A/N: Can I just say I never thought I'd be writing over 50 chapters of a FF story? I absolutely love it! Thank you all for your reviews, and suggestions both on FB and here.
All mistakes are my own.
Ana pulled up to the house and grabbed her items before rushing inside. She knew something was off, and she needed to talk to Christian. She saw Gail in the kitchen and asked about her husband.
"Have you seen Christian?" Nodding, she tilted her head past her.
"He's in his office, dear. Do you need anything?" Shaking her head she smiled weakly at the woman before turning and heading further into the house and to his office. She ran her hand over her slight bump now happy that her child was still growing and safe. It also calmed her. She didn't want to get too worked up and hurt the baby. Ana knocked on his door. Once he called out for her to enter she stepped inside. Christian's tired eyes smiled at her as she closed the door behind her and locked it.
"Hey, baby." Smiling she walked over until she was standing over him. She made sure he pushed his chair back before sitting on his lap. He chuckled at her maneuvering. When she was perfectly against him he settled his hands around her waist and on their child.
"How are my two girls doing today?" As usual, Ana softened at his words.
"We are fine. Woke up, had breakfast, then around lunchtime, I went out." Christian frowned.
"But Sawyer was at the office with Ros today," he said. Sighing she turned to face him.
"I know. But I was safe." Christian's head fell back on his chair.
"Ana," he started only for her to place a finger on his lips.
"I wanted to get something to wear for you. I'm sorry. Now that I've had time to think about it, I know it was probably reckless of me to go. But I promise I won't do that again," she muttered. Christian's eyes focused on hers but she quickly lowered them before playing with his hand resting on her stomach.
"There's something you're not telling me," he said. She sighed before looking into his eyes.
"I know. But there's something you're not telling me as well. I can tell. Especially last night." Now it was Christian's turn to look away.
"Christian-"
"Kate was the mole." Ana gasped but kept quiet.
"Kate. She says that her brother was kidnapped and has been held for the last several months. In order for him to be free, and to pay off a debt her father owed the man she would have to get information about our family. Incriminating evidence and he would be released."
"Do you believe her?"
"I honestly don't know. But what I do know is she cannot be trusted. My brother was supposed to know this. Being in our family, we have rules. Loyalty above all. But it seems that Kate was able to successfully convince my brother that she only wanted to be with him. That's unsettling. I can't trust him, Ana. We can't talk about the business if he's with a woman who will let the feds know the same night." Ana felt for her husband. She knew he was in a tight spot, but she also knew he was right. You had to have people around you that you could trust. It was the only way they would be safe.
"Where is Elliot right now?" Running his hands up her thighs he closed his eyes.
"Back home. I dropped him off after bailing him out of jail." Ana's eyebrows shot to her hairline. She blinked before running her hands over his face. When he opened his own eyes she traced his lips.
"I'm going to need a bit of explanation here," she joked. Christian's lip titled a bit at the corner but it was a sad smile.
"Taylor had a feeling that this week's business deal over at the docks could potentially be a setup. So, he told me to send Elliott instead of myself for the deal."
"What about the man who was supposed to be there? Did he get arrested too?"
"No. I spoke with him the night before. We made Elliott show up and think the man was late. Then he called and started this false fight before hanging up. The police had already shown up, but luckily there was nothing to arrest him for. They did anyway, because of the family name, and they were trying to find something to hold him with. I agreed with Taylor. We needed my brother to get arrested, and for it to look genuine. Taylor already had Kate in his possession, as he knew it was her all along."
Ana stared in shock. She had no idea all of this was going on in the last couple of weeks. Granted, Christian told her about the mole, but she had no idea that it was Kate. She could see the anger in her husband's eyes. But more importantly, she could see the hurt. She ran her hands through his hair before kissing his cheek.
"I gather you and Elliott didn't mince words," she said softly. Christian breathed out a laugh before a wry smile overtook his face.
"How could you tell?"
"Oh Christian," Ana started but was stopped by his next words.
"I've done nothing but look out for my brother. Put my life on hold so he could have a better one. Our parents died, and I had to be his father. It was strange. Before my dad died he told me that he didn't want Elliott to take over the family business. That he wanted me to run it. Later on, he explained I had more of a head for it than Elliott, but I wonder if he could see what I now see in him. I've run it, but I haven't cut him out of it entirely. I think this is the sign I was waiting for." Ana could see Christian was conflicted and it hurt her to see him so torn about his brother and the business empire that his father left.
