Note: Wow! 500+ reviews, 300+ followers, 100+ favorites… and counting. I'm stoked; super stoked THANKS TO YOU GUYS and your continued support on this story. Your feedback suggestions and reviews, follows and favorites all put an enormous smile in my face every time I check my emails and see all the fanfic email notifications. This chapter is all Ana perspective, with a dash of CG's perspective in the end oh and uh Bitch Troll alert (mind you it wasn't easy coz I hate her to the core but we need a sicko in this story as it can't all be cat and mouse). Speaking of CG, he got his 'small victory' from the last chapter with the 'stolen kiss' and our Ana isn't too thrilled about it (well, it's her fault, she teased him until he got cuckoo) but again remember the title guys; it's a Different Shade of Steele. She built walls over the years because of her experience with him so she won't take shit from anyone especially CG and she won't just give in and make it easy for our dear megalomaniac.
E.L James owns this amazing trilogy
Chapter 11: London Calling
Ana is upset: she cannot believe how many mistakes she made. She let him touch her - first by holding her hand, then the kiss; she should've seen it coming but she didn't and now she would have to face the after effects of that kiss: the press will have a field day! Their picture will once again be splattered all over the papers, photographers will follow, her PR team & assistants will be fielding calls for days and days, calls from her family, her mom and step-dad who've been hounding her about having to work too much and not having a boyfriend or even a fiancé just like Kate, her friends reaction about that latest stunt by Christian Grey that she doesn't even want to think of what sure is endless hounding by Kate most likely and worst of all is that she can't stop thinking about that kiss: a simple kiss in the lips for all to see. A kiss that almost awakened her inner goddess like sleeping beauty kissed by her prince charming: A simple kiss but as soon as he let her go, her inner goddess, who's been sleeping since who knows when, started to stir. Thankfully, her ever efficient subconscious got a fresh dose of sleeping potion and sedated the stirring inner goddess, put her in a box and locked her in a chamber. 'Yeah right, a quick one but enough to ruin the day' her subconscious hissed; glaring with horror and still panting with relief after the incident. But the damage is done; she cannot get that kiss out of her head.
In all these years, even after dating several men, she never felt that kind connection to anyone but him. 'Stop thinking about for fucks sake' he subconscious hissed extremely exasperated and bitterly upset. Bless Sara for honing her evasion techniques she thought as she remembered the elevator ride and sitting right in front of him over lunch, those piercing gray eyes greedily staring at her as if she's some sort of a feast. As sick and perverted as it looked, she rather enjoyed the tortured look in his face each time she did or said something she knows would make him combust and the worst part is staring at his bulging pants: the desire and memories that accompanies it. Gah! That right there was enough to wake even the most heavily sedated inner goddess. Part of her knows that what she did was wrong and that she is being arrogant to him particularly. 'And you paid an incredibly high price for your actions. Now stop thinking about it!' her subconscious mocked, no doubt still furious about the incident. She can't ever risk letting her guard down again. She can't risk it: the walls that she so carefully built over the years will crumble. She doesn't want to be vulnerable again; she will not let him, or anyone else for that matter, hurt her ever again.
The nine hour flight from Seattle to Heathrow was terribly exhausting even with the comforts of a private jet but as soon as their plane touched down the always gray London morning, she couldn't help but be relieved: relieved and happy to be home at last. London is her home, her refuge, her happy place. The place that gave her nothing but peace, good memories, a life that she never thought she could ever achieve and a place free of Christian Grey. A place free from those piercing gray eyes, that tousled hair, the body, his touch and those lips - 'ENOUGH' her subconscious roared, covering her ears and shutting her eyes. She decided to drop by her office too catch up with Alex about pending business propositions that needed her involvement and to distract herself from thinking about the kiss and the inappropriate memories that came along with it; something that she is determined to forget. 'Work, work, work and some more distractions' her subconscious coached as she enters the lobby of her building with Frank right behind her. Dolores, the receptionist was startled to see her but nonetheless smiled and greeted her and Frank as they board the elevator to her office
"How long do you think till the news and pictures come out" she asked her ever reliable head of security. Frank was just as shocked as he was with Christian's action, he apologized to her non-stop the moment she boarded the car
"I wouldn't be surprised if it hit the news right away Ms. Ana. That's if there were photographers present, but I didn't see any" he said
"There's still hope that there was no photographers, right?"
