Wounds to Bind Chapter 50 – "Never interrupt your enemy when he's making a mistake." –Napoleon Bonaparte

March 23 – CPOV

I'm having dinner at Ana's condo after my therapy session. She entertained ten classmates and instructor tonight with her excellent lasagna. She offered to eat dessert with me. The tour of her condo is short and sweet. The view off the balcony is nice…not as exceptional as Escala, but nice. I always liked it. She's made the condo very comfy and very Ana. I'm glad the wineglass tables, wine rack and Elliot man-cave vibe are gone. I open the wine and pour. Ana has an antipasti plate ready for me. She nibbles what I offer her. A few bites, a glass of wine and I carry her off to bed.

XXX

"Are you starving? Dinner was ready," Ana looked at the clock. "Six hours ago."

"I love cold lasagna," I am busy kissing her neck.

"Move off – I have salad, bread, veggies, lasagna, dessert, wine…"

"So what is this round of courses?" I asked.

"Entertaining. Dinner at my condo last night. Lunch today at a classmate's place, dinner at another. Sunday brunch at another classmate's place. We're learning to create a proper invitation with R.S.V.P. and a seating chart, selecting, tasting and pouring wine, menu planning plus cooking and presenting a signature meal." Ana explained. "We had a glassware quiz…I thought a juice glass was a highball glass. So I learned a highball is…"

"Shot, mixer, served over ice in a tall glass," I listed the ingredients.

"I had no idea what a coupe glass is. I guessed a dessert glass to hold ice cream, but it's like a margarita or daiquiri glass. Then we had a silverware quiz…it was very Downton Abbey." Ana laughed again.

"You feel you need this because?" I asked gently. I don't want her to get defensive.

"I need to plan a birthday party for Kate. I need to help Mia with planning the bridal showers. I can't rely on my previous hostess skills of grilling fish and making potato salad for half a dozen of Dad's vet buddies." She explained. "The good thing is…one more weekend of Cassie classes before dance classes begin."

We eat dinner at four in the morning and her lasagna is fucking delicious. I'm feeding her, she's feeding me, we're kissing…and I know what I want for dessert. I grab her out of the chair and carry her back to the bedroom. Her yoga exercises have made her toned and her stamina…oh my god. We've been able to engage in some physically taxing sexual positions. I've never really cared for guy-on-the-bottom positions because I never wanted my submissives to touch me. But I want Ana to touch me…she's fucking incredible. I never thought I would say it…but my skin sings and I don't need a flogger to achieve that. I need Ana.

Before we drift off to sleep, we make plans for the weekend. I'll work while she has classes…then we'll spend quality time with one another at Escala. We're scheduled to be at Grey Manor for dinner Sunday night. After that we'll go back to Escala. Monday morning workout in my home gym at Escala, shower, eat breakfast together and travel to work together. I am a happy man. My priority is ensuring my girl is happy too.

March 27 – CPOV

Mia, via Grey Calendars, coordinated this book launch in Las Vegas with Grey Publishing's PR and Marketing departments – PR, invitations, venues, food, drinks, books for the author to sign, photographer and swag bags for attendees. I'm attending, not only as the owner of Grey Publishing, but as Ana's significant other who wants some leisure time with his girl.

Mia arranged a suite for Ana and me and one for her with one of her staff. Her suite will be headquarters for the launch. Jerry Roach, much to my relief, was housed on a different floor with the rest of his staff. Mia arranged recreation events for Ana and me. After the Bellagio launch, we are scheduled for a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon, followed by a night helicopter tour of Las Vegas, followed by dinner and dancing. We will hide out in our suite Wednesday morning with room service, attend an author luncheon at Texas Station, lounge by the pool that afternoon and have dinner followed by a comedy club tour. Thursday we'll hide out in our suite with room service in the morning, followed by another author luncheon at Sporting Chance sporting goods store, followed by local TV and radio interviews with the author and then we're on the plane back to Seattle.

I asked Mia to give me a list of appropriate wear for Ana for three days. I faxed Mia's list to Caroline Acton, requesting the clothes be packed and delivered to Escala on Monday before the event.

XXX – APOV

"That one's for Miss Steele," Taylor took something out of the back of Christian's SUV.

"What's for Miss Steele?" I come around the front of Christian's SUV. I have my briefcase, toiletries case and hobo bag. Prescott is behind me with rolling suitcases for both of us. I didn't spend the night with Christian because he had a late dinner meeting followed by an early morning videoconference at Grey House. Consequently, I didn't ride with Christian this morning. I stopped at Grey Publishing and handled an author meltdown which means I'm barely on time to board the flight and take off.

