The Basis of Control
Christian's POV
No, matter what; Miss Anastasia Steele will be mine and only mine. I will prove to her how wonderful it will be. I must figure out how to keep our relationship private.
I can't help staring at Anastasias body when she walks across the small platform to the yacht. My mind fills with all kinds of different scenes I could do with her. Her blue sundress is a little ill-fitting but fuck me, it is so fucking hot. Actually I could care less right now about the cut of the dress since I'd rather rip it off her. I look down at the two backpacks Taylor passed me and realise that I won't need to take that dress off Ana.
"Elliot, I am going to need some help" My brother has already gotten all cosy with Kate on the settee and is engaged in conversation with the girls.
"If you would excuse me ladies, I am rather excited to start playing with my brothers new toy" I scowl at Elliot's reference to 'The Grace' as a toy. It has taken over two years of planning and building, to construct this vessel, and she was worth every penny.
"I wish we had bought our bathing suits" I suppress my smile at Kate's statement.
"Ladies, we will be out on the water momentarily." I turn away from them, though catch my last glance of Anastasia, and before heading to the upper deck, I place the backpacks in the cabin.
Elliot is at the prow of the boat, undoing the ropes. Once we are released from the Warf, I start the yacht up and slowly ease her out of her berth, towards the marina entrance. I feel so carefree, and in control, exactly what I need. I leave all my obligations and dark thoughts behind as we are hit the open sea.
"You did good little brother, she is perfect." Elliot praises the yacht
"I know. Take control of the wheel for me. I am going to put the sails up, then you will feel a drag. I will signal and then cut the engines for me." Elliot nods excited. I begin to release the sails, and when the wind catches them. Elliot turns the engines and we sail, propelled by the force of nature.
"Ladies, we will anchor in an hour by Whidbey Island. There are two pack backs in the cabin. The blue bag has a couple of pairs of bathing suits that should fit you both, and there are fresh towels, sunscreen and sunglasses in closet. Help yourselves. After I have relieved my brother at the controls, I will ask him to be uncharacteristically chivalrous and get you both something to drink." I am careful not to focus solely on Anastasia, so the tenacious Katherine Kavanagh doesn't get suspicious and talk to Elliot. My parents would have a field day if they heard I was interested in a girl, especially someone as perfect as Anastasia. They would be demanding that I bring her over for dinner. I can just imagine my parents, especially my mother's excitement. While nothing would bring me joy as making my parents happy, I fear exposing them to the darkness around me could break their hearts.
I return to control of the yacht and occasionally look down to the deck where my brother and the girls are sitting enjoying the ride. Elliot has changed into a pair of trunks, and both girls are wearing swimsuits now. One look at Anastasia and my jeans suddenly become tighter. I had Taylor go out and pick up these at Niemen Marcus. As per my request there are two swimsuit cover ups to protect their modesty just in case. For the first time, I feel the need to write Ms Acton a thank you note.
Ironically Anastasia is wearing a red bikini that resembles the walls of my playroom. I get my first decent look at her perfect body, and can see what parts of her short dress did cover up last night. I struggle to keep my eyes on the horizon, when Anastasia is leaning against the railing, giving me a perfect view of her backside. Fuck it would look glorious all pink and warm under my hand, and better yet after it has been worked over by a riding crop. Anastasia's hair is loose and blowing in the wind. She has the most exquisite long brunette hair that I have ever seen. None of the previous fifteen even comes close to her beauty.
Thank god Elliot is too infatuated with Katherine, or he might just start to think about reliving some of his college days, where he would take two women at a time. I look around and am relieved that there are no other boats in our vicinity or else I would have hit one, considering how distracted I have been by the glorious sight of Anastasia below me.
Anastasia turns around in time to witness me staring at her. I look up immediately and pretend to look busy as I drive the boat. Ever so subtlety I look down and witness Anastasia desperately throw one of the beach coverall dresses over her swimsuit. She says something to Elliot and Kate, but her best friend doesn't react. Elliot, on the other hand, gives me his trademark 'she is hot and all yours' look, as Anastasia heads for the stairs.
I start to anticipate her standing in front of me, but when she doesn't make an immediate appearance, I start to wonder where she is. I am about to call Elliot to come take the controls for me, when Anastasia finally appears in front of me with a glass of water. I don't say anything rather I offer her a small genuine smile.
