On the Rocks: Chapter Twenty-five

Kate is ready to go when Ana finally gets home. After apologizing for being late and admiring Kate's cocktail dress, Ana dons her tried-and-true brown, knee length dress with Kate's chunky turquoise jewelry, prompting Kate to ask, "Doesn't the billionaire buy you trinkets?"

"He wants to, but it makes me feel…bought."

Kate rolls her eyes and says, "Honestly, Ana, the guy adores you. Let him show it occasionally."

Ana smiles and says, "That's pretty much what he said when I complained." She snaps the bracelet into place and grabs her shoulder purse, saying, "Ready. Where are we going?"

Heading for the door, Kate says, "The Re-Bar."

Following, Ana says, "The gay bar?"

"Mixed, sweetie, and Stay Tuned is playing, so it should be fun." At Ana's questioning look, Kate explains, "They do covers of TV themes, only make them rock, and they encourage people to sing along. You'll love it."

Of course, Taylor and Ryan are waiting outside and efficiently escort them to the venue, Taylor staying with the car, only getting out to open Ana's door for her. The band is already playing and it's only when they break into the vocals that Ana recognizes the tune and shouts to Kate, "Charles in Charge?"

"Yes." Grabbing Ana's hand, she says, "Let's dance."

Several themes later, they take a break and squeeze into a spot at the bar for a drink. As usual, Kate takes charge, ordering two appletinis. With a grin, she jokes, "And for you?"

Ana laughs, suddenly carefree, and says, "Appletini sounds fine, thanks. And thanks, for suggesting this. My feet will regret it tomorrow, but I'm having fun."

Amazingly, their drinks soon arrive. They're quiet for a while, and then Kate laughs and says, "It's ridiculous how much we miss them, isn't it?"

Ana smiles and jokes, "No idea what you're talking about." And then she lifts her glass in toast and says, "Come on, finish up and let's really give our feet something to regret."

And that's exactly what they do; dance until their feet hurt, with Kate expertly fending off the few potential suitors before Ryan's attention is necessary. Almost everyone in the club is singing along to the theme from The Golden Girls, with perhaps Kate belting it out the loudest of all, when Ana is temporarily blinded by a camera flash. Blinking in that direction, she sees not some random patron with a cellphone, but a rather elaborate SLR camera, wielded by a woman only about Ana's age. Ryan is already approaching the woman, apparently talking into his sleeve as he does so, even as the photographer bolts for the door. They're intercepted by Taylor, who shepherds them outside. All this happens in a few seconds and Ana says, "Oh, fuck. I'll be right back."

Having missed the entire exchange, Kate asks, "What's going on?"

"I think the reporter from last night just found me. I'll be back in a sec. Just want to make sure Taylor doesn't get carried away."

Ryan intercepts Ana and says, "It's okay, Miss Steele, we'll take care of it."

"How will you take care of it?"

That surprises him and Ryan hesitates before saying, "Uh, Taylor knows what to do."

Ana moves to step around him, but he again intercepts her, so she calmly says, "Step aside."

Ryan holds her gaze for a second and then says, "All right, Miss Steele, but please stay with me."

Satisfied that he won't prevent her from investigating, Ana shadows him outside and is led to the secluded area where the car is parked. She arrives in time to see Taylor holding the reporter by the arm, the camera in his other hand, as he hisses inaudible questions at her, so Ana says, "Enough, Taylor."

Clearly shocked to hear her voice, Taylor looks first at Ana, then Ryan and back again. And then he says, "It's all right ma'am. I'll take care of it."

Shaking her head, Ana says, "Do they teach you that phrase in bodyguard school?" And then she addresses the reporter and says, "How old are you?"

With a nervous glance at Taylor, the woman says, "Seventeen." Taylor is shocked enough at the answer to let go of the girl's arm as if burned, but she doesn't bolt, only rubbing her arm slightly where she'd been held.

Ana had suspected the girl's age on seeing her inside, and she says to Taylor, "Tell Welch that the reason he could find no details is that there are none." Again addressing the girl, she says, "What's your name? You know mine."

"Fiona, Miss Steele."

"These men are concerned that you are somehow a threat to me. Can you assure them that you're not?"

"I, uh, I just want a photo to go with a story I'm doing on Mr. Grey."

"Why?"

With a shrug, Fiona says, "So that I can get a job."

After considering a moment, Ana says, "Is journalism your preferred choice?"

"Uh, no, not especially. I just don't want to attend college, and my parents said that a job is the only alternative."

Ana nods her understanding of the explanation and then says, "Delete the photo of me." When Taylor immediately moves to comply, Ana says, "Not you. Let Fiona do it."

