Hi our dear readers! Sorry for the too long wait for the update, but as everybody knows real life can be distracting and challenging right now. Thankfully my dear co-author and me are fine, just really busy.
Hope you enjoy the chapter and thank yo for sticking with us here.
Christian POV
Later Tuesday Morning 21 May
The moment we set foot into the apartment Ana hurriedly seeks out Hippo. I shared the conversation I had with Taylor regarding Elena's impromptu visit as well as the consequences of said visit. To say Ana was angered would be an understatement of the year. She was initially stoic, understanding that she has no control of who comes to the apartment, but the moment she heard Elena's complaint regarding Hippo she was on high alert. The very idea of 'The-One-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named' in the same space as her Precious made her anxious. Ana obviously had nothing to worry about as we all underestimated Hippo's protective instincts both his territory and those he allows to inhabit there. Elena now has the scars to prove it.
Ana is Hippo's first priority followed closely by Gail, then Taylor, Sawyer, et cetera. I, the Master of all I Survey, am at the bottom of a bloody cat's totem pole of importance. Hippo's acceptance of me into his elite circle is a recent development. Not too long ago, that little shit was pissing in my shoes and raising hell on anything with my scent on it. But as of late, Hippo and I have come to an understanding of sorts. My name may be on the deed to this penthouse and provider of the luxuries within, but the specific areas he's marked as is his territory his domain. He also knows that Ana is my weakness and since he's Ana's cat, the fucker knows he can get away with anything. I've never sucked up to anyone ever in my life much less a fucking domestic cat, but there it is and I'm not below bribing, ergo the purchase of copious amounts of cat treats and fresh tuna. Now that I think on it, Hippo accepting me and protecting our home, is a good sign. Maybe he sensed a change in me before I knew it for myself.
That not so little fur ball sure is smart.
Hippo was able to achieve what I've been trying to do for the last few weeks. Elena is finally keeping herself away. After my conversation with Taylor, I noticed several missed messages from Elena. With the taste of 'together' still in my mouth I share with Ana Elena's 27voicemail messages and litany of texts. I've been more conscientious of her and our new friendship and she appreciated my transparency but also did not hesitate to give me that knowing look where nothing needed to be said because it implied everything. She's firing a warning shot across the bow of my ship letting me know, (in what I am learning to be the female way), that Elena is not welcome in our home, or else I will suffer the consequences.
Having already shared with her my 'sordid affair', she knows I'm not prepared to cut ties with my mentor and close friend and although she will say nothing further to sway or hinder my relationship with that vile woman as Ana calls her, she will remain wary of Elena's intrusion and insistence in my, and by default, her life. Elena is obviously taking liberties she was forewarned to curtail. Her continued hubris and interference are not only annoying but disrespectful. My demand to 'back the fuck off' was obviously not clear enough. I have given Elena allowances and even defended her position because of our shared past, but I will not be made a fool, especially in front of Ana. Perhaps it is time to re-evaluate our friendship and consider distancing myself out of respect for Ana. The message I'll be delivering to Elena this time will be explicitly clear being similar to Hippo's, but with less visible markings.
Taylors debriefing of what went down that day was the stuff of comedy. His dead-pan delivery added further to its hilarity.
"Sir. I strongly suggest changing the codes and protocols for GEH and Grey House. I understand, Sir, that Mrs Lincoln is on your proscribed Approved List, however considering current events, the safety of all in this household is my responsibility. It is my opinion that Mrs Lincoln has become a security issue. Sir."
"Elaborate on 'security issue' Taylor." In all the years I've known Taylor, I've never seen him blush until now. He keeps his head high standing at attention.
"Permission to speak frankly, Sir?"
"If you please."
"Hippo doesn't like her, Sir." I can't crack a smile. Don't do it Grey or that'll be the end of it.
I try to maintain a serious mien and it's fucking hard watching Taylor stay professional holding back on his own merriment.
ahem. Cough. "and this poses as a 'security issue' how?"
