CPOV
"I'm taking off." Ana breezes into my office, adorable as all fuck and walks to my desk to kiss me goodbye.
"You are so fucking cute I want to put you in my pocket and carry you around all day." She giggles and presses herself against me in a tight hug. "Be sure you stay with Sawyer and Prescott, Reynolds will be a bit more covert today since we couldn't sweep the museum. Do not go anywhere without them. I'll check in with you later."
"You're still going to meet up with Elliot?"
"Unless he cancels. I'm looking forward to kicking his ass on the courts, it's been over a year since we played and he's gained at least five pounds."
With a final blistering kiss and a proprietary squeeze of her ass she leaves, taking my breath with her. Something so simple as a goodbye is so profound to me now. This is my life now. She is my life now. It's mind boggling. Welch gives her a curt nod and a tight smile just as she waves and blows me a kiss goodbye.
"Sir."
"Welch, what do you have?"
"His car was registered to Elizabeth Morgan's father who passed away three years ago. The plates were stolen but the car itself was taken from an auto storage center by Ms. Morgan herself two days after the attack." That fucking bitch.
"So she knew the entire time. Have we notified the FBI?"
"Police, Sir. They'll forward the pertinent information over but for now we're maintaining a low profile. There are a few questions as to how Jack Hyde came to be arrested and they've taken a description of our guy off of the CCTV at the gas station along with Hyde's account. There are no criminal charges being tossed around but the less involvement we have, the better."
"Get Ray Steele on the phone for me, Andrea." Less than a minute later Ray comes over the intercom with a clipped hello.
"Your guy, he's being searched for. There's camera footage being evaluated."
"Not a problem." I give Welch a 'there ya go' hand motion and end the call with a very simple thank you. Ray and I will speak later when I fill him in on all of this but not while I'm at the office on GEH phone lines.
"What about the judge he's seeing today? Is he in the pen yet?"
"Yes, admitted and processed as of 10am this morning. He'll be seen by judge Bernadette Washerting before end of day and it's been confirmed that he'll be held without bond. There is no chance this fucker is getting out before a trial."
"When can we expect that?"
"Less than a year, more than nine months." Too long to hang in limbo. Once he's dismissed I call for Andrea again.
"Have a bottle of 2001 Paloma Spring Merlot ordered for Ms. Steele's dinner at the Space Needle tonight. You've told Jacqueline about a delivery for me?"
"Yes, sir. We'll bring it to you unopened."
"Thank you, order me ginger salmon over quinoa please."
Along with my lunch comes a small flat package that I tear into like a child on Christmas. I am not disappointed. Inside is a note but I don't read it right away, instead I check to make sure the door is shut and then lift a white, lacy corset out along with a pair of tiny white lace panties. Holy fuck. My mind goes from visions of her spread out on my bed dressed in this to emotional mush when I see the store typed card.
You were worth waiting for
And just like that, even when she's not here, she slays me. My knees give out, my ass falls into my chair and my hands run over my head in utter disbelief that she is here, in my life, and she is mine. Willingly and faithfully mine. It takes me moment to compose myself but I finally do and pick up the phone to call Taylor while I trace the tiny lace trimming the corset my girlfriend will be wearing for me soon.
"Taylor, send someone to Cartier to pick up my gift for Friday."
"Sir."
I could buy her every diamond in the world, every precious gem and jewel but none of them would compare to the gift of her.
"You sure you can handle this, C?" Elliot looks ridiculous in basketball shorts, a Bryant t-shirt and a bright pink sweatband around his head. I snort as I watch him shuffle from foot to foot waiting for me to make my move.
"You look like an idiot."
"You play like a girl."
The gym has been closed for us and while we have security at the doors, it's unnecessary. The GEH building is one of the safest in the State of Washington. Still, I wait until we're well underway and Taylor and Fitch leave to stand on the outside of the glass doors before I start talking.
"I asked Ana to move in." Elliot grabs the rebound and jumps, sinking the ball and tossing it to me.
"What did she say? I mean, that's kind of fast don't you think, Christian?"
"No. She's the one. What's the point in waiting? Plus, she's safer in my place." Elliot misses his block and grabs the ball once it falls through the net.
"Well, for one, she's 22 and up until recently, quite naïve to relationships. She's also had to deal with a lot of bullshit with this whole" he waves his hand around, "debacle. And then there's the insane difference in your lifestyles. I know you don't realize this easily but for someone to go from being completely unknown to being picked apart by media outlets is a total mind fuck."
"I get that, Elliot, I'm not a fucking idiot."
"I didn't say you were. You just don't live in the real world in a lot of ways." He shoots, scores again and bounces the ball my way. "Are you pushing for her to change her mind?"
"Hard. I hate not having her with me."
"If you don't relax, she's going to bolt. I mean, fuck man, it's been what, a month you've been dating? That's crazy soon to move in."
"Says who?"
"Well, Ana for one and she's the only one that matters. People already have her pinned as a gold digger, imagine what would happen if she moved in. They'd tear her apart." He's right but I don't think that's why she's hesitant. She's given me her reasons but there's something more. I'm not sure she even knows what it is to be honest.
