Hi you all! I'm really sorry for the terrible delay with this update. What can I say... Life, life and life! Thank you so much for reading and for your support; I love reading your reviews and I cherish every single one of the follow / fav alerts that appear in my e-mail manager.
This is a very long chapter, but it was impossible to cut it in two. It is very emotional and antsy... Just remember Ana and Christian are meant to be together.
CHAPTER 25
Christian went out of the plane and put on his sunglasses, taking a deep breath that he slowly exhaled with a blissful smile. He had never been more grateful for being in Seattle again. Taylor was already waiting for him by the car, and there was another one with a driver to take Ros to her condo.
"We did it again, boss. Always a pleasure to see you in action." She told him, smiling. He nodded, with half a smile, peering over his aviators. "Have a good weekend. See you on Monday." Ros waved him good bye with a military gesture and walked towards her ride. "Oh, say hello to Ana… and enjoy your birthday." She added winking.
Christian chuckled. "I will, Ros. Thank you for everything. And give my regards to Gwen." He said, flashing a dazzling smile before entering the car.
Ros observed him quietly. He was a fine specimen of a man. Although it merely was an observational fact for her; like pointing out the fine qualities of a work of art. She didn't mind about his Greek God profile or his perfectly chiseled body. It was his mind and his soul which had her captivated, and she was grateful for that Ana, who had turned his world upside down and had unearthed which he had tried to hide during all the time she knew him under layers and layers of unhealthy resentment. It was that blinding light that he had which made her proud of calling him her friend. With a sigh and a smile, she rested her head on the headrest. Her boss was not the only one missing his girl; she also ached to kiss her wife.
_§ § 0 § §_
Christian entered into the foyer of Escala and smiled again. A wide smile that made his handsome face shine.
"Mr. Grey, it's really good to see you. How was your flight, sir?" Gail appeared from the kitchen clasping her hands in front of her chest, a motherly gesture which was a constant in her corporal language, although Christian had not noticed before.
"It was good, Gail. Thank you for asking." He approached her and took one of her hands, giving it a light squeeze. Gail's eyes widened with delight at the gesture, so small but so meaningful. "I'm glad to be home."
"Of course, sir." She beamed. "I've prepared a light lunch. I know you have eaten at the jet, but I thought that it would be a good way to help with jetlag and settle with our current time zone."
"Thanks, Gail, I appreciate it. What have you prepared?"
"Mac and cheese." She answered, smiling.
"You know I can't refuse your mac and cheese, Gail!" He said chuckling. "I'm going to have a quick shower and then I will eat that delicious treat. Now, go with Taylor, please. The poor man has really missed you."
"And I've missed him too, sir."
With that, Gail went to join Taylor and he went to his bedroom, wondering with a smile when and how the relationship with his staff had changed into the easy relation that it was at the moment.
After showering and eating, Christian went to take a nap. His fingers itched to hit Ana's speed dial button of his phone, but they had made an arrangement during their last phone conversation: the next time they would talk would be in person. So he decided to indulge her and repressed his first impulse. He snuggled his face in Ana's pillow, breathing in her scent, and fell asleep rapidly.
Two hours later, his eyes popped open. He felt well rested and kind of anxious. He looked at the clock on his bedside table and sighed, letting fall his head on his pillow once again. There were two hours left until Ana would be home. He jumped out of bed and put on some t-shirt and jeans. Taylor was already in the main room when he arrived.
"Good afternoon Taylor. Have you called the crew to set up the Playroom?" He asked brushing a hand over his disheveled hair.
"They're on his way, sir. They've already signed the usual NDA's."
"Good." Christian said clapping his hands.
"Ms. Steele's gift is also in the media room, as you requested." Taylor added with a nod.
"Perfect, Taylor. Now, I need to run an errant. It won't be long." Christian explained as Taylor arched a brow at that sudden change of schedule. "And after that, you and Gail will have the rest of the day off."
"Thank you, sir. I appreciate it." He said stoically, although inside he was thanking Ana for changing his boss into the considerate human being in front of him.
_§ § 0 § §_
José woke up in the dark. His head was pounding furiously with the worst hangover ever, but he didn't remember having drunk. The bed felt familiar, and shifting his head he could see the red numbers of the clock that was on the nightstand of his hotel room, which read it was past midday. So, he was in his room, but he didn't remember getting there.
He got up painfully, holding his head with one hand, and went to the bathroom. He took care of business and then watched himself on the mirror. His eyes were blood-shoot red and his face was pale. He took a shower, which made him feel a little bit better, and went to a dinner across the street to have a bite. He was sipping his coffee when flashes of the night before began crossing his mind: the drugs, Elena's cruel smile, that man's sickening laugh – what was his name? -, the restraints, and then… And then that woman; long brown hair, soft pink lips that sported a chemical smile, small, deft hands that teased him until they released him from the cable ties. Then, he was all over her, and she all over him. Had Elena and that bastard been watching all the time? Fuck, had he used a condom? He had to go check himself at some clinic. He rubbed a hand over his face, exhaling loudly. What kind of sick game had he got himself into? He left some crumpled bills on the table and went out in a rush, passing by the astounded waitress who was about to bring him his meal.
"What was all that shit about, bitch?" He snarled at his phone once Elena picked up his call.
"Oh, I see someone has woken up with the wrong foot." Elena said in a sing-song tone.
"Fuck you, Elena." José growled.
"You know very well what was all about, boy." She answered with a bored voice.
"I only wanted to make that Grey asshole jealous, and let Ana see his true face, as you told me. But I wanted out, and you made me do things against my will!" He yelled.
"Chill, boy, you just fucked a nice girl!" Elena laughed.
"Was she drugged too? Who the fuck was that man?" He asked feeling the bitter taste of bile crawling up to his mouth.
"That is not of your business." She stated in an icy tone. "Now, you've played your part. Let us play ours; you won't regret it. Ana will be yours."
She hung off the phone which number she had given to José and tossed it on the table.
"I think he won't talk. He's too ashamed, or frightened. Probably both." She said turning on her heels and facing the red haired man in front of her. "All settled, then?"
"Yeah. It's a mighty fine job, very convincing." Hyde said smirking.
"By the way, where's Leila?" Elena asked him, crossing her arms over her chest.
Jack chuckled. "She's a little bit out of it yet. We had some fun after we dropped the boy." He rubbed his hands in a conniving gesture.
"You're disgusting." Elena said grimacing. "And she is. Anyway, how did Leila end up with you?" She knew that Leila felt particularly disappointed when Christian terminated their contract. They all always were; he charmed all his submissives without even noticing. But, in spite her mild breakdown after they split, Leila had always been very fond of the lifestyle; she needed the adrenaline rush, the pain and total subrogation. Jack was a kinky, pervert bastard, but he was no Dom.
"We share common interests. We like to have fun the same way… and she doesn't matter if I got carried away a little bit." Jack sneered. "I guess you also like to have fun, Elena." He told with a salacious grin.
"It's Ms. Lincoln for you." She said with disgust. "And yes, I love to have fun, but not in a million years with you."
