Chapter 5 – Reckoning

CPOV

"Aw, come on! She didn't mean it like that Chris, she's a single woman who is used to paying her own way – that was not about you, can't you see that? Don't be so fucking stubborn."

"But I told her I would take care of everything, what did she think that meant?"

"What it didn't mean is for you to be in here pouting when that amazing woman is out there confused about what she did wrong – stop being a childish Richard cranium." I start laughing, Elliot has a way of totally disarming me.

"Dude do not fuck this up."

###

Ana is straddling me while I'm sitting on the edge of my desk – she feels so damn good with her body wrapped around mine. I can feel her full breasts against me and the warmth radiating from between her legs. I kiss her hungrily and she responds in kind, it's like we're telling each other just how deep our feelings run.

"You taste so good baby." She responds by gripping me tighter and moaning into my mouth. Fuck me. She's turned on by my words, I look forward to her responses when I'm worshiping her body the way I do in my daydreams. I'm getting hard and we're about to conduct a business meeting – so this will not do.

"Let's get this business out of the way so that we can enjoy our Monday, shall we?"

"Lead the way Mr. Grey." So fucking cute.

I could have slapped the shit out of Dewey, Cheatum and Howe – I knew they were crooks. First they were blown away to be summoned here in the first place and then they acted like my dad had ascended from Mt. Sinai or some shit – they were annoying as hell, I bet I could see their lip prints on my ass if I had a mirror. I went easy on them, but that contract was shit but still that asswipe Jackson has to honor it's terms meaning he's still liable for full payment of the next quarter – I'd like to see him justify getting out of it, hopefully that bastard will be in jail soon and it won't matter anyway – he's bound to violate that order, and when he does I'll be waiting.

Kavanaugh is kind of…well ditzy to have fallen for that Jekyl character, but who am I to judge, I used to use a Tally Ho chair which was the perfect height for anally fucking submissives, so I say live and let live. I admire that she was brave enough to play those tapes for us, this guy was harsh and cruel to her…a complete fucking loser.

We shared the videotape of his stalking Ana's house, most importantly the whole bit he did with the car. We found another device on Kavanaugh's car and a listening device in the townhouse kitchen area, we are in the process of checking the office for listening devices as well as checking Jose's car. My father worked with the other attorneys to draft a plan of action to both press charges and keep this bastard the fuck away from Ana.

Before the meeting had ended we were informed that the idiot went tearing over to Ana's – bobbing and weaving in and out of traffic, almost immediately after the trackers were disabled. He was followed and videotaped – he was banging on their door when the security company rep and the CPO I had assigned there answered the door. He demanded to know where Ana was and was told if he did not leave the premises that the police would be called – he left there and is now sitting in his car outside of Escala. When he first arrived he got out and tried to access the building both the lobby and then the garage, Taylor and Elliot threatened to restrain me if I even thought about going out to confront him.

"We're going to let this asshole stew in his juices until we can have police respond – he's on videotape trying to access the property here and all we need to do is wait for word that the judge has signed off on the protective orders—by the time we're done with this asshole he'll have to leave Seattle altogether."

"I want you all to understand that he won't be held for very long for a trespass – the arrest can be made if he violates the restraining and protective orders, but until he's served he can't violate it. Also, he won't be arrested for trespassing because he so far he technically hasn't. We requested the max which is one hundred yards, that is the size of a football field. Given his track record, he will not take this well."

"Thank you Carrick, I really appreciate your taking the time to help with this."

"It's not a problem Ana, just understand that it's a process and a piece of paper, unfortunately building a case for aggravated stalking takes time - you have the best security there is, please try not to worry."

###

APOV

"Excuse me my dad is calling."

"Hey dad." I say with faux cheer dreading having to tell him about Hyden.

"Ana, what the fuck do you think you're doing?!"

"Dad, what are you talking about—why are you screaming at me?"

"Hyden has been calling me all day, he said you are behaving irrationally and threatened to cancel his contract with your little company for no reason because you had a disagreement. He said you're sleeping with Christian Grey and that because of his influence you're cutting ties because you don't need his account to keep Elite running. He said that Grey has it out for him and he was just trying to help you by letting you know what a low life and playboy this guy is; that is NOT how you conduct business Anastasia, you don't screw to get clients such a fucking cliché you are supposed to reward loyalty! How could you possibly think this is okay – you will ruin your reputation going around with this Grey person, he saw an easy mark, that's all – you always were so trusting and naïve. To top it all off Hyden is a very integral part of my business, have you lost your fucking mind?!"

