Bound by a Contract – CH 34 PART 2
Christian POV
Packed mule. That's how I envision myself at the moment. I've never understood women and their need to bring along copious amounts of stuff for a few days away. I've also never had to carry things around, but without our CPO's, I'm the designated bell boy for the day. I also didn't realize the amount of equipment required to take a fucking picture. This boulder of a backpack is huge and heavy as hell. There's no way she would've been able to handle this on her own. I bet she's got some kind of pully, and she purposely left it behind to make me sweat. Now I'm no stranger to strenuous workouts, and I don't shy away from a good sweat, but fuck me this Porter business is tedious. So while my girl is enjoying the scenery behind the lens of her prized camera, I'm huffing an puffing with only being allowed to come close if she needs to change her optical gear.
Ana makes it a rule that when she's shooting, she requires full, unadulterated eerily monastic silence. Something about peaceful moments or assimilating oneself with nature and absorbing some earthly essence. Sounds like a granola cereal commercial to me, but I nod and quietly shuffle along behind her. I'm channelling my inner Sherpa whilst I watch Ana from a distance being absorbed in her element.
About an hour into our walk I've noticed a change in her and realize this is the first time I've ever seen her relax, like really relax. There's almost an air of comfort and serenity about her. I've never seen her this carefree and dare I say happy. Anastasia as been putting out a good act with her 'I'm fine' front for the last 9 days. The last 24 hours showed me otherwise. She's not fine and the thought of her not being this easy and content doesn't sit well with me. I want her to not only be fine but I need to make her happy. No, what I really want is to be the cause of her happiness.
After a while she makes her way over to the sandy beach taking a place on the sand hugging her bent legs, deep in thought her camera forgotten. I wait a few minutes before I gather up the courage to approach her. I don't want to disturb her tranquillity, but my desire to be in her space propels me. I arrange her luggage down beside me whilst I stealthily lower myself in close proximity to her, but still respectful of her space.
Jesus. Never would I have thought I'd be wearing the other shoe. If someone told me a month ago, I'd be walking tip toe around a woman who I've fallen irrevocably in love with, I'd call them raving mad and fluff it off as some psychotic stalker trying to stir shit. Look at me now. Karma sure is one hell of a bitch.
So, here I am feeling like that proverbial awkward tongue-tied teenager sitting beside the prettiest girl in school waiting for that opening where she'd look over at me and I'd say something inspiring. It's like I pulled a scene straight out of The Breakfast Club. Christ this longing shit is painful.
Having never had the experience myself back in the day, I can honestly empathize with those poor fuckers. It's one thing as a pubescent teenager, but as a full-grown adult male, it's humbling. I'm not sure if I'm better for it, but there it is. Before my brain takes me down my tumultuous teenage years, Elena and her 'tutoring', Ana's quiet voice jostles me out of my stupor.
''I had forgotten.'' She whispers wistfully looking out toward Seattle's skyline.
"Sorry?"
"The quiet serenity of being still. To be one with my camera" she smirks imitating the last in a guru-esque lilting voice.
I make sure my face is deadpan with no trace of emotional response for fear of insulting her somewhat serious statement.
"That was meant to be funny Grey. Chill."
Christ this girl has me spinning like a wooden toy top.
"Thanks for the late warning. I had to bite down on my cheek to keep myself from laughing out loud for fear of offending you. You sounded like something out of Karate Kid with Mr. Miyagi's 'Wax on. Wax off'. I'm totally prepared if you happen to be inspired to jump up on a boulder and do that one-legged dragon stance."
"That was actually funny Grey." She chuckles. After her laughter dies down a bit, I dare continue our banter. "Isn't that your job though. Being one with the camera. Looking for that perfect shot. The shot that'll sell?"
"That kind of shooting is different. It's a different kind of focus, and hard to explain. Don't get me wrong I love my profession, but it's been awhile since I've done this. Shooting for fun and my pure enjoyment. This is my church if that helps to put things into perspective. My happy place if you will.
For the last five years I was always on the run. I had ambitious goals and pushed to achieve those goals in record time because, as devastating as it was, with my dad I was running out of time. In the chaos of achieving those goals there were times when I felt overwhelmed. The pressure I placed upon myself was almost unbearable at times. The pace I was taking was practically inhuman.'' She pauses to take a deep breath. And while I can relate to how she was feeling I stay silent and just listen.
''My dad…" her throat catches and she coughs to clear her voice. "My dad always taught me that nothing of worth is ever easy. He said that quitting something that you really want, but find it hard, is a cowards' way out. So, I persisted not so much because of my fathers' words but because he spoke a truth. I will always remember the love and pride in his eyes over each of my accomplishments, no matter how big or small, his wisdom strengthened my purpose. When dad passed...oh God, I was an absolute wreck. He was my only family. He was the only one who loved and supported me unconditionally and with him gone I thought I wouldn't make it on my own. That iron focus I've had dissipated for a little while. I was alone and lost in the big cruel world.
