THANKS AGAIN FOR THE KIND COMMENTS AND PM'S

I still can't get used to the weather here in Seattle. The sun was shining bright this morning when I woke and now it is dark, dreary and raining. Figures. Christian has already left for the office and has left me here with Sawyer and Mrs. Jones. It's now the end of July and I have officially lived with Christian for one month. What a month it has been.

But the real moment we had was near the end of June when Christian took me to the annual Seattle Arts Council Fundraiser and dinner. I had my cast removed the day before and it was replaced with a soft boot walking cast. Thank God for small favors! The Dr. said my ankle was healing faster than expected and that I will probably be out of the boot by the end of July. This stupid thing gets in the way of everything. I mean EVERYTHING. All of the burns, with the exception of one, have healed and are now gone. The one that is still on my right leg will need a little longer to heal. I can't complain. I know it could have been a lot worse.

Getting back to the fundraiser, Christian didn't bother to let me in on his plans for the evening. I don't care much for surprises and I hate being blindsided. Christian bought me an absolutely fabulous Donna Karan dress for the event. It is a deep red and off the shoulder. He always has a way of making me feel and look beautiful. Sawyer drops us and Taylor off to go through the press line. The press is yelling at Christian to turn this way, turn that way. One reporter yells out "Turn this way Mrs. Morrison." They know who I am because of the Seattle Symphony. "Another yells, "Mr. Grey are you here with anyone?" Christian turns to me and smiles then pulls me to his side and says, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please meet my girlfriend, Linda Morrison." That was the first time he has publically acknowledged me as his girlfriend. That felt so weird hearing him say that. Then things got crazy.

"Mr. Grey! How did you meet?! How long have you been together? Mr. Grey, was Linda the one on the jet that crashed? Linda what happened to your foot? Linda who are you wearing?!" Now there is a question I never thought I would have asked of me! "Can we get shots of you by yourself, Linda?!" "Now together!" This is insane. Christian warned me that this was his life. He and Taylor let the photographers take a few more pictures then come in to rescue me and we go inside and find our table. "How the hell do you get used to all of that? I can't see straight right now because of all of the flashes!" Christian looks at me apologetically. "Unfortunately, it's all part of my world. You handled yourself beautifully, baby. I'm so proud of you."

"Gee thanks. A little warning would have been nice, Christian." I show my displeasure discreetly. He leans over and kisses me behind my ear. "Sorry, baby. I just felt it was time to let everyone know you are with me. I got caught up in the moment." I think he genuinely felt bad, but he also has that sly smile creeping up on his face. Bastard. He knew exactly what he was doing.

We celebrated the 4th of July at his parents' home. They always invite the neighbors over for a huge BBQ and tons of fireworks were shot off over the water. I feel so sorry for Taylor when fireworks are involved. I know he saw action in Afghanistan and fireworks are just an ugly reminder of what he saw and heard.

While at the BBQ, I asked Grace if I could talk to her. With the school year not starting until September I was looking for something to do a couple of days a week.

"Grace, I was wondering, are there any openings at Coping Together to work with some of the younger kids you are currently helping. Besides rehearsals, most of the time I'm just sitting around the penthouse doing nothing. I want to be able to give back some way."

"Oh, Linda. That would be wonderful! We always need help. Come by the offices Monday and we can get you started." I have really missed working with four and five year olds and want to get back into the swing of things before the school year starts.

I show up on Monday at Coping Together and Grace introduces me to one of the councilors I will be working with. "Linda, this is Janet Adams. Janet this is Linda Morrison, she moved here a few months ago from Oklahoma. She is a pre-school teacher as well as a musician. She would like to work with some of the children to prepare them for their first day of school."

"Linda, it's nice to meet you. I think it's an excellent idea you want to work with the kids to prepare them for school. Most of the children we help are from single parent homes where drugs, alcohol and violence have been a part of their short lives. A few have both parents in the home. Most don't know the basics like how to spell their name, colors, alphabet, etc. No one has ever shown them." I look over at Grace and she is wiping a tear discreetly from her eye. I nod that I understand why she is crying. I just can't imagine the beginning of Christian's life being filled with so much violence and for him to be the man he is today is truly amazing.

