A/N: I hope you all enjoy this one. Over the past couple of weeks, a lot of health issues arose that kept me from being able to write. A part of me feels like this chapter is a little unfinished/rushed, but with everyone asking me to get it out, I just went ahead and submitted like it is. Hoping I'm not making a mistake and that it comes off like it should.
Enjoy!
Going into work has Anastasia a nervous wreck. She knows she has to speak to Jerry Roach about her epiphany from last night. They'll need to get the police involved and things are going to get messy.
"Um, Mr. Roach?" She stands at his open doorway and knocks.
"Mr. Roach? Since when have we become so formal?" He gives her a smile that causes his eyes to crinkle at the edges. His smile reminds her of her father's and it's a small comfort during this nerve-wracking time.
Anastasia gives him nervous laugh, trying to keep her wits about her. "Sorry, Jerry. I just have a lot on my mind. Do you have a few minutes to chat?"
"Of course, Ana. Come in. Shut the door." He can tell it's something important.
She takes her time explaining what she found the night before and has printed out the manuscript and a screenshot from the woman's news article to show him. She goes over what she remembers from the interview and how forceful Hyde was about making sure he got the money he felt he deserved.
"I'm not sure what to do here, Jerry."
Mr. Roach sits back in his seat with a long sigh. "Wow, Ana. I think there's only one thing we can do at this point."
"Call the police?" It's more of a statement, but her voice raises an octave, knowing that once they contact the police, Hyde will know she is the one that put the pieces together and her life will be at risk. Not only hers, but her baby's, as well.
"Bingo. This isn't something we can call a coincidence. The police deserve to know. The woman's family deserve to know."
She takes a deep breath in through her nose and expels it through her mouth. "Yes, you're right." She knows they're doing the right thing, but the thought of having to tell the police what she found is making her stomach roll into painful knots. Never in her life would she ever think she'd have found something like this from one of her clients. Of course, no one has proven that Hyde had actually committed the murder, but the thought of someone she sat on the same couch with, interviewed, and got into an argument with behind closed doors being insidious enough to commit murder is a terrifying realization. It shows that no one really knows what's going on in other people's heads.
When Hyde challenged Anastasia in her office, she didn't think twice about challenging him back. If he really did kill this woman, then killing her wouldn't be hard for him. What if he would have went after her? She shudders at the thought of what could have happened to her if Jack Hyde ended up angry enough to take it out on her. She might not be here right now. She might be stuffed inside a deep freezer somewhere...or maybe at the bottom of Puget Sound while everyone was out looking for her.
"Why don't you head back to your office and I'll give you an update when there is one to give. The police will probably want to come here to interview you and anyone else who've come in contact with him." Jerry's voice snaps Anastasia back to the present.
She nods, a small twinge of relief stirring in her gut knowing that she'll be able to pull herself together in her own office before the police storm in. She needs some time alone before the news breaks. When she reaches her office, however, she finds that there is already someone sitting in her chair.
"What are you doing here?"
"Just thought you could use some support today."
A part of her is relieved to see Christian making himself at home in her office, but another part of her is frustrated that he hasn't let her deal with this on her own. She stands there, halfway between wanting to throw herself into his lap and hug him tight and wanting to throw him out of her office for showing up uninvited during something so serious.
"Christian, I'm not sure you should be here during something like this. The police will want to interview everyone involved."
"And I'm not involved?"
Her eyebrows knit together. "Why would you be?"
"Did I not witness him towering over you in a threatening manner that day? Did he not almost knock me off my feet when his shoulder plowed into me on his way out?"
She had forgotten. "Oh."
"Yes, oh. The police are going to want to speak with every witness that has seen him at SIP and I am one of them. It'll save the police some footwork if I just plant myself right here and wait for them."
Anastasia plops down in one of the seats across from him. "This is going to be one long day. I really hope they find a reason to arrest him and keep him locked up after we tell them what they need to know." The knots in her stomach tighten at the thought of him running around free, knowing who ran to the police.
"I don't see why they wouldn't have just cause." He looks Anastasia over and can see that her coloring is off. She's really worked up over this, but it's understandable. She might have come face-to-face with a killer without even realizing. "Have you eaten breakfast?"
"Uck. No." She leans back in her seat and wraps her arms around her stomach. "My stomach is in knots today."
"Ana, you really should eat something."
"I will. I don't want to have to throw up in the middle of the police interview. I'll wait until afterward." Just leave it, Grey.
