My dear little broccolis💚💚💚
💚 Give Me The Daddy, I'll Give You The Sugar 💚
Twenty-three years old Ana has had a hard life and is, now, struggling between two jobs to pay for her studies. She's through with people, having been left down one too many times. But what happens when a certain man finds interest in her?
‼️Rated M - {Out Of Characters/All Human/Alternate Universe}‼️
‼️Romance/Angst/Drama/Lemons‼️
‼️AS/CG/The Greys/The Steeles/José Rodriguez/Elena Lincoln‼️
💚 This is the story you requested the most, so enjoy your double daily updates ^^
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Chapter 9: Lemon Tarts & Mojitos (11,3K)
As Ana was waiting for Jack outside of his comedy club, she received a text from Christian, asking if he could call her. She repressed rolling her eyes because Christian always managed to 'text' her when she was with Jack. Even when he was on the other side of the work, with the time difference. Though as of late, Christian had started to call her more than text her.
And it wasn't necessary to talk about the next time he would need her. He would just tell her about a new deal he was excited about, or wine that he was missing her pancakes in the morning, or even talk about his worries about his business. In fact, Ana had to admit that having Christian tell her more about his business opened her eyes on something she rarely thought about before. Thousands of people depended on Christian and his company. If he ever made one wrong move, so many people could end up without a job.
With a little shake of her head, she came back to the present time and waved at Jack before promptly texting Christian, letting him know that she was out with Jack and that she would call him in the morning.
Jack and her had developed a routine of having a celebratory drink after she would come and see him perform. She did her best to come as often as possible which resulted in twice a month. And, even though she knew she was slightly biased, Jack was the best out of the bunch. His jokes were usually the ones who had the most laughter and clap, but also the ones that were most relevant. it might be a dangerous move for him, but Jack was not trying to conform to the norm and did not hesitate to sometimes flirt with topics that others would judge controversial. And this was what Ana liked the most about his humour.
In fact, she had already taken Mary and Ann to the club once, and the three women had spent the evening laughing over and over again.
"It is always important to keep a funny man around you, Ana. They make the darkest clouds disappear," Ann wisely said once Jack got off the stage only to be replaced by a far less funny man.
Ana shook her head with a smile, not sure what to say to that. She loved when the two ladies gave her life advice coming out of nowhere just as much as she loved it when they would have their little jokes and quips.
"Does Christian Grey make you laugh?" Mary inquired, sipping on her glass of white wine.
"Christian is … a particular man …" She eluded, and the two ladies exchange a knowing look before Ann rested her hand on Ana.
"He is a man in love. Sometimes men tend to do stupid things or act stupid when they're in love. Like peacocks. They want to pretend they're all strong and serious and invulnerable, when deep inside, they are just soft marshmallows."
"Oh … I doubt Christian is a secret marshmallow. He is just … Christian. Just appreciating our relationship as it is, whilst it lasts."
Both Mary and Ann humphed, but neither added a word on the matter and instead talked about Jack and his performance, predicting that if he persevered, he could make it big.
Jack and her walked to their usual bar where they had their mojitos and, once again, Ana congratulated him for his performance. For an hour or so, they talked about the show, dissecting his jokes and the public's reactions and how he could improve, even more, adapting his tone of voice and fluidity to his audience.
After their drink, Jack drove Ana back home, like he always did, and once he parked in front of her building, something in his body language let Ana know that he wanted to say something. She waited, smiling, and finally, he said,
"I just … I wanted to thank you for standing by my side all this time, Ana. I mean, we don't really know each other, and yet, you've been my biggest support since the start. My family disowned me, my friends mocked me, and I would have given up if it hadn't been for you pushing me to achieve my dreams."
"That's what friends are for," She brightly said, hugging him, and he gave her back her embrace, putting all his gratitude in the tight hug.
Once home, she took a quick hot shower before heading straight to bed. She was starting school late the next day, but still intended on waking up early and going to the library to study. Still, her sleep was quickly interrupted by her phone, and she answered without even bothering to check who it was.
"Oh, am I waking you up?"
She stupidly shook her head, before realising that Christian couldn't see her. Blinking a little, she glanced at the time, seeing that she had been in bed for barely ten minutes, and she reassured Christian,
"No, no. I just got in bed."
"Already? I thought you were seeing Jack?"
"I did. But we never stay long. I have classes in the morning."
"Well, maybe Jack could have persuaded you to stay longer. Or even to go back to his place for a few drinks."
Finally, Ana's mind un-fogged and she understood why Christian had called her in the middle of the night, instead of waiting for her to call him in the morning like she said she would.
"Are you … jealous of Jack?" It was only then that she realised that Christian always made sure to be in contact when she was seeing Jack, whereas it was occasional when she was seeing Jose or Karl.
"You do know that he is just my friend and nothing else. Nothing ever happened that could qualify as something else than friendship. Just like Karl."
"Karl is gay and in love with Jose," Christian pointed out a bit too promptly, and she rolled her eyes, putting her phone on speaker and next to her pillow.
"It's ridiculous, Christian. Jack never did anything that gives you the —"
"I just don't like the idea of my girlfriend hanging out with single men!"
A small silence grew, as Ana stared at her screen, surprised by Christian's outburst. It was okay for him to act all possessive boyfriend in the public eye because this was why he needed her in the first place. But now, it was just the two of them, and they both knew the truth of their relationship. Without the contract, they were nothing.
"Christian … you're overreacting. I'm not your girlfriend."
"To the world, you are."
"I know. And I never gave you any reasons to doubt that I wouldn't respect my part of the contract. Jack is my friend, and whether or not I am in a loving relationship with someone, does not change the fact that I would still see him and support him and his goals. Just like contract or not, I would always wish you well."
.~°~. .~°~. .~°~.
The secret boyfriend of Christian Grey's girlfriend.
It has been more than six months since billionaire tycoon Christian Grey made it official that he had a special lady in his life. Though he always avoids talking about her, in order to protect as much as he can her privacy, Christian Grey has made it a habit to bring his beautiful and young girlfriend as his plus one. He even presented her to his parents, according to our sources.
