her, but every time she went to, her voice caught, a lump formed, and the fear of him actually hurting her took over.

They made it to the stable, Hyde threw her onto his horse, he jumped on and then they were off. She was forced to wrap her arms around his waist to hold onto him, as she was made to ride side saddle. Hyde reveled in the feel of her touch, even though she was forced to, it was all he ever wanted. Her.

He knew that the king and the knights have discovered Annabelle missing by now, he also knew that meant every one would be sent out to find her. He kept riding, faster than before to make sure enough distance was put between the two of them and everyone else.

Annabelle was starting to really panic when she realized that she wasn't aware of where they were. She never travelled too far away from the castle, and when she did, it was to other lands with her father and guards.

Meanwhile, at the castle, King Von Steele and Cristoff heard the screams of Ms. Gail coming from Annabelle's wing. They took off running up the stairs and down the hall towards her chambers. Ms. Gail was pacing in the hallway between the room and the library, where she left the princess.

"My king, I.. I.."

"What has happened? Where's Annabelle?" Asks a worried father.

"I went to go start her bath and lay out her clothes for dinner tonight, I just returned and she wasn't in the library."

Cristoff runs into the library and then her chambers, he has never been in her room before and doesn't like the feeling of being in her space without her consent, however, that is quickly washed away from his thoughts when he remembers that right now, his love, his future is missing.

"Has anyone seen her?" He asks, looking back at the scared maiden.

"I - I don't know. I just started yelling."

Taylor and Sawyer arrive making themselves part of the chaos that is lingering in the hallway.

"Find. Her. Now!" King Von Steele grits through his teeth. "Use all the guards, all the knights, all the men. Now!"

Taylor and Sawyer run back from where they came from. The king and Cristoff turn to look at Ms. Gail. She has fear in her eyes, her heart thumping out of her chest. Princess Annabelle is her charge, when they are in the castle, she is to make sure she is safe and healthy at all times.

"I'm so sorry, your majesty. Please, for-"

King Von Steele interrupts her pleas, his eyes softening, "No, Ms. Gail. No need for apologizes. You were right across the hall, preparing for her. I know, in my heart, you wouldn't have let anything happen to her if you heard her call out."

"Then she is with someone she knows." Cristoff points out. "We need to get to Taylor and Sawyer, find out who is missing among us."

"Ms. Gail, please go to your quarters. I need you to be safe for when we find and bring Annabelle back home." King Von Steele commanded of her. "If you remember anything, please, let us know."

Cristoff and King Von Steele head back to the strategy room, as the knights call it, where Taylor and Sawyer have gathered all the men in the castle.

"Who is missing?" King Von Steele demanded in a no nonsense tone.

All the men looked around the room, someone did seem to be missing.

"Hyde." Taylor stated, looking directly at his king.

"Find him."

"He's mine." Cristoff yelled at the room and started to head out.

As all the knights and King Von Steele ran out of the castle, their armor on and weapons drawn, the stable boy, James, ran into them.

"King, Cristoff, Hyde's stallion is missing." He breathes out, stopping all the men from running in the wrong direction.

"I also found a trail of Princess Annabelle's shoes and gloves. They weren't left going towards the stable, but the other direction. I think she left them as they were running."

"Did you leave them where you found them?" Cristoff asked James, bending down to his level.

"Yes, sir, I didn't touch anything. I want to help, please. Princess Annabelle has taught me to read, I want her to be okay, sirs."

"You're helping kid, you are. For you to help more, we will need you stay at the castle and keep a watch out. Hyde might not have been working alone, and Ms. Gail and other female staff are in that castle. We are leaving some guards here to, and they can help you."

"Okay, majesty. Please bring her home."

"We will, James."

All the men head towards the woods on the land where James pointed out to them. There they followed a trail of some of Princess Annabelle's garments. The first shoe they found was crisp and clean, while about a mile or so down the trail, her other shoe was scuffed and dirty, almost like she was being dragged. Another few miles down the trail, they found one of her gloves. They kept following the trail, hoping to find the matching glove, however, the more they travelled down, the more aggravating it all became.

"Where. Is. She?" Cristoff shouted as he picked up a large rock and threw it against a tree, making it splinter.

"Son, calm down, we won't be any good for her if we are that angry and not thinking."

