A/N: Hi! Thank you all so much for the bday wishes. I had a lovely time.
All mistakes are my own.
Three weeks later.
"Alright. I'm heading out."
Ana smiled up at Christian from the living room floor. They were back at their penthouse in Seattle, and everything had more or less settled down. Ana was hugged, and kissed the moment they returned, with her family on both sides making plans to get together and catch up. She'd already had a lengthy phone conversation with her own parents, who after she assured them that she and the baby were fine, agreed to have dinner in a few weeks when they were in town. Ana was saddened to leave the beautiful city of Capri, but she was happy that she and Christian were able to salvage their relationship and restart in the right direction. They talked. For hours they talked. About Christian's life, and his past, and about how she felt about it. They discussed how they wanted to raise their kid and buying more property for the incoming baby. For now, Ana was happy being at the penthouse. She knew that maybe when the baby was two they could look for a larger home. Ana was pulled from her thoughts by Christian.
"Ana. Ana?"
"Hmm?" She said looking up at him. He smiled down at her.
"What are you doing?" He asked pointing to all the papers surrounding her. Ana's eyes widened before she grinned.
"Oh! I am making a scrapbook. We need to have a book for our kid's first time."
Christian's brow raised.
"First times?" he asked to which she nodded.
"Yes. Like his or her first steps, first hair loss, baby tooth, etc."
"Ah," Christian said before leaning over and kissing her softly.
"I like it. You have an appointment with the doctor today?"
Ana shook her head before she kissed him back.
"No. It's for tomorrow. I rescheduled it because I knew you wanted to be there."
Christian smiled.
"Thank you. You said that you had an appointment today though."
"I do. Since you finally scheduled Jack in for a meeting, I can meet up with Leila. I've missed her," Ana confessed. Christian laughed.
"I bet. From what you've told me you two had a good time together."
When they were in Italy, Ana and Leila had arranged for their husbands to meet but then Jack got a call about his company that was having issues at one of his main factories, so he had to leave almost immediately. Leila went along with him because she didn't want her husband to be alone, and their son wanted to go with Jack. Ana understood, and they agreed to meet when Christian could set aside some time for Jack. Ana was pleased that it was today.
"I hope your meeting goes well with Jack. I know you make deals based on success and not because of connections."
Christian nodded.
"You are correct. However, I had already planned to approve the business deal because it's a good idea."
Ana's brow raised in surprise.
"Really?"
Christian nodded, helping Ana as she stood. She walked him to the front door listening as he spoke.
"We are going to have a kid. And it'd be good to be a part-owner in a kid's store. Can you imagine the games that could be played?" he asked smile in his voice. Ana was so happy to see that Christian was on board and happy about the baby.
"I can imagine," she said softly. Christian reached out and settled his hand on her stomach. You could see a slight bump and it filled Christian with an unexplainable emotion whenever he felt it.
"Besides," Christian said, "My son will be a top-tier athlete and game maestro. He must keep his skills up at a young age."
Ana giggle.
"Christian, we don't even know the gender of the baby yet."
Christian winked at her.
"It's going to be a boy. Now kiss me and wish me a good day at work."
Ana laughed before she straightened his tie and did as he asked.
"Have a good day dear," she said before standing on her toes and kissing his lips. He smiled against them.
"Thank you. And do try to stay out of trouble."
Christian opened the door. He paused before he left.
"Sawyer will be with you today. I need to keep Taylor with me."
"That is fine."
"Good."
The moment Christian left, Ana turned and whistled. Sawyer scowled as he appeared.
"Yes, master?"
Ana smirked.
"Now, remember. If Christian asks were Leila and I went today you are supposed to say-"
"That you both went to the spa and then went shopping, then sightseeing."
"Very good. I will meet up with Leila afterward, then it'll be like nothing happened."
Sawyer whined.
"Ana, if Christian finds out that I took you to Elena, I will be out of a job. That's after the man beats me to death."
Walking over to him, she patted his cheek.
"Aw, Sawyer don't be such a whiny baby. After all, you told me that you wanted to date my friend Hannah."
"Well, she's smoking hot. Plus she is actually funny, and she's kind. Do you know how rare it is to meet someone kind?" he asked. Ana raised a brow.
"And you can have that date with your dream girl. I'll even give you her direct number. But you have to do this for me first."
Sawyer groaned even as he pulled out his keys.
"Fine. But Ana, if Mr. Grey starts to question me I'm snitching, and I'm throwing you under the bus."
Ana rolled her eyes.
"Fine. Let me head upstairs and change."