Since I was alone last night, I invited Harley and Shawn over for dinner…and begged Shawn to help me pack for the trip. I shared the itinerary with him, telling him my suggestions. I completed a Style Soduku. He approved of everything, but recommended a light jacket in case Las Vegas evenings were cooler than expected. With the help of space bags, Mia's itinerary and a Cassie-recommended clothing steamer – I have work clothes, casual clothes, underwear, sleepwear, accessories, jewelry, toiletries, etc. After Shawn and Harley left, I added tampons and another dozen pairs of panties. My ass will be covered if Christian decides to shred or melt my panties.

"Suitcase for you," Taylor pointed at a large suitcase. "Mia's," he pointed at two suitcases and toiletries case. "Boss's," he pointed at a suitcase, gym bag and garment bag. "We've put the other GP and GC staff suitcases onboard."

"There must be a mistake," I said. "Prescott and I have my things."

"That was delivered to Escala yesterday for you from your personal shopper at Neiman Marcus." Taylor explained.

Christian appeared from the plane. "Good, you're on time, we can go."

"Step away Taylor. Step away Prescott." My voice warned them to take cover.

They set luggage down and put some distance between Christian and me.

"Am I being punked again?" I pointed to the large, animal print, designer suitcase.

"I bought some clothes for you for our trip," Christian looked at me like I've lost my mind.

"Not now, on the tarmac in front of your employees and not on the plane in front of your employees, but certainly when we are alone in our suite in Las Vegas…Ana, your girlfriend, wants to have a discussion with Christian, her boyfriend. In the meantime, Ana Steele, your employee, will remain noncombative." I walk to the plane as gracefully as possible, considering how angry I am with him.

"Welcome aboard, Miss Steele," the captain addresses me. "I'm Stephan, your captain. This is Jane, our first officer, and Natalia, our flight attendant." We shake hands. "Please turn off all electronics if you haven't done so," Natalia hovers to take my purse and briefcase and stow them for me. Mr. Roach shakes my hand and I speak briefly to Marketing and PR reps before Mia captures me to sit next to her. Natalia offers beverages and Mia and I select water.

I have a valid reason to be upset with Christian over the clothes and the personal shopper. I will not ask jealous girlfriend questions about Christian's brunette flight attendant. Whoa…that was an epiphany to email to Mary.

Everyone comments about how beautiful the jet is. I realize this is my first trip on the GEH jet. Once we are airborne and free to move about, Mia gives me a quick tour while Christian goes to the security office with Taylor. She tells a great story of how Christian had to soundproof the office and bedroom cabin, not because he yells at people on his smart phone (yeah right) but because Elliot snores like a bear with a bad tooth.

XXX

Amazingly, when we arrive at the Bellagio, the tacky animal print suitcase is not in sight. Nor is it on the bell captain's cart to be taken to our suite. I wonder if Taylor left it on the plane. I retrieve my work phone and hand off my purse and briefcase to Prescott.

Mia, her helper and I don't bother to go to our suites. We're in the convention center checking everything for the launch. Mia hands me a Grey Publishing T-shirt – grey, of course, with black lettering. I peel off my blazer and pull the T-shirt on over my long-sleeve white shirt. She hands me a convention lanyard with my name, title, company, etc. I'm to make sure not to lose my lanyard as I need it for the next three days. The author arrives and Mia covers the itinerary with him. He will be on a small dais in the corner, with grey pipe and drape units creating a backdrop. Boxes of his books to sign are under the draped table. Mia has a six-foot banner printed with the name of his book, Saved by a Belt Buckle, the dust jacket for the book and the Grey Publishing logo.

Mia arranged a PowerPoint presentation for the book. The author, addicted to gimmicky belt buckles since he was a teen, had his identity stolen from him via a break-in at his home. Consequently, he lost his home, car and bank accounts due to the theft. The thief even claimed his income tax refund the year after his ID was stolen. He paid $10,000 to have his credit restored. However, he's on year three of the project and anticipates it will take a full decade to right the wrongs. One of his belt buckles concealed a USB drive where he kept copies of his important papers, like birth certificate, parents' death certificates, marriage and divorce papers, bank account information, scanned copies of income tax forms and refunds, etc. Additionally, he paid for a fingerprint/palm scan to save to the USB drive. He scanned his passport to the drive. He wanted to see how much information he could fit on the drive…but it would save him, inspire him to write a book and become financially independent after his loss. Now he advocates putting all information in a safety deposit box if possible. Otherwise, store everything in a safe in a panic room of your home. Additionally, he keeps a copy of the police report from the burglary and the police report of his stolen identity on the USB drive.

One corner held the bar manned by Have a Belt servers. The servers, attired in grey pants and white shirts, wore a shot belt drink dispenser. One corner held Belt Burgers. Their signature burger is a BELT Burger - bacon, egg, lettuce and tomato on a third-pound Angus burger. Las Vegas Belt Buckle occupied the other corner. They are coordinating a belt buckle contest where the largest and heaviest belt buckle entry wins a gift certificate to Sporting Chance sporting goods store, which is another of the sponsors for the next three days. The attendee swag bags include different novelty belt buckles and "Have a Belt" shot glasses.