"So, what is your plan?"

"The trail splits, we are going to have break into two teams. Cristoff, you take Sawyer and his team. I will take Taylor with his team."

The two teams split up, Cristoff and his team took the trail to the left, while the king and his team went to the right. Before splitting up, they discussed to meet back at that spot, marking a tree with Annabelle's glove, at dark. If they did not find Hyde and the princess, they will need to regroup and come up with a different plan. Cristoff wasn't going to sleep or stop until his Annie was back in his arms and he could officially make her his.

"Keep your ears and eyes open, men. Find Annabelle, get her away from Hyde, and leave him to me." Cristoff directed his men.

Cristoff was ready for another battle with Hyde, he knew he would be able to take him down, he has before, and with the training that he has been enduring with Sawyer and Taylor for the past month, he has become even stronger. Hyde hasn't been training like he should have been, he thinks he is already too good and feels he doesn't need train like the rest of the knights.

They have been following the same trail for hours, with no sightings of the princess. It was beginning to get dark, the sun casting shadows around them, when they saw the other glove. Cristoff ran up to it, bringing it to his nose and inhaling her familiar floral scent. It was heaven to him, and he knew she was close. He could feel her.

"We need to keep going. I am not turning back now. We are close, she's close. Fox, Boyce, and Elliot, go back to where the two trails meet and get King Von Steele and his men. Then, come back this way. The rest of us will keep going."

Fox, Boyce, and Elliot take their stallions and head back in the direction where they just came from, their eyes and ears still on alert, just in case. Cristoff, Sawyer, and their team kept trekking forward, exhausted and more pissed off than before.

Hyde was one of them, a knight. A knight serves to protect, not harm. How dare he take the princess, cause her harm, take her. Cristoff was going to kill him.

"Cristoff, look." Sawyer pointed ahead where he saw smoke in the air.

"Go!" Cristoff took the lead, his stallion running full pace to where the smoke was located. Hyde had no time to respond, Cristoff had jumped off his horse and knocked him down. Annabelle's muffled scream was heard and the other knights paced quickened.

Sawyer appeared, untied Annabelle's hands and legs, took the gag out of her mouth and checked her over.

"Please." She had some bumps and scrapes on her face, her dress was torn, and she was filthy.

"What do you need princess?" Sawyer asks her, while keeping an eye on Cristoff and Hyde.

"Water. Please."

Sawyer gives her water, telling her to take small sips, when he hears yelling come from behind him.

Hyde and Cristoff are in the middle of a fight. The men standing by, Cristoff warning them to back off unless needed.

Once Annabelle was able to find her strength and voice again, she called for Cristoff, however, he was in his element and the only thing he was focused on was hurtin Hyde.

The swords were swinging in the air with full force, they were both out to kill. Cristoff for protecting his love, Hyde for his life. He knew if they were found, he would have to fight to survive.

As Hyde swung his sword up towards Cristoff, Cristoff was able to jump back out of the way, then he ran towards Hyde as his sword came down. He was able to tackle him to the ground, knocking Hyde's sword out of his hands at the same time. Sawyer ran over and took the sword away.

Cristoff proceeded to punch Hyde where ever he can reach. All the while screaming at him that he is a dead man, whether by his hands of the kings.

The other knights were holding Annabelle back as she was trying to reach Cristoff. "Please, Cristoff, please stop." She kept begging. He didn't stop. He wanted Hyde to feel the physical pain, while Cristoff felt the emotional pain.

"Please." She begged again. "I need you."

Those three words stopped Cristoff in his tracks, his fist was in the air ready to serve its next blow, but those three words that she breathed out to him, made him refocus and concentrate on her.

He turned to her, saw the cuts on her face, the bruise on her eye, her dress torn to shreds in certain areas, and he gave Hyde one last blow to the face.

He stood up, bringing Hyde with him, and threw him to Sawyer and Welch. They took over for him as he made his way to his love, his life.

"Annie, baby.." He took her in his arms, holding her close, his hands running up and down her back. He leaned her back a way from him, his fingers lightly touching her face. She winces, but tried to smile at him.

"I'm okay. I promise."

"I died a thousand deaths when Ms. Gail said you were missing. Then finding your gloves and shoes, I was out for blood. No one hurts you. I serve to love and protect you."

