Chapter Three

Christian has seemed unsettled all evening, and consistently evaded Ana's attempts to find out why, so she puts down her cutlery and says, "I'm not eating another thing until you tell me what's wrong."

With a cheeky grin, Christian says, "Won't do you any good. We both know you like it when I feed you." When Ana merely glares at him, her arms crossed in defiance, he sighs and says, "Fine. She wants to meet with me; the…my former sub, Angie."

Her heart beating fast enough that the sound is just a blur in her ears, Ana swallows and says, "Then I presume you have an excellent reason for considering it?"

"How do you know…oh, because it's bothering me." With a quiet smile, Christian says, "You're so smart." His somber mood returning in the next instant, he continues, "Yes, she's agreeing to give us enough on her Dom to make him do actual jail time for the extortion. Without her testimony, he'll probably just receive a fine or suspended sentence. I'm filing a civil suit. But that's more of a grand gesture, to prove that I'm serious. Since no real losses were incurred, we're not expecting much compensation. We'd get more if I argued that you suffered trauma, but that would mean you'd have to get involved." With a fierce grin, he adds, "And that's not going to fucking happen. What do you think, baby?"

"Any idea why she needs to actually see you?"

"She probably wants to apologize, but I'm not sure. I haven't even spoken to her in a little over three years. When I knew her she was a good person; honest and discreet. I'd be shocked if this blackmail attempt was her idea. All I know is that her attorney says she wants to talk."

"And it's better for us if the man does time?"

"Much. It will send a very clear 'Don't fuck with me' message."

Ana considers for a while and then says, "Okay."

Christian stares at her, mouth agape, for several seconds before saying, "Okay? You're fine with me having a chat with someone I used to beat and fuck in this very building?"

Her mind running screaming from the images this conjures up, Ana reflexively swallows and says, "Well, I wish you hadn't put it quite like that, and please don't ever do so again. But, yes; on one condition."

Somehow he guesses and is shaking his head as he says, "No way. No fucking way, Ana. You're not getting involved."

Opposing his rising agitation with an equally adamant serenity, Ana says, "I'm already involved. And, if we're sending a message, it needs to be one of solidarity. I'm coming with you."

"Then I won't see her."

Again crossing her arms, Ana counters, "Then I'll wait for the next blackmail letter, or news article, or unscripted question about your past. Your secret will come out eventually, Christian. When it does, I'll be by your side, challenging everyone to prove that you're anything other than a caring, loving husband who's dynamite in the bedroom and the playroom. You haven't done anything wrong. I'm not prepared to let anyone think I'm ashamed of you…of us."

He tries to maintain the glare, but Ana watches as it softens to a look of quiet pride. He points to her plate with his knife handle and says, "Eat."

Somehow sensing that she's won, Ana still asks, "I can come with you?"

"Only if you eat."

Magnanimous in victory, Ana resumes her meal in silence. Not until they're finished and Christian is, as always, assisting her from the chair, does he say, "Thank you."

Not sure what she'd been expecting, clearly not this vision of efficiency before her, Ana is struck by how normal Angie looks; brown hair and eyes, of course a similar build to Ana, and dressed in a smart, feminine business suit. Apart from not being blonde, she actually fits in pretty well at Grey House. They've agreed to meet in a vacant conference room; the woman consenting to a pat down by Taylor and accompanied by her lawyer.

Similarly accompanied by an attorney, who just happens to be his good friend Brit Hertz, Christian doesn't relinquish Ana's hand even when they sit down opposite their "guests". Brit nods to his colleague and says, "Tim. Would you like to get the ball rolling?"

"Uh, yes. Thank you, Mr. Grey, for consenting to this, given that it's somewhat irregular. My client would like to make a short statement. I've explained that you are under no obligation to reply in any way." Sliding a folder across the table to Brit, he explains, "This is a copy of her full statement to the police. I've been instructed to submit it when we leave here, no matter the outcome of this…meeting. As you can see, it's already signed."

Brit is about to open and read the document when Christian puts his hand on it to stop him, saying, "She's never lied to me."

Clearly out of his element, Tim retrieves the folder as he says, "Uh, well. Okay. I'll be outside."

When the door clicks shut, Angie finds the courage to meet Christian's gaze, saying, "Thank you, sir."