Christian opened the event by introducing everyone – I waved to the crowd when he introduced me as a copy editor for Grey Publishing. I don't know when the crowd thinned, I restocked books for the author to sign and restarted the PowerPoint presentation. The launch was supposed to take two hours. Christian's presence caused never ending lines of business people who wanted to meet him, invite him to dinner, breakfast, lunch or coffee. He finally left the convention center after three hours. The author, Grey Calendars and Grey Publishing finally left the convention center four hours later, leaving Bellagio staff to tear down and transport items to Mia's suite for tomorrow's event at Texas Station.

Prescott gave me a key card to the suite and suggested I tuck it in the back of my lanyard so I don't lose it. I quietly entered our suite. Christian was on the phone to Ros. I pointed at the bathroom and disappeared. OMG…a huge Jacuzzi tub welcomed me. I started a hot bubble bath. I pinned my hair up and sank into the extremely hot water and the decadent bubbles. My bones feel like they are melting in the Jacuzzi jets. I didn't realize how tired I was. I've been on go since six this morning and it's now after four o'clock.

"May I come in?" Christian leaned against the doorway.

"If you bring a cold drink and a couple of ibuprophen." I sighed and closed my eyes.

Christian returned with a glass of cold white wine and the tablets for me. I gratefully take them and thank him.

"Can I join you?"

"Perhaps…" I warned.

Christian looked at me warily.

"I will ask a question and if you answer it to my satisfaction, you get to take off a piece of clothes. When you are naked, you get to join me." I list my terms.

"Acceptable," Christian agreed.

"After this last week of every want-to-be personal assistant, personal shopper, jewelry designer and clothing designer leaving messages, emails or mail for me at Grey Publishing…after this week of every asshole tabloid in the universe calling me a gold-digger or a grunge…why would you have your personal shopper send clothes for me for Las Vegas? Didn't you think I would feel like I'm being punked…again?"

"I wasn't sure you knew the itinerary, I wanted to make sure you had everything you needed," Christian explained.

"Mia sent me the itinerary. I packed accordingly," I refrain from snarking. "Okay, shoes first."

He stripped, obligingly.

"Were there really only three days of clothes in that suitcase? I mean, it was huge – big enough for a family of four immigrating to the United States." I almost laughed.

"Don't exaggerate! Three days of work clothes, three days of casual clothes, three days of play clothes," Christian winked lasciviously. "Plus three days of lingerie and sleepwear, accessories and shoes." He smirked. "There was three days of kinkery fuckery toys in there also, but they didn't take up that much space."

I shook my head. "Really? That tacky animal print suitcase, which is bigger than anyone else's suitcase, contained three days of clothes for me? My suitcase has five days of clothes, accessories, toiletries and a clothes steamer. Plus two weeks of panties in case you decided to destroy every pair of panties I put on." I pointed out his fallacy.

"A man can hope, Anastasia." Christian sipped his wine. "Socks?" He pointed at his feet.

"Yes, I think so. Have I told you how sexy I think your feet are?" I asked.

"Is that a real question?" He chuckled.

"No, it was just ninny Ana wondering why every part of your body is so gorgeous." I sighed.

"Ninny Christian knows it's just a pretty face baby. Why did the clothes upset you so much?"

"Well…several reasons. I hate animal prints. I hated them before I knew Mrs. Lincoln adored them. The suitcase was HUGE. You bought me clothes after I was punked. Plus…" my voice drifted off.

"Plus?"

"You embarrassed me. I'm trying to be professional and do a job half the universe thinks you gave to me because we're sleeping together…while the other half holds their breath hoping you'll fire me when I fall flat on my face."

"They don't think that!" Christian argued.

"Yes they do…ask Robb Loeder to show you letters about working with Grey's flavor of the month. I don't want to be known as Christian Grey's gold-digging girlfriend. I intend to earn my achievements…not have them handed to me or have people think I got them through my association with you."

"You'd rather be known as my skirt?" He chuckled. "Everyone is so sure I'm gay and you're camouflage. They bash me and tell me I'm a prick for using a sweet innocent girl like you to cover my secret. Taylor and Welch try to keep the worst ones from me, but I do read security reports."

"Look, I know I'm not Kate or Mia. I know I have a world of people who look at me and wonder what I'm doing with you. I'm trying to learn to walk, dance and dress appropriately so I won't be embarrassed at Kate's pre-wedding and wedding events. I was looking forward to showing you some of what I've learned, to make you proud of me. But, without discussing it with me, you buy a huge suitcase of clothes…even bigger than ones Mia was bringing. All I could think was I embarrass you. Then I became angry because you embarrassed me with that damn suitcase. I told you…I'm not one of your previous women. I don't want clothes, jewels, electronics and cars. We still haven't talked about your closet of submissive clothes." I finally approach the subject.

