Hey before we start, I just want to say both Ray and 'Mone are good guys and father figures in Ana's life. More will become clear the further we get.
I was really worried no one would see my hints, but I'm glad a few of you have picked up on them. This is all new to me, the last story I wrote, I literally made it up as I went along. Apart from the wedding, I had no idea where the story was going. But, this time I know where everyone is going to end up! If at any point anyone gets lost or confused, don't hesitate to reach out; I love interacting with you guys.
I had hoped to have this written much sooner, but life got in the way. Let's just say an unexpected ER trip (all is good now) and a tough time with my mental health don't aide one when one is trying to write.
Christian's POV
I'm not sure what struck me most about the two men I met today. The sheer force with which they seem to care for Ana or the fact that they are so far past any stereotype it's almost laughable. I'd like to think of myself as a pretty open-minded person, but never in a million years would I have pegged either Ray or Angelo as gay. Angelo despite the fact that he radiates such compassion, still seems to emit a very prominent "don't fuck with me" vibe. Ray, on the other hand, just radiates power and dominance that would make most people cower with nothing more than a look.
Ray's body alone would make most people think twice about approaching him. From his tattoo covered arms and neck, down to his sheer size, not only his height but his build. Angelo, while smaller than his husband, is still bigger than most. But, I have no doubt would be just as imposing as his husband given the right situation. But, it's the way they interact with Ana that shows they are both more than what they first appear; the love and compassion they seem to share between each other and with Ana is nothing like anyone would assume right off the bat. At points, Ana almost seemed scared of them but the way Ana's body tensed when she realised was more of disappointment than of fear. The look in both men's eye when she did shows how much they care for her which leads me to believe there's a lot more the story than first appears.
Even from our brief interactions I could tell they both seem to protect Ana at every turn; which is why it surprises me that they'd allow her to be followed. Ray, with his stature and hair, screams military. Even without the Semper Fi tattoo, seems like a man who would be able to spot a tail from a mile away. I'd noticed the two men following Ana as soon as we'd left the park. Due to the fact that neither man seemed to get any closer, as we walked, had me holding off bringing it up to Ana until, we knew what was happening with her arm. Growing up with a father who was in the military and now runs his own security firm, meant that I'd been subjected to lessons like how to spot a tail and how to protect myself from a young age. I'd never figured I'd have to put those lessons to use outside of work. Knowing I had to tell Ana at some point, I waited until we had a few moments to bring it up with her. Because, if my interactions with Ray were anything to by, someone he cares about as Ana would have been given the same lessons I have.
When we reach a street with a semi secluded alleyway, I pull Ana carefully and pull her into the alley. As I pin Ana against the wall, I try to be as gentle as possible, so I don't inadvertently scare or hurt her. Though I'm not sure quite what Ana has been through, it's clear it's something that still touches her everyday life and that of those around her. I lean forward slowly enough to gage her reactions because the last thing I want to do is frighten her.
"Do you know you're being followed?"
I feel her suck in a breath as I pull back and she freezes in front of me. It only lasts a few moments before she seemingly shakes herself out of it and looks down at the floor before answering me.
"Yes. They're a protection detail."
When she doesn't offer anything further, I pause weighing up whether or not I should push her further or just leave it. Just as I'm about to say something she opens her mouth and start to explain.
"When I was sixteen, Ray saved my life. I was…" She looks like she is about to say more but then almost like she catches herself she closes her mouth before opening and starting over. "I spent some time in the hospital and when I came out, someone from my… past came looking for me. They weren't exactly friendly, so Ray and a… friend of his decided for my safety that I should be accompanied at all times. At first, they were more obvious but as time went on, it become more of a background thing."
"That has to have been years ago, why are you still being followed?" I can sense there is a lot more to the story, but I don't push too hard because it is obvious that if she wanted me to know, she would have told me. I know I don't really have a right to ask, but there's just something about her that draws me in, and I have to know because I want to know her. But, something tells me that there are very few that know the true Anastasia Steele.
Ana bites her lip and looks at the ground like she's mulling over how or what to tell me. Then, when she finally figures it out, she looks up making eye contact before explaining.
"Ray has… friends who live… dangerous lives because of the fact I'm in his life, I could be a target, so they still follow me. It really doesn't bother me anymore. I don't notice them much and it's nice to feel like someone cares." At every pause, it's like I can hear the wheels turning in her head trying figure out the best way to phrase something. But it's the almost unintelligible sadness in her voice when she talks about someone caring that tells me she's not lying to me. I want to ask more. Who hurt her? Who Ray's "friends" are? How I can help? But, I'm a virtual stranger, I have no right to ask anything of her.
"Ana?" A voice says causing us both to startle slightly as we are both so wrapped up in our own thoughts to notice the man standing at the entrance of the alleyway.
"Sawyer." Ana answers, pushing me away as she pulls herself together and turns to face the man. "I… I…" She starts, but when nothing comes out, Sawyer takes over.
