First of all thank you so much for the reviews, I really appreciate them all and most are so lovely. So a big thankyou from me! I hope you like this!
The next day begins positively. The doctor comes in early and tells us he is here to do some checks and then take Christian for a final x-ray to make sure everything is as it should be. He listens to Christians chest and I have to tell him to stop being such a baby as he practically jumps across the room when the cold stethoscope touches his skin. I hate watching the doctors as there face is always unreadable, and I feel like I can breathe a sigh of relief when they say everything is okay. He removes his IV and gives him something to take, stating that if he's in any further pain, just to let someone know and they can give him something else. They take him for an x-ray and back and then return about an hour later to give us the news.
"Mr Grey, I come with good news. Your x-ray looks good so I think we can allow you to go home in the next couple of days, perhaps tomorrow," the doctor smiles and I grin at Christian.
"Thank fuck for that," Christian says and closes his eyes for a second leaning his head back on the pillow. He sounds nothing like the billionaire business man he is in board meetings.
"Christian!" I admonish his bad language but the doctor assures me not to worry about it.
"I'm just happy Ana!" he says and I cant be mad at him with that beautiful smile plastered on his face.
"I am too baby," I say and I feel a little bit emotional.
The doctor says that a nurse will be back every so many hours today to check his blood pressure and the dressing on his chest and apart from that, everything looks fine. I thank him profusely for everything he has done and Christian manages to muster up a tolerable level of gratitude. He says he will come back tomorrow to go through all the aftercare stuff with us and I see Christian roll his eyes.
This horrible chapter in our lives can soon be closed. Well once the people responsible are behind bars. My husband was obviously worrying about everything that has happened as he was incredibly restless in his sleep last night and kept reaching out for me. I know he still feels guilty about what happened to Elliot and Kate.
Soon after the doctor had given us the good news Christian has me call Gail to tell her there is no need to bring the children to see us today. He doesn't want our babies traveling around unnecessarily after all the security threats, especially as we will be home tomorrow anyway.
"We can go see Doctor Greene about the new baby in a few days now," he says excitedly and it makes my heart beat that little bit faster every time he mentions him or her. He's in love with them already.
"We can indeed, Mr Grey" I smile brightly. "Don't think I'm letting you go back to work anytime soon though Mr Grey," I grin and he shakes his head.
"Ana. Some of the imbeciles working for me are guaranteed to have destroyed half of my business by now, " he says raising a eyebrow and being serious.
"They are not imbeciles Christian! You just have a unattainable level of perfection that you want all your employees to live up to! Besides you cant go back with everything that's going on. Something could happen to you, and I'm not willing to take that risk." I say seriously. I'm not letting him out of my site until this maniac is caught, they have already tried to kill him once, who's to say they wont try it again. I also know that if I stick to his side like glue, he wont do anything reckless, as he would never dream of putting me in any kind of danger.
"Nothing bad is going to happen to any of us, trust me Ana, I will make damn sure of it," he replies with determination evident in his eyes.
"It's not you I don't trust baby. It's those people who did this to you," I sigh. "I'm taking care of you for the foreseeable future , I want no arguments Mr Grey!" I say conclusively.
"Oh I love it when you take care of me Anastasia," he whispers, trying to distract me by kissing my neck.
"I'm serious Christian," I say pulling away, "you have to let me take care of you till your properly recovered. It'll make me feel better about everything." I say throwing him a sad smile and he nods. I'm not sure if I've won or if he just doesn't want to start a argument with me over all this. For once its me not wanting him to go to work instead of the other way round.
"You're so sweet and caring wife, and they are two of the many reason's why I fell in love with you," he whispers and I feel my insides turn to jelly. I sometimes forget that this man before me wasn't always this way. It took us a little while to get to the 'hearts and flowers' stage but once he was there, he took hearts and flowers to a whole new level.
"Bath me Mrs Grey?" Christian says suddenly and I look at him in shock.
"You want a bath?" I ask, which I suppose is a stupid question as that's what he's just asked me for.
"Yes, I feel disgusting," he shudders.
"Are you sure your allowed? I don't think you can Christian." I ask quizzically, my eyes looking at the bandages on his chest.
"Ana, you heard the doctor he said I'm fine. As long as we don't get my chest wet, It will be fine baby. You can help me and we can be careful." He sees the hesitation evident in my eyes.
"Just for five minutes Ana please, I may as well make use of the bath in that room," he persists and I finally nod.
"Okay if your sure," I say skeptically. "Do you need me to help you?," I ask and he rolls his eyes, but I put my arms out to help him anyway. He hasn't done a lot of walking about since the accident only to the bathroom and back. I hear him wince and suck in a deep breath as he swings his legs over the bed gingerly.
"Are you okay? Does it hurt?" I ask panicking.
