A/N: WOW! I am really surprised and happy at how many people agree with me on the whole cheating thing. You guys and girls are awesome! This is most definitely a high five moment! I wanted to add Lily 'because I just want to play around. She never liked Ana so I'm going to take that to my advantage. A few ideas have popped up on what I might do so we'll just see how it goes. Hope you like it.
"Who does she think she is?"
I am sitting on the ground, my head in my hands. People are standing around me in a circle. Blocking off any chance of escaping.
"You're nothing but a gold-digging whore!"
No I'm not! I try to speak out but my voice is lost. I love him.
"He's only with you because you're having his bastard child."
"I bet she's blackmailing him."
No you're wrong! You all are! He loves me and I love him!
"She can't give him what he needs. I bet I can."
No! I am enough for him. I do give him what he needs. Don't I? Maybe I don't. I lift my head from my hands and standing in front of me is Elena, Leila and Lily? Why her? Behind them stand faceless women. All staring down at me.
"You will never be enough." Elena spits.
I am! Nooo...! I scream
"Fuck! Ana! Baby, wake up! Ana!" Christian shakes me awake, panicked. I force open my eyes, my breathing harsh and I'm covered in sweat. Christian is hovering over me, searching my face for anything.
"Ana?"
"Oh, Christian." I cry and cover my face with my arm.
"Hey. Come here." He says, then pulls me into his embrace. We're sitting on the bed in our home, it's still dark. I continue to cry into his chest. Why am I so shaken up? It was only a nightmare, right? And why the hell did I dream of Elena? Of all the people to dream of I dream of her.
"Shh...You're safe, baby." He coos, rubbing my back to calm me down. Ever since yesterday, meeting Lily again, I've been getting a nagging feeling about her. It could just be me being paranoid.
My breathing has calmed down and my crying has gone into small whimpers. Christian cups my face and looks deep into my eyes. He's trying to find something.
"What's wrong?" He asks.
"I don't know. I'm probably being paranoid." I reply, wiping my tears away.
"Ana. Tell me. What are you thinking?" He orders softly. I hesitate. Do I really need to bring this up again? That I might not be enough?
"Ana."
"Christian. Am I really enough?" I ask, my voice a whisper. He drops his hands from my face to my lower back. My gaze drops to his chest. He's hurt. I know it.
"Look at me." He orders and I reluctantly meet his gaze.
"You are everything that I need." He takes my hands and lifts them to his lips and kisses each one.
"You are my more, my love and my life. You have saved me from the darkness that continued to take over my soul. I owe you my life, Ana." He chastely kisses my lips and then leans his forehead against mine.
"Don't ever doubt that you are not enough. You satisfy me more than anyone ever has done or ever could. You are all I need. You and Blip. That's all." He murmurs.
"Oh Christian." I wrap my arms around his neck and bury my face under his chin.
"What's brought this all on, Ana?"
"Just that nightmare I think."
"What was it about?"
"I'm not really sure. But for some reason I dreamt of Elena, Leila and Lily."
"Elena and Leila I understand. They always made you doubt yourself. But why Lily?" He knows me so well.
"I don't know. Just after yesterday when she joined us at your parents, I've been having this nagging feeling. Something feels off about her."
"Don't let her get to you. She's nothing to worry about. If she does try anything let me or Sawyer know."
"I will." He nuzzles my hair and inhales, then kisses my head.
"How about we get some more sleep?" he asks.
"Actually..." I trail off, my intention clear when I kiss his neck.
"Oh, Mrs Grey." He cups my face then kisses me deeply. It becomes heated, desperate and passionate. This is what I need. He is my balm in all things, as I am for him.
"I need you." I whisper against his lips.
"I'm here for you, baby. Always." And with that Christian makes sweet, slow love to me and all my worries disappear.
After showering with Christian, I quickly dress in my grey pencil skirt and loose, silk blue blouse. Luckily, the skirt hugs my bump wonderfully and the blouse is just the right size, although a little tight around my breasts.
I walk downstairs and then join Christian at the breakfast bar in the kitchen. He's reading the newspaper and eating pancakes.
"Good morning, Ana. What can I get you for breakfast?" Gail asks me, placing a cup of tea in front of me as I sit on the stool next to Christian.
"I'd love some pancakes with chocolate sauce and strawberries, please?"
