I'm so sorry for the delay in posting this one. I hate it when my real life interferes with me finding time to write, it's so frustrating!
So in this chapter I've dealt with two more 'missing scenes.' The paparazzi ambushing Ana once the news is leaked and her promotion to editor. Thank you, as always, for your reviews. Keep them coming and let me know what you think.
Chapter 10: The Christian Grey Package
Ana's POV
"Oh, my gosh!" Mia is squealing like a teenaged girl on helium. "Christian, Ana … come quick!" Her voice carries throughout the entire lower level of the Grey's home.
Christian and I are gathering our things as we get ready to leave. Dinner with his parents was thankfully uneventful. Although I did notice that Christian and Carrick seemed slightly cool toward one another. They talked politely about the big case Carrick's firm has been working on and the Eurocopter specialist's progress with Charlie Tango. Everything except the topic of prenuptial agreements. To me, it felt as if the subject was on all of our minds but, everyone tried really hard not to talk about it. Or maybe it was just my paranoid imagination. Carrick did apologize to me though, for upsetting me on Sunday. He seemed so sincere and I want to let it go and put it behind me. I'm just not sure I can. I get the feeling that he's still pushing for the pre-nup and I think that's the cause of the weird tension I felt between him and Christian.
"Hurry … you'll miss it," Mia calls again. The excitement in her voice is impossible to miss.
We rush into the sitting room from one direction as Grace and Carrick come running in from another. Mia is jumping up and down like a five year old, pointing to the large flatscreen TV. We all turn to look at once and my jaw drops to the floor as I see a picture of me on the TV screen.
"Turn it up, darling," Grace says to Mia.
It's a tabloid news piece on our engagement. The one from Sunday didn't even have my name. This one not only mentions my name, but they have pictures of me. My picture from the WSU student directory and photos of me with Christian!
"We promised you we'd stay on the trail of this story and we have." The overdone blonde reporter of the Seattle Nooz tabloid program drones on excitedly. "And tonight, the Seattle Nooz can exclusively report on the identity of the future Mrs. Christian Grey!"
I can't believe it. Once again, I am slapped in the face with the reality that Christian Grey is a very big deal.
"We broke the story just two days ago. Seattle's most eligible bachelor, the enigmatic Christian Grey, is headed down the isle! But who is the mystery girl who finally bagged this billionaire? Our sources tell us that she is none other than publishing assistant, Anastasia Steele. The stunning brunette beauty is just 21 years old and works for Seattle Independent Publishing. It's believed the pair met while the recent college grad was still a student at Washington State University. The smitten business tycoon even handed his girl her diploma when he conferred the degrees there this year. Here's a photo of the two together, taken at that event."
I think I'm having an out-of-body experience; I feel as if I'm floating above the room, looking down on the action below me. The picture of Christian and I taken at my graduation lingers on the screen and I feel like I'm in some sort of dream. Christian takes my hand and gives it a light squeeze as the reporter continues...
"Our sources tell us the lovebirds haven't known each other for long, so we're sure there's a lot of paperwork to be completed before these two head off to the chapel. After all, Grey just made the Forbes list of the 400 richest people in America, where he was placed at number 17 with an estimated net worth of $16.4 billion dollars."
All the air leaves my body and I struggle to remain unaffected by this news. Except for the time in his study when he told me that he earns roughly $100,000 dollars an hour, Christian and I have never discussed his wealth in actual numbers. And he's number 17 on a list of 400? That is crazy, insanely wealthy.
I glance up at him out of the corner of my eye and he is looking at the TV screen impassively but his jaw is set tight, as if he's clenching his teeth. He's clearly pissed but, thankfully I know it's not at me for a change. I venture a quick sideways glance over at Mr. Grey. He and Grace exchange a cautious look. When he looks over at Christian, our eyes meet for one brief second and I can feel myself flush beet red. I look down at my hand as it rests snugly in Christian's. Peeking up at the screen once more, I see the photo of us taken at his parent's masked ball, our smiling faces concealed behind our masks.
"There's no word yet on a wedding date and with the notoriously private Christian Grey, we wouldn't be a bit surprised if this couple tied the knot in secret. However, we will stay on top of this story to bring you all the wedding details we can."
I can't move. My feet are rooted to the spot and I feel as if I may pass out.
Mia turns the volume on the TV back down again. "Oh, this is so exciting," she squeals again. "I just love weddings!"
