Chapter 34 ~~ November
November 2
Christian woke with a start…and an epiphany. Anastasia Steele was the first woman who interested him…not just sexually but mentally. He could feel an electric charge when she touched him. When Anastasia looked at him; it seemed like she could see into his soul. His past didn't make her run. He needed to share his epiphany with Flynn. He made arrangements to meet with Flynn when he returned to Escala.
~X~
"Flynn, you don't understand. Through my arrogance at terminating my sexual contacts, I broke Leila, and possibly the others."
"Leila was broken because her lover died. She wanted you to take away her bad hurt and replace it with pleasurable hurt. She wanted you to make her forget everything except pleasing you. Other than her time with Geoffrey Barry, she spent the happiest time of her life with you." Flynn set his tablet aside and cleared his throat. "I have something which must be said. You may not agree…hell, I'm sure you will not agree. When you terminated with Elena at 21; she found someone who agreed to body modification to resemble you. Once he was the complete package; he became her new submissive. Only, you didn't really terminate. You paid her to vet your submissives. She received a sexual thrill by discussing you with the submissives, and by discussing the submissives with you."
"I need to talk to Dad. I need you there when I do. I can see he has doubts or questions about this Isaac and Leila situation."
~X~
"We have to talk," Christian poured Armagnac for them. "Flynn is here to help me answer questions for you." Christian handed Carrick the email from Elena. "This is the introduction of today's talk."
Carrick read the email twice. Then he slammed his Armagnac and announced, "I have only felt murderous once before in my life. It was Ella's pimp. I don't find it surprising that I feel that way about the woman who taught you to fuck. This explains the rough sex bruises on Isaac Reynolds' body."
"How do you know how to recognize rough sex bruises?" Flynn asked Carrick.
"I worked for the Public Defenders Office in Detroit before we moved to Seattle. I've tried to scrub certain memories from my brain." Carrick held out his glass to Christian.
Christian told Carrick about his relationship with Elena. He explained Elena understood his inability to touch or be touched. Christian did not tell Carrick he started a sexual relationship with her when he was 15. He let Carrick believe it started when he returned from Harvard, with her giving him money to start his business. He explained John Lincoln learned about their affair which instigated her assault and their divorce.
Christian admitted he felt guilty and gave Elena the funds to start the salons. Christian explained Elena found young ladies who engaged in sex with him while blindfolded and restrained. He explained about funding their education, providing a car, electronics, clothes and jewelry as well as a living stipend for some of them. He explained they signed nondisclosure agreements to never reveal their sexual contact with him.
"Which I personally don't believe works. I think a handful of them discuss Christian with potentials which Elena has hovering about the Esclava, Post Alley. Which is where Isaac worked." Flynn commented.
Carrick took a deep drink of his Armagnac. "While I appreciate this talk we're having; it is not something I ever want you to share with your mother. I can't guarantee she won't kill Elena if she learns Elena touched you."
Christian explained the young ladies started with three month contracts. The contracts could be renewed or terminated depending on the situation. Leila Williams Reed was the longest sexual contract which he had. He hadn't contracted with any young women since March. He explained the last young woman acquired a prescription for antibiotics, which would negate her birth control. She hoped to get pregnant by him.
"Hoping to win the Christian Grey billionaire sperm lottery?" Carrick snapped. "You would think, after what happened with Elliot, that you would have been more careful!"
"I was careful! They all had medical examinations and were on birth control." Christian argued.
"I recommended Christian keep a large supply of Plan B on hand…but he argued it would negate the trust they were supposed to have with one another." Flynn commented.
"How many more Ana doppelgangers are out there?" Carrick demanded.
"Ray Steele thinks there are hundreds of petite, long-haired brunettes in Washington. If you are referring to how many brunettes were in my life – fifteen before Leila died. While that might sound like a lot…that's over a seven-year period."
"Are any of them deranged like Miss Williams? Is her ex-husband or her family knowledgeable about your relationship? Are they going to out you to the world?" Carrick demanded.
"Her family believes she was an obsessed fan." Christian explained.
"What do you plan to do about Anastasia?" Carrick asked.
Christian sat for a moment…not knowing what to reveal.
"Grey…there is nothing complex about it. Anastasia is different from every woman you have ever known. You need time to be with her. I repeat myself; you need another Ros or two. I recommend talking to Ros about easing the strain for the two of you." Flynn advised. "I suggest a Global Operations Manager to handle the international assets. You need a Chief Financial Officer and a Chief Technical Officer. Those three will take a great deal of stress off you and Ros. Hire the best headhunters available. You can restructure before the end of the fiscal year."
"Is Isaac Reynolds the result of Elena's obsession with you? I saw a copy of his driver's license from when he was twenty. He was a hazel-eyed brunette, who was tall and lean. The man underwent facial reconstruction and body modification to resemble you. He wasn't a doppelganger your security team used?" Carrick asked.
Christian shook his head no; and Carrick gulped the last of his brandy. He held out his glass for a refill. "I don't even want to think about what Elena was doing with your doppelganger."
"You know all those Christian and Taylor pretenders who try to check into hotels around the world?" Flynn asked. "Well, I imagine Isaac was selling himself to the highest bidder who wanted to bed Christian."
"Oh fuck…" Carrick's face paled. "His driver's license was off by four years. Which means he was 16 when…" He took a deep drink of the Armagnac. "Oh my god…was Elena his pimp?"
They all washed that thought out of their minds with generous refills of Armagnac.
"I have a secret to share with you…which you can never reveal to your mother." Carrick took a deep breath.
"If you plan to tell me you are cheating on Mom, I might have to hurt you," Christian declared.
"I would never cheat on Grace! However, Elena wanted me to." Ignoring the gasps from Christian and Flynn. "It was her fortieth birthday party, in April before your fifteenth birthday. She suggested she was available for long lunches on Tuesdays and Fridays. I told her the only woman I wanted to take long lunches with was my wife. Then at a dinner party shortly after that, John Lincoln suggested Grace and I partner swap with Elena and him. I threw them out of the house. I stopped going to poker parties or golf gatherings if John was there. I was surprised when he assaulted her. I was under the impression John Lincoln liked to watch Elena with other men."
They all shuddered and drank deeply again.
Taylor warned Gail to make the trio a snack…something to soak up lots of alcohol.
