Chpt. 45 APOV:
We arrive in New York a few hours later, waking only when the plane touches down and Christian gently kisses me on the lips to wake me. Our bags are quickly loaded into a black tinted SUV which I've come to realize is the only thing Christian must feel safe driving in. I'm surprised when we arrive at the Plaza; never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would stay at a place like this. I've only ever seen the hotel in movies or pictures; never did I think I would be sleeping in a place this elegant. I'm just standing in aw, looking at everything in the magnificent lobby while Taylor checks us in and discusses our needs for the next day while we're in the city. Our luggage is quickly taken to our room while Christian and I walk around the lobby and some of the stores before heading up to our suite. Of course it's no surprise that Christian has booked the largest suite the hotel has to offer which I think is entirely too big for just the two of us. This suite is easily larger than Kate's apartment; I never knew hotel rooms were so large – there is even a small piano in the living room! The room has three bedrooms, a full size kitchen, beautiful bathrooms with marble and a view of Manhattan like no other from the master bedroom. Christian explains that the suite has been reconfigured to allow for Sawyer and Taylor to stay with us but still have their own private entrance allowing us to have privacy while we're here.
"Christian…I am speechless….this is beyond beautiful," I say in awe as we tour the suite.
"It also has key security features including a private elevator to insure that no one can access the room without Taylor and Sawyer knowing," he explains.
"You shouldn't have spent all this money Christian, I'm sure a regular room would have been more than enough," I tell him.
"It would have…but I hate staying in anything but a suite when I travel," he says. "The rooms always feel so cramped and you end up eating a meal either on your bed or at a small desk where you were trying to get work done. At least most suites provide you with an eating and living area that does not include you bed."
"I suppose I could see how that would bother you" I giggle. "Growing up, I spent some time in a couple motels that would make your skin crawl. They were ones that offered rooms by the hour and were so disgusting you didn't want to undress to go to bed."
"When did you stay there?" Christian asks.
"Just here and there when my mom was in between boyfriends or when we were evicted from some place for not paying rent. It was always just for a day or two; she always managed to find another dump for us to rent which was at least better than the motels," I answer.
"Well, you will never have to go to a motel again" he vows. "What do you say we shower, change and take a small tour of the city on our way to dinner?"
After a quick shower in a bathroom that was easily the size of half of Kate's apartment, Taylor and Sawyer join us as we head out of the hotel to our SUV and begin the tour of the city. One of our first stops is the Ground Zero Memorial; having seen the coverage on television was nothing compared to seeing the actual area in person. We all talk about what we were doing on that day, where we were when we learned of the news and how we learned of it. Taylor and Sawyer were both in the military at the time but they were stationed overseas which they reported made learning of the incident that much harder as they both wanted nothing more than be at ground zero or nearby helping with the aftermath.
On our way to dinner we stopped to watch the boats on the water including several large cruise ships. I've obviously never been on a cruise ship, but I don't know that it would appeal to me since you are limited to the boat itself while you're traveling to your destination. Christian said he has been on a couple of cruises with his family and while they enjoyed themselves he did not as much, although he complained mostly about the limited technology available on the ships which affected his ability to conduct business while away. I had to laugh at the thought of Christian trying to conduct business on a cruise ship where he was supposed to be on vacation with his family. Over dinner at a very overpriced restaurant we discuss our upcoming wedding plans.
"It looks like a Thursday afternoon ceremony will work perfectly" Christian says reading something on his phone.
"Sounds perfect" I smile.
"Andrea has been working hard to arrange everything so there should be little we need to do when we arrive tomorrow evening" Christian explains.
"You should give her a raise after this" I laugh. "I'm sure she never thought she would be planning your wedding when she signed on as you assistant."
"No I'm sure she didn't" Christian admits. "Of course, if you asked anyone before I met you if they thought I would be planning on getting married in two days they would have called you crazy."
"Same could be said about me" I giggle at the irony given that we are getting married in two days.
