Chapter 21

February

APOV

The last couple of weeks have been extremely busy and a lot has happened. We were preparing to leave from Ray's house when Sawyer seemed a little off and kept coming up to me then leaving until he started to irritate me and I asked him if there was something wrong.

He apologised for what occurred with Jack, he felt guilty but was unsure of how to approach me. He told me that he apparently wanted to resign but Christian wouldn't let him, he wasn't to know that Jack was going to attack him while going to the bathroom but he did rip him a new one and let it be known that there are to be no more fuck ups. He wanted to know how I felt still having him as my CPO. I told him I was angry with him at first and what I was thinking afterwards but I'm not worried about him performing his duties, I know he won't let something like that happen again so now hopefully we can put it behind us.

Christian and I had our first big fight over work. The news became public that GEH bought SIP and things at work became awkward for me. Women can be so bitchy. I overheard them gossiping about me while I was in the bathroom stall and I became upset. That evening I told Christian and he just exploded, demanding I give him their names and he will have them dealt with. That was the last thing I wanted. I just wanted to vent my feelings to my boyfriend, not have him make things worse for me. In no uncertain terms I told him he is not to interfere and his comeback was that it's his company and he'll do what he wants and that pretty much started it all.

He sulked for two days and I didn't really want to talk to him unless he was going to be reasonable. In the end he saw it wasn't his place to fight my battles at work for me, no matter how much he wants to.

I hated people thinking I was given Jack's old office and role because of Christian when that was not true but I wasn't going to defend myself to everybody, I shouldn't have to. I decided I wanted to take an online business course. I want to prove myself and work my way up just like anybody else. Christian was supportive of the idea and told me he would be there to help me in any way if I needed him.

Add to that me having an appointment with Dr Miller and packing my stuff from the apartment to be moved over to Escala and I was mentally and physically exhausted.

I officially moved in to Christian's apartment last night.

Christian wanted to celebrate by having sex in practically every room there is. I only made it to room number four before calling time. I believe his plan is to continue tonight.

Kate was understandably upset. We have lived together for almost five years now and it will be an adjustment, we just need to make time to see each other that's all. She's dating Christian's brother after all so it's not like we are out of each other's lives. She will always be my best friend. I really thought she was going to try talk me out of it, telling me it's too soon instead she gave me a hug, told me she'd miss me and knew it was going to come to this eventually considering how many nights I spend there.

Today we have the sentencing for Victor Nikolaev over at the Court House and Christian has been holed up in his study for the past thirty minutes.

Coming out of our bedroom I find Gail in the kitchen finishing up breakfast.

"Morning, Ana. French toast and fruit okay with you this morning?"

"Yes, thank you, Gail. I'll just go see what's keeping Christian."

Reaching for the handle the door flies open and Taylor comes out.

"Miss Steele."

"Morning, Taylor."

Walking in Christian looks up and leans back in his chair behind his desk.

"Hey. What's happening?"

I lean on the edge of desk beside him.

"I was just on the phone with my father." Christian's hand starts to run up and down my thigh over my black pants. "Are you sure you want to attend today? It's going to be a media circus."

He asked me this last night and my answer hasn't changed.

"I'm positive. I need to do this, Christian, to see for myself that he is going away and that it's all finally over."

He sighs and stands up before kissing me.

"Let's go have breakfast. My father will meet us there in an hour."

When Christian said it was going to be a media circus he was not exaggerating. They recognise the SUV and basically swarm around us. I have cameras and microphones shoved in my face and get blinded by the flashes. Thankfully we have extra security with us today and get past them and inside with little trouble except for their idiotic questions.

They were shouting at us, as if we would ever answer them. "Mr Grey what are you hoping the outcome will be today? When's the wedding? Really? What was Jack Hyde's involvement? How did they find out about that? Is it true he's your biological brother? Oh now, come on.

Once inside we find Carrick waiting for us just past security.

"Christian. Ana. Follow me."

He leads us up a flight of green carpeted stairs and into a small room which holds nothing but an old wooden table and four chairs around it. The window covered with an old white plastic venetian blind. He closes the door while our own security take up positions just outside.

"Take a seat."

Christian holds a chair out for me before taking a seat himself.