"It's 'Mr. Grey' now, Ms. Fleet."

Angie nods and looks at Ana, saying, "You're even prettier in person."

Christian's voice of doom, familiar to everyone present, calmly promises, "If you address my wife directly again, we're leaving."

Dropping her gaze to her suddenly nervously wringing hands, Angie says, "Sorry, s…Mr. Grey."

"Just say your piece, so we can get on with putting that vicious bastard behind bars." That gets her attention. At her confusion, Christian says, "You haven't changed. And the Angie I knew would never consent to this. He must have forced you."

Her eyes filling with tears at his compassion, Angie reveals, "I heard the news of your marriage and mentioned that I knew you. He guessed how. When I wouldn't give him any details, he locked me up for three days without water. I couldn't…I'm sorry. I barely knew what I was saying by then. I fled as soon as I could. I didn't even know what he'd done until the police arrested me."

When Ana starts squirming in distress and opens her mouth to speak, Christian taps her hand twice where it still rests in his. When she settles down at his silent reassurance, he says, "It's all right, Angie. I don't blame you."

"Thank you. Would you please apologize to Mrs. Grey, too?"

When Ana taps Christian twice, he glares at her. So she repeats their secret code and sees the wary acceptance in his eyes. Satisfied that he's not too upset, Ana says to Angie, "Is there anything we can do for you? I mean, do you need help to get further away from the man?"

A glance at Christian brings a curt nod in reply, so Angie smiles at Ana and says, "No, thank you. I have friends. I'll be fine."

Clearly impatient to be elsewhere, Christian says, "That it?"

"Yes, thank you. It's good to see you happy."

Ana can't stop herself from asking, "He wasn't before?"

This time, when Angie silently asks permission of Christian, he rolls his eyes and says, "Go ahead."

Smiling, Angie says, "No, ma'am. He was caring, considerate and passionate…at times a lot of fun, but not happy. I can see the difference in him. Clearly you're what had been missing from his life."

Genuinely moved, Ana says, "Thank you, for that. I hope you find happiness, too." Squeezing Christian's hand in reassurance, she starts to stand, saying, "I'll wait outside."

Christian, however, clasps her hand even tighter and, his voice almost a plea, says, "I've nothing to say to Ms. Fleet that you can't hear."

So that he'll know she's okay with the idea, Ana kisses his forehead and says, "I know that, darling. But Angie has something she needs to tell you."

Christian glances at Angie, to see Ana's theory confirmed in the shock on the woman's face. He smiles and says, "Did I mention that my wife reads minds?" Without even looking at the man, he says, "Taylor?"

"Mrs. Grey is safe in this building."

It's a flat-out refusal. Before Christian has a chance to react, Brit is getting to his feet, saying, "I'd be happy to keep you company, Ana." To Angie, he adds, "Mr. Taylor is the most discreet person in this room."

It's not clear who Angie is talking to when she says, "Thank you."

Without making a conscious decision on their destination, Ana leads Brit to Christian's office. Once there, he grabs the nearest chair and brings it closer to her. She smiles and says, "I'm fine, thanks."

His expression one of aching concern, Brit gently commands, "Sit down before you fall down, Ana. You're as white as a sheet."

As if his words are permission, the trembling starts, and Ana is gasping with the effort of not weeping. With only a nod in reply, she complies before the waves of dizziness and nausea consume her. Satisfied that the danger has passed, Brit leaves her side, but returns only seconds later with a glass of water. His permanent expression of woe compels her to drink the lot before saying, "Thank you. I'm okay, now."

Finally able to smile, Brit says, "No, you're amazing. Anything else I can do?"

Ana chokes on her laugh and says, "A week without drama would be nice."

"I'm afraid that not even Chris can seem to manage that. But how about we girls go shopping this weekend?"

"Thanks, B. But I don't actually enjoy shopping all that much."

With a grimace, Brit says, "Me, neither; deadly dull, with almost no chance of drama."

Catching on, Ana beams at him and says, "Sounds perfect, thank you. Okay if a friend joins us?"

"Of course."

They arrange a time and Ana is texting Kate the details when Christian enters. He doesn't even acknowledge Brit. But squats down before Ana and gently pushes a stray strand of hair from her cheek as he warily asks, "Are we okay?"