"Yes Ma'am but we will need to make precautions and last time they were hidden behind some bush and there were civilians present when…" he said uncomfortably
"Right" she said as the elevator opens to the 17th floor.
'Don't over think Ana, ignore the news and gossips like you ignore him' her ever present subconscious prodded and of course she's right. They stepped out of the elevator into her office. Again, she was so glad to be back, even with Alex already waiting for her in front of her office. He looked like he couldn't wait one minute to talk to her, which almost always means there is either a crisis or very good news. Lorry, her assistant, was sitting at her desk looking tired, but nonetheless, she greeted her and Frank enthusiastically. Taking a deep breath and praying to all the Gods that this is not about that 'incident', she walked closer to meet them.
"Welcome back Dear" he said giving her an embrace
"Awe… I missed you too Alex" she chuckled
"We need to talk" he said motioning to both Lorry and Frank
'Oh dear' she thought and without a word, they went inside of her office. Surrounded by glass overlooking the London skyline, it is her second favorite place aside from her house. The only place where she can think clearly and the place that always gave her some sort of relief even with the most tiring and stressful work day
"Okay, you're scarring me. You only reserve that look if something really is wrong. I get the feeling that this is more personal than business?" she guessed. She knew that if this is about business, hurricane Alex would've greeted them right when the elevator opened
"You're right, personal and business: good on the business side, personal however, you decide. Why don't you Google your name right this moment" he said phasing
She and Frank exchanged a knowing look "I can just guess. Let's see: another picture of me and Christian Grey" she said dryly
"First of all, are you okay? And what the hell is going on between you two? I thought he's a private man? Why in the bloody hell would he grab and insist to take a photo of you in New York, don't get me wrong that seem reasonable, then he kisses your hand and now a full blown smack in the lips! I don't even want to think about what's next"
"Yes. A bit pissed off but okay and nothing. Nothing's going on between me and Christian Grey. He surprised both me and Frank. He took my hand and next thing I know he's kissing me, end of story. By the way, you know you kind of sound like my Dad" she said truthfully and realizing that this is the 'Fatherly Alex'
"You know I treat you like my own, and frankly, you're all I've got my dear, you should get used it by now" he chuckled and continued.
"From the looks of it, this prick is infatuated with you, my dear. Anyway, your latest picture together has gone viral and is spreading like wildfire. The PR Team and Lorry here have been fielding calls since it broke; the press wants to find out the real score between you and Christian Grey. Thank goodness for underground parking, otherwise a pack of photographers are outside waiting to ambush you. Sooner or later, you will need to release a statement." he said.
"Ms. Ana, I've already called Martha to tell her not to take any phone calls. She said photographers are also outside your home and that you might want to get additional security" Lorry said reading from her notes and looking at Frank who looks like the task was already done
"Wow. You guys can rule the world. What would I do without you guys? I will not release any statement, the last time I checked I am not a celebrity nor a public figure and like I said, nothing's going on between me and Mr. Grey" she said as she turned to look at Frank who nodded "thank you Frank" she said as he left the three of them
"Lorry, can you re-schedule any appointments I may have for today"
"Not to worry Ms. Ana, I didn't schedule anything for you today except for tonight's Gala and uhm, Mr. Kent called confirming if he is still your escort for tonight" she said blushing
"Call him for me and tell him to meet me at my house around 7:30 tonight oh and please coordinate with Frank, anything else?" she said 'there goes perfect distraction!' her subconscious cheered
"Err… You're parents, and Ms. Kate called to ask if you can please turn on your cell phone or at least call them a.s.a.p." she finished
She rolled her eyes and took out her phone, still off and gave it to her assistant "Can you please charge it for me? I don't want to take any phone calls while I'm meeting with Alex" she said dismissing her
"Right away Ms. Ana"
"Thanks again Lorry" she said as her assistant turned to close the door behind her leaving her with Alex.
