A/N: That last chapter... what can I say? Hot right?! ;) *fanning myself.*
APOV
Waking up sore is a given when you're Christian's lover. I feel overused, but in a good way. A very good way. The way that man can make me come... The way he makes me feel. Not only physically but emotionally, as well. Those words he said to me, as he shredded those pictures. I couldn't control my tears. Happy tears. I am so glad he asked me to marry him. I know I was scared at first. Look at my parents, of course, I was scared. But those words Christian spoke. I knew they came from his heart and I knew he meant every word. That I am the only one for him. As he, is the only one for me. We are meant to be.
My mother sure knows how to upset me. I guess all parents do. Carrick upset Christian after we announced our engagement to his family. Though, Christian seemed more than upset. But honestly, I see why his father suggested the pre-nup. I know he's just concerned for his son. Me, being his only known girlfriend. The only girl he's introduced to his family. And we're already engaged, after only being together for a month. If this situation happened to my offspring, I would probably feel the same. Wanting to protect them from what so obviously screams, gold digger. I know I'm not. Christian knows I'm not. But I've only interacted with is family less than a handful of times. I hope as time goes by, and his father gets to know me better, he will see he has nothing to worry about.
Our parents are happy for us. Concerned, but happy. My mother... I can get what she said out of my head. My first marriage?! My ONLY marriage! We never really, ever got along. I'm glad I stayed with Ray when they divorced. I couldn't believe my mother remarried only a month after divorcing Ray. And that husband number three gave me the creeps. Of course, if I had gone with my mother, maybe I wouldn't have met Paul Clayton in high school. Although, I'm not sure if that would put me out of danger. Near the end of summer vacation. I went to visit my mother and her new husband Steven, husband number three, in Vegas. He would constantly look at me. Not just look, but stare. At my body. I became extremely uncomfortable and when he 'accidentally' touched my behind, I called my dad that day and went home early. That marriage didn't last long. Five short months. She doesn't like to talk about him. Then she remarried. Again.
I stretch out and reach for Christian. His side is empty and warm. He must of just got up. I hear the shower start. Looking at the clock, I see it's time to get up and get ready for work. I get out of bed and walk into our bathroom to see my sexy man through the glass shower doors. He's washing his hair. Unashamed to eye fuck my future husband, I do. He's a fine specimen of a man. Even flaccid, he's big. I can't believe that fits inside me. I take off the T-shirt I'm wearing and my panties. I open the shower door. He turns around hearing it open. His eyes, eye fuck my body, just as mine did his, when I came in the bathroom.
Standing at the entry of the shower, not entering yet. I ask as seductively as I can. "Mind if I join you?" I bite my lip and his eyes go straight to my mouth and darken.
"Not at all."
I walk in. I get my hair wet and Christian gets the shampoo. He lathers it in my hair, washing it for me. We rinse my hair and he starts washing my body, paying extra attention to my breasts.
He kisses my shoulder. "Did I wake you?"
"No. I woke and then heard the shower. I decided to join you."
"I'm very glad you did."
I let out a small moan as he pinches my nipples. "You must be a breast man." I giggle.
"I'm an Anastasia man. Hands flat on the wall. I'm going to take you now."
After our incredible shower, we dressed for work. We're eating our breakfast that Mrs. Jones has prepared.
"My mother wants to meet you before the wedding." I let him know.
"And I her. I'm not sure when but we'll fly down to Georgia before the wedding."
"Don't go out of your way just to meet her. If your too busy it's fine."
"Baby." He chuckles. "You sound like you don't want me to meet her. I have to meet your mother. She's my future mother in-law."
"I know. But she can be a bit much. Just as I didn't want Ray to scare you away. Carla will be worse. Where Ray was an overprotective father, we're not biologically related. Carla can be flakey, she's all over the place. And tends to speak before thinking. She doesn't mean any harm, she just doesn't have a filter. I want you to know I am nothing like her. I'm more like Ray."
"I know what you're like. I wont hold the way your mother is or anything she says against you. I have to meet your mother, baby. We're getting married." He says serious.
"I don't want you to meet her and think that I'm like her. I'm not."
He kisses my head. "Not to worry, baby. I'd marry you even if she was a crack-whore. You don't hold my birthmother against me. I'm not holding yours against you."
"Christian-"
"Mr. Grey." We turn around on the stools we're sitting on, when Taylor interrupts us. "There's a issue, sir. Welch just phoned."
"What is it." Christian demands in his CEO voice. Taylor glances at me for a brief second. If I blinked, I would have missed it. Me? "I see. Take care of it." Christian clenches his jaw.
