Chapter 4

APOV

"Boss Reynolds is standing guard. I will be back at noon. Yesterday Grey mentioned that they were going to transition you to a soft diet so I will bring you some of your favorite snacks.

Your dad also called and he will be back this afternoon. Do you need anything?" My CPO is standing at the end of my bed looking exhausted.

"Luke, unless you plan to sneak in a phone or break me out of here I don't need anything." I know I am acting like a petulant child but I haven't gone this long without a phone since I was twelve. I've become so used to having it on me at all times I feel like a part of me is missing.

"Boss I would love to but you need to rest. I'm so sorry you are in…" Before he can finish his sentence I cut him off.

"Luke before you try to finish that sentence, stop it! This wasn't your fault. I don't know how many times I need to tell you to stop apologizing. If anyone is to blame it is the paparazzi and maybe Cameron. Go take your break, apparently I'm not going anywhere for a while." I huff.

Being in the hospital gets monotonous. The nurses and doctors are nice enough but it is the same thing every day. Between meds, tests, talking to Luke and Dad and watching the insipid television, nothing is happening. I would love to go home or have a little change to this boring routine.

I am used to controlling every aspect of my life. I am the queen of my boardroom. I command every meeting and demand respect from my employees. Here I can't even use the bathroom without help. I should be grateful that the catheter has been removed but the thought makes me cringe.

Out of the blue shouting can be heard from beyond my door.

"I need to see her. You can't keep me out of her room."

I recognize the voice and groan. Honestly I would be fine if I never heard or saw her again.

A knock on the door and Reynolds pops his head in. The exasperated expression on his face would be laughable if it wasn't for the person who put it there.

"Boss I am just making sure you haven't made any changes to the proscribed list? She is causing a scene and claiming that you called her. What would you like me to do?"

"Search her, have her sign another NDA, take her phone and come in with her once that is completed." This is not what I meant by wanting to break up the monotony.

A few minutes later my door re-opens and in she walks in her high heels, designer dress and face covered in make-up.

"Anastasia my darling little girl." That term of endearment makes me want to vomit. I don't know how she can say it with a straight face. "Anastasia please speak to your help. They are treating me like a criminal. Was all that really necessary? He patted me down like some felon. Have them get me a drink darling." She speaks about my team like they are not in the room.

"Hello, Carla. First off they are not servants. If you would show my men some respect you might get some. Secondly, if you want a drink go get it yourself. What are you doing here anyway?"

"Why are you calling me Carla? I am your mother."

"Carla giving birth to someone does not make you a mother. Genetics is not what connects people. You have never cared about what happened to me." I am trying to stay calm but she interrupts me.

"I have always loved you. I don't know what I need to do to show you. Can't you let go of your grudge? You are being unreasonable." She has the nerve to sound upset.

"Are you serious? You have never protected me. Your husbands have always been more important. What they could do for you and your social standing. If it wasn't for my net worth you wouldn't care at all. Were you afraid I wouldn't make it and your bank would run dry? Came here to see for yourself I'm still kicking."

"Ana, don't be ridiculous. I care for you."

"Cut the crap. How much money do you need? What will it cost to get you to leave me alone? I have grown tired of your games."

The woman who calls herself my mother, who I practically have zero relationship with only shows up when she needs something from me. I learned to live without her a long time ago.

"I don't need that much. I found the best opportunity. I can get in on the ground floor. My investment is guaranteed to triple in a year. I just need two hundred thousand dollars."

"Are you crazy? I am not your personal bank."

"Anastasia you make that in a few hours. I don't see the problem?"

I am in utter disbelief.

"My bank account's balance has nothing to do with this. Do you know how many underprivileged kids that money could help? How many children could be sent to school? I have a foundation that helps single parents, immigrants, the homeless and so many people around the world."

"Why do you care about immigrants, single moms and the rest of the vermin. I am your mother. Don't you care about me? I have protected you and your secrets."

"I started my company from nothing. Dad, Kate and Gail have been by my side for every turn. You haven't cared for me. If anything you were an egg donor. Any secrets I have are because of your betrayal. I will have my accountant deposit fifty thousand dollars and not a penny more. You will remember that non-disclosure agreement that you signed does not expire. If any information about me is released to the paparazzi you will be the first person we will question."