She stood up to look at the gloomy sky of London and marveled at its beauty. The scenery always helped her relax and clear her mind from her worries. 'The best way to forget about it is to work Ana: it helped you for years and years so get on with it. Focus on your work' her subconscious said as she took a deep breath after a moment
"Let's talk business" she finally said
"Germany is almost done; I just need you to sign a few papers and it will be official. Documents will be ready first thing tomorrow. We probably will need to go back across the pond most likely next month or earlier, we're almost there in D.C. Mr. Thomson apparently would love to do business with us, the CMC deal in California however is getting a little complicated and then there's Seattle and a certain Christian Grey and Grey Enterprise Holdings" he said as she turned to look at him questioningly urging him to continue
"Sources tell me that GEH owns quite a few share in CMC after his efforts to acquire the majority shares in Kavanagh media were thwarted" he finished and gave her a knowing look. N&S successfully acquired Kavanagh media quietly a few years ago by buying majority of its stocks and mostly thanks to her almost familial relationship the Kavanaghs
"Yes, if he owns majority of the shares then that's a complication if he doesn't then let's start acquiring the majority of the shares, STAT and stealthily. I want Cal Media and if he finds out that's our next venture, he might beat us to the punch though he will have a hard time convincing shareholders with his reputation. Worst case scenario, he'll use it against us" she said in full CEO mode 'you mean he may or will use it to get to you' her subconscious said, also in deep thought
"I thought so, the team is right on it and the report should be ready in a day or two. Now, GEH: are we opening business negotiations? Because if you ask me, that's an excellent decision Ana"
"That was before the kiss Alex" she said sullenly
"Since when did you care about publicity?" he said
"That's the thing, after that completely unprofessional actions on our first meeting, then the dinner fiasco and the now this kissing, I am not in the mood to talk about anything concerning Mr. Grey" she snapped
"You know what Sara will say if she's here with us, don't make emotional decisions, it's bad for business" he said calmly.
Translation: don't make irrational decision simply because you're pissed off 'you are pissed off but you're not technically making an irrational decision, your just delaying it' she thought but her subconscious is not in agreement 'delaying it won't do anything but piss him off which is okay but that also means he's going to pay you a fucking visit! Rationalize that!' her subconscious hissed
"I know, deal or no deal. Look, I told Mr. Grey I will consider it, not call him the moment I get back to London. I'm sure he will understand if I put him on the least priority list after this kissing incident" she said stubbornly
"Ana, sooner or later he will find out we're after CMC that's it, he will find out that Kavanagh chose you over him. It will be ugly, you said not to poke on the hornets' nest well you've been doing it" Alex said practically begging now
"Under its nose and it's not waking up" she said rolling her eyes "fine, open negotiations but you will spearhead this"
"You and I know that he would rather negotiate with you. You're very easy on the eyes dear" he said chuckling making her glower
"Well, he will need to learn compromise if he wants business with Norwood & Steele" she smiled sweetly "that is my condition; if he refuse then I'm sorry"
"Spoken like the great old hag" he said making them both chuckle "I'll get right on it"
Attending the world literacy foundation gala is not only self-fulfilling, as it's for its good cause, but also the best distraction one can ever have. The endless talking to all sorts of people was exhilarating. There were businessmen, dignitaries, and even celebrities. The fact that it was a Christian free event, and the fact that one of the very few people she considered her friend was standing right beside her making all sorts of funny comments was the biggest distraction one could ever have. It has been their yearly tradition to escort each other to this event; which was founded, organized and directed by Rupert's family. Rupert has always been the funny guy; though she swore she thought he was the biggest snob the first time they were introduced by Alex, at the same event years before. He would have been the best boyfriend or even husband any woman could find; they would have been great together, in fact they were perfect for each other, too perfect. Their similarities were both the foundation and the downfall of their romantic relationship: both heartbroken though she knows hers was far worse than his, both trying to move on, both with the same priorities and both business driven individuals. Their only difference is that she is based in London while he in Monaco. Too much in common in a relationship was never a good thing and a few hundred miles between them and it's the perfect ingredients to a doomed relationship. They both realized that throughout the course of their relationship. Business and their goals were always the biggest priority, while the thing they call 'romance and love' was the least priority 'that and the fact that you were better of as friend, you were fooling yourselves by pretending you loved each other when the truth is… your both were not in it and that Kate was spot on, he never satisfied you in bed' he subconscious snidely muttered. The end of their romantic relationship didn't mean the end of their friendship; in fact it's stronger than when they were when they were 'romantically involved.'