I stand in stunned silence as my father berates me – my father, the man who raised me, who gave me advice on starting my own company, is this really what he thinks of me, and even if everything Hyden said was true – I'm still his daughter. He's ranting and raving like a lunatic and talking at me as if I am a commodity and a stranger; two things are crystal clear to me right now, one, my father's business is somehow tied to my being involved in some manner with Hyden and two, he has no respect for me whatsoever. Something reeks about this whole thing – and the stench is coming from my dad's direction.

"Do you FUCKING hear me Ana!"

"Yes Mr. Steele… very loud and extremely clear." I say disconnecting the call, my father calls me right back and I click my phone to silent. I'm too damn upset to deal with anyone right now – I lie down on the sofa in Christian's office and have a good cleansing cry.

###

I wake up to Christian on the floor in front of me brushing my cheek with his forefinger.

"Are you okay baby?"

"I'm fine, I can't believe I fell asleep, has your dad left?"

"Yes, he had to get to the office."

"Oh Christian he must think my manners are just deplorable – I didn't even have the chance to thank him."

"I came looking for you – it took me a while to find you." He says with a sly smirk.

"Baby, you're not okay, that stack of tissues speaks volumes—did something happen with your dad?"

He's so concerned, I can see it etched on his face.

"Christian it was awful, he screamed and cursed at me. He accused me of outrageous behavior towards Hyden and somehow blamed you for all of it. I care about that more than anything, that Hyden managed to taint you in my dad's eyes before you even met him and that really hurts. I've waited for so long to introduce my dad to my first boyfriend – someone I'm seriously involved with - and have him shake his hand. My father allowed that fool to take it away from you and I and that makes me very angry. I should have seen it coming, it's obvious now, and it should have been then, I was part of their business deal somehow. My dad is into something shady Christian and I don't know what's going on; either he is involved or Hyden has something on him or both. I always felt it was strange the way he encouraged that whole thing, the guy made my skin crawl, and I told him that but he still insisted…my own father."

"Come here."

He leans in and kisses me.

"I'm so sorry, we'll get to the bottom of all of this, I promise you, I won't let anyone hurt you Ana." I grab ahold of him and squeeze him tightly.

"Thank you Christian." I'm in love.

"Do you feel up to watching a movie with Elliot and Kate? Gail made us lunch."

"Elliot is still here?"

"I think Ms. Kavanaugh and El kind of like each other."

"You picked up on that too huh? Kate was acting very shy and demure earlier…she is neither. What movie are we going to watch?"

"I'll let you pick as long as nobody falls in love and dies a tragic death." We both laugh.

We gathered in front of the TV to eat our quesadillas and grilled chicken strips over corn and black bean salad. That Gail is an amazing cook, she wouldn't let Kate and I help with anything. We had a picnic in the media room, and we let Kate pick the movie – she chose The Hangover, which everyone has seen except for Christian of course. We laugh our asses off like it's the first time we've seen it – and Christian tells us he'll play the song for us later. Christian and I share kisses and cuddling, and I momentarily forget about the day's events.

"Get a roooom." Comes from the peanut gallery in unison, and we keep kissing. Christian smiles and rests his head on my forehead and whispers to me.

"I love kissing you Ana."

"I'm gonna cuddle you so hard tonight." I reply, he responds by squeezing me tighter and mumbling "mmm I can't wait." – it's like music.

"Shall we play a game of Jenga ladies?" Elliot pipes up when the movie is over.

"Don't fall for it you two, Elliot just wants to show off by beating us – he never loses it's so weird – it's like the blocks bend to his will." Christian says, trying to give a word of warning, so we decide on a game of Scategories instead.

Two hours later after Elliot has beaten the shit out of us repeatedly we all vow never to play him in any board game again. The main reason we lost is because our answers cancelled each other out – the three of us thought of the same answers over and over while Elliot got points because his answers were unique, very unique.