He snorts and walks to get a drink. "You really are clueless when it comes to women and the real world. Back off a bit, man. She'll come around." Flinging the towel over his shoulder he heads to the showers ahead of me. Back off? How do I back off? I waited and waited for her to date me and now he wants me to back off? How exactly do I do that? I feel uneasy just at the thought of pulling back a bit so I call her, definitely not backing off.
"Hi, Christian."
"Hi, baby. How's your day so far?" I hear the long sigh and am immediately alarmed at her less than enthusiastic response.
"Fine. The museum was interesting, I bought you a really cool coffee mug so you can stop using those boring white ones."
"Well thank you, I'm flattered that you thought of me."
"I always think of you, that's the problem!" She's giggling but I'm not sure if she's being sincere or not. "We're heading to dinner now. Are you with Elliot?"
"Yea, just finished a game and now we're heading out for some dinner. Are you ok, Ana?"
"I'm fine, really. It's just…weird, being with her. There's so much left unsaid and the weight of it is suffocating but I don't see any point in bringing it up since she lives in denial." She covers the phone with her hand and whispers into it, "I think she's having another affair."
"I wouldn't be surprised, didn't she cheat on Ray?"
"Mmmhmm."
"You know that old saying, once a cheater always a cheater? "Well, it's a saying for a reason."
"I guess, I just am always hoping she'll get her act together. I like Bob, I mean, I barely know him but he's nice enough. It's just so bizarre, the way she carries on her relationships. I don't get it."
"No, you wouldn't get it, Ana. You're not fucked up in the head like she is." I almost ask her to come stay with me tonight but I stop myself and remember what Elliot said. Back off. This is what he meant.
"I'll text you when I'm home, have a really good time with Elliot and tell him I said hi."
I drive over to the bar with Elliot while Taylor follows. It's the first time since he first got his license that he's driven me. Have I been that out of touch? Apparently I have.
Halfway through our wings and beer the Mariners take a break for the seventh inning stretch and we order another round. I don't want to get drunk, but I need a little liquid courage for what I want to ask him. He's quiet, I'm sure he's noticed my pensive mood and the way I keep peeling the label off the beer bottle only to roll it into tiny balls and fling them onto the floor but he says nothing and waits for me.
"I'm going to ask mom and dad to come over for dinner on Saturday." He nods slowly and takes a sip but says nothing. "I'm going to talk to them alone but I wanted to let you know."
"I'll keep my phone on and stay in just in case you need me." He stands and clasps me on the shoulder with a tiny shake. "Proud of you little brother." I don't know where he goes but he's gone for a few minutes and is quiet for the rest of the game instead of yelling at the TV like he had been.
At the car he shakes my hand and then pulls me in for a one armed hug. He did it when he saw me today and he's doing it again now and it's not getting any easier but I keep telling myself that it will one day. I just have to keep waiting.
Taylor drives slowly to Escala, there's nothing to rush home to.
APOV
"I don't understand if he gave you a credit card why you're paying for lunch, that's all I'm saying."
"Because he's not here and I'm not going to take advantage of his generosity." She cocks her head to the side and picks at the tablecloth.
"You should take everything you can while you can, Anastasia. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you, trust me, take advantage. A man like Christian Grey isn't going to keep you around that long." She may as well have punched me in the gut. She has just verbalized my biggest fear and she's done it like it was common knowledge. What surprises me the most though is that instead of accepting that, I find myself immediately disagreeing with her.
"What does that mean exactly, mom?"
"It means that a man who looks like him, with his wealth and his power can have anyone he wants. You're a beautiful girl but nobody could possibly hold onto a guy like that. It's not a reflection of you but of him." She doesn't even blink.
"No, it's a misguided view on both of us. He's not like that mom, he could have had any woman he wanted for years but he chose to not date anyone until me."
"And now that he's started, the horse has been let out so to speak. Just listen to me, sweetie, I know these things. People fall out of love and use each other all the time, it's the way it works. Get what you can and guard your heart. If I knew my life would end up like this, fighting paycheck to paycheck, always worried about the bills getting paid, I'd have found a rich man early on and banked all I could." I watch her toss her napkin on the table and push her chair back. "It's hard being poor, Anastasia." Poor? How many times since last night has she referenced her financial status? Four? Five?
She stands and begins to leave as if that was the most normal progression of a conversation in history and motions for me to follow when I don't move. After a minute my feet walk towards the door with her but my thoughts go straight to clarity.
My hang up with moving in with him is because I'm afraid to put all my eggs in one basket. Loving him, living with him, working alongside him, it can all be taken away from me in an instant should he choose to leave. The thing is, I believe him when he says I'm the one. I believe that he'll remain faithful to me in body and mind. I believe that he really does love me.
Something my therapist said to me years ago when I 'graduated' out comes back to me when I slide behind the wheel.
'You're doing great and you've made amazing progress. But when you get into a serious relationship, there are going to be new issues that you'll have to work through. New emotions and fears that will rear up. Address them immediately and truthfully. A lot of times, what we fear the most is what we become.'
I'm afraid to be like my mom. Unstable, damaged, conniving and dependent on a man for financial and emotional support. I'm afraid to trust him to meet my needs since she has consistently taught me over the years through her words and her actions that men will always disappoint.
