Chapter 18 China
I don't hear an alarm go off. But I feel Christian's lips against my cheek. " Good morning Ana
time to get up. "
" I don't open my eyes to look at him. "No come back to bed let's just sleep a little longer it's to
early to be time to get up. "
I hear him laugh at me " Ana I am going to get you a cup of tea you can drink that as you wake
up. I am going to turn the side light on now. "
I open my eyes and the light seems way to bright and I notice it is to dark outside to be morning.
I see Christian already heading out of the room he is already dressed. I look at the clock and it
says 4 am. I sit up and wait for my tea. I would get out of bed but, if he is going to bring me tea
then I am going to savor this.
In just a few minutes Christian comes back in the room. He has some tea for me and coffee for himself.
" Well Good morning Ana. Did you sleep well?" He far too cheery for this time of the morning. I take my tea and have a sip.
" I did but I still need more sleep. What time did you get up? You're already dressed. It's only 4 am. "
" I woke up around 3 before the alarm so I shut it off and let you sleep while I got showered and
dressed. You can wear something comfortable for now we will be on the plane for quite a long
time You already look beautiful so I don't think you have much to do at all. "
" I just woke up so I doubt that beautiful is the word to describe me at this time. I think you are
being biased Mr. Grey. "
" Maybe I am. But I think you always look lovely. Now finish up your tea and get ready. I am
going to gather a couple things from my study and then we will be on our way. "
He gets up from the bed and walks towards the door. He stops and looks back at me. " Don't go back to sleep."
I smile at him. " I won't I wasn't even thinking about going back to sleep. "
I quickly finish my tea and head into the bathroom to take a quick shower After I am done I go
and find a comfy pair of leggings to wear and a t shirt. I plan on sleeping on the plane. I think the
flight is around 11 hours. I grab my phone and my purse and head to the living room to find
Christian. He is sitting on the couch looking through some papers. I go and sit down next to him.
" I hope you weren't waiting long I tried to hurry so I wouldn't make us late. "
" Ana, we are not late you got ready in ample time. I will let Taylor and the others know we are
ready to head out. " He gets up from the couch and goes to get the others. I follow him but I go
towards the elevator. Soon they all arrive and they grab the bags that Christian and I left in the
hall the night before. Everyone must be tired it's a quiet ride down to the garage. I am standing
and leaning my head on Christian's shoulder. Once we are in the car I don't stay on the side of
the car to buckle up. I use the center belt and once again place my head on Christian's shoulder.
He kisses the top of my head and doesn't seem to mind. He takes my had as we travel to the
airport.
" Hey Ana wake up we are here. Time to go. "
I am so tired but I wake up and look at hime give him a tired smile and slide over as Ryan opens
my door for me. I see Ross Bailey coming from her car I think she got her just now as well.
Taylor and the others grab our bags and take them aboard the plane. Christian takes my hand and
leads up the stairs and onto the plane. We sit in one of the first row of seats. Ross comes in and
she sits opposite of Christian. " Good morning Christian, Ana. Are you both ready for this plane
ride and trip? I must say I hope the meetings go our way again Christian. I keep thinking one
time our luck may run out. " She smiles at us both.
Christian looks at her with a serious face. " I truly hope it doesn't run out on this trip I was
hoping for just a few days of meetings and then a few days of sightseeing before we have to
leave. Do you have your proposals all ready?"
" Yes, I even went over them one more time last night. We are all set. " I sit and listen to them
talking about their meetings I place my head on Christian's head and close my eyes. The flight
attendant Natalie brings me a blanket. Then Stephen announces we are ready for take off so to
buckle our seat belts. Christian takes my hand and the plane goes speeding down the runway.
Once we are in the air and can remove our seat belts. I relax again and start to go back to sleep.
" Ana why don't you go sleep in the bedroom. I can carry you if you would like. "
I look up at him and smile. It's ok baby I will walk. I will see you all in a much more decent
hour. I get up and head to back of the plane where the cabin is. I reach the door and I hear Ross
ask Christian a question. It stops me in my tracks.
" How is she Christian? "
" She still has good days and bad days. The Counselor she sees says the trauma and PSTD she
suffers may never go away. But if we can learn the triggers it will help her. She is still having
nightmares but they seem to getting less often. She has decided she doesn't want to work
anymore. It was a shock to me. I as much as I would love to have her home and just my wife.