She claps her hands and beams at me. Heaven help me, I just want to slap her. But I manage a weak smile instead. My head is buzzing with anxiety. I feel jittery and unsettled. Christian lets go of my hand and wraps his arm around me. "Ready to go, baby," he asks. He's looking at me as if nothing has happened but I can tell he's bristling with some unnamed emotion.
"Christian," Carrick says evenly.
"What, Dad?" The vehemence in Christian's voice takes me by surprise. As does Carrick's response. He obviously wants to say more. He opens his mouth to speak but quickly shuts it again. The hostility rolling off Christian in waves stops him cold. They glare at each other in aggravation and the tension in the air could be cut with a knife. Grace silently places her hand on her husband's back and rubs lightly.
Finally Carrick sighs as if he's resigned to his fate. He looks down at the floor for a moment and I think he's counting to ten. When he looks back up at Christian, his eyes are softer and his voice is full of emotion. "You kids drive carefully," he says quietly, his eyes never leaving his son's.
Christian's POV
I sit in the dark in the great room taking my aggravation out on the piano. I feel agitated, angry, frustrated … but strangely hopeful. I pound out the moody, complex strains of Beethoven's Sonata No. 8. The first movement is full of angry tantrums, agitation and a peculiar mix of hope and regret. It seems to fit my weird mood right now.
I focus on the complexity of the piece, trying in vain to reign in my scattered thoughts. Carrick and his relentless, passive aggressive insistence on a pre-nup. Why can't he just leave it alone? And as I continue to focus on the music the answer comes to me, as easily as if it's floating on the melody. He's an attorney. It's just the way his mind works. It's not that he doesn't like Ana or that he disapproves of our getting married. It's just that he's used to advising his clients on the safest, most logical course of action in any given situation. And in this situation – marriage – the most logical course of action … especially for someone like me, is a prenuptial agreement. It has nothing to do with love for Carrick. As far as he's concerned, I realize now, love isn't even a part of the equation. It's just 'smart business,' as he said before.
It's a revelation for me. The past couple of days I've been so angry. Plagued by the thought that my dad didn't approve of Ana and I getting married and, surprisingly, the thought didn't sit well with me. Not that it would have stopped me. Nothing will stop me from marrying Anastasia. She is the light of my life.
I finish the song for the third time and sigh. Turning, I look out the glass wall on a still sleeping Seattle. It's just before dawn and the sky is an almost unreal shade of opal. I wonder idly what time it is and how long I've been out here. The alarm clock beside the bed will go off soon enough and Ana will wake. She'll worry when she realizes that I've been up half of the night. I take a deep breath and run a hand through my hair. I don't want her to worry. I don't want Ana to ever worry about anything. I want to take care of her. Keep her safe. And happy. Can I really make her happy?
It's a question I don't want to examine too closely. I'm not sure I'll like the answers I come up with. She is so good and sweet. Far too good for someone like me. I know that I don't deserve her. But she says she loves me!
Suddenly, I am filled with an desperate need to see her. To feel her in my arms and smell her scent. To reassure myself that she's still here. Getting up from the piano bench, I walk quietly through the dark apartment to my bedroom. Our bedroom. Ana is sleeping peacefully and I ease myself back into the bed beside her and take her gently into my arms. She stirs slightly but doesn't wake up and I lay there holding her for the longest time.
"I love you, Christian," she mumbles sleepily, and I know that she's talking in her sleep again. Her words make me smile. "I love you too, baby," I whisper.
I nuzzle her neck and trail soft kisses across her shoulder. She moans softly as she wakes and turns toward me.
"Hi," she says softly.
"Hi, yourself," I reply.
She glances out the windows and looks out at the skyline. "It's awfully early, Mr. Grey," she pouts at me.
"Yes, it is," I confirm. "Still over an hour before the alarm goes off."
"But now you've woken me up. What are we going to do to fill the time," she asks innocently.
I grin at her, pressing my groin into her side and she smiles at me. I lean in to kiss her, sucking lightly on her bottom lip for several seconds and she moans loudly. The sound has an immediate effect on a certain part of my anatomy and I kiss her forcefully, my tongue invading her mouth. She tastes so sweet. Desire takes over and my need for her grows urgent. I want her. Now.
I move quickly and cover her body with my own, pressing her into the mattress. I run my hands along the curves of her body, pushing up her night dress as I do. "I need you, Ana," I whisper into her ear.
"Yes," she breathes as her body responds to mine. I kiss her passionately once more as I thrust myself deep inside her and she moans loudly as her body bows beneath me.