"Yeah, you like them younger." He stated smirking. "What do you have against that asshole Grey, by the way?"
"I don't have anything against Christian. I'm practically a member of his family." Elena answered feigning nonchalance. She didn't want Hyde digging in her little dirty secrets.
"Oh, yes. You are Elena Lincoln, respected member of Seattle's high society." He mocked with a high pitch voice. "Look, I don't give a fuck about your dirty secrets, so chill." He said with a smug face.
"This is all about that mousy little Anastasia." Elena continued with hatred in her voice. "She is going to ruin everything. She is going to ruin him."
"Why?" Jack asked amused while he poured some brandy on a pitcher.
"Because she's a conniving bitch." She spitted. And she wants what is mine. "What do you have against her?"
"Oh, no, I don't have anything against little sweet Ana. In fact, I hired her because she's good. And I'm sure she's soft as silk and sweet as honey. But, this is a matter to an end, and she's pitifully the receipt of collateral damage." He answered matter-of-factly. "I wouldn't mind to fuck her senseless, though. I think she would like it." He added with a rueful smile.
"So, what do you win with this?" Elena was at a loss.
"Destroying that fucker Grey. I want him broken. I want him suffering. She's the most important thing for him. She's his soft spot; finally, I've found it. The pity is that there's that bulky asshole following her everywhere. This won't be as effective as having her, but it's a beginning."
There was a glint of pure hatred in Jack's eyes, their dark blue almost black. His usually nonchalant expression was replaced with one of determination. He was dead serious. Elena had been oblivious of Hyde's motivations until that moment. That fact made her a little bit nervous, but if he wanted to hurt Christian by chasing Anastasia, she was good with it. Even better, that way she could wash her hands of the matter. A broken Christian would come to her more easily.
"And why is that?" She asked after a pregnant pause.
"He's a robber. He doesn't deserve the life he has. Everything he has was served to him in a silver platter." Jack's expression was somber. "He's a little filthy bird."
Elena frowned at his words. She shifted her position on the desk and faced the window, avoiding Hyde's uncomfortable stare. She had told Christian so many times the blatant lie that she had shaped him into the successful man he was that she almost had convinced herself, but in reality she knew quite well he was the only owner of his attainments.
"Besides, he must be a real kinky bastard if he was with Leila in the past. I bet he has his own dirty secrets too." With that, nonchalant Jack was back.
_§ § 0 § §_
Ana shut down her computer at five sharp and went flying out of Everybody's Possession headquarters. Sawyer couldn't drive fast enough, and she ran out of the car once it was barely parked in the garage at Escala.
She went out of the elevator before the doors were entirely opened. Christian was already in the foyer, waiting for her, in a white t-shirt and blue jeans, barefoot. His hair was a mess, as always, and his smile breathtaking. Ana dropped her bag on the floor and took some steps towards him, running both hands through his hair while he snaked his arm around her waist pressing her closer to him. His other hand cupped her cheek and he ran his nose over the curve of her face.
"Hi." He whispered against her skin, inhaling her scent.
"Hi." She whispered back near his ear, grasping the soft hairs of his nape.
He brushed his parted lips against hers and she ran the tip of her tongue on his bottom lip in response. They smiled, both content and complete.
"I've really missed you." He said before crashing his mouth with hers.
She tugged at his hair, a whimper born deep in her chest escaping her mouth. He cupped her backside and lifted her from the floor, making her legs wrap around his waist automatically.
"God, Christian, I've missed you so much!" She moaned at the feeling of his teeth grating her neck and his hand roaming over the edge of her lace bra through her partially opened blouse.
"Can't wait to be inside you!" He growled.
They were in the master bedroom in three long strides, and Ana was pinned against the door the second it was closed. Some remnant pearl buttons shot scattered around them when Christian ripped the blouse off of her, while she hastily got rid of his shirt.
"God, yes." Christian breathed at the warm feeling of his skin against hers. "I love you."
"I love you." She answered, finding his mouth once again.
He pushed down the straps of her bra and kissed her shoulders as he unfastened it, falling on the floor between them. His hands palmed her breasts, and his tongue circled one hardened nipple before sucking it into his mouth. She dug her fingers on his shoulders, moaning.
"I need you." She whispered against his ear, grazing her teeth on his earlobe.
Christian only responded with a grunt, carrying her bride-style and laying her in the middle of the bed. He unbuttoned her jeans and slipped them off over her hips and legs, turning them inside out in the process. Ana laughed when they got stuck with her feet, and took off her shoes and the rest of the jeans while he undressed himself.
He stared at her, panting through a half smile. He had imagined her like that every lonely night; dark wild hair spread on the duvet, soft enticing curves of pale skin, long legs, warm arms, sparkling eyes, rosy cheeks and sweet mouth. Her eyes roamed across his perfect body, while she bit her lip and rubbed her thighs together.
"Ah, ah." He crooned playfully while crawling towards her. "I prefer them like this." He said, spreading her legs wide open and setting himself between them. "But first I would like to get rid of this." He added hooking his thumbs in the hem of her panties. He pulled them all the way off her legs and tossed them over his shoulder with a flourish, making her giggle. "How I love that sound…" He said as he settled over her. He ran his nose down her throat, inhaling deeply, and she snaked her arms around him, pressing him tightly against her. "You smell so good, baby. I've missed it. You're like a drug. So soft, so warm and so sweet." He added, caressing her side from her rib cage to her hip.
"I've missed your hands on me." She whispered against his lips. "The weight of your body pressed against mine…" She said molding her curves to the hard planes of his body, gliding her hands over his skin, and relishing the way his muscles rippled under her fingers.
The air got caught in their throats when he thrust into her; warm, wet silk surrounding him. Her muscles clenched and a shiver ran through her spine.
"Fuck, baby." Christian moaned quietly. "You feel so good, so warm, so wet. So wet for me."
"Only for you, Christian." She whispered as he pushed deep inside her. "Hold me, hold me tight." She pleaded, snaking her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.
He moved his arms behind her back and held firmly on her shoulders, settling himself deeper, flush against her until it was impossible to know where he ended and she began. His slow, long thrusts marked a steady rhythm, which Ana accompanied with the undulation of her hips. Skin on skin, they slowly reconnected again with the other one, taking inventory of their bodies with their hands and mouths, pouring their souls on display. And after countless of times of climbing higher and higher, but delaying their release, to stretch on the bliss of their connection, their bodies gave up and shattered together into a million pieces, in a blur of moans and trembling flesh.
They lay in bed in a mess of tangled limbs, and chatted about their week apart. They showered together, reacquainting with their bodies one more time, and had dinner of leftovers. Christian told Ana about the few things he had seen of Tokyo, and how they would travel there together one day.
"I have a present for you." He said beaming as he stood up from the stool of the breakfast bar and tended his hand to Ana to help her stand.
"Oh, really? Tell me, what is it?" She squealed like a child, throwing herself at his neck.
"You'll see. I hope you like it." Christian chuckled, hugging her tightly.
