I'm sitting outside Jack's office, anxiously anticipating telling him the news about Christian and New York. What am I supposed to tell him? I obviously can't mention how much Christian distrusts him, but surely he'll still be wondering why he's coming along at all. God, why is he so frustrating?
"Ana?", Jack suddenly asks, breaking my wayward thoughts.
"I'm sorry", I murmur. "Do you need something?"
"Can you come to my office please? I need to have a word." Oh shit, am I in trouble?
"Of course", I smile sweetly and follow him in his office. He closes the door behind me and motions for me to sit. I do so without hesitation. He takes a seat across from me and looks greatly determined. Why?
"Were you aware that your boyfriend was buying the company?" What? He didn't know?
"Yes", I confess.
"Does it have anything to do with you working here?"
"He bought it before I started", I blush, hoping he doesn't notice.
"Ana, I know your boyfriend's reputation but this, it just seems too far. When were you planning on telling me?" Trust me, I know.
"I'm sorry. I just assumed you knew."
"Ana, you know you can trust me, right?" I think so?
"Yes", I reply, even though I'm not sure.
"Then can you promise to keep me more up to date about things like this? I'd hate to see you fired so quickly." What?
"I promise it won't interfere with my working here at all."
"Are you sure? Your boyfriend is known to be a little ruthless from what I've heard." Join the club.
"I know but it won't be a problem. You have my word."
"Good", he smiles. "Are you two getting along okay?" Holy shit, where did that come from?
"Um, just fine, thanks. I've never been more happy in my life", I confess because it's the truth. Jack regards me impassively as if assessing my words. Why?
"How does he feel about New York?" Oh shit, here it comes.
"Um, he wants to take me himself", I say quietly as Jack raises his eyebrows in surprise.
"Going with you to New York?"
"Um..." Shit, what do I say to that?
"I see", Jack says simply and suddenly stands from his desk and walks around until he looms over me.
"Ana, I know you got great potential here, but I don't wanna think that Christian Grey is embellishing your success." What?
"No, of course not. We've actually been to New York before and he wants to show me the sights." There, that sounded convincing.
"Really?", Jack asks, impressed. "What were you doing there before?"
"Um, he had some meetings to attend and wanted me to come along", I say quietly, secretly hoping he doesn't see my blush from remembering my last trip.
"I see. Well, if you can keep him out of trouble, I see no reason why he can't come along." Whoa, that was quick.
"He won't. I'll still be able to work while he's there."
"Are you gonna be staying with him?", Jack asks darkly—I think.
"Um, I think so. He said he had a place."
"Well, as long as you keep working. Wouldn't want you getting fired so soon in your job", he replies with a smile that doesn't match his eyes. "Call me when you get settled?"
"Of course. As soon as we arrive."
"Good. Well, I guess that's it then. I'll see you both in New York."
"Okay", I reply before standing and having his permission to leave. For some reason, I need some fresh air. Stepping out of his office, I notice my phone vibrating on my desk and smile when I read the caller ID; it's Christian. Checking over my shoulder, I pick up the phone.
"Hi", I answer.
"Hello, Miss Steele. I'm outside with Taylor. Would you like me to help you pack?"
"That would be lovely, Mr. Grey. I'll be right out."
"I'll see you then. Laters, baby."
"Laters", I giggle and quickly hang up. I start gathering my things when Hannah approaches me carrying a large stack of manuscripts.
"Hi, Hannah. Do you need any help?"
"No, thanks, I'm good", she smiles at me reassuringly. "Are you ready for New York?"
"I think so. I told Jack I would meet him at the tarmac."
"You aren't going with him?"
"Um, I'm going with Christian Grey." She raises her brows, seemingly impressed; I think.
"Well, hope you have fun. Send me pictures when you get there. I've always wanted to go."
"Of course."
"Good night, Ana."