Janet introduces me to 5 children, 3 boys and 2 girls. All are age 4. One little boy in particular, is named Cameron. Cameron's father mentally, verbally and physically abused him from infancy until 4 months ago when he was arrested and convicted for child abuse and spousal abuse. His Mom is in rehab recovering from a beating she took at the hands of Cameron's father. It just makes me physically sick that an adult would want to inflict harm, fear and pain on a child. Cameron is super shy, doesn't talk a lot, and has trust issues, understandably. I find out that he is enrolled at the Seattle Waldorf School where I will be teaching this fall.

"Cameron, come here. There is someone I want you to meet," Janet motions for him to join us. "This is Mrs. Morrison, or you can call her Miss Linda." Cameron at first was hiding behind Janet looking me over. He then surprises Janet, Grace and myself by coming over to me and sticking his little hand out for me to shake.

"Hi Miss Linda. Do you like to play with Legos? I like to build things. Will you play with me? Come on." This boy is going to be a heartbreaker when he grows up. He has the biggest brown eyes, shoulder length blonde wavy hair and has the biggest smile. He takes me by the hand and we go over to the Lego table and sit down. I can hear Janet talking to Grace.

"Grace. Look at that! It took Cameron 2 weeks to talk to any of us when he first came here and Linda comes in and he is taken with her. Kids have a good sense of who they can and can't trust. That's remarkable. How did you meet Linda?"

"She is dating Christian." Janet's eyes shot wide open. Yes, she thought he was gay as well.

"She looks older than Christian." I heard that comment and look over to see how Grace handles it. Grace looks at me and winks. "She is but that doesn't matter. We love her and Christian does too." I smile back at Grace.

"Wait, I saw them on TV the other day on one of those entertainment shows. They were at the Seattle Arts Council Dinner when Christian introduced her as his girlfriend in the press line. Everyone was shocked and surprised. That's amazing considering no one has ever seen Christian with anyone before. You say she is a musician as well?"

"Yes. As a matter of fact she will be the featured soloist with the Seattle Symphony on opening night in September." Janet nods and smiles.

"Look at Cameron, Grace. She has him laughing and smiling. She has a gift with children. Thank you for bringing her here. She will be a big asset for Coping Together." Janet gives Grace a hug.

I spend the next 3 hours teaching all five to start writing their names, learning their colors, shapes, ABC's and numbers. Cameron is so excited that it takes a while to settle him down. This is why I love my job.

Back to present day. The rain seems to be letting up. I go out on the balcony and sit down to get some fresh air. After I was attacked in my apartment, I applied for a concealed weapons permit and a license to carry a firearm. I want to be able to protect myself if the need arises. Since Roger Davis can't be found, I don't want any more surprises. I should be getting those permits soon.

Sawyer finds me out on the balcony. He is holding something in his hand and he looks pissed. "Linda, I really hate to bother you, but we need to talk. I know what is in this envelope. Taylor and I have seen plenty of these in our lifetime. I need to know where your weapon is so it can be properly stored here in the penthouse. Mr. Grey does not like to have weapons here unless they are locked up."

"Sawyer, what are you talking about? I don't have a weapon here. What is in the envelope?" I will play dumb a little while longer. I know the envelope contains my permits. About time.

"Cut the crap, Linda. You know damn well what this is. Answer my question."

"Fine. I'm assuming that is my concealed weapons permit and my license to carry a firearm you are holding. Am I correct?" Sawyer nods. "I haven't bought a gun yet. So don't get your boxers in a bunch. When I get one, I will let you know where it is and how I plan on carrying it. It will be with me at all times. Why are you so pissed about this? I'm not the first one to apply for a permit!"

"I'm pissed because you didn't bother to let me know you wanted to carry a gun. I'm your close personal protection for crying out loud. I have a right to know these things. When you get one, it has to be locked up while you are in the penthouse. No exceptions."

