"Taylor, turn around." Christian orders. Oh shit... what is he going to do now.
"Where are we going?" I ask, half in a daze. Taylor turns and we head back the way we came.
"Just pull up here Taylor. Ana, stay in the car" We're outside SIP again.
"Christian? What are you doing?"
"I'll be two minutes Ana. Stay here."
"But... It's my office... can't I come with you?"
"No." He opens the door of the car and gets out onto the sidewalk.
"What are you going to do Christian?" I say, shimmying across the seat towards the door as if to follow him.
"Anastasia, stay in the car." He raises a finger to emphasise the point before he slams the door shut and disappears inside the building.
We wait in silence. At last I can wait no longer. I open the door "Sorry Taylor" I yell in the direction of the driver's seat as I jump down from the car and run into the building. I hear him call after me urgently "Mrs Grey, ma'am!... SHIT!" as I disappear in through the doors and through the lobby. I head straight up to my office.
I find Christian outside my office, jug of lilies in one hand, my office trash can with the cellophane wrapping from the flowers still in it, in the other. He is talking angrily to our site services manager, Gillian Baker, pushing the jug and trash can into her arms, spilling water onto the floor as he does so. As I cross the floor towards to him I can hear his words, his tone furious "... I don't care, just get rid of them. This can't happen again! I need those controls in place by tomorrow morning". A contrite Gillian turns to leave struggling with the trash can in one arm and the jug of lilies in the other. Christian calls after her "And I want that protocol in my inbox before 7pm tonight."
"Christian, you can't talk to Gillian like that it's not her fault!"... Christian turns to face me. As I try to berate him I notice he isn't looking at me but is looking over my head to whoever is behind me. As I speak, I hear Taylor's voice coming up behind me,
"I'm sorry Mr Grey, I tried to stop her Sir"
"Christian!" I call out again trying to get his attention.
"It's okay Taylor". Christian replies, ignoring me. I am standing right in front of him now, my hands on my hips. At last he looks down into my challenging expression. His face softens. "I told you to stay in the car Ana." He says, a faint smile creeping in.
"Of course I wasn't going to stay in the car when you burst all guns blazing into MY office without a word of explanation. You can't talk to Gillian like that Christian! I'm mortified! The flowers are not her fault!"
"Ana, those flowers should not have reached your desk." He is serious again, "And if you are going to come back tomorrow, I couldn't have you come in to find them still on your desk."
"If I'm going to come back?! Of course I'm coming back!"
"Okay Ana, I'm not arguing with you about it. Come on, I'm taking you home."
"But Christian... I want to know what you were saying to Gillian!"
"We can talk in the car. Come. We're going."
He takes my hand, turns and leads me out of the building, Taylor going ahead. On our way out we pass Gillian heading back to my office with an empty trash can and jug.
"7pm Ms Baker" Christian says as he passes her, without even looking in her direction. "Will do Mr Grey. Goodnight Sir, Mrs Grey" she calls after us. We are out of the building before I get a chance to say goodnight.
Once we are in the car, I sit, and fix Christian with a stare, arms folded in front of me. I want him to explain exactly what he said to Gillian.
"What?" he asks feigning innocence.
"You know what... What was that all about?"
"Ana, it is really just common sense. After the letter earlier today, everything that comes into SIP for your attention is to be checked. Welch and Taylor briefed the mail room and site services this afternoon. They have fallen at the first hurdle. I demand better of my staff."
"It wasn't Gillian's fault!"
"Yes it was. She was in the meeting this afternoon and that delivery should have been checked before it got near you. It's not good enough."
"But Christian, you can't just go around yelling at..."
"Yes Anastasia..." he interrupts me "... I can. It's my company and you are my wife and what I say goes."
Oh my Fifty... some things don't change! I cannot help a smile creeping onto my face at his words. My irritation washed a way by my husband's un-dented megalomania!
"What you say goes huh Christian?"
"You better believe it baby!" he says, his face splitting into a grin. "Now I want to get you home and fed. A bowl of granola and bagel is not enough to keep my girl going."
I quite deliberately roll my eyes.
"Oh dear Ana, I thought you were complaining about my slapping your ass too much and now you're just plain asking for it!"
I know all this banter is Christian's way of distracting me from the horror of what has happened today. I know he is concerned. More than concerned.
"Christian, can't we go out for dinner tonight. I feel like we need to loosen up a bit."
"Not tonight." I hurumph and fold my arms in front of myself. "You're tired Ana and we don't have time to make the necessary security arrangements. We are have to be on really tight security now Ana, till we nail that bastard Hyde."
I can't help pout a little, but I do understand. "I know Christian. I fucking hate this situation."
"You and me both baby."
We get home and Mrs Jones has some delicious salmon steaks ready for us, with spinach, puy lentils and jasmine rice. I've never had lentils like this before and they are really good. It is just what I needed, not too heavy.
As we finish up our dinner, I have an idea...
"Can we go out tomorrow night Christian? After work?"
