Euphoric
Ana's POV:
I stumble through Elliot's kitchen attempting to make Kate and me a cup of tea. Even though, his kitchen is luxurious like Christian's, it is sparsely stocked. I only manage to find a few items here and there. I surmise that Elliot probably doesn't cook either. After a long search, I locate some tea bags. Kate offers me a small smile when I pass her a hot cup, the first since we arrived. I know she would prefer something stronger, but I think Elliot has been drinking enough for the four of us from the sounds of it.
"Do you want me to make you anything to eat?" I offer. At first I am hoping she will say yes, so I can have her help me and distract her, but then decide it would be too hard with minimal ingredients.
"No. I don't think I could eat, but thanks." Kate's replies running her finger along the rim of the mug. "They have been in that room for so long. Do you think they're okay?"
"Yeah, I do. If they needed any help, Christian would have called Taylor," I reason.
"I am so worried about Elliot. He was so shaken up when he got home. Elliot wouldn't talk to me. I begged him to tell me what caused him to react like that, but he said that he cared for me too much to have to deal with that and he needed to talk to his brother." Kate buries her face in her head. I have never seen her like this before. She is usually so strong and resilient!
"You really care for Elliot don't you?" I query. Kate has been with several guys, since I first met her in our first year of college, but she never got worked up over them or spent every free moment with him.
"Yes I do. He is perfect for me!" Kate admits to me. "Last night he told me he was falling for me, the thing is that I have fallen in love with him already." I splutter into my tea. Did I hear my best friend correctly?
"You have fallen in love?"
"Yes," Kate confirms nodding her head. A large smile has grown on her face and it is as if she is on cloud nine.
"Have you told Elliot?"
"Not yet, I was going to tonight, but I guess I will see how he is later today. Either way I want to tell him soon. I can't stay away from him."
"Love hey? There seems to be a lot of that going around lately," I accidently say out loud rather than to myself.
"What do you mean?" Kate inquires. I straighten up and try to work a way out of this.
"Nothing, just talking about you and Elliot that's all," I state quickly covering up for my big mouth disorder.
"You know if I weren't so worried about Elliot right now, I would be interrogating you," Kate states looking back into the direction of Elliot's room, hopeful that he will walk out.
"Thank you for small blessings," I grin feeling triumphant at being able to avoid her million questions. Kate shakes her head at me but then raises her eyebrows.
"You know what Steele, I don't need to question you. I already know how you feel about the other Grey brother with copper hair." Kate grins but one look in the direction of the bedroom and she becomes quiet again.
Another hour passes with no sight of Christian or Elliot, making me almost as worried as Kate. I know what transpired this morning and my mind is starting to imagine what they are talking about. I have to get Christian to let me see his playroom, and soon. I need to put everything running through my mind into context. Would he even want to show me since he had just told me all the gritty details today?
Kate and I jump to our feet as we hear a door open and then close. Apprehension fills us both as we wait what seems like forever, though in reality is only seconds. Christian comes out, looking a little pale and his hair is even more unruly than ever; however, he is standing in front of us exerting resilience and control. He is so convincing I am not sure if it just part of his act or a part of him that he has developed in the last several years in business. Part of me wants to run over to him and fling my arms around him to comfort him, but Kate needs me more right now. She has gripped my hand so hard that it is starting to hurt.
"Elliot is alright. After we had a long discussion about the past, he took a shower and has gone to bed. He still snores. Elliot was at my place pretty early this morning and is exhausted. Also, he needs to sleep off some of the alcohol he consumed today," Christian informs us.
"I am going to go and check on him," Kate hurries off, like a woman on a mission. Her mission is clear, 'Elliot Grey.'
I take a few steps so I am within arms distance of Christian. I know that he probably has had a pretty hard time with Elliot and I don't know how to act around him. "How are you?"
"Better now. I am sorry that our day together started off so badly."
"Don't be. I have learned a bit more about you today actually."
"What is that?" Christian cocks his head to the side and narrows his eyes at me. He really doesn't like to keep his guard down.
"That you love your family and that you would drop everything for them. That you would take rather large personal risks for them." I smile and then shake my head at how wrong I was about Christian. "You take on this controlled and cold persona, which I understand you have had to be so successful in business, but when it comes to matters of the heart…."