"Everything ok?" He asks, looking me up and down assessing me as a threat, probably trying to figure out a way to take me down if necessary.
"Yeah. Erm… Sawyer, this is Christian Grey. Christian, this is Luke Sawyer." Taking Ana's lead, Sawyer's body relaxes somewhat as he extends his hand.
Ana's POV
I watch in stunned silence as Christian and Sawyer exchange pleasantries. I never thought Sawyer or Jose would be people I'd have to introduce to anyone because everyone in my life either already knows them or doesn't notice them. But somehow, despite the fact that Sawyer and Jose are some of the best in the business, Christian managed to spot them. Although I'm not all together sure how, I get that there must be much more than meets the eye when it comes to Christian Grey. Then again, who am I to judge? I'm definitely more than meets the eye. I'm so wrapped up in my own head that it takes me a few moments to realise that they have both stopped talking and are staring at me.
"Shall we get you home?" Christian asks before I have to say something stupid.
"Sure."
We all start off down the alleyway back out of the main street but before we've even made it ten paces, Christian's hand is back in mine. I know I shouldn't be holding the hand of man I just really met. A man I know nothing about. A man who isn't my boyfriend, but his touch is so comforting that I find myself reluctant to let him go.
On the walk home, I'm pretty silent as Christian and Sawyer talk. I'm not sure if either of them notices that I'm just listening, but neither bring it up. I'm thankful because I've done enough talking for right now. Before long, we arrive at my building and Sawyer says his goodbyes before darting through the front entry as someone else comes out. I see Christian look my building up and down. I'm sure he is wondering how someone my age can afford this place; even taking into account the tips I make from my job. I think he thinks that it doesn't quite add up, but I am thankful he doesn't ask.
"So… seeing as I lost the bet, I believe I have to teach you how to live." He flashes me a cocky smirk daring me to say "no".
"I believe so." I say, not bothering to fight him because I have no doubt he could talk a girl into almost anything. Surprise colors his features when I give him the "yes". I assume he thought he would have to work for it.
"Ok, then. My friends and I are going out tonight to ta bar. Why don't you come with us?"
"You and what a bunch of guys? I think I'll pass on that one."
"Uh, rude. I'll have you know there are girls in my group." He says it like he's scolding me. But I can see the humor in his eyes, which put me at ease.
"Oh, sorry." I say with a giggle. "Won't they mind me tagging along? After all, I'm a stranger to them."
"You kidding me? No, not at all. Kate always says she needs more estrogen to balance out the group. Trust me, they will all welcome you with open arms." He says with such conviction that I can't help but believe him.
"If you're sure. Where do you want me to meet you and when?"
"I'll pick you up here, 8 work for you?"
"Sounds good. See you then."
"See you." He says, giving my hand a quick squeeze before letting go and turning to walk up the street. I go to grab my keys from my hidden pocket in my running leggings only to realise that I can't reach it with my arm in the sling because the zip is now on the wrong side.
"Uh, wait." I call after him.
"You ok?" He spins around so fast that I worry he might get sick. Concern etched on his features.
"Erm, can you get my keys and phone out of my pocket? I can't reach them." I say, lifting the sling to make it clear why.
"Sure." He says with chuckle; I spin around so he can reach my pocket.
He pulls the base of my hoodie up to find it. He pulls it up slightly higher to free the pocket. In the process, he exposes part of my back. I don't think much of the warm summer breeze on my back until I hear his breath catch. Then it hits me as to why. Fuck! I go to take a step forward to cover my back again, but his other hand is on my hip in a flash, halting me instantly. I close my eyes as his thumb reaches down a glide softly along the silver scar diagonally running across my lower back. His touch burns because it's been so long since anyone but me has touched my scars. Even when 'Mone checked my wrist, he was careful to limit his contact to them. I twist my head to look at him, I expect him to be looking down at his thumb, but instead, he is looking me directly into my eyes. He looks down at his thumb for a few seconds and he opens his mouth to say something before looking into my eyes, again. There must be something in my eyes that makes him stop. In this moment I've never been more thankful to make eye contact with a person.
After staring at each other in silence for a while with his thumb still softly rubbing my scar, he seemingly breaks himself free and goes back to the task at hand. Retrieving my keys and phone, he releases my hip, when he's done, he rubs my scar one final time and drops my hoodie back into place. I turn back to face him, and he places my phone and keys into my now outstretched hand.
"Thank you." I whisper before lowering my gaze to the floor. He places a finger under my chin tipping my face back up to his and places a kiss on my forehead before spinning and running off into the busy street. Leaving me frozen in place, wondering once again what the fuck just happened.
I'm hoping it won't be such a long wait between this and the next chapter, but real life seems to have a way of kicking my ass right now. So, who knows? In theory the next few weeks should quiet down for me and I'm getting a new work schedule which should hopefully give me more time to write without distraction.
Anyway, as always thanks for reading. Please leave a review if you can.
FearfullyBrave.