"The jet will fly to Seattle to pick everyone up Wednesday morning and bring them to Vegas to join us at the Bellagio hotel. Andrea has scheduled an afternoon at the spa for you, Gail, Kate and Mia Wednesday to pamper each of you before the big day. Hair and make-up will be taken care of on site and the wedding itself will be at the Bellagio too" Christian explains.
"I can't believe Andrea did all this in a matter of a few hours!" I exclaim.
"The woman in truly amazing," he agrees. "You wouldn't believe how many assistants I burned through before I found her. She is the only one who doesn't flinch at my moods and can handle both my professional and personal obligations."
"Is your mom coming?" I ask cautiously.
"Yes" he sighs. "I spoke with Elliot and Mia about my concerns; I don't want my father there after the way he treated you and luckily they both agree with my decision. Turns out my dad is away for the weekend, something about assisting on a case with a colleague in California or something like that. Elliot and Mia are telling my mom that they are surprising her with a trip to Vegas for a show – my mom loves going there for the shows so she of course jumped at the opportunity. She thinks that we are stopping there on our way back from here because you've never been there and wanted to visit. I don't think she is going to suspect that she is coming for our wedding."
"Are you sure you don't want your dad there?" I ask quietly. "Before you say something, I want to be sure you are doing this because this is what you want and not something that you think I want. I will be fine with whatever you decide."
"Ana, baby" he leans across the table kissing me passionately. "I love that you are willing to put this aside for me, but no I don't want him there. I don't want our wedding to be filled with negativity and tension. I know I can't ignore him forever and eventually we will need to speak about what he said to you and about you, but our wedding is not the place for that. I want our wedding to be perfect just like our marriage will be."
"Kate is bringing gowns with her from her mom's shop" I say a few minutes later.
"Andrea has arranged for several formal gowns to be in the room when we arrive so you can decide what you want Kate to wear as your maid of honor" he explains. "There will be a selection of less formal dresses for my mom, Mia and Gail to wear as well. A tux for Elliot and myself will be delivered to the room as well."
"I would like Taylor and Sawyer to attend the wedding as guests" I decide.
"I think that's a very good idea," Christian smiles after thinking about it for several minutes. "Taylor has been with me for so long and really was my rock when you were in the hospital. I can't imagine him not being there."
"Sawyer has been wonderful with me, especially when I came home after the hospital. He took me to every appointment and even took me shopping when I just wanted to get out of the apartment" I point out.
"I will have Taylor arrange for a few members of security to stand in their place during the ceremony," Christian says. "Oh, Roz and her wife Gwen will be flying in for the ceremony Thursday morning; they weren't able to fly in Wednesday because of Roz has several meetings she needs to attend."
"I've heard so much about her, it's going to be nice to finally meet her" I smile.
"I hadn't realized you two never met," he pauses to think about it. "She's my go to person at GEH, my second in command and can handle just about anything that is thrown her way. She was the first person I hired when I started my GEH; I don't think we would be as successful as we are if it were not for her. She puts in just as many long hours as I do and can handle just about anything I throw at her."
"Have you met her wife?" I ask.
"Yes, several times and I was there when they married," he answers. "I only met her once or twice before their wedding which was a beautiful outdoor ceremony followed by an elaborate reception. I guarantee it was mostly what Gwen wanted before Roz is the type who would prefer a small private ceremony without so many people-"
"Sounds like someone I know" I smile.
"I guess that is like what we both wanted," he giggles. "However, since the wedding I've spent more time with Gwen as she would often bring us dinner when we were working late on a deal or she would accompany Roz to various social functions. I think you will like her, she's really nice but knows exactly how to put Roz in her place when needed."
"Our wedding sounds like it's going to be the perfect intimate setting" I say still in awe that all this is happening in a couple of days.
"Are you sure you don't want a big wedding like we were planning? I'm fine if you would rather have that…I know I sort of sprung this on you-" he worries.
"Christian, all I want is to be able to say 'I do' in front of the people who matter most to us" I assure him, squeezing his hand tightly.
"I can't wait to marry you," he kisses me gently on the lips just as the waiter interrupts us with the bill.
After a short ride, we arrive back at the Plaza…back to the enormous room that we are staying in for a single night.