~X~
"Welcome back, Ana," Jerry Roach greeted her before she stepped into the conference room. Ana wondered if his jovial greeting was intended to warn the attendees at the editorial meeting.
"Thank you, sir. I would like to introduce you to Samantha Prescott, my close protection detail. I'm sure everyone has questions, and I apologize. All inquiries should be made to the SPD or to Carrick Grey, my attorney. I cannot discuss the situation with anyone."
"Are you prepared for today's meeting? If you need more time…" Roach planned to offer her the week off.
"I accessed the agenda yesterday. I'm prepared." Ana indicated the box of manuscripts she carried. "I plan to be here all day." Ana smiled with more confidence than she felt. "Prescott will wait in the hall for me."
Prescott assumed a parade rest position outside the conference room.
"Do you have recommendations for us?" Jerry estimated Ana had ten manuscripts with her.
"Three to consider. I predict a pass on the remainder of this group. I hope the editors have more manuscripts to assign me." Ana spoke confidently, refusing to be cowed by all the stares and whispers which accompanied her entrance.
~X~
Meeting over; lunch eaten with coworkers; Ana finally went to her office. Hannah presented her with eight manuscripts which needed read and reviewed. The mail file was bulging. "Grey Security filtered your mail before I did," she apologized. "Four conference flyers; two notices of manuscript changes; three invitations to author readings, and one phone message. Mr. Grey was released from the hospital early this morning. He's resting at Escala and wondered if you were available for dinner tonight or tomorrow?"
"Will you email Gail Jones," Ana wrote the email address. "Please explain Prescott and I are working late and unable to come to dinner tonight. However, we're available for dinner tomorrow. For the time being; will you send refusals to the author readings? Only save the E-publishing conference flyers."
November 3
"We don't have a contract to discuss, nor hard and soft limits, nor rules. So why does this conversation never end?" Christian pulled a face.
"It's usually a good idea to get to know one another before you become intimate," Ana sipped her Sancerre. Dinner had been delicious. She enjoyed the homey meal of chicken pot pie and green salad. "Christian – physically you are bigger than me. You are older and more experienced. I have to know I can trust you before we are intimate."
"Trust is a very important tenant of my lifestyle. What are you trying to tell me," Christian asked in that dangerous tone of voice he had. "Don't lie to me. Not now, not ever. Truth, no matter how hard and painful it might be, is preferable to a lovely lie."
"Fine," Ana snapped, her blue eyes flashing annoyance. "I'm still not comfortable about losing my V-card to you. We need more conversations, dates, laughter…whatever."
"I think our conversations are too long and our kisses too short." Christian asserted. "But, since we're having a conversation…I'd like you to attend this." He passed a flyer for the Firearms Awareness event at the Sportsman's Warehouse. "It's good PR for you Ana. If you can observe and be observed, it will go a long way to quelling people's comments. Personally, I think some asshole is stirring the pot regarding you using Sawyer's gun to protect the two of you. Pictures of you in your tactical gear from Elliot's birthday bash keep surfacing. You look like a militia mama."
"The only place I could have been photographed in my gear was at LazerWerks. We turned off jammers so we didn't mess with their electronics. Someone needs to go there and collect every picture of me in my gear." Ana snorted, rolled her eyes and crossed her arms against her chest. She wanted to stick out her tongue and stomp her feet. 'I am seriously displeased.' Lady Catherine de Bourgh's comment rolled around in her head.
"The Washington State Firearm Tragedy Prevention Network offers information and resources regarding firearm tragedy prevention efforts. Additionally it offers a chance to network with others. They meet twice a year. They advocate gun control efforts, support gun laws, and lobby with legislators. Opening address, break, seminars, box lunch – during which you can register for the Free Gun Safe giveaway. I know you don't need one, and Ray doesn't need one. But if you win, you can stand up and announce you have a gun safe and request they draw another name. Two afternoon seminars. If you attend the entire day, you can get a discount on a membership to Silver Bullets, which is the gun range most of Grey Security uses."
"In my honest opinion…attending this is the equivalent of wearing a target on my back and offering the universe free knife-throwing practice. Remember the Carrie Conceal event where I was recognized? Remember the Secret Witness dickhead who called me Ana Oakley? I'm not attending gun safety seminars which invite the public to comment about my second amendment rights."
"Eight of my men think you should attend," Christian began his next round of conversation.
"What was the operative words there?" Ana asked.
Christian didn't have a clue.
"MY men…I don't need eight men following my ass around what is essentially a gun show. No one gets an opinion about my life, except me. I'm not asking for Ray and Bee's input. I'm not asking Carla's input. I wasn't going to give you some input…but now I am. I don't mind that you arranged for Jessica to be relocated. I do however, object to you paying her hospital bills and her student loans. Her hospital bills should be paid by Leila's insurance company. Since Jessica will be gainfully employed, she can pay her own student loans. I think the Claytons' insurance company should go after Isaac's estate to recoup their losses. I think Isaac's family should go after Leila's estate for wrongful death. I think SOMEONE OTHER THAN ME should step up and take responsibility for the situation AND I DON'T MEAN YOU."
Christian's face was blank…like he hadn't connected A to B.
"I believe attending this event draws more attention to my life. I'm tired of the media scrutiny! There is a big difference between a firearms event and going to dinner with you. I'm begging you to step back." Ana fixed a furious look on Christian. "I need time to think…you can't keep pushing me."
Christian was speechless.
"Thank you for dinner, but Prescott and I are leaving. I have meetings tomorrow and I know you are gearing up for Detroit." Ana reached for her jacket and purse.
"Taylor will follow you home," a confused Christian followed Ana to the great room.
"I don't think so," Ana refused. "I don't want Kate or Elliot asking why Taylor followed me home. They will assume I was with you which will trigger a plethora of questions I don't want to answer. Prescott will drive; I will passenger. I can claim I was at Julia Jamison's author reading at Barnes and Noble. She is represented by Grey Publishing." Ana and Prescott disappeared into the elevator before Christian could kiss her goodnight.
November 4
"You will not be happy," Barney told Christian. "There is a whole folder of emails from Mrs. Lincoln to you. One-tenth of them are bitchy. The other ninety percent are sexually explicit."
"DESTROY that information. I don't want anyone accidentally coming across it." Christian snapped. "I thought we blocked her."
