Chapter 20
Masquerade
Sorry for the delays in update's work has been a pain and so was writing this chapter. Hindsight would have been easier to do this chapter from Anastasia's pov but that would mess with the flow of this story. Huge thanks to my beta Svart Jasmin for her feedback and patience. Thank you all for reading and please leave a review I can assure you that I read them all. They are incredibly motivating for me so thank you all of you who left/leave one.
Christian
Ever since Elena took me under her wing, I have been sure of myself and the direction my life needed to take. I never questioned her, us, or myself. Until Anastasia came into my life. I stare at her perfect profile that is sporadically illuminated by the streetlights we pass by. It kind of reminds me of the first time I saw her dancing so fearlessly in that club in Portland. I am still not quite sure what it was that attracted me so much the first time I saw her. Was it the way her body moved enticingly to the beat of the music? Was it her sheer stunning beauty that captivated me? Her charm, intelect and quick-witted banter? Her ocean blue eyes? I wanted nothing more than to drown in their depths. Or maybe it was a combination of it all. All I know is that she called to me on some deep, primal, fundamental level, and I wanted her more than I ever wanted anything. This feeling has only been intensified and I know that I don't want to and cannot let her go.
Elena told me to break her and rebuild her, but I just could not do it. I want to see her smile, laugh at my jokes, I want to banter with her or talk about life and the universe with her. I recently realized that if I break her I will never have that. No, I need another way to bind her to me. She needs to fall in love with me the same way I am enchanted by her. But how I get her to love me? I inwardly scoff. Elena always says that love is for fools. Do I love Ana? Am I a fool? Or is this nothing more than an infatuation. The thought alone is scaring the hell out of me. No, I cannot love anyone. Elena said that I was one of those rare people incapable of loving and she has always been right about everything. I just need her like the crack whore needed her crack. I am a junky addicted to her very essence needing her every minute of every day. She has become the center of my universe. I scoff inwardly; Master of the universe my ass! She is my drug that I cannot live without. I guess I am no different than the crack whore was.
My phone buzzes and Elena's name appears on the screen. I ignore it; I am no mood for her overbearing attitude right now.
Lately, she has been relentless, hounding me with questions and unsolicited advice. I don't want Elena to intervene with the relationship I am trying to build with Anastasia, and I have asked her not to attend this charity event. She was not amused, to say the least. She wants me to bring Anastasia to her playroom so she can help me train her. I told her a million times that I don't share or have any exhibitionist tendencies. She knows this very well and her pushiness is starting to annoy me. But Elena is my only friend so I let it slide. She has done so much for me; without her, I would have been dead or in jail. Anastasia calling her a pedophile really angered me. I might have been reluctant in the beginning but in the end, it all worked out for the best. Has it Grey? A small irritating voice that has been whining in my head ever since Anastasia started her nonsense about Elena rings in my head, but I quickly suppress it. I don't need this bullshit, especially not now.
The car rolls through the gates of my parents' Bellevue estate. Like expected, my mother has outdone herself. Chinese lanterns illuminate the driveway; two large swans carved out of ice graciously flank the path that is leading to the back of the manor house. Taylor stops in front of the house and a valet opens our car door. I give Anastasia a little smile.
"Put on your mask. It's show time." I slide my own mask on my face, feeling strangely liberated. I guess it is because I have been masquerading for so long that putting on a mask has the opposite effect. I take her hand and guide her out of the car. She looks breathtakingly beautiful; the silver mask makes her sapphire eyes pop out drawing everyone in. I almost cannot believe that she is really here, with me.
A beautiful inwrought flower filled pergola adorns the red carpet path leading to the back of my parents' mansion.
"Mr. Grey a picture please." The photographer of the Seattle times asks. Anastasia's eyes widen under her mask in dismay. It is irritating. Is being associated with me such a horrible thing?
"Relax nobody will recognize you." I snap.
"They will, they have seen me with you before! Even if I am wearing a mask they will put two and two together they aren't stupid." She hisses.
"Trust me they are. I will make sure they won't mention your name anywhere. Besides, the photos from the hotel are blurry. Now act like a proper date and let the man take a picture." She opens her mouth to protest again but I silence her with a harsh glare. I pull her close to me and nod at the photographer who is patiently waiting for my reply. He quickly snaps a picture.
"Thank you, Mr. Grey. Miss?" He asks Anastasia.
