Thank you, nikkistew2, for pre-reading. As always, your insights and contributions have proven invaluable.
The Lucky Ones
Chapter 28
Pursuit of Happiness
Monday, June 20, 2011
Anastasia
"I've reviewed the tape, and I'll be sending a copy to the DA's office," Det. Clarke says. "I don't believe you'll face any charges."
"Well, I should hope not," I say, feeling indignant. "Leila's the one who broke the law. She should be charged with assault, and what about unlawful entry and harassment? Attempted murder. There ought to be several charges against her."
"Those are possibilities, but you were quite aggressive. I've been told Miss Williams is in grave danger. She may not survive."
The consequences of my violent outburst suddenly hit me. My actions, defensible or not, may cause another human being to die. Perhaps if I had spoken to Leila more kindly, been more understanding, Detective Clarke wouldn't be delivering news of Leila's critical condition.
"It's okay, baby. You were only defending yourself." Christian, as if able to read my thoughts, pulls me close and kisses my temple. He gives Clarke a reproachful look. "You're upsetting my wife. She's been through too much."
"I don't want Leila to die," I say. "I only want her to stay away from us."
Det. Clarke looks from Christian to me. His eyes soften and he offers me a strained, weak smile.
"It's not my intent to upset you, Mrs. Grey, and I do believe Miss Williams meant harm. Sometimes these matters can become complicated…one person's word against another. But in this case we have video and audio, and if they square with what you're telling me, there won't be any issues. Can you direct me to the emergency staircase? When my techs are finished in the kitchen, they'll need to attend to Miss Williams' point of entry."
"I'll show you the way," Sawyer offers. Clarke turns to follow Sawyer.
"Wait," Christian tells Clarke, rising from his seat next to me on the sofa. "Do we know exactly how Miss Williams left a kitten in the refrigerator without detection?"
"The kitten had a broken neck and had only been dead for a short time. Miss Williams will be charged with animal cruelty. From interviews of the construction crew, we know there was a bustle of activity in the apartment. She could have slipped into the kitchen and quickly deposited the carcass handily enough. It was a small package, easily hidden in a purse or bag. The kitten was sealed in a gallon sized baggie, so there was no obvious odor."
Christian shakes his head in frustration and anger.
"Do you have more questions?" Clarke looks from Christian to me.
"I don't," Christian says. "What about you, baby?"
"No." I want the authorities out of our home. I'm exhausted.
When Sawyer and Clarke are out of earshot, Christian retakes his place next to me on the sofa, pulling my head against his shoulder. He strokes my hair, and I relax into his touch.
"As soon as the police leave, I'm handing Sawyer his ass." Christian's voice is filled with vitriol, but his touch is soothing, gentle.
"Do you really believe this was Sawyer's fault?"
"He was supposed to keep his eyes on you. What the fuck was he doing? I could have lost you today. My life doesn't work without you."
"My life doesn't work without you, either. But how about talking to Sawyer before going off on him? Calm and rational communication is always a good thing."
Christian pulls me into his lap.
"Don't play Flynn with me, baby." His voice is stern. "I pay Sawyer good money to do nothing but watch you on a monitor."
"If we really are a team, then I'm his employer now as well. I want to hear him out first. Maybe Taylor should join us and we should all sit down for a talk." Sawyer is young and new to his job. He is also earnest and sincere, so perhaps we should treat this as a learning experience.
"Fine. But only for you. I can't wait to hear the lame ass excuses he has for being so negligent." Christian has one arm around my shoulder and he uses the other to pull at his hair.
"Who thought Leila could enter through the emergency stairway? Not you, not Taylor, not Welch. This was a huge wake-up call. Lessons have been learned. You'll punish Sawyer for everyone's mistake?"
"He was supposed to be watching you." Christian's tightens his grip around my shoulder.
"Security for any wealthy, well-known person is complicated enough. But you have a coterie of ex-subs who meet on a regular basis. Leila told me about the 'Sub Club.' I assume you knew your exes were getting together to discuss old times and catch up with news of Mr. Grey."
"I had no idea they'd formed some kind of club. Fuck." Christian yanks at his hair with his left hand. "I allowed them to stay in touch. In retrospect, that was a terrible thing. It was Elena's idea, but I certainly didn't object."
"I only did a bit of research, but these women don't sound at all like true submissives. They seem avaricious and unstable. They meet up to talk about their past experiences with you and all the latest gossip about their Mr. Grey. It all sounds very unhealthy and very disrespectful of their former Dom. Someone named Corinne seems to be behind a lot of this. Who is she?"
"Corinne was my first submissive. Do you recall me telling you Elena loaned me out to another Domme?" I nod. I can feel Christian's agitation, so I play with his hair, knowing this will relax him. "The woman who borrowed me was her best friend, Lorna Stovall, also known as Mistress Lori in the community. Corinne is Lorna Stovall's daughter and Elena's goddaughter. I didn't know about the relationships until very recently."
"Such a tangled mess. We're beginning married life with way too many complications." I regret my words as soon as they leave my lips. Christian wears a look of grim defeat, and I know he blames himself. I take his face in my hands. "Stop beating yourself up. We're in this together and together we'll fix this."