"She's learned how to use other people's WIFI to send email." Barney shrugged. "We're stepping up the blocker program…but until she's no longer a part of your mother's life…I may not be able to block at 100%." Barney kept his counsel…but he wondered what would happen if some of these Elena Lincoln emails were accidentally routed to Dr. Trevelyan.
"Our second issue of the day is six men who lost their jobs due to their inappropriate emails to Miss Steele. They are threatening to sue Grey Publishing for sending their inappropriate emails to their company HR."
"Send them to Lance at Grey Publishing with a copy to Legal at Grey House, and a copy to Adrian Welch. Send the list to Grey House Security and Grey Annex Security. Make sure those men are barred from emails, phones, mail or physical contact.
~X~
"I'm not sure I want to work for Grey House any longer. If Anastasia Steele could afford to privately hire me…I'd leave my position with you faster than a sensible woman leaves a drunk fucker who only expresses his worst emotions with his fists."
"Are you in heat, Sawyer?" Taylor snapped.
"No…I just know a goddess when I see one. Kate Kavanagh and Mia Grey are diamonds…high maintenance little girls who have good breeding, expensive educations and trust funds. Anastasia Steele is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' woman. She's beautiful, brilliant, kind, funny and very down to earth. She has extraordinary survival instincts. She's a goddess who should be worshipped."
"Well, Grey rescinded your termination. You are on full pay. Grey House is paying your medical bills which are not covered by insurance. The only caveat is you can never discuss the list of banned contacts with Ana. The doctor set an appointment for Tuesday, January third to get your medical release. Let's get you out of here. Ana left a 'feel better' gift at your condo."
"I hope it's lasagna," Luke practically salivated.
"Fresh baked by Gail this morning while she cleaned your condo. We're staying for lunch by the way." Taylor grinned at Luke's protest.
~X~
Ana was not impressed by Reuben Corusi. The author was curt and dismissive of her efforts to proofread and correct his manuscript which had been floating around SIP/GP for two years. Ten copies of the manuscript showed almost everyone had hands on the manuscript and made suggestions for corrections and changes. It was still not polished enough to print.
"Here's a plot twist," Trisha announced at an editorial meeting with the cantankerous author. "Yes, I believe you should have it published digitally. Here is the contact information for ten 'pay to publish' agencies. GP will not publish this drivel. We've spent a lot of time proofreading and grammatically correcting your manuscript. We won't allot any more time to your project. I will order the front reception desk to cease accepting calls, emails or visits from you. Have a nice day; have a nice life; and good luck with your future endeavors." Trisha rang for security. She handed Corusi a banker box with archive copies of his manuscript. She removed him from the active authors database and moved him into the persona non grata database.
Ana didn't know if she could bear any more of Trisha's puns regarding Corusi's manuscript. Trisha was right. Just about every homophone in the manuscript was misused. A lot and allot; bare and bear; accept and except; their, there and they're; and an unhealthy dash of aloud and allowed. His characters fished off the peer and road horses. Ana was thrilled to not have to read any more of his manuscripts.
~X~
"Good Lord…are you going to a funeral?" Ana was speechless at the black on black on black ensemble Kate wore.
"I have to attend a Dia de los Muertos event at the Hispanic/Latino Chamber of Commerce." Kate showed Ana the Day of the Dead mask she planned to wear. "Wait until you see Elliot. He looks like an extra from a Godfather movie. Do you want to go? We'll be home by midnight."
"I already had my Day of the Dead identifying the shooter and the motorcycle rider," Ana grimaced.
"I already did Day of the Dead Rose Red at Thornhill Castle. This one should be more fun – street dance, skull piñatas, real Mexican food vendors…" Kate watched as Ana shook her head no. "Elliot and I will be home after midnight."
"Asher's coming over. I'm not cooking. We're just ordering pizza and I'm tossing a salad." Ana explained.
"Tomorrow I'm going to a quilt, craft and embroidery workshop. Grandma Frannie is teaching two of the seminars. It's being held at WSCC. Craft stores, fabric stores, and seamstresses are vendors. There are a dozen morning and afternoon seminars. Do you want to learn to knit or crochet? Quilt or fabric craft? Embroider or cross stitch? Needlepoint or plastic canvas? If you attend, I will buy you breakfast, lunch and dinner," Kate tried to bribe Ana.
"I'll pass. I think I might go see Dad and Bee in Montesano. I could use a weekend of bashing a hammer on something. Why don't you take your mom? Celeste would love to go," Ana tried to sound airy and unconcerned. "Take pictures of cool crafts to send to Carla."
~X~
"What's it like to shoot someone?" Asher asked.
"It is what it is," Ana shrugged. "I won't lie and say it didn't affect me. I shot her because she was shooting at us. I reacted to protect Sawyer and myself."
"Adrian said you and Christian spent a great deal of time talking on November first." Asher counseled.
"Talking was all we did. He got a kiss goodbye and a promise to continue the discussion. Christian Grey is a good man…but he's highhanded, controlling, irritating, aggravating, vexing…" Ana said.
Asher's face was calm and serene, but his body language showed he was amused by Ana's words. "Let's discuss…the incident."
"Incident?" Ana scoffed. "Do you know how angry I am that I had a fucking target on my back?"
"Do you blame him for this situation?" Asher asked.
"No…but I am torn between making a working voodoo doll of Christian or using him for target practice." Ana told him about Christian registering her to attend a shooting safety seminar. Her cell phone rang. Ana read Carla's complaint that Kate was out having fun…and Ana was obviously at home…reading…or something equally boring. Ana removed the battery and shut them both in the top drawer of her desk.
"Never underestimate a woman's dark side," Asher intently watched Ana dismantle her phone. "I'm concerned about your relationship with your mother."
"I try to respect my mother…because she is my mother. But I have come to a decision. I'm going to employ the Gwen Drake method of criticism. Before my mother…or anyone else…gets to criticize me…they have to give me three compliments. So, if my mother is going to complain I look butch in the tactical gear picture…she has to compliment my shooting scores, how the Doc Martens are good for winter wear, and my hot sunglasses. I'm sending the directives to everyone via email…Carla, Ray, Bee, Kate, Jos , Christian…I will hang up phone calls, end Skypes, block emails or walk away from belittling conversations."