"You found me."

"I will always find you. Always." He vows to her. He takes her back into his arms, kissing her forehead, cheeks, eyes, and finally her lips. Hyde is in the background yelling that Annabelle belongs to him and only him. Cristoff starts to head towards him, but Sawyer punches him in the gut, and he goes down.

Sawyer places cuffs on Hyde and everyone starts back down the trail to meet King Von Steele.

Annabelle is riding with Cristoff, her arms wrapped around him. It's where she is suppose to be.

"You saved me." She whispers into his back.

"Always, Annabelle. You don't have anything to fear, I will always be there for you."

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

They rode the rest of the way in silence, her arms were tight around his body, and if she could climb inside of him, she would. He was seething, but the more he felt her body around him and knowing she was safe now, his anger was dwindling.

They met King Von Steele on the trail heading back the meeting spot.

"Annabelle," the king breathed out. Seeing that his daughter was safe, he was able to breathe again.

"Where is he?" He demanded of his men.

"Here." Sawyer spoke up, pushing Hyde closer to the king.

"You will be put in confinement, awaiting your sentence, but let me tell you now, it will be death!"

Hyde said nothing. He just looked directly in the kings eyes with a sinister look. King Von Steele took his sword and placed it right on his heart, "Or should we do it now?"

Hyde's eyes widened with fear. Usually the king doesn't do the dirty work, but taking his daughter and causing her harm has never happened before, and any father would avenge his daughter, even if she were safe.

"Your majesty, not here." Taylor said, speaking with reason. "Do this the right way, you aren't that man."

"Sawyer and Taylor take him away." King Von Steele put his sword back in its rightful place and without a second glance towards Hyde, he walked over to his life, Annabelle.

"Are you okay?" He asks, looking her over, much like Cristoff did.

"I am fine, father. Hungry, but fine."

"Well then, let's get you home. Cristoff, I trust that you will get her back safely."

"Of course, sir."

Throughout the journey back to the castle, Annabelle never let go of Cristoff. She felt safe again, protected. Cristoff reveled feeling Annabelle's arms around him, gripping him. She was calming him, his body stopped trembling out of anger, the vivid images of him killing Hyde was slowly leaving his mind. She was his balm. He needed her close.

"I love you." She whispered into his back, giving him a quick peck.

"I love you too, my Annie. I died a thousand deaths looking for you. If something were to happen to you -"

"Stop, nothing did. I'm fine." But, as she said the words, her body betrayed her. He felt her body tense up, he heard the tremor in her voice, and he knew a tear was rolling down her cheek, even without looking at her.

"Annie, I'm not your father. You can't deceive me into thinking you are fine."

"I know." She whispers into his back.

"Talk to me."

"I shouldn't. You are only going to get angry again."

"Again? Annabelle, I am already angry. I'm angry at Hyde, you, and myself."

"You're mad at me?" She cries out.

"Annie, you went with him. Why would you go with him?"

"Because he was trusted. He told me a battle was happening and that you and my father demanded that I be taken away."

"If I ever have a reason to send you away, if your father ever has a reason to send you away, and if one of us can't get to you or take you away ourselves, Sawyer would take you. He is your guard, Annie, you know this."

"I'm sorry."

"I know. Sawyer and I will be with you at all times for now on, no arguing about it."

"Okay."

"We'll have dinner when we get back to the castle, then it's bed for you. Ms. Gail will assist you."

"Okay."

"Don't do that. Don't shut down."

"I'm not, I am just disappointed in myself, and hate that you and my father are too."

"Annie, we just spent all day searching for you, we are on edge. You're safe, that is all that matters right now."

Once everyone is back at the castle, safe and sound, dinner was served to the king, Annabelle, Cristoff, and the rest of the knights and guards. Hyde was brought to the prison chambers in the tunnels of the castle, where Sawyer accidentally tripped down the stairs which caused Hyde to fall down them. He was thrown into his cell, with little to no food and water. He would spend his days there until his time of execution.

"Oh, princess Annabelle, welcome home." Ms. Gail cried with open arms. Annabelle ran into the outstretched arms, both women crying and holding onto one another.