He led her to the media room, where she had her guitar and keyboard, and asked her to close her eyes before opening the door.
"Open your eyes, baby." He whispered in her ear once she was in front of it.
Ana gasped, her hands flying to her mouth automatically, and stared open mouthed at the gigantic stringed instrument in front of her.
"Is this… a koto?" She asked turning around to face Christian with wide open eyes.
"Yes. Do you like it?" He smiled that shy smile that made her swoon.
"It's magnificent…" She answered, reaching to touch it. She skimmed her fingertips across the smooth surface of the instrument, and plucked a single string, humming at the neat, tuned sound. "I love it!"
"Oh, here." Christian said as he reached for something that was on the table. He grabbed her hand and placed on the palm three bamboo finger picks. "You'll need this. You'll have to play me something. I think I've quite figured out how to play, but it seems really tricky."
"Thank you so much, Christian." She answered jumping on him. "It's really… insightful. It's beautiful. Thank you, thank you, thank you." She said between kisses.
"You're welcome, baby. Only the best for my girl."
They spent the rest of the evening in the media room; Ana kneeling beside the koto, patiently exploring the 13 strings, pressing the bridges here and there until an ancient-like melody came to life. Christian watching her mesmerized, smiling at her enthusiasm and eagerness.
_§ § 0 § §_
Once in the bedroom, Ana lingered a bit more in the en suite bathroom. Christian was about to go find her when she appeared in front of him, standing under the threshold. He remained sat on the bed, naked in all his glory, speechless at the sight in front of him and gulping profusely.
"It's past midnight, so… happy birthday, Christian." She said timidly, watching him through her lashes.
"Fuck." He managed to say in a tiny voice.
There she was, wearing a bodice which imitated the intricate pattern of a shibari work of art, the deep red material dramatically contrasting on her pale skin. He got up from the bed and walked towards her, circling her slowly until he was behind her, following the knots and lines of the bottom edge of the clothing along her hip bone. The tingling sensation made her shiver, and her head fell down on his shoulder.
"Is this my present?" He whispered against her ear while he splayed his hands around her waist possessively.
"Well…" She hesitated as her cheeks turned pink.
"Well?" He asked her after turning her around to face her, one eyebrow raised at her uncertainty.
"Um…" She lowered her gaze, blushing profusely, but he tilted her chin with a single finger to prevent her from hiding. "Your present is… carte blanche." She finally said.
"Carte blanche?" He asked smiling like a child on Christmas Day. "As in 'I can do whatever I want with you'?" He tilted her chin once more and she returned his infectious smile. He skimmed his thumbs over her glossy beet red cheeks.
"Yes." She answered, mortified. In her mind, she had pictured herself as a sensual Goddess, who offered her body to Christian to do as he pleased, rendering him speechless. But reality had been far too different for her. Not for him though; Christian could not believe that heavenly creature was for real.
"I love you. You know that, right, baby?" He said before hugging her tight and covering her mouth with his. "Thank you. Fuck, you won't regret it." He looked her in the eye intently, taming her hair with both hands. "I'm going to put something on; we're heading to the Playroom."
With some gray boxer briefs on and a silk robe for Ana, he led her upstairs. They had not returned to the Playroom since that first day and there was a hint of trepidation in the air. Pausing for a moment outside the door, he turned around and faced her.
"I have a surprise for you." He said winking before giving her a quick peck on the lips.
He opened the door and held it for her, switching on the lights, which progressively brightened the room with a soft glimmer. Ana scanned the room and gasped in surprise. Gone were the racks which held the canes, paddles and other punishment implements, and in replacement, the bare walls were decorated with various sensual, antique erotic Japanese engravings. Ana span around her heels, fascinated.
"Do you like them?" He asked her, circling his arms around her waist and loosening the tie of her robe to let it fall around her feet.
"They are exquisite…" She said in awe. His fingers ran down her arms, feeling her soft skin and Ana moaned quietly.
"You are exquisite." He whispered, teasing her earlobe with his teeth. "Now, I really love the way you look with this," he said in the same low tone tugging at the right strap of the bodice, "but I really need to feel your silky skin against my hands, all of it."
He peeled the bodice off of her, deliberately slowly, using all of his restraint. Kicking off his boxer briefs, he pressed his naked flesh flush to hers, caressing her heated skin with both his hands and following the same path with his mouth short after. They were a panting mess before arriving to the bed, which had black silk sheets on it.
"Put your hands above your head, baby. I'm gonna restrain you. Is that all right?" Christian asked softly.
"Yes. I trust you, Christian." She answered truthfully with a reassuring smile.
He returned the smile, straddling her and pecking her on the lips before tying her wrists to the headboard with a red silk rope. Then, gliding his hands over the contour of her body, he grabbed her ankles and also secured them with the same rope to the bedposts of the end of the bed. She wriggled against the restraints, testing them, feeling the smoothness of the cool material, and smiled.
"I think you've seen enough now." He said smirking, before sliding a blindfold over her eyes.
Ana kept quiet; she even held her breath. Her sense of touch sharpened with the lack of vision and her limited capacity of movement. Her skin grew cold when Christian moved away and covered in goose bumps when his hot breath fanned over the side of her neck. His lips, avid and persistent, covered every inch of her body, leaving her desperate for more. After his mouth, she felt something soft and warm, more consistent than a feather but as delicate as one, following the same path. She moaned softly as the furry material caressed her breasts.
"You are so beautiful…" Christian cooed as he massaged Ana's breasts with the fur glove. Her nipples hardened under his touch, and he craved for the feeling of the little pert bud in his mouth once again, so he indulged himself.
"Christian!" Ana moaned at the unexpected feeling of his wet, hot mouth on her. He nibbled at her nipple and sucked hard, making her whimper with desire. "Christian, please, I need you!" She begged shamelessly.
Christian closed his eyes and took a deep breath, moaning quietly when the scent of her arousal invaded his nostrils. He glanced at the treasure between her legs and bit his lip wantonly. "I want you all hot and bothered for what I want to do to you, baby." He panted breathlessly as he tore himself off of her and stood up at the end of the bed.
"You've succeeded spectacularly." She chuckled, tilting her head to the side, sensing he had stood up of the bed once again.
"Yeah, I think you're quite ready now." He said while releasing her from her restraints and the blindfold. He massaged her wrists and ankles lovingly, focusing in the task at hand, but his eyes were a molten steel color, dark with lust, leaving a heated path on her flushed skin.
"On your hands and knees. Face the headboard." He commanded huskily once he had made sure the circulation of her limbs had returned to normal. She obeyed without hesitation. It was not only the way he talked, but also the look on his face; pure, carnal desire oozing from his dilated pupils.
She felt his warm hand caressing her spine, from her neck to her bottom, and she arched her back with pleasure.
"You have such beautiful skin…" He said absentmindedly as he cupped her bottom cheeks and kneaded them.
She panted when he squeezed them gently and separated them, nibbling at the soft flesh, that was turning a light shade of pink. He inhaled once again her sweet musky scent.