"I didn't keep anything from you on purpose. I was just a little upset about being beaten to a pulp, then almost dying in a plane crash! Surely you can understand that! I'm going to protect myself!" I get up from my chair on the balcony and storm back inside only to see Christian and Taylor standing in the Great Room listening. "Go ahead, yell at me as well. Sawyer just finished his lecture." I walk past Taylor and Christian and head to the bedroom and slam the door.

Christian turns to Sawyer trying to hold his temper.

"Sawyer, before I rip your fucking head off, please explain to me why you felt the need to speak to Linda like that." Sawyer hands Christian the envelope. Taylor sees it and his eyes shoot up to meet Sawyer's. Christian opens the envelope and his eyes widen as he looks at the permits.

"She wanted a concealed weapon permit? Why? We can protect her! I don't want her to feel like she needs to carry a gun. I don't want her to have one. Period."

Taylor turns to Sawyer. "Did you ask her where her weapon is? It has to be locked up if she has one."

"Yes I asked her where it was. I'm not an idiot. She said she hadn't bought one yet. I told her Mr. Grey won't allow guns here unless they were locked up."

Sawyer turns to Christian with a worried look on his face. "Sir. Permission to speak freely?" Christian nods. "I'm worried about Linda. She has been on edge ever since coming back from Colorado. She won't say it, but she is scared. I saw it in her eyes when I confronted her about these permits. I think she doesn't feel like we have protected her, Mr. Grey, and she wants to take matters into her own hands and that scares me. If I have overstepped my bounds, I apologize. But you pay me to protect her and that is what I am trying to do. She caught me off guard by applying for those permits and not informing me. She just freaked out and stormed off the balcony when you and Taylor arrived."

I'm standing at the bedroom door listening to their conversation. Wouldn't they be scared and on edge as well knowing someone is after them and you can't find them? I've been caught twice in the middle of a disgruntled ex-employee's vendetta against Christian. I'm looking out for myself. I go back out into the Great Room.

"Sawyer's right." All 3 turn to look at me. "I do want to take matters into my own hands. I've been attacked in my own home and blown out of the sky and nobody can find this moron Roger Davis. If he is pissed at me for ignoring him and blowing him off when I moved to my apartment then that is between him and me. But I will not live in fear of what may happen next. I will protect myself! Before you ripped into me Sawyer, I was going to ask you to teach me self-defense and how to shoot a gun. But if your idea of protecting me is to keep me locked up here like Christian is, then I will go find someone who will teach me. Either way, I will be prepared if something else should happen. I'm going to change and go down to the gym for a while, if that is permissible with the three of you?" I turn and go back to the bedroom to change.

I sit on the bed with my head in my hands. Why did I just yell and chew them out? I hate feeling anxious, scared and under pressure. I knew Christian was a lot to take on, but it's not his fault these things have happened. He fired Roger because he was incompetent. That's Roger's fault. I need to go downstairs and hit something. There is a knock on the door and Taylor walks in. I roll my eyes. This is just what I needed.

"You want a crack at me as well?" Taylor shoots me the shut up and listen to me look. "Sorry. I shouldn't have said that." I slide off the bed and sit on the floor. "Could you please look at me, Linda?" I sigh and look up. Taylor has shut the door and is leaning on it.

"Believe it or not, I'm on your side. I think you should know how to defend yourself, as well as learn how to shoot a gun. That is one thing that frustrates me about Mr. Grey. He will not learn how to shoot and protect himself. He is adamantly opposed to guns. But what I'm concerned about is where your head is at. You can't go off half-cocked, no pun intended, wanting to take matters into your own hands and go after Roger Davis. But if you are confronted by him, then all bets are off. You will have the right to defend yourself as you see fit. Just don't let hatred and frustration cloud your judgment. If you want, I will teach you how to shoot and Sawyer will teach you self-defense. I know you're frustrated. We all feel like we have let you down, Spike. Let us help you. Let me help you."

I start laughing. "Spike? I don't remember that being on the list I gave you!"

"It wasn't but it's appropriate, don't you think?" Taylor is trying hard not to smile.