"The name of my date is not relevant," I say dismissively and stir Anastasia to the back of the house where several large party tents are set up. Fire jugglers and breathers give a spectacular show for the arriving guests and the backyard has been transformed into a winter wonderland. Terrace heaters are placed everywhere giving off a pleasant warmth. Fake snow and dozens of snowmen, reindeer, sleds and Santa's litter the premises. A large Christmas tree filled with hundreds of little lights stands in the middle of it all. I glance at Anastasia her face is a mixture of surprise and awe and I feel oddly proud that she is somewhat impressed by all this.
"Christian dear, you are here and you really brought Anastasia with you." My mother greets me, smiling from ear to ear with my father in tow.
"Mother." I bend forward and kiss her cheek.
"I am so glad you two are here. It makes me so happy knowing that Christian finally found someone. Anastasia dear how have you been?" she says turning her attention to Anastasia who is standing next to me looking pale and in shock. I gently pinch her arm reminding her of her obligation to me.
"Mrs. Grey how lovely to see you again." She finally says politely.
"Oh, dear I told you to call me Grace. Carrick dear come and meet the girl who stole Christian's, heart."
Grace is the epitome of love and kindness but she lives in a romantic fantasy world. She would never understand the black void that sits at the place where my heart used to be. Anastasia did not steal my heart she got sucked into the black void instead.
My father ever the gentleman kisses her hand and gives her a beaming smile. I detest him kissing her I know it is not rational but I hate other men touching her. She is mine alone.
"Lovely to meet you, Anastasia. I have heard a lot about you."
"Uhm, thank you, Mr. Grey." Surprise evident in Anastasia's voice.
"Call me Carrick." He winks at her and turns his attention to me giving me a firm handshake.
"How are you son? If you have a minute later I want to discuss some business."
"Carry! No business talk today." Mom scolds him in her usual manner.
"Sorry dear." He says contritely but his tone of voice is light. He turns his attention to me and mouths office after dinner. I give him a stiff nod in confirmation.
I truly admire my father. He is a real Renaissance man, a true polymath. I don't think that there isn't a thing he has not have any knowledge about. He is also a real outdoorsman. He used to take me an Elliot for hour-long hikes and fishing trips when we were younger. He expected that all three of us got an Ivy League education. When I dropped out of Harvard, he was furious. There was a time when I just started GEH that we hardly spoke to each other. But mom and Mia forced us to dug it out and in the end, it was clear that he always had my back. I always consult him when I have a complex deal on my hands and his advice has been sound.
"You are forgiven just this once dear." My mother jests. "Christian and Ana, you two will be sitting at our table. Did you know that your brother's new girlfriend is the daughter of Eamon and Dana Kavanagh? I was so surprised that he finally found a girlfriend with a working brain."
Anastasia pales next to me and I roll my eyes at her skittish behavior. I should spank her for this ridiculousness.
"Yes, mother, he mentioned that to me. I was just as surprised as you are."
"Well, it is a delightful change in his usual MO. He seems head over heels with her. Anyway, he is sitting at the Kavanaghs table so Lance and Jeanine could sit at ours. Lance is dying to talk to you. Carol will escort you to our table."
I don't know much about the Kavanagh girl other than that she is Anastasia's best friend. I don't want Anastasia to talk to her about us. I shudder at the thought of her telling that woman about our unusual relationship. That is exactly the reason why I made her two male friends disappear out of the country. It was easy to arrange a life-altering event for both of them. The photographer got some great assignments in the wilderness of Africa and I arranged a top position for the chef at Gustav Flaubert's restaurant in Paris. I let Barney block their numbers on her phone just to be sure they won't mess with her head. Getting her to fall for me is hard enough as it is without their possible interference. If Kavanagh becomes a threat to my relationship with Anastasia, she needs to go as well regardless of her relationship with my brother. Anastasia is mine alone and I am not planning to share her even for a moment with anyone else.
"Thank you, mother. But I think we can manage without an escort. Been coming to these events for years now." I wink at her and take Anastasia arm leading her to the table overlooking Meydenbauer bay.
"Christian!" My grandmother greets me enthusiastically.
"You finally found yourself a woman. So proud of you son." My grandfather teases.
"Grandpa, grandma. I would like you to meet my date, Anastasia Steele. Anastasia these are my grandparents Theodore and Elisabeth Trevelyan." I introduce Anastasia to my grandparents.
"So lovely to meet you, Anastasia. It makes me so happy to see someone finally managed to steal my grandson's, heart." My grandmother gushes.