"Good night", I reply and with that, she disappears from my view. Gathering my equilibrium, I slip on my coat and head outside to meet Christian. Taylor's standing by the car and smiles warmly at me as he opens the door and I slide in next to Christian.
"Miss Steele", he greets me before taking my hand and gently kissing my knuckles. "How was your day?"
"Just fine, Mr. Grey. And yours?"
"Looking up. What did your boss say about New York?" Jesus, he doesn't hesitate.
"He's fine with it. He's surprised about you buying SIP."
"Why?", he asks. Did he not tell him?
"Um, I guess he didn't know", I shrug and Christian's brows furrow in response. He turns his head to look out the window and we ride in silence back to my apartment.
Friday comes and I'm barely prepared. Grabbing the last of my clothes, I close the lid of my suitcase and turn to see Christian smirking at me as I do. He's wearing a dark shirt with the top three buttons undone, dark blue jeans and a black overcoat. He looks hotter than the night.
"Ready, Miss Steele?", he asks with another one of my bags in his hand.
"Always, Mr. Grey", I respond.
"Good. Let's go. I'm anxious to show you my place", he replies and he looks so young and carefree. It makes me smile and I graciously accept his hand as he leads me outside.
We pull up to the tarmac and after helping me out, Christian starts talking to Taylor who looks visibly concerned. Oh? What's wrong?
"Just get on it as soon as you can. I don't need this shit running down my neck", he growls towards Taylor.
"Yes, sir. I'll call you when we have something", he answers and after a polite smile towards me, takes out my things and starts heading for the jet.
"Is everything okay?", I ask once he's out of earshot.
"Nothing that concerns you", Christian states with a reassuring grin before reaching out his hand. I willingly accept, silently scolding him for not telling me what I want to know. He leads me up the stairs of the jet and memories from the past start circling my mind.
"Hopefully you'll be sober this time", he smirks and I flush in response. Yeah, me too.
Christian gently shakes me awake and I open my eyes to see the familiar view of New York out the window.
"Welcome back", he whispers before leaning down and kissing me gently. I smile sleepily at his gesture and soon, we land smoothly and Christian again offers his hand for mine. I accept it without hesitation and follow him into the familiar city of New York.
We drive to a place deep within the city and I turn my head quickly, trying to take in all the sights. It's as beautiful as I remember.
"Look familiar?", Christian asks suddenly and points at a bar, causing me to blush.
"I still can't believe I got drunk the last time we were here", I say quietly.
"If I remember correctly, I would say it's a good thing", he grins, humor gleaming in his eyes. How the hell does he do that?
"Too bad I broke the contract", I reply and Christian frowns in response.
"Rule seven, clause five", I clarify and Christian's expression softens.
"I'm happy you didn't sign", he says quietly, causing me to look at him. Holy shit; quick turn of direction.
"Why?", I inquire.
"Because...we wouldn't have more if you had" Oh my. Sometimes I forget how sentimental he can be. Grasping my hand again and gazing out the window, I turn my head to gaze out my side, stuck in my own pool of thoughts.
We arrive at Christian's place and I feel as if my jaw dropping to the floor.
"Like what you see?", he smirks when he notices my expression.
"Yes", I stutter before clearing my throat to try again.
"Come. I'll give you the grand tour", he addresses, looking adorable. Gratefully, I take his outstretched hand and follow him inside. The entire room is dark—how apt—with cream couches, a white-bricked fireplace and two coffee tables in the center of the room, sitting proudly on top of dark wood floors. I glance towards the kitchen and it looks similar to the one at Escala, only difference being is that it has two kitchen islands instead of one. A white crystal chandelier hangs ominously in the room and every gleam of light sends beautiful and colorful glints throughout the room. Holy cow.
"We'll take it from here", Christian informs Taylor and after a final nod—towards me as well—he exits the room. I follow Christian upstairs and quickly notice the walls are a lighter gray than downstairs with large gray carpets with little hints of black thrown in. He opens a door for me to enter and the room reminds me of his room at Grace and Carrick's, except it appears slightly smaller in comparison.