"I don't know much about what you do. Other than Grey Enterprises, anyway. But, I think you should do what is best, for yourself and the future. Christian, I think your father could see in you the same thing I see. Drive, determination, and a natural ability to lead. I've met your brother, and while I do think he is a kind, honest man, I never saw a real leader." Ana paused before continuing. "When you were in the hospital, I was so angry that he was willing to just give up so easily on you. Leave your fate to whatever the doctor's said. He apologized when all was well but I couldn't forget that. I don't want what I say to influence your decision, but I can understand where you're coming from. Is there any way you can buy him out of his portion of the business?"
Christian was quiet for a long time before he spoke.
"I can. I'd have to call my lawyer, but it can be done. Right now I know Elliott is not thinking clearly because of Kate. He'll probably think because of this incident with her, I want to exile him. I never want to exile my brother, but I cannot have him making decisions that will negatively affect us. Other families are watching. They are watching how I deal with this situation, and my choices will have an impact no matter what."
"How can they know?" Ana asked surprised. Christian smirked.
"Because of the man I did business with. I know he's spoken with other families. We weren't the first stop for his business, so I know the people who need to know are aware." Ana could see that he was stressed out, but she knew for now he needed a break from it. She was about to try and convince him when she saw something flicker across his face. It was only for a second, but it was there.
Doubt? And why does it feel like it's toward me?
She straightened up a bit in his lap.
"There's something else." When Christian tried to get her to stand she made sure that he couldn't.
"Christan. I know there is something else. I can tell. And judging from the way you're trying to avoid it speaks volumes." Christian sighed before standing abruptly. When she was stabilized he walked over to his liquor cabinet. It seems like all he did lately was drink. Ana ran a hand over her face. Christian's back was to her, but she was determined to find out.
"What is it, Christian? Does it have to do with me, or us?" Christian drank the rest of the amber liquid before dropping the glass on the tray.
"Ana, you've been honest with me, right? About everything I mean." Ana frowned but nodded. When Christian turned, she was surprised to see the anger in his eyes.
"Are you sure?" He questioned.
"About what?" Ana took a step back before rubbing her stomach.
"You're scaring me. What is going on?" She asked, fear in her voice. Christian didn't know what came over him, but he took a step closer.
"Ana. Tell me the truth. Did you know that Jose had a twin brother? Or did you plan to keep it a secret?" Ana stumbled back until she hit the wall. She paled before clutching her stomach. She took deep breaths trying to calm herself and the baby. Her body seemed to be on autopilot.
"Wh-what? Why would you say such a terrible thing to me, Christian? Jose didn't have a sibling, and if he did I would never keep it from you." Christian ran a hand over his face before growling. He took a step closer and Ana rounded the desk. She couldn't be anywhere near him right now. He saw that and winced.
"Ana, baby I'm sorry. I just had to know." Tears filled her eyes as a sudden understanding came into her eyes.
"No. You thought I knew about this and was keeping it from you. Why would I ever keep something like this from anyone? This is sick. I feel sick," she said before holding her hand over her mouth. Christian tried to come closer to comfort her but she held her free hand up.
"No. Don't come anywhere near me. I was going to tell you that I saw a shadow of someone in the window. It looked like Jose. I thought it was my own mind. That's the only secret I have kept from you since we were married," she said bitterly. Christian felt terrible. The tears running down Ana's pale face made him feel helpless.
Ana walked to the door and Christian spoke desperately.
"I'm sorry, Ana. I feel as if I'm failing. As a brother, a husband, and a leader. I don't know who to trust anymore. I just-" He stopped talking when he saw Ana's cold eyes.
"You should always know that you can trust me."
"Ana-"
"I will be sleeping in the room down the hall. I will not be anyone's punching bag ever again." Right as she placed her hand on the knob she spoke softly.
"I know you're under a lot of stress. But I know you, Christian. You are a strong man. You will figure it out. But until you do, please leave me, and our child alone."
Cue the angst. LOL don't worry it won't be long. These two can't stay away from each other. I love you!