"Why wouldn't you attend the firearms safety seminar?"
"Because attending it meant the media could interpret it as I did something wrong. I'm sorry Leila died. However, she tried to kill me. I don't feel I should be required to explain the shooting was self-defense. Sawyer's been questioned twice by SPD, and his story corroborates mine. Christian decided I needed to attend a gun safety seminar. He didn't discuss it with me," Ana snapped. "He needs to learn this highhanded shit of his won't work with me."
"Adrian said to let you know, SPD wants to talk to you again on November ninth. Ros made arrangements with Grey Publishing for you to be absent from the editorial meeting." Asher informed her. "You better warn Ray."
November 5
"It's an exciting proposition," Ray flipped grilled cheese sandwiches while Bee and Ana pored over the paperwork and plans. "Four office buildings with an acre of grounds and a parking structure. Building one will be transformed into offices for the project, with classrooms and conference rooms, medical clinic, dental clinic and physical therapy. We're putting in an Olympic-sized swimming pool in the lower level, with gym, shower rooms, lockers, etc. A temporary staffing agency wants to run a satellite office from the site. Building two will be gutted and made into dormitory-type living for single ex-vets. Building three and four will be gutted and made into two bedroom apartments, approximately 600 feet each. They will be emergency housing or transitional housing for vets with families."
"Timeframe?" Ana observed the plans for the family housing.
"At least a year. Washington Warriors received their 501C. With financial backing from Grey Enterprises Holdings, they bought the buildings. I'm hoping Elliot will agree to be a consultant for us. We will hire and use as many vets as we can for the project. The intake building has to be completed first. Then the dormitory. We really need the dormitory completed before fall next year."
"Christian fronted the money for the project?" Ana was shocked speechless.
"Grey Enterprises Holdings…yes. Your friend Gwen is creating a logo and artwork for us." Ray slid a plate of grilled cheese sandwiches on the table, along with a plate of apple slices and grapes. He set mugs of tomato-basil bisque on the table.
"Where was I when you were arranging all of this?" Ana asked.
"Worrying about Sawyer being shot," Ray commented.
"Well, my newest worry is who is giving pictures of me in tactical gear to the media?" Ana sipped her bisque. She bought soup from a soup vendor in Pike Place Market for feeding Sawyer and Ray's freezer.
Ray stopped, his sandwich halfway to his mouth. He set it down and fished for his cell phone. He scrolled through some pictures and handed the phone to Ana. "This one?"
Startled, Ana affirmed. She examined the picture. Prescott was right. She looked like a militia mama. "Where did you get this?"
"José. He sent it to me the day of Elliot's party. He said he was on the team opposite yours. It's posted on his Facebook page, which means the universe can see it."
"Did he tell you I took him out? He used AX bodywash that morning. I could smell him from an easy 20 paces. I asked him and Kate not to post anything about me on social media. This picture is causing problems for me." Ana returned to her lunch and perusal of the housing complex for vets. She would warn Prescott; José had the original picture.
"You look tired," Bee patted Ana's shoulder. "No power tools for you."
"Dad can use a cleaning wench," Ana shrugged. "If I tire myself out today, maybe I'll sleep tonight."
"You sleep better when you are in the arms of someone you love," Ray quipped…blanching at the look Annie gave him. "Just saying…"
~X~
"My therapist said if you continue to give me backhanded compliments…I will experience more self-image issues. Instead of saying, 'OH MY GOD, Ana, I'm glad you weren't killed.' You said, 'What the hell were you wearing?' like I should have worn designer clothes and heels for my almost death scene."
"I don't think much of your therapist if he recommends being rude to your family." Carla snapped.
"I was not rude. I was assertive. I stated my needs and expectations." Ana calmly replied. "Besides, he doesn't suggest; he doesn't approve or disapprove…he just listens."
"Listens when you complain about me…dragging your childhood issues out for a stranger!" Carla snapped again.
"Not everything is about you, Mother. I don't discuss my childhood. Currently Asher and I are working on residual issues from the Portland robbery and being stalked. Residual issues from New York. Residual issues from the shooting." Ana explained calmly.
"What you need is a vacation…come to Savannah over Thanksgiving. Your father's new gal pal can feed him and his friends…that is…if she cooks," Carla scoffed.
"How do you know about Bee?" Ana wasn't surprised. Carla lurked on everyone's social media pages.
"I didn't know until you just confirmed my suspicions. So…what's she like? Is she a younger me?" Carla asked.
"Mom…I love you, so therefore I don't discuss Bob and you with Dad. I love Dad…so therefore I'm not discussing Bee and Dad with you. Since I know you stalk his webpage…I'm sure you know Bee's a redhead not a brunette. She has hazel eyes not blue. I'm sure you know she redecorated the house for them. I'm sure you probably searched for a social media page for her. You probably know they are living together, and that they are engaged. By the way, If Dad is too busy with Bee to talk to you…Good for him! Hanging up now…" Ana terminated the call…shuddering all the way to a skin scalding shower. 'I don't need to know Carla is jealous of Bee. I'm glad Dad found someone to love…because I thought Carla ruined him forever.'
Monday, November 7
Ana finished taking dinner rolls from the oven when José arrived for dinner. She made herbed tenderloin, roasted fingerling potatoes, apple cinnamon stuffed acorn squash, and a tossed green salad. She made brownies for dessert. She cooked plenty of food for seven of them: Prescott, Callahan and Anders, Kate and Elliot, José, and herself. They would have dinner…and then Ana was going to treat José to a verbal smackdown along with his brownie sundae dessert.
"What's this?" José looked at the paper Ana set next to him. He paused while building his brownie sundae.
"Nondisclosure agreement. It says you will not discuss our friendship with anyone. It says you will cease posting pictures and notifications of my activities on social media. It prohibits selling pictures of me to the media without a photo release signed by me. The tactical gear picture has been acquired and is being used by media and bitchy people without my consent."
José started to protest and then he saw Ana's face.
"Do you know how difficult it has been since the shooting? The media is digging for juicy tidbits while the tactical gear picture doesn't help my public persona. I'm a friend, not a girlfriend, not a lover…friend. Your friend Ana is asking you to stop causing problems for her." Ana addressed Prescott. "I'm going to my room. Get the original picture from José. Destroy it…please." She closed and locked her bedroom door and took a long hot shower.