"I think you are overthinking the situation." Christian alleged.

"I overthink, that's how I process things. Do I embarrass you?" I feel the threat of tears prickling my eyes.

"NO, I think you are lovely…possibly the most honest, beautiful creature in the world." Christian protested. "Why do you have such a low opinion of yourself?"

"Why do you have such a low opinion of yourself?" I countered. "Sometimes I think you wouldn't want me if you weren't…"

"Flawed?" He asked mirthlessly. "I know the real Christian Trevelyan Grey. I know I have flaws. I also know you are a goddess and I don't deserve you. I want you…I want you more than anything I've ever wanted in my life."

"I know I have flaws too and I'm working on that. I know I'm not adept about fashion, or hairstyles, or how to apply makeup for different events, or how to put shirt A with pants B and jacket C with purse D and shoes E and look like the supermodel you deserve to have on your arm."

"Good God," Christian thundered. "Do you know how pretty, smart, funny, irreverent and sexy you are?"

"I might be smart, but I'm really dumb when it comes to you." I rested my chin on my knees, my hands wrapped around them.

"Not dumb baby. You are the first person to see the real me. The day I met you…I felt you could see to my soul…see how damaged I was…see how unworthy my thoughts were." He stripped off the rest of his clothes and got into the tub behind me, pulling me to him. "I wanted you, that smile, that pouty pink mouth. The first time I saw you, yes, you were poorly dressed. However, I intended to call Caroline Acton the first chance I had. I felt you deserved to be dressed in silk and satin. I still feel the same way. I told you…I can't stay away from you so will you please stop running?"

Christian turned me around to look at him. "I took classes in how to dress, order wines, order food, art and music history and appreciation, how to dress a woman, how to undress a woman, how to massage a woman and how to dance. You might think I'm polished, but it took time. Mia had my mother and grandmother to guide her, in addition to the time she lived in Paris. Kate had Celeste and all the models who worked for her. Carla dresses beautifully now, but she wore jeans and t-shirts when you were growing up…didn't she?"

I nodded.

"Also, I don't think Ray Steele knows anything about designers, fashion and runways. I think it's spectacular you know so much about woodworking, woods, paints, ropes…" Christian wiggled his eyebrows. "If you are willing to work with Caroline Acton, she will help you figure out your wardrobe. She can find someone to help you with your hair and your makeup for important things – which Las Vegas is not."

"Did she dress the fifteen?" I asked in a small voice.

"She suggested, I approved or disapproved. The clothes were delivered. Mrs. Jones hung them or put them in drawers. When we terminated, Mrs. Jones emptied the room and shipped it to the submissive." Christian's eyes softened a little. "Do you want a personal shopper other than Caroline Acton?"

"I don't want a personal shopper at all, but since I don't like to shop…someone should have the fun of coordinating wardrobes for me." My voice faded off. "Look, Mother, Kate and Mia try to dress me. Plus, I have Shawn. If I must have a personal shopper, can't I keep him? He teaches me about fabrics and styles and all kinds of things – plus he's incredible at doing my hair and makeup." I plead.

"I'd rather you didn't. I'm jealous of him dressing you, but…" Christian swallowed hard. "He makes me uncomfortable."

"You don't like being ogled?" I teased.

"It makes me uncomfortable. Plus, if it were someone other than Stanton or Harrison who was eye-fucking me, you'd be jealous." Christian protested. "I know you don't like Franco, because of the association with Elena. However, he's not associated with Elena anymore. He's running the Esclava Salons until the IRS sells them. I think Franco will buy the Post Alley Salon. If you aren't comfortable with him cutting my hair, I can find someone else. However, he's familiar with both Grey House and Escala so he can come to me when needed. I trust him not to touch."

"Did he work on the fifteen?" I asked quietly.

"Probably," Christian admitted.

"I have no problem with you using him. I'd rather not use him. I like Serena at Aqua Spa. Can you vet her so I can use her in the future?" I suggested.

"I will get Welch right on that. You're sure she won't mess up your hair by ogling me?" Christian asked.

"I don't think she will, but we can ask. If she can't keep her eyes to herself, I can find someone else." I promise. "Nice deflecting, but we need to talk about the closet."

"Will you allow me to keep one week of clothes – work, casual, sleepwear – in my closet for you?" He asked.

"If the clothes I've already worn are included, I can live with keeping a week's worth of clothes. I'll let you choose what you would like me to wear. It will help me choose clothes you like in the future." I offered. "I got lots of compliments from Kate and Mia about the chocolate casual outfit. I never thought brown would look good on me, but it did. Plus, Cassie complimented the green dress. However, they all warned me I can only be photographed three times in an outfit. Will you donate the clothes I don't keep to your mom's charity? It would make me feel better."