Taylor says, "Miss Steele, I…"

Ana holds up a hand to silence him and says, "Please don't make me repeat everything. Just give her the camera."

Reluctance in every inch of his body, Taylor complies, adding the caution to Fiona, "Careful."

When Ana approaches Fiona, both Ryan and Taylor move to block her, but they soon back down under her silent command. Without a word, Fiona turns the viewfinder towards Ana, so that she can see the photo being deleted. And then Ana says, "Any others?"

"No, ma'am."

"Have you told anyone my name?"

"Uh, no, Miss Steele. I didn't want anyone else getting the story."

"Are you prepared to tell me how you found out?"

Her back straightening in defiance, Fiona says, "No, ma'am."

Ana smiles and says, "Well done. It was Jon Slossman, wasn't it?"

Shocked, Fiona blanches and says, "How…he won't get into trouble, will he? I didn't tell him what I was doing."

Ana smiles and says, "It's all right, Fiona. No one is in trouble here. Oh, though you'll have to give Taylor here your fake ID. But then we can talk about finding you a job, okay?"

"Uh, yes, thank you, Miss Steele. How did you know that I got your name from Jon?"

Ana smiles and says, "You were dancing with him at the benefit. How did you find me tonight?"

"I followed from a distance and then searched every nightclub and restaurant in a five block area until I found you."

Ana nods and says, "How many are there?"

"Three clubs and five restaurants nice enough to warrant your outfit."

Ana beams at Taylor and says, "Smart, brave, honest, respectful and loyal. Why wouldn't I want to hire her?"

Pondering what to do next, Ana then notices Ryan has his phone out and she says, "Please tell me you didn't just contact Christian?"

It's Taylor who explains, "We received additional instructions tonight; immediately let him know if you stopped cooperating with us."

Ana doesn't turn at his words, but asks Ryan, "Is he already on the way?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Trying to calm her suddenly too-fast heartbeat, Ana says to Fiona, "Hand over the ID and make yourself scarce. Find me at Seattle Independent Publishing on Monday for a job, okay?"

Proving just how smart she is, Fiona does exactly as told and then says only "Thank you, Miss Steele," before disappearing into the night.

With a resigned sigh, Ana addresses no one in particular as she says, "Looks like my evening is at an end." She heads back inside, closely followed by Ryan, to find Kate trying to get attention at the now very crowded bar, and Ana says, "Forget about it. You'll have to wait forever, and I have to go, anyway."

Immediately concerned, Kate says, "Trouble with the reporter?"

"No. Turns out she's just a kid looking for work and thought she had an edge after learning my name. But Christian knows about the drama, so he'll be here soon and he won't be happy. You might as well head home with Taylor. I'll wait here for…"

"I'm not leaving you alone with Grey. I know he's making an effort, but I still don't trust him."

Well and truly tired of being bullied, Ana says, "You don't need to trust him, I do. Go home. I'll be there soon."

Kate has heard that tone before, so she doesn't argue, asking only, "You'll call, if you need me?"

Relieved at her friend's cooperation, Ana says, "I promise. Thanks, for a wonderful evening. I'll be home soon."

Still wary, but reassured enough to comply, Kate says, "Ok, sweetie. I'll put the kettle on."

After they've said goodbye, Ana is about to try her luck at the bar, for a fortifying drink, when she sees Taylor approaching. He hands the car keys to Ryan and says, "Take Miss Kavanagh home, then return to Escala."

For the first time Ana gets a glimpse of the real Ryan when his professional demeanor relaxes enough for him to flash a smile of gratitude at Taylor as he says, "Yes, sir."

When he's gone, Ana says, "Was that a favor to me, or to Ryan?"

"Christian. He'll be worked up and I don't want him to do anything he'll regret."

"But you won't tell him what to do?"

"No, ma'am. He's my boss. I suggest we wait outside."

Ana nods and says, "I'll just get my jacket." They're walking towards the cloakroom when Ana suddenly laughs. At Taylor's confusion, she motions to the band and says, "Listen."

After a second, Taylor grins and says, "Who's the Boss?"

Ana nods and says, "Good question, don't you think?"

Without another word, Ana retrieves and dons her jacket, then follows Taylor outside. They've not been waiting long when Christian's Audi comes into view, moving fast. He slows down enough to come to an almost gentle stop beside them and leaves the engine running as he gets out, saying to Taylor, "How the fuck did they follow you?"

With a pointed glance at nearby patrons and security staff, Taylor says, "You'd like a full report here and now?"

Christian shakes his head and says, "You're right; later." And then he says to Ana, "Get in."

