To Everyone who has reviewed on my last chapter I thank you sooo much! I apologize for how late this Chapter is, I've just started a job and had been given long hours so I was writing a little bit as I can in my spare time! Your reviews mean so much to me and I hope I am doing a good job for you all to continue reading and favorite my story :) Tomorrow, for the first time, I am off for the whole day and I've only got morning shifts for the next while so I will be back commited to this story! as I want to write them all from Christians POV! Thanks Again! And remember to review at the end to tell me what you think! 3
All rights belong to E.L James.
Chapter Four
I glare at her. What am I going to do! You can't kiss her, Grey. No! My eyes trace across her perfectly sculptured lips which are slightly parted as her breathing increases fast. She softly shivers under my gaze. No, no, no, no, no, no… I close my eyes, and take a deep breath, just do it and get it over with, Grey. I shake my head, opening my eyes, knowing what I'm going to do.
"Anastasia, you should steer clear of me. I'm not the man for you," I whisper. No. I don't do the boyfriend thing. I just want to fuck you Anastasia. She's frowning at me. What? Let go of her now, Grey.
"Breathe, Anastasia, breathe. I'm going to stand you up and let you go," I say quietly, I don't want to let you go. I gently push her away from me. My hands linger on her shoulders, carefully balancing her on the path. I want you so badly, Steele.
"I've got this," she breathes. "Thank you." She mutters as her face falls, deep in thought. She inches away from me.
"For what?" I frown. My hands still lingering on her shoulders.
"For saving me," she whispers.
"The idiot was riding the wrong way. I'm glad I was here. I shudder to think what could of have happened to you. Do you want to come and sit down in the hotel for a moment?" I release her, my hands drifting slowly back to my sides, and she is running her fingers up and down her arm, anxiously. Frowning to herself, she wraps her arms around her slender body and facing away from me towards the road. She quickly glances up at the pedestrian sign which has suddenly turned green. She quickly marches her way over the road, I eagerly follow her. Once we are outside the hotel, she turns round to face me, her head slightly angled at the road not meeting my eyes.
"Thanks for the tea and doing the photo shoot," her murmured words sound so final. This is it. Now or never, Grey. Tell her your plans. Anything to make her come back with you. Anything.
"Anastasia… I…" What? What shall I say? Ask her out for a dinner date? Fuck sake, Grey! I just stare at her, demanding her attention. She peeks up at me, her eyes widening. Fuck! Invite her back inside? Let her go! Why has this girl mind fucked me completely! This is so goddamn frustrating!
"What, Christian?" She snaps after minutes of the silence between us. This is it, she's leaving. I cough lightly.
"Good luck with your exams," I murmur, that's it. That's all I can say. I stare at her with nothing else to say. Nothing else I want to say, I won't see her again.
"Thanks." She replies with a hint of sarcasm in her voice. Oh, Miss Steele don't talk like that baby. "Goodbye, Mr. Grey." She turns on her heel and walks away. Without a second glance back at me I know she isn't coming back. That was it. Fuck!
I walk back into the hotel, pasteveryone. Ignoring everything. Phone to meet her again. Convince her to be yours, Grey. Only yours.
Friday, 25th May 11:54
For the past week, I've busied myself with various works, signing and legalizing documents, meeting various clients. All of which hasn't distracted me from my mindless obsession with Miss Anastasia Steele. The girl is like an elusive creature, filling me with need every single moment. I long to feel her body pressed up against mine, at night it's worse, I run wild with imagination, picturing her in different positions in my playroom. But she's not yours. I grit my teeth at the insane thought of some shmuck running his hands on what should be mine.
This girl is so irritating! Just go and fuck her and get it over with, Grey. I need something that would help ensnare her in my trap. Bring her here, a card? A phone call? Too simple and plain…. Considering what happened last week, I'm probably the last person on this earth she would want to talk to right now. Then it hits me. I pull out my phone, and phone Taylor.
"Taylor, It's Grey. Listen I need you to do a favour for me on your way back to the hotel. Locate limited edition copies of Tess of the d'Urbervilles, first edition. Bring them here after you've picked up Elliot from the Airport."
"Sir."
*Two hours later*
"Bro!" Elliot storms into the room, arms stretched out in front of him as he approaches me. I take a step back and he rolls his eyes, but soon replaced by a very Elliot like smile beaming back at me. Damn it. How could he older than me?
"Elliot, glad you could make it." I say dryly.
"So what we doing tonight? Lady hunting?" his smile wide he winks at me. I roll my eyes in response.
"Come on Christian, have some fun."
"Fun?" Ha, he doesn't know the first thing about 'fun'. I smirk at the thought.