It was rare that Ana dressed the part of a billionaire's wife. Apart from the giant ring Christian placed on her finger, Ana kept her wardrobe the same. Jeans for everyday wear, and comfortable, earthy style dresses and shoes for when she was out with friends. Her eclectic wear always amused Christian, but he admitted to her that he liked her simplistic style. The only time she really dressed up was when she had to attend a fancy event with Christian or the family. Today however she decided to make an exception.
She was dressed head to toe in couture. Specifically, she was wearing a stone-colored power suit. It was custom-fitted to her body. The legs were slim-fitted, and Ana liked how the fitted suit allowed anyone to see the slight bump of her baby. She wore Versace's Medusa Chain leather sandals in black, and since her toes were painted a lovely shade of red, she thought it was very fitting. Her hair was in a high ponytail, and she wore red lipstick, and hoop earrings to match. She grabbed her black Valentino clutch purse to complete the outfit. Even Sawyer's eyes widened in surprise before he escorted her to the car. When they were in the Audi SUV she called Leila.
"Anastasia! How wonderful to hear your voice again."
Ana smiled as she heard her friend's voice again.
"Leila! It's so good to hear from you. How is Gabriel?"
Leila laughed.
"He's good. Right now he is in awe of the needle here in Seattle. We went yesterday, but he wants to go again. Right now he is at the zoo with my mother-in-law."
Ana's eyes opened in surprise.
"She's here?"
"Yes. She wanted to tag along. She told me that it's no fun antagonizing Jack when he's so far away. Besides, I think one of her e-boyfriends lives on the west coast, so she may go and see him."
Ana shook her head.
"Do you have the information for me?"
"Yes, I do. I sent it to your email just now. I knew that name sounded familiar. Elena Lincoln was in the bondage scene, and houses all across Europe. While her husband was in business deals she was in backrooms. Apparently, she tried to coerce two young men into an agreement. The one escaped, but the other one barely made it out alive. He threatened to expose her but Elena didn't want that leaked."
"Her husband has no clue?"
"No, he doesn't. Apparently, he has no clue what his wife does when she's alone. He's probably one of those men who don't care. Anyway, she paid off the family, but they would have to be silent on the issue, or the money would be off the table. The young man knew how much his family needed it, so he kept silent. She's done this four times. There was a fifth, but no one really knows who it was, or if he was in Europe."
Ana kept her mouth shut. She knew the fifth and final one was her husband, but she knew it was between them and the family. She thanked Leila.
"Anytime. It was fun calling my friend. She likes to use her powers for good though, so hopefully, this can be placed in the same category?"
"Oh, most definitely. I've got to go and meet with the vile woman. This should keep her from my family."
Leila squealed.
"Oh, Ana. Please keep me posted. Are you wearing the suit we brought in Capri?"
"Yes."
"Ooooh. With the heels?"
"Of course," Ana quipped. Leila gave a pleasant shiver. "You know what designer wear does to me. I'm going to need Jack to hurry back asap."
Ana giggled.
"I've got to go."
"Ciao. Oh, but before I go, let me tell you about Mr. Lincoln." Ana's eyes widened at the new information and she smirked at the knowledge.
Once she hung up, Sawyer glanced at her in the window.
"We're here."
Ana looked into the shop. This was one of Elena's salons. It was a luxurious salon and spa. It had three floors and was in the heart of Bellevue. It was actually on the same block as Bravern, which was a luxury mall for Seattle's elite.
"Thank you, Sawyer."
The man got out of the car and held open the door for her. He walked ahead, making sure there were no threats, and opened the salon door. She could hear the whispers and feel the stares but for the first time in her life, she didn't care. She was Mrs. Anastasia Grey, and she would protect her husband no matter what.
Walking to the desk she smiled at the flustered-looking girl.
"Hi, Mrs. Grey. How may I assist you?"
"I don't come here and you know my name?" Ana asked lightly. The girl blushed.
"Mrs. Grey, I saw your magazine cover with Mr. Grey months ago. You looked stunning. I loved that pink dress," she said sighing. Ana laughed and the girl snapped out of it.
"Sorry. I take pictures and I had to appreciate the spread. I'm Lindsay," the coal-haired girl said holding out her hand. Ana smiled.
"Hi. It's lovely to meet you. My friend, Jose Rodriguez took the pictures and-"
"I know! I love his work! Ugh, his studio is so cool. Cutting edge. I'm in my first year over at Seattle University and I tour his gallery whenever I have the time."
"I'll pass along your admiration to him."
"Thanks."
Ana opened her purse and pulled out a card.
"This is his personal card. Tell him I sent you, and that you're looking for work. You should be doing that instead of working on hair. Your passion is in pictures, right?"