"It's beautiful", I whisper.
"Just like you", Christian replies, causing me to look at him staring at me proudly. I blush under his stare and reach up to stroke his face. He tenses slightly but allows me to run my fingertips from his jawline to the base of his neck. He visibly relaxes when I thread my fingers through his hair and gently pull him to me, kissing him tenderly. He groans deep in his throat and desire unfurls in my belly. God, I love this man.
"Do I need another road-map?", I find myself asking once I pull away.
"No. I think you know where to touch", he whispers, trying hard to hide his fear. Tentatively, I reach for the buttons on his shirt, slowly undoing each one as he closes his eyes and holds his breath at my touch. I reach up to stroke his cheek and he immediately opens his eyes and gazes at me—either in fear or in love.
"Do you want me to stop?", I inquire softly.
"No. Keep going", he chokes and my heart constricts. Kissing him chastely, I return to my task and once I undo the last button, I gently pull his shirt from the waistband of his jeans and slowly pull it over his shoulders. His breathing is ragged as I look down at the scars on his chest, restraining myself not to lean down and kiss each one in turn. Shyly, I reach for the button of his jeans and pop it before sliding down the zipper at a leisurely pace. I hook my thumbs into the waistband of his jeans and unhurriedly slide them down his legs, along with his boxers. He steps out of them and I quickly stand, trying hard not to stare, before reaching up again and pulling him to my mouth.
This time, his tongue greedily invades my mouth and twists with my own and before I know it, he lifts me up and carries me to the bed before placing me down gently on the floor. He reaches for my blouse and starts undoing the buttons and I try desperately to keep myself from staring at his erection. He smirks at my expression and deftly pulls my shirt down my shoulders before dropping it on the floor by his clothes. He kisses me again as he reaches behind me and in one swift move, unhooks my bra and drops it on the floor. He gently tugs my hair to the side, exposing more of my neck to him, and he plants soft, wet kisses from the base of my ear down to the hollow in my throat. I let out a small moan as his mouth travels down my body and suddenly, he carefully latches his teeth onto my nipple and tugs. Hard.
"Ah", I moan and throw my head back at his torture, relishing in the feel of his warm mouth on my skin.
He teases my other nipple with his thumb and forefinger and all-too-soon, he stops and I start to protest but the look in his eyes catches me off-guard. He skillfully undoes the top button of my jeans and pulls them, and my panties, unhurriedly down my legs. I grip his shoulders gently as I step out of them and he tenses slightly at my touch. He kisses my inner thigh and stands swiftly before pulling me closer and kissing me hard. I moan as his tongue explores my mouth once again and we fall gently on the bed, his lips never leaving mine. He stops suddenly, leaving me breathless and smirks before reaching for his jeans and pulling out a condom. He tosses it to me and lies faceup on the bed.
"You're in charge", he says simply and I grin before sitting up and tearing the packet with my teeth. Concentrating hard, I slide it on his member and sit astride him on the bed, admiring my work. Carefully, I sit on his lap and grip him and slowly, very slowly, slide down on his length.
"Fuck", he hisses and once I adjust, I place my hands carefully on his shoulders—far from the no-go areas—and start bouncing up and down. He grabs my hips to hold me and I keep up a steady pace. I feel my walls tightening and throw my head back in ecstasy as my orgasm rips through me, calling out Christian's name towards the ceiling.
"Fuck, Ana", he groans and soon, his body stills and I watch him come gloriously, taking me with him. I collapse on his chest, careful not to touch him, as we both find our breath.
"You're incredible", he breathes and I'm silently grateful he can't see my blush.
"So are you", I reply and sit up as he slides out, causing me to wince. He removes the condom and knots it before tossing it in a wastebasket and pulling me down to him. He kisses me tenderly and sits up suddenly so we're nose to nose and I'm sitting in his lap. When he pulls away, we're both breathing hard, but he looks happier than he did and it warms my heart. Will I ever get enough of this man?