Taylor nods, leaving. I look at Christian concerned. What about me? Christian must see the worried look I give him. He kisses my head.
"Nothing for you to worry about, baby. I'm taking care of it." I just nod.
We've finish our breakfast, so we leave to go to Grey House.
Christian says since it's a nice day, he wants to drive us in his R8. Taylor and Sawyer following in the SUV. I really love this car. I've yet to drive it. I wonder if Christian would ever let me drive his precious R8.
"What are your plans for today, baby?" He asks, as he starts to drive. He looks extremely sexy driving.
"I'm not sure. I should probably get on with wedding planning since we don't have long. I expect, Kate and Mia, will probably call with wedding ideas and bombard me with their ideas."
"Don't let them plan our wedding. This is your wedding not theirs. Take what they say into consideration but don't agree on anything if you don't like it. I'd marry you wearing anything, but I'd really hate to see you walk down the aisle wearing a Pepto Bismol pink dress."
I laugh imaging that. "I should wear that outfit I wore last night."
"The fuck you will!" He roars.
"I'm just joking, Christian. For your eyes only."
"Damn straight!" He runs a hand through his hair. "Fuck, that was so fucking... Fuck!" He says thinking of yesterday, unable to explain it in words. I can agree with that. It was indescribable.
He pulls up to Grey House and parks his R8. Christian gets out and opens my door. Walking into GEH, we get the usual response. Stares. I'm sure they would be stopping and starring if they knew how we spent our weekend. There's that blush that has been hiding. I was thinking of our engagement, though my inner freak thought of our incredible office sex yesterday.
We get into the elevator with Taylor and Sawyer. Sawyer gets off with me at my floor and Taylor goes up with Christian. Walking to my desk, I discretely take off my engagement ring, putting it safely in my bag. I'm not sure what Christian would think of this. He'd probably flip, but we haven't gone public yet with our engagement and I really don't want it leaked to the media. If them hounding me, like at my apartment when they first found out I was Christian's girlfriend is anything to go by. I can only imagine what they will be like, once they find out we're getting married.
I sit at my desk, turning on my computer. I get everything ready to start my day. Mr. Logan walks past my desk, to go into his office.
"Good morning, Ana. Good weekend?
"Morning. Yes. It was really great, thank you. You?"
"Mine could have been better." He winks at me, as he enters his office.
Was he flirting with me? Does he not know who my boyfr... I mean, does he not know who my fiancé is?! Well, I guess he wouldn't know Christian is my fiancé, yet. Although, he should defiantly know, Christian is my boyfriend. If he knows what is good for his health, he better keep his distance from the CEO's future wife.
I get to work reading manuscripts.
CPOV
I kiss Anastasia and she gets off the elevator on the Grey Publishing floor. The doors close. Now I can talk with Taylor about the issue.
"What's going on?"
"Sir, Welch called to say, that someone tried taping into Ms. Steele's phone. Welch and Barney are in your office now, waiting to debrief you."
I nod. And as soon as the elevator doors open, we storm past Andrea and Olivia, into my office. Welch my security advisor and Barney my IT guy are waiting for us. I sit behind my desk and nod for them to begin.
"Sir," Barney begins. "I've been monitoring Ms. Steele's phone, as I do yours, since she's been associated with you publicly. This morning, I got a ping alerting me that someone tried hacking into her phone. When my firewall bounced them back they tried tracking her through her phone. I blocked the tracker and diverted it back to them. I've set her phone so they can't track it again. I'm working on who it may be, but so far, I've got nothing. All I have found is that they are here in Seattle. I'm still working on it, sir."
"Taylor mentioned an ex. A Paul Clayton. He's a suspect, but as you are who you are, it could quiet possibly be anyone." Welch informs me of what I already know.
"I've hired Reynolds and Ryan, adding to your security. I've assigned Reynolds to tail Clayton. He hasn't located him as of yet. Clayton hasn't been easy find, since his family lost their home and the hardware store. He's not staying with his parents and they seem to of had a falling out due to this whole predicament." Taylor lets me know.
"Assign Ryan with Sawyer, on Anastasia. Sawyer will stay on as her CPO, Ryan will tag along for extra security when she's in public. Once the media finds out about our engagement it's going to be a shit storm. They swarmed her when they found out she was dating me. If they find out we're getting married before we're ready to announce our engagement... " I can only imagine.
"Already on it, sir." Taylor informs me.
"Keep working on who was trying to hack into her phone. I want to be notified as soon as you find out who it is. I suspect Paul Clayton. I want confirmation on my suspicions."
They all nod and take their leave. I pick up my phone to call Ros.
