HI Everyone,
Obviously I am back from my family vacation, with a new chapter for you all. Thank you for the incredible response to the previous chapter. I know a few of you were torn reading it. I do love a juicy cliff-hanger.
Let's give my beta, Crystal9034 a round of applause for being a legend.
I have pushed out this chapter as fast as possible, and the good thing is it is a little longer than normal. Hope you enjoy!
Regards,
Maria Amore
Internal Conflicts and Compromises
Christian's POV:
Ana stormed out of the main room and slammed the door behind her. I can feel my rage building up inside, at her lack of communication. I would have thought she had out grown this complication. Apparently not. Well if she intends on acting like a child then, I will have to treat her as such. I race to her room happily surprised to find the door is unlocked. Either she wants me to follow her or is so angry that she simply forgot to lock it.
"ANASTASIA, DO. NOT. RUN. FROM. ME." I emphasize each word and loudly scold her. Every occupant of the building probably heard me. Ana turns to me, her face is angry, but it is evident at she has been crying. She turns away from me abruptly, making it obvious that she is in no mood to talk. However, this is a privilege I am not going to give her.
"You have to stop this behavior. Talk to me. NOW" I take a few steps closer to her, but she puts her hand up. Silence fills the room.
"I want you to leave" Ana finally talks but says the few words I didn't want to hear. Words I will not listen to.
"No. You don't mean it, and I do not want to nor will I leave. In fact, I am here to take you back to my, no our apartment. Our son is waiting for us there and…" I stop talking before I tell her that it is where she belongs, but it is the truth. She is mine, and I am hers.
"Actually that reminds me. I need to contact Ted and tell him I am moving back into my apartment. He can choose where he wants to stay or go in between our apartments. Ted is old enough to make up his own mind." With every word and move Ana makes, I start to get even more infuriated. Enough going around in circles.
"For fucks sake Ana, if you do not tell me what on earth, I have lied about right now, I am going to come over to grab you, put you over my knee and spank you, hard until you finally choose to productively communicate with me and let me know what I have done." I warn her as my blood starts to boil. I glare at her with thin lips and my eyes narrowed. I want her to be fully aware that I am being serious. However, Ana gives me an equally angry look. I know I won't be able to intimidate her, but I am not backing down from my threat.
"Two words. Grey publishing" Ana hisses. Years of negotiating business deals, ensures I am able to keep my strong exterior, without showing how I am truly feeling inside. What did she learn? What did I miss?
"We have discussed Grey Publishing. It is yours, regardless if you want a divorce or not." I remind her.
"You told me that Roach is retiring" Ana tells me impassioned.
"He is retiring, at the start of summer" I stick to my story as much as I can. At least this part is the truth.
"Why is he retiring though?" She says with a slight mocking tone to her voice. I am furious at this question. I instantly want to know whom she spoke to and what she knows, but to ask would give too much away. I need to go into damage control.
"Grey publishing has been stagnate for years now. I couldn't take it any longer, so I offered Roach a deal, and he took it. I didn't tell you that due to privacy concerns." I sincerely hope this is enough to placate her.
"You told him you would fire him if he didn't take your offer." She points out.
"Yes" I confirm. Ana looks even angrier at me acknowledgement. "It is my company, and I will make decisions as I see fit. I do it every day for all the companies I control. People's jobs depend on sound management."
"But the ramification is that you make me look like a major fool! That, I am again being given a company by my billionaire husband, making everyone think I am not capable of achieving such a position on merit." Regardless of Ana's over the top point, I am rather overjoyed that she has referred to me as her husband, once more. Reality hits me quickly though, and I know I need to refocus.
"No, I offered the job to the one person I knew who would have the capabilities to ensure the prosperity of the company." I firmly point out, Ana has seemed to soften a little at this statement, but I can tell she is still mad. My emotions are so mixed right now, I know I omitted vital information and bent the truth, but I can't stand Ana going back on her word to return to Seattle and resume our life together. A pledge she only made four days ago.
