Life from Steele to Grey
Missy's notes: Surprise! I wanted to finish the prequel before even thinking of writing the outline of this story but, inspiration hit me one day, so here it is… the sequel (yay!). I hope you like it. If you've been following my fanfic stories – thank you so much for your support and patience. You are the reason why I'm still writing. If you're new to the fanfic and have stumbled upon this story, first of all – thanks for even bothering to click on my story, I hope you like it and, I suggest to read either A different shade of Steele or Forging the new Steele first continuing on this one. Either way, here's a little refresher.
Recap: this story is the sequel to my very first fan-fic: 'A different shade of Steele.' It is a what-if type of story where Ana signs Christian's contract, becomes just another submissive who wanted more and Christian never lost his control (or so we thought). In ADSoS, Ana got her heart broken by Christian after that faithful night where she professed her love to him, only to get rejected. Heartbroken, she left Seattle and went off to her personal odyssey and met an old woman named Sara Norwood, who, later made a profound impact on her life. Sara saw potential in her and groomed her to be her successor and a strong independent woman. She took over the Norwood House after Sara's death where she became the successful owner of the fastest rising media & publishing company on Europe.
E L James owns this amazing trilogy
Chapter 1: Steele-Grey
Chaotic… very chaotic! Ana thinks, as she watches the rest of her team leave after the meeting. It's almost the end of the work-day and she can't wait to go home and relax. For the past two weeks, since the word got out that she's been spotted sporting the über Flashy engagement ring from her fiancé, Christian Grey, her life and work has been anything but calm and peaceful. Her usually quiet and productive work routine that used to only include; new projects, accounting, logistics and status reports, now includes PR and security briefings. She normally wouldn't complain as she is, after all, in the media and publishing industry, but her engagement to one of the business world's most eligible (not to mention edible) and rich bachelors has made quite an impact on her private life. Ever since the she was spotted wearing the engagement ring in New York, the media and paparazzi, or "sharks", as Christian likes to call them, have been all over the place, following their every move. The media networks and tabloids spread the pictures through articles and even news reports about the two of them. The media has speculated on everything from the details of their upcoming wedding, to the price of her engagement ring, to interviews with her ex's (Rupert Kent, who's her long-time friend and business associate, after they decided that they were better off as friends, was tight lipped while Henry Carlisle, the very first man she dated after Christian, was all too willing to provide a short sweet statement congratulating her and the irate Christian), to the effect of their marriage on the business world, to the details of any prenuptial agreements, and the worst one is the never ending speculations about her pregnancy. 'Gah! Just ignore them', her inner goddess huffs while her subconscious says, It goes with the territory Steele; you said yes. Both hers and Christian's PR team have begged them to at least release a statement. Christian doesn't mind; in fact, she can tell that the idea of telling the world that she's officially off limits is appealing and she wouldn't mind it except for the fact that they both are private individuals, not politicians or entertainers. She doesn't understand why people would even bother.
She takes a deep breath and walks towards her favorite spot by the window, overlooking the clear night sky of her adopted city of London; the place that gave her refuge and a fresh start all those years ago, thanks to her mentor and friend, Sara Norwood. She can't help but recall all that had happened almost seven years since that night… Do you really have to go there? Her subconscious mutters dryly, while her inner goddess adds, 'It's the past, Steele. Remember what Dr. Flynn always says.' She rolls her eyes at the irony. A few months ago, she only had one nagging voice in her head, and then her frequent encounters with one Christian Grey had woken another nagging voice, one that had disappeared since that night, all those years ago. At first there was a lot of tension between the two and now, both her inner goddess and subconscious are finishing each other's' sentence. Who knew this would happen? From stumbling into a hot rich and powerful mega-zillionaire's office, to falling, submitting and getting her heart… mangled – the words and the memories still make her wince, but she shakes her head to get rid of them and continue – to leaving Seattle and embark to her own personal odyssey, to meeting and following the old hag in London, to living and staying with the said hag who taught her so much, to losing the hag and reluctantly taking over her business and succeeding, all the while, hating herself and the man who broke her heart and now… second chances, baby steps and now engagement… to the same man who once broke her into pieces, how… strange. She shakes her head again and smiles wryly, what did she ever do for her to deserve everything that she has right now?
