Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx C
Climbing into the elevator, my mood lifts, only slightly but still, it's good to be back. Business has gone well, so well in fact, we are home a day early, but still... Three days is long enough to be away. I ate on the plane, so I just intend to check on a few things Ros has sent over for me, then shower and try to get some sleep. Everything else, can wait until tomorrow.
Stepping out of the elevator, I come face to face with the playroom walls... FUCK... Am I still in the hallway,? I do a double take, but the deep playroom Red, still screams at me, I glare at Taylor, and a curse leaves my throat as I groan, "Shit..."
Taylor looks around just as surprised as I am, we lock eyes and he just shrugs, shaking his head, he know's nothing.
"What the fuck is this? Who has..." I scream. A recent conversation comes to mind. Running both hands, through my hair, my thoughts run wild. I can feel the rage building and I just know who is to blame... Fuck... Mia.
My fist dive's into my pocket, so I can pull out my phone. I start to scroll through my contact's not paying attention to where I'm walking. I vaguely hear Taylor trying to get my attention but I don't react. As I enter the living room I don't notice the ladder until I hit it hard with my shoulder. As I blindly walk into it toppling it over, I curse as the ladder falls, narrowly missing a large glass table, but my voice is drowned out by a surprised scream. I instinctively throw out my arms to catch who has fallen and as contact is made, my heart stops.
The small body, lands softly in my arms and I instinctively need to pull them close... What the fuck... I hear a small relieved gasp, and I freeze. Small hands rest gently on my chest, Cream paint being transferred on to the lapel of my suit jacket, but who gives a fuck. Their labored breathing mirror's mine, both our hearts are pounding loudly in our chests, and I don't know what has happened... But I FEEL IT.
From my head to my toe's, the current that runs through me is overwhelming... I've been electrocuted... Every nerve ending is alive, every hair on my body, is standing up on edge. What the hell just happened?... I drop who is in my arms like their a hot coal, and step away quickly. The small body lands on its feet thankfully, then kneels down and retrieve's my phone from the floor. Without raising their head, it's offered to me. I snatch it from their extended hand quickly, making sure not to make contact.
"Who the hell are you?" I shout, causing the small person swamped in white coveralls and a large white mop hat, to jump. All I hear is a mumbled "I'm sorry" as their hand rises to pull ear phone out of their ears. I start to bombard them with questions "Who?...What..." a small whispered voice interrupts me
"Sorry Sir, but I was hired by a Miss Mia Grey to..." I start to curse, I find I'm not listening anymore, I have my confirmation, now I want them gone. I still haven't seen who I'm talking to... But God... MIA. I turn on my heel and head away to my office but not before yelling,
"OUT NOW...LEAVE...GET ALL YOUR CRAP OUT MY HOUSE...NOW. I WANT YOU OUT OF HERE IMMEDIATELY"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx A
Oh My God... What just happened? I still can't think straight. One minute I'm up a ladder, next minute I'm in the strongest arms I have ever felt. After the first initial fear of falling, I was relieved to land safely, but then... I don't know what I felt. Every part of me tingled when I fell in to his arms, I instictively wanted to just snuggle in but I couldn't breath, couldn't even look at him. My heart was pounding so loudly it over took the music in my ears, until I could no longer hear it or him, but when I did hear him, he was so angry. I could hardly get my words out, never mind look at him, like an idiot, I just concentrated on his shoes, the same shoes that are now splatted with paint. Oh God my legs still feel like jelly, I'm still on my knees on the floor, I don't know, if I can even stand.
"Excuse me, can I help you?" an amused voice asks,
I glance up to see a man in a dark suit smiling, extending his hand towards me, I take it gratefully and rise to my feet, I didn't even notice him. Standing up straight I smile at him, I pull off my mop cap, allowing my hair to fall, and I notice his eyes widen in surprise,
"Are you okay Miss?" He asks releasing my hand, I nod,
"Yes... I'm fine. I'm sorry to still be here, but Mia... Miss Grey... She.." my voice falters, as he smiles widely, shaking his head trying to reasure me,
"It's fine don't worry, Mr Grey will... Calm eventually" a smirk plays on his lips and I can't help my giggle,
"He's really mad isn't he?" I ask sheepishly, " I had better go" I need to go, I can't face him again, not after what I've seen, where I've been. He was so angry.
"No more that usual Miss, but I will help you on your way" he starts to lead me to the utility, no doubt to the safety of the service elevator, but...
"Sorry, but do you mind if I freshen up first?" I ask hopefully, glancing down at the paint I now seem to be wearing and no doubt have all over my face.