"What are you doing?" Christian asks.
"Taking pictures" I answer.
"Why?" he asks.
"Well….I want to remember this room and I want to send a few to Kate" I explain.
"We can come back here anytime" Christian assures me.
"I don't doubt that but I want to remember our first time here" I explain.
"Play me something on the piano" I request.
"Of course," he smiles leading me over to the piano urging me to sit next to him on the bench.
Seconds later the beautiful sound from the piano fills the room; the talent this man has on the piano is truly amazing. Watching his fingers fly over the keys as his eyes are closed, you can almost see him getting lost in the music as he plays. He has mentioned beginning lessons shortly after he was adopted, so clearly he has been playing for a long time. As the song finishes, Christian turns to me and embraces me tightly kissing me as if I was the only woman on the planet.
"I love you so much" he whispers, nipping at my ear.
"I love you too Christian" I moan as he pulls off my shirt.
"Let's go into the bedroom," he lifts me up, my legs wrapping around his waist as he carries me into the master bedroom.
Within seconds of the door closing we have taken off each other's clothes and we are laying in the oversized king bed with the balcony doors open to the sounds of the city. Christian's lips and hands are all over my body within seconds of laying me down on the bed.
"Christian..." I pant as the excitement builds.
"I got you," he sucks my nipple hard before thrusting himself into me.
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh" I moan at the sudden fullness.
"You feel so good," he whispers.
Christian pulls almost all the way out of me, before slamming hard back into me. I'm clutching his arms tightly, holding onto him almost as if I'm afraid that he will pull completely out if I don't. Just as I'm about to find my release, Christian flips us around so I'm now on top as he urges me to sit up so I'm riding him.
"Ohhhhhhhhh" I moan as this position has him deeper inside of me.
"Ride me baby…I want to see you make yourself come," He says.
I blush deeply at his graphic words which I hate to admit arouse me even more but I start moving up and down against him enjoying the feeling of his sliding in and out of me. I place my hands on his chest for support as the need begins to rise again. Within minutes I'm finding it difficult to control my movements as need completely takes over; Christian hands are firm at my hips just holding me perfectly content with me setting my own pace.
"That's it baby….God you feel so good when you grip me like that," Christian says.
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! Christian!" I scream as the orgasm finally hits, roaring through my veins as Christian finally starts thrusting into me.
"BABY! ANA!" he screams and moments later I feel him find his own release inside of me.
We quickly fall asleep, our bodies intertwined as we listen to the sounds of the city below us. The next morning arrives far too quickly as I feel Christian leave our bed and go into the bathroom, the shower water starting moments later.
"Good Morning," he greets me as he comes out of the bathroom dressed in a dark grey suit.
"It's too early," I complain.
"Breakfast will be up here shortly if you want to join me before I leave for my meeting," he announces.
"I'm taking Sawyer with me today which leaves Taylor with you for the morning. I should be back by two the latest and we will leave shortly after to head to Vegas. I know I mentioned seeing the sites of the city, but with the wedding I want to get to Vegas to insure that everything is just perfect plus everyone arrives tomorrow morning…" Christian rambles.
"Christian it's fine," I assure him.
"Be sure to order room service for lunch, I don't want to hear that you didn't eat," he warns.
"Yes sir," I giggle.
"If you want to go out, please stick close to the hotel. There are some great shops here that we didn't even get to last night" he points out.
"That's a good idea, I'd like to get something for Kate to thank her for everything," I agree.
"Just take Taylor with you" Christian says.
"I will," I promise.
Moments later, I'm showered and dressed while Christian is responding to emails as he waits for Sawyer to arrive to take him to his meeting.
"Sir, ma'am" Sawyer greets us as Christian opens the door that joins their mini suite to ours.
"Hi Sawyer," I smile.
"Good Morning," Taylor follows Sawyer moments later.
"Taylor, Ana would like to spend some time in the shops at the hotel today," Christian explains.
"Of course sir," Taylor agrees.
"Nothing too extravagant Taylor I promise," I smile. "I just want to find a gift for Kate."