And yet, despite the lavish lifestyle that Christian Grey is giving her, and the obvious fact that the mogul is smitten by her, the young brunette does not hesitate on two-timing one of the richest men in the world. Not only that, but she does not even try to hide it.
She has been seen several times going out with the same man, man who she used to work for. According to our sources, the conditions of her employment and leaf are more than questionable. "She only got the job because she spread her legs to the boss. And when Christian Grey started showing interest in her, she saw a bigger golden goose, so *** {the mystery man} had to let her go. But ii guess, they still see each other whenever Christian Grey is not in town."
Christian Grey still hasn't commented on the issue, though it isn't the first time that pictures of his girlfriend and her mystery man have been shown in the media. let's just hope that he will choose a better candidate, next time."
Ana repressed her desire to throw her phone away and deeply inspired by her nose. It was the middle of June, and this was the third time Jose was depicted as her secret lover. She hated all those tabloids and youtube videos who had nothing better to do than make her life a living Hell.
Each time one of those pseudo-articles came out, her classmates would be all over her case, and there had even been a couple of people recognising her in the streets. Of course, she always pretended that everything was alright when Christian would ask, but the truth was, it wasn't the case.
No matter how many times Jose said he didn't care, because he knew the truth, she still felt bad for him. He had to let go of several people for spreading those rumours in the first place, and now he had to skim through the new applicants, to be sure they weren't just trying to sell his story to whatever sleazy tabloid would make the best offer.
But there was one thing she agreed with both Christian and Jose, she shouldn't change her life because of them. So she kept meeting with Jose and Karl once a week, appreciating Karl more and more. She loved to see how he and Jose were growing together as a couple, planning all those things she wished Henry had been open to doing as well before.
They were planning a week off together in September, hesitating between Italy and Greece, when she always had to argue with Henry and put present him with train tickets wherever she wanted to travel. And he couldn't be outside of the state of New York.
Karl and Jose were in a healthy and loving relationship, and it only gave her hope for her next one. She knew what she shouldn't settle for thanks to henry, but now, she also knew what t expect thanks to the boys. They made it look so simple, even when they argued, they talked and listened to one another, instead of one giving his opinion and expecting the second one to fall in line with it.
She was in fact on her way to Karl's place for the first time, when she suddenly felt a cold shiver travel down her spine. She knew the feeling all too well, and walked a bit faster, putting her phone in her pocket and reducing the volume of the next youtube video that played.
She carefully listened, finding reassurance in the regular clack of her heels on the pavement, and when she took the last turn that would lead her to Karls street, someone grabbed her arm. She did not gasp, nor screamed, all too aware of what that could result in, but she grabbed her keys in her fist, making sure they all stuck out through her fingers.
"Hey, I have been calling you. The polite thing to do is answer," A young man said, probably a couple of years younger than her.
She did not respond, looking at him from head to toe, and he wickedly grinned as two other men approached them. She did not show fear, even if her mind was already going where it shouldn't.
"What do you want?" She snarled, tightening a bit more her grip on her keys hidden in her pocket. So far, there were only one of the three guys that could really harm her, but she didn't want to risk anything, in case one of them had a gun.
He grinned. "I think you know what we want. We can make it easy. Or you could suffer. Your choice."
"Let me guess, you will all make it worth my while if I comply, right? well, I guess, we'll do this the hard way."
And without further ado, she kneed the closest guy to her, taking her fist out of her pocket and punching him, breaking his nose in the process. The guy howled, and his two friends launched at Ana. She started running, but they were faster than her, and they dragged her to a back alley.
She started screaming for fire, knowing that this was her best chance of someone reacting, and when one of the guys put his hand on her mouth to muffle the noise, she bit down until she felt the rusty taste of iron in her mouth.
"The bitch bit me!" He cried out, slapping her in the process.
She didn't lose a second, resuming her screaming as she was doing her best to getaway. The first guy punched her in the guts, knocking the wind out of her lungs, and she coughed trying to find her breath again. The third one was still holding her, whilst the second one started playing happy fists on her. And she felt that she was about to pass out when they tackled her against the wall so brutally that her head bounced back.
"Hey! I called 911!" Said a voice from afar, and the three guys ran off, not without kicking her in the ribs.
Ana rolled so she could be rise to her knees, squinting her eyes to see who just saved her, but she saw no one. So she got to her feet, slowly touching her ribs and hoping that none were broken, and she walked out of that dark alley. Barely half a minute later, Karl hailed her from behind, before gasping in horror and running to her.
"Fuck, what happened?"
"Just some punks. Can we go to your flat?"
Of course, just as she said so, she threw up on the pavement, and Karl immediately took his phone out and called 911. She tried to open her mouth to let him know that someone had already done that, but it hurt to breathe, let alone talk.
She sat down on the pavement, and Karl shrieked when she closed her eyes, taking her hand in his, as he ordered her, "Don't you dare go to sleep, Ana! What if you have a concussion, or something?! Open your eyes, look at me! Look at me!"
"Karl …"
"I said open your eyes! At least until 911 gets here!"
"You're too loud," She said with a little smile. he shook his head, though his eyes showed nothing but worry as he looked at her face, and he demanded,
"Talk to me, Ana. Just until the ambulance gets here. Tell me about … the ten first amendments."
She smiled, though she was sure it came out more looking like a grimace and started doing as told, though she was sure Karl did not give a rat's ass about the amendments, and just made her talk about something he knew she would have to focus on.
Five minutes later, the ambulance was there, and they took her to the hospital, though they refused to take Karl with them since he wasn't family. He told her that he would meet her at the hospital with Jose, and though she could hear the paramedics talking to her, without the reassuring and familiar voice of someone she knew, she let herself fall into the darkness.
When she opened her eyes, she was in a white room, and the first thing that she saw was Jose pacing by her bed. She grunted, sitting up, and he immediately snatched his head in her direction as she noticed Karl sitting on a chair by her bed.
"Thank God! Are you okay?" Jose asked, and she smiled the best she could, feeling soreness in some part of her body.
"Never better."
He narrowed his eyes at her, and sat on the side of her bed, taking her hand in his. She tried once again to smile, so she could reassure him, but it felt anything but a smile. So she glanced at Karl,
"Thank you, Karl. For staying by my side."
