A/N: I'm continuing this story alone and I have a few ideas about where to take it, but it might take me awhile. It's been a long time so bear with me. Also, I am writing on my phone, so I'm sure there will be mistakes along the way with my phone wanting to autocorrect and change/fix things that dont need fixing. There is no need to send me messages telling me I'm doing things wrong. I'm doing what I can. ;)

*Ana's POV*

I wake, still sated from the night before. Christian woke me up in the middle of the night in the middle of one of his nightmares, but I managed to settle his mind and tire him out enough for him to fall back to sleep. The thought makes me grin. I like that little o' me can tire out the strong, dominant businessman. The King of Seattle is wrapped around me like a vine, his hand gripping my breast possessively.

My phone dings, making Christian groan in his sleep, but I manage to reach it and turn it to silent without waking my love. A text from Kate.

*IF YOU DON'T TELL ETHAN, I WILL!*

Shit. I know I need to tell Ethan, but I worry about his reaction. He'll be disappointed in me. The longer I wait, the more angry he's going to be that I didn't tell him. I know it's hell on Kate keeping it from her brother.

*I'll tell him.*

*Soon!*

I drop the phone beside me on the bed and sigh. I need to see Ethan. He deserves to be told face-to-face.

"That's a loaded sigh, angel."

I'm startled by his voice, but the sexy gruffness of his voice from sleep makes my lips raise to a grin. I slip my fingers through his hair. "Good morning, handsome."

He rolls off of me and stretches against his pillow. He's wearing a soft smile that lights up his eyes. "It's a wonderful morning."

"It better be! You got laid, didn't you?" I roll towards him and cock an eyebrow at him.

"Mmhmm." He closes his eyes. "If I close my eyes I can still see you bouncing on top of me..."

"Fiend!" I smack at his shoulder.

"Maybe... but I'm yours."

It's my turn to hum. "My sex fiend."

His hand rests on my hip, his thumb grazing the skin on the front of my hip. "I have to go in to work for a few hours, Ana. When I get done, I'll come help you pack."

I'm actually relieved about this. This will give me time to have lunch with Ethan. I give him a nod. "That sounds good. Thank you for helping."

"Thank you for moving." Leaning in, he presses his lips to mine. "You'll be close to me soon. I need that." His lips find mine again and this time, the kiss lingers. His admission is bitter sweet. I love that he is being completely honest with me, but I hate that the strong dominant man in my bed can feel so out of control so easily. Having me living within sight of his penthouse view keeps his anxiety reigned in, but I know he needs to work on his control issue.

We lay quietly, content with just being close, our eyes on each other.

I reach up and run the pad of my index finger over his sexy mouth. "I love this mouth." I love what it does to me. I love the sound that comes out it. I love watching it tick when he's trying hard not to smile at my sarcasm.

He grins under my finger. "I love you."

I nod against my pillow, tucking my arms back against me for his sake. "I love you, too."

*Christian's POV*

Laying like this with her feels so raw. I feel like my chest had been fileted open exposing my beating, bloody heart. I feel like I should feel uncomfortable being this vulnerable with her, but I crave this. Being open and honest feels incredible even though there is a shadow of pain around the edges. I can deal with a little pain. I've come to realize that Ana's mood often reflects mine and being open and a little vulnerable helps her do the same. It's new for both of us, but I'll do anything to keep our family together.

"Do you have any plans today, angel?" My pet name fits her. She was so sweet and innocent when I took her the first time, dressed in such delicate lace. I could have torn right through it with a press of my thumb... but I wanted the little keepsake as a reminder of the precious gift she gave me.

She sighs again. Heavy heart.

"I need to talk to Ethan. He doesn't know I'm pregnant yet... or that I'm moving. I've been so wrapped up in life that I've been neglecting our friendship. I feel terrible. He's always been honest and upfront with me and here I am keeping this from him. Making Kate keep this from him. It isn't fair. I'm thinking of asking him to lunch."

I wince at her words, in pain. My blood boils at the thought of her going to lunch with the pretty fucker. "Ana... I thought we talked about this." My heart aches. She waits until I'm open for her and then shoves the salt right into my open wound. "You are mine."

She growls, frustrated, and sits up, the sheet falling away from her pretty chest. I try to ignore it. There are more pressing matters.

"Christian! You're right! We did talk about it! I promised that I would talk to him about boundaries. You aren't going to keep me from my friends, Grey. It's only going to lead to resentment. You need to trust me!"

She's right, but we're fucked up. She's young and I worry she can be manipulated. "But I don't trust him."

She nods. "Understandable. You don't know him. But, I want you to trust me enough to know I wouldn't put myself in that situation."

God damn it, Ana. "You are mine."

Again, she nods. "I am."

The fact that she agrees so easily with me even though she's angry simmers my anger a little. "You'll lunch at one of my restaurants." I need eyes on her.

She stares at me and I stare back, unwavering.

"Compromise." I urge. She's lucky I'm not telling her that Taylor will drive them.