She has always been so career driven so I am not sure she is doing it just to be with me and so
we can start a family. It has only been a short time so my mother says she thinks Ana is holding
up as good as any of us would. "
" I am so sorry she has to go through all of this. You just have to keep being there for her and
supporting her. She will come around. I know it must be hard for you to see her in so much pain.
Maybe you shouldn't doubt her reasoning for wanting to quit working. Things like this can
change people's outlooks on life and maybe just being there for you and having a family is now
more important to her than anything else. People do change. Just keep on loving her Christian
she will get stronger. How are you holding up?"
" I am doing better than I was at first. I was so angry first at her for leaving behind her security.
But, that didn't last long I soon came to realize this was not her at all. I am still very upset with
what happened to her and who did it to her. I can't understand how a friend could turn so cold
towards some one and cause them harm. I am very mad at myself because I am the one who is
suppose to protect her and keep her safe. I screwed up I wasn't there for her when she needed.
me."
When Christian says those words my eyes start to tear up. I don't blame him at all and he still is
the one person who makes me feel the safest. I know it's in his nature to want to blame himself.
I decide I don't want to hear anymore of the conversation because it is putting me on edge and
making me sad. I lay down on the bed and cover up and drift to sleep very quickly. I feel the bed
shift a little and Christian pulls me into his arms. He kisses my hair and holds me tight. I open
my eyes to look at him. " I love waking up in the arms of the most handsome man ever." I lean
up and give him a kiss.
" Hey baby, I didn't mean to wake you I just thought I would come and lay with you for awhile. I
am sorry. "
" It's alright. I am glad you're here. If your not tired I have something we could do that I think we
both find very satisfying "
" Oh really well why don't you show me what it is." I reach up and pull his face down to me so I
can kiss him. Soon our kiss becomes more intense. My hands slip down his arms and through his
pants I can feel his cock. I start undoing his pants. He slowly starts working my leggings down
my legs. He sits up and takes off his shirt and then he grabs mine and takes it off as well. Once
we are both undressed. I look at him and I know he can see the need and want in my eyes. I start
kissing his chest and I keep going down farther and father. Until my mouth finds our goal. I hear
Christian's intake of breath. I love that I can do this to him. All of a sudden he grabs me and pulls
me up lays me on my back and before I know he is inside of me and my rhythm begins matching
his. When we are just lying together face to face I can't help but smiling he is all mine.
" Ana we should probably go out and get in our seats they are probably going to be serving
dinner and we will be landing soon. " We quickly get dressed and join Ross, Taylor, Ryan and
Reynolds back in the main part of the plane. Natalie brings out dinner for all of us it's a
wonderful salad, Steak, Green vegetables. It tastes amazing. During dinner the conversations
come and go. Ross asks me " Ana are you excited to see China? Is there anything in Beijing that
you are excited to see?"
" I am excited to see it. I can't wait to see everything well as much as I can. I hope to maybe see
the Great Wall. " Ross smiles at me " Well I am sure there will be some time for sightseeing.
You could even go while Christian and are working. There is lot's to see in Beijing it's a big city. "
I can't really find the right way to respond to that. I don't know if I want to go out of the hotel
with out Christian even with my two body guards. So, I say nothing. I just nod my head at her
and take a quick drink of my water. It is not very long after dinner that Stephan announces for us
to put on our seat belts and prepare for landing. Christian takes my hand in his and and gives it a
reassuring squeeze he knows that Landings make me nervous. Once we are off the plane there
are cars lined up and ready to take us to the hotel we are staying at. There are so many cars and
trucks, and buses. I don't know how people get where they are going with all the traffic jams we
We found ourselves in. When we pull up to the hotel Bellhops are there to load up all the
luggage. I hear Taylor tell him Christian's name as who the reservation is under. We follow them
in and we don't even have to check in. We proceed into the elevator and up to the very top floor.
The suite is beautiful and it has enough bedrooms for all of us. There are two sitting areas, a
study a formal dining area. I can't get over the size of this place. It must be bigger than Escala.
