*Ana's POV*

Elizabeth has never been a personable person, but now that we've moved to Grey House and are right under the executive's noses, she's been even worse. She has an ax to grind and the target seems to be me and my unborn child who just happens to belong to the owner six floors up.

We moved last week and she has tried her best to make me look bad, watching me closely so that she can say I fucked something up. So far, I've managed to keep up with her demanding ways, though. She even had me running outside the building to get her a specific kind of coffee and pick up her drycleaning, but that quickly stopped when she got an email from Mr. Grey himself stating that considering the curcumstances it wouldn't be safe to be wandering around Seattle running errands that she should be doing on her own time. I was CC'd in the email which I couldn't help but giggle about. I am carrying his child and he's right. It probably isn't smart for me to go wandering around for some crazy person to kidnap for money from Christian. Now that my pregnancy is common knowledge, Taylor is sifting through candidates for a CFO of my own. Poor bastard. My life is far too boring for anyone to enjoy protecting.

Now she has me scrambling to try to get her a reservation at Brio, the most expensive Italian restaurant within a fifty mile radius. She plans to take a client to dinner and managed not to tell me until today... when they are already booked for months.

I spend five minutes on the phone with the restaurant, begging for any table they have, but I just get hung up on. There is no damn way I'm going to get this reservation.

"Anastasia."

I startle at his voice, but smile up at him. "Mr. Grey! Good morning! Is there anything I can get you?" My lips twist, a part of me feels like it died having to ask him if he'd like a refreshment.

He leans down, his hands pressed against my desk. "I'd appreciate if you'd never ask me that again, angel."

Relieved my shoulders sag. "Thank God. I hated asking." I giggle and it causes him to smile. Suddenly, I have an idea.

"Hold on, Christian!" I put a finger up and call the restaurant back.

"Brio. Thank you for calling. My name is Courtney, how may I assist you?" Her voice is monotone and it sounds like she hates her job. I shake my head.

"Hello, this is Ms. Steele calling for Mr. Christian Grey. He will he needing a 6:00 pm reservation for four under Grey Publishing." I hold my breath, hoping it works.

My sexy businessman is standing in front of me with a look of confusion and entertainment on his face.

"For Mr. Grey? Of course. We'll book our VIP table for 6:00pm."

I let out a sigh of relief. "That is perfect, thank you." Not bothering to wait for a response, I return the phone to its cradle and smile up at him. "I think I'm starting to like this Grey Publishing thing. So, what brings you to see me, Mr. Grey?"

He cocks and eyebrow and has a seat on the edge of my desk. "What was that? We going on a double date or what?" He teases, making me laugh.

"No, Elizabeth is still on her quest to break me. She demanded I make a res for Brio tonight even though she knows it's booked for months. Thankfully, your name saved me." I keep my voice low and give him a sweet smile, wishing I could press my lips to his as a thank you.

He leans closer to me and I breathe deep, soaking up the smell of the man I can't believe is mine. "Always a pleasure to assist, Ms. Steele...and I see that look in your eye. You don't have to refrain. Not at work, not in public, not ever." His hand wraps around the back of my head and pulls me in for a sweet kiss. "That's an order, Ana. You aren't to he hiding our relationship. Ever."

I feel my cheeks color. "But it isn't professional."

"Bull shit. I own the company. I'll decide what's professional." He pulls me in for another kiss. "I've come to collect you for lunch." Seeing the bears he got for me on my desk, he picks up baby bear and straightens his gray bow, placing him back between the other two. "We've got a baby to feed."

My stomach growls in response making me laugh. "My appetite is out of control."

"I like you like this. Let's go and get some food." His affectionate grin makes my heart swell.

*Christian's POV*

Having my angel so near has really helped my mood at work. This morning I have been speaking to my legal team about some of the contracts from Hyde Publishing House. My team is looking for any cracks in the contracts they can so we can take control of the more popular authors. If they can't, I'm willing to take other measures to get my grasp on them. One way or another, the authors will fall and Hyde's ugly castle will crumble beneath him. I'd rather not have to pay their way out, but the small sum of money now will keep the fucker from continuing to make money from the talented ones.

My marketing team has already contacted a few and they've seemed eager to sign with Grey Publishing. Again, my name is enough to have people jumping and fuck if it isn't oh so satisfying.