"Ana, either way, Grey Publishing is yours. I bought it for you originally, so I am just giving you something that you left behind. Just like your charm bracelet" Ana wipes a few tears from her face as I move closer to her. She still has her back to me as I wrap my arms around her. Whilst she doesn't touch me, at least she doesn't push me away.
"I need some time to think" She murmurs.
"Please Ana, come back with me." I plead.
'No. I need to think, and you need to take your father back to the airport. Ted will more than likely want to go too. I will let you know what I am planning later. Can you and Ted organize dinner for yourselves?"
"Yes" I sigh. I walk out of Ana's apartment a mix of emotions and angry, unsure of Ana's next move. I get on the phone to Taylor. "Taylor have security find out who spoke to Ana at Grey Publishing and told her about Roach's retirement. Then have them fired immediately."
Ted's POV:
"Dad, Have you decided what you are having for dinner?" I ask. We have been sitting at this restaurant for over thirty minutes, and all Dad has managed to do is order a glass of wine. He looks awful as he puts his BlackBerry down as if giving up on a hard problem. I suspect that he is hoping to hear from Mom.
"No. I have just been trying to get my head around some work matters." Dad lies. I look at my father, dejected. I hope he will stay in New York, should his and my Mom's relationship be un-reconciled until I graduate. I have enjoyed having him around, and I do not wish to be torn between staying in New York and going to Seattle
Dad indecisively scans his menu once more. I may not have had the opportunity to spend much time with him, but I know this is a worrisome development. He has always seemed so sure, so conclusive! My stomach is in knots as I feel loyalty to both my parents and respect their right to make their own choices, this constant limbo has got to end. It has gone on too long. Dad stumbles a little as he orders and drinks a little more wine than he usually does, I believe.
"Your grandmother is coming to New York in three weeks, and she wants to spend some time with you. Your grandfather may also come it just depends on his case load, since he just visited it is a bit harder for him to get away," Dad informs me.
"That's great! I would love it! Is she staying at your apartment?" I smile sincerely.
"Your grandmother is rather excited too and yes she is staying with me." Dad strategically takes a drink of his wine. "Since your grandmother is coming to see you and wants to spend some quality time with you, I was wondering if you would move back in with me for that week, should your mother decide to remain at her apartment." Dad requests. I am actually thrown by this. I have only ever spent one night at my Dad's house, with the exception of those recent nights that, Mom and I moved in. Boy was that a short lived relocation.
"I ... Umm... I don't know" I tell Dad. His narrow's his brows. I honestly do not want Mom staying in her apartment alone.
"Talk to your mother and see what she says." Dad's voice is low. I am over this, and I am getting impatient.
"Dad what happened? Why has everything gone pear shaped again?" I ask.
"Your mother, when she went to Seattle, found something out and has discovered that I didn't tell her the whole truth about the job offer I made her"
"What did you lie about?" I ask annoyed at my father's seemingly straight answer, however only scratches the surface. My overly successful and intelligent parents are acting like children, again. Dad proceeds to tell me how he didn't tell Mom about Grey Publishing and forcing the current head of the company to retire earlier than planned. Whilst I kind of understand why he did it, I can understand Mom's point of view. She feels devalued.
"Gosh Dad, maybe I know more about women than you do," I say shaking my head. He cocks his head to the side, not looking very pleased at all. "Mom probably feels undervalued. You have gone about this all wrong. You have to understand that she has worked very hard to get to where she is, on her own merit. She is an amazingly capable and talented woman. She is likely to be offered the CEO position of HarperCollins when Bryan retires soon." I educate my father.
"Ted, I know all of this. This is why I want your mother to take control of Grey Publishing." Dad stresses.
"So what do you intend to do about this?" I challenge my father. Damn I am going to make sure that he fixes this and Mom is open to listening and letting him in, again.
"Since you now know more about women than me, why don't you tell me what I should do? I have apologized and explained the situation. I have told your mother she is the best person for this job and I want her there. I have respected her wishes and am giving her time." Dad runs his hands through his hair, at a loss at what to do next.
"I don't know" I tell him, throwing my hands up in the air. We both look miserable. "Together we will think of something, or you can just kidnap Mom" I joke and laugh a little. Dad smiles a little, and I hear a small laugh.
