Hey guys! I'm sorry it's been a week since I updated. Please don't hate me. :( This is a bit of a filler chapter but I promise the coming chapters will not disappoint! A lot you have been specualting who it was that attacked Ana and I promise everything will come into light very soon! Also, more chapters with Christian's POV coming up! Anyways, enjoy!
Thursday
I lie awake, enjoying the stillness in the apartment. Christian is still asleep, having another thirty minutes to sleep before he needs to be awake. I have another hour but I'm too giddy to sleep. Today is the day. I begged and pleaded with Christian for this and finally after three days, it's here. I can finally go back to work. Unable to contain my glee, I slide out of bed and into the bathroom. I start the shower and begin to undress. I glance at my reflection in the mirror. I'm almost one hundred percent sure I can cover up my fading bruised lip with some lipstick, if it's dark enough. The bruises on my wrists are gone and even though my ankles are still a little sore, you can't really tell they're burned. I jump in the shower, trying to take my time but failing miserably. I'm just too excited. I've been dying to get back to work but Christian is so stubborn sometimes. Finally, using the only weapon I truly have against him, sex, I convinced him to cave.
I finish my shower and dry off. I decide to go ahead and do my hair while I'm in here. I'm hesitant to use the blow dryer but with the low setting on, I don't think it will wake Christian up. He needs all the sleep he can get. He's been tossing and turning in his sleep all night, no doubt the worry about me going back out into the world playing a part in his nocturnal habit. He worries so much. Because he loves you, my subconscious squeaks. I both love and hate that he worries so much but now more than ever, he has a good reason to. But I just can't sit up here in his ivory tower all day and night anymore. I need my freedom.
I finish my hair and decide to go find something to wear to work. I crack open the door and find Christian sprawled out over the bed, his hand clutching my pillow to his face. He's so cute when he sleeps. I can't help myself. I head to my nightstand, grabbing my phone, and snapping a picture of my fifty. My beautiful, self-less, worrying fifty. I quickly make it my background, smiling at the sleeping Christian on my phone. I'm so focused on my phone I don't see Christian wake up and move towards me till he pulls me from the waist to the bed with him.
"Christian!" I squeal. "No my hair!"
He plants a very wet kiss on my lips. "What about it?"
"You're going to mess it up! I just finished it." I bat my eyelashes at him flirtatiously.
"Is that why you look so sexy this morning?" he trails kisses along my jaw while pressing his growing erection against me.
"You are but of words, Mr. Grey." I swat him away, attempting to get out of his grasp.
He growls in my ear but relents. I rush to the closet before he has a chance to change his mind. I go through my clothes, noticing more than half of these outfits are new. I feel Christian wrap his arms around my waist and I sink into him. "Christian, where did all these clothes come from?"
"A store."
"Thank you Captain Obvious. You know what I meant." I turn around to face him and he tries to hide the growing the smile on his face. "Christian…" I pester.
"I both them for you Anastasia. It's a gift." He tries to pull away but I grab him before he gets the chance.
"Why?" I look into his big grey eyes, stroking his face.
"Because I wanted you to have them. End of story." He pulls away again and this time I let him.
"Thank you Christian." I watch him stop in the middle of the closest.
"You're welcome. I'm going to go shower." Well, that was odd. Did he expect me to reject them? I have my reservations about accepting some of his "gifts" but…I don't know. Back to the task at hand.
I pick out a fire engine red dress, with black straps that criss-cross in the back. I notice a few black stripes here and there on the dress that balance out the bright red. I grab my black pumps and head back into the bedroom. I'm just about to zip up my dress when Christian comes walking out of the bathroom, with nothing but a towel around his waist. I can still see beads of water dripping off his too perfect body. I look him up and down, my mouth watering at the sight of him. He catches my eyes as they drift upwards and I blush as bright as the dress. I quickly turn around, needing to avert my eyes away from the teasing body just a mere two feet away from me. I zip up only halfway before I have trouble reaching.
At once his hands are on me, the zipper rising to the top. His hands come to rest on my hips and I can hear him breathing heavily behind me. "I picked this dress out myself you know. I couldn't wait to see you in it and now, here you are. Beautiful, just…beautiful." He presses his lips to my shoulder and ever so softly bites down. I gasp out in pleasure. "However, I didn't intend for you to wear it to work. Take it off."