"Anastasia you won't regret it. I will show you how lucrative this investment is."

Without another word she is out the door with Reynolds on her tail. It is always about money with Carla.

I feel a migraine coming on but that is par for the course when it comes to her. After turning off the lights I lay down and rub my temples willing the throbbing to go. I am not sure how much time passes but the lights are flipped back on.

"Wow you look like shit."

Although my head is pounding my eyes pop open at the sound of his voice.

Seriously?

I push myself up into a sitting position. He is last person I want to see.

"What are you doing here, Cameron? How did you even get in?" Just looking at his face makes me want to hurt him.

"I needed to see you. It wasn't difficult, a few autographs and a few selfies can get you whatever you want. Plus I brought you some flowers." Cameron is standing there with a smug look as he places the flowers, which look like they were bought from a supermarket, on the rolling food cart.

"Cameron get out of here. I don't to see you. I don't want to talk to you. I don't want nor need your flowers. You already got what you wanted when you decided to jump into bed with your costar. There is nothing else to say."

"We need to get back together." He says shocking me momentarily.

Is he serious?

"Are you high?" I laugh at him.

"Why would you say that?" He has the gall to be offended.

"Why would I say that? I don't know, maybe the fact that you cheated on me with your skanky costar. Why would I want to get back together with you? I have no intention of ever doing that. You had your one and only chance. Get out of my room." I have started to yell and I know that is not a good idea. My head is pounding and my security needs to return. Where the hell did they go?

"Come on, Ana, the paparazzi and my fans love this kind of stuff. We tell them when you stormed out of my building it was because of a threesome gone bad. I can mention that you were jealous or something. We are the "it couple", we can't leave our public hanging. It worked for Brad and Angie. My career will get even better. My agent says that the right scandal can be a goldmine. Just take me back for a few weeks, three months tops."

I am completely at a loss for words. When I thought he couldn't surprise me anymore. Does he really believe that I would go along with his hair brained idea?

"You're speechless. How much do you love the idea?"

"Ummm… I think you are the stupidest person I have ever met and I have met a lot of idiots. Do you think that I would let my company suffer for you? I don't need you. I did nothing wrong and I sure as hell don't want you on my arm. You need me and it's not happening."

"Stop being such a fucking bitch! Give it a try. You can fuck whoever you want."

"We. Will. Never. Get. Back. Together!" I punctuate each word. I know I am yelling but I can't believe him.

I press the nurse call button hoping to be saved from Cameron's delusions.

"You are such a cold fish. Why do you think I had to jump into other beds?"

"Beds? As in plural? How many woman have you been with? Actually it doesn't matter. It just solidifies my decision to never give you a second chance. Good thing I am in a hospital. I can get tested to make sure you haven't passed anything to me." I can feel my skin crawl just by the thought.

"I doubt it, I can count on my hands how many times we have been together. Everyone was right, you are a heartless bitch that cares more about money and your company."

Before I can comment a fist connects with Cameron's face and then he is pushed up against the wall of my room.

"Get out of my hospital. If I see you on the premises again I will have you arrested." Dr. Grey is snarling in Cameron's face. I can see every vein in his forehead and neck. He throws Cameron out into the hall. I mean he didn't just push him; Cameron's feet were off the ground.

"Where the hell is your security?" I know he is asking me but since he is standing by the door looking out into the corridor I don't answer. He pulls a phone out of his scrub's pocket. "Mom, I am in Anastasia Steele's room. She just had an unwanted guest. ….Her call light was on and no one was at the nurses' station. Send security and get the head of the nursing department…. I understand but you can't expect me to treat your VIP patients without the help… her security is extra where is ours?...I need to check her out…. I'll stay and wait."

Listening to one side of a conversation when it is about me is so strange. Once off the phone Dr. Grey turns around and he looks enraged. His voice has become short and curt. His face is full of rage. Every vein on his arms is bulging and through his scrubs his biceps and pecs are flexed. If I didn't know better I would think he had been in a boxing match. He did punch Cameron but that was hardly a fight. I wonder what has him so worked up? A bad memory perhaps?