The ringing of her phone once again interrupts her musing. Reluctantly, she leaves the beautiful view to check who could be calling. She chuckles, more irony as the phone reveals that it's her best friend calling, who should be blissfully unaware of anything but the Mediterranean beach villa where she is currently staying with her husband. Kate and Elliot were traveling when Christian proposed. She emailed and left her best friend a voice mail as she didn't want to bother the newly married couple. Smiling, she accepts the call and says, "How's St. Tropez?"
"Oh my God! Steele, you're engaged!" Kate screeches, making Ana grimace and move the phone away from her ear. "I can't believe you didn't tell me and we had to find out from the news!"
"Last time I checked, I've been engaged for a couple of weeks now. Hold your horses Kate; I left you messages. Not my fault you didn't check your phone," Ana shoots back. Giggling at the sound of Elliot's hoots of laughter in the background, she adds, "Send my regards and thanks to your Hubby for me."
"What? Stupid network, I didn't get anything!" Kate grumbles, after a moment.
"That explains why you didn't call. It's okay, Kate, you guys are on your honeymoon after all. You shouldn't do anything but enjoy the view, the food and each other's company, right? Did you like the villa?" Ana says, adding the last question as a distraction.
"Good point. I know what you're doing, Steele! Yes, your villa was awesome; Elliot loved it… a lot. But that doesn't change the fact that I'm hurt. I am, after all, you sister/best friend. You should've called and called till you reached me."
"Technically my future sister-in-law and maid of honor," Ana counters, again as a distraction, though it's true; Kate will be her sister-in-law and, big wedding or not, Kate will be her maid of honor. "You're right and I'm sorry, Kate, it's just… well you saw the news; it's all over the place. It's irritating," Ana adds, sighing in frustration. This distraction works as Kate lets out another squeal that makes Ana wince.
"Oh my gosh! You're damn right! You're on, Steele." Kate says, in excitement and adds, "As for your other issue, you and I both know that the hounding will only stop if you release a statement, and I, as your future sister-in-law, am willing to step up and perform that duty for you and Moneybags."
"I'm not a Kardashian, Kate. My private life is completely off limits," Ana says, exasperatedly, rolling her eyes.
Kate laughs and says, "Well Steele, that's the only way to end all this, unless of course you acquire all those media companies."
"Trust me, I considered it," Ana adds, dryly. "Can we please change the subject? How's your honeymoon so far?" she adds, "you guys having fun?"
"Great! We're having a blast. You know: eat, walk around, sex, sleep, more sex," Kate says, cackling as Ana makes a gagging sound.
"Ew! TMI Kate. TMI," Ana says, dryly.
"Well you wanted to know so… anyways, Cannes was awesome though not that sunny, San Tropez is… wow. Just wow. Next stop is Greece and we can't wait" Kate says, excitedly. "Enough about my honeymoon, Steele, tell me: did you set the date yet? What about all those rumors, I'm sure you're not preggers so we can rule that out, what about the prenup thing? Are GEH and N&S, you know, merging… are you changing your name to Ana Grey? Gosh, I hope you don't"
"Gosh, Kavanagh, it's like TMZ on steroids," Ana says, exasperated. She is about to answer when she hears the door open. She doesn't need to turn around to see who her visitor is; for one thing, she could see his perfect reflection in the windows and two, it sounds weird, but she felt his presence long before he opened the door. With the phone still to her ear, she turns to face this beautiful specimen of a man behind her; beautiful grey eyes watching her so lovingly that she can't help but blush, even as she returns the loving smile, she can't help but bite her lower lip at the sight of her gorgeous man,.
Grey, you are one lucky son of a bitch, Christian thinks as he stands on the open threshold of his fiancé's office in London. He stands rooted in position, his hands holding the door knob, just admiring the view. The beautiful view of his breathtakingly beautiful fiancé, who is standing by the window, overlooking the London night sky, right where Alex said she would be. The sight of her, even with her back towards him, as she talks to whomever is on the phone while she stares at the view around her, is a sight to behold; enough to take the stress away. Very flowery, Grey. They've been through a lot – scratch that – he'd been through hell without her. Six years of hell; six years of ignorance and stupidity, all because he refused to look, to acknowledge that he felt something for her. That she was, is, and will always be, special. Anastasia is his "more"; his... everything. One hell of a clusterfuck cost him six years away from her and even though he fucked up, so many times, and on many different occasions, she is still here, willing to give him a second chance.
