Ch 21 Bound by a contract.

Christian POV

Wednesday 13 May 2019

I can't wait for this bloody day to end. It's been dragging painfully slow, and while my current status update, (as ridiculous as that is), has bolstered GEH's negotiations with the Japanese, the media storm is bugging the shit out of me.

True to Anastasia's prediction, Leila Williams crawled out from the rock she's been hiding under, delivering yet another note, and unfathomably, my team is still unable to track the bitch down. This time, Leila paid some teenager to deliver the letter and we weren't able to get more information from the kid to help us find the woman. Apparently, the letter was sent to him via internet and that was it. Her trace went cold once again. How she is successfully doing this is baffling. Taylor is embarrassed as fuck.

I'm still fuming remembering her note with another photo of us from my bedroom.

Dear Sir,

I'm profoundly disappointed in your decision to my proposition.

That you would simply dismiss me, then have the audacity to parade some nobody on your arm is surprising. A terrible choice, Sir.

Well, you've left me little choice. In fairness, I did warn you of the consequences. I made a promise, and I'm a woman of my word. Afterall, a promise is a promise.

I wonder, how long your child of a girlfriend will stay by your side when she finds out about your secret life? I know what she'll do. She'll run to the hills without a backward glance once our affair hits the newsstands, and all you've worked for, your company, your relationships, all of it will fall and burn!

I was the best thing that ever happened to you, and it's so sad you're too blind to see it.

Good luck, Sir. Forever Yours always,

Leila.

Fucking bitch. Think, think, think Grey. This bitch will not get the better of you. Where the fuck would she go?

This BDSM scandal will cause a shit storm of epic proportions once it gets out, I can feel it in my bones. My only saving is the public's positive response to Anastasia. Having her by my side gives me the confidence that our plan to discredit Leila when the scandal hits will work. Seeing Ana in action yesterday, the way she handled Susannah, putting the woman in her place with dignity, grace and understanding, was a sight to behold.

The meeting with Anastasia and my PR department went well too, although I could've done without the blatant drooling by the men on the team. OK. She may only be mine in public, but my staff should exercise more control and professionalism. For fuck sakes, the woman's my girlfriend. Isn't there some unwritten rule out there about eyeing the boss's girl? You just don't do it.

It was pathetic how the men were practically falling over their dicks to get her attention. Even Ros couldn't help herself when I introduced them. She dragged me back to my office with the excuse of a last-minute matter with the Japanese.

''Holy Fuck Grey! Where did you find her? She's like Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn all rolled into one. She's all sex and class, and what the fuck is she doing with an asshole like you?'' she whisper-yells at me. Ros is incredible. Now this woman knows her shit. There's a reason I chose her to be my Second. She's quick thinking, can spin and manipulate a deal as well as I can, as well as hold her own in the board room. The only difference between her and I is she's got tits. And because we both know she's irreplaceable, she takes full advantage of that. She dishes out it how she sees it. Anastasia just happens to be on this weeks' menu.

''Fuck off, Rosalynn! My private life is none of your business and what would your wife think about you eye fucking my girl?'' I smirk. She knows I'll do it too. I've got Gwen's number.

''Oh, please. That's such a lame threat Grey. Gwen would love her, trust me.'' She laughs ''But fuck me, when you pick them, you can really pick them. Christ, she's a beauty. I'm happy for you dick-wad. You're one fucking lucky son of a bitch! Treat her right, or I'll tear off your balls. Tear; not cut. Note the difference. I like her.'' I shake my head at the memory. Only Ros could get away with speaking to me like that.

In the end we did come up with the workable game plan. We decided that the best way to placate the public is to give a televised interview. So, after the Coping Together Ball on Saturday, we would hold an interview to a network of our choosing, and from the horses' mouth put to rest any rumours, interests or misconceptions the public may have about us. We'll also be engaged by then, so this interview would be an added bonus to our image.

Should Leila tell her story sooner, my head of PR, Marleen Vallace, will use all of her resources and connections to hold its release until after the interview. It was determined that there was no way to block or control a scandal of this magnitude, but we can manipulate the timing of the information as it comes out.

Elena is another matter giving me a headache. I had scheduled a lunch date with her tomorrow, but for whatever reason, she was trying to weasel her way out of it. Now typically, I wouldn't have given it much thought, but the circumstances lately have got me wondering why Elena is hesitant to be seen with me in public. She's normally all over that shit, showing off that she has a tie-in with me. Just yesterday she was blowing up my phone to get together, and now she's pushing me off. So, instead of cancelling I bumped it up to tonight. When I told her to come to Escala, the woman practically peed her pants, she was ecstatic. Yah, not her usual M.O.

