A/N

For this chapter I must put a warning. This chapter details Ana's abuse. I debated whether I should post this chapter or just skip it all together. I don't want to bring up any painful for memories for anyone. That is not my intention. But for my storyline I have to let you know how she was abused. I will also be writing about Christian's abuse as well but that is in later chapters. Again if you are uncomfortable reading this than skip this chapter. Thanks again for all followers, favorites, and the reviews. I appreciate each and every one of you.

Annette

"My mother had me when she was very young, eighteen. My real died the day after I was born. When I was a year old, she met Raymond Steele. He was the only father figure I had and we were happy for a while, well I should say we were happy but my mother wasn't. When I was five, he adopted me and I took his name. That's when things turned sour. My mother started staying out late. They started arguing more and more. My dad tried everything to make her happy. She was only happy when he gave her money but when that ran out she complained about everything. That went on for another five years. My dad came home one day and caught my mom in bed with another man. She had been cheating on him for at least a year with the same man. Apparently she had been cheating all throughout their marriage. Later I found out he knew but because of me, he didn't say anything. She had threatened to take me away. When he found them together, he had enough. He kicked her out and she left. The next day she took me out of school and we left. She didn't let me say goodbye. We hid from him for six months. I didn't attend school during that time. She brought home a different man every couple of weeks. Some were scary others were scary creepy. They would look at me funny, back then I didn't know what those looks meant."

She took another deep breath. "I finally was able to call Ray and tell him where we were. Somehow she found out and we moved again. This time when she left, she would lock me in a closet. Sometimes for hours. When I was eleven she met this man and married him. He had money and that was what she wanted. We moved to Texas and the first time I saw him, he sacred me. He would tell me to call him daddy. He would touch my hair, look at me and lick his lips." She shivered. "They started having parties with strange people and one night someone came into my room and tried to rape me. I screamed as loud as I could. She came in my room and pretended to act like a mom. I was crying, scared out of my mind. The next day was the first time she beat me with a belt. She told me it was my fault. She started locking me in the closet again after that. I had to cook, clean, wash clothes all before she came home from where ever she was. I went to school and the teachers notice the bruises and they would ask my mother what happened. She told them I was clumsy and that I fell all the time. Two days later she beat me again just because they asked about the bruises. I stayed home for a few days after that. Then she made sure that the bruises couldn't be seen."

"Ana you don't have to tell me anymore."

"I need to finish." She said as the tears came. "One night she was out late and he was home. He had been drinking and kept giving me these looks. I went to my room and locked the door. He busted open the door and before I could react, he was on me. He had ripped the shirt I had on and had his mouth on my breast biting me." The tears ran down her face and her breathing hitched. "I tried to fight him off but he was stronger that I was. He had my shorts pulled down and just about off when my mother came in my room. She started screaming at him and he said I told him to come to my bed. She threw him out and when he was gone, she came into my room carrying what I they told me was a flogger." Christian flinched but she didn't see that. "She tore the rest of my clothes off and starting hitting me with it. All I can remember is pain and screaming. I don't know how long that beating lasted, I had passed out. I woke up in the hospital. I couldn't lay on my back and I couldn't move without hurting. I found out she had beat me so bad that my back looked it went through a meat grinder. I had broken ribs from where she kicked me, swollen lip, and black eyes."

"The neighbor heard me screaming and called the police. They stopped her from hitting me, she was in such a rage, they testified. The police called Ray and he came immediately to the hospital. He saw what she did to me and cried so hard. He said he was sorry I don't know how many times but I told him it wasn't his fault. I was pretty much out of it. You see I couldn't lay on back without screaming in pain and I couldn't lay on stomach because of my broken ribs. So they basically put me in medically induced coma when there was nothing I could do because I was in so much pain. I did manage to talk to the police before that happened. I just wanted the pain to go away. They arrested both of them and they went to trial. They were convicted and both received 10 years. When they were dragging her away, she said she was going to get out and come back and finish what she started. That I had ruined her life since the day I was born."