"Do you enjoy our anal play, Ana?" He asked her just before licking her sex with a single long stroke of his tongue. He hummed in appreciation and she moaned in response, her elbows failing slightly to support her weight.
"Yes." She breathed. His voice was like dark velvet and his hands and mouth were driving her insane.
"I want to bring it onto a next level." He explained after sucking her clit into his mouth.
"Do you want to have anal sex?" Ana asked in a small voice, turning her head to look at Christian. She had thought about it from time to time, and she was quite sure it would be pleasurable, like all the things Christian had introduced her in, and, although being a little preoccupied about some tricky aspects, she trusted him completely.
"Well…" He resumed his position behind her, sliding one single finger across her spine, which ended on her anus, while he grinded his rock hard erection between her folds. "I want to use a toy on you here" he pressed slightly that finger to make a point, "while I fuck you senseless at the same time, and after that… only then, I will ask you if you want me to do more." He rubbed his cock between her cheeks, spreading her moisture and putting slightly more pressure with every gentle thrust. He bent over her and whispered in her ear. "Only if you want me to, I will fuck your sweet little ass so gently and so slowly, you will beg me not to stop."
Ana felt her pelvic muscles clench deliciously and moaned softly, pressing her behind against Christian. He grabbed her hip with his free hand, and then snaked it to her stomach, slipping it to her clit.
"What do you say, Ana?" He asked nibbling at her neck.
"Yes." She whispered with need.
He turned her around and pinned her to the bed, devouring her mouth in an all consuming kiss which she eagerly returned.
"Thank you, baby." He whispered against her skin.
With a final peck on her lips, Christian got up of the bed once again and asked Ana to stay there. He rummaged at the desk of drawers producing what he needed and laid the items on the bed beside Ana. Her eyes followed his every move with a mixture of fascination and expectation; elegant and confident strides perfectly combined in a choreographed tempo, until her gaze landed on such items: a tube of lube, a shiny, silver, pear-shaped dildo with a blue gem on its flat side and an egg-shaped pink thing. Ana rose to her knees and looked at Christian, biting her lip expectantly.
"Do you want me to explain?" He asked her, tucking a loose strand of glossy hair behind her ear. She nodded with wide open eyes. "Ok… this is a butt plug," he said grabbing the silver item, "I will use it in you with some lube while I fuck you from behind. It will look lovely on you…" he added showing her the end with the blue gem and Ana blushed beet red imagining it. "Ana, baby, I really love your blush. It's so endearing!" He chuckled, hugging her tightly.
"Don't laugh at me!" She wined, feeling her face get even redder. "And what's this?" She asked pointing at the other item.
"This is a vibrator." He told her showing her a pink remote control she hadn't seen. "If you enjoy this, and you want to try to go further, I will put it in your vagina while I…"
"Ok, I get the picture." She interrupted him.
"Ana… I really want to do this, but I don't want you to feel pressured…" Christian reassured her.
"Christian, I trust you." She said pecking him on the lips. "I know I'm gonna love anything you do to me." She pecked him twice.
"Are you?" He asked her against her lips.
"Yes."
She grabbed his hand and guided it between her legs, showing him what he did to her. A low growl erupted from his chest at the silky wet contact of her flesh.
"Fuck, baby. I fucking love you." He moaned between kisses.
"I love you, too. So much." She moaned in response.
"Ok, now turn around. Lie on your elbows and show me that tempting pert ass of yours." He asked once again with a light smack on her bottom.
She complied, and he positioned himself behind her, massaging her cheeks, her thighs and her back. He couldn't resist her sweet scent, and latched himself over her sex, tasting her once again, poking his avid tongue inside her core. He stopped when the first tremors began rocking Ana's body, and she groaned in frustration. He chuckled, biting one of her cheeks. Ana felt the bed shift under his weight, and then something cool and wet over her anus, which Christian spread thoroughly with expertise. At the same time, he entered two fingers inside her vagina and began stroking rhythmically its anterior wall, making the air get caught in her lungs. She was already trembling when something cool and slick rested between her bottom cheeks. The pressure got higher and higher, and she felt herself opening more and more.
"Oh, God." She panted.
It was more, so much more. Not painful, but foreign and overwhelming. But in spite of everything, her body craved to push backwards.
"Feel it, baby. I love the way your body responds to me." He said kissing her flesh.
He partially removed the plug, twisting it a bit, and then inserted it once again, all the way. Ana trembled once again, seething in pleasure when he circled his fingers inside her.
"Fuck, fuck, fuck." She panted, gripping the sheets until her knuckles went white.
He watched her in awe, licking his lips and caressing her skin, kneading her flesh and shuddering when his cock replaced his fingers; his eyes unable to leave the sight in front of him.
"God, Ana. You're so tight." He moaned as he thrust into her.
"Christian…" She cried, the pleasure almost unbearable as he pulled, and pushed, and twisted the plug while he thrust relentlessly into her. She felt gloriously full with him inside her, and words failed her.
His thrusts grew harder and faster, pushing the plug every time, making her insides clench deliciously as an orgasm began building and growing like a tidal wave. Christian bent over her, snaking an arm around her waist.
"Let it go, baby." Christian whispered in her ear, his eyes shut trying to regain control over his impending release.
"Oh, God, Christian!" She whimpered as an electric current unfurled inside her belly and washed over her.
He grunted against her neck when her pelvic muscles clenched impossibly more, making the plug push against him and leading both of them to a spiral of pleasure and ecstasy.
They lay cuddling on the bed, her back to his front, his arms around her torso, their breaths slowly returning to normal.
"That was…" She said, unable to end the sentence as waved a hand in the air. She lay on her back, and the plug pushed inside of her, making her shift her position once again, facing Christian.
"Yeah…" He managed to say.
They stared at each other's face for a moment in comfortable silence until Ana decided to talk.
"I want to try." She whispered tracing the muscles of his chiseled chest and abdomen, without looking him in the eye.
"What?" Christian's eyes went wide open and he licked his lower lip to moisten it. His dick twitched in response at her words.
"Umm… I've liked it so far, so… I think we can try." That time she dared to look him in the eye. Her hands roamed up and down his upper body, slightly brushing against his cock every now and then.
"Say it." He smirked. Ana rolled her eyes and he grabbed one of her hands, pressing her palm against his erection. "See what you do to me just with your words. Say it." He whispered against her lips.
He snaked the other arm around her and reached her behind, pushing at the plug, making her gasp.
"I… I want you to… to fuck my… ass." She said breathlessly. He pulled and pushed, twisted and turned the silver device, while his throbbing cock brushed against her clit.
"Fuck, yes." He hissed. "Turn around, baby." He whispered.
With so much care, he took out the plug. He turned her around once more, lying on her back, and kneeling between her legs, he proceeded to rub himself with a generous amount of lube. Ana squirmed under his gaze, watching him stroke himself with hooded eyes and parted lips. He took the vibrator egg and switched it on, brushing it slightly against her strained nipples and leaving a tingling trail across her sternum and stomach. She gasped with her head turned back when he pressed it against her clit, her hands once again grabbing the crumpled sheets behind her head.