"Whatever you need Ana," Taylor says.
"Mr. Grey, we should leave now in case we hit traffic," Sawyer point out.
"Of course," Christian kisses me deeply, causing me to blush as Taylor and Sawyer are still in the room. "I'll see you this afternoon."
"Have fun," I giggle.
"What time would you like to leave Ana?" Taylor asks as Christian and Sawyer leave.
"I don't know, I guess after breakfast," I say. "Please join me?"
"I already had breakfast, thank you," Taylor declines.
"At least have a cup of coffee Taylor?" I ask.
"If you insist" he smiles, pouring himself a coffee and sitting across the table from me.
"Taylor, I would like to ask you a favor….you can say no of course," I take a deep breath trying to figure out how word my request.
"Whatever you need Ana," he assures me.
"Taylor….I know you know a little of my past," I take a deep breath.
"Mr. Grey has told me nothing that wasn't in the background check" he assures.
"I know," I smile gently. "As you know, I have no family to speak of – certainly no one that I would want at my wedding anyway. Christian has told me how much you were there for the both of us during my accident, when I was in the coma and throughout my recovery when Christian never left my side. I know that without your support he never would have made it through that horrible time. You have always seen to protect me with everything that has happened. You and Gail both welcomed me into Escala when I was so afraid I would be treated like a stranger but instead you both treated me with nothing but kindness. What I'm trying to ask…is will you give me away when I marry Christian on Thursday?"
I look up at Taylor for the first time since I began my little speech and catch him as he wipes a single tear from the corner of his eye.
"Ana…." He pauses. "I would be honored to walk you down the aisle and give you to Christian. Nothing would make me happier."
"Thank you Taylor," I sigh in relief.
"Ana, I cannot thank you enough," Taylor says. "You have brightened Escala like no one ever has. Gail and I never thought we would see the day when Christian truly smiled or laughed; that is something he has done at least daily since he met you. It's as if you made him alive and in turn you made Escala alive. Since knowing you Christian became more of a friend than just an employer, something I never thought I would see when I first started working for him. Gail and I will forever be grateful for the day that you bumped into Christian."
Taylor and I spend a couple of hours going through the many stores at the Plaza, searching for the perfect gift for Kate. After going through many stores, I finally decide on a matching necklace and earring set that I think would look perfect on her for the wedding. I reluctantly hand Christian's credit card to the cashier, once again reminded that I don't have access to my own funds. It's going to take me some time before I think I'm going to be fully comfortable using Christian's money on things for myself or like today for my friends. Hopefully if I find a job soon I will be able to contribute to our bank account and then I won't feel as bad for using Christian's money. While I'm shopping I also manage to find a set of engraved cufflinks for Christian that I think would be the perfect wedding gift. We haven't talked about wedding gifts yet, but I want to at least give him something.
When we get back to the suite, Taylor and I order lunch from room service and after some discussion I finally convince him to join me for lunch instead of eating his meal in his suite while I eat mine here both of us by ourselves. I learn more about Taylor as we eat, some of which I knew from talks with Gail but some I didn't. I learned that Taylor grew up in the foster care system when he was removed from his parents' care as a young child. He was never adopted but spent several years with one family that he became very close to. As soon as he graduated high school he joined the military which he believes turned him into the man he is today. After he left the military, he became involved in personal security doing small jobs here and there until a friend of his recommended him for a position with Christian.
Christian arrived not long after lunch while I was packing our bags; he wasn't in a very good mood as his meeting at apparently not turned out how he planned. He didn't want to talk about it but barked orders at Roz and Andrea over his phone on our way to the airport. Thankfully after a few drinks in the air, he was in a much better mood actually poking fun at some of the ill prepared members of his meeting. A few hours later we are back in the Western part of the states as we touch down in Las Vegas. As the plane approaches the runway, the view is truly amazing. It's late so the entire city is lit up, you can see flashing lights from the sky even before you see the airport. The city looks alive despite how late it is…I'm looking forward to seeing the sites of Vegas if time allows at some point on this trip but more importantly I'm looking forward to becoming Mrs. Anastasia Grey.