"There are a lot of people that would say 'I don't have a heart!'" Christian recites, however, though it is more of a statement to see if I really believe what I am saying.
"Then if they would be wrong." I shake my head. "If you didn't have a heart, you wouldn't have come here to help your brother; you wouldn't have been honest with your family and you wouldn't be able to love me."
"Such an intense analysis." Christian runs his hands along my jaw. Oh my, please kiss me again! "You should be aware Miss Steele that it hasn't gone unnoticed that you are yet to divulge your feelings." Tilting my head up, he softly kisses my lips. He is teasing me. Making me long for more!
"You should also be aware that you have thrown a lot at me, plus you haven't given me my promised tour yet."
"Is it so important that you see that room before you tell me your feelings in regards to us?" Christian narrows his eyes as he awaits my reply.
"Yes, today proved that. That aspect of your life is so significant that you know…." I shrug failing to explain that I doubt he would be happy with me if I can't fulfil this component in his life after he gets frustrated or bored. I don't want to get hurt when I am cast aside. That is why I am protecting my feelings.
"I would have thought that today would have proven that it isn't as significant to me as keeping you safe and close to me." I quietly sigh, it feels like we are playing a tennis game. I am relieved when Kate returns and refocuses our attention. Though interestingly Christian doesn't become distant with me, like his use to when we were no longer alone. In fact, he wrapped his arm around me and pulled me in close.
"Elliot is good, or at least as in comparison to how he has been the morning. He is extremely tired but woke up when I entered the room. Thank you Christian."
"Is there anything you need or want?" Christian investigates.
"No, I am going to go back to bed with Elliot and stay with him," Kate tells us looking relieved. She is even giving me a genuine smile now.
"One of my security personnel, Sawyer is going to remain here for the day and will be right outside the door. Elliot is acquainted with him. If you need anything you need or want, ask him to get it for you, or ring us," Christian instructs Kate.
"I will. Are you two going to be together all day? Where will you both be? Ana are you going to be at our apartment this evening?" The Kate we all know and love is never far away.
"Those are three questions that only Ana can answer" Christian replies serious but then smirks when he looks down at me. "Anastasia, I do believe Kate is waiting for an answer" The thing is Grey, so are you! I sigh not really knowing the answer, especially to the last question.
"I will ring you later Kate and let you know." Christian's smug grin is wiped off his face at my elusive reply. I hug my best friend goodbye and then walk out with Christian. He briefly talks to Sawyer and then helps me into the car, where Taylor is once in the driver seat.
"Do I get to be security-free today?" I question pointing at Sawyer who is staying at Elliot's place.
"No chance," Christian comments seriously.
"Then is someone else watching me beside Sawyer?"
"Yes. Me." Christian answers.
"Are you tough enough Mr. Grey?"
"You are a challenge, but I am more than up to the task!"
"And if you fail?"
"I have never failed!" Christian looks at me arrogantly but then softens his expression. "Besides, if I was even close to failing, then there is always Taylor. I won't ever take chances when it comes to you."
"Sir, were would you like to go?" Taylor pipes up. Christian looks at me waiting for an answer. I start to think, but only a question pops into my mind.
"You grew up in Seattle didn't you?"
"Yes, ever since I was six."
"Good then take me to a place that has good memories for you. Somewhere you treasure," I request. Christian narrows his eyes and then whispers into Taylor's ear. I notice that he is surprised by where ever Christian has told him to go. But why?
We drive through Seattle until we reach a rather affluent looking suburban area, though I have no idea where we are. I really need to become more familiar with Seattle and its surrounding areas. We drive through houses of perfectly manicured homes and gardens until Taylor turns onto a long driveway that has beautiful rows of roses on each side. A large colonial style home comes into view, but we don't stop at the front, rather to the side of the house, where the large grounds comes into view.
"We are here!" Christian announces and holds out his hand to help me out of the car. I look around getting a good look of our surroundings. It is the most marvellous house and property that I have ever seen in my life. I can't even start to guess how much it would be valued at.
"Whose home is this?" I quiz Christian.
"My parents."
"Your parents. You grew up here?"