"God, you're so beautiful." He whispered in awe as he introduced the egg deep inside her.
Her eyes rolled to the back of her head and she moaned softly. It was a new, different feeling, like a low humming coming from her insides, slowly and gradually spreading a warm sensation directed right at her G-spot.
"Baby, look at me. I want to see you." Christian whispered softly.
They locked eyes as he hooked her legs over his arms. He positioned himself on her back entrance, and slowly began entering her, inch by inch, stopping, going backwards, and pushing a little bit further gradually. She grabbed his hands, intertwining their fingers, as her body stretched to accommodate him. There was some discomfort, but an overwhelming feeling of fullness surpassed it, making her body crave for more. Christian's eyelids fluttered; his ragged breath turning into moans. Beads of sweat were running from his forehead and his skin was glistening, showing off his strained muscles beneath it. He exhaled slowly, trying to control the impending impulse of thrusting deep inside of her, her sweet little moans and the feeling of her tight channel surrounding him turning it into a nearly impossible task. Ana took a deep breath. That sweet, low humming tingling in her belly, growing like a whirlwind, added to the feeling of him inching slowly inside of her, hard, hot and foreign, but so deliciously welcomed, were making her loose her mind. She was overwhelmed, but at the same time she wanted more; something to make her explode.
"Kiss me, hold me, Christian." She whined as she arched her back.
He let go of her hands and bent over to envelope her in a tight embrace, kissing her hard and letting go his self-imposed restraint. She snaked her arms around his neck, burying her hands in his hair and hooking her heels under his buttocks, relishing in the weight of his hard body flushed against hers. He moved slowly, in and out, giving and taking, whispering sweet words of love against her neck. She shivered, and all her muscles tightened, and that void of energy washed over her body like a tidal wave over and over again. Christian shut his eyes tight, leaning his forehead against hers as he chanted her name breathlessly like a prayer. His body went still and then exploded deep inside her, one hand flat in the middle of her back and the other in the back of one of her thighs. When he recovered a bit, he switched off the vibrator device and Ana relaxed a little, aftershocks of pleasure still waving across her body. He came out of her with extreme care and rested her head on her chest, feeling her quickened heartbeat slowly returning to normal. He looked up at her to find a look on her face that he was sure it matched his own; love, happiness, plenitude. Sifting to the side, he propped himself in one elbow and brushed away some sweaty stuck strands of hair off her forehead.
"Thank you, baby." He said before kissing her nose. "I love you, so much."
"You're welcome." She answered beaming and cupping his face. He returned her a toothy grin and kissed her hand. "I've really enjoyed it."
"Do you?" He asked her, his eyes shifting all over her face looking for any possible doubt.
"Very." She assured him.
He sighed, leaning once again his head on her chest.
"God, best birthday present ever!" He chuckled, making her giggle. He looked at her with a playful smile. "Stay here, baby. I'm gonna wash up, then wash you up, then shower together."
_§ § 0 § §_
The next morning, Christian woke up with the warmth of Ana's mouth around his cock. Images of the night before came to his mind, and the thought of having claimed her pussy, her ass and now his mouth fuelled him to a faster release.
"Good morning, birthday boy." She said playfully crawling over him once she had licked him clean.
"Fuck, Ana, you're spoiling me." He grinned, hugging her tightly.
"Mmmm, don't get used to it." She said, giggling at his pouting lips. "Breakfast in bed?"
"You've already had breakfast." He said mischievously, wiggling his brows.
"Such a child sometimes…" She muttered amused, making him laugh. She put on his t-shirt and some panties and went to the kitchen to fetch something.
After a birthday breakfast and a lazy morning with Christian's return of the favor, Ana finally was able to get out of the bed with the excuse of having to get some ingredients to bake him a chocolate cake. Christian suspected there was something more, as Ana was a terrible liar, but he let it go, assuming it had to do with some kind of surprise for him. He normally didn't like surprises, but that day he was almost giddy with anticipation; the thrill of discovering what more Ana had in store for him making his handsome face split in two with a heart-stopping smile.
Ana, in fact, had to go to The Grace. She had planned a romantic evening with Christian there, after the family dinner at the Grey's, and she also was going to play his song for him that night. Both Sawyer and Taylor were her accomplices and had helped her with all the security measures. Sawyer had already snuck into the media room early that morning to grab her guitar and a bag with a change of clothes for both of them and some cinnamon scented candles she had bought. The silver gift envelope keeping the chorus of Christian's song was securely hidden in her purse.
"Elliot is coming to keep you company while I'm out." Ana said while putting her hair up in a ponytail.
"Really? You don't trust me not to be sniffing around looking for more presents, uh?" Ana's eyes went wide as saucers as she thought about the other present she had bought him. Suddenly, the bottom of her bathroom drawer didn't seem such a good hiding spot anymore. It was a set of platinum dog-tags engraved with the text "Yeah, definitely TAKEN", matching the message of the necklace she always wore. They weren't meant to be showed off, but she had thought it was funny, and that he would be extremely hot with them on his bare chest. She had planned to give them to him before going to his parents'. Christian's chuckle woke her from her reverie. "Don't panic, Ana. I will behave."
"Don't know what you're talking about." She said without looking him in the eye, which made him laugh even more.
She was leaving the bedroom when he grabbed her by her waist and pinned her to the wall.
"Where do you think you're going?" He asked against her skin, leaving a trail of wet kisses on the curve of her neck until arriving at the soft spot of her pulse point. She moaned when his teeth met her tender flesh and his lips sucked it eagerly into his mouth, leaving her boneless against his hard body. He released her with a final peck, a sexy smirk painted on his face as he looked at the purplish color of his work. "Now, we're even." He said too pleased with himself. Ana looked at him with a frown, not well aware of what he had done, and he chuckled once again.
_§ § 0 § §_
When Elliot arrived, the two brothers went straight to the library to play pool. After the first game, Christian told Elliot what he had done the day before, just before Ana came from work.
"You bought her what?" Elliot yelled at Christian with wide open eyes, spilling his beer all over the upholstered table.
"A ring. But I don't have it yet; they have to resize it and engrave it." Christian said nonchalantly while he picked at the label of his bottle.
"Ok, ok, wait a minute." Elliot said raising both hands in the air. Christian rolled his eyes. "Please, tell me that you and Ana had at least talked about this at any moment... It's a huge step, Christian."
"I know she's the one. I want to spend the rest of my life with her… Why the fuck do we have to wait then?" Christian argued scowling.
"Fuck, bro, I know you two are meant to be together forever… It's like some cheesy love story… but we're talking about marriage here." Elliot ran his hand over his hair and huffed. He looked at his little brother, who was staring at him, daring him to disagree once more. "Have you asked her father yet?"
"I mean to ask him when I have the ring." Christian said dead serious. "But it's a mere formality; I want to marry Ana no matter what."