The movement of authors from Hyde to Grey Publishing is stressing me out probably more than it should, but he dragged my angel's name through the mud and he's a fucking sexual predator. I don't doubt he's done this to others and I don't want him victimizing anyone else who works for him. Seeing my girl for lunch... smelling her... touching her... caressing her stomach and watching her feed herself and our baby has cleared my mind and given me renewed energy.

"I think I found something." Jackson holds a finger up as he continues to read. "It says that the author cannot break the contract to go to any established publishing houses outside of Hyde's... but the way they worded it leaves a weak-spot to push our way in. When these authors signed... Grey Publishing wasn't an established Publishing house. It's new. It doesn't state 'now or in the future'. His authors are free to break contract for a new one."

BINGO! "Fuck Jackson, your brilliant!"

"That's what you pay me for."

My hands clap together and I rub my palms together. "I'll leave you to it. Contact Andrea to schedule another meeting when you have more."

I feel so light right now. I just want to grab Ana and dance with her all the way home... And then fuck her long and slow. Unfortunately, I've still got a long day ahead of me. I've got a dinner meeting with some clients from Elephant Records and then back to work to speak to Japan about some import strategies. The time difference is cockblocking me and I don't appreciate it. Such a pity. I'll have to wait to see Anastasia at work tomorrow.

By the time I get to the penthouse, it's passed 9 o'clock and all I want to do is take a hot shower. I need to wash the long day off of me and I hope the hot water will relax my tight shoulders.

When I enter my bedroom, something feels different. My eyes quickly scan my room where I find a body in bed, long brunette hair draped over my pillows. I smile. My girl is here waiting for me. My shower is quick and I dry myself swiftly so I can settle in bed with my brunette beauty.

I pull her body closer to mine, causing her to wake. "Christian?"

"Hi, angel." My fingers brush the hair off her face as her eyes flutter open. "I like coming home to you in my bed."

She gives me a sleepy smile. "I missed you."

My heart swells. "I missed you, too, baby." I love sleepy Ana. She's more honest and sweet. During the day, she holds back. But if I get her drowsy, she's affectionate and needy. I like it.

"It's been a long day." She nuzzles into my hand that is resting along her jawbone as I carress her cheek with my thumb.

"Definitely." Pulling her closer, I press my lips to hers for a goodnight kiss and snuggle into her. Yea, I know. I'm mush with her, but I need it. The affection I get from her is everything. I've never craved affection really. I didn't feel like I could handle it. But with her...I can. She knows my boundaries and she does a great job at staying away from my no-touch zones. Still, I feel it's not enough. I want to be able to plaster her naked body against my own.

I want her to be able to run her hands over me, squeeze me to her, nuzzle herself anywhere she'd like. I need to call Dr. Flynn.

*Ana's POV*

Christian requested that I go with him to his therapy appointment and I find myself antsy. I worry that the doctor will size me up and then tell Christian to run as fast as he can. I know my past has fucked me up and it has a caused issues in our relationship. I want to unclench and relax...settle into the relationship and trust what happens, but I can't. Not now. Men suck. I don't want to turn into a drunken mess like my mother because I gave too much of myself to a man who didn't really care. A big part of me wonders if Christian is still with me because of his baby. It's obvious how he adores the sweet thing cushioned in my tummy and maybe I'm just something he has to love because of it.

"Relax." Christian's hand covers my knee which has been bouncing nervously since we left Grey House. "There is nothing you should worry about."

I give him a look. "Sure. He's going to take one look at me and tell you to run away quickly. He's going to know I'm fucked up."

"Oh, Ana. He won't say that. And even if he did, I'm not going anywhere. I love you. You know that."

I hope so. "Are you sure you don't just love me because I'm carrying your baby?" I shouldn't get into this with him now, but it's been on my heart. His face goes from calm and concerned to raging.

"What the fuck, Ana? You think I'm using you because I want to make sure I can keep close to our baby?"

I shake my head. "I never said you were using me. I worry that the love for your baby is causing your love for me just because I'm carrying them."

A puff of air escapes his lips. "So, you don't believe I would love you if you weren't pregnant? Jesus, Ana. I fell in love with you before the baby, remember? I just didn't have the damn balls to say it." I can feel myself pouting, wanting to believe it, but it's hard. "God damn it, Anastasia. We both need therapy. Unbuckle." I do as he says and he pulls me into his lap, pressing my head down so it lays on his shoulder. "You are lovable, angel. I hate how God damn much I need you, but it's something that I can't help. Let me in, Anastasia. Your heart keeps shutting me out." He rubs my back up and down roughly, rubbing the worry out of me. I sigh and relax against him, allowing myself to doze in and out while I'm surrounded by my Christian.

