CHAPTER 14

Three Months later…

Three months have now passed and I am settled back in Seattle and I am now living with Christian, when he returned home from New York I went with him. Things have settled down and I am happily ensconced in my role at Cross Publishing here in Seattle and everything seems to be calm and relaxed with no drama or trouble.

We are in constant communication with Gideon and he is now a firm friend to both of us. He and Christian have become as close as brothers now and it's a joy to see both Christian and Gideon having someone they can lean on and consider a close friend considering the fact that they were both so solitary and closed off.

Gideon is handling all the legal stuff in New York, and the case we have built against Elena with everything that Gideon and Christian's security teams have uncovered about her and in turn implicated Morton and Damien is formidable. We will have to return to New York to testify when the case comes up.

Christian has been so over protective since everything happened, not to mention he has been watching me like a hawk. While he was in New York he stayed with me at my apartment instead of staying at his own. Gideon was brilliant about everything and he and Christian helped make my relocation back to Seattle as smooth as possible.

I was really worried that the stress of everything that had happened would have an effect on the baby, after the cramping pains I had after the kidnap. Then a few days after my ordeal I had a slight show of blood which sent Christian into a complete meltdown, and a trip to the hospital and every and so often I have been having odd twinges now and again which haven't feel altogether good and so we have spent many occasions at the hospital while we were in New York, and since we have been back in Seattle but each time I had been checked out I was given the all clear and just told to be careful and keep an eye on things.

We have seen and socialised with Gideon regularly since we returned to Seattle from New York. We have had Gideon over in Seattle a few times and Christian has taken us out on his boat, a beautiful catamaran called 'The Grace'. Gideon has stayed with us at Escala, unlike Christian, who has an apartment in New York, Gideon doesn't own any properties in Seattle...yet! I am convinced that with his increasingly regular visits to see us he will soon be adding a Seattle property to his extensive portfolio.

He is coming to visit once again this weekend and I am just helping Gail get his room ready. He has told us he has a surprise for us. I think he has already told Christian as he has a very smug look on his face every time I mention that I wonder what Gideon's surprise is.

When I returned to Seattle I moved in with Christian at Escala and things seem to be going well, despite his paranoid over protectiveness. I am cutting him some slack on it because of everything that has happened. I have transferred to and am doing well at Gideon's Seattle office of Cross Publishing, and I tease Christian that I am in direct competition with him, since he owns SIP, which he has now re-branded as Grey Publishing.

I have brought in several new authors and we have 4 of the top ten best sellers at the moment. So everything considered I am blissfully happy. I am living with the man I love, I am expecting his child, the bitch troll and Morton are out of our lives, I have no idea about Jack Hyde but he is off the radar, and I couldn't care less what he is doing as long as he isn't anywhere near me. I'm sure Christian and Gideon are keeping tabs on him but they haven't said anything. So in short life is good.

"Are you ready baby?" I turn at the voice and smile at Christian.

"Yes" I reply and walk towards him.

He immediately takes me in his arms nuzzles my neck and places his hand on the barely there swell of my stomach, I'm only just starting to show and you have to really look to even see it but Christian knows it is there and he is totally obsessed with it, he constantly touches and strokes it. He is so loving and attentive to me and he is really getting into the idea of becoming a father. Plus I think the little scares we have been getting since I was taken by Stephen and Elena has focussed his mind on what is truly important.

"We need to get going, Gideon's plane is due to land at 6pm" Christian says impatiently.

We head downstairs and I grab my jacket, it's getting much colder in the evenings, and autumn is definitely in the air. Taylor is waiting and we climb into the waiting SUV, when we arrive at Sea Tac we see Gideon's plane just taxiing to a stop. We pull up on the tarmac beside it and climb out to wait for him. As the doors open his familiar frame fills the doorway, I am shocked as he turns and grasps the hand of a petite blonde woman and makes his way down the steps. I run to him and he lets her go to hold out his arms to me, he lifts me off my feet and plants a swift peck on my cheek.

"Ana it's so good to see you again".

He places me back on my feet and holds me at arms length looking at me fondly.

"Look at you, you are looking so well, you are positively glowing!" he says.

He turns to the woman and urges her forward, "Ana this is Eva... my girlfriend" he says with a shy grin, "Angel, come and meet my two closest friends" he adds.

I squeal in delight and I turn to greet her. I am eager to meet the woman who has captured Gideon's heart.

"Eva I'm so pleased to meet you" I say as I hug her and she smiles at me.

"Hi, I've heard a lot about you" she says politely.

Gideon takes over as Christian strolls up grinning widely, "Gideon" he says and they shake hands and then embrace slapping each other on the back.