"Ros, have the Claytons confirmed the move to Alaska?"
"The parents of Paul Clayton have agreed to the terms. They haven't heard from their son in a week. I've tried calling as well, but I get no answer."
"The contract is for all the Clayton family members. That includes Paul Clayton. If he doesn't agree as well, the deal is off."
"I'll let them know."
"Be sure that you do. They only have a limited amount of time before this offer expires." The office wont expire, because I want him far away from my Ana. Though it helps to move a deal along when people think they're on borrowed time.
I get off the line with her and begin my day.
Olivia brings me my coffee and looks shocked when I thank her. Andrea follows her in, to go through my schedule. She's my PA and takes care of my scheduling. I have no choice but to inform her of my pending nuptials so she' wont schedule anything during or after, for our honeymoon. She congratulates me and I continue with my day.
APOV
Right on queue, I receive text messages shortly before lunch. From both Kate and Mia.
I talked to my mom. She'll do your gown, but you'll need to meet with her ASAP, since you're wanting to wed in a month. -KK
Ana! We need to go over invitations! Lunch? -Mia
I'm torn between which to do first. Dress or invitations? I'll need a dress to get married in. We'll need invitations to send out to our family and friends. Christian can help with the invitations, he can't with the dress. I'll do the dress, during lunch and invites, this evening. That way Christian will be home to help.
Sure. We'll go to your mom's shop together? -A
I'm spending my lunch hour with Kate. We're going to her mother's wedding dress shop, for my measurements and to discuss my dress that she'll design and make. Invitations this evening? Christian will be home to help. -A
Okay. Cool. I'll text my mom. Pick me up? Sawyer driving or do we get to enjoy your convertible? -KK
Mmmmm...
Oh! Oh! Oh! Can I join you?! I want to dress shop too! -Mia.
Sure. Can you meet us at Kavanagh's Bridal Boutique? -A
YES! -Mia
Mia's joining us. She'll meet us there. See you soon. -A
Okay! This is going to be so much fun! -KK
It's time for my lunch break. I start gathering my things and walk to the elevator. Sawyer joins me and I go up instead of down.
-DING-
I walk off the elevator and see Olivia Christian's intern sitting at the desk. I don't see Andrea anywhere. I walk to the desk.
"Hello. Is Christian available?"
"Mr. Grey, is in a meeting. He's not to be disturbed." Darn. There goes my plans.
"Okay. Thank y-" I'm interrupted by a deep sexy voice behind me.
"Baby? Everything alright?"
I turn around smiling. "Yes. Everything's fine."
He's coming out of a conference room. I walk over to meet him. There is a glass wall so I can see inside the room he was just in. A meeting being held. He notices me looking inside the conference room.
"I'm sorry, I can't do lunch today. I have meetings all day."
"No." I shake my head. "I'm going with Kate and Mia. To do stuff." I raise my eyebrow, hinting what 'stuff' I'll be doing.
"That's great. What can I help you with?"
"Well, I was wonder if I could drive."
He furrows his brow. "The SUV?" I shake my head. His eyes widen, eyebrows to his hairline. "The Spyder?"
"Spyder?"
"The R8. I told you, it's an Audi Spyder R8." He explains. "You want to drive my car?"
"Yes." I squeak and bite my lip.
He smirks. "Getting accustomed to the lifestyle of the rich and famous already, future Mrs. Grey?" He asks quietly.
I shrug my shoulders. He looks as if he's considering it. Then puts his hand in his pocket, pulling out his keys.
"Don't dent it." Handing me his keys. I'm totally shocked. It doesn't hurt to ask, but I never thought he would agree. I get to drive the R8!
"Not to worry, Mr. Grey. I wouldn't dream of wrecking your precious car." I say with a wide smile.
"It's not my car that's precious to me. It's you that I'm worried about. I can fix the car if it gets damaged, I could give a fuck. I can just as easily buy fifty, with out noticing a dent in my bank account. But you. I can never get another. Be careful driving, baby. My precious cargo is aboard." The things this man says to me.
"Christian." I say emotionally and wrap my arms around his neck, kissing him.
He returns the kiss but he doesn't let it get too far and is the first to pull away. He takes my left and brings it to his lips but stops short. He looks at my hand and then back to me, raging mad.
"Where the fuck is your ring, Anastasia?!" He growls out quietly through his teeth. Seething.
Oh no. I forgot to put it back on in the elevator before I came to his floor.