My eyes snap open and I spin around. "Excuse me?"
"I don't want you wearing that to work. Now take it…"
I laugh. I can't help myself. I laugh long and hard. I have to cover my mouth with my hands to stop it, seeing Christian's face turn cold.
"I'm not joking. Take it off now."
"There is no way in hell I am taking this dress off. Shouldn't have bought it if you didn't want others to see it." I grab my pumps off the bed and rush out of the room. I am not taking this off just because he has a stick up his ass today. I can feel the anger building inside me and I know this is one of those moments I need to write like Flynn said. My next appointment is in a week, seeing as he's been out of town.
I come to sit at the bar, a plate of pancakes and bacon already waiting for me. I grab some syrup and drizzle it over my pancakes. I dig in, my mouth watering at the anticipation of the delicious food. I'm about halfway through when Gail emerges from the staff quarters, looking flustered. "Hey Gail, these are great as usual." She smiles at me and nods. I watch her begin on another set of pancakes, her back to me. That's when I see the back end of her shirt is untucked and her hair slightly off center. I force myself not to laugh. "Uh, Gail? You might want to tuck in the back end of your shirt and fix your hair."
She spins around with a yelping sound, her face as red as my dress. She quickly tucks in her shirt and adjusts her hair in the reflection of the fridge. "I'm sorry Ana."
"No worries Gail. We're both adults here." I wonder just how wild Taylor is with her but remembering the time I accidently caught them in the throes of passion, I shiver. No need to remember THAT. I decide to change the subject. "I'm excited to get back to work today."
"Oh yes, I'm sure you are. Is Mr. Grey going to join you for breakfast before you leave?"
"I don't know. I've already ticked him off today." She gives me a questioning look and I sigh. "He loves my dress, but he doesn't want me to wear it work." I shake my head. "Whatever, I'm still wearing it."
"It looks lovely on you. I'm sure he's just nervous about you going back today." She offers.
"Oh I know. I just have to get out of this place. I was beginning to feel claustrophobic, you know? I need this." I check the time. Crap, I have to go. "Anyways, I won't be home for dinner Gail."
"Oh?"
I feel a goofy grin spread across my face. "I'm going out with Kate tonight." I can't wait to really get out tonight. I know she's going to ask me a million questions but I know I'll have a good time too. "I'll come back home to change but I won't be staying long. Kate and I have dinner reservations at 6 and then we're going dancing."
"Sounds like fun. Have a good day Ana." I wave to her as I head to the foyer, Sawyer already there waiting with my bag. I look up the stairs one last time but Christian must still be in the bedroom. I decide not to call up to him. If he wants to be angry, then let him stew. I won't let him ruin this day for me. "Let's go Sawyer." He raises an eyebrow but doesn't question it. We hop into the elevator and take the ride down in silence. When the doors open, I'm surprised to find Christian there waiting.
"I'll drive her today Sawyer. You can follow." He extends his hand out for me but I don't take it. Instead I take my bag from Luke and head straight for my car. "Ana wait!" I hear Christian running up to me and I'm not surprised that he reaches me before I reach the car. I feel his hand intertwine with mine and then he's pulling me to his car instead of my Audi.
"What the hell Christian?" I don't know what is up with him but I don't like it. I pull my hand from his and lock eyes with him. "You don't want me to wear this dress, you don't show up for breakfast, and now you want to drive me to work?" I pop my hip to the side. "Explain. Now."
"Just get in the car. Please." I can hear the desperation in his voice.
I walk over to my side and slam the door as I slide in the sleek car. He starts the car and then we're pulling out into busy Seattle street. I stare out the window, not wanting to look at the source of my anger. I don't know what his problem is but I am not having it. Not today.
"I'm sorry."
"For what? For demanding I take the dress off when you're the one who bought it for me? For ditching me at breakfast? Or for forcing me to ride with you to work?"
"All of it. The dress really does look amazing on you. And I was stupid for not coming to breakfast. I was just angry. I didn't want to force you to ride with me. I wanted to drive you since we discussed you coming back. It wasn't a last minute decision."
