A/N: I kinda wing this chapter so if it is bad then I am sorry lol

Christian's POV

I watched Chanelle storm out of my office because of Gideon. What the fuck does this asshole want? He takes a seat in front of my desk and begins to smile. I stay standing in front of the window trying to hold in my anger.

"Ok Cross. Since you ran one of my clients out of my office, can I ask you why did you want to see me?" I am trying my hardest to hide the anger out of my voice but I can't. I read the report that Welch sent me. He had a relationship with Chanelle but what did that fucker do to her?

"The reason why I am here Grey is because I wanted to tell you that our proposal to have a satellite office for your company have been approved by the board and we can start employing people within the month. For starters, I would like to take Chanelle off your hands and she can be the head of the office." He smiles and there is an ulterior motive with this guy. I don't like him but he offered me a price for a space in his building that I couldn't refuse.

"Well that's great news. You couldn't call with that information? As far as the request for Ms. Howard-Jones..." I begin to chuckle and rub my chin. "Well for starters, she isn't mine to just simply transfer. She works next door and even if she was to be employed for GEH, I still wouldn't send her to New York to work in your building." I walk up to my desk and slam my hands down. "You did something to Chanelle while you were dating her and if I find out what it is, I am going to own you Cross." Gideon begins to laugh. I have never been this emotionally involved with anyone but Chanelle does something to me!

"Oh come on Grey! You couldn't own my company even if you tried your hardest besides you don't know Chanelle like I do. She is a special one. One that I would like to keep around for a long time. You see Grey, we have similar demons and we exert our anger in the same way except mines doesn't leave permanent scars on such beautiful skin!" He gets up and heads out of my office. I need to warn him.

"CROSS! Leave Chanelle alone!" He turns and begins to smile.

"Someone is angry. Come on Christian! Look at her. She is a piece of work. You couldn't fulfill her needs even if you wanted to. She is a hard woman to please. Don't tell me you're catching feelings for her?!" I continue to scowl at him then he let's out a chuckle. "Oh Grey! She will come back to me. I suggest you stay away from her. She belongs to me. Always have and always will be!" Gideon walks out of my office and I fall back into my seat. Shit! I really hate that guy! Why did I ever agree to work with him. I walk to the window and began to look out into the Seattle daytime rush. I need to see Chanelle tonight! I need to make sure she is safe. I call Taylor in a frenzy.

"Sir?"

"I am canceling my appointment with WSUV. I want you to drive me somewhere else tonight."

"Yes sir!"

I call Andrea to cancel my appointment with the president of WSUV and make my way downstairs. I am worried for Chanelle. Gideon Cross is a dangerous man.

Chanelle's POV

I get into my house and throw everything down. I can't believe that fucker showed up in Seattle. I go into the bathroom and start my bath. I pour in some lavender bath oil my dad had gotten for me when he was overseas. It smelled so good and I began to relax immediately. I place my iPod on the dock and play some music. I begin to strip and put my robe on. I make my way into the bathroom and sit in the hot water. I just lay there and soak up the lavender smell. I sink into the bath and let the water relax my face. I sit back up and wipe my eyes. I am staring off in the distance and begin to think. Why did he come to Seattle to do business with Christian? Maybe he does know that I am here! The thought is unsettling and is making me very nauseous.

I am done in the bath. I dry myself off and went into my room to find my black silk teddy and the matching robe. I pull my hair up in a messy bun and I walk out into the living room to turn the t.v on. I go to the fridge to get me some ice cream. I noticed that I still have a bottle of the Cristal in my wine cooler so I pull out the bottle and take a glass from the cabinet and laid out on the couch. I decided to watch The Notebook. This movie always made me cry. I switched it to the fox channel and caught the end of The Simpsons. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. In ways I hope its Christian. I go to the door and open it.

"Hey." Christian says looking casual but irritated. Oh geez! I wonder what happened after I left.

"Hey! Come in." I watched him walk in and I closed the door. "So, what brings you over to my home today Mr. Grey." I say with a smile but Christian doesn't look amused.

"What happened between you and Gideon, Chanelle? Tell me the truth." I am getting a tad angry. "Chanelle? Tell me! NOW!" I jump and scowl at him.

