AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is my first fanfic so I'm very nervous, but the idea has been rattling around in my head for a while and it seemed like it was time to get it out. Christians character will be a slight OOC, but only because I thought it would be interesting to combine his character with the Robert Downey Jr. Tony Stark. He will still be the same Christian we know and love, just with what I'd call a little bad ass flare;) I found alot of similarities with their characters which is why I thought of the idea in the first place. There will be at least weekly updates (probably on Friday nights) but depending on my motivation they may come more frequently. I promise there will be lemons. I haven't gotten the courage to write them just yet, but yes ladies there will be lemons! Please review and tell me what you think :) Enjoy.
I'm standing in front of the mirror in the 1st floor ladies room at Grey Industries making last-minute adjustments to my makeup. I add just a tad more mascara, lengthening my lashes, and re-apply my nude lip gloss. My cheeks are slightly flushed at the moment, definitely from the June heat, and I have to say that overall I look... pretty. At least as close as I can get.
The high-waisted charcoal pencil skirt I'm wearing hugs my curves subtly. It perfectly complements my gray blazer with elbow length sleeves and the silky sky colored blouse that brings out the blue in my eyes. My hair also decided to play nice today, laying in neat mahogany waves on my shoulders. Yes, I actually look put together.
I'm still 15 minutes early, but better that than late. I leave the bathroom and head towards the row of elevators across the modern looking lobby.
Settling against the wall in the elevator as it makes its 30 story climb, I think back on the events that brought me here. Have I made the right decisions? Not like I had much choice.
Last month when my best friend and co-worker Mia James told me about a Job opportunity she knew of with the élite Grey Industries I dismissed it. I didn't agree with violence or war, so working for a company that focused itself on the technology and manufacturing of state of the art weapons didn't sit well with me.
In three years at Hyde Independent Publishing I had worked my way up to editorial assistant to Mr. Jack Hyde himself. Normally the CEO doesn't do much reading, but Mr. Hyde is if anything a perfectionist, insisting he inspect many stories up for consideration himself. So it can be assumed that his editorial assistant be one of the best in the company.
I was definitely happy with the salary and comfortable with the work, so why would I consider another job? Let alone one that I would question ethically.
But somehow in typical Ana fashion, I quickly found myself having to reconsider my moral dilemma.
I should have noticed the signs sooner: how quickly I had worked my way up, the way Hyde leered at me, the inappropriate "jokes", and finally the mystery flowers that found their way to my desk. Yes definitely should have connected the dots. ugh! Stupid, naïve Ana. Always too trusting! I had all the time in the world to set him straight but didn't even see it...
I was so surprised the day he cornered me in the break room. He charged right into my personal space, his breath laced with whiskey, calling me a bitch, and cock tease. repeating that I wanted it, that I was asking for it. Oh yes, and innocent little me didn't even know what IT was until he reached for his zipper. It was then that my step Dad Ray's best advice propelled me into action, and before Hyde got a chance to go further my knee had connected firmly to his groin, landing him prostrate in agony on the floor.
After collecting myself I went straight to HR to file a report, but when I got there I wasn't given a chance to say anything.
I was escorted into an empty conference room and asked to wait. I had assumed they were going to send someone in to help me with my complaint, but was taken aback when three suit clad men entered carrying brief cases. They shot me an impassive glare before taking seats opposite of me across the long table. The second man opened the case in front of him pulling out a thick yellow envelope and unceremoniously shoved it in front of me.
With a frown I opened the envelope and inspecting the contents found two lengthy legal documents and small stack of photos. The first paper I saw had the words NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENT printed at the top. I had no idea what that was but it intimidated me. The whole situation had turned very alarming, but glancing at the photos I feltas though all the air had been knocked from my body.
With a shaking hand I picked up the first, a picture of the only father I had ever known, Ray, taking out the trash. The next was of him getting out of his car at the factory where he worked. There were many other shots of him doing these mundane things, but the last one was taken through his bedroom window, he was leaning back on his headboard reading a book.
I felt sick. When had these photos been taken? And more importantly why? Why would someone be watching Ray... I didn't understand. Surely not to somehow extort me. What would anyone want from me?
I raised my then pale face to meet those of the presumed lawyers, but before I could open my mouth I heard the click of the door handle. I turned and looked into the icy blue eyes of Jack Hyde as he entered the room. I suppose that had answered my question. He appeared to have sobered exponentially in the last 20 minutes.