Without even realizing it, I understand now that I bought into that theory until just this minute. She's applying her lipstick in the mirror chattering on about how she hopes that whoever took that picture spells her name right but I'm having an epiphany.
I'm afraid to be like my mother. Dr. Fischer will have a field day with this one.
Suddenly spending even one more hour with my mom seems like a monumental task but I trudge along and admire the pieces of artwork, stopping later for coffee and pastries at a non-descript coffee shop. My brain is buzzing with rebuttals to her constant bullshit but I remain silent; she's not interested in anything I have to say anyway.
In fact, by the end of dinner the words, 'go home' are bubbling at the back of my throat but I remain silent. In the last six hours I've spoken four sentences. I've counted.
I've determined that she is most definitely having an affair but she clams up as to who it is. It's the only time she's quiet throughout the day. I had been looking forward to really spending quality time with her but as the day progressed, the reality of our relationship became glaringly obvious. She's gone from indifferent to seeing me as a meal ticket. The bottle of wine Christian sent over was sweet but I resented the fact that he'd spent money on her. She doesn't deserve any of it.
"I thought we could watch a movie tonight. Your flight's pretty early so I figured an early night was probably best for you." In other words, I can't hear your voice another minute.
"Sounds great, honey. I'd really like to see Christian's place though. Do you think we could swing by there?" It's only nine and I know he's out with Elliot but I text him anyway and ask. I don't want her to see it. I want to keep it sacred from her. He responds immediately.
-OK, Gail is there, I'll let her know you're coming. If you wait an hour, I can meet you there.-
We're almost there now. I'm running her in and right out. I'm too tired for her anymore.
Gail greets us at the elevator and offers my mom tea which she tactfully turns down. I've made it clear I want to get home and for once she's not pushing her weight around.
"Wow. This is...wow, Ana." Her mouth is wide open as she turns slowly in the great room, taking it all in and touching the piano gently. "You stay here with him sometimes?"
"After…the attack…I stayed here. I only left last night." I'm blushing, surely she knows what that means but she waves me off and walks towards the kitchen.
"Wow." She takes in the apartment room by room, walking in and circling it before leaving it and following me to the next one. I don't show her the bedroom, I don't want her near it.
In the car she's quiet again which makes me nervous but I have nothing to say so we drive in silence, speaking only long enough to pick a movie and show her where the popcorn is. Halfway through 'Bridesmaids' she mutes the movie and turns to me.
"Did Christian purposefully avoid me tonight?"
"What? No! He was out with his brother! Why would you think that?"
"Because the man does not like me. He was polite enough of course but for fucks sake, Ana, you told him I did nothing when your nose got broken! How could you do that to me?" To you?
"Mom, I didn't tell him about my nose ever. I didn't even remember that injury out of so many others." Did I tell him? How else could he know?
"Oh please, like it was so bad. You had a roof over your head, parents that loved you and food on your table. I'm sick and tired of you playing the victim card." I hear nothing but a loop of my own voice, 'is this really happening? Is this really happening?'
"What did you tell Christian about your injuries growing up?"
"What?" The bitterness of her tone is searing and has me at a total loss for words.
"Specifics, Ana. Why would he not like me? Did you tell him how clumsy you were? Or did you blame me for everything as per your usual?" The wine in my stomach begins to rise but I miraculously swallow it back down and find my voice.
"Clumsy? That's your rationale for what Stephen did to me? What you let him do to me?" She remains sitting but her eyes widen and blink in quick succession. "You let a grown man, who had already ripped my father from me, abuse me! For years! And you blame me?"
I'm not exactly yelling but I'm loud enough for Prescott to open the door and ask if I'm alright. I am but barely.
"Oh you are so dramatic. He disciplined you, Anastasia. You had a smart little mouth on you and you didn't like being told what to do so he disciplined you like every other father does. There were times he went overboard but he always made it right afterwards." I choke on my own spit.
It's clear to me now. I can never, ever, no matter how hard I want to or try to, have a relationship with this woman outside of a few phone calls a year. She is either mentally sick or just twisted but either way, I have no room for her in my life. I could sit here and spout about how I felt and what he did and how she sat back. I could go on and on about the long lasting emotional damage they both caused but I won't. There is no point, I see that now and it's as if a crushing weight has been lifted. I've been waiting for years to have this conversation in the hopes that if she would just apologize and acknowledge what they did to me, that it would somehow heal me.
Surprisingly, it's her continued denial that offers my closure. It really wasn't my fault, she really is sick and a shitty mother. I was, in every sense of the word, innocent and victimized. The knowledge is freeing.
"Where are you going?"
"To Christians. Actually, to our place. I'll make sure you get to the airport in the morning, you'll need to be ready by seven. Security will lock up when you leave." She follows me to my room and watches as I throw some clothes in a bag and then pick up random objects and package them up in a grocery store bag. I need luggage.
"You're just going to leave?"
"Yup. Here's one thing I've learned over the years. Just because you birthed me, doesn't mean you're a parent. Case in point, Ray."
She snorts and throws her hands in the air.
"Savior Ray! Always rushing to save little Ana from her evil mother!" I turn on her and hand Prescott the bag of clothes, asking her to not call Christian.
