A Steele Heart

by Steele.Hearts33

Ana had a troubled past,but at 25 she's finally content with life She's a successful self-employed computer expert, with a highly classified government contract.When the blind date from hell ends with a searing kiss from a white knight named Christian,she never expected him to be the CEO of the the company she's been contracted to save from a cyber attack created with her own code.

25. Chapter 25

Chapter 25-The Epilogue

Thursday, May 4th, 2 am Maldives Time

Ana's POV

We've been in our bungalow for the last two hours. When we got back from New York, Christian and I both decided we needed a little more time between flying if we were truly going to relax. With the help of both Barney and Griffin, I've restored the network security at GEH before I went home at 9 pm on Monday. I turned things over to Griffin in the security office until I return to GEH on Monday. Although if I'm honest, I hope he decided to stay and not return to the agency. He's not on contract like I am and if he goes through the exit process, he can leave the agency whenever he wants. He has family in Washington, but has been based in Langley for most of his career. He's got a new niece he wants to be closer to he said. I think he would be perfect for Welch's job, well if I don't decide to close down Blade Programming and take it. Taylor spent an hour on the plane yesterday trying to talk me into it while Christian was on a teleconference with some guy in Chicago

"Ana, can I talk to you for a minute?" Taylor looks like the more reserved version of himself than the relaxed guy my dad is friends with that I'd seen the last few days.

"Sure," I placed my book on the table beside my seat on the couch before I continued. "What can I do for you T?"

"You can close your business and stay at GEH as the Head of Security." Straight to the point.

"And what about my contract with the CIA. I've got six weeks right now without fear of Finn calling me in after that I'm fair game to them. I can say no to certain assignments, but for the most part I'm required to work a mission for them once a month. It may be over the weekend, it may be during the week. If it becomes a matter of National or Global security, I can't really say no. My assignments are supposed to stay inside the continental US, but if it's something big I may have to leave the country. The trip to New York could have easily required I go somewhere else." I grab my water off the table and take a sip of it. That Natalia may have the hots for my boyfriend, but the cucumber water she brought me is amazing.

"I know there are logistics to work out, but I know we could do it. If we could usurp Griffin from the CIA as well as your second in command, he could hold the fort down while you are away on mission." See, I had already thought of this. It's Blade Programming that I'm worried about.

"I'll give it some thought T. I don't need to work, you know this, but I like it. I built a business, and yes, it's more of a cover than anything, but it's still something I did on my own. I don't want to close it down. Maybe if I can find someone that can run it for me when I'm at GEH. Someone who can go to the companies and run my programs, I can do the GEH thing. But I need time to work on a game plan. We can talk more when we get back next week." He looks like he's already won.

"Barney's got a guy you need to talk to. Said he was almost as good as you, worked for two years for GEH, but the guy would love to work with you after he saw what you did in the course of a day yesterday." Well hell they've got it all figured out.

"I think I know who you're talking about. I'll talk to Christian, it's his company after all. Let's plan to meet on Wednesday in my office next week. You, Barney, Christian, Barney's guy and Griffin. We'll make a plan. Now I ask that there be no more talk of business on the rest of this trip. I'm about to drag Christian from his phone call and then we're going to get some sleep. We've got six hours before we stop and refuel in Okinawa. We'll be in the Maldives in the morning and I don't want to succumb to jetlag till I get to bed that tomorrow night."

When we landed we boarded a small private charter plane that took us straight to our island for the next 3 days. We leave Saturday afternoon and land in Seattle at 9 am Sunday. Taylor will be taking us straight to Bellevue for brunch.

It has been two weeks since Christian and I met. My life has change irrevocably. If Christian told me tomorrow that he never wanted to see me again, I'd be devastated and heartbroken. I've know the love of a great man. I'd never be able to forget him. I'm not sure I'd ever find our kind of love again either. Three weeks ago, I was jonesing for my next assignment with the agency. I was annoyed with the corporate world I catered to, and the men who worked in it. Now I don't want to leave it. I want to be at Christian's side at GEH. I want to go to work with him every day. I already agreed to stay with on Sunday night after visiting with his family. Monday night I'm going to need to return to my apartment. I'm being an insecure girl and waiting till the last minute to talk to him about it.

Our bungalow is on a private island. Christian said he knows the owner of the island and that is why he was able to make the arrangements for the week on short notice. The island is unnamed and across from the Vaadhoo island. Vaadhoo is the island with the glow in the dark beach. I hope that we get to visit it at night sometime this week. We've rented a charter boat to take us between islands for the next few days, so we don't have to travel on a schedule.