Ana collapsed on her bed, smothering screams of vexation and quiet tears of uncertainty into her pillow. She dreamed of Christian's smile. 'You make me want more.' echoed in her head when she woke. The condo was eerily quiet. Prescott was asleep in the guest room. Sanders sat on the couch.
"I'm in for the night Sanders. You don't have to stay unless there's a threat I don't know about."
"No threats on the horizon," Sanders handed her the signed NDA for José. "I sent the picture to Barney at Grey House. He will do his best to bar it from being posted again. Miss Kate and Mr. Elliot took Mr. Rodriguez out for a beer and pool with other workers from Grey Construction. I'm on duty until Miss Kate and Mr. Elliot return. Then one of their CPOs take over. Prescott will be awake and ready to go all day tomorrow. Sawyer is supposed to be back on duty after the first of the year."
"Thank you for the update. I'm off to read until I fall asleep." Ana bid him goodnight. She would work until she was exhausted. Perhaps she would be too tired to dream about Christian for the fourth night in a row.
Tuesday, November 8
Elliot had a quick word with José the next morning. "I removed two pictures of Ana from your exhibit wall. While her face is in the shadows and not obvious; I know it is her. You can exhibit and sell any pictures you want; but none of them are to include Ana OR Kate."
"May I have my pictures back?" José stiffly requested.
"No, I messengered them to Ray first thing this morning. I notified finance to pay you for the pictures." Elliot handed José a binder of the Washington Warriors project. "Speaking of Ray, Grey Construction has a great opportunity for charitable work and free press in the next year. I would like you to take before pictures by the weekend. We'll post them in a special project section of the Grey Construction website. Each month, I'd like to post new pictures of the advancement of the project. Signed media releases from the Washington Warriors are included in the binder." Elliot grinned. "The nice thing about the project is we're located next to Rory's Roadkill Diner. Good food, coffee, etc."
November 9
"Here we go again," Carrick met Ana and Ray in the reception area of SPD. Prescott and Bee followed.
"Do you know what they want?" Ray questioned Carrick. "Or is this a fishing expedition?"
"We'll find out." Carrick sounded more confident than he really was.
"Thank you for meeting us," Detective Johnson welcomed Ana and her entourage. "Coffee? Water?"
"Do you need to collect DNA samples?" Ray frowned.
"No, just being polite…attempting to smooth a difficult conversation." Detective Johnson led them down the hall.
Once inside a small conference room; not an interrogation room, Clark began. "The District Attorney gave us permission to speak with you today. The death of Leila Williams was judged to be self-defense. The death of Isaac Reynolds has been deemed involuntary manslaughter. The shooting of Lucas Sawyer was deemed attempted murder. The District Attorney released the bodies and living spaces of Williams and Reynolds. The families of Williams and Reynolds will come to Seattle over the holiday weekend to claim their family member for internment out of state. Sawyer has been notified to collect his gun from SPD. The investigation is closed. This is your copy of the paperwork." Detective Clark handed Ana a folder with another of his business cards. "There is to be a press release regarding the situation after the Williams and Rubenstine families depart Seattle. Perhaps on the sixteenth after they return to their homes."
"The District Attorney recommends you keep your close protection detail until media interest in you dies down. We don't know how many more obsessed fans of Christian Grey are roaming the streets. Feel free to call us any time you experience an issue with another Ana Steele or Christian Grey doppelganger." Detective Johnson looked almost apologetic. "We apologize…we aren't seers…we do not know the effect of the Williams and Rubenstine families on the media over the weekend. If you could go out of town…it might be better for you."
"Reynolds' DNA matches the Portland robber. We checked his possessions. The saddlebags, shown in the pictures of him with his Ducati, are missing. We have no records of him owning a gun. His cell phone records indicate he was in Seattle before midnight on the night of the robbery. However, his cell phone was not used again in Seattle until after July Fourth. Also there is a large gap of time while he had a broken arm when he didn't use the cell phone. We have no proof he purchased a burner phone. We cannot place him in Seattle or Florida during those two times. PPD notified the Claytons and officially closed the investigation into the robbery."
"So Isaac Reynolds was stalking me," Ana released the breath she had been holding.
"Yes, he was." Clark confirmed.
"Thank you for everything," Ana stood. "If you need me, you know where to find me." Everyone shook hands and went their own way.
"Can you go to lunch?" Bee asked while Ray and Carrick discussed the black tactical gear picture.
"Thank you for the offer; but I have to go to the Seattle Women's Clinic. I need to drop off a few meals to Sawyer." Ana and Prescott nodded at each other. "If we decide to come to Montesano; we'll grocery shop first."
"We have a small errand to run before returning to Montesano. We're dropping off a shipment of blessings bottles at the Washington Warriors site. Homeless vets who come in to ask about a job or the future project get a bottle." Bee explained.
"Ana…may I tell Christian about today's meeting? Grace and I are flying to Detroit tomorrow. We have some personal things to do in Detroit. I thought we could met up with Christian. He's in Detroit with Ros, working on the brownfield site there." Carrick paused.
"I heard that," Ana responded softly. "Detroit is hard for him to bear, isn't it?"
"Yes; however there is more news," Carrick hesitated. "Welch found Christian's biological mother's name and her burial site in Detroit. He can't find any family for Ella Kilgaren; so we're wondering if her name was fake, like Reed Williams and Isaac Reynolds."
"Kilgaren…that's not a Smith or Jones." Ana quipped.
"No it's not. Welch's research only found 45 people with the surname of Kilgaren in the United States since 1926. We feel it's time for Christian to take one of those ancestry DNA tests."
"Is there news on the class action lawsuit?" Ana asked…waiting for the next big disaster in her life to finally make landfall.
"Eight interns, Ellison Towles' family and Elizabeth Morgan have agreed to mediation. I need you to join the suit. I know you don't want to…but without you…we don't have the catalyst which brought Jack Hyde's misdeeds to light." Carrick's voice soothed Ana's prickly feelings.
"Carrick…I wasn't sexually assaulted like the others." Ana protested.
"Because you didn't give him a chance to drug you," Carrick explained. "Although Elizabeth said yes the first time she fell into bed with Hyde; every time after that was drugs or blackmail."
"You would think that would make her suspicious of him; not complicit." Ana commented.