"That is none of your business Grey! You aren't my boyfriend or my Dom..." I stop myself. Fuck! I slipped up. I am hoping he didn't catch that. He is looking at me wide eyed. Damnit! I opened another can of worms that will be impossible to close.

"Chanelle. Did you have a Dom/Sub relationship with Gideon?" I stood there and then my legs became jelly and I fall to the floor holding my hand over my mouth. I wanted to keep this in the past."Chanelle! Tell me!" He is angry and There is no blood in my face as I have gone pale in the face. "ANSWER ME CHANELLE!"

"YES! Well, Sort of! It was more like I was being used for sex. We never dated officially although according to the tabloids we were dating. He just needed to get his rocks off and that's when he would call me." I begin to cry. Christian sank to his knees and held me.

"How did you guys meet?" Christian asked

"I had stayed with a friend for a while because my family was having major issues that I wanted no parts of so, I decided to move to New York. One night, we went to my friend's gym. The gym that Cross just so happen to own. I was running on the treadmill and he came up next to me. He smiled at me and I knew that was my undoing. His eyes were this ice blue and it seemed like he was looking into my soul so, we began to talk. One thing led to another and we ended up having sex after a week or so. Things were going good for a while but I went to the audition for The Voice. He didn't like that too much. We had arguments almost every night that I was in the competition. I made it to semi-finals and got tonsillitis and had to drop out and that's when my friend had went away for 2 weeks and I had the apartment to myself. So, I invited him over so we can talk about my involvement in the competition. When he caught wind that I tried out for The Voice, he flipped off the handle. He yelled and screamed at me. He didn't want me to be in the music business because of his step brother Christopher. I told him that he couldn't tell me what I can and cannot do and that he wasn't anything to me except a fuck toy. Of course, I said this out of anger and then he shoved me hard and I fell to the ground. I fought him back but he was way stronger than I was. He finally got up and left the apartment. Picking up what was left of my feelings I began to cry and moved into my room. I heard a really loud bang on my door and I went to answer it. Gideon had been drinking and wreaked of bourbon. He threw me to the ground again and tried to have sex with me but I kicked him off. He manged to grab me and drag me to my room. I tried to run out while he was closing my bedroom door but he pushed me back and I hit my head on the end of my bed and I almost blacked out." I can see Christian's face go red. "He picked me up and threw me on the bed. I was borderline lifeless and he had his with me. Thank God I get Depo because if I didn't I would be with child right now." I begin to sob lightly. I just opened up a wound that I wanted to keep closed forever. "Christian, This is a bit hard for me to explain. That is the reason why I moved to Seattle. He has haunted every part of me even threatened my family if I didn't come back to him."

"That fucker! Chanelle, I know we haven't know each other for more than a week but I want to protect you from that asshole. We have been at odds since he opened his business. He has been telling the media that he could own my company if he wanted to. He's a cocky prick! Does he know where you live now?" I shake my head. Thank God for that because that would not end will for all parties involved.

"My dad made sure that no one knew my address here. I moved to Seattle to get away from all of the attention and paparazzi." I turned to the t.v and saw that TMZ is on. I look and I see my picture on the screen. "FUCK!" I whispered to myself. Christian looks and sees my picture.

"How do they know you are here?" I shrug my shoulders and now I am back in the spotlight.

Dax: We have a viewer submitted video from Star Bar in Seattle, Washington of Chanelle Howard-Jones singing cover songs and she looks really good.

Harvey: She is an amazing singer and she sounds really good after having her tonsils removed. Wasn't she with that billionaire Gideon Cross? Are they still dating?

Dax: To our knowledge no! She dumped him after that fight in her apartment.

Harvey: He must be upset about that still but at the end of the day you are the one who hit her. I don't know. Maybe she found someone new and moved with them...

Fuck my life! My phone rings and I see it is my dad calling. "Oh fuck! I'm in deep shit now" I whisper.

"What's wrong Chanelle?" I show him my phone.

"He is calling to curse me out! This episode of TMZ gets rebroadcasted in Philly at 11:30pm and I know he is watching it." I pick up my phone and try not to cry. "Hey daddy!"

"Don't 'Hey daddy' me? Why were you singing at a bar? Do you want him to come after you again?" My dad is furious.

"Dad, I already ran into him! He barged into a meeting I was having with one of my new bosses. I wasn't expecting to see him here."