Elliot sighed and smiled. "Well, I think that maybe it is a bit soon, but you've already made up your mind, haven't you?" He stood and offered his hand to Christian. "Good for you, Christian. You won't find a better mate."
"Damn right, Lelliot." Christian said beaming, catching Elliot off guard when he approached him offering a one-handed hug. "And we're not cheesy. Not. At. All."
"It's a pity you're not asking her today. It would have been a fucking awesome birthday gift." Elliot said still grasping Christian's arm.
"So you think she will say yes." Christian said with a smug grin.
"I bet." Elliot answered. "As Ana's well known for her lack of good judgment, of course. I don't know about her father, though." He added chuckling. "Now, seriously, I'm glad you've told me. I mean… I've always wanted to have this kind of relationship with you." Elliot said with a sincere face. "You can count on me, little bro. For whatever you need."
"I know, Elliot. I've always known. It just… it took me some time to realize." Christian told him with a sad smile.
"And Ana. It took you to find Ana to change that asshole demeanor into your current self." Elliot replied smirking.
"Fuck off, Lelliot." Christian answered, flipping him off.
After some banter more, Elliot was notified there was a last minute problem at one of the construction sites that needed his immediate attention.
"I'm sorry, bro, but I really have to go. Fuck, I promised Ana I would babysit you while she was out." He chuckled.
"Don't worry, Elliot. I will be fine. By the way, you won't tell me what's she doing, will you?"
"Nope. I'm too attached to my balls, you know." He said chuckling. "Well, see you tonight at mom and dad's."
Once he was alone, Christian wandered around the penthouse like a fidgety child. He was too restless to close himself up in his office; he wouldn't get any work done. He didn't want either to go for a run or to the basement gym, because he wanted to be there when Ana arrived. The idea of hunting Ana's present crossed his mind, but in the end he decided to behave. Finally, he sat in front of the piano and let his jittery fingers roam over the keyboard, until the hopeful tune of a well-known Billboard Hot 100 song filled the main room. He was smiling with his eyes closed, humming the song without realizing, and even sooner he was singing it out loud.
What would I do without your smart mouth?
Drawing me in, and you kicking me out
You've got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down
What's going on in that beautiful mind
I'm on your magical mystery ride
And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright
My head's under water
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind
Taylor and Gail were headed to the main room when they got startled with Christian's velvety baritone voice. Taylor chuckled to himself; his boss' angry shouts were almost terrifying… how the hell it was possible those tuned sounds came from the same mouth? But he knew for sure the exactly source of all of it. He might be the one singing, but it was all Ms. Steele's – Ana's, as she asked him to call her – doing. He looked at Gail, who had a motherly hint in her eyes, and shook his head in amusement, cleared his throat before knocking on the opened door of the main room.
"Excuse me, Mr. Grey…" He said feeling that he was interrupting a very private moment.
"Taylor? What's the matter? Is Ana all right?" Christian stopped playing brusquely and promptly stood up. Taylor bit his lip in an attempt to maintain a straight face at his boss' overbearing outburst of protectiveness.
"Yes, sir. I mean, there are no news from Sawyer so I assume everything is ok." He answered deadpan.
"Good." Christian breathed relieved.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Grey." Gail interjected. "We just wanted to wish you a happy birthday."
"Thank you, Gail. You're welcome. It's being a happy birthday indeed." Christian answered grinning.
"Oh, and there was this package for Ms. Steele in the foyer downstairs." Taylor said offering him a middle-size parcel wrapped in brown paper.
Christian inspected it as he took it between his hands. There was no sender. He didn't like it.
"Thank you Taylor. Have a nice day you two."
Taylor nodded once and ushered Gail to leave the boss alone. He knew quite well he was about to open it. Christian went straight to his office and put the box on his desk, leaning both hands on the polished surface as he stared at it. Would it be just work-related stuff? Would it be a present for him? He didn't think so; the plain, nondescript parcel was giving him the chills and he didn't know why. He ran his hands on his hair, tugging at the ends while he exhaled. Pacing the room, he debated with himself about opening it or waiting for Ana instead. Finally, he decided to just open it; he preferred an angered Ana for not respecting her privacy than an upset one for something potentially dangerous he could prevent her from. He carefully opened the package with a paper knife and found himself staring at the contents: a middle-size envelope and a note. He took the note with unconfident hands and read it:
Dear Anastasia,
I told you so. I'm not someone to play with. And what a playful doll you are! If you don't want that so called boyfriend of yours to find out your dirty little secret, you know what you have to do.
Always yours,
Jack Hyde.
P.D: I have some nice videos too. Just tell me if you want them to go public.
His body went rigid, that muscle on his jaw tickling nervously as he gripped hard the paper he was reading until crumbling it between his hands. A cold dread washed over Christian, who left the note on the table and dried his hands on his sweat pants. He gulped heavily, a myriad of different possibilities crossing his mind one mile per minute. He took the envelope with trembling hands and opened it, scattering its contents on the table. Ana. Dozens of photos of Ana; Ana in a bar, with that friend of hers, the so called José. Ana in a corridor, talking to him, again. Had that fucker Hyde been stalking her? Christian gulped again, watching the images in front of him. Ana smiling that sweet smile of hers, although in that moment Christian couldn't match it. Ana furrowing, her eyes showing anger as she talked to him. And then… then… Christian plopped onto his armchair, all the air in his lungs escaping as in a deflating balloon. Ana kissing that fucker José. Ana gripping tightly his hair as he ravaged her slender neck. Christian shut his eyes closed and shook his head violently until white points appeared before his eyelids. There were dozens of photos: Ana under him, his eyes rolled to the back of his head and her fingernails digging into his back. He pounding into her with a face of pure ecstasy... Ana going down on him. Christian stood up abruptly and emptied his stomach in the trash can besides the desk.
It could not be real. There would have to be an explanation. He stumbled to the table once again and frantically dialed Ana's number.
Ana was locking The Grace when her phone rang. She kept the keys in her purse and took the phone, pointing at Sawyer to wait when she saw it was Christian's office number.
"Hello, baby. Miss me?" She said sweetly.
"Ana, do you have something to tell me?" Christian asked her hastily. Her sweet tone seemed somehow mocking to him.
"Are you all right, Christian? What's the matter?" The hairs on the back of her neck stood in worry. There was that undertone in the edge of his voice… almost panicking.
"Tell me, Ana. Tell me about José." He pleaded. He wanted her to say there was nothing to say, that these photos didn't exist, that she had not been fucking that fucker while he was abroad, that she was his and only his.
"About José?" Ana's face went pale. She sat on a stone bench on the marina, suddenly deflated, and rubbed her forehead with her free hand. Who had told him about that night outside the club? She knew Christian, how protective he was about her, and she had avoided telling him about the incident with José. "Christian, I… I'm really sorry…" She said sighing. "I didn't want you to worry about nothing… It was nothing, just once. I could handle him, and I swear I never felt anything for him besides friendship. I've already told him to leave me alone, so..."