"No problem." She sets off to make my breakfast. I swirl on the stool to face Christian who is eyeing me.
"Can I help you, Mr Grey?" I smirk at him raising an eye brow then crossing my leg over my knee. He wolfishly smiles at me and his eyes darken with need.
"Just enjoying the view, Mrs Grey." He replies and then continues eating his breakfast. I turn back to the counter and drink my tea.
"So when are you meeting the girls?" He asks, finishing his breakfast. Gail places mine in front of me.
"After lunch. My meeting is at 10 so it should be finished by 12."
"Sure you still want to go? I know how much you hate shopping."
"I'll be fine. Kate and Mia will keep me entertained."
"That's true. Sawyer and Ryan will go with you today."
"That's fine." I reply, eating the last mouthful of pancake. I didn't realise how hungry I was.
"Good." He smiles at me. "I have to get going. I'll see you later, baby." Christian says as he stands and kisses me deeply. Then he joins Taylor and leaves.
"Gail, I might be home early today."
"That's fine Ana. Would you want to wait for Mr Grey to come home till dinner?"
"Yes, if that's ok?"
"Of course it is." She smiles at me which I return. I say a quick goodbye to Gail and head off to work with Sawyer.
When we arrive at GP Hannah has a stack load of manuscripts waiting for me in my office.
"Where did all this come from?" I ask her.
"Most of the authors handed them in before Christmas. Roach said leave them here for you."
"Ok. Thanks Hannah. Looks like I better get started before my meeting. Can you take a few of these and read the first chapter or two for me and write up reports?"
"Sure. No problem, Mrs Grey."
"Ana! Please. Call me Ana."
"Sorry, Ana."
"It's fine. Can you also bring me some tea?"
"Ok." She says and gets to work.
How am I going to get through most of this before my meeting? Better get started.
As I start to settle into my third manuscript my email pings. It's from Kate.
From: Katherine Kavanagh
Subject: Shopping!
To: Anastasia Grey
Hey Ana!
We still meeting up after lunch?
Kate x
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: RE: Shopping!
To: Katherine Kavanagh
Hi Kate.
Should be able to make it.
Got a load of work to catch up on and I'm not sure how long my meeting will go on for.
I'll text you.
Ana x
Anastasia Grey
Editor, Grey Publishing's
From: Katherine Kavanagh
Subject: RE: re-Shopping!
To: Anastasia Grey
No bother. I'll let Mia know.
I think she is still bringing that Lily girl.
I don't like her. I've got a bad vibe coming from her.
Kate x
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: I feel the same!
To: Katherine Kavanagh
She's awfully quiet.
At Bellevue she wouldn't stop staring at me.
Luckily Sawyer and Ryan will be with us if anything goes down.
Have to go. My meeting is about to start.
See you later.
Ana x
Anastasia Grey
Editor, Grey Publishing's
I quickly log off and grab my notes for the meeting. What is Roach going to go on about now?
While I'm in my meeting I get Hannah to work on some more manuscripts. The quicker we get through them the better. I don't want to be stuck here after hours. Before heading into the conference room I grab a quick snack from the kitchen. Blip always as great timing when it comes to food. Not! I am the last one to join the meeting and all eyes are on me. I smile shyly. I hate being the centre of attention when I don't want it.
"Right guys. As you know, Mr Grey has taken over the company." Roach starts. A few eyes on my again but I concentrate on my snack.
"We're very fortunate because we were going downhill pretty fast and with his help we can get back on top. So to tell you about what's going to happen, Mr Grey has agreed to come in himself to let you all know." What?! Oh hell no!
And there he is. Walking in. Smug smile on his face. Eyes instantly on me. Oh he loves to surprise me! I look back down at me food then back at him and his smile is warm. Yes I am eating! I may slap him if he keeps going on about food.
"Morning everyone. As Roach just said I want to give you a brief on what's going to happen to the company. Obviously it is too early to branch out at the moment but I think maybe in a few years time we can expand." He explains. I start to zone out while he continues to talk.
Why couldn't he have just told me at home? I bet he just likes to see the expression on my face when he shows up at work. Taylor is standing in the far corner with Sawyer and they seem to be discussing something. Probably my trip today.