The bungalow is over the water and has three separate areas. We have the central unit and security; Sawyer and Taylor are spread out in the other two units. The bedroom in our unit is amazing. The floor is crystal clear so that you can see the ocean underneath and the fish. The bed is amazing, king sized with a mesh netting canopy around it, covered in royal blue linens and pillows. I'm standing at the French doors open to the ocean listening to the waves crashing underneath and against the shore.

"Happy Star Wars Day Snow White." Christian comes up behind me wrapping his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder. I try to stifle the giggle bubbling up but it's no use.

"You really remembered that. Well May the Fourth be with you my prince." I spin in his arms, wrapping my arms around his neck. I lean up to kiss him. It starts as a slow and languid kiss, full of love and promise. He runs a hand down my back, grabbing my butt and pulling me closer into him. The other hand weaves its way into my hair. I feel his excitement presses against my thigh and soon the kiss is turning into an act of unbridled passion. Each of us fighting for dominance in the kiss, a growl escapes his throat when he moves to the shell of my ear.

"Give me this Snow White." It's a plea for mercy and I smile as I submit to him. He lifts me, carrying me to the bed in his favorite way. "I love you" whispered over an over between the two of us as we undress. This isn't our usual slow love making, but it's not our hot and fast fucking either. There is a desperation I've not ever known or seen with him.

When we're naked he moves me into the center of the bed, not even bothering to move the blankets and sheets. He hovers over me and thrust in with a fierce grunt, freezing once he is fully sheathed. "You are always so tight. This is my favorite place to be, inside of you." He's resting on his elbows looking down at me. He wraps his arms around my shoulders holding me tight, still not moving. I can feel my muscles squeezing him and it feels amazing. I'm so close that it would only take a few thrusts and I would be over the edge, but Christian has his head buried in my neck. I keep squeezing him and when I feel his groan I feel wetness against my neck.

I thrust my hands into his hair and pull his head from my neck. I see the tears on his cheeks and I'm lost. What could my beautiful prince be so sad about. If I didn't know how much he loved me I would feel insecure with him hard and throbbing inside me at the moment. He locks his eyes with me and then he slowly pulls out before thrusting back in hard and fast.

A gasp escapes me and he does it again and again. No words are spoken as our desperation for each other climbs. By the fifth thrusts I'm in tears with him as well. He's supporting himself on one arm while the other strokes my neck where the bruising is fading away. He's reliving that moment. We had not made love since that day at the New York Library. We almost lost each other. Christian had a concussion and me with my damaged throat. We've been loving with each other, but not in this way., the best way he knows how to show his love.

He keeps his pace steady, slowly out, hard in. It's driving me to the edge but I'm not there yet. I won't take my eyes from his and tears are falling from both of our faces, neither of us saying the words, letting our bodies show each other. He trails his hand from my throat to my left breast and just as his pace starts to increase he pinches my nipple. I'm at the edge and then I'm freefalling calling his name, the name of my salvation.

"Christiannnnnnnnnnnn"

One more thrust and he stills spilling his seed inside of me. "Oh Ana, my Ana." His words are whispered as he rolls to the side bringing me with him, never leaving my core.

I don't know how long we whispered our love to each other before we fell back asleep.

xxXXXxxx

Christian's POV

Thursday, May 4th 10 am, Maldives Time

Her hair is spread out like an angel's across her pillow. The sheet having fallen in the night, now shows her breasts. I can't help but lower my head to first one and the other kisses and sucking her nipples to a peak. "Please don't stop" she whispered sleepily. And I didn't.

Xxx

"What are we doing today Christian?" We're sitting on the patio out the front of the bungalow with Taylor and Sawyer enjoying a nice brunch.

"I thought that we could do some paddle boarding. There are lots of activities that we can do in this group of islands, and I thought today we could paddle board. Tomorrow we have a helicopter tour of all the islands, followed by some snorkeling. Saturday we're taking the charter back to Sri Lanka in the morning for lunch and elephant tour before dinner and boarding the jet and head back to Seattle. We're 12 hours ahead of Seattle so we'll be boarding the plane at midnight local time. We have a refueling layover in Tokyo, but we should be sleeping for that."