"A little. I'm fine," he says smiling at me. I put my arm around his waist and help him walk to the bathroom, but he doesn't seem overly unsteady on his feet. A nurse has been in asking him questions about rehabilitation and exercise and he just sat there with a sour face the majority of the time. He hates mundane questions.
"Sit here while I run it", I say and point to a wooden chair in the corner of the room. "I'm only putting a tiny bit of water in the bottom Christian," I say glancing over to him while I switch the water on and let it run for a few minutes.
"Let me help you get out of those bottoms," I say walking over and helping him stand back up. I'm sure we wont be home long before he snaps at me for being over attentive and treating him like a child, not that a give a damn, he's not going to stop me looking after him. I help him slip out of his bottoms and take some of his weight as he steps into the bath.
"Careful," I say worriedly as I help him sit down. The water barely covers anything and I see him look up at me questioningly and grin.
"I told you, I wasn't filling it Christian," I laugh. The site of him like this reminds me how drop dead gorgeous my husband truly is. He is so desirable. "Now are you okay, it doesn't hurt or anything does it?" I ask tentatively.
"I'm fine Ana, it feels so good after being stuck in that concrete bed," and I smile. I cant wait to snuggle up at home with him again.
I kneel down on the bathroom floor next to the bath and run my hands through his hair, "just five minutes baby," I remind him and closes his eyes and nods taking a deep breath.
"Will you wash my back?" he asks and I nod. "Of course," I say and start to gently rub his back with water.
"That is the best feeling Mrs Grey," he sighs and I smile.
"The best?" I question, my mind falling into the glutter.
"Now you mention it, I can think of something that feels better," he answers softly and I grin. For a second I think I can hear something coming from outside the room but then nothing follows so I continue our conversation.
"And what might that be Mr Grey?" I ask feigning innocence, gently rubbing the top of his back. Christian is about to answer, when the door that is partially shut swings open and a young nurse stands there and squeals.
I look straight at her and she covers her eyes with her hand, bright red. I look to Christian and I cant tell what he's thinking as his face is a picture of shock.
"I'm so so sorry Mr Grey, Mrs Grey, it's just you didn't answer and I didn't expect," she pauses for a second, "this." She looks very young and I think she must be new because I haven't seen her before. I'm sure nurses must be used to seeing people naked, and I think her reaction may be something to do with the fact the person in front of her is the 'Christian Grey.' I consciously roll my eyes, women are constantly throwing their selves at my beautiful husband. I'm pretty sure some of the nurses here would have berated Christian and I for getting him into the bath without their permission but this one is currently dying of embarrassment.
"I'll come back later," she says looking terrified and practically runs from the room. I burst out into a fit of laughter at what has just occurred.
"What the fuck has just happened?" Christian questions looking at me with an expression that makes me giggle more.
"I think that nurse has just seen you in all your glory Mr Grey," I say moving round on the floor to sit in front of him so he doesn't have to stretch his body around to look at me.
He looks disgusted and its hilarious. "I should get her to sign something, I don't want her telling all her little friends about this. Has she never heard of knocking! I've a good mind to get her fired," he bitterly mutters on.
"Christian the poor girl was mortified. I'm sure she's sat somewhere terrified she's going to lose her job," I say. I'm pretty sure in another circumstance I would want to kill the bitch who got an eyeful of my husband, but I just don't think this girl deserves to lose the job she's probably worked hard for because she made a mistake with a billionaire patient.
"Good!" he says sharply. "This body is for your eyes only Mrs Grey," and I giggle embarrassed.
"Come on husband, lets get you out before we have any more surprise visitors." I stand up and grab a towel, helping him out of the tub. I grab the towel and start rubbing him dry, being extra careful not to touch his chest. When I start to dry round his hips and waist I hear him clear his throat and I look up to see a dazzling smirk and I shake my head.
"Be good Mr Grey," I say sternly and dry down his legs. When I have done I help him into some clean bottoms and we go back to the room.
"Get your ass back into that bed husband, your still sick" I say smiling and I hear him grumble something under his breath.
We chat for a little bit, under Taylor enters about an hour later and I know things are about to get serious again. He's carrying a packet of what looks like photos so I know he must have dug something up about these people.
Taylor walks in and I see him smile briefly, before plastering back on his impassive face.
"If you don't mind me saying Sir, you look a million times better today," Christian nods but I smile.
"He does doesn't he Taylor," I agree and smile brightly. "Now we just have to keep him under control for a while so he doesn't do himself any further harm," I grin and Christian scowls playfully.
"I agree Mrs Grey," Taylor says and I can tell Christian hates being tag teamed by us both.
"What do you have for us Taylor?" Christian asks getting straight to the matter at hand.