"Typically, prior to your guest's arrival, Mrs Jones ensures Hippo is safely ensconced in comfortable space where he won't be disturbed. Mrs Lincoln's unannounced and unexpected visit did not give Mrs Jones enough time to safeguard him. I informed Mrs Lincoln of your absence and your clear instruction for no contact. Mrs Lincoln insisted that her 'priority' status with full access to your person would trump any protocols you had issued. She insisted I contact you and demanded Gail and I to follow through on her instructions."
"What happened?"
"You know how Hippo is, especially when he's napping. I tried to block Mrs Lincoln from entering the apartment but she brushed past me and threw her purse onto the couch jostling Hippo awake all the while ordering Gail and I to entertain her while she waits for your return. As soon as I saw her purse land on the couch, I knew what was going to happen and I wasn't about to stand in between Hippo and Mrs Lincoln. I may have been able to save the purse," shoulder shrug, "but I believe in the nature of causality. Hippo was in that space first, so he marked it."
"Marked it?"
"Yes, Sir. He pissed in her purse. Full stream. You may recall when…"
"Yes, Taylor. I got the visual. Go on."
"After claiming his territory on the purse, I suspect he wanted to convey his displeasure and pounced. On her. Sir."
"Oh... Shit." I can't the sides of my mouth turning up.
"I'm sure he didn't mean to draw blood, but the moment Mrs Lincoln started wailing, his claws came out. He landed on her leg. The lower right calf to be exact. I think he wanted to startle her by jumping near her, unfortunately Mrs Lincoln shifted. The scars…ah…scratches were in part the fault of Mrs Lincoln trying to pull the little guy off her leg. She didn't need to throw him clear across the room. It's not like Hippo seriously hurt her. They were just surface scratches nothing deep and I did treat her wounds by applying first aid. Gail was more concerned about Hippo who is thankfully ok. Gail took care of him while I escorted Mrs Lincoln out. Gail doesn't think the couch will need to be replaced. Hippo's got pretty good aim and Mrs Lincoln's purse took most of the damage, but Gail thinks you should take a look at it and decide when you returned.
Sir. Considering what happened and to avoid future confrontations, as well as protect all parties involved, I recommend updating your proscribed list to include Mrs Lincoln. We all have an affinity for Hippo and his safety is of greatest concern… Sir."
I couldn't help but crack a full-blown smile after that.
"Of course, Taylor. Hippo is of great concern to Ana, especially, so please do the needful."
Ana and I still chuckle a little when we talk about it. Poor Hippo. Serves Elena right. I cautioned her, several times, so if she chooses to blatantly ignore my warning then a pissed-up bag and a few scratches is par for the course. Her rants for compensation can kiss Hippo's furry ass. As if.
Now, Hippo our hero gets a special treat for fending off aggressive and unwanted company. Gail, being the caring soul that she is, served him a huge bowl of tuna tartare with a side bowl of cream. The bloody beast is utterly spoiled on a normal day but, he who does good deeds reaps the greatest reward.
While Ana goes, or more likely runs, in search of Hippo, I walk over to the kitchen to check on breakfast with Gail and there unbeknownst to us, sit Dad and Gramps sporting twin grins.
"Dad. Gramps. I didn't know you'd be dropping by this early in the morning. Taylor?"
"They showed up moments before you Sir."
I nod in acknowledgement. Although I don't want to deter my family from dropping in unexpectedly, I also don't want them walking in unannounced. Exhibit A: Hippo. Considering Elena's recent drop in and Taylor's suggestion to revise the Approved List I think change is in order. Perhaps a little remodelling adding a secondary door to the elevator entryway may work. Family or not, Ana and I deserve our privacy.
''Morning son." Carrick and Gramps rise from their seats to shake my hand. Ana hears my greeting and abandon's her search for Hippo. Carrick hugs Ana in greeting and Gramps, the Casanova that he is, offers a kiss on her cheek. I'm surprised with the kind greeting because it's not something the both of them have done in private.