"Sounds good to me." She turns her head to the two other men at the table with us. "Sawyer, Taylor, I expect you guys to be plain clothes out here and I don't want to be disturbed for work unless it's an emergency. Dad, Kate, and the team know that I'm not to be called once I leave for vacation unless it's a dire emergency. So, unless someone is dying, or GEH itself has burned and collapsed to the ground, we aren't to be bothered with what's going on in the states until we board the plane Saturday night." Damn she's looking stern. Then I see her reach into her pockets. "Here are our phones. Taylor people have your number to get into contact with us. Those are to stay off till we board the plane. I've already hidden Christian's laptop as well. There will be no emails, nothing. That's the rule when it comes to mission decompression." She takes a bite of her fruit off her plate and pops it in her mouth like she just said the sky is blue.

"Princess what do you mean you hid my laptop?" I have emails to tend to and will need to be in contact with Ros and Andrea periodically.

Taking a sip of her coffee she smiles before she answers, "I mean I hid the laptop, and no it isn't in the safe. I talked to both Andrea and Ros before we left. They know if they need to, to call Taylor."

She declares the conversation over and proceeds to finish her breakfast.

"I'm going to change into my suit." She places a kiss to my cheek and saunters off to the bedroom to change.

"Gentleman, the lady has spoken," I can't hide my chuckle and neither can Taylor. "We've got 72 hours to enjoy ourselves. I suggest you guys do as well. I know you'll be on alert, but it's relatively safe here. I expect you to join in the activities. Taylor, I'm sorry that Gail couldn't come with us, but I needed her to go to Ana's apartment and take care of some things there. Ana won't say it yet, but I feel like she doesn't want to go back there after being compromised. I'm going to ask her to move in with me when we get back home after going to my parents. I'm planning to do anything I can to try and keep her at GEH as well, Griffin too."

"I asked her about that on the plane. She's worried about her company, but Barney's got a solution for her when she gets home. With Griffin, we can work with her contract. Griffin has already expressed interest in leaving the agency if GEH will honor his salary with them. When he told me, I said if the boss okayed it, our starting salary was almost double, his eyes bugged out. He doesn't want to do close protection except maybe at events and then he wants to be assigned to Ana's team with Prescott and Sawyer. I think it's a good idea. Barney is following all of Ana's protocols and the system should be set when we get back. Building security has doubled, and the FBI is running a program to see if a body scan can create a profile of the arsonist and help identify the guy. When he took off his glove in the server room to set the fire, he left behind a partial print, no match though. GEH is as secure as it can be at the moment. Ana and I will work with Griffin when we get back and rework some things. They suggest a bit of reorganization of the departments throughout the building and setting up a security office on each floor. We'll talk more on the plane."

Ana appears at my side in a two piece that can only be describe as heart stopping. The top is a halter that covers her cleavage, but the bottom is a cheeky bottom that shows the bottom of her ass cheeks. The print is white with dark green palm leaves patterned over it. It looks amazing against her alabaster skin. "I'm going to read on the lounger before we leave for the paddle boarding." She kisses me again and then moves a pair of wooden oversized sunglasses over her eyes.

"Gentlemen, I'm going to change and then join my woman." Looking at my watch I see that it's nearing noon. "We have an appointment at 1:30 with the instructor at Hulhudhufaaro island. We were told it takes 20 minutes in the boat to get there. We'll be changing on the island there and moving onto Ungoofaaru to eat the underwater restaurant for dinner at 7. Then we have a cabana set up on a private area of Vaadhoo at 9:30 to watch the tide and the glowing sand. I don't want company then. Ana and I will be across from our cabanas. I need the boat ready for us to return to our cabana at midnight." I rise from my seat, "I'll see you gentlemen in an hour."

I'm going to lay in the sun with my girl and hope she lets me rub some suntan lotion on her back.

Taylor's POV

I've spent the last three hours taking picture after picture of Christian and Ana. She has calmed him in a way I've never seen. I half expected him to stall the vacation till we found the GEH arsonist, but he said short of an apocalypse, he was going to give her the vacation of a lifetime.

We've got so much to do when we get back though. Ana and I are going to be reorganizing security for GEH. I'm convinced I will get her to agree to stay with us. Barney's guy better pass her inspection. Griffin wants to be closer to his family in Washington. He's already said that if Ana will stay on he's onboard.

The boss man has been like a completely different person the last two weeks since meeting Ana. I must say that seeing her in New York was an experience. I've never seen a woman fight so hard. When I got to see the tapes from the room, I see why Sabbah was so enraged and went with a throat choke. The bruises on Ana's throat are finally fading and now you have to be up close to see them.