"I thought you might need a glass of water" Anastasia holds up the glass for me.
"Thank you that is very kind of you" Ana passes me the glass, but I struggle to take it as I am controlling the wheel of the yacht.
"I am sorry," Anastasia says flustered, over her failed attempts to hand me the glass.
"Here come and stand in front of me" I ask, but she just looks at me somewhat apprehensive and jaded. It is almost as if she already knows every single dark secret that there is to know about me. "I won't hurt you. I just need a little help so I can drink the glass of water you so kindly bought up to me."
"What do you want me to do?" And there she is again, feisty Anastasia Steele is back! I wonder if she realizes how hot she is like that. I focus my energies on giving her a taste of what she could have while I have her in an advantageous position.
"Stand in front of me and place your hands on the wheel" She moves quickly and for the first time, complies. Anastasia is a mix of nerves and excitement as her fingers tighten around the wheel.
"Christian I have no idea what I am doing"
"Don't worry I do" I know exactly what I am doing at the moment, and right now you are what I would like to be doing. "Just hold the wheel steady and look straight ahead." Strategically, I intentionally let go giving Anastasia full control of the yacht. She immediately panics, and we make a hard shift to the right.
"CHRISTIAN" Anastasia yells. I place my hands over hers and take control once more. I lean my body against hers and nuzzle my nose into her hair. Anastasia smells so good. I want to smell me on her and to smell her on me.
"Can you feel that?" I ask Anastasia as electricity engulfs us. Ana turns her head and looks into my eyes and then at my mouth. I sense her desperation as I am feeling the same thing. I want to kiss her as much as she wants to kiss me.
"Hey Up there! You made me spill the champagne" Elliot calls out ending our moment. Damn it! I had Anastasia right where I wanted her.
"Just keep the yacht steady. Like this" Slowly I release my grip on her hands and step back. I watch as Anastasias face glows as she steers the yacht. Her strong exterior is peeled away, and I like what I see. No, I love it. Anastasia looks young, happy-go-lucky and ever so competent. I wonder if she realizes that she could take on the world, and I want to help her to do so.
"You did not drink your water yet" Anastasia points out. I pick up the glass and take a seat in front of her. I have a mouthful, and then run my tongue over my lips. A subtle move that doesn't go unnoticed. Anastasias breathing has changed, and there is no hiding the fact that I am getting to her in the way I want to. I stand up and walk towards her.
"You are so beautiful" I run my knuckles down her cheek, savoring the feel of her skin.
"I know what you are doing. It isn't going to work" There is an almost hateful undertone in her voice as her mood does a complete three sixty.
"And what is it you think I am doing?" I probe. Anastasia is about to answer my question when we are then interrupted by Elliot and Katherine. I enter CEO mode and resume control of the yacht, practically pushing Anastasia aside. She looks at me shocked, but I regard her coolly to deviate my brother's suspicion.
"Elliot I need some help anchor the yacht. I am going to need the mainsail lowered at the very minimum. Once you have done that I can drop the anchor and then let go of the wheel" I inform my brother.
"I can help with the sails "Ana offers.
"No, that is not necessary or wanted, Ms Steele" My voice is cold, and I don't even look at her as I dismiss her. I can literally feel the heat of her angry glare on me. In all honesty, I don't want to put her in any risk.
Anastasia storms down the stairs, with Elliot and Kate behind her. They are both so infatuated with each other that they don't notice Anastasia's mood. I look down once more and growl as I watch, Anastasia by the bar. She has drunk three rather strong drinks in extraordinarily quick amount of time. If I had the paperwork, she wouldn't able to sit tomorrow for that little stunt.
With the use of my controls, I drop the anchor, and once I am sure that we are secure, I venture downstairs. My brother is keeping Anastasia and Katherine entertained with his offbeat sense of humor. Jealousy hits me. The one girl I have wanted more than anyone in my life is looking relaxed and open with someone other than me.
"Hey Christian, do you think you could finally change into something more appropriate, stop being antisocial and join the party?" Elliot attempts to tell me off me.
"Someone had to operate the yacht while you have been idle." I hiss back though with brotherly love though. "I think it may be time to eat before our liquid refreshments take their full force" I avoid looking at Anastasia, but I suspect she knows I am directing my statement to her.