"Nice to meet you too Mr. and Mrs. Trevelyan." She replies a little shyly.
"Anastasia please call us Theo and Lizz. We might be old but we still feel like we are in our twenties." My grandfather jests.
They are all sweet and charm for Anastasia. My grandfather was a real shark in his lawyer days. I guess Anastasia brings out the best in people and I could not feel more proud of her. This only reaffirms what I always knew, Anastasia was made for me.
Anastasia smiles politely at them both.
"Call me Ana. Only my mother calls me Anastasia when she is mad at me." Anastasia replies sweetly and I have to resist the urge to scold her. Ana is such a plain name for such a marvelous jewel like her. Anastasia is much more fitting for the princess she is.
"You are such a sweet thing." My grandmother turns and faces me. "I like her better than your brother's new girlfriend. She seems nice but distant."
"Well, grandmother, we both know that Elliot has no taste in anything." I joke and she slaps my wrist in reprimand while my grandfather bursts out in laughing.
"Christian!" she mocks scolds and then smiles at me. I pull out a chair for Anastasia like I always do and she graciously slides on. I sit down next to her and glance at her briefly. She is biting that lovely juicy lip of her and fidgets with her hands. Tell, tell signs that she is nervous about something. It irks me; everyone has been nothing but lovely to her.
"What's the matter? You are nervous! Why?" I whisper in her ear.
She turns around and blinks at me briefly.
"Kate is here with your brother. What if she sees me and starts hounding me for answers? I feel out of my depth and I have no idea how to respond if she does."
I glare at her feeling deeply frustrated.
"If you want to keep this girl in your life you better make sure she won't interfere in our agreement. Tell her that we are dating or make something else up. I don't care either way but stop acting like it is the end of the world when people see you with me. It bothers me that you keep doing this." I snap immediately somewhat regretting my outburst. This is not the way to make her fall in love with you dip shit. I berate myself.
She stares at me, blue eyes fiery and fierce. Fuck, it is an arousing sight to see.
"Kate has been my friend forever you are only temporary." She bites back and it cuts right through my soul.
"For these upcoming six months your ass is mine. If you cannot deal with her I will deal with her for you." I seethe. And she cringes. Good.
"You have no right to disturb my life any more than you have. I won't let you destroy my friendship with Kate." She hisses, her eyes are like frozen blue orbs.
"I have no intention of coming between you and the Kavanagh girl unless you leave me no choice. I have every right to ensure you keep your end of our deal."
"Don't worry I will keep my end of your precious deal. You don't have to keep reminding me of it."
"Good. I am glad we are on the same page. Look, Anastasia, I don't care what you tell Kate. Just stop her from interfering with our... Relationship and I won't say a word more about it. Can we just enjoy this night without fighting about everything?"
"I did not realize we were fighting. I thought I was communicating with you." She says slightly perturbed.
"Well, you are obviously upset, Anastasia." I snap. Increasingly annoyed with her recalcitrant attitude.
She sighs opens her mouth before closing it again.
"I will talk to Kate ok?" She finally says.
I nod at her.
"Good." I pick up the menu card in front of me, glad this conversation is over. I skim over the menu and Anastasia does the same.
Menu Masquerade
For the 25th Copping Together charity ball
1st course
Raw oysters
On the half shell with cucumber mignonette
Domaine de la Pépière 'Gras Moutons' Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine 2014
2nd course
Smoked salmon
Cold Smoked/Potato pancake/Caviar/Crème fresh
Vila Maria Taylor Pass Chardonnay
3rd course
Pepper garlic pasta
Crab/Shrimp/Saffron marinara sauce
Rose White Night 2007
4th course
Smoked prime rib
Potato Gratin/Broccoli/Creamy horseradish
Zinfandel Laughlin Vinyard 2002
5th course
Creamy Sunchoke Purée,
Thyme Roasted Bing Cherries/ Foie Gras
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2006
6th course
Sugared Crusted Walnut Chiffon
candied figs/ Sabayon/ Maple Ice Cream
Vin de Constance 2004 Klein
7th course
Selection of Local Cheeses and Breads
Alban Estate Grenache 2006
Coffee and Petits Fours
Mother has gone all out with the menu. I wonder if Anastasia likes all the dishes my mother picked out for tonight. I look at her; she has a cute little V-shaped frown on her forehead that I just want to kiss. The thought is unnerving I have never been the one for tender kissing. I quickly suppress the thought; it is nothing more than infatuation Grey. I chide myself.