"Good to see you Christian, this is my girlfriend Eva, Eva this is my good friend Christian Grey".

Christian bends and kisses Eva on the cheek and shakes her hand, "I'm very pleased to meet you Eva" he says politely.

"Likewise" she says, I smile as she doesn't gawp him like most women do, it is obvious that she only has eyes for Gideon and it makes me happy to see him so obviously in love.

Gideon turns to me and grins at me as I slap his arm playfully, "You didn't say a word, you and your surprises, I'm so pleased for you" I say.

Gideon takes a shot look at Christian and I see the look that passes between them, and I turn to Christian my eyebrows raised and I shove him gently, "You knew didn't you? You knew and you didn't say anything?!" I exclaim.

Christian wraps his arms around me, and laughs, "Yes, I admit it baby, but it was torture not being able to share it with you, but it was also worth it to see the look on your face" he says and presses a kiss in my hair.

I notice Eva is watching our interaction carefully and as she sees Christian's obvious affection towards me she relaxes a bit. I had noted that she wasn't entirely happy when I first greeted Gideon and gave me a look which I had previously seen many times on Christian's face, a look of pure jealousy.

"So, are we going to stand here all night or are we going to get back to Escala? Gail has cooked your favourite meal Gideon!" Christian says.

Gideon smiles widely at that piece of information, "Lasagne?" he asks almost drooling at the prospect.

Christian nods "The very same" he says.

Gideon turns to Eva, who is staring at him almost at a loss at his animated behaviour, "You have not lived until you have eaten Gail's lasagne" he says with a swipe of his hand.

The car ride home is filled with the now familiar light hearted banter between Christian and Gideon. Christian is driving and Gideon sits next to him in the front while I am in the back with Eva. Taylor is following us in another car. Eva watches Gideon closely and she seems amazed by his carefree and relaxed demeanour. Tonight's lively debate is the merits of Baseball versus Football, Christian is backing Baseball and Gideon is ferociously backing football. I shake my head at their stubbornness.

"Are they always like this?" Eva asks.

I sigh, "Unfortunately yes, and they are both too pig headed to realise they are equally matched in the control freak and stubbornness department which also means they don't know when to give it up and shut the hell up" I say this loudly, and the two men glance at us before dissolving into laughter.

"Enough!" I say light heartedly. I turn to Eva, "But what makes this really sad and totally pointless is the fact they both like baseball AND football!" I say sarcastically. This produces more childish sniggers from the front of the car.

When we arrive at Escala Taylor carries in Gideon and Eva's cases, and goes to take them up to the guestroom which Gideon always uses when he stays.

As Gideon watches Taylor leave he takes a shot look at Eva and she nods, he walks up to Christian and pulling him to one side whispers something in his ear.

"Don't be ridiculous" Christian exclaims staring at him, I walk over to find out what is going on.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

Gideon sighs and looks down at the ground, looking uncomfortable; Eva walks up and grasps his hand.

"Gideon, you said they know everything about you, and that they are your closest friends so they won't judge you, you need to tell them" she says.

Gideon looks up and I see that lost look on his face which I last saw when he confessed his past to me. I grasp his arm.

"Come and sit down Gideon" I say gently.

Like a child he follows me over to the huge sofa, Eva sits beside him and I have to fight the urge to take his other hand, it's not my place anymore to do that and I don't want to antagonise Eva as I really think we could be good friends, Christian sits down and carefully looks at his friend.

"What is it Gideon, what's wrong?" I ask him gently.

Gideon turns and looks at me, "I just told Christian that I would sleep on the sofa or something while we are here, I said that because Eva and I... we can't sleep together" he says.

"Why?" I ask confused.

Gideon looks uncomfortable and shuffles in his seat. Eva squeezes his hand and steps in to speak, "because he has really bad night terrors of the time when he was raped as a child, and during whatever he is reliving during his dream he turns into the aggressor. He attacked me while he was asleep once and tried to rape me, he didn't know what he was doing and I trust him, I know he wouldn't hurt me when he is awake but when he is asleep it's a different story. He just can't control it" she says.

Gideon lowers his head, shame written all over his face. I stare at him, "Gideon look at me" I snap

He looks at me surprised at my tone and I grasp his chin with my hand.

"Gideon Cross don't you dare feel ashamed, you cannot control what you do when you are asleep and the fact Eva is sitting here after you tried to attack her, should tell you she doesn't blame you and she understands, so snap out of it and take that look of shame off your face".

He pauses and then a genuine smile fills his face and he shakes his head "You always know exactly the right thing to say" he mutters.

