A/N – Thank you Bronze Goddess for pointing out my error in Chapter 3. I've changed Ambassador Bridge to Belle Isle Bridge. Thanks also to WeAreJorus for being my beta reader for this chapter.

Chapter 7 – The Biggest Gun

"The interview."Christian said.

"Yes."

He watched as Ana entered what should have been his own office. A smile crossed his face as she stumbled and fell, exactly as she had done months ago for him. It seemed that in any reality, Ana is destined to possess a tendency towards clumsiness. It appeared Jack found this curiously endearing, as he rushed to her side.

Christian watched helplessly as Jack aided Ana to her feet. Like a possessive dog, Christian let out an instinctual growl. "Hands off, fucker. She's mine."

"He can't hear you. And she's not yours anymore." I remind him.

Jack extended a perfectly manicured hand to Ana. "Miss Kavanagh, was it?" He asked, pulling her to her feet. He chuckled, "That was quite the entrance!"

Ana blushed. "I'm so sorry for that. Um, Miss Kavanagh is indisposed, so she sent me. I'm Anastasia Steele. I'm studying English Literature with Kate... um... Miss Kavanagh, at Washington State."

"No need to apologize. Won't you have a seat, Miss Steele?"

"Thank you." Ana looked nervous and flustered as she lowered herself into the black leather chair Jack gestured to. Her hands trembled as she set up the recorder and fished out the pages of questions Kate had prepared. Jack sat at his desk, eyeing her curiously over tented fingers.

"I hope you don't mind me recording."

"Not at all," He smiled.

"You're aware of why Miss Kavanagh was interviewing you?"

"As I understand it, she'd like some details about my background and business for the graduation issue of the student newspaper, since I'll be conferring degrees at this year's convocation."

Ana nods. "That's right. Thank you again, for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this!" Ana pressed a button on the device, and consulted her page of notes.

"Mr. Grey, you're very young to have amassed such an empire. To what do you owe your success?"

"Above all, my ability to maintain control and discipline, and my ability to read people in order to get the best from them. I run a tight ship."

"Some may say you could take advantage of people's weaknesses that way."

Jack cocked an eyebrow. "I play to peoples' strengths, Miss Steele, and I know a good opportunity to act when I see it. I made my first million picking up businesses others considered sinking ships. The rest of my empire, as you put it, has been amassed by continuing in that vein."

"Almost like feeding off carrion." Ana mused. "You take what others cast aside and use it to make you stronger."

"An interesting way of putting it." He chuckled. "You make it sound so predatory and nefarious though."

"Maybe you're just lucky."

"I suppose there's an element of luck to anything. But I like to think when luck isn't on my side, I can rely on my own talents and devices to still get my way."

"You seem very sure of yourself for someone so young."

"I think my track record speaks for itself. I'm a billionaire. I employ tens of thousands of people. I run this company and its holdings on my own. I think there's a little more to it than mere luck, Miss Steele. And I think that entitles me to a little arrogance." He gave a self satisfied smirk and sat back.

"Does your discipline and drive apply to any interests outside your work?"

"I engage in a number of hobbies ." Jack stroked his chin.

"Such as?"

"Physical pursuits. Hunting."

"Hunting? What do you hunt?"

"Large prey. It's an amazing feeling, holding that kind of power over another living being. Have you ever been before?"

Ana shook her head. "No. I must admit, I find the practice cruel."

"It's a rush, Miss Steele. Having a moving, thinking, living target; using your wits and instincts to track it and take it down. It is incredibly empowering. Hunting actually utilizes the very same skills and qualities that make me a successful businessman. It's a dog-eat-dog world, inside and outside the boardroom. Dominance is essential, both in the primal sense, and in the figurative sense." Jack's eyes blazed as his gaze roamed over her body.

Ana shifted in her seat uncomfortably and cleared her throat. "It's not for everyone."

"And that's why everyone is not a billionaire by 30, like me." Jack sat back and grinned, smugly.

Ana returned to Kate's questions. "You invest in communications, manufacturing, arts, and entertainment. That's quite a varied range of industries. Why the diversity?"

"I like to dabble. I find diversity a key element to life. I want to master everything."

"You seem to crave power and control."

"I seek mastery of them. But don't we all, to some extent?"