"Don't be ridiculous. Just don't scare us like that again," He glanced at Jose, before getting up and gently patting Ana's shoulder, "I'm going to grab us really bad coffees."
As soon as he left, Jose held her in his arms, whispering how scared he had been, and for the first time in her life, Ana felt overwhelmed by somebody else's feelings towards her. She had always been on her own, or the one giving more than receiving. But this time, Jose had worried for her and was showing through this simple embrace.
And even Karl, though they weren't as close as she was with Jose, he had made sure she would stay conscious until the paramedics arrived, and gave her and Jose the privacy they needed by leaving the room.
"The doctors want to keep you for the night. The fact that you threw up, and that you passed out is worrying them."
"I'll be okay, Jose. Stop worrying so much."
He looked at her face, his eyes lingering where she assumed she had bruises, and she shrugged it off, "I've seen worse."
"I can tell." Was all he said, his brown eyes now showing compassion. Once again, they hugged, no words needed for them to fully understand, and once they broke their embrace, Jose told her,
"We need to talk about a few things, Biscuit."
She frowned, not sure what he wanted to talk about.
"If Karl hadn't been here, I never would have known. No one would have. You need to put someone as your emergency number, and I'd feel better if that someone was me. And … you need to give me some basic information about you. You know, your blood type, allergies, past operations, should ii pull the plug?"
"Yeah, you're right," She said, sitting up, and grunting once again as she felt her stiff muscles complain about her moving.
"Urgh, I hate this stage. It's the aftermath of a good fuck, without the fun of it."
"Well, I know someone who will be more than willing to give you the fun of it."
She rolled her eyes, leaning against the pillow as she pointed out her face, "I think this is a repellant for sexual attempts. Guys don't like bruises on women."
"No, we don't. But not for the reason you think. besides, gentlemen don't point out flaws or blemishes."
"Christian is anything but a gentleman."
"Are you not going to call him and let him know?"
She thought about for a moment but shook her head no. she knew that Christian was in town, but she didn't want to bother him something as ridiculous as her being attacked. it happened every day to less fortunate people than her. And given the fact that he almost had a heart attack when she told him she ran every morning whether the sun was up or not, she didn't see any point in making his blood pressure higher by telling him nothing he had no means of altering.
"Okay. I have to go, I'm not even supposed to be here in the first place not being family and all. But I called Madame Elena to ask her to pick you up tomorrow morning since both Karl and I are working. It's not up for discussion."
.~°~. .~°~. .~°~.
In the morning, when Ana woke up, her first thoughts were that there was something wrong. She struggled to open her eyes and moaned out in pain when she tried to sit up. She felt rather than saw someone move next to her and she turned her head, finding to her greatest surprise Christian sitting where Karl had sat the previous night, a few papers on his laps whilst the TV was on, displaying the news with no volume.
She opened her mouth, but he shook his head, his eyes still on whatever he was reading, "Elena sent me. She thought you'd appreciate more 'my handsome face, rather than her old one'. Her words."
Ana didn't get the chance to say anything to that, that a nurse popped in, all smiling as she inquired, "Oh, you're finally awake. You buzzed?"
"No. I —"
"I did. she's in pain," Christian cut her off, getting up to give her some privacy as the nurse made sure that everything was alright with Ana.
"Your boyfriend is such a sweet man. He's been staying by your side all night. I don't think he slept."
Ana smiled, not sure of what to say, though she felt uncomfortable to know that Christian probably paid off the hospital so he could stay in her room. After all, Jose had been kicked off because he wasn't family.
"When can I leave?"
"We told Mr Grey that he was cleared to take you in the morning. The police were there last night when you were out cold for you to describe the attackers and see if you wanted to press charges, but they said you can come to the station when you come out."
Ana nodded, and as soon as the nurse left the room, she went to the bathroom and took a shower. She grimaced when she saw the state of her clothes, but she didn't have much choice but to wear them again. She tried to see the positive side of things, thinking that it was Saturday and that, at least, she wasn't missing any class.
When she came back in the room, Christian was there, with croissants and coffees from a nearby cafe and she smiled of gratitude. She sat back on the bed, feeling somewhat awkward around Christian, for the first time in their relationship.
She took a sip on the coffee, and finally decided to break whatever ice wall there was between them
"Thank you for coming. But you didn't have to. I would have been okay on my own."
Christian glared at her, retaking his position on the chair by her bed and taking his coffee in his hand. She looked down on her hands, feeling somehow intimidated by the way he was looking at her. She had often seen him with this aura, this presence, commanding authority and respect. But it had always been aimed at someone else during one of his numerous business dinners.
"So," He slowly said, his eyes still on her as she took a bite out of one of the croissants. "Now that you've had your encounter with your modern Charles Manson, can we talk again about your safety."
"Come on, Christian. This could have happened to anyone, and anywhere. It's nothing."
"Ana …" He said, his voice still low as if he was trying his patience. She smiled, resting her hand on his as she let him know,
"I promise you, it's nothing, Christian. I've seen worse, and —"
"Really? You've seen worse?" He mused, though his tone was clearly disbelieving. "Stop trying to make it seem like you're such a tough cookie. You're human, just like the rest of us."
Ana stared at Christian, putting her coffee down. If she was listening to her instincts right now, she would either slap him, either walk out on him. But it seemed that both of the actions would have terrible consequences on their relationship, so she did neither. Instead, she got up and started pacing, feeling Christian's eyes steady on her.
"I'm not apologising for what I said, it's the truth, and you know it," He told her.
She stopped, and walked to him, rolling up her sleeve. Then she took his hand and traced with his finger the scar that had become invisible with time but that she could still feel. His brows knotted when he felt the small bump just before her elbow.
"I got this when I ran from a gang after I stole some money from them. I jumped over a fence, but it didn't leave me unscathed. And for weeks I wore turtle necks because some guy wanted the food I had, and strangled me to get it. The thing is … I'm not a tough cookie, Christian. I'm just not scared of the streets because I was moulded by it. I'm not like you, because I know that no matter what the streets will throw at me, I'll get back up, only stronger."
Christian kept his grey eyes in hers, his finger still caressing her invisible scar as he inquired, his voice now soft and full of concern, "You lived in the streets?"