"Well I managed to get a hold of some of the security tapes from up the road of the parking lot in which your brother was attacked," I feel Christian tense next to me at this and I put my hand on his thigh and squeeze lightly to let him know its okay. "After looking through them, and looking at what I found out about this Malcolm Bernini character I went back to his background search. Turns out he has two brothers."
He pulls out a photo of the three of them fleeing the scene but its a little blurry and then some mug shot style photographs of them with some basic information on a separate piece of paper. God knows where he finds all this stuff. "As you can see I think they fit the bill, Mr Grey," Taylor says comparing them. Turns the older brother has a bucket load of awards for all kinds of shooting related events, and has quite a number of guns registered Sir. My bet is he has more of the illegal kind too."
"So you think some crazy ex employee enlisted his brothers to plot against Christian?" I ask shocked. They must be one seriously messed up family. I know brotherly love exists but why on earth would they agree to help 'Malcolm' carry out some crazy scheme that could ruin their entire lives if they get caught.
"So you think this older one, could have shot me?" Christian asks bitterly and I feel a shiver run down my spine at the memory.
"Well it isn't out of the realm of possibility that he was able to buy a weapon suitable and apply his skills Sir," Taylor says formally. I just cant get my head round all of this, its too much to take in.
Christian nods and I don't know how he is reigning in his temper. This man shot him! He almost killed him! I feel hysterical just thinking about it.
"So where the fuck are they now?," Christian finally snaps.
"Well like I said the other day, I first visited his mothers house after he broke into your office all those months ago, but I went around again today and I'm pretty sure she knows nothing. She thinks one of em is traveling, one is with his wife across town, and one living outside the city. We have a car discretely placed outside her home in case they return home Sir," Taylor informs us.
"You have to find them Taylor" I beg, "I cant bear for anything else to happen," and I feel Christian grab my hand and squeeze it tightly. I don't think I've cried so far today yet, which is some kind of personal record for this week, but if I hear anything else about this I know the waterworks wont be far off.
"Ana, we are doing everything we possibly can. Believe me I wont rest until I have caught these bastards," he says letting his guard drop for a brief moment and showing anger.
"It's going to be alright baby, try not to worry," Christian soothes, but this time not even Christian's calming words can make me feel better.
"I have bad news regarding the plates on the car that followed me, Gail and kids home. I think the fuckers must have had fake plates!,"Taylor snaps I can detect his annoyance that he has been beaten.
I hear Christian growl and I hate how this sounds so organized and prepared. I feel like they could be planning something now and we would have no idea.
"The prank calls were made from a call box in town Sir, and the florist didn't know shit about who bought the flowers, fake name, paid with cash. Left us with nothing." I hate all these loose ends and I can feel myself getting increasingly nervous. I feel like something bad is going to happen. These men are on some kind of witch hunt.
"It sounds like they have gone to an awful lot of trouble to get nowhere Taylor," I say worriedly and he nods.
"To an extent, but don't worry Mrs Grey, we'll get them," he says confidently but it does little to settle my nerves.
"Would you like a drink or anything Taylor? I think I'm going to nip to the cafeteria, I'm really thirsty," I ask and he shakes his head but I can tell he's just wary of accepting something off me in Christian's presence.
"I can get it Ana, what would you like?" Taylor asks.
"No honestly, I'll go, Christian do you want anything?" I ask and he looks at me sternly.
"Taylor can go Ana," he says and I scowl.
"Christian it's only the cafeteria and besides I want to call Ray so I can do it while I'm down there. This way I can leave you two to talk about all this stuff in private, it's hard to take it all in, I need a break," I confess. Truth is, as much as I want to know all this stuff, it's making me more and more anxious, so I can afford to leave them to discuss any minor details for half a hour while I get a drink to relax. Even if the coffee is vile.
Christian looks at me worriedly, and I can see the pure fear in his eyes. I know that look because I've seen it several times before over the years. He thinks I've had enough and I'm going to leave him.
"Ana," he says worriedly. "I'm so sorry I've caused all this stuff that has hurt our family. Your coming straight back aren't you?" he says desperately and he's honestly breaking my heart. How on earth he can think I would ever consider leaving him is beyond me. I don't know how he can get so insecure so quick. I love him to death and I would never ever leave him. Not for anything.
"Of course I am baby. I'll only be half a hour. I've told you time and time again none of this is your fault, so stop fretting Mr Grey," I say and he offers me a weak smile and I kiss his cheek. Taylor is uncomfortably looking away from us, staring at the wall, the floor or anywhere we aren't and I have to with hold a grin at his behavior.
"I love you Christian you know that, now did you want a drink?" I say standing up.
"Water please baby and I love you too," he says softly but he still looks uncomfortable. Good grief I am only going to a cafeteria two floors down, anyone would think I was hitching a flight to Africa.