My phone vibrates and shimmies against the top of the coffee table.
Christian picks it up to check the incoming number.
"It's Bandi Chopra. Take the call, baby. Invite her to our reception."
I like Bandi and admire her, but I'm surprised Christian wants to invite someone neither of us knows very well.
"Hello, Bandi. How have you been?"
"Very well. Are you enjoying the show hiatus?" Her tone is light and breezy, so apparently the story of a home invasion at Escala hasn't hit the wires yet.
Christian kisses the top of my head, and leaves the room. I hope he's not going off to cuss out Sawyer.
"Yes. Christian and I just returned from Hawaii, so I'm taking full advantage of the break. I'm sure you've been busier than ever. Congratulations on your syndication deal."
"Thank you. That's why I'm calling. I'm glad you're taking time for R & R, because you'll soon have your hands full. You've been hired as an associate producer. I'm certain Leo Verling will soon be contacting you, but before we get caught up in the endless meetings associated with the show, I'd like to know you better. Do you have time in your schedule to meet me for lunch?"
"This week is shaping up to be a busy one, but how about next week?" There will be plenty of time for lunch meetings after our party on Saturday.
"Does noon Wednesday the 29th work?"
"That's perfect."
"I'll make reservations at Kastoori. One of my cousins owns it. It's on Stewart Street, close to you at Pike Street Market. I'll e-mail a reminder."
"Thanks, I'm looking forward to it. I know this is short notice, but Christian and I are hosting a party at Mile High this Saturday. We'd love it if you can attend."
"That sounds like fun, but I'm in marriage negotiations right now, and my probable fiancé visits this weekend."
Marriage negotiations!
I have to know more.
"That's intriguing. Tell me about him." Bandi is my boss, but somehow it feels as if we've crossed over into friendship territory.
"His name is Rajiv. Our fathers are business colleagues, and our families have agreed we're a good match. Both Raj and I are from Brahmin families, and we have roots in the northern region of India. Tradition is important to my parents and I want to honor them."
"What about love?"
"I'm assured love will emerge over time. I think Raj might be the one. My parents have introduced me to other men, but I've turned them all away. Raj is the first who gives me butterflies. All the preliminaries have been completed. I just need to spend a bit more time with him before I feel certain. Everyone else has agreed to the arrangement. They're just waiting for me."
"I'd love to meet him. Please bring him as your plus one. It's black tie. We've planned cocktails, dinner, and dancing."
"We'll spend the day with my family, but I do believe our evening is free. I'd go ahead and accept, but I must check with Rajiv and my parents."
"Of course. I understand family comes first, but I do hope you'll be able to attend. I'll courier the invitation to your office."
"Thank you, Ana."
"Thank you for the lunch invitation. I look forward to seeing you soon."
After I close the call, Christian plops down on the sofa and pulls me into his lap. He smells so delicious, a mix of cologne and Grey musk.
"Where have you been?" I play with the sleeve of his t-shirt.
"I changed clothes, then looked in at the police. I wish they'd hurry the hell out of our home. I want them gone."
Tension radiates from Christian. I'm pretty wound up myself, but I think Christian is still blaming himself for Leila's actions.
"I want them out of here, too, but they're just doing their jobs. The three of us are safe. You, me, and our baby. We'll deal with things as they come." My reassurance doesn't seem to help. Christian's head slumps back in defeat. "Look at me."
"When will all the shit go away, so we can be happy?" Christian whispers. His pout turns my insides to goo.
"There will always be people who resent what we have. You and I must rely on each other and the people we love. We just have a lot of background noise to contend with, and we need to shut it out. Let's concentrate on each other."
"Baby, how do you do that? You always make me feel better."
Christian pushes me down on the sofa. He's propped up on his elbows, holding me down with the partial weight of his hard body. He makes a comforting blanket. He lays kisses across my neck and then wiggles his tongue around in the hollow at the base of my throat. It tickles and I can't hold back my laughter.
"Stop," I tell him, trying to squirm free.
"Okay, but you're not very convincing," he says. "I think that must have been one of those things that feels good and strange at the same time."
"You know me so well. The only reason I want you to stop is because someone could walk in on us. I want you to do that again later, when we're in bed."
"I sometimes forget myself when I'm with you. We don't want the cops to see things they shouldn't." Christian says, his lips touching mine. He pulls me up with him to a sitting position. "Is Bandi coming to our party?"
"Possibly. She'll get back to us to confirm. I thought we were limiting our invitations to family and close associates."
"When I go public with my story, I'll go through Kavanagh Media. I need to discuss it with Eamon, but I think Bandi might be the person for the interview. I want to know her better, just to be sure."
"How soon do you plan to share your past? And how much do you plan to tell?" This is an enormous decision with lifelong consequences.
"As soon as possible, and I want to tell everything, without the nasty details. Baby, I want you with me for the interview."
"Of course. Whatever you need." Christian is playing with my hair, and it's so relaxing. I stifle a yawn.
"Am I boring you?" Christian teases.