"Damn right I do" I say and I shove him with my elbow.

He looks up and glances at Christian uncertainly. Christian shakes his head, looks at me and then begins to speak.

"Welcome to the club Gideon, I had night terrors every single night of my life for as long as I could remember. Every single fucking night I would re-live what the crack whore's pimp used to do to me" he says.

Gideon's mouth drops open at this news, "You say had – past tense?" he asks.

Christian nods and smiles at me, "yes although I do still get them if I have to sleep away from Ana but she keeps the monsters away from me".

"You are a very lucky man, I would give anything to go a night without reliving my past" Gideon says sadly.

Christian reaches into his pocket and pulls out a card, offering it to Gideon. He leans towards him and looks at him earnestly.

"Call him Gideon, John Flynn is the best shrink in the world, he has helped me sort out my shit, and when Ana left me he made me realise what an asshole I had been. He's good, very good, I admit that I didn't listen to the advice he gave me about my night terrors but I should have done" Gideon looks at the card but still hesitates to take it and Christian smiles knowingly.

"I know you have issues with shrinks after... you know... but I swear he is the best, and he is a good man, I guarantee he won't hurt you". Gideon accepts the card and stares at it.

I smile, I can't help myself as I reach for and grasp Gideon's hand, "He is, John Flynn is a good man, and he has to be to put up with Christian's tantrums" I say.

Christian laughs and Gideon smiles, but he looks back at the card and his smile fades.

"I have to do something" he says, he doesn't say anything else but he pushes the card into his pocket.

"Thanks" he adds.

I decide to butt in, and get back on track, "So, going back to the original point here, Gideon if you think you are going to clutter up our sofa by sleeping out here you have another think coming. You will sleep in the guest room next door to Eva, or Eva can have that room if you want to sleep in your usual room, and Gail and I will get it ready for you after dinner" I say deliberately keeping my tone light to add a bit of levity to the situation.

Gideon grins at me, "Thank you" he says.

"See, I told you they would understand" Eva says and she bumps shoulders with him.

We are interrupted by Gail as she informs us that dinner is ready. We have barely reacted and yet Gideon is disappearing out of sight to the dinner table. Eva's mouth drops open.

"I've never seen him move so fast" she says.

I laugh as I lead the way to the dining room "Gail's lasagne is a powerful thing".

We go and sit around the table and Gail brings in the large dish of Lasagne and places on the table it in front of Gideon.

"Well that's mine, what is everyone else having?" he says rubbing his hands and staring almost indecently at the large dish of lasagne.

We all laugh and Gail places Garlic bread and a bowl of salad on the table and leaves us to help ourselves. Christian pours wine which I stare at longingly.

"Stop it" he says grinning at me.

I sigh, and he hands me a glass of water. "Gee thanks dear" I say sarcastically as I take the water from him.

The atmosphere is light hearted and easy around the table throughout dinner, although I have been getting odd cramping sensations every now and again in my stomach, nothing significant more annoying. I excuse myself to go to the bathroom and check to make sure that nothing bad is happening and nothing is so I decide to keep it to myself and not mention anything as I don't want to spoil the evening with Christian going into a panic and taking me to hospital again. It's getting to be quite embarrassing the frequency of the trips due to Christian over reacting to every twinge I have. When I return I hear Christian speaking.

"So tell me Eva how did you meet Gideon?" Christian asks.

Eva goes red, "It was the most embarrassing moment ever, I was helping some woman who had spilt all her change all over the floor of the foyer inside the Crossfire, near the turnstiles and he stopped right in front of me. I looked up at him and lost my balance and sprawled on my ass at his feet" she says, shaking her head at the memory.

Christian snorts with laughter, "That's just so weird" he says, "The first time I met Ana was when she fell head first into my office, I guess we must have that effect on women eh Gideon?"

Gideon laughs loudly and agrees to which I glance at Eva as I sit down and as we make eye contact I roll my eyes dramatically and she shakes her head and giggles, and then continues with her story.

"I have to say that he pursued me pretty aggressively, I work in the Crossfire for an Advertising Company on the 20th floor and he basically stalked me, finding out where I worked and commandeered my boss to submit an advertising campaign to try and win a contract for a Vodka company he bought, when all the time he had his own in house marketing department which could do exactly the same job. But the best bit – but I don't mean best in a good way, we are talking best in an, 'oh my god who is this fucking weirdo?' kind of way".

"Fucking weirdo? What the hell did you do Gideon?" I ask my eyes wide wondering what he did.

I watch as he shifts in his seat and looks embarrassed.