"Yes. Come I want to show you something" Christian takes my hand once more and before I am even able to say anything, we start to head off to the back area of the home.
"Shouldn't we say hello to your parents or tell someone we are here?"
"My parents will be at work and their housekeeper will see Taylor," Christian explains and finally, we stop at a large grassed area. "Here you go."
"Okay..?" I state not following causing Christian to cock his head at me.
"Anastasia, you asked me to take you somewhere that had happy memories for me and this is it. Well, one of them, but we have all day." Is Christian going to take me to more than one place? Taylor turns up holding an old looking bat and ball of all things.
"Oh, good you found it." Christian grins. Taylor nods and then walks off back in the direction of the house.
"This backyard was the domain of Elliot and mine. Our father, whom you have met and our grandfather taught us how to play baseball. We used to spend every Sunday afternoon out here. We used to go to church with my grandparents, then come home for lunch and then play out here for hours. When our sister Mia got older we let her join us. She was and still is a little thing, but damn she would put her whole heart and soul into it!" Christian's eyes glow and there is a playful smile on his face as he recalls those times. He seems happily lost in his thoughts. His family mean so much to him and it's obvious he loves them dearly. A pang of jealousy hits me. How I wish I had had siblings and a larger family so I too could have such joyful memories.
"So do you want the bat or ball?" Christian asks. Oh no, not sports! I made up every excuse under the sun to avoid competitive sports or any sports at all for that matter. A 'C-' grade in Physical education to me was the equivalent of an 'A+' in any other subject.
"I don't know," I frown.
"You can bat, it's more fun," Christian hands me the metal bat and at least I know which side to hold. He starts stretching his arm as he walks several or so feet away from me. I consider telling him that he needn't walk too far as there is no way I am going to be able to hit the ball.
"Ready?" Christian calls out. Am I ready? I don't think I have been ready for anything since the minute I met him! From intense disclosures to Kate's desperate call and now to playing bat and ball at the home of the parents of a guy who wanted me to be his submissive who now loves me. It isn't even lunch time, but it feels like morning has lasted months.
"Sure," My tone is verbalising how unsure I am. Christian throws the ball rather skilfully though not too fast, but alas I royally miss it. Christian runs to retrieve the ball and his eyes interlock with mine as he passes me. I don't know why, but I suddenly feel a little shy. He pitches another five balls and of course I miss all of them.
"Have you ever played baseball before?" Christian finally quizzes me.
"Yes," I scoff, embarrassed by my incompetency. "I just have never managed to hit a ball with a bat." Christian fails to stifle his laugh while he pulls out his cell phone and sends someone a text or e-mail.
"Show me how you hold the bat and stand." I look at Christian a little confused. What is so important about how I stand? I grip the bat tightly and stand sideways.
"Here let me help you." Christian stands closely behind me and places his hands on mine, repositioning them. Our close proximity generates the most intense energy and before I realise it, I have leaned back a little so I am resting against him. I can hear his breathing becoming deeper as he nuzzles his nose and cheek next to my ear.
"How does that feel?" Did Christian really ask me that? He is pressed against me so I can feel every toned muscle against me and he wants to know how this feels.
"What do you mean?" I whimper.
"The bat. How does it feel?"
"Oh yeah, the bat… umm... good, though it feels a little strange." Christian snickers a little and he lets go of me and faces me. "Now that we have your bat in order lets position you properly. Place your right foot next to mine and your left also next to mine." I follow his instructions and look up to him to see if I am in the correct position. Christian nods and looks me right into my eyes.
"Good, now spread your legs open a little" There is so much innuendo in Christian's instruction that I find myself blushing.
"Is that enough?" I inquire looking at the position of my feet and legs.
"For baseball," Christian uncharacteristically winks at me, making me blush further! He turns around to where Taylor is standing. How long has he been there for? Christian briefly talks to him before Taylor walks several feet away.
"Ana, I want you to keep your eye on the ball. When Taylor pitches it and it gets close enough I want you to swing. I will help you and tell you when to swing. Ready?"
"Yes," I reply, though I'm not. Taylor pitches the ball slowly but again I miss horribly. I consider offering to pitch while Christian bats, but I doubt that I will be able to throw that far also. Christian collects the ball and throws it to Taylor.