"Does that extend to your personal life as well? What is the impact of your hard work on your family?"

Jack shrugged. "I'm not close to my family. I have no dependents. No one that needs my constant attention. I can place all my energy and focus on my business. That's my baby."

Ana looked to her notes. "You were adopted as a child."

"Yes."

"Did that have any bearing on the path you've chosen today?"

"I had a difficult childhood before I was adopted. I had to fight to survive. I think that did instill a sense of survival, and a need to always fight for what I want. My adoptive parents taught me the value of hard work, and a family friend furthered my training in discipline during the tumultuous teen years. I owe where I am today to them."

"Would you like a family of your own one day?"

"Are you asking, Miss Steele?" Jack winked.

Flustered, Ana stammered, "No, no. I just wonder, if you settled down, found someone you loved and wanted to marry and start a family with, if you'd still crave the same control to continue your business at the pace you've set."

"Love is for the weak, Miss Steele. I think it's an illusion designed to hobble men from reaching their full potential."

Ana looked taken aback by his statement. Jack softened his tone. "I've never come close to finding someone that made me want to slow down. You'll forgive me for thinking it doesn't exist."

"Finding love doesn't mean you have to change who you are at your core. You may find someone that moves at the same pace as you."

"Or is willing to put up with it."

"True."

"Have you found that, Miss Steele? Someone that moves at your pace?"

"Not as of yet."

Jack nods. "Then who knows which one of us is right?"

Ana looked back to her notes. "That's about it for Miss Kavanagh's questions."

"Miss Steele, are you at all interested in working for Grey Enterprises?"

Startled, Ana's head snapped up. "I beg your pardon?"

"I told you, I'm a keen judge of peoples' character. You seem to have the sharp mind and attention to detail I seek in an employee. When I see an opportunity, I go for it. We offer a number of internships here at GEH. Would I be able to convince you to come work for me? There are... a number of positions I could see you in."

The innuendo was not lost on Christian, who again clenched his fists as a low growl rumbled in his throat.

"I have a job, Mr. Grey."

"Doing what?"

Ana's eyes shifted to the floor. "I work at a hardware store."

"Retail, Miss Steele? Don't you think your talents are wasted pricing plungers and ringing in sheetrock? I could have you working in the publishing field tomorrow."

"I...um... wow. That is very generous of you, Mr. Grey. I would love a job in the publishing industry, but I'd much rather do a proper search to see what's out there. "

"You're worried if I give you the job, it would not be of your own merit."

Ana nodded.

"They say that most job openings are not advertised, that's it's all about accessing the hidden job market, taking advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. Consider this an opportune job offering. I have an internship program, and we would ordinarily be filling an opening a few months from now. It would be a great experience, excellent for your resume, and it would save our HR department the recruitment time if you were to start immediately. I can set up an interview for you at least. If our head of recruitment in HR decides you're a good fit, she can discuss placement with you."

"I don't know what to say."

"Say you'll accept. It's a rare opportunity I'm affording you, Miss Steele. You'd be a fool not to take it."

Ana bit her lower lip in thought. "Yes –" She hesitated as she pondered his offer for a moment more. "I suppose it would be an excellent opportunity." Resolved, she gave a small nod. "Thank you, Mr. Grey. I'll meet with your human resources person."

Jack handed two business cards to Ana.

"Here's the number for Monica, she's the contact in HR. If you don't hear from her within the next two days, give her a call. And here is my contact information. Please don't hesitate to call if you have any questions. You can leave your number with my personal assistant on the way out and I'll forward it to Monica."

"Thank you so much, Mister Grey. I must admit, I was a little intimidated coming here to interview you today."

"Well, I certainly hope you're feeling more comfortable around me. If all goes well with your interview, you'll be seeing more of me."

"I am, thank you."

"It's been a pleasure, Miss Steele."

"Likewise, Mister Grey."

Christian seethed as he impotently watched Jack place his hand on Ana's lower back and guided her to the door. Without a word, I spun the umbrella to the next moment for Christian to witness.

. . .

Seated at a desk in a small office, Ana typed at her computer, lost in the work before her. A knock broke the stillness in the room, and in the doorway stood Jack.

"Mister Grey."