"She understands that is a big black mark against her joining mediation. I think if you join, then Gwen Drake will join. She is proof he sexually harassed women other than his interns. We would appreciate you attending the mediation process also. We're hoping to be through mediation in two days; possibly three and before the end of the year if possible." Carrick asked.
"If you can clear my missing work with Grey Publishing; I'll attend the mediation. I don't want any money for me…and I know that's not possible." Ana sighed. "Christian and Ros need to have a Grey Publishing meeting. People are worried the doors will close if there is a lawsuit."
"So what nonprofit will have a Merry Christmas?" Carrick chuckled.
"Washington Warriors. Maybe my donation will help them complete their project faster. Bee and Ray think the world of the work Elliot is doing there with the vets. Perhaps I'll donate some to the American Legion in Montesano to help with their vet work programs also." Ana paused. 'I don't approve of Coping Together funding Jessica Jackson…so I have to think about supporting them in the future.'
"Carrick…I've been thinking…" Ana bit her lip and then blurted out her request to a big smile and nod from Bee.
Friday, November 10 – Detroit
"I never imagined I'd run into you here," Carrick said to Christian.
"Ros and I finished our brownfield project meetings. I hoped the project would be farther along, so I could donate the land back to Detroit. It looks like it will be spring before that will happen. Ros and Gwen rented a car and drove to Chicago for the rest of the weekend. They will come back to Detroit on Sunday and fly back on the GEH jet," Christian observed his father. "What are you doing here?"
"The tenth is my parents' anniversary. Some years I pay to have flowers put out, but I decided to do it this year. So why are you here? Why today?" Carrick looked down at Ella Kilgaren's headstone.
"I've been angry at her for a long time. Flynn thinks I became angry with Ella after I began the relationship with Elena. I stopped thinking of her as my mother and started calling her the crack whore because that's what Elena taught me." Christian's voice was even, unemotional.
"So what knocked some sense into your head?" Carrick's hard question was uttered with a soft, respectful voice.
"Bad dream about Isaac Reynolds…standing here…looking like me…angry with me…angry with the crap Elena put him through because she was obsessed with me. I saw what I might have become if I hadn't let my family into my life." Christian shivered, watching a cool Detroit breeze blow leaves around the cemetery.
"So, now what?" Carrick shivered in the cool breeze.
"Twenty four white roses for each year of my life I've lived without her. Four fire and ice roses for the four years I was with her." Christian laid the flowers on Ella's headstone. "Thank you for my life, Ella. I hope I make you proud."
"Come on," Carrick put his arm around Christian's shoulder. "There's two pretty girls in that car," he pointed at a dark sedan idling in the next lane of the cemetery. "The blonde is mine. I've been in love with her since I met her. The brunette might be the love of your life…if you're ready to open yourself up to possibilities."
"Anastasia?" Christian's face lit up. "I thought she was going to Montesano to see Ray?"
"She asked to come with us…and swore everyone to secrecy," Carrick revealed. "She said something about an important piece of her life was missing."
~X~
They entered the elevator, moving to the back so Taylor could stand directly center of the doors. They both felt it…the energy flowing between them. When the elevator stopped, Taylor announced the suite was clear. He exited the elevator and followed Christian and Ana to the suite. They entered, but Taylor remained outside with Ryan.
"We talk too much and don't kiss enough. So for the next ten minutes, kissing, no talking." Christian sank to the floor, pulling Ana down; straddling him. He wrapped one arm around her waist and the other around the back of her neck. He kissed chastely and then his kisses deepened. Ana froze for a minute.
"What?" Christian stopped kissing Ana.
"You have touch issues. I don't know where to put my hands." Ana whispered.
"Ana, I'm holding you tight against my chest…I think touch issues between us are a moot point. Touch my face…" Christian nestled his face into her hands, moving his mouth to kiss her palms. "Move your hands to my shoulders and down my arms." Ana complied. "Wrap your arms around my neck…and be prepared to kiss me another five minutes as punishment for talking."
Ana giggled…and Christian attacked her mouth again. After fifteen minutes he let her up. "Balcony…" he gestured. "I'll bring libations."
"I've decided. I've made a choice," Ana informed Christian when he joined her on the balcony of his suite, looking out at Detroit in the fading afternoon light. He had a bottle of cold Sancerre and two glasses.
"And your decision is…" Christian asked.
"I'm here, aren't I?" Ana gave Christian a tentative smile. "Christian, you get scared about me and for me. That's when you make stupid decisions regarding me. Stop it." She looked at the skyline of Detroit until she felt courageous enough to look at Christian. She saw something in his eyes…and on his face. Something she wanted to explore with him. "I would appreciate the opportunity to know you better."
"There she is…the beautiful brave young woman who makes me want more," Christian held out his arms and felt sunlight and warmth when Ana melted into them. "Is this a beginning for us?" He laid his cheek against her hair.
"This…I hope this is a beginning for us. I've thought about you…and me…and us…" Ana overthought her opinion of the complex, high handed, dominant, wealthy Christian. Her heart made the choice of who to love; but her brain fought that decision.
Christian picked Ana up, bridal style, and carried her to his bed.
Ana's POV
I've been in Jose's and Ethan's bedrooms before…but this time I was in the bedroom of a man who interested me. I know my body resonated with anticipation when Christian carried me to his bed. I thought I would be awkward and fumbling when we began helping one another strip. However, when one of us seemed to be overwhelmed and fumbling…the other took over. It was a mutual exchange of trust to strip one another. As anxious as we both were…there was no ripping off shirts and sending buttons flying. Kate's bodice rippers always included flying buttons with loss of inhibitions.
Christian dropped to his knees. He grasped my hips with both his hands and ran his tongue around my navel, then gently nips his way to my hipbone, then across my belly to my other hipbone.
"Ah," I groan. Seeing him on his knees in front of me, feeling his mouth on me, it's so unexpected, and hot. My hands caress his silky, copper curls. He gazes up at me through impossibly long lashes, his eyes a scorching smoky gray.
