I realized that Christian wasn't near enough worried about Ana as he would normally be! I changed that in this chapter. Thanks for the reviews! I hope you enjoy. ~Whit
We bask in the afterglow of our love making and the stream of moonlight coming through our sheer curtains. Christian is rubbing my back and I'm wrapped up in his secure arms, resting my head on his shoulder. I run my hands through his hair, watching how the moonlight reflects in his copper locks. All is right in our world, right here, right now. I think over all the problems I've run into lately. My mind begins to wander over how Boyce Fox has been lately. He's so invasive and disrespectful! As I recall the past events, I realize something that stops my thoughts and I gasp loudly, throwing my hand over my mouth. Christian raises his eyebrows, absolutely perplexed at my sudden reaction.
"Is something wrong, Ana?" Christian's eyes are such a cloudy gray in this lighting, I get lost in them. Panic begins to take them over.
"Ana! What is wrong?" He's risen up now and I'm completely frozen.
"Christian… I…" I can't seem to get my words out.
"Tell me." Christian says, still bewildered as ever and I take a deep breath.
"Boyce… he knew my maiden name. He knew what time I was supposed to be at work. He knew.. Oh my god." I am completely horrified. How does Boyce know so much about me? Christian's breathing gets heavier and he's rigid. His gray eyes are wide with raging anger.
"What else, Ana? What else does he know about you?" He growls through clenched teeth.
"He knows where we live." I squeeze the words out, but they're just a whisper. Christian's mouth sets into a tight line as he jumps out of bed, throwing some gray sweatpants on. I raise up and wrap the duvet around my breasts.
"Where are you going?" I utter and he glares at me.
"Why haven't you told me all of this, Anastasia?!" Christian half-shouts at me and I shudder, tears filling my eyes. My subconscious is shaking her head in agreement, scowling at me.
"I guess it just never… crossed my mind… I've been so caught up with-" I'm rambling, but Christian will hear none of it.
"Your safety is my number one priority. We promised to communicate." He's running his hands through his hair and pacing the room. His face is a mixture of anger, shock, and disappointment. He's right; I should've told him. Maybe I wouldn't have had to face him again after the roses.
"He said I was 'a fine piece of work'." I hang my head, tears filling my eyes, threatening to spill. When I peer up at Christian, I can see how livid he is, and he's stopped his pacing. He closes his eyes, as if in pain, and walks out of the room.
"Please don't be mad at me." I whisper and the dam bursts. I weep into my hands. How could I have been so oblivious to what was happening around me? Slowly, Christian's body fills the frame and he sighs.
"Please." I'm begging. He runs his hands through his hair again and shakes his head.
"I'm going to call Welch." He mumbles and disappears again. I continue to weep, silently. I glance over at the alarm clock. It's ten thirty and I don't think I have ever felt this tired. I don't really know how angry Christian is with me, but I feel he won't want to sleep with me when he returns. I sniffle and wipe my tears with the back of my hand. I throw my legs over the side of the bed and get up, struggling a little. I place my hand over my belly and bend over to pick up an old white T-shirt that Christian has left on the floor. At least his T-shirt will keep me company. I grab some La Perla rose colored mid-rise lace back briefs and slip them on under my T-shirt. I walk, hanging my head and crossing my arms across my chest, through our great room. I open the door to the guest room adjacent to Phoebe's nursery and climb into the queen size bed. The frame is a dark wood and there are a few black accents. The bed faces a large flat screen TV that is mounted to the wall. Christian never watches TV and I miss watching it sometimes. I deicide to turn it on, finding an interesting show called, "House Hunters". I snuggle into the silk white duvet and clutch a pillow, pretending it is Christian. I doze off into a cold, dreamless sleep.
OOOOOOOOO
I wake, momentarily disoriented at where I am. Oh yes, the spare bedroom. I feel Phoebe moving around in my tummy and realize that that is what woke me up, and that I am nearly freezing. I'm also thirsty and a glass of ice water sounds like heaven. I get out of the bed and notice that the door is open. How odd. I closed it when I came in?
I make my way down the hall and into the kitchen, finding a small glass and pouring some ice and water into it. I stare out our picture-frame window at all the stars twinkling on the water of the sound. It's mesmerizing. I gulp down my water and hear footsteps coming into the kitchen. I turn around and see Gail in her night gown.
"Hi, Gail." I mutter, embarrassed at how little I have on.
"Ana, dear, you startled me." She giggles and I kindly smile at her.
"I'm sorry, I was just thirsty. I'm on my way back to bed." I place my glass in the sink and she grins at me, but she looks uncertain.
"Is there anything else you need, dear?" She quizzes me,
"Actually, could I have an extra duvet?" Gail furrows her brow and looks puzzled.