Ana's POV
"It was a really nice way to wake up," I say softly, not wanting Taylor and Sawyer to hear me from the front seat of the SUV. Christian looks at me and gives me his secret smile.
"Yes, it was, Miss Steele," he says kissing the back of my hand. He slips the tip of my pinky into his mouth and sucks hard and all the muscles south of my bellybutton tighten deliciously.
As we pull up to the curb outside SIP there is a small commotion on the sidewalk and I turn to see what looks like photographers rushing over to the SUV.
"Fuck!" Christian exclaims.
I don't understand what's going on. Their cameras are trained on our vehicle and I know they can't see us through the dark tint of the windows. But that doesn't seem to stop them. They continue to point and shoot, some of them even yelling at the SUV, demanding to know if Anastasia Steele is in the car.
"Still sure you want to keep this job, Miss Steele," Christian snaps at me. "Taylor can always take you back home."
"Christian, I have to go to work," I whine at him. "I don't understand what they're even doing here, it's not like I'm a freaking movie star!"
"It's all part of the Christian Grey package, baby," he mumbles distractedly, watching the rumpus outside.
"How do you want to proceed, Mr. Grey," Taylor asks, all business.
Christian quickly assesses the situation, running a hand through his hair. "Let's get this over with," he says tightly. "You and Sawyer run interference and I'll get Anastasia inside."
"Sir."
Taylor and Sawyer hop out of the SUV and attempt to corral the small throng of paparazzi trying desperately to get at me. At the same time, Christian exits the rear driver's side door and comes around to help me out of the car. He wraps his arm tightly around my waist, pulling me protectively into his side and walks determinedly toward the entrance of SIP. The paparazzi are relentless, pushing forward, breaking away from Sawyer and Taylor and thrusting their enormous lenses directly into my face. I am blinded by the multiple flashes and I can't help but wonder how any of this is legal. It feels like a personal assault. They shout at us, asking inane questions like, "Mr. Grey, when is the wedding," and "Show us the rock, Anastasia!"
We finally push our way past them and into the building where security is already in place at the front door. Taylor and Sawyer enter behind us.
"I want you on this door all day long," Christian turns and yells at Sawyer. "If Miss Steele is hassled by that scum while she's inside this building, I will hold you personally responsible. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir," Sawyer responds purposefully, looking Christian directly in the eye.
"And who are you," he barks at the two SIP security officers who stand looking dazed by all the commotion.
"I phoned SIP on our way in and told them we needed security at the front door, sir," Taylor says in his no-nonsense voice. As usual, he is on top of everything. I see Christian relax immediately.
"Thank you, Taylor." The relief in Christian's voice is evident. He turns to me and pulls me close. "You do not have to keep working, Ana," he whispers to me so that no one else can hear.
"Christian, please. I don't want to have this fight again," I say softly. "Especially not here." I glance around nervously at the interested faces passing through reception. Claire, at the desk, is trying really hard to act like she's not staring, but she fails miserably and I flush. This is so embarrassing.
Christian's mouth sets into a hard line. He's not happy with me right now. "Will you be okay?" His voice is low and full of concern.
I smile ruefully at him. "I'll be fine," I say reassuringly. Although I don't really feel the courage of my convictions. "I'll see you tonight."
He nods and kisses me sweetly on the cheek. He's about to turn and walk away when he looks up and stills. I turn around to see what, or who, has caught his attention and I see Jerry Roach standing next to the reception desk watching us intently. Roach flushes suddenly, as if embarrassed to have been caught watching us and he turns on his heels and walks away. Great. My heart sinks a little. Maybe I should have just gone back home.
"Laters, baby," Christian says softly, smirking at me. Then he turns and strides out of the building with Taylor on his heels.
I watch as they press past the photographers and climb back into the SUV and pull away. Then I take a deep breath and head to my office. As I pass by Claire's desk she says brightly, "I saw you on Seattle Nooz last night, Ana." Her words stop me in my tracks. "Are you really engaged," she asks excitedly. Her smile is so genuine that I can't help but return it and I feel myself begin to relax.
I slowly step toward her desk and hold out my left hand, showing her my engagement ring. She gasps loudly and grabs my hand. "OMG," she says, exaggerating the letters as she looks at me wide-eyed. "Does this thing weigh your hand down," she asks incredulously. "Ana, it's huge!"
I just giggle at her as I pull my hand away and continue to my office.
…...
I'm finishing up the sandwich Mrs. Jones packed for me this morning and my office phone rings. "Seattle Independent Publishing, Ana Steele speaking."
"Annie, honey," the familiar voice says. "It's your old man."