"Christian. You look… different. Ana, what did you do to my grandson? He almost looks relaxed. I don't think I've ever seen him like this before. And wait… by God. Is that… a smile?"
"Very funny Grams. But I would prefer if you wouldn't put that old charm on my woman."
"See that Carrick! That was a jest. Imagine that. Christian jesting. Who knew?" Gramps continues jovially teasing me, but I take in stride without offense. It's an odd but good feeling.
"I heard about your cat Ana dear. I understand he was a present from Christian. It's a…unique creature. Scared the be-Jesus when I first saw it sauntering its way up the stairs. I first thought it was a small sized lynx but since Gail didn't seem too fazed by the animal, I thought to follow her lead and carefully walk in the other direction" Gramps looks over to me and loudly whispers in that not so discreet way, "Jesus Christian was the pet store completely out of kittens that were a little… oh, I don't know...smaller, fluffy and cute?" We all give a chuckle at that.
''Yeah, yeah. I know. He isn't much to look at but I think he's earned his keep. Right Ana?"
"Exactly. He's adorable and my strongest defender, no offense Christian" she says with an apologetic shrug whilst quickly scanning the room for her beloved kitten.
"I take it Gail has taken care of you this morning. Have you eaten breakfast? Gail?"
"No. no, son. We won't take up much of your time. You two probably have things to catch up on being away for the last few days. Your Gramps and I actually came here to speak to Anastasia," he turns to face Ana "if you have the time?"
"Oh. Of course." Ana looks down her leg to see Hippo rubbing up against her garnering attention. Without paying any attention to the odd look gramps gives her, she tenderly picks the cat up and nestles Hippo in her arms nuzzling into his fur. Her intimate gesture looks odd because Hippo is not the type of kitten you'd cuddle up to unless your Ana. Those two remind me of that tiger and that chick in that Disney Aladdin movie. What the fuck was the chicks name again? Mia made me watch that movie so many times I can fucking sing along to the entire soundtrack word for word, much to my dismay.
Smiling Ana seats herself on a bar stool and gestures to the rest of us to follow suit and arrange ourselves around the island. Gramps is the first to begin.
"First," Gramps huffs out. "I would like to personally apologise for what happened during brunch this weekend. We heard parts of the argument and Adele filled me in on the rest. I can assure you neither my wife, nor I, condone Mia's behaviour, much less my own daughter. I have no words that can truly express how mortified we are. Adele is still furious, but we hope you won't hold their attitudes against us. We think you're a wonderful, exceptional young lady."
Gramps is sincere in his apology. The shame and embarrassment evident on his face. Dad's expression is not far off from Gramps. He's just as embarrassed and angered. They both seem so protective of Ana not that I blame them. I'll have to find out if anything's happened with the family while Ana and I were away. If I know Grandma Adele, she'd have ripped a good one-off Mia's hide, but I want to know what we're going to do collectively because that shit ends. Pushing her off the gravy train will only do so much.
"Thank you Mr. Trevelyan, but that's an apology that is not yours to make" she blushes. You don't have to be a genius to see that Ana is uneasy with the memory.
''I apologize if I am making you feel uncomfortable by bringing it up, but I would like to add," Gramps continues, "I think you handled yourself very well considering the situation. You held your ground without compromising your dignity. I've never met your father, but I'm sure he would be proud to know he raised a fine young woman." On queue Anastasia turns even more crimson. She really does not like or is not accustomed to this kind of attention. Grampa sensing Ana's awkwardness changes topic quickly. "But a deserved apology is not the purpose for Carrick and my visit today." Gramps looks over to Dad with a beaming smile indicating he was to proceed further.
"We have some good news for you Ana. If it's ok, I'd like to share this with Christian as well because your decisions would affect his current position."
Affect my current position? What the fuck is he talking about?
