Note: THANK YOU for your continued support on this story. I'm sorry this chapter took forever for me to finish as I had to prepare for the endless holiday preparations, work and a severe case of writer's block. I'm sorry if this chapter if a bit off (maybe it's just the holiday), promise I WILL TRY to make it up to you guys. Hope you guys enjoy this chapter & let me know what you guys think. Your reviews, feedback and suggestions always make me smile and giggle (in other words, they make my day) ;). Please forgive my errors. Big shout-out & many thanks to GreytoSteele for the inputs :)
E.L James owns this amazing trilogy
Chapter 12: Welcome back to London
Christian walks casually, confidently towards his long time therapist. The man smiled politely if not smugly at him, the last time they met, he was confused and overwhelmed; in other words, all over the place and all because of a certain Anastasia Steele. The woman who's been starring on his dreams for the last 6 years, the woman he can't stop thinking about, the woman who's been driving him crazy. 'What is it with her?' again he thought for the nth time and still hasn't got any luck on finding the answer
"Mr. Grey, how are you today?"
"Same old, same old Dr. Flynn" he said as he took his seat
"Which is?" he prodded
"Fucked up as usual; if you're asking about the nightmares, well they still fucking haunt me every night"
"Well if you ask me, I think your making progress" he smirked and took a newspaper below the coffee table and showed it to him.
Christian took the paper and examined it for a moment knowing exactly what Flynn is talking about. There it is… the picture of him kissing her. It had been a couple of days since the story broke, he had endured Elliot's none-stop jabber as well as his endless dating advice, the glower on Katherine's face and the threats that came with it, Mia's giggles, his parents never ending stare and even Elena's visit. He took a deep breath and just starred impassibly at his long time shrink who is patiently waiting for him say something
"What progress?" he said sullenly
"Why don't you tell me Christian?" he said "you know, I cannot help you unless you open your doors just like last time: talk. Tell me what you're thinking, what you're feeling. It is important for me to know everything even the slightest bit of detail you consider minor"
Again he took a deep breath and just starred 'don't do it Grey' part of him thought while the other half of him thought 'If you didn't tell him about Ana last time, you wouldn't know how to approach her.'
"I apologized… I followed your advice, if that's what you want to know and she said she'll think about it" he finally said sullenly 'happy now?'
"About?"
"About everything; for my actions, for that fucking folder, about giving me another chance, about starting over" he said exasperated
"Well from the looks of things you look like you got your second chance" he smirked
"That's because I fucking took her by surprise"
"I beg your pardon?"
"She was teasing me all day. She was about to leave, she is so beautiful, fucking sexy that I couldn't help myself. I grabbed her hands and kissed her like a pervert" he said pretending to be bored
Flynn just chuckled and shook his head "Oh Christian… so your telling me that she said she will think about giving you a second chance and starting over but rather than waiting patiently for an answer, you went ahead and exerted your will over her. How did you feel after?"
Again Christian said nothing. Not wanting to admit that he is worried that he fucked up any chance he may have had, not wanting to admit that she is all he could think about, that his fucking world revolves around one name, one person who is in London at the moment. He didn't say anything and just looked at his therapist waiting for him to make his assumptions or work on his magic like he did last time.
After a moment, the good doctor finally said "well? We can finish the hour just like this, no words and nothing but silence Christian but judging by the look of things, I won't be seeing you until probably next week seeing you made adjustments to your regular sessions with me earlier than normal. My best guess is you're off to London" he finished smirking at his clients slight change of expression
"You know me well. Patience is not my forte Dr. Flynn, when I want something, I get it" he said impassively
"But Anastasia is not a thing Christian" he said "Given that you kissed her against her will, and judging by the look on your face, am I wrong to assume you're worried about her reaction?" he finished while his client narrowed his eyes
"I miss her" he finally whispered
"I beg your pardon?"