"Taylor?" I ask again, but he shakes his head. No wonder Christian hired him he is obviously just as stubborn, I'll get him a water anyway, he works too hard. I walk down the hall and a few security personnel hovering around nod in my direction, but I don't see any closer to the cafeteria. I smile to myself. A café is hardly a place that is going to be harboring dangerous criminals.
I reach the cafeteria and find it is reasonable empty. I pull out my phone and dial Ray.
"Daddy?" I ask as he picks up straight away.
"Annie! I've been waiting to hear from you again" he says happily but I can hear the worry in his voice, "how is that husband of yours doing?" I called Ray briefly to let him know what had happened after Christians surgery but I haven't had chance to call him since due to everything else that has occured.
"He's a lot better, there actually going to let him go home tomorrow I think," I say and it makes me happy saying out loud. Me, Christian and our babies back where we belong. "I'm sorry I didn't call again, it's just I've been so worried with everything."
"Ana, you do not have to apologise, I completely understand sweetheart. I'm just glad he's on the mend," he says genuinely. I love Ray so much.
"Me too," and I can feel the tears coming on, "I thought I'd lost him forever daddy," I cry.
"Ana, I wish I was there to give you a big hug right now. Christians always been a fighter, he wouldn't give up on you that easily," and I nod to myself. I know that's true.
"I know," I say quietly.
"Do the police know anything yet honey?" he asks and I'm honestly not too sure.
"I'm not sure dad," I say and I hear him laugh. I'm confused.
"Christians got all those big men in suits on it hasn't he?" he asks and I know he means Taylor and the security.
I laugh a little too, "Yes he has, you know what he's like dad."
"As long as he makes you happy and keeps you safe, that's all that matters," Ray says lovingly.
"Of course he does," I say and I mean it. Christian could not make me happier.
"Will you call me if you find anything out?" he asks and I know I should have told him about all this Bernini family stuff but I don't want him to worry more.
"I will do," I say gingerly.
"I love you Annie, be safe. Tell Christian I'm glad he's better and give a kiss from me to my grand kids."
"Of course I will Daddy. I love you too." I hang up and put my phone in my pocket. I feel more emotional again now after that call. If I had told him I'm pregnant again he would have had a episode especially with all this drama. Better to save that bombshell for another day.
I go to the cafeteria and get a coffee and two waters. I decide to drink my coffee down here at one of the tables to give Christian and Taylor a bit of extra time to discuss matters.
I sit looking at some of the other people in here, there is a couple of families and some elderly people and some young kids. Some of them look devastated and I hope everything is alright for them in the end. I'm so lucky that at least I get to take my husband back home with me alive and healthy but I can't help but worry about vendetta against us, I want these people caught as soon as possible. I doubt I'll be able to sleep tonight, after all Taylor has told us today. I get lost in my own thoughts as I take small sips of my now cold coffee. I hear some hustle and bustle as someone runs down the hallway outside the door and look up but they are gone before I see anything.
I look up at the clock on the wall and realize I have been gone around forty minutes. Christian will be giving himself a heart attack and sending someone to march me back up to him if I don't go back soon. I throw my coffee in the bin and grab the waters before heading back up the corridor. I don't know why but I feel strangely uncomfortable and pick up the pace as I hit the Christians floor. I notice the security guards are no longer there and I assume they have gone on a lunch break or something. Christian would go mad if he knew they had lunch breaks and had left this corridor unattended. I wont tell him though as I don't want to feel responsible for them losing their jobs. Christian can be brutal when it comes to dealing with his security personnel.
I feel in desperate need of a cuddle from my husband and want to snuggle up in his arms until the doctors says I can take him home tomorrow. I hear a loud crash that sounds like smashing glass as I am approaching the door of Christians room and I break out into a run. What the hell is Christian doing. I hope he hasn't hurt himself trying to over exert his still recovering body.
As I round the corner I rush through the door but what I see next shocks me to the core. I feel my heart stop and everything goes into slow motion. Standing in front of me is a man I recognize from the photos Taylor showed me of our stalker. He is the ex employee that Taylor explained had broken into Christians office and had gotten fired six months ago. This man is now using his family and seems hellbent on hurting our family. But worst of all, now in this moment, he was holding a gun that was pointing directly at my husband.
"Hello. I'm Malcolm Bernini, I'm so glad you could join the party Mrs Grey," he says in the most chilling tone I have ever heard in my life.
Now I know some of you will be thinking. Wheres Taylor? What happened to the security and how the hell did he get into the hospital in the first place to Christian. That will all be revealed in the next couple of chapters so don't think I have forgotten to mention all that stuff! It's just not in the story yet because Ana doesn't know what has happened and its from her POV.
I hope you like this chapter and please please review and let me know what you think! xxxxxxx