I know his stance and demeanor are not aimed at me but it reminds me of a time I have tried to forget.

"Ms. Steele are you alright?" Instantly his body has relaxed and voice has softened. Whatever was causing him to be upset has passed or he is just very good at concealing it.

"Uh… I guess. He didn't touch me he just started to get angry and yell."

"Either way I need to check you out. Please lay back down."

He walks to the door and closes it. Once he has put on gloves he is back at my side and helps he lay back down. After shining a light in my eyes, checking my blood pressure, checking my extremities and listening to my heart he lifts up my gown.

"Your leg appears to be fine. Your blood pressure is a little high and so is your heart rate. You have torn a few stitches though. I will need to clean and dress them. I'll give you a local anesthetic so you won't need to go back to the OR. I do need to order some tests and the cardiologist is on her way. Are you experiencing any problems?"

This is the nicest and most gentle he has been with me, or maybe I just haven't given him a chance.

"I just have a headache and I am a little nauseous. I was laying down with the lights off when Cameron appeared. He was being awful. How did he get in here? He got upset because I wouldn't get back together with him. Really? Why would I want to do that? Why do some people have to be so mean and hurtful?"

Don't go there!

"Is it that horrible to date someone who has a career and puts that first? Why wouldn't I? I started my company from nothing. People always doubted me. Other than my family, nobody believed in me or my dream. So I don't go out partying, drinking and sleep with everything with a dick. I am still a good person. I don't deserve to be cheated on. I thought he cared for me. Who knows what diseases he has that could have passed on to me? Why can't people be faithful? Why not break up with someone instead of cheating? He wanted to put on a farce of a relationship to help his career. Like I would want the paparazzi anywhere near me after what they did. I wouldn't be in the hospital if it wasn't for them."

I didn't realize that I started to cry, full on ugly cry. Tears are running down my face and I have started to hiccup. Dr. Grey has sat on the bed and is holding my hand. When did that happen?

"Let it out. You don't always need to put on a brave face. You have been through so much. Just your injuries alone would bring most grown men to their knees. Holding it in will not help your healing."

Dr. Grey's voice is strong but kind. He hands me a tissue from the table.

"I will order some extra tests to make sure he hasn't given you anything. It will be alright. You don't want to be with anyone that angers so quickly. If he is willing to treat you like that in a hospital imagine what else he is capable of."

"Why do I have a feeling you aren't just speaking about me?"

"That is a long story. I will tell you another time if we have the time."

His voice has softened even more and he sounds a little distant. Our eyes lock and I can see a hint of sadness and heartbreak. Before I can say anything more there is a hard knock at the door.

"Boss, what happened? Sawyer is on his way back. We had a problem with the paparazzi. They saw Carla and pounced. We have extra men coming as well."

Reynolds is looking at Dr. Grey. He hasn't let go of my hand and is still sitting on the bed. It is obvious that he wants to ask why I am a blubbering mess but he says nothing.

"Do you want me to stay in the room or outside the door?"

"Outside." Is all I can manage to say. He looks between Dr. Grey and myself a few more times before he retreats to once again stand guard. You're staring down the wrong person Reynolds.

"Hospital security will be outside your door as well. I think that you should speak with Dr. Flynn, he is a psychiatrist."

"NO! I'm sorry, I meant no thank you. I've just been a little overwhelmed but thank you."

"Alright but if you continue to feel like this or you change your mind please let me know."

I can hear the pleading in his voice and the look on his face but I will not change my mind on this. We are staring into each other's eyes but neither of us is willing to say anything. He clears his throat then gets up.

He flawlessly stitches up my incision. The few shots of pain medication that he placed directly into my skin hurt otherwise it was a painless procedure.

Other than a few words to explain what he's doing he hasn't said much. I consider saying something but suddenly a wave of nausea hits me like a brick wall. My stomach flips and a distasteful feeling in my throat takes over. Before I can grab anything I vomit spectacularly all over myself and Dr. Grey. Without missing a beat he grabs the pink container with my toiletries, he dumps everything out and places it in front of me to catch the disgusting yellow bile that is projecting out of my body and it refuses to stop.