"She was leaving, I had to do something and yes, I said I fucking miss her. I want to see her. There I said it, happy now? Oh yes, I announced to everyone in my family and the Kavanaghs that I am the idiot fucker who broke her heart" he said proudly. To his surprise, Flynn gaped at him like a deep caught in the headlights and laughed disbelievingly
"The effect she has on you Christian. You admitted on having a relationship with her to your family. I must say I really must meet Ms. Steele" he said
"I had no choice"
"We always have a choice Mr. Grey" he said "Admit it, you want her; otherwise you wouldn't be doing the things you've been doing, public displays of your affection, admitting part of the past you shared with her to your family, basically throwing your carefully organized and rather private world of the window and now following her to London, the list is endless Christian"
He just gaped thinking if what his shrink is saying true 'but you don't have a heart grey' he thought.
"Do not tell me you don't have a heart and that you are not capable of loving Christian. You and I know that, that is boat load of crap" Dr. Flynn said correctly guessing what he is about to say
"I don't know what you're talking about; I'm going there for a fucking business trip" he said evasively
"Right. Business trip in London to negotiate a deal with Norwood & Steele, the perfect excuse to see Ms. Steele"
"I'm meeting her people not her. I'm surprised she even allowed this to happen"
"Forgiveness doesn't happen overnight. You need time and patience. You will need to rebuild trust and therefore you will need to wait, patiently. That will be your second goal and my second advice to you as both therapist and friend" he said
"What the fuck is that? I told you, patience is not my forte" he said running his hand over his always tousled copper hair
"First of all, there's no harm on admitting to the fact that you my friend, are in love with Anastasia, second, you have no choice but to wait. Wait until she is ready to forgive you. Wait until she's decided whether or not she wants to start over"
"Christ, you fucking sound like her. Patience doesn't erase the fact that she is with that Kent fucker at this moment" he snapped
"Patience doesn't mean you will isolate yourself from her and hide under a rock for a few lifetimes like a prisoner Christian. Patience means you will wait until she is ready to forgive and move on. What happened between you two years ago, the emotional pain she suffered is not easy to forget, and you of all people should know that"
"What the fuck do you want me to do?"
"Take it one step at a time. On your case, baby steps Christian"
He found himself recalling his last meeting with his therapist while sitting on his suite in London, a glass of wine in hand patiently waiting for the sun to rise and the clock to strike 11AM so he can finally see her 'Grey, not her, Alex Core. This is a fucking business trip' and Flynn is spot on of course, the perfect excuse to see her. It took a total of one week to finalize this renegotiation and three more days coordinate their schedules to make this 'business trip' possible. It's a miracle to even hear from her people after the kissing incident, not that he's sorry about that in fact, he would gladly and willingly do that again… over and over but he mustn't think about that 'one fucking step at a time Grey' the glee vanished when her side-kick Core told him Ms. Steele assigned him to spearhead the negotiations instead of her. On one note, its fucking ridiculous on the other she has a point and a good one, the thought of him and her in one room alone is enough to make his cock throb especially after that incident 'focus Grey.' A call from Welch interrupted his reveries. Welch has informed him that he has all the Intel on Rupert John Kent and that he should be getting the file shortly and sure enough, the file is sitting on top of his inbox
Rupert John Kent
DOB: January 30, 1984
Current Address: Penthouse,L' Atlantis 1 Ave Henri Dunant 98000 Monaco (Additional property details see pg. 2)
Mobile No.: (+377)97706401
Financial Details: See page 3
Occupation: Director, IT and Research & development - EUREXPO Corp.