"Is there anything that you don't like?" I ask her. She looks up at me, the cute frown still etched on her elfin face.
"I just never had oysters before." She murmurs a bit embarrassed making me smile. She is just such a novice with many things.
"They taste lovely. Just tip the scale back and let the oyster slide down your throat."
She makes a face making me chuckle.
"I don't chew it? At all?" She says scrunching her cute little nose.
"Nope, just swallow. I promise you they taste very nice."
"Right, OK." She replies skeptically.
I smile at her and gently squeeze her thigh in reassurance and I am rewarded with a little smile that is making my heart flutter. It is an alien, funny feeling.
"Trust me ok?" It is a plea that goes beyond the food that is being served.
"I'll try." She replies earnestly and I am totally stunned. Has she understood the true meaning of behind my plea? Is she really willing to try? My mind is a jumbled mess trying to make sense of this all. I hardly hear the shrill voice that is calling out my name.
"Yoohoo Christian. How have you been?" I hear my mother's friend Jeannie calling me. She is by all accounts a lovely woman it is just a pity that her voice is so horrible. I turn around and see her and her husband Lance scurrying to our table.
"Jeannie, how lovely to see you again." I give her my patented smile and a kiss on the cheek before shaking Lance's hand.
"Oh, it is true! You have a date." She beams and I suppress the urge to roll my eyes at her.
"Lance, Jeannie I would like you to meet my date, Anastasia. Anastasia these two lovely people are Lance and Jeannie Somerset, close friends of my parents."
Anastasia gives them a sweet smile instantly charming them. Just like my grandparents, Jeannie and Lance are over her like a rash. A strange feeling akin to pride stirs in my chest. Once again, I thank divine providence for sending her to me. She was meant to be mine it is as certain as the sun coming up every day.
The tables around are slowly filling with people and my mother finally makes her way over to us. The screeching sound of a turned on microphone fills my eardrums. My father his appearance on stage his Fidelio mask shining in the evening lights.
"Good evening everyone and welcome to our annual Coping Together fundraising." His voice echoes through the evening air and the murmurs from the guests instantly stop.
"This year is a milestone for both myself and my family because it is the 25th fundraiser we have organized. As you all know, our family is extremely dedicated to helping families suffering from addiction. This cause is a very personal one for us. 26 years ago, we adopted our amazing son Christian, who had lost his mother to this malignant disease. We are determent to help every husband, wife, mother, father, son and daughter fighting this affliction and stop the cycle of poverty, neglect, and abuse that stems from it. We implore you to be generous this evening so we can help as many people as possible. Thank you all for your attention and enjoy this beautiful evening." My father finishes and I don't know whether the clap for him or stomp him in the face. I hate it when my parents, or anyone for that matter, bring up my past with the crack whore. The audience erupts in a deafening applause and my father introduces the master of ceremonies for tonight, some local celebrity.
I feel Anastasia's eyes burning into me. Her face is a mixture of pity and pain and I hate it. There is no use in crying over spilled milk. I don't need her damn pity.
"What is it?" I snap at her.
She blinks her eyes and her cheeks flush beet red in embarrassment.
"Nothing. I just.. I. Never knew about your mother, I am sorry." She stammers.
"I don't need or want your pity. She was a crack whore and she died freeing me from her ice-cold grasp. I am glad she is dead in the end I turned out a billionaire because of it."
Her eyes widen in shock she looks equally pained and appalled.
"Christian... How... She was your mother... She must have loved you." She finally stammers.
I cannot help but laugh at the ridiculous statement. The only thing that whore ever loved was crack and random cocks attached to scumbags. How can she be so terribly naive? She should know that the apple does not fall far from the tree, right? She is just so challenging, arguing about everything. It is frustrating but makes me feel alive at the same time. Like she has woken me from a deep, dark slumber.
"All she loved was her crack. She was a worthless human being and that is final. I am done discussing her." I hiss. I feel my mother's eyes on me. She is obviously interested in what we are talking about.
I don't want her to ask any questions. I move closer to Anastasia and turn her face to mine before placing a long hard kiss on her mouth. That should shut mom up in advance. Anastasia's eyes are wide and bewildered when I release her sweet juicy lips.
Anastasia opens and closes her mouth a couple of times looking like a fish out of the water. It is pretty cute and funny.