"Yes, and thank god he came because nobody else did." And with that I walk out of my own apartment and leave behind years of baggage.
Prescott does her best to hide her smile on the drive over but she breaks out in a grin when we park in the garage.
"I've not alerted anyone you're coming but I know Mr. Grey is home now."
"Thank you, I appreciate your help tonight."
"My pleasure, Ms. Steele. You did great. I'll bring up your bags."
"Thank you, Cottie." I say with a bowed head. "I'll carry this one up, it's got my favorite books in it." And I'm afraid that if I put it down I'll faint. I felt great yelling, I felt even better leaving but the passing of moments allowed for reflection and now I'm second guessing myself. Did I overreact? Did I do the right thing? Will I ever hear from her or see her again? The sadness of loss lances through me.
When the elevator dings nobody is there to greet me but I don't care, I just want to find Christian and hide in his arms. His suit jacket is tossed on the back of the bar stool but other than that there is no sign that he's home. The apartment is huge and dark but I see a sliver of light under the door to his office and walk towards it like it's salvation.
The door opens quietly and there, sitting at his desk, his hair a mess, head held up with one hand while he takes notes with his other, is my future husband. I know it as deeply as I know that Ray is my dad. This man is mine and I am his.
"Christian?" He startles and stands defensively until his brain catches up and then he walks quickly towards me, his face etched with concern.
"Ana, are you, what are you, are you ok?" This is a profound moment for me but even now I can't miss the way the white shirt stretches over his biceps or the way it ripples on his shoulders when he inspects me.
"I'm fine. I'm good. I think."
"You think?"
"I basically told my mom to fuck off." His eyes grow a bit wider and his hands dig into his pockets while he waits for me to elaborate. "She thinks you'll leave me one day for someone else." He rolls his eyes and tips his head back in frustration but I put my hand on his chest and continue on. "I know she's wrong."
He softens and tucks my hair behind my ears before cradling my face.
"She is wrong. I've told you, you're it for me. Yesterday, today, tomorrow, afterwards if there is an afterwards." He hugs me close, his big strong chest covering me in warmth and safety while I soak the sensation up. "What's this?" He asks, taking the grocery bag of books from my hands.
"My favorite books. I can't live without them." He nods once and then looks at me carefully.
"Live? You brought them here."
"Yes, this is where I live now, right?" His eyes widen further and his hands grab onto my shoulders and then he does something I never thought I'd see Christian Grey do. He whoops. A full on, hand fisted, red faced, neck tight whoop.
Taylor comes barging in the door almost knocking us over but retreats with a smile when he sees Christian lift me up and twirl me around, kissing me until I can't breathe.
"You'll move in? Tonight?" His enthusiasm makes me laugh and grin until my cheeks hurt.
"Yes."
"Holy fuck I'm so happy right now you have no idea." He turns serious and grips my shoulders again. "You live here now. With me. Say it, I want to hear you say it."
"I live here, with you. Now would you please bring me to bed!" And with one last whoop he lifts me and runs to our bedroom, tossing me onto the bed and tearing at his clothes.
"Our bed." He says low tossing his shirt behind him.
"Our bed." I repeat, lifting my dress over my head.
"Our bathroom." He points with raised brows and then pulls his pants and socks off.
"Our bathroom." I answer, unzipping and tossing my boots to the floor.
"My body." He says, lifting my legs from underneath me and plopping me down on the mattress.
"Yes, your body." All playfulness is gone and in its place is a sweet, tender, vulnerable man who strokes my face as if he can't believe I'm real.
"I love you, Anastasia. I will always love you." He envelopes me with his large body, covering me in the safety of his arms. Home, he is my home.
He loves me fully from head to toe, kissing every inch, lingering at my hips and the cleft between my legs until I'm practically begging him to make love to me. When he slides inside of me we both stop breathing. It's like this every time we join but still it takes my breath away. Somewhere in the back of my naïve mind I know this is unusual, a once in a lifetime love that not everybody gets. Why me? Why him? Why us?
He stays hard for a long time, stopping and stilling with each orgasm I have until at last he trembles in my arms and collapses on top of me, sweaty and heavy. I don't remember him leaving my body or drifting off underneath him but he remains in my dreams all night.
"Good morning sunshine."
"Mmph." That's the best I can do right now.
"Ana, don't you have a meeting with the Israeli Tourism Board today?"
"Oh shit! What time is it?"
"Eight. I wanted to run something by you before I left since I won't see you until tonight."
CPOV
She sits in her naked glory and pushes her bed head away from her face. Beautiful.
"I would like to invite my parents over for dinner tomorrow night but since it's Gail's night off and you cook so well, I was hoping you'd make dinner." Her face softens and she presses her warm soft body into mine, careful to keep my suit clean but I don't care about that at all.
"Of course, Christian. I'll make whatever you want. What do you fancy?" Her joke brings just the right amount of levity. I figure if she can face her demons, I can too. It's time to get rid of the sick feeling I've been carrying around in my gut for 14 years now. It's time I was able to look my father in the eyes and hug my mother without worrying I'd break her with my secrets.
"Fancy? Do people say that anymore?" She grins and kisses me on my forehead sweetly.