XxXxXx

"So, Anastasia, Christian has brought you here today because he wants to work on his haphephobia."

My eyebrow raises, confused. "Haphephobia?"

Dr. Flynn nods. "His fear of being touched." I respond with a slight nod. Heavy. "I want you to be aware of just how big this is for Christian. He has never had the urge to fix this in the past, but with you, now he does. It's really important that you keep very open minded, extremely understanding, and patient. There is no time-line on when he'll be better or if he ever will get better. It's important that you understand it is not your fault or his if he pushes you away during these exercises. We'll take it a step at a time and hopefully we can get him used to touch."

I nod, trying not to cry. Christian wanting me to be part of this process is so beautiful to me. Maybe he does care. "You're sure you picked the right person for this? I am so touched that you have me here, but I don't want to cause you any pain."

"I want- no. I need to do this. I want skin-to-skin. I want your hands on me, touching me anywhere and everywhere. I want the deep intimacy of just being curled up as close as we can be. I feel like there is a lack of that because we're both on guard from this phobia of mine."

I reach for his hand and bring it to my lips, kissing the back of it. "Thank you, Christian."

Dr. Flynn is smiling at both of us. That's a good sign.

"Okay Christian, we're going to start with something that is not actually Anastasia to gauge just how deep this goes." Holding up a weighted doll, he shows him. "I want you to sit back, rest your head against the back of the couch and close your eyes...good. Now, I want you to picture Anastasia sitting in front of you, her back to you." I grin when I see Christian smirk at the thought. "Picture her leaning back until her head rests up against your chest, right over your heart..." Dr. Flynn lowers the doll and presses the head lightly into Christian's chest, making him startle a little. "It's okay, Christian. I want you to keep that vision in your head while I press the doll into you. Just sit with the uncomfortable feeling until it starts to subside."

My heart is aching for him. His jaw is clenched and his eyebrows are knit together in what looks like pain. I want to tell him to stop, that we'll deal with his phobia, but I know it's not up to me. Christian made this decision himself and I'm here to support him. We sit in quiet for a few moments before a hiss of air comes from Christian's nostrils and he relaxes.

"It's gone. The pain is gone."

"Good Christian. You may open your eyes." Blinking to get used to the light, he sits up. "How do you feel?"

"Content."

Dr. Flynn smiles. "That's great. How would you feel about trying this with Anastasia?" My heart jumps into my throat but Christian has a shadow of a smile on his face.

"I'd like that." He nods, looking confident.

Dr. Flynn has us sit on the floor, Christian's back against the couch me between his legs. He has Christian relax and close his eyes again and I slowly lean back until the back of my head is pressed against his chest. I can feel his heartbeat against it, his muscles strained, so I know he's fighting through every pain and every dark feeling that goes along with the phobia. A part of me feels like I should be worried that he'll lash out when the pain gets unbearable, but I can't imagine him hurting me.

All of a sudden I feel him slump and groan, his arms wrapping around me and his nose burying itself in my hair. "Fuck, you smell good." I find myself relaxing, too, and his legs come up, pinning my legs under his, his body completely surrounding me. This makes Flynn laugh.

"This is great, Christian. You've done so well for your first try. How are you feeling."

"Pissed."

"Care to elaborate?" His answer confuses both of us.

"Pissed at myself that I hadn't done this before. I'm sorry I kept you away, Ana." He holds me tighter against him and rubs my stomach. "I need your affection, angel. I need to show you affection and I hate that I didn't figure this out before you came along."

I hug his arms that around me. "Don't kick yourself over this, Christian. I love being the reason you want to get better. I love being part of that process and I'm going to be ecstatic when you can overcome it and give affection to everyone in your family."

He gives a disapproving grunt. "I don't want to think about my family."

I'd give anything to turn and squeeze my man hard, holding him to me. I know his heart aches over his family and it's my fault. One day I'll be able to hug him properly. Until then, I'll be content laying against him like this, allowing him to wrap himself around me. At least I can feel his chest moving and his heart beating. He's real, he's here, and he's mine.

A/N: I had a couple people message me, asking me to do teasers again through the ff app. If you are wanting a teaser for the next chapter, please reply with your review and I will try to get them out while I work on the next chapter.