"Ana, please. How many times have I told you? It's Jack."

"Sorry."

"You look amazing today! That color really suits you!"

Ana fingered the collar of her blouse and blushed. "Um... thanks Jack."

"Excellent work you did on that research into the publishing market in California." He casually sat on the corner of her desk. "I do hope you're enjoying the work. I know you'd prefer to do work more specific to your career goals, like editing, but I wanted to make sure you received a variety of assignments to get the full experience of working for a larger company. Doing research for my publishing firm has hopefully afforded you a bit of a taste for that line of work. You could very well end up running Grey Publishing one day."

"Thank you. I am enjoying myself. It's really eye opening seeing the different aspects of the field. Terry has been a great team leader."

"He knows his stuff! Between he and I, you're learning from the best."

"I can't thank you enough for this opportunity, Jack."

He leaned in. "Have you given any more thought to having dinner with me?"

Ana appeared visibly uncomfortable as she tried to avoid his gaze.

"I'd hate for people to talk. You are my boss's boss's boss, Jack. It doesn't seem right."

"How about just a casual drink after work, then? Think of it as more of a favor for me, in exchange for the recommendation I gave you to get this job."

Ana looked down at the pen she found herself fidgeting with.

"Miss Steele." Jack reached over and tilted her face up with one finger under her chin. "Ana. Can I be frank? I enjoy your company. I find you a delight to be with. All I'm asking for is one drink."

Trying to remain polite, Ana began, "It's not that... I actually don't... Jack, I..." flustered, Ana paused, struggling helplessly to tactfully refuse her boss's advances without pissing him off.

"One drink, Ana. Don't make me beg."

Jack pouted and batted his eyelashes, attempting to endear himself with Ana.

Christian made exaggerated retching sounds beside me.

Ana sighed."One drink after work." She conceded. "But only if others are coming too."

Not pleased with the thought of added company, Jack begrudgingly nodded. "Fine. Send out an email. Get back to me with names and I can put you on the guest list at my club. The Blur onTenth."

"Sure."

"I look forward to it!" Jack hopped off her desk and strode out of her office back down the hall to his own.

Shaking her head, Ana set forth to emailing her colleagues. Moments later another knock interrupted her.

"Steele!"

"Kavanagh!"

"All set for lunch?"

Ana looked at her watch. "Wow! Already? Sorry, I got a little sidetracked." She finished typing, then hopped out of her seat. "Okay, all set. Let's go!"

She grabbed her purse and they headed to a nearby deli.

"So, I'm gonna see Josh again tonight!" Kate squealed.

"That's great! He seems nice."

"Oh honey, 'nice' doesn't cover it! The man is a sex machine!"

Ana smiled.

"Sorry, I know we were going to go out for drinks with Jose tonight, but I'm going to have to bail on you."

"Oh shit! I forgot about that! I made other plans too."

"Oh? Hot date?"

Ana shook her head vehemently. "No! Just drinks with folks from work. I promised I'd go. Maybe I could meet up with Jose after..." Ana pulled out her phone to send a text to Jose.

"That's a shame. I think Josh has a friend we could set you up with."

"No thank you. I've seen Josh's friends the last time I went out with you two. Not my type."

Kate sighed. "You know Mr. Darcy only exists on paper, right?"

Ana rolled her eyes.

"You have such high standards. You just need to get laid already."

"I do not." Ana laughed. "Okay, maybe I do. Whatever. Just because I'm not easy like you."

"I'm not easy, just a little slutty at the right times."

"Usually at three in the morning when your roommate is trying to sleep in the bedroom next door."

Ignoring the comment, Kate continued. "I don't know why you don't just go out with Jose already. He's totally in love with you."

Ana wrinkled her nose. "You know he's more like a brother to me, Kate. I really can't imagine being with him romantically."

"Forget romance. How about a fuck buddy!" Kate waggled her eyebrows.

Ana snickered, then shook her head, dismissing the notion. "No. Besides, I don't want my first time to be with a 'fuck buddy'"

"Ethan's still single."

"Jeez, Kate! Would you quit trying to set me up? Ethan's even more like a brother to me than Jose!"

Kate rolled her eyes in return. "You're gonna die an old spinster, you know that, right?"

"Whatever. Mister Right is out there. Somewhere."