Also not wanting a public scene, Ana does as bid, immediately freeing her aching feet from the shoes. Surprised, when Christian reclaims the driver's seat, Ana says, "No Taylor?"

"No. He's fired again."

Confident that it's not a permanent arrangement, Ana says, "It wasn't his fault, Christian. No one thought to look for a student. She's just a kid."

As he joins the traffic, Christian says, "Perhaps, but the next one won't be. You should never approach a suspect, Ana, never. I don't know what the fuck you think you were doing."

Sighing at the effort it takes to make him see reason, Ana says, "Not a suspect, Christian, a minor who was being interrogated by an armed security officer. I couldn't let that happen. If the next one is over twenty-one, they're on their own." And then she realizes something and asks, "Where are we going?"

"Escala."

"Kate is expecting me at home, Christian."

"Your apartment isn't secure. Neither is your lifestyle. Tonight proves that. You can have the spare bedroom, if you must, but you're moving into Escala tonight. I need to know you're safe, Ana, I can't…you have to be safe."

"Safe like right now; with no bodyguard and a lunatic at the wheel?"

That's enough to actually make him glance in the mirror and he says, "Sawyer is waiting at the apartment and Taylor will join us when he's picked up a few of your things."

"Then call Taylor and tell him not to bother. I'm not moving in just because you've remembered to be afraid. Right now, in this car, is the most danger I've been in all day. Now turn around and take me home…my home."

When Christian says nothing and only focusses on the traffic, Ana knows that he's simply not hearing her. With the unmistakable silhouette of Escala looming ever closer, there's not much time. So she waits until he next stops at lights and opens her door to flee. Christian's instincts and lightning fast reflexes ensure that he turns in time to see her leaving the car. With a shocked "Fuck," he grabs for Ana, but only snags her purse, the strap breaking under the strain. Ana hears more expletives behind her, as Christian exits the car, but she doesn't stop, bolting down a nearby alley. Nor does she stop at the frantic sound of her name, or the sounds of car horns tooting their outrage or support, only glancing back when Christian cries out, "Yellow!" He's stopped pursuing her, the distance between them too great to make up and is holding his arms out in supplication as he repeats, "Yellow. Ana, please stop."

Chest heaving from exertion and anxiety, Ana does so, dropping her hands to her knees as she struggles to get enough oxygen, never taking her eyes from Christian. When she can finally speak, she says, "Me running off into the night minus my shoes and purse is only a yellow?"

Visibly relieved that she's at least talking to him, Christian shrugs and says, "You're still in sight. Ana, please get back in the car."

"No. But, if you could bring me my purse, I'd be grateful."

"Ana, just get in the fucking car, before someone steals it."

Somehow knowing that she's won, Ana says, "You'll take me home?"

"Yes."

"No punishment?"

"Do you deserve punishment?"

Ana stands up straight as she says, "No. You panicked and wouldn't listen to me."

Christian shakes his head and says, "Not nearly as much as I panicked when you got out of the car. Let's not do this again."

"Fine by me." And then Ana gestures for Christian to go first and says, "After you."

Christian smiles and says, "Where's the trust?"

Still wary, Ana approaches saying, "Okay, but…" When she sees the predator enter Christian's eyes, Ana knows that there's no chance of escape this time, so she stands still, trembling slightly as he approaches with a triumphant grin on his face, and the only thing she can think to say is, "My feet hurt."

Christian stops before her, frowning in concern, and says, "Show me."

Reaching out to grasp his arm for balance, Ana lifts her feet one at a time. When she shows her right foot, Christian hisses in surprise and asks, "When was your last tetanus jab?"

"Uh, high school, I guess. I'm not sure."

Christian lifts her in his arms and says, "Looks like a stop at Emergency on the way home."

"Whose home, Christian?"

"Your temporary home at Pike Place Market."

Something about being in Christian's arms makes everything seem all right, despite the stabbing pain in her foot, and Ana leans against his shoulder as she says, "You still think that I'll move in with you?"

Christian kisses her forehead and says, "Yes. You came back this time."

They're almost to the car, thankfully where Christian abandoned it and Ana says, "Oh, wait, I was twelve. I don't need a jab."

"You're sure?"

"Yes. Please just take me home. Kate will be worried."

"Okay. But you'll get a jab tomorrow just in case."

"I will." With difficulty, Christian manages to get Ana in the back seat of the car without her feet touching the ground, and she says, "Thank you, Christian."

Making no reply, Christian takes the driver's seat and passes Ana an unopened pack of sanitizing wipes as he says, "Try not to bleed on my car."

"You're Agent Smith again."