"Christian. Get real please. Word on the street is that finals are over for College girls. I would ask to makea bet with you, see how many we can score in one night. But you're gay, right Chrissie?" His booming laugh fills the room as I grit my teeth. Gay! God sake!
"No Elliott, I'm not gay."
"Then prove it to me brother!" he announces playfully, then wonders into one of the bedrooms in the suite. I narrow my eyes until the door to the room closes and bring my attention the white leather box in Taylor's hands.
He places it on the table in the centre of the room and exits back into the hall. I open the box and inside I find three identical old cloth-covered books in mint condition. Each with a golden roman numerical imprinted into the spine of each book facing up at me identifying each of the volumes. Perfect. I carry the books to the study and pull a piece of cardstock out of the drawer. What shall I say? What would make her think of me? I think of our last encounter, of her in my arms gazing at me, willing me to kiss her; me restraining the urge to have that sort of relationship with her.
Grabbing a calligraphy pen from the holder I start scribbling on the blank white card in front of me;
"Why didn't you tell me there was danger? Why didn't you warn me?
Ladies know what to guard against, because they read novels that tell them of these tricks…"
This is the only quote I think will make its way across, she shouldn't be believe in fairy tales or even classics for that matter to find such love or relationship of sorts in pages of books. Reality is where the key lies; hopefully this brings her to me again.
"So have you made your mind up yet, little brother?" he walks into the study now wearing clean clothes. I quickly place the note in the box and usher him out of the room.
"Taylor." I call. Taylor enters the lobby of the suite, "The package is on my desk would you mind delivering it for me."
"Of course, Mr. Grey."
"Package?" Elliot eyes me suspiciously.
"It's just a work thing, Elliot. Business." I narrow my eyes, "I'll go out with you tonight. But not for long. I have meetings all day tomorrow." I say making an excuse not to stay out late. And anyway didn't he say Exams were over? Guess I might be able to track Miss Steele down. That is of course, if she is out tonight! I'm so over my limit with this. Fuck sake! Why don't I just offer her a fucking job? Then at least I know that I can have her. Well maybe.
"Whoa, Hello. Earth to Christian."
"What?"
"Are we going or not."
"Fine. Just let me shower and change first."
He rolls his eyes and jumps onto the couch as I walk through my bedroom doors without a second glance. Once showered, I grab the nearest clothes out of the closet. Guess there's no reason to stay…
We've been out for what seems like forever. At the moment I'm sitting in the hotel's bar, the lingering scent of stale whiskey and ale in the air. A right gentlemen's bar. Elliot is sitting next to me, giving me a full detail to detail of his recent conquest, her 38 Double D's, wide smile… blah, blah, blah.
"Christian!" he scolds.
"What?" I stare at him blankly. Geez what have I missed.
"I was saying, perhaps we can go now. Had enough of sitting in this bar with old men."
"Fine." I snap. As I rise to my feet my phone rings. Right now it's just after midnight, as I glance down at my Blackberry, Anastasia Steele flashes up on the screen. I give Elliot, who is waiting by the door, a one moment signal with my finger. And answer as the phone rings a second time. "Anastasia?" sounding surprised. Why is she phoning me? Why the fuck is she phoning me?
"Why did you send me the books?" she slurs. Well I guess she is out tonight then I frown. Why did she have to get into this state? And fuck the fucking books. Is she on her own? Should I go get her?
"Anastasia, are you okay? You sound strange."
"I'm not the strange one, you are." She accuses slurring once again. Strange? How have I come off strange?
"Anastasia, have you been drinking?"
"What's it to you?" That's a yes then.
"I'm- curious. Where are you?" I need to go and get her. Help her I guess. Then lose Elliot along the way.
"In a bar."
"Which bar?" I breathe. Give me an honest answer Miss Steele. Or forgive me when I find you and I will I'll take you across my knee!
"A bar in Portland,"
GAH! "How are you getting home?"
"I'll find a way." This conversation is not going exactly to plan. I take my phone away from my ear and click the add-on button to track her phone. Just need to stay on the call a little longer…
"Which bar are you in?"
"Why did you send the books, Christian?"
"Anastasia, where are you, tell me now!" my dominant side kicking in full swing. I need to know where the hell she is. I need her to be okay. For fuck sake, Ana!
She giggles, "You're so… domineering," she giggles once more. Oh that's a musical sound. I close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose with my thumb and index finger.
"Ana, so help me, where the fuck are you?"
She continues to giggle, setting my groin alight. "I'm in Portland… s'long way from Seattle." Oh I'm in Portland, baby.