"You promised me not to make a scene, you know going public." She snaps at me.
"There are no paparazzi here and only a small number of guests know who you are. Hell, you are wearing a mask for crying out loud. Nobody will say anything. Don't make a drama out of nothing Anastasia."
"I am not causing drama! You are." She says indignantly making me smile.
I stroke her lips with my thumb and kiss her again slowly this time. My mother, Jeannie and grandmother are practically salivating.
"You are so challenging Anastasia. It is exhilarating. You make me feel so alive." I murmur staring at her flabbergasted face.
"Thanks, I guess. You are rather frustrating yourself." She says and gives me a small smile. It is making me feel like I am soaring.
The first course is served by very efficient waiters. My father makes his way over to our table and sits down next to my mother. He immediately starts a conversation with my girl. It is annoying. I don't like it when others take her attention away from me. I am forced to converse with Lance who is asking me a ton of questions about my company's new solar cell invention. It is tiring and dull since the most inventive aspects of the solar cells are a secret. I miss Mia. she is still in France working for that asshole cook I sent Anastasia's friend too.
I vaguely hear the MC asking us to put a bill with the highest denomination in the table envelope. I take out my wallet and pull out two, 500 hundred dollar bills and hand one to Anastasia who holds a paltry 50 dollar bill in her hand to shove in the envelope.
"Take this."
"I have money!" She replies slightly offended.
"Trust me. You want to put in a higher denomination."
"Why?"
"Because you can win a lovely gift. Do you have to question everything I ask of you?"
She sighs and takes the bill from me signing her name on it.
"Good girl."
I take the other bill and also sign my name on that one before putting it in the envelope. I give the envelope to Lance who does the same.
"Now can the table heads please take out the bill with the highest denomination?" The MC asks and my mother, our table head glows. Looking so much younger than her 58 years.
"And... The winner is... Anastasia!" She beams. A young man carrying a basket filled with various goods comes over to our table and hands it to Anastasia.
"Told you to trust me didn't I?" I tease her while she inspects the basket.
"It is lovely, thank you."
"Anastasia, thank you so much for your generosity. I don't want to sound greedy but I was hoping if you are willing to donate some of your time." My mother asks sweetly and I do not like where this is going.
"Uhm, sure Mrs. Grey. What can I help you with?" Anastasia asks politely.
"Dear, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Grace?"
"Uhm, I am sorry Grace it is," Anastasia says and my mother waves her hand dismissively and smiles at her.
"It is alright dear. I just don't like all the formality." She replies and I scoff. That is a new one my mother never ever lets acquaintances call her by her first name. Anastasia got that privilege ridiculously fast. "Anyway dear. Every year we have the first dance auction. Every single lady offers her first dance to the highest bidder. It is a fun way to raise more money for our cause." My mother continues and hot raging fury lashes through me.
There is no way I will let Anastasia sell herself off to a bunch of drooling old farts. She is mine and my alone. I am not even going to entertain the notion of any these fuckers bidding on her. The thought alone makes me feel sick to my stomach.
"I would love to help out with the auction," Anastasia answers her kindly and I see red.
"No. You will not put yourself up there on display for some random assholes to bid on you. I forbid it." I snap and Anastasia gasps.
"Christian don't be ridiculous. I know Anastasia is your first girlfriend but it's tradition. Your brother's dates went on stage all the time." Mom interjects
"Well I am not Elliot and Anastasia is not one of his easy broads. I do not wish to broadcast my relationship with Anastasia yet to avoid any nonsense with the paparazzi." It is only a partial truth. I can hardly tell my mother that other men touching my girl make me sick.
She is quiet for a moment.
"I understand that Christian. But Anastasia is wearing a mask nobody will recognize her. It is for charity." She pleads.
I sigh and pull out my checkbook from my pocket.
"They will know when I bid for her. I never bid for anyone except for Mia." I take my pen out and write a 100.000 dollars on the check. "Here, consider this my bid for Anastasia's first dance. I doubt anyone will have the means to pay this much." I hand over the check to my mother and she gasps.
"Wow, Christian this is really very generous. Are you sure?" My mom asks and I roll my eyes at her. It is not like I cannot afford it.
"Of course I am." I reply dismissively.
"Well, thank you very much. You know how much this will help those in need."
I wave my hand dismissively "Don't mention it." I grumble.
Anastasia bends towards me eyes blazing.
"I wanted to do the auction." She whispers.