I am momentarily distracted from my thoughts when someone walks in with a tray of coffee. Oh no! I sit there wide eyed, fighting the urge to vomit. Coffee? Seriously Blip? I continue to fight the urge till they come closer to me. Oh god no! I jump from my seat and run out of the room heading straight to the rest rooms. I throw up straight into the first toilet, my breakfast making a reappearance.
"Ana?" I hear Christian's panicked voice entering the ladies toilets.
"Christian you shouldn't be in here." I mumble, my head resting on my arm. He pushes open the door to the cubicle and kneels next to me.
"I don't care. You ok?" he asks, stroking my hair out of my face.
"I think so."
"So coffee now?"
"Looks that way. Why are you here?"
"Ana. You heard Roach. Just a briefing. Come on. Let's get you some water." He says and helps me to my feet. I lose my balance a bit and he catches me. My hands cling to his upper arms.
"Ana?"
"I'm fine." I whisper.
"No, you're not. I'm taking you home."
"No! I have tones of work to catch up on. Please?" I don't want to go home just because I threw up.
"Fine. Just take it easy. Ok?"
"Ok." I whisper. He helps me to my feet so I can wash my face.
"Do you want me to call Mia?" He asks.
"No. I can't turn her down. You know how much she loves shopping."
"That's true. I would join you but I have a lunch meeting."
"It's fine. I'll stay close to Sawyer."
"Good. Shall we get back to the meeting?"
"You could always fill me in later." I suggest.
"I could fill you in now, Mrs Grey." He smirks at me and his eyes are dark.
"Oh no you don't, Mr Grey. Not here. Not now." I scold him playfully. I know his full intensions. Not at work!
"Really?" He pouts that sexy out at me, snaking his arms around my waist.
"Really. You can have me later."
"I'll hold you to that." He replies then kisses me. "Let's go." He murmurs and I nod. Taking my hand he leads me back to the conference room.
"Sorry about that everyone." I say as we enter. Christian continues to lead me to the chair next to where he was standing earlier. He pulls it out for me and I sit down.
"Feeling ok, Ana?" Roach asks. I look around the room and I see people smiling at me with sympathy. Also the coffee has disappeared.
"Yes. I'll be ok."
"Now that that's settled. Here's what I'm going to do..." Christian trails off. He loves going into detail about everything.
After the meeting has finally ended, Christian joins me in my office.
"You have all this to get through?" He asks, surprised by the about of manuscripts that I have laid out on my desk.
"Yes. Hannah has half."
"I don't want you pushing yourself, baby."
"Christian, I won't. Don't worry. I have managed to get through most of them. I'll leave some for tomorrow and take some home with me."
"I don't want you stressing." He walks over to me pulls me close to his chest where I rest my head. His left hand stroking my hair.
"I won't. If it gets too much I'll let you know."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
"Good. What time are you meeting the girls?"
"Some time after lunch. 1 I think?. So I have time."
"Time for me?" He murmurs seductively.
"I always have time for you, Mr Grey. But not right now." I giggle at him as he pouts.
"Don't pout."
"And why ever not, Mrs Grey?"
"You know why." I deliberately bite my lip. Christian growls at me and devours my lips. His left hand tangled in my hair, holding me in place.
"Don't you have a lunch meeting to get too, Mr Grey?" I ask, pulling away breathless. Oh what he does to me.
"I do. But you're distracting." He replies, breathless as well.
"Then I won't distract you anymore."
"But I like your distractions." He whispers.
"I know. But we both have work." I say.
"Good point well made, Mrs Grey. I shall see you at home."
"See you at home." I reply and kiss him chastely. He leaves swaying his hips in that way, leaving me with something to think about.
"Hannah!"
"Yes, Mrs Grey."
"Ana, please. How are you getting on?"
"Sorry, Ana. Almost done." She smiles.
"Wow! Really?"
"Yeah. Is there anything you need?"
"Would you mind helping me once you're done?"
"Of course. No problem. Would you like some tea?"
"You are a mind reader. Please."
"Coming right up."
"COME ON STEELE!" Kate yells from the corridor. I quickly pack my things and just as I am about to leave my office my Blackberry rings. Ah...Christian's ringtone.
"Hi." I say with a smile on my face.
"Hey, baby. You about to head out?"
"Yes, Kate has just turned up at my office yelling." I giggle.
"I love that sound. Just wanted to hear your voice and let you know that I'm going to be late home."
"Oh. Ok." My expression falls. "Everything ok?"