I sigh. I can't stay mad him forever. I turn to face him and his expression has softened. He reaches out and takes my hand in his. We sit like this until we reach the parking lot. He puts the car in park and then in a flash his hands are all over me and his mouth is on mine. God he tastes good. I pull away knowing we aren't exactly alone. I can see Luke waiting out of the corner of my eye and cars are still pulling in.
"I'll be home when you get off. I know you're just coming to change but I'll be there." He kisses my hand and then I hop out of the car.
"I love you Christian."
"I love you too. Now go, enjoy your day back." I smile at him and close the door. I watch him drive away before joining Sawyer at the door.
"Ready for your first day?" Luke asks as we step into the elevator.
"You have no idea." I smile up at him.
By lunch I'm neck deep in a riveting manuscript. I had to fight to get more than one manuscript to work on today. I don't know why everyone here thinks I can't handle more than that. This is the second one I've read today and it's so good. I asked Hannah to go and grab me something to eat so I could continue to read. I haven't heard from Christian since this morning. I briefly wonder if I should call him but then decide against it. I'm startled when a sudden knock comes from my door. I look up and find Luke standing with a bouquet of white roses. Christian. I wave him in and he sets the flowers on my desk.
I pick up the notecard attached and read it to myself. I can't wait to get you home. Until tonight. X I don't know if this is Christian sucking up after our little fight this morning or if this was already planned, but I love it. He seems to have a thing for the white roses. Sawyer still stands by my desk, rather awkwardly, but when I nod my head and wink at him, he smiles and walks out the door. I put the flowers in the corner of my desk and get back to my manuscript before Hannah arrives with lunch.
"Ana, it's time to go." Luke's booming voice interrupts my train of thought. "Ana?" he calls from the doorway.
"I'm coming. Just let me close down my computer." I quickly check my emails and then shut off the computer. Wait. There's something off but I can't put my finger on it. I check my emails again on my blackberry hoping to bring back the odd feeling but nothing happens. Oh well it's time to go. I know Christian is there waiting for me, no doubt trying to convince me not to go out but I'm not going to stay home.
I walk through the foyer, Sawyer at my heels. There's no one around. I can hear Gail in the distance so I'm not too worried. I make my way to the stairs, checking every room as I go. Seeing Gail in the library cleaning, I wave and Sawyer leaves me to talk to her.
I make it to the bedroom and I see the bathroom door is closed and I can hear the shower running. That's the second shower he's taken today. Oh well. I head for my closet to find something a little more comfortable to wear. I pick out my favorite black jeans and my navy blue blouse. I decide to go casual and top off my outfit with a pair of matching navy blue converse that seem to have magically appeared. And I know just the magician that put them there. I strip slowly, not wanting to ruin my dress and when I turn around Christian is sitting on the edge of the bed completely naked, drying his hair.
I can feel my face flush and I quickly throw my top on. I can feel his eyes on me as I pull my jeans up and when I look up he has his hand firmly grasping his impressive erection. With every movement I make, he pumps himself, a goofy grin spreading across his face. I head for the bathroom, hoping to rid myself of the distraction that is Christian Grey but he just follows me in there. I scowl at him and he pins me to the still wet shower door, his mouth capturing mine. I feel my body go limp as his mouth moves along my jawline and eventually finding its way to the soft spot on my neck. I moan in pleasure and fist my hands in his hair. He starts his decent further south when I finally push him off. The puzzled look on his face is priceless.
"Christian, I'm still going. You can stop." I move to push him further away but he anticipates my reaction and pins me to the wall again.
"I have no idea what you are talking about." He smirks and I stick my tongue out at him.
"Yes you do. You're using sex as a weapon against me but it's not working. Now move." He laughs and momentarily lets me go. I take this moment to dash under his arms but I only make it to the bed when he scoops me up and pins me over the bed. I scream in protest but he doesn't stop. He starts to tickle me and I begin to panic. "No Christian!" I manage between my fits of giggles.
Suddenly Luke and Taylor burst through the bedroom door, guns in their hands. Immediately Christian stops and scrambles to cover himself with a blanket. Both men turn bright red upon seeing their boss in the nude and I cover my mouth to keep from laughing. "Everything is fine. Sorry we scared you. I was just tickling her and she screamed." You can visibly see both men relax a fraction and Taylor even laughs a little. Taylor moves to leave but Sawyer stays where he is. Christian sees this and looks from me to Sawyer. "Can I help you Sawyer?" Christian grumbles.