The purpose of my meeting with Elena is to get answers. For a finders' fee, it was Elena's responsibility to vet the girls who I pick to sub for me. Should they pass her inspection that's when Elena would schedule an introduction. Considering the latest turn of events, I need to be sure that none of the other ex-subs plan to make a guest appearance in my life. As back-up, I've also sent Welch a text to track all my past subs down and see what they are up to. Hopefully, the rest of them have moved on and have either acquired a new Dom or continued successfully in their own lives. Whatever the case is, I just want to be sure their sights aren't set on me.

Thankfully, Anastasia will be away tonight. She's doing some hot yoga class with Kavanagh. Not sure I like her being out and about while the press is this obsessed with her, but when I broached the subject earlier, I was given that I-don't-think-so look as she casually walked out the door with her mat and gear in hand. Not being in the mood for a fight, I let that one slide. Besides Sawyer is ordered not to leave her side even for a second. So, while Anastasia is occupied elsewhere this evening, I have the opportunity to give Elena a piece of my mind in the privacy of my penthouse.

My last call of the day lasted longer than I planned, but our trip to Osaka is confirmed. When I finally get to Escala, Taylor informs me that Mrs. Lincoln is already here. This surprisingly irks me. I will need to re-evaluate the wisdom of giving Elena unlimited access to the apartment from now on. I don't feel comfortable allowing Elena free rein to unannounced visits, especially since Anastasia is living here too. Doesn't feel quite right anymore.

Walking into my apartment, I notice Elena sitting at the breakfast bar with a glass of wine, reading some magazine. She looks too comfortable for my liking, but then again, she's always behaved like this, so again, I wonder why this is rubbing me the wrong way.

''Elena.'' I make my presence known.

''Christian, darling. You're finally home. It is so unlike you to keep me waiting, but I understand work has always taken precedence.'' She stands from the chair and gives me her usual kiss on the cheek. I quickly pull away because for the first time her touch feels unpleasant. It's disturbing feeling and I purposely push her off moving to the bar to get myself a strong drink. That's an odd feeling. It must be because of all the shit that's going down, and I need fucking answers from Elena that's making me feel this way.

''Let's get past the pleasantries and move straight to the point of you being here. We don't have a lot of time, and I need to address some issues with you." I stop to take a sip of my bourbon before I ask her.

"I want you to tell me how both Leila and Susanna slipped through your self-professed tight security and landed on my doorstep? You assured me a million times that your contacts were the best in the scene and I still ended up with not one, but two unhitched bitches on my hands. How many more should I expect Elena?'' I ask her with a raised brow.

Now, I know that Welch and his guys are also to blame, but I had faith in Elena and her network to the BDSM community. She often bragged that with her connections she can get access to information that the FBI aren't even privy to. If that's true, then I have serious concerns with our country's finest covert operations department. That, or Elena's contacts are shit.

''What exactly are you accusing me of Christian?" she asks while she puts her glass of wine down on the counter. "No background check is fool-proof. The information I had on Leila was solid. I do agree that she's a crafty and experienced liar. She knows how to cover her tracks so much so that even Taylor and your hi-tech team can't even find her. As for Susannah, I don't understand why you would put her in the same league as Leila. She's understandably upset and disappointed with the termination of her contract, but aside from that, she was perfectly fine. She came to Esclava to get ready for a work function yesterday, and I helped her out.'' Elena is flapping her hand, shaking my concerns off like it was no big deal, but her attitude is only digging her into a deeper hole.

So, she has been in contact with Susannah yesterday, just as Ana said. I bet a million Elena knew Susannah would be at the opening last night, and she didn't deem it necessary to warn me.

''So, you knew she was working Opening Night at the Gallery. A fair warning would've been nice. You of all people should know how I feel about surprises.'' I point out her mishap and before she can retort I proceed.

''Susannah approached Anastasia and I yesterday, completely violating her NDA. It was sheer luck, and the grace of God, that nobody was around to hear her rant. Thankfully Ana handled her beautifully. I've sent Taylor to put the fear of God in Ms. Daniels today, but there is a high possibility it might not work. And if that happens, Elena, you bet your next fuck I will be holding you responsible." I bark, losing my composure.

''You're holding me responsible for your asinine idea of throwing away a perfectly good sub, for what? A fake image with a fake wife? You need take responsibility for yourself Christian. You're losing control and it's not me who advised you to take this route. You should have listened to me. I warned you that hooking up with an unknown was idiocy. You, with Anastasia, is making you lose the control you worked hard for. I barely recognise you right now.