This time the comparison is not enough to break through his calm and Christian starts the engine as he says, "Let's just get you home."

As Christian drives, Ana stares at Escala, still prominent against the night sky, and wonders what the hell she's doing asking Christian to drive away from it. But she's suddenly too tired and sore to think about it and turns her attention to her foot. The cut isn't very deep, just jagged enough to bleed a fair bit. Not wanting to worry Christian further, she ignores the biting pain as she cleans the wound with the wipes. There's nowhere to put the soiled ones, so she ends up placing them neatly on the floor. By then, Christian is parking outside her apartment. When he opens her door, she motions to the pile of wipes and says, "Uh, I didn't know…"

Christian actually sounds weary as he says, "Just leave them, Ana."

He carries her to the door, which is opened by a dispassionate Taylor. Kate, however, is not so calm and exclaims, "Fuck! What happened? Grey, what did you do to her?"

As if she's hasn't spoken, Christian gently places Ana on the sofa and begs Taylor, "Jason?"

With only a nod in reply, Taylor washes his hands at the sink and, after silently asking Ana for permission, receiving a weak smile in reply, he squats before Ana to examine her feet and then asks, "When was the last time…"

Christian interrupts with, "Nine years ago. She'll get a booster first thing in the morning."

Taylor stands, offering Ana a kind smile as he says, "If you're up to date with vaccinations, then you're fine, Miss Steele. I recommend a hot bath and a large Band-Aid."

Relieved that someone is calm enough to make sense, Ana smiles her gratitude and says, "Bath sounds wonderful, thank you."

Christian is gone from the room before she finishes speaking, and Ana guesses that he's running a bath for her. Sure enough, only seconds later, the sounds of the tub filling can be heard. She's staring in his direction as if she can see through walls, when Taylor quietly says, "I take it you're not going to Escala tonight?"

Ana smiles at his conspiratorial tone and says, "No. Not tonight."

Taylor eyes widen in surprise at the subtext and he's about to speak when Kate exclaims, "Will someone please tell me what the fuck is going on?"

Ana giggles, wondering if she's in shock, and says, "Everything's fine, Kate. I cut my foot roaming around Seattle in the dark without shoes. Christian didn't do anything. He just can't stand the idea of me being in danger. So he'll be a little twitchy for a while. But, other than to carry me, he didn't lay a hand on me, okay?"

Somewhat reassured, Kate says, "Okay. Time for that cup of tea?"

Ana beams her gratitude at her friend, saying, "Yes, thank you."

Kate has only had time to put the kettle on when Christian returns, shirt sleeves rolled up and minus his suede jacket, and says, "Miss Kavanagh, would you please watch the bath? I don't think it's going to take very long to fill that thing." When Kate wordlessly moves to comply, causing Ana to stifle another urge to giggle, Christian then says "Taylor," as he heads to the door.

Recognizing it as an order, Taylor moves to follow. Confused, Ana asks Christian, "You're leaving?"

The hurt in Christian's eyes when he looks at her takes Ana's breath away, and he says, "No. Taylor is."

Sure enough, Christian returns only a minute later and Ana says, "I'm sorry."

Christian bends down and lifts Ana in his arms as he says, "For what?"

"For…you're upset."

His arms around her somewhat muting the gesture, Christian shrugs and says, "I'll get over it."

Desperate to ease his pain, Ana puts one hand on Christian's chest, pushing aside the lapel of his shirt enough that her fingertips touch his skin. His shocked gasp at the contact confirms that he's feeling very vulnerable, but he doesn't reprimand her, so Ana maintains the gesture and keeps her hand very still. At the door of the bathroom, Christian says, "Thank you, Miss Kavanagh. I'll take it from here."

After silently checking with Ana that all is well, Kate exits to make room for them, saying, "I'll say goodnight, then. Your tea is ready to pour, if you decide you want it."

Grateful for her friend's concern and cooperation, Ana warmly says, "Thanks. I'll see you in the morning."

Christian carries Ana into the bathroom and says, "I'll have to put you down to undress you."

"I'm fine, Christian. It doesn't even hurt that much." When he gently puts Ana on her feet, making no reply, she says, "Please tell me what you're thinking."

"I'm thinking that you need to clean that wound, or it could become infected."

Clearly, he's not ready to discuss her recent exodus from his car, so Ana says, "Okay, Christian. But please back off a little. It's only a scratch and I'm perfectly capable of getting into the bath without assistance."

As if she'd meant the request literally, Christian steps back, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms to watch her. Suddenly wishing she hadn't said anything, because anxious Christian watching her like a hawk is more unsettling even than overprotective Christian, Ana awkwardly undresses and slowly lowers herself through the thick layer of bubbles, relishing the feel of the stinging hot water enveloping her body.