"Come, let's get you cleaned up before dinner." With Sawyer dealing with Hyde in the underground prison, Cristoff followed the ladies up to Annabelle's chambers. As Mrs. Gail drew another bath, he stayed in the hallway.

Time passes slowly, Cristoff paces back and forth waiting for Annabelle to appear again. He knew she was in there, safe. He was the one that brought her home after all, and walked up to her chambers with her. He wasn't going to let her out of his sight, and if he couldn't be with her, he would have to trust Sawyer with the task.

Eventually, Annabelle and Ms. Gail exit the chambers and all three of them walk back down to the dining hall. Annabelle can't wait for a feast, she didn't eat all day, however, she knows once she does, she will be sent to bed for the night. She wants to spend time with Cristoff, being away from him, in danger, made her realize just how much he means to her.

"Eat." King Von Steele commands once she enters the dining hall.

She quickly sits down, Cristoff holding the chair out for her.

"Father…"

"Not now, Annabelle. Eat." He commands again.

The rest of the meal was eaten in silence. The only noise in the room was the clanging of the silverware against the silver plates, or the goblets being placed back down on the table.

"May I be excused?" Annabelle asked as she placed her fork and knife down, indicating that she was done with her dinner.

"You may."

She glanced at Cristoff before heading up to her chambers, giving him a small smile.

"Don't you think you are being a little hard on her, sir?"

King Von Steele lets out a puff of air before answering. "I know. It isn't directed towards her. It's directed towards Hyde and the situation."

"I get that, but she doesn't."

"You're right. I'll go deal with Hyde first and then I will speak with her."

"May I suggest you wait until tomorrow to speak with her. I think she needs her rest."

"Again, you are correct. You know her really well, Cristoff. You will be good for her, and her you. When do you plan on taking her hand? You were suppose to do it tonight, but now with the Hyde situation, that idea is gone."

"I was thinking tomorrow morning in the garden. It's her favorite spot. We go there a lot."

It's the next morning, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the floral scent in the garden is delicious. Cristoff and Annabelle are sitting on their bench, enjoying each other's company in comfortable silence.

"Annie-" Cristoff's hoarse voice breaks their silence.

"Yes?"

Before he answers her questioning eyes, he gets down on one knee before her, hearing her gasp makes him smile. He grasps her hands in his and begins his speech. The most important speech that he will ever have to make in his lifetime.

"I promise to love you forever, every single day of forever. Annabelle, will you do me the pleasure of becoming mine, my princess, my love, for the rest of forever?"

The tears that are streaming down Annabelle's face is quickly wiped away from the pads of Cristoff's fingers.

"Yes, of course Cristoff."

With her answer and a promise of a loving future, they sealed their fate with a kiss.

21st Century, Boston

Anastasia Steele, a freshman, is sitting in her Romantic Literature class at Harvard University, waiting for the professor and other students arrive. She is always early to her classes, wanting the best seat, front and center. She is majoring in Literature with a minor in business, in hopes to become an editor and open her own bookstore one day. She doesn't want to own a publishing company and become a CEO to a big publishing house and forget why she loves books in the first place. Growing up in Montesano, Washington, and an only child to Ray and Carla Steele made her lonely at times. She loved living in her books, going on adventures with different characters every day. Sure, she had friends and boyfriends here and there, but she felt more of a connection with the characters in her beloved books. She doesn't know her own beauty, how the boys stop and stare at her as she walks by them. Her thick, curly chocolate hair that swings in the air, her oceanic blue eyes that pop against her alabaster skin, and the small freckles that sweep under her eyes. She doesn't need to try to be gorgeous, it's all natural. Boys want to be with her, and some girls want to be her.

She is organizing her books and iPad on her desk when she hears the door open and close softly to the right of her. Christian Grey saunters in, with a smile that would make panties drop. Ana's breath hitched, like it always did when she saw him. His eyes twinkled and a smile graced his face when he made eye contact with her.

