Chapter 25

The next day...

Ana's POV

"Ana, your dad's here!" I hear Christian call from downstairs.
"Be right down!" I call back. I glance at myself in the mirror one last time. Tonight is Kate's bachelorette party and Elliot's bachelor party. My dad is coming over to watch Ted since Gail has nights off, but she's agreed to be on call should Ray need any help. I smooth a couple wisps of hair back into place and grin at the woman staring back at me. I have worked my ass off with Claude over the past month to get back into shape. I'm still not quite there, but I have a bodysuit on that keeps everything hidden. I am going all out tonight. I have on a black strapless lace dress and a pair of red stilettos. My hair is swept up in a bun on top of my head with a few loose tendrils hanging down. My makeup is meticulously done, and my smoky eyes and bright red lips pop against my fair skin. I have my second-chance earrings in my ears, and on my wrist, a matching bracelet Christian gave me for Christmas this past year. I give myself a final once-over and decide I am good to go. I walk through the bedroom to grab my red clutch and black wrap I have laid out on the bed, and very slowly and carefully make my way down the staircase in my 4 and a half inch heels. I love the sound my shoes make on the tile floor of the foyer. I see my dad and Christian, who is holding Teddy, chatting near the front door. My dad smiles at me and Christian turns around. His eyes about pop out of his head.
"Is that what you're wearing?" he asks me quietly. I smile sweetly at him.
"Yep!" I chirp and give him a peck on the cheek, then hug my dad.
"Thank you so much for watching Ted for us, Dad," I tell him. He shakes his head.
"No thank you needed, Annie, I love hanging out with the little guy. Just make sure your housekeeper has my phone number in case I have a question." I nod.
"She does, no worries. You all set then?" I ask, turning to Christian. He's still eyeing me warily.
"I suppose I am," he says slowly, and hands Ted to my dad. I smooch him lightly on both cheeks as to not mess up my lipstick.
"Bye, Teddy bear. Be good for Gramps, okay? I love you." Ted just stares at me with his fist in his mouth. I giggle. Christian rubs his head.
"Thanks again, Ray." He gives my dad a swift smile. "We shouldn't be back too late. Feel free to use any of the guest rooms if you get tired," he tells my dad. Ray just shakes his head again.
"As long as you got ESPN and a LazyBoy recliner, I'm good, trust me," he chuckles and watches as I straighten Christian's tie. "If I may say so, you two make a mighty good-looking couple," he winks at me. "Have a good time now, and don't worry. I've got everything under control here."
We say goodbye to Ray and head out to the driveway where Taylor has the car waiting. Christian doesn't say anything as he opens my door and helps me in, then walks around to the other side and slides in next to me. When we pull away, he quickly slides the privacy screen up and whirls around to face me.
"Jesus fuck, Ana, do you want me to take you in this car?" he moans, eyeing me up and down. I gasp as he pulls me onto his lap.
"Y-yes," I breathe, and Christian groans again as his lips find mine. He pushes his tongue into my mouth and swirls it around. Mmmm. He tastes like spearmint toothpaste and Christian. His hands move down my legs and back up again, and crawl up my dress to cup my sex. I gasp against Christian's mouth as he rubs his fingers against my black lace panties.
"Ana," he moans quietly. I pant as he continues to stroke me. His lips move to my ear and down my neck.
"Christian," I whimper.
"Shhhh," he hisses, and abruptly removes his hand from the apex of my thighs. He pulls away from my lips and I gape at him. He grins wickedly.
"That's a preview for what's coming later," he says softly. His eyes graze my body again.

"I wish you had more clothes on," he mutters. He cups my chin in his hand. "You are mine," he whispers. "Don't you forget it." He kisses me quickly.
I smile at him. "Never, Mr. Grey. Don't worry, its just us girls tonight. And if any sleazebag tries anything, I'll punch him with my rock-hard diamond ring hand and show him who's boss," I tease. Christian stiffens beside me.
"I mean it, Ana. You'll have Luke and Kate's security keeping an eye on you. Don't try anything stupid. Let them take care of it and call me. Okay?"
I sigh. "Yes, Sir," I mutter.
"Did you just roll your eyes at me?"
Fuck. I peek at him shyly. "No…."
He grabs my chin in his hand again and tugs at my lip with his thumb.
"Stop biting your lip," he warns. "Or I will take you in this car."
"Uh-uh. Two more weeks," I bat my eyelashes at him. He goans and runs a hand through his hair.
"Don't remind me."

I laugh and smooth his hair back into place, then take his left hand in mine and kiss his wedding ring.

"You just better make sure that no gorgeous women try to molest you, my handsome husband. If anything happens, you let Taylor take care of it and call me," I mock him. He grins stupidly at me.
"As you wish, Madame," he breathes, and our lips find each other's again.

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We pull up outside the club where Kate's party is being held. I am on pins and needles with excitement.
"Remember what I told you, Mrs. Grey," Christian says behind me. I kiss him one last time.
"Always, Mr. Grey. Have a good time with the boys. I'll text you in a little while." He nods.
"Go on, now," he gives me a small smile. "Have fun and be careful."
I hop out of the car and Luke steps out with me. I wave at Christian as he and Taylor dive away. I walk through the front doors and up to the hostess stand.
"Do you have a reservation?" she asks me politely.
"Yes, I'm Ana Grey here for the Kavanagh party," I tell her. She nods and checks something off on her clipboard.