"Let's try again." Christian proposes but the end results don't change. After throwing the ball back to Taylor, Christian once more stands behind me. He places his hands on mine. Oh yes, this is much more preferable.
"Okay Ana, I am going to help you. I am going to guide you. Once the ball is close enough, I am going to help you swing and hit the ball." I nod but don't give him a verbal reply. Taylor pitches the ball and Christian starts to talk to me softly into my ear. "Keep your eye on the ball and now swing." Swiftly Christian take a large step back whilst I swing the bat, encouraged by his tutorage and I actually hit the ball. It only reaches a few feet past where Taylor was standing, but I Anastasia Rose Steele have hit a baseball with a bat! It has taken me more than two decades, but I managed to do what years of physical education classes failed to teach me.
"I DID IT! I. HIT. THE. BALL. WITH. A. BAT!" I exclaimed beyond excited. I turn to face Christian, who is regarding me with some level of humour. In my excitement, I jump the short distance between him, and wrap my arms around his shoulders and kiss his lips. Wow! Was I rely on that bold? I bravely look up at Christian and his grey eyes are deeply focused upon me.
"Sorry, I just got a little excited just then," I admit.
"I can tell." Christian continues his deep gaze for a few moments before he kisses me back, deeply. I can't help but reciprocate his deep and carnal actions. He is able to possess me simply by kissing me. I find that I am out of breath and panting as if I have run several miles, by the time we stop kissing.
"I have somewhere else I want to take you," Christian advises and leads me back to the car. He looks so calm and in control whilst my legs virtually turned into jelly just then. Is his composure and control mechanism an act? Is that why he is able to maintain such composure or is this his means of retaining control.
Taylor once again drives us and it doesn't take me long to work out that we are headed back into the city. "Are we going to back to Escala?"
"No," Christian replies whilst his phone continues to beep.
"Don't you need to answer your phone? It keeps beeping and vibrating. It might be your office" I have heard the soft rattle of his phone all day and felt it when he was pressed against me playing baseball.
"It isn't. I have put all my calls on hold today and instructed my executive assistant, Andrea and Ros, who is my second in charge to call Taylor if one of them needs me."
"Nonetheless, someone seems eager to speak to you," I mumble worried. Please don't let it be her!
"It isn't who you think it is."
"Are you sure? Elena looked pretty ticked off today and not because you outed her!"
"It isn't Elena and what do you mean about her being ticked off about something else?" Christian narrows his eyes and tilts his head to the side, a clear demonstration of his curiosity and annoyance.
"Elena was angry that you basically cut her out of her life. She is probably trying to ring you to have you meet with her," I explain what he should obviously be aware of. Christian reaches into his pocket and holds his phone in front of me.
"Anastasia, it's my sister, Mia, who is ringing me!" I read the screen of his phone and can't believe that she has tried to ring Christian more than twenty times. Mia has also sent him a dozen text messages, though I can't see what she has written on those.
"Oh my. Christian you need to ring her back. Something might have happened! She is desperate to talk to you!" I beseech him, worried something else might have happened to another one of his family members.
"It can wait," He replies too casually.
"What?"
"It isn't an emergency," Christian protests as his lips form a hard line.
"How do you know? When a family member calls you that often and sends you twelve text messages, they need to talk to you. Please ring her," I beg even harder. "Something might have happened. Elliot needed you after this morning and maybe one of your parents do too."
"Anastasia, I promise you it is nothing of the sort!"
"Then ring her!" I declare. My emotions are running wild with anxiety and irritation. Christian runs his hands through his hair, but at least presses the call back button on his phone. I hold my breath and wait.
"Hi Mia, yes I know you have been trying to get hold of me….I didn't need to tell you. Just because have you told me about every encounter you have had…" Oh damn, don't tell me that she too has heard about Elena and Christian. I place my hand on his arm hoping it does breach his desire to not be touched. "….Mia it isn't as if this is earth shattering breaking news….Elliot knows…. Mia stop! I will see you tomorrow. We can have lunch then ..."
"Christian, I whisper quietly scared. He looks over and is honestly surprised at my expression.