Eva who is clearly enjoying herself quickly explains, "It was when he finally got me alone, he cornered me and he told me he wanted to fuck me, I mean he just came straight out with it, I want to fuck you Eva he said, just like that" she says.

I stare at Gideon in shock, and he has the grace to look sheepish, "Oh my god you didn't?!" I gasp, "What did you do?" I ask Eva.

She shrugs "Basically, I told him to go fuck himself!" she says bluntly.

Christian chokes on his wine and bursts out laughing, "the direct approach didn't work then I take it?" he says.

"You could say that" Gideon says and he does look ashamed of himself as he hears Eva's description of his behaviour.

Eva continues, "He was relentless though and eventually I gave in, and we went on a date even though he refused to acknowledge it was date, because he doesn't do dating because... get this, it he doesn't like spending lengthy social time with a woman during which he's not actively fucking" she pauses and sees my shocked expression, "oh it gets better" she continues, "I asked him if he doesn't like the company of women and he said he does as long as there aren't any exaggerated expectations or excessive demands on his time".

I honestly can't believe what I am hearing that this is the same man who I call a close friend.

Eva smiles sweetly at Gideon, clearly enjoying his discomfort, "But I brought him round to my way of thinking" she says.

I see Christian desperately trying not to laugh, and Gideon looks at me sheepishly.

"What on earth got into you Gideon? Did you seriously think behaving like a complete asshole would get you laid?" I splutter.

"It worked for me baby, as I recall when you asked me if we were going to make love, I told you I didn't make love that I just fucked hard, but you still gave me your virginity that night" Christian says proudly.

I go bright red, but thankfully Eva saves me, "we had a bit of a rocky start with our baggage and issues but the last month or so has been good" she says. I realise that she must have met Gideon pretty much around the time or just after we left New York, she looks up at Gideon and he smiles at her indulgently.

"We will compare notes!" I say firmly, Eva smiles at me as I continue, "You have no idea how familiar all that sounded, apart from the moronically dickish behaviour, although Christian did have more than his fair share of moments in that department too, but what you have said, it was like the way Christian and I started, he stalked me for a while too... still does!" I add, glancing lovingly at Christian. Christian grins but says nothing.

The conversation continues and the atmosphere is light-hearted and jovial until Gideon reaches into his pocket for his phone he glances at the screen and frowns.

"Cross" he snaps, his face falls and he glances at me and then Christian, I feel the atmosphere immediately take a nose dive. Christian stiffens and is immediately on alert.

"What?... when was this?... where is he now?... Yes I'll tell them, I'm pretty sure Christian's people will be informed shortly as well" just as he says this Taylor appears with a grim expression on his face, Gideon glances at Taylor.

"Got to go" Gideon says and throws his phone on the table. He turns to Taylor. "Are you here about Hyde?" he asks, and Taylor nods curtly.

I gasp at the mention of his name and Gideon turns to me and reaching for me grasps my hand, while Christian has left his seat and is now at my side.

"He has been released and was last seen boarding a plane to Seattle".

I shake my head, "No" I moan, and I slam down my fork and shaking myself free from Christian's arms run from the room in tears.

Moments later I feel Christian behind me, "Come here" he says gently. I turn around and he holds me tightly, once again I feel an odd sensation in my stomach and I grip Christian tightly.

A few minutes later I head back out totally embarrassed by my outburst. "Sorry about that" I mutter.

"Don't apologise Ana" Gideon says. We finish our meal in silence then Christian, Gideon and Taylor disappear into Christians study and I am left alone with Eva.

"Sorry about my little outburst, I'll blame my pregnancy hormones. That's my excuse I'm sticking to it" I say trying to make light of the situation.

"What did he do to you?" she asks bluntly.

I stare at her in shock, she picks up her glass and we move over to the sofa. "Ana your reaction was that of someone who has been abused in some way, so I'll ask again what did Hyde do to you?" I am shocked at the forthright way she is speaking to me.

"I... he... it was" I stammer, Eva smiles at me.

"I understand Ana, more than you could ever realise. Gideon knows all about my past and it's as horrific as his" she stops and throws back the rest of her wine.

"Gideon told me about how he told you and Christian everything when he told me, he had to really after he tried to rape me in his sleep, and at that point I had already told him all my shit, because if it were to come out it had the potential to embarrass him, so he needed to know what he could be dealing with" she stops and looks at me carefully.

I sigh, "I was emotionally, physically and sexually abused by one of my mothers ex husbands, he reappeared recently and it turned out was involved with a woman who had sexually abused Christian when he was a teenager, and she was also involved with the man who raped Gideon, it was such a mess and so inconceivably weird that three people from totally different backgrounds and parts of the country could be linked in such a way". I pause and Eva is just sitting listening and waits for me to continue.