"I like it. I guess that could be my code name. So how did you end up being the one coming in to talk to me. Did you lose a bet?"

"No. I just told Mr. Grey and Sawyer that a cooler head needed to talk to you and that I understood where you were coming from. But if you do get a gun, please give it to me and I will put it in the lockbox in my office. Ok?" I nod.

"Thanks for talking to me, Taylor. I don't know why I went off on Sawyer like I did. You're right. I am frustrated. Who knew all of this baggage came with dating Christian. I just feel under so much pressure and when I feel like nothing is being done I tend to push back. I'm sorry."

"No apologies necessary Spike."

Taylor helps me up from the floor and I grab my towel and iPod and head out of the bedroom.

I walk over to Sawyer and stop in front of him. "I'm sorry I snapped at you. Would you please teach me self-defense so I can beat Christian up if the need arises?" Christian snorts behind me. Taylor laughs.

"Yes I can. Let me get changed and we will get started."

"Thank you."

"No problem. Be back in a minute."

I know I can't do a lot with this stupid boot still on my foot. But that comes off, hopefully, at the end of the week. Christian walks over to me and pulls me to him. He smells good.

"So you want to beat me up, huh? I can think of another physical activity we can engage in." His gray eyes are going dark all of a sudden.

"You have a one track mind, Mr. Grey. You afraid I might take you down?" He snorts again. "Please."

"You know, when I get this stupid ankle healed, I want kickboxing lessons. Can you set me up with Claude? That way, I know what moves to use on you and take you down." I'm smiling and batting my eyes at him.

"Bring it on, Linda."

For an hour, Sawyer taught me some basic techniques. Always keep your hands up; in a street fight, there aren't any rules; take people to the ground as soon as possible; hit first.

"I'll show you some actual moves and techniques when your ankle is better. How is it by the way?" Sawyer asks while he shows me the proper way to throw a punch.

"It's good. The Dr. thinks he will be able to get me out of this boot this week. I can't wait."

I'm landing some pretty good punches on the heavy bag. "Thanks for getting me started Sawyer. I really appreciate it. I meant it earlier. I'm sorry I went psycho on you."

Sawyer puts his hands on my shoulders. "Good job tonight, by the way. You're a quick learner. It's ok. No harm done. Just remember, I'm on your side."

"I know. I'm going out of my mind, Sawyer. I'm feeling like a caged animal. Some days I just want to run out of here and keep going. I can't go anywhere on my own anymore. I just want to be able to go sit in the park, take a walk, go hiking at Mt. Rainier. I want to know what it feels like to be normal again."

"You can still do those things Linda. I can be as invisible as I'm allowed. You are right about one thing: you can't go anywhere alone anymore, but I don't have to be stuck to your side either. Please don't think of running off though. I love my job and I don't want to get fired but most of all Mr. Grey would probably go back to yelling at people again. He doesn't do that as much anymore since you came along. For that, we are forever in your debt!" Sawyer face takes on the look like he shouldn't have said that.

"Don't worry. I'm not saying anything. From what I have heard Christian was a pain in the ass to most people." Sawyer nods in agreement and we laugh.

Sawyer also shows me some exercises to do with weights. One thing I need to definitely work on and build up are my upper arms and shoulders. "We need to build up your upper body strength in order to effectively fight off anyone who should come at you. Here, I'll show you a great workout." He grabs a 15 lb. dumbbell and has me hold it above my head and tells me to lower it down to my shoulder blades and back up, 3 sets, 20 times.

My muscles are screaming. I've had a solid two hour workout with Sawyer. "I'm done for today Sawyer. I'm heading back up to the penthouse. You coming?" He nods and grabs his towel and water. "Let's go Spike." I can't help but laugh. "Taylor texted me earlier and wanted to know how Spike was doing. I asked him who the hell he was talking about and he said that Spike is your new code name. I like it!" I still don't know what Christian would think about that. Oh well. Who cares!

We get back upstairs and as usual Christian is in his study working. I don't bother to let him know we are back.

"Thanks again for your help Sawyer. Same time tomorrow?" I hope I can move tomorrow.

