Chapter 36: Raymond Steele

"Christian please, I have to do this on my own. I love you so much, but I have to talk to my parents alone"

"No, it's not safe for you to travel alone"

"Christian.."

"Ana, no. Under no circumstances are you to be alone. I thought I had made that perfectly clear"

"Yes, and me being locked up in this tower of yours for days with you hovering over me has been proof enough"

They were both exhausted. After leaving Anas apartment their plans to go to her parents were cancelled. Fortunately Christian had not informed her parents they were coming so no explanation was needed. Nevertheless this situation with Jose was only getting worse, the threaths more serious so she had to open up to her parents about her past. Christian had worked and taken care of Ana as well as trying to handle the hell they were in. He was tired. She could see it. His face was pale, his eyes red. He had aged years in a couple of days. And now them being cramped up and agitated had brought on several fights. The last one about her going alone to see her parents. She didn't want him there, not because she wanted to be away from him but because she didn't want his first meeting with her parents to be about Jose. He on the other hand wanted to keep her safe, to be close to her and give her the much needed support.

She cupped his face, gently stroking the stubble. He hadn't shaved for days. He leaned into her, closing his eyes. Appreciating her gentle touch. A small moan escaped his lips. She smiled at him when he opened up his eyes. They were filled with tears.

"Please Ana, I have to come with you. I have to keep you close"

"Fine"

She gave up, not wanting another fight. Besides she needed him close to her. Lately only he could give her the much needed comfort. He pulled her to him and held her tightly. Kissing the top of her head. Anas hands slid around his neck and she pulled him down for a kiss. A soft kiss.

Ana wanted to prepare her parents for the talk they were about to have so she called before leaving Seattle. Giving them a short version of what has happened lately. Now seated in the kitchen of her fathers house with Christian next to her she was grateful that he had come with her. Throughout the horrific remembrance of her experience with Jose he had held her hand. Giving her support. She could see her four parents, not only listening carefully to what she was saying, but also assessing their every move. Her father was seemigly unfazed and in control, but Ana knew better. He was beyond enraged. Bob, the ever so calm man, was fuming and cursing the place down. Her mother couldn't stop crying. Thankfully Maggie took care of everyone. Christian continued with the conversation when Ana couldn't talk anymore. He told them about the recent events, them contacting the police and everything he had done to ensure her safety. Her father seemed genuinly happy about Christians decisions.

Samantha had called, talking to Ana for hours. She had cried. Matt had to hang up, promising he would take care of her. Lucy only got the "need to know" version.

At the end of the evening they were all exhausted so Ana and Christian excused themselves and headed for bed. Now lying in the comfort of her boyfriends arms Ana felt as if a weight was lifted of her shoulders. She had finally opened up about her past to everyone. There were no more secrets. They knew it all.

"Ana"

He said, gently lifting her chin up so she could face him.

"I love you"

He kissed her lips and lulled her to sleep.

After he was sure Ana had fallen asleep, he slowly released himself from her and tucked her in before he headed downstairs. Her father had asked for him to come down. Raymond Steele stood with his back to Christian as he entered the kitchen. Maggie was seated by the kitchen table. She looked up at him and forced a smile, Christian reciprocated. He sat down on the other side of the table. Ray turned around and handed him a cup of coffee. For minutes no one was talking, then Maggie got up and left. Now alone Ray looked at Christian.

"I know you have seen the police report. How horrible is it"

Instead of answering Christian pulled out his phone and called Taylor, asking him to come inside and bring the report with him. Taylor was assigned to stand guard outside of the house with the help of Reynolds. Sawyer was keeping guard upstairs, at the top of the stairwell. Making sure no one could enter the top floor without him approving.

Taylor entered, handing a sealed manilla envelope to Christian and walked straight out. Christian looked at Ray and slid the manilla envelope across the table

"Mr Steele, it's not a pretty sight. I wouldn't want to see my daughter like that. But it's your choice"

The stoic man opened the envelope and flipped through the pages. Christian could almost hear his heartbeat quicken as he looked at the pictures. Christian expected rage, even cursing and slamming. But what he saw were tears. Raymond Steele, the man Christian had only read about. The quiet, strong and seemingly unaffected marine was crying. Tears were streaming down his face. His reaction the same as Christians. The painful realisation that everything Ana had said was real. Not that they didn't believe her. It was just to dreadful to consider it being anything else then a nightmare they would all awaken from.

"What now"

Rays voice cracked. No doubt having his little girl abused in such a manner was killing the man.

"I am searching for him. My entire team is on it, and so is the police. Not that I believe they will do a good job. They fucked up the first time around"

"And when you do find him?"

Christian didn't say anything. It had been days of searching and no clue as to Jose's whereabouts. He was getting agitated. Ray, witnessing the internal battle, spoke out

"You will find him. I don't know you, but I see what type of man you are. You will not stop until you have found him. And when you do, don't act with your heart but your head. Believe me, I want to kill him myself. But men like us have too much to lose. I have a family. My daughters, my wife, my granddaughter, my ex wife, Bob and Matt. I can't risk losing that. And you"

He said looking intently at Christian, locking his eyes to Christians before continuing

"You cannot risk the good life you will have with Ana. She is my daughter and I am bias, but that woman you have will be the best thing in your life"

With that he got up from the table and walked out. Christian gathered the papers and photos and put them back in the manilla envelope before walking out of the house and giving it to Taylor.

"Burn this"

He said and walked back in. Once inside he called Welch. The man was now working all hours trying to find this maniac.

"Welch, any news"

"Mr Grey I was just about to call you. He has been spotted outside Escala. His looks are different, but no doubt it's him. Should I inform the police"

Christian was grateful that Taylor had taken Gail to her sisters while they were gone.

"No, let's keep this to ourselves. Do you have eyes on him"

"We lost him, he was too quick. But I am going through all footage since the first contact as we now know his looks. By retracing his movements we will find him. I have my best men on this"

"Good. Don't lose him again. And when you find him, grab him. Update Taylor"

"Yes sir"

Christian hung up and started roaming through his emails. Work was not important at the moment, but he still had a company to manage. Seeing the number of new emails he had received, Christian sighed and walked back upstairs to Anas room passing Sawyer. Once inside he walked over to Ana and gently caressed her cheek. He kissed her softly and a small moan escaped her lips. He once again tucked her in. Getting up he pulled out his laptop from his bag and sat down by Anas desk. Work wasn't top priority, but could not be ignored either. So every night while Ana slept he had been working. He was well acquainted with sleepless nights.

Thank you so much for all your reviews, I really am grateful although I don't write it that often.

And all the new followers, thank you so so much.

Please continue to give me feedback on the story, good or bad. I already have the plot planned out, more or less, but I would really love to hear what you think of the plot so far and where you think this story is headed.

Next chapters will be a bit difficult to write, but I am getting there. It will get a lot worse before it gets better...

Pinterest board for chapter 35 and 36 has not been updated, not sure that I will have any pictures for these two chapters.