"No, that could never happen," I laugh as my husband tickles me under my armpit. "I feel a nap coming on. Will you tuck me in?"
Christian kisses my nose, scoops me up, and carries me off to our bed.
"I'll lie with you until you go to sleep," he says, and I drift away to his comforting scent and the warmth of his body.
Christian
As soon as the police leave, I call Sawyer and Taylor into my study.
Both appear contrite.
"Tell me why I shouldn't fire both of you. How the fuck did Leila Williams get in here?"
Sawyer looks down at the carpet. Taylor takes a step forward.
"Sir, I think it's well established that she got in through the emergency staircase."
"Thank you for pointing out the obvious," I tell Taylor. "Why didn't we have procedures in place?"
"Sir, I meet regularly with Escala security. I've repeatedly instructed them on the importance of changing codes, but I have no authority over them. They're certainly listening to me now, since you unleashed your attorney."
"Fine. I'm trying to understand and accept your explanation. But why wasn't Sawyer in place? Goddammit! My wife is everything in the world to me, and she was left vulnerable."
"I was in the security office, and everything on the monitors looked fine," Sawyer says. "I left for just a few minutes. I had to take care of a personal problem."
What the actual fuck!
"Pack your shit. You're done. If you think you had a personal problem before, try this on for size. I'm going to make sure you never work in security again."
"Sir, please," Taylor implores, interceding on Sawyer's behalf. "Allow Luke to explain."
Sawyer can explain 'til the cows come home, but nothing will satisfy me.
"Fine. Explain," I tell Sawyer. "But I'm only hearing you out, because that's what my wife would want."
"Sir, Mrs. Grey was alone, busying herself in the kitchen. All appeared well, so I stepped away for a few minutes."
"To take care of a personal problem? What was so urgent?" Sawyer is red-faced. What is it he doesn't want to tell me?
"I had to drop a deuce, sir." Taylor chortles in response to Sawyer's confession. "I took care of business as quickly as I could, and raced to the kitchen as soon as I saw the altercation between Mrs. Grey and Miss Williams. Mrs. Grey appeared to have everything well in hand at that point, so I stood back and let her have her way with Miss Williams, until it appeared Miss Williams was losing consciousness."
"My wife could have been seriously injured. Why didn't you break things up earlier?"
"I could see Mrs. Grey was in control, and I think she needed that. She didn't have that same sense of empowerment when Mrs. Lincoln attacked her at your parents' house, so I let Mrs. Grey take out her aggressions on Miss Williams."
I must admit I feel a bit differently about things after Sawyer's explanation. I wish Anastasia had finished Leila off. I feel nothing but contempt for Leila.
In truth, I'm angry with myself for allowing things with Leila to get so out of hand. If only I'd instructed Gail to call the police when Leila broke into the apartment the first time. There are so many things I should have done differently. I'm as much to blame as anyone.
"Mistakes were made all the way around. You're on probation, Sawyer. Now both of you get out of here. Figure out how we can learn from this."
"Yes, sir," they say in unison.
"And thank you, Mr. Grey," Sawyer adds.
XXXXXXX
Lunch time has come and gone. Anastasia has been asleep for three hours. How long should a nap take?
I need my wife.
Taylor has informed me that Leila is on life support. I don't want to tell Anastasia, because I don't want her to feel any guilt. She valiantly defended herself and our unborn child.
I strip to my boxers. I want to wake Ana and have my way with her, but she is pregnant and needs her rest. I lie down next to her, pressing my front to her back. I'm impossibly hard. I grind gently against her bottom, hoping she'll wake.
Fuck. There's a soft knock at the door.
Damn the interruption. I get up and throw my jeans and t-shirt back on.
Cracking the door open, I see it's Taylor.
"Sir, Miss Kavanagh is here with a package for Mrs. Grey, and your parents just pulled into the garage. They heard something on the news about a break-in here, and rather than call, they decided to come over."
"Tell everyone I'll be out in a moment." I walk around to Ana's side of the bed, and bend over to brush my lips against hers.
What if I had lost her today? I hate my fucked up past and all the baggage that goes with it.
Katherine is standing in the entryway, studying my collection of Madonnas.
"I've been accused more than once of having Daddy issues, but it looks like you've got your own set of problems."
Such impertinence.
Too bad Katherine is so important to Ana and El. Otherwise I'd have Taylor escort her to the lobby.
"Why are you here?"
"The break in. Where's Ana? I need to know she's okay."
"She's fine. Sleeping."
"Well, I won't bother her. Please tell her I came by. She texted me this morning and asked if I could drop off a couple of things during my lunch break." Kate holds out a Nordstrom shopping bag, and I take it from her.
"If she needed something, my personal shopper could have arranged it." No need for Katherine to be involved.
"Caroline Acton at Neiman's. She was wonderful, helping us get everything together for the Montana trip. I plan to use her myself now." Katherine points at the shopping bag. "I didn't go shopping. Those are things from the apartment."
"Thank you for dropping them off. I'll give them to Ana as soon as she wakes up."