"But Jack Hyde was a totally different situation; he was my boss at Seattle Independent Publishers, which was my first job after I finished college. Christian tried to warn me about him, everyone in the office warned me what he was like, he is a sexual predator, and when we went to New York for a literary exhibition he tried it on quite forcibly, it was where I first met Gideon actually, and he helped me out" I say.

"I thought now that Hyde was out of the way and the other situation was pretty much sorted we could finally relax and get on with our lives, but now it seems I was wrong" I shrug and stare at my glass in front of me.

"So, this Hyde guy, now he is free and possibly heading this way" she says.

I nod, I am curious Eva had hinted that she has a past, she had said that her past had the potential to embarrass Gideon should it come out, and before I stop to think I ask the question, I look directly at Eva, "What's your story?" I ask carefully.

She stares right back at me, "I'm sorry I don't mean to pry" I say, quickly backing down.

She shakes her head, "No its fine really, my mom had a husband with a son from a previous marriage – Nathan was his name, and he repeatedly raped me. I was 10 when it started and it only stopped when I was 14 and suffered a miscarriage and it all came out" she shrugs as she says so dismissively as though it is no big deal, I gasp and instinctively I move forward and hug her. She seems surprised but she responds and we sit embracing in a moment of silence.

Eventually I pull away, "I'm feeling very foolish now, for my outburst" I say, ashamed at my reaction, nothing had actually happened between me and Jack and after hearing what sustained horror Eva had gone through makes me feel like a brat.

Eva frowns and shakes her head, "Ana, it's ok and never think that, what you went through was no less of a traumatic experience than what happened to me or what happened to Gideon, it's not a case of whoever seemingly got abused least doesn't deserve to feel bad about it because they managed to escape far worse. What you have experienced is no less traumatic than what I have gone though, so you have no reason to apologise for your reaction to the fact your abuser is walking the streets," she smiles at me and I reach over and grasp her hand.

"Thank you" I say quietly. Eva smiles at me and squeezes my hand.

"Gideon said that you're pregnant" she says changing the subject, and nods towards my stomach.

I run my hand over my tiny bump, "Yes I am" I say, "I'm 18 weeks pregnant" I add.

"You and Christian are good together" she says.

I snort, "It wasn't always like that, and I even ran off to New York to get away from him at one point".

Eva stares at me in surprise, "really?" she says and I nod.

"Yes I had a habit of running when Christian did something I didn't like, he has erm… issues and baggage too" I say, "but we seem to have worked it all out," I add hastily.

Eva snorts and shakes her head, "You and I are so similar, I did exactly the same thing. I was so insecure, I ran at the first sign of trouble with Gideon, he hated it as it terrified him," she says.

I nod, "I can imagine, they both put on this front of big powerful and arrogant multi billionaire CEO's but underneath the surface and all the bravado they are both just broken lost little boys".

Eva nods in agreement. "They are" she says.

oooOOOooo

The next morning we are sitting around the table eating breakfast and I'm feeling much better the pains have gone now and I am looking forward to today and as we are discussing what we are going to do, I see Gideon and Christian exchanging knowing looks I wonder what all that is about I am distracted when my phone starts buzzing I look at it and frown.

"Who is it baby?" Christian asks, glancing over at me.

"Jose" I reply.

I wonder why he is calling this early, I see Christian stiffen as soon as I mention Jose's name and so do Gideon and Eva and it immediately attracts their full attention.

"Jose, is an old friend of mine from college" I explain to them, "Hi Jose" I say brightly as I answer.

"Ana, I'm so sorry I have bad news," he blurts out without any preamble.

"What's wrong?" I ask and I feel myself rising to my feet.

I hear Jose sigh, "It's your dad, he came to visit my father and as he was on route he was hit by a drunk driver, luckily there were plenty of witnesses including me and he was air lifted to Portland hospital, the big one. We are on our way there now but you need to get here, it was pretty bad".

"No, oh god no" I moan.

I feel my legs giving way and I grip the back of the chair tightly, "No, no" I say again.

Christian is on his feet in an instant and has his arms around me before the words have hardly left my mouth, he gently takes the phone from me and I turn into his chest and cling to him, he wraps his arm around me and speaks to Jose.

"Jose, its Christian Grey, what's going on?" he snaps, Jose is obviously telling Christian what has happened as his grip on me tightens, and his hand clasps the back of my head.

"Thank you for telling us Jose we will leave now" he says in slightly warmer tone and hangs up. "TAYLOR" he yells.