"Hello Ana, I see you've met my legal team. They're the best in the business you know". His sneering grin chilled me to the core as he walked to the head of the conference table, leaning on it with his palms.
My response was something more of a squeak. I was still in utter shock. "uh".
He looked over me quickly letting out an amused snort at my discomfort. He then turned his gaze to the lawyers.
"Have you explained to Ms. Steele what she is looking at?"
"No, not yet sir. I was about to when you walked in" Suit number 2 said.
"Well by all means..." He lifted his hand to wave the man on then returned it to the table with a thud.
I started at that.
The lawyer cleared his throat before speaking. "Ms. Steele, Mr. Hyde is offering you a considerable amount of money to make sure the details of todays um... incident remain under wraps. In front of you, you see a nondisclosure agreement. By signing said document you will be agreeing to Mr. Hyde's terms, and will then be legally unable to speak in any way about the events occurring today between Mr. Hyde and yourself as well as any other personal interactions that have taken place or will between him and yourself". I had scoffed inwardly at that. After leaving HIP that day I swore that I would try to pretend Jack Hyde had never existed.
"Also by signing the document, you will receive a $20,000 settlement. It will be deposited directly into your account by the end of the day". I felt my jaw drop open. Holy shit. Obviously Hyde had considered this outcome of his advances. What a creep.
"Thank you gentlemen," Jacks malevolent voice replied before I could. "If you could please give Ms. Steele and I a moment alone now to talk".
Instantly fear in the form of adrenaline flooded my veins. And I'm sure my feelings were visible on my face.
"Don't worry Ana," He grinned down at me. "I just want to talk a little business with you".
With that the men promptly left the room.
Jack walked to the far side of the room, looking out the floor to ceiling window.
"You see Ana, it's a real shame things didn't work out how I had planned. He turned to face me then, but stayed by the window. For that I had been grateful.
"The second document you see in front of you is your fathers contract with Montesano Machining ," He paused for a moment. "I'm a powerful man Ana. Not enough to impress you apparently, but you really are just a mousey little thing anyway. Not sure what I saw in you in the first place".
I think I was just too shocked at the moment to feel the weight of the insult.
"What I'm trying to say is that I am more than capable of making sure Daddy here will be out of a job for some time". Oh God.
"B-but the photos?" I stammered. Why the photos?
"Call it a little extra proof to you that I can affect your fathers safety... in his job of course". He added smugly.
Oh my God. Ray. I definitely understood the purpose of the photos now, as well as the double meaning in Hyde's foreboding statement.
Suddenly anger was the foremost of my emotions. How. Dare. He. Threatening me was one thing, but threatening my family... that was another. I shot up from the chair, letting roll into the wall behind me and opened my mouth give him hell. I was interrupted.
"But we can pretend none of this happened ,Ana. All you have to do is sign". He looked victorious already.
"If I sign this you'll leave him alone?"
"And make you a little wealthier, sweet heart". I cringed at the endearment.
I wasn't sure why he seemed so at ease. Almost like me signing meant that he won. I mean, he was the one walking away a poorer man, and one who would most likely no longer be able to father children. Not that THAT was a bad thing... Anyway I just didn't understand why he was so smug.
Before I could change my mind I had grabbed the pen and signed away my freedom of speech. my pride had taken a hit, but if it meant Ray was safe it didn't matter.
"Congratulations!" He drew out the word. "We have a winner!". He broke into a fit of laughter. "We'll miss you Ana!". He was hysterical now. I guess it was pretty obvious I wouldn't be continuing at HIP. Thank God I'm done with his crazy ass, I'd thought.
"Can't say the same Jack," I bit back. He was still laughing but I think he noticed the change in address. I stood up to leave.
"Oh Ana, don't be so frigid". He snickered.
"Good bye Mr. Hyde". I managed through gritted teeth as I walked out the doorway. I think It was more than obvious at that point that I wouldn't be returning. But I swear I heard him say "We'll meet again soon Steele, soon".
I had practically ran back to my desk before high tailing it down the stairs. Bursting out onto the street, I felt my adrenaline rush wear off. I just wanted to curl up and die.
I somehow managed the entire eight block walk home, shaking the whole way. I made it into my bed before releasing a torrent of tears, and continued to do so well into the night.
I don't regret my decision to leave HIP. How could I? But I can't help but wonder what I'm doing here at Grey Industries.
The publishing company had been a professional environment, but this place was in a whole different league. I don't know if I can compete in the ruthless high powered business world.
The elevator pings, letting me know I've reached my destination, and I try to suppress my nervous thoughts. It's now or never.