Chapter 7 Part II

Making my way toward the cabin I have to bypass the main deck's lounge hoping I can sneak around when hearing Mia's voice. "Ana! Hey girl, what's going on?"

You have GOT to be kidding me. I can't catch my breath or a break! This fucking Cloud 9 should be renamed Dante's 8th Circle of Hell. Right now, the thought of launching myself off this floating Luxury HellHole and drowning in the Sea of Cortez doesn't sound half bad. I can't believe that this is All really happening. I'm trapped, trapped in a bloody nightmare episode of Twilight Zone. I'm emotionally frazzled, physically exhausted and all I want is the UK underfoot and listen to the heartbeats of London...

Smile... Smile

Turning with a fake smile, I take her in and she's gorgeous.

I know Beauty and she's a Siren

Her raven hair is polished, not a strand out of place, her dark chocolate eyes are accentuated along with her other features without the added cosmetic heaviness. I'd love to photograph her.

"Hey Mia. Wow... you are looking great and I love your dress, very posh."

Hearing her laugh. "Thank you. It's Alexander McQueen."

trying to maintain pleasantries "Next time in London you should stop by their flagship store on Old Bond Street."

"I'd love that, but only if we go together." she has such a great bubbly laugh "You seem to be a girl in the know!" Giving me a tight hug, which is exactly what I need but at the worst possible moment. I'm gonna break-down, quickly pulling away. "Come, let's get a drink and chat before dinner."

"Mia, I'm not in the know. I've shopped there a couple times is all. It's a great shoppe" avoiding eye contact "If you don't mind, I'm going to pass on the drink, though I could go for a cup of coffee and bottle of water."

As we walk toward the bar "Anastasia, I don't know how to say this, but you're lookin' kinda…. rough."

I can't help chuckling despite the fact I'm teetering. I've only know Mia for several hours but she seems right up my alley. She doesn't mince words and I like that about her.

"Erm, I'm jet lagged and after spending day in a spa having my muscles manipulated and rubbed-down, I feel like a ragdoll. Hell, I passed out twice. Once during the hot stone massage, then midway having the mud-wrap. I'm a wee bit stretched and feel I could sleep twenty four hours straight." Nevermind the fact that I spent the night having vigorous sex with your brother…. Internally cringing. I can't believe this is the pile of shit I stepped into.

Laughing at my spa comment "Girl, I'm such a boob. I should have known you'd be exhausted. I can be such a stupid air-head."

I hate when people, especially women, talk like that about themselves. "Mia, stop with the self-defeating language. I think you're very intelligent." And she is. I noticed her quickly. She's quietly observant of what and how people say things. I suspect nothing gets past her and I will have to keep on my toes around her.

"You also have" waving my hands back and forth creating an hourglass "this It-Girl vibe going on."

We don't speak until she has her White-wine in hand. "Ana, can I say something while we're alone?"

Oh God, what can it possibly be "Of course. Fire away."

"Come, let's sit a moment." Following her to one of the several sofas scattered around in the lounge. Noticing that Liam and Arthur are heading our way. "Liam, Arthur can you give Ana and me a minute?" turning they walk back to their table "Here it is. I love how you handed Nancy's ass to her. She's such a royal bitch, always insinuating herself into conversations and other people's lives." giggling "You have a bit of a following."

Sipping my coffee "What do you mean by following, as in Lillian and Nic?"

"Yes. We all heard what you said to Nancy and well you could have heard a pin drop between us." snickering "We were taken aback and loved it!"

"I see. Well I… ummm… thank you?" I don't know what to say. Then it hits me "Wait. Are you telling me Nancy is always like that and no one bothers to stand up for themselves?"

"Oh no, I did, and if you take note when around her, she doesn't talk to me and at every given opportunity selects to exclude me." Shaking her head "I'm a ghost unless Christian is nearby, then I'm her buddy. Yet for the life of me, I can't fathom why my brother is with her, she's about as synthetic as they come."

I can't believe Kate would allow this sort of behavior toward her future sister.

Don't get involved.

Say nothing.

After about 30 seconds "Ana, are you okay?"

"I'm tired is all."

"Sorry Ana, I shouldn't have dumped on you. You don't know any of us, or our histories. It's all a bit of a soap-opera."