I've been a good friend to you, for a very long time, and now here you are threating me like I'm your worst enemy.'' Elena retorts looking offended. ''I admit I dropped the ball with Leila, but nobody's perfect. That conniving bitch fooled me too. Even as we speak my contacts are turning the scene upside down to find that woman. As for Susannah, for fucks sake, she's a fucking woman, and you dumped her flat. She was ill prepared and acted out in a jealous rage. Seeing you with Ms. Steele so soon unhinged her. Yes, I know you avoid emotional involvement, but that's you. You can't expect everyone so detached and void of human decency. The way you went about this situation is a fucking insult, and you hurt her pride and ego. 'Hell, hath no fury like a woman's scorn' Christian. You should remember that. There's a reason that idiom exists.''

Is this her fucking subtle way of threatening me? She's actually scolding me.

Anastasia said almost the same thing just in a different context. But Elena had made one to many fuck ups lately and no way she will turn the tables on me.

''Oh. I am intimately aware of women's scorn. That's all I've been dealing with lately, and while I'm seriously pissed with Susannah, I'm equally pissed at you." Her eyes grow wide with shock.

''You just couldn't help yourself, could you. You just had to flaunt what I shared with you in front of Anastasia didn't you. You are one piece of work woman. You go around throwing the FRIEND card, yet when I share something important with my friend, I expect my friend to keep it to themselves. I know for a fact you're not that fucking stupid, and the little message you sent my way was deliberate.

So, you can pack your scorn woman bullshit, because I will tell you this one last time; Back. The. Fuck. Off. Keep your nose out of this deal, it doesn't concern you, or by God I will release the gates of my Hell on you Elena, just watch me. Stop provoking Anastasia. That girl is very strong willed, and is holding her own, but everyone's got a breaking point. If there's any woman's scorn that I want to be cautious of, it's hers because if she backs out of this arrangement, I'm FUCKED! Do. You. Understand. Me?!" I raised my voice once again by the end of my speech.

I have never spoken to Elena like this before. I swear I must've had smoke coming out of my ears I'm so fucking pissed, and she knows it because she's backing away from me a few steps.

''Christ Christian, ok. I get it. I'll keep my distance, but you should know that I wouldn't do anything to bring harm to you.'' Now she is trying to placate me. Fucking bitch better not be playing me. If I fall, I'm fucking bringing her down with me. I'm about to tell her this when Anastasia walks in the room, and not only did the vision of her abate my anger, my libido jumped through the fucking roof.

Oh. My. Fuck.

The woman is trying to kill me with mini shocks to my cock, I swear to God. She has no idea what she's doing walking around all casually, not knowing that her body in black yoga tights with a hot pink crop sweatshirt does to men like me, or just men in general. Her hair is in a messy ponytail and her skin has a lovely glow from her recent workout. Christ on a cracker, I need to use the fucking bathroom.

''Oh, hi Christian; Mrs. Lincoln. Sorry I didn't know that we would be having company this evening. I'll go change and be out in a minute.'' And while she doesn't show her displeasure seeing Elena here, I sense her disquiet which swings me out of my lascivious thought. Something went down at the salon yesterday and I need to ask Ana what that was.

''Take your time, Ana. Dinner will be ready in about half an hour.'' She simply nods and skips down the hall to her room, and I just can't help myself. My eyes are glued to her pert little ass and fuck if I don't want to take a bite of that juicy peach.

When I turn my attention back to Elena, she is regarding me with a raised brow.

''What?'' I hiss irritated.

''You want her.'' She states simply.

Well no shit Sherlock.

"And..?"

''Just stating the obvious. Hey, I prefer men but even I couldn't keep my eyes of that ass.'' I give her a nasty glare. I don't need to be reminded that most of the male, and half of the female population are having their own personal fantasies about getting into Anastasia's pants. Fuck I know I do. Still it pisses me off because she's with me.

''Now I'm really convinced your decision to let Susannah go was foolish. You've got that kind of candy, prancing around in provocative outfits with no outlet. You the fuck are you kidding yourself Christian? She's the proverbial apple in the Garden of Eden; Temptation in the flesh. You're driving yourself insane! Why?'' She knows she's right, but I won't admit it in a million years. The thought of a sub is fucking tempting, and God knows I need the release, but there's not fucking way I'm bringing more people into this complicated situation. If I wanted a sub, I would've kept Susannah.

Elena contemplates something for a moment when a devilish smile appears on her face. This can't be good.

''What do you think of introducing Anastasia to the scene? It would be just perfect. You want her, there is no denying that. Put that Christian Grey charm to good use, and you'll be living the dream in no time. Fuck, think of all the fun you'll have training her; bringing her to heal. Fuck, makes me wet just thinking about it, and I bat for the other team.'' She's looking at me like she has the whole thing figured out. As if this is a brilliant plan or something. And as much as the thought of Anastasia in my playroom excites me, I also know that this is something I would never do with her.