When she's comfortable, Christian places a towel on the floor near her feet and sits down as he says, "Pass me the washcloth." And then he begins tenderly bathing Ana's feet, starting with the injured one. He's so gentle that it almost tickles and Ana has to fight the giggles again. Eventually, Christian's expression relaxes and he asks, "Something funny, Miss Steele?"

Unable to keep the laughter from her voice, Ana says, "You're washing my feet."

Christian shrugs and says, "It's my fault they're dirty."

"It was my choice to leave the car, Christian."

Another guilty shrug and Christian argues, "I didn't leave you many options."

"True. So, you're not angry with me?"

Christian shakes his head and says, "No, baby. You were right. The only thing you were in danger from tonight was me."

His choice of words reminds her of something and she says, "What were you thinking when you were about to catch me in the alley?"

Christian finally smiles and says, "Well, I don't know that I was thinking much of anything, but I'm pretty sure that I was about to fuck you. You running from me…the only thing that's more of a turn-on is you coming back to me."

"Oh." They're both quiet for a few seconds and then Ana says, "I really wish that I hadn't mentioned my feet now."

Christian laughs and says, "Serves you right for scaring me like that." And then he asks, "Were you afraid of me?"

"No…not really. But you…I felt hunted."

Christian gently kisses the sole of her foot and promises, "Always. Did you like it?"

Surprised at the answer she finds lurking at the edge of her subconscious, Ana says, "Yes, very much."

That's all it takes for the predator to return to Christian's gaze and his hand is caressing its way up Ana's calf when the doorbell rings. Closing his eyes for a second, Christian says, "That'll be Taylor. This time I really will fucking fire him."

Her body glowing from all the attention, Ana giggles and says, "No, you won't, because you'd lose Gail, too."

When Christian opens his eyes, the predator is gone and he quickly kisses her ankle before rising lithely to his feet as he says, "Time for bed."

When he's gone, Ana hops out and quickly towel dries before putting a dressing on the wound and then brushing her teeth. She can still hear Christian and Taylor talking in the living area, so risks ducking to her bedroom to don her robe. When she joins the men it's just in time to see the door closing as Taylor leaves. And then she notices the overnight bag and asks Christian, "You're staying?"

"Until you move in with me, yes. I'll be here through the week and you'll stay with me at Escala on the weekends."

"You're…wait, you live here?"

"Yes. I need…I'm going to improve, Ana, Flynn and I will make sure of it. Until then I can't risk you. It…"

Ana crosses the room into his arms as she says, "It's all right, Christian. We're okay."

Christian embraces Ana and expresses his gratitude with a kiss before asking, "You're not angry with me?"

"No. I know that me being in danger, even perceived danger, is a hard limit for you. And you are improving."

Christian grimaces and says, "I don't know how you can say that, baby. All I did was make things worse, and you ended up injured."

"Hardly a serious injury. And I know that you're improving, because when I first met you this wouldn't have been enough to make you reconsider; you would have tracked me down and taken me to Escala."

Christian grins and reminisces, "And chained you to the wall in my dungeon?"

Reassured by his playful tone, Ana smiles and says, "Well, you can still do that, just not tonight." And then she rests her palms on his chest and adds, "Also, not that long ago, you would have been very angry with me for defying you."

Christian holds Ana a little tighter and lies, "I am very angry with you."

Ana grins and says, "Oh? Then you won't be interested to know that I'm not wearing even a t-shirt under this robe?"

Passion flares in Christian's eyes, but he says, "Not even a little bit." And then he releases her and says, "But, if you're going to bed naked, I'll sleep in here."

Ana laughs and says, "Come on. I'll wear pajamas if you will."

Christian picks up his overnight bag and says, "I'll just brush my teeth."

Mindful of Christian's wishes, Ana bothers with t-shirt and pants before getting under the covers. She's not there long before Christian enters, carrying his jacket and bag and dressed in pajama pants and a t-shirt. He smiles on seeing her and quickly joins her under the covers. Without a word, they move towards each other until Ana is nestled against Christian's side, one leg resting between his and a hand on his chest. For his part, Christian has his arms wrapped around her, his body angled slightly towards Ana, so that he can accommodate the shape of her body and then he sighs and says, "This is my home."

Where credit's due: I think it was blondegirl3 who suggested that Ana spend an evening with Kate. Thank you.

Re-bar and "Stay Tuned" exist. That's the extent of my knowledge, so don't consider their appearance in the story either an endorsement or condemnation, though they both sound like fun.