Almost immediately Taylor appears, "Taylor, Ana's father has been involved in a serious road accident, get me a flight plan for Charlie Tango to Portland immediately" Taylor nods.

"Yes sir" he replies and disappears.

Christian throws my phone on the table and then retrieves his own from his jeans pocket, I hear him calling someone, but all the time he is comforting me with his spare arm, I have my arms wrapped tightly around his waist and am quietly sobbing into his chest.

"Mom are you at work?... no... good, can you and dad make your way to Boeing Field, Ana's father has been involved in a road accident, and has been airlifted to Portland Hospital I am taking Charlie Tango and flying her there, I need you there mom... thanks, is dad there? Put him on please... dad, some fucking drunk driver has hit Ana's father in Portland, I want you on the case dad, it happened at 7:30 in the fucking morning... we are on our way to Boeing Field now... yes... thanks dad, we'll meet you there!" Christian hangs up and grasps my shoulders and easing me away from him he looks at me.

"Ana, baby look at me, come on listen to me I'm going to fly you to Portland to see your dad ok?"

I nod, I suddenly remember our guests, and turn to face them they are looking at me with sympathy and concern, "I'm sorry about this" I mutter wiping my face.

Eva stands and rushing towards me she embraces me fiercely, "Don't you dare Ana, don't apologise and don't worry about us" she says and she lets me go only for me to be immediately pulled into Gideon's strong embrace.

"We will come with you to Portland. We won't get in the way while you are at the hospital but I will meet up with Carrick and help with the legal side, find out who the asshole is and make sure he gets the fucking book thrown at him" he says with a grim determination.

Christian nods, "That's very good of you Gideon" he says.

Gideon waves his hand dismissively "It's the very least I can do, who is drunk at 7:30 in the morning and then stupid enough to drive?" he spits.

I have stopped crying and am feeling numb now. I don't say anything, Christian has his arm around me but I know he is floundering he has no idea what to say or do to comfort me as this is all beyond his control, I stare blankly at Eva as she grabs my hand and smiles at me.

"Come on let's get our coats" she says gently, Christian reluctantly lets me go and I allow her to lead me away.

It's a subdued car ride to Boeing field, in sharp contrast with last nights light hearted drive. When we arrive Charlie Tango is ready to go, and Grace and Carrick are waiting for us. Grace immediately wraps her arms around me.

"Ana darling, don't worry he's in good hands, I tried to get some information for you, but they won't tell me anything, because I'm not family, but I did try for you" she says.

I nod, "Thank you Grace that means a lot" I say, I remember Eva, who is standing with me and stroking my back and I turn to introduce her.

"Eva this is Grace and Carrick Grey, Christian's mom and dad. Grace, Carrick, this is Eva Trammell, Gideon's girlfriend, they are here visiting us".

Grace smiles widely and embraces Eva, "How lovely to meet you, it's a shame it's in such circumstances" Eva nods and smiles at Grace.

"Pleased to meet you too" she says politely.

Grace turns to Gideon who is in deep conversation with Christian and Carrick and greets him warmly with an affectionate hug, and then we all pile into Charlie Tango.

I take my usual seat next to Christian in the front and the others climb in the seats in the back. As I reach for my headphones Christian squeezes my knee gently and smiles at me. Taylor and Luke climb in and I see Taylor speaking on his phone I try to listen and it sounds like he is organising transport for when we arrive in Portland.

When he has finished he puts on a pair of headphones which Christian hands to him, presumably so he and Christian can talk. I watch as Christian does all his pre flight checks and then speaks to the tower at Sea Tac, soon we are in the air and heading towards Portland.

As I see Portland coming up in the distance, I turn to Christian. "Where are you going to land?" I ask.

Christian grins at me, "Don't worry about that, Taylor managed to get a special dispensation for me to land in the hospital grounds where the air ambulance lands. Stephan should be there waiting to fly her to my usual landing area afterwards, so we don't block the helipad". I hear Taylor's voice coming through the headphones.

"Sir, Stephan has just arrived at the hospital" he says.

"Thank you Taylor" Christian replies.

"See" he says to me.

I manage a weak smile, "Thank you" I say quietly.

When we land Christian escorts us all away from the helicopter and has a brief word with Stephan before shaking his hand and returning to us. Gideon pulls me towards him and bends to whisper in my ear.

"I'll see you both later, I hope your dad is ok. I'm going with Carrick to find out about the asshole who hit him, and I promise you we'll make sure he doesn't get the chance to hurt anyone else" he hugs me tightly and then holds his hand out to Eva.