"Where in Portland?" I repeat once more. Trying to control myself from shouting into the phone and causing a scene.
"Goodnight, Christian."
"Ana!" I exclaim, but she has already hung up. FUCK! I look at the screen; a flashing red light indicates her exact location. I grab my jacket off the seat and hurriedly make my way over to Elliot standing by the door, in an intimate encounter with the waitress.
"Elliot, I need to go somewhere…" I look between him and the waitress, "you coming?"
"Well… What's in it for me if I come with you, Little Brother?" He winks at the waitress as I roll my eyes.
"Listen Elliot, I could probably guarantee you; you'll get laid if you come with me now. If you don't then well it's up to Miss Lexi here if she wants you in her pants, you get me?"
"Whoa, dude calm it." Elliot glances towards me then to Lexi hanging onto every word Elliot and Ispeak between us. Elliot leans over and whispers in my ear. His warm breath tickling my ear as he asks. "What kind of girls are we talking about here?"
I roll my eyes for the hundredth time tonight and I reply "College." He nods respectively and turns to Lexi.
I don't have time to sit around and wait, I grab Taylor who is sitting at a nearby table observing us and wave him to the car sat outside the hotel entrance. I give Taylor the address and climb into the back seat of the car.
I take out my phone and select Ana's number and press the phone to my ear. Answer Ana, answer.
"Hi," she says slightly confused.
"I'm coming to get you," I say and before I can say anything else, I hang up as Elliot joins me in the car.
"So, how hot are we talking Bro, cause I can't do the clingy type again." Elliot asks his eyes wide with excitement.
"Are you ever going to beable to keep it in your pants for one night?" I glare at him.
"Look bro, whatever. Where are we going anyways?"
"To find you a girl." I announce half-heartedly, with a tint of sarcasm.
"Sweet." He beams, I roll my eyes.
Ten minutes later Taylor pulls up in front of one of the many bars in Portland. I look out of the window and see Miss Steele leaning against the window of one, she looks unsteady on her feet. A young man, I believe it's that José boy from before is now at her side. I am stunned as I watch the scene unfolding in front of me. His hands slide from his side reaching for her face. Anger rises up in me. GET YOUR HANDS OFF HER YOU PIECE OF TRASH!
I leap out of the car, knowing that Elliot's footsteps will eagerly follow. As I get closer I can her hear. She's refusing him. "No José, stop –no" her hands are pushing back against him trying to get out of his embrace, I half smile as I see he is being resistant I am too close now and I hear her plead with the boy once more. I am at her side as I say, "I think the lady said no." José releases her as I stare him down, Fuck off now little boy. It's way past your bedtime you dick!
"Grey," he replies tersely. I glower at him, I'm anxious, furious. What the fuck would have happened if I wasn't here! Fuck off José.
All of a sudden Ana doubles over and spews; heaving spectacularly on the ground just past where I am standing.
"Ugh –Diós mió, Ana!" Jose jumps back in disgust, yet as a reflex I reach for Ana's brown hair swiftly tugging it back over her shoulders out of the line of fire. I gently lead her over to the nearby flowerbed on the edge of the parking lot out of the public eye and we'resurrounded in darkness.
"If you're going to throw up again, do it here. I'll hold you." I wrap one arm around her slender shoulders – the other holding her hair back in a makeshift ponytail down her back keeping it away from her face. She tries to resist me awkwardly trying to stumble out of my arms but she vomits again… and again. Jesus. How can so much come out of someone so small. I rub her back in some sort of comfort at least. I lift my head in the other direction, as the sound of her heaving has an awkward effect on me as her empty stomach is producing nothing but sounds of echoing gagging.
I finally release her, gently placing her steadily on her feet. I hand her a handkerchief from my blazer, which she quickly uses to wipe her mouth. Without looking at me she stumbles away, zig zagging back to the bar. She peeks back at look up at me for the first time. I just stare back giving nothing away. Inside I have the urge to help her, take her back to the hotel with me and keep her safe. I'd rather her come home with me tonight then stuck where she could get raped or abused by some low life in this club!
Around the corner I can see José still lingering outside of the bar, watching us make our way over. From the corner of my eye I see Taylor hovering keeping a close eye on me.
"I'll uh… see you inside." The boy mutters, we both ignore him as he slinks back off into the building. I'm now alone with her. Should I say something?
"Sorry," she murmurs, staring down at my handkerchief in her hands.
"What are you sorry for Anastasia?"
"The phone call mainly, being sick. Oh, the list is endless," she bows her head an inch more feeling embarrassed. I'm so glad you called me, baby.
