Chapter 11
They awoke wrapped in each other's arms. Christian felt her long hair across his chest and realized that he was on his back and cradling Ana onto his chest. There was no burning sensation or fear embedded in his soul as her hand lay upon his chest. She was awoke slowly and stretched like a cat loosening it joints. She sat up in the bed as if confused to where she was.
"Good morning." Christian said making her jump. He laughed. "Sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you."
"G…good morning." Her voice was soft. Everything about her was soft, the way the morning sun reflected from her hair, her skin was dewy and those eyes…well those eyes they were Christian's undoing. "What time is it?"
Christian reached over for his phone. "It's almost eleven."
"Oh, shit…I have a meeting at noon. Crap. Crap. Crap." She bolted from the bed into the bathroom to find her clothes. She dressed quickly and came out of the bathroom tying her hair up into a ponytail. "I have to go. See you Monday."
"Wait!" Christian cried out before she opened the bedroom door. "Can I take you out tonight? Dinner? Maybe dancing if you like?"
Ana bit her lip. "Uh…can I take a raincheck on that? I sorta have a date tonight."
"A date?" His smile froze on his face. She can't date! She's mine! Who in the hell does this other shithead think he is taking out my girl? I have to get rid of this guy whoever he is. Fuck! We made progress finally…I made progress…she's the first woman to sleep in my bed. She's the first woman that I'm attracted to that I don't want to beat the shit out of. How can she go out on a date with someone else? And, what's this sorta kinda have a date crap? Either you have a date or you don't! He frowned at her making her take a step toward the door. "With who?" His voice was sharp and edgy. He was fighting his need for control.
"Just a friend." She said carefully. She saw the play of emotions on his face. He went from cozy happy to furious within a nano-second. Mercurial barely did him justice as a description. "We were friends when his Dad was in Guam."
"Name, Anastasia? I want a name." He demanded coming from the bed.
"Christian, it's really none of your business." She stood her ground before him. "See, I told you this was crossing the lines. We were finally getting along at the office and now you are acting like some jealous forsaken lover. I don't have to tell you anything about my private life." She opened the door but kept her eyes on his face. "And, don't you dare try to track me. None of your shit tonight, Grey." She turned to walk out of the room and she bumped into a tall sandy haired woman.
"Mother!" Christian exclaimed when he saw Ana reach out to stabilize whomever she ran into. "What are you doing here?"
Dr. Grace Trevelyan-Grey was pleasantly shocked to find a woman coming from Christian's bedroom. Within the few seconds, she had scanned the person over and was smiling to see a lovely woman. "I do apologize, Christian, but I did try to call and I was here earlier but Taylor said you were still asleep." She kept looking from this beautiful creature back to her son. It was evident that they had slept together. "I want to talk to you about some business with Coping Together." Her eyes were pleading with her son to make the introductions, but he was for once shocked speechless. She offered her hand to the woman who just proved that her son wasn't gay. "Good Morning, I am Dr. Trevelyan but you can call me Grace."
His mother! Ana wanted to die but she took the offered hand and shook. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Ma'm. I am Ana Steele. I do apologize for nearly running you over, but I am late for an appointment." Ana glared back at Christian, walked down the hall, and made her escape.
Grace was all smiles when she turned back to her son. "She's beautiful, Christian."
"She's a pain in my ass." Christian raged. He was still fuming over the fact that his Ana had a date tonight. He saw the smile slip from his mother's face which made he feel like a complete shit. "Look, Mom, it's complicated. Ana works for me and she has reservations about us."
"She must not have many since she spent the night with you." Grace said with a laugh.
"It … we didn't … Fuck, Mom…we didn't have sex if that's what you are thinking." He brushed both hands through his already messy copper curls. "She…she keeps the night terrors away."
Grace knew all too well about his night terrors. Many a night she was awaken by his howls of pain and fear. Nothing seemed to help unless she sat next to him and sang but she could never touch him. He wouldn't allow it. "Does she touch you?"
"Mom!" Christian walked back into the room and flopped onto the bed that still smelled of his Ana. "I don't want to discuss this with you."
"She's very pretty." Grace observed him as he lay on the bed with his forearm across his brow. "You say she works for you?"
"Yeah, she's my OM and PA."