Dinner comes and whilst I eat heartedly, I notice Dad picks at his meal. I think this might be a first.
"Dad I am finished, how about you?" I ask. Half of Dad's dinner is sitting there on his plate. He has been more focused on his BlackBerry once more. Constantly checking his emails, or to see if he missed a text message or phone call from Mom.
"Yes I have finished. Do you want some desert?" he offers.
"No. How far are we from your apartment?" We took my grandfather to the airport before coming to dinner so I am a little off on my bearings and I need to know for sure.
"Less than five minutes. Why?" Dad cocks his head to one side at me.
"Just curious" I say trying to hide my smirk. I get out my phone and lay out the bait. "Dad can we go to your apartment straight away" I beg.
"Sure. Are you sure you want to come to my place and not your mothers" Dad enquires.
"Definitely yours" I tell him, that is all part of my plan. The added bonus of this is that this seems to perk Dad up a little that I want to go to his place.
Back at my Dad's apartment I check the time on my cell phone. It is 7:15, so it should only take twenty more minutes, for my plan to take action. I start to get a little uncomfortable, worried that this isn't going to work. Before I even know it, I am pacing a little. Dad has gone into his study which I am thankful for or else I would be struggling to remain causal or explain my behavior. He is able to read me like an open book after all. I don't want to have to explain anything before it is time. Taylor walks past me, headed to the study. He eyes me off curiously.
"Anything the matter Ted?" Taylor asks. Gosh he is looking at me as if he can read my mind. The thought is unsettling. I am starting to realize why he and my father work so well together.
"No... Well yes... no, everything is fine." I don't know how much I can trust Taylor.
"Ted, spill it. If you tell me, then maybe I can help you" Taylor offers. I scrunch my lips at the side unsure. "Ted, I respect your mother highly and I too know that your parents are meant to be together. Let me help you in whatever scheme I believe you are dreaming up."
I tell Taylor what I have done and he smiles.
"I am glad you told me. The security team we have on your mother just rang me to tell me that she is on her way here. I was about to inform your father." My panic levels jump up little. Taylor holds his hand up. "Don't worry I won't run in and tell him. In fact I have a few ideas of my own that will make your plan more successful." I am overjoyed at his advice and assistance. Taylor nods and goes off to help set the plan into action.
Right on time, the doorbell rings. I go and seek my father out hoping he is exactly where I want him to be, his bedroom.
Ana's POV:
My heart is pounding quickly as I ring the doorbell of Christian's apartment. I shouldn't have given him back my key, when I left today. Why hasn't Taylor opened the door? Maybe he is helping with whatever is going on. I re-read my son's text message and it only serves to make me more nervous.
*Mom, need help urgently. Can you come to Dad's apartment? Really need you. I am not doing too well. Don't call. Dad just come*
I replied and told him I was on my way immediately. My motherly instinct kicked in, and I just raced over, I didn't think to ask for more information. I have no idea why he told me not to call his Dad. Taylor finally opens the door and gives me his usual smile.
"Evening Taylor. Do you know where my son is? How is he" I enquire stressed.
"Yes, I know where Ted is, follow me," He says. My curiosity is peaked when he stops outside Christian's bedroom. Taylor looks at me seriously, not giving anything away.
"In there? Christian's room?" I raise my eyebrows at him. Taylor nods. "Ted is in there?"
"Yes he is waiting for you" Taylor informs me verbally as he opens the door. My concern for my son is greater than my concerns for entering Christian's bedroom. I enter and their standing in the center, is Ted and Christian, talking. Ted smiles at me when he sees me, but Christian looks stunned at my presence.
"Mom, good you are finally here," Ted says. I look at my son, and he looks fine. Nothing like the text message he sent me.
"Yes, your text message made me believe something was wrong. Are you okay?" I ask to seek clarification. Ted looks at me and then Christian. I can tell Christian doesn't know what is going on either.
"No, I am not alright to be honest. Mom and Dad, you both fucked up again." Ted informs us. I am horrified at his language. Christian and I both give him a nasty look, which makes him retreat a little.