"I told you already, Christian, my childhood has been very different from yours. You don't have to worry for me, I can take care of myself."
"No, you can't," He said, letting go of her arm, and reaching for his briefcase from which he retrieved a brown envelop.
He gave it to her, and she looked inside and saw pictures showing her bloody face as Karl was talking to her. She had looked at her face in the mirror when she took her shower, but she didn't expect it to look that bad just after the attack. But her first concern was suddenly replaced as she took a step back from Christian, looking at him with fire in her eyes,
"Did you have me followed?!"
"I wish I did. This would have never happened if I did. Those pictures were taken by a paparazzo. He's actually the one who called 911 and scared those assholes away. He came to me last night, with a proposition that I obviously took."
"You paid for those pictures?"
"And the negatives."
She looked at the pictures again, feeling bad for Karl who had to see her like that, with the worry that she would pass out in his arms. She put the pictures back in the envelope and sat back on the bed.
"Thank you. You didn't have to."
"Of course I did. And all I want to do, right now, is find those bastards and give them a piece of their own medicine." He said between his gritted teeth.
She looked at him, started by his outburst of violence. His knuckles were white for his fists were so tight. She rested her hand on one of them, and leaned to kiss his cheek as she let him know,
"I'd rather you didn't." She waited to see him relax, before she reminded him, "You're not my father, nor my boyfriend. It's not your job to worry about me, or to avenge me."
"Would you have said the same thing if Jose had told you this?"
"Jose is different. You and I will never have the same relationship as the one I have with him. Jose is … more than you'll ever be."
He looked at her with a small disabused smile, before letting out a loud heave and getting up. He pointed at a shopping bag by the door, and told her, "I got you, new clothes. Maybe you should get changed before accompanying me back at the hotel. There are a few things I'd like to discuss with you in private."
She changed into the clean clothes that Christian had gotten her, grateful for his thoughtfulness. He texted her that he would be waiting for her in the parking, and once she was dressed, she went to the reception to pay her bill. The nurse informed her that Mr Grey had already paid for her, and though it surprised her, she should have expected it. After all, her pretend boyfriend was 50MIL, and from the few months they've been 'together' she could tell that Christian iced to take care of the people around him in any way he could.
She climbed in his car, and the chauffeur silently drove them to Esclava whilst Christian was being on the phone with whom she assumed to be Ros. Over the months, she had noticed that, no matter how angry he could get, Ros was the one person he always treated with respect, without trying to ever put her down, of course, the fact that she was his second in command probably had a lot to do with that, but she was sure it was because Christian respected Ros as a person, to begin with, and the same could not be said about the many other people he dealt with.
She didn't pip a word during the ride, leaving Christian to his conversation and texting both Jose and Karl that she was okay and alive.
Don't go playing warrior Xena, and rest up for the day. No jogging nonsense and stuff. Just plenty of good old rest. ~ Karl
Yes, Ma! Though if I have I have to be a warrior princess, I'd go for Wonder Woman. Imagine the damage I could do in a courtroom with that Lasso of Truth. 👩 ~ Ana
Good. Maybe you can come stay at my place for a while. Until you're all healed up. ~ Jose
I'm okay, Jose. Really. Promise I'll call you if I don't feel so good. But enjoy your weekend with Karl. ~ Ana
We don't mind having you over. Especially not me. I get two cooks for one. ~ Jose
I just want to get home and lie in the comfort of my bed. I'm settling a few things with Christian, and then I will watch old movies and eat junk food. I feel like eating Chinese. ~ Ana
Wait? I thought Elena was supposed to pick you up? ~ Jose
She was. But apparently, she told Christian. ~ Ana
And of course, he came to see you. That is so sweet. I can see him, proclaiming his undying love as you were unconscious and bringing you back to life with the strength of his love. Swoon. ~ Jose
Well, maybe in your dreams. In reality, he was angry because I am a poor damsel who can't fend for herself and who deserved all the 'I told you so's he had to say. ~ Ana
He'd just worried like the rest of us. Imagine if the roles were reversed and it was him or me Karl found beat up in the streets. You'd be as worried. ~ Jose
Even if it's just for show, he still cares for you, you can't pretend otherwise. Don't lock him out because he was clumsy in his way of showing worry. I know you'd be sad to lose his friendship. ~ Jose
You're right. We're almost there. I'll let you know when I get home. ~ Ana
As they approached the hotel, Ana put her phone back in her pocket and Christian and her left the car, Christian putting his hand on her smaller back as he always did when they were outside. Infant, she liked feeling this slight and warm pressure on her back there was something sweet and reassuring about it.
As soon as they reached reception, Madame Elena rushed to Ana, fussing over her and making her feel like a child who had fallen on the pavement in front of an overprotective grandmother.
"Are you alright, Ana?" Ana nodded, giving the older woman her best smile before she gave her a small bag. "I figured you might need some."
She winked at the brunette, before going back to her duties and Ana directed them to the elevator, his eyes on her. She glanced at the content of the bag and smiled of gratitude when she saw concealer and foundation that would help cover up her bruises.
When they got to Christian's room, she asked if she could use his bathroom for a moment, and covered her bruises. She had never been one of those girls who never wore makeup, but she rarely wore foundation. She was more for the natural look, of mascara and kohl of her waterline.
She got out when she deemed herself presentable and no longer looking as if she was an extra for a horror movie, and Christian longly looked at her face, before pointing a pair on the table next to where he sat. She took it, curious as to what it could be, and saw that it was a new contract for her. In fact, it was exactly the same one as the one she had, except that there was a new clause added to it. In this clause, it was explained that Christian was supposed to provide her with an apartment, here in Manhattan.
She took the time to carefully read it through, before putting it back on the table and sliding it in his direction, "Well, I think this is the end of our contractual relationship, Mr Grey."
"What are you talking about? I just proposed a new contract."
"And I won't sign it."
"Why not?"
"Because I am perfectly fine where I live."
Christian looked at her, his eyes calculating as his fingers tapped the table as if it was a piano, testing his own patience. She did not look away, already getting up to get her stuff, surprised at how sad she was at the idea of parting out with Christian. She had always known that this day was coming, but it just came too soon for her liking.