"As you know Theo and I have been working on an alternate solution for Ana should our proposal of a quick marriage between you both fail. Theo noticed some inconsistencies in your father's documents Ana, and after a thorough investigation his suspicions proved correct."
"What inconsistencies? Do you believe there may have been some tampering to my father's will?"
"Dad. What's the good news?"
''In a nutshell, without interference from Mr Pierce, Ana will be able to access Steele Advertising records as well as any other information she requires; its history, current project standings, potential RFP's and their status, everything. You finally will be able to gather all the information you need to assess your companies position and start planning on how you would like to direct its future."
''Wow! Seriously?! That's absolutely wonderful news Mr Grey! Thank you, Mr. Trevelyan. I owe you both a debt of gratitude'' Anastasia beams gloriously trembling in both excitement and relief whilst I look down in shame.
I am such a complete and absolute selfish dick. I was so focused on covering my own ass without giving a moment thought to Ana's situation.
''That is not all I found dear," Gramps picks up. "After digging little deeper into the semantics of the document, and reading it a few times just to be sure, it seems whoever drew up the document confused its wording." He pauses I swear for dramatic affect. Always the lawyer. He has Ana and I sitting literally at the end of our seat. "Essentially, the stipulation of you being either 21 or married to assume control of Steele Advertising is suspitious and can be challenged easily. You can give your Mr Pierce the boot whenever you're ready.''
Blink. Blink. Blink. Ana and I look at each other dumbfounded, but for different reasons.
What the fuck did he just say? Did he imply Ana doesn't need to marry me, is that what he said? But…no. She has to marry me. We made a deal. She said we were going to make a go of it. Right?! Fuck.
"I don't need to get married to Christian, is that what you're saying?"
"Yes, Ana. That's correct." Gramps is looking at me quizzically.
My emotional insecurities are spiralling me out of control. My heart rate quickens as my anxiety level rises. I stray a quick glance at Ana to see how she's reacting to this new insight, but she's not looking at me. She's staring off pensively as if she's weighing her choices.
Shit. She's going to jump ship. Who wouldn't if given another option?
My self-esteem is hitting an all-time low. The last time I recall feeling this way was when I was an adolescent. Back then I was angry. This feeling isn't anger. It's rejection and it's more painful than the self-hate and anguish when someone touches me. The acid burn is internally churning my stomach into knots.
I think I'm going to be sick.
I quickly excuse myself and make a b-line for my bedroom hoping to God I don't spew in front of my family. I can't let them know how this news is affecting me. I need to show Ana, all of them, that whatever her decision may be, I will accept and support her. Weakness is not an option. I'm a better man. A better man would be excited and happy for her.
I dry heave instantly into the toilet gagging bile while my stomach constricts instinctively upchucking unwanted emotions a physical response to the thought of Ana leaving me. After a few minutes, I hobble over to the sink to rinse my mouth and splash some cold water on my face. Once I feel I've regained some semblance of equilibrium, I slowly make my way back. There standing at the threshold of my bedroom door waits my concerned father.
"Christian. What happened? Are you ok?"
"I'm ok, thanks." My voice is raspy and weak.
"Christian…"
"I'm fine Dad. Really. I just…fuck…just the thought of it hurts."
I sigh deeply and slip onto the edge of my bed cradling my head up with my hands, resting my elbows on my knees.
Dad slides in beside me worry written deeply on his face, "I don't understand."
These emotions are new to me and I'm not sure how to navigate them without shutting down, but I refuse to be the man I was before Ana.
"The thought of Ana leaving me…hurts." He still looks at me confused and I hesitate for a long while deciding whether or not I can share this with my father. I know I can trust him and if I'm going to be honest with myself about turning over a new leaf, then I need to step out of my habit of silence and act as I had promised Ana I would. Christian 2.0.