"You cook?" Katherine question causing Elliot to look at me and we both laugh.
"No. I have a housekeeper who cooks. She sent over some food over for us. Elliot why don't you come help me organize lunch? Ladies, please make your selves at home" I glare at Elliot letting him know that I am not requesting his assistance.
"Duty calls, no actually my bossy brother calls." Elliot tells
I enter the cabin and replace my jeans and white linen shirt, with a pair of trunks and a fitted V next shirt. Then I help Elliot take out the platters of food that Ms Jones has expertly prepared. She has laid out olives, cold meats, cheeses, nuts, dried fruits, stuffed vine leaves and a series of dips with breads.
"Want the best piece of advice you're ever going to get?" I smirk at Elliot's statement. This should be good for a laugh.
"Oh wise one, do tell what would that be?" I mock him.
"Take that shirt off before you go back out. You are so cut that you could have Kate's friend in the palm of your hand. Ana is pretty hot, in her own way, but you have barely even looked at her." I feel a strong sense of success knowing that my prying brother hasn't caught on. Elliot looks through the windows on the cabin door and much to my surprise is only looking at Kate rather than both girls. This is so unlike my brother's usual womanizing behavior.
"Seems like your one night stand will be a two nighter" I comment.
"I hope she will be more than a two nighter. Kate is phenomenal, isn't she? She is intelligent, gorgeous, and the best sex I have ever had. You know what, I think I will invite her to mom and dads for Mia's welcome home from college dinner. What do you think Mom and Dad will think of her?"
"Probably the same thing they have thought about every girl you have been with. How long is this relationship going to last?" I tell him honestly.
Elliot places the platters of food on the table while I grab four glasses and a jug of water. I take the only vacant chair which so happens to be next to Ana. I pour everyone a glass of water, and deliberately place a glass close to Ana. When no is taking notice of my actions, I casually push her wine glass away from her.
"What do you think you are doing?" Ana scolds me quietly, so Elliot and Kate don't hear.
"Drink your glass of water and eat." I order. When Ana fails to comply in defiance, I pick up her plate and place a decent portion of food in front of her.
"Eat" I order once more, but notice that Elliot and Kate are looking at me now.
"All of you eat! Ms Jones is highly skilled, and I promise you the food is excellent" I demand.
"Apologies ladies, my brother is a little bossy. Best we eat, or he will turn the yacht back, take us home and send us to our rooms without our suppers." Elliot's jeer causes the girls to burst into fits of laughter. I narrow my eyes at him, but he just grins. I am about to put my brother back in his place, but his ill-mannered comment has achieved two things. It has kick started Anastasia's appetite and has given me an idea of what I should do when Anastasia doesn't eat when she is finally mine.
After lunch, Kate and Elliot retreat to the back of the boat, where it is more private, and the lounge chairs are located. My brother has requested they be given an hour alone. Anastasia stands and starts to clear up. I want to tell her that I have a large staff that will take care of that, but she looks so compliant, even submissive as she cleans up. I can't believe how aroused I am getting just watching her do these simple tasks.
"Anastasia, thank you for cleaning up." I reply when she returns outside, but she just looks at me impassively.
"You are welcome, Christian." I get a chuckle as she calls me by my first name. I can literally see her becoming bolder.
"I don't like Anastasia, I prefer Ana" She declares as she removed her cover-up to reveal her perfect body in her red bikini. FUCK! It is enough to make me lose myself. Right now I could care less if she prefers Ana or Anastasia, I am much more interested in calling her mine. God I want to fuck her hard.
"Ana it is then" I comment.
"Can I use this towel?" Ana inquires.
"Yes." I reply automatically, not quite listening. My thoughts are focused on other matters.
"Thank you" My eyes follow Ana as she walks to the side of the yacht and then unexpectedly dives into the open water.
She is so alluring, and she doesn't even know it. I jump up and look down from the side of the boat, anticipating seeing her body all wet. However, when she doesn't come up to the surface immediately an uneasiness takes over. Instinctively I throw off my shoes and shirt and jump in after her. Having luck on my side, I find Ana immediately and with all my strength grab her tightly around me. She starts to fight me, pushing against me, but this is a standard response for someone who is being pulled out of the water.