Christian's hands undo the button on my jeans, and he leisurely pulls down the zipper. Without taking his eyes off mine, his hands move beneath the waistband, clasping and caressing my ass. His hands glide slowly down my backside to my thighs, removing my jeans as they go. He stops and licks his lips, never breaking eye contact. He leans forward, running his nose up the apex between my thighs. I feel him. There. "You smell so good," he murmurs, and closes his eyes, a look of pure pleasure on his face. He slid my panties off me. He closes his eyes, and his breathing hitches. "You're so deliciously wet. God, I want you." He thrusts his finger inside me, and I cry out as he does it again and again. He palms my clitoris, and I cry out once more. He pushes inside me harder and harder still. I groan. Suddenly, he tugs my panties off.
I thought I would feel terrified, nervous and embarrassed…all at the same time. I know he prefers his women bare…but I wasn't ready to do more than keep myself neatly trimmed and groomed down there. What if he didn't like au naturel me? I was completely naked with a man who was completely naked. It seemed right…and natural…and not uncomfortable at all.
Christian picked me up and pressed me down on the bed. He kissed me over and over, touching my breasts and cupping my ass. "It usually hurts ladies the first time," Christian was honest. "But if I prepare you, it will hurt less and you will enjoy it more." He started kissing from hipbone to navel and navel to hipbone, over and over.
I gasped at the warm swirly feeling which invaded my abdomen and moved south past my navel. I'm sure my face flamed with embarrassment but that thought was short lived when Christian slid down the bed, pressing an ardent kiss to my sex. Christian slid a finger in me while his mouth sought my clit. His tongue parted my slit and he licked slowly from where his finger had entered me to my clit. He didn't stop his tongue danced from my clit to my entrance and then back again. …and before I could react, I felt his tongue press against me. I moaned and spread my legs as wide as possible…wanting Christian to kiss and touch and lick every centimeter of my sex…and take his time while doing it. His slow, sensual assault awakened every nerve in my body. I can feel every sensation of desire and physical contact…
"Come for me, baby," Christian murmurs, his mouth blowing warm air over my superheated sex.
I feel a puling sensation inside me from his fingers while his thumb presses against my clit. I fall apart in his hands, my body shuddering, feeling like it will shatter.
He moves up and kisses me deeply. His tongue in my mouth. My cry of ecstasy muted by the perfect deep kisses he gives me. He continues kissing until my organism starts to fade, and then his fingers begin to move faster and more forcefully and I'm moaning. I cry out when he makes me come again.
He moves off me and spreads my legs as far apart as possible. "Don't worry," he murmured. "You are so wet, and so ready for me." He positioned himself at the opening to my vagina and pushed in one smooth hard thrust.
I cried out as I felt him enter me, like my insides were tight and swollen and felt every inch of him. Before I could appreciate the feel of him inside me, I felt a weird pinching sensation. It is momentary and fleeting before I feel so full. He stills, letting me acclimatize to the overwhelming feeling of him inside me.
"Are you okay?" Christian asked. "Should I give you a minute to adjust to the feel of me?"
I barely nodded before he began kissing me again. I felt myself relaxing in his arms when he began moving again. He eases out of me, exquisitely slow, allowing me to feel every inch of him with every inch of me. Christian begins a rhythm of thrust…slide…thrust…slide.
My hips move to meet his movements. He shifts slightly and his movements pick up speed. When I think we're at the precipice and about to fly apart together, his body stills. His mouth finds my breasts and I find myself arching into his mouth. The sucking sensation at my nipples causes a spasm in my insides. I feel myself clamping down on him and enjoying the feel of him on me…in me…touching me.
Eventually he begins moving again. "That was called edging…it's to get myself under control…to prolong the experience. I want your first time with me to feel so good that you will always welcome me and only me to your bed."
"I like what you are…" my comment is lost when he grasps my head and kisses me hard. His teeth pull at my bottom lip and his groans in pleasure.
"I knew I would like biting that lip…" His movements pick up speed, easing in and out of me. His breath warm against my skin.
My nipples are tight buds, rubbing against his firm chest. I lose all sense of time…just lost in the feeling of Christian loving me. I cannot help myself; my legs wrap around him; my heels dig into his ass. I feel something building inside me. My body stiffens as he thrusts fully and deeply into me. My body arches against him. I can't think, I can only feel.
"Come for me, Ana," his hoarse voice urges me.
I feel myself orgasm as he called out my name, thrusting hard a few times. I feel him throb inside me three times before he stills. My breathing and his slow before he holds my head and presses a kiss to my forehead. His eyes are dark, warm charcoal…but they gleam as they look into me. He gently kisses my forehead again before he eases out of me. He covered me with a sheet.
"I'll draw a bath for us…" Christian turned and entered the ensuite.
I sigh happily to myself…watching that fine, firm round ass with deep ass dimples walk away from me.
~X~
"We need to discuss that list of rules." Ana propped her chin on her hand. The sheet acted as a barrier between Ana's hand and Christian's chest.
"No rules except no drugs, no excessive drinking, monogamy and honesty. We will learn one another's likes and dislikes. We will learn to play well with one another. But…we don't have to rush into that, Ana. I'm quite happy just having you in my arms and in my bed." His grey eyes connected to her blue ones.
"No secrets…no comparing me to the other women in your life," Ana insisted.
"I won't compare you to them…ever. You are a loving and unique person. I might have played with them…and felt physical release. However, nothing in my past is as wonderful as having you in my bed with me." Christian gently kissed her forehead.
"I need emotional after care – cuddling and talking. Ensuring my body is physically unharmed is not enough for me."
"I would not put you in the submissive bedroom after a scene and leave you to your own devices." Christian argued. "I told you…I want you in my bed. Mrs. Jones has instructions to turn the submissive bedroom into a guestroom before Thanksgiving for if Ray and Bee or Elliot and Kate want to stay over."
"I will not eat what you tell me to eat, when you tell me to eat, and how much you tell me to eat." Ana lifted her head off Christian's chest to glare at him.
"I told you, that rule doesn't apply to you. I don't want you cooking for everyone every weekend. I don't want you to go hungry or skip meals if you're upset." Christian reiterated.
"I run occasionally to clear my head. I like swimming. I'm not using your trainer who knows all your past women, and how he should develop muscle mass and stamina."
"I don't have a problem with that. I'm not sure I want to share Bastille with you. I have a home gym and Escala has a gym and pool. Grey House and Grey Annex both have gyms."
"Security which locks everyone else out…only locks me in. I will give my gun to Taylor, as long as I know where it is if I need it."