"Do you even live in a safe area?" He inquired, as if nothing. She turned and looked at him, and let him know,
"It's my business to know, not yours."
She watched him clench his jaw before he got up, and walked to her, taking her bag from her shoulder and putting it on the table. Then he lifted her head up by placing his finger beneath her chin, and said,
"I just want you to be safe, Ana. And your obvious lack of common sense worries me."
She rose an eyebrow at him, silently asking if he was really trying to give her an olive branch when he was basically insulting her common sense. His fingers let go of her chin, tracing with delicacy her cut lip, even though the wound was hidden under a thin layer of red lipstick. He still knew exactly where the cut was.
"I mean, just look at you. You are … a gorgeous woman and I don't care about your past, you're still only a petite woman who barely weighs 110, wet. And yet, you go out on your own, at ungodly hours with nothing to protect you. No gun, no knife, no pepper spray. Life isn't sweet. There are murderers, thieves, rapists out there. Don't make it easy for them."
She took his hand in her, stopping his caresses who felt too intimate for her, and she put a somewhat reasonable distance between them as she reminded him, "As I told you before, I appreciate your concern, Christian. But it is misplaced. We are only business par—"
"I take care of my employees, Ana!" He all but roared, finally losing the temper he had tried so hard to keep in check.
"That building you saw in Seattle has the top security there is! HR picked up the smallest grievances. And especially those working close to me are safe. But you, you keep on refusing my help!"
"It's not that I'm refusing your help. It's just that … I don't want to give you that much power over my life. You control my finances, and I won't let you control where I live. I fought too hard to be independent to give it away like that."
He stared at her, his grey eyes showing a second of hurt before he started pacing through the room, looking at her every time he passed by her.
"How about we compromise?" He proposed, fishing out of his pocket the card giving access to his room. "You know that this room is permanently in my name. When you go out, please come back here. This is a safe building. Whether I am here or not, the place is yours."
"Christian …"
"Please, let me take care of you. I'm conceding a lot, just meet me halfway."
She deeply breathed in but still took the key, and he smiled, bringing his hand to her nape and kissing her forehead. For a second, she froze, not because of the gesture, but because of how familiar it felt to her. She could swear that this situation of feelings Christian's lips on her forehead had already happened before. But no matter how hard she tried to remember, she couldn't tell when it happened.
He sat back by the table, tearing up the contract, though he made himself clear, "The other still stands. So stop talking nonsense about us no longer being in a relationship."
She rolled her eyes, sitting next to him as she pointed out, "You'll make a very overbearing husband one day."
He snickered, amused by her statement. "I don't think so."
"You don't plan on getting married, at some point?"
"I already told you, Ana. My first, second and third love is my company. I don't have time for a wife and what it entails. I don't even care for it, to be honest."
.~°~. .~°~. .~°~.
In the middle of June, Ana took the plane to come to Seattle on her own. Jason and Gail Taylor had just welcomed to the world a baby boy named Parker. Over the past three months, Ana had been in touch a lot with Gail, marvelling at the beauty of creating life. Gail never talked about Christian, and Ana did the same, understanding that it must feel weird for the woman to talk about her boss outside of the lies of professionalism.
She was really excited to see, and for the first time since she had known him, Jason Taylor acted as a human being when he came to pick her up. Though, given the fact that he was wearing jeans and a T-shirt, she put that on the fact that he was not on the clock, and therefore allowing himself to be … himself.
"So, how does it feel to be a daddy?"
"Best thing that ever happened to me?"
"After being married, right?"
"Sure."
They both laughed, and Ana quickly took her phone out to let Jose know that she had landed safely.
Don't you dare going to Seattle and not saying hi to Christian! His pride will not take it well. Be nice and pop your head in his office … or under 😏🍆 ~ Jose
She rolled her eyes, making small conversation with Jason as he told her all about his son and the ups and downs of having a newborn. The thing was, she had come to Seattle to see Parker Taylor, and Christian was extremely busy. He didn't seem interested in the birth of the baby the last time she had mentioned it to him a couple of days earlier.
Ever since her attack, she had been staying at his hotel whenever he was in town, sleeping in the small room. It wasn't much that she wanted to, but she didn't mind either, and it seemed to put Christian's mind at ease. He was still on edge that the police did not catch the assailants yet, contrarily to Ana who hadn't been expecting much.
And the fact that Christian was building his second building in New York meant that he spent most of his time there now. He spent so much time in New York, that he mentioned to Ana the idea of buying an apartment there, like the one he had in Seattle, but she talked him out of it. After all, he was barely in his Seattle flat, so there was no point doing the same in New York.
Of course, the capitalistic mind that was Christian 50MIL Grey didn't see it like that, and she had to persuade him otherwise, letting him know that she liked the cosiness of the hotel and would feel weird in an apartment in New York. So Christian kept the hotel room, just t make sure she would keep on coming, though Ana heard him talk about buying the hotel for business.
Shortly before they got to Christian's place where the Taylors lived as well, Ana texted Elliott, just to be sure that their plans were still in motion.
Safely landed. I'm going to see baby parker, and then, I'm yours all evening. Tell Julian I'm wearing a Harley Quinn shirt 😉 ~ Ana
When they got to Christian's place, she was greeted by Gail, who marvelled at the lemon tarts that Ana had made, whilst Ana marvelled at the baby boy. He wasn't particularly beautiful, but he wasn't ugly either. Just a regular baby, though she was sure that if it was her own baby, she would think he was the most beautiful baby on the planet.
She played with the baby boy, rocking him back and forth in her arms, when the front door opened, revealing Christian and a man that Ana assumed to be Jason's replacement given how he was standing. He stopped dead in his tracks, looking at Ana holding baby Parker in her arms and she waved at him, though she let him know,
"Don't worry. I'm only here to see this fella here. I only have eyes for Parker, so you can go and work yourself to exhaustion as you had planned."
He smirked, though there was a slight frown knitting his brows; and he disappeared in his study.
She and Gail spent most of the afternoon talking about being a new mother and plans for the baby when he would be a bit older. She gave the mother a set of scarves and hats that she had knitted and that would make their little family match together.