"Only people who live together. I'm proud of you, baby. I'll worry about dinner, you just focus on what you need to do."
"Sir we have the intake papers for Hyde here. We've also got an update on Lincolns movements."
"Hyde first."
"He's been processed, here is his intake photo. He's currently in isolation until they can find him a bunk mate that isn't considered too violent. He'll be there about a week most likely. The judge denied bail as promised so he'll sit in prison until his trial. As to that, the state has decided to throw the book at him though that won't be public knowledge for another few weeks." He grins and looks down. "The DA was very happy with the new fleet of automobiles for the Seattle PD."
"And Elena?"
"Well, that's a bit more complicated. She's mostly been at her home or at her salons. However, the woman we know is working with her somehow, Pamela Wincher has been down to Sea-Tac two nights this week to retrieve women, two each time. She brings them to Esclava and they haven't been seen leaving. Are you aware of any living facilities there?"
"I'm not but I've only ever been on the main floor and in the treatment rooms." My mind runs through the floor plan but I've not paid much attention, why would I?
"We'll keep watching her but I'd like to add another man onto Wincher if I could."
"Do it. Flames, Welch. I want her down in flames."
"Mr. Grey, your sister is here." Welch stands and rushes out hoping to avoid the storm that is Mia Grey.
"Send her in." Before I finish she's rushing in, a burst of pink and a quick awkward hug to Welch. The man has contacts in every unsavory organization you can think of but it's Mia that makes him cringe.
"Hi! Are you ready? My gosh it's been so long since we went out, do you think they'll even remember us?" And here we go.
"So you and Anastasia are…living together? Wow, you move fast."
"Don't tell mom or dad yet. I let Elliot know but she hasn't even told Kate yet so just keep it quiet."
"When are you going to tell mom and dad?" She rips into her bread, dipping it in the sage butter before chewing it. Man she can talk.
"Tomorrow night they're coming for dinner. Ana's cooking." I say it with pride but Mia just bounces up and down in her chair while people turn to look. If she were anybody but my sister it'd be annoying but her excitement, even though it's over the top and loud, is adorable.
"You guys are totally going to get married. Totally." Now this I want to hear.
"What makes you say that?"
"Oh my god look at you! You're grinning like an idiot! CTG, you have it bad! Anyway, call it women's intuition or whatever you want but you're made for each other. It's, like, way obvious." She eats more bread and then deadpans. "Can I be in the wedding?"
"Mia," I start between bouts of laughter, "if we have a wedding, you will most certainly be in it." She sighs, clasps her hands and waves for more water.
"I'd like to marry Ethan." I almost choke.
"No. You shouldn't even be talking about that yet."
"Why not? I'm Ana's age."
"You're not her age, you're almost two years younger and you're far less mature." She looks hurt but it's the truth. "Does Ethan know you're picking out invitations yet?"
"No you asshole. And don't tell Ana either, she'll tell Kate who'll tell Ethan who'll get all weird. I like him, a lot. I love him and I know he loves me. Isn't this crazy? We're all in love?"
"Elliot too? As in, Kate's the one?"
"Sold. A goner. Done. I'm surprised they're not shacking up though maybe they will since Ana's moving out. When is that happening anyway? Is it true you fired Gia? Are you still redoing the apartment? I hope they send over Lucian, he is super hot!" Well then Lucian is most certainly not coming over.
"Monday. I'd have done it today but we've got the Amazon dinner tonight and she wants to get ready there since Kate's coming to help."
"Oh right! Who famous is going to be there?"
"I don't fucking know, Mia. Are you finished? I need to get back." Really, I've just hit my Mia limit.
My phone rings to Ana's ringtone and I run to get it almost slipping on the heated marble floors of my bathroom.
"Hey."
"Hi, what are you doing?"
"I just got out of the shower, now I'm cleaning my ears and dripping water all over the place."
"Mmm. Minus the q-tips I bet you look damn fine." She makes me smile. "Anyway, did I leave my diamond earrings at your place? I wanted to wear them tonight but I can't find them. If I left them there, they'd be in my night table drawer."
"Our place and hold on." I finish lathering my face with shaving cream and then rinse my hands, wrapping a towel around my waist before rummaging through her night table. "I see chapstick, lotion, ponytail holders, a book on international marketing and handcuffs." She bursst out laughing.
"I think you're in your drawer, Grey!"
"Oh, right, those are mine." Bliss, heaven, peace. Whatever you want to call it, I'm in it with this stupid conversation. "No earrings though."
"Damn. Oh well, Prescott is on her way over to retrieve the box I sent you, I'll need that for tonight." The promise hangs heavy in the air.
"I can't fucking wait to see you." It sounds like a growl but she kisses into the phone and hangs up, unthreatened by the beast that she's woken up.
My heart is pounding, palms sweaty when Taylor pulls up in front of her old apartment. Kate comes rushing out to say hello and calls for Ana who walks out of her room in the floor length green gown we chose in Aspen. It was beautiful on the hanger but it's stunning on her body.
Her breasts push up enough that they're tempting without being overtly sexual and the dress, layers of different colored green gauze, drifts over her curves, accentuating them without dramatizing them. Understated elegance at its finest. I'm pleased to see the necklace I bought her laying gently around her neck, the last few gem stones resting on the curve of her breasts.
