SURPRISE! I know I said it might not be till the 28th I would get this done… but inspiration hit me hard and I really liked how this chapter turned out, so I was ready to share with you. So yay!

All mistakes are mine

Monday August 22nd 2011

I decide to work late tonight. Not only because I'm not ready to face Ana, but I have lots of things to do before I leave Thursday. Ana has tried to call, but I'm pushed it to voicemail. I sent her e-mail to tell her I would be late and not to wait up. I haven't heard anything back after that.

So, I'm being a bit of an asshole. I know. A little of the old me showing through.

The words haunt me. I suffocate her.

Ok, so maybe she didn't say those words, but they were implied, weren't they?

I never really thought about how much I have thrown on her in the last couple months. And how she's taken it with a grain of salt. Maybe I took it for granted. I didn't even really think about what she would think if I did give her the company.

I guess I thought she would be excited by it. I want to give her the world and I guess to me that was a start by letting her lead her own publishing house.

I guess I still have a lot to learn.

Then I start thinking that maybe I'm not ready to face the issues with my birth mother. I can only imagine what It's going to do to me when I see her grave. Welch was able to find where the state had buried her, since she had no other family to pay for the burial. I'm sure all there is a small plaque in her memory.

Between Ang and Flynn, they both seem to think I'm ready for it. Ana thinks I'm ready. Then I start to think if it will bring up old nightmares. Nightmares that I have started to squash down. Why can't I just say I forgive her and move on.

I fumble with the pocket watch and try to open it again. Even with all my might, I can't pry it open. I end up throwing it on the desk and resting my head in my hands.

"How long are you going to hide out here for?"

My head pops up and leaning on my desk is Ana. I'm guessing she's been home and has changed because she's wearing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.

"I'm not hiding…" I tell her as I move some papers around on my desk.

"Uh-huh…" She moves around the desk and stands in front of me. "You haven't been answering my calls. What if something was wrong?"

"Sawyer would have told me…" I mumble.

Ana sighs, "Really? Well did you forget we were supposed to meet with Gia from the plans on the house tonight?"

Fuck!

"Sorry, I forgot." I mumble

"Yeah, it was quite the surprise when she showed up. She was quite disappointed when she found out you weren't there." She snorts and in response I roll my eyes.

"We're you able to tell her what you wanted?"

"No. I had to tell her to come back. I'm not going to make decisions without you." She huffs and crosses her arms.

"I told you, you could do whatever you want to the house. It's yours and I want you to be happy."

"And what about you? What if I wanted to paint the house pink?" I purse my lips together. "Yeah, I didn't think so. We're going to live there together, I want you to like it to. Are you really this upset about this afternoon?"

"No." I lie.

"You're a terrible liar and I have no idea how you made your money with those skills." She smirks. "I just needed space Christian. You just threw something major on my lap."

"I know and I'm sorry. I didn't think when I did it. The last thing I want to do it suffocate you. So, I figured I would give you your space. Since you met me...well I definitely haven't made your life any easier."

"Maybe not. However, you've made it better. I know in your heart was in the right place when you think gifting me my own publishing house would be a good move. Considering, the last three weeks you tried to talk me out of working."

"I just want you to have everything, Ana, I know this is your dream job. So, I just thought I had an opportunity to give you so much more of that dream. You'll get complete creative control…"

"But, that's not what I really want. I know to someone like you, this gift, is like roses to others. But you ambushed we with this on my first day back instead of talking it over with me. I want to earn the position I get. If one day that leads me to running the company so be it. Just right now I want to be semi normal, enjoy being editor. Try to be more than the boss's boss's bosses' wife."

"I get it. I do."

"And I'm sorry for jumping at you too. You don't suffocate me." She moves closer to me and I swivel my chair to face her. She takes the opportunity to sit on my lap. "It's just hard to listen to all the whispers around the office. I can't even go to the bathroom without some catty person saying I only have the job because of you, that I slept my way to the top. I won't even tell you the stuff about how they think our marriage is all a sham. Then I guess when you came in and told me you were giving me a company, and well, I just got overwhelmed and snapped."

I can feel my blood start to boil. What gives the people the fucking right to talk about my wife like that. It takes everything in my power not to call Sawyer to give me every name of every person around her today.

I feel Ana's hand run through my hair, "Hey, cool down hulk. I can deal with it. It comes with the territory of being Mrs. Christian Grey."

"Just promise if you can't-" she puts her finger to my lips.

"I'll tell you. How about we talk about this giving me a publishing house in a year?" she removes her finger and plants a light kiss on my lips.

I nod my head before burying my face in her neck. "I hate it when we fight."

She giggles, "This wasn't a fight. Maybe a small disagreement. So, can you take me back home now?"

