"So what's going on with you and dad?" Elliot was sitting on my couch after our intense work out. It was already late as hell but I wasn't tired. I had told him what his wife did but of course he could find no fault in her actions.
"He wants me to bring Ana to church this Sunday. She doesn't even know about our family. You know I'm not allowed to tell her." I lay back against the couch taking a sip of my water. I didn't know what my father had up his sleeve but I knew he found a way around every rule.
"Well you know you've always been different Christian. You have a legacy to live up to. "Elliot was right of course. I knew I had a responsibility to this family. I had to give up my whole childhood just to be prepared for it. Did that mean I would have to give up the possibility of finding happiness with someone too? I wasn't sure I wanted this to control my whole life.
"So because I have to take over the family business I have to marry the girl papa wants? Not the one girl that I actually care for. She's different El." I couldn't explain it but I knew Ana was supposed to be in my life. We have known each other for almost two weeks and already my father was trying to tear it apart. I was furious.
"Listen I get it… Just bring her to church and be sure she's ready to hear the truth because you know papa will find a way to tell her." He stands and pats me on the back before leaving. He was right. I knew my father would find a way to break the truth too her without it going against the rules. I knew it and I was terrified. I had never been ashamed of the real me. With Ana though I didn't want her to look at me differently.
Picking up my phone I give her a call. I was feeling suffocated and I wanted to see her. Maybe if we could talk Sunday wouldn't be as hard for the both of us.
"Hello?"
"Ana… I'm coming to get you in five minutes." I smile as I hear her rushing to get ready over the phone.
"Okay. I'm ready come get me Viejo." I scowl at her nick name for me. Ana was fluent in Spanish. It was so similar to Italian I had decided to take it up. I knew I could learn it fairly quickly. Yea I wanted to impress her but after Sunday I didn't think it would matter.
"I'm not old. I'm only five years older than you." I grumble as I grab my car keys.
"Whatever you say. I'll be waiting bye Viejo." She hangs up before I can say anything. Shaking my head I head towards my car. She thought it would be cute to give each other nick names while she got Cara I got Viejo. I guess it was endearing in some way.
Pulling up to the curb I honk the horn as her back is turned. I laugh as she jumps dropping her phone. While giving me a glare she picks up her phone.
"You know you're a jerk right?" She gets in the car slapping me on the shoulder. Grabbing her hand I pull her close giving her a kiss.
"Yea but you love it." I wink while putting the car in drive. I drive her back to my place. It's her first time being here and I didn't know why I brought her. I never brought anyone to my place. I preferred to keep females away from my living space.
"Why are we here?" She slowly walks in and stares at my décor. I had my sister Mia design it for me. She had a blast. It was nothing like me but it made her happy so I didn't really care.
"We need to talk come take a seat." I lead her to the couch before heading back to the kitchen. Taking out two glasses I grab a bottle of Merlot before walking back. It was late and I didn't bother to ask if she was sleeping when I called her. I guess it was too late for that now.
"What's wrong?" She bites her lap as I set her glass of wine down on a coaster. I tried telling her what that did to me but it was a habit for her. A habit that was making it hard for me not to fuck her. I didn't want to take our relationship to that level until she knew everything about me.
"My father wants you to come to meet the family on Sunday. That's in three days." I sit down next to her and take a sip of my wine. I wasn't sure how she felt about meeting my family. I knew it was soon but I actually didn't mind her meeting my sister and mom. It was my dad I wanted to keep her away from. He was intense.
"Your father…I thought... I mean we're not dating?" She wiggles her nose and I can't help but smile. She made me want to be better. I would give everything for her to be mine.
"Not yet."
"Not yet? So that means you want us to date?" She grabs her glass and turns her body towards me. Tilting her head she awaits my answer.
"Yes…but there's a lot about me that you don't know. I'm sure my father will tell you this Sunday. Then you can make your choice on being with me." I stared at my glass as if it was the most interesting thing in the world.
"I wish you would just tell me." She sighs and leans against the armrest. I knew she was getting impatient. Ana had expressed her need to be with me. She had told me it was nothing she's ever felt before but I couldn't trap her. I didn't want too. I wanted her to have a choice. I knew my father would find a way to tell her and I wanted her to be able to get out while she could without facing consequences.
"I can't." I shrug my shoulders. There wasn't much I could say or do. I just wanted to be with her while I still had the chance.
Staring at me she gently plays with the stem of her glass. She grabs the remote and turns on the TV.
"Look Sex in the City is giving!" Just like that the subject was done. I didn't know how she did it but she knew when it was time to drop something. She never pushed me for information and respected my boundaries. Leaning back I open my arms allowing her to lie against me. We spent the rest of the night watching sex in the city re runs.
It's been three days since I've seen my father and now it was time for church. Ana and I had been seeing each other the whole week. Once at lunch and once for dinner. I could see that things had been on her mind but she wasn't budging. I was starting to worry that she was already second guessing this whole thing.