"We've all been here, perhaps not quite as dramatically as you," I say a little too dryly. "It's about knowing your limits, Anastasia. I mean, I'm all for pushing limits, but really this is beyond the pale. Do you make a habit of this kind of behaviour?" What are you doing, Grey fucking interviewing her?
"No," she says a little off handily. "I've never been drunk before and right now I have no desire to ever be again." Seriously? Mm… interesting. I continue to look at her, her eyes swimming in a haze of blurriness under the influence of alcohol. She stumbles back as I grab her before she falls hoisting her into my open arms, holding her close to my chest.
"Come on, I'll take you home," I murmur.
"I need to tell Kate." Oh Christ. The devious Miss Kavanagh. Elliot has probably found her by now.
"My brother can tell her."
"What?"
"My brother Elliot is talking to Miss Kavanagh." I tilt with my head through the glass doors in the direction of Katherine and Elliot speaking just off the dance floor, but Ana is oblivious to any new information that I am giving her.
"Oh?" she says sounding confused.
"He was with me when you phoned."
"In Seattle?" her eyebrows knot together as if she's solving a difficult equation.
"No, I'm staying at the Heathman."
"How did you find me?"
"I tracked your cell phone Anastasia." Why not be honest. She's smiles slightly I don't know why. "Do you have a jacket or purse?" I ask her.
"Uh… yes, I came with both. Christian, please, I need to tell Kate. She'll worry." I press my mouth together as it forms a hard line and then sigh. There is no way I'm going to get her out of here without her seeing her friend! Might as well see if Elliot has plans to stay elsewhere for tonight.
"If you must." I set her down, and taking her hand I lead her into the bar. I feel a shot of electricity shoot through my hand at the touch, though I choose to ignore it. I clutch her hand tighter. It's noisy, crowded and the music is not my sort of scene at all. A large crowd has formed on the dance floor; the swaying of yielding human beings pissed out of theirs skulls too drunk to acknowledge the presence of others laughing, and giggling the night away.
We reach a table, the boy who was assisting the photo-shoot the other day sits with a couple of other people I don't know. "Where's Kate?" Ana shouts to get herself heard over the music. Her free hand presses against her head, and then softly drifts to her side. I watch her intently from the corner of my eye I see the boy look at me then back to Ana. "Dancing," I release her hand as she gathers her things from the table. She shrugs back into her jacket and places a small silver bag on her left shoulder so it sits perfectly at her hip. She turns back round to face me, and leans up. "She's on the dance floor." She shouts in my ear, her warm breath trickling on my ear lobe sending absolute pleasure to my groin.
All those forbidden, unfamiliar feelings rush back as I try to shake them from my mind. Fucking get a grip! She flushes at her own reaction I roll my eyes and take her in my hand again and I lead her to the bar. I get served automatically, "One glass of ice water." I tell the barman. Once he returns I hand it to Ana waiting rather groggily beside me. "Drink," I order.
The lights are twisting and turning in movement of the disco ball hanging loose in the middle of the dance floor. I am watching the different shades of colours reflect on her skin, mesmerizing. She's watching me, as I'm watching her. She takes a tentative sip of the water in her hands. My dominant side kicks in once more. "All of it" I shout over the music.
I glance over to the dance floor, I can see Elliot dancing along with Miss Kavanagh, he gives me a thumb's up and mouths 'score!' I run my hand through my hair bring my attention to Miss Steele once more. You're such a silly girl, Anastasia! You should behave or I'll teach you a thing or two about manners and authority. I glare at her until she drinks the entire glass. I take the glass from her, and place it back on the bar. I take her hand and lead her onto the dance floor; I feel the slightest reluctance from her and the look on her face shows she isn't a keen dancer.
Amusingly I smile a slight sardonic smile. I give her a hand a sharp tug, swinging her in front of me; bringing her in my arms for the third time this evening. Ain't you lucky Mr. Grey, perhaps you can persuade her after all. I begin to move holding her steady so she doesn't fall. I move us both swiftly through the throng of people to where Katherine and Elliot are positioned. The music is pounding away, loud and leery, outside. I lean over Katherine's ridiculous grinding against my brother and whisper in Elliot's ear.
"I'm taking Anastasia back to the hotel. Kate, the girl you are dancing with, is her roommate. Find other arrangements for tonight." I order.
"No problem, bro. I won't be back anyways." He winks at me, and looks at Ana who is stock still in front of me. "Have fun." He winks and I ease Ana away from the dance floor before she overhears one of my brother's idiotic comments. As we make it half way towards the entrance I could feel Ana's legs begin to buckle underneath her. I sweep her up and she lies unconscious in my arms, out cold.
"Fuck!" I announce in a harsh epithet.