"The one that Elliot has been talking about?" Grace asked. "I got the impression that he liked her."
"She is female, Mother, of course, he likes her." He sat up. "Mom, I think I feel something for this woman…I don't understand."
Grace gave one of her sweet motherly smiles. Could it be? Was Christian Grey falling under the spell of love? God, she hoped so! He was a lonely man and he needed someone to share his life with. "What don't you understand?"
"Why I am feeling? I don't have a heart, Mother. I don't do feelings! I don't date. I don't do normal." He was freaking frustrated.
Tears were pooling in Grace's eyes. "Oh, my darling boy. You have always had a heart, you've just shut if off from the world for so long. Whoever this young lady is, you better treat her well and keep her around. She might be the one you have always needed." She then leaned down and kissed his forehead. "Now, go get dressed because you are taking me out for lunch and we can discuss some business."
"Yes, Ma'm." Christian said with respect.
Grace Trevelyan-Grey stood tall for a woman even without heels. She was slender with sandy blonde hair and the softest bluish-green eyes. She had a great deal of energy which she needed being the Head of Pediatrics at Seattle Mercy Hospital and with her constantly on-the-go family. Grace loved children but circumstances beyond her control kept her from having children naturally. When the time came for extending their family, she and Carrick Grey, her loving husband decided on adoption. Elliot came first. He was a skinny, blonde haired, blue-eyed charmer at the age of two. His mother had been an unwed mother with problems. She abandoned Elliot at the hospital one evening with a note saying that she was unable to care for this child. After treating the little toddler for inner-ear infections and dehydration Social Services was called in and they took custody of unknown baby John Doe. A few weeks later Grace and Carrick petitioned the courts to adopt this little golden angel. The process speeded along since Grace was a doctor, Carrick was a lawyer, and the State of Ohio wanted this child off the State Rolls. They named him Elliot Carrick Trevelyan-Grey and they went home with him as their son. Christian came a year later in a different yet similar way. He came into the hospital horribly abused, traumatized, hungry, and stoic. He wouldn't speak. Grace instantly fell in love with this copper haired little guy. She learned later from the police that his mother had died and this poor child had been alone with the body for three days. After more investigation, they discovered that Christian suffered horrible abuse by his mother's pimp and that the little boy had no one to care for him. Once again, Grace and Carrick opened their hearts and home to another child. He was named Christian Theo Trevelyan-Grey, keeping his given name but giving him Grace's father's name. Their final child was adopted in the State of Washington after they moved to Seattle from Detroit. Mia Elizabeth Trevelyan-Grey was an open adoption. She came to them at the age of 7 days old. Her mother, being a young teen, decided to give her child up for adoption and she chose the Greys as the adoptive family. Elliot had just turned nine and Christian was six years old when little Mia came to live with them. Christian bonded immediately with his little sister and started to talk. His first word in two years had been "Mia". Of the three children, only Mia's birth parents were known to Grace and Carrick, sad to say, Elliot and Christian's biological father's were unknown to everyone except the Good Lord.
Ana was late as she walked into the offices of Carrick Grey. For some reason, she had a summons to visit his office for a meeting. She was nervous. What did Carrick Grey want with her? Did this have something to do with Christian? Why did Mr. Grey want to meet on a Saturday?
Carrick could be described as elegantly handsome, a light brown haired Cary Grant. Tall and handsome, Carrick could still turn the heads of women of all ages. His dark brown eyes reminded Ana of strong brewed coffee. He was tall like his sons and she could tell that he took a great deal of pride in his still trim body.
"Miss Steele, it is a great pleasure to finally meet you." He was charming as he offered his hand. "I see why Elliot raves about his brother's assistant."
"It is a pleasure to meet you also, Sir." Ana said taking his hand. She remained standing until he offered her a seat before his desk.
"I am sure you are wondering why I have asked to see you." She only nodded. "I have been contacted by Mrs. Elena Lincoln to represent her in her troubles with the law. I wanted to interview you about this case."
"Mr. Grey, I am sure you have read the police reports. There is nothing more I can tell you."
"I'm not so sure, Miss Steele. According to Mrs. Lincoln you framed her for some reason."