"Ready Angel?" he asks. She shakes her head at Gideon and looks at me.

"I... I'd like to stay with Ana if that's ok?" she says.

Gideon nods, "Fine by me, is that alright with you guys?" he asks looking first at me then at Christian.

Christian shrugs, "I don't mind" he says.

I just nod, Eva immediately walks up to me and takes my hand, "Come on lets go find your dad" she says kindly.

Heads turn and mouths drop open as we all troop into the hospital and I watch in a daze as Grace and Christian completely take over and demand details. Christian has his arm tightly around my shoulder and Eva is holding my hand. We are directed to the OR and when we arrive we once again have to go through another 20 questions.

We are told my dad is in surgery and we are shown to a waiting room. I see Jose sitting waiting with his father, he stands and his face lights up as soon as he sees me, but that quickly fades when he sees Christian.

"Ana" he says.

"Hi Jose" I say, I watch as he takes a quick look at Christian and then hugs me.

"They won't tell me anything because I'm not family but I had to come" he says.

I just nod at him and I sit and start to shiver. Eva sits beside me and Christian sits the other, I see Jose frown at Christian and I wonder what the matter is. Christian isn't taking any notice though, he is clearly only concerned about me.

"Are you cold baby?" he asks, immediately removing his jacket and putting it around me and wrapping his arm around me and rubbing the tops of my arms. I just shake my head although I do feel cold.

Eva lets go of my hand and disappears and a few minutes later returns with a thermal cup of hot water and a teabag and a small bar of chocolate I smile gratefully at her surprised that she remembered how I took my tea from earlier.

"Thank you" I say.

"Its ok, I find chocolate is good for shock" Eva says with a shrug, Christian smiles at this, I think he is just happy that I have something to eat.

"Do you want anything Christian?" Eva asks. He shakes his head.

"No thanks" he replies, she turns to Grace.

"Mrs Grey?" She asks.

Grace smiles, "No thank you dear, and please call me Grace". She looks towards Taylor and looks questioningly at him, "What about you?" she says. Taylor shakes his head but doesn't say a word.

Eva sits down and pulls a bar of chocolate from her pocket and opens it, breaking off a square she pops it in her mouth and folds over the rest and pushes it back into her pocket. I see Jose looking at her, and I remember my manners.

"Jose, Mr Rodriguez, this is Eva, she is a friend of ours who is staying with us from New York, and Grace Grey, Christian's mother, Grace, Eva this is Jose Rodriguez an old friend of mine from college, and his father Jose senior."

Jose murmurs a quiet hello and Mr Rodriguez stands and shakes Eva and Grace's hand warmly.

"Where's Luke?" I ask, I have suddenly realised he is missing, I haven't seen him since we left the helicopter.

"He went with dad and Gideon, baby" Christian says gently, I nod, remembering.

After what seems like an eternity the door opens and a young male doctor walks in.

I stand up "Ray Steele" I mutter, Christian immediately stands and wraps his arm around me.

"Are you family?" the doctor asks me.

I nod, "yes he's my father" I reply as the doctor looks around the room at the crowd of people and Christian steps forward.

"Christian Grey, Miss Steele is my girlfriend" he says holding his hand out.

The doctor greets him politely, he looks tired, as he rubs his forehead, he proceeds to tell us a list of injuries, I feel my legs give way and once again that uncomfortable feeling in the bottom of my stomach, Christian tightens his grip on me, I hope he is listening to what the doctor is saying as I am missing most of it.

"What's the prognosis?" Christian asks calmly.

The doctor shrugs, "We've done all we can it's up to him now."

"Can I see him?" I ask nervously.

"Of course, if you head along to the ICU someone will let you in" he glances around at everyone, "Immediate family only and only two people at a time" he adds.

"Thank you Doctor, may I ask who is in charge of his care?" Grace asks.

"Dr Schluder" the man replies.

Grace beams at him, "I'd like to speak to her if that is alright?" she says, "Tell her Dr Grace Trevelyan is here," the man nods and leaves the room.

Jose stands, "We'll get going now we know what happened" he says and I nod.

"Thank you for coming" I say.

Jose grips my hand, "if you need me just call me ok?" he says earnestly.

I feel Christian stiffen, but he doesn't say anything.

"Thank you Jose" I say, and he bends and gives me a swift kiss on the cheek and his father hugs me tightly and tells me that my father is in his prayers, and then they both leave. I watch as the door closes behind them.

I look up at Christian, "Well done!" I say.

Christian raises his eyebrows at me in question.

"You didn't cause a scene when Jose kissed me" I explain.