Christian Grey, a sophomore, is the definition of the all American boy. Red blooded, rugged man. His muscles fight against the fabric of his shirts, his jeans hang just right off of his hips. His copper hair, thick and wild. Anyone could get lost in his eyes, the uniqueness of the gray that pierce through you. Growing up in Bellevue, Washington to very prominent parents, his father, Carrick, a lawyer, and his mother, Grace, head pediatrician at Seattle Grace Hospital, he learned early on to work hard to get where you want to be in life. His older brother, Elliot, worked and played hard, teaching Christian the ways before buckling down and opening his own construction company. His younger sister, still in high school, was aspiring to be a pastry chef. Christian is attending Harvard so he can start his own company. He has plans for his future, he wants it to be bright and meaningful. He is majoring in economics and political science, with a minor in business. He is taking the Romantic Literature, a freshman level class, for one reason: Anastasia Steele.

When he saw her at freshman orientation, he was awe struck. He was walking back to his dormitory when he heard a giggle. Usually, a girly giggle would annoy the fuck out of him, however, this particular giggle made him stop in tracks. He looked all around, trying to pinpoint the angelic sound to its owner. Luck would have it that he happened to look at the brunette beauty and she giggled again and again at what her blonde friend was telling her. His legs had a mind of their own, making their way over to where she was standing. The closer he got to her, the more his heart beat out of his chest. These feelings were new to him, he couldn't understand why he was feeling this way towards a stranger. He went on dates, had relations, but never was the one to settle down with a girl and put a label on it. This girl is a game changer he thought.

Christian makes his way further into the classroom, taking the seat right next to Anastasia. The new semester started a couple of weeks ago, and this is the first time he sat directly next to her. He usually sat behind her, able to watch her. He loved watching her concentrate on the lectures, he knew she was getting into it when her pencil would make its way to her luscious lips, or she would start twirling her hair when she wouldn't agree with another classmates assessment on a topic. Today, he chose to sit next to her, to talk to her.

"Hi." He greeted her as he took his seat, getting his laptop and textbook out of his bag.

Anastasia looked behind her, thinking she didn't see someone else walk in while she's been waiting. No one else was in the room with them. He was talking to her.

"Hello."

"How are you?"

"Oh, um. I am well, thank you. How are you?"

"I am fine. I am Christian, by the way." He sticks out his hand towards Anastasia, hoping she would take the gesture.

"It is nice to officially meet you, I'm Anastasia." She puts her small hand in his, as they shake hands, an electrical current flows through their arms, down to their bones. Christian's hand grips tighter onto Anastasia's as a response to the feeling, while Ana just stares at their connected hands in wonderment. They both look up searching for each other's reaction.

"What just happened?"

"I'm not sure. It could have been static electricity. Let's try again." Christian suggests, but in reality he just wants to continue to have an excuse to touch her.

They let go, and this time switches hands, and as soon as their palms connect, the tingling reappears.

"Odd." Anastasia mumbles while releasing her hand from his.

"Very."

"So, how are you liking Harvard? Is it everything you hoped it would be?" Christian asks her, noticing that they only have a couple more minutes before the rest of the students will be filling up the large lecture hall.

"It is," she replies with a smile on her face, "I was nervous at first, of course, leaving my parents and home, but my best friend is here with me. We are roommates, so that made the transition easier."

"Where is home?"

"Montesano, Washington. How about you?"

"What a small world. I am from Bellevue."

"Oh." She looks back down at her notebook, pretending it is more interesting right now than Christian. She knew Bellevue, the rich and powerful lived there in their mansion like homes and prep schools. She didn't fit into that world.

"Hey," Christian says, trying to get her attention back. "It's not like that. Believe me, I know what you are thinking. My family isn't like the others in that area."

She looks back up at him, embarrassed by her behavior. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to insult or insinuate anything."

"I know. You don't seem like that girl that would judge others."

"I'm not. It's just, honestly, I know the area and my world doesn't fit into that world."

"Good thing I don't either, then." He winks at her.

She was about to respond, but the lecture hall started to fill up with their other classmates and then finally the professor.

"Good morning, everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Happy Monday and let's get to work."

Christian's eyes were on Anastasia, he noticed that she sat up straighter, her notebook was opened and her iPad powered on, already on a notebook app. He smiled, she is very prepared. He wasn't sure why she needed both types of notebooks, but it made her even more unique to him.

Anastasia was trying to listen to the beginning of the lecture, however, every nerve in her body was concentrating on the grey eyed handsome man, not a boy, a man, sitting next to her. She could feel the tension between them, she could hear his deep breaths, smell his clean, minty scent, and her senses were going into overdrive.