Christian gets up and sits at the piano and starts playing, then he starts singing.

What do tigers dream of

When they take a little tiger snooze

Do they dream of mauling zebras

Or Halle Berry in her Catwoman suit

Don't you worry your pretty stripy head

We're gonna get you back to Tyson and your cozy tiger bed

And then were gonna find our best friend Doug

And then were gonna give him a best friend hug

Doug, Doug, oooh, Doug, Doug Douggie, Doug, Doug

But if he's been murdered by crystal meth tweekers

Well then we're shit outta luck.

Elliot and I are in stitches and Kate just stands there were her mouth gaped open. What's incredible is that Christian heard this song one time during the movie…like almost three hours ago. My boyfriend is talented.

"Okay Steele spill – where'd you disappear to?"

"I got a call from my dad and he and I just don't see things the same way when it comes to Hyden, I was angry and frustrated and just needed a moment."

"Does he have any idea what's going on right now?" Kate is angry—this is exactly what I did not want.

"I hung up before I even had the chance to tell him – you know how he is, he's not the world's best listener."

"I don't know Ana, I've always felt like it was weird the way he pushed the whole Hyden thing –what is UP with that?" I don't answer, I just give her my Ana perplexed gaze.

"I'm sorry Ana, Grey seems like a really good guy – I was behaving like a child, and I took his only agreeing to meet with me after my dad pushed personally, and I don't know why really – I guess I'm not used to hearing no."

"Kate you should work on your approach – I love you but you come off abrasive, I felt like that before when you were pursuing GEH's business, but I didn't think you would listen to me. After I met Christian and talked to him at length, I wondered to myself what could have been the turn off or turning point between the two of you, and I think – and this is my opinion only – you acted entitled to the contract and then you threw your weight around, I don't want to be those people, and neither do you—you're talented and amazing there's no need for that."

"I've never thought about it like that – you think I'm a bitch?"

"No Kate I think you're my best friend and you have a tendency to act bitchy. You have a heart of gold and you're generous in your spirit. What's problematic is you are emotional and stubborn when you don't get your way – I want love and prosperity for you Kate, but you have to understand that the rest of us are here too – it's not always all about Kate." I can't believe I said those things to her, but she needed to hear this, and Kate is in fact a bitch, but I didn't feel the need to kick her when she was down.

"I'm sorry Ana, I just feel as though I have so much to prove – to my family, to people who have doubted me and to myself I guess. I didn't realize my ambition was creating such a monster in me, can you ever truly forgive me?"

"Of course I can – I know your heart but our friendship won't withstand another attack like that one, I hope you understand that. Your attack was vicious and uncalled for, you will never talk to me that way again. I just hope you get it."

"I do, I really do."

"I believe you, I also think that if you were personally happy – everything in your life will be better as well. So…what's up with you and Elliot?"

"He's a great guy and he's so gorgeous. He showed up at our door and I had no idea of course who he was and he was flirting a bit – after this past weekend I was so not up for it, I was polite but all business. I've had fun with him today, he asked if we could have dinner sometime, and I gave him my number. It's impressive that he has all the information he has as a result of listening to those tapes and is still interested in casual sex with the maniac girl. He's bright, he went to Harvard and is very successful in his own right. He LOVES his baby brother and sister; he's so very proud of the two of them and they are very, very close. So I will go to dinner with him if he calls."

"Good, I like Elliot he seems nice, I've been around him a few times, and it's true they are very close. Mia's boyfriend Aaron told me that they argue all the time like teenagers – but that he learned the hard way not to chime in with an opinion because Mia bit his head off for basically agreeing with her once that Christian was being unreasonable. I've noticed that whenever Elliot sees Christian he embraces him and Christian dips his head instinctively and Elliot kisses the top of his head, it's so sweet, they probably don't even notice they're doing it – it's likely something they've done since they were kids. I can tell Elliot is an enormously protective big brother." I pause and after a beat I speak.

"I am going to make an appointment with my GYN so that I can get on the pill or the shot – I'll look at my options."

"Wow, so you were serious – he is the one."

"Yes." I say tearing up. "He's special Kate, and I've never felt so safe with anyone, that alone terrifies me I have no idea what to do with these feelings or what they mean even, but I'm going to go with it, is that crazy? After four days?"