"I don't know." I start to say, "I think there's something I would like to do first." I wiggle my eyebrows at her.

She bites down her lip and looks around the room, "I kind of always had a fantasy about doing it in your conference room."

"Oh, is that so Mrs. Grey. You're in luck because I'm taking requests." I slam my lips to hers. She straddles her legs around me, so I'm able to pick her up.

Since it's late I know there's nobody on the floor, except maybe Jason in the security office. But, I'll take my chances at the moment, because all I can think about is being balls deep inside of my wife.

Friday August 26th 2011

Wearrived in Detroit late last night. Even the smell of the air here makes me sick to my stomach. It's too late to turn back now. Plus, I need to do this. I have to do this. I take some cold water and flash it on my face.

"You can do this." Ang appears in the bathroom mirror. I jump at the surprise of her appearance of my reflection.

"You really need to stop doing that." I place my hand on my chest.

"Sorry. I've been trying to talk to you, but you've been busy. Do you ever let that poor girl sleep?" Ang raises an eyebrow at me.

"She's asleep right now, isn't she?"

"Touché. Good thing to, wouldn't want her to see you talking to yourself again."

"Yes, because I think she thinks I'm crazy enough."

"No, she doesn't." she waves off. "So, tell me, what's on your mind?"

"We go through this every time. You already know what is on my mind. I just want to get today over with." I moan.

"If you're not ready there isn't any reason to push yourself to do it."

"No, I'm ready. Ana and I have really talked about it last night, and I agree with her that I'm more than ready to face this."

She nods, "Good." She simply states.

"Do you think you could give me a hint?"

I hate this not knowing- It's driving me nuts. Sometimes I can't help but think if I'm seconds away of losing everything I worked so hard on. That I'll be back at the penthouse sipping on bourbon, wishing for Ana to come back, and all the problems that were all dealt with start to haunt me again.

"A hint about what?" Ang says casually. She looks down at her nails, examining them.

"You know…"

She shakes her head with a sly grin.

I sigh, knowing full well she's playing a game with me.

"Rather I stay or go?" I huff almost annoyed. Ang chuckles before disappearing in front of my eyes, and Ana's reflection appears again. Gloriously naked.

"You know I'm starting to worry about you." Ana says as she wraps her arms around my waist. The feeling of her bare flesh of mine does nothing but send tingles to my dick.

"Why are you worrying about me for?"

"Because this isn't the first time since I've known you that I've caught you talking to yourself. Are you having second thoughts?"

I take her arms so I can spin around and wrap myself around her and pull her close to me.

"No, I guess I'm just thinking what I should say. Do I say anything or just lay the flowers down and go?"

"I think you should whatever feels right. Get what you're feeling off your chest. Believe it or not, I think she can hear you, this is the time to express things you've been holding on for years. Get it off your chest."

I rest my lips on her forehead and ponder the thought. It would be nice to be somewhat free form this whole thing.

"We should get some breakfast." The quicker we eat, the quicker I do this, and get on the plane to Aspen.

"I've already taken care of the Mr. Grey. Room service should be here in twenty minutes."

"Twenty minutes huh?" I look down and wiggle my eyebrows. "I think can accomplish a lot in twenty minutes."

Ana steps out of my arms, "Oh no…" she shakes her head, inching closer and closer backwards towards the door.

"No?..." I take my steps to inch closer to her as she goes out the door. "You came to me, naked, and you're saying no?" I grin at her and she's shaking her head, giggling, as she reaches down and finds my discarded shirt.

"You don't need that…" I tell her softly. My steps coming bigger as I reach for the shirt in her hands and throw it across the room.

"Hey!" she protects as the shirt goes flying and then I pick her up by the waist and throw her to the bed.

"You don't play fair…" She mumbles, surrendering herself to me at this point.

"I never have and you knew that coming into this relationship." I whisper to her as my nose finds its way into her drenched core.

x-x-x

After a hearty breakfast, that I couldn't seem to stomach down, but Ana managed to shove more food into her mouth then a lumberjack, we make our way to the cemetery.

The weather is damp and there's a cool breeze blowing on what would normally be a warm day. The weather fits my mood as we approach the tiny plaque.

It simply reads:

Ella Johnson

April 4th, 1966- September 9th 1987

In all honesty, it's mildly depressing to look at. The 6 by 6 flat plaque in the ground is the only memory left of this woman. My mother. I look around the grave yard and look at the massive headstones. Some say loving mother or father, son or daughter. Showing that someone loved them.

The first time it clicks.

My mother was all alone. I was the only one she might have had. I gulp silently and look at over at Ana, who is gripping my hand and her head rest against my shoulder. I kiss the top of her head and she glances up at me.

"Are you ok?" She asks concerned.

"Yeah. Do you think I could have a moment?"

