Chapter 16

Christian is very tense on the drive back to Escala from the hospital. I know that he is upset with

Gia. My nose was not broken just fractured but, I still will have black eyes. They gave me pain

medication to have for the next couple of days for the pain. I hate that now we have to start all

over again and find a new architect. I am so excited for the house I can't wait for the build to

start. I think Christian is too. Finally Christian breaks the silence. " Ana do you want to press

charges? I think we should and maybe even sue the firm Gia is a part of. " "Christian I am ok

with pressing charges but, I don't think we need to sue the firm. I mean it's not like we need help

with medical bills or anything. That might give you bad press in the papers. I know you want to

make Gia pay for what she did but, I also hit her. "

" Ana you had a right to defend yourself. I understand your point and ok just criminal charges

with be brought. When we get home I will call the police and my father and create the

complaint. " I really don't know if I want to press charges. A part of me wants to just forget

about Gia and this whole thing. But, I know Christian will never agree to do nothing at all.

When we get home Christian goes into his study to call the police and I am sure his father. My

phone rings it's Kate. I am guessing Elliot has filled her in on the afternoon.

" Hi Kate how are you?"

" Ana, how are you? Elliot told me that there was an argument with Gia Mateo and you both got

into a fist fight. I mean girl were her plans for the house that bad? "

" Kate this was not over her plans for the house but, her plans for Christian. She was stating how

he would cheat on me. I had to do something so I hit her and she can punch back hard. "

" I guess so Elliot said you all left there to go to the hospital are you still there?" " No we are

home. My nose is not broken just fractured kinda like my ego. Christian is very upset and he is

filing a complaint with the police. I am not sure that is what I want to do. But, I know there is no

stopping him with this."

" I am sure this is hard on him I mean you have been through a lot and he just wants to protect

you. I am sure it will all work out. I hope you find a new architect soon Elliot is ready to start on

the build. "

" Yes me too. I haven't spoken to you in a bit. How are you? Still having bad morning sickness? "

" Yes, Ana is is horrible. Don't get pregnant. My mom keeps telling me this will pass and then I

will be so happy with being pregnant. I hope she is right. "

" Kate I envy you. I want to be able to go through something happy and exciting that is what the

house was but, now that has stopped."

" Ana I know but, it's only temporary. Christian will find some one new who will be better than

Gia and the project will be done in no time. I know you have been through a lot lately and you

need this house to cheer you up. It will happen. "

" Thanks Kate. I hope you are right. I have to go now. Looks like Mrs. Jones is getting our dinner

ready. Talk to you later. "

I go let Christian know that our dinner is ready. I knock on his study door but don't wait for him

to answer I just go in. He is sitting at his desk reading something on his computer he looks so

handsome. " Christian Mrs. Jones has some dinner ready. Are you going to come and sit with me?"

" Ana of course I am coming. Are you ok? " " I don't think I can eat my head hurts and I just

am not hungry right now. I think it's the stress of the day. I really want to lay down. "

He gets up from his seat and walks over to me. He wraps his arms around me and just holds me.

" Ana why don't you go lay down in bed. I will bring in a cup of tea for you and my dinner and I

will sit with you while you rest. "

" Really, I thought you would be upset that I was not eating. " " I understand this time. I just

want you feeling better. I hate that some one else was able to hurt you and I was right there when

it happened. " I place my hand on his cheek. " It's not your fault. I was the one who started the

fight with her. Did you get a hold of your dad or the police?"

" Yes, my dad will probably be over in about an hour and he is bringing a detective with him to

take our statements. So you rest up and then we will talk to them when they get here. "

Christian lifts me up and carries me to our room. He helps me into a pair of shorts and one of his

t shirts and places me in bed. " I will be right back with your tea. "

I hear him talking to Mrs. Jones and then soon he re enters the room with a cup of tea and his

dinner. He places my tea on my side table and then sits down and begins to eat his dinner. I take

a sip of the tea and then lie down on my side looking over at him. I don't remember him

finishing his dinner. I fall asleep very quickly. It doesn't seem like I am asleep very long before I

feel Christian kissing me tenderly. " Hey Ana, the detective is here. He would like to just get a

quick statement from you then you can go back to sleep. "

" I just don't want to get up could he come in here and take it so I can stay here"?

" I will go get him and my dad. "

When I see Christian's dad come in the room I smile and he comes over and gives me a huge

hug. " Oh Ana how are you feeling? It looks like your nose is in a lot of pain. "

" I am feeling ok right now but, I did just take a pain pill. I am feeling a little tired. "

" This will not take long m'am a police officer states as she takes her paper and pen from her

pocket. She asks me to tell her of the events of the day. I explain to her what happened and she

is taking a lot of notes so is Christian's father. She then takes out her camera and takes some

pictures. Christian gives her a copy of the report from the hospital and one to his father.

When they are done I lay back down and Christian leaves the room with them. I lay down

looking at the ceiling. I am not so sure if I want to press charges. I just want to forget about her

and this crazy day. It doesn't take me that long to fall back to sleep.