"When you know you know. Let's see, he's hotter than July, he's brilliant so you can have real conversations with him, he's got a good relationship with his family especially his mother, and they're all normal, intelligent people, he adores you he can't keep his eyes or his hands off of you, he wants to be your hero, he's financially responsible and secure and most importantly he's in love with you too. Oh my god Ana, you two will have THE most beautiful little godchildren for me—they will be gorgeous!"

This makes me smile/cry and reach out to hug her.

"Yes Kate, I'll give birth so that you may be blessed by our children's beauty. I do think I love him Kate, I just hope you're right about his feelings. Let's hang up your stuff we've kept those two waiting long enough, and I'm getting hungry again."

###

CPOV

She loves me too. It was not my intention to eavesdrop – I went upstairs to see what was keeping the girls and happened upon the end of their conversation about me. Who would have thought Katherine Kavanaugh would be my advocate, I must admit I stood there listening expecting her to talk shit about me, but I was pleasantly surprised that she loves Ana more than she despises me. I can work with that.

Earlier I had been chatting with El and he is interested in Kav…uh…Kate, and I encouraged him in spite of my feelings about her. Hell, like I said, who am I to judge her when I…well I'm me and El has screwed half the women in Seattle and the other half are still standing in line; who knows they could actually make a really good pair – she needs someone to give a shit about her and keep her grounded and El needs someone who isn't going to take shit off of him and help him to grow up.

"They're putting Kate's stuff away, they'll be down in a minute."

"Gail, whatcha cooking good lookin?"

"Taylor is going to kick your ass El."

"What did I do?"

"Mr. Grey I am making a beef tenderloin with roasted baby potatoes and asparagus tips – for dessert I have some beautiful strawberries and I'm making chocolate whipped cream infused with rum."

"Gail we can run away together, I'll build us a log cabin." Gail rarely breaks form, but she cracks up laughing and says she thinks she'll stick with her hunky boyfriend.

"I'm wounded, but alas he's a good man too." He says laying a kiss on her cheek.

Seriously, Taylor might kick El's ass.

"Something smells wonderful." There she is. She loves me. I'm grinning like a fucking idiot and I don't care.

"Hey baby." She trots over to me and I bend so she's able to wrap her arms around my neck for a hug.

"I missed you." I'm mellllting…all of my beautiful wickedness….

"I missed you too." I say not taking my eyes off of hers, I'm jolted from my gaze by the two rudenicks.

"AHEM."

"Yeah hello, the kids are watching." Elliot says, nudging Kate who is smiling and winking at Ana.

"Mr. Grey, Ana has blushed more today than she has in all the years I've known her." Ana, responds by burying her face in my chest.

"Please, call me Christian." It's the least I could do – considering she not only sang my praises but it was clear from the conversation that she didn't see my money as a main selling point. The look on her face is pure shock as is Ana's.

"Thanks, please call me Kate."

"Mr. Jackson was gone by the time the process server got here, but he was contacted at his home and served – the judge agreed to the limitations set forth in your petition citing his prior acts and the recordings provided as compelling evidence. We of course know it's just a piece of paper, but he will be arrested if he violates the order." What I left out was the fact that we've placed listening and surveillance devices in his home, his office and vehicles, this guy is such a fucking cliché – a loud yellow Lambo and a hummer – somebody feels inadequate.

"After dinner I'm going to show you guys the app on your phones that will allow you to access the cameras in and around your house. You will be able to lock and unlock your doors, activate and deactivate your alarm system, you will get a notification when your doorbell is rung – and you can see who's at the door and speak to them, all from your phone. Your bedroom doors have biometric locks, and once we key in your codes and scan your fingerprints only the two of you can open those doors –which we replaced with reinforced but attractive steel doors – we had to put in steel jams as well – trust me though they don't look much different from the old doors, the pattern is different but they're very unassuming. We added contact bubbles to all of your windows, even upstairs which most people don't have, but ladders are sold everywhere, so you will be alerted by chimes if windows are opened upstairs. Lastly we closed in your back yard. Both of your neighbors had fences so we only needed one panel."