"Baby. Holy shit." It's all I can put together right now.
"You look very handsome, Christian." Her hand brushes the length of my arm before she leans in and kisses my jaw. Breathtaking. She's literally taken my breath away. "I have to tell you something." Her lip finds its way between her teeth and turns white where she bites it. I hate her nervous.
"I can't find the earrings anywhere. I've torn my room apart, I could have sworn I put them in my jewelry box but they're not there. Kate hasn't seen them either." Wasn't her mom here alone last night? Would that be wise to suggest? Probably not.
"No worries, sweetheart. I brought you something to wear." I could give a fuck about the diamond earrings right now, I just want that anxiety off of her face immediately. Shock replaces anxiety when I open the box from Cartier to reveal a pair of diamond and emerald earrings. They're delicate with a small emerald on top surrounded by diamond chips and a larger tear shaped emerald at the bottom. In between are small, perfectly cut square and oval diamonds holding the two gems together. They're beautiful in the box but when she takes them out with shaky hands and puts them in, only then do they really sparkle.
"Christian." She exhales, turning her face side to side to watch them swing. "They're stunning. Thank you."
"You're welcome, baby. Why are you blushing?"
"It's hard for me to see myself in things like this. They're so expensive and you put so much thought into them. I have to remind myself that you really do think I'm worth this kind of gift." My hand cups her jaw while my thumb strokes her ear lobe.
"I'd buy you every diamond in the world if that's what it took for you to see just how worthy you are." She sighs and reaches for her bag, taking my hand and turning towards the door.
"You would too! I need to be careful what I say around you."
In the car I hold her hand but she seems a bit pensive and checks her makeup twice before we get there.
"Ana, you look perfect, would you stop?"
"Ugh. I can't help it. I just know they're going to pick me apart on the internet tonight and what if I say something stupid to the people inside? Kate said that famous people were going to be here tonight."
"Who cares?"
"Well, I do. What if some model slash actress comes on to you? Don't try telling me it's never happened before either." Her lifted finger is a warning but I've got nothing to hide.
"It has but I've never even considered it. Only you, baby." She relaxes a bit and then checks her gloss one more time. "What about you? Any celebrities I need to be wary of?" She winks.
"Well, if Johnny Depp, Shemar Moore or Hayden Christiansen are there, I may need to be given CPR. Other than those three, we're good."
"Hayden Christiansen?" She blushes and grins.
"Yea, can't help it, after Star Wars I turned all geek about him. I'm working on it, Kate spearheaded an intervention last summer which was pretty successful." We both laugh and exit the car to shouts and flash bulbs. Ana does her best to not appear surprised but we both are caught off guard by the intensity of some of the photographers.
"Anastasia! Who are you wearing?"
"Ana! Has he asked you to marry him yet?"
"Christian! Would you like to respond to the gay community on the news of your heterosexuality?"
"Ana! Christian! Any baby news?"
"Anastasia! Would you like to clear up the rumors about your breasts?"
What the fuck! Taylor is gone before I know it, I don't see any kind of altercation but I know that there will be one. That guy is as good as unemployed and camera less. Gone is my good mood, all I want now is to bundle her up and go home where we can just be together in private.
Either Ana didn't hear that last douchebag or she doesn't care because she continues to walk and pose with me as if nothing is bothering her. The minute the door closes behind us she breathes out, puts her hand on her hip and eyes me up.
"Will that guy get fired?"
"Without a doubt. Now let's get you a drink, you did great out there." There are servers handing out champagne and wine so I grab a red for her and a white for me and take her elbow to steer her towards a group of business men I'm currently in negotiations with.
"Ah, Grey, good to see you here. I see you brought a beautiful woman finally!"
"I did, gentlemen, my girlfriend, Ms. Anastasia Steele, Ana, Mr. Tom Barlow, Mr. Edgar Blasius, Mr. Ronald Dempster." Ana shakes their hands, my watchful eyes making sure they don't look to long or hold her hand too long. After that photographer, I'm more on edge than ever.
Within minutes Ana has the men, and their wives, laughing at a joke and eating out of the palm of her hand. It's not unusual for me to be bombarded by people looking to do business or to just meet me but tonight, everyone wants to meet Ana. She, of course, has no idea that she's the center of everyone's attention but she handles the pressure with grace and confidence far beyond her years. These are some of the wealthiest and most influential people on the West Coast but she treats them like equals and they love her for it.
I'm impressed with her networking skills and watch with admiration as she takes business cards from two high level executives interested in utilizing her services. Gone is the insecure Ana in the car worrying about her lipstick. In her place is a business woman with a soft edge that draws people to her.
"Ms. Woolsey, would you excuse me, I'm going to find the powder room. Best of luck on your re-election." I watch to make sure that Prescott follows closely behind and then turn my attention back to Lynn. A few minutes later Taylor nods to me to indicate a need to break away and I do, following him to the bar at the back of the venue.
Liam Halen. Next to Ana, laughing at something she's said and blatantly staring at her throat and cleavage. Prescott is next to Ana ensuring that Halen can't get too close but she may as well pack her bags tonight, she's fired.
