Hello everyone! I am back from the land of the grieving. It is still a hard process for me but I have not abandoned my works. I was just taking a much needed break to deal with my loss and life in general. Thank you to all that have reached out to me during this time and thank you for all your lovely reviews. I truly am grateful for every single one of you. I wrote this chapter a while ago I wasn't feeling too great but I hope you enjoy any way.
Just remember when reading that Christian walked out on Ray so he was not aware of Ana's relation to the kelly's or the arranged marriage!
The water stains the sidewalks of the city as the smoke from the sewers continue to pollute the air. With one hand in my pocket and a cigarette in the other I contemplate the day. I hadn't been back to the safe house since I walked out. That was about five days ago and I knew I shouldn't be walking these streets right now but my mind was spinning. My emotions blinded me as they always do with Ana. I knew I would have to go back today, but I still wasn't ready. In the end no matter what the truth was I wasn't going to like it. This wasn't supposed to be happening. Ana wasn't supposed to be involved in this life. She was supposed to be my own little gem, a treasure that was mine to be hidden from my world and now whether I liked it or not she was a part of it.
The sound of an extra set of foot steps tracking behind me alert my senses. Reaching into my suit jacket I palm the gun settled at my hip. There clearly were many men after me, especially with Ana in my life. It turns out it wasn't me, but she who was the most wanted. No matter how I felt at the moment or what the truth was, no one would ever get to her, not now, not ever. I turn the corner into an alley and smirk as the man tracking me does the same. His eyes widen as he knows he's been spotted. Before he can run I grabbed his collar slamming him against the wall, letting him slide to the ground behind the dumpster. Making sure we're away from wandering eyes, I place my foot on his chest as Iunholsterr my gun.
"Who sent you?"
"I can't say." He doesn't have to once I hear the Irish twang fall off his tongue. It was either Kavanaugh, Kelly or both. After all, that fucking rat John was probably working for them now.
"You can, you're going to die either way so what does it matter?" I decide to put my gun away and put my gloves on instead. I figured my father wouldn't appreciate a blood bath in the middle of the afternoon in a dead end alley of the city. His eyes grow stormy as they stare at me. I can see the regret and fear as he contemplates what to say. I almost feel bad for having to kill him, but then I remember that's probably what he was sent to do to me.
"It was Patrick Kelly. You have his daughter and he wants her back. My job was to eliminate the problem." My heart skips in my chest for a moment as the word daughter rings in my head. Dragging his boy to lay flat on the floor as I place one foot on his face and twist his bottom half the opposite way not stopping until I hear the snap of his neck. I look around before pulling out my phone.
"Mr. Grey?" I smirk as his weary voice answers the phone.
"There's a surprise for you near 54th street dead end alley by the Chinese spot. Clear it up and make it disappear." I hang up before Clayton can answer. Sliding my gloves off I straighten my suit before slipping into the traffic of bodies that clog the sidewalks of New York City. I shake my head as I think about the naivety of it all. The fact that a man was just killed with a million people around and yet not one witness.
There was no time for me to question the human race though. There was only one thing one my mind and it was the fact that I was dating Patrick Kelly's daughter.
"How is she?"
"She's not well, Mr Grey." I curse under my breath as I lean my head back staring out the window of Taylor's car. It was made aware to me by my father that I was needed home immediately. The safe house was in an uproar as Ana was locking herself in her room, refusing to come out for the last three days until I returned. The thought of her doing so made my heart hurt, but the simple fact was, that I needed space. Whether it was selfish of me or not I needed to vent to breathe. And now with the knowledge that Ana Steele was actually Ana Kelly I was drowning in my own fear. If she was the daughter of Patrick it was going to take more than a simple "hit" to get rid of him. If he was looking for Ana and trying to kill me in the process it was obvious that her presence was needed back in his family. The fear I had was because I wasn't sure why he needed her. A man like Patrick Kelly wasn't just going to look for his long lost daughter because he loved her, but because she benefitted him in some way.
"Has she at least eaten?" I ask the anger rising in my chest. If she was locking herself away, I doubt she was taking proper care of herself.
"No sir, just water."
"How fucking hard is it to knock a door down? Do I pay you to just sit on your ass?"
"No Sir." Taylor's simple response infuriates me even more, but I just grunt and continue to watch the scenery change before my eyes. I can see my cottage up ahead and I feel the ball of nerves in my stomach. Something big was coming our way and even this safe house wouldn't protect us.
