Our Ana | Kate & Ana & Christian

Chapter 11

Kate's Pov;

Christian, Ana, and I sit together in the back seat as Taylor drives us to the Grey's family home. I've only been there once before with Elliot but from what I can remember it's a place very well suited for such a high class charity event such as the ball we're about to attend. I'm a bit nervous about going to the ball tonight. Sure, I can handle fancy rich people flashing their cash, auctions, raffles, dinner, and dancing, I grew up with parents of similar status to Christian's family. What's got me feeling anxious is the realization that Elliot will be there. I have no idea what his reaction to seeing me show up will be, but it can't be a good one. I tried to end things between us on good terms but there was only so much I could do to make it as smooth as possible. I still basically abandoned the guy in Barbados on our lovely romantic vacation just because he made a joke about marrying me and it freaked me out. I should've handled it better, but instead I panicked. I didn't want to be with Elliot forever as marriage would imply. I don't even know if I want to be with a man forever at all. Then I got home to Ana and my repressed feelings for her that had been gradually growing over the years suddenly became amplified. How could I even begin to explain that to Elliot? That I'm in love with my roommate/best friend who also happens to be his brothers on and off and then on again girlfriend. I couldn't. I wouldn't even know the words to say to explain myself.

When we arrive at the Grey's, there's a line of cars in front of us all heading up the driveway. We slowly, but surely inch closer, giving me a clearer view of the decor that's been arranged. The mansion has been transformed into a magical kingdom with lights and swarms of elegantly dressed humans. Taylor pulls into the driveway and a valet opens the door on Christian's side first, then mine. Ana gets out on my side and we both walk around the car to Christian's side. "Ready, ladies?" Christian asks, offering an arm to each of us. "As I'll ever be." Ana mutters, stepping up to link her arm in his. He kisses Ana's hand as he takes it, then uses his free arm to link with mine. He escorts us down a long dark green carpet and pauses for a moment halfway down to allow for our photos to be taken. Once we get to the main grounds, two servers come by with Champagne. Christian hands Ana and I a glass, then grabs his own, and we continue on our way. To my left there's a massive black and white checkered dance floor with ice sculptures at the entrance. To my right there is a stage where a string quartet plays a melody I don't recognize. We walk along the dance floor where the other guests are gathering. There's at least a hundred guests already and something tells me there's many more still to come. A young woman cheers Christian's name, then comes running towards us seemingly out of nowhere. Somehow she manages to run with ease, her massive high heeled stilettos not slowing her down one bit. She throws her arms around Christian's neck and I recognize by her demeanor it's his little sister Mia. She's dressed in a pale pink full length silk gown paired with a pink lace mask to match. She looks sensational, girly and feminine as ever in her pink gown. I can't believe she doesn't have a date on her arm. It seems impossible to me that anyone, man or woman, wouldn't be dying to escort her to a ball. "Ana, you look positively stunning!" Mia exclaims, pulling Ana in for a quick hug. "So do you, Kate! Oh, I'm so happy to see you I had no idea you'd be here!" She gushes, pulling me in for a hug as well. Mia runs off after our hug to get back to her group of friends and Christian, Ana and I continue to make our rounds, exchanging greetings with various people as we go. We stop for a moment as Christian introduces Ana and I to an older business man. He grills Ana about work briefly but is forced to stop when we're interrupted by the master of ceremonies speaking from the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen please take your seats dinner is being served!" He announces and Christian quickly leads us to our table at the center. Mia, Grace, and Carrick are already sitting when we get there, appearing in deep conversation with each other. I think I hear my name mentioned, but they stop when we sit down. "Ana, Kate, how delightful to see you two lovely ladies on this beautiful evening!" Grace greets us warmly and I return her loving smile. "Mother." Christian greets her, a little reluctantly. I don't think he likes the attention she draws to us. Grace's parents join our table next, then Elliot appears with a unknown female at his side. They say their goodbyes to each other as he takes his seat next to Mia and the girl scurries off to her own table. Clearly not each others dates. "Elliot please save the fraternizing for later. It's unbecoming to be the last one seated." Grace scolds him and I suppress a laugh. "Sorry. It's not my fault I couldn't get a date on such short notice so I had to bring my sister as my date." He glares right at me and I divert my eyes from his gaze. "Hey!" Mia swats his arm. "You didn't have to take me you get to take me!" Mia corrects him, making everyone at the table share a laugh. Servers arrive by the dozen to pass around plates of food for all the guests. The salmon they've given us looks delicious and I take a bite eagerly, not minding that it's still a little hot. "Hungry?" Christian murmurs to Ana and she blushes beneath her mask. It's clear by his voice he was not referring to the food. "Very." She whispers back, boldly, and I turn slightly to see Christians reaction. He inhales, lips parted, surprised by her bold response and I smirk in Ana's direction, proud of her growing confidence. "Ana, will you pretty please help in the auction?" Mia asks, giving Ana puppy dog eyes. "Sure." Ana responds, willingly, with a sweet smile in Mia's direction. Over dinner Christian and I remain attentive to Ana only, not really partaking in the group discussion. He runs his fingertips along her jawline, whispering something only she can hear in her ear. My hand strokes her thigh under the table rhythmically, then I skim my fingers in the in between space just over her sex through the dress. I move my fingers slow, caressing her, teasing her, as Christian plants soft kisses along her neck when no one's looking. It's a team effort between the two of us, and Ana can barely sit still. With Christian and I's sensual torture it won't be long before she combusts right here at the table. "I need to go!" Ana jumps out of her seat, causing everyone at the table to look her way. "Sorry. Excuse me." She apologies for her outburst and steps away from the table, heading towards the bathrooms. "I've got this." I say, getting up to follow her before Christian can even offer to assist her. His jaw tenses with irritation, but he remains quiet, resigned, as I follow behind her to the restrooms.