"Halen." He looks up, surprised and disappointed that I've interrupted his conversation with my girlfriend.
"Grey. I'm glad to see you finally let this treasure out and about. You're one lucky man." Ana smiles sweetly and lays her hand on my forearm, no doubt aware of the tension radiating off of me.
"Mr. Halen was just telling me that the two of you do business together."
"If you call taking companies from under my nose in hostile takeovers not once but twice 'doing business' then yes, we've worked together." The bitterness in his tone is evident and uncomfortable but he's an asshole and I don't give a shit about the $14 million he lost. I wish it were double now that I see the way he's ogling Ana.
She looks from him to me, unsure of how to react but she needn't worry. Taylor has appeared out of nowhere, obviously aware of the ticking of my jaw and the fists by my side. Prescott stands still, unaware that her job is already terminated.
"Call off your goons, Grey, we're just talking."
"Is that all you're doing, Halen? Seems that you're harboring some animosity about your inability to retain your own companies." He tosses his head back with a forced laugh and holds his drink out towards Ana.
"Just make sure you don't harbor the inability to retain your own assets. This one would make the $14 million worth it!" Taylor steps between us just as I shake Ana's hand off of me so that I can knock this fucker out.
"Sir, another time." I'm shaking with rage, if there is anyone that I could compare myself to it's Liam Halen. Young, good looking, ruthless businessman on his way to earning his fourth billion. If anybody could pull Ana from me it's him and fuck if that's going to happen.
"Stay the fuck away from her, Halen." It comes out as a hiss but I know he hears it because he waves me off and winks at her over Taylors shoulder before sauntering off to his table.
"Christian, dinner is being served, come on, let's get you a drink."
"A drink, Ana? A drink? You think a fucking drink is going to make watching that asshole eye fuck you more tolerable?" Prescott and Taylor have moved away but Ana remains planted to the floor, eyes wide at my anger. I'm vibrating with rage. "What were you thinking standing here and talking to him without me?"
"Are you serious right now? I'm not allowed to talk to a man without you present now?"
"No, you're not. That man wants in your panties and you just stood here laughing instead of shutting him down." She steps back and reaches to the bar where a drink is waiting.
"I was standing here getting you a gin and tonic. He came up to me and I'm sorry I don't walk in your circles but I had no idea who he was or what your relationship with him was. And even if I did, you can't forbid me from talking to anyone, I'm not your puppet." And with that she walks off, stomping as best she can in four inch gold heels, Prescott following behind her.
What the fuck was that?
Our table is seated already and thankfully I get there as she does avoiding an awkward scene. She smiles sweetly at me when I pull her seat out and sits demurely, nodding at the other people at the table. Her hand grips my thigh as she leans in, speaking out between clenched teeth excitedly.
"Oh my god, Mario Batali is sitting next to me!" Thank fuck. There are A-list actors and actresses, models and well known musicians but it's a chef that has her excited.
"Mario, good to see you again. My girlfriend, Anastasia Steele."
"You know him!?" She hisses out before turning her face towards him and shaking hands, immediately charming he and his wife Susi. Within minutes we're planning a trip to New York to have a special dinner with them at his restaurant Babbo.
"Can we do that, Christian, next time you're out there for business?" I can feel her legs squeezing together in excitement. All signs of her anger have disappeared and suddenly, I'm a hero.
"Anything that makes you this happy we can absolutely do. I'll be going out there in mid-August, we'll plan a few extra days." She turns back to the Batali's and listens intently while Mario explains the dishes he'd like for her to try.
By the end of dinner I've laughed more than I ever have at a function, I've learned more about the people at my table than I ever would have and I've learned one very important lesson. Do not tell Anastasia who she can and can't talk to.
She hasn't let me touch her much and even though nobody else can sense her distance, I can. Her shutting down on me, on any level, is killing me. When we leave she allows me to hold her hand in mine and climbs in the car with a final wave to the few paparazzi hanging about.
"Before you say a word," she starts as soon as my door shuts, her hand up in a 'don't come near me' sign, "I want you to know that I love you and nobody is going to take me from you. But we are going to encounter people of the opposite sex daily and if you think, for one second, that you can dictate who I interact with, you're delusional. I get that you and that guy aren't friends and going forward, I will take that into consideration when we interact but you have got to relax. Talk to me, Christian, don't just jump in on me and berate me."
"Ana, he is a known womanizer and he's got a vendetta against me. Just him standing near you infuriated me. Prescott should have never let him get within speaking distance of you." She eyes me warily and holds up one finger.
"You're not thinking about firing her are you?"
"Uhhhhh, no?"
"You were! My god, Christian! If you fire her I'll be so pissed at you. You are something else, I'll tell ya!"
"OK, if I keep her on can we stop fighting about that shmuck?" Her lips purse out, my mind instantly thinking of them around my cock but I shake the thought for now.
"Fine. You look too damn good in a tux to fight with anyway. And don't think I didn't notice that model bitch staring at you all night from across the room." What model?