"Did you take another day off work?" Katherine cocks her head and peers at me, reminiscent of an inquisitive owl. She's so damned nosy.
"That wasn't my intention. I went to Grey House, but came home as soon as I heard about the intrusion. There's no way I'm in any mood to return to work."
The elevator dings and my parents emerge.
My mother rushes to greet me with a kiss on the cheek.
"Hello, Kate," my father says, giving her a sideways hug. Mother follows suit.
"It's lovely to see you both," Kate says. "I'm on my way out. Gotta get back to work."
"I wish you didn't have to leave. When will we see you again?" Mother's soft tone expresses affection for Katherine.
"Soon. There's the party on Saturday," Katherine says with a wink. "The weekend will be here before we know it."
After Katherine offers her goodbyes, Mother leads me to the sectional in the great room.
"Oh, darling, are you and Ana okay?" She asks, grasping my hand.
"Yes, we're fine. You didn't need to come all this way."
"Nonsense," Dad says. "We had to see for ourselves that you're safe. Where's Ana?"
"She's asleep. Exhausted." I lead my parents over to the sectional sofa.
"Ana is here?" Mother asks.
"Yes. She's moved in with me."
"That's lovely. I'm so happy things are going well between the two of you." Mother beams at the news.
"What happened? Who was the intruder?" Dad's voice is soft and reassuring, the way it was when I was a boy. "The news report was rather vague."
There's so much my parents don't know about me.
"One of my former submissives broke into the apartment, through the emergency staircase. She accosted Ana in the kitchen."
My parents look at me expectantly. They want details, but don't want to ask. They'll learn everything soon enough, so I may as well tell it all.
"Her name is Leila Williams. It's been a couple of years since I last saw her. It all goes back to Elena and the way she played our family. Elena and her friends, Lorna Stovall and Corinne Harmon were all in the lifestyle, and I think they got off on messing with our family. Lorna was Elena's best friend. Corinne was Lorna's daughter and Elena's goddaughter. Maybe they don't like seeing a happy family…I don't know. I can't wrap my head around it, but for years they've been…interfering with us. Leila was troubled, and I think Elena and her minions incited Leila to disrupt my happiness."
Mother wrings her hands and mutters something unintelligible.
"Jesus. Does Ana know all this?" Dad pulls at his hair.
"Yes, Ana knows everything. I need to get ahead of this, take hold of the narrative, and go public. Are you ready for that?"
Mother and Dad look at each and nod in agreement.
"Son," Dad says with a weak smile, "do what you need to do. We fully support your decisions."
I see the sincerity in Dad's eyes.
"Thank you, I plan to arrange an interview through Kavanagh Media as soon as possible."
"Eamon will do right by you," Dad says. "What do you need from us?"
"Your support is plenty." To speak openly with my parents about this and have their love is something EIena told me was an impossibility. The bitch has been proven wrong.
"I needed to see for myself that you and Ana are safe, but I also had another motive for wanting to see you today." Mother's eyes spill with tears. "You see, while you and Ana were on vacation in Hawaii, I broke the Hippocratic oath. If anyone finds out what I've done, I could lose my license."
What the hell. What on earth is she talking about?
"I used my hospital privileges to get into Elena's hospital room. I passed myself off as one of her physicians. I walked into her room without saying a word, stood off to the side, while a nurse removed Elena's bandages. Elena thought she was having her dressing changed. Her entire face was covered, with the exception of her mouth. She was shocked to see me. I spoke kindly to Elena, then asked the nurse to leave us alone. I held a mirror in front of Elena, forcing her to see the evidence of her self-destruction. She looks horrid. She's receiving pain management meds via IV. Sepsis has set in. It's an aggressive bug, and she's not responding to antibiotics. The prognosis doesn't look good. It was the first time Elena had seen her new appearance. She cried…can you believe it? Waterworks from Elena Lincoln."
Mother shakes her head in disbelief.
"That's extraordinary," I say. "In the twelve years I've known her, Elena has never succumbed to tears. I didn't know she was capable. Wow. The old whore actually has tear ducts."
"I called Elena every name in the book, and told her how much we all loathe her. I bragged on how happy you and Ana are, how she can expect to hear an engagement announcement soon." Mother's inflection puts a bit of a question mark at the end of the sentence.
"Elena said she loved our family, especially you." Mother rolls her eyes and lets out a huff. "I told her to go to hell. I took an oath to do no harm, but I let you down when you were fifteen, and I needed to give voice to the things she stole from you. But the physician in me and the part that loves God…those parts feel at odds with what I've done." Mother cries, burying her face in Dad's shoulder. He pulls her close.
"You did nothing wrong," Dad tells her. He turns to me with a concerned look. "Son, I went over the gala guest list with Eamon and Dana last night. It seems they know half the people on the list. As far as males named Jay, there were none. There were a couple dozen males with the names James, John, and the like, so it's next to impossible to pin down who might have spoken to Ana."
"What about Linc?" Mother sniffles and tries to compose herself. "Back in the early days when Elena and Linc were lovey-dovey, she used to call him Jay."