Ana began to laugh. "And, why would I want to frame her. I don't even know her. The first time I ever saw Mrs. Lincoln was the day that she was confronted by Mr. Grey on the matter of this issue. Is she also accusing the accountants at GEH who found this when they were auditing the books of Esclava?"
"So, why would she accuse you of this?" Carrick asked as he considered this young woman. He found her very attractive with her long brunette hair and her sweet peaches and cream face with those big blue eyes looking directly at him without fear. He knew she was telling the truth.
"That is something that you should ask your client."
"Do you know why Christian is being difficult on this matter? He will not return my phone calls about this situation."
"Mr. Grey, I cannot speak for your son. I suggest that you have this conversation with him."
"Mmmm…you are very loyal to him." He stated.
"He is my employer." Ana kept her cool demeanor but inside she was turning to jelly. She wanted so much to tell Christian's father that Elena Lincoln had molested his son, but that was Christian's choice to tell his family. "All I can say to you, Mr. Grey, make sure that you know all about Mrs. Lincoln outside of this case. Her past history is…for a lack of a better word…disturbing."
"How do you know this?" Carrick asked fascinated by her choice of words.
"Mr. Grey, I am your son's PA and OM. What I know cannot be discussed due to business and the NDA that I signed." She reached for her briefcase that sat on the floor beside her feet. She opened that case and produced a large, overstuffed file. "This is an investigation that was done by a Private Investigator that works for GEH on retainer. It is a disturbing report that after you read it that you may reconsider representing that woman." After Carrick took the file, Ana stood up. "It is a great pleasure to meet you, Sir." She offered her hand that he shook.
Carrick was left bewildered by the young woman that worked for his son. She left him with more questions and it hoped that the file that she left with him had the answers. He sat down, opened the file, and began to read.
"Holy Fuck!" He exclaimed and then reached for his phone. "Grace, we need to talk."
Christian's POV
Mother just left and I am alone in my apartment. I miss Ana. I can still smell her perfume in my sheets and throughout my apartment. I am obsessed with this woman. I see her everywhere. I pick up the phone and call Luke Sawyer, the newest member on the team. His job is to shadow Miss Ana Steele and keep her safe. I use safety as a reason to have her followed but I really want to know what she is doing when not at work or with me. I have to know about her, as I said, I am obsessed with her! I know I sound mad, but I am. I am mad about Anastasia Rose Steele.
Sawyer answers after the second ring. He tells me that Ana is having a meeting with my Father. What the hell? What is going on? Why would she be taking a meeting with my Dad? I have to know what is going on.
"Just follow her, Sawyer, and don't let her know that you are shadowing her. She's incredibly intelligent and very aware of her surroundings. You have to be quite stealthly." I hang up without hearing his reply. I don't have time to hear that he does how to do his job.
Ana's POV
I leave Mr. Grey's law offices and sit in my car gripping the steering wheel so tight that my knuckles turn white. I just betrayed my boss by handing over that file. I've had it for a few days, and I knew that something had happened between that bitch and Christian, but I never thought it was a sexual and abusive relationship that started when Christian was just a child. He confirmed this report last night when he told about how he got into the BDSM lifestyle.
I close my eyes squeezing tears from them. When Christian finds out about this report and that I handed it over to Carrick, he will fire me. I search my purse and find my phone. I call Christian.
"Grey." His voice was harsh and rough. Shit, he is in a bad mood.
"This is Ana." I say fighting the sob that is threatening to escape. "Christian, this is my resignation. I can no longer work for you. It is best that we part company now. I will vacate the Escala apartment ASAP." I heard his gasp of surprise. "I have enjoyed working for you, Mr. Grey and I have learned so much from this experience. Thank you for giving me this opportunity."
"Ana, don't. Don't do this, not now." He pleaded. "Whatever it is, we can fix it. Baby, please don't leave me."
"Christian, you won't want me…I betrayed you today. You will learn about it in due time and I know that you will hate me. I have to go. You…I can't see your face when you learn what I've done." I feel the tears falling down my cheeks. "Just know, what I did was in your best interests and for your family. I hope someday that you will forgive me."
"Ana, what the fuck are you talking about? Baby, just come back to Escala. We can talk."
