Trigger warning. This contains content that might be upsetting to some so please read at your own discretion.
Anastasia's POV:
It's day five post-breakup if you can even call it that since we were never together and I still have to remind myself in the morning why I can't sign his contract. I am doing everything in my power to keep Christian out of my head. Work was a welcome distraction, but this weekend proved very difficult. Kate asked me over and over why we broke up and I keep telling her the same story. I made up some lame excuse that Christian didn't have the time to see someone right now. I don't know if she believes me, but I'm sticking to it. I don't know the penalty for breaking a non-disclosure agreement it, but I don't want to find out. I also don't want to break Christian's confidence it's a personal choice and none of her business. I walk back into the office after lunch and sit at my desk. I immediately start going through the manuscripts Jack asked me to look at. He has been ten times better since I talked to HR and I am actually starting to get along with him very well.
"Ana, can you come into my office?" Jack calls. I walk inside and smile.
"Yes, is there anything you need?"
"I was wondering if you wanted to come to a convention in New York with me."
"New York? Really?"
"Yes, you've done a great job so far and I think this would be a great learning experience for you."
"Well, I would love to go."
"Alright, I will let you know details tomorrow." He gives me a smile and I walk back to my desk. I can barely contain my excitement. I've always wanted to go to New York and now, I might get the chance. Kate's going to flip when I tell her. I look up the information and the conference is from Thursday to Saturday. Holy crap that's soon.
It's eight in the morning and I practically jump out of bed. I'm going to New York today. This trip has been helpful putting Christian out of my mind. I'm hoping since there isn't a lot to do today since it's the first day of the conference I'll have a chance to see some of the sights. This is the perfect opportunity to keep my mind off of Christian. I taxi to the airport and see Jack standing outside waiting for me smoking a cigarette. What a disgusting habit I always smell awful. He gives me a big smile and takes my bag out of the trunk. He is casually dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. Suddenly, I am more comfortable being dressed so casually too. The flight is long, but I manage to sleep for a little while. I check my e-mail and messages while in the car.
I hope you have a safe flight. I'll pick you up from the airport on Sunday. Big hugs. -Kate
I send her a message back.
Thank you, Kate I am safely in New York. I'm excited to tell you all about my trip when I'm home. XOXO -Ana
The next one is from Ray. I know he's extremely worried about me travelling for the first time by myself. I tried to explain that it is just a conference for work and nothing is going to happen, but it didn't help. He's always been overprotective.
I hope all is well. If you have any problems, please call me. I love you, Annie. -Ray
I smile reading the message. Ray's love for me knows no bounds.
I love you, daddy. I will be sure to call you if I need help. Xoxo -Ana
I am shocked when I open my e-mail and I have a message from Christian.
To: Anastasia Steele
Subject: New York
Date: May 30th, 2012
From: Christian Grey
I know this is none of my business, but do you really think it's wise to go to New York with your boss? I am just worried about you.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
What the fuck is his problem. Ugh, how did he even know I was in New York? Kate wouldn't have told him. I hit 'reply'.
To: Christian Grey
Subject: Stalking Tendencies
Date: May 30th, 2012
From: Anastasia Steele
I don't know how you found out about my trip to New York, but you're right it is NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!
Anastasia Steele, Editor, SIP
I put my phone away and stare out the window. The city is absolutely beautiful. Oh my gosh. I don't think I could ever live here, it's loud and crowded, but it is definitely beautiful. We pull up outside the hotel, which isn't too far from Time Square. Jack pays while I go inside and get our rooms.
"Hello. Welcome to the Marriot how may I help you."
"My name is Anastasia Steele I am here with Jack Hyde." The woman types something into the computer.
"One bedroom right?"
"No, it should be two bedrooms," I say horrified. The reservation was definitely made for two rooms. The hotel is busy this weekend with the convention it was probably a last minute booking error.
"I am so sorry, but it says here it is only one bedroom."
"Do you have any other rooms available?"
"One, but it has two twin beds."
"That will be fine." She types something else and I pay for my room. SIP already took care of Jack's room.
"Here you go. The original room is on the second floor and the room with the twin beds is on the eighth floor.
"Alright." I take the keys and find Jack.
"Everything good?" He asks with an interesting expression on his face.
