Ana's POV

Present Time

Everyone has been saying I should stop thinking of the past and live in the present. I am having a hard time but I'm trying. As I turn my back from the grave of the man I've shared five years of my life, I am moving forward.

"Ana, are you okay?" Prescott asks as she gently squeezed my hand.

"I will be" I answer giving her a small smile. She smiles back making me feel somewhat better.

I am now in the SUV with Uncle Jason, Luke and Belinda. We are heading to Seattle. I never imagined myself working privately but I have decided to retire from the marines leaving my memories of Ryan behind. Who am I kidding? He'll forever be in my heart. I clutched my chest feeling the now all too familiar heartache.

I opened the window wanting to catch some air. I watch as we pass by a never-ending path of trees - the motion reminding me of an old movie reel bringing me back to the past.

Touching my lips, I relish the feeling of the kiss Ryan and I shared the moment we were reunited in Japan. I will never forget that night we spent making love and the time I held the positive pregnancy test on my hand. I was scared but happy at the same time. I wanted to tell Ryan but decided to surprise him. Little did I know I would be the one getting the surprise of my life.


It was all a blur after I received my dad's call breaking the news of Ryan and Uncle Jason's accident. I remember rushing back to Seattle only to be greeted by an unconscious Ryan. When he finally opened his eyes my heart leaped out of my chest in joy only to be crushed when he closed them for the last time. Losing our baby was the final straw.


"Annie" Luke's fingers lightly wipe my tears away. I didn't realize I was crying and that the car had stopped. He has already exchanged seats with Belinda and has me tucked under his arms. I looked up and caught him staring at my hair. I can't help the giggle that escaped despite my sobs. Who knew the hunk of a man that is Luke Sawyer has a hidden hairdresser bone in his body.


Two Nights Ago

My family and friends gathered at our home. Welch came in with Barney. Uncle Jason brought Gail and Sophie. Luke and Belinda were also present. After dinner, little Sophie decided to play with my hair. We were having fun until Luke walked out only to come back with a box of L'oreal Paris hair dye. He wanted to turn my dark brown hair to blonde. I thought it was silly but I welcomed the change.


"I didn't realize blonde will suite you" Luke says examining my hair.

"I didn't realize I'd like it" I admitted to him giving his shoulder a nudge. "I have a good hair stylist right here."

"Ryan will never forgive me for this" he ponders still stroking my hair.

"He would have understood" my uncle firmly states from the driver's seat. Why he said that, I have no idea.

"If he was still alive..." I start but regretted it immediately. The mood in the car shifts and I'm once again lost in my thoughts as we continue our journey to Escala, the place where Mr. Grey lives.


Deciding to work for Grey was like a snap of the fingers. I was so focused on Ryan's death that I didn't care much about the investigation until Uncle Taylor cornered me after I came home from Japan. He looked unsure at first but eventually told me his plan and I'm on board right away. He wasn't expecting that I would say yes easily. I don't care about Grey. I wanted to catch the fucker who stole my future.


I'm pulled back to reality when the car parked in an underground garage. I got out and immediately notice the fleet of Audi. Prescott whistles and I indulge myself a little by patting the black R8 in front of me. Now I know the cause of Ryan's obsession with Audis. I wanted to smile but my mouth formed a frown remembering him again. I shook my head. I need to focus.

Straightening my shoulders I head for the service elevator only to be greeted by a brunette followed by another familiar figure – Sean Reynolds. Uncle Jason nodded at him and whisks us inside the lift. Reynolds started to walk away leaving the girl glaring at me and Prescott. I suddenly have this uneasy feeling. Why does she look somewhat like me? Well, the old me.

"What was that about?" Prescott whispers as we ascend towards the penthouse. I shrug having no clue but notice the look that Uncle Taylor and Sawyer exchanged. Now, what was THAT about?

The elevator pings and we were escorted to the security office. Gail greeted me along the way thrilled that we will now be working together. I like her a lot. We formed a bond in an unconventional way. She lost her husband, I lost my boyfriend. Her strength through the years gave me hope. If she was able to stand again, I can too.

As my Uncle briefed us several documents laid in front of us – page after page of our employment contract. There's even a non-disclosure agreement. Geez, is my new boss a secret drug dealer or something?

Uncle Jason answered my unspoken question by pointing out how the man is very private and I quote "complicated at times". He then goes on explaining in detail that Prescott and I were to work as undercover close personal protection. I sigh. What have I gotten myself into? I want to find the culprit, not babysit a 27-year old billionaire.

Speaking of billions, this place is huge! The man sure is wealthy beyond imagination. He can afford a skyscraper penthouse but I'll be happy in just a white picket fence house in the suburbs watching kids run around as Ryan chases them. Damn it, I'm doing it again. I need to stop.

"Be Strong Steele" I hear Sawyer say as we head for the great room. We are waiting for Taylor who will finally introduce us to Mr. Grey. Seems like no more room for pleasantries at the moment, time to be professional. Pulling out my best poker face, I patiently wait for the man who played a role in changing my life forever.

Out of the corner of my eye, a tall guy strides closer to us. He's typing on his phone but when he looked up I see smoldering grey orbs boring into mine. His face registered shock, confusion then finally disbelief. He runs his hands through his hair and then curses.

"You have got to be fucking kidding me."

So this must be The Christian Grey.


A/N: Hello everyone! Thank you for the continuous follows and favorites. I am also grateful for the reviews from the last chapter. I appreciate all your thoughts and constructive opinions. I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint. So we're back to the present time. This chapter is the continuation way back from the first chapter. I hope the previous chapters have strengthened our understanding of the characters and now we know the basis of their actions. Please also excuse any mistake I might have committed.

PS: Just to clear it up, Luke didn't sleep with Ana. He dyed her hair blonde for the reasons we know so well.

Till the next chapter! Have a nice day!

Credits to E.L. James for writing Fifty Shades of Grey, Darker and Freed