"Anastasia, I have no idea what you're talking about but it wouldn't matter anyway. You are the only one who I saw tonight. You look so fucking beautiful." Sliding over I pull her face to mine, tracing the necklace edge with my fingernail. "You know, when I bought this for you, I had a vision of you in just this, on your back with those sexy as fuck moans falling from your lips."
I can feel the blush creep up her neck while I nuzzle against it, the calming scent of Ana filling my senses. Her sharp little teeth come out and nip at my jaw, the sensation shooting strait to my dick. We continue like this the entire way home, barely touching but turning each other on until I'm taking off my bow tie and jacket in the car, leaving the cufflinks and cummerbund on the floor of the car.
"Help me with this, Christian." She turns and shrugs her shoulder at me, the moonlight falling on her silky skin through the floor to ceiling windows of our bedroom.
"With pleasure, baby." I had almost forgotten about the white corset and tiny white panties but as soon as I see them I forget the zipper and tug so that she's in nothing else. "Fuck, baby. I can't help but think of our first time when I see you in white. On the bed, on your knees." She turns and shakes her head slowly.
"You. Strip." What? My eyes widen but she nods slowly and points her finger at my shirt. "Slowly, I want to watch." She's not kidding. I'm stunned still but then she climbs on the bed settling into a kneeling position at the edge and waits, watching me with expectancy.
"What are you waiting for?" With her sitting there in that outfit, I'm not sure what I'm waiting for so I do as she says and unbutton my shirt, top to bottom and then pull it off my arms immediately reaching for the white tank underneath and lifting it above my head.
"You are so hot, Christian. Do you have any idea how much your body turns me on?" Note to self, Ana gets verbal and horny on red wine and scallops. "Now your pants." Holy shit, I'm having Gail make scallops every night.
"Oh my god, that V." She moans, bites her lip and runs her hands down her thighs. "It drives me crazy. I like those boxers on you but I like them better on the floor next to your socks." Once the clothes are in a pile I take back the control that she seems to have taken from me so easily and walk to her, tracing the outline of the fabric that covers her pussy, barely touching the soft skin underneath.
"I want you." Fuck the control, I just need her to keep saying that.
"Say it again, Anastasia." My lips trace the outline of her ear and then suck on that tender spot just underneath it.
"I want you." The words are whispered into my ear, my tongue licking her jaw line and down to the sweet tender spot between her breasts.
"This little gift you sent to me," my tongue works its way from one swelled breast to the other, "is probably the best gift," I unhook the top clasp, "I've ever received at the office." She rises to kiss me but I pull back, just far enough so that I can unhook the rest of the lingerie that covers what I so desperately want to see.
"I like this, I like it a lot. Did you imagine me taking it off of you when you bought it." She nods and moans when her breasts spring free but I make no move to touch them yet. When the last hook is undone the corset falls behind her without a sound. "So beautiful, Ana." She looks at me then, burning passion in her eyes and grabs the back of my head, pulling it our lips together.
"So are you, Christian." Our mouths collide then, pent up anger from her being the object of another man's desire wreaking havoc on my emotions. I kiss her harshly, pinching her nipples between my fingers, twisting and tugging on them until she gasps for air.
The diversion lasts only long enough for me to slide my hand into her panties and order her to kneel with her legs further apart. She's wet and hot and slick. For me.
"Mine, baby. Don't you ever forget it." She answers with a throaty moan, her breathing accelerating with each circle of my finger and then catching in her throat when I pinch her clit. "Mine. Say it, Anastasia."
"Yours." She whines, screeching when I push her onto her back to pull the white panties off. They remind me of the ones she was wearing when I took her virginity. The memory makes me smile.
"Are you ready for me?"
"Yes." It's needy and whispered and it turns me the fuck on. I'm rock hard already and position myself, gripping my base tightly as I slide in and seat myself as deeply as I can. I can't help but feel triumphant. This is where half the men there wanted to be tonight, certainly where Liam Halen wanted to be but it's me here and it will only ever be me. Nobody will ever know the tight, slick heat she possesses. Nobody will ever know the color of her nipples or the way she grabs at her breasts when she's ready to come. Me, only me.
With hard deep thrusts I move inside of her as she watches my torso, no doubt watching the muscles ripple with each movement. Her hands reach out and smooth over my abs and then reach up to pinch my nipples, a sensation that has me groaning and pumping furiously. Fuck that feels good.
"Oh god that feels so good, Christian. More, I want more." More? You got it baby. My thrusts become punishing but she takes it all, sharp groans of 'yes, yes, yes' falling from her lips with each thrust to mingle with my own grunts until she arches back, pushing those perfect mounds heavenward and lets out a scream that reverberates around the room.
Her walls clench tightly, gripping me with a silky strength that pushes me over the edge and I come, blinding hot pleasure shooting through me like a bolt of lightning. Her hands scratch at my back and draw me close, the small bite of pain drawing out my release until I collapse.
Without leaving her body I sit up and reposition us at the top of the bed, a satisfied little mumble of "I should wear this necklace every day." spoken against my neck.
"I should feed you scallops and wine three meals a day."
"Hmm?" She murmurs, already half asleep.
"Nothing, sweet girl. Go to sleep." I'm definitely hoping for scallops tomorrow night. Knowing I have this to come back to after what's sure to be a tough conversation is a comfort I can't live without.