"Mia, it's okay, I apologize too, I'm fading... But if catching your drift, what you're telling me is that I should expect a freeze out by Nancy." watching as she nods "Frankly, it sounds like Arrogance by Association, rather than earned. Well, if she oversteps her boundaries with me again, she'll get another ear full and should Nancy continue to persist like a gnat, I'd have no hesitation in curb-stomping her with my Doc boots." realizing what I said... ohhhh my... "Mia, sorry if I came out sounding thuggish … I threw in the towel about three hours ago."

sighing while trying to make it light of what I said "Honestly, I may not make it beyond supper without doing a face-plant into my food." holding up my index finger "And should that happen, grab me by my shoulders and pull me back into the upright position, okay?" smiling at her "And since we're in Mexico, wouldn't it be more appropriate to call it a ... Telenovela?"

Mia laughing. "You're a bit of a terror and a good ol' fashioned wiseass aren't you?"

"It's smartarse. Thankyouverymuch." her laugh is infectious, finding I'm laughing alongside her. I don't know if it's the meds, the distraction, being around Mia or enjoying the personal jabbing at the bitch that is Trevor/Christian's girlfriend... those two sound perfect for one another.

Feeling a bit braver and more comfortable talking with Mia "Out of curiosity, how long has your brother and Nancy been dating?" feeling entirely gossipy.

"Not really sure. Christian is a very private person, but he started bringing her around about six months ago. The only one in the family that likes her is Elliot and well, he likes everybody and of course my future sister in law, Kate. Actually those two are pretty tight."

Hmmm.. seems like Kate has me here only out of some sense of loyalty, perhaps induced by her parents to have me as Maid of Honor when it clearly seems Nancy would have been her preferred candidate...

grinning at me "Ana, I can't wait for you meet my grandparents. They're originally from Cornwall, England. Nana especially is going to adore you, though I'll warn you now, she lacks a filter." chuckling

Giving Mia a sheepish smile, leaning back into the sofa "Oh boy, one thing you don't do, is mess with Cornish Folk. They are a very proud people, having an independent spirit about them. I believe their motto is 'Cornish First and British Second'... something like that. How did they end up in the United States?"

They immigrated in 1959 to Eastern Washington buying an Apple Orchard eventually expanding to include Pears, Cherries and Apricots. They're quasi-retired now but Nana and PopPop are so clever, always thinking, ever expanding and over the years have branched out, not only with their organic fruits but with other local organic farmers as well - including a catalog of various delicacies all made by local artisans. Nana and PopPop even make couple types of English style Ciders and Perry."

letting out a quick breath "Never had Perry but Cider - Whoa depending on the alcohol content, that stuff will sneak up on you, knocking you on your arse." smiling at her "I know you're only scratching the surface of their story but I'm enjoying hearing about their cottage industry, entrepreneurial spirits while helping local vendors expand. It also must have taken so much courage to leave one's country to start anew in another. I'm sure they've been written about locally but do they have a biographer? I mean, a method in having their story told and kept alive? And this may sound hokey, I find this is all pretty exciting and quite epic. What's the name of the business?"

"Trevelyan Organic Orchards & Friends." only to change conversational topics so quickly it feels like whiplash "So what's your story? How do you know Kate? No one knew about you until Kate mentioned it on the way to the spa. That you were at the last minute able to make the trip and were Maid of Honor, which, finally settling that little mystery. But I mean, we didn't even know your name until we were introduced. Even more shocking you're British."

Going back to Mia, shaking my head smiling "No, no, no, no, no, You can't just flip on me like that. Let's finish this train of thought. At the Spa you mentioned being in the final stages of perfecting your dessert recipes. Your training is French yet I'm just curious, are you going to keep it traditional French pastries and breads, or are you going to tweak it Ala Pacific Northwest by including Trevelyan Orchards and their products? One can only imagine the sweets you have created, you know like, Galettes and Rustic Tarts, Fruit Pasties, Chocolate Croissants, Crepes filled with fruits… And the Pies, oh so many types of pies."

Mia cuts me off due to her laughter and knee slapping "For fuck'sakes Ana, you're salivating."

I really like Mia "Salivating yes, I'm starved. Don't get me wrong, the rabbit food served at the spa was great, I just needed a second helping."

"Well, yes, I'm incorporating Trevelyan Organics. The bakery is adjacent to Pike Street Market. It's an amazing street level location and currently being remodeled. We'll open the doors after the New Year."