I stare at the door as Taylor drives up to the front. The fact Ana was behind that door, that her father was behind that door both knowing things that I didn't unnerve me. Honestly, I wasn't sure how much, if she did at all, Ana knew about her fathers secret, but it scared me to think that she could know more than she was letting on. Deep down though I know that's not her. She's not the type to hide things, especially from those that she loves. That was the only reason I came back today. Ana wasn't a liar. I have to believe that this was something we could work through together once I was given all the facts. Right now I knew nothing except that Ray knew more than he was letting on and Ana was somehow Patrick Kelly's daughter. To say I was mind fucked would be an understatement.
Opening the door to the house I cringe as the door creeks upon my entry. It was quiet. Almost too quiet. I knew from Taylor that the whole family was still here, but yet it was empty. Taking the stairs two at a time I head towards the master bedroom. I lean against the wall listening to the person rustling around on the inside. The sniffling, no doubt brought on by tears opens the hole in my chest just a little bit more.
I knock on the door after counting to ten. This wasn't the way I wanted us to talk about this, but then again beggars can't be choosers. I was the one who walked out without even attempting to talk and so I guess I would take this opportunity and just be grateful.
"Leave me alone!" Her strained voice cracks under her pressure of trying to yell. I shake my head, smiling softly before knocking again.
"Mia Vita open the door." I call softly, trying my best to soothe her. She hasn't eaten in three days and I just wanted her to get out of this fucking room. I chuckle softly as I hear a loud thud and her feet as she runs towards the door. Her hair looks like a birds nest and her eyes are bloodshot, but all I can think of is how much I love this woman as the door flies open.
"Christian! You came back." She sobs grabbing on to my shirt and pulling me into a hug. Standing frozen I stare at the woman currently using my shirt as a tissue. The feeling in the pit of my stomach grew as I realized that something must be wrong for her to be so distraught. Sure, my Ana would be pissed if I went and disappeared for four days but she wouldn't be sobbing against my chest. No, she would more than likely be kicking my ass for walking away from our problems.
Gaining feeling in my limbs I carefully pick her up and lay her on the bed. I wrinkle my nose as I look around the room, noting the dirty clothes and garbage on the floor. It was hard to believe she was only here for three days with the mess that lay before me. I lay down next her turning on my side to face her leaning my head on my shoulder. I frown as I notice the bags under eyes and lightly caress them with my free hand. I can see her waiting for me to say something, but I'm not sure where to start.
"You look tired." Maybe that wasn't the best way to strike up our conversation but it was definitely the easiest. Talking about the obvious was the best way for me to rid myself of the awkwardness that plagued us both at the moment. It was easier to pretend than to address the elephant in the room.
"I didn't know." All it took were those three words. I crumbled at the seams with that one statement as relief overtook me. It wasn't that I didn't trust her or love her because I did more than my own family, it was that I never had a reason to believe someone before. My worst nightmare of falling in love only to be used for my title in this world had taken control of my actions these past couple days. It was no excuse but simply the only truth I could offer.
"Tell me what happened."
"Ray." She pauses and I see her lip tremble as she takes a deep breath. Warily she looks at me and I nod encouraging her to tell me everything.
"Ray told me something about myself that shocked me. My father was never a war hero Christian." She chuckles, but there no mirth in it, it sounds as hollow as she looks. "He's Patrick Kelly apparently my mother ran away with me once I was born. Ray was the bodyguard and he helped my mother. She ended up going back to my father, but left me with Ray."
"I thought Carla was your mother?" I crinkle my brow in confusion. I remember her telling me how her mother never wanted her and walked out on Ray and her.
"So did I but clearly after hearing this story its obvious that I have no idea who Carla is. It explains why she's never loved me though. Anyway, My father killed my mother when she returned. Ray kept me hidden created this whole fake life and it worked for a while. I stayed under the radar apparently until I met you that is. As soon they got news that I was dating THE Christian Grey my father started his search again."
"Why is he searching for you?" It made no sense. This was a child that he didn't even have the chance to raise. Why not just send her a letter expressing his desire to meet her instead he sends men on some wild chase after her. I mean he tried to have me killed clearly this was more than just a family reunion.
"Christian I'm arranged to be married." She bluntly states. My throat runs dry as I stare at her. What the fuck was she going on about? Arranged marriage? I mean I know the Kelly's followed tradition, but surely that was pushing it too far.