"Good bye, Christian." I click my phone completely off. I know he likes to track people's phones and I know he has no problem doing that to me. When Christian puts his mind to something or wants something, nothing can stop him. I start up my car, grateful that I this vehicle is mine and never took his offer of a company car. I look in my rearview mirror to see a man in an Audi SUV. In my heart, I know that this person works for GEH. Christian probably already knows that I had a meeting with his Father. I am screwed royally! I pull out of my parking spot and turn into Seattle traffic in hopes that I can evade the man who is following me. I see him in my mirror but I drive normally so not to tip him off that I suspect that I am under surveillance. I keep driving and turn into a shopping mall. The man can watch me shop.
Christian knew that she was crying when she hung up. He could hear the pain in her voice. He had to get to his Father and find out why he wanted to speak to Ana. He yelled for Taylor and together they drove to Carrick's law offices.
Carrick heard his door open and looked up to see his youngest son. His eyes were red from crying. Carrick stood. "Son, why didn't you tell us? Why didn't you tell us about Elena?"
Christian's mouth fell open. She told. Ana told Carrick about his relationship with Elena Lincoln. Now, he knew. She did betray him. "Fuck!" He raged and slammed the door shut.
Shopping did little to soothe Ana's guilty conscience. She had betrayed her boss. She bought things that she didn't really need but she was working on auto. Her bags contained new jeans, lacy panties and bras in different colors, shoes and a new dress. The detail was still following her. She had to admit that he was discreet, and the ordinary citizen would never detect his presence but Ray had taught her well. She slipped into the women's restroom and quickly changed her outfit. She was now wearing the dress and shoes. She quickly put her hair up in a messy bun and put on a little makeup. With a little luck, she would be able to slip past the man and make her get away. Before she left the bathroom she called Ray just to hear his voice. After saying their "I love yous" she made her way from the restroom. Within moments she was in her car and driving away without the man following her. She felt a little guilty because she knew that Christian would probably fire this man.
Grace arrived at her husband's office to find Christian sitting on the sofa with his head in his hands. She was confused. "Carrick?"
"Honey, you better sit down. We have a situation. Let me say that I cannot represent Elena Lincoln in her case."
Grace was still under the idea that Elena was her friend. "Carrick, she couldn't do what they said she did. She has known Christian ever since we moved here. She would never steal from him."
"Gracie, she is as guilty as sin and what she took from our son is more valuable than just his money." Carrick looked to his son was still holding his head and rocking on the sofa. "Sweetheart, she molested our son."
Grace crumbled to the floor with those words echoing repeatedly in her head. She could feel her husband's loving arms encircle her and pull her close to his strong body. "Why? Why would you say such a thing? Elena is our friend."
"She has done it before and since then." He keeps stroking his wife's hair trying to comfort her. "I just know that I can't represent the woman who stole our son's innocence."
Christian is listening to his father's words that sound like they are echoing in a cave. He pulls his hair and begins to cry out. "Stop! Please stop!" He fell to his knees onto the floor with his hands flat against his thighs. "Don't hurt. Don't hurt. Don't hurt."
Grace crawled from her husband's arms to her son. She might be in shock and hurt, but her son needed her. Her motherly instincts took over and she took the boy into his arms not caring if he fought her, which was expected. He shocked her and let her hold him close to her heart. "No one will ever hurt you again." Grace whispered as she soothed him. "Never again."
"Ana…she knew…she told…she told Dad." He cried into her chest. "She left me, Mommy. She left me."
Grace looked up to her husband who was at a lost. He had never seen his son so lost and distraught. He nodded to Grace and mouthed "Ana."
"We will find her, honey. We will bring her home." Grace said.
"No, she left me. She said I would hate her for what she did…and I do! I fucking hate her. She had no right to tell Dad anything." He pulled away and scrambled against the sofa when he realized that his mom was touching and holding him.
"She never told me, Son." Carrick finally managed to say as he bent down to face his son. "She wouldn't tell me anything. She had a file that a GEH Private Detective gave her. From what I read, it was part of the investigation of Elena's involvement in the Esclava case. This detective stumbled onto Elena's nefarious activities with underage boys." Carrick wanted to console his son but he knew that Christian was too angry to accept it. "Ana did the right thing, Christian. She was protecting us. Ana knew that I would represent Elena since she is supposed to be a family friend." He took a deep breath to control his own emotions. "She saved me from public humiliation."