The girl's eyes were wide as saucers as she nodded.
"Good. He is looking for traveling interns. The pay is pretty good. At least that is what he told me. Call him as soon as possible, because he's looking to take his employees over to Morocco for a new project. That includes interns."
"Oh! Thank you so much! Oh my God!" Lindsay ran around the corner and hugged Ana tight, causing her to grin.
"You're welcome. Now, can you direct me to Mrs. Lincoln's office?"
"So that's my big plan. Hopefully, we can expand the toy stores to several locations. If we make each store have a specialty, we'll be ahead of the competitive market," Jack finished quietly. Christian studied him for a moment longer before asking him a question.
"Jack, what are you looking for with me?"
Jack ran a hand through his blonde hair.
"Honestly? I'm looking for a partnership. I had two backers, but one had to pull out. I fully funded my first two stores, and they are doing exceptionally well. Especially with online sales. However, with the second backer pulling out just as we completed the third store I grew concerned. And I've already hired a team for that location. I would hate to have to shut it down so soon after it had opened."
Christian nodded.
"And you came to my company because?"
"Because I've seen your work. And how you care about the planet. Your eco-friendly methods to help prevent hunger and smart technology are really astounding. With your backing, I know more people would want to be involved with the toy stores. I wanted to work with toys because I love making children happy. I love my son and the smile on his face whenever he gets a new toy is worth more than gold to me. I want to do the same for other children."
Christian gave a slight nod at that.
"How much are you looking for?"
Jack blew out a frustrated breath.
"The last I talked with my financial advisor this morning, she explained that we would need a minimum of one million dollars to keep it afloat, or until we found another backer."
Christian thought the number was actually pretty low. He leaned forward.
"Okay, so how about this. I will give you a check for four million dollars with the stipulation that the store in Seattle is owned by both of us. We split the profit fifty-fifty."
"For all of my other stores?"
"No. Just for this one. I only care about this. Jack, you own all three of your other stores. I don't want to interfere with that. Honestly, I just want to be a part of this great idea." Jack sagged in relief, which caused Christian to chuckle.
"Nervous?"
"Um, yeah. I really hate presentations and meetings. I prefer to be the guy behind the scenes not really visible to the public. I mean, it's a great idea Christian, but I feel like your not getting a fair share of it."
Christian's brow raised.
"Oh, but I am. My company has expanded far greater than I ever anticipated. Now we will have a hand in the toy industry as well. The name alone withdraws public interest, and you will have more money than you ever hoped. My name will probably give potential clients more of an incentive to sign with me. I will get more than monetary gain, Jack and that is what I want."
Jack grinned before holding out his hand.
"You've got a deal, partner. Now, we should probably think of a time to get together outside of work so that our wives can meet. Leila has been dying to meet with Ana again, but she told me that Ana said she'd be unable to this week?"
Christian kept his smile plastered on his face even as he mentally froze. Ana was supposed to be meeting with Leila today. It was what she told him.
"Oh, of course. We should all plan something. Have Leila call my wife and we'll schedule something for later on next week."
Jack stood.
"I will. Thank you so much, Mr. Grey."
"Please, call me Christian. And my secretary Andrea will show you to our meeting room where Ros will need to get your signature."
"Great."
The moment he left Christian grabbed his phone and called Taylor.
"Yes, sir?"
Christian walked back to his desk, grabbed his wallet before speaking into his phone.
"Where the hell is my wife?"
Ana thanked Lindsay before she knocked on the door. When Elena called for her to come in, she did. Ana got much satisfaction from seeing her eyes widen and travel over her body before they narrowed and focused back on her face. She leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs.
"Anastasia. What brings you by?"
Ana turned to Sawyer signaling for him to wait for her outside the door. He sighed before giving a slight nod and closed it.
"I see you came with one of your guard dogs."
"My name is Mrs. Grey, and I bring my dog to keep the trash away from me," she said easily. Ana saw Elena's jaw tick and she inwardly cheered.
Score for me.
"So how was your little runaway? I knew you were too small to handle a man like Christian. To handle a man such as him, one would need to wear their big girl panties. Preferably thongs. Did your husband have to convince you to come back?"
Ana bit her cheek before observing her office. It was very much like Elena.
Cold and sterile.
"No, but at least I have a husband."
Elena rolled her eyes.
"Little girl, I have been married for over twenty-five years."
"Hmm. And yet, he continues to keep fucking his law student. I wonder, how does that work. Does he screw you first, then Alan after? Or does he go first?" Ana asked innocently. Elena paled and Ana smirked.