"No of course not, I will show you to a guest bedroom" he begins to walk past the kitchen towards the stairs. I follow closely rushing behind him, I grab my bag as I pass the kitchen, and thank him when we reach the first guest bedroom, the one I painted lilac. Once inside, I quickly strip off my coveralls, pull off my shorts and T-shirt, tie up my hair and jump in the shower. I make my shower quick, I cant face him again, he was so angry, poor Mia, he is so mad at her, and the thought of him mad, scares the hell out of me. What I felt, when I fell into his arms, has my thoughts all over the place though... My heart literally stopped, I couldn't move, think anything. Why was that?
Jumping out of the shower, I dry quickly, put on fresh underwear and the dress I brought, I add a little light make up. I brush out my hair, gather my things and head out the room. As I descend the stairs, the man from earlier is waiting, looking up at me his eyes widen,
"Wow... Who would have thought you were under all that paint" he jokes "You look very nice, do you always wear clothes like that under your workgear?" I know he's teasing, trying to ease me I think, he can probably tell I want to bolt, but I blush anyway,
"I'm meeting friends for dinner, I wanted to make sure everything was finished here, before Mr Grey returned... Which I thought was tomorrow by the way, so I came prepared in case I worked late. Perfection can't be rushed you know, but anyway... I'm sorry that Mr Grey isn't happy and I hope he's not too mad with Mia, she meant well and this place looks wonderful now... But if Mr Grey is unhappy, I can always pop back and repaint all the walls to White again..." I notice the man's expression go from awe, to apprehension, in a namo second, and I think I know why,
"All the walls" he questions cautiously, "How many did you do?" I see it on his face, the shock, the dread that the secret is out. I bite my lip and lower my eyes,
"One in every room... Well almost every room" my blush hit's my ears. I glance up slowly and by the look on his face, I know, he knows, I know...
"Don't worry, I won't..." I try to convince but his clipped tone cuts me off,
"Miss... Mr Grey is... A very private man... He..." his voice has now turned athorative,
"Please don't worry, it's none of my business or ANYONE else's what goes on here, I would never..." I try to put forward my discression, and I think he believes me, as his demeanor relaxes and he changes the subject,
"So dinner with friends" he asks,
"Yes... Actually, I'm running rather late, so I really must go" I turn towards the elevator but his words holt me,
"Wait Miss, I will drive you, if you would just..." I interrupt him, I just want to get out of here now, who knows how long it will be before Mr Grey comes back, I don't want to stick around for that,
"There is no need for that, I have a van..." but he doesn't let me finish,
"Sorry but I can't let you ruin that pretty dress in a van, one moment, I will be right back" I bite my lip, fear running through me as he heads out towards Mr Grey's office.
I strain my ears to listen, but hear nothing, Mr Grey isn't screaming or shouting, so he mustn't mind, what I have done in his office to much, but I still need to go. I turn to the kitchen to gather my work things but everything has gone, dustsheets, ladders the lot. The man in the suit returns, alone thankfully and notices my confused expression,
"Everything has been taken down in the service elevator and loaded in to your van, are you ready to go?" he hands me my van keys, as I nod gratefully. He leads the way to the lift. When it arrives and we enter, the uncomfortable silence is deaffening, I try to lighten it,
"So did you have a good trip?" I ask like we are old friends, he sniggers slightly and I can't help but laugh too, "I'm sorry, I couldn't think of anything else to say... Will Mia be okay?" I can't help ask, I see a smile play on his lips,
"She will be fine, Mia is the one person alive, that Mr Grey can't stay mad at, well not for long anyway... But she has pushed it this time... he told her but she never listens... Was she here too?" he asks dubiously and I know what he is getting at,
"For a short while yes... I made sure she never... She thinks it's for storage... I'm sorry that I..." I'm mumbling now,
"No matter Miss..." he states, easing my discomfort,
"Ana, my name is Ana" I offer my hand, he takes it and we shake,
"Taylor" he replies, with a small nod. The elevator reaches the car park and we leave it and climb into a large SUV. The drive is quick and quiet, my mind still a jumble. I feel sad somehow, knowing I will never see that place again, I wish I could have seen his face. The photo's that Mia sent to me, didn't show much, his boat, snapshots of family gatherings, where he always seems to be in the background, never fully looking at the camera, I feel...
"Excuse me Ana, where here... Your having dinner with Miss Grey?" he asks puzzled as Mia approaches the SUV,
I laugh "I was sort of persuaded... I would much rather go home, jump in a hot bath and then bed, but she is rather..." Taylors laughter halts me, as Mia flings open the car door,
"Hi Taylor, Is he really mad at me..." she bats her eyes and tries to look contrite but its not working, Taylor just smiles,
"As always Miss Grey, but for you he will calm, do you want me to pass on any message" he teases, Mia squeals,
"GOD NO... He's already rang me twice, my phone is now off for the forseable future and I'm going to fly under the radar for a while, so you haven't seen me, okay Taylor," without even a 'Hello', she takes my hand and drags me out of the car, towards the resturant.