"He doesn't know where you live does he?" I feel a tear pop up.

"No daddy! Look, if need be I will get security but right now I want to try and do this on my own..." I can tell my dad didn't like that answer. Christian takes the phone away from me.

"Mr. Howard-Jones? This is Christian Grey of Grey Enterprises Holding inc. How are you this evening?"

"What the fuck are you doing?" I mouthed to Christian. He listens to what my dad has to say. What is he doing?!

"Sir, with your, permission I would like to have my security detail watch over your daughter while she is in Seattle. She is a valuable asset to not only the company she works for but for my company as well. I will make sure nothing happens to her." I am standing there with my arms crossed.

"Christian, I don't know you but if you can guarantee that Chanelle will be safe, then I put my daughter's safety in your hands and if anything happens to her, you will have to answer to me! You got it?" My dad hangs up and Christian smiles.

"Really Grey! You have serious balls for doing that. My dad is a hot head and you manage to not have a screaming match with him. He is really protective of since the incident with Cross spread like wildfire." I still have my arms crossed.

"Look, I should admit something to you..." Oh God this can't be good. "Chanelle, I am highly attracted to you." He says while holding my hands tightly. Why did he make it sound so bad? A lot of people are attracted to me. "Come with me to my apartment. Tonight!" He says. I stand there and back away! I clearly have not know this man for more than 32 hours and he is asking me to come to his place of residence. No! I can't! That's how I feel for Gideon and I refuse to make that same mistake again.

"Christian. I don't think I can do that. I don't you know you that well..." I begin to pace. Maybe I should. I am scared to be by myself right now. People now know that I live in Seattle and people will go through great lengths to see me.

"Chanelle, I promised your dad that I will protect you and I know you are scared to be home alone! Please come with me?" I looked at him and let out a sigh. I should give him the benefit of the doubt but I don't know if I can do it! Fuck it! You only live once right! I roll my eyes and turn to him.

"Fine Grey! You win! Let me get dressed." I go into my room and pull out a long sleeve black shirt and a pair of dark denim jeans. I take my hair out of the bun and let it fall. My hair is still damp but I don't care. I go back in the room with Christian and he is waiting on the couch. I turn off everything and move next to him. "Ok Grey! Let's go!" He smiles and grabs my hand and takes me to the Audi Q7. I see a slightly older gentleman open the driver door and move around to open the passenger door. Christian gave him a slight nod and then helped me into the car. We pull out of my driveway and make our way to God knows where.

"Taylor! Escala please." He says as he dials a number into his phone. Escala sounds so familiar. Where have I heard it before?

"Escala?" I asked Christian.

"My apartment! You will stay with me tonight." I looked at him like he was nuts but I nodded and remained quiet for the rest of the night. Christian is talking to someone on the phone but I drown it out with my thoughts. I am going home with someone who could be my boss.

"Yes! I want you to follow Ms. Howard-Jones to work every day. I don't want anything to happen to her." He ends the call and looks at me. "Chanelle? Are you ok?" I snap out of my thoughts and look at him.

"Yeah! I am fine. Why do you ask?" I say. I know he is worried but I can handle myself for the most part.

"You have been quiet this whole ride. Are you sure you are ok?" He says. I nod and give him a half of a smile. We finally reach Escala and my nerves are all over the place. He walks me into an elevator and inputs a code. We ride up quietly and my mind wanders again. "Chanelle look at me!" I swing my head around and I feel strange. Gray eyes met light brown eyes and I instantly melt. I feel dizzy and my legs feel like jelly and like that I fall on my knees again. "Geez! You need rest." Christian picks me up and carries me into his apartment. I am too stressed and tired to marvel at the copious amount of space this place has. He takes me to a spare room and lays me down. "You can get undressed and crawl under the sheets if you want. If you need me or you get hungry just text me and I will bring you something." I nod and he disappears closing the door behind him. This room is way too big. I begin to take my clothes off and crawl into the bed. The sheets are very comfy and like that I drift off into a deep sleep.

I am running away from someone. I trip and begin to push backwards. The person is getting closer to me and I can't tell who this figure is. I trip one more time twisting my ankle. "FUCK THAT HURTS! HELP! SOMEONE HELP ME!" The shadow figure appears and it is Gideon wreaking of bourbon.

"I want to be inside you Chanelle! Give it to me!" I can't get up. Oh my God! I need help!