"You know, you look like an idiot grinning all by yourself" he said "please tell me you're not thinking about that kiss with your American billionaire lover. That reminds me, I'm hurt, we're supposed to be friends and you never introduced him, you know at least let me appraise if he'll do"
"Way to ruin the night you cow!" she said smacking him in the arm with her clutch bag
"Ouch! Watch it, that thing looks like it weighs 20 pounds!" he said ducking and making her laugh
"Not really, around 15 pounds"
"Honestly, what are you thinking?" he said as he escorts her to the waiting limousine. Another one of their friendly tradition is after every gala, they always go to either one of their apartment to chat. It was agreed that since her place is new and that she just got back in town from a business trip, they would chat in her place over Martha's famous hot cocoa
"How good you are as a friend" she answered
"Ah, I'd rather you tell the ladies that I am good in bed than a good friend" he said jokingly as she burst out laughing yet again "honestly woman, your recommendation will be very helpful"
"You don't need that cow! Really women are mooning over you, yet you choose to hang out with a hag like me" she said
"For a hag, you my friend is easy on the eye and I like that the men are green with envy that you only hang out with me" he winked "Tell me about your recent trip? Did you have fun?"
"I guess" she shrugged
"That's it? You invited me for cocoa and chat and just say two words?" He rolled his eyes at her
"Oh Rupert, you are so like Kate!"
"Am I that frightening?" he said feigning offended and making her laugh out loud once again "Forget I said that. She might cut me into kibbles if she found out" he said in horror
"Your secret is safe with me" she said laughing uncontrollably
"So… common Ana… spill!" he prodded
"Urgh. What did I do? Well, there's New York—"she began but he cut her off
"I'm not interested on your business trip Ms. Steele, spill the beans of your personal vacation" he said
"Honestly, you're worse than Kate! Fine, I visited my mom in Georgia and Ray in Montesano; they both send their regards by the way. Then I went to Seattle, reunion with friends, met Kate's fiancé Elliot who is also Christian Grey's older brother – yes, the juicy huh?" she said sarcastically as Rupert's jaw dropped
"Yeah"
"You see how I cannot get away from him? I am maid of honor and he is best man on the wedding which reminds me, Kate said you are officially invited" she said trying to distract him
"Ana, the difference between me and Katherine is that, I will never be distracted" he said smugly
"I know, there's not harm in trying. She did say you are invited after announcing you are my ex" she chuckled
"I'll think I'll go, but I'll have to find me a gorgeous date" he said winking
"Are you flirting with me Sir Kent?" she said feigning shock "coz it's not going to work" she said and they both burst out laughing
It's only been a couple of days yet it feels like years since he last saw her. Since he last touched her, since he last felt her soft lips against his. "Fuck" he muttered, there goes his mind drifting to Anastasia land again. Instead of concentrating on the report he's reading, he is salivating to see and get a chance to touch her again though he is pretty positive that she will not let that happen again anytime soon. He knew the consequences of his momentary lapse of control: the worst consequence is that she might pull the plug and refuse to ever speak to him again and there goes the possibility of working with her. Otherwise, the little things like press having a field day with that public display, Taylor tightening security in GEH & Escala, PR team and his Assistants fielding daily phone calls from reporters, Elliot's booming laughter while his fiancé glowered at both of them, and threatened to cut him piece by piece if he hurt her best friend, while the rest of his family didn't say or do anything but gape are least of his worries. He never gave a fuck of what people think of him for fucks sake, why worry now.