He say's nothing, just narrows his eyes and looks at me as he considers his response. "Somewhere I can let my hair down a little. A bar. I'll invite Claire from work, and Hannah; and Kate..." At the mention of Kate's name he folds his arms and, his right hand stroking his chin, sits back in his seat. After a moment he gets out of his seat, picking up his wine glass and saunters over to the couch. I follow him, in determined persuasion mode now.
"Elliot can meet us there after he knocks off." I notices Christian has taken his Blackberry out of his pocket. He seems to be checking his texts! "I could call Mia and Ethan too, make it a Friday night party..."
I think he's texting someone! Now I'm getting mad... he could at least pretend to listen! "I'd really like to have a drink and relax with friends. Feel normal. We could come back here and eat after so as not to overstretch security? Come on... you can make anything happen! Please? ... Hey! Grey! Are you even listening to me?" I lash out, reaching for his Blackberry. I want to prise it out of his hand and stamp on it! He pulls it out of reach holding it above his head, grinning at me, and before I can stamp on his toe, I hear Taylor clear his throat behind me.
I turn, "That was quick Taylor thank you" Of, shit, he was texting Taylor!
"My wife and I would like to arrange a little get together tomorrow night. It's going to need a little management your end I'm afraid. We need to secure a bar from approximately 5.30pm."
"I understand Sir. Can I ask which bar you want us to hire?" Hire? I don't want us sitting in an empty bar! That's not normal AT ALL!
"No Christian, not hire please... I just want to go to a normal bar" Christian looks at me and smiles. "Taylor..." he continues, "... I want you to find a nice bar, where we can get a decent cocktail, not far from Escala, that can be reasonably secure for my wife and I to entertain a few friends for a few hours. We don't want to hire it but you will need to talk to their security and make whatever special arrangements you have to. Can that be done?"
"No problem Sir"
Taylor leaves and I wrap my arms around Christian's neck. "I thought you'd say no"
"I told you Ana, we have security to enable us to live our lives. What is the point in having money if we can't go out and spend some of it on a cocktail when we feel like it.?
"I'll go call everyone!" And I turn to go get my Blackberry. Christian grabs my arm
"Not so fast Mrs Grey! You're tired. You had a hard day and your mood has been swinging like a pendulum since I picked you up from work. It's time for bed."
"Oh for God's sake I'm not going to bed now! It's 8.45! And I need to call Kate and the others about tomorrow!"
"No Ana. I'll email Elliot, Kate and Mia. You can ask the girls from work in the morning. You need to rest, especially if you are going out tomorrow. This time last week you were in the hospital with pints of poison in your system. You need an early night"
"No I don't!"
"You do if I say you do. Bed" You know, I really can't be bothered to argue! I am over the moon to be going out tomorrow, like a regular girl again on a regular Friday.
I wake to Christian's whisper. "Wake up sleepy head, it's 7.30, time to get up" What? It can't be! Last thing I remember it was 9pm and I was reading in bed. But as I prise my eyes open I see it is morning and Christian is showered already. He places the softest of kisses on my forehead.
"You were asleep almost as soon as your head hit the pillow. I told you, you were tired."
"What day is it?" I say yawning. I haven't got a grip on today yet. Christian smirks... "It's Friday, come on, shake a leg!" he puts his hands around my waist and tickles without mercy. Straight away I grab his hands and try to wrench myself from his strong grip, flailing my legs, wriggling my upper body and giggling until I can't catch my breath. He releases me and I lay smiling and gasping in the ruffled bedding my braced arm lying across my tummy.
He smiles down at me, a smile I recognise, full of desire. He climbs on top of me and with his finger, sweeps several tendrils of loose hair behind my ears, one by one. He kisses my lips, so soft, then pulls my bottom lip into his mouth, taking it between his teeth and oh so gently, biting, sending a shiver right down my spine. I feel a longing deep inside. His hand travels down between my belly and his, skimming my camisole. He gently slides his fingers into my silk panties and buries them inside me. Feeling my response, ready as always, he withdraws his fingers and pulls my panties to one side to expose my sex. He wastes no time easing his length into me. Slowly, gently, rhythmically he fills me, never taking his lips from mine. Carried away on a tide of carnal desire, he picks up his pace. On and on he pushes me ever higher. Our lips part in the same moment as we near climax. He lets out a sigh, rearing up like a stallion as we both reach our peak, like the crest of a wave, then we fall back on the bed. What a wake up call!
Over breakfast we discuss plans. Christian called the others last night. Mia and Ethan can't make it but Kate is coming right after work and Elliott thinks he'll be there by 7. We still don't know where exactly we are going but Christian reassures me that we'll know by lunch time.
The SUV drops me at SIP and I skip into the office with a spring in my step. Of course Sawyers SUV pulls up right behind and Dexter follows close behind me, but not even her waddle can cramp my style this morning.
As I pass the reception desk I invite Claire to come join us tonight, and tell her to invite anyone else she likes. I ignore Dexter's expression when she winces at my invitation! I tell her I've forgotten the name of the bar, she doesn't need to know the gory details of security measures I have to endure when you are Mrs Christian Grey! I'll email her later to tell her which bar we're going to.
