Disclaimer: I do not own anything but the plot of this story.


Chapter 49

Anastasia's POV

Upon waking up, I sit up too fast and all my muscles clench together in that deliciously post-coital way. I take a moment to recall the reason why I'm sore and flush with pleasure.

The Red Room...

The first place where I got to see the domineering side of Christian - it was a tad frightening and yet... why does the thought of Dominant Christian turn me on so badly? I refrain from pursuing the irrelevant thought as my tender nether regions compress yet again.

Speaking of, where is Sleeping Beauty?

I look around the room but the bathroom door is closed and the crack under the door reveals that it's dark and unoccupied. I study my side table and find a glass of orange juice and a couple Advil. I swallow both down gratefully and sigh, noting that the time is 6:30 PM.

I dress myself slowly in one of Christian's spare t-shirts and a pair of my sweatpants that are lying discarded near the bed. When I open the door, I am assaulted by a bundle of adorable grey fur.

"Hey buddy! Ooh, I missed you too!" I coo and scratch right behind my little bud's ears. He whimpers, lapping at my face enthusiastically. I giggle at the feeling and regret it immediately, my stomach aching from my 'workout'.

"Come on. Where's papa?" I ask. He merely cocks his head at me, but as he trots away, I get a chance to really study him. Little bud has really grown. He's developing nicely and he looks even more beautiful than when I first encountered him.

Similar to your fifty shades... I swat my inner goddess, blushing at her implications and follow after Grey tentatively.

He pauses outside of the study, laps at my ankle and goes about his way. I'm about to knock when the voices from inside capture my interest.

Don't do it Anastasia! My subconscious warns me, but I guiltily lean in any way, listening.


"Sir, I'm afraid I don't see another way. He refuses to cooperate." Taylor's voice is detached and somewhat intimidating, but nothing compared to the frigidity of Christian's opinion.

"I don't give a fuck Taylor! Make him cooperate!"

"Sir, there's no way to make him, unless-"

"No. That's not an option."

There's a loud sigh and I distinguish it as Christian's. I can imagine him now, pacing, running his hands through those delectable copper locks...

Who won't cooperate? Stephen?

"What other ways can you get him to talk, Taylor?"

"Sir, we've had no say in the confessions of Morton. The Feds have been after him for years and now that they've got him, they're trying their best to get their answers, but to no avail."

"Fuck." He sighs again. "Taylor, you understand we can't give him what he wants."

"I don't see any other choice sir. He won't cooperate or even talk otherwise."

"Then force the fucker to! I don't want him anywhere near her!"

"It's an unfortunate situation sir, but the fact remains that he won't utter a word to the police or us until he speaks with Miss Steele."

"I don't-"

"I'll do it!" I have to pause for a moment and ask myself what I've just done.

Yeah, you just barged into the conversation that you were eavesdropping on, and basically volunteered to talk to the guy who's made your life a living hell these past months. Confirms my subconscious from her comfy chair.

"Anastasia, you should be resting." Christian's stern voice doesn't go unnoticed by me, but I turn my attention from his withering stare to Taylor who merely nods at me.

"Are you sure Miss Steele?" He asks, his face as impassive as ever.

"The hell she is! She's not going to do shit while I'm-"

"Christian, I understand that you caught the guy, so thank you, but this is my decision."

"Anastasia, you aren't going to step foot into the same building as that fucker, much less the same room-"

"With all due respect Christian, I've already done both of those things, here at Escala if I can recall!" I snap.

He looks momentarily stunned and then his expression morphs into consternation and finally, fury. "Ana-"

"Taylor, I'll do it. Yes, I'm sure. I have to put this to rest. Stephen Morton does not deserve to spend one more day out of jail. He basically sold my mother and me to a gang of thugs who ended up saving our lives. I owe it to them, my mom, and myself to see him in jail. I will talk to Stephen Morton and end this."

"Very well Miss Steele. I will arrange it for tomorrow morning." He nods at me, giving me one of his rare smiles. As he walks past a dumbfounded Christian to the door, I catch a glint of pride in his eyes.

"Anastasia, you deliberately disobeyed me, and I-"

"Christian, please. You heard me, can't you see that I need this closure?"

He sighs and slumps in defeat. "You're not going to be alone with him. I'm going with you."

"I-" I begin to protest but think better of it.

I'll talk to him when he's more amenable.

"Can we eat? I'm starving." The statement seems to distract him momentarily as he blinks in happiness.

"Of course."


After a quick dinner of Gail's chicken caesar salad and some French bread and butter, I somehow convince Christian to invite Elliot, Kate, and Seth over to talk about the entire ordeal.

"I don't know why I agreed to this, especially after all the things we've done today." He grumbles to himself.

I raise an eyebrow at him. "I would think that your grumpiness would diminish after all that kinky fuckery Mister Grey."

He laughs, pure and joyous, and I grin. The moment is so rare that I can't help it. Holy cow, I need to make him laugh more!