"Consider it done," Christian promised. "I can't return them, they are last season's clothes."

"I don't know much about clothes…but does classic have a season?" I asked, pointedly. "Let's change the subject before I go off on a tangent about why braids are so popular right now."

"You know what the best thing about this bathtub is?" Christian asked.

"No," I shook my head.

"No paparazzi. No one but you and me and two sets of bare skin." He pulled me close and kissed me. "I had Mia cancel our extra itinerary. I don't feel like dealing with the media. Let's soak, drink some wine and remember what we like about each other. Then we'll order steak dinners from room service, drink some more wine and make some 'what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas' memories. I love you, Ana…"

XXX

In a well-used neighborhood bar in Felony Flats (the area surrounding the worst slums of Las Vegas) a regular customer watched the news. The highlight of the evening news was the book launch held at the Bellagio which ran an extra three hours long because everyone wanted the opportunity to meet Christian Grey. A few minutes of his opening remarks were shown on tape – causing the customer to sit up and take notice of the author and the petite brunette working with him. He moved to the outdoor beer garden. He called the Bellagio and waited through several transfers before he finally talked to an informed source who told him about the second book signing at Texas Station and a third book signing at Sporting Chance, a sporting goods store.

March 28 – CPOV

I observe her inert body. She is naked from our tryst. The sheet barely skims the top of her ass, and one leg sticks out in the cool night air. Her curves call to me. I want to take her again, bury myself in her. But she talks in her sleep, which makes me pause.

"Stop it! I'm not beautiful, elegant, or charming…I'm just Ana."

Just Ana? I wish she knew how much light she brings to my life. I want to protect her…and I want to ravage her. Ropes…I imagine prolonging our anticipation by carefully restraining her spread eagle. But I have no ropes with me and she needs her sleep…so I might as well sleep also. I'm thankful she let me retrieve lingerie and toys from the 'tacky' suitcase. I fall asleep thinking about designer teddies…maybe Agent Provocateur in plum, navy and virginal white.

March 29 – APOV

"We're done for the day," I told Prescott after the author shook my hand goodbye. He promised to be available if there were issues. We managed to sell three times the number of books we thought we would need. After the crowd on Day One, Mia ordered a double shipment sent overnight to the Bellagio.

"Back to Bellagio?" Prescott asked. "Or are we helping break down?"

"All done," I sighed. "I'll be in for the rest of the night. Let's go." I waved goodbye at Mia who coordinated the break down.

Prescott escorted me from the outdoor marquee tent to the SUV parked in the employee parking lot behind the building. "Sawyer checked both SUVs. We're good to go." She led the way to the SUV. I followed my standard ten paces behind. She opened the back door for me. Before I reached the SUV, a figure in dark clothes darted around the front of the SUV and applied a Taser to Prescott's neck. "RUUUU…" she spoke as her body bucked and sagged to the ground. The figure removed her gun, tucked it in his pocket and slammed the door shut.

I recognized him and turned to run, thanking God I was wearing Converse. He was faster than I anticipated. Grabbing me by the waist, he lifted me off the ground. "Struggle…please…it's a turn on." His breath stank. He smelled like old cigarettes and stale beer. My body screamed at me to fight. My mind flipped through the Master Sergeant Raymond Steele handbook. I let my body go limp like I passed out. That meant he struggled to keep me upright and airborne. I bent my head low and snapped it back, head-butting Stephen Morton. I heard the satisfying crunch of bone and cartilage. I broke that son-of-a-bitch's nose!

He howled and shoved me away from him. He dropped the Taser and cradled his nose. I braced my hands for a fall and righted myself, taking off running. I couldn't shout because I needed the air I gasped into my lungs. He tackled me from behind, scraping my left shoulder and ear on the asphalt. He flipped me on my back and sat on my chest, cutting off my air supply.

"Welcome to Las Vegas, you stupid bitch. I've often wondered if our paths would cross again. While kidnap and rape sounds like a lot of fun… it works out better if you are my little pay day. How much are you worth to Christian Grey?" Stephen pulled a piece of duct tape from his windbreaker and applied it to my mouth. He applied another piece of duct tape to my wrists, binding them together. Stephen yanked me to my feet. "If you fight me, I'll beat you bloody. I estimate I have eight minutes to get you out of this parking lot before your bodyguard is functional. Move your ass…" he hissed.

I stumbled back a step or two, recognizing a look of triumph on his face. I jumped in the air, taking a flying leap at his crotch, connecting with the boys. I endeavored to thrust them up and into his throat. He screamed and sank to his knees, holding his crotch and gasping and sobbing. I fell onto my back, whiplashing my neck. I didn't pause…I rolled to my knees, stood and ran, yanking the duct tape off my mouth as I ran, screaming "FIRE". A shot whizzed past the top of my right shoulder, and I screamed louder. "FIRE".