"May I have a seat?" Ana asked. Elena forced a smile.
"Oh, I don't have any time-"
"It won't take long," Ana said as she took a seat that faced her desk, and unbuttoned her suit coat. She saw Elena's eyes widen on her rounded stomach and Ana placed her left hand atop of it.
"I see congratulations are in order," Elena said stiffly.
"Thank you," Ana said. "I'm just so blessed to be married and with a child on the way."
Elena studied Ana for a brief moment before she spoke harshly.
"What is it that you want, Ana?"
At that, Ana leaned forward.
"I want you to leave my husband alone. I know he told you to stay away from him, and he even gifted you with a check you didn't deserve along with two shops that, only God knows how they are making money. He also explained to me that you tried to come to his company to start trouble."
Elena gave a false laugh.
"Well! I am surprised. Christian does communicate with his wife. I thought he wouldn't tell you a lot of things.
"There's a lot you don't know about the relationship I have with Christian, but that is neither here, nor there," Ana said before crossing her legs.
"I want you to stay away from Christian. If you don't, I will make sure that you can never show your face in polite society again."
"Anastasia-"
"It's Mrs. Grey to you, Elena," Ana said through her teeth. Ana's eyes were cold, and it caused Elena to pause. Ana inwardly smirked.
Good. I'm glad I finally have your attention.
"You are a pedophile. You are the worst cretin of society. If I had my way your ass would be locked up by five p.m. today. But I can't do that. And you know it. My husband, as tough as he is wants the entire situation put behind him, and to give him comfort I will do that. But not before I issue out my own warning for you. Stay away from my husband. This is my first and only warning."
"Mrs. Grey," Elena enunciated mockingly, "You cannot tell me where to go, or how to speak with your husband. We have unfinished business and it doesn't involve you."
Ana gave a slight nod before she pulled up her phone. She instantly sent the same attached email to Elena's number. Once the woman's phone went off Ana spoke.
"Check your phone."
Curious, Elena picked up the phone and instantly dropped it.
"How did you-"
"How did I get those files? Of the boys, you assaulted years ago? How did I get enough evidence that would destroy your entire reputation, and your husband's? How did I get the pictures and video of your husband's sex tapes? Was that what you were going to ask me?"
Ana leaned forward before she glared at Elena.
"You haven't seen the levels I will go to destroy you. You've got me fucked up if you think you're going to sit here and harass my husband."
Ana leaned back in her seat before clearing her throat.
"So, this is what I want. I want you, Elena Lincoln to pack up your shit and move. I don't care where, and I don't care how, but I want you out of Seattle. For good. You have less than two weeks. Let your husband know about the change of plans."
"He's living in New York," she said irritably. Ana's eyes widened in glee before she giggled.
"Well, then that's just wonderful! You and your husband can start somewhere new together. Leave, and never return. If I hear you are still in Seattle at the end of the two weeks, this information will be dropped to the Seattle Times, and every newspaper across the country. And I will not hesitate to do it along with your husband's sex tapes. Do I make myself clear?"
When Ana received no response she raised her brow.
"I said do I make myself clear?" She said with a bit of force in her voice. Elena sneered.
"Yes, Mrs. Grey."
"Good." Ana grabbed her clutch before standing.
"And Elena? I better not get wind of you raping any more little boys. Our deal will be off and I will release this information. Learn to fuck people your own age." Ana sighed before smoothing back her hair.
"Now, I must be going. I need to get something to eat. The baby is making me crave something meaty. Have safe travels, and do send me an email, text, or postcard when you get to wherever you go."
Before Ana left, Elena spoke.
"I'm sorry. For what I did. To Christian. Just, I'm sorry."
Ana closed her eyes for a moment before opening the door and walking out, slamming it behind her.
When they got into the car, Sawyer's eyes widened when he checked his phone.
"Oh, shit."
Ana's brow raised.
"What?"
Sawyer held out his phone to Ana to read.
I know my wife is with you, and more than likely convinced you to drive her someplace she shouldn't be going to handle something she should NOT be doing. When she is finished please bring her back to the house. Alone. And if she reads this, tell her that she better not think of going somewhere else because I will tie her to the bed and keep her there if necessary. -Christian
Ana sighed before she slumped back in the car seat. Sawyer's brow rose before he started the engine.
"I guess we're both in trouble, then."
"Yeah. Hey, stop at Wendy's on the way. I want to at least have a full stomach while my husband yells at me."
Sawyer chuckled.
"Just add a triple cheeseburger for me along with a soda."
"Deal."
LOL. I love my girl, Ana. Get it! She in trouble though. LOL leave a review it makes my day!