"Excuse me?" I stare at her with wide eyes as my heart beats faster. I wasn't sure what her father thought he could accomplish, but if this arranged marriage was it he was sadly mistaken.
"You heard me. My mother couldn't have any more kids after me so before I was even delivered my father signed me off like a fucking package deal to some guy I don't even know. He needed an heir, but since my mother wouldn't be having anymore, he decided to appoint one. Needless to say he married again and has a son, but he already signed a deal with this other man and now he's been searching for me since without me Patrick would be the last Kelly to rule the Kelly family." She takes a deep breath but keeps her eyes down. The funny thing about life is you never know what you're going to get. One day we're living happily, the next she's kidnapped, one day we're celebrating the fact that she's alive and well and now we're at yet another hurdle. What were the chances of us surviving this? It's not like Patrick's the type of man to let this go. My family has known theirs for quite some time. They were ruthless and the fact that he tried to off me shows it. Sure, I could try to beat him at his own game, but that would end in casualties and most likely those would be my family. Was I willing to risk their lives just to have her in mine?
"What are we going to do?" I cup her face, bringing her eyes up to mine. Her question pushed the heavy weight that was on my chest even more. Those six words were like a hand wrapped around my windpipe, making it difficult for me to breath. I wasn't sure what we could do, but, there was no way in hell Patrick was going to just take her from me.
"Whatever it takes."
I meant it when I said it. I would do whatever it took to keep her with me. If I had to send my family away and settle this on my own then so be it. If I had to lose my life in the process just to get a chance with this woman then so be it. I'm willing and able.
"I told you Annie with Christian here I would help you." We both turn our heads to face the door as Ray's voice fills the room. He closes the door behind him and leans against it. I wasn't sure what to say. I was pissed off. Letting people into my life wasn't something I did often, but I had given Ray a chance for Ana. The fact that he lied to me was pretty shitty. When he demanded answers I provided them even if I didn't need to. I provided for Ana's sake and the least he could've done was even out the field so to speak.
"What do you mean?" I cast him a curious glance. I was pretty sure what he wanted me to do, but I needed to hear the words from his mouth.
"We need to join forces. I've kept a close watch on the Kelly's not much has changed and I know I can help you infiltrate them." Ray hesitates as he stares at Ana. I frown as I sit up staring between the two.
"But?"
"But we might need to make some sacrifices in order to take them down and in order for us to live the way we want." He shrugs turning his attention back towards me. I sigh as I realize what he means. We would have to give him what he wants in order to get what we want.
"So you mean bringing Ana to him?"
"Yes, but you must understand he won't marry her off right away. He'll act like he wants to get to know her first." He looks at Ana "He'll make you feel like he's missed you this whole time, like he couldn't live another day without finding his precious daughter. Do you understand?"
Ana's wide stare fills with tears and I myself feel the growing emotion within me. This was her real father. This man couldn't give two shits about her and maybe the circumstances would have been different if she wasn't taken from him but they weren't. I know that above feeling afraid she had to be feeling hurt. Hurt that her father wanted nothing more to do with her other than fulfilling a business transaction.
"Yes, I understand. I will do anything to keep you all safe except marry this man that I don't even know. I refuse to marry other than for love." She firmly states and I can't help the smile that grace my features. It was so like Ana to stay firm in her beliefs even in dire times like these.
Before I can respond I see Taylor walk into the room. The somber look on his face tells me all I need to know. I had sent him on a task to find John and Ethan, but his attempts have been futile.
"Sir? We have some bad news." Rubbing his face he leans against the doorway, " John is indeed with the Kelly family and Ethan refuses to have a meeting. From what I was able to collect John is working on coming back to New York for Ana." Smiling I stand up from the bed. I knew before Taylor even found John that he was playing double agent. The sad part was, now I would have to deal with him and I wasn't sure I could trust Elliot to help me on this mission. If his current behavior was anything to go by dealing with John would just cause more problems within our family. Plus, I knew what it was like to be loyal to a woman. I was stuck in a hard place. Would killing John result in the demise of my brother's marriage?
"I know Taylor, don't worry about John. I'll take care of him, let him come to New York. Ana will be going to Chicago, but not with John." I state firmly as I stare at my girl. She had to be the most beautiful thing I've set my eyes on. It was a funny thing being in love. No matter how many gorgeous women a man can date when you meet the one its like everyone else fades into the background. The women you once thought to be so captivating no longer hold the same allure they used to. Ana was the only thing my eyes gravitated to now. I couldn't really complain either because if I was able to stare into her eyes every day till the end I would die a happy man.