Christian brings our luggage into the room we will be staying in. The Bed is huge. " Christian I
think I might lose you in that bed. " Christian looks at the bed and then me and he laughs. " It is
a big size. Ana do you want me to run you a bath or anything? Ross and I have to meeting in the
study for a bit to go over tomorrows game plan. "
" No, Christian you go and get started. I can run my bath and I will just relax in here until you all
are done. " He gives me a tender kiss grabs his bag with his computer in it and leaves the room.
I decide that a bath is a great idea I head into the bathroom and begin running the water. There
are some great scented bath oils to add to the water. They smell very good and refreshing.
Before I am about to get in the bath I hear my phone ring. I go into the bedroom to get it. I look
and see that it is Kate calling. I get into the bath and answer. " Hi Kate how are you?"
" I am good Ana. Did your flight go well?"
" The flight was fine you should see the size of this pent house suite we are staying in. It seems
outrageous for a hotel. " I can hear Kate laughing as I am telling her about the room. " Ana one d
day you will get used to having money and then those places will not impress you as much. "
" I really hope not I love being impressed by these types of places. "
" OK. Well, that is not why I called. Elliot told me that Gia was snooping around the outside of
your property. He thinks she is trying to see who the new architect is. He said that when he got
there this morning. She was waiting at the gate. She tried to convince him to get you and
Christian to give her the job back. Elliot says he loves the new plans for the house so much
more than the ones she did. "
" Wow, thanks for letting me know Kate I will let Christian know. The other day before we left to
come here. Christian said he came to his office and wanted to see him. He refused to see her. I
wonder if she was going to try and get her job back. "
" I bet you she was. Elliot said if she is around tomorrow he is going to call the police. He says
he thinks she is bad news. He is afraid she is going to try something to destroy the house. "
" I don't think she will Kate. That is part of the reason why we didn't press charges we didn't
want to make her upset and giver her a reason to retaliate."
" Ok. Ana I am glad you all are there and safe. I just wanted to let you know. I have to go but, I
will talk to you soon. "
" Alright Kate thanks for calling talk to you later. " I lay back in the bath and think about Gia
and how persistent she is. It's almost unprofessional. I am sure by the time we make it home she
will have cooled her heals and have moved on to a new project. The water is so relaxing I loose
track of time and notice my fingers are getting all pruney. I get out of the tub and wrap myself in
one of the robes they have it is so soft and fluffy. I grab my iPad out of my bag and pull up the
English reading app. I find something to read and then sit on the bed. Again I can't help but think
about how big it is. I feel myself get tired. I lay my iPad on the table by the bed and just lay for a
moment with my eyes closed. Something jolts me from my sleep. I am not sure what it was
maybe my mind was still thinking about Gia. I notice that is dark outside already. When I look
over to the other side of the bed. I notice Christian is already in bed and asleep. I lay back down
and snuggle next to him and go back to sleep immediately.
The next morning Christian wakes me up with a kiss. When I open my eyes he is all dressed in
one of his suites and looks like the hot and sexy CEO. He smells so good. " Good morning Ana.
I have to leave in a few minutes. I will call at lunch and see how you are. Are you staying in the
room today?"
" Yes, Christian I am. I feel a little jet lagged today and I am not sure I feel much like sightseeing
with out you today."
" Well if you go out remember to take security with you and please call me. You know I worry
about you. "
" I promise to call you if I change my mind and want to go out. I worry about you too. So take of
yourself. I will miss you. Have a great day. "
" Ana I will miss you too. But, I am so glad you are here with me so when my day is over I can
come home to you not an empty room where I have to call you to hear your voice. "
Me too Christian. Oh before I forget Kate called me yesterday and told me some things about
Gia that I wanted to tell you. "
" Ok Ana I have to go can we talk about them tonight or is it an emergency that I need to take care of right now?"
" No it can wait until you get back. But before you go. Your wife wants a kiss goodbye. "
" Of course anything for you my love. " He leans over and takes my face in hands and tenderly
kisses me good bye. "
I watch him leave the room and feel a little lost already he is gone for the day. But, I know if I
need him all I have to do is call. I think about laying back down but I am not tired anymore. I
go in the bathroom and take a nice hot shower and think about out new house. I am so excited to
move in . Kate says Elliot told her it is going to be beautiful. Christian told me the meadow is
going to be untouched and left the way it is. He knows I loved seeing all the wild flowers in it. I
get out of the shower and find some clothes to dress in and then head out into the main area of
the suite. It seems very quiet and I wonder if Ryan and Reynolds are sleeping still. Although
Taylor told them they were to be up and awake when I was.