"The actual sentencing itself won't take very long, half an hour at the most. The Judge has already been given to read your victim statements. With Christian being in the public eye I thought it best to keep it private, I didn't see the need for everybody knowing what the two of you went through."

I'm glad to hear that. I don't want the whole world knowing my experience and deepest fears from my time stuck in that basement. The constant worry of when they would come back down there, not wanting to sleep in case they would try to rape me, Christian getting stabbed and shot.

"As far as I know the other accomplices have taken plea deals for further information against Nikolaev and jailed, they are to be sent back to Russia upon their release and Jack Hyde also took a deal. Ten years with a chance of parole after four." Carrick continues.

That's all? I look over at Christian but his face is blank, no reaction. Somehow I believe that if Christian has anything to do with it Jack will never be leaving that prison.

"Now there is one more thing. The Russian agent is here and has requested to see you both, if you're fine with it."

I was not expecting that but I don't see why not. I wonder why he wants to see us.

"Um…I'm okay with it." I say. "Christian?"

He just shrugs and agrees.

"Good. His name is Maksim and is waiting down the hall. I'll go get him and be back shortly."

When Carrick leaves the room I face Christian who is being even more pensive than usual.

"What's the matter?"

He just shakes his head at me so I let it go for now. If I'm not wrong I really believe it has to do with Jack. Four years is really not that long. Who knows where we will be in four years' time. What if we are still together or even have a child. I hate the thought of Jack coming after us again in a sick game of revenge.

Carrick returns a short while later with Maksim, bringing me face to face with the man who I had nightmares about not too long ago. We both stand as they enter the room and close the door behind them.

He is dressed in a navy suit with his badge on display.

Looking into his familiar green eyes, seeing the scar on his face, it takes me back to that basement and the night I escaped causing my body to tense up. Christian steps closer and pulls me into his side.

"Mr Grey. Miss Steele. Thank you for meeting with me."

You can hardly notice his accent. If I didn't know his background I never would have guessed that English was not his first language.

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry for everything that took place and especially to you Miss Steele. It was unfortunate that you were involved. I tried my best to help you but there was not much I could do without giving myself away, I had to do my job. I know you must have been afraid. In the end all I could do was make sure you were not hurt in any way. I know the whole situation wasn't handled in the best way, Mr Grey, I wish things could have gone easier for you but I had no say in it. I hope you understand."

Christian moves towards him and offers Maksim his hand to shake.

"We understand and thank you for taking the time to apologise. What was Nikolaev's plan once he landed?" Christian asks him.

"I think it is best if you do not know."

That must be code for something horrific.

"I also want to apologise to you for shooting you. I really didn't want anybody to get hurt."

"I'm okay Miss, it's healed very well so no need to apologise, you did what you had to do."

He wishes us the best and leaves us.

Now that we're in the court room waiting for the Judge and prisoner I'm feeling anxious. Why did I insist in coming again? It is pretty crowded in here with what I can only assume are reporters.

A side door opens where a man in an orange jumpsuit and cuffs is led out. I grab Christian's hand tightly. That's him. Victor Nikolaev.

I don't know what I was expecting to see. He looks like your average, ordinary man. In my mind I created someone more evil looking. He is of average height and build, mid 40's with blonde hair which has started to grey at his temples and blue eyes. Nothing remarkable about him at all.

He sees something at the back of the room which makes him misstep. I turn my head to see what it could possibly be and see Irina seated there. I turn back around and pretend she isn't here.

"All rise." The bailiff calls out.

We stand as the Judge makes his appearance before sitting back down.

He takes a few moments to go over the paperwork before him.

"This will not take long and is merely a formality. I understand the prisoner has pled guilty to all the charges and I have read the victim's statements which were provided to me."

You can sense the reporter's disappointment. If they were after a juicy story on Christian Grey, they won't be getting it here.

The Judge commences to read out the list of charges against Nikolaev. I catch mention of both Christian's and my name a couple of times.

"Is there anything either counsellor wishes to say at this time?"

Both Carrick and the defendant lawyer advise that they do not.

"Very well. Will the prisoner please stand."