"I-I. Um. I-I have it. I just took it off temporarily. Um, we haven't gone public with our announcement yet and I didn't want someone to notice and tell the media. I'm going with Kate and Mia to Kavanagh's Bridal Boutique and if the paparazzi see me going into a bridal shop wearing an engagement ring, they'll put two and two together. I wouldn't want a repeat of what happened when they found out we were dating. I imagine they would be worse with an engagement." I quickly give him my excuse.
He continues to bring my hand to his mouth and kisses where my ring should be. "Good thinking, but I want it to stay on your finger. Never to be taken off. Ever. Return it to it's rightful place as soon as you're no longer in public. Immediately after you leave the wedding dress shop, baby."
I nod my head and give him a chaste kiss. "Of course." Melt down diverted.
"That reminds me. I've added to your security. Sawyer will stay on as your CPO. But you'll also have another following you, so when the public does find out, nothing like what happened before should be an issue. The situation will be better handled with two security details. Ryan will be working with Sawyer. Stay near Sawyer. No more waiting at the entrance of stores. He's to go wherever you go from now on. No exceptions."
"I understand. I'll let you get back to your meeting. I'm going to go now, I don't have long. I'm meeting Kate and we're driving to her mom's shop together."
"Have fun, baby. Remember. No pink 'Pepto' dress." He kisses me again. I giggle.
He goes into the conference room, returning to his meeting. "Excuse the interruption, gentlemen. Personal business. Shall we continue." I hear him say to the room of businessmen in his controlled CEO voice. Nothing like how he was just speaking to me. They all look stupefied. I giggle.
Sawyer and I get back on the elevator and go down to the main floor. When we step off, a man walks up to us. I presume him to be Ryan, the security Christian mentioned. He is wearing the same MIB suit, Taylor and Sawyer wear. This is so weird. I giggle thinking he may take out the mind eraser thing they use in that movie. But then immediately stop. I hope not. I don't ever want the memory of Christian taken from me.
"Ms. Steele, this is Ryan. He'll be joining us. Ryan, this is Ms. Steele."
"Miss." He says with a nod. Well, at least it's not ma'am.
"Ms. Steele, is fine." I smile. I would say Ana, like I've asked Sawyer and Taylor to call me. But I know Christian likes things to be formal with 'staff'.
I walk out with my entourage. They follow me to Christian's R8, that is parked in his personal space. I get in and start the engine. It actually purrs. I see my security get into the SUV, Sawyer driving. I put it in drive and press my foot on the pedal. I feel like I'm flying. It has a lot of power. I drive to Seattle Times and Kate is already waiting for me. When I pull up in this car, her mouth drops open.
I honk when she just stands there, not moving. We don't have all day, Kate.
"Holy shit, Steele." She says getting in and buckling. I drive us towards her mom's shop. "Wow, Ana. I'd say you've got, wife of a billionaire down. This car is hot!"
"I know." I say and grin just as Christian did when I commented about this car, my first time seeing it.
We're almost to the shop when Kate yells out. "Ana!"
"Jesus Kate! What? You startled me."
"Where's your ring?!"
"Oh. I took it off." I glance at her, as I park in the lot of the shop. Her eyes widen. "It's not what you think. I don't want the media to see it."
"Oh, well that makes sense. Does Christian know you took it off?"
"Yes." I say as we unbuckle and get out. "He's not happy about it. But he understands why. I'm to put it back on as soon as we leave here."
We enter the shop and both Kate's parents are here. The store is empty. Kate hugs her parents, they return her affection and then hug me.
"Kate, tells us you're getting married, sweetheart. Congratulations. I never thought I'd see the day." Kate's mom says to me.
"Yes. I am. Thanks. And thank you so much for making my dress on such short notice, Kelly."
She waves me away. "Don't you worry about it, dear. You're family. You must be Ana's fiancé. I'm Kelly Kavanagh." I turn around to see she is talking to Sawyer.
"Um. He's my security. Christian Grey is my finance."
"Oh, silly me. Eamon and Kate mentioned that. It must of slipped my mind." She laughs. Kate rolls her eyes at her mother. I giggle.
"So Christian Grey is finally settling down, huh? We've done business together. He's a shrewd operator." Kate's dad asks.
"Yes, but we're keeping it to ourselves at the moment. I know you're all a big news family with owning Kavanagh Media and Kate working at Seattle Times but I'd really appreciate it if you all could be discreet. We want to keep quiet about it for now. I don't want the paparazzi hounding me."
"As my wife said, darling girl. You're family. Your secrets are safe with us." He assures me like I knew he would.
"Thanks, Eamon. I really appreciate it."
"I'll let you ladies get to it. I must be getting back. Ana, darling girl. You'll make a wonderful daughter in-law to the Grey's. I know." I smile.