When it came to her I felt like I was in a losing battle. Everything I had trained so hard for was ending. My hardened resolve, my lethal reactions, and most of all my ability to not feel a thing. I had my emotions dead and gone by the time I was 13 and now with Ana in the picture they were trying to creep out.
Don't get me wrong I wanted to be with her. I just wasn't sure how to deal with all this when she still didn't know the real me. I couldn't allow myself to let my armor crack when she might not even stay.
I had talked to her these past three days about my father's request to join us at church. Today however I was picking her up an hour before church. Carrick was the only man that I was afraid of. Granted that fear has dissolved as the years added up but still it was there. Nothing about this felt right and I learned long ago to trust my gut instinct.
Pulling on a pair of navy blue slacks and the one button blazer to go with it I make sure my tie is straight before slipping my dress shoes on. Locking up I grab my coffee cup and head out to get Ana. The drive to her sorority house was only 15 minutes from mine. I was glad it wasn't too long. It didn't give me enough time to change my mind about this whole thing.
Pulling up to her house I see her standing on the steps wearing a black dress that goes a little above her knees. Her hair is down with slight waves and she looks absolutely beautiful.
"Hello handsome." Smiling she playfully winks at me before getting into my car. I had to admit having her here settled my nerves.
"Ana I understand if you feel this is too rushed."
I couldn't tell if she was nervous or if I was nervous for the both of us. She didn't understand how big of a deal this was. This changes everything.
"Christian really I'm not even worried. Why is this bothering you so much?" I can sense the hurt behind her words and curse myself for making her feel that way as I drive off.
"You don't understand Ana. My family is different. They're going to eat you alive." I send her a serious look. I wasn't kidding. My mother was a sweetheart but my father was going to make her sweat. Mia well, she was just Mia. She was talkative and couldn't careless who we brought home. Actually she would probably adore Ana seeing as her Kate didn't have much in common besides shopping.
"Well I've asked you multiple times what was going on. You always say nothing. So I can't help you there buddy." She huffs crossing her arms and I smile. I loved that she sassed me. She was the only one that could get away with it.
Pulling up to the church I park and get out to open Ana's door.
"By the way you're catholic right?" Please say yes. Give me one damn thing to win my father over on.
"No why?"
"Dio mio... Of course not, never mind let's just go. I apologize in advance." Taking her hand I walk towards the church's front doors. Stepping inside I spot my family right away. This time I'm caught off guard as they're sitting in the back and not the front like usual.
Elliot sends a smirk my way and Ana immediately leaves my side to sit next to Kate. I could tell her nerves were on high now that we were actually here. My father doesn't even bother turning around but my mother does and sends me a loving smile.
She hated talking in church so I knew she wouldn't be greeting Ana until it was over. Sliding in next to her I bow my head and send a quick prayer to heaven. Please don't take this day to punish me for all my sins.
Listening to the hymns go on and Father take his place on the podium I take this time to clear my head. One thing church was good for was blocking out all the shit of everyday life.
My father being an ass wasn't the only thing I was worried about. I had to deal with shit at GEH that needed to get done. If not it would fuck with my money flow and I had my whole future in my personal business riding on my actions. I had to prove myself if I wanted a shot at my father's legacy. It was all too much. I didn't know how I was even keeping it together.
Keeping my eyes close I count the minutes as they pass by. Only 30 more till church was over.
I was fuming as I drove to my parents' house. Ana was next to me keeping to herself. I knew she had to be upset. It was her that was the target after all. After church had ended Ana and I had exited first waiting on the steps for my family to join us. Mia of course wasn't present as she was at the house getting ready for Sunday dinner. I swear that girl got away with everything.
My father didn't say a word. He looked Ana up and down didn't even give her a chance. I knew this was coming but he could at least show some respect!
My mother as always welcomed her with open arms. I never expected anything less from her. Grace loved everyone and all she wanted was to see her children happy. All my father wanted was to see his children following in his footsteps.
"I'm sorry Ana. This dinner isn't going to be much better so if you want to leave let me know." I sigh as I park the car. Ana just stares at my parents' home. I had to admit it was massive.
"Well...seems as though you guys are really wealthy." She clears her throat before fixing her hair and squaring her shoulders. I smile at her determination and get out to open her car door. Maybe I had no reason to worry Ana seemed to think she was more than capable of handling anything my father dished out.
Walking up to my parents' home I don't even bother knocking as I walk right in. I hear Mia before I see her.
"Christian! I haven't seen you in forever I miss you." I actually feel bad as my sister holds on to me. I hug her tightly before kissing her on her forehead. I was her older brother I would have to do better and spend some time with her. Mia is only 17 so I know she feels lonely at times.
"I'm sorry Mia I've missed you too please let me introduce you to Ana."
She turns around and sees Ana standing by the entrance. Staring back at me with her mouth open she runs up to Ana scooping her up in a big embrace.
"Oh my god! I didn't know Christian had a girlfriend. He's never dated before. This is so exciting! How old are you? You're too pretty to be with my big oaf of a brother."
Ana laughs and winks at me before turning her attention back to Mia.