I stare at his face, trying to determine what kind of man he is, how he could do what he did. He is showing no emotion. He has yet to look our way which I am grateful for. Does he even know we are in the room or does he simply not care.

"Victor Nikolaev, for the charges stated earlier I sentence you to twenty years imprisonment in the State of Washington with no chance of parole to be followed by deportation upon the expiry of your sentence."

The gavel comes down with a loud clang echoing around the room. I didn't even realise I was holding my breath until then.

Christian gives me a small smile and kisses me on the cheek.

"It's over, baby."

Is it really?

XXXXX

CPOV

Valentine's Day

Today is the first valentine's day I am spending with Anastasia or anyone really for that matter. It's a new and strange experience. I hope she enjoys what I've planned for us.

I organised to have two dozen red roses delivered to her at work at lunchtime. To show her appreciation she texted me a photo of herself in her lingerie to give me something to look forward to she wrote. I've had a boner for the past hour because I keep going back to that photo. She has an amazing body, a damn fine ass and those long legs that wrap tightly around my wait just right. Damn it Grey get yourself together you have a meeting in 10 minutes.

Today feels like the slowest fucking day on earth. Every time I've glanced down at my watch only five minutes seem to have passed. Three more hours before I can go see my girl. Shit you have it bad, and I couldn't be happier. Ros is giving me funny looks and discretely kicks me under the table every time she notices me lose concentration. If she wasn't a woman I would so kick her ass. I squint my eyes at her basically saying I dare you to kick me one more time.

Ros left straight after our meeting to go back to the hospital but called me half an hour later to tell me to thank Ana for the flowers she had sent over. It turns out when Gwen got her results back the doctors told her she had a fibroid growing in her uterus. It wasn't a tumour, thank goodness, which was her worst fear and she had surgery yesterday to have it removed.

After hanging up with her I arranged to have a nice dinner prepared and sent over to them at the hospital for tonight.

Finally at quarter past five I'm out of my office and dashing to the SUV. Taylor has never seen me so eager he's trying to hide his smile.

"Something you want to say, Taylor?" I ask him from the backseat.

"Not at all, Sir."

Pulling up outside SIP I don't wait too long before Ana and Sawyer appear.

I booked a suite at the Fairmont Hotel where we will have dinner and spend a romantic night together. I was going to ask Gail to pack our bags this morning but Ana insisted on packing them herself which makes me wonder what she's hiding in them, so there is no need for us to return to Escala. I would have loved to spend the night out on my boat but the weather is still too cold.

Sawyer takes Taylor's place so he can go spend the evening with Gail.

The moment Ana has entered the car and shut the door behind her my mouth is on hers almost devouring her. I can't wait to let out all of this pent up need I've had all afternoon. I'm being a little rough but she's not complaining.

"Hi, baby."

"Hi yourself." She replies a little dazed and breathless.

There's more traffic than usual tonight so it takes us a little longer than I would like to get to the hotel. After checking in and dismissing Sawyer until we leave for dinner I open our suite door for Ana to enter following her.

I smile looking around, the room has been decorated as I requested with white and pink roses placed pretty much on every available surface and white candles lit and glowing warmly. It complements the dark wooden furniture and cream coloured upholstery.

The perfume of the flowers is not too strong but noticeable.

"Wow, this is beautiful. Did you do this?"

I shyly smile.

"Maybe."

Ana stands in front of me playing with my tie.

"I'm going to rock your world tonight, Mr Grey." She purrs and winks at me.

I think she's going in for a kiss but instead bites down on my lower lip before licking the same spot she just attacked before walking away into the bedroom.

Holy fuck, I cannot wait until after dinner. I'm not going to bother with changing and just stay in my grey suit and blue tie from this morning.

Fifteen minutes later Ana comes out having changed out of her work clothes wearing a short sleeved, light pink lace dress which reaches her knees with nude heels. It's both sexy and sweet. Her hair falling in waves over her shoulders. She's beautiful, there is no other word for it.

We make our way downstairs to the hotel's restaurant and spot Sawyer by our table. I sent him down earlier with Ana's gift. Once he notices us he nods his head and walks away to take a seat nearby at the bar. If I could get away with not having security around tonight I would but the restaurant down here is just too open.