Entrepreneur (additional details, see pg. 4-5)
Education: AB Mathematics Major,University of Cambridge
Father: Lord Robert Alexander Kent (Father), Minister of State for Trade & Investment
Mother: Margaret Kent (Mother), CEO, EUREXPO & Chairwoman World Literacy Foundation
Sibling: Arabella Yvette Kent, Art History Student at the University of St. Andrews
Political Affiliation: Conservative
Religious Affiliation: Anglican
Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual
Relationships: See page 6
Son of a well-known dignitary, A good looking version of Barney who works for dear mommy, an entrepreneur like him, properties across Europe and straight as a stick. Katherine Kavanagh is right, he thought begrudgingly. Rupert John Kent could very well be Prince fucking charming, clean as a fucking sheet. 'Not unlike you Grey, you have too many skeletons in your fucking closet' he thought. Finding out what kind of monster he really was is never the option 'how can you be sure, she ran a background check on you' he thought and the fact that she's seen what he really is in his Playroom makes a man like the Kent fucker into a much decent man than he is; A man worthy of a beautiful woman like Anastasia. She deserves a man who will love and respect her, someone who will protect her, someone who will make her happy, hearts and flowers, someone who won't hurt her: in other words, someone who is not him; someone who is not fucked up as he is. He knows he should steer clear of her, get out of her way and let her be happy but he just can't; the thought of her in the arms of another man is enough to make his blood boil; bile coursing through his throat, threatening to come out; that along with the overwhelming pain in his chest, like heart attack not that he ever had one.
Norwood and Steele Headquarters is a 17 story building that occupies one huge block; it is both classic and contemporary. The building itself is of classic architecture while the furnishings make up the contemporary part. The Norwood & Steele building could very well reflect its CEO's aura: warm, inviting; simple yet very elegant. Unlike all clinical and modern furnishings of Grey House that perfectly describes his cold and cynical personality 'not to mention how fucked up you really are Grey' he thought.
The Meeting with Alex Core went well, he realized that the man is actually decent and knows what he's doing; still, he would rather work with Anastasia. They met for two long hours at one of the company's board rooms on the 16th floor. Alex Core insisted on giving him a grand tour of the building. Floors 1-7 are for the finance, sales and marketing departments, 8&10 floors are for the N&S fashion magazine department, 11-13 publishing department, 14-16 is his office as well as IT, PR and research & development, 17th is the executive office. Everyone smiled and welcomed him politely; people didn't look like they're walking on eggshells 'Grey, the total fucking opposite of Grey House' he thought.
At fucking last, he is ushered in the 17th floor, the executive wing. The place he's been dying to see since he arrived in London. Again, the warm and inviting colors welcomed them in the lobby that looked like the great room of a house or the lobby of an elegantly styled hotel. Comfortable looking chairs on the waiting room on one side and another board room on the other. He recognized her assistant, Lorry who sitting on the desk close to the board room and a set of wooden double doors that surely leads to her office. Alex goes to her assistant and looked at a piece of paper, examined it for a moment and told her assistant to let Ana know that he and Mr. Grey are here for a courtesy. The assistant, Lorry he remembered, looked up and smiled politely at him though he could tell that she isn't comfortable with the idea but Alex Core could not be swayed. He knocked on the door and opened it after a moment, making the assistant jump out of her seat and followed Alex Core insides For some reason he feels nervous, he thought randomly if she felt like that the first time they met when she interviewed him 'yet another first Grey' he thought.
Ana is laughing uncontrollably. Even during a business meeting with Rupert, there is never a dull moment. She and Rupert are partners in a restaurant chain with locations in both France and Italy. They talk about how well the business is going, as well as about possible plans for expanding the chains, whenever they are together. As they are about to wrap up the meeting, they both hear a commotion outside her office. Ana ignores it until a knock on her door reveals that it's Alex, followed by Lorry. Alex looks so hyped that for a moment she wonders if he had too many shots of espresso combined with performance enhancers, while Lorry looks both worried and star-struck. She looked at them questioningly for a moment until a third person strutted in to join them. She felt her jaw drop at the sight of him.
"Ana, Rupert. I was just giving Mr. Grey a tour of the building." Alex said as he turned to greet Rupert who smiled.
"Good to see you Alex," he said.