"He could be any of the guys that make moon eyes at you wherever we go."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"You get eye-fucked on a daily basis Ana."

"You're delusional."

Kate shakes her head. "I'm telling you..."

"Whatever." Ana polishes off her sandwich.

"You could get lucky tonight!"

"I doubt it, seeing as I work with mostly ladies. And you haven't seen the guys I work with." Ana made a face.

"Still, you're going somewhere public, right? Just call me if you need a wing-man!"

"Please, you're going to be busy checking out the inside of Josh's mouth with your tongue. "

"Oh, if I have my way I'll be checking out way more than his mouth with way more than just my tongue!"

"So who's going to be my wing-man?"

"Well, I guess Jose will be free tonight!"

"Won't he just love that!"

"He'd do anything for you."

"But he won't do that..." Kate snickered as Ana crooned the follow-up line from a Meatloaf song.

Christian laughed, amused by Ana's little aside. He found himself once again charmed by her sweet playfulness, albeit from a distance this time.

Kate finished her lunch, and they returned to Ana's office.

"Thanks for joining me, Kate."

"It was my pleasure!"

"I'll catch up with you tonight or tomorrow, whenever you're back from your date."

"Okay. See ya!"

Ana gave a quick wave as she disappeared into the building.

. . .

I moved us forward with my umbrella. In an instant, our senses were assaulted by raucous dance music and swirling lights in a darkened night club. Through the throng, Christian spotted Ana as our eyes adjusted to the dim lighting. Sheathed in a plum colored dress that made Christian stifle an audible groan, she sat chatting amiably with a few people at a large corner booth. Jack balanced shots from the bar between his fingers, and doled them out among those at the table. He pushed in next to Ana and slung an arm over her shoulder. Raising his glass, he raised his voice to proclaim over the din, "Excellent work on the quarterlies, guys. Congratulations. And I also want to give a big welcome to Miss Ana, here! You're a fine addition to the team!"

The group cheered and downed their drinks. The others at the table became immersed in animated conversation. Jack's fingertips lingered on Ana's shoulder, gently caressing the skin with his thumb. Jack leaned in further, his mouth to her ear and asked, "Would you like to dance?"

If Kate were with her, she'd be out there in an instant. Instead, she shook her head, trying to appear engaged but obvious in her disinterest. "No, I'm okay here."

"Are you not having a good time?"

"It's just... I don't like to dance." She lied.

Jack traced the hem of her dress, his fingers lingering on the smooth skin of her thigh.

"We could sit in a private room to talk, if you prefer. It's quieter."

"Uh, Jack..." Ana began. "I should probably start heading home soon. It's been fun, but..."

"Ana," Jack's eyes darkened. "I'd love to get to know you more. I can't stop thinking about you since you fell into my office."

Ana leaned away. "Jack, you've been very kind, but to be honest, I'm really not interested."

"Ana, hundreds of women would kill to be in your shoes right now. Anything you want, I could snap my fingers and have it in front of you in an instant."

"I'm sorry..."

Jack stiffened, his features curling into a sneer.

"Am I not good enough for you?" He hissed into her ear. "Do I not meet your standards somehow?" He paused and readjusted himself. His control broken for just a moment, the mask slipped back into place and he was once again jovial and aloof. Mercurial was an understatement.

Ana's workmates, oblivious to Jack and Ana's exchange, turned their conversation to her. "Ana! Let's dance!" They grabbed her hand and tugged at her to follow them.

"I..." She looked at Jack. "Sure."

Jack's face remained impassive as he watched her disappear into the crowd with the other ladies from the office. He tapped his fingers listlessly against the table, staring at her. Suddenly resolved, he got up and left the club for a short while, but returned and strode directly to the bar. He found the group of ladies dancing and offered them each another shooter.

"One more drink, ladies. On me!" He handed one to Ana and kept his gaze locked on hers as he said, "To good times!"

"Good times!" The group repeated and downed their shots. "Ladies, would you mind if your boss joined you for a dance?"