''You've got to be fucking kidding me. I'm dealing with enough shit from Leila and Susannah, so I don't need your advice on how I deal with Anastasia. Our arrangement is purely business Elena. Crossing those lines would be stepping on very dangerous ground. Back. Off.'' My conscience prevails.

''Oh, don't be so uptight, darling. The girl is young and impressionable. You and I both know, if we worked on her together, it wouldn't take us long to win her over. Imagine taming someone as strong minded as her. Fuck, that would be a fun challenge, and I can't remember you ever backing away from a challenge.'' She smirks.

Elena, I swear you are the Devil incarnate whispering evil plans in my ear.

''Fuck off Elena and drop it. And remember, keep your distance from my future wife.'' I whisper menacingly. I will not allow Elena's manipulative images consume my mind.

Finally, Ana comes back and once again I catch myself salivating over her ass. She's changed into a pair of tight black leather pants. I swear those things look like they've been painted on her. How the fuck did she get those on?

362 more days. The prospect of blisters from jacking off is my new reality.

God help me. Fuck.

Anastasia POV

The hot yoga class Kate suggested was just the thing I needed. I laughed out loud when she sent me the memo saying; 'In every hard situation, work on firming your butt. It may not resolve the problem, but a firm butt is always appreciated.'

And what do you know? It actually works! My problems are still here but I'm less tense. I never was the one to like any king of physical activity, but hot yoga gives you a good sweat, so I think I'm going to be sticking with it for a while.

I also have the serenity from the hot room to thank for not losing my shit when I discovered Mrs. Lincoln in the kitchen. I know that Christian is in business with her, and she's a long-time family friend, but she irritates the fuck out of me. It takes all my will power just to be polite and pleasant around her. I'm still puzzled by her hostile attitude toward me which makes me question her true relationship with Christian.

Yah. Something is odd with this one.

I pack the thought away for a later date because frankly, I've reached my limit with Christian's Female Fan Club. Adding Botox Blondie is an added grief that I really don't want to deal with. Thankfully, she left soon after I came out so Christian and I enjoyed our dinner without her toxic company. Dinner was a silent but not an uncomfortable affair, which is a nice change for once.

What is it about this man that unsettles me? He's hot, to be sure, but I grew up around many hot male models all my life, so although I understand looks can be a contributing factor in finding a mate, it's the foundation which I would build a relationship on. Christian does have admirable qualities. He's incredibly intelligent and driven. He's loving, which is evident in his interactions with his family, and he's generous to a fault; hence one of the reasons his Submissives won't to let him go so easily.

If he would drop the hard ass controlling CEO act, I could see us becoming friends. Hell, who am I kidding. It'd totally do him if the man wasn't such a complete idiot. Even still, his controlling tendencies is a huge turn off. There's no way I would ever let a man rule my life, and I refuse to be another notch on his bedpost.

To rid myself of these wayward thoughts, I decide to strike up a conversation.

''Thanks for including me in the meeting with your PR team today. I think their game plan is a good one. I actually think this will work.'' This is a pretty safe topic.

''Don't mention it, Anastasia. You and my dad pointed out numerous times that we're a team, so consider it my way of showing you that you an important part of this process.'' He smiles and I think I feel my ovaries explode. Oh fuck. Blink. Blink. I think I just cum. His smile is unreal.

''Yes. Well, your team is top notch, so it was a great experience for me to see them in action.''

''Don't sell yourself short Ana. They just ironed out the details, but the ideas were yours. I've had some mixed feelings during that meeting. I was very pleasantly surprised by your knowledge in the field and disappointed that my guys didn't come up with something like that on their own.''

Oh Wow! Did I hear that right, or was that just my imagination? I think he just complimented me. I got a fucking compliment from Christian Grey. Holy fuck.

''I…ah…wow. Thank you, Christian. Coming from you, that means a lot to me.'' And I'm not shitting. I really do mean it. He seems surprised by my admission just as much as I was surprised by his praise.

''I was actually wondering; when I finally get control of Steele Advertising, would it be ok if I bounce a few things off of you? I know that I'm capable in turning things around for my company, but since the current situation is dire, I think I'll need all the advice I can get.'' I'm painfully embarrassed to ask, but if I'm going to be living with one of the business geniuses of our time, and if he is willing to guide me, I have no problem humbling myself to his expertise and knowledge. Business wise, this man is a godsend.