"That's great and the timing too, nothing better than starting the New Year off with a clean slate. I wish you all the happiness and prosperity in your venture." smiling "It sounds like you have your grandparents independent streak."

"Actually, I've always been surrounded by independent people. My dad with his own law-firm, my mother is head of Pediatrics at Seattle Children's Hospital. Elliot with his Eco-friendly construction company, me with the Bakery, and of course Christian. I learned from watching everyone and know it's backbreaking hard work but the rewards of being your own boss, at least for me, is a job well done. I don't think I could ever work for someone, plus I don't like taking orders from others. So now back to you Ana."

internally I chuckle... she's got balls on her

"Um, I'm American not British, though in the final stages for dual citizenship. Let's see, I've lived in London and in the surrounding areas for the past eleven years. For me, it's really the only home I've ever known. "chuckling "You know, I was born in Montesano Washington and lived in Olympia until I was around eight years old. And how I know Kate and Ethan, our fathers were lifelong friends having grown up together in Connecticut."

Mia looking surprised "You're were local? I would have never thought that. Can you elaborate a little more? You come across is an the enigma."

letting out a small sigh. "Eamon and my Father, were like brothers, doing everything together. Even attending Yale and after graduation Eamon went to the West Coast expanding Kavanagh Media and my Dad to Washington D.C. to work for the State Department. On one of Dad's visits to Seattle, he met my Mom, thanks to Katrina playing matchmaker. After a whirlwind romance and my Dad eventually left D.C. taking a job working for the State Governor and stayed until he was offered a position as a US Diplomat. We lived in East and Northern Africa, Asia for a short time, landing in England and that became home."

Watching Mia fidget "Ana, I'm going ask an indelicate question. What do you mean by were?" yep nothing gets past her

"It's a long story but regrettably parents passed away years, and at the moment that's all I'm too willing elaborate on regarding my parents. After their deaths I stayed on in England finishing my education at the International Boarding school I was already a student at, then I went on to University."

"Ana, I'm inquisitive by nature, I didn't meant to pry. I just wasn't expecting that."

Mia, it's okay. It's just something I don't really spend time trying to think or talk about. Look if you don't mind, I'm going to head out and rest a bit before supper."

Shaking her head, "Yeah, sure. Ana, I'm sorry about the loss of your parents." standing "I won't keep you any longer, you get rested. I'm going to mess with Liam and Arthur. Just make sure your phone's alarm is set because if you're not out'n'about by 8:40 I'm gonna come looking for you."

Walking away I wave using the bottled water "You got it."

Spying Taylor sitting outside the lounge, I take a seat next to him "Taylor, how I spoke to you earlier. I was angry and taking it out on the wrong person. I shouldn't have spoken and treated you in a flippant manner. I hope you'll accept my apology."

"Miss Steele, thank you for saying that, but I don't feel an apology is owed. I can only imagine what you must be going …...thinking." he keeps the pause a fraction too long. He's biting his tongue again.

Standing "Nevertheless, I wanted to apologize. Thank you for listening."

Making my way to the cabin, it's not lost on me that Mia glanced at my folded NDA several times... Stop it. She doesn't know what it is. You're starting to feel better don't fucking get paranoid.

laying on my bunk, covering my eyes with my forearm I'm catapulted to my last encounter with him

::Flashback::

I wake up feeling beard as he's dropping kisses down my spine, I nudge sleepily, giggling. It tickles "Trev, I'm trying to rest."

"Ana, baby, I'm not finished with you." Lightly nipping my shoulder with his teeth "Roll over, I want to see your baby blues."

Turning I face him. Gently pushing my hair away from my face tucking it behind my ear, the pads of his fingers trace my ear, moving down my jawline to my chin, before brushing my lower lip. There's enough ambient light coming from the half-close bathroom door that I can make out a small smile perched on this lips and his eyes, those intense gray eyes staring at me. Lightly kissing my forehead before trailing feathery kisses to my temple, cheek, jawline. Pulling my thigh toward him so it lands on his hip, his erection stroking between my folds, I'm soaking wet, wanting him.

Whispering in a low, sexy growl. "Seems you're not finished with me either."

The head of his cock slowly pushing in, only to stop. Resting for a moment before pulling out a fraction, just to push in a little more, enticing me. Tightening my thigh around his hip while pushing my body closer, I feel his cock sinking a little deeper inside me only to pull out completely.