"Of course Miss Grey" Taylor confirms,
"Come on Ana lets get drunk" she says, her voice full of laughter,
"Nice to meet you Ana" Taylor shouts after me,
"You too Taylor, bye" I shout back over my shoulder, I don't have a chance to say anything else.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx C
Storming into my office slamming the door so hard the wall vibrates, I start to pace. Putting my phone to my ear, I'm angry to find yet again Mia's number goes straight to voicemail. Throwing my phone on my desk, I fume at the sight of a paint smear on the screen and no doubt, I now have paint on my ear... You can run Mia... But you cant hide... God, that girl has got some explaining to do... I told her... OH NO...
I fall heavily into my chair, rest my elbows on the table and drop my head into my hands. A dreaded thought comes to me and I can't breath... The hallway it's the exact same colour as my room upstairs... Has she seen it?... Oh God, does she know? Is that why she won't answer her phone? I'm not due home till tomorrow, so why is she not answering?... She's turned from me, the one person who I truly knew loved me unconditionally, is avoiding my calls... Avoiding me, do I dare call anyone else?... I feel empty, cold, dead inside. shaking my head clear I sit up and reach for my phone.
Biting the bullet, I call my parent's home, only to be told by one of the staff that they are out to dinner with friends. Is it true? Or are they hiding from me too. My breathing quickens and I'm filled with dread, as images fill my head, of my broken Mother weeping into my father's arms, no doubt, being more than just disappointed, in me this time.
Elliot... He can't hide from me, nothing fazes him, plus he's to nosy, he would ask the unthinkable questions and undoubtedly, see the funny side to that room surely...
Taking another deep breath, I pick up my phone, whipe it on my sleeve and after finding his number, I hit the dial button and wait for his response,
"Hi bro... How was your trip? You home safe n sound?" he sound's cheerful enough, no undercurrents. I let out the breath I didn't know I was holding,
"Yes I'm back home, and business went well, thanks" I hear him chuckle, and sigh, I know what's coming,
"Did you make another mill?" my eyes roll, he always thinks it's about the money and ribs me constantly about how much I have, or how much he thinks I have, I'd never tell him, but it's his running joke for him to keep touching this nerve,
"Quite a bit more that a mill Elliot, but hey, you know all business is good business, no matter the monetary value, so long as it keeps people in jobs and in their homes" Elliot chuckles.
"Nar... It's all about the benjamins baby, what's up Christian you wanna get together?" there is laughter in his voice and it would be good to get together, and the relief of finding nothing amiss with Elliot, does cause for celebration, but I need to find Mia first,
"Sorry to disappoint Elliot, but I'm actually trying to track Mia down, please tell me you know where she is,? I need to speak to her urgently, she..." Elliot's belly laugh hits me,
"Oh dear... What's she done?" he's still laughing "I saw her today at Mom and Dads, she was talking about meeting friends for dinner tonight and maybe fleeing to a spar for the weekend if... Event's took an unexpected turn, she was a bit jittery, even more so than usual, so I ask again Christian, what has she been up to now?" I can hear he is trying to control his humor, knowing my fuse is short. I sigh and try and explain how she has violated my home and completely disregard my wishes, TO LEAVE THE HELL ALONE, but true to form, Elliot finds it hilarious, so our conversation is brief.
So Mia is out with friends for dinner... Out with friends indeed... Like she hasn't a care in the world, she obviously has no remorse, for what she has done... I am so angry with her, what gave her the right to do this? She's my sister and I love her, but she has so over stepped the mark this time. Changing my home, putting her stamp on it, letting god knows who, have free run of the place, they could have done anything, apart from clearing me out. I hope she knows this person and never trusted someone from a newspaper advert, god I need to check upstairs and my safe. Nothing has moved or changed in here, I don't think, but the room is only lit by my computer screen, so I can't be sure. OH FUCK IT... My head is going to explode... I will view Mia's destruction in the morning and see what violations this decorator took. I bury my head again in my hands and try to fight my inner fury, as my thoughts once again, turn to the decorator, SHIT...
I can't believe what I felt, when I caught them. Nothing has ever come close to that feeling of warmth, such heat, instantly, it felt so comfortable, so right, instinctively, I needed to be closer... My head is spinning... All the women I've had at my control, not once have I ever felt such a strong pull towards any of them... The only time... The only time that I can recall every really feeling anything... And it's with a guy...
A whimpy weak voiced little guy... OH MY GOD, WHAT THE FUCK... NO... NO WAY... Men have never interested me... NEVER... A lot of the clubs I have visited over the years, have offered every service you could want, including men... Sub or Dom, your choice... Even Elena wanted me to experiment back in the day... But no... Men have never and will never, appeal to me... Until now, it would seem... A quiet voice utters, from somewhere deep inside. I jump to my feet, oh fuck this, I need bed, I'm more tired than I thought... My fucking heads gone west.