I wake with a jolt. Christian is not with me and the room is bright too bright to be early morning.

I look over at the clock it's 9:30 am. I over slept.I am supposing to be working. I get up and go to

see if Christian is working here this morning. I knock on his office and go in. He is on his phone.

He puts his finger up as to say one minute. I sit down on the chair and wait for him.

" Good morning Ana how are you feeling today?"

" Ok, but how come you didn't wake me up? I am late for work." " Ana I called Jerry and told

him what had happened he said for you to take the week off and next week while we are gone."

I am not really sure how I feel about Christian and my Boss talking about what I should be

doing. I mean if they get a temporary person in my spot what will happen if Jerry likes him or

her better than me. Will I loose my job? " Ok Christian do I need to call Jerry or anything?"

"He said you could rest today maybe call him tomorrow to let him know how you are."

I look at him and just shake my head yes. I know he is trying to make sure I am ok. I just wish he

would talk to me about me before he makes plans for me. " I will let you get back to work I am

going to have breakfast and take a shower I guess." I think Christian can hear that my voice is a

little off. He gets up from his chair and walks over to where I am sitting and kneels down by me

and takes my hand. " Ana, I am so sorry I didn't talk to you first. It's just well, you have been

through so much in the past few months. I want to make sure you get a change to process things

and maybe see a counselor about all that has happened. I know you have talked to Flynn but,

baby I think you might want to see some one more regular for while. PTSD is something that is

serious and I just want you to be to talk to some one. I know you won't tell me everything. I wish

you would. "

" Christian I will talk to you. It's just still so hard for me right now. I start thinking about that

time and I want to tell you but when I start to speak. It's like panic sets in and I don't want to talk

about it because I don't want to remember it. I will make some more appointments with Flynn.

Your rightI do need to talk to some one who can help. I just thought I was so much stronger than

this. At first I didnt' know how to take you already calling Jerry and deciding my work for me.

But, I know it was out of love and I know your right I need to get feeling better. When are we

going to look for a new architect?" He wraps his arms around me and pulls me close. I am so

glad I get to go with him next week. I know deep down I would panic here with out him.

" I have a couple I was going to call today. We could look at there websites today and lunch and

decide which one to call. "

I smile at him. " Ok but, I have one request. Can it be a man this time?" He starts to laugh and

grabs me and gives me the most sweetest and loving kiss. " Yes, it can be a man. I will come out

and lunch and we can look together. " He stands up and I get up and give him one more hug

before I leave the room. I really wish I could just go and read at the park or just take a stroll. But,

I can't alone and I really don't feel comfortable with someone other than Christian and Sawyer.

Brett took me to the baby store but he was cold and not much for fun banter. Maybe one day I

will see if Taylor wants to go. I think that might be ok. As I am standing in the great room

looking out at the city. Mrs. Jones enters the room. " Mrs. Grey good morning would you like

any breakfast? "

" Could I maybe just have a cup of tea.?'

" Yes ma'am I did make blue berry muffins if you would like?" I do love when she makes them.

I have to say yes to that. " Yes please that would be great. "

I head out to the breakfast area and Mrs. Jones hands me some tea and muffin. I take a sip of the

tea and tear a small piece off the muffin. A memory comes back into mind. One I hadn't thought

about in a long time. Christian and I first date if you could call it that. He was slowly removing a

wrapper from a muffin as we were talking. I was very into him but at that point he had me very

confused about how he felt about me. He told me that I should stay away from him. But, as he

says I never do what I am told. I smile thinking of all our time together and our wedding day.

I am in the shower when I hear the door behind me open. I fell Christians hands moving down

from my shoulders and wrapping around my breasts. I put my head back on his shoulder and

smile at him. He turns me around and we kiss. It's a sweet kiss but, I can feel some of his stress

in it. I know he is still upset about what happened with Gia. I want to make him forget that. So I

trail my hand down and take his cock and slowly begin to move it up and down. Before I know it

Christian has grabbed me and is holding me up between him and the shower wall. I wrap my legs

around him and the takes me at a very fast pace. He needs it this way tonight we will make love.

I am sitting in the library about to begin a Jane Austin Novel from my British Library on my

ipad. I look up and Christian comes in the door. I smile at him. " Ana Mrs. Jones is making

lunch come to my office where we can look at some of the choices for our house."

Christian shows me two that he thought would be great for the job. They both have an impressive portfolio. I really can't decide which I would prefer. Christian usually has an opinion on these types of matters. " Which one do you think we should work with. I like both their work and I am having a hard time picking. "

" You are right they both are good but, Maxwell Carter seems to have more experience with gutting and remodeling homes. I think we should go with him. "

I look at Mr. Carter's profile picture and notice he is an older man balding maybe a little round. The other choice is a younger man. I being to laugh.

" Christian are picking him because he is more qualified or because he is not as good looking as

the other choice?" He looks a me shocked by my questions. " I am picking him based on his experience but, it does help some that he is definitely not your type."