"Sure. Go soak in a hot bath so your muscles don't seize." That's not a bad idea. "I will."

"Good night, Linda. See you tomorrow." Sawyer turns to leave and goes home.

I make my way to the bathroom and start drawing a bath. I decide I want a bubble bath as well. I find the vanilla scented bubble bath and get in the tub. Damn this feels and smells wonderful. Granted my foot is up on the side of the tub and I'm not entirely comfortable but gosh this feels good just to sit and soak. I reach for my iPod and lose myself to the hot water and bubbles. 30 minutes later and with less bubbles and now luke warm water I hobble out of the tub and dry myself off. I head to the bedroom and find a pair of cotton shorts and a T-shirt to sleep in. I wander back out into the Great Room and hear that Christian is now on the phone. I'm learning the signs of the many moods of Christian Grey. He's upset about something. When is he ever not upset about something? Then I hear him say a name I hadn't heard in a while. I am frozen by the door listening. I can't believe he is talking to HER!

"Elena. Why the fuck did you call me?... No, I can't help you with that…. I'm not trying to be difficult Elena…Why do you think Linc is up to something?…What makes you think that?...No you can't come over here tonight. It's late….She's fine, getting better…YOU CAN'T ASK ME THAT! That's none of your fucking business!...Elena, it's none of your business…Yes she is. I'm tired of this shit. Goodbye Elena!" Christian slams down the phone on his desk. I softly knock. "WHAT?!" Geez. I stick my head in and when he sees me, he at least smiles.

"You alright? I could hear you clear across the Great Room." I walk in slowly and stand behind a chair in front of this desk.

"I'm fine. Just talking to an old friend."

"Sounded more like yelling to me. So how is the old friend?" I really don't give a flying fuck, but I'm just making conversation.

"Irritating. How was your workout with Sawyer? I liked your form on the heavy bag." WHAT?

"How do you know what I looked like?"

"I saw you on the CCTV monitor in Taylor's office."

"You have access to the security cameras in the gym?" Look who you're asking. Of course he does!

"Yes." I need to take this Stalker 101 class.

I'm standing there staring at Christian, not saying a word. This is why I shouldn't have moved in here. I don't have any privacy!

"Why?"

"Because I can." Smug bastard

"Just because you can doesn't mean you should! This is what I was talking to you about in Aspen: Privacy. I need it." I know I'm talking to a brick wall by the look on Christian's face. He just doesn't get it.

I throw my arms in the air and I don't even bother saying anything more to him. I turn to leave the office and slam the door behind me. Mrs. Jones is in the kitchen when I come storming out of the study. I walk over and sit on a barstool and put my head on the breakfast bar.

"Has he ever just made you so mad you wanted to scream and throw things?" I know she won't answer me because she would feel disloyal to Christian. Mrs. Jones leans down to me and whispers "Yes." I start laughing and sit up.

"Would you like a snack, Linda? A sandwich maybe?" My stomach gives me away. Mrs. Jones laughs. "I guess I got my answer!" She says laughing.

"Yes please. Anything is fine." I walk over to the refrigerator and grab me a beer. I am handed a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. "How did you know these are my favorite? Thanks. I'll be in the TV room."

I flop down on the large leather couch and turn on the TV. It's been a long time it seems since I've sat down and flipped through the channels. I settle on the news and sit back and eat my sandwich. As I finish my sandwich, I get a text message. I look at my phone and it's also a picture message. Who the heck would be sending me a picture? I open it and drop the phone in the floor. It's a picture of me working out with Sawyer with a text saying "He can teach you all he knows but I will get you…AGAIN."

I pick my phone up and head to Taylor's office. Taylor is sitting at his desk watching the monitors.

"Taylor, can you pull up the cameras around the gym? Go back about an hour." He is looking at me like I've lost my mind.

"Sure, but may I ask why and what are we looking for?" Taylor is cueing up the monitors as we speak. "I'll let you know in a minute." I'm studying the monitor closely when all of a sudden I see what I'm looking for.

