26

CPOV

I hold Ana close to me and don't let her go until we get to my apartment. As soon as we are in the foyer she begins to weep, her adrenaline rush having worn off. I don't know what to do so I just hold her tight and try to calm her.

"Baby, it's OK. You're safe now. I won't let anything happen to you and he is going to go to jail and will never hurt you again. Please, don't cry." I hold her face in my hands and look into her eyes. When she cries, the blue of her eyes gets deeper and more stunning. I bend down and kiss her nose. "Are you hungry?"

She shakes her head, "No." She is still trembling a bit.

"Would you like a bath?"

"Yes. But I don't want to be alone." I smile at her. I just want to do whatever I can to make her feel better.

"I won't leave you alone, come on." I grab her hand and lead her into my bedroom. She is standing there still trembling and occasionally lets out a sob. "Is it OK if I help you undress?"

She nods her head but says nothing. I take her t-shirt by the hem and instruct her to put her arms up. She does and I slowly remove the shirt over her head. "Alright?"

She nods, again saying nothing. I squat down and remove her shoes and on the way up I unbutton her jeans. I look in her eyes and she gives me a slight smile. I undo her jeans and start to inch them down her legs. "Baby, hold on to me for balance and step out of your jeans." She lightly rests her hands on my shoulders and instead of the fear that usually accompanies someone touching me, I feel as if I would do anything for her. I would do anything for Ana.

She is now in just her bra and panties. I lead her into the bathroom and start the water running and add some lavender bath oil to help calm her. I pull her close to me into an embrace and I unhook her bra and gently peel it down her arms and off her. Even standing there upset, she is exquisite. I kneel once more and remove her delicate panties. I can feel myself wake up and try to cool my thoughts.

I hold her hand and help her to sit in the warm water. Finally, she looks as if she may relax. "Aren't you coming in with me?", she suddenly looks worried.

"Of course." I remove my clothing and step in the bath behind her so she is leaning against my chest. Taking the washcloth I moisten her beautiful skin with the warm bath water.

"I'm sorry, Christian. I'm sorry you have to do this."

"Ana, do not feel guilty. I want to make sure you are safe. I need to make sure you are out of harm's way."

"But, you shouldn't have to deal with this; it's not right."

And before I know it, the words just fall out of my mouth. "Anastasia, I love you. I will spend every moment I can with you."

She tenses at first but then turns her head to look at me. "You love me?"

I look into her cerulean eyes, "Yes. I love you," I whisper to her.

Tears start to fill her eyes, "Christian, I love you too." I realize this may not be the perfect time for this but I lean down and kiss her gently, full of reverence.

APOV

"Christian, make love to me. Please." Suddenly my desire for him is overpowering.

"Anastasia, you just had a very bad experience. I don't want to take advantage of you like that."

"Please, Christian. I need you. I need you now." I turn and move my body so I can sit astride him. Placing my arms on his shoulders, I kiss him with passion and longing.

"Ana, in here?" I can tell he wants this too but is trying to restrain himself.

"Yes…" As I say it, I position myself above him and lower myself so he is filling me. He groans in pleasure. I don't move at first and just kiss him, pouring everything into that one kiss.

His hands are gripping my hips, his fingers are digging into my skin. I slowly start to move up and down while kissing him all over. "Damn, baby. You feel so good." His teeth graze my collarbone setting my blood on fire. His hands move to my ass guiding me to ride him and pick up the pace. Our breathing is becoming shorter and faster.

I'm riding him with his hips meeting mine and I can feel the familiar tightening feeling as I get close. "Come on Ana, let go. Give it to me." Christian growls to me. Before I know it Christian has one of my nipples in his mouth and sucks it making me writhe in his hands.

I cry out in ecstasy close to my orgasm. He bites my nipple and it pushes me over the edge moments later he joins me. We stay where we are with Christian holding me and gently rubbing my back until the water gets cold.

"Ana, baby, we should get out and get dressed, and you need to eat something." He gives me a tender kiss before he moves to get us both out. Christian wraps a big, warm, and fluffy towel around me and he wraps a towel around his waist.

I love this man. And, he loves me. I don't ever want to leave his side. "Christian, I don't have anything to change into."

He goes into his walk-in closet and brings out a pair of sweatpants, a t-shirt, and a sweatshirt. "Here, you can wear these. Taylor is going to stop at your apartment and bring some of your things if he hasn't already."

I can't explain it but just that gesture, the fact that Christian made sure I had clothes here makes me emotional and I begin to quietly cry. "Ana, what's wrong? Don't cry, please. Tell me."

"Thank you for taking care of me like you have. If I had listened to you in the first place, we wouldn't be here." He envelops me in a hug, his strong arms hold me tight.

"Anastasia, all I want to do is take care of you. You are a wonderful, sweet person who thinks the best of everyone. It's one of the reasons why I love you. Come on, let me feed you."

We walk out into the kitchen and I sit at the breakfast bar. "Would you like some wine?" Christian smiles as he asks me.

"Please."

Taylor comes into the room. "Mr. Grey, Officer Doyle from the Seattle PD wants to speak with you and Miss Steele when you are available. He arrived a few minutes ago and is in the security office."

"Thank you, Taylor. Ana, would you like to speak with the officer now or do you want to eat something?"

"Let's get it over with and speak with him now. Then we can get on with everything."

"Taylor, please show Officer Doyle to my office. We will speak with him in there."

"Will do, Sir."

Christian walks over to me with the glass of wine. "Are you sure you are OK to do this? We can tell him to come back tomorrow."

"No, I want this done." Christian takes my hand and we walk to his office where the officer is waiting for us at the meeting table. The officer stands when he sees us.

"Mr. Grey, Miss Steele, thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I'm Officer Robert Doyle of the Seattle Police Department." He and Christian shake hands and we all sit-down. "Miss Steele, can you tell me what happened tonight?"

I take a deep breath and Christian squeezes my hand for support. I recount the entire night, every detail. I can tell at parts Christian gets upset. He asks me if there has been anything else and I tell him about the apartment, the flowers, and the book.

"Thank you, Miss Steele. I just had to get your side. Fortunately, Mr. Fuller was fully cooperative and has confessed to everything. We shouldn't need much more from you. Have a good night, Sir, Ma'am."

We stand when Officer Doyle does. Christian extends his hand, "Thank you, Officer. If you have any questions, Miss Steele will be staying here for the foreseeable future. You may contact her here."

We walk the officer to the foyer and he leaves with Taylor down the elevator to the garage. "Christian, I have to go to work tomorrow."

"No, you don't. I spoke with your boss and the shop is closed while insurance takes care of the damage and he's agreed to giving you some time off."

"Time off? Christian, I can't afford to take any time off."'

He smirks at me. "Anastasia, you are as stubborn as you are beautiful. Do you know that? Don't worry about a thing, OK?" He walks towards me and kisses me lovingly.

"OK, Sir."

He gives me a half-smile, "Come, let's get you fed."