"Ana…"
There's a knock on the door and Mr. Roach pops his head in. "The police are on their way. Will you print out a couple more copies of that manuscript, Ana?"
"Sure thing, Jerry." Anastasia is relieved that Jerry interrupted them. Missing breakfast one day isn't going to hurt her or their child. She'd end up throwing it up anyway.
XxXxXx
"Ms. Steele, did Jack Hyde threaten you at all while you two spoke?"
Anastasia has been in this interview for almost forty-five minutes and she's starting to feel exasperated. The police officer keeps asking the same questions, like her answers might change suddenly.
"Like I said, no, not really. When I told him we couldn't sign him, he had a hard time taking the news and told me that this wasn't over when he left, but he never threatened to hurt me."
"Was he combative at all?"
"What do you mean?"
"Did he argue with you?"
"Well, of course he did. We refused to sign him. He was upset that it took me so long to agree to meet with him and then when I told him that we wouldn't be signing to his contract, he called me a bitch."
"Do clients usually call you such foul names?"
"I've been called worse, yes. People tend to take our denial of contract very personal, but I can understand and that's why I don't blink an eye when names are thrown. Their novels are a part of their soul. They feel that by denying their novel, we're somehow denying their worthiness as a human being. It's sad, really, but we can't say yes to everyone with a dream. It is a business."
"Mr. Grey said that Hyde shoved him with his shoulder. Did you witness this?"
Anastasia nods. "Yes. When I told him that our time was up, that's when he said that this wasn't over and on his way out, he knocked his shoulder into Christian, almost knocking him backwards."
"And you think he did this on purpose?"
"I have no doubt. It wasn't tight quarters, Officer. Christian was standing out of the way, next to Hannah's desk, and Jack purposely went over to her desk and shoved him with his shoulder before turning and heading toward the doors."
"And you two didn't think to call the police then?"
Anastasia has to keep herself from rolling her eyes. "Why would we? We didn't feel threatened and it isn't worth the paperwork and hassle. He shoved Christian, but then he left. We haven't had any issues with him since." She can't help, but feel that this police officer is being ridiculous.
"Alright, fair enough." Officer Smith writes a few things down in his notebook. "You haven't heard from Jack Hyde since that day?"
"No, sir."
It's another ten minutes of questioning before Officer Smith feels confident with her statement. The police end up staying most of the morning interviewing all employees and looking over the security tapes of the day he came to SIP. Everyone cooperates completely and the police have assured Anastasia and Jerry that Hyde won't be aware that he's a suspect until he is picked up and that once he is picked up, he won't be leaving until after they investigate everything. It gives Anastasia enough relief to be able to have lunch with Christian without a fight. It is now the police's problem and the responsibility is off of her. Her relief is so evident that Christian feels confident enough to go back to Grey House when she tells him to, although he makes her promise that Sawyer will remain outside her office door for the remainder of the day.
"Hey, Ana!"
Anastasia looks up from her desk to see Jose, SIP's new creative director, standing at her door. Jose is in charge of all the artwork that goes into the books and on the jackets. Whether it's drawn by hand, put together by computer, or taken by photograph, Jose does it all. He's only been with SIP for a couple months now, but he seems like a genuinely friendly guy. There isn't an employee at SIP that doesn't enjoy his company.
"Hey, Jose." Anastasia smiles up at him. There are many people in the company that find her intimidating since she's moved up so quickly and the employees tend to only communicate with her when it comes to work related topics. It's refreshing to have an employee who doesn't seem threatened by her. "What's up?"
"I just finished the illustrations for the the new children's book and we're all getting together at Laurie's after work to celebrate."
Anastasia laughs. "Jose, isn't that your job?"
He shrugs, "Yea, well...it was a long book. I'll use any excuse I can to enjoy a cold one and some bar food with friends."
She's pleasantly surprised by his use of the word friends. Were they friends? It definitely has a nice ring to it.
"So, are you coming?" Jose squats down across from her and leans over her desk, giving her his most charismatic smile. "You know you want to…"
She laughs. "Jose, I'm not sure if it's a good idea. With the whole Hyde thing and-"
"You've got the guy in the suit, don't you? If it makes you feel better, I'll come by and pick you up. We'll walk to Laurie's together." Laurie's is across the street, so it isn't like much could happen in twenty feet.
"Are you offering to escort an old lady across the street?"