''Anastasia, despite what you may think of yourself, what I know, or what I've witnessed so far is whatever you decide to put your mind to, you will succeed, and yes; I'll be there to lend a hand if you need it. I think your hardest challenge is your age. You're very young, so people might not take you seriously. I know what that feels like. I've been in that position and it is not pleasant, but my word of advice to you is to be prepared, and know your shit."

I feel both of us relaxing and having a good time in each-others company. You see. This right here is what I want. Why, why, why it can't be like this all the time?

Christian gets distracted by a text on his phone. The life of a successful CEO and the constant buzzing of his phone at all hours is his way of life. That kind of distraction might be me in a few months if all this plays out. I need to be ready for that kind of lifestyle. Luckily, living in this arrangement with Christian will give me the luxury of familiarizing myself to the life of a CEO.

''Wait here a minute, Anastasia. I have a little surprise for you.'' I immediately tense up. I hate surprises and I have serious doubts what his surprise could be.

''Relax. Trust me, you'll love it.'' He gives me his patented panty busting smile and once again I feel my heart beat a bit faster and my panties a bit wetter.

Fuck this is getting uncomfortable.

Christian returns in a couple of minutes carrying a basket with a huge bow on it.

What in the fuck is that?

It is only when he lowers the basket to my eye level that I see what's inside. There cuddled up all fluffy and cute is a charcoal black Maine Coon kitten. I immediately squeal like the teenager I am and start jumping up and down and running on the spot all at the same time, I'm so fucking excited.

Holy shit! Oh my god. Oh my god. My kitten! Oh my God, Christian got me my kitten! This is so AWESOME!

''Who am I to deny you your childhood dream Anastasia. My only rule is for him to stay out of my bedroom. I don't want him pissing on my Italian shoes.'' Christian says with a smile.

I nod vigorously whilst I pull my little guy out of the basket. God, he is just perfect with his soft fur, blue eyes and pointy ears. I love him!

''He's a he? Does he have a name yet?''

''Not to my knowledge, I was told that he's just three months old so feel free to name him anything you like.''

''Hippo! His name is Hippo.'' I cuddle my furry love, smacking little kisses all over his cute little head. Hippo starts to get restless after a few minutes, so I reluctantly let him go to explore the couch.

''Everything you need is in the security office. I'm positive Gail will be more than willing to help you set everything up.''

This is so exiting and unexpected and in my heightened exhilaration I forget who I'm, and who I'm with, and launch myself at Christian giving him a tight hug and about a dozen kisses all over his cheeks.

''Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! This is the best gift ever! Yeah.'' I let go of the man to pick up Hippo and go find Gail to show her my new best friend and get Hippo all sorted out. God, I'm so happy!

Christian POV

Who would have thought that presenting Anastasia with a cat would get her this excited? She already skipped to the security room and I'm still standing here stunned and bewildered.

What the fuck just happened? Did she just hug and kiss me?

I wasn't prepared for this kind of display. She almost squeezed the life out of me, and I didn't react. I'm still waiting for the tell-tale signs of a panic attack, thinking it may be a delayed reaction or something. I'm waiting for the darkness to overshadow me, but instead I'm left with a foreign almost comforting feeling.

Fuck me. I think I like that. What the hell is happening to me?

I'm still baffled, trying to understand why I'm not reacting the way I usually do. Mia was the only person who I allowed to get close to me. Mia is safe. I remember Mom trying to help me get over my phobia, but nothing she did worked. Later she decided to just respect my boundaries and keep her distance, but I still see the hope in her eyes every time I greet her.

And then there was Elena. She touched me on my chest once when I was about sixteen and ended up with huge bruises. I had pushed her away so hard she ended up on the other side of her dungeon. After that, she understood it would be safer to keep her hands away from my no-go areas.

Some of my Submissives wanted to touch me but that was never allowed. One decided, unwisely, to ignore my hard limit during a session in the playroom and that didn't end well. Needless to say, she was sent packing immediately.

So why is Anastasia different? Last night she leaned up against me and I thought that was odd that I never reacted, but again just now, she actually full on hugged me and it didn't hurt; No panic attack; No burning; No tunnel vision or instinctive negative reaction at all.

WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON? This is yet another item to add to the list of things to discuss with Flynn tomorrow. Christ this list is getting long.

I can hear Ana and Gail in the distance oo-ing and ah-ing over Hippo, and against my better judgment I follow Ana to the security room and help her sort the kitten out. Lord knows I was never a pet kind of guy but even I have to admit that little fucker is cute.

Hope I won't regret this decision. I wonder if you can train cats to attack people? I'll have to see if I can try that out on Elliot. That'd be hilarious!