"Ray, let's go find my father We have much to discuss." I say as I grab Ana's hand," And you will go downstairs and eat."
"I think I should-"
"Eat Ana. I'm not asking." I give her a look and smirk when she huffs but walks down the stairs without a complaint. She could be so stubborn, but she knew I was worse. How we ended up falling in love I would never know, but I would thank Godevery dayy as long as she stayed in my life. Which is why I'm determined to eliminate all problems even her biological father.
APOV
"Look who finally decided to join the land of the living." I roll my eyes as I hear Kate before I actually see her. Turning around I watch her walk in and I can't help but stare at her tiny bump. It was barely noticeable, but being so close I could tell the difference in her body already. I couldn't help the jealousy that tugged at my heart. It may be too soon to think about children, but I could only hope Christian and I would get that opportunity.
"Yeah, well, Christian wasn't taking no for an answer." I shake my head as I think about his bossy nature. Truly, I hated being told what to do, but with Christian it was different. I trusted him. I knew he only cared for me and he couldn't help his stubborn streak just like I couldn't help mine. Not to mention he was downright sexy, but hey, I could be a bit biased.
"Right Mr. I-must -control-all-things. I swear I don't know how you put up with him." Kate says as she takes an apple off the table.
"Well, it's better than Elliot, that's for sure."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"No offense Kate but the guy barely has his balls in tact anymore! You completely control him you might as well wear the pants in your relationship." I tell her while eating my cereal. It was the only thing I could find and honestly cooking seemed like too much work for me right now.
"Yeah, well, that's the way I like it!"
"I'm sure it is." I mutter. Honestly, I felt bad for Elliot. He loved Kate that much was obvious, but I knew she could be a bit overbearing. Everything had to be done Kate's way and Lord help you if it wasn't. She was a downright pain in the ass, but I loved her like a sister anyway. I just knew her attitude and need to have everything gave Elliot a lot of hardships when it came to his job with the family. I hadn't seen him around since the night Christian left and I knew they got into a huge fight after speaking to Carrick.
"You know, maybe you should be more understanding Kate. I mean not everything revolves around you and your family. Elliot has a lot to deal with and not to mention your interfering has gotten him into some trouble with the family lately too." I point out as I watch her devour another apple.
"Whatever Ana. You wouldn't understand."
"I wouldn't understand?" I ask incredulously. "I'm dating THE prince of the Italian mob of NYC and I wouldn't understand? Do you think I agree with the shit that goes down? The killings and the dealings? Fuck NO! But I know it's what he does and I knew that when I decided to stay. I'm not going to change him and you shouldn't ask Elliot to change either!" I yell feeling appalled by her lack of emotion. This is her husband were talking about surely she could understand even if it was only slightly.
"It's different. I can't put Elliot over my father and brother. I love them to death as well Ana. What can I do? Plus, Elliot doesn't even want this life." She shrugs as if it's nothing of importance. I feel my temper rising as I stare at the woman in front of me. Clearly she was only worried about her side and not his.
"There's more to it than that and you know it. You're having his child. That child is a Grey you know. Elliot has done nothing but provide for you, don't be so damn selfish!" I walk out and slam the back door behind me. Her perception of life was so damn muddled that it even made it hard for me to understand her half the time. I loved her, but I was growing to love this family as well. Doesn't she feel the same?
I lean against the deck railing as I stare at the trees. There was so much on my mind that I could feel my eyes growing heavy with exhaustion. What could I do besides wait? Christian said he would solve this and I could only sit back and put my trust in him. I was terrified there was no way I could deny that. I couldn't even imagine a life where I wasn't with Christian. A life where I was married to someone I didn't even love seemed like a life I would be condemned too. It didn't seem fair and I could feel the tears spilling over. There was much that I wanted to do with Christian. There were so many things we never got to see together, never got to experience together. If Patrick succeeded in keeping me away from him how would I live? It was cliche, but he was the air that kept me alive. I had never felt so fearless and wild until I met Christian. Life was so bland and repetitive until he came into my life. Would I have to revert to a world where everything was so blank and white? It hurt me to even think about it. Laying my head against my arms I could only think about one thing: Who was the man I was supposed to marry?
Kay! There it is guys. As for my other Fics please expect update between sunday - tuesday. I have not forgotten them either I know some of you have asked! I just wasn't in the right frame of mind to write happy thoughts lol any way please review!