"Yes, there was a mix up with the rooms, but I sorted everything out."
"Well, that's good to hear." He almost sounds annoyed. Did he plan that? No, he's just annoyed that the hotel fucked up.
"Well, this is your key you're in room 204."
"Alright, and where are you?"
"806."
"Alright. How about we get cleaned up and go sightseeing? Is there anywhere you want to see?"
"Time Square and The Empire State Building for sure."
"So meet back here in an hour? We can grab dinner afterwards. I know a great restaurant." He has a big smile on his face.
"Sounds perfect." We get into the elevator alone and Jack gets off on the second floor and I ride up the eighth floor alone. My room is three doors down the hallway on the right. The room is small, but cosy. There are two twin beds and a bathroom with a bath and shower. I run the water and fill the tub. I have enough time to take a quick bath. I soak in the tub for half an hour before getting out. I put on a tee, soft Joie shirt & jeans. I meet Jack downstairs and he is casually dressed in his Threads for Thought hoodie, t-shirt and slim fit jeans.
It's just after eleven and Jack and I just got back to the hotel. We went to all of the top tourist areas in New York and had dinner at Keens Steakhouse. Jack paid for me and actually got a little angry when I suggested we split the bill. I understand that some men get offended, but he's a colleague he shouldn't be paying for me at all.
"So what do you think of New York?"
"I think it's a beautiful city, but it's rather loud." I laugh.
"I totally agree with you."
"Ana, Jack." A familiar voice calls. I turn around and see another editor from SIP and his assistant.
"Hey, Samantha and Greg."
"When did you guys get here?"
"Just now, but they fucked up our rooms."
"They did the same this to us, but I got a room with an extra bed. You can stay with me." Relief washes over me. So it was just the hotel, Jack had nothing to do with it.
"Oh thanks, Ana," Samantha says and I smile. She's always been so kind.
"No problem. I'll show you up now." It will be nice to get to know her. I haven't made too many friends since I started working.
"Thanks. I'm exhausted." We ride up with the boys who are both on the second floor. I am suddenly relieved when I am away from Jack. He was nowhere near as bad as he was, but some things he said just made me uncomfortable.
"So what it like working with Jack?" I guess she can tell I was a little bothered.
"He's a little forward."
"He's had a lot of problems with assistants."
"Really? Like what?"
"Well, sexual harassment. He wasn't fired because no one made a formal complaint."
"Shit." She unpacks her things while I change. "Well, I'm happy you two are here as well."
"I'm sure. Did Jack not tell you we were coming?"
"No, I guess he forgot to mention it."
"Doubt it. By the looks of things he was about to make a move on you."
"Oh god, I hope not. I mean he's a nice guy and all, but I have enough troubles right now." I think of Christian and how he was worried. Maybe he was right. I think of sending him an e-mail to tell him what I've just found out, but I don't. Christian doesn't want any relationship, but a dominant and submissive one.
"You don't need to defend him to me he's a pig." I think that's a little harsh, but I think she knows him a little better than I do.
"Speak of the devil," I say looking at my phone. I have one message for Jack.
We didn't get a chance to go over everything for tomorrow. I need you to come down to my room to go over everything. I'm sorry it's so late. -Jack
"I have to go over stuff for tomorrow. I'll be right back."
"Maybe you should tell him to come up here," Samantha suggests. The concern in her voice is palpable.
"It'll be fine. Shouldn't take long." I pull on a thick cardigan and a pair of sweatpants over my shorts and camisole. I get in the elevator and get off on the second floor. Jacks' room is at the front of the hall just like mine. I knock three times on the door and Jack opens it right away.
"Thanks, Anastasia. Again, I'm sorry."
"It's not a problem."
"Would you like a drink?"
"No thank you. We have an early morning I don't think it's a good idea."
"You're so uptight you need to loosen up a bit." Excuse me, but that's over the line.
"Not when I'm working."
"Fair enough." He gazes at me while sipping a brownish liquid from a tumbler.
"So what do we need to talk about for tomorrow." His jaw clenches and his whole demeanour changes. Did I say something wrong? He looks at me with pure anger.
"Don't play innocent Anastasia," What is he talking about?
"I don't know what you're talking about!" I take a step back clearly uncomfortable.