I head over to the bar area so I can look out at the city still so many cars out on the streets. Suddenly I hear the door handle and it opens. Ryan and Reynolds come in they are all sweaty.
" Oh Mrs. Grey you are up. We were just at the gym. The hotel has a great one if you feel like
getting a work out in. "
" No, I am fine thank you." I don't want them to know I am little bit upset about them not being
here or at least letting me know they were heading out before they left. I am a grown woman but,
I know Christian would not like it either.
" Well if that is all we will just go get showered and ready for what ever you would like to do today. "
They quickly leave the room before I can say anything. Each bedroom in this suite has it's on
private bathroom. It is just so big I am still in awe of it. I am hungry so I decide to order me up
some room service. I am not sure if they have eaten yet but, I decide just to order for me.
They tell me my food will be up in about 20 to 30 minutes. I go into our bedroom and get my
iPad and still and listen to some of the music on it. Soon I see Ryan come out of his room and he
sits on one of the chairs and begins looking at the morning paper.
" Ryan can you speak and read Chinese? "
" Oh no Mrs. Grey I can't but this is the New York times they have the english ones in the lobby
so I picked one up. " We hear the knock on the door. " That must be my breakfast Ryan and you
please get it for me. " He hurries to the door and soon he is back with a tray for me. He places it
on the table in front of me.
Perfect some fresh fruit, yogurt and granola. It all looks so good. I hope Christian got something
to eat before he left this morning. He likes to have his breakfast before he leaves in the morning.
When Reynolds comes out he and Ryan go into the other sitting room and leave me to my
breakfast. The morning goes by quickly and before I know it is almost lunch time. Reynolds come into the room.
" Ma'am would you like to go our for lunch or are you going to order it in?"
" I am not going out today. So yes we can order it in. "
" Well would it be alright if we just walk up the street and maybe grab something from
somewhere and bring it back to the room? "
I am not sure because usually my security already has there orders for the day from Christian or
Taylor. " Well what did Taylor tell you that could do today?"
" To be honest ma'am he really didn't say. "
" I see well why don't you call him and if says that is it is alright than I am fine with it. " He
leaves the room in a couple minutes they both are back.
" Taylor says we can go out and grab something to eat. Please leave the door locked and don't
open it for anyone. We will not be long."
" Ok well than I will see you in a bit. Have a good time. " It just seems odd to me that Taylor
would tell them that I am sure Christian told Taylor I didn't wish to go anywhere today. I try not
to dwell on it. I will just ask Christian about it when he calls. I am sure it is ok with him and
Taylor they said they would come right back. My phones I look at it and the screen says Gia on
it. I let the call go to voice mail. My husband would not talk yo her and I am sure he would not
want me giving her the chance to talk to me. he phones rings again and it's Gia. There are three
more calls from her. She is not leaving any voicemails. So it must not be an emergency. The
phone rings again and it's her. Ok so I am a little bit curious so I answer it. " Hello."
" Oh Ana I am so glad I caught you. I really think you and I need to talk. There are a few things I
really think you should know. I am sure Christian has not told you. "
" Gia, I don't know what you would know that would be of interest to me. I am sure Christian has told me all there is to know about your or whatever you feel I need to know. Please don't call this line again. Bye Gia."
" Ok Ana have it your way but I just felt you should know. "
" Gia please I am not playing any games with you now good bye." I am a little bit shaky when I
hit the call end button. I am just not used to having to be so rude. Although with Gia it is how I
have had to handle her a lot in the past. My phones rings again. I pick it up and I smile because
it's my beloved husband.
" Hey baby, I am so glad you called. I miss you. How is your day going?"
" I have missed you too Mrs. Grey. My day has been alright but much better now that I can hear
your voice. How has your day been?"
"It's good Christian. I have to tell you something but, I don't want to upset you. Promise me you
won't be mad. "
" Ana, I promise I won't be mad. What is it baby?"