When Gail finally put the baby to sleep, Ana texted Elliott and he texted her back the address where they would have dinner. She took her leaf from the Taylors and grabbed the plate were a few lemon tarts were, going to Christian's study. She knocked and popped her head in, being greeted by a smile that became brighter when Christian saw the tarts.
"You can have one, but just the one. There were made for the Taylors, not the Greys."
He took one, and immediately took a bite out of it, his eyes on Ana as she leaned against his desk. His gaze travelled from her thighs hidden by her skirt all the way to her face, lingering a moment more on her shirt, though she doubted it was because of the cartoon character.
"So, now that you had your fill of baby, can I count on you to show you some grownup fun?"
"I told you, Christian, I didn't come to see you."
"So why are you in Seattle?"
"I figured you'd be busy. I'm going home tomorrow morning."
"Well, since you're staying tonight, I can take you to dinner."
"No, I already have dinner plans. Besides, I booked a room at some hotel."
"What? That was ridiculous. My place is always open yo you, whether I know you're coming or not. What is valid in New York, is valid in Seattle as well. I thought you'd know that, by now."
"I'll keep it in mind for next time," She promised, getting up and waving him goodbye, leaving the tarts on his desk because she knew he was going to sneak back to the kitchen to have more.
But before she could open the door, Christian closed it, caging her against it, and hissing in his ear with a voice so low it sounded like a growl, "What kind of plans?"
She turned, smiling, though his face was anything but friendly, "Nothing fancy. Just food. Though it's Friday, so there might be a movie as well, depending on how good I am at batting my lashes."
Christian didn't seem the slightest amused by her tone or her plans, as he uttered through gritted teeth, "Do I need to remind you that your contract prevents you from dating as long as you're with me?"
"And do I need to point out that you're getting all jealous over your nephews?"
"Nephews?" He repeated, stepping back and liberating Ana from his human cage.
"Yes. I've been promised the best pizza in town. Though I've warned the boys that I'm going to be difficult since I'm from New York and all."
She chuckled, slightly shaking her head, but Christian did not join in the banter. "Is Elliott coming?"
"I sure hope he is. Otherwise, I'm going to have to call social services on him. His kids are way too young to wander off on their own."
She kissed his cheek goodbye, but when she opened the door, he held her hand. "How about I do that thing you always tell me to do and spend some time with my nephews and my brother?"
"Only if you can refrain from texting and emailing whilst we're eating. it's not a very good example for the kids."
"I'm waiting for a phone call. I'll go out when I'll get it."
She brightly smiled to him, sure that it would do all the Greys some good to spend some time together, and once again, she kissed his cheek, though this time, it was out of joy, and not because of a departure. Christian held her against him for a second, before he buzzed in Taylor's replacement so he could drive them to the restaurant where Elliott and his nephews were waiting for them.
If Elliott was surprised to see his brother, he didn't show it, unlike his boys who did not hesitate on posting out that there were expecting Ana to come alone. Though this was quickly forgotten as they all compared shirts. Julian was wearing a Joker T-shirt, and Jason, who didn't want to be left out on liking villains, was wearing a T-shirt with Thanos's gauntlet on it.
For most of the dinner, Ana mostly talked to the kids, asking about their schools and how excited they were for the end of the year coming soon. She saw how Christian would turn an interested head once in a while when the boy mentioned having been in contact with her before. The thing was, once a week, she would FaceTime them and they would talk about various things, just like friends, as she promised.
"Oh, Ana, daddy said we can come to your place this summer!" Jason suddenly exclaimed, remembering out of the blue something his father told him not long ago.
Christian swallowed through the wrong hole, and Ana had a vivid memory of Christian being caught by surprise by Mary and Ann. she gently tapped his back, as Elliott exclaimed, half-laughing at his brother's reaction,
"I said we could stop by New York briefly."
"But you said Ana lives in New York."
"She does."
"So we're going to her place," Jason said, sure of his logical deduction.
"Many other people live in New York, son. If Ana had the whole of New York, she wouldn't waste her time with your uncle Christian."
Christian glared at his brother, and asked, "What happened to Sydney?"
"We're still going. But were just going to spend a weekend in New York first. See Lady Liberty, taste if the pizza is really that good, watch a broadway show so I can sleep a bit."
"You're going to Australia this summer?" Ana asked Julian, trying her best to dissipate the tension she could feel growing between Christian and his brother, though most of the negative vibes were coming from Christian.
"We go every summer. We go see our other grandparents," He explained, his face slightly clouding with a bit of sadness. Ana reached to squeeze his arm with comfort, and promptly change the topic to something she knew would cheer him up,
"How about those guitar lessons? Because I think I'm getting better and better. I can play some rock songs now."
"My teacher is so sloooooow. Talking about B minors and Cs and all that kind of stuff instead of showing me how it's done," Julian pouted in that Grey fashion as Christian mused,
"You bought a guitar."
"Yes, shortly after your birthday."
"When is your birthday, Ana? So we can have a big party!" Jason asked.
"Oh, I think my friends already planned a party, and it's a grownup one. It's going to be in a grownup city called Las Vegas, so I can't take you guys along."
"Oh, a birthday in the city of sins. Maybe my brother will get hitched after all. In front of Elvis. Who would have thought," Elliott joked, his teasing smirk showing how very well aware he was that Christian was not part of Ana's plans for her birthday.
She was spared from saying anything by Christian getting up, and excusing himself as he answered his phone. All evening long, she had heard the constant buzz in his pocket, but not even once he had made a move to reach for his phone. So she was really appreciative of his much of an effort he made, even if he barely spoke to his family on his own.
"Guys, how about you go play in that ball pool," Elliott proposed, before taking his sons to the playground and making sure that they were watching after one another. Then he came back to the table, his eyes solely looking at Ana, and looking all business-like all of the sudden.
"I really still can't figure the two of you, out."
"Pardon me?"
"There is something odd about you two. Christian doesn't mix business and pleasure, and yet, here you are, about to work for one of his lawyers, and the biggest one, nonetheless. But … you don't strike me as an escort kind of girl. And Christian gets really jealous when it comes to you."
She rolled her eyes, mostly to hide her embarrassment, because, well, she was an escort, no matter what Elliott could think. He chuckled, taking her rolling her eyes for her denying there was anything wrong or that Christian was jealous.