"STOP. POLICE…DROP THE GUN!" A jeans-clad, corduroy-jacketed young woman aimed her gun in my direction.

A second shot singed my right thigh, taking me down mid-stride. I collapsed and my head bounced off the asphalt.

The young woman shouted again at Stephen Morton before she shot her gun three times. I felt air moving past me as his body fell to the ground. I groaned as she flew past me, kicking Prescott's gun out of his hand. She flipped me over and checked my pulse. "Are you alright?" She turned her head at the shout of another officer. "Ambulance and backup!" She shouted back at him as sound roared in my ears when I passed out.

XXX

"Ray," Matt Olsen, the Montesano sheriff, appeared in the doorway of his workshop. "Las Vegas Metro called. Ana's been involved in an incident. Someone tried to kidnap her. She received a flesh wound at the top of her right thigh. She has a cut on her forehead and a concussion. She's at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas. Her room is being guarded by LV Metro. We received a follow-up call from Christian Grey's security team. There's a helicopter landing at the high school football field for you in the next twenty minutes. Once the helicopter lifts off, it will be at least twenty minutes before it returns to Boeing Field, Seattle. There's a private jet waiting for you. Flight time Seattle to Las Vegas is two hours and thirty minutes. When the plane arrives at McCarran Field, there will be a helo to take you to Sunrise Hospital. You should see Annie within the next four hours. Best pack light and fast."

"I have a go bag packed already." Call cab. Grab go bag, cell and wallet. Secure the house and business. Call Laura. Is Annie's kidnapping national news? Call Carla after seeing Annie. Ray had a game plan.

XXX

"Who the hell do you think you are?" Ana snapped at Christian. "I don't take orders…not from you…not from security. I will not fire Prescott, who was attacked also. I do have a sense of self-preservation! I defended myself. I'm not a fragile flower who requires your protection! I'm an educated woman who has her own opinions and who has been taught self-defense. FYI…IF I could have gotten Prescott's gun…I would have shot that son-of-a-bitch myself."

"IF you weren't so goddamned stubborn, you would have had adequate security!" Christian yelled.

"Go ahead…play Monday-morning quarter back! You weren't there! You have no clue what happened!" Prescott argued. "I warned her to run the moment that bastard hit me with the Taser. I blame you for this…Mr. Mega-Billions! He was attempting to kidnap her in order to get his hands on your money."

"I'm capable of defending myself, Prescott," I cast a steely eye at Christian. "I need to take a pain pill for my head and my flesh wound. You are cordially invited to leave my room. I refuse to deal with you yelling at me!"

Christian crossed his arms stubbornly over his chest and glared at me.

I pushed the call button.

"Can I help you?" A disembodied voice asked.

"My head hurts. Can I have a pain pill yet…and send hospital security to talk to my body guard."

Christian stomped from the room. I heard him yelling at Taylor and Sawyer about guarding my hospital room.

XXX

"Quit staring at him and get your ass in here!" Prescott snapped at the nurse who loitered at the door, eye-fucking Christian instead of checking Ana's vital signs. "Can she have a pain pill yet?"

The nurse scowled at Prescott before talking. "Light dose…we'll check her every hour for the next 24 hours. The doctor won't prescribe anything which will render her completely unconscious. These light dosage pain pills will take the edge off the pain, but will not eliminate it."

"Excuse me…I'm the patient and the person you should be addressing." I snapped at her.

Prescott muttered, "The biggest pain in her life is in the hallway. Do us all a favor and make him unconscious."

"Out," I tried not to laugh at Prescott. "I need time for the pain pills to take effect. I need you to guard the door and keep him out."

XXX

Ray heard raised voices as he rounded the corner to Annie's room. Grey and a woman with an LV Metro shield attached to her belt were standing four feet apart. Prescott blocked Annie's door with the police officer as frontline defense. Grey was flanked by Sawyer and Taylor.

"Anyone mind giving me a situation report?" Ray snapped.

'He yelled at her. Ana has a headache from the concussion. She threw him out of her room." Prescott announced.

"Do you want to tell me why you yelled at my Annie?" Ray faced off against Christian.

"I'm tired of this shit of not being able to protect her!" Grey snapped. "If my people had been protecting her, that asshole wouldn't have had a chance to get to her." In his stress, Christian ran his fingers through his copper curls.