"I know what you and Gramps found are for Ana's best intentions, and I know I'm being selfish but the idea of her opting out on our agreement, the engagement, the marriage, everything, it's agonizing. This weekend, when it was just Ana and I…I've never felt anything like it in my life Dad. I felt free; alive, full of hope, connected. We reached an understanding. We were going to try and work on our relationship for real; I was going to experience a pure friendship; a real marriage but with this new opportunity you and Gramps handed her, I feel like I'm getting the rug pulled out from under me. I wasn't ready for that."
"Christian; son. If there's anything that I've learned about Ana these last few weeks it's to not underestimate her. She may opt to stick with it you know. You may be setting yourself for a failure that isn't going to happen. You were never one to sell yourself short, so why start now?"
"This is a realm I'm not comfortable with Dad." Sighing deeply, looking up into his face I decide to lay it all out for him. "I don't know how it happened or when, but what I do know is I've fallen in love with Anastasia." I watch as Dad's brows rise high above into his hairline. "Listen Dad. You of all people know that I'm not one for sharing, especially my feelings. So much about me is changing and the reason for that is her. I can't lose her, but if she chooses to take you up on the offer, I just might."
"Oh, ye of little faith."
Startled Dad and I look up in surprise. Unbeknownst to us Ana had quietly walked into the room and was leaning up against the door frame with her arms crossed and a sad expression. "Mr Grey…Carrick Grey, that is. I had asked Mr. Trevelyn if he was open to having breakfast here with us and thought to extend the invitation to you as well."
"Thank you, Anastasia. I apologize for making such an early call, but Theo and I thought to share our news with you as quickly as possible. We meant no imposition, so really you don't…"
"Mr. Grey…"
"Please call me Carrick…"
"Carrick," she says with a little smile. "Gail was making breakfast for Christian and I anyway, so adding another two more place settings for family is truly not an imposition. It's nothing fancy. Just a quick breakfast so please join us."
"Thank you, Anastasia. I'm happy to accept."
"And please call me Ana. All my friends call me Ana" she smiles. My father's return smile is friendly and thankful. He knows he played Ana, and he knows that she knows. Ana's act of forgiveness is humbling and for my father to feel humbled says a lot. "If you could just give me a minute with your son, we'll be out shortly."
With a knowing smirk and quick nod, he slowly rises from the bed giving me a gentle squeeze on my shoulder "We'll talk later son. Thank you, Ana. Theo and I will wait at the table. Please take your time."
Ana makes her way to stand just in front of my field of vision her arms remain crossed in a foreboding manner. She's so cute when she's trying to look all commanding. It's like looking at a displeased Tinkerbell.
"How much did you hear?" I can't bear to look at her, fearing the worse.
She exhales a deep breath in exasperation before she takes the place my father just vacated turning her body to face me. She's boring a hole into the side of my head but I can't look up to meet her gaze. Not yet. I don't want to see or hear the inevitable so I keep my hands clasped together and my focus on the raised carpet pattern beneath my feet.
"Christian. Could you please look at me?" She reaches out for my hands forcing me to look at her. "Hey. Stop pouting and tell me what this sudden sullenness is about?"
She doesn't get it. I may have told her how I felt, but I haven't had the time to really show her the depth of my feelings. I wanted to do so much more but it seems I've run out of time. Making a quick decision to rip the band aid off a sore wound and not delay the inevitable I croak out in indignation, "when are you leaving?" The tone in my voice wasn't what I had intended, but my usual steel control was slipping and I'm feeling a bit raw and sensitive. Jesus this is so pitiful.
"Leaving? Why would I leave? Where am I going?"
"Ana. Please don't sugar coat shit to preserve my feelings. You have an out. You have no reason to continue entertaining a proposition that you've clearly wanted to bail out of yesterday. Fuck, I get it. Especially after everything I and my family have put you through and sane person would cut bait. The reason for us getting married doesn't exist anymore. You don't need me anymore" I whisper. I'm completely out of character feeling so miserable I'm embarrassed for myself but I can't help it.
"Ah. Ok Grey." Now it's her turn to look down in disappointment. "You really are pathetic, you know that?"
"I'm very aware. Around you that's all I seem to be. Ironic isn't it?"