"Agreeable, but you must let Taylor have a Saturday afternoon with you to cover security protocols. He needs to show you the panic room and its access. He needs to show you the weapons locker." Christian grinned. "You have no idea what a fundamental change that is for me."
"I'm not trying to change you…I'm just warning you; don't try to change me." Ana commented. "I want to love you and be with you."
Christian answered her comment with a deep kiss…ending with nibbling on her lower lip. "Let's order room service. I'm starving."
~X~
"Do you wonder if we're acting like teenagers?" Ana obviously read something in a manuscript which made her pause. "Are we determined to be together as a reaction to people trying to separate us?" She paused, a red pen in one hand, the manuscript propped open on a table by the balcony window.
"I believe we are attempting to ignore catalysts employed to implode our relationship," Christian returned to the paperwork before him.
"Still considering the acquisition of Seattle Science Solutions?" Ana laughed.
"How could you tell I was struggling with the part of piezo electric currents strengthening covalent bonds?" He closed the paperwork and dropped it into a briefcase.
"What are you doing?" Ana yelped when Christian took her pen away.
"Exploring the laws of mutual attraction," Christian's lips ghosted over Ana's neck. "I think every new issue which we handle strengthens our commitment to one another."
"So what's this issue which we are exploring?"
"Covalent bonds made me think of using your panties to bind your hands together while I explore your sensitive spots," Christian pulled her from her chair and hoisted her over his shoulder, carrying her laughing and wiggling form to the bedroom.
Veterans Day, November 11
"One of the greatest gifts I have ever received is Mom," Christian admitted. "I am thrilled to be in a position to repay her for the wonderful life she has given me. I know Elliot and Mia feel their luck as much as I do. I have zero tolerance for drugs. I was and wasn't surprised when my people found Leila's stash box. They destroyed the pot they found. I'm glad there wasn't street drugs in her apartment. I wish my people had founds prescription drugs to help her depression."
"My life was never smoking, drinking, drugs or partying. I had things to do. I never had the need to chase men…possibly because I saw how unhappy my mother was. She should have gotten her running around out of her system when she was young. I think I'm more mature than people my age because I've had to be self-reliant." Ana shrugged.
They laid there for a long time, his left arm tucked behind his head. His right hand clasped her left hand on the sheet covering his chest.
"I won't let you have anything that you won't give me in return." Ana announced.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Christian asked.
"You don't get access to all parts of me if I don't get access to all parts of you."
"Meaning…"
Ana considered her list of talking points. "I want to explore a relationship with you. You are used to getting things from your submissives that I will never, ever be able to give you. I don't want to discover my naughty bits with you and then be passed on to another man when you get bored with me. I don't want to be someone's fuck buddy."
"This," Christian kissed Ana's forehead. "This is different. Before I didn't feel anything for those submissives, except duty to provide aftercare and whatever they needed to be safe. You make me a better man…a better human. I truly did not know what 'more' was, until I met you."
"Am I allowed to say I have an issue with your CCTV stuff at Escala. Your staff knows you are into kinky fuckery. Forgive me if I think sex ought to be private. I think it's voyeuristic that Taylor and probably Mrs. Jones know the minute we disappear into your red room of pain that I will be blindfolded, tied up and fucked in whatever positions you choose."
"Taylor and I discussed this. We will have CCTV functional in the foyer and elevators so we know who is and isn't entering the penthouse. Taylor and security will stay behind closed doors in the security suite and in the staff quarters unless there is a problem. Then they come into the main living area. Mrs. Jones doesn't stay in my living area all the time. She comes in to cook and clean. Otherwise, she's in the staff quarters. Mrs. Jones cleans in the playroom; but there is no CCTV in there."
"I'll clean the playroom," Ana offered. "I don't want anyone to know what toys and furniture we used. Also, if I move in, we are the only ones with keys to that room and it has an automatic door lock when the door is closed."
"I can live with that," he kissed her softly and closed his eyes to sleep.
November 12
Christian stirred in bed. "No…no," he moaned.
"Christian," Ana touched his arm. "Christian, you are alright. I'm here…"
His eyes flew open…his breathing was erratic. When he spotted Ana, he calmed.
"We fell asleep. I needed to use the powder room. I didn't mean to abandon you." Ana apologized.
"I need you…"
"I think you need me too. I'm one of the few people who will tell you when you've fucked up." She sat beside him. "You and me against the world, remember?"
"I'm sorry I'm staring. I can't believe how lucky I am because you are here." Christian pulled Ana close to his chest, close to his heart.
Her inner goddess danced like a Radio City Rockette when he held her. "You make me a self-conscious, stuttering, nervous wreck," Ana admitted. "I want to touch you…but I don't know how."
"I want to touch you also…and it's new for me also, because you are new to me. We will learn together, remember…" he kissed her. "Is there anything special you would like to do tonight? We're on the plane and home to Seattle tomorrow. Mom and Dad will be flying with us, and the Lynns."
"I just want to be with you. We can rent a movie, order room service, and have an early night. We can meet your parents for breakfast if you want, before we go to the airport."
Christian kissed her hard and deep. Ana felt her toes curl during the kiss; she whimpered when he pulled away. "Move in with me. Share my life. Share my bed. That's my offer, Ana. Take it or leave it."
"You have no idea how much I want that…"
Christian interrupted Ana's comment by pulling her into an embrace. He held her tightly against his chest. He rested his cheek against her hair. "We'll make a life where we fit together. I just want us to wake up every morning knowing how happy we are to be together and how much we want more with one another."
November 13
Ros and Gwen arrived at the airport in time to fly home to Seattle. "I think we bought out the Magnificent Mile," Gwen laughed.
"I guarantee there are three rolling footlockers of new clothes in the hold," Ros winked at Gwen and joined Christian and Carrick at the table to discuss the brownfield situation.
"I'm cooking lasagna for everyone on November twentieth," Ana told Gwen. "I'd like you and Ros to join us. We'll be at Grey Manor."
"Got a big announcement do you?" Gwen looked at Ana's bare ring finger.
"We're moving in together over Thanksgiving. Christian needs time this week to drive to Montesano and talk to Dad. I have to find the courage to call my mother." Ana shuddered. "Plus talk to Kate. However, I'm not telling either of them until after Christian talks to Dad.
"It's about bloody time!" Gwen commented.