"BITE ME," Prescott barked. "I told you! Taylor and Sawyer aren't impervious to Taser attacks. If you don't believe me…allow Officer Bonner to Taser their asses! I don't work for you. I work for Heaton Security who works for Ros Bailey. I was following protocol. I was attacked and incapacitated. Ana fought back. She broke her attempted kidnapper's nose and ruptured one of his testicles. She ran toward help. Officer Bonner heard her yell and heard the first gunshot. She identified herself and ordered him to drop the gun. He shot Ana and that's when Officer Bonner shot him dead. She stayed with Ana, called for a bus and transported us to the hospital. She has not left Ana vulnerable to another kidnapping attempt."

"I want to take her home now! Where she can be guarded at my home and cared for by my mother who is a doctor!" Christian yelled.

"Miss Steele will be released when the doctor allows it, not when you demand." Officer Bonner argued. "Now, are you leaving, or do I call LV Metro to have you removed? I will charge you with obstructing a police investigation!"

"How am I obstructing a police investigation?" Christian yelled at Bonner.

"I can't question her about the attempted kidnapping if you're out here creating a scene. Stephen Morton would not have attempted to kidnap her if you weren't the great, glorious Christian Grey! Thanks to you and the situation, the hospital security staff is being run ragged keeping media out of the hospital." Bonner snapped.

"Stephen Morton? Stephen Morton tried to kidnap my Annie?" Ray's face paled.

"Do you know him?" Bonner turned to Ray.

"My ex-wife's third husband. I rescued Annie from him. The bastard terrorized her when she was a teenager." Ray snarled. "You're sure it was him?" He confirmed it was Morton when Bonner showed him a picture. "I want to see my daughter."

'She's all yours," Bonner allowed him access to Prescott and the door to Miss Steele's room. "I must report to LV Metro for an IA investigation. My partner and I were off duty. We stopped at Sporting Chance to collect some new equipment he purchased. He accompanied the body to the morgue, I accompanied your daughter here."

"Sounds like a righteous shooting to me, but I'm just a concerned father." Ray commented.

"I'll tell IA you said so," Bonner smiled faintly before checking her phone as she walked away.

"Taylor, I'm visiting my Annie. Prescott, you have door duty. Grey, thank you for bringing me here to see my Annie, but until you can control your temper…you are persona non grata. I told you…cigarettes, beer and people yelling at Annie are her triggers. Those triggers were caused by the man who tried to kidnap her. She's already kicked one man in the balls today…do you want to be number two?" Ray turned his back on them and entered Annie's room.

XXX

"I'm not arguing with you, Grey," Ray crossed his arms over his chest. "Annie asked you and your crew to go home. She is here until Saturday morning when I plan to escort her back to Seattle. We're going to her condo where she will rest. Please deliver her clothes to the hospital. She'll return to the office on Monday. She requested you leave her alone and let her heal."

March 30 – Newspaper Headlines

Christian Grey's attempted elopement thwarted
by attempted kidnapping of his girlfriend!

Seattle Nooz

Book launch with a bullet!
Entertainment Weekly

Was she in on the plot? Anastasia Steele's ex-stepfather
shot and killed during attempted kidnapping!
Las Vegas Sun

Hearts are breaking on the West Coast!
Grey and Steele spend week in Las Vegas!
Las Vegas Sun

XXX – TPOV

"Not just no, but hell no," Sela refused. "Until you work off your aggressions and tension, I'm not touching you. I don't care if you get pissed off, leave and must start over. I'm not touching you while you are in this mindset."

"God damn it!" Christian shouted. "Why is life fucking with me right now?"

"Come on," I grabbed Grey. "Let's run a few hundred laps around the building. When you've calmed down, I'll bring you back to Ms. Koch." I noted a nod of approval.

"I have plenty of time tonight. I'll be here as long as I'm needed." Sela assured Taylor.

"Ditto," John agreed. "I've talked to you twice since Ana's accident. I'll be here tonight until your session with Sela is over."

XXX – 3PPOV

"How bad was it?" Sela questioned John.

"Miss Steele won't talk to him. He stayed in Las Vegas until this morning. He visited her hospital room and demanded she return to Seattle with him. She told him to shove his demands, his attitude, and Taylor and Sawyer up his ass. She argued she wasn't Rapunzel and she would not be locked away in his ivory tower. She demanded he remove his ass from her room or she was calling hospital security."

"Doesn't sound pretty," Sela shook her head.

"The situation gets worse. Her dad barred him from the room also. He backed her decision to keep Prescott. Christian called LV Metro and complained about Bonner's attitude. LV Metro gave Bonner grief about how she handled Grey. So Bonner gave LV Metro notice. Prescott offered Officer Bonner a new job as Ana's backup CPO. She will fly back tomorrow with Prescott, Ana and Mr. Steele. K&R arranged for a private jet for them from Las Vegas to Seattle. Bonner will bunk in with Prescott until she finds a place of her own and has her Washington carry conceal permit. She has EMT training, so she's removing Ana's stitches on Thursday before she goes shopping for bridesmaid dresses. Additionally, Mr. Steele is pro-Bonner because she's a doppelganger for Ana and they can play bait and switch sometimes." John checked his watch. "I'm thinking another hour of running his ass off will calm him down enough for us to deal with him." John shook his head. "He's destroyed four phones in less than 24 hours. Grey was pissed off because almost three-dozen floral arrangements from Las Vegas entities were delivered to Miss Steele. Prescott took pictures and names. Mia will arrange a blanket thank you in the Las Vegas Sun. Ana sent the floral arrangements, including Grey's flowers, to nurses' stations in the hospital."