In time I understood that while he wasn't physically here, he would always be with me here," she points to her temple, "and here" then moves her hand to her heart. "Raymond Steele," she continues "made sure his little girl would be a force to recon with. He worked hard so I could live comfortably without financial worry. He made sure I had the knowledge and skills to succeed in life. Everything that I am now is a direct reflection of my father. He was a wonderful man and an excellent father.''
I knew that she worshiped her dad but hearing her speak of him and the advice he imparted her with is humbling. I can see why my father befriended Mr. Steele. Clearly Mr. Steele was a man to be admired and respected.
''I came back to Seattle with the thought that this was the right time to finally breathe and spread my wings. To my knowledge my father had a person in place, whom he trusted, to run Steele Advertising while I worked to gain more experience in operations. I thought I could take some time, while I'm here, to explore interesting projects and work on the creative side of the business, before I take the helm.'' Lifting her head, she turns to look at me and I see her anger, hurt and betrayal.
''But things never are what they seem, are they? Turns out Dads' trusted second in command is actually a backstabbing money hungry twofaced snake. Steele Advertising is losing ground and Pierce is purposefully tanking my fathers' life work." She sighs deeply and I have to lean in closer to hear her words.
"I can't let that man get away with this, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to run an advertising empire. Especially if my suspicions about how things really are correct. I haven't been here, and I don't know where to start. The Steele Advertising ship is sinking and I don't know which hole to plug first to keep it afloat, but I have to try. What I do know is I need to get rid of Pierce and the only way to do that is to take back control. I've put myself into an interesting juxtaposition, doubting my ability to take control yet knowing I need to."
"And that's where I came in."
"Yah." She snorts. "That's where you come in. Talk about out of the frying pan and into the fire. You, Christian…" she says pointing at me "…were a means to an end and I know the feeling was mutual. Only now, 9 days later, you declare your undying love to me." She looks away with a humfph. "Up until two weeks ago you didn't believe in relationships that included feelings and emotions. You treated women as disposable objects and your relationships, you can even call them that,were defined by contracts and rules. Not too long ago you could barely stand to be in the same room with me and now all of a sudden you love me? I'm still trying to wrap my head around that. How is that even possible?'' Her query lacks her usual sarcasm. She sounds more perplexed than exasperated. Which I think is a good sign. Perplexed is better than dismissal.
''Trust me Ana. I didn't see it coming either.'' I exhale frustrated. ''I wish I had the words to tell you what I'm feeling, but this is so new and foreign to me, I don't know how to explain it. I just know.'' I implore.
I want to make her understand that her mere presence in the room warms me up from inside. That she takes my breath away with a simple smile, and most importantly that she is the only one who can freely touch me with no negative reaction. Uncanny as it is, I find myself, for the first time in my life, craving her touch. Not even Mia had that kind of effect on me.
I watch as she slowly turns her body to face me. She sits up straighter, crosses her legs 'Indian style', rubs her palms against her thighs. "Truth or Dare."
"What?"
"Oh great, not only you are The King of Assholes, you're deaf too.'' She says with a teasing lilt to her voice.
''You heard me. Truth or Dare?"
My spider sense is tingling and I get a feeling Ana's upping the ante on my I-love-you card.
"Ah…ok. Dare" drawing out the dare as if it's a question.
"I dare you to be honest with me. I promise on the love I hold for my father that whatever you share with me will be kept in strict confidence. I'll be as mute as the dead. I dare you to be open and truthful with me as I have been to you. I've been nothing but an open book for you Christian, and I dare you to extend to me the same courtesy."
''Ana. It's not that I don't trust you in knowing my shit. I just think my shit doesn't need to sit in your head."
''It's my head. You don't get to choose what I put in it, so shit away."
Fuck.
"Can I hold your hand?" She looks at me quizzically. "Your touch calms me and the telling may be easier for me if I hold your hand." Turning her palms upwards she extends her arms from her lap and I greedily take hold. Instantly I feel the anxiety seep away and slowly I start my story.
"I only have snippets of my early childhood memories, but from what I remember I was about four years old…"
Once I started my sad tale, it was like a dam bursting open. I poured it all out for her from my horrendous childhood to the Grey's adopting me. Throughout it all Ana remained still and listened. She held my hand tighter when I wanted to pull away in shame. She never once interrupted but I watched her emotions play out on her beautiful face throughout my telling. Flynn was the last person I told about my formative years since I always struggled with that part of my life, but telling Ana now felt different. It felt liberating.
It's been five minutes since I finished my story. Ana closed her eyes but kept a hold of my hands. I'm aware of the silence between us broken by the sounds of nature. The water lapping against the shore. The breeze ruffling the leaves in the trees around us. The seagulls squawking off in the distance until she does something completely unexpected and moves to sit on my lap and hug me. And although I've never had this experience before, I relish in the feeling of being engulfed in someone's arms and held. My body responds unexpectedly but naturally as my arms move of their own volition wrapping themselves around her body, encasing her closer to me.