"21 and I happen to like your big oaf of a brother although he hasn't officially asked me to be his girlfriend. His time might be running out." I let a scowl take over my features. Like hell my time was running out. Once she met the family if she decided to stay then she was mine. Although I guess the proper thing to do would be to make it official. What the hell did I know? I wasn't good at this dating shit.
Freeing her from my sister's death trap I head in to the dining room where everyone is already seated. Taking our place at the table I notice we're across from Elliot and Kate. My father is to our left at the head of the table and my mother on his right.
Clearing my throat to break the awkward silence I look across the table and see the feast my mother has prepared. There was pot roast, meat balls, lasagna, and for desert cannoli's.
Filling our plates up I notice that everyone already has food on theirs and they're just waiting for us. I groan when I see Ana reach for a meatball and know my fathers about to say something.
"We say grace in this house before we eat." My father's voice is authoritative; I look at Ana and roll my eyes. She giggles before placing her fork down and bowing her head for grace.
"Thank you lord for our many blessings and this food we are about to eat Mangia bene, vivi felice... Amen." Digging in I hold Ana's hand silently giving her support. I wasn't allowed to disrespect the head of the household but if he continued to disrespect Ana then we would have a problem.
"So Ana are you Italian?" My father asks and I tighten my grip on Ana's hand.
"No sir." Ana says as she stops eating sending me a smile she sits up turning to look at my father.
"Are you catholic?" I can see my father's eyes watching her every move. Trying to see what makes her tick.
"Nope. I'm not. And please excuse me if I offend you but does it matter?" Everyone stops eating and stares at her. No one has ever talked to Carrick that way because everyone knew what he was capable of. Laughing my father wipes his mouth with his napkin and leans back in his chair.
"Of course it matters. We're Italian I expect my boys to follow a certain... way of life. That means marrying Italian and catholic." It was Ana's turn to laugh as she looked at Kate.
"Kate's not Italian. I should know I work for her father." Time freezes and I curse myself for not explaining things to my father.
"Papa she work-" he cuts me off before I can explain any further.
"So you know then what kind of life we live?" I see Kate try to stop him from speaking but he silences the table. Ana stares at me then at him. She's confused and I feel like shit. She's not going to understand this way of life.
"I'm not sure I understand."
"Cosa Nostra." My father simply says while shrugging. Ana's face goes pale as she processes what she was just told. Everyone in New York knew that Cosa Nostra was another saying for "mafia".
"You're ... Christian too? The mafia?" He sentences are broken and her breath is shallow. Slamming my fist on the table I turn towards my father.
"You had no fucking right." I say through my clenched teeth. I was beyond pissed off. He may be in charge of the whole damn city but he should have respect for his family.
"Watch your mouth." His voice is deadly and his body still. I know he's pissed but I didn't give a fuck so was I.
"She works for his financing firm. So maybe you should have watched yours." I snap at him. Pushing his chair back my father stalks over to me and pulls me up by my collar. I hear Ana scream behind me and I remember to try and keep my cool.
"Maybe you should think twice with how you speak to me. I'm still your father." Pushing his hands off of me I stand and take Ana's hand. I fee her trembling and I give her a light squeeze. It wasn't much comfort but it was the best I could do at the moment.
"Fuck off." I turn on my feet and leave the house. Putting Ana into the front seat I climb into the driver's side.
"Ana?" I drive aimlessly not ready to take her home yet. I wanted her to know that despite what I did as a living I was still me. I was still the same Christian that took her out, the same Christian that sat up all night watching Sex in the City re-runs with her.
"Take me home." Her reply is emotionless and I stare at her. Was she shutting me out?
"Ana let me –"
"Take me home!" She shouts and tries to open the passenger door. Expecting her reaction I had locked the door beforehand. I knew it was a matter of time before she freaked out. This wasn't something that you heard every day. Sure people knew we were out there but no one expected to sit and have dinner with the biggest crime family in New York.
Driving back towards her house I stay silent. She wasn't willing to listen to me and I wasn't sure what to say. I couldn't make this better even if I tried. I couldn't comfort her and say everything would be alight because this was my life and that wouldn't change. I was Christian Grey, Carrick Grey's Head boss of the Sicilian mafia's, son. She knew the truth and all I could do was give her space.
"Call me Ana… please this doesn't change how I feel about you. I'm still the Christian you know." I say as I pull up to her place. She looks at me and I can see it. The fear in her eyes. She's scared of me and what I am. Shaking her head she opens the door and walks. I pray for her to turn around. I just want her to give me one last look before she walks out of my life. She never does though.
Italian words
Cara: dear
Dio Mio: my god
Mangia bene, vivi felice: Eat well live happy
Spanish words
Viejo: old man
Okay ! Ana knows and she's freaking out. Obviously I mean who wouldn't? Christian is devastated and lets just says its not going ot be a good thing for the crime families in the city to have a mad Christian Grey loose. Carrick is a hard ass in this story you have to understand in a family like this the father is head of house hold and things run differently. SO let me know what you think. What do you think will happen next? I love when my readers get involved its fun! Reviews are appreciated. Thanks guys! xoxo