"Ana, it's almost 6. We need to leave if we're to make it to your reservation." He holsters his piece and retreats from the bedroom.
I head back to the bathroom to fix my hair and then I grab my other purse from the closet before heading out myself. Christian catches up with me in the kitchen, wrapping his arms around me. He's dressed now but only in a pair of sweats and a tank top. "Don't stay out too late."
"I won't. I promise."
"And keep Sawyer with you at all times."
I sigh. "Christian, we talked about this. Sawyer can keep an eye from a distance at dinner but at the club he's to stay outside." His hands leave me and he starts pacing the room.
"You're not going to give up on that are you?"
"Christian…" I start but he interrupts me.
"Don't 'Christian' me Anastasia. You were attacked and the man is still out there! It's not safe. It's best if Sawyer stays with you at all times. I can't let anything happen to you."
"Nothing is going to happen to me."
"You don't know that!" He shouts and I jump. "Christ Ana, if anything happened to you again, I'd never forgive myself." I rush over and hug him tightly.
"Christian, it wasn't your fault. And I'm going to be fine." I look up at him but he doesn't seem convinced. "What if I call you? I'll call you every hour or so, okay?"
He considers this for a moment before speaking. "You call me when you arrive at the restaurant. Again when you're leaving. And when you get to the club. After that I want a call every hour, on the hour."
I cringe inwardly. "I will have Sawyer let you know when we have arrived and left the restaurant, and again when we reach the club. Then I will call you…"
"Every hour on the hour, Anastasia." I begin to protest but he stops me. "Or you don't go." I roll my eyes at him but nod my head.
"Fine." I throw my hands up in the air and head for the elevator. Thankfully Luke is already there waiting for me. "To the restaurant."
Just as the elevator doors begin to close Christian appears and I blow a kiss to him goodbye. He catches it in his hand before mouthing an "I love you" just as the doors close.
I squeal in delight upon setting eyes on Kate. I see she opted for a pair of jeans and a nice blouse as well. Immediately we sit down and order some drinks. I see Sawyer sitting a few booths away, talking on the phone, no doubt to Christian. I smile over at him and he subtly waves. I turn back to Kate and am met by the Kavanagh Inquisition. "So, spill it Steele. What the hell happened to you?"
"What did Christian tell you?"
"He just said that you were attacked on a business trip, that the bastard was still out there and you didn't know who it was. That's all. He said that's all we needed to know. But that's form cold eyes."
"Cold eyes?" I giggle.
"You like his nickname?" She grins before taking a huge gulp of her margarita.
"It's appropriate, but he's not always like that."
"Well anyways, like I said before, spill it." She leans forward, crosses her legs, resting on hand on the table, the other on her leg. She looks just like a journalist about to get the juiciest story of her career.
"It's not pretty, Kate. I'm not sure you want to know." She brushes this off with a wave of her hand and a scoff. "Alright well it started after my business meeting…"
An hour and two full bellies later, Kate has teared up twice since I told her my story but she hasn't cried yet. I finally made it through that story without crying as well. I feel a little proud of myself, like this is a step forward in recovery. Kate has apologized a million times and keeps looking at me with a sympathetic look on her face. "Well Steele, if there's anything you need, and I mean anything, you know I'm here for you. I'm just a phone call away." Her hand comes to rest on mine and that's when the dam breaks for the both of us.
"Oh I know Kate! I don't know what I would do without you."
She wipes away her tears with a tissue before handing me one. "C'mon, let's go dance our asses off like there's no tomorrow."
"Oh Kate, you always know how to make light of any situation." I grab my purse and we head out the door, Sawyer keeping in pace a few feet behind us.
The club is packed with people but we have no trouble getting in. Sawyer waits outside as previously agreed upon. We take a table and put our purses in the chairs before heading to the dance floor. We both dance our asses off, as Kate said. I look over at Kate and smile. I don't know what Christian is so worried about. I've got security outside and my best friend by my side.
What could go wrong?