An affectionate Elena and Linc pairing is unimaginable, but when I consider all the things that have happened of late, nothing seems impossible.
"I'd forgotten all that," Dad replies. "The Kavanaghs do know Linc. I don't recall seeing him on the guest list."
"He was a last minute guest," Mother says. "I'm not sure there was time to add him to the roster. We spoke briefly that evening, and he said he wouldn't be staying for long. He made a very generous contribution."
It creeps me the fuck out to imagine Linc speaking to Ana, while hiding his identity.
"Now that we're reassured you're okay," Dad says, "it's best we go and give you some peace and quiet. We'll see you Saturday at your party. As far as we're concerned, it's the social event of the year. You've confused your aunts, uncles, and cousins. They're all attending your event, purely out of curiosity, I do believe. I can't wait to see their reactions. We'll see you then, son."
Mother grasps my forearms, and gives me another teary kiss on the cheek. Dad shakes my hand.
"Laters," I say, waving them off to the elevator.
As soon as the elevator closes, I turn to the bedroom, ready to pounce on my delicious wife.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. Damn it all.
"Cleve. What's up?" I say.
"How is Mrs. Grey?"
"She's well. As well as can be expected, given she wrestled an intruder this morning."
"I've spoken with the DA, and she agrees that Mrs. Grey acted in self defense."
"That's a relief. Det. Clarke left us with the possibility that there might be charges."
"I have more news. Elena Lincoln passed away at eight o'clock this morning. Her estate is to be split between you and her friend, Mrs. Stovall."
There was a time when Elena's passing would have left me devastated. Now I feel nothing but relief. I certainly don't want any of her tainted assets.
"Elena loved living large, so I doubt there's much to it, but please arrange for my share of the assets to go into a charitable trust."
"Will do," he says. "The cease and desist orders have been issued to the women in violation of their NDAs. I've also contacted Escala building management. They are anxious to settle out of court to avoid bad publicity. They agree to all the terms put forth by your security team for the duration of your condo ownership, and they've offered to refund a year's worth of condo maintenance fees."
"I can't wait to get the fuck out of here. Thanks, Cleve, for getting on top of everything so quickly. I do hope you and your wife are able to attend the festivities on Saturday."
"Yes, sir. We'll be there. If your party is what I think it is, my wife will faint from the shock. And I suspect she won't be alone. Sir, you've come a long way in a very short time."
I swear I can hear Cleve Anderson crack a smile.
"Thanks, Cleve. I'll be back in the office tomorrow."
"Yes, sir. See you then."
XXXXXXX
I strip off my clothes and crawl into the bed next to my wife, spooning her. The nearness of her always brings me comfort. She's only wearing panties, and they're the lacy peach ones that I like so much.
Her ass cheeks, so firm and round, are an invitation. I caress her bottom, gently so as not to wake her. I slide my hand over the curve of her hip to her soft, silken belly. My rigid cock finds its way between her legs.
Ana stirs and rolls to face me. Her eyes blink open and she gives me a sleepy smile.
"You've been asleep for quite a while," I tell her. "Is everything okay?"
She stretches and yawns.
"Yes. Sometimes when I'm stressed, I sleep a lot. Plus I'm pregnant, remember?" She kisses me, gently pulling my bottom lip into her mouth. "Your dick gave me a nice wake-up call, but I'm still groggy."
"Do you need more sleep?"
She picks up her phone and checks the time.
"No, I need to get up or I won't be able to sleep tonight. It's almost two. It wasn't the best nap. Dad called, upset over news reports he'd heard. I had to reassure him that the press had overblown everything. I told him there was really never any danger, that I had the intruder in hand. He plans to discuss the situation with you before the party."
Shit.
Ray Steele will not be happy to see me on Saturday. First there's the Leila situation, and then the small matter of me knocking up his daughter and whisking her off to Montana for a quickie elopement.
"Great way to start off a marriage. Your dad hates me."
"He doesn't hate you. He just has concerns. You worry too much. What have you been doing while I've been asleep? Were you able to get any work done?" Ana's hands roam my chest and shoulders. Her touch means everything.
"Cleve called to let me know Elena died. Mother saw her in the hospital and said she hadn't been doing well, so Elena's death isn't unexpected."
"Elena. Dead. How do you feel about that?"
"Relieved."
Ana studies my face. She uses her thumb to smooth the wrinkles between my eyes.
"You don't have to carry the weight of the world," she says. "Let me share the burden. You have a partner now. There are two of us."
"Yes, wifey," I say, trying to give her the smile she wants. "Oh, my parents came by to check on us. Katherine also came by to check on you. She dropped off a bag."
Anastasia perks up at the mention of the bag.
"Where is it?" She sits up to look around.
"Over there." I point to the silver Nordstrom's bag.
"Ooh," Ana says. She exits the bed, all her interest focused on pawing through the bag contents. "Stay where you are."
"I'm certainly not going anywhere," I tell her. "I hoped we could spend time enjoying each other. After this shitty day, I need to be inside you."
"You've read my mind, Mr. Grey. Close your eyes. Don't open them until I tell you. Be right back."
