A/N: 106 Followers, Thank you, that's awesome!
A few things click into place this chapter, enjoy.
"Good morning baby." Christians hand snakes up my body and comes to rest on my collar bone. I squint through one eye, it is still dark out so I can't have slept in. He buries his face in my hair that is fanning out over our pillows and inhales deeply.
"Good morning yourself, what time is it?" I groan sleepily.
"Early, I have a surprise for you." he flashes a shy smile.
"Do you now?" I giggle, as he tickles my side to wake me up a little more.
"Yes, I do. Up you get Missy." he slides out of bed , drops the towel that was wrapped around his waist and pulls some boxers on then disappears into the closet.
I push the covers down and slowly drag myself out of bed. I pick up my watch that was on my bedside table and look at the time 6.15am. Ugh. I drag my feet to the bathroom where I splash my face with cold water and brush my teeth. The bathroom is still steamy from Christians shower. I had to get up to Phoebe - who is teething - during the night, so I am already dressed in sweats and a camisole. I pull my hair up and sweep it around my hand then secure it in a loose bun. I look at myself in the mirror. That'll do.
I poke my head into the children's rooms - they are both sound asleep - so I make my way downstairs. Gail must be up as I can hear the coffee machine humming and the rattle of pans in the kitchen.
"Morning Gail." I call as I enter the large open plan living area. She pops her head up from behind the counter.
"Good morning Ana, you're up early today."
"Not by choice." I chuckle. "So, where's that husband of mine?" I ask, while pouring myself a glass of orange juice.
"Outside." she smiles. "I'll bring your breakfast out to you."
I grab my juice and head through the sliding doors, I see Christian lying on our tartan picnic blanket on the lawn, looking out over the sound. There are a few boats bobbing on the water in the distance, but one that's awfully close. It's similar to, although not as big as The Grace, but just as stunning.
"You don't think they are watching the house do you babe?" I ask as I sit down next to Christian and point toward the yacht.
"Probably." he grins and lifts his hand to wave.
"Christian." I scowl. "God can we get no privacy at all, this is getting ridiculous." I pout. "Can we go inside?"
"No." he chuckles. "Look." he hands me a pair of binoculars that were beside him on the grass. I take them in my hand and look out to the sound, then lower my face so I can look at the yacht, maybe I'll get a glimpse of who's spying on us.
I move my head back and forth along the length of the yacht - it's definitely smaller than The Grace, I can't see anyone though. The yacht looks brand new, it's white, and I can make out some silver trimmings and wooden fixtures. I glance down at the name, in large black French script it reads, I gasp. Mon Amour, Ana.
"My Love, Ana." Christian whispers in my ear. I turn to face him, my mouth gaping.
"You bought me a boat?" I choke, not quite believing what I see.
"No, I had a yacht built for us." he laughs.
"But what about The Grace?"
"The Grace is for the family, I wanted something smaller and more intimate, for when it's just us two."
"Baby it's perfect, thank you." I lean over and kiss him softly on the lips.
"You're welcome beautiful." he whispers, while sweeping a lock of stray hair behind my ear. "Care to take it for a test drive today?" he smiles.
"I'd love to, you know I would, but we both have work." I say rather quietly, not wanting to upset him.
"I know, I know." he chuckles, "had to try though, I'd quite happily call in sick if it meant a day with you, alone, on the water."
"In the weekend, Saturday maybe?"
"Sounds like a plan, what's that, 5 days away?" he looks at me nervously.
"Yes." I reply, puzzled.
"Perfect." he grins smugly. What was that about I wonder.
We head back inside before Gail has a chance to bring our breakfast out. Teddy and Phoebe have woken, so I busy myself helping Teddy cut his pancakes while Christian sips on coffee between spoon feeding Phoebe her pureed apple. We help the children dress, before dressing ourselves, gathering our work bags and leaving for the day.
Taylor pulls up outside of Grey Publishing first. Christian is very quiet, it's a little un-nerving.
"Have a good day babe." I lean over and kiss him goodbye."
"I hope so." he mumbles, unconvincingly.
I slide out of the car and head to the building. "Ana." Christian lowers his window.