The lighting in the room has been dimmed down tonight to give it a more intimate feel along with the candles on all of the small round tables covered with white tablecloths and gold backed chairs.

We pass dozens of couples all out for a romantic dinner but I only have eyes for the woman walking in front of me and her ass that's swaying hypnotically before me.

I pull Ana's chair out, she takes a seat and stares down at the plate in front of her.

I can't help but grin.

On her plate is a single red rose and small red box from Cartier.

"Christian, what is this?" Her voice sounds so small I barely heard her.

I move my chair closer to hers, sit down, pick up the box and open it up, presenting it to her making her gasp.

"Happy valentines' day, baby." I say as I take out the piece of jewellery.

I purchased her a white gold, diamond entwined heart and infinity symbol necklace.

"When I saw this I knew straight away you were meant to have it. You have my heart forever, Anastasia." I tell her as I lean over and put it on around her delicate neck.

She tears up as she fingers the heart and looks down at it.

"I love you so much, thank you. It's gorgeous but you didn't have to get me anything. The roses and dinner were more than enough."

Ana places her hands on my cheeks and pulls my face towards hers for a gentle, lingering kiss.

"I know I didn't have to but I wanted to. You deserve to be showered with diamonds, baby."

Cue the blush. I still love the fact I can make her blush so easily. My favourite though is when her whole body is pink and flushed after sex.

"My gift for you is a little more intimate. You will have to wait a little longer, Mr Grey."

Fuck me, if that didn't wake my dick straight up, not that he was asleep but now all I can think about is what she has planned. She make look innocent but Ana can be a devil in the bedroom.

We're halfway through our dinner when Ana brings up my family.

"Mia called me today about your mother's birthday next month. She wants to have a small party for her at home. When were you going to tell me?"

"I was going to tell you but I couldn't find the right time. I didn't want to upset you and I don't want to put you in a horrible position but, baby you know who may very well be there."

I keep going over it in my head. The fact of the matter is it's my mother's birthday and there is no way on this earth that I cannot attend however at the same time I can't vey well ask her to not invite Elena for mine and Anastasia's sake. She will start asking questions. How do I explain the fact that Ana hates her.

"I realise that and if she is then I'm enough of a grown up to ignore her for an evening for your mother's sake. Just as long as she keeps her distance it will be fine but eventually something will need to be said and done, Christian."

She's right. I know she is. The sooner the better and I'm working on doing just that I just need a little more time to prepare myself.

"Soon, Ana. I promise and then we can forget about her."

I've been seeing Flynn to work through everything. He suggested I confront her one last time to pour all my feelings and thoughts out before coming clean to my family and cutting her out of everyone's life for good.

"Okay then."

For desert we share a sundae reminiscent of our first date which seems so long ago but in reality it has only been almost 3 months. The best months of my life if I'm being honest. This woman has changed every single thing my previous boring world used to be by simply being herself. I would be lost without her. I'm not afraid to admit it. I would die without her.

Back in the bedroom of our suite Ana removes my jacket, throwing it over the back of a chair.

"I suggest you get comfortable and I will do the same."

She plants a hard kiss on my lips and walks away into the ensuite bathroom.

I am so looking forward to this I can't keep the smile off my face. My dick is straining in my pants desperate to follow her. Don't worry buddy, she'll be back soon. You've got all night.

The bathroom door opens, Ana appears and my mouth goes dry at the vision before me.

She is standing there is nothing but a giant red bow and the necklace I gave her. The material goes through her legs, travels up over her stomach to cover her breasts, over her shoulders and across her back before coming back around with a bow tied in the front between her breasts.

She has made me speechless. I have no coherent thoughts running through my mind right now. She looks like a goddess. I think she's trying to kill me.

"Fuck, Ana." That's it, that's the extent of my vocabulary at the moment.

I get to unwrap that. If I thought I was desperate to have her before it's just been kicked up a notch.

She takes three steps forward and pulls a black box out from behind her back. Suddenly looking nervous and biting her lower lip.

"Happy valentine's day, Christian. If you don't like what's inside then we can just forget about it." She tells me.

What is she talking about? I don't like where this is heading. What's in the damn box?

I take it off her, place it on the bed and lift the lid before taking a step back.

