So I've dragged this story for a while now, but I feel good about it. After this chapter the fun will begin and the drama will too.
Anyway as usual enjoy!
Christian
"Mr. Grey, your brother's on hold." Andrea's voice comes through the intercom.
"Hey Elliot." I answer once I pick up my office phone.
"Did you forget we're having an early lunch with Mia and her boyfriend? Dude we're all here waiting on you?" I look at my watch and it reads eleven. Where the fuck has the time gone?
"We promised mom we would get to know Ethan. Bro you can't bail on me." I roll my eyes.
"Elliot would you relax? Give me 10 minutes and I'll be there."
"Well you better make it quick or I'm going to order and you'll be the one paying the check."
"When do i not?" I smirk my response.
"Fucker." He disconnects the call and I laugh.
Sending a quick text message to Taylor and informing him I'll be ready to leave in 5 minutes I forgo putting on my suit jacket and dial Ros.
"Boss," she answers and I can hear the panicked voices in the background.
"Japanese giving you shit?"
"As usual."
"Stay with the plan. Get them to sign if not forget about it. Not a penny more Ros, got it?
"Yes boss."
"Good," I sigh through the phone. "I have an early family lunch to attend and I'll be back by 1."
"Got it boss." Her answers are clipped and to the point and it makes me wonder.
"They're signing aren't they?"
"Yes boss." I smile. The Japanese are hard ball players and Ros, is just as hard. If they give her shit, she'll walk out, since she knows what the true value of the deal is worth.
"Good job Ros."
"Yes Sir." She disconnects the call and I grab my BlackBerry and wallet out of the desk drawer and shove the items into my pants pocket and walk out the office door, where I'm greeted by Taylor who stands by the elevator.
"Have yourself an early lunch Andrea." I nod in her direction.
"Thank you sir." She responds while typing the last key notes for the meeting I'll be sitting in with Ros tomorrow.
"Ten minutes? Christian it took you 30 bro!" Elliot makes fun when he sees me walking towards them. Well sorry 'bro' I had shit to do.
"I had to deal with something." I glare at him, which he just shrugs it off.
"Ethan, Mia." I shake Ethan's hand and kiss Mia on the cheek.
"Sorry we ordered before you arrived, technically it was Elliot's idea." Mia says when I notice everyone has been served. Good, so this will be short and I can get back to my office.
"Hey! I did say I was going to place my order when I called him." He defends himself before taking a huge bite from his double deluxe burger. If I didn't know better, I would've assumed he was starved, but he just eats like he's never had a decent meal in his life, which causes me to grimace.
"It's alright Mia." I grab the attention of the passing waitress and place my order, she nods, and then leaves.
"So mom asked us to get to know Ethan better." I say and smile when I hear Mia laugh.
"I kinda figured." she answers, blushing slightly.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Momentarily I'm surprised Elliot even heard the conversation since he's groaning and moaning while shoving fries in his mouth.
"Don't be disgusting," I growl when he licks the sauce that's running down his pinky finger from holding the burger. "Use a napkin for God's sake."
"And they are my brothers." Mia sarcastically introduces us to Ethan, with a roll of her eyes, who laughs at our expense.
Lunch has been interesting. Elliott and I got a chance to know a bit more about Ethan. He shared a few of his vacation locations and about his family, and even opened up about his time in the University. Oddly enough he never once brought the topic of Ana, or the children up. I don't know if I should be mad that he's withheld information, or if I should admire him for keeping her life private.
"What are they doing here?" Ethan whispers when his eyes land on someone behind us Elliott and I turn our heads and see Kate and Jose who are standing in line for take out. My eyes automatically scan for Anastasia, but I don't see her.
"You didn't ask then to have lunch with us, did you?" Mia asks Ethan who looks embarrassed.
"I thought it would be a good opportunity for your brothers to get to know me." He does have a point. My attention would've been on Anastasia, and Elliot's would've been on Kate.
"Ethan!" Mia says his name a little too loud and it captures Kate and Jose's attention, who send a small wave in the direction of our table, once they see us.
"That was mean." Mia chastises Ethan and stands from her chair and walks towards them.
"I swear I think she's more in love with them, than with me." His eyes widen when he remembers who he's sitting across from.