He chuckles. "I'm not sure if old plays into it, but, yes, I'm definitely offering to escort a lady across the street. The suit and I will keep you safe from homicidal maniacs. You have my promise."
She chews on her lip, weighing her options. It isn't going to hurt anything. She rarely does anything outside of work or the Grey's, so she agrees. "Yea, okay."
Jose gives her a relieved smile and straightens up, smoothing his button down. "Great! You won't regret it. We're going to have a blast! I'll come by and pick you up at five."
Anastasia smiles, actually excited. "Yea, sounds good. Thanks, Jose."
The day had started off so dreadfully, but now, it was getting better by the minute. Maybe going to Laurie's with her peers at work would not only help her gain friends, but also strengthen the bond between her and the others. Sort of like a team building exercise, except in this one, everyone gets to drink. Well, everyone besides her. Not everyone knows that she's pregnant yet, but she guesses that tonight is as good of night as any to announce it. She doesn't want anyone to think that she's arrogant because she isn't drinking along with everyone else. Truth is the best policy.
XxXxXx
Anastasia's phone rings while she's typing up a proposal, stopping her flow and making her forget where she was heading with the paragraph.
"Ugh. What?"
"Ana? What's crawled up your ass?"
She rolls her eyes. "Can it, Grey. I was in my zone. You interrupted my flow."
"I'm sure you'll get it back."
"So?" Why are you calling, Grey?
"So...?"
She sighs, annoyed. "Why did you call?"
"I was just checking up on you. Making sure you were alive and kicking."
"Well, I'm alive...the kicking part... I'll let you see that for yourself."
He hisses. "Ouch."
She giggles. "I promise I won't kick you anywhere I might need to use later."
"Oh, so my dick is as good as gold."
"Christian!" Her cheeks heat up, even though no one is listening.
"We both know you won't chance hurting that. You like bouncing on it too much."
"Ugh, I hate you." She hides her face in her hand, trying to contain her flush.
"You love me."
"I don't know why."
"I know why. It's because of my big-"
"Stop it! Stop it right now!"
He laughs. "What? I was just going to say my big brain and sparkling personality."
"Sure, beau. Sure."
There's a knock on her door frame and she looks up to see Jose in the doorway. "I brought the first draft illustrations for the sci-fi book you asked for."
"Oh, great! Thanks, Jose!"
He places them on her desk. "Five o'clock!"
She laughs. "Yes, five o'clock, I remember."
He gives her a wave and leaves her office.
"Ana?"
"I'm here, Christian. Jose just had to drop off some images for me to look over."
"What's happening at five o'clock?"
"Oh… he invited me to join him and some other people from work for dinner and drinks at Laurie's."
"No. Absolutely not. You're pregnant."
"I don't have to drink liquor...you know they do carry other refreshments there."
"Sarcasm is going to get you nowhere, Anastasia. You're not going."
"This isn't your decision, Christian. You don't own me."
"But you're mine. There is too much shit going on for you to be out and about with some other asshole who wants to get into your pants."
She laughs out loud. She can't help it. "Jose? I highly doubt he wants to do any such thing. It's just across the street. I'll bring Sawyer."
"No, Ana."
"This isn't up for discussion and as far as I'm concerned, your opinion doesn't matter. I'm not in the mood to listen to your Tarzan bullshit. I'm going. End of story. Now, I'm getting off the phone. I will talk to you later." She hangs up before he can get another word in and places her cell in her drawer so she isn't disturbed again.
XxXxXx
Christian sits at his desk, staring down at his cell phone. She hung up on him! If she thinks that he is going to give up without a fight, she's got another thing coming! She's his. She's carrying his child for fuck's sake. It's his responsibility to keep them safe and to keep her out of the clutches of other fuckers who want in her panties.
Keep your cool, Grey. She's a reasonable woman. Just talk calmly.
He takes a deep breath and tries to call her cell, but it rings and goes to voicemail.
"If that's the way you want it, fine."
XxXxXx
Anastasia is looking over the illustrations that Jose dropped by when she hears the lock to her office door engage.
Her head shoots up and Christian is standing by the shut door, looking murderous.
"Christian-" She stands to ask him what he's doing, but he cuts her off.
"I don't want to hear it. You aren't going, do you understand me?" He stomps his way over to her and pulls her against him, pressing a rough kiss to her lips.
"Christian, you can't control me. It isn't healthy."