"I couldn't tell you. Elena said that you and Mom would hate me. She said she would tell everyone that I raped her. I swear, I never…she came onto me." His eyes closed as the memories swam over him. "No one would ever believe me. I was violent and troubled and she knew she could lie and have me put in prison for rape."
"That fucking whore bitch cunt!" Grace yelled furiously. "I swear to God, I will kill that woman if it's the last thing I ever do on this earth!" She slowly came to her feet. This was a Mama Bear coming to the protection of her cub. No one had the right to touch her child. "What are we going to do, Carrick?"
"We have to give over the evidence to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Besides Christian there are many more young boys that have been molested by this animal." Carrick could see the fear in his son's eyes. "Since all her victims are and were underage it will be tried behind closed doors for the protection of these minors."
"Thank fuck for that." Grace said but she was still so angry that she was shaking. "Oh, God, Carrick…she volunteered at the hospital all those times working with children. She used me to find her victims, didn't she?"
Carrick gave a curt nod. "She used everyone, darling, not just us."
Grace trembled as the pain of betrayal and guilt shot through her body. Elena Lincoln had ruined the life of her son and an unknown number of other young boys. Grace could see the pain and anger in her son's eyes. The damage done to this young man throughout his life was unbelievable. "Christian, it's not your fault. You are the victim, but you are so strong and you will survive. I know this Christian. I know that we can deal with this together."
"I have to find Ana. She left me. She called me and told me that she betrayed me and that she would have to leave because I would hate her." He came to his feet with renewed purpose. "I have to stop her from leaving me. She can't leave me. I need her so much."
"Son, she is special. Go get that girl." Carrick said with a slight smile playing on his lips. He knew that Christian didn't hate Ana. The boy was just frighten and lashing out. "Anyone who works for you and still wants to protect you has to be especially strong."
Ana took the service elevator up to her apartment. She would have to pack light and get out of Escala before her tail came back and saw her car. She would take off to her Dad's for a few days then deal with the aftermath of betraying Christian Grey. She figured she would have to leave the state for employment. She hoped the offer from Trump was still available. New York City might be a nice place to live and work. She would be far away from the Grey and her betrayal of him. Maybe in fifty or so years he would forgive her.
Ana had her soft-sided roll bag packed with some clothes and her purse slung over her shoulder when she opened her door to find the man that followed her. She tried to close the door but his big hand stopped the door and pushed it opened. Ana dropped her purse and immediately went into protective stance to ward off her intruder.
Luke Sawyer knew that his "mark" trained in self-protection. He put his hands in the air. "Miss Steele, I am only here to ask you to stay put. Mr. Grey is on his way here to speak to you."
"I have no intention of speaking to Mr. Grey." Ana said staying on guard. Her eyes regarded him and judged his strengths and weaknesses. "Please move aside and let me pass."
"I apologize Miss Steele, but I am to keep you here so Mr. Carrick Grey can discuss certain matters with you."
"Mr. Carrick Grey? Not Mr. Christian Grey?"
"Mr. Carrick Grey." Sawyer replied noticing that she was relaxing.
Ana took a deep breath. She would talk with Carrick then she would leave. She only hoped that she could get out of Escala before Christian found her.
Sawyer escorted Carrick Grey into Ana's great room. She stood to greet him with a timid smile and a handshake. "Would you like a drink?"
"Thank you, but no. I am here on behalf of my son, Christian. He refuses to accept your vocal resignation. He does expect you to be at work bright and early on Monday morning. He also ordered me to tell you that if you run that he will find you and drag you back to GEH kicking and screaming. I know that you know my son very well, so I do not have to tell you that he means what he says. He also wants to remind you that you did sign a contract of employment and without proper notification of your resignation in writing and without a six week notice you are in breach of the said contract."
"Are you fucking kidding me? He can't do this. If I want to quit, I can quit!"
"Christian said you had a temper." Carrick had to laugh. He liked this girl. She wouldn't take any crap off his son. She would good for Christian. "I suggest that you remain in Seattle and your job until you and my son can work out an agreement that is beneficial for you both."