"Gosh, Kavanagh, it's like TMZ on steroids," she says, as she turns to finally face him; her guileless blue eyes meeting his. She has that captivating smile followed by teeth biting down on that luscious bottom lip that never fails to arouse him. He can't help but smile back. Yeah, I'm a lucky SOB, he tells himself. Lucky to have someone like her to give a fucked-up person like him a second shot, even luckier that she agreed to marry him soon… real soon. He wouldn't mind dragging her to Vegas or to the nearest church and have a reverend administer the vows and get it over with but, he wants everyone to see, to witness that they are officially one; that she is his and he is hers. He wants the fuckers like Henry Carlisle to know that she is off-fucking-limits, and more importantly, he wants everyone to know that she will now be, officially, Mrs. Anastasia Rose Grey or Mrs. Grey. He can't help an ear splitting smile. The thought alone, that they will soon officially belong to each other, is heaven; bliss.
"No Kate, we haven't finalized it yet," she says, rolling her eyes exasperatedly. He saunters towards her as she continues to talk to her best friend, who should be on her honeymoon rather than nagging Ana for details that frankly aren't any of her business. "We'll talk about it in Seattle when you get back… no…" she says, as he leans in to kiss her affectionately, his hands leisurely skimming to her behind. She yelps when he gives her a playful smack. "Well, for starters, I have lots of work waiting here and then Christian wants to move to the new property instead of Escala. It'll be done in a week or two, I think… yeah, that's the plan, I'll stay with him while the other house is getting prepped… nope. Haven't finalized what to do with that one…" she adds, with a giggle and adds, "Yeah, see you soon and have fun in Greece," she says, finally finishing and removing the phone from her ear, her beautiful blue eyes not leaving his.
"Hi," He finally says, nuzzling her neck, drinking in her delicious scent.
"Mr. Grey, what a pleasant surprise," she responds, breathlessly. Christian smiles, thankful he still has that effect of her.
"Couldn't help it baby, I've missed you," Christian says, distractedly. "How's Katherine?"
"Blissfully happy, I think… She just found out that she didn't get any of my messages and she only found out about our engagement when Elliot decided to watch TV," she giggles while he snorted. "She wants us to release a statement about it; you know, to stop the whole debacle…"
"Let me guess: she wants to cover it," he says, dryly, rolling his eyes.
"It's your fault, Mr. Grey, you started it…" she teases.
"I know baby and frankly, I don't mind… we can always grant one interview or release a statement, if you change your mind," he says, smirking at the horrified look on his fiancé's face. "Like I said, it's up to you, baby. What else did Katherine say?"
She wrinkles her nose adorably and says, "Let's see… she told me about her honeymoon which is full of TMI's. She's asking about the wedding details, which of course we haven't finalized. Though she is officially maid of honor and then she asked about the rumors; you know, the works," she says, mumbling the words distractedly.
"What rumors? There's so many, I forgot to keep tabs," he says, smirking as she rolls her eyes.
"Pregnancy stuff…" she says, dryly.
"Right. How far along are you?" he chuckles, trying to keep a straight face.
"Very funny, Grey," she responds, sardonically, making him laugh harder.
"I wish it were true, but not yet… I'm not ready to share you with anyone and it's irresponsible to get you knocked up without getting married first. What else did she say?"
"Wedding details. I told her we haven't set –"
"As soon as possible," he says cutting her off. She raises one delicate eyebrow.
"Not a long engagement?"
"I waited more than six years, Ms. Steele, I think I waited long enough, any more than that will make me explode, don't you agree?" he says, holding her close.
"I see your point, Mr. Grey, though I like it when you explode on me, if you know what I mean," she says, crinkling her nose sweetly.
He laughs and grabs her behind once again and says, "I like that too. A lot, actually. In fact, I'd be all too willing to demonstrate, if you like," his hand playfully pulling her dress upwards, revealing her garters.
"Tempting, but not tonight and certainly not here, Mr. Grey, we don't want to scare my team out," she says, admonishingly.
"Alright. Rain check it is. What else did she say?"
"Prenup," she says, thoughtfully
"Not happening," he snaps. He's thought about it of course; about whether or not they should have a prenup. He knows that a lot is at stake with both their companies and careers combined, but in the end, he decided that he wants to share his life – everything he has with her – and no amount of money or properties will compensate for how he will feel if he screws up and she ends up leaving, again. He doesn't want to even think about it nor would he let her out of his life ever again. He's in it for life. Prenup is not happening.