"Hi Dad," I say brightly. Ray almost never calls me. Suddenly I'm wondering if something is wrong. "Everything ok?"
"Sure, sure, Annie." Ray sounds distracted. "You know, I caught the tail end of that Seattle Nooz program last night when I was waiting for the game to come on."
Oh, no. Not him too. My subconscious rolls her eyes at me. "Oh, did you," I say innocently.
"Imagine my surprise when I look up and see my baby girl on the television screen." Ray's voice is almost accusatory. What am I supposed to say? It's not like I asked them to plaster my face all over the TV.
"Yeah … it was quite a shock to me too, Ray." I hope my voice isn't as uncertain as it sounds to me.
"So I guess this is really happening, huh Annie?" He lets out a surprised sigh. "My baby girl's about to marry herself a very important man."
He sounds strange. Like he's trying to wrap his head around a conundrum. And the implication is clear – how did this happen? How did little Anastasia Steele bag herself a billionaire? I know that's what everyone's thinking and I can't say I blame them.
"Dad," I say softly, and my voice trails off. I don't know what to say.
"So what are your plans, Annie," Ray suddenly asks, his voice brightening a little. "Have you and Christian decided on a date?"
When I tell him that we want to be married at the end of next month my dad falls silent and I steel myself for what's coming next.
"That's awfully soon, Annie," he says softly. "You're not … I mean … there's no..." His voice trails off and he falls silent again.
"I'm not pregnant, Dad." I softly answer his unspoken question and I can hear the relief in his sigh. "Christian and I just want to be together."
"Oh, Annie," he says quietly. "I'm sorry, honey."
"It's okay."
"So, I guess with a guy like Christian, you'll be looking at a big, flashy wedding with all the trimmings, huh?" He sounds worried suddenly.
"No, actually we want to keep it small and intimate. Just a handful of family and friends," I say.
"Really," Ray brightens and it suddenly dawns on me why he's asking.
"You know, Dad," I begin timidly, "that whole thing about the bride's family paying for the wedding … you know that's really old fashioned, right? Christian and I don't expect you or Mom to pay for anything." I haven't talked to Christian about this but, I know with certainty that my control freak won't hear of accepting money from my parents. It's just how he is.
"It's tradition, Annie," he says to me.
"It's a very old tradition and it's not even practiced anymore. I promise. Just ask Martha Stewart," I joke and he chuckles.
"We'll see, Annie." His voice is full of affection and I am suddenly homesick. "I better let you get back to work. You and Christian come to visit soon, ok?"
"We will," I promise.
…...
After lunch I am called into Roach's office and a frisson of fear runs through me when I get there and see Elizabeth, the head of Human Resources, is also seated in his office. This is it. My subconscious glares at me with her harpy face. You're probably being fired for corporate espionage. I try to ignore her as I take a seat in the chair next to Elizabeth. Perhaps it's not that bad. Maybe it's just concerning the ruckus this morning with all the paparazzi at the door. Maybe I should just begin by apologizing for that.
"Mr. Roach," I rush in, "Can I just say how sorry I am for the awful commotion this morning at the front door. I know how inconvenient and unprofessional that was and I am truly sorry." I can feel my face flush as I finish.
"This is not about the cameras and reporters at the door this morning, Ana," Roach says gruffly. "Although I do appreciate the apology. And the advanced warning of your impending marriage."
"Congratulations," Elizabeth chimes in. Something about her smile is unsettling.
"Thank you," I say meekly.
"Well, Ana," Roach begins. "You're probably wondering what this is all about so I'll just get right to it."
I square my shoulders and ready myself for what he's about to say.
"Elizabeth and I have been talking about finding a permanent replacement for Jack Hyde's position here and we are in agreement that you have done an excellent job of filling in thus far. So, if you're interested … we are offering the job to you."
I am stunned. They are giving me Jack's job permanently? Is this really happening? Suddenly, I recall the intense look shared between Christian and Roach earlier this morning and I wonder idly if that has anything to do with my sudden promotion. Is this more of 'the Christian Grey package?' I quickly push that unwelcome thought from my mind.
"You want me to keep the job," I ask timidly.
"It's yours if you want it," Roach says.
I am speechless for a few seconds as I try to process all of this.
"Ana?" Roach's voice is impatient. He's waiting on an answer from me.
"Yes, I'll take it." I hear myself say. What's Fifty going to think? My subconscious looks at me from over her half-moon specs. "Thank you." I say to Roach, ignoring her. "Thank you so much!"