Ana sat down in thought. Evading Christian and his security detail would be easy. However, did she really want to leave him? She enjoyed working for him, which was a complete shock to her. The first few weeks of working for Christian she truly did consider resigning. He drove her mad with his demands and unruly behavior. She learned to deal with his mercurial behavior and how to handle him. She did her job and he had to deal with it. "Tell Mr. Grey that I will be at work Monday."
"Good." Carrick smiled down at her. He wanted to hug the exceptional young woman who seemed to be the reason why Christian was experiencing changes. Maybe she was the one for Christian and his happiness. "I will tell Christian that you understand the consequences of a breach of contract and that you will report to work on Monday morning." He started to leave the room but stopped. "Anastasia, thank you for everything."
Her blue eyes lifted to stare at him in bewilderment. "Why are you thanking me? I betrayed him."
"No, my darling girl…you have saved him." Carrick gave her a small smile and he left her home with her confused thoughts and Sawyer guarding the door.
Christian was waiting outside her apartment when Carrick stepped out of the apartment. They didn't speak however, Carrick gave his son the thumbs up signal. Christian quietly opened the door and stepped into Ana's apartment. He motioned Sawyer to be quiet and to step out. Very quietly Christian entered the great room to find Ana standing at the windows staring out over Seattle. She was dressed in black tailored slacks that fitted perfectly to her body and an ivory silk shirt. She left her hair loose and streaming down her back. He noticed that she is barefooted and she had discarded her stilettos next to the coffee table.
"I would never hate you for protecting my family." He declared making her to swing around and going into her fight stance. He had to remember that this wasn't a woman to sneak up on. She is too dangerous. "Ana, why didn't you show me the report?"
"I was going to, but I didn't know how without embarrassing you. When your Father told me that Elena told him that I framed her, I used it to protect the accountants and myself. I couldn't let your Father defend her after what she did to you when you were a child and what she had done since then by stealing from you." Ana walked away from the windows. "If you want my resignation, I understand."
"Ana, I need you to stay with me. You can't leave me." He stood taller and squared his shoulders. "I won't let you leave me."
Ana had to smile knowing that she had to let him have the upper hand for now. He was a Dom and he had to some control at this moment. "I won't leave you, Christian, I promise."
He took three steps and he was in front of her. She looked up at him then lowered her eyes in submission. It went against her nature, but for him she would comply. "Look at me, Ana."
"Yes, Sir." She looked up at him. His grey eyes blazed with power and lust. Ana felt her heart thunder in her chest. She felt too warm and her body hungered for him.
Christian cups her face with his two large hands and draws her face to his. He kissed her softly once, then twice. He looked at her waiting for her permission to continue. The next kiss was deeper and more passionate. She moaned into his mouth as their tongues danced around each other tasting and enjoying each other. He broke away from her. "I want to date you. I want to take you out for dinner, go dancing, go for walks in the parks, have brunch with my family on Sundays, and sleep next to you at night." He leaned forward and pressed his lips onto her forehead. "Am I being a fool?"
Ana could hardly breathe. "I don't know, Christian, I've never been in a serious relationship before. I've dated, but it never went farther than that."
"Then we can learn together." He embraced her close pulling her into his chest. "Ana, will you go with me to brunch tomorrow?"
"Yes, Christian." She then realized that she did have a date this evening. She would have to call him and cancel. "I have to call Mark and tell him that I can't go out with him tonight."
"Mark?"
"Mark Kendrick. His dad and my Dad are best friends. Mark, his sister Karlie and I were best friends when we lived in Guam." She found her phone that she left on the coffee table. "He is in town on business, but I can meet him for lunch sometime next week." She dialed her childhood friend while Christian listened. "Mark, this is Ana. Yes, I am doing great actually. Yeah, it will be nice to catch up. Hey, listen, I have a conflict of interests and I have to cancel tonight. How about we have lunch this next week?"
Christian was smiling as he listened to his…what was she? His girlfriend? He never had a girlfriend. He came up behind her and let his arms encircle her waist. She only patted his hand as she listened to her friend. Christian kissed the tender spot behind her ear and she only tilted her head to give him easier access.
"Yes, Mark…lunch next week. I'll call you, bud. I have to go. Have a good one." She hung up on her childhood friend and turned in Christian's arms. Her arms went around his neck and she kissed him. "Christian, you are getting to me. Please, don't hurt me."