Several minutes later and I'm still throwing up until being given a few doses of an IV anti-nausea medication which Dr. Grey retrieved from the locked medication cart and I have finally stopped.

I am mortified, something that has not happened to me in a long time. I refuse to make eye contact with the good doctor.

"Ms. Steele, I have performed surgery on you and had my hands on your organs. I can guarantee you that this is not the first time I have been vomited on. It isn't even the first time this month. Please don't be embarrassed. Let's get you cleaned up. Would you like me to help you or a nurse?"

"You, if you don't mind?" The less people who see this the better.

Without another word he removes the blanket that caught a good portion of my stomach's stunning projectile pyrotechnics. He uses a wash cloth and a basin with some warm water and soap to help clean off my arms, neck and chest. He reaches for a clean hospital gown and I ask if I can wear some of my regular clothes from home. After a moment of hesitation he agrees. Hospital gowns leave very little to the imagination and with how cold the hospital is that just makes things much more difficult.

It feels strange watching him go through my bag. I don't have any secrets in there but having someone else go through your personal items seems intimate. He brings over a loose t-shirt, my yoga pants, socks and some panties. I hadn't thought of that. The thin sheet I'm under is giving me a semblance of modesty.

He carefully helps place the panties up my legs. Surprisingly he is looking deep into my eyes instead of what he is doing. Can he sense my embarrassment? I have had boyfriends remove my clothes but dressing me is something… quite different.

I know he is a doctor and I am his patient. He is just taking care of me but for some reason it feels like more. With my fractured leg I can't get my yoga pants on either. Dr. Grey's hands move up my legs while helping me get dressed, although it is an innocent action I get chills and tingling down my spine whenever he makes contact with my skin.

What is that about? What could it be? It is such a different feeling. I don't have time to interpret how I feel because once again a knock on the door interrupts my inner musings.

Reynolds voice comes through the door. "Ms. Steele, you have two doctors here to see you."

"One moment." Dr. Grey turns back to me after answering Reynolds. "Are you alright? I can ask them to give you a few moments."

"No, I am fine." He cocks his head to the side and the look he gives me tells me he doesn't believe me.

"I am your doctor. Just remember anything you say stays between us. If you need to talk please let me know." He says after finishing to help me dress.

I nod and try to regain a measure of my CEO persona. Dr. Grey walks towards the door and lets in Dr. Trevelyan-Grey and another woman with red hair with a mischievous smile followed by Sawyer and two police officers. Apparently it is a party in my room.

Dr. Trevelyan-Grey is the first to speak.

"Ms. Steele I am sorry about the situation today. From now on two officers will be on the floor at all times. The head of your security team has demanded two of his men be stationed outside your door and more will be at the entrance." After a nod from me the officers leave. Before she continues she looks toward her son that is still covered in my vomit.

"Christian what happened?"

"Nothing to worry about doctor, Ms. Steele had a massive headache that caused nausea and extreme pain above the ribs, an increased heart rate, lightheadedness, light sensitivity, nausea and vomiting. I got it under control and I just ordered some tests to see if this is a run of the mill headache or a side effect from the myocardial contusion. Dr. Bailey I sent you a message to see if you wanted to add any other tests. Ms. Steele this is the cardiothoracic surgeon I was telling you about."

She comes around and shakes my hand. Her grasp is firm but her eyes are kind.

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Steele. I will do a thorough exam and then discuss what options you have." Dr. Bailey has a deep throaty voice most likely from smoking.

"I look forward to speaking with you, Dr. Bailey. I would love to get back to work as soon as possible. Dr. Grey has me on lockdown for all things work related." She smiles and I can hear Dr. Grey guffaw.

"Christian dear why don't you go change while we speak to Ms. Steele?"

Dr. Grey looks at me and gently asks, "Are you alright?"

I am still dismayed and perplexed by my two uninvited visitors today but I will have to analyze what to do about that later.

"Of course." I don't sound convincing even to my own ears.

"I'll be back soon." Dr. Grey turns towards the door and I watch as he leaves. That is one very nice butt.

As I turn back towards the doctors they are apparently discussing my tests but Sawyer just caught me checking out my doctor's ass. The look he gives tells me that we will be talking about this. I can't help but smile.