"Mia, just wait a minute." Christian holds the phone away from his ear and focuses upon me.
"Do you need to go and see your sister?"
"No."
"But from the sounds of your phone call it sounds like she is panicked," I explain.
"She is more angry and excited! She is just being…..Mia!"
"Regardless, we need to do something for her!" I stress.
"Ana…"
"Christian, please! We just need to do something to calm her down! Right now!" I argue and order him right now. A small smirk slowly appears on Christian's face and it slightly unnerves me.
"We? Right now?" Christian asks to clarify my position on this matter. I nod frantically in agreement. "There is one thing we can, that is if you are willing to help!"
"Yes! Of course, I am," I tell him frustrated.
"Since you are so insistent," Christian brings the phone back to his ear and recommences to talk.
"Mia are you still there? ….. Good there is someone with me and I know that you want to talk to her…. Yes it is…" Christian then holds out the phone out for me. I shake my head. Surely he doesn't mean for me to talk to his sister.
"No."
"You said you were willing to help," Christian reminds me. Damn he has me there! I sigh and reluctantly take the phone off him, but not before he puts the phone on speaker. Bastard is enjoying this and I don't know why me talking to Mia is going to help.
"Hello," I reluctantly utter, Christian is leaning back looking every bit the relaxed master of the universe.
"Anastasia? Ana Steele is that you?" Mia's voice is so excited that I am taken back by the high pitch in her voice. I can only image her facial expression right now.
"Yes that is me. It is good to talk to you finally. Your brother has told me some wonderful memories about you," I try to be as calm and polite as possible, though I feel like I am struggling. I wasn't lying just then though I have stretched the truth.
"Oh, I bet!" Mia laughs out loud. "I can't believe my brother has finally found someone! I just googled you and my brother and found a picture of you two kissing. I bet you two are going to be on the front page of every magazine by next week!" I roll my eyes. How many people have seen that picture on the tabloid and surely she is over exaggerating. Maybe I should call Ray and tell him first.
"I so need to meet you. My parents mentioned to me that their having lunch with you and Christian on Sunday, can I come?" I open my mouth, but I don't know how to respond. I look at Christina who has been giving me an 'I told you so' look. He starts to shake his head urging me to say 'no.' I raise my eyebrow and without thinking start to talk again.
"Of course, you can, Christian is excited that you are coming. In fact, we should invite Elliot and Kate."
"That's sounds fantastic. Have you met Elliot and his new girlfriend already?" Mia inquires.
"Yes. Kate is my best friend," I fill Mia in. She screeches so loudly excited that I have to hold the phone further away.
"That is so romantic. I will ring Elliot and invite him for you. Oh, Ana this is brilliant. So Sunday midday right?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Fantastic. I can't wait to finally meet you in the flesh!" Mia then hangs up. I take several deep breaths in an attempt to catch my breath after talking to her.
"I can't believe you did that to me," I groan at Christian.
"Told you that it wasn't anything serious and you were the one who said that we needed to do something to calm her down. Plus I think you got me back by inviting my whole family to my penthouse. So it seems we are having a lunchtime party this weekend."
"Seems so," I shrug and then check the time on my watch. "Its lunch time," I state softly but Christian still manages to hear.
"We can get something to eat after our next stop." I nod, but don't tell him that I am more interested in having a drink than eating right now.
Taylor pulls up at the side of a busy street in the heart of Seattle. I look up the first thing I see is the Space needle. "Are we going up there?"
"Yes," Christian takes my hand and leads me into the building. There is a long line but somehow we bypass it and are escorted into an empty elevator. "Have you been up to the top yet?"
"No," I close my eyes and when I open them, I realise that the elevator is practically clear and I can see more and more of the city as we ascend
"Are you scared of heights?"
"Of course not. I trust that a whole team of engineers has successfully built and manage this elevator and structure."
"And feisty Anastasia returns. I have missed you today!" Before I can make a comeback, the elevator doors open and Christian is guiding me, apparently to a specific spot where we get a panoramic view of the entire city. It takes my breath away.
"Do you like it?"
"I love it. I can see why you would identify this place as a special place from your childhood."
"It isn't he view that is significant to me. It is what it means." Christian updates me. There is something in his voice that forces me to turn away from the incredible view and look Christian into the eyes.