Finally, she gives her a head a little shake, Christian smirks at her, knowing what that brain of hers was thinking about, she is able to focus on Mrs. Spence, the professor, who is just informing the students about their project.

"You will work with a partner, which has already been preselected," hearing the groans of the class, Mrs. Spence continued, "oh well. That's life. You are in college, and should know how to work with different type of people and personalities by now, if not, you better get use to it fast. You are going to meet and work with all different types of people, whether you like them or not. You don't have to like one another, but I expect you to respect one another and work together."

The class quickly shuts their mouths, knowing she is right.

"Anyway, each pair will also be given a couple that has been written about. The couple could be a historical couple or a fictional couple seen in literature. You are to research the pair, use evidence to show why they are important to romantic literature, what their lives were like when they were together, and when they weren't. What made them so special in that time period or in that novel. You will write a 10,000 word essay and give a presentation. You and your partner will have one month, from today, to complete this assignment. You will be graded based on research, your essay, and presentation. You and your partner will meet with me, weekly, before or after class, to discuss the progress in your research."

Majority of the class, including Christian, have the deer in headlights look on their faces, while Mrs. Spence's prized student, Anastasia is bouncing in her seat. Mrs. Spence knew she was special the first day she saw Anastasia in her class. Next year, she would love to have her as her TA, helping her, mentoring her. She had promise, and the professor wanted to help her get there. She saw the fire in her eyes, the love of literature in her heart, and and happiness on her face.

"Any questions?"

Anastasia's hand shoots up in the air, almost making her shoulder pop out of her socket.

"Yes, Ms. Steele."

"What kind of presentation are you looking for?" She asks while her pen is held to the paper, ready to write down more information. Christian noticed her hand wildly writing everything Mrs. Spence was discussing about the project. Adorable, he thought.

"That is up to you and your partner. You could do a PowerPoint, a skit, a poem, or just verbally present your findings. I am giving the presentation part free reign, whatever makes you comfortable. Just make sure you have all the aspects covered as you will see listed in the rubric."

"Great. Thank you, Mrs. Spence."

"Okay, now, before we move any further into today's lesson, I will tell you who your partner is. Here is a friendly warning, remember you are adults, I will not tolerate moaning and groaning about who are assigned to work with. Got it?"

"Yes, Mrs. Spence." The class chorused together.

"Okay. Andrew Smith and Stephanie Edwards. Jose Rodriguez and Jennifer Jones. Jack Hyde and Leila Williams."

Jack sneered on the inside. He has had his eye on Anastasia as well. He kept his distance, always sitting in the back row, always following her back to her dormitory, but never approached her. He continued his stare to the beauty in the front row, causing Christian to look behind him. Once the two men made eye contact, the glares intensified, causing Christian to move his chair and desk slightly more to his left, closer to Anastasia. She was still enthralled with the project that she didn't even notice.

"Lily Knight and Owen Connors. Abigail Lyons and Ryan Kay. Jenna Philips and Stephen Stewart. Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey."

Christian did an internal fist pump, while Anastasia tried not to throw up. He made her nervous, a good nervous, but nervous. They both tuned out Mrs. Spence as she continued to state the partners. Christian was looking at her, trying to get her to look up at him. He was grateful that someone loved him enough to pair him with her. He can work his magic even more, show her what it could be like.

Jack's fist landed on his desk, causing a loud thump echo in the room.

"Mr. Hyde, if I ever see or hear you to that again, you be dismissed from this class. I will not tolerate that type of behavior from you, or anyone else." Mrs. Spence scolds him, which pisses him off even more. He stands, collects his bag off of the floor and leaves, with a slam of a door.

"Okay, let's get back to why we are."

The rest of the lecture goes by flawlessly, the students discussing and debating. Before the end of the class session, Mrs. Spence hands out the couples in which the pairs are responsible for.

"See you Wednesday morning, our conferences will start next Monday, so be sure to meet with your partner sometime this week. Have a good day."

Christian stands and waits for Anastasia to finish packing up her belongings.

"Where are you off to next?" He asks as he holds the door open for her.

"Lunch, and then I have a business class. You?"

"Lunch, and then a political science course. Would you like to have lunch with me?"

"Oh, um, are you sure?" She nervously asks while biting her lower lip.