Grace POV
With high level trepidation make my way thru the main dining area of the Mile High Club towards the private area where all our after event meetings are held. I try to ignore all the stares and murmurs of the patrons, but honestly after everything that happened since Saturday this is the last place I want to be right now. But I'm not that foolish not to understand that if I miss this gathering, that the already elevated rumour mill will reach new heights.
I barely slept a wink last night whacking my brain about how to steer the lunch conversations from my son's private life to our main goal, which is The Coping Together organisation and how we plan to distribute the money raised.
When I step in the private room I see that some of the committee members are already here. I breathe a sigh of relief when I don't spot the Murray's. I still have no idea how to dissipate the awkward situation I created with my wishful thinking.
''Good afternoon ladies. Sorry I'm a little late, the traffic was unexpectedly heavy today.'' I greet my friends with all the confidence I can muster at the moment.
''Hello Grace. No worries here, as you can see some of the ladies see to have the same problem you did. We will wait a few more minutes for Elena, Angelina, Jana and Marissa and then we can start.'' Christine announces with a friendly smile. Thank the heavens I have at least one person on my side before Elena gets here. Maybe, just maybe I can leave this lunch unscathed.
''Ok, before the official meeting starts I want to congratulate you on Christian's engagement. It sure was so unexpected but the boy looked beyond happy on Saturday, you must be so elated. You are one sneaky woman Grace, you kept the fact that Christian was seriously dating someone a complete secret.'' There went my hope to avoid that kind of conversation. With a prayer to the Gods of acting I plaster a huge 'mother of the groom' smile before commenting.
''Truthfully speaking, Christine, I've met Anastasia a shirt while ago myself'' I shrug my shoulders to make it more believable that I'm not rattled beyond reason by that engagement.
'' Christian being his usual self, kept a tight lid on his relationship with Anastasia until recently. So the proposal was a bit of a shock to us too. But as you said yourself, Christian is on cloud nine with happiness and that makes me joyful as well.'' There. I hope that it is enough to quench that nosiness. Christine may have been genuine with her well wishes, but it's a common fact, that she is tone of the biggest gossips in Seattle.
''Oh Grace, you poor thing.'' Ivette patted my hand with pity. What in the world was that about? I just stare at her agog waiting for her to elaborate that unwanted outburst.
''I mean, Christian may have been abrupt and aloof with most people, but he was always so considerate of your opinion and feelings. And now he basically sprung a complete stranger on you, are you sure there isn't more to that fast engagement?'' How dare she! Who the hell Ivette thinks she is to my family's inner workings and give her opinions on matters that are no concern of hers.
Before my ire can overpower any common sense and I unleash hell on the goddamn woman, Christine beats me to it.
''Ivette, you have overstepped the line! Any girl would be a stranger at first and in my opinion as a mother of three boys, it was mindful of Christian not to introduce a string of ladies who meant nothing to him to family. He found the one and only when he 100% sure he introduced her to everyone.'' Then she turns to me. '' Ignore that Grace. I had the pleasure to speak to Anastasia at the Ball and she is wonderful. Also, I didn't want to bring that dreadful interview up, but now I see it's needed. With Christian being who he is there always be rumours and opportunists that want to earn a dime on his name, I understand that it's intrusive and hurtful, but there is no avoiding that. What I'm trying to say, with the way Anastasia and your son handled that, you don't need to worry, with a woman like that by his side nothing will get to him.'' She again turns to Ivette, who now looks absolutely uncomfortable and chastised, (suits her right) daring the woman to counter her words.
''I would be in seventh heaven if my David would finally see that awful Amanda for what she really is and finds himself someone as nice as your future daughter in law.'' Wait. What? Christine is giving me one hell of a whiplash today.
''What's wrong with Amanda? I've known the girl for a long time and she always been a wonderful young lady. She is also one of Mia's best friends. What makes you dislike her so much?'' I'm glad that conversation steered away from my son and his woes, but the way Christine suddenly averted her gaze and a bit panicked looks from the other ladies has my hackles rising.
''Since I'm already the bad guy today I will tell the unpleasant truth.'' Ivette once again inserts herself in the conversation. God, she is grating on my last nerve.
''The thing is, Amanda, Lilian, Jenna and sadly your Mia are totally out of control. The partying, constant drinking and indecent behaviour. Those four do nothing of use, they are brash and rude. Those photos that were printed a few days ago, with the girls drunk dancing on the tables at some bar were the last straw. Carl has forbidden our Alisson to be friends with all four girls.'' After a deep sigh she proceeds.
''Don't get me wrong, it is fine to be young and a bit wild, we all been like that at some point. But this has been happening for over a year and there is no end in site. They are getting worse by the day. So yes, don't be surprised that a lot of people will start giving Mia a wide berth soon.''
Oh sweet Lord. Suddenly I feel almost faint and my heart is in my throat. Mia, sweet Mia what have you done sweetheart?
I'm beyond happy when Elena and the Murray's arrive and the earlier devastating conversation is closed, for now at least.
What am I going to do?