"I don't want to control you. I want to keep you safe." He pulls at the hair on the back of her head, causing her chin to lift and he attacks her lips again.
At first she fights him, startled by his roughness, but she finds herself melting in his arms the longer their lips are fused together. Damn hormones. She reaches up and yanks at his hair like he did hers, causing him to growl a little bit and pull away from her lips. Leaving his forehead pressed against hers, he takes a few seconds to catch his breath.
"Do you want me, Anastasia?"
She bites her lip and nods. "Yes." She's still breathless. Why does she want him when she's supposed to be mad at him? This is beyond frustrating. She doesn't understand what her body is doing anymore. It's in overdrive.
"Are you wet?" He's got her right where he wants her. He is so thankful for her pregnant sex drive.
"Why don't you check?"
He grabs her around the waist and swiftly turns her, bending her over her desk. He yanks her skirt up her legs until it sits at her hips and pulls her panties down just enough to slip his hand into them. She is wet.
Anastasia reaches back to push her panties down further, but he gives a sharp smack to her backside, causing her to stop.
"I didn't tell you to touch those. Hands on the desk."
The way he demands this of her makes her center liquify even more and she finds herself doing exactly what he says. Her warm palms find the cool wood of her desk and she presses her cheek against it, waiting for Christian's next move. When she hears the clink of a belt being undone, she almost moans out.
Christian slips his dick out of his pants and grips her panties so he can push himself along her center, between her slit and her satin panties. She tries to wiggle to get him to enter her, but he spanks her again.
"No, Anastasia."
He begins to flex his hips back and forth, up and down her slit, letting his dick rub back and forth against her warm, wet center and the cool satin of her panties.
"Christian, please, I need you."
"Hush." He continues to thrust his hips, rubbing himself back and forth against her, but denying himself entry every time his head slides past her opening. He has no plans to slide into her, only to persuade her not to go later...and to mark what is his.
Christian picks up the pace and Anastasia begins to pant. His dick is rubbing deliciously against her clit and it's making the small bundle of nerves throb.
"Don't come." He growls into her ear as he feels himself beginning to draw up. "This is for me." A few more strokes between her legs and he pushes himself over the edge, coming into her panties. As he comes, he slowly moves his dick back, making sure to mark every inch of the center of her panties.
This makes Anastasia angry. She spins around and Christian barely gets his penis moved before it gets ripped from his body.
She pushes him. "What do you think you're doing?!"
Christian tucks himself back in his pants and grins at her. "Marking what's mine." He reaches down and runs his finger up the outside center of her underwear, pressing his warm seed against her slit.
"You are disgusting!" She tries to push him again, but he grabs her arms and pulls her back to him.
"Am I?" He nuzzles his nose with hers, but she yanks her head away. "You're panting, Anastasia. You're aroused."
"No, I'm angry."
He runs his hands up and down her back. "I'm sorry you're so angry, baby. Let me make it up to you. Do you want me to finish you off?"
She bites her lip and nods up at him, giving him a chance to make things right. It's only fair.
He slowly releases her and stands up straight. "Then you'll come home at five o'clock. If you come straight home, I'll spend the rest of the night making it up to you. If you don't...well, then you'll just have to deal with it."
"Christian!" She wants to strangle him for saying such a thing, but at the same time, she finds herself wanting to throw him down on the floor so she can have her way with him.
"That's the deal, love. Come home at five and I'll make it worth your while. If not, then you're shit out of luck." An arm wraps around her and he gives her a small smile.
"Christian...get out of here." Her anger is boiling over and all she wants to do is give him a nice knee jab to his groin. Instead, she collects herself, and pulls away from him, pulling her skirt down her thighs. She's had enough of him today. She doesn't want to look at him another second. Get the fuck out.
"Later." He gives her a wink and disappears.
"God, I hate him." Anastasia murmurs, plopping back down in her chair. She's never been so turned on and angry before. The two don't mix well and she finds herself sobbing into her arms on her desk, not knowing how else to relieve her frustration.
There is no way she's going to listen to him. She's going to that party, God damn it!
XxXxXx
Anastasia finds herself standing at her stove, pan-searing two chicken breasts while she curses herself. She can't believe it. What the fuck is wrong with her? She's angry at herself for giving in to Christian. She couldn't believe the words that were coming out of her mouth when she told Jose she couldn't come. She promised to take a rain check and she is determined to keep the plans the next time around. She hates that Christian got his way, but she knows that she wouldn't have been able to have fun with how aroused she's been all day.