"Christian, what are you doing?" Ana starts to call out as we make it back to the surface of the water. I don't reply and still keep a tight grip on her while I swim back to the boat. Elliot and Kate have returned to the front of the boat to see what is happening. I help Ana climb the ladder as Elliot holds his arm out to help Ana get back on the yacht.
I shake off my fears as I climb back on the yacht and see that Ana isn't harmed. Actually when I get a decent look at her, she doesn't look harmed, or even scared. In fact, she is fuming.
"What the hell was that about?" Anastasia hisses at me. I narrow my eyes, and my lips form a hard line as this was not the response I expected from someone I just saved.
"I was saving your life. Most people would be grateful." I argue back. I am doing my best to intimidate her, but I have only managed to send Kate and my brother heading back to the rear of the boat.
"Most people would be grateful if they actually needed to be saved and were in trouble. I for one wasn't. I was swimming under the water. I was a champion swimmer in high school and for a couple of years in college. Why would you think I was in danger?"
"You want the list?" I tell her coldly.
"Oh, please. This will be entertaining."
"Firstly, you have been drinking, and it affects your senses. Secondly, you just ate, and you are supposed to wait three quarters of an hour before swimming again to prevent cramps. Lastly you didn't come up to the surface in a timely manner. I was trying to save you" I know from Ana's immediate body language that she accepts that I had a point, but she refuses to acknowledge this fact verbally.
"I was not in danger. I know how to look after myself" Ana stomps and turns to collect her towel. Water has been dripping from her where she was standing and she slips, landing on the floor hard.
"OOOWWW" Ana cries out. I scoop her up and sit her down on the soft padded chair. "My ankle!" She cries out.
"Don't move, let me have a look," I examine her ankle, but I can't tell is if it sprained or actually broken. Elliot and Kate once more altered by the commotion and return to the front of the boat. Kate comes over and sits next to Ana, whilst Elliot goes to get an icepack. I lean over and grab a cushion and rest Ana's ankle on it. Within a few minutes, her ankle swells quickly.
"Christian, here you go" Elliot passes me the ice place and thankfully a first aid kit. I place it on Ana's ankle.
"Ana, you may have sprained your ankle or worse. You need to keep your foot up, I am going to turn the boat around and head back so we can get you to a doctor immediately."
"I will release the sails," Elliot offers.
"No, it will be faster if I use the engines, though I will need your help to take control of the yacht while I call Taylor so that he can call the nearest doctor to have a look at Ana's foot."
"Why don't you just call mom?" Elliot asks.
"Well, no she is on duty at the hospital, and I don't want Ana to have to wait." I admit. Elliot raises his eyebrows at me, but I don't have time to dwell on the real reason I am not calling our mother who I would trust with my life.
"Kate, I need your help. You need to compress Ana's ankle for about fifteen to twenty minutes to prevent further swelling and then wrap her ankle with this bandage. I will send Elliot down to help you". I run to the upper deck. I raise the anchor and start up the engines, and immediately head for the marina.
# # # #
"Let me help you," I tell Ana as she tries to get out of the car.
"No, I can do it. Just hold my crutches for me." She demands. We have just seen a doctor, and they have confirmed that it is a mild fracture. It will be painful for a day or two, but Ana should be on her feet soon as long as she follows some strict instructions and takes the medications as prescribed. Kate, Elliot and I watch as Ana struggles to make it up the first step. She is never going to make it to the second level were her apartment is located at this rate.
"Fuck this" I call out and throw the bag of Ana's medication and clothes at my brother. I bend down and pick up Ana. Kate picks up her crutches that have fallen unceremoniously to the ground.
"What are you doing?" Ana asks shocked at my brazenness.
"Carrying you to your apartment. What do you think I am doing?"
"I can manage all by myself. Kate, I need my crutches back" Ana calls out. I suddenly feel irritated by Ana's refusal of my assistance especially when it is in her best interests. What she really needs of a good smack to her backside.
"Anastasia, the summer would be over by the time you made it up to your apartment the way you were going. Just be quiet and accept my help" I scold her making her scoffs in response.
I wait for Kate to open the apartment door and then place Ana on the couch. I carefully position a cushion under her sprained ankle and then do a quick audit. Kate and Elliot go into the kitchen to make Ana a cup of tea leaving us both alone.