Rolling me on my back. Resting on his forearms, gently interlacing his fingers with mine locking my arms slightly above my head, I moan trying to pull my arms down, resisting his anchor that also arouses so much pleasure. Spreading my legs further apart, I feel his fingers tighten around mine. Looking at me his cock strokes back and forth between my opening. Leaning down feel his hot breath against my ear, speaking in a hushed voice. "I know what you need, baby. Ana you like being restrained, yet enjoy the struggle."

With that he gives my arms a quick little tug while sinking into me full hilt.

Letting out a moan my body quakes. Instinctively my pelvic curls up to meet him, my legs wrapping around waist grinding into him, lifting my head off the mattress I'm desperate to kiss him.

"Fuck, Ana, you feel so….." our lips touching I moan into his mouth and I'm lost in him.

Feeling the weight of his body on me, we are in full contact. There is a level that is primal, intimate, beautiful. We're moving to each other, as if dancing. Communicating through our kisses, moans, bodies grinding. I don't know how long we stay like this, all I know is that I already feel I'm getting close to orgasm when he breaks our kiss almost pulling out completely.

"Ana, fuck, baby, not yet. Don't you dare cum."

letting out a frustrated sigh and smiling. "Ugghhh...You can't do this to me."

his eyes shimmering "Ana, I think you don't have a clue as to how fucking enchanting you truly are." rubbing his nose against mine "You also have the cutest little button nose."

playfully biting my lower lip "You know Trevor, it's okay to use a pronoun, as in I... I find you enchanting...I think you have the cutest little ..."

"Fuck. Ana." thrusting hard in me, my eyes rolls back, whispering to me "You little minx, you're driving me crazy. Ana, look at me."

Opening my eyes "Ana, I don't you to disappear. Keep your eyes open and trained on me."

Looking up to him "Okay. I'll try"

His voice is husky, strained, staring down at me. "Don't try…... Do."

Arching my back, my eyes close

hearing him pant in my ear "Ana. Don't. Close. Your. Eyes." Licking the side of my neck, tugging my earlobe with his lips and teeth

My head rolls back and he starts fucking me deep.

"Ana... Stop... look at me...stay with me…."

focusing my eyes on him. We fuck, but it's more than fucking. There is a level of sheer nakedness and affection shared between us.

::End Flashback::

Snapping my eyes open I run to the lavatory and vomit.

With each heave my mind races with random thoughts.

Fucking Psychopath. I got a raging headache. Nothing about him was real, he let you continue calling him Trevor, how humiliating. Your very first one-night stand and look at the outcome Never step outside of your element. He must have been laughing at you, what a cunt. I wish I had stuck to my guns, saying no to the trip. You have the worst fucking luck. Take another half of Xanax. You really, really liked him. He played you like a fiddle and you fell for him hook, line and sinker. I need some aspirins. Guaranteed I'm not the first, he only got caught. Haphephobia? Bullshit! It was to ensure I didn't leave marks on him - try explaining that to Nancy. What I would pay to not be here right now. Get through the night, tomorrow will be better. Eat, sleep and avoid him as much as possible.

Flushing the toilet, I stand. My legs feel wonky, rinsing my mouth with water, my are eyes red. I wonder what the time is? Walking back, opening the smaller suitcase grabbing my toiletry bag I hit my phone's screen. It's almost 8:30. I knew I was lost in the moment, but this long?

Unzipping the bag I grab the toothpaste, toothbrush and mouthwash. Then remember Trevor, Christian, Whateverthefuck… having said he used my toothbrush this morning, promptly discarding it in the bin. Putting toothpaste on my finger I brush my teeth and tongue followed by a couple water rinses then mouthwash. Grabbing on to the sides of the sink to hold me steady, I can't stop wobbling.

This is temporary setback, that's all. If necessary, call Dr. Patel. Just remember you've been through a hell of alot worse and came out of it.

Just then there's a knock on the door. fuck me, fuck me, fuck me. I know it's Mia.

Shouting toward the door "Hang on a minute" Looking around the room, it looks like a tornado's hit the place. There are clothes, meds and bottles of supplements on the floor, the extra bunk still has all its contents from my bag strewn around. Quickly working shoving everything into the large suitcase and stuffing my bag.