"Don't be that way, Miss Steele. We both know what I'm talking about," I take a step back further into the room.
"I really don't know what you mean." Fuck, Samantha was right. I should have had him come up.
"You're a fucking prick tease you know that?" He barks stepping closer to me. Oh my god, where did that come from? "You wear these skimpy outfits to work flaunting around in front of me. Don't be so coy."
"I think you've gotten confused, Jack. I never meant to give you that message," My voice is quiet and fear rises inside me.
"Stop playing so innocent!" I am pushed up against the wall and he is inches from my face. He smells of cigarettes and bourbon. My eyes dart back and forth trying to figure out a plan. Quickly, without thinking, I run past him. I'm not fast enough because he grabs my ponytail and pulls me back up against him.
"You're not going anywhere," he whispers in my ear. I bring my knee up slam my foot on his. He lets go of my ponytail and yelps. I only make it halfway to the door when I am picked up from behind and thrown on the bed. I scream and he slaps me hard across the face. Quickly he climbs on top of me holding me down. This can't be happening, not again. He pushes my sweatpants down to my ankles then my shorts. I freeze, paralyzed by a flashback.
"Please don't do this." Tears stream down my face as I try to break free of his grasp, but he's too strong for me. He pulls a knife out of his pocket and flips it open with his teeth.
"I'm going to let go of your hands so you can take off that hideous sweater." He lets go and I eye the knife. "Now!" Tears still falling I pull off my cardigan. He doesn't grab my wrists just yet. He takes the knife and cuts off my camisole, bra then my underwear. The whole time I'm whimpering and wriggling beneath him. I try and cover up, but he grabs my wrists again.
"Please," I beg once more.
"Frightened?" He asks with a wicked grin. "I'm just getting started," everything starts fading at those words. I am leaving this place behind. I don't want to be here with him anymore. A sharp pain brings me back to reality. My eyes shoot open and I look at my arm. Blood is trickling down my arm.
"Keep your eyes open." He barks and a loud sob escapes me. His free hand is running up the inside of my thigh. I squirm and beg him to stop. He slides his fingers inside me and I kick, but I can't get him off of me. He shakes his head, lowering his mouth and biting my nipple hard! I scream out in pain. Someone, please help me. He kisses and bites me anywhere he can. I am screaming and crying.
"Help, somebody, help me!"
"Stop screaming, it will only make this worse." Everything happens so fast I hardly have time to register it. The door flies open and someone tackles Jack down to the ground. Samantha rushes in and stops dead in her tracks. She only pauses for a brief moment before grabbing a blanket to cover me up. I stand and watch in amazement. Why is Taylor here? Fuck Christian here? I look around and thankfully he is nowhere to be seen. George is on the phone with the police and Taylor is punching Jack over and over, again and again. I don't know what makes me do this, but I pull Taylor off who looks at me in horror.
"Taylor there is no sense in you going to jail over that pig."
"Annie are you alright?" With that, I start sobbing again.
"Shhh," Taylor pulls me into him and wraps his arms around me.
"How could this happen again?"
"I wish I could answer that sweetie." Hours seem to pass while Taylor holds me. I don't even notice when the police arrive. A younger male calls me to attention. I look at him and know full well what's to come.
"Miss Steele?"
"Yes," I say while trying to wipe my tears.
"I am detective Brown and this is my partner Hilary. I need you to go with Hillary to get checked out at the hospital." I just nod my head. The lovely woman leads me downstairs and into an ambulance. It is only a short ride to the hospital where I am taken into a room right away. They start by asking me questions and getting my medical history. Next, they draw blood and get a urine sample from me. I am then asked to take off my gown and the nurse checks me to head to toe. She assesses every wound and even takes pictures. There are scrapes all over me and bruises are starting to form. The most uncomfortable part of the exam is when they assess my genitals. I told them he never got the chance to have sex with me, but it's routine. Finally, the nurse leaves and I give the officer a very detailed statement. When I am retelling what happened it really sets in. I was raped for the second time in my life. How does that even happen? Why? The woman leaves me and I sit in silence. Everything that happened is replaying in my mind on a loop.
Don't forget to check out my Pinterest page to see outfits and other stuff in my story /kickedinthecass/not-you-again/