"It's very nice to see you again, Ms. Steele." Christian said with his patented Christian Grey, full megawatt, and panty busting smile. No wonder Lorry looked star struck.
"Mr. Grey welcome to the Norwood & Steele headquarters. I honestly didn't know you were going to be here," she said eying Alex with a 'when did this happen?' look.
"Since I am spearheading the deal with GEH I didn't see any reason we shouldn't proceed with the deal as soon as possible, and Mr. Grey is in full agreement," Alex said enthusiastically while Christian just smiled.
"I see" she said 'you gave Alex the green light Ana, your mistake. Now he is literally going to be in your back' her subconscious hissed. "By the way, this is Rupert John Kent, a close friend and a business associate," she said smiling politely at Christian.
Both men appraised each other shrewdly. Christian giving him an icy stare while Rupert just smiled at him politely, using his best poker face; Ana had to fight the urge to laugh.
"A pleasure to meet you Mr. Grey, I understand you're negotiating business?" Rupert said smiling genuinely.
"Likewise, Mr. Kent. Yes, I look forward to working with Ms. Steele & Mr. Core."
"Ah, you're in capable hands. These two," he said, motioning to both Ana and Alex, "are the very best in the business, though I must say Ana's cooking is far better than Alex's,'" he said genuinely as Alex laughed while Ana just rolled her eyes.
"Really? So you work together and you are friends. How convenient," he said icily.
"Yes and yes. Very close friends and business partners. Ana and I own a few restaurants in France and
Italy," he stated proudly. "In fact, one of our restaurants serve Ana's special lasagna; though it was enhanced by the chefs, of course, but nothing beats the original." He winked at Ana.
"Oh please," she said rolling her eyes.
"Ah, I must try that, do you have a branch here in London?" Christian asked looking straight at her.
"That is actually why I am here; we we're talking about expanding the chain here in London." Rupert said gleefully and paused for a moment, looked at Ana and then smirked. She knew that look; it means an idea has popped out of nowhere. Normally Rupert comes up with the greatest ideas, but this going to be the one exemption. 'Oh dear, this is going to be bad' her subconscious muttered and sat on one corner and started praying. 'Christ, let this not be what I think it is' she thought.
"Why go to a restaurant when we have the original maker standing right in front of us? You won't mind if Mr. Grey and Alex join us tonight will you?" Rupert finally said making her groan internally while her subconscious is shooting off countless curses. For the first time, Christian's icy stare morphed into a victorious smile, again a panty busting, belly clenching smile.
"That sounds great" he said. "That is… If Ms. Steele doesn't mind," he said still smiling victoriously, while eyeing her questioningly.
"But… The…err… Paparazzi" is her flimsy excuse. 'Think Steele!' her subconscious glared "can you excuse us for a moment?" she finally said.
"Of course, well wait outside." Alex said while Christian just smirked but nonetheless nodded and followed Alex closing the door.
"What the fuck is that cow?" she said glaring
"Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer, Ana."
"He's not a bloody enemy, Rupert" she said.
"Good, then I don't have to kill him and ask Frank to help me dispose of his body after. Look, I want to get to know the arse who stole a kiss from my ex-girlfriend turned best friend," he winked.
"Why don't you invite him for tea in your place, why did you have to invite him on my place?" she screeched
"Oh come on, don't act like a real hag Ana. The man obviously flew a few thousand miles to see you Ana, not Alex's almost bald head. He looked like he was shooting daggers at me or perhaps plotting to either kill me or torture me into kibbles when we were introduced. Yet, when I invited him to dinner, he looked
like he wanted to give me raspberry kisses," he chuckled.
"I didn't know you wanted to be friends with him," she said sarcastically.
"I didn't say that. I just thought it might be fun to push some of his buttons, if you know what I mean."
He said mischievously.
"You owe me one hell of a favor Cow!" she said threateningly.
"You name it Hag!" he smirked as he opened the door.