Christian's eyes blaze and he has to count to fifty to keep his dick flaccid.

"I am. We can chat about our project. Mrs. Spence gave you the couple, so you can share that with me." She giggles and nods her head yes in response.

They walk to the student cafeteria that is located across the campus. They chat about growing up in Washington, same state, but much different up bringing. Ana talks about how her father would take her camping and teach her how to shoot.

"You know how to shoot a gun?"

"I do. My dad is ex-military, he taught me gun safety and how to protect myself. You best to remember that, Grey." She smirks at him.

"Indeed, I will, Steele."

They are sitting at a table in the corner of the cafeteria, eating their lunch of sandwiches with salads, still talking about their lives growing up. Between eating and talking, they both were laughing. It was so natural between them, that they have known each other for years.

"Okay," Christian breathes out, wiping his eyes from the tears that was caused by his hysterical laughter, "I have to be serious for a moment."

Anastasia's laughter stopped in an instant. She was back to be nervous, and she didn't like this feeling. He was making her feel giddy just a moment ago.

"Okay…" Her hands were placed on the table, clasped together. Christian moved their lunch trays to the side, sliding his hands across the table, placing them on top of hers. A little gasp escaped her lips as she looked down at their now interlaced fingers. That zap from before happening again.

"See. It wasn't static electricity before. Anastasia, would you like to go out to dinner with me, tonight?"

Anastasia's hands gripped tighter onto Christians.

"You want to take me out, on a date?"

"Yes, very much so. I've wanted to ask you out for a while now."

"You have?"

"I have."

"Well, then, yes, I would love to go out with you tonight." No more words were needed. They just looked at one another, not noticing the watchful, angry eyes of Jack at the other end of the cafeteria.

Later that day, Anastasia was in her dorm room, throwing clothes onto her bed from her closet. Kate, her best friend and roommate walked into the dorm, after her workout, and stopped short. Anastasia never makes a mess like this, or seem to be this frazzled.

"Ana.."

"I have a date."

"Wh-what?"

"I. Have. A. Date. Tonight, in two hours."

"With who?" Kate asks as she plops herself on her bed, watching her best friend pick up clothes, eye them, and throws it on the bed with the ever growing pile.

"Christian Grey."

"OH. EM. GEE." Kate squeals as she bounces up and down.

"Kate, please. I need help." She stops and looks at her friend, more like her sister, for help.

"Okay. Okay. I'm calm now. Let me see what I have. Do you know where you are going?"

"He said he was going to take me out to an Italian restaurant in town. Maybe, Ninas?"

"Perfect. That place is so romantic and great for a first date. I have the most amazing dress for you. It doesn't fit me anymore, and it would be spectacular on you."

Kate files through her closet, looking for the particular dress as Anastasia cleans up the mess she has created.

"A-ha! Got it!" Kate pulls out a plum sheath dress, that would look impeccable on Anastasia's body. It will show off her natural curves, and it is just sexy enough to also be innocent. The full length gold zipper on the back of the dress adds to the sex appeal.

"That dress is stunning. Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. Like I said, it doesn't fit me right anymore. Plus, Ana, your body is to die for. This dress was made for you. Here, try it on while I look for shoes."

Two hours later, Anastasia was finally free of the Katherine Kavanaugh make over. She kept her make up light and natural, showcasing Anastasia's big blue eyes, while she curled her hair in long waves which cascaded over her shoulder. Kate pinned her hair to the side to show off the the back of the dress, which fit like a glove. They found a matching pair of suede pumps, a perfect plum color.

Kate made Anastasia wear a sexy black lace bra and matching panties, stating that just because Christian won't see doesn't mean she can wear cotton tonight. "Wearing sexy undergarments will make you feel sexier, trust me." Kate said to her as Ana tried to fight against her. She didn't win, she never does against Kate and fashion.

They were both playing with Anastasia's hair, spraying it one last time when there was knock on their door.

"Okay, you answer, I can't."

"Go into the bathroom. You should make an entrance anyway." Kate shoos her away.

"Hello, I'm Christian, I am here for Anastasia."

"Yes, she told me she would be going out with you tonight. Please come in. I am Kate, best friend and roommate. Those are pretty."

