The flashing of lights began as Christian stepped onto the platform, positioning himself in front of the podium. He didn't generally do 'press conferences', that was something his PR team handled, but they had all agreed, Christian included, that he needed to be the one speaking.
He glanced around at the sea of reporters, wondering if Ana's friend was somewhere in there. What was his name again? Jose?
Being home this morning brought some sense of normalcy onto him, but it had also filled him with sadness. While Ana's apartment was lively and full of memories and trinkets, his apartment was dull and empty. He vaguely wondered if she would help him decorate.
Mrs. Jones, his housekeeper, had broken into tears the moment she saw him step into the foyer. He had never realized the amount of love and caring his staff had for him and as she cooked him Eggs Benedict and handed him his coffee and a side of freshly squeezed orange juice, she broke down multiple times.
He had shaved and dressed in a slate grey Armani suit, ready for the day to begin at GEH. The building towered over the road with the top floor, his floor, lost in the clouds of the Seattle sky.
"On July 1st, my Catamaran The Grace was rendered incapacitated by a storm over the Pacific. I was stranded on this boat for two weeks, and was rescued by the United States Coast Guard just a week ago." Christian stood, staring out into the people who waited with bated breath for him to talk. He felt power, and most of all, control. "I would like to publicly thank the Rescue Divers for saving my life. Though the stock has fallen for Grey Enterprise Holdings, I can assure you that I will turn it around and will be continuing the run of my company immediately. My number two Ros Bailey has done a wonderful job at keeping us afloat. I will take two questions."
The reporters all raised hands, yelling at him with their microphones or cameras in the air.
"Yes, in the front..."
"Mr. Grey, reports say that a woman was rescued with you.. may we have some information on her?"
Christian paused, Anastasia in his mind, before continuing. "Yes, I had discovered the fellow passenger my first day stranded and she spent the remainder of the time with me. You might say she was the reason I survived."
Their hands all went up again, each vying for his attention. He pointed to a man in the front.
"Mr. Grey, there have been rumors that you and an 'Anastasia Steele' are currently involved. Can you confirm?"
"No comment." And he stepped down, turning to enter through the double doors of GEH.
He was finally home.
Finally. Christian sat his desk, his hand sliding across the glass desk. Never had he thought he'd be in this office again, never had he thought he would see his employees again.
He stood and walked to the glass wall and stared off into the clouds. He never thought he'd have this view again. It was on the 20th floor, where he stared off into the sky, that he felt most powerful. This was his domain and he felt in control.
He reached into his suit pants, grabbing at his iPhone and hitting her name to text.
Christian: Dinner tonight? My place?
While he waited for the message back, he began to work, going through the stack of acquisitions that Ros had had to deal with on her own. It seemed that multiple companies had hoped for the chance to be free of Grey Enterprise Holdings, since with him gone it meant they wouldn't be bought out. He'd buy them all today, just to remind them he was still around.
After about an hour, the phone pinged and he found himself annoyed at the amount of time it had taken Ana to respond. However, when he looked at the phone it was not her, but Elena.
Elena: Perhaps I didn't make myself clear. We are GOING to talk. I'll be in your office tomorrow for lunch. I expect you to be present.
"Fuck.." He groaned, shaking his head. He knew though at some point he'd need to speak with her.
Christian: Fine.
He waited. And waited. No text from Ana.
Christian: Are you ignoring me?
Nothing. The phone lay quiet, its silence mocking him.
He turned on the 'Locate my iPhone' for the new phone he had purchased for her, since of course she had lost her own. Moments later, and he found it to be at an address other than her own.
"What the fuck.." He growled, and dialed Welch immediately. "I need you to find out who lives at this address..."
"Yes sir." A few moments passed, "It's a Jose Rodriguez Sir."
Christian didn't respond before hitting end. He slammed his hand on the desk, ignoring the sting of the pain.
Why would she be at another man's house? Perhaps her phone is on silent? Was she done with him? Panic struck him. Did she not feel the same way he had?