"I love you", he says.
"I love you, too. Always", I respond and he lowers me down on the bed as we lose ourselves again.
Later, we're lying in each other's arms and I'm enjoying his warmth against my body. I place my hand on his shoulder and he tenses slightly, so I remove it and stroke his cheek instead. His breathing feels uneven and I quickly remove my hand.
"Don't. I'm just not used to someone touching me", he says simply and softly kisses my hair.
"Even Elena?", I blurt out loud.
"Yes. Even Elena."
"Why?" He takes a deep breath before answering.
"During our time together, it took a while for me to get used to what we were doing, and she could tell that I couldn't bear to be touched. With what we were doing, she came close and could tell I was nervous."
"Did she?"
"Once but she stopped. We reached an agreement and she hasn't touched me since."
"Were you like this when you were a child?"
"More or less, yes. None of my classmates or teachers could touch me, and Grace was the only one that did at the time when she held me after my nightmare."
"Have the nightmares ever stopped?"
"Only when I met you", he replies and I sense his smile.
"Why don't you love your family the way they love you?"
"They only love me because they had no choice."
"How do you know?"
"Because after I was acting out, I wasn't the son they wanted me to be. I just didn't live up to their expectations and it just didn't stop after that."
"What do you mean?"
"I dropped out of college during my second year." Holy cow.
"Why so soon?"
"I wanted to start my own business. Elena helped me out."
"Were you still her submissive then?"
"It was just after we broke it off. Linc left her and she wanted to help."
"Why did she abuse you?"
"Ana..."
"Please?", I ask as I sit up. "I really wanna know." He regards me impassively but after a few moments, finally gives me an answer.
"She found out Linc was cheating on her and wanted some release." As he says this, my mouth pops open.
"We became close when I was young", he continues. "And she kissed me when I was working at her place to get away from my family, and...", he starts, feeling uncomfortable. "Things went from there."
"So, she took advantage of you because she was upset?"
"Ana, it wasn't like that. I've told you this."
"Then why is she so possessive over you?" As I ask this, he looks at me curiously as if I've grown an extra head.
"Possessive?", he says finally.
"Remember how she was at the masquerade? She told me that you weren't the man for me and grabbed my arm before you stepped in."
"What else did she say?", he asks softly.
"That nothing ever lasts and that she'll be there when I learn that." His jaw clenches and as always, I wonder what he's thinking.
"She's wrong", he says eventually. "You're all I want."
"Am I?", I say out loud. Christian runs a hand through his hair and sits up before crossing his legs.
"Ana, don't let Elena get to you. I don't know what her problem is or why she's acting this way, but I'm not gonna let her get away with what she said. If you want, I'll talk to her, and hopefully you'll never have to see her again."
"Christian, that's not what I meant", I state, even though deep down I wonder if it's true.
"Ana, she's never told me to stay away from a woman, and the way she treated you at the masquerade was taking it too far. But please, don't let her come between us. You re all that I want and I don't need or want her permission to feel that way at all."
"But she knows you better than I do", I say quietly.
"Nobody knows me better than you. I never wanted more with her. I was waiting for you."
"I just don't understand her is all. If you hadn't met her...", I stop, not wanting to bring myself to say it.
"Hey", he says gently before cupping my face.
"Don't worry about Elena. I never loved her the way I love you."
"Did you love her at all?"
"Never. I only love you."
"I'm sorry", I say and stare down at my lap.
"Don't be. She changed me, yes, but she was never you. I don't care what she says; all I want you." When I look at him, I can tell he means it. Even though I despise Elena, I should stop obsessing over her when I'm with Christian. Still, it doesn't mean I forgive her, but I'm tired of fighting and before I can stop myself, I kiss Christian tenderly and he immediately responds, lowering me on my back as he deepens the kiss.