Christian's heart skipped a beat. The world stopped spinning and his legs failed him, stumbling to the nearest wall. Suddenly, the air burned inside his lungs, choking him, and a piercing pain stabbed him right through his heart.
"How could you…?" He whispered to the phone, clutching his t-shirt with his free hand.
"Christian? How could I what?" She asked, surprised by his reaction. "I didn't want you to go ballistic on him in case you two happen to meet, ok? I'm sorry I didn't tell you. Just…" She sighed heavily and continued. "Let's talk when I get home, all right? Don't get upset, baby. It's your birthday…"
"My birthday! Yeah, it's my fucking birthday!" Christian screamed at the top of his lungs. His eyes went wide as a white hot rage crawled over him, stiffening his muscles, making him jump all of a sudden. "How could you?" He whispered again. His nostrils flared like a wild animal's. "I thought… you said you loved me."
Elena's words that day in GEH resonated inside his head: 'You think you know her. But your Anastasia is not the sweet teenager who played the piano in hiding, or the young woman who couldn't afford to show her talent to the world because of her shyness. She's not that anymore. I'm sure she has changed. I'm sure she has blossomed into something more … remarkable if possible. Due to your influence, of course. And maybe she hasn't noticed yet, but people around her might do.' His worst nightmare had come true; Ana had realized there was something else out there, something better than him. But he had never thought of her being unfaithful, and that fact made it even worse. Without saying anything more, he dropped the telephone to the floor and walked out of the room.
"Christian?" Ana asked panicked, feeling a cold dread crawling from the pit of her stomach. The deafening silence coming from the other end of the line fell upon her like a heavy burden. "Sawyer! Let's go to Escala! Something has happened to Christian!"
Sawyer approached Ana and held her by both shoulders when he saw her tear-stained cheeks. Her breathing was uneven and she was shaking.
"What has happened? Taylor hasn't informed of any development." He asked her searching for any harm on her face and arms.
"I don't know, Luke. He was very upset, out of control. Something's happened to him!" She answered sobbing.
When Taylor got Sawyer's call Christian had already left the penthouse. He checked the garage, but all their cars were parked in their spots, so he might have left walking. Then he checked his office; there might be something in that package; but the box wasn't there. The armchair was knocked down on the floor, as well as some files and papers that probably were previously placed on the desk, and there was an awful odor coming from the contents of the trash can, which Taylor confirmed it was vomit.
Ana and Sawyer arrived some minutes later, rushing into the foyer with a wave of anguish.
She ran to the master bedroom, then his office, frantically looking for Christian. She felt a void in her chest, uncertainty eating her from the inside out.
"Ms. Steele. Ana." Taylor said in a soothing voice, carefully placing his hands on both her shoulders once she stopped in the middle of the main room. "Mr. Grey isn't here. He had already left when you called."
Ana whimpered and sat clumsily on the couch behind her, clutching the armrest with one hand and the front of her tank top with the other one, trying to close the hole that was forming inside her chest.
"Where is he? Can't you track him down with those devices you have in his cars or his cell phone?" Ana asked with the calmest tone she was capable of. There was a subtle trembling in her voice, though.
"It seems he has left by foot, and he has not taken his cell phone with him." Taylor said after sitting beside Ana. He sighed heavily and rubbed a rough hand over his face. "I will find him, Ana."
"What did Mr. Grey tell you on the phone, Ana?" Sawyer asked crouching in front of her.
She gave them a lost look, noticing Gail standing up beside Taylor for the first time. Then she frowned.
"He got very upset about…" Ana rubbed her forehead with her fingers and sighed. "I had an incident with a friend of mine two months ago. Some kind of disagreement, which practically broke our friendship. I didn't tell Christian; I was positive he would get upset if he knew, and I didn't want him to do something stupid." She slumped into the couch and covered her face with her hands. "It seems he found out somehow, and his reaction has been worse than I imagined." She looked at them with pleading eyes. "I didn't mean to hurt or upset him. I love him."
"We know, darling. And he loves you." Gail intervened with motherly concern. "He can get a little bit emotional on his birthday…" She added as an explanation. All over the years, she had observed her boss in the quietness of her role of housekeeper, taking care of him in every way possible not only because it was her duty, but out of affection. She knew he always dreaded his birthday. That morning, though, he seemed the happiest man in the world, so that sudden escape seemed odd to her. "Don't worry, sweetheart. Jason and Luke will find him."
"I'll go with you." Ana said standing up abruptly.
"Don't, Ana. Sawyer and I will manage." Taylor said to her with a quick sideways look towards Sawyer's direction. "You better stay here in case he comes back."
_§ § 0 § §_
Christian stumbled towards the sticky counter of the small, dark bar of downtown Seattle he had ended in some hours ago. He had run without destination until his lungs burnt and his throat was raw. His eyes felt like sand paper in spite of the tears that pooled inevitably down his cheeks. He wiped them away roughly with the back of his hand before talking to the bartender.
"Another one of those." He slurred pointing towards the empty bottles of whisky placed on his table.
"I think you've had enough, man." The bartender answered him as he wiped the bar in front of him, out of habit.
"You don't know shit about what is enough for me, mother fucker!" He shouted, gripping the edge of the bar with both his hands. His nostrils flared with barely contained anger.
"Do you want me to call the police, asshole?" The bartender threatened.
"We don't want that. It won't be necessary." A perfectly composed Elena interjected, suddenly appearing from nowhere. She had been watching his every move during hours, since he had left Escala that morning, waiting for the perfect moment to intervene. Christian gaped at her, trying to process her sudden appearance in the middle of his inebriated stupor. Elena gave a rehearsed contrite smile to the bartender and passed him some bills, mouthing a "thanks" with a wink. Then she stared at Christian with a fake look of concern in her eyes. "Let's get you out of here, Christian."
She grabbed his hand and led him out of the bar, and he followed her submissively to her silver Mercedes. She opened the passenger door for him, placing a caring hand on his head to prevent him from hit it with the frame of the car, before placing herself in the driver's seat. Christian squeezed his eyes shut, pressing the heel of his hands tightly into his orbs. A sob escaped his mouth and he leaned his elbows on the console of the car.
"Happy birthday, Christian." She said taming his messy hair. "What's happened? I know this is a particularly tough day for you, but this is too much." She asked with a patronizing tone.
Christian took a deep breath, trying to sober up from the haze where the alcohol and the sorrow had buried him. "N… nothing." He stammered. In spite the circumstances, he didn't want to let Elena intrude in his life once again, especially with something like that.
Elena's mouth settled into a thin line and she internally cursed Christian's reluctance to open up to her. Rolling her eyes she tried to remain in the role of concerned friend. After a pregnant pause, she spoke again.
"Well, I know you value your privacy the most, but I want you to know I'm here if you want to talk. I am your friend, Christian." She emphasized her last words, trying to put into them a non-existent warmth. Christian lifted his empty gaze to her, and gave her a tiny nod of his head before resting his back on the seat and closing his eyes once again. Elena resumed her talking. "Your parents are worried sick. We might go see them."