"So," Elliot says folding his arms across his chest. "You love our little sister huh? Well that just changes our opinion of you." Elliott jokes, and Ethan is about to respond, but stops when Mia comes back with a confused expression on her face.
"Mia what's wrong?" Ethan asks when he sees her and his eyes start to search for Kate and Jose, but they are no longer there. "What happened?"
"I don't know," she answers while trying to figure it out herself. "Ana called Kate. Kate looked at Jose, and then both left." She whispers and looks at Ethan with her eyebrows furrowed.
What's going on?
My heart begins to pick up speed with anxiety and I can feel my palms sweat just as I feel a small chill run down my spine. Whatever happened to Ana isn't good and by the look on Ethan's face my feelings are spot on.
"Damn it," he growls and stands abruptly, "Sorry guys but I have to go." He places two one hundred dollar bills on the table and holds Mia's hand, placing a small kiss on her lips.
"Ethan, you're shaking, you can't drive like this." Mia stares at him and he nods knowing she's right. I can tell he's torn between Mia and Ana and I can also tell he's losing the battle so I choose now to make the decision for him.
"Here give me your keys. I'll drive." Extending my hand for his keys, he looks at my hand for a nanosecond and nods handing them over.
"Thanks." He nods again and we begin to make our way to his truck.
Not paying attention to the conversation Mia is having with Ethan in the backseat while I drive, I can't help but think about my own irrational reaction. Ethan's feelings are rational. He considers them family, but I on the other hand have just met her and I have this overwhelming need to protect her and her children.
The panic I felt when Mia told us about Kate, nearly gave me an anxiety attack. I had to remember where I was so I wouldn't jump out of my chair and race to Ana's rescue, even if that's exactly what I wanted to do.
Taking a sideway glance to my right I see Elliot staring at me.
"What?" I ask and I can barely hold in my irritation.
"Your knuckles are white." He takes notice of tight grip I have on the steering wheel. Reflexively I slowly release my grip while I grit my teeth. Fuck has he always been this observant? For a second I wonder what else he's noticed.
"You like her." he whispers so only I can hear. He noticed that?
Do I like her? Do I even know what that's like? I mean I like charlie tango, I like chocolate cake, I like mac and cheese. But to like someone, another human being, can I?
For a moment I think I can lie and say no, but I can't lie to him. How the fuck did he notice that when I've barely figured it out myself?
Glancing at the rear view mirror, making sure Mia and Ethan can't hear me, I whisper my answer.
"Yes."
"What are you guys doing here?" Kate asks when she sees Ethan and Mia followed by us walking through the front door of Ana's home.
Her home is just that a home. It's small but so like Ana. She has framed pictures of the children along the hallway wall and more in the living room. The sectional, chaise, and ottoman are facing the 40in flat screen tv that is hanging above the tv stand. Everything in her home screams Ana, the colors, the textures, and the light neutral theme.
My smile falters when I think of my home and how sterile it is. What would she think about my home? Who am I kidding why would she even want to be there?
"Oh cool," Teddy says as he's the first to walk in and greet everyone followed by Phoebe. "Everyone's here."
"Hi Theo," Kate smiles and gives him a kiss on the cheek, "Where's your mom?" she asks giving Phoebe a hug as well.
"In the kitchen." My ears perk up when I hear her angelic voice. Damn I still can believe it's been a week since I've last seen her.
Kate is the first to walk in the direction of where her voice came from with Jose, Mia and Ethan following and then Elliott, the children, and I at the tail.
I stifle a groan when she comes into view. Damn she's hot. I note the way the material of her skirt hugs the valley of her thighs and perfectly rounded ass. Such a beautiful ass.
Ana startles when she sees all of us standing on the other side of the breakfast bar.
Quickly composing herself from our sudden surprise, she looks between Elliot and I and speaks to the children. "Teddy, Phoebe start on your homework and when you're finished wash up and then you can have a snack before I order dinner, okay?"
"Yes mom." They both say in unison. I smile as I watch them pick up their backpacks that lay on kitchen table and take their leave heading upstairs into their bedroom closing the door behind them.
"What the hell happened?" Kate is the first to open her mouth and I glare at her. Smooth Kate, very fucken smooth. I roll my eyes for good measure.