"Yes. Let me get it for you." She exits the kitchen and returns a few moments later, carrying a chocolate colored, cotton duvet. She hands it to me and I thank her. I make my way up the stairs, eventually making it to the top. I pass mine and Christian's bedroom and quietly open the door. Peeking inside, I realize that Christian is fast asleep and I sigh. He looks so peaceful. I quietly walk in and make my way over to his side of the bed. I bend down, plant a feather-light kiss on his forehead and smile at him.
"I still love you, Mr. Grey." I whisper and he stirs, but doesn't wake up. I feel tears forming in my eyes again, so I turn to walk out of the room.
"Stay with me." Christian mumbles and turns over.
"Christian?" I whisper, hoping he is awake and wants me back in bed with him. He doesn't answer and the tears slip down my face.
"Goodnight, Christian." I mutter as I turn and walk out of the room, closing the door as quietly as possible, and making my way to the spare bedroom. I cuddle back into the white silk duvet and lay the brown one over top of it. I close my eyes again, wishing for Christian to be in a good mood when I awake.
OOOOOOOOO
A loud crackle of thunder awakes me. I open one eye and peek out the window. Lightning flashes across the gloomy, ash sky and my mood plummets. I roll over and check my phone to see that I have approximately an hour and a half before work. I hop out of bed and make my way to mine and Christian's room. Opening the door, I realize that Christian is not in bed and his sweatpants are discarded on the floor. I frown, but continue to make my way to the bathroom. I pray that a hot shower will lift my spirits.
I undress, turn on the steamy water and step in. Oh, that feels amazing. The hot water cascades down my breasts and over my broad belly. I grab a washcloth and squirt some jasmine scented body wash onto it. I rub down my body and breathe in the heavenly scent. Once I'm finished, I rinse off the lather and begin to scrub my hair with some Chanel shampoo. The water is relaxing me as I massage my head. I feel Phoebe kicking, so I look down to my belly and grin.
"Good morning, sweet girl. Do you love hot showers, too?" She moves around some more and I giggle. The feeling is indescribable. I rinse out the shampoo and start massaging some conditioner in my hair. I start to think that Christian may have left for work already. Did he say goodbye and I just don't remember it? Did he kiss me goodbye? Is he still mad at me? I sigh and begin to rinse off the conditioner lather. Maybe he is downstairs eating. I cross my fingers and turn off the water. Surely, since he's woken up this morning he would be in a better mood. I wrap a towel around myself and head to the bedroom to get dressed.
I shimmy on my black lace briefs and matching bra. I begin to search through my closet, looking for an outfit that is suitable for the rain, but professional. I find some black slacks and a cute tan and black spotted silk button-up. I throw them on and dig out a dark yellow cardigan, rolling the sleeves up a fraction.. I decide that flats would be more suitable for today, so I slip on my black flats. I walk over to my jewelry box and pick out a black chunky necklace. My ensemble is complete. I head into the bathroom and put my hair up into a ponytail. I apply some mascara and eyeliner. I stand back to look in the mirror. I adjust my necklace and smile. Professional and pregnant is difficult to pull off, but I think I did it well today. I grab my toothbrush from the holder and squirt some toothpaste onto the bristles. I begin to brush my teeth, knowing that this is a habit I have picked up from Christian.
OOOOOO
"Is Christian here?" I ask Gail and she looks up at me, apologetic.
"He left a few hours ago. He took Teddy to Grace's house this morning. He said he would be home at around three." I glance at the floor and frown. This is all my fault. I should've told him.
"Thank you, Gail. I'll have some pancakes today." Gail gives me a half smile and busies herself in the kitchen. I unlock my phone and send Christian a text.
"Have a good day today, dear. X Ana."
A few minutes pass and there's nothing from him. I hang my head in my hands and sigh. When will this end? A few more minutes go by and I hear a ping. My spirits lift, only to be shot down. It's a text from Kate.
"Hey, Steele! I need some advice from the best mommy out there!" I grin at the text and decide to call Kate after breakfast. Gail places my pancakes in front of me and I dig in. Listening to the loud thunder crackling outside and watching the lightning light up the sky of Seattle. My phone pings again.
"Will do. Please be careful. I love you. X Christian." A grin splits my face in two and I finish eating my pancakes. Maybe we will be okay after all. I make a mental note to talk this over with Christian today when he returns home. I grab a large, GEH umbrella and make my way to the door, with Sawyer following my trail. When we get into the garage, I notice the SUV is gone.
"Well, Mrs. Grey, it looks like we'll be taking your R8 today." I beam again and squeal. A part of me wonders if Christian did this on purpose, as an apology. I decide to text him.
"Did you leave the R8 for me today?" A few seconds later, he replies.
"Yes, I did. Do not drive in this weather." I roll my eyes and chuckle as Sawyer opens my car door for me. I step in, close the umbrella, and reply to Christian.
"Sawyer is driving. Thank you for the surprise. X"
"One more thing…"
"What?"
"I'm sorry."
"Me too. Talk when we get home? X"
"Of course. Have a good day, Mrs. Grey. XX" I grin and my spirits lift to a whole new level.