Opening the door I see Mia is holding a small plate of hors d'oeuvres and looking pissed "I thought it was a joke when Ryan told where your room was! Why the Hell are you down here where the crew sleeps. You're Kate's Maid of Honor!" turning she stares at this man in a suit who I assume is Ryan shouting "Heel Boy!"

Turning away. "Please come in."

Closing the door behind her. "I know you're hungry so I brought these for you."

Taking the small plate from her. "Thank you Mia, that's very considerate of you."

Scanning the room she continues ranting. "You don't even have a window in here. Does Christian know about this, of course he does. What the fuck is going on?"

Grabbing the eyedrops from the opposite bunk "Mia, please stop. Just stop."

Parking herself next to me "Ana.."

cutting her off "Mia, would you help me with the drops? My hands are shaky" tilting my head back she takes care of it.

"Ana are you okay? I mean really okay?"

"I'm overtired, starving, now add to that a headache. Just to be clear, I'm quite certain your brother was at a loss by my being here" ….as I was... "and am sure the quarters were prearranged. This all lands squarely on Kate's shoulders and her inability to follow thru. And would appreciate you not bringing it up again. That includes talking to your brother, all right?"

"But Ana, it's not right. Christian should have made one of the guys give up their room."

"Jesus Mia, you are relentless."

"Of course I am... I'm a Trevelyan-Grey. We are unapologetic and assertive."

smiling "You mean, aggressive, tenacious, impossible to deal with?"

laughing at me "Sure, some might say those things about us." My eyes are blurry from the drops but her tones says it all "Aha, so you've had a taste of the Clan."

Choosing to ignore that comment

"Mia, there is no absolutely no reason why anyone should be displaced because of Kate. No one else should have to pay for her mistake."

"Yeah, no one should pay, other than... You. Kate sounds more like a fremeny than anything else.

owwwwww... that really fucking stung but probably not far from the truth.

"Mia, whatever it is you're thinking... stop. Plus, you don't know I can sleep anywhere. I've slept on dirt, boulders, pebbly beaches, sitting up, even cargo planes and those beasts are noisy. I don't give a shit where I sleep as long as I can close my eyes and have you noticed how quiet it is here? This is not some sort of Alaskan fishing boat or tugboat. This is luxury. I mean, feel the linens, they're a very high thread count. The only way it would suck being a crew member here is when it came to dealing with the snotty onboard guests."

Giggling... Mia is such a giggler "Ana, I'd invite you to stay with me, but I'm not sure how you feel about sharing Queen bed."

"I would never put you-out. Plus, don't get me wrong, but I like to sleep in my own space"

"Ana, I could ask Christian if there a solo guy sleeping in a double room? We could switch out. He could stay in my suite and we can share his room."

"Mia, I appreciate it, but let it go. I'm quite satisfied in these accommodations. It's only for two nights and as this is my first trip to Mexico I'm going to enjoy what country has to offer and take in the sights, people, and food. My time is not going to be spent sitting in a cabin."

"Okay I get it Ana, I'll stop. I promise you won't hear me say another peep about it. Now eat some of what I brought while you finish getting ready?"

"Sure" popping one the melon wrapped prosciutto in my mouth "Mmmm tasty. "Let me splash some water on my face, take a couple aspirins, then we'll head up." I say while eating one of the stuff mushrooms."

brushing my hair, putting my mass of hair in a pony tail "Mia, again thank you for the snackies, they really hit the spot. I'm ready."

chuckling at me "You seem like low maintenance."

"Not as much as you'd think. I rushed all around London before catching my flight. My hair was a mess so got a cellophane treatment and having been months out in the brush, I had a bush, needing a wax-job. Lord forbid I walked around in a bathing-suit with my rug hanging out."

laughing "Oh my God! Shit Ana, you're a mess."

"I don't talk like that while in mixed crowds, but with another girl. You know exactly what I'm talking about."

hanging out with Mia, really has brought down my anxiety. She's good medicine. Fuck, I wish she wasn't Christian's sister. Don't get to close, gotta keep some distance.

Okay, Ana, be cool...it's Showtime

A/N

Sorry my lemon wasn't up to par. As a novice writer, working from APOV was exhausting... :-)

Following chapter is reverting to CPOV, progressing with the story's timeline.

APOV with be revisited very soon.

Thank you for reading. Sincere comment will always be appreciate.