"Oh my god Christian and Elliot, I don't know what to say – thank you so much. It means so much knowing I don't have to feel afraid in my home." Ana is almost at a loss for words and Kate is sobbing and unable to speak.

"Thank you." she manages to whisper – Elliot pulls her in for a hug.

"Kate, you're such a girl." He says making her cry/laugh and playfully punch his arm. I've heard it's a good thing when a girl hits you while smiling.

We all talk over dinner about our work and the rest of the work week, I am enjoying having Ana here, but I know it won't be long before she's back at her place and it makes me a little sad, but she's here now and that's all I care about.

"Ladies, we talked earlier and would like to extend an invitation to our parent's charity event at the end of next month for Oasis. It's a charity my parents started for the benefit of at risk youth. Every year we raise a substantial amount of money – please think about it and let us…"

"We'd love to!" They both say excitedly and almost in unison. I cannot hide my smile – the idea of Ana dressed in a gown – does things to my nether region.

"Great, I'm really looking forward to it." I say looking at Ana, who turns a pale shade of pink.

"It's a masked ball ladies." El pipes in, I left out that tidbit because I wanted to tell Ana later, but whatever.

"Oh that's wonderful, looks like we'll be doing some shopping Kate."

Her excitement is infectious, I lean over and kiss her, because I just can't seem to help myself. The four of us, clear the table and clean up the kitchen, something I've never done since living here. Ana and I decide to call it a night, while Elliot and Kate stay up to chat a while and get better acquainted.

###

"I have to go by and pick up some things from home tomorrow—Kate didn't bring my comfy jamies, may I borrow some boxer briefs and one of your tee shirts?" I'm floored by this request, are you seriously asking me if you can leave your sweet tasty scent on my clothing? "Absolutely."

"Thanks." She says with a shy smile.

"Do you ever read before bed, I haven't noticed any reading material in here—my nightstand is covered in books and magazines."

"No, I never do, I read in my office mostly, but it's always related to work – I don't really relax in here – I just sleep."

"I would soak in that tub and read, I'd come out looking like a prune every time, your shower is outrageous, but there's nothing like a bath. Do you use it?"

"I've been in it maybe three times, but usually because of sore muscles after a workout or run, because of the jets."

"You need to learn to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor Christian – I love it when you laugh, it's such a beautiful sound." She says stroking my hair above my ear.

"That's how I feel when you giggle, it's so adorable." I lean in and kiss her, and in no time we're kissing each other deeply and passionately. I've pulled her close to me and I can feel the warmth between her legs, her little body is firm and she smells so damn good, I get carried away by the moment I cup her breast with my hand and brush back and forth over her nipple with my thumb - good lord - and her breathing hitches. I immediately move my hand back to her waist and we continue to kiss. Ana's hands are in my hair as she rolls her neck giving me access. She moans as I trail kisses from her ear to the base of her neck, I stop after a moment and pull her into my arms.

"I'm so glad you're here right now baby. I'm going to miss you so much when you're back at home, but I'm glad I don't have to worry about your safety, Sawyer will be there too."

"I must admit, I was very happy when Elliot broke down all the security measures to us, but I felt a little sad too because I've enjoyed spending time here with you. I'm sorry for bringing up money earlier, I just didn't want to appear as if I was taking advantage of your generosity, I never want to take you for granted Christian."

"I know that now, and I get it – I reacted badly and I'm sorry too baby – I was upset by the notion you would think I would implement all of these changes and stick you with the bill."

"Gosh, I didn't even think of it like that." She starts to giggle.

"What's so funny?"

"I just realized that we just had our first fight because we were both trying to be considerate." God I love her.

I beam a smile a mile wide, she's one hundred percent correct – and to think I damn near blew it because I didn't talk to her – she didn't mean any harm it's not in her nature.

"Mmmm, back to the real world tomorrow." She says squeezing me tight. "I think I'm going to text my boyfriend tomorrow while I'm working."

"Oh good, I finally get to use my emoticons, I've never emoted while texting." We both laugh.

"I only want you to emote during our texts Christian – no angry texting okay?"

"I promise." I say with a kiss.

I fall asleep holding Ana against me listening to her breathing – my intention was to get up and get some work done, but I wound up sleeping until five thirty in the morning.