"'Kinky fuckery'? You really have a way with words Miss Steele. Your smart mouth never ceases to amaze me."

"Now where have I heard that before?" I pout, pretending to think about it.

"Perhaps you need a reminder of where you've heard it before." He narrows his eyes at me and lunges, but I dodge quickly leaping up from the couch.

"Nuh uh uh! You'll have to catch me first sir." I wink and dash for the dining room. He quickly blocks my exit and I dodge to the right as he attempts to scoop me up.

"Fuck!" He grunts as I giggle, racing towards the kitchen. "Get back here Ana or it'll be worse for you when I catch you!"

"Is that a threat Mister Grey?" I gasp and wiggle my ass enticingly.

"That's it!" He whistles and narrows his eyes at me. I watch questioningly as Grey appears out of nowhere. "Grey! Fetch!" He points at me and my mouth opens in a perfect 'o' as the pup races towards me with enthusiasm twinkling in his striking blue eyes.

"No! Grey, down, down!" I shriek with laughter as he pulls on my pants playfully, finally succeeding in making me tumble to the floor in a scramble of limbs and giggles. He growls and laps at my face, sniffing in my ears and face. "Eek! Down, down!" I'm gasping for air at the tickling sensation.

"Grey. Down." Fifty's firm voice drifts into my vicinity and Grey immediately ceases all action, sitting obediently by my head.

I look up into the eyes of a very heated Christian Grey. Shit.

"Traitor." I mutter to the pup. Christian offers me his hand and I take it, suddenly flushed and embarrassed. As he pulls me to my feet, I'm tugged suddenly into his arms and we're face to face.

I'm panting and sweaty and gross and he looks as glorious and tousled as ever.

Round two? Begs my inner goddess.

"I should spank you for that." He whispers threateningly. My breath hitches unwillingly and I bite my lip, watching as his eyes darken swiftly. "Anastasia..." He warns.

"Spank me sir." I whisper back huskily. I bite back a smile at his unadulterated gasp.

Suddenly, there's a loud 'ding' and Grey starts barking, racing towards the elevator.

He captures my chin between his thumb and forefinger, leaning down to give me a chaste kiss that leaves me breathless. "Saved by the bell Miss Steele." He whispers.

"Raincheck?"

"Hey! Lovebirds! Break it up, what's goin' on?" Elliot strides in, flanked by Seth who's carrying a squirming Grey and Kate, who immediately rushes over to give me a hug, pulling me from a very pissed fifty's embrace.

"Are you hurt?" She whispers conspiratorially.

"No!" I hiss back.

We part and she examines me thoroughly. "I believe you. Just remember, me and Seth are always here for you, 'kay?"

I nod.

"Katie girl, c'mon, Chris has got quite the story here." Elliot munches on an apple and leads Kate to the Great Room with her on one arm and a very reluctant Christian on the other.

Seth sets Grey down and gives me a shy smile, his arms outstretched. "Hey 'Stasia."

"Seth!" I wrap my arms around him and he spins me around.

I've missed him so much! The thought comes unbidden into my head and he sets me down, chuckling.

"Seems I've been missed a lot."

"Ha, you have no idea. Come on, Christian'll get jealous."

He rolls his eyes, but follows me obediently to the Great Room where Christian gives him a curt nod.


I settle between Seth and Christian while Kate and Elliot sit on the loveseat facing the three of us. Grey chews on his rubber ball contentedly, oblivious to the darkening atmosphere in the room.

Kate proceeds to explain to Seth all that he's missed and he nods occasionally, taking it all in.

"Wow." That's all he can say at the end.

"There's been a recent development to the case, however, something you should all know." I hold my breath, waiting for Christian to announce my decision. "Morton refuses to talk unless Anastasia speaks to him personally, and so... she's agreed to do it."

"What?"

"The fuck?"

"Hell no!"

Elliot, Seth, and Kate call simultaneously. I blush crimson, mortified at their reactions.

"My reaction exactly." Mutters fifty.

"You guys have to understand that I want to be the one to put this to rest. He's done so much to my family in such little time and mom and I deserve justice. I hope you all can understand that." I attempt to explain myself and my subconscious gives me a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder.

Kate frowns while Elliot nods. Seth merely look thoughtful, but finally seems to acquiesce, wrapping his arm around me in a side hug.

"I get it 'Stasia. You've helped me through so much, it's only fair that I do the same for you. I support you, but I want to be there with you when you do it."

"Yeah. If anyone deserves to do this, it's you. I'm with you too." Elliot gives me a nod and a cheeky wink and I smile shyly at his support.

We all turn our heads to Kate and she sighs, giving me a meaningful beam.

"Yeah. Ana, you're my best friend, practically my sister. I'm in."

"Good. Because we're doing this tomorrow."


:o What do you think will happen with the confrontation? Review with your opinions, I really love reading all of them! ~ HA