"Sounds like her past and his money collided this time," Sela handed John a pill packet. "Two melatonin tablets. Odorless, tasteless, not habit forming. Have Taylor put them in a glass of juice or bottle of water for him when he leaves here tonight. He's not sleeping and it's skewing his judgement."

XXX – CPOV

"All done," Sela covered me with a warm blanket. "Truth or dare time…how was it when I massaged around the scars?"

"I think you need to work the perimeter of number seven some more. I think it still feels tight."

Sela uses warm oil and works the periphery of the scar for several minutes. "Next week, I will warm and loosen the skin around the scars first, followed by a peripheral massage. So, two weeks from tonight is the individual massage of your back scars followed by a full back massage. Do you feel ready?'

"We'll give it a try. If it doesn't work, can we repeat the perimeter massage?"

"Yes, but you're doing very well." Sela praised me. "Don't stress. You're exhausted, so please let me know if you have a night terror tonight." She gave John a questioning look and watched for a brief nod of his head.

I'm not doing for shit. How do I reconcile with Ana while I'm feeling angst? I want people pissed off at me for good reasons… eviscerating their company, taking away their golden parachutes, teaching them how to treat their staff, showing them how to properly run a company. I don't need inquisitive paparazzi and media interfering in Ana and my life. This whole Stephen Morton situation damaged my security team's confidence. They are back to square one, investigating everyone from Ana's past, which includes her father's clients and VFW friends and her high school classmates. Additionally, they are investigating everyone they can find from Carla's past,

John asked me if the situation with Ana would be eased by renaming and redecorating the submissive bedroom…since I got rid of the playroom. He suggests Ana may feel better if I donate the 'tacky animal print' suitcase and clothes. I will ask Mrs. Jones to go through the condo and collect anything which belongs to Ana, I want it cleaned and placed in my closet so she has clothes when she needs them. I also want Mrs. Jones to keep anything Ana's worn from the submissive closet in case she wants to wear it again. After I pick a week of clothes and move them to my closet, I will ask Mrs. Jones to have the submissive bedroom emptied and everything donated to Mom's rummage sale. If I want to share my bed, I should share my closet and drawers in the bathroom. Perhaps that gesture will help diffuse Ana's anger toward me right now.

Work is decided, home is decided…now how in the hell do I get Ana to come back to me? I know she's upset. I know I was wrong to yell at her when she was hurt…but how do I tell her I was frantic with worry that she was hurt…that she might have been kidnapped…that I might not have gotten to her in time?

March 31 – 3PPOV

"More coffee?" Linc asked Elena, solicitously.

"What do you want Linc? I wasn't expecting an invitation to brunch, by the pool." The spicy bloody Mary had been made with quality vodka. Elena's usual breakfast of half a grapefruit with a lightly toasted and buttered whole wheat mini bagel was giving her heartburn.

Linc threw a handful of papers on the table. "Pretty girl," he commented. Pictures of Ana Steele at Las Vegas McCarran Airport graced several tabloids.

"Don't be such a motherfucker, Linc!" Elena snapped.

"Excuse me…I never fucked my mother. But it's obvious Grey has mommy issues since he's willing to fuck Mommy's best friend."

"Fuck you Linc!" Elena snapped.

"No, no, no…" Linc shook his finger at her. "Watch your mouth…you're living on my property. I'm just saying, if I preferred brunettes…I'd fuck Ana Steele. Beats having garage sex with an old slapper like you. Or have you been re-virginated while getting plastic surgery and Botox? How hard is it to find teenage boys to fuck? If they want to fuck plastic…a blow-up doll is cheaper, they don't need permission to come, and they don't need to take a strap-on up the ass."

"I hope you catch a disease that doesn't wash off and that you die a painful death." Elena threw her napkin on the table. "Maybe you can get some of your sluts to dress up like Naughty Nurse Nancy and give you a sponge bath along with a case of VD."

"Behave like the gracious lady Grace Grey is…or I will be forced to hire someone to whip your skank ass. I had forgotten how satisfying it is to verbally fuck with you." Linc grinned and applied himself to the eggs benedict, the New York strip steak and the extra-large, spicy, bloody Mary. "If you want to leave my table…you must ask permission. I may or may not grant it, but you WILL ask, politely, like a good little submissive should."