"Gia called my phone and she kept calling and not leaving a voicemail. I finally answered it. She
really didn't have very much just to say just that she wanted to tell me something she said you
probably wouldn't tell me. I know she was just trying to get at me. Well anyway I hung up the
phone. "
" Oh, Ana I am sorry do you want me to call her and tell her to leave you alone? I will I can't
think of anything that I haven't told you. She might think I didn't tell you about her coming to
my office the other day. Elliot called me this morning and said she has been snooping around
trying to get on the property. He said he will call the cops if it happens again today. "
" Your right that is probably what she wanted to tell me. That is what I was going to talk to you
about tonight her being at the house. Kate told me yesterday but, I fell asleep and then this
morning you had to go so quickly. Promise me when we are home and you have to go to the
office you wake me up when you get up so I have longer to see you before you before you go.
We can eat breakfast together. "
" Of course I promise. I would like that too. Is everything ok? I mean besides Gia you just sound a little off. Remember you can always call me or Flynn if you need to talk or are having a panic attack. "
" No no it's not that maybe I am just a little tired with the time change and it has me a little
lonely and missing you more than usual that is all. "
" I am sorry Ana, I wish I could have stayed with you today. We have to come to the office tomorrow. But, then on Wednesday we are taking the day to go see the sights. I can't leave you in that room for too much longer with out taking you out. Would you like that?
" Yes of course Christian I would love that. Thank you so much. I love you. I can't wait to spend the day with you. "
" Me either baby. Have you eaten lunch yet? Don't forget to order something anything you want.
We will all eat dinner together tonight. Maybe we can go out to eat. I have to go Ana. I will see
you soon. "
" I will eat Christian. I love you too. Have a good rest of your day. I look forward to seeing you
tonight. " After I hand up I realize that Ryan and Reynolds have been gone for quite a while.I
wonder if I should have mentioned that to Christian. Probably not while he is there working. I
can mention that to him when he gets home tonight. I will wait a bit longer to order lunch
because I want either Ryan or Reynolds to take care of the door for me. I go into the bedroom
and find a nice soft through blanket and grab a pillow and go back to the couch. I am just going
to lay down for a bit. That way if we all are going out to eat tonight. I won't be tired. I fall
asleep rather quickly. When I wake up I am not sure how long I have been asleep but, when I
look at the clock it says 4:45. I hear voices coming from the sitting room across the hall. I get up
and go see. It is Ryan and Reynolds.
" Sorry Mrs. Grey you were asleep when we got back in so we didn't want to wake you. "
" Did you all get lost? It's very late?"
" Yes ma'am sorry about that we did get turned around and then lost track of time. "
" Well ok. But, I will have to speak with my husband and Taylor about it because you all were
gone for most of the day. " Ryan looks at me with a little bit of alarm on his face.
" Yes, ma'am" he says and the he gets quiet. I turn and leave the room. I am really hungry
because I slept through lunch. I will just wait and eat at dinner. If I eat now it will spoil it.
At 6:00 Christian, Ross and Taylor are back. I see Christian comes in and his smile just lights me
up inside. I walk over to him and he grabs me into a sweet embrace. Tears spring into my eyes. I
feel so much relief come off my shoulders. I didn't even know I was tense.
" Hey, Ana why are you crying are you alright. Has anything else happen since we spoke at
lunch? Come with me let's go talk i"n the bed room while change. " He takes my hand and leads
me into the bedroom. I sit down on the bed and he sits next to me.
" Christian I am not sure why I am crying maybe I was uneasy and seeing you was a relief. I
thought I was fine while the security team was out. I didn't feel uncomfortable. "
" Wait the security left you here? "
" Yes, they went out at lunch. I am not sure when they got back after we spoke on the phone I
laid down and was asleep when they got back. I asked them and they said Taylor had told them
they could go out for lunch. " I can tell by the look on Christian's face that he knew nothing of t
his and quite possibly they were not suppose to do what they did. Christian gets up from the bed
opens the door and I hear him ask Taylor to come in the room with us. I know then that I have
just gotten them both in trouble.
" Taylor did you tell Ryan and Reynolds they could go out for lunch today? "
" No, Sir they were instructed that they couldn't leave the suite unless Mrs. Grey was with them.
Did they leave ma'am?" He turns as looks at me.
" Yes Taylor. They told me you had told them it was alright so I didn't think anything of it because you or Christian always leaves my security staff with orders for how the day should be. "
" No that was definitely not there orders. Ma'am, Sir, I will go take care of this right now. I
apologize Mrs. Grey. You were not suppose to be left alone for any amount of time. " Taylor
excuses himself and then leaves the room.