"GIDEON GET AWAY FROM ME!" I yell but it seems like its turning him on even more! He kneels down and begin to remove my pants. "STOP IT! DON'T TOUCH ME GIDEON!" He hits me across the face and I begin to cry.

"SHUT UP BITCH AND TAKE IT! YOU KNOW YOU WANT! STOP DENYING IT CHANELLE!" He yells and then smiles. I begin to scream for bloody murder and I feel myself shaking. I want this nightmare to be over!

"Chanelle! Chanelle! Get up! You are dreaming! Get up!" Christian is yelling. I wake up abruptly gasping for air. I am in a cold sweat and still shaking.

"Christian?" I ask breathlessly. The tears begin to fall and I feel even more exhausted.

"I'm here Chanelle. You were dreaming! Here drink some water." He hands me a cold glass of water and I just about gulp the whole thing down. He begins to wipe the tears away and calm me down. I am shaking like a scared kitten.

"How long have you been in here?" I ask covering myself up knowing that I am in nothing but a bra and a thong.

"Just about 5 minutes. I heard you screaming and came running. I heard you scream Gideon's name." I can hear anger in his voice. I haven't had a nightmare like that in 3 years. I think it's time to see another doctor. I hate seeing shrinks. They talk in circles and find new ways to attack the issue leaving my wounds open and exposed leaving me feeling raw and vulnerable for weeks at a time.

"I'm so sorry Christian. I didn't mean to wake you." I say softly feeling embarrassed. I look at the clock and notice it's only 1:45 in the morning. I have to go to work in a few hours. These nightmares are becoming a real pain in the ass.

"It's fine! Do you want me to stay here with you?" He asked me and I was nervous because Gideon had these nightmares where he would unconsciously have sex with me and it would hurt a lot so I was a bit apprehensive at first but I could use the comfort.

"If you don't mind. I would really appreciate it." He climbs in behind me and holds me. I stiffen up again and he let go. "I would feel more comfortable if you didn't do that."

"Ok. I am sorry." He says and he puts 2 pillows in between us. I feel comfortable and drift off into a peaceful sleep. The alarm goes off and I need to get back home and change. I quickly hop in the shower, dry off and put on the clothes from yesterday. I make my way down the hall and I am graced by this large room. "Wow!" I whisper to myself.

"Good Morning Chanelle!" Christian is dressed and eating. He is in this silver fitted suit. He looks absolutely appetizing. I hold my stomach because I am super hungry. "I didn't know what you liked so I had Ms. Jones here make you some blueberry pancakes and eggs. I smile and run to the bar stool to eat. I dig into the blueberry pancakes and I am instantly lost in the delicious pancakes.

"These are so freaking good! Thank you so much!" Ms. Jones is an older woman with long blonde hair and the warmest smile.

"No problem Ms. Howard-Jones!" She says

"Please call me Chanelle!" I say with a smile back. "Christian. I need to go home and change seeing as though I need to go to work." He smiles and shakes his head. "What's so funny?"

"Did you bother to check the chair in the room I took your keys and had Taylor run to your house and grab everything you needed for today." I am red in the face. I run back to the room and noticed the bag was there. I took a peek in and saw that Taylor picked out my black 3 piece skirt suit with my matching Giuseppe Zanotti chunky heels and a matching bra, panty and garter set. Also in the bag was my hair products, make up and jewelery plus my favorite perfume. I get ready for work and within 20 minutes I am ready to go. I grab my purse and my clothes and head out to the large front looks up and he beings to eye me up and down. "My oh my don't you look stunning. It would be my honor to give you a ride to work and I will give you a ride home later if you like." He says giving me a smile. I'm thinking I am going to need that ride home because I don't have my car.

"I would be happy if you could seeing as though my car is back at my house." I say with a smile. He smiles back. You know he really isn't a bad guy. The room clears and it is only me and him sitting at the breakfast bar. "So what was Gideon talking about saying that you weren't wrapped to tight?" He stills and his face goes from carefree to worried.

"Nothing. He is just begin an asshole. Shall we leave for work?" He gets up and runs to the front door. I follow him grabbing my purse and then I stand in front of the door. I narrow my eyes and he does the same thing. "What are you doing Chanelle?"