"Yeah. Don't worry about it, baby. Just the usual thing with Taylor, going over security details and all that with Barney and Welch."
"I didn't know you do that. Well I guess I'll see you tonight then."
"Sorry, Ana. Listen. Spend as much time and as much money as you want."
"Christian..."
"For me, Ana. I don't want you to be lonely."
"I won't be. I just miss you a lot."
"I'm only up the road."
"I know. But can't a wife miss her husband?"
"Of course. I miss you too. Listen, baby. I got to go. I'll speak to you later."
"Ok. I love you."
"And I love you." He replies then we hang up. Walking out to meet Kate she wraps me into a hug.
"Everything ok, Ana?"
"Yeah. Christian's just going to be late home." I say. I look up to her and it looks as if she is trying to hide something.
"What?"
"Nothing. Come on Steele. Let's go shopping."
"Let's!"
I am on the verge of collapsing. My feet are killing me! Mia and Kate have dragged me around every store they could lay their eyes on. They even picked out a load of baby clothes and toys for Blip. I feel sorry for Sawyer and Ryan. They are close behind me, carrying my bags full of things that Mia insisted I should buy. I couldn't say no. Now they have decided to try out a load of dresses and shoes.
"Mrs Grey." Sawyer says, bringing me back to the present. He holds a bottle of water out for me.
"Thank you, Sawyer." I take it from him and drink it. It's almost magical. I didn't realise how thirsty I was.
"Ana! What do you think of this?" Mia asks, walking out of a dressing room. She comes towards me as I am sitting on a sofa. Mia is wearing a scarlet red dress and shows off her every curve. It's low cut at the neck and stops above her knee.
"Wow! You look amazing, Mia." I say. She really does.
"What's this all for?" I ask.
"Ethan is taking me out to dinner tomorrow night."
"Really?" We hear Kate call as she joins us. She looks amazing in a pale blue dress similar to Mia's.
"You look great, Kate. What's your occasion?"
"Oh just a treat for myself."
"What do you think, Lily?" Mia asks, wanting her opinion. She's been so quiet sitting in the arm chair away from me.
"Fantastic as ever, Mia. You are going to knock Ethan out with that dress."
"Thanks. Ana, why don't you try on a dress?"
"Ha! Like anything in here would fit." I laugh. "Maybe you haven't notice." I point to my bump.
"Yeah I know. But you seem to be hiding it well." Mia starts walking round looking for a dress for me. "From the looks of you right now, you are uncomfortable. So... Ah! Try this on!" She grabs a pale pink, sleeveless dress with a white belt around the middle, and it stops just on the knee.
"Mia, I don't know..."
"Oh go on. It'll look great on you." Kate insists.
"Fine." I have no energy to fight. I go into the dressing room and quickly change. I walk out and glance in the mirror. It actually is rather nice.
"Oh Ana. You look stunning. And it shows off your bump."
"I don't really want to show it off." I say, my hands rubbing my bump.
"Why not?"
"I just don't want to attract attention."
"Ha!" Lily laughs out.
"Lily! What the hell?" Mia asks.
"She always attracts attention."
"No she doesn't."
"You better back off." Kate spits out.
"Lily. How many times do I need to tell you? Christian is not interested in you." Mia exclaims.
"Grow up would you." Kate says. "You're making yourself look worse than you already do."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" She shouts at Kate. I can't take this anymore. I go back to the dressing room and change. They continue to argue in the middle of the store. I walk to the cashier and pay for my dress.
"I am really sorry about them." I say and hand the woman my card.
"It's not your fault...um...Mrs Grey." She says. I smile at her. I nod for Sawyer to come over to me.
"Sawyer can you tell them to stop arguing they are driving all the customers away."
"Of course." He hands my bags to Ryan and walks over to the girls. I don't want to deal with them.
"Here you are, Mrs Grey."
"Thank you."
"You're leaving?" Mia asks, worried.
"Yes. I am not putting up with all this."
"Ok. Let me get changed and pay and we'll head off. Kate is just getting changed now."
"Ok." I reply. She walks away from m eand grabs her phone. I wonder who she's calling? I walk over to Lily so I can confront her.
"Listen. I know you don't like me. Most women don't. But don't go accusing me of attention seeking. If you actually bothered to get to know me rather than drooling over my husband, you would know that I try to avoid attention. So back off." I tell her quietly. I have more manners than her. Christian would be proud right now.