The Kavanagh's always treated me like their own daughter. It was like I had a second home and family with them. I no longer call them Mr. and Mrs. Kavanagh. It would be like calling Ray, Mr. Steele. Weird.
Kate's dad leaves and as we're walking with Kate's mother to a private room in the back, Mia comes rushing through the door with Grace. Mia is pulling Grace by her arm. Grace is wearing still wearing her scrubs.
"Sorry we're late. Mom wouldn't hurry."
Grace closes her eyes, sighing and pinching the bridge of her nose. I giggle.
"Mia." She tells her daughter frustrated. "I cannot hurry when I'm with a patient. I told you to go ahead and I would meet you here. I would have liked to of changed first." Grace looks at me. "I hope you don't mind that I've tagged along darling girl."
"No. Of course not. You're more than welcome."
We all go back to the private room so Kelly can take my measurements and we can discuss the dress I'd like her to design for me.
She asks me if I'd like privacy, just her and I, while she measures me in my underwear. But since Christian, I've been confidante as ever with my body so if the girls are okay with staying in the room. I don't mind either. Thankfully, I'm not wearing a pair of the crotchless panties today. Giggle. I take off my work clothes and heels. Kelly asks me to stand on the platform in the middle of the room. I do and she starts taking the measurements of my body,she needs while we discuss what I'd like and our wedding plans so far. We don't have much planned at all. And not much time to plan it either.
"So, I know the date. Do you have any other plans confirmed?"
"Not really. We've just started planning."
"Have you decided where yet?"
"Christian's parents' estate." I tell her and look at Grace, smiling. She smiles back with glossy eyes.
"How nice. An outdoor wedding then?"
"Yes. Their grounds are breathtaking. I asked Christian and he agreed."
"It was your idea to get married at our parents house, in the backyard?" Mia asks.
"Yes. Christian liked the idea, as well."
"Alright, sweetheart. I have all the measurements I need for your gown. You can get dressed and we'll discuss and come up with an original design for your wedding gown."
I step off the platform and dress.
We're all sitting around imputing ideas into the gown that Kelly will make. It's frustrating with so many different opinions of the what the gown should look like. Kate's vision is a bit too daring for a wedding. Lord, help Mr. Kavanagh's heart when this girl gets married. Mia insists on the typical big puffy ball gown like a princess would wear. Luckily, not pink. Grace's vision was a little too old fashioned for me. I'd like a more modern, sexy but sophisticated gown.
I notice Kelly only writing down my ideas and I smile a grateful smile at her. She winks, in understanding. I guess she does do this everyday. Brides and their families discussing gowns. I tell her I want a slim fitted gown. I want to show off my curves but modestly. I'd like to be sexy for my husband but also classy. I tell her I'd like a lace gown. Lace is very beautiful. Classic. It's getting close to the end of my lunch break. Kelly tells me she will come up with a few designs I can choose from and she will get right on it, since the wedding is only a month away. I thank and hug her.
Kate, Mia, Grace and I, along with my security leave the bridal shop together. We walk out and hug each other, saying our, 'see you laters' and head to our cars.
When Mia sees I have the R8, she yells "Christian let you drive his car?!"
"Yes." I smile, remembering his 'precious cargo' comment.
"Wow! He must really love you."
"Of course he does. That's why he's marring her." Kate says.
"Christian never lets anyone drive his baby. Wow Ana." I smile. I giggle, thinking this car is no longer his baby. I am. And he will definitely not be letting anyone ride me.
I drop Kate back off at Seattle Times and drive to the deli to grab a sandwich. I'll eat at my desk, while I work since I didn't get a chance to eat during my break. I get out of the R8 and walk to the deli's entrance. Ryan in front of me and Sawyer behind. I hear some fumbling, scuffing, and grunting behind me. I turn around to see Sawyer pushing a man up against the building, holding the man's arm behind his back. It looks painful. I can't see the man's face. I wonder what happened to cause Sawyer to act.
Ryan is standing next to me, he puts his hand on my elbow.
"Get into the SUV, Ms. Steele". Ryan orders.
I glance at him as he leads me to the back of the SUV instead of the R8, that I've been driving. He has his other hand near his holster, ready if need be. I look back to Sawyer and the man, as I walk to the SUV. I guess this is why I now have two men protecting me. Although, I still don't trust this Ryan guy yet. I've just met him today.
Ryan opens the rear door of the SUV. I make to get in, but stop as the man starts shouting.
"What the fuck, dude! Get the fuck off me!"
I quickly look back. Recognizing the voice.
A/N: I know that is Kate's father's name. I couldn't find her mother's name.