"Yeah?"
"I love you baby." he yells, as Taylor drives away. I stand and watch the SUV until it is no longer visible, shake my head in amusement of Christians mood, then walk into the building.
What greets me, makes me stop dead in my tracks. I drop my briefcase and look around me. This is not the same building I left on Wednesday afternoon. Hannah spots me and scurries over. "Welcome back Mrs Grey." she smiles. I am standing in front of a large metal frame, metal detector I suspect, either side are 2 security officers. Beyond them, my warm inviting reception is gone, replaced with cold, cream marble. The wall leading down the corridor has been knocked down, making the room seem twice as large. There is a white leather L shaped seat to the left - a glass top coffee table accompanying it. There are large planters with palms, and security cameras everywhere. The reception desk is marble also, the wall behind it is a shade of dark gray, and Grey Publishing is written in large silver letters.
"Has the president decided to move in while I was away?" I ask Hannah, still in shock.
"It's great isn't it, super modern and professional."
"Super Christian you mean." I mutter. She just giggles and begins to rattle off all the renovations that have taken place, we have a new computer room, with a permanent IT guy who goes by the name of Alby, security on every floor. New computers for all staff, the list went on and on. I stopped listening after I heard computers.
"Son. Of. A. BITCH." I scream. He's turned my company into a prison. The newspaper article springs into mind. 'A distraction.', he took me to Vegas so he could do this.
"I'll be in my office calling my husband." I hiss and pick up my briefcase, storming past the security guards, not bothering about the beeps screaming from the metal detectors as I pass. Probably my earrings or something, i actually don't care. They must know who I am, as neither of them try to tackle me to the floor, or even question me.
"Ah Mrs Grey."
"What Hannah." I snap.
"Um…. Would you like me to show you where you new office is?" she asks cautiously.
"HE MOVED MY OFFICE!." I yell, making Hannah jump.
I pull out my phone and push 1, speed dialling Christians cell phone. It goes straight to answer phone. I don't bother leaving a message. I hit 4 and dial straight through to Andrea.
"Grey House, Mr Grey's office, Andrea speaking." she answers politely.
"Andrea." I say through gritted teeth. "I'd like to talk to my husband please."
"He's just arrived in his office Mrs Grey, I'll put you through."
I tap my foot while I am being transferred through to Christian. He's done some crazy things in the past, but this, changing my company without consulting me?
"Baby I…."
"I suggest you re-acquaint yourself with your hand Christian." I snap instantly upon hearing his voice , "5 days Grey, 5 fucking days! Grrrr." I hang up. I am too angry to talk to him, I just needed to let him know, he's in trouble, big trouble.
"Show me to my office Hannah." I take a big breath to try calm myself down."
"You'll be needing this." she hands me a small ID card. "Security pass." she shrugs.
"All of this" I throw my hand in the air and turn around. "in 4 days?"
"They worked all day and night Ana, it was a pain working around them during the day, but we managed." Hannah smiles before stopping at a wooden door with a brass plaque screwed in the centre. 'Anastasia Grey CEO'. There is a white electrical looking gadget next to the door.
"Scan your card." Hannah gestures to the white gadget. I hold my card up to the door and hear it unlock. There is no handle so I just stand there. Hannah nudges the door and it swings open.
"Only your card, and mine will open this door, everyone else has to be buzzed in from you, apart from Sawyer and Christian of course, they too have cards for your office. It locks automatically when the door is shut, and all in-going and outgoing access is monitored in the computer room."
I walk in nervously. The carpet is dark grey, thick and plush, my desk is directly ahead, it is dark mahogany and all my usual things are sitting on top. There is a new large leather desk chair behind it. To the right are 2 single black leather chairs facing my desk, a small wooden coffee table in front. There are photos of my family and large framed covers of GP's published books adorning the cream walls. There is a water cooler to the right next to a large full bookshelf. I see a door on the other side of the book shelf - on the right, and another not so noticeable door completely opposite to the left. I look at Hannah for an explanation. She points to the right door first, "bathroom." she smiles, then turns to the left and looks at the other door, "safe room, like your office door, only your ID will open the safe room."