"Okay, bad choice of language. Mom you went off and acted impulsively earlier today when you asked for the divorce papers. Dad when you restructured Grey Publishing to lure Mom out to Seattle without revealing of the full truth, you were being overly controlling. Therefore, you both messed up, and you both have to just chill out and talk it out, better. So do whatever you both need to but be adult about all of this" Ted takes a deep breath and motions to Taylor.
"I am sorry about this Mom and Dad, and I know you are going to be decidedly unhappy about this but ... well you will soon understand" Ted stops talking and shakes his head nervously. Christian and I stand there confused as we watch Taylor and Ted walk out of the room, closing the door behind them.
"What will we soon understand?" I ask Christian.
"I don't know, but I am going to find out." Christian's eyes are narrowed as he goes to seek them out. "It is locked. Our son and Taylor have locked the door." Christian tries to open the door by banging it with the side of his body, but with no luck. Both our cell phones then beep.
*Sorry Mom and Dad, but I had to force you both into a situation where you would talk or do whatever you both need to do, so you both don't screw things up again. Sorry but I just love you both so much. There are food and drinks in the bar fridge in the room. Taylor and I will let you both out tomorrow morning at 6am. Dad do not fire Taylor, he did this for me.*
"I can't believe what I am reading. This is so, unlike him" I sit on the bed and then lean back, throwing my arms over my eyes.
"Well we are here for the next ten hours. I guess we should discuss your issues then." Christian arrogantly tells me.
"My issues? What about your issues?" I spit back.
"Anastasia I have always been controlling. You knew that about me, five minutes into that interview with me for WSU." I roll my eyes at him, knowing that it agitates him.
"How did you find out about Roach?" Christian probes. I have been waiting for this question.
"It wasn't Roach if that is what you are thinking. It was his assistant actually. When I questioned Roach about it. He told me that it was probably time he step down. But I still don't enjoy being lied to"
"I didn't lie, I omitted" Christian points out.
"Same thing" I rebuff.
"Not to me," Christian says sighing. He has now grabbed a chair and is sitting in front of me.
"I don't know if I deserve Grey Publishing now, any more than the first time you offered me the company. This is why you didn't want me to visit Grey Publishing, when I was in Seattle, isn't it?"
"Yes. I am sorry Ana. I finally had you agree to return to me and come back to Seattle. I spoke to security and briefed them in order to protect my omission, but it failed. I am so sorry."
"Sorry that I found out or sorry that you didn't just tell me the truth in the beginning?" I ask to raise my eyebrows at him.
"Oh Ana, I would love to fuck that smart mouth of yours," Christian says licking his lips strangely this gives me an idea.
"Don't use sex as a tool for diversion. Answer my question" I demand.
"Both, to be honest. Ana I don't want to lose you. I can't do that again." Christian looks disconsolate.
"Stand up Christian and take off your clothes" I command. Did I honestly just say that? Christian cocks his head to one side, not quite understanding what I mean. "Now" I tell him. Christian smirks at me while I try to work out what I am doing.
"We aim to please," he says. I watch him remove his shoes, socks, trademark white linen shirt and then his pants. The only thing he is still wearing is his boxer shorts.
"Do you still want a divorce?" Christian's voice is strained and full of remorse.
"I doubt it, but there is something I need to do" I declare finding a large amount of confidence to actually do this.
"And I need to be naked in order for you to do it?" Christian raises his eyebrow at me. He has his boyish grin on his face that I have never been able to resist.
"Yes. You need to lie on the bed, face up" I add. Christian quickly complies.
"Okay Anastasia, you have me were you want. Tell me, what do you intend to do with me now?" Christian looks excited, though a little nervous.
"I think you need punishment" I ensure my voice is seductive, and slowly I remove my clothes. I intend on making a meal of this as much as Christian usually does.
"Punishment?" Christian's voice almost breaks as he says the word. I shoot him a look, and he looks concerned. I suddenly realize that the last time he was punished would have been by Elena's hand, and I do not intend to beat or hit him.
"Trust me. I am not Mrs. Robinson. I have another type of punishment planned" I get on all fours above him. Christian moves his hands to touch me which forces me to sit up. Christian frowns.