Faced with Christian's silence, Elena turned on the engine and drove to Grace and Carrick's house.
_§ § 0 § §_
Ana drove recklessly to Bellevue after receiving Grace's phone call telling her that Christian was there. Both Taylor and Sawyer were on the streets looking for him, so she drove by herself one of Christian's cars. She spotted Carrick already waiting for her outside the house before parking in the designated spots.
"Carrick! How is he? Where has he been? Is he hurt?" Ana asked Carrick at the brink of tears.
"Calm down, Ana. He is ok." He explained to her as they went into the house.
"But what happened? Where has he been all day?" Ana asked, somehow relieved Christian was safe now.
"He refuses to talk. He's in his old bedroom now. Elena found him in a bar, completely drunk, and brought him here."
"Elena?" A chill ran over Ana's spine.
"Yes, thank God she found him!"
Grace and Elena were sitting on the couch of the living room. Grace wiped her reddened eyes with a handkerchief while Elena patted her back. Her expression of concern momentarily replaced with a devilish glint in her eyes when she saw Ana approaching them.
"Ana, sweetheart!" Grace opened her arms to embrace Ana. "He's here now. Thank God Elena found him!"
Ana eyed Elena with a guarded expression. "Yes, thank you Elena."
"Oh, Ana, you're welcome, dear. Grace told me Christian was missing, and I couldn't wait at home doing nothing, so I went out to search for him." Elena's calculated words sank in Ana's mind and her face fell. She knew Ana had stayed at Escala, and used that valuable piece of information against her. "He was in that filthy bar… And the bartender was ready to call the cops!" Elena shook her head in mock worry and sighed. "Don't blame yourself, Ana; we all know how his birthday relives some awful memories in Christian. You don't know him as well as we do…" Ana gulped heavily, the blame, getting into her like a heavy weight on her shoulders, made her avert her eyes.
"He never had acted like this, dear." Grace tried to reassure her. "Go, go upstairs and talk to him. I'm sure he will open up to you. We've already called to our guests to tell them there had been a last minute change… Well, I didn't lie to Dr. Flynn; we must need him eventually…"
"Thank you so much, Grace. You're right, maybe he will be able to help us." Ana closed her eyes for a moment and exhaled. "I'm going upstairs now. Thank you again, Grace." Ana squeezed Grace's hand and her lips drew a sad smile. Then, she looked at Elena. "Thank you, Elena." The words burned in her mouth, but she felt she had to tell them.
_§ § 0 § §_
Christian was lying on his childhood bed, sprawled onto his back with one arm covering his tired eyes. His father had brought him up there, stumbling with each step of the staircase in his inebriated state, when he had refused to talk to anyone. He hated himself for doing that to them; he hated the look on his mother's face and the way his father slouched his shoulders in defeat. But he needed to be alone. Isolated. He wanted to feel numb, to feel nothing. But in spite of the great amount of alcohol he had inhaled, he had not accomplished it. He was a void of sensations. He felt broken and utterly sad. Betrayal and loss piercing a poisoned hole in his chest. He ached everywhere, even breathing was painful. He didn't want to cry anymore, but the tears pooled from his eyes helplessly. Silently.
Ana knocked softly on the door twice before opening it. The purple-orange tones of twilight gave an ethereal dimension to the room. Christian was laying on the bed in the same clothes he was that morning, white t-shirt and grey sweatpants, although they were stained in that moment. He was wearing sneakers but without socks; he had left the penthouse in a hurry.
"Christian?" She called him softly from the door. He didn't acknowledge her, so she closed the door and walked towards the bed. "Christian, baby. I'm here."
He moved his arm aside, revealing his face. He stared at her with a blank expression, blinking as if he didn't believe his eyes. His face was ashen, and his usually expressive eyes were dull.
"Christian, baby. I'm here." Ana said once again. She approached him slowly but she stopped when his face morphed into a grimace of pain.
"What are you doing here?" He croaked. His throat was sore from the excesses of the day.
"I've come as soon as I've known you were here. We've been looking for you all day!" Ana said sitting on the bed. Christian moved away from her as if she burned, a wild look in his stormy eyes, and she stood up once again, frowning. "What's happened, Christian? I've been worried sick!"
Christian got up of the bed and walked away from Ana. She reached for him, but he stopped her in her tracks.
"Don't touch me!" He shouted. He had his back pressed against the wall, his hands flat against the hard surface.
"Christian!" Ana whimpered. She felt a piercing pain in her chest, the rejection and the scared look on his face stabbing her right in her heart. Was he scared of her? "I… I don't understand! Why are you running from me? I love you, Christian!" She tried to compose herself and be strong for him, but tears were spilling irremediably over her cheeks.
"It hurts." He whispered looking at the floor. "So much." He finally lifted his gaze and locked eyes with her. Ana felt her soul sink with the look in his eyes. "It hurts wanting to touch you, but touching you will hurt even more." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "It hurts the way you look. So beautiful…" His voice cracked with the last words. "Your betrayal. It hurts the most. I thought you loved me!"
"I love you, more than anything." She whispered. Her tears ran free in that moment.
"What a fool I've been!" He interrupted her screaming. Ana took a step backwards. Christian took a step forwards and continued until she was cornered against the wall.
"Christian, you're scaring me!" Ana cried.
"You always smell so good…" He whispered near her ear, completely oblivious of her discomfort, with his palms flat against the wall in either side of her head, caging her but not touching her. "I know I don't deserve you… but I deserve some fucking respect!" He screamed again, his ragged breath fanning against Ana's face as she tightly shut her eyes in fear.
Suddenly, the door opened and Elliot rushed into the room. He had just arrived and was going upstairs to check on his brother when he heard the shouts.
"What's going on here?" Elliot was going upstairs when he heard the shouts. He took in the scene before him; Ana cornered against the wall, her face stained with tears, and Christian towering over her with a wild look in his eyes. Christian took a step back as soon as Elliot interjected. He knew Christian will never hurt Ana, but in his drunken state he could be unpredictable.
"Ana was already leaving." Christian told looking at his brother.
"I don't want to leave, Christian." She said looking at him with pleading eyes. "I don't understand…"
"You've done enough! I don't need you anymore!" He shouted again at the top of his lungs. "I'm done with you. I don't need you." He said once again in a whisper, as if trying to convince himself.
Ana broke into tears falling to the floor. Christian didn't look at her. Elliot gently lifted her and helped her out of the room after glaring at his brother, who had his eyes glued to the floor. Once they left the room, Christian fell on his knees silently.
Kate was already downstairs, as well as Taylor, Sawyer, Mia and Ethan. Elliot gave a distressed Ana to her best friend and shook his head in response to the quizzical looks of the people around them.
"Do you want me to take you to our apartment, Ana?" Kate asked her soothingly. Without waiting her answer, she walked her to the door.
Elena suppressed the smile that tried to break her face in two by biting the inside of her cheek. With Ana out of the equation, Christian will be hers once again.
We all know this song: All of me. John Legend.
Please, don't hate me!