They looked at each other and shrugged. Ana averted her eyes and shrank back from the group. They continued to dance as one throbbing, bass-heavy melody blended into the next. The crowd was packed together, bodies pressed into one another, undulating en masse. Unnoticed by anyone but us, Jack subtly angled his body so that Ana was separated from the others. Gradually, she had been pushed further and further from the group as they dissipated among the crowd themselves. Jack had his hands on Ana's hips. She was wavering, pressed in among the crowd, the push of the bodies around her held her upright. Her eyes, heavily lidded, her head lolling slightly, Jack pressed up against her, holding her up and guiding her through the mass of humanity on the dance floor until they eventually found themselves at a rear corridor. Practically dragging her, now, he chuckled softly into her ear, "Come, my dear. Let's go somewhere where we can have a little fun."

. . .

"Where is he taking her?" Christian asked, nervously.

Another spin, then I raised my umbrella to reveal Jack and Ana in a BDSM playroom. Christian's breathing hitched . This room looked nothing like his own. Where Christian's playroom felt warm and opulent, Jack's exuded a much more cold, sterile, almost clinical feel. Metal cabinets lined the length of one wall, a steel grid with shackles hung on another. The third featured row upon row of whips and canes, and the entire fourth wall was one, big floor to ceiling mirror. A large, steel bed fitted with black silk sheets occupied the middle of the room, spot-lit and elevated on a dais.

The most shocking element: Ana lay, semi-conscious upon the mattress, her hands and feet spread-eagle and bound to each corner. I could feel Christian trembling beside me.

Jack stood next to the bed with a broad perforated paddle in one hand, and stroked Ana's cheek with it. He traced a line down over her breasts and between her legs. Another proprietary growl emanated from Christian.

"Such a pretty little cock-tease, you are. Tempting me for months from your desk. Giving me those flirty looks whenever I'm around." He clucked his tongue. "So many women would jump at this opportunity, but you had to be the one to say no." He shook his head. "Now, I love a challenge as much as the next guy, but enough is enough. I couldn't wait any longer. It's too bad your stubbornness made me resort to this."

Jack continued to fondle Ana. "I was hoping I could get you in here under different circumstances." He tweaked her nipples. Ana's eyelids fluttered and she gave a slight groan in protest.

He raised his arm and brought the paddle down onto Ana's breasts. Christian hissed as if he himself was struck.

Ana's eyes snapped open as she gasped and shrieked in pain. Her gaze darted around the room, taking in her surroundings, and finally settled on Jack. Her face shifted from confusion to fear in an instant and she pulled her arms and legs in a futile attempt to escape her bindings. Jack smiled. His eyes grew dark and malevolent as he sidled towards the bed.

"This could have been much more fun for you, you know. Most of the ladies I bring in here are rather fond of my toys. But you had to be a little. Uppity. Bitch. " He punctuated each of the last words with swats to her stomach and thighs.

Ana screamed, a keening wail, "Why?"as her tears coursed onto the bed.

"I told you," he said, lifting her chin with the end of his paddle so she could look him in the eye. "I always get what I want."

Ana continued to shriek. Jack slapped her face, suddenly, shocking her into silence.

Christian quivered, taught like a coiled spring beside me. "Mother. Fucker."

Jack knelt between her legs and licked the apex between her thighs. "Ah, you taste so sweet. And you smell of innocence. It's been a while since I've been with someone like you. I ordinarily love the struggle. I love to hear them scream and call out my name. But there's something to be said about the hard-to-get fucks." He stripped off his boxers revealing his bobbing erection, which he promptly fisted as he kneeled onto the bed between her legs.

"No, Jack. Please!"

He laughed, "Beg for mercy. Go on. That's my favorite part."

Snuffling, and biting back the pain, she choked out, "You sadistic bastard," between clenched teeth.

Jack gripped her face. "Oh honey, you don't know the half of it."

He stroked her cheek. "I've had months to think imagine you in all sorts of scenes. Ropes, suspension, caning you while you're gagged and bound, marking your flesh and making you scream. But those plans have all gone to shit. Now I have to get creative to make sure nothing marks you." Smack. Another hit, this time to her mound. Ana whimpered, crying.

"Typically I get my partners to sign an NDA, work out a contract, but you –" he chuckled and shook his head. "You had to be difficult. You could have enjoyed it. I could have eased you into it. Showed you the ropes, so to speak. But you're a stubborn little bitch. I had to have you, no matter what."