" Oh Christian I am so sorry. I thought. "
" Ana, it's alright. You didn't know your right they are always left with instructions to follow.
You thought they were being honest with you. Is that what was troubling you do you think?
Being here today alone?"
" Yes, I am not sure if Gia's call made me more on edge though. I am alright now you are here. "
Christian pulls me into a hug and kisses my hair. " Are you still alright with going out to dinner?
We can stay while the others go if you would rather?"
" No I am fine with going out. I am ready to get out for a bit. " He smiles at me and then finds
some clothes to change into more casual for dinner. But he still looks wonderful.
That night at dinner Reynolds and Ryan don't have very much to say. Christian and Ross get in a
conversation about their day and what tomorrow might bring. The restaurant we eat at is called
the Horizon it is very good. Very pretty inside great atmosphere.
We get back to the hotel kind of late and Christian and Ross are beat so we all decide to call it a
night.
" How was your dinner Christian did you like it?"
" Yes, I did it was alright. It was nice having you with me and enjoying everyone's company. "
" Yes it was I liked my dinner as well." I put on one of Christian's T shirts and crawl into bed.
Once he has his pajamas on her turns off the light and gets into bed as well. He pulls me into his
arms and turns me so I am facing him. Before I know it his hand is inside my shirt heading
towards my breasts and the other is heading in a different direction. He begins kissing me on my
neck. I turn my neck slightly to give him better access. He then finds my mouth with his and I
open mine and allow his tongue access. I have missed him so much today. Our breathing starts
getting heavier and his hands are moving a little quicker I light my waist so I can match his
rhythm of his hand. He takes his legs and forces mine apart. He removes my panties and his
pants and he slowly sinks into me. He holds himself up with his elbows and looks at me.
" Ana I have missed you so much today. I want to make love to you so slowly.
I caress his face and kiss him. The only thing I can even say is yes.
After we are done and lying on the bed Christian is rubbing my back and I am running my
fingers around his chest. We are quiet and just enjoying our time together. I am not sure which
one of us falls asleep first. But, the last thing I remember him saying is I love you and then he
kissed my forehead.
The next morning Christian is still asleep when I wake up. I decide to let him sleep a little more.
His alarm has not gone off yet. When I go out to the sitting room Ross is there having a cup of
coffee. " Good morning Ross how was your sleep last night?"
" Good morning Ana. I don't even remember my head hitting the pillow last night. I was so
exhausted. Is Christian still asleep? "
" Yes I let him sleep since I woke up before his alarm. Do you want to order breakfast we could
order so every one can eat before we start our day and you have to head to work?"
" Yes Ana let's do that it will be great for us to eat before we go. Yesterday the breakfast
selection at the office was not that great and Christian was not to pleased. " I pick up the phone
and I order a breakfast selection from the menu.
I decide to go wake Christian so he can be ready to eat when the food gets here. When I go back
in the room he is still asleep. I hate waking him up but, I know he will want to eat. I sit on the
edge of the bed next to him. I lean over and give him a kiss on the cheek.
" Good morning, we have breakfast coming. I thought you might want to eat before you have to
leave. He opens his eyes and smiles. "You ordered me breakfast?
" Yes I did but I got some for all of us. I didn't want you to starve when you went to work. "
" Ana you think of everything. Now I know why I married you. Come take a shower with me before breakfast. "
" Christian we don't have much time. You know what can happen when we take a shower together. "
" I promise to keep my hands off. Not my eyes but my hands. " We head into the bathroom and
Christian starts the water we undress and get inside. Christian keeps his promise and keeps his
hands to himself. I didn't make that promise so I grab the body wash and cloth and begin
washing him while he is washing his hair. He looks at me and smiles.
" What are you smiling about? I didn't make any promises about my hands. "
" I guess you didn't. But now I want to wash you. "
" Know I will finish washing up. You go and get dressed and I will be out in just a few minutes. "
He makes a pouty face but he gets out of the shower and begins getting ready for the day while I
finish up. When I am done in the shower I get dressed. I will have time to do my hair after
Christian leaves for the office. I go out to the main room and the food has just arrived and
everyone is helping themselves to the delicious food. Ryan and Reynolds and I decide we are
going to check out some of the parks in the area today. Before Christian leaves for the day I p
romise to let him know if any plans get changed.