"Don't start with me. Not now. You are the one that did not want to alert the general public of our relationship. Now you're fighting with me just because you like to fight."
"I did not know we were fighting. I thought I was communicating. You know, making my opinions clear."
"Your opinions are duly noted, Miss Steele, but I stay by my decision. You won"t be up for auction. Having said that you owe me your first dance."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that I just bought your first dance for tonight for a 100.000 dollars. I will be collecting it after the auction." She stares at me open mouthed seemingly unable to comprehend what I just told her.
"You did what?"
"I paid my mother a 100.000 dollars to have the very first dance of this evening with you." I say slowly this time.
She looks at me bewildered like I have grown two heads.
"You are insane." She finally says dryly making me chuckle.
Dinner goes smoothly and I buy a first edition of Pride and Prejudge for Anastasia during the auction. I intend to give it to her later. Several business acquaintances come up to our table during dinner, hoping to get the chance to do business with me. It is annoying. I rather focus my attention on Anastasia.
"Yo bro!" I hear Elliot calling me. I turn around and see him coming over to our table with the Kavanagh girl in tow. Anastasia pales and stiffens next to me.
"Shit." She whispers under her breath and I glare at her.
"You said you could handle this." I hiss under my breath.
"Yes, yes I will ok? Just a little shocked that's all."
"Whatever, deal with it or I will." I warn her.
"Elliot." I nod at him.
"I had to see for myself. Mom told me you brought a date." He says and I roll my eyes at him.
"Elliot, I would like you to meet my date, Anastasia, Anastasia this is my older brother Elliot."
"Lovely seeing you again Anastasia."
"Thank you, I guess it's been a while." She replies smiling.
I see Kavanagh's eyes widen behind her mask.
"Ana?!" she almost yells in recognition.
"Kate, hi." Ana murmurs.
"Why didn't you tell me you would be here tonight as Mr. Grey's date of all things." She sounds hurt and indignant.
"It was a last minute thing." Ana murmurs.
"We need to talk." Kate says resolutely and hooks her hands into Anastasia's leading her away from me before I can object.
Dammit!
"Have fun girls." Elliot says and smirks at me. Asshole.
"Shouldn't Kate get ready for the first dance auction? Mom said she had no issue with selling herself off to the highest bidder.I can already see that you two are a match made in heaven." I snap at him.
"Relax bro, let them do their girl talk. She has plenty of time."
"Ah, boys glad you two or here now. Let's go to my office, there is a very important matter I need to discuss with the both of you." My father interjects effectively stopping our discussion.
Right he mentioned something about business earlier I thought it only applied to GEH and not Grey construction. We dutifully follow our father to his office before my mother could interfere. She hates it when we discuss business at charity events.
My father's office is large, mahogany bookcases filled with books stand proudly against the walls. His oak desk stands on a beautifully woven Persian rug and a large Chesterfield couch stands in front of the ever blazing fireplace. An antique globe stands proudly next to the couch. The entire room smells like a mixture of expensive Cognac, Bourbon, and Cuban cigars.
I remember feeling both awed and intimidated by this room when I was a boy. I used to stare at the globe for hours fantasying of all the exotic lands at the other part of the world. It provided a welcome escape from the painful memories with the crack whore.
My father sits down at his desk opens his drawer and pull out three crystal glasses and a bottle of Remy Martin XO. He pours us all a glass and opens his cigar box offering one to each of us. He only does this when some serious shit is going on.
I take the glass and a cigar from the box I take out the guillotine and cut the head of the cigar off before lighting it up. I take a soft draw savoring the sweet tobacco taste in my mouth.
"What is this about dad?" Elliot asks whole take a sip of his Cognac.
My father puffs on his cigars a little before taking it out of his mouth to inspect the tip. He sighs and takes another draw.
"I got a tip from a friend of mine a US attorney who investigated corruption at the labor department after you reported the whole incident with Olympia shipping company. Off the record, that investigation is closed but secretly they are still at it." My father says.
"So? What has that to do with us? I reported that bullshit in the first place. They investigated and got them convicted case closed." I say a little tersely.
"Well no, turns out the corruption went much deeper than that and even more companies are involved that they previously thought. This whole thing appears to be nationwide. They are not only looking at GEH but also at Grey construction, some other construction companies, the tech giants and even Boeing. So my advice to you guys is beat them to the punch. Order a full audit of every single one of your companies and subcontractors. It will earn you goodwill, prevent damage to your respective companies and saves you the trouble of months-long government ordered audits." My dad concludes.