She smiles softly knowing the paradox all too well. Her teasing and twinkling eyes spark in me a little hope that perhaps my father could be right and I am underestimating Ana. "You know. For such a brilliant man, you really are an absolute idiot."
I smile at that because it's true but mostly for what she may be implying. I dare to hope.
"Of this I am also aware. In fact, I think you 've mentioned it a few times and I' hoping you'll be expanding further on my said idiocy for at least a year, correct?"
"You do seem to need a lot of correction."
"Baby, if the correction is coming from you, I'll gladly take it."
Smirking she rises from the bed smacking the back of my head playfully. "I never took you for a violent person Ms. Steele. One would think it an act of endearment."
"If the smack fits Mr. Grey."
For me to be able to discern her seriousness from her playfulness brings a true smile to my face. Before she turns to leave the room though I grab her hand quickly just to make sure I'm not making any presumptions. According to my research guys tend to presume women's behaviours and if I want to keep my head from further concussion, I need to make sure I understand Ana clearly.
"Wait! I need you to say it. Please. You need to take baby steps with me Ana, I'm not good at this shit and if I'm interpreting your teasing just now to mean you're going to stay with me, that you'll still marry me, I need to hear you say it. Whatever you decide, despite how I feel, I will honour your decision. I told you I'm in love with you and although the thought of you leaving pains me, the possibility of not having you in my life hurts more. I want to be your friend and hopefully more and if I have to let you go, then so be it, but I want to know, in your words, that this is your choice. That you're choosing me."
Slowly she turns her body so she's standing in between my legs and takes hold of both my hands.
"Christian, just yesterday we made a decision, a deal between the two of us. You know I'm not the type of person who backs out on a deal made. I won't lie. If your men folk handed me that option a week ago, hell a few days ago, yah; That would've been a Christmas present come early, but things happen for a reason in their own time and in their own way. So, no Christian. I'm not leaving. Besides my reasons for staying aren't completely altruistic."
Moving her hands to cradle my face she shows me a vulnerability which confuses me. "All I've wanted since I arrived in Seattle is control over my father's company and watching you work these past few weeks, how you manage your company and the way you network with people, I feel inadequate. I have no real understanding of big business and it's intimidating me making me doubt my ability to do what you do. I want Steele Advertising to be successful again, but in this realm, I am out of my depth. I have no idea what I'm doing and I was hoping to draw on your business acumen to guide me.
My initial purpose in coming to Seattle was to get in touch with Pierce to ask him if he could walk me through the transfer, but since he's practically gone AWOL and literally avoiding my calls, messages, and emails, it doesn't take a genius to understand his intent. So, you see, I'm left with this huge ship without a rudder. I was hoping my husband and friend could guide me. Would you be willing to work with me and walk me through the steps of what I need to know?" She's practically imploring me with her eyes.
"Oh, fuck yes." I exhale in relief wrapping my arms around her middle squeezing her tight. The relief I feel at this moment is just as strong as it was a few days ago when she agreed to give me a second chance. "Together, remember?" I mumble into her stomach where my head is resting. She runs her fingers through my hair in comfort hugging me back. With one last hard squeeze, I stand up quickly and surprise her with a quick peck on the lips before I walk us out of my bedroom.
"By the way, just to let you know your grandfather asked if we could come to the house and sit with Adele. She wants to go over our wedding plans and since I've decided to stick with you and, you know, have no desire to see your mother or sister, Adele was hoping I'd be open to plan the wedding with her."
"Are you ok with that? It's up to you Ana. We can have whatever type of wedding you want I don't care. I just want to be with you."
"I think I'd be open to working with Adele. And besides, I feel bad walking out on her after brunch. It's not her fault she has devil spawn for children. I adore your grandmother and I'd like to get to know her better."
"Thank fuck at least one of the females in my family see you for the treasure you are." I place one last kiss to her lips the relief and joy I feel is unreal.
I can get used to this.