My wife retreats to the bathroom carrying the bag with her. I dutifully close my eyes. My imagination immediately strays to visions of my dick in Ana's mouth.
It isn't long before I hear the bathroom door.
"Open your eyes."
Ana has braided her hair to one side. She's applied red lipstick and she's wearing some kind of black and red halter dress. She twirls around, and fuck me, it's an apron. Her bottom is bare, and her boobs are spilling out of the sides of the front. She's wearing black stilettos, Louboutins with a bow on the back at the base of her ankle.
"Baby, you are so fine. What's the occasion?"
"Do I look a bit like a French maid? That's the look I'm going for. I'm here to serve you, Monsieur Grey."
God, I love this woman.
"But what if I want to serve you, Madame Grey? Don't I need a costume?"
"You're perfect in that birthday suit of yours. I love it when we're Ana and Christian, but right now let's pretend we're far away. Maybe Provence or Paris. Speak French to me. Be my mysterious French lover."
"Fuck, yes. Come here, baby. Tu m'excites."
Anastasia slowly crawls up the bed to me. The sight of her makes me want to skip the foreplay and go straight to plowing her field.
Down, boy. Easy.
I pull her into my arms, and kiss her with abandon. What's French role play without French kisses?
"I've never loved anyone but you. Tu es la seule, Madame Grey."
As adorable as she looks in this costume, I need to be rid of it. It's in my way. I kiss her neck, as I untie the apron and toss it to the floor.
Skin against skin. It's heaven to have her soft, warm body beneath mine. I work my way down her body, pausing to kiss each part of her, whispering my love for her.
"J'aime sentir ta peau contre la mienne. You are so fucking beautiful. You are mine."
"Yes, yours," she answers. "Always."
"Toujours." She will always belong to me. I will see to that.
"I want you inside me." Instinctively Ana's body arches toward mine.
I drag my dick up and down through her slick folds.
"Always so wet for me," I say. "Je suis fou de toi."
"Please," she begs. "I need to feel you inside me."
What my woman wants, she gets.
"J'adore sentir tes seins frotter contre mon torse." As I move inside her, Ana's lush breasts rub against my bare chest. It's a glorious feeling.
I pull out and push her legs straight up, so the shoes are around my ears. I make a mental note to buy her a pair in every color.
As I move in and out, I keep my eyes on Anastasia. My beautiful wife is a glowing image of fire, passion, and love. I am home. I'm where I've always belonged. I feel Ana's body clench against mine, and I know she has also found her home.
"Être enterré au plus profond de toi c'est le nirvana." To be buried deep inside her is a state of perfect happiness. Nothing can ever surpass the feelings I share with my Ana.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Anastasia
As soon as Christian leaves for work, I text Kate.
You're sure Mama K won't be there?
I'm meeting Kate at Mama K's shop to choose the dress I'll wear when Christian and I greet guests tomorrow evening. I also need to try on my wedding gown. I've been trying to get to the shop all week long, but Mama K was always around. I want her to be surprised. I most definitely do not want her to see me carrying my wedding gown out of the shop.
Christian has been dying to see both of the dresses I'm wearing tomorrow night.
I told him they won't be delivered until tomorrow afternoon, otherwise he'll be snooping through closets.
My phone pings with a text. I think it must be Kate, but it's Christian.
I miss you, my beauty. I've never looked forward to weekends the way I do with you.
Oh, he's the sweetest husband ever. We have pledged to make the most of each and every day with one another.
Another ping. Kate.
Mom has a dental appointment in Bellevue. Hurry up.
"Sawyer," I call out, as I walk to the kitchen. "I'm ready to go."
Gail hands Sawyer a green insulated tumbler.
She hands me a white one that says "Wifey."
"Tea for you, Ana," Gail says.
"Thank you for taking such good care of us. Did you have good luck finding a dress yesterday?"
"Yes, I enjoyed my day off, and Ms. Acton found the perfect gown. It's mint green. Chiffon."
"That color is perfect for you. Franco and his team are coming tomorrow afternoon to do our hair and nails. I think you're first on the schedule."
"Miss Grey contacted me. Thank you for including me," Gail says.
"We can't have a wedding ceremony without you," I say. She has taken such good care of Christian, and now she also takes care of me. Gail is so kind, so loving, and so maternal. "I'll be doing a bit of shopping, then having lunch with Kate and Mia."
"Have a great day," Gail says. I wish her the same.
"Sawyer, please don't say anything to my husband, or Taylor, about picking up my dresses today. I want Christian to think they are being delivered tomorrow."
Sawyer's eyes are wide with concern. Out of frustration, he jabs at the elevator button.
"Mrs. Grey, I'm on probation. I can't withhold your comings and goings from Mr. Grey."
"You won't be fired for keeping my little secret." Sawyer doesn't seem convinced. "I know you aren't used to working for two employers, and I would understand perfectly, if I were doing something that conflicted with your morals. But hiding two dresses for twenty-four hours can't possibly violate your principles."
"I just don't want to lose my job." Sawyer purses his lips and shuffles his feet.