"I can't touch you?" Christian says as if wounded. I know this is hard for him. For me to be able to touch him, but him not being able to touch me.
"Later. Put your hands above your head, Please" I request as I start to kiss his lips. He doesn't respond in the same manner.
"I won't hurt you. Trust me." Christian then opens his mouth allowing me free access. Even his kisses to me are enough to make me swoon. Cautiously Christian agrees to fully comply. I can see that he is still a little worried in his eyes. He is actually letting me touch him whilst not being able to touch me. I understand the enormity of what he is letting me do.
I resume my position on all fours, hovering over him. I position my breasts, so they are a couple of inches about his mouth. Even the prospect of teasing him, is making my muscles below tighten and my nipples harden as a result.
"So the first game we will play is, 'can you catch my nipple' "
"I have excellent reflexes as you know" Christian challenges me.
"So do I" I lower myself so for a split second Christian has a chance to put his mouth over my nipples, but quickly I move, denying him his prize.
"Want to try again?" I ask. Christian nods. I quickly lower myself again but sit up even quicker. I notice that Christian's eyes are firmly on my chest now. His focus is scary.
"One more try" he asks. His voice is domineering. I grin, and as I slowly move lower I ensure that I extend out so my nipple would land above his nose. Christian attempts to raise his head to grab my nipple but fails. I can't help but grin at him.
"You know the twenty one year old Anastasia Steele that I met would never have the courage to do this, but you are not that young naive and inexperienced girl anymore, are you?" Christian says analyzing me perfectly. I tease him one more time and then start to plant kisses from his neck to above his stomach, on his perfectly sculpted body. I run my breasts along his length and Christian moans pleasurably.
I take him into my mouth and suck hard. I taste the saltiness of his dew and then stop. I look Christian in his eyes. He watches me wearyingly. Again I take him in my mouth and stop suddenly.
"Ana what are you doing?" I can hear the strain in his voice. I look at him, from under my eyelashes. I try to act demure, but then go in for the kill. I take his entire length into my mouth while my lounge rolls around the head and pays particular attention to his tip.
"Oh Ana" Christian groans. I suck on him twice more and then stop.
"No, Ana don't stop" he pleads. I look at him, unwaveringly. He glares at me and is breathing hard.
"Do I need a safe word?" he asks me. The thought is unnerving, to us both, I suspect. Is that what I am doing? I don't answer rather I shuffle, so I have his length in my hand. I sit on him and slowly slip him inside of me. Hard. I ensure that he is completely and utterly filling me. He feels incredible inside me.
"You feel so warm and tight." Christian tells me. He flexes his hips as a way to tell me to move.
"Oh no, we are not going to do this for your pleasure." I tease him. Christian flexes a couple more times. I can't deny that he is much stronger than me, and it would only take one swift move for him to overpower me. I rotate my hips, enjoying the motion as it hits that one sweet spot.
"Ana, let me make you come." Christian whispers. "I promise I will try not to come, but let me make sure you get your pleasure." I can see the sincerity in his eyes.
"Will you be able to stop?" I ponder. Do I even want him to not come? I can't think straight.
"I will try, but it is extremely hard with you surrounding me." Christian places his hands on my hips and guides me as I literally ride him. The friction is incredible, and I can feel myself tightening around him. Every muscle in my body reacts gloriously.
"Come for me Ana" Christian's words are my undoing, again. I can literally feel every inch of him as I tighten around him. I am being ripped apart in one of the most incredible climaxes I have had. Then again every time with Christian has been memorable.
Christian's face is clenched tightly, and I know he is struggling not to come. I sit on top of him and watch him. Rather intrigued by this situation.
"Get off Ana, or I will come inside of you" He warns. I lean over to kiss him, with him still inside of me.
"Control Mr. Grey... It is all about control" I whisper and then slowly move off him. My poor fifty's face is clenched so tightly. He is so close that as I move off him, evidence of his climax squirts everywhere. I lock eyes with Christian as I am unaware if he started to come inside of me or not.
"You came" I comment.
"I know. Too bad you can't spank me, but you deserve to be for putting me through that." He frowns like a school boy.