"Josh happened." Ana sighs and has a far away look in her eyes. Seconds tick by and my anger is rising. If that fucker did something to Ana or to the children I swear.
"Damn it Ana, what happened?" Jose snaps and apologizes soon after.
Ana sighs, "Do you remember Josh's dad came over and asked to speak with Josh and I told him, before he looked at me like I was his meal, Erick came by to pick up his brother's belongings and was staying at his house?" she stops and looks at Kate, Jose, and Ethan, who all nod and motioned for her to continue.
"Well today when I picked up Teddy and Phoebe from school he was there waiting in his parked truck. I freaked. Slammed the truck's door and waited for the children by the little tree, anyway I stood there and he followed." Ana stops and begins to bite the corner of her bottom lip. I guess it's a nervous habit.
"He asked if he could speak with me and I asked him if it was about the children, he then asked if I was serious. As if I wouldn't be serious about my children?"She growls but continues, "So I told him if he wanted to talk he should call Rachel and make an appointment. He then said they were his children too, which then pissed me off and I told him he lost that right when he became absent in their life. I then started to question him about knowing their teachers names, or just facts. He was going to say something but I never gave him the chance to actually say anything because by that time I climbed into my truck, turned around and thankfully the kids weren't aware of the conversation that occurred outside, since they were watching a movie on the portable DVD player Teddy luckily left in the back of the truck, and I drove off."
She takes a deep breath and looks at Jose and Kate, "I think his dad put him up to something." Ana sighs and rubs her temple, "I just don't know what."
"Jesus Ana, what the hell!" Kate swears and begins to pace around the kitchen floor trying to come up with a reason for why.
"Have you told my dad?" Elliot asks from beside me.
"Elliot has a point Ana," I second his suggestion. "My dad can help you with a restraining order if you wish."
"Can we cross the bridge when we get there? I just now have finalized my divorce." Oh this is news to me.
"When did you do that?" Kate asks. Well, I guess I'm not the only one who didn't know.
"Tuesday morning." She responds and quickly walks away looking for something.
"Ana come back here." Jose calls out behind her as he and Kate follow her to the other room.
"So Ana's really getting a divorce?" Elliot asks Ethan when we're alone. I know I shouldn't be happy for her marriage falling apart, but I am.
"Yeah she really is." Ethan says with a smile on his face. I guess he's not fond of this Josh fucker neither. Which reminds me to ask Taylor for a BGC on this fucker and his dad.
"You don't like him do you?" I ask Ethan who shakes his head.
"No, I never did."
"How come?" This time it's Elliot who asks.
"Long story short," he answer looking at Elliot and then to me. "He was is a playboy and Ana is just too innocent."
What Ethan is saying is true, Ana is just too innocent. Way to innocent for what I want to do to her, or more like wanted. She's all hearts and flowers, and it makes me think if I can I truly give her that? Can I?
How can I show her affection when I dont have the slightest idea on how to do so. How can I charm her when all I've had are subs? How can I keep a woman like Ana happy when I don't know how to do that?
I can fuck a sub from sun up till sun down, but when it comes to Ana, all that control I've put into practice for years evaporates and I become a complete fool around her. Maybe I should set up that meeting with Flynn, maybe he'll be able to put my thoughts in order.
"Where did you go?" Elliot asks, snapping me away from my inner thoughts. Or is it self doubt?
"Just thinking." I sigh and rub my eyes.
"Just relax." Elliot says as if it's something I do on a regular basis. Shaking my head at his ridiculous statement I look around the kitchen and notice everyone has left.
"Where did everyone go?"
"They went to check on the kids." Elliot informs me, just as we hear everyone coming around the corner.
"I wasn't quite sure if you were all joining us for dinner, so I've ordered six pizzas." Ana speaks between giggles and walks back to the other side of the breakfast bar. By the smiles and good humor around them four, I'm guessing everything is forgiven.
"What time is it?" I ask looking at my watch and it reads 1:45p. "Shit, I need to call the office." I apologise to Teddy and Phoebe for my use of language, before they call me out on my naughty word, and step outside to make a quick call to Andrea.
"Andrea Parker Speaking."