"You won't lose your job over this. I promise." I can see how working for a married couple can cause conflict for employees. Christian and I need to work this out between ourselves and set guidelines for staff. There's so much for me to learn as I take on the role of wife.
"Very well, Mrs. Grey."
XXXXXXX
Dana Kavanagh Designs fills an old brick firehouse on the edge of Pioneer Square. Inside it's four floors of understated elegance.
Kate and Mia squeal as I enter the shop. Soon I am surrounded by hugs, feeling much love.
"Do I get to see you in your bridesmaid dresses?" I ask. "You're being just as secretive with me, as I'm being with Christian. I'm not sure how I feel about that."
I don't really mind at all. I like the idea of being surprised, and I know the dresses will be the height of good taste.
"Ros met us here earlier in the week and we easily found choices we could agree on," Kate says.
"Alterations have been made and we've already picked up our dresses."
"Hello, Ana." Mrs. Gould, a white-haired grandmother, is Mama K's shop manager. She greets me with a warm hug.
"Thank you for being our secret keeper," I say. "I know it's difficult to keep anything from Mama K."
"You're most welcome. I'm having so much fun playing cloak and dagger. Let's get you upstairs to a fitting room."
A wide curved staircase leads us from the first floor showroom to the second floor bridal section.
I gasp when I see my bridal gown hanging in the spacious dressing room. It's even more beautiful than I remembered.
"Quickly, before Mrs. Kavanagh returns, let's get you into the gown. I can't remember which veil you wore with this. How are you planning to wear your hair? And what kind of jewelry?"
"Very simple pearls. Franco wants to put my hair up in a chignon. I wore my hair down for the bridal shows."
"Let me find a veil and a very simple, elegant comb that won't compete with the pearls. Oh, this is so exciting." Mrs. Gould's enthusiasm is infectious. With all the tumult of the past week, I haven't been able to manage much fervor over our wedding celebration. I needed this visit.
"Off with that dress, Mrs. Grey," Kate says. "I love this navy sheath. It's very you. Understated and elegant."
"Yes, that suits you," Mia adds.
"Caroline Acton," I answer. "Christian arranged for a trousseau of sorts."
"And this lingerie? Va-va-voom, girl," Mia giggles.
"You look hot in that bra, but your dress is off the shoulder, so you'll need this." Kate hands me a strapless bra, which I promptly exchange with the lacy one.
"Your tits are perfect," Mia says. "Jeez, I don't want to think about you with my brother, but after seeing your tits, now that's all I can think about. Ugh."
"Christian does seem well-pleased by them," I tell her. She squirms uncomfortably at my teasing.
Kate helps me into the dress. She patiently does up each and every button, then steadies me as Mia assists me with stepping into satin pumps. These are kitten heels, as Kate knows I have difficulty managing stilettos for long periods of time.
"The dress length is perfect. In fact, I think the dress looks better than ever. Pregnancy has filled you out a bit and you look…juicy." Kate heartily approves, and her opinion means a great deal to me.
"You're beautiful," Mia says. "Truly. Christian will flip."
Because I am height challenged, Mrs. Gould has brought two veils, shoulder length and elbow length. After much discussion and input from my friends, I choose the elbow length. It's ivory to match the dress and whisper sheer, so the tiny buttons and details on the back of the dress show through.
When Mrs. Gould presents me with a velvet lined tray of comb choices, I know without any deliberation which is mine.
Seed pearls are wired together to form flowers and leaves. The comb will look perfect with my sweet sixteen pearls and earrings.
Mrs. Gould steps out of the room to box up the veil and comb. Kate sets to work unbuttoning my dress.
"What jewelry has Christian given you to wear with your dress?" Mia stands, hands on hips, her brows knitted in confusion. "He's supposed to give you something to commemorate your wedding, something to wear on your wedding day."
"Have you forgotten? Christian and I are already married. I don't need a thing. I have my wedding band, my love bracelet, and the sweet sixteen pearls and earrings my dad gave me."
Mia frowns.
"The groom must give the bride something special," she says, as if it's law. "It appears I need to educate my brother."
"Don't you dare say a word to him." I don't bother to keep the aggravation from my voice. "He's had a shit week and I don't want him stressed. Promise me."
"Fine. I promise. Not a word. But people will wonder why you're not sporting something akin to the Hope Diamond." Mia's voice softens. "You look gorgeous without any adornment, and I don't want you to think otherwise. It's the way we were raised. Dad always lavished Mom with lovely things. Both of you should expect lots of spoiling from my brothers."
"Christian does spoil me. I have everything a woman could want or need." I instinctively touch my belly.
Kate nudges me with her elbow.
"Slip the bodice down and brace yourself against me. Then step," she says. "Mia, can you hand me the hanger?"
"I apologize for not being more helpful," Mia says. "Here."
With great care, Kate hangs up the dress and places it in a specially designed garment bag.
"Could you find Mrs. Gould and bring those gowns she pulled?" Kate asks Mia.
"Sure. Be right back," Mia says.
"Mia doesn't know you yet," Kate whispers. "She's immature, but her intentions are good, and she's very fond of you."