His controlling nature is something that she's always fought against, but there is something so sexy about the way he uses it. The way he came in, marked his territory, and left her wanting and needing more was a major turn on. She can't help it. She wants more. Anger still burns in her chest at the thought of how smug the asshole is going to be when he finds her here, cooking them dinner. He's going to think he won. Christian better keep his end of the deal. She wants orgasm after orgasm tonight. After what he did to her, she deserves it.
Anastasia just gets finished with the chicken and begins to chop up the zucchini to throw in the pan when she hears his keys start to rattle in the doorway. When the door opens, she refuses to turn around and continues to work on the vegetables in front of her.
Christian makes his way over to her and wraps his arms around her from behind, pressing feather-light kisses down her neck. He's definitely going to reward her for coming straight home. His hand wanders down the front of her, down the front of her yoga pants that she's changed into and his fingers graze over her clit, making her hips jerk suddenly.
He grins and nuzzles her ear with his nose. "Right there, baby?" He begins to rub circles around her clit, working her up.
"Yes…" Her voice is breathy and she leans back against Christian.
"You're getting wetter...I must be hitting the right spot." He begins to kiss along her neck again and continues to work her clit until he pushes her over the edge, making her cling to the edge of the countertop as she comes.
"Wow."
He chuckles. "We're just getting started, baby. Bend over." Yanking her yoga pants and panties down in one solid motion, he bends her over the counter. "How do you want it, Ana?" He widens his stance to lower himself to her level and frees himself from his pants before slipping his head into her tight opening.
"Hard."
"Hard?"
She nods. "And fast."
He grips her hips. "Hold on tight."
XxXxXx
Christian and Anastasia lay in her bed after another round of lovemaking.
"I think my dick might fall off." They've had sex four times tonight and Christian is exhausted.
Anastasia giggles. "You're getting old."
"You're only three months behind me, lady."
"But those three months mean so much!"
He rolls his eyes and pulls her closer to him, kissing her forehead. "How does it feel dating an old man then?"
"Dating? You've never taken me on a date."
"But, we've gone out."
"To lunch...like we've always done. You have yet to officially ask me out on a date."
He laughs. "Baby, it's only been a few days."
"Well, then you better get on it!"
"Okay, okay, fine. Ms. Steele… will you be so kind to accompany me on a date this Friday evening?"
"Sorry, I'm busy."
His mouth drops. "Busy? With what?"
"I have a date with a beyond brilliant, devastatingly gorgeous CEO that night."
His lips slowly curl up into a grin. "You do?"
She nods. "Mmhmm. And it's our first date, too. I really need to make a fabulous first impression. What do you think I should wear?"
"Hmm...how about nothing?"
"I'm saving that one for later."
He laughs. "Okay, how about that sexy little black dress you own with nothing underneath."
"No panties? What will he think of me?"
Christian runs his fingers up and down the length of her arm. "That you're a goddess who deserves to be worshiped and savored for hours. Leave the panties in the drawer, Ana. Let the guy have a sneak peek of dessert."
Anastasia giggles. "Alright, if you think so."
He hums. "I do. Damn. That is one lucky bastard."
She shakes her head. "I'm the lucky one."
He settles into bed and turns off the light. "I'm glad you made the right choice tonight, Ana."
Anastasia lets out a laugh. "You know I'm just going to go on another day, right?"
"What?"
"You can't control everywhere I go, Christian. There's nothing wrong with going to dinner with a few people from work. I told Jose that I'd go next time."
Christian is not happy about this. He thought he won the war, but he's just now realizing he just won the battle. There will be more to come. "I don't like that, Ana."
"I don't care."
"You can't take my feelings into consideration?"
"Why should I when you refuse to do the same? You just want to keep me to yourself. You don't want me to have other friends. You want me to be dependent on you. It's unhealthy. I will be going out with my coworkers sometime and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it. No amount of sexpertise will keep me from going next time."
"You're being childish."
Anastasia rolls away from him and curls up on her side of the bed. "Nothing you can say will make me change my mind. Just go to sleep, Christian."
"I'm not done talking about this!"
"Well, I am. Good. Night." She pulls the duvet up to her neck and shimmies farther away from him. She's so frustrated, she doesn't even want to feel his body heat radiating from his side of the bed. He's lucky she doesn't tell him to leave.
Want a teaser? Let me know.