"He still wants you" he replies bluntly.

"No he doesn't, and to be honest even if he did, I really don't care" I say.

Eva takes my hand again and as we walk out of the waiting room to head up to the ICU she whispers in my ear.

"Christian is right, that man wasn't here for your dad, the only reason he was here was to see you, it was written all over his face".

I shake my head, "he's just a friend" I protest.

Eva shrugs, "Maybe that's all he is to you, but I'm telling you that man is in love with you" she says.

I deny it again and Eva looks at me with an 'oh come on' look on her face, "why do you think he left as swiftly as he did? he realised that you would be going to see your dad and Christian would be with you, there was no point in him staying" she says.

I push those thoughts from my mind and we make our way to the ICU. When we arrive I hear someone calling out to Grace.

"Grace what are you doing here, I was told you were here and wanted to talk to me?"

Grace turns and smiles widely at the Doctor in front of her, "Lorraina, I'm here supporting my son's girlfriend" she turns to us. "This is Ana Steele, her father Ray Steele was brought in and you are his leading physician, and this is my son Christian" she looks at Eva, "This is Eva Trammell she is a friend of Ana and Christian."

Dr Schluder smiles and greets us all, "Ana do you want to come in and see your father?"

I nod, "Can Christian go in with me, please?" I ask.

Dr Schluder hesitates then smiles at my pleading look, "ok but not for long".

I turn to Eva, "Will you be ok waiting here with Grace?" I ask.

"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine" she says.

I walk in and I see Ray surrounded by machinery beeping and I see tubes and wires, I stop dead and my hand goes to my mouth.

"It's ok baby" Christian murmurs and urges me closer, I see Ray's hand on top of the bed, a nurse is busy doing something with a drip and I look up at her.

"Can I touch him?" I ask.

She smiles at me, "Of course you can, and talk to him too" she says.

I sit down beside Ray and take his large hand in both of mine, "Oh daddy please stay with me" I moan and all of a sudden its like a damn bursts and I start to sob uncontrollably. Christian crouches beside me and pulls my head on to his chest, and kisses the top of my head repeatedly. He looks around and pulls a chair up and sits beside me with his arm firmly around me.

As we are sitting there, someone walks in with a clip board looking apologetically at me.

"Miss Steele?" He says.

I look up and nod, "Are you the next of kin to Mr Steele?" he asks, I nod again, he sighs "I'm sorry to bother you but there appears to be a problem with your father's health insurance".

I feel Christian stiffen and I just know he is going to lose his temper. I reach over and grip his knee in warning, but he ignores me and stands in one swift movement and gestures to the door. I'm not quite sure why he did this as I can hear every word he is currently yelling at the poor person who came in.

"DO YOU SERIOUSLY THINK THIS IS THE RIGHT TIME TO APPROACH MY GIRLFRIEND WITH THIS?"

I close my eyes and cringe, I hear the person mumble and apology, and something else which I don't catch.

"WELL I DON'T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT HOSPITAL PROCEDURE, WHAT EXACTLY IS THE PROBLEM?"

I hear muffled explanations of the issue.

"WELL THERE HAS OBVIOUSLY BEEN AN ERROR MADE BY SOMEONE, MAKE SURE IT IS CLEAR THAT I WILL PERSONALLY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF MR STEELE'S CARE AND I WILL MAKE SURE ALL MR STEELE'S MEDICAL BILLS ARE PAID IN FULL AND YOU HAD BETTER DAMN WELL MAKE SURE HE IS TO RECEIVE THE BEST CARE AVAILABLE DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?"

I hear a mumbled yes and moments later the door opens and Christian walks back in and sits back down beside me.

"Sorry about that baby. Idiots! They were saying his health insurance didn't cover the treatment he had received".

I shake my head, "No, it probably didn't" I say.

Christian looks dumb struck and pulls me close, it is clear he didn't consider for a moment that Ray wouldn't have adequate health insurance. "Don't worry baby, he will get the best care, I will make sure of it" he says quietly.

I sit with Ray for a while longer and talk to him, Christian to his credit sits with me holding my hand. I have never known him to be so still and quiet for so long. Suddenly I hear Christian's phone buzz, he pulls it out and looks at it.

"It's Gideon" he says and leaves the room to answer it.

Moments later I hear Christian yelling again "YOU ARE FUCKING KIDDING ME!" I hear further talking this time at normal volume and then Christian returns looking pale, he sits down and stares at me he grips my hand runs his thumb over my knuckles.

"What is it?" I ask.

Christian gazes at me and hesitates a moment before he speaks.

"The man who hit your dad... it was Jack Hyde".