"Let me guess, Christian said he would come after he asked if I'd be here?"
Her lack of response was proof enough, and he shrugged, "Don't get me wrong, it's not you. It's Christian. He used to get in so many brawls in school whenever he had a girlfriend because … well, he's jealous. Green jealous. Mom tried to get him to see a shrink about it, but that failed.
The thing is, my brother has always been awkward. He might have inherited the supermodel good looks of the family, but I don't know where Mom and Dad failed when it comes to teaching him how to be a normal human being. He's always been a loner, and he's always been jealous of me. He always did his best to not bring girls home when I was home because he always thought they'd leave him for me."
"Don't be ridiculous, Christian knows you're his brother and you'd never do that."
Elliott condescendingly shook his head and discreetly pointed at the window, "He is on a business call, and he has his chauffeur waiting for him in his car. And yet, he is staying by the window so he can keep an eye on me. If I were to reach for your hand, he'd be here a minute later."
Ana looked down, before briefly glancing at the window and seeing Christian deep in conversation, his eyes seemingly lost into space, though strangely enough, he was facing them.
"He wanted to buy you that guitar you know. I saw the disappointment in his eyes when you were talking with Julian about his guitar lessons. Christian likes to surprise people out of nowhere."
She nodded, not sure what to say, though she was glad she bought herself a guitar before Christian could do it. He was already showing with too many gifts as it was.
"Can I ask you something?"
"I don't resent him," Elliott said, apparently knowing the question before she could ask it. "I did. But I don't anymore. Christian … he used to be my best friend. Even though I'm the eldest, Christian always took care of me. That kid was never scared of anything, whereas I was a chicken, so he would come to sleep in my bed.
He was there for my first heartbreaks and my first fights with our folks. He was there when I met Kate and adopted Julian, but even then, he was starting to fade away. And … I can't hold the grudge against him because he gave me my kid Julian is as much my kid as Jason, and Christian paid off Julian's father so he would make problems for me adopting the boy. But the more I needed my brother as I was facing life as a man, the less he was present.
I understand now that … I lost my brother long before I lost my wife. Christian is … he's no longer Peanut. He's just Christian. But I still have hope that one day, I'll see my Peanut again."
"He resents himself. He hates himself for not being there when you needed him the most, and he's ashamed now."
"I know. But as much as I've forgiven him, he's going to have to make the first step. Just to prove to me that he does feel bad," Elliott said, his voice breaking a little, and she instinctively reached to squeeze his hand in comfort, just like she had done with Julian a short while ago.
He smiled to her with gratitude, and before she could say anything, Christian was back, sitting next to her and kissing her cheek as he slid her so there would be no air between them. Elliott smirked, 'I told you so' written all over her face, and she thanked everything holly when the two boys came back, asking if she could come play with them in the ball pool.
"How about we go to the movies? That new movie Coco seems great."
"A musical?" Elliott whined, and Ana got up, putting her hands on her hips.
"Nope, this is a friend's outing. So no Dad and no uncles are allowed. Just friends. Were going to watch our movie, and you do your grownup boring stuff."
Then, he leaned to kiss Christian on the cheek, using the opportunity to steal his phone, and she took the boys each by their hand and walked them out. She walked to the car where Christian's new security guard was waiting, his eyes on the restaurant she had just exited.
She gave him Christian's phone, "Can you keep this with you, and if it's important to give it to your boss, otherwise, let him be. And could you also go in and ask the bartender to send them a couple of rounds, please."
.~°~. .~°~. .~°~.
After the movie was over, Ana considered calling a cab, but she didn't know Christian's dress per se. So she was relieved when she saw Christian's chauffeur waiting in his SUV, with two kids seats added in the back. Jason fell asleep as soon as he was in the car, and Julian joined soon enough.
"Mr Grey and his brother are at Escala, waiting for you. I must warn you, miss. they are … not as usual."
"They didn't stop after two rounds."
"No. They had to be kicked out."
She snickered along with the driver, and when he parked, she took Jason in her arms whilst he took Julian. Once upstairs, she found Elliott and Christian drinking whiskey, but as soon as he saw her, Elliott sobered up, standing up straight,
"How are the kids?"
"Sleeping. I'll tuck them in. You're in no condition to drive."
"Good." He then collapsed on the couch, and a part of Ana was sure that he would have assumed his fatherly duty, even drunk if needed to.
She put the kids in the room Christian had given her, and Jason kissed her cheek when she tugged him in. She smiled, staying a moment longer after the security guy left and watching the two boys sleep like angels. And as she did so, only one thought occurred to her, she couldn't wait to have her own kids.
She quietly closed the door, before deciding against it and leaving it slightly ajar just in case. After all, it was a new place for the boys. When she came back to the living room, Elliott was snoring on the couch and Christian drinking on his armchair. She went back to the room where the boys were sleeping and took an extra blanket so she could cover their father.
Christian watched her, without saying a word, but making her feel very self-conscious. He poured himself a glass and sipped on it before proposing the rest to Ana. She took the glass, but set it aside and gave him her hand to help him get up,
"Come on, it's time for bed."
"You smell so good," He said, burying his face in her hair and colliding his body to hers. She shook her head, smiling as she was finally seeing Christian completely let loose.
"And you're so drunk."
"You're so beautiful," He continued, caressing her face as his eyes bore into hers. She deeply breathed in, and took his hand to lead him to his room.
"And you're so so drunk."
She helped him out of his shoes and clothes, but when he was in boxers and she tried to lay him in bed, he challenged her, "Don't stop here. I have a surprise for you."
"I'm sure you do. You'll show it to me next time, okay."
She tucked him in, and he wrapped his arms around her, making her fall on top of him. Once again, he deeply inhaled in her hair, his fingers playing with her elastic to let her hair loose. "You smell so fucking good. What's your secret?"
"Showering?" She teased.
He chuckled, his eyes hooded by the alcohol as one of his fingers traced the side of her body, "I wonder if you smell so good, everywhere …"
Christian!" She admonished when he tried to lift up her skirt. She promptly got up, but he grabbed her hand with a speed that contradicted with how drunk he was, and he pleaded, "Stay."