He spit on his hand and rubbed it onto his hardness for lubrication. "I was going to wait to fuck you after a bit more play, but it's been some time since I was last with a sub, and you've got me all hot and bothered. I need to fuck you now. Oh, but don't worry, the night is young. I'll introduce you to more of my toys later."

Ana squirmed, struggling ineffectively to buck him off of her. "Jack, please no. I'm a virgin!"

Jack paused. "Really?" he laughed mockingly. "Well that just makes this extra special then." With that, he thrust into her viciously.

Christian screamed as Ana did. "No! NO! Fucking Bastard! You mother fucking son of a bitch!" He lunged forward like an animal, forgetting his incapacity to come to her aid. I grasped him around the waist and pulled him back. "NO!" he wailed, trying to wrest himself from my grasp. "I need to save her! He's tearing her to pieces! I have to stop him!"

Ana screamed, "Jack stop! No! Please!"

Jack paused and wrapped his hands around her throat. "I could end this all so easily, Ana."

Ana's eyes bulged as she gasped for air.

"Let me make your choices very clear. This can either end pleasantly, or not. I have no qualms ending your life right now, and I have a plethora of yes-men at my beck and call that would be eager to provide me an alibi and make all traces of you disappear for a mere pittance to me. Not only that, but I could make the remainder of your loved ones' lives a living hell." Ana froze. "Oh yes, I know you live with Katherine Kavanagh in the Market district. I know your father is Raymond Steele and that he lives and works in Montesano. And your mother is Carla Adams, living in Florida with her husband Robert. I know a lot of things about you Ana. If you take your punishment like a good little girl, I'll make sure you walk out of here alive and your family goes untouched. But, make no mistake, if I find out you told anyone, or went to the authorities about this – "He tightened the grip around her throat.

"Do I make myself clear, Miss Steele?"

Ana nodded, her eyes, wide with terror and brimming with tears.

"Excellent." He removed his hands and began thrusting into her. "Oh baby, you are so sweet. Shit, you feel as good as I imagined!" Jack grunted as he thrust into Ana at a punishing pace.

I dropped the umbrella, the sounds from the room were silenced immediately. Christian turned to me, striking me about the chest and face in a rage. "Take me back! I want to go back! I have to save her!"

Blocking the blows and grasping his hands with one of my own, I can only reassert, "There is nothing you can do."

"I'll kill him! I'll kill that motherfucker!"

Christian writhed and wailed in agony over his futility. Fists balled, clenched to his head, he crumpled to his knees. "Ana. Oh my god, Ana." He sobbed. "How could he do that? How could he do that to my Ana?"

I stood there, watching him come undone. It seemed an eternity, but Christian was eventually quiet, the wracking sobs abated.

He sat at my feet, head in his hands.

"She was so innocent when we met. Even then, with all my… predilections… I knew I never wanted to hurt her. Not like that. What kind of… sick, fucked up piece of shit does that?"

"Jack has no morals. No conscience. He is selfish, and manipulative, and very, very cruel. Where you saw someone to protect, he saw someone to intimidate."

Christian mused, "When I first realized I loved Ana, it was like opening my eyes and seeing the sun for the first time."

"It was the same for Ana with you. You're her true love as much as she is yours."

"I needed her, you know." He reflected, quietly. "I'm sure you know. I didn't think I could love anyone until I met her. I've never known anyone so beautiful, inside and out. I didn't think I was worthy of her, of her love, until she came along and saved me."

"She needed you too, Christian. They all needed you."

"So that this doesn't happen? So Elliot doesn't get bullied? So Mia doesn't get molested? So my Ana doesn't get beaten and raped?"

"Not just that, Christian. You're not just a placeholder. Even without this evil in their lives, if you were never born they would only be a fraction of who they're meant to be. You are as much a part of them as they are of you. Your presence helped shape who they were, who they became. You are not the dark soul you think you are. You did not break the people you love. You helped make them better than they could have been."

. . .

I lifted my umbrella once he had composed himself.

Ana woke in a bed she had never seen before. Dizzy and disoriented, she sat up, panic crossed her face and she winced in pain as she remembered events from the prior evening.

Jack entered. "Oh Ana. What am I going to do with you?" He said, coolly.