"After the trial, Ray took me back with him. When I recovered enough, I had plastic surgery to fix the scares on my back. Most of them are faint marks, you can't see them unless you are really looking. Some they couldn't fix. Those I hide." She looked at Christian. "I have panic attacks, nightmares. For years after I would wake up screaming, thinking they were in my room. Ray would come in, hold me and cry with me. He was my rock. Without him I don't think I would be here. I wanted to kill myself when I would look in the mirror so Ray removed every mirror in the house. He took me to see a therapist, they put me on meds and little by little I got better. I didn't like taking the meds and only took them for 3 months. That's when I started baking. It was therapeutic for me. When I couldn't sleep I was in the kitchen baking. Baking helped more than the pills did and I could function like a normal person. I graduated and went to college. I had moments but I would call my dad and I would feel safe again. I don't like being the center of attention. I don't like to draw attention to myself."

"I haven't felt safe since Ray died until I met you. You are so muscular, so big, so intimidating. You're the type of man that would send me into a panic attack but you don't. It's the opposite. I feel safe with you. I've felt that something was missing but I don't feel that way when I'm with you. I'm scared. Scared she'll come after me. She hates me. What mother hates her own child?"

"Oh Ana I'm sorry you went through all that. I don't know how a mother can do that to a child but I have my own story to tell you and isn't pretty but I will leave that for another time. I know we've only known each other for two weeks but I promise you that I won't let anyone hurt you ever again."

He hugged her and let her cry, just like he did in his office. After what felt like hours but was only minutes, he felt her body relax and knew she went to sleep. He carried her to his bed and laid her down. He covered with a blanket and went back down to his office. He called Taylor to his office. He was pacing like a wild animal when Taylor entered.

"In that file you have on Ana, it has her mother's full name."

"It does."

"Does it also say that her mother is in prison?"

"It does."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"That was something Miss Steele needed to tell you."

"What is her name?"

"Carla Reed."

"The husband."

"Victor Reed."

"Does it tell you when they we'll be released?"

"Her mother will be released in August. Mr. Steele went to every parole hearing and spoke and she didn't get released. According to reports, she's been a model prisoner."

"Get me whatever you can on them." he said. "Ana's life is in danger. Her mother plans on finishing what she started ten years ago. I'm not going to let that happen. I want to talk to her about having her own CPO but I doubt she will go for that. Did you read what was done to her?"

"I skipped that part. All I read was that she was hospitalized for three weeks and then later testified and help convict her mother and the husband. There is one other piece of information you need. Ana's father was military. He was a Sergeant when I went through. I knew him but he never talked about a daughter. I asked some buddies of mine and it is the same Ray Steele. I would do anything to protect his daughter. She's on her own now, now her safety belongs to me."

"No Taylor. She's not alone anymore." He said pulling on his hair. "I need to talk to my dad but I don't want to betray her confidence."

"Let me get Welch started."

"Make sure this stays private."

"Yes sir."

He was in the middle of fixing a drink when he heard her scream. He bolted up the stairs and rushed into the bedroom. She was thrashing on the bed. He heard footsteps running while he tried to wake her up.

"Ana, sweetheart, you are safe. Do you hear me? You are safe. I won't let anything happen to you. I promise. Open your eyes and look at me. It's just me."

Her eyes snapped open and she her big blue eyes locked on his grey ones. She sat up and threw her arms around him. She started crying hard and he just rocked her. He looked at door and found Taylor, Sawyer, and Gail. He mouthed tea and Gail ran down the stairs. Taylor closed the door and left them alone.

When she calmed down she glanced at him. "I had a nightmare. I usually do when I talk about it but I needed you to know. Everything is public record. Anyone can find it. I'll understand if you don't want to see me anymore."