She nods her head before reaching up and giving me a kiss. "I'll be in the car if you need me." I nod my head and watch as she walks to the town car and gets in.

I stare at the plaque for what seems like hours and hours. I'm trying to formulate the words in my head but, nothing is coming out of my mouth. I look towards the car thinking I should just forget it. What is talking to the ground going to bring me.

And in a moment of clarity, I know.

Peace.

I clear my throat and kneel down, not worried about the mud on my knees.

"I've been thinking for awhile, what I want to say to you. Growing up I always hated you. You left me alone at the hands of a monster. My childhood memories with you are nothing but bleak nightmares. I spent so many years not being able to sleep, because every time I closed them you or the pimp were there. Nobody could touch me, because of what he did to me. You didn't protect me." I can feel the lump in my throat and I try to swallow it down. "Your job was to protect me. The only way you finally did that was when you died and I was able to get adopted by the Grey's. However, lately I've been starting to think things differently. I wonder who was around to protect you? I started to wonder if you started pimping yourself out for the cash. But were you so addicted to the drugs by then because of your own pain that you forgot the buy food or clothes for me? Did you just forget about me sometimes? Was I ever on your mind? I used to think you hated me, I mean you called me 'maggot.' but then I think when you called me that, it was your way of being endearing. Because when you called me that sometimes it was the only time I would see you smile. If I dig deep, I can remember one or two good times with you. I think those are what I choose to want to hold onto now. I'll never know what your troubles were, and I'm starting to learn everything happens for a reason. The day you died was my new chapter and I'm starting to believe it was a way of setting me free. So, I no longer hate you and I forgive you. I just still don't know if I'm ready to tell you that I love you. Maybe one day I can tell you, and when I'm ready, I'll make sure to come back and tell you so."

I stand back up taking one last glance at the plaque and turn to the car where my future is. I open the door to the back of the car and scoot myself next to Ana. She quickly wraps her arms around me.

She touches my cheek with her thumb and that's when I notice that my cheek is wet. And it's not from the rain.

Ana doesn't say anything as we stare at each other wordlessly. Nothing needs to be said in this moment. I lean down and kiss her gently on the lips and then rest my forehead onto hers.

I nod my head to signal to her that I'm ok.

"Taylor, the airport please." I tell him, my eyes never leaving Ana's.

"Yes, sir." Taylor replies as the car jolts forward.

The weight on my shoulders feels so much lighter, my heart also is not so heavy. I make a note to make sure my mother has a better headstone over her final resting place.

August 27th 2011

Aspen

Yesterday after we left Detroit we arrived at our house in Aspen. The nightmares I thought I was going to have didn't happen. I actually slept perfectly sound. When we got in I had a surprise for Ana, and if I admit, also for me.

I had Elliot, Kate, Mia and Ethan also join us at the house. I know that Ana hasn't been able to see much of her friends, but I also felt as though I needed to be surrounded by others. Ana and I didn't talk about what happened at the gravesite. I didn't bring it up and I knew that she wouldn't either.

I don't feel the need to. I did it. I don't feel like I need to keep talking about it. At least not in the moment. The fact that I know that Ana understands that, is what makes her perfect for me.

My peace was said and just for awhile my head needs a break from thinking of my mother.

Plus, tonight my brother has big plans and I was more than willing to help him. To think that Kate Kavanagh grew on me. And now my brother is going to propose and I don't want to ask 'what in the world he is thinking.

While Elliot went to go shop for a ring, Ethan and I went fishing, while the girls went shopping.

I almost felt bad for Ana knowing how much she dislikes shopping and being dragged out by my sister and Kate; who I know for a fact are not the most relaxing shoppers. God knows I want to pull my hair out everytime I come anywhere close to a store with Mia.

While Ethan and I were out fishing, I was surprised how easily we bounded with him. He's actually intelligent enough to hold a conversation about economics and just our society today.

Knowing that he has no real interest towards my wife makes me relax, knowing there's no chance of another Jose, on my hands. I can see us actually being friends.

Who would've thought?

Tonight, we are going to dinner and I'm sure more than likely going clubbing if Mia has her way.

I get an email from Ana, asking me to pretty much to check out her ass. Like Flash Gordon I'm up the stairs like the speed of light.

Ana is standing in a full-length mirror in what looks like a scrap of silver fabric. Her whole back in exposed. Her legs look like they go on for miles, especially in the heels she's wearing, I can only picture them wrapped around my ears.

She's hot. And I almost want to demand her to change, but I can't. She's absolutely stunning and I'll get to show everyone how she is mine.

She spots my eyes in the mirror as I walk behind her. My finger traces her spine. "What do you think?" She asks me softly as my fingers now run down her shoulders.