Fearful, she curled away, trying to distance herself from him. "I want to go home."

Jack tutted as he placed a glass of orange juice and two pills on the beside table. "Advil for you."

Ana looked warily at him, not moving.

"You're an amazing fuck, Ana."

Silence.

"Do you remember our agreement?" He said quietly.

Ana nodded.

"If you go to the police, or tell anyone what happened, Kate – "

"I know."

" – your mother – "

"I know."

"- and your father – "

"Yes, Jack, I know. I know. No one will find out. I won't tell anyone. I swear."

Jack nodded, satisfied.

"I expect to see you at your desk, on time, Monday morning."

"I can't keep working for you, Jack."

"Oh, you can and you will. I don't want you raising any suspicion by leaving suddenly. You're to continue working at Grey Enterprises until at least the end of your internship contract. And, as a matter of fact, I so enjoyed our time together last night, I'd like to arrange to do that with you again."

Ana's eyes widened as she shook her head. "No. Please…"

"I'm due to contract a new sub, but your insolence adds a unique element to the usual experience. Keeping in mind our arrangement, I'd like to see you again for another scene."

"You can't keep doing this."

"If you value your friends and family's well being, then yes I can."

Defeated, Ana's face crumpled.

"Now, now. Clean yourself up. My driver will take you home. I'll see you on Monday and we can discuss our next meeting then."

. . .

I dropped my umbrella again. One final thing to show him, so that he got the full picture.

"Jesus Christ, how can it possibly get worse for her?"

Ana sat on her bed as Kate leaned against the dresser. Ana chewed her lip furiously. Kate merely stood, looking sad and concerned for her friend.

"So you don't even know his name?"

Ana shrugged. She avoids Kate's gaze.

"Oh, Ana, sweetie." Kate knelt in front of her friend and threw her arms around her as Ana began to cry. "It just doesn't sound like something you'd do."

"A lapse in judgment, I guess."

"So what are you going to do if – "

Ana shook her head. "I don't know."

The timer on Kate's watch beeped. Kate looked at Ana who closed her eyes and drew a shaky breath. She rose and went to the bathroom, returning with a white plastic stick. Her pale face crumpled and she began to cry.

"Fuck."

Kate rushed to her friend and held her as she sobbed.

I lowered my umbrella and turned to Christian.

"Pregnant?" Christian whispered. It was reminiscent of how Christian's evening started.

I nodded.

"That fucker got away with raping her and getting her pregnant?"

I nodded again. "She's humiliated and broken, and now her life has changed completely because of him."

Christian's eyes brimmed with tears thinking of the state he last left Ana.

It pained me to have to show him all that transpired with Jack and Ana, but he had to know. He needed to.

Again, I gave my umbrella one final spin.

. . .

"Now you know, Christian. You've seen what life has been like to this point without you. Now it's time to see life now." I lift the umbrella and we find ourselves, again, on the bridge where we began this journey. "Go on. Your wish has been granted. You were never born. Christian Grey doesn't exist." I step back, and Christian is no longer sheltered by my umbrella. He looked around, confused.

"Hey!" He yelled at the spot where I was last visible. "Hey!"

He spun around, but saw no trace of me. Cautiously, he surveyed his surroundings.

"What the fuck is going on?"

Rubbing his eyes, he became keenly aware of how drained and weary he felt.

Was that all some fucked up, booze-fuelled dream? Jesus. I need to get home. I need to see Ana.

He patted his pockets for his phone but found nothing. No wallet either.

Well that's just fucking perfect.

Seeing no one, he headed back to Escala. With no keys in his pockets either, he flagged down the doorman.

"Johnson! I seem to have lost my keys. Could you let me in?"

The doorman gave him a stony look, "I'm sorry, sir, you are?"

"The guy that hired you?"

Again, nothing.

"Johnson, it's me, Grey. Christian Grey. Quit fucking around. Let me into my fucking apartment."

"Sorry sir, I don't know who you are, and I cannot let you in."

"I'm Christian fucking Grey! I've lived in the penthouse for years and see you every time I fucking go out for a run. Now let me in."

"You must be mistaken. The current residents have lived in the penthouse for the past 3 years. I've never seen you before in my life."

Christian's mind reeled.

Shit.