I wake Ana up and we dress for our morning run – Taylor is waiting for us in the great room along with Sawyer – we're all shocked I think to find Kate and Elliot asleep on the sofa.

After a five mile run, we're back at Escala to shower before breakfast. Kate is in the gym and Elliot has left to go home and get ready for work. Ana's phone has been ringing and she decides to take the call from her dad.

APOV

"Hello."

"Ana, don't hang up."

"What do you want?"

"Ana don't take that tone with me."

"I'm going to ask you again, what do you want? Because if you called to hurl accusations and curse at me this won't take very long."

"I may have been too harsh Ana…"

"MAY have been, is that your idea of an apology?"

"Look, I…you should just give Hyden a call…" I disconnect the call.

"Christian, I need your help in figuring this all out. I'm angry not sad at this point. There is something very strange going on with my dad and this Hyden Jackson thing—my dad is responding in a way that is setting off all sorts of bells and whistles with me and I can't ignore it. I guess the bottom line for me is I need to know what Hyden has on my dad, he's afraid Christian and I know that there has to be a reason. My father has been trying to whore me out to Hyden – at first I made excuses for him, thinking this was just about him wanting financial security for me, but yesterday he was yelling and demanding that I make it right, when I think about what would have happened if I'd never met you…"

Christian cuts me off with a kiss, my favorite interruption.

"Don't do that to yourself. You. Are. Safe. I would move heaven and earth to keep you safe Ana, I will have my guys dig into the connection between the two—if there's something to be found we will find it, I don't want you to worry about anything."

"Don't toy with me Christian, you suspected something was amiss, that's why you told me not to tip him off." The look on his face told me I was right.

"We haven't begun to look into their business dealings, but it did raise red flags that a guy as astute as Ray Steele would be in business with a guy like him, it didn't make sense to me. Your safety was and is my first priority though. I felt we could deal with the rest when you were ready."

He could have said something to me, but I understand that keeping me safe was first and foremost in his mind at that time—besides I don't want to take it out on Christian, he's been wonderful.

"Thank you, I know you're trying to save me from pain—but I'm a big girl Christian and I can handle it, share your feelings with me – please don't keep things from me."

###

I'm meeting with clients today – I'm wearing my gray suit – and suede mauve pumps. Yes, a power suit, that's' what I need. I need to focus on our work, if things fell apart because of this that would mean he was winning. Fuck that! The first thing I did when I arrived was to speak with Jerome and let him know what was going on. Christian's guys gave our system a once over and happily informed us that in terms of security our servers were amongst some of the most secure he'd ever seen, as a matter of fact Christian threatened to take Jerome away. I felt very pleased with myself for having hired him.

"Someone has an admirer."

"Jose's gleeful tone breaks my concentration from the spreadsheet in front of me."

He's standing in my doorway with a huge bouquet of peonies and lilies. They are so beautiful. I look at the handwritten card, it's simple and powerful.

Always in my thoughts,

until tonight…

Christian

"Spill it!" Jose demands flopping down on the chair in front of my desk.

"I have a boyfriend Jose." You would think I told him he won the lottery, he's beaming like a child with a new toy.

"Well it's about time, about time you finally told that creep Hyden off and let someone in your life that can take that hot little body out for a spin…you deserve it!" Jose has always been so complimentary to me, if I allowed myself to absorb all of his praise I would be an ego maniac, he always knows how to pick up my spirits.

I can't help but laugh, he's always been such a cheerleader for me, Chad tells me I'm his straight crush. He is always telling me that I need to get a man, I'm hoping this finally quiets him.

"He's a wonderful man and he makes me very happy, I know you already saw the gossip rag, so stop with the fake me out crap – I know you know it's Christian Grey."

"He's very attractive, I think you two make a very lovely couple" are his parting words before he gives me a wink and heads back to his office.

Thank you the flowers are beautiful, ur going to spoil me – A

I get an answer almost immediately.

That's the plan – C

My heart skips a beat.

I miss you – A

Counting the hours until I can hold you again – C

Same here XOXO – C

:) - C

I roar with laughter at his use of an emoticon.

About two hours later I hear a commotion outside of my office – I can hear raised voices and I recognize Sawyer's voice and the other voice is one I know oh too well, my happy blissful mood just went to total shit.