"I can't. I gave my rooms to Julian and Jason."
"I have other rooms."
"And all my stuff are at the hotel. Plus I have an early flight."
He heaved, slightly pouting before he sat up, revealing his toned torso that often gave Ana interesting dreams. His hand left hers to cup her face, and he sweetly whispered, through his breath was tainted by alcohol,
"I want to kiss you."
"Well, that would be a bad idea."
"Why not?"
"You're drunk."
"But if I weren't?"
"Then you wouldn't say that. You'd make a witty comment about my lips and I'd make a witting comment about your ass."
"I'm sure you kiss like a siren," He dismissed. His face got closer to hers, so their foreheads were touching but he never kissed her, just like she knew he wouldn't. Drunk or sober, she knew Christian would always be lucid enough to understand a no, even if it wasn't spelt out clearly.
Still, as he heaved, he kissed her forehead and let himself fall back into bed. Ana waited a bit worried for a moment that the sudden move might have made him sick, but when he didn't move, she got up and left. Just as she was about to close the door, Christian widely opened his eyes, tapping the empty space in his bed,
"You could stay here. No funny business."
"I could, but that doesn't mean I should."
.~°~. .~°~. .~°~.
When Ana woke the next day, she felt as if she never slept. Her dreams have been haunted by what could have happened if she had stayed in Christian's bedroom. She wished she hadn't been such a goodie-two-shoes. After all, Christian probably didn't remember his night, and she was sure he would have given her a night to remember. But besides feeling like she would have been taking advantage of his state of mind, it would have also broken their contract, and she was not ready for that, yet.
She got ready and asked the reception to call a taxi to drop her at the airport. They informed her that there was already a car waiting for her, and she smiled, sure that Christian had sent someone to drive her back safely. What she hadn't been expecting was to find Christian, sitting in the backseat with croissants and coffees.
She smiled and climbed in.
"Thank you for the hangover cure. That was a miracle. Elliott is asking for the recipe," He told her, referring to the drink she had left in the fridge for the two brothers.
"A magician never reveals its tricks."
He smiled, sipping on his coffee as he studied her face, and she decided that if he wasn't going to mention the night, neither would she. There was no point in embarrassing him if he couldn't remember the night.
"I said many things, yesterday night."
"You did."
"And I might have been a bit more … handsy than usual."
"You were drunk, Christian. You never made it a secret that you thought I was attractive, and yesterday was just your usual self, with a bit less restraints. No hard feelings," She promised because even if handsy Christian turned her on more than usual, it was still Christian.
"Maybe. But there is one thing I didn't say because I wanted to be sober when I'd say it. Thank you. For what you did for my brother and I. I know you took the kids and my phone so we could talk. And I am really grateful for what you did."
"It's nothin—"
"Maybe not to you. But it means a lot to me. And to him. So thank you. Though I don't know how you managed alone with the kids."
"Julian and Jason are adorable."
"That's because you're a natural with kids."
"Everyone is a natural. Except when they don't want to. It's in our DNA."
She watched him nod, not venturing in this topic, and she narrowed her eyes at him. "To whom are you going to leave your fortune when you die if you don't have any kids?"
"My family. My charities. And various other things. It's already all sorted out in my will."
She rolled her eyes, not seeing the point of not having a family, especially when you could afford it. Christian longly looked at her, and stated the fact, "You want a family."
She beamed at him, keeping for herself that, as long as she was with him, this was a dream she would have to put on hold.
"Is it … because … you didn't have one growing up?"
"Partially. But I also want what Gail just had. I want to feel my child frown inside me. I want to feel the good and the bad of a pregnancy. I want to do that one thing that never changed through the millenniums. I want to see my family grow, with tears and joys. I want … I shouldn't bother you with that."
Christian kept his eyes on her as the chauffeur got closer and closer to the airport. "No husband though? Women usually dream of a big wedding before the baby mania."
"It would be best if my kids had a father in their lives. But I can't control the action of someone else. Just my own. I just know that it's better being alone than unwanted. But if the father sticks around, I'll give my first son and my first daughter the same of his own parents."
"What if they have silly names?"
"It's not a matter of belonging. It's … so my children can belong. It's a heavy burden not to belong …"
Christian stared at her as if she was dimwitted all of the sudden.
"You belong, Ana. Maybe not in the traditional sense, but you do. All of those people around you who care about you. Jose, Karl, Elena, Raymond. Even Jack (He said that name with venom, though). And … me.
I care very much for you. And not just because of that contract and what I get out of it. I care, because you're my friend, even if it's not reciprocated."
"Who says it's not?" She cried out because, after all this time, she would have expected Christian to understand that he was her friend and that he meant a lot to her.
Christian sadly smiled, squeezing her hand as if to tell her not to worry, "Your actions speak louder than your words.
For instance, you've come here but didn't assume I would shelter you for the night. You still refuse to tell me where you live. You always look at me, waiting for me to tear up the contract without giving you any notice. You never tell me about yourself if I don't ask first.
And I get it. You have trust issues. I just want you to know that … you can rely on me. You're more than a contract to me, you're my friend."
Ana looked down at her hand intertwined with Christian's, seeing things from his perspective and understanding that she hadn't been the most open person. She had promised herself that Henry would not affect her life anymore, and yet, because of her relationship with him, Christian was suffering the aftermath. And she couldn't let it be no more.
So, she squeezed back his hand and looked deep in his grey eyes. "You're my friend, too, Christian. No matter how I make it look, you're my friend."
❌PLEASE DO NOT COPY, DOWNLOAD OR SHARE THIS ANYWHERE OTHER THAN HERE❌
.~°~. .~°~. .~°~.
💚Your thoughts and opinions are always welcomed💚
💚If you're reading this for the first time, what did you think? And if it's the second time around, what do you think?
💚 I'm always curious about your favourite part, and what you think will happen next, so let me know.
💚 We know a bit more about Christian's family. What do you think about it? Elliott? And the little guys?
💚 What do you think of Ana in this chapter?
💚And Christian? Especially Christian?
💚 E L James owns the names of the characters from the Fifty Shades franchise, Everything else is mine (including the mistakes and grammar errors).
Love, Mina 💚💚💚