"When I was six, my family and I moved out here to Seattle. My parents bought Elliot and me up here. My brother was running around trying to look at everything, whilst our dad chased after him. I stood right here and looked out transfixed. My mother stood behind me and told me to look all around. She proceeded to tell me that I could do and be anything and no one could hold me back that all I needed to do was want it and work for it. Mom also told me how proud she was of me! I looked out and I believed it. Just before I left for Harvard, my mom brought me back to this very spot and told me that she had always been proud of me. She reminded me that I was capable of changing the world and making a difference. This spot is the beginning of my motivation to succeed, I vowed then to earn my mother's pride in me, and I knew I could do it." Christian eyes looked dark but determined. I know that nothing could ever stop him once he puts his mind to it. He looks down at me and his expressions soften completely. I am mesmerized by the softness in his eyes.
"You don't know how much you mean to me. I have never felt this much love for someone who wasn't a member of my family. You make me want to be a better person." I find that I am holding my breath as Christian pours out his heart to me. "I have thrown myself into my company and I thought it was the reason for me living, but you are. I used to live to work hard, but know I want to work hard in order to have as much time with you. I love you Anastasia Rose Steele. You own my heart!"
Christian kisses me softly one more time and I feel like putty in his hands. I know he wants me to tell him how I feel and I know I owe it to him to tell him. I have known for a little while now but have been too scared to admit it.
"Christian?"
"Yes," I look at up at him, to judge if he is going to be able to cope with my next move. I thought seeing his room was going to be the deciding factor whether to admit my feelings to not, but I was wrong. There is something which is more pressing.
"Do you mean it that I own your heart?"
"I have never been so honest about anything else ever."
"Then let me touch you. Let me touch your chest where you heart beats" A look of terror comes over Christian's face, and I know that he is at pains even though I am yet to touch him. Just the prospect of touching his no go area is enough to scare him.
"Ana, I don't know…"
"Please Christian, I won't hurt you and if it does I will let go immediately!" Christian still looks unconvinced. I desperately want to touch him, but I know I can't until him gives me some signal.
"Okay," Christian voices softly. He takes my hand in his and kisses it. He is delaying my touch, but I think he is also trying to reassure himself that I won't hurt him. Slowly Christian places my hand on his chest. Even though, he still has his shirt on it is a remarkable step. After a minute, I go to move my hand, but Christian prevents me and holds my hand in place.
"Am I hurting you?" I check. Christian is so good at hiding his emotions that he could be doing the same right now.
"No. Stay with me tonight. I want you to touch me like this in my bed. I want you!"
"To fuck or to make love?" I state bravely.
"Who says we can't do both," Christian grins.
"Christian there is something I need to tell you first." I commence taking deep breaths to keep my cool. "I once thought I couldn't stand to be with you; then I thought that you were complex, and then I thought that you were too controlling. If that wasn't enough assumptions, I then considered you to be one of the most generous people in the world and capable of so much love, when you were with your family…."
"Alright Anastasia, I get it you have been confused by me, right?" Christian evaluates.
"Confused would be putting it lightly, but it is a fair assessment; however, now….." I stop and take another deep breath.
"Now?" Christian prompts me, eager to finally hear my long winded speech.
"I think I am falling in love with you." Christian looks deep into my eyes before closing them as if he is savouring the moment.
"Think?"
"No. I know I am" I finally confess.
"I have been waiting for you to tell me how you were feeling," Christian grins smiling broadly.
"So now that you know what now?" I inquire. I am on completely new ground here.
"I can think of a few things I want to do. I never want to let you go!" Christian holds me so tightly that I am pressed against him. He commences to kiss me so passionately that the world disappears, and the only two people that matters right now is us. Our passionate exchange is only broken when embarrassingly my stomach rumbles.
"So are you still hungry?"
"I think so," I shrug embarrassed.
"Good, because I have a reservation for us here."
"At the space needle?" I can't hide my excitement. I have always wanted to eat here.
"The very one. Let's go before I pick you up, rush you to Escala and take you! I can't wait till we are in bed again!"
Thanks for reading! Review if you wish! - Maria Amore