"You want a babysitter. Christ, Christian! Do you know how controlling that is?"

I know. "I need to keep my family safe."

"You act like someone is going to come kidnap me! That Ethan is going to take me and run!" She is standing now, her pale skin of her breasts reflecting the light, making her hard nippes look even darker. Mine. No one is going to take this from me.

"I will not have anyone interfering, Anastasia. No one is going to take my family." I don't know this fucker. I will not allow him to take what we are building. Her eyes lock on mine and it's quiet. Please, Anastasia.

"Fine." She runs her hand through her long, dark hair and shakes her head. I don't know if she's annoyed with me for being angry or herself for agreeing.

The pressure in my chest immediately releases with that one word. "Come, angel." Pulling the covers back, I urge her to come back to bed. With a resolved sigh, she does as I say and I cuddle her, pressing a few kisses to her hair. "Thank you, beautiful." I do my best to ease the rest of the tightness in her body and after a few minutes or caressing her shoulders, her back, and belly, her muscles finally relax. "That's my girl." I press a kiss to her shoulder and she shimmies closer, snuggling as close as she can. She needs the affection. Honestly, I do, too. If I could be handcuffed to her 24/7, I would.

Ana's POV

"Ethan!" I asked him to meet me at Tango Charlie's, Christian's restaurant/bar that reminds me a bit of Chili's. I stand to greet him and hug him hard, missing him.

He chuckles when I squeeze him tighter. "Miss me, Steele? Maybe you shouldn't wait so long next time." I release him and his hands hold my forearms, looking me over. "Jesus, Stasia. Don't cry." He pulls me back into him and I giggle. Hormones.

Pulling away from him, I wipe my eyes and have a seat. "I'm fine. Just been so long. What have you been up to?" I am not ready to jump into my issues yet.

"Got a new girl." He grins and I quirk an eyebrow.

"Oh yea? Is she hot?"

"Smokin. She's Indian. Dark skin, long thick hair, Plump lips and a thick round ass to die for. Hell, I have died and gone to heaven."

I laugh. Ethan loves women. He's not a woman-eater, but he believes each woman is a gift from God and he worships every soft curve on their bodies...no matter the size, stature, color, or weight. Too bad more men weren't like that. "And her personality?"

He bites his lip. "She's assertive! She knows what she wants and she doesnt play head games. I don't have to wonder what the hell she's thinking all the time. And she's in marketing, so she's brilliant! Plus she's got that beautiful accent that keeps you interested in anything she has to say..."

"You're smitten."

"Completely."

I smile affectionately at him. I love seeing Ethan like this. It's so much better than seeing him broken and depressed like he had been weeks ago. "I can't wait to meet her."

"Well, if you would have been around more, you would already have." He gives me a knowing glance, before looking over his menu.

Ouch. I deserve that.

Before I can apologize, the waitress is there for our order. When she leaves, I take a deep drink from my water, trying to dig up the courage.

"Ethan... I know I've been terrible. I am sorry for that. My brain has been in overdrive since that night that Christian-"

"Ransacked my apartment?"

I wince. "Yea."

"Kate says you two are still together."

I chew my lip and nod. "Yea...he and I had a lot to figure out."

"Why? You two haven't known each other very long. I know you two screwed, but is it worth all that?" I can see he's trying to understand and he's worried that Christian will crush me.

"I'm pregnant."

His chin almost hits the table. "You're... you're what? Pregnant?"

I give him a worried glance. "Are you angry?"

A hiss of air comes out between his lips. "Christ, Stasia." His hand runs through his golden locks, but I keep my eyes on him, praying he won't hate me for my stupidity. "This is so heavy for you. My heart is aching at the thought of it. This is the last thing I expected."

I nod. "Me too. Please don't hate me. I need your support." It would kill me if my best friends turned their back on me now.

A 'V' forms between his eyebrows. "Oh, love, No. I could never." He reaches for my hand and takes it, squeezing. "You've been there for me through all my ups and downs and I, with you. This isn't going to change now. This really sucks for you, but you'll figure it out. You're a natural at taking care of people." I smile at the complement.

"Thank you. The baby needs their Uncle Ethan."

His eyes widen along with his smile. "Uncle, huh? I like the sound of that. I think I'd be a fun one."

I give him a wink as we both sip from our glasses.

"So Kate says that Elliot's parents are acting like douche bags. I'm going to guess it might have something to do with this situation?"

Over the next hour I fill him in on everything that has happened since I ran out of the Grey's begging him to take me home and he tells me more about his newfound relationship. It feels good to catch up and have no secrets.

Ethan walks me to my car afterward and as I'm turning on the ignition, my phone rings. I roll my eyes, already knowing.

"Hello, Christian."

"Come to my office." His demand comes out more like begging than the rough commands I'm used to. It breaks my heart.

"Okay."

I hear him sigh into the phone. I think he's relieved I'm not arguing. "Park in front. Taylor will escort you up." He disconnects the phone call without another word.