"We are not going anywhere until you tell me. If i'm going to entrust you with my safety, you could at least tell me the truth! Spill it Grey!" He looks at me as if he is angry.

"Chanelle! We need to leave." He says avoiding the situation. I am frustrated.

"Fine!" I open the door and storm out. I hit the button to call the elevator.

"Where are you going?" Is that suppose to be a serious question.

"I am going to work without you Grey! If I can't trust you to tell me anything, how can I trust you with my safety?" I shake my head and walk into the elevator. I make my way down to the first floor and hail a cab.

I am at my desk and I can't stop thinking about Christian. I need to dive myself into work. My phone rings and I pray to God it's not Christian but it's just John calling.

"Hey John!"

"Hey Chanelle. Could you possibly run and get me some lunch from the deli down the street?" I didn't want to since that was Christian's favorite place but this only day 2 of me being at this job so objections were a no no!

"Yeah sure. What would you like?" I grabbed a note pad and began to write what he wanted. I figured I was a little hungry and decided to get me a roast beef sandwich.

"Thanks Chanelle! You are a life saver!" I smiled on the phone and hung up. I grabbed my purse and ran to the elevator. It's a bright sunny day in Seattle. I look in my purse and see that I have my aviator shades in there.

"Score!" I whisper to myself. I walk outside and I see Angus! Fuck Gideon is still here! Why can't he go back to the east coast where he belongs? I grab my phone and call Christian.

"What?!" He screams in the phone. I jump and look at my phone like I was hearing things. "Chanelle! I did that to distract Gideon. What's wrong?" My worst fears spring to life! Could this get any worse.

"Why in the hell is Gideon still here?" I say

"I don't know Chanelle. I want him to go away as much as you do. He is in my office right now!" I sigh

"Good! Keep him up there! I am going to lunch and I don't want him seeing me." Christian sighs

"Can we speak later? I know I haven't been the best person but..." I interrupt him mid sentence.

"Grey, you are so damn frustrating and I really don't want to speak to you but I will give you benefit of the doubt. I'll be at your office at 4." I say with a smile.

"Great. See you then Chanelle." I smile and hit the end call button. I look in my purse and see that I have my iPod touch too. "Score again!" I whisper to myself. I put in my headphones in hopes that I can make a quick dash down the street. I walk out and the sun is warming my face. I remember having a picnic with my dad and him telling me that he loved the way my eyes sparkle in the sunlight. I smile at the thought as I enter the deli. I ordered both sandwiches and got us bottles of water. My phone rings and it is a 212 number. Fuck! I hope it isn't Gideon.

"Howard-Jones speaking." I say with a hint of irritation.

"Chanelle. Christopher Vidal. How are you?" Fuck! Could my day get any worse?

"First, your step brother harasses me now you call to harass me! I don't want shit to do with you boys! Why are you calling me Chris?" I can hear a small chuckle in the background.

"Whoa tiger! Calm down. I was just checking in on you. I haven't spoken to you since '09 and you came across my mind. You are the talk around the music industry." He says. I know he is trying to get me to work with him and I absolutely, flat out refuse! He is a douche just like his step brother. "Saw your video on TMZ and you sound better after the surgery. Come on Chanelle. Give it a chance."

"Christopher! Even if you were the last record label on earth, I still wouldn't work with you. I am not coming back to New York. EVER! I wish you and your blockheaded brother would realize this. Now, if you'd excuse I have work to be doing." I hang up and head back to office. I see Gideon standing in front of Grey House and I immediately freeze. When I see him turn his back, I dashed into the building. Great! I went unnoticed. I go back to the office with John's lunch and he smiles.

"Chanelle! You are such a life saver! Thank you so much." I smile and nod. I walk back to my cubicle and begin to dive into my work. I looked at the clock and noticed it was almost 4. Shit! Where did the day go? I walk to John's office but he is on the phone. Our eyes locked and he waved me in.

"No dear! I will not forget to go to the market. I am going to go. Don't worry! Just text me a list of things to get." Awww how cute! He is talking to his significant other. I begin to smile. "I love you too Jamie! Bye!" He hangs up and he smiles at me. "Hey Chanelle. What's up?"

"I was wondering if I could leave at 4 today?" Wincing back a bit I was afraid he would say no. "I can make up the two hours tomorrow. I don't mind staying late." he smiled.