Inside is a red blindfold with the word naughty written across it, fluffy handcuffs and a silver vibrator.

When the hell did she buy these? How did she get these without me knowing about it and why?

"Why are you doing this?"

I need to know what the hell is going on in that brain of hers.

"Do you think I want or even need this?"

Ana comes closer and puts her hands on my hips.

"No, I'm doing it because I want to try this with you. You said if I ever wanted to we could play. I'm curious and just thought it could be fun I didn't mean anything by it. Like I said, if you don't want to do this then that's fine."

Her clear blue eyes tell me she's telling the truth. I'd be lying if I said I haven't thought about what it would be like having Ana in my playroom if I still had it or fantasised about having her all tied up and blindfolded and at my mercy.

My Dom persona who I put away is eager to come out and play.

If Ana really wants this then who am I to deny us both.

She's looking up at me waiting for my answer.

"If you're not comfortable with anything just tell me to stop and I will. However when we are playing you will not speak unless spoken to and address me as Sir. And do as I tell you immediately without hesitation. Understand?"

"Yes, Sir." She smiles and looks at me through her lashes. Oh, Miss Steele, what am I going to do with you?

Shit, I need to get myself under control or tonight will be over a lot sooner than we both want. Just hearing those words come out of her mouth are enough to have my dick leaking.

"Lay in the middle of the bed, Anastasia." I command her.

"Yes, Sir."

She lays down before me, her hair fanning out around her. I take the blindfold out of the box.

"You've seen enough." I tell her as I slip it over her eyes then kiss her too briefly. She tries to deepen the kiss but I pull away.

Oh, no you don't.

I roll her over onto her stomach and land a smack on her ass before rolling her over again. I grab the handcuffs next, take hold of her arms, bring them above her head and put them on her.

"Keep your hands there. If you move them I won't let you cum tonight."

This gets a gasp out of her. Yeah, you weren't expecting that were you, baby. You asked for this so you have to play by the rules.

I know she's excited already. I can read her body and her breathing is coming out faster.

I shed my clothes then go into the living room to grab the bottle of champagne which is chilling in the ice bucket. I return to find Ana squirming. Oh that will never do.

I pick up my phone to select a song to play in the background. Scrolling through it I choose one by The Weeknd and have it on repeat.

She jumps a little when she hears me pop the champagne bottle open.

I take a sip straight from the bottle, reach down and kiss Ana pouring the champagne from my mouth into hers. She swallows it down and I repeat the action.

I pull her legs apart and lay between them. My right hand reaches for the bow between her breasts and unravels it. I pull the material away from her body unwrapping and exposing my gift.

"You have amazing breasts, Anastasia. They are perfect."

I place tiny little kisses on them before swirling my tongue around her perfect, pink, hardened nipples.

Ana lets out a soft little "huh," her chest moving up and down in anticipation.

"You need to lay still. If you move I will spank you. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir," she breathes out.

I pour a drop of champagne into her navel and wait to see how still she can remain. She doesn't move a muscle, she even seems to be holding her breath.

I lick up the liquid off her and feel her relax.

I want to be inside her so badly, I need to feel her around me but not quite yet. The sight of her like this on the bed is like a fantasy come to life. I need to enjoy it for a while longer.

I take another sip of champagne but this time let it drip from my mouth right on to her pussy. I know the bubbles must be tickling her. The only reaction I get is her head being thrown back and her thighs clenching.

"Good girl," I whisper across her sex before I dive in with my tongue directly into the centre of her body. Anastasia and champagne, a heady combination.

"You are amazing. I can't get enough of you."

I continue to pleasure her with my mouth, her quiet whimpers cheering me on. When I feel she's close I stop and lift myself onto my knees between her legs.

I stroke myself a few times to take the edge off while admiring the woman laid out like an offering to me.

I would love nothing more than to place my dick in her mouth right now but I know I will blow my load as soon as I feel her lips and tongue wrap around me so I resist the urge.

I hold in my hand the last item that was in the box and turn on the vibrator.

I place it against her clitoris while inserting a finger inside her. Fuck, she is absolutely soaked. I'm not going to last long inside her and I'm reaching my limit of waiting to have her.