" Oh really I didn't know I have a type. "

" Yes you do of course me but I notice you also tend to have an eye for darker hair gentleman with blue eyes. "

" No Christian I only have eyes for you. The other are more like friends or brothers. I can't help that Sawyer and I formed a very good working bond. "

" No I know and I am glad that you did. I was thinking next week when we go to China of course

Taylor will be coming. But, I wanted to set you up with security. Do you remember a bit ago

when we had Ryan and Reynolds working with us ? I was wondering if you would like them to

come along and be with you during the days?" I think for a minute and look at Christian.

" Yes I remember them they were nice and seemed to be very professional. Yes, let's have them

come with us to be my security. " Christian smiles and says, " Well we have had a very productive

lunch meeting. We have found our new architect and our security for you. I will let Taylor know

to get a hold of them and after we eat I will call Mr. Carter. " There is a knock on the door.

Christians says come in. Mrs. Jones enters and tells us that our lunch is ready for us. " Perfect

time. Ana shall we go eat? " Yes, I am very hungry and so glad we have made a decision about

the house. Do you think he will take the job? " I don't know but after lunch I promise to find out.

I take Christian's hand and we toward the kitchen to eat our lunch.

Christian goes into the office for the rest of the week. I catch up on my reading and find some

books from our library to pack and take with us to China. I am happy that Ryan and Reynolds

will be coming with us on the trip. Christian called me at his lunch and told me he met with the

new architect this morning. He is all set to start the job. While we are gone Elliot will work with

him on the house. Once his plans are done he will email them to us so we can approve them or

make any changes. Thursday night I was finally able to convince Christian to drop the charges

against Gia and let her just fade into a memory.

Christian said his dad will be coming over tonight with some information on how the case

against Jose is going. I also have to sign a form giving him power of attorney if there is anything

that has to be signed while we are gone. We can meet on line if needed. It will only be a week so

I am sure there will be nothing new there yet.

After dinner around 7:00pm on Friday night Carrick comes over to talk with us about the case

and some new developments.

" Dad how are you? "

" I am well Christian I am glad I could speak with you both before you had left. Ana here why

don't we start with this just sign this giving me power of attorney just for the dates you are gone

to sign off on anything regarding the case. "

He hands me the paper and I read over it and sign. Christian signs as a witness. " Dad would you

like anything to drink?"

" Yes a glass of white wine would be nice."

Ana would like a glass as well? "

" Yes please that would be great. "

When gets back to the table with out drinks. Carrick removes some files out of his bag. " The

DA is working on a plea with if can get them to plead guilty to the chargers of lesser charges.

That would still give them jail time it will just spare the cost and time of the trial. Ana you won't

have to go up on the stand and rehash all that happened to you. The DA told me that the sister the

one who owned the home has agreed to testify all that she knows against them if she can get

probation. I think that is a reasonable request and offer because she seems unaware of what they

were planing to do and what they were really going to use her house for. As far as the terms for

Joes and his helper I am not sure of them yet. Any thoughts, concerns or questions?"

" Dad do you have any ideas what the charges they are thinking of having them plead guilty too?"

" I believe kidnapping is one they will need to plead guilty too and false imprisonment. Since

they held her against her will. I think the arson and the attempted murder charges against you,

Ana and Elliot maybe dropped. I would say the arson should stay but the charges that pertain to

you and Elliot should be dropped. I really don't think anything that is just pertaining to Ana

should be dropped. I want them to serve time for them. "

Christian looks over at me and grabs my hand. " Ana what do you think? Are you comfortable

with a plea?" I can't speak at first so I just shake my head yes. " I think I would be. I don't want

to have to face them in court. Talking to Dr. Flynn about the event is hard enough. I don't want to

face them. It just scares me. "

Christian squeezes my hand and smiles. " Baby I think than we should have my dad tell the DA

to try a deal first. I don't want you to have to face them if it is going to cause you anymore pain

and fear."

" Dad let them know that they can approach with a deal. I think it will help Ana heal faster and

not go backwards in healing the way court trials can cause some victims to do. "

" I think that is a good choice for both of you. Ana I know you would do fine up there on the

stand if you had too. But, I understand not wanting to face them and have to go through all the

events. I will call the DA on Monday and then let you know what I hear when I hear. I hope you

all have a safe trip and be careful. Let us know when you are back in town. I better go before

your mother puts out a missing person's report on me. "

We walk Carrick to the elevator and wish him a good evening. Christian turns to me and asks,

" Ana what do you want to do for the rest of the evening? I thought tomorrow we might go

sailing just to get outside a bit. "

" That sounds like a great idea. I would love to do that. As far as the rest of the night how about a

game of pool before bed?' Christian smiles at me like a fox that is trying to lure the hen into his

den. " I like that idea what should be the wager? Perhaps the winner gets to pick what happens

tonight before we sleep."

" That sounds like a great plan Mr. Grey." I grab his hand and lead him into the library. Let the

games begin.