"Yeah sure! I'll need you to work late tomorrow since I have a late meeting with the board." I nodded and began to walk through his door. "Oh! Chanelle!" I turn around.

"Yeah John?"

"Can I have your autograph. I was a huge fan of The Voice." I smiled and took a pen off his desk and signed a magazine article that had me in it. I really do miss those days but I can have a somewhat normal life now...at least I hope I can.

"See ya John!" I turn and walk out of his office. I am almost scared to know what Christian wants to talk about. I grab my purse and my suit jacket, let down my hair and put on my aviators as I head down to the elevator.

I'm lost in my thoughts as the elevator makes its way downstairs. I start to walk off and behold I see the king of the douches! I roll my eyes and begin to walk away. He grabs my elbow and pulls me back.

"Chanelle! What a lovely surprise and may I say that you look absolutely stunning." Gideon has this look about him that is sexy and dangerous but those days are over. I raise an eyebrow and snatch my arm away from him.

"Mr. Cross! May I indeed remind you that you are to NEVER put your hands on me. Do I need to call my father again? You know he has a very bad temper when it comes to someone hurting his baby girl." I say with a sly smile.

"Oh Chanelle! You are so cute when you are serious. Tell you what. How about I take you to dinner tomorrow night?" He says but I know he wants to try to get me to give in to his charm and good looks.

"That won't be needed Mr. Cross. I suggest you take my words seriously and stay the hell away from me." I smile and begin to walk away from him.

"This isn't over Chanelle. Not by a long shot." He yells and I give him a small wave. I walk next door and let security know that I am here to see Christian. I make my way up to the last floor. My thoughts are all over the place. I walk off the elevator and Andrea is signaling for me to go right in. I see he is on the phone with someone.

"Yeah! I don't want to work with that fucker. He tried to hurt a friend of mine." Christian looked up and held up his finger signaling one minute. I put my purse on the table and hop up to sit. "I have to attend to an important matter." He hangs up. "Well! It looks like someone is eager and gorgeous. You know you should wear your hair down often."

"Well I would like to know what you are hiding from me Mr. Grey." His face falls and he runs his hands through his hair. There is something weighing heavy on his mind. I wish he would just tell me. I hate waiting for information.

"Chanelle I..." We were interrupted by a knock on the door. It was his assistant and she didn't look well.

"Mr. Grey. May I leave early? I really don't feel well." She looks absolutely pale and she is shaking. My heart is breaking. She is a beautiful girl and to see her like this is making me want to cry.

"Yes Andrea! You look like death. Please go home and get some rest! Don't come back until you feel better." Christian says. He really looks after his employees. That really is sweet. I begin to smile as she walked out of the door. "Now back to you Chanelle. We need to talk about this at my apartment." He smiles. He makes me melt every time.

"Well, shall we go then?" I say and like that we leave. I can't help but to wonder what does he need to tell me.

We arrive back at Escala and I am rubbing my hair. I need to wash it again. I look up and I see Christian's face. He looks so upset. Pained about something. What happened to him? He is a billionaire playboy! There shouldn't be anything wrong with him. We walk into the foyer and before long we are standing in the massiveness that is his living room.

"Ok Christian. Spill it!" I say while crossing my arms and tapping my foot. He runs into his office to grab something and then comes back out and places it in front of me.

"Before I do anything, I need you to sign this." I look at the paper and roll my eyes. It's a NDA! I've signed these before. Last one I signed was for The Voice. I wasn't allowed to tweet during the competition until it aired live.

"Ummm...ok!" I grabbed one of my pens and signed on the faithfully dotted line. He smirks and grabs my hand and pulls me into the back of his apartment. He looks at me. Brown meets gray and we are locked there. "So what is this?" I ask out of curiosity. He let out a sigh and ran his fingers through his hair.

"What I am going to show, you cannot tell a soul about. Not even your friends." He puts his hands on my shoulders and looks at me deeply again.

"I promise. Remember, I signed the NDA." I zipper my mouth and threw up my scouts honor sign. He smiled and unlocked the door. I can't see at first but Christian flips a switch and the lights come on. Once they are fully on, I am floored. I sink to my knees with my mouth covered. This can't be true. Tell me this isn't true! "You're a...You're a..." I am feel myself cry because I know old scars are ripping themselves open.