"But –" she starts
"Ana, we already discussed this. No. I don't want a fucking prenup. I already lost you once, if I fuck up and lose you again, you may as well take everything," he says, momentarily losing his temper. "Look, if you want a prenup, I'll sign it."
"The prenup is for you Christian; you have more than I do. I don't need it. I just… well, I just thought,"
"You're right. I have more, because I have you," he lovingly murmurs.
"Very flowery, Mr. Grey," she says, failing to hide her smile. "I won't mention the prenup thing again. Don't be mad at me, please?" she says, apologetically, kissing him.
"Good. Next topic?" he says after a moment.
"Err… business stuff; Kate wants to know if GEH and N&S are merging," she says, a little apprehensive. There's a pause; a penny drops as both just stared at each other. On one thought, he knows the N&S means a lot to her; not because of its success but because of its founder, Sara Norwood.
He clears his throat and says, "Would you like to?"
"N&S has a reputation…" she stammers,
"I know, it has the same reputation as GEH, I believe. GEH don't do mergers, it only acquires," he says, proudly.
"I know, it's the same as N&S, but I have different reasons."
"Oh?"
"When I started, it was just Norwood Publishing House. It should have been the biggest house in Europe but Sara made some… decisions. You know… when she was young and inexperienced. She merged with a company that ended up absorbing and overthrowing her. She learned from it and she decided to start over. This time, she didn't let anyone in. That is one of the main reasons why N&S only does acquisitions. That reason is why, when Sara died and left the house to me, I vowed never to change the name because of her; for her and her family's legacy. When it started to blossom, I was asked to change it to Steele Publishing since I'm technically president and CEO. I didn't want to, so I added my name instead. But even that is absurd, completely ridiculous if you ask me. I only thought of myself as a caretaker and I never saw myself or my name next to hers but, Alex convinced me that it was the right thing to do and that it's something that we both shared… it's one of the many things that bonded us. Do you see my point? I just… it's something that I share with Sara. I hope you understand," She finishes, apologetically.
"Shh, baby, I understand. Trust me, as tempting as it is to work with you, I didn't think you'd want to, and it's all good."
"Yeah, seeing you every day is tempting but I think it's better to keep work separate," she says, visibly relaxing at his reassurance.
"My thoughts exactly," he smiles. "Anything else?"
She thought for a moment, remembers something and then says, "Oh yes, there's that are-you-changing-your-last name-to Grey thing," dismissively, apprehensively. Another penny drops as they both stare at each other in silence. Changing her name means the world to him; it signifies that she belongs to him. The atmosphere between them is apprehensive; awkward. He already sensed her discomfort or apprehension on the subject of merging their companies and is glad that they got over the hump, apparently there is more.
"And…?" he hears himself say, impatiently.
"Do you want me to?" she responds, dubiously. Abso-fucking-lutely, I want the world to know that you are mine, baby.
"I want everyone to call you Mrs. Grey, yes. And I want the world to know that you are mine," he says, seriously. She swallows and takes a deep breath, the impassive look on her face nudging him towards panic. He waits for her to respond, but she doesn't; she stays rooted in place, just looking, searching his face. Shit! He thinks, as the panic begins to rise to what feels like a full-blown panic attack. He takes a deep steadying breath, urging himself keep it together as he finally says, "You don't want to?"
"No. I just… if I change my name to Grey then that means I have to change the company name to Norwood & Grey, I don't want the hag rising up from her grave to beat me shitless. It all goes back to what me and Sara share, Christian," she says, imploringly.
"So you're keeping your name because of that old… woman?" he says, disbelievingly, unable to say the word "hag". What is it with that old woman? She's dead for crying out loud!
"I am here; I am who I am because of Sara. Yes I'm keeping my name and I'm also taking yours. I… I just have other plans in mind," she mumbles, chewing her bottom lips.
"What?"
"Christian, I can't just leave who I am and be Mrs. Grey, Christian. It like me… six years ago, bowing and following on your every word. And yes, you heard me. I'm keeping my name and I'll add yours. Compromise, remember?" she says, matter-of-factly, blue eyes blazing with determination.
"So, you'll be what? Anastasia Steele-Grey?" he says, dryly, still angry.
"Anastasia Steele-Grey, officially, to everyone," she agrees, smiling and bites her lips as she leans closer. "But, I won't mind being called Mrs. Grey."