"I know. I'm fond of her, too. I'm not upset with her. Christian and I have a lot on our plates. The last thing we need to worry about is what other people think of our gift giving habits."
"I know things have been difficult. Oh, honey, you don't have to be brave and strong with me. If you want to fall apart, I'm here for you."
"I could definitely use a Bug Hug."
Kate pulls me to her, holds me tight and rocks us back and forth in our embrace.
"I know that husband of yours is giving you the high hard one all night long, but I like to think there's nothing like a bestie hug to help drive away the blues."
I can't help but laugh. Katie-Bug Kavanagh is good medicine.
"Thanks, Bug. You do know what I need."
Mia sweeps into the room, holding three gowns aloft.
"The red one is to die for, but I like the blue one too," Mia says.
She hangs the dresses on separate hooks, and we all step back to appraise them.
"The coral pink is lovely, but that neckline is too low for me. The blue one is nice, but the red satin is my favorite. It gives off a 'Pretty Woman' vibe."
"It really does," Mia says. "But it begs for some jewelry."
"Enough about jewelry," Kate says. "We'll worry about accessories later. Let's see how it looks."
Kate removes the dress from the hanger, and unzips it.
"Step," she orders. Kate pulls the dress up, holding it out so I can slip my arms through the short sleeves. The sleeves sit off the shoulder and the trumpet skirt flatters my shape. The dress is surprisingly comfortable.
"Oh, Ana. It fits like a glove," Mia exclaims. "You have to get this one."
"She's right," Kate says. "It's perfection. A wonderful vehicle for introducing yourself as Christian's partner."
I look at myself in the mirror, and see an adult. I'm a grown-up, a married woman with a baby growing inside me.
"I love it. This is the one." I turn to Mia. "I have the drop earrings Christian gave me, the ones I wore to the gala. Will those work?"
"Yes. Those will work fine. I guess you really do have everything you need," Mia says with a smile.
Mrs. Gould packages everything up for me. I pull out my wallet, to produce my newly minted AmEx card.
"There's no charge, Ana. The wedding gown has always been yours. We were just storing it for you. Mrs. Kavanagh left strict instructions that your party gown is to be a gift."
I am moved to tears and words have left me.
Kate and Mia take turns hugging me and drying my tears.
I have the love of a magnificent man, sweet friends, and devoted family. I am beyond rich.
XXXXXXX
"I hope Dad doesn't blow off our party. Fancy occasions aren't exactly his thing. What if he's a no-show?"
"Call your father, if you're worried," Christian says. "You won't sleep with all this anxiety."
I'm nervous and out of sorts. I want tomorrow's festivities to go well. What if Dad decides not to come? After all, he has no idea the true nature of the party and its importance. We've spoken twice this week, and he's confirmed, but what if he forgets?
It's ten o'clock and Dad should still be up.
He answers on the first ring.
"What's up, sweetheart?"
"Not much. Just wanted to confirm that you're coming to the party and that you'll be here in time to have someone fit you with a tux."
"This must be one hell of an important party. Still don't understand why your Uncle José and I need to be there. We'll arrive by lunch. Is that enough time?"
"Yes, thank you."
"Your boyfriend sent me codes to his parking garage and elevator. Sounds complicated. Fancy."
"It's a nice apartment. I think you'll enjoy your stay. The party won't be stuffy and you already know some of the folks who will be there."
"Explain the reason for this shindig again. I still don't understand."
"Christian's business is mergers and acquisitions. The party is to celebrate what he calls the deal of a lifetime. I'll explain more when you arrive tomorrow."
"I've never worn a tux before…Do you remember when I offered you money for prom? You refused, said you wouldn't go because of some warning you read in a philosophy book. You said you'd never spend money on a fancy dress, just to impress folks. You were very firm about it. Seems you're singing a different tune since Grey came into the picture."
The real reason for not going to prom had less to with philosophy and more to do with a lack of confidence.
"I had just read Thoreau." I laugh out loud at the remembrance of it. "He said, 'Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes.' I've changed my mind about that. Being with Christian requires more attention to my appearance than I ever imagined. For the party, I'm wearing the sweet sixteen pearls you gave me."
"That's nice." I hear a hitch in Dad's breathing. "I'm so glad you enjoy wearing them."
"Two of my favorite things are those pearls and the hope chest you built for me. You made my sixteenth birthday so special."
"I was grateful to have my little girl back home with me. And there was no Carla to bitch and moan over Frank's memory. It was the first birthday we could openly celebrate on the proper date."
"You've been a wonderful father. I couldn't have asked for a better dad."
"Hey, you tryin' to make an old man cry?"
"I'm just happy and grateful. I can't wait to see you tomorrow."
"Ditto." I hear a sniffle from Dad's end.
"Do you have room in the truck for my hope chest? I'd like to have it here with me in Seattle."
"Of course. Since I'll have the chest, should I stop by your apartment first, or go straight to Grey's?"
"Come directly to Christian's apartment. I'll be here waiting for you."
"I can't wait to see you. Sounds like tomorrow will be a big day."
"Yes, a big day."