Great! This bullshit is just what I need right now. Ros will be pissed. It will put a strain on the finance department. We probably have to hire some more people until this nonsense is done.
"Tell your friend thanks for the heads up. It is much appreciated. I will order a full review of all my companies and subsidiaries first thing tomorrow."
"So will I thanks, dad." Elliot says while taking another draw of his cigar.
"Good. Now let's go back before your mother blows her gasket." Dad chuckles and opens the door of his office and leisurely strolls out. I follow suit but am immediately stopped by Taylor.
"Mr. Grey we have a situation." Taylor says sounding a little out of breath.
And I am instantly alert.
"What is it?"
"Mrs. Lincoln cornered miss Steele in the dining room and I don't think this is going to end well." He quickly replies.
"Son of a bitch." Damn you, Elena. I asked her to stay away from this event and Anastasia yet like always she ignores my wishes. I am furious with her right now. I sprint to the dining room hoping to curtail any damage she might do to my girl.
"You crazy bitch." I hear Anastasia say and see Elena gasping and grabbing her cheek.
"Don't you ever try to contact me again!" She yells and storms out of the room. For a moment I am transfixed by the whole scene. Hardly able to comprehend what happened.
Elena looks at me she is furious.
"Are you going to let her speak to me like that Christian? I knew I should have intervened with her training earlier. She has zero respect for her betters. You made a mess out of this Christian. A mess that I need to fix." She spits out furiously. Anger courses through me. How dare she?
"I told you to stay away from here, from her. You should have listened. Why don't you ever fucking listen!"
"Now I know why you wanted me away from her. You failed training her properly. You let your ridiculous feelings for this girl get in the way. How many times do I have to tell you love is for fools Christian? I am done seeing you lose control. Tomorrow you will hand the girl to me so I can properly train her and you won't get her back until I am done." She seethes.
Rage blood boiling red hazing rage is all I feel. Hand Anastasia over to her? Let her train her? Touch her? Take her from me? Over my dead body. NOBODY takes her away from me she is MINE and mine alone! I want to yell at Elena punch some sense into her thick skull but something stops me.
"I am not your fucking sub anymore. You don't get tell me what I can and cannot do. You will NEVER EVER take Anastasia away from me. How I train her is entirely up to me. Don't you ever assume otherwise or try to intervene again. I have asked you nicely a couple of times for the sake of our friendship. But make no mistake if you ever try to intervene again I will crush you."
Elena looks at me both shocked and aghast.
"Christian, she was disrespectful to me. I am your friend I am only trying to help." She almost pleads.
"If I ever need your help I will call you. I told you to stay away you brought this on yourself."
Elena walks over to me a grabs my biceps. Her blue eyes are wide and pleading.
"I know I promised to stay away but I just want to see how everything was progressing. I know... I am a nosy old woman but I just could not help myself. I only went over to her to introduce myself and she blew up at me. It is not right Christian. I earn some respect not only because I am your best friend but as a human being."
I sigh and step away from her. She is my friend, my only friend. Maybe Anastasia was rude to her. There was no need for her to be rude.
"Look Elena I will talk to Anastasia. But I meant it stay out of my relationship with her ok? I know you mean well but it is simply none of your business."
"But Christian.."
"Elena, this conversation is finished. I will talk to Anastasia about what happened and if she was in the wrong she will apologize. Now if you will excuse me I need to go find her."
I take another draw from my cigar and quickly set out to find Anastasia. Why does Elena never do what I ask of her? She knows how important Anastasia is to me. Why can't she honor a simple request? Was she always like this? So nosy, interfering and clingy? It is annoying and frustrating. I am not her fucking sub why does she feel the need to treat me like one. Because you still are her good little sub. A small vindictive voice resounds in my head it is unnerving and I quickly suppress it not willing to even entertain the idiotic notion.
I round the corner and spot Anastasia sitting alone at the dock near the boathouse. The moonlight softly illuminates her hair and her silver dress sparkles brightly. Her beauty is ethereal, breathtaking but there is a deep sadness that is emanating from within her. It is a notion that I can hardly handle and for the first time I have no idea what to say to her. I want nothing more than to dispel the sadness from her and make her happy but I have no clue how. So I just stare at her on my secluded spot in the dark. And for the first time since the crack whore died, I feel like a helpless, impotent little boy again.