Oh fifty.
I stand in silence as I take in my new surroundings. Truth be told, I actually like my new office, but I don't like the fact that it was done behind my back. Hannah walks over to my desk and points to a black box. "Intercom, straight to me." she smiles. "buzz me if you need me." she says as she scans her security card and pushes the door open. I watch as the door shuts quietly on its own.
I place my briefcase on my desk and ease onto my new seat. Just for fun, I swing the chair around a few times giggling. I stop myself when I am facing my desk. My usual photos are placed to one side, a photo of each of the children and one of Christian and I on our wedding day. There is a note pad, a pen holder, and in the centre my Mac Book. There is an envelope and a little silver box sitting on top.
I open the letter first.
To My Beautiful wife,
I meant what I said, everything I do, I do for you. I only want to keep you safe, you are my life, my everything.
I realise this must have been a shock, but I hope you understand why I did it.
Call me when you are able, I would like to come and show you around properly.
I love you
Your overbearing , over protective, control freak husband
C x
Ps, in the box you will find 2 firsts.
I pick up the small silver box and lift the lid. It is filled with white tissue paper. I gently pull the paper out and open it up. There are 2 silver charms. Each with a tiny note attached. I pick up the first. It is a tiny table with a computer on top. I read the note. An office first ;). I let out a small giggle, he must have had this made especially. I then pick up the second charm. It is a poker chip. First flings in Vegas.
I look down at the charms and guilt hits me, did I overreact on the phone to Christian? I don't think so, he completely overhauled my building without discussing it with me, then he goes all hearts and flowers on me and I end up feeling like the bad guy. I slump down onto my desktop and sigh. He's only looking out for you with the new threats from Leila. Ugh. I reach for my office phone and dial Christians cell phone. He answers but remains silent for awhile. Caller ID would have let him know it was me.
"So…" I begin. "you didn't think to mention any of this to me before hand?"
"Ana, I know I probably should have, but would you have allowed it?"
"No."
"Then there's your answer, I didn't mention it because you never would have let me go through with it."
"So instead you make me believe you had my best interest at heart, wanting me to rest, jetting me off to Vegas, all so you could do it behind my back?"
"I did have your best interest at heart, I always do baby."
"Ugh, you can come and show me around, but that doesn't mean I'm not mad at you."
"5 days mad?" he dares to ask.
"I never back out on a deal Christian." I laugh, "and neither do you, 5 days Grey."
"I'll be there in about an hour okay, I have a conference call in about 5 minutes."
"See you then."
I place the phone back in it's cradle, then look around the room to find my files. I can't see them anywhere. I buzz through to Hannah.
"Yes Mrs Grey." she replies instantly.
"Hannah, where are all my files." I ask
"In the filing room. Would you like me to show you where that is?"
"I guess so, shall I meet you in reception?"
"I'm in the room next to yours, met me in the hallway." she giggles before disconnecting the line. I roll my eyes. A filing room? I think I'm going to need to hire someone extra to run around the building getting everything that used to all be in my office. I grab my security card and scan it. Hannah is waiting for me in the hallway. She leads me back into the reception area, behind the counter, and through an archway to the side. The room is full of filing cabinets, bookshelves, a large photocopy machine, and a huge whiteboard with in/out buttons, contact numbers, and different schedules. I notice a staff meeting scheduled for 11.30am today. As I walk into the room I notice an adjoining room, I peek my head around the corner, it is a huge staff kitchen, everything is granite and silver and there is a large dinning table in the centre.
"Seriously, they did this in 4 days?"
"We couldn't believe it either, but there was a very large number of contractors here twenty four seven. They didn't seem too happy that their timeframe was cut short." Oh, I has refused to take the original week and a half off. "Your security team were here around the clock, no one came in or out without clearance. "I heard there was a bit of drama on Saturday evening, not sure what though." Christian's phone call at dinner?
I find the files I need and head back to my new office. I juggle the files in my hand while I try to grab my security card from my jeans pocket and scan myself in.
"Christ." I jump startled, dropping all the files to the floor. I wasn't expecting anyone to be in there.