When I pull up, Taylor is out waiting for me and I give him a smile. "Good afternoon, Taylor." I wonder how he feels about having to work on a Saturday. He's probably used to it.

"Hello, Ms. Steele. I'll walk you up. I've got a few things to give to you."

In the elevator he hands me a badge that will get me in the garage door and past security and a key to Christian's personal elevator.

"Wow, Taylor. I am honored, but I don't need these. I'm no more special than anyone else that comes through." I look over the badge and see that my driver's license picture is on the front.

"Mr. Grey requested that you have direct access to him. I suggest you don't repeat what you just said to him."

I frown. He'll think I don't want to see him. My sensitive dominant man. "Yes, you're right. That won't go over well."

Christian's floor is empty, the receptionist area dark, and it feels odd. I don't know why I expected more people to be bustling around on the weekend. Taylor guides me to what must be Christian's office and opens one of the double doors without knocking. Stepping to the side, he allows me entry, but for some reason I am intimidated and my feet don't move.

Christian's back is to us, his arms crossed in front of him, as he looks out the floor to ceiling windows. I see a small black headset connected to his ear and he's talking smoothly into the phone, but I can't understand what he's saying.

Taylor must realize I'm not going to move myself and gives me a gentle push by the small of my back to get me moving. I take a few steps and he reaches in and closes the door behind me, shutting himself out. Why do I feel like I'm in trouble?

I stand awkwardly, looking over his large bright office, waiting for him to recognize my presence. Black leather seating in the corner, large glass conference table with black leather office chairs on the left. His desk in the middle with multiple tv monitors on the wall, beside them a large bookcase full of books. I imagine most of them are about business. He doesn't seem the type to read leisurely at work. No downtime for that.

When my eyes find him again I startle a little, his dark gray eyes on me. "That sounds good. Draw it up and send me a report no later than tomorrow, noon."

He pulls his earpiece off and tosses it on his desk. "Anastasia. Come." He holds his hand out for me and I find my feet moving on their own accord. As soon as our hands touch he pulls me to his chair, sitting before he pulls me into his lap.

"Tell me how it went." We're just going to jump right into it then.

"You mean your staff didn't tell you how it went?"

His eyes flash. "Don't start."

I sigh. He's right. I agreed to it, so I shouldn't be salty still. "It went well. He took it better than I thought. He has a new girl."

His eyebrow raises. "Is that supposed to stow my annoyance with him, Anastasia?"

He knows that's why I told him.

"I just want you to see that he's got his own thing going. That there isn't anything more than friendship with us."

He searches my face. "Did you talk to him about boundaries?" My wince answers for me. "Damn it, Ana! You said you would!"

I nod. "I know, I know! But everything was so heavy already and I just didn't want to make him feel like something was wrong with him because he's affectionate. When and if it becomes an issue, Christian, I will talk to him."

He shakes his head, his teeth clenched and his chin hard. "I will give you the affection you need. His isn't needed."

I kiss his chin, trying to ease him. "I love your affection, Christian. You know that. Please don't be angry. I love you both. I want you two to get along and you to trust us. You both are here to stay, baby."

"He's a threat."

I shake my head. "He's not." I hold his face in my hands and press my lips to his. "You're it for me. I've never felt for anyone the way I feel for you. I won't let anyone ruin that for me." Finally, he sighs, his forehead resting against mine, resolved. "Love you."

His lips twitch into a grin. "And I love you."

"Good. Then kiss me."

A minute later we get caught mid-liplock with Christian's hand up my shirt. I hide in his neck as he grins up at Ros.

"Hello, Ros. What can I do for you?"

"Well, I was hoping to get an early start on the airliner stats since we were here already, but I see that you're busy."

Christian's hand sneaks up closer to by breast and I smack it away, still hoping that I can hide long enough not to have to acknowledge Ros. "Yes, I'm rather busy at the moment." I hear Ros laugh. "The airline stats will wait til Monday."

"No problem. Have a good weekend, C. I'll shut the door on my way out."

When I hear the door shut, I finally pull out of his neck, my face crimson. He brushes my hair out of my face and has an entertained grin on his face. "We got busted."

He laughs. "A little, but it's my company. If I wanted to fuck you over my desk, I would."

My eyes scan his desk and an unwelcome thought comes over me. "How- how many-"

"Only you, Ms. Steele. Only you." He calms my nerves immediately, pressing a kiss to my lips. "I've got one more email to send out and then we'll go."

I nod. "I can head out now and meet you." I try to stand, but he holds me against his hard body.

"No. Your car isn't there."

I frown. "If Taylor is going to keep doing this he might as well have a key." His devious grin tells me what I need to know. "He already has one." I add.

He taps his nose. "You'll stay right here until I finish my email." He turns me so I'm curled against him and a part of me wants to tell him he's being ridiculous. It would be so much easier for him if I was out of his lap... but he's warm and smells so good, I find myself cuddling closer. "That's my girl."