"Do not cum." I control your pleasure right now.

I move my finger in and out of her slowly while keeping the vibrator in place. She feels so hot and wet my finger is drowning. I add a second finger and increase the speed a little but not enough. Ana has fisted her hands trying to hold back her orgasm. I know she's close.

I feel my dick weeping and the pre-cum leaks onto my thigh.

I move my hands away and stop all stimulations on her giving her a minute. She groans out in frustration.

"Are you okay?" I need to know she's good, I don't want to push her too far tonight.

"Yes, Sir."

I toss the vibrator away and settle back between her legs, my favourite place in the whole world and kiss her deeply while I enter her slowly. My cock is crying in relief.

Besides being in her, my second favourite thing is kissing Ana. I never kissed any of my subs and any one night stands I had I tried to limit the contact we had, so this right now to me is special. It allows me to show her how deep my feelings are for her without words.

My lips move across her jaw, down her neck and along the top of her breasts before returning back to her mouth. Our mouths fighting a battle where there will never be a winner.

I move within her, in and out, back and forth, she is gripping me so tightly with her muscles, I feel as if her body wants to trap and keep me there forever and I would die happy right here. Her juices have saturated me and the bed beneath her. That is so fucking hot. I look down and watch my cock disappear into her body over and over again. I speed up my thrusts and she arches her back, her breasts rubbing against my chest. Ana is grabbing at and twisting her fingers into the pillows.

I pull her arms down around my neck and remove her blindfold. I need to look into her eyes when she cums for me. I don't stop my harsh pace as she blinks to adjust to the light.

The tingle starts at the base of my spine and in my balls.

"Come with me, Anastasia."

I swallow her screams as she grips me and spasms riding out her orgasm.

"Christian."

I cum and cum and cum, so much so that it leaks out of her. Holy fuck that was intense. I'm dripping in sweat and these sheets definitely need to be changed.

I have no energy and collapse on top of her, I feel her hands unlocking and removing the handcuffs before they find their way into my hair.

"How was that baby?" I lift my head slightly to kiss her shoulder.

"Fucking incredible. How was it for you?"

"Fucking incredible. That was so hot, baby. Thank you." I manage to lift my head and kiss her which causes my cock to stir inside her.

"Tell me the truth, do you miss it?" She quietly asks and avoids eye contact.

I force her eyes back onto mine.

"Absolutely not and what we just did was more enjoyable and satisfying than anything I have ever experienced before. I mean it, Ana. Don't ever doubt yourself or me. This is so much deeper. I love you."

"I love you too. Can we do that again?"

Yep, definitely going to be the death of me.

XXXXX

I'm in my office at GEH the next morning when Taylor comes in unannounced so I know it's bad news.

After a wonderful and exhausting evening spent with Ana I just wanted an easy day today, but apparently that's too much to ask.

"I take it something has happened?"

"A package was delivered for you, Sir, so it was screened by security as per protocol. When the contents were discovered I was informed."

"What was inside?"

I'm handed a small brown box with a lid. I lift it off and am met with a half dozen pictures of a naked female, her head cut off in each shot and a pink lace thong with a note attached to it.

This could all be yours. You just have to get rid of your girlfriend.

What the fuck is going on?

First it was Ana's car, then that photo of some woman in a t-shirt that she received, now this.

I close the box and toss it back to Taylor.

"Ana does not find out about this. I don't care how you do it but find out who the fuck is messing with us. Follow up on all my former subs, check to see where they all are and what they're doing. I'm not leaving anything to chance. I want a report by the end of the day. Every one of Ana's letters and packages are to be screened also."

God damn it. I'm pissed. When is all the fucking bullshit going to end?

Why can't people leave us alone?

"There is one more thing, Sir."

Of course there is. Great, this day just keeps getting better.

"What is it, Taylor?"

I rub my face with my hands. Lay it on me, you've already ruined my day.

"Hyde had a visitor in prison yesterday. They signed in as E. Lincoln but it wasn't Elena. It was her ex-husband Eric Lincoln."

Why the fuck is he visiting Hyde? What's the connection? No way am I sitting around waiting for answers.

"I think we need to go and pay him a little visit, Taylor. Get the car."