He hit her number and waited, until finally she answered.
"Hello?"
"Hello Anastasia. Thank you for taking my call."
"Hey you! I've been waiting to hear from you.. I've missed you. How is work?"
"I've been texting you." He was sure she'd be able to hear the coldness of his voice.
"I'm sorry, my phone was turned down! I just saw the call because I happened to look at it when-"
"Why are you at another mans house?"
"Excuse me..?"
"Mr. Rodriguez... why are you at his house?"
"He's my friend Christian. How did you..."
"Are you with him Anastasia? Am I interrupting something?"
She paused, and he felt dread in his stomach. "Why are you being like this? No Christian, I'm not WITH him! And how dare you insinuate that I would be doing anything other than just spending time with a friend!"
He didn't say anything for a moment while he counted to ten. That had never worked though, the only thing that tamed his anger was a flogger in his hand.
"Hello?!"
"I'm sorry Ana." He said lightly. "That was very rude of me. I just wanted to know if you'd like to come to my apartment for dinner... and I didn't hear back from you.. and i'm sorry."
"It's okay, but don't steamroll me like that Christian. That's unfair - I understand you're used to people being at your beck and call, but that's not me... Now, I'd love to come over for dinner. What time?"
"Seven would be fine."
"I'll see you then."
He hung up and frowned, his mind going wild with thought. He would lose her if he acted like this - he was sure of it.
Anastasia stepped inside of the elevator that led to the penthouse of Escala. She still felt conflicted and confused over their earlier conversation, especially because she had only been spending time with an old friend. She didn't quite enjoy being alone. She glanced at the iPhone again and entered in the code. Immediately the elevator began to lift her up to the top floor, stopping at it's destination. The doors opened and she instantly felt apprehensive because she was stepping directly into his apartment.
"Um.. Christian?" She looked around the large foyer, but there was no response. As she walked around, her mouth dropped and she let out a small gasp. How could one man live in a place as grandiose as this? Wasn't he lonely? No photos, other than large abstract paintings... no indication that anyone actually lived here. It looked like a museum, and she hated it.
She walked around slowly, her black heels clicking against the floor, echoing throughout his foyer.
"Oh! Miss Steele! Welcome!" A blonde woman exited the kitchen, drying her hands on a dish towel. She looked to be middle aged, but none the less a beautiful woman. Was this the housekeeper?
"Hi! I'm sorry, I was just looking for Mr. Grey."
"He informed me he would be slightly late, but I've prepared some cocktails and Hors d'Oeurves for you both. I'm Mrs. Jones, Mr. Grey's housekeeper. I'm so happy that you are okay! Thank you for keeping Mr. Grey safe."
Ana immediately liked her. "Oh.. I think it was the other way around." And blushing, she followed her into the kitchen, a kitchen that most people would die for. "Wow... a little over the top isn't he?" Ana mumbled to which Mrs. Jones snickered under her breath.
She found her way to the breakfast bar and sat, sipping on an apple martini that Mrs. Jones had made up. Delicious.
Only about ten minutes had passed until Christian walked into the kitchen, pulling off his tie and undoing his cuff links. He looked gorgeous as ever in his gray suit.
Christian stepped into the kitchen, and grinned immediately after spotting Ana sitting at the breakfast bar with a martini in her hand.
"Ana, i'm glad you found us okay. I assume Mrs. Jones has been hospitable?" He asked, walking around to greet her. She stood up and he gasped upon seeing her outfit.
She was dressed in a black sheath dress that hugged her curves and was set off with a pair of black heels. Her hair had been curled and lay over her shoulders, and her makeup had been done with a smoky eye. She looked absolutely stunning.
"You look beautiful Miss Steele." He sat at the breakfast bar with her, nodding in thanks to Mrs. Jones as she handed him a martini. "I missed you today." He said lightly, but she frowned, no doubt still annoyed at his earlier behavior.