"I don't think I have enough words to describe how amazing you look." I kiss the side of her neck, just below her ear. My fingers touch the hem of her dress and find their way underneath to stroke the outside of her panties. "This is mine." I whisper, before moving her underwear aside and dipping my finger into her. She lolls her head back as I pump in and out of her a few times. She's moaning and I can feel her getting close, before removing them.

I want her wanting more, needy for my touch. By the end of the night she's going to be begging for me. Especially with her wearing this dress, I can't picture my hands not touching her all night.

She huffs at me, turning around and crossing her arms. I look at her as to say 'What?' and she glares at me as I stick my fingers in my mouth and suck off her juices.

God, she's sweet.

"You know what mister." She stomps her foot and gives me a cute little pout.

"Come-" I hold out my hand for her.

"I was-" she mumbles as I laugh. She takes my hand and we join the others to head to dinner.

X-x-x-x

As we wait for dessert, I watch as Elliot become more nervous every second. The man is sweaty and I can tell by the movement of tablecloth, that he's bouncing his knee up and down.

Then Elliot startles us all when his chair scrapes across the floor making an obnoxious sound that echoes through the room.

Everyone is now looking at him, and he pulls the collar of his shirt from his neck. He looks like he's going to faint.

My man whore brother is committing himself to one woman. I never thought I would see this day. I guess he felt the same way with me.

Elliot falls to one knee. I mean falls. Literally. He recovers and grabs Kate's hand.

The whole restaurant is silent. They're waiting for him to make his move.

I can see the sweat glistening from his brow. He finally opens his mouth and the words start coming out.

"My beautiful Kate, I love you. Your grace, your beauty, and your fiery spirit have no equal, and you have captured my heart. Spend your life with me. Marry me."

Kate sits there opening and closing her mouth at him like a goldfish.

Ana takes my hand and smiles over at me in wonder for her best friend, who happens at the moment to be leaving my brother hanging. Elliot looks ready to pass out if she doesn't answer him soon.

"YES!" She squeals and jumps up to hug him, which ends up knocking them both to the ground. They don't seem to care that they are in the middle of a restaurant as Kate starts kissing his face all over.

Everyone starts to clap and the happy couple finally remembers where they are and stand up. Elliot slips the ring her finger.

"Did you know about this?" Ana leans over and asks me. I give her a knowing smile and she nudges me in the arm.

I order two bottles of Cristal for the table to celebrate.

Mia and Ana get up to hug Kate, and the noise vibrating out of their throats would be enough to call the dogs home.

The waiter pours our drinks and I propose a toast. "To Kate and my dear brother Elliot- congratulations."

X-x-x

We arrive at Zax, a nightclub that I own here, and are led straight back to the VIP area. This is the most relaxed I have felt in a while. God, I'm actually enjoying myself in a club, not to mention with my siblings and friends. We order a round of drinks before Mia kidnaps Kate and Ana to go dancing.

The three of us guys stand and watch from above.

"How did we get so lucky bro?" Elliot asks me.

"I ask myself that everyday." I answer as my eyes never leave my wife as she dances between Mia and Kate. I watch as her body sways to the rhythm. She's unbelievably sexy in this moment and all I can think about is taking her home and ridding that scrap of material from her body.

The dance floor is filling up and all of a sudden all I see is red, as some dumb blonde asshole puts his hands on my woman.

"Christian-" I hear Elliot call after me, as I bolt to the dance floor. I dig my way through the crowd just in time for Ana to smack the fucker in the face and tell him she's married.

That's my girl.

I arrive next to her circling my arms around my wife. I'm still pissed this bastard was feeling up my wife. I have this strong urge to punch his lights out, until I feel Ana's hand on my chest.

I glare at the blonde asshole and I'm glad to see I still have it when he quivers under my hard stare. He's smart and runs off with his tail between his legs.

"Are you ok?" I shout to Ana over the loud music. She nods her head at me and circles her arms around my neck and starts rubbing her body against mine to the beat of the music. I roll my hips into hers and pull her as close as I can.

I don't know how long we are out on the dancefloor, but it doesn't matter because it's just me and her. I notice out of the corner of my eye the others dancing around us.

"I want to take you home." I say in her ear, before I bite down on her exposed neck.

"Yess-" she hisses as I suck and lick down her collarbone.

I back away from her taking her hand, leading her off the dance floor, and taking her outside where I text Taylor telling him we're ready to go.

"What about the others?" Ana asks, as I enfold her in my arms and kiss her hard. My hand wraps around her hair, as the other grabs her naked back pulling her close to me.

We must look like a couple of lovesick teenagers.

"I'll have Taylor come back for them." I whisper against her lips, "But right now I'm desperate for you and I can't wait another second to be inside of you."

Next we will move forward to September 9th!