"It's minor compared to what you have done to me in the past" I cross my arms now straddling him. There is a sticky sensation between us of the remains of Christian's enjoyment.
"Ana I..." Christian struggles to talk. "I ...um..."
"Yes what is it?" I ask curious at his reluctance to talk.
"Nothing. Come, shower with me" he says lifting me off him and guiding me to the bathroom.
"Christian STOP! There is obviously something bugging you. I am sorry that was a low blow saying that what I did was less than what you had ever done to me." I tell him.
"No, Ana it's not that... It's..." Christian stops again and pulls me close to him. He tenderly kisses my forehead. He is a mix of emotion, and I can't read him at the movement. The prospect is unnerving.
"Christian, talk to me. Do not shut down. Did I hurt you?" I ask. I am starting to shake now.
"No, Ana, no." He grips my hair and pulls it slightly. Passionately he starts to kiss me.
"I won't lose you. Not again. I can't take it. When I came home today all I wanted to was to hold you. Then the first thing I find is that you had left and then I went to see you, only to have you tell me you wanted the divorce papers and then walked away from me. I got angry and scared." Christian confesses, but I still have an uncanny feeling that he is hiding something.
"I am still angry over Grey Publishing" I pout.
"Fine, be angry. But first come and shower with me, and then take it out in bed with me" Christian whispers to me. Same old Christian using sex as a weapon.
Christian turns the water on and holds out his hand for me. "Careful, the floor is wet, I wouldn't want you to fall and break your neck." It takes a lot of effort not to roll my eyes.
The heat from the water is refreshing. The whole day has been taxing, and I suddenly remember just how tiring and exciting it is to be with Christian. I smell the familiar scent of Jasmine and then Christian's strong hands as he massages and washes me. The combination of the hot shower, the sweet scent of jasmine and Christian are tantalizing. This is where I want to be.
After our shower, I pull out one of Christians t-shirts and sit on the floor as instructed by Christian. He is checking the bar fridge and finds, Ted true to his word, has had it stacked with food and wine.
"I didn't realize you had a minibar in here" I comment,
"It is built-in so it came with the apartment, but I've never used it" Christian passes me a glass of white wine. It is sweet and rather refreshing. He also places a plate of cheese, olives and nuts down between us. It is our own little indoor picnic.
"I am concerned about how intent Ted is on... Our reunion" I state.
"Yes he does seem rather accepting of it, but don't see what the issue is." Christian thins his lips. Gosh I love him, but he is exhausting at the same time.
"Can I move back into your apartment" I ask.
"Please. And it is OUR apartment!" Christian says.
The next morning at 6am, I hear a clicking sound and a knock at the door. Christian doesn't wake up. He is sleeping soundly. I put on a pair of Christian's sweatpants. I find a rather relaxed Taylor and a nervous Ted as I open the door.
"Everything alright Mrs. Grey?" Taylor speaks first.
"If you are asking if your employer is still alive and breathing then the answer is yes. Christian is asleep. Ted, you have to be at school early today, don't forget" I tell them casually. Ted is thrown off and relieved by my mannerism and tone. Taylor gives me a familiar nod.
"So everything is fine?" Ted double checks.
"Yes Ted it is. We haven't sorted everything out yet, but we are doing okay. Please do not worry. Go eat breakfast and get yourself off to early morning training. I will see you this evening, here" Ted can't hide his smile. He kisses my cheek and then whispers into my ear so Taylor can't hear him "Thank you Mom"
I close the door and look upon Christian. My fifty. Mr. Overbearing and controlling. But alas, all mine. I slip into bed and look at his perfect sleeping face. Would we ever overcome our issues? I softly kiss Christian, and a large smile forms on his face, that reaches his eyes.
"Good morning Mrs. Grey. You look well rested." He says returning my kisses.
"I need to get up and shower for work." I comment. Secretly I would rather stay in bed with Christian all day.
"Ana, I was thinking last night when you were sleeping." I love how he watches me sleep. Somehow it makes me feel cherished.