"Ana, you need to take these pills every eight hours to keep the inflammation down and place an ice pack on your ankle for twenty minutes, four times a day, afterwards make sure you put a compress on it. Can you remember that?" I bark at her.
"Yes, I am not a child. Kate is here, and she can help me. I will be fine by myself tomorrow when she is at work tomorrow"
"I could hire a nurse for you, or I can stay and look after you" I offer.
"No. I don't need a babysitter. I can look after myself" Ana spits.
"Your recent behavior would dispute that statement" I narrow my eyes and look into hers. For once Anastasia doesn't seem to have a response.
The front door then opens and in walks a tall, blonde male. Ana's face immediately lights up upon seeing him, and I feel a horrible pang of jealousy. She hasn't ever looked at me like that.
"Ethan!"
"Ana... What happened to you?" He says overly concerned and coming too close to her. Begrudgingly I take a step back. I am forced to watch as this fucker wraps his arms around Ana and hugs her for too long.
"You know me, I am just horribly clumsy. I slipped and have a mild fracture. It should be fine in a few days." Ana explains, but Ethan still looks concerned.
"Hey there big brother" Kate calls out and hugs her brother. "Welcome to your new home"
"It's great to be here and not a moment too soon. Ana was just telling what happened." Ethan comments.
"I am fine. Would you all stop babying me and relax! I am a grown woman" Ana groans frustrated. I read her body language and thin my lips. She doesn't like to be taken care of.
"No!" I comment. "Ana you need to follow the doctor's instructions to the letter, or else you will only prolong your recovery. You need someone to help you. Kate you need to start work tomorrow so I will come and stay with Ana. I can run my corporation from anywhere. If anything urgent comes up I can call a nurse" I declare, trying to take charge.
Ethan is looking at me trying to work out how I fit into this picture. I extend my hand out and say… "Christian Grey. Nice to meet you" Briskly I shake his hand, and then concentrate on ensuring Ana will go along with this plan. "
"No. No. No!" Ana calls out.
"You are going to need help. You need to ice your leg, and that means going into the kitchen when you are supposed to stay off your foot. You cannot do that alone" I say to bring her protests to an end.
"I can help. I will be around" Ethan says smoothly.
"You can?" Kate inquires.
"Yes, of course I can. I am living here now, and my classes don't start for some time. I haven't made any plans, so I am entirely at your disposal my dear Ana." As Ethan bows to Ana playfully. My blood starts to boil at his offer and the look he is given her.
"I don't want to be a bother," Ana says softly.
"You need help. Christian is right. Let me help you" Ethan says.
"Fine…If it will shut you all up. Thank you Ethan, I accept your offer for help. However, you shouldn't have to hang around here getting bored, being my nursemaid. Ana may have been thanking Ethan, but she is giving me a mixed looking at me as she speaks. Her look is harsh, but maybe deep-down, without her realizing it, I wonder if she is disappointed that it isn't me who will be by her side the next few days.
"Ana let's face the truth, it is in Ethan's best interests to get you back on your feet. He loves your cooking more than anyone." Kate says smiling. This statement just about sends me over the edge. I start to become even more angry and jealous. I always get what I want, and I do not share. I WANT ANA. Who does he think he is?
"In addition, you don't want to start your first day of work in a week limping do you?" Kate states.
"True," Ana agrees
"You got a job?" I inquire. There was nothing about a new job on the background check I had Welch organize after graduation, and that was only a few days ago.
"Yes. They called me just before the close of business on Friday." Ana replies but doesn't elaborate. I want to quiz her about her new place of employment, but I don't want to draw attention to my growing feelings towards her. I will just have to use my resources to get the answers.
"Congratulations" I respond. "Elliot I need to make some work calls. I will meet you outside then take you home when you are ready"
"I will only be several minutes. I just want to say good bye to Kate properly" He advises me as he snakes his arms around Kate and pulls her in closely.
"Good evening, Katherine, Anastasia. Ethan" I turn on my heels and make my way down the stairs, where Taylor is waiting. I give him a polite nod, and pull out me cell phone form my pocket.
"Welch, I need some new information on Anastasia Rose Steele. I need to know where she will commence work in a week…. Yes, I need this information ASAP"
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