"We need to talk about earlier." Ana said, watching as Mrs. Jones slyly left the kitchen.
"Ah.. yes, can we please just forget about that?" Christina looked dully chastised, something that very rarely happened to him.
She paused before shaking her head, "No. I need to know that this isn't going to be my life. I care very deeply for you Christian - but we barely know each other. And I WANT to get to know you. But I need to to be sure that you aren't going to treat me like that. I have male friends, and I'm going to spend time with them.. especially when they feel extremely guilty because they weren't stranded for two weeks and I was."
He frowned, unsure what to say or how to make it right. His fingers tapped against the counter top and after letting out a dramatic sigh, he nodded. "Okay, I understand. I can be... a little possessive. I'm used to having control Ana... but I can assure you that I will work on that for you." He reached forward grabbing her hands. I love you, he wanted to say, but couldn't bring himself to utter the words.
Ana let out an appreciative groan. "That was amazing.." She said, her eyes fluttering closed as she finished her last bite of chicken cacciatore. "How do you not get fat here?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. She would certainly gain weight if she had a Mrs. Jones around, that she knew for sure.
"I run every morning, and train with an Olympian multiple times a week." Christian replied, sipping on his wine.
"Wow. An Olympian? Really?" She looked impressed. "You know, I have to say... I think your kitchen is my favorite part of your place so far." She glanced around at the space age kitchen, unsure of how half of the items even worked.
With a chuckle, he shook his head. "You haven't even seen the rest. How about I give you a tour? But first, I haven't had a chance to kiss you today."
Christian leaned forward towards her, lightly brushing his lips against hers before opening his mouth, his tongue reaching out to play with hers. She immediately obliged, scooting closer to him in her chair. They kissed for a moment, before he ended it with a final peck on her lips.
"Come." He commanded as he stood, reaching out a hand to grab her own.
"Why so much space? I mean, it's just you here, right?" Ana asked as they wandered through his apartment. Her excitement had been evident the moment she walked into the library and immediately took to walking from side to side, studying his books.
He shrugged. "I think having the best."
"It must be lonely."
It is, he wanted to say. "So how have you been doing?" He asked, and she shrugged.
"Fine."
"Ana... really. How have you been doing?"
She bit on her bottom lip, and her features immediately turned apprehensive. "Honestly? I don't know... it was hard sleeping last night after you had left."
"I know. It was hard for me as well."
"And... I don't know, I just feel... scared. Even though I know there's nothing to be afraid of anymore, but-"
She stopped when he cupped her face, placing a tender kiss on her lips. "I understand. Trust me, I'm not easily afraid of things... but after that whole ordeal.." He trailed off. "Why don't you stay with me tonight? It'll be a first... I've never actually had a woman sleep in my bed with me before but-"
"Yes. Please."
They both looked forward to getting a good nights sleep.
Christian looked up from the stack of papers before him, and watched as Elena Lincoln stepped into the room. How he had ever slept with that woman was beyond him. She was getting old... and the plastic surgery that she kept getting was doing to nothing to slow the process down - it only made her look like a disgusting marionette doll.
The night before had filled his day with such brightness that he was immediately angry that Elena was putting a damper on it. After inviting Ana to stay the night, he had dismissed his staff and had his way with her on any space he could find. He lost count of her orgasms, but he was sure she'd have a hard time walking for at least a day.
"Elena." He said blankly, and she sat across from him, crossing one leg over the other. Her perfectly coiffed blonde bob was a striking contrast against the black wrap dress she wore. Her knee high boots crossed against each other and Christian couldn't help but think she looked like an overpaid prostitute.
"Christian, dear. I trust you've ordered lunch?" She said, her voice venomous sounding.
"I did. It should be in in any moment." He smiled, knowing she'd be all too surprised when Andrea showed up with double cheeseburgers and fries. Not his go to, but he knew it would piss her off.
"Wonderful. Shall we chat then? I'm very sorry to hear about your... predicament. Although I see you kept yourself busy.."