"There. That man right there. Can you zoom in on him?" With a few clicks of a mouse, Taylor zooms in on the face of the man that was outside the gym holding up a cellphone taking a picture. FUCK.

"SHIT!" Taylor yells out. "That's Roger Davis." Taylor is looking at me with eyes wide open. Davis is in disguise, but some of his facial features are recognizable.

"I know. I got this a few minutes ago." I give my cellphone to Taylor and show him the picture and text.

"I know where this son of a bitch is." Taylor put cell phone tracking software on my new phone. "I ran the tracking software and this is where he is right now. I pull up the app and show Taylor. "I want to put an end to all of this shit NOW!"

Taylor puts in a call to the police and the FBI to let them know Davis has shown his face, so to speak. "I want to be there to see him put in handcuffs. Let's go."

"I need to let Mr. Grey know. Just a minute."

"He's going to talk you out of taking me but that's not an option. I will go with you or I will follow you, but I'm going one way or another." I follow Taylor to Christian's study.

"Sir, Roger Davis was in the building an hour ago. We know where he is and I've already put in a call to the police and the FBI. Wanna take a ride with us and see him arrested?" Christian is up and out of his chair immediately.

"Fuck yeah. Let's go. Wait. Linda stays here." Christian's eyes shoot to mine.

"Not on your life. I'm the one he contacted. I'm going. I'll tell you about it when we are in the car. LET'S GO!"

We head off to an apartment complex about 10 miles from Escala on the SW side of the city. I show Christian the text and picture.

"Bastard."

We pull up and police and FBI are already there. 30 minutes later, fuktard Roger is lead away in handcuffs. I jump out of the SUV to get a closer look. Christian and Taylor are standing next to me when Roger looks our way and makes eye contact. "This is all your fault Grey!" Roger yells. "It's not over by a long shot!" Then Roger's creepy eyes focus on me. He is pulling and yanking on his handcuffs trying to stop. "All I wanted to do was talk to you. You're very pretty. That will change. He will make sure of that." He? Christian pulls me closer to him and puts his arms around me. Roger is having a laughing fit and is finally thrown into an unmarked car and taken away.

The ride back to Escala was in silence. So who wants to hurt me now? He said I was pretty but that will change. I know this still goes back to Christian. Who did he piss off this time? Hell, someone is always mad at him. Once again, I'm caught in the middle. At this rate, I'll be in Witness Protection. At least that way I'll have privacy.

As soon as Taylor shuts off the SUV, I immediately jump out and head for the elevator, not bothering to wait for Taylor and Christian. "Wait!" Christian yells to me. He runs up behind me and grabs my arm and turns me to him. He pulls me into his arms and holds me tightly, not saying a word. We arrive back at the penthouse where I immediately exit the elevator and walk inside. I just want to be left alone right now to think. "I need to be alone. I'll be in the TV room." I shut the door, turn off the lights and drag one of the high back leather chairs near the window and curl up in it. Just when I thought this nightmare was over, Davis says "You're pretty. That will change. He will make sure of that." Who is "He?" I just want my life to be normal again. I close my eyes and try to go to sleep.

Christian and Taylor are sitting in the study, both with a glass of bourbon.

"Taylor, do you think there is any validity to Davis' so-called threat?"

"I wouldn't doubt it. Someone is obviously calling the shots and helping him. Hopefully with Davis in jail now, whoever he is working for might think better of making good on the threat. I just don't know." Christian shakes his head. He was thinking the same thing.

"He's not smart enough to have pulled this whole thing off by himself. Davis was obviously obsessed with Linda from the beginning, but whoever he is working for might want to continue the threats. I hope you're right and all of this dies down."

Christian finishes his drink and tells Taylor good night. Christian walks by the door to the TV room and puts his hand on the handle but does not go in. He leans on the door sighs and whispers, "Good night. I Love You." Christian then walks to his bedroom and sits on the bed with his head in his hands. He is also wondering when all of this madness will end and he and Linda can just enjoy being together.

"I will keep you safe."

A/N Don't forget to visit my Pinterest page so you can see what I put into my story.

Pinterest dot com/ladymartin1965

Until next time!