"Mia! Kate! I'll be outside." I call to them.
I walk outside with Sawyer and Ryan in tow.
"You can go put those in the car." I say. Sawyer hands his bags to Ryan so he can go put them in the car and bring it round. Sawyer stays standing next to me. The cold air is refreshing. I look around and the street lights are coming on as the sky darkens.
"I think when they've joined us again we'll head home." I tell him.
"Of course. I'll be just a minute." He says then takes a few steps away from me to make a call. Why is everyone being to secretive about phone calls?
"Here she is!" Mia says to Kate and unfortunately Lily. "So what next?"
"I'm actually going to head home, if that's ok with you?"
"Of course, Ana. You look beat."
"Oh thanks!" I laugh playfully.
"Go on, head home." Kate says. Her and Mia both smile at each then back at me. What?
"Ok. I'll see you guys later. Bye!"
"Bye!"
"Ready to go, Ana?" Sawyer asks.
"Yes." I reply. He leads me over to the SUV where Ryan has stopped waiting for us. I get into the backseat, strap myself in and let my head fall on the head rest. What a long day! My feet are killing me. As we head into the traffic I close my eyes, just hoping for a little nap till we get home.
"Mrs Grey?"
"Hmm...yes?"
"We're home."
"Thank you, Sawyer. And you Ryan for joining us today."
"My pleasure, Mrs Grey."
I climb out of the car and head for the front door. Christian said he was working late so I think I have plenty of time to have a nice hot bath.
I walk through the front door and laid across the corridor are rose petals and candles. What on earth? I follow the trail into the dining room. I look around and there is no one there to be seen. At one end of the table there are two place settings. Candles flicker all around the room and tall red roses stand in vases placed along the table. I am standing at the place settings when I feel arms snake around me.
"Hello, Mrs Grey." Christian whispers into my ear and then starts to kiss that sweet spot on my neck.
"I thought you were working late?" I murmur, leaning my head back against his shoulder.
"I wanted to surprise you with a romantic dinner."
"Well I'm very surprised, Mr Grey." I turn in his hold. He's wearing a fresh white shirt, open at the top two buttons which reveals some chest hair, and his grey flannel trousers that hang in that way.
"Hungry?" he asks.
"Famished."
"Good. Take a seat." He pulls out the chair on the end for me and I sit. He sits in the seat next to me. Not a minute later, Gail walks in with a tray of food as Christian opens a bottle of a non-alcoholic wine.
"Thank you, Gail."
"My pleasure, Ana." She smiles at me and leave us to our meal.
"This looks wonderful." I say. A simple beef wellington with steamed asparagus and new potatoes.
"Enjoy." He says.
"How did your meetings go?" I ask.
"Slow as usual. Nothing too important. How was your day with the girls?" He asks. I let out a frustrated sigh.
"Ana? What's wrong?"
"Oh, that Lily girl got into a tiff."
"A tiff?" He asks confused.
"Yes. She basically called me an attention seeker. I put her straight...well...after Kate did." I giggle to myself and Christian smiles a little.
"She better not try anything again."
"She won't. So anyway. Mia and Kate convinced me to buy a dress. Oh and a load of baby clothes and toys."
"Really?" He sounds amused. "You'll have to show me."
"Oh you will see them when we put them away in the nursery. Although we may need to make space for them."
"That much?"
"Yep."
After I finish my meal I stretch my arms and a yawn escapes my lips.
"Tired, Mrs Grey?" Christian asks as he takes my hands and kisses my knuckles.
"Very. That was a lovely meal. Thank you."
"You're welcome." He smiles against my skin.
"I could really go for a bath right now." I murmur seductively, biting my lip which makes Christian's eyes go darker.
"Well, in that case." He releases my hand and stands. Walking to me and he lifts me into his arms. "We shall go for a bath." He starts to walk out of the dining room.
"Wait. Let me just..." I kick off my heels and oh how good it feels.
"Better?"
"Much. Now. To the bath, Mr Grey." I say.
"With pleasure, Mrs Grey." He kisses my cheek then carries me up to our bathroom.
Once there, we strip each other and our lips devour one another. After our relaxing bath, Christian helps me to relax even more in the best way he can.
A/N: I hope you liked this chapter. I still have a few ideas floating around my head for drama concerning Lily. Reviews much loved!