"Right this way," she says and leads me to the back of the building and up a staircase. She opens the door to a private room where music is blasting from.
"Here you are, Miss Grey. Enjoy your evening." I giggle as I enter the room. Miss Grey!

Kate spots me immediately. "Ana!" she screams and runs over to attack me with the specialty Katherine Kavanagh hug. "I'm so glad you're here!"
I look around the crowded room. "Am I the last one here?" I ask.
"No, we're just waiting on a couple more people, but we're about ready to get started, I was really just waiting for you." She grins at me. Holy hell, she looks stunning in her emerald green cocktail dress. It matches her eyes perfectly and makes them sparkle. Her strawberry blonde curls are loose and flowing down her shoulders, and even her nails are perfect, down to her pinky toe.
"Kate, you look amazing!" I tell her. She smiles even wider.
"Thanks! I feel pretty amazing right now," she laughs. "I'm so excited to hang out with you. Tonight's gonna be wild!" Kate squeals with joy. A waiter comes over and hands me and Kate margaritas. I beam at her and we clink glasses
"To one last night of freedom," she winks at me as we both take a sip.

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Christian's POV

"Hey bro!" I hear Elliot exclaim. He comes over and pulls me into a quick hug. "You made it!" he smiles at me. Ugh, his breath already reeks of alcohol.
"Yes, it would appear so." I smirk at him. "How long have you been here? And how many drinks have you had?" I ask. Elliot shrugs.
"I dunno," he laughs and throws his arm over my shoulders. "But whatever man, come on, it's my last night out before I'm all tied down. Let's party!" He hands me a beer and leads me deeper into the packed room. I fight the urge to roll my eyes.
It's going to be a long night.

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Ana's POV

"Oh my god, Stephanie! I haven't seen you in forever!" I exclaim.
Kate invited a bunch of girls we used to hang out with in college to the party as a chance for us all to reconnect. Stephanie was one of the girls we got along with really well. She's actually going to be a bridesmaid in the wedding on Saturday. I can't believe it's been so long since I've seen her.
"Oh my god, Ana? Ana Steele? Holy fuck, you look like a million bucks! How are you, babe?" She hugs me and I giggle happily.
"I'm so amazing, Steph, I can't even tell you. How about you?"
She smiles a dazzling smile. "I'm great!" she exclaims. And she looks fantastic in her cream-colored silk wrap dress. "How adorable are Kate and Elliot?" she points to one of the many pictures of them that is adorning the small party room. "Gosh, what a cutie. Damn Kate. Hot and rich!" she sighs.
I smile ruefully. "I love them together. I'm so happy for Kate! Wow, it's been way too long, Steph. What have you been up to?" I ask as I take a sip of my second margarita.
"Well, I ended up taking a job in San Diego," she tells me. Stephanie was a marketing major at school. "I'm working with a bunch of new startup companies, mostly small businesses wanting to get the word out about themselves." She smiles. "I met Justin at a board meeting about three months into my job-he's in advertising. And it was so crazy, we only dated for like 8 months before he proposed, but I knew he was the one. I'm not insane, I swear." she grins at me. "We got married last month in Mexico and bought an apartment near the ocean. And I'm as happy as can be," she sighs happily. "What about you? Any special guys in Ana Steele's life?" she teases and pokes my arm. I laugh.
"Well, actually I'm Ana Grey now," I tell her. " And don't worry, you're not crazy. I dated my husband for only three months and we got married almost a year ago. Our son is about a month old."
She gasps. "Oh my god, I had no idea you got married! Wow! And you have a baby! Oh my god I need pictures. Ana Grey...wait...isn't Elliot's last name Grey? He runs Grey Construction...what did you say your husband's name is?" she asks.
I run my finger nervously along the rim of my now-empty margarita glass. "His name is Christian," I say slowly. Steph's eyes widen.
"Christian...Grey? As in...the Christian Grey?! Elliot's brother? The one who spoke at our graduation? The super-hot billionaire CEO Christian Grey?!"
I smile warily. "That would be the one."
"Holy hell…" Stephanie stares at me. "I'm shocked...and sort of jealous." She bursts out laughing. "Don't tell Justin I said that," she giggles hysterically as another waiter comes by and hands us each a strawberry daiquiri. I smile, remembering the trip to Aspen we all took last year. I take a sip. Mmm, still delicious. I turn my attention back to Steph.
"I won't," I laugh. I pull out my phone and find a cute picture of Teddy from a couple days ago. "This is my son Teddy." I pass the phone to her.
"Oh, he is too cute, Ana! I can't wait to meet him at the wedding! Wow, Ana Steele, the billionaire's wife! You lucky little bitch!" she grins and slaps my arm playfully. "So are you working at all?" Steph asks. "I mean, not that you need to," she teases.
I take a gulp of my daiquiri. I know she is just kidding around, but it's making me uncomfortable the way she's eyeing the diamond on my finger. "Yes, I started off working for SIP when I graduated and now I'm editing for Grey Publishing. Well, not currently. I'm taking some time off till Teddy is older, but when I go back I'll probably be in management," I say.
Stephanie gapes at me. "Grey Publishing? As in…?"
I sigh. "As in Anastasia Grey Publishing, yes." She just stares at me some more. I take another gulp of my drink. Whoa, I am definitely feeling a little dizzy.
"Does Christian have any other brothers?"
We both shriek with laughter.