"Andrea cancel my appointments for today and reschedule them for tomorrow. I won't be coming back into the office today."
"Yes Mr Grey. Taylor called ahead and mentioned a family matter had come up, so I canceled your appointments and rescheduled them for the same time tomorrow." This woman is a godsend I don't know how I could function my work meetings without her.
"Thank you Andrea." I disconnect the call and take a seat on the front steps of the porch.
Taking a deep breath of fresh air my heart has finally been able to settle down. This whole ordeal with Josh and Ana has taken me on a rollercoaster ride and I'm not sure if I even want to get off. This is just insanity.
Closing my eyes I contemplate if I should just hire CPO for them. In doing so I would make sure that Josh fucker stays away from them, especially the children. Just thinking about the damage he could've caused the children has my heart beating a rapid beat once again. I'm going to give myself a heart attack.
"What are you thinking about?" Ana asks and surprises me when she takes a seat next to me, and just like that my heart slows.
Fuck she's beautiful.
"You." I answer truthfully and laugh when I see her blush.
"Christian don't laugh at me." she giggles and playfully slaps at my bicep.
"I would never laugh at you, on the contrary I'd really like to kiss you." I smile at her and once again she blushes.
"Christian Grey," she smiles lovingly at me and I can feel my heart pick up a beat. "Are you trying to flirt with me?" she asks and gently bites down on the corner of her bottom lip.
Is that really what I'm doing? Am I trying to flirt with her?
"Is it working?" I ask, while I move a little closer to her.
"I don't know Christian," she answers and her eyes alternate from my eyes to lips. "What do you think?"
"I think it's working." I say looking at her clear blue ocean eyes. She has the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen.
She sighs, smiles, and turns her sight on the front yard completely disrupting our personal bubble.
Damn it. Well, since I have her outside, I guess there's no better time than now to bring up the subject.
Taking a deep breath I begin, "Ana since I have you outside," I pause while I try to figure out the best way to bring this subject up without having an argument.
"Keep in mind, I'm not trying to control your life," Even though that's what I'm used to doing.
"If you want or even if you feel like you need it, I can always assign Luke to be your close protection officer." She attempts to say something but I hold my finger up motioning for her to let me finish.
"I can also get one or two for the children. Your safety as well as your children's is my main concern." I finish and blow out a breath and run my hand through my hair. See easy as fucken physics.
Mentally I prepare myself for the argument I know is bound to happen, but once again I'm surprised when Ana gently holds my hand, that rests on my thigh, and smiles at me, "Christian I'm thankful you would do that, but I don't think it's necessary."
I'm about to interrupt her and remind her about what happened today, but she sticks out her hand just like I did to her when I was speaking.
"I'll make you a deal," she says and eyes me carefully. "If and when I think it's necessary or if I feel we need it you will be the one I ask about helping me hire a CPO."
I think about it for a second. I could get swayer and a few others to keep watch, of course at a distance, but then again I don't know how she'll take it. Dont scare her away when you are so close to finally getting her.
"You have yourself a deal baby." I lift her hand to my lips and kiss her hand.
"Mommy can we watch TV?" Teddy's voice breaks our staring contest, and thankfully Ana hasn't removed her hand from mine.
"Sure Teddy." Ana says and stands tugging at my hand for me to get up. I stand and let her lead me through the open front door and through the living room and motions for me to sit on one of the vacant spots on the sectional.
I notice everyone has taken a seat on the other half of the sectional and have left the corner seat where the chaise is placed vacant.
"The pizza will arrive in five minutes." Ana yells as she runs upstairs to change her clothing.
"Christian," Phoebe's small voice hits my ears while she climbs on the sectional and lays on her tummy.
"Yes Phoebe." I answer and she looks up at me.
"I don't feel so good." she whispers just high enough where Kate hears her.
"What's wrong sweetie?" Kate asks and comes over to check her forehead. I look at Kate alarmed something might be wrong with Phoebe. Kate shakes her head, "she doesn't have a fever." she informs me and I nod my head. Thank fuck.
I sigh and gently stroke her head, "Phoebe do you want something to drink?" I ask and she nods her head yes. Kate smiles and sticks her hand out for Phoebe to take, which she does, and Kate takes her to the kitchen.