"Oh, yes. They are for her." Christian replied, shyly. Kate smiled at him, thinking how he would be good for her best friend, get her out of her shell. He could help her spread her wings, not be so introvert.

"She is going to love them. Let me find something to put them in."

Two more minutes and Anastasia finally emerges from the bathroom. She didn't need to finish getting ready, Kate made sure she was more than ready for when Christian arrived. She was in the bathroom, not only from Kate pushing her in there, but to gather herself and settle her nerves.

Christian's eyes can't stop scanning up and down Anastasia's face and body.

"Wow…" he breathes out, "you look absolutely beautiful, Anastasia."

She blushes at his compliment, "Thank you, Christian. You look quite handsome yourself."

"Here, these are for you." He hands her the arrangement of white roses.

"They are lovely, thank you. You didn't have to do that."

"I know. I wanted to."

"Here, I found a vase in one of our cabinets, let me put them in water for you so you two can go get your date started." Kate suggested as she took the bundle of the dozen roses from Anastasia.

"Now, Christian, I am obviously not Anastasia's father, however, I am best friend, and I will give you the same warning. If you hurt her, I will hurt you. I promise. I will say, I don't care for curfews, stay out as late, or early, as you would like. Have fun, kiddos!"

Christian and Anastasia enter the Italian restaurant, Nina's, and is seated right away due to their reservation. The hostess hands them their menus and informs them their waiter will be with them in a moment.

"What looks good?" Christian asks her, already knowing that she is the one that looks good to him.

"I am eyeing the roasted chicken with the vegetable medley and risotto. What about you?"

"That sounds good, but, I am going to get the fourteen ounce butterflied filet mignon with the roasted vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes."

They put in their order, also ordering a glass of wine, merlot for Christian, and rose for Anastasia.

Throughout dinner they had great conversation, both laughing like they never had before.

"Anastasia, I have to be honest." Christian states as they drive back to campus.

"Okay…"

He looks at her, as they are stopped at a red light and he can easily tell she thinks that he is going to say something that will break her heart, but that just isn't the case.

"I really like you. I've liked you since the first time I saw you giggling at freshman orientation."

"You did?"

"I did. I am in a freshman literature class for fuck's sake. I am a business major and a sophomore, I don't need that class, Anastasia."

"So, you enrolled in the class to talk to me?"

"Yes. I just didn't know where I would see you. All of our other classes are in different buildings, our dorms are at opposite ends of campus. I needed to do something."

"And that you did. I'm glad you took the chance."

Christian's right hand leaves the steering wheel and makes its way to grasp Anastasia's hand, and rest their interlaced hands on her lap.

"I had a great time, Christian."

"Me too, I would love to take you out again."

"I would like that."

Ever the gentleman, Christian walks Anastasia back to her dorm room, making sure she arrives safely.

Before unlocking the door, she turns to thank him again, however, she didn't notice how close he was standing behind her. As she turns, she collides and slips in the heels that have been torturing her feet all night. Christian wraps his arms around her small waist and pulls her up against his body.

Their eyes lock, blue to grey, timid and shy to aroused and confident. Then, before Anastasia can even blink the fear away, Christian's lips are slowly caressing hers, at first the kiss is tentative, until Anastasia's arms wrap around his neck, her fingers start to play with the curls at the nape of his neck. Christian pushes her against a wall, his hands grip the side of her hips tightly, pushing and pulling her, his tongue probing her lips, coaxing her to open up to him. She does, willingly and enthusiastically. Their soft moans are the only noise that is heard in the empty hallway.

"Christian.." Anastasia starts to moan as his lips travel from hers down her neck, she bends it, granting him more access.

"Baby," he whispers against her neck, his lips never losing their connection to her.

A slam of a door down the hallway causes them to move away from one another, but not that far away. They are still in one another arms, their foreheads touching, their noses grazing against together. Again, their eyes are locked, their breathes shallow, their chests heaving.

Christian shakes his head against hers, "I remember kissing you, why do I remember kissing you?"

"What do you mean?" Anastasia asks, perplexed.

"I don't know," he shakes his head again, "I just remember kissing you. Feeling this. Being in this moment with you."

"I like being in this moment with you."

"I do too, baby."

AN: I just want to say thank you for giving your time to reading this challenge story, along with all the others. Just to let you know, when the challenge is over, this story has one more chapter.