"I know I embarrassed you with how I handled things with Grey Publishing. If you do not want to leave New York, then I will transfer the entire Grey Enterprise operations to New York. You can keep working at HarperCollins, I can run my empire, and I can still be with you. Always. Being close to you and Ted means more to me than anything. Hell, I will give up my corporation if need be." Christian's offer warms me. He would actually change so much of his life, everything he has worked for, for me.
"No, don't Christian. I am ready to go back to Seattle. It is where we belong." It has taken me quite a while, but I realize now that is where I belong."
"Oh Ana" Christian picks me up tightly and spins me. He kisses me and his eyes glow! It is the same glow he had on our wedding day. "Do you mean it?"
"YES! Though there are a few things I want." Christian cocks his head to one side, he looks a little concerned. "After I get the hang of things at Grey Publishing, I want to run it without interference, though as a subsidiary of Grey Enterprise, and I will at times seek advice, but it will be my company."
"Condition accepted. Now instead of shaking hands why don't we go to bed on it?" Christian smirks. He starts to kiss my neck.
"I have to go to work!" I giggle as Christian continues to kiss me and his hands find their way up my shirt.
"Ana, you are going to resign, who cares if you are going to be late. Also if you keep giggling like that I may tie you to the bed and have my way with you for the whole day." Oh how I wish we could!
"I can't. Also, I would care if I was late. I ought to tell my boss that I am leaving in a couple of months now. He will need to find a replacement for me." Telling Bryan will be a little hard actually. I have learnt a lot from him. Rumor supposedly has me pegged as his successor, but now I am going to be a competitor.
"Good." Christian smiles widely.
Christians POV:
Ted and I are waiting outside the private jet terminal. He wanted to meet his grandparents as they arrived and asked me to come with him. As the GEH jet arrives, my mother practically runs down the stairs to greet Ted, who is equally excited, especially as my father has managed to return to New York. I can't help but smile. I haven't made my parents happy much in the past month or in the past seventeen years, but I do plan to remedy that.
Once my mother has hugged Ted to the point he can't breathe, she then comes over to me. "Christian" she wraps her arms around me, and I reciprocate.
"Hi Mom, it's good to see you. I missed you." Gob smacked my mother looks at me, surprised by my admission.
"You have never said that to me. I saw you a month ago when you came to Seattle" Her eyes are full of disbelief. The thing she doesn't realize is that I don't miss her because I haven't seen her for four weeks, rather I miss her because I was so absent for years after Ana left me. I was reclusive and buried my feelings in my work.
"Hi Dad" I shake my Dad's hand. "Are you both ready? I have everything organized at the apartment for you both."
"They are ready, but you are not" I hear Ana's voice behind me. She is supposed to be at the apartment.
"Excuse me?" I ask. Ana greets my mother and father. All four of them fail to answer my question. Ted noticing my displeasure finally talks.
"Dad, I don't want you to worry about me. Grandma and Grandpa are going to stay with me. Plus I have security with me 24/7." I tighten my lips and look confused. I notice Taylor passing some luggage to the cannon crew. It's my luggage.
"We will see you in about five days, Christian" My mother hugs me again, and my father shakes my hand. They both leave with Ted and security, leaving Ana and I alone.
Ana smiles at me proudly. "You look rather pleased with yourself!" I tell her
"I am. For the first time, I think I have managed to organize something without your knowledge, though I did have help. Come we need to go, we have a flight schedule to make" Ana looks all giddily as she take my hand and leads me up the stairs to the GEH Jet.
"You still manage to amaze me, Ana" I point out. She giggles. I would probably do anything she wanted when she giggles. I can't help it. I sit next to Ana on the jet and buckle myself in. I grab her hand and hold it tight as we take off and are now in the sky.
"So care to tell me where we are going?" I ask
"Can't you guess?"
"No. Tell me Ana!" I demand. I look at her sternly, though I am rather excited about going away with Ana and the fact that she has organized this. I feel cherished.
"It is one place I want to spend some quiet time with you" I purse my lips, but then smile as I realize where we are going. There is no other place I want to be.
A/N: sorry if there are some errors but this is the quickest I could get the chapter out to you all. Please review and let me know what you think.