"Yo Jose, did Ana pay for the Pizza's?" Ethan yells from the front door while he waits for the delivery guy to arrive at the gate.
"He's outback getting the refreshments." Elliot yells back informing Ethan of Jose's whereabouts.
"Christian do me a favor go upstairs and ask Ana if she prepaid for the pizzas, will ya?" Ethan asks, before stepping outside.
"Yeah sure." I say as I make my way upstairs. I have no clue which room is her's so I begin to check every door. The first door I open is the utility closet, just as I'm about to open the second door, I hear Kate and Phoebe. I'm guessing this is the bathroom?
"Kate which room is Ana's?" I mentally hit my forehead on how creepy that sounded. "I need to ask her if she paid for the pizzas." Yeah like if that sounds better.
"Next door over." she answer just as I hear Phoebe sing her ABCs. That's one way to remember your ABC's.
Taking a deep breath I knock on the door, "Ana?" I call her name so she doesn't startle when she sees me entering her room.
"Ana, Ethan wants to know if you paid for the pizzas?" I call out once more and still get no response. Damn it where is this woman? I ask myself as I take in her bedroom.
My eyes zoom in on her queen size bed that's decorated with a cream color comforter and satin gold pillowcases with silver horizontal lines. So this is where she lays that beautiful body of hers? How tempting.
"It's very comfortable." Ana speaks behind me and I quickly turn around to face her. She's wearing black lounge pants and a thin strap floral cami. Fuck her breast are fantastic!
I groan, shuffling on my feet to try and rearrange my hard on, without being too obvious.
She giggles causing me to completely lose total control.
"Damn it Ana," I growl and crush my lips to hers, which she responds with her own need. Wrapping my arms around her waist I pick her up and gently lay her on her bed with me on top of her.
"I can't seem to not kiss you" I say while I kiss down her lips over her chin and down her neck. "Damn do I want you." I confess and suck on her collarbone and kiss my way back up to her lips.
"I want you too Christian, but…" I silence her with open mouth kisses. I know what she's going to say, and I know I'll be respecting her wishes.
"I know, but just know that as soon as he signs those fucken papers all bets are off and you and I are going to make this happen." I vow and she smiles at me.
"Are you that sure of yourself?" She asks and I rub my groin against her and she moans tilting her head back.
"For you Ana," I ask again rubbing myself harder against her. "Fuck yes." I bite her neck and her breathing has accelerated. I'm not playing fair and I know I should stop, but she is just too damn good and I need more of her.
"Christian," she moans and rubs herself voluntarily against me, for a second I'm shocked she did that, but I take that as the green light. She wants me just as much as I want her
"Please," she groans while her eyes are still closed and her head is tilted back.
Fuck I'm going to hate myself for this.
"Ana, baby, if we do this Josh be damn, you'll be mine and that's final wether he signs or not." And just like that, the moment is no more.
She looks at me wide eyed and begins to slowly raise of the bed and turns to look at me, "Thank you." She's thanking me? Why is she thanking me?
She kisses my lips when she notices my confused expression. "Thank you for stopping, when I didn't have the strength to do so."
Taking a deep breath I smile at her, "You're welcome Ana."
She nods and stands from her bed and turns to ask if I'm going to follow.
I look down at the bulge in my pants, "I'll be down shortly." She giggles and I groan.
"Woman you're killing me here." Throwing myself back on her bed I hear her gasp. Yes baby it's all me. Absentmindedly I grab my engorged cock over my pants and rearrange it to where I'm most comfortable. Like if that's going to help!
"Mom," we hear Teddy's voice coming up the stairs and just like that my cock has now become flaccid.
Getting off the bed I walk behind Ana just as Teddy is almost at the door. "Next time, you won't be so lucky Anastasia." I whisper near her ear and bite gently on her earlobe, while I grab a handful of her beautiful ass and quickly make my escape.
"Christian have you seen my mom?" Teddy asks as he bumps into me when I walk out the door. "She's in the bathroom." I motion with my thumb in her en suite bathroom, but I know she's standing right where I left her.
"Okay, well Pizza's are here." Teddy shrugs his shoulders and walks back down stairs and I follow behind him.