"Cut the shit Elena. What the fuck is this?" Christian stood, holding the letter in his hand. He handed it to her before leaning back against his desk, arms crossed over his chest.
"A reminder. Of what you have to lose Christian. If you think you can pull your backing in the Salons I-"
They sat interrupted as Andrea knocked on the door, entering with two bags from McDonald's and a drink carrier.
"Ah! Wonderful. Thank you Andrea."
The disgust was evident on Elena's face as the bag was handed to her.
"Now..." Christian began, unwrapping his cheeseburger. "Love these. I've had quite some time to think about this Elena, weeks actually. And at first, I'll admit.. you got to me, which is what I'm sure your plan was. But, then I realized... you can't do jack shit." He took a bite and chewed before swallowing and taking a drink from his Coke. "I'm pulling my backing Elena. The fact that I've been associated with you for so long as me disgusted to begin with, and on top of that... the Salon's don't provide me with any type of profit."
"You'll regret this Christian." She seethed. "I could lose them you know. I'd have nothing."
"That's not my fucking problem Elena. Go ahead, try and blackmail me... expose me.." He said and he stepped closer to her. "But if you do, know that I'll come back at you fifty fucking times harder - and remember Elena... I didn't fuck around with a minor, you did."
Her eyes widened as her facade dropped. "You would never tell anyone..."
"If it meant ruining your life after you try to ruin mine, yes, I most certainly would. Now get the fuck out of my office. Enjoy your happy meal."
Elena sat unmoving, completely aware her meeting to intimidate hadn't gone as planned. He looked back to his pile, and after a moment of feeling like he was being watched he made a call to Taylor.
Moments later he had the joy of watching Elena Lincoln being thrown out of his building.
"Well, well, well.. look who's home..." Kate said with a mischievous grin on her face. The blonde was sitting at the breakfast counter, sipping on a cup of coffee.
It smelt heavenly, but Ana was sure after drinking freshly ground and brewed coffee, Folgers just wouldn't be the same again.
Ana rolled her eyes as she stepped inside, trying to keep the blush from her cheeks. She had, after all, been forced to do the walk of shame. She returned in the same dress she left in, although she felt sore as could be.
"Good morning Kate."
"Good morning. You must have had fun with Mr. Billionaire Hot Shot, huh? Didn't even want to come home..."
Ana sat at the breakfast bar and winced. "Stop... we just.."
"I know what you did. It's written all over you. Messed up hair, dress looking like it sat in a pile on the floor for 12 hours, you keep wincing... looks like you had fun."
"Oh, I did. That man.." She gazed off, shaking her head slightly.
"Mm. So when is your interview now?"
"They've rescheduled for next week... thankfully. That would have been awful to miss out on that."
"Good. So... dish. What happened last night?"
Ana smiled, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Well, we had dinner... which was delicious. He has his own housekeeper, and she's very sweet. We had a bottle of wine, and then we... well, you know."
Kate giggled and her friend joined in. "Well, i'm glad you had fun." The blonde stared at her and smiled, her eyes slowly becoming glassy.
"Kate, what's wrong?"
"I just... I'm just so happy you're okay. I mean, I know those two weeks for you were hell, but they were awful here too. We all just sat around waiting to see what would happen.. there was nothing we could do.." She sniffled, tears falling freely down her cheeks and splashing onto the counter. "But you're okay. I mean, you need to gain some weight back, but you're okay! I just thought I'd never see you again... and I don't know what I would have done."
Ana found herself choking up, shocked at the emotions pouring freely from Kate Kavanaugh, someone who barely showed any.
"I'm so lucky to have you Kate." And Ana stood, wrapping her arms around her friend while they both wept.
A/N: Thanks for reading everyone. Sorry for the late update, I've been pretty sick with an infection which i'm slowly getting over.
Next, we will see that Elena isn't going to let him leave so easy, and more on Ana integrating back into the real world.