Ana is so happy looking. She's been paddle boarding before and Christina didn't know. He's been knocked down several times and she just laughs at him. At one point, he swam up to her board and knocked her over, laughing together when she came up from the water. I think they'll like the pictures I took. Sawyer has been out there with them while I stayed at the beach. I'm glad the Gail convinced me to bring one of the long-range cameras. They'll both appreciate it as well.

Ana's POV

When we were done paddle boarding a man showed us to a private bath house with showers and everything we needed to get ready for dinner without returning to our island. I'm wearing a white sleeveless bodycon dress with a deep purple floral print. I've styled my hair into a low twisted bun with a few tendrils escaping in the front. I'm wearing lavender pearl and Swarovski crystal drop earrings, and purple Shrpeta Asymmetrical cutout Christian Louboutin heels. My make-up is minimal, just a bit of mascara and nude lipstick.

Walking out of the bath house, I see Taylor and Sawyer waiting by the pier where out boat is docked. I know Christian said we were going to another island for dinner. This day has been so much fun. I'm usually alone and spend my time on the beach reading and spend time in the hotel gyms. This is a trip I would have never taken by myself, but I'm glad that we are here. I'm happy to share this with Christian, I just hope we get to see the glowing sand once while we are here.

The island we are going to for dinner is known for its pink sand and the underwater restaurant. Christian exits and I see him looking as handsome as ever. We may be at the beach, but in the evenings, it gets cooler near the water. He's wearing pair of dark blue jeans and white button down, rolled to the elbows. He's got a pair of aviators on and his five o'clock shadow coving his face. Watching him walk to me, all I can think of is the feel of his jaw rubbing against my thighs tonight.

"Anastasia, you look beautiful tonight." He kisses my cheek lingering just a bit. "I'm happy to see you wearing the dress I picked out on Monday. You look wonderful in it." He helped me pack my bag with some of the clothes Caroline Acton had sent over. I didn't think I needed to bring all 7 dresses she sent.

"Thank you." I can't help the blush spreading on my cheeks. I don't know why I blush with him either. I know I'm a pretty girl. He's not the first person to tell me so. I may have some insecurities left over from my teenage years and my mother and step-father, but I'm not that damaged. I think it's because he is the first man to ever be sincere when he says it. Maybe it's because of the love hidden in the words. Who cares?

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a velvet bag. "I arrange for this to be delivered just before we left. I thought it would look perfect with this dress. Inside the bag was a Cartier Beinnale amethyst and diamond bracelet. "Oh Christian." I pull him into a kiss showing my gratitude. I'd normally object, but he has the money to spend and I know it hurts him to reject his gifts when he thinks them out so thoughtfully.

"Come, let's go eat." We walk to the pier and to the small boat to head to the next island.

xxxXXXxxx

Dinner was amazing. We sat at a table in a corner of the restaurant that didn't take away from the underwater effect. We ate our dinner of filet mingon and asparagus spears and garlic potatoes, with fresh garden salads. Christian declined dessert saying he had made other arrangements. We were quickly back in the boat in the dusk of night headed to anther island. We raced the lowering sun toward our island, arriving across it just before we were pitched into the night.

We disembark at a small pier, but Sawyer and Taylor left us and headed back to the bungalows. Christian help me remove my heels so that we could walk along the shore. As the night grew darker we found a trail of paper lanterns leading to a private canopy covered cabana. The sheer curtains waving in the breeze. Next to the cabana was table covered with chocolate covered strawberries and champagne.

He pulled me to him kissing me senseless. "You know that I would give you the world. Since, that isn't really feasible, I thought that I would help mark one of your places to visit off your bucket list. Turn around Snow White."

I turned in his arms and then I saw it. In the dark of the night the beach was glowing. The blue in the sand was amazing to see. I could even see the outline of our footprints, "Christian look." I had to point it out to him. I feel him reach into his pocket and then he produced a small compact digital camera in front of me. "I want you to always remember this. I want you to be able to look at the photos and remember our time here." His words in my ear, a direct line to my libido. It's not necessarily the what he says, but the husky way that he says it.

"Thank you. You are what makes this special. I knew this was something I couldn't experience by myself. I'm glad I'm with you. I thought I'd have to take Kate with me." I twist a bit to kiss him, soft and chastely. I turn back taking picture after picture. I even turn the camera around to take a selfie of us. It's one of my favorite. The glow of the lanterns behind us.