"Damn Ana what took you so long?" Jose smirks at Ana, who send him a glare, "None of your business that's what." She laughs and takes a seat between me and the children who are laying on the chaise.
"What movie are we watching?" she asks and I extend my arm behind her head and over the couch.
"Well if you would've been down here you would've known which movie we picked." Ethan jokes and Mia gently swats at his thigh.
"Aww come on babe, she knows I'm joking." Ethan says giving Mia a kiss on her cheek.
"Despicable Me." Is Theodore's response.
"Thank you Teddy," Ana bends and kisses his head. "At least someone wants to keep me in the loop." Ana grumbles under her breath and everyone laughs.
"This is coming from you who just now told us what is going on?" Jose says and Kate smacks him behind his head. Jose turns to look at Kate who narrows her eyes at him.
"Oh look pizza." Elliott says as he too noticed the awkward exchange between friends.
An hour into the movie I notice the children are asleep as well as Ana who's leaning towards my torso. Seeing her sleeping form is comforting and a site for sore eyes. She's beautiful.
"Stop staring," Ana whispers and I silently laugh at getting caught. How did she know I was looking at her?
"I could feel your stare." she answers my unspoken question without opening her eyes. For a moment I wonder if she may be in tune with my body as I am with hers.
"Where did everyone go?" she sits upright and scans the room for everyone else.
"Ethan had to leave, so he took Mia and Elliot with him, something about a patient, and Kate and Jose are upstairs." I look at my watch and notice they've been gone for about ten minutes.
"What are you thinking about?" Ana asks as she stands from her seat and begins to clean, so I too start to pick up the empty pizza boxes and solo cups.
"Why didn't you tell anyone about your last meeting with my dad?" I question and follow her towards the kitchen, where I toss the solo cups inside the trashcan and place the empty cardboard boxes on top of the counter.
"Why are you asking?" she says quietly refusing to look at me.
"I'm just curious." I know it's none of my buisness but I can't seem to stop myself from caring about her.
"The truth is Christian, I'm still not one hundred percent positive about how it happened," she shrugs and finally looks at me. "All I remember was going inside your dad's office, he handed me some forms in which I signed and before I knew it we were making an appointment with a judge on tuesday." she smiles sadly and I can see tears beginning to form. Without a second though I wrap her in my arms when I hear her first sob.
"Oh Ana, have you been holding all this in?" I ask placing a kiss on the crown of her head, she lifts her head from my chest and gives me a sad smile, to which momentarily confuses me. Why is she smiling, shouldn't she be disappointed? I guess my face must say what I'm thinking because she answers my unspoken question.
"Is it bad that I feel… Relieved?"
I'm at a loss for words. "Ana I can't tell you what to feel, I've never been in you predicament." I answer truthfully and it sends her into a giggling fit. I stare at her laughing form and I feel my heart skipping a beat hearing her laugh. But yet again there is nothing this woman could possibly do that won't have me in a trans.
"I doubt you'll ever be." she says after her giggling fit calms, she tries to remove herself from my hold, but to no avail.
"Why?" I ask because I seriously want to know her answer. She blushes and playfully swats at my chest, causing me to grunt.
"Oh I'm sorry Christian." She looks up at me with wide eyes and I just smile. Shockingly I've noticed when I held her close to me I didn't flinch away, on the contrary I welcomed her closeness and her childrens. I still don't know what exactly this feeling is, but I'm not stupid enough to ignore it. I know I crave it, I probably need it, to be honest. I just don't know how to go about it. I want Ana with kids or no kids, but since she's an all package deal I'll take it.
"Go out with me?" I blurt out, and I want to smack myself. Smooth Grey, very fucken smooth.
Without looking at her, I see many emotions cross he face, from curiosity, flattery, confusion, to wariness. Oh baby, I would never hurt you, but you… you have the power to destroy me.
"Christian, I..." she starts and before she declines my offer, I interrupt. "Look it doesn't have to be tomorrow, not even a week from today, hell it can be months from now, although I hope it doesn't take that long because I'd go crazy, but I'll wait." I smile at her and she blushes, " For you I'll wait." She looks at her feet and I lift her face to look at me.
"Okay," she answers and I can't hide the shit eating grin I have plastered on my face. "Friday."