He is busy reviewing some reports when Taylor came in to tell him that Elena Lincoln is here to see him. He thought he knew all too well that Elena will come and check on him; it had been 6 months since his last sub Valerie. How he was able to survive that long without beating the shit and fucking someone mindless even he doesn't understand, but he is certain about a few things: for one, he doesn't want or need a sub. Second, he wants the sexy as fuck woman he was last seen kissing, the woman who starred in his mind and dreams for the last 6 years, who lives about 3 thousand miles away who is probably with the fucker Kent at this very moment, the woman who he can bet with all his fortune that she will not agree to what he originally wants; the woman he's been dying to see since the moment she left which is about 48 hours ago. 'You got it really bad Grey' he thought running his hand through his hair in frustration
"I'm busy Elena, what do you want" Christian said not bothering to look at her
"Can't a friend pay you a visit and say hello" she cooed
"I told you I don't have time for this shit" he said glaring at her
"Well I came to tell you that it's been months since what's her name again…" she paused "oh I forgot anyway given the parade you've been having lately with a certain and quite honestly alluring Anastasia Steele, I am guessing you need a new sub Christian" she said smiling fondly at him.
Even though she is the only person he could trust, Christian never told Elena about his previous submissive. She only knew quite a few and thank fuck Ana was not one of them he thought
"You made the wrong assumption Elena, I don't need a sub" he said bitterly 'I want my Anastasia' he added as an afterthought
"I know you of all people Christian, you have needs. Specific needs you need to address otherwise you explode like a ticking bomb. You don't want that to happen do you? Lose control?" She purred
"I am perfectly in control Elena, stay the fuck out" he snapped
"Right" she scoffed "I have a few prospects for you, they are all established sub—"she said but he cut her off
"I told you I don't fucking need one" he barked
"But you want Anastasia Steele to be your sub" she said tilting her head waiting for his answer
"No and its none of your fucking business Elena, I mean it!" he said after a moment
"Oh you deny all you want Christian, but it's very obvious that you want her" she chuckled "I'm just here to remind you that the reality is, she is as powerful as you are and that she will never agree to what you want and she is not in the circle and you are taking a huge risk with her. Unless of course, you're willing to go all hearts and flowers" she said
'If that's what it fucking takes to get her back' he thought as he just looked at Elena for a while and continued pouring over his work
"Oh my gosh" she said after a moment and from the corner of his eye he saw her lean back to her chair smirking at him
"So this is why you've been acting like a sullen teenager. You want to be with her, Hearts and Flowers but she's not here obviously" she said disbelievingly
"Not fucking funny Elena" he said banging his hand over his desk
"My goodness Christian, if you've been acting like this the whole time since she left then I feel bad for all of your staff. For Christ sake, do yourself a favor and get your plane to London as soon as possible. I'm your friend Christian; I'm both happy and worried for you. Happy because as sullen as you look right now, it's quite a novelty seeing you are actually attracted to someone and I am worried for you because you have specific needs, needs that not everyone can satisfy"
"I told you it's not your fucking business Elena"
She smiled and held her hands up in defeat
"If you say so Christian" she said as she stood up to leave "just be careful and if I were you, I would have my plane ready to be with Ms. Steele. I'm pretty sure she will be happy to see you" she said as she opened the door to leave, Taylor waiting for her right outside
He would've said 'she absolutely despises me' until he saw the latest email from Alex Core. The email he's been waiting for the past 48 fucking hours.