We sat on the beach talking about our childhoods, and all our favorite things. The more time I spend with him, the more I feel like he knows be better than anyone else. Even Kate doesn't know about my secret agent life. This man loves me and accepts me for the nerdy chick I am. He doesn't want to make me quit the agency. He hasn't once tried to change my mind about something. Even when he knew I would be fighting with Sabbah this past weekend, he just supported me and told me how much he loved me. It's always been something that seemed like a novelty to me, true love. But that is what this is. There won't ever be another man for me. Now I just have to find a way to tell him about how I truly feel.

Sawyer's POV

Sunday, May 6th, 9am Seattle time

We have just landed in Seattle. To say I'm happy to be back would be a lie. I was content to stay on those islands, living a complication free life. We received only one phone call while we were gone. And it was not GEH related. It was Carrick Grey related and he is not happy. Frankly I am happy that we aren't required to be inside the premises when we are at Grey Manor. I don't want to be in the room when Mr. Grey explodes on his father. He and Ana are expecting to meet Elliot's daughter, because yes Elliot did do the DNA test when he found out. Only Carrick Grey order background checks of extreme measures last week after his conversation with Elliot. Elliot came clean about the child in question and his relationship with the mother and the Leila Williams.

Carrick decided to make a call to Welch on Wednesday only to find out that he'd been fired and when she returned from vacation with the boss man, Ana would be taking over for the time being. He decided to dig deeper into Ana. One thing led to another, and then Ana got a call from the Pentagon. Carrick had called demanding to know her official title with the government and making accusations of impropriety.

I know Mrs. Grey was looking forward to this Brunch to have her children all together, but I fear that it's going to be sometime before she gets that. Our meeting on the plane was not a good one. Natalia is going to need to replace half the glassware on the plane. Between Christian and Ana, she only had the ones left in mine and Taylor's hands.

The ride to Grey Manor is tense at best. T is driving and I'm sitting passenger. Ana behind me and Grey behind Taylor. There are no words spoken the entire ride, but I can see that Grey never lets go of Ana's hand.

When we get the house, we exit the vehicle waiting for the knock from Grey signaling the all clear to open the doors. I don't know what they are saying, but I know that it had a calming effect on Christian when he exited the car. He walked around to let Ana out and gave her a kiss before the walked to the door.

Christian's POV

I'm going to kill my father, then I'm going to kill Elliot. Leila Williams is a woman so I'll think of something less violent for her.

Ana's POV

I'm going to kill Carrick Grey. I don't know what his issue is, but he went too far with those phone calls and questions. As if I didn't have enough to do. I've got to find some way to handle Blade business while I'm redoing security at GEH, I've got an arsonist to find, and the Bitch Troll of a pedophile is still in the wind. I'm going to need to use the software I used to track the Sheik to find her.

And on top of all this, Taylor is expecting another showdown. Apparently, Elliot has taken up a relationship with Brooklynne's aunt, Leila Williams. Yes, the same woman that was Christian's longest submissive. The same woman that has tried to come back several times over the years. Taylor said to expect a chick fight because she'll use Elliot to gain access to Christian.

I need some Chocolate. I feel like my period is about to start. I don't think I've ever felt this bitchy, and unfortunately my prince's father, who is most certainly no king, is going to get the brunt of my wrath.

xxxXXXxxx

A/N: This is the end of Steele Heart. The next cycle of the Saga will start Friday June 30th. The next story is called A Steele Love. When it premieres I will be posting once a week as it will be part of three stories going at the same time. The new story will debut on Monday June 26th, Grey Vitals will be a follow up to Promise Me the one-shot from the Forbidden Love challenge. Pinterest is up to date. Look in the profile for the link. I will be updating my bio in the next couple weeks as well.

On a personal note, I know that I said that this story would be concluded last week, but I had a family tragedy. Thankfully we are starting to heal and it will be a moment in time that has only served to strengthen the love we all share. The incident has sparked another plot bunny, but I wish to finish A Submissive's Beginning before I start it. Look for its chapter update by the end of this week.

As always, I thank each of you reading. If it weren't for your support, the kind reviews and private messages, I don't know if I would still be writing. I never expected my first story to garner the support it did. Thank you. BTW, it was 75 days ago that A Steele Heart was posted to FanFic. Thank you once again.

As always, I don't own EL's Characters, but I sure like picturing Christian when I'm writing those Lemons.

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