Hannah is already at her desk. I invite her to come out as well, but she seems more worried about where the lilies have gone. I lie, telling her the smell of lilies makes me nauseous and I sent them on to a friend in accounts.
The morning passes slowly as I wade through the backlog of emails and memos. The only bright spots coming with the occasional ping of my blackberry.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Kiss me
Date: September 23rd 2011 9.26am
To: Anastasia Grey
Missing your kisses x
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Kisses
Date: September 22nd 2011 9.29am
To: Christian Grey
I have plenty more where those came from
Ana x x x
From: Kate Kavanagh
Subject: Probation
Date: September 23rd 2011 10.03am
To: Anastasia Grey
Hi stranger
I can't believe Mr Moneybags is letting you out to play. How did you persuade him...? no wait, I don't want to know!
I have been given strict instructions to behave. LOL!
So... where we going? I can get off at 5, how about you?
Kate x J
Katherine Kavanagh
Seattle Times
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Overexcited
Date: September 23rd 2011 10.10am
To: Kate Kavanagh
Hi Kate,
I can't wait. I should be able to get off by 5 no problem. I can't wait... Did I mention that already?
FYI Christian took very little persuasion. Don't call him Mr Moneybags!
I have no idea where yet but will let you know ASAP
I Can't wait!
A xx
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Laters
Date: September 23rd 2011 12.26pm
To: Anastasia Grey
Hi Baby
Taylor has organised that we go to a bar called Rob Roy. He is briefing Sawyer now. It will be secure. Have you had lunch?
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Lunch
Date: September 23rd 2011 12.30pm
To: Christian Grey
Not yet. I'll go get something later. What time will you get there?
A x
To: Anastasia Grey
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Lunch
Date: September 23rd 2011 12.33pm
You need a proper lunch Anastasia. You cannot drink on an empty stomach. Shall I get Sawyer to go get something? Tonight can be cancelled you know.
I will know if you don't eat
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Don't get your knickers in a twist
Date: September 23rd 2011 12.45pm
To: Christian Grey
I'll eat, don't worry. I have no intention of jeopardising my evening revelries!
What time will you be there?
A x
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Your knickers
Date: September 23rd 2011 12.56pm
To: Anastasia Grey
I'll be pulling your knickers down and placing you firmly across my knee if you don't.
I should be there around 7.
I have a few things I need you to promise me Ana, first being your solemn promise that you will eat a decent lunch
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Rolling Eyes
Date: September 23rd 2011 1.11pm
To: Christian Grey
I am pretty sure that you know full well Sawyer just stepped by my office with a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel, a banana, a blueberry muffin and a bag of potato chips. Do you want me getting fat Mr Grey? What time will you be there?
A x
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Doting Husband
Date: September 23rd 2011 1.16pm
To: Anastasia Grey
I was saving you a trip to the deli.
I would love you fat or thin.
Ana, you know I'm naturally nervous about tonight. I want you safe. I NEED YOUR PROMISES on the following
1) We are going to Rob Roy and nowhere else. You will go directly there with Sawyer and Dexter.
2) Any time you need to go to the bathroom, you will allow Dexter to accompany you to the ladies room.
3) When I, or any of our security team tell you it is time to go home, you will, for once in your life be obedient.
4) Don't go crazy on the cocktails. Take it easy. I don't want you sick.
Usual rules apply for broken promises. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?
Christian Grey
Deadly Serious CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: promises promises
Date: September 23rd 2011 1.15pm
To: Christian Grey
I understand more than you think!
I promise.
In fact, I have a new contract for you Mr Grey. I hope you enjoy it!
Post: Nuptial Agreement
Between Christian Trevellian: Grey & Anastasia Rose Grey
Date: September 23rd 2011
I, Anastasia Grey, wife, lover and companion forever of Mr Christian Grey of Seattle, (hereafter referred to as 'my husband') do not agree to obey my husband. I do however agree that if I make him a promise I will make every attempt to keep that promise. I will therefore, never undertake a promise lightly or frivolously.
If I fail to keep a promise to my cherished husband, I herein give him my consent and permission to spank me as he would an errant child, with love and with the intention of instilling discipline. He may spank me with his hand or an implement appropriate in the disciplining of children (This excludes belt or cane). I agree to this because I know my husband loves me. I trust him, and I understand that giving him this will mean a great deal to him. I give him this in order to give him back the reassurance of control that he needs to feel secure. I cannot obey without question, but I can try to keep my promises because I love him.
It is a little shorter than your old contract and lacks some of the detail, but I hope you get my drift!
I love you
A x ;)
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Speechless
Date: September 23rd 2011 1.37pm
To: Anastasia Grey
You never cease to amaze me. Do you mean this, or is it a joke? If you mean it I will hold you to it.
I love you more than you know
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: I do
Date: September 23rd 2011 1.43pm
To: Christian Grey
... mean it. All of it. Of course I do. Jeez I wouldn't have said all that if I hadn't thought about it. Some people would think I'm crazy, but we aren't all the same and I don't care what they think. I love you. I promise. You can spank me if I break that promise. I won't break it!
A x