"What you told me doesn't change what I'm starting to feel for you. You were just a little girl. She was supposed to protect you not abuse you. I didn't have the best life before I was adopted and I can relate to what you went through. I will tell you since you told what happened to you but not tonight. Can I ask you a question?"

"Ask me anything?"

"Why did you get scared of my brother?"

"He walk in, stopped and looked at me, checking me out. Then he smiled and I got nervous. I didn't feel comfortable so I ran. About two months ago, Kate brought a man home with her. It was a rule that she not bring her men home or at least while I was there. He kept giving me these weird looks and smiles. I went to my room and locked myself in there. They had left so I went to take a bath. I locked the door, I know I did but he came in while I was in there. I screamed and told him to get out. Kate came in and instead of yelling at him, she was blaming me. Saying that I want every man she brings home. I've been jumpy the last couple of months. I'm sorry I reacted that way."

"You don't have to apologize for anything Ana."

"It's getting late, I need to go home."

"Will you stay tonight? I'll be more comfortable. It's been a long day for both us."

"Where will I sleep?"

"You can sleep in here, I can sleep in the guest room."

"Can we both sleep here?"

"If that's what you want."

"I would like to sleep feeling safe, even it's for one night."

"Would you like a shower?"

"Yes please."

"I'll find you something to wear while you take a shower." He said. "You'll find everything you need in the bathroom."

She went to the bathroom, shut the door and turned the lock. When he heard the water turn on he went to find her clothes. He changed in the closet and set out a t-shirt and a pair of boxers. He sat them on the floor in front of the door, told her where they were and left the bedroom. He went to the kitchen where Mrs. Jones was boiling water for her tea. He took a seat at the bar.

"Can I get you anything Mr. Grey?"

"A bottle of water."

"How is she?" She asked handing the water.

"She's fine for the most part. She's staying the night here but she needs to be at work by 5?"

"5? In the morning?"

"Yes. She works in the bakery."

"Oh she made the cupcakes."

"Yes. Did you and the guys get a chance to eat one?"

"We did. I saved four. You need to try the chocolate one. It is better than my cake you like."

He eyed the box and pulled it toward him. The smell of chocolate hit him in the face and soon as he opened the box. He took one out and bit into it. He moaned and Mrs. Jones smiled.

"Do you like it?"

He turned, took one look at her in his clothes and started coughing. She rushed to hit his back, using her small hand. He stiffened for a minute and then relaxed. He took a sip of water.

'I'm sorry I scared you."

"You didn't. I just swallowed wrong." He said. "To answer your question, it is amazing. How do you make it so moist?"

"It's a secret."

"I have a cup of tea for you Miss Steele."

"Thank you and its Ana. I'm just Ana."

Mrs. Jones looked at Christian, who nodded. "Ana then. I didn't know how long you let it steep for."

"I just dip the bag in for a few seconds."

"What would you like for breakfast before you leave?"

"Don't go to any trouble Mrs. Jones. I have to leave early."

"It's no trouble really."

"I usually have a muffin and milk at the bakery in the morning, its fine don't worry about it."

"I'll put the dishes in the sink, you can rest of the evening for yourself."

"Good night Mr. Grey, Miss … Ana."

"Good night to you as well Mrs. Jones."

Ana put the dishes in the dishwasher when they were done. She followed Christian up the stairs and walked into the bedroom hesitantly.

"I need to wash my clothes. I don't have any to wear tomorrow."

"I'll take then down and have Mrs. Jones was them."

"I can do it."

"The laundry room is by the scrutiny office."

"Oh well then I guess just this once."

"Get settled and I'll be right back."

"Um we are just going to sleep right?"

"Yes, just sleep."

"Which side to you like to sleep on?"

"Usually the middle but I'll take the side closest to the door."

"Good. That's good."

"I'll be right back."

She was in bed on her side facing the window when he came back and slid in next to her. He moved until only inches separated them. She reached for his hand and brought right above her heart. She moved just a little bit back and sighed. She fell asleep with that way and he soon followed.