Smiling at the fact that she's stealing Brit's line, Ana says, "No, we're amazing. All done?"

Christian stands and declares, "All done." He hands Brit a slip of paper and says, "These names are men who may have received similar threats, but wouldn't talk to Angie. Let them know they're safe. Keep my name out of it."

Brit nods, but then says, "Tim could have done this for her."

"Possibly. But she was reluctant to trust him with it."

Ana smiles and says, "Plus, she needed to know that you don't hate her."

"Why would I hate her?"

For some reason finding it incredibly funny that Christian still seems unaware how many people love him, Ana is fighting laughter as says, "You wouldn't. You couldn't." Determined to put the whole, sordid business behind them, she brightens and says, "Brit's taking Kate and I shopping on Saturday; straight after my driving lesson."

"Does he know you don't like shopping?"

"Yes. We expect it to be incredibly boring."

She sees comprehension in Christian's eyes, and he asks, "Will one afternoon be enough?"

Brimming with love that he understands how much she needs this, and doesn't seem to mind, Ana warmly says, "Thank you. I'll let you know."

Christian stands to bid his friend a grateful goodbye. Brit stops Ana from standing, instead kissing her forehead and saying, "Take it easy. I'll see you on Saturday."

When the door shuts on the world, it's evident that Christian feels the need for a show of strength even in front of his best friend. Because it's as if something leaves his body, making him appear smaller. Without a word, he drops to his knees before Ana and lays his head on her lap, his arms gently encircling her waist. Shocked at the display, she can't react for a couple of seconds, and then starts gently running her fingers through his hair. When he still says nothing, Ana manages to instill a note of reproof in her voice when she "admonishes" him, "This feels suspiciously like an apology, Mr. Grey."

"Maybe."

"I'm okay, Christian. It was a bit of a shock. But she seems really sweet. That man won't be able to hurt her again, right? He'll be in prison for a very long time."

This intimate with Christian, she actually feels the sudden tension in him. Eventually, he says, "With her testimony, and Brit's machinations, he'll probably get the maximum for extortion; twelve months."

Wondering if she's misheard, Ana echoes, "Months?"

"Yeah. Her contract with him was such that Brit says none of her allegations would stand up in court. She's doing this – potentially putting herself in danger – to influence the sentence and make sure the fucker does jail time, for us…for me."

Finally understanding why he's so upset, Ana grips Christian's hair and lifts his gaze to hers, so she can see his expression when she says, "That's not your fault. Do you hear me? She chose him. It was clearly a poor choice. But her welfare is no longer your responsibility. I'm sure Angie would say the same thing."

Managing a ghost of a smile, Christian reveals, "Angie did. She won't let me apologize, either."

Satisfied with what she sees in his eyes, Ana says, "Still, we'll do what we can to keep her safe, right?"

Now the one warily studying his partner's face, Christian cautiously reveals, "Taylor's volunteered to keep tabs on him, at our expense, but without my involvement other than that. I'll only give him permission if you're okay with it."

With a shrug, Ana says, "We might as well. Jason will just do it as his own expense if we don't."

Christina finally manages a real smile and says, "Yes, you're probably right. God, I wish that I could just take you home right now."

"Busy day?"

"Incredibly. I'll probably be late again. I'm still allowed to apologize for that, right?"

Smiling at his quip, Ana quickly formulates a plan that may help them both cope, and says, "Actually, today's not too busy for me. How about I let Gail know that I'd like to cook tonight? I could leave early and, when you get home, we'll switch off all our phones, eat dinner together and sit around the house…maybe even watch TV, like an old married couple."

With a grin, further proving that he's healing, Christian says, "And maybe end up in the playroom?"

Ana laughs, from relief and joy, then says, "Okay; like an old married, kinky couple."

Suddenly standing and drawing Ana into his embrace, Christian says, "Sounds perfect." His voice heavy with emotion, he then asks, "Do you have any idea how much I love you?"

She hasn't felt the need for a while, but Ana doesn't hesitate to take one of his hands and place it over her heart, even as she rests a hand on his chest and says, "No more than I love you."

Satisfied that the dinner is ready, Ana turns off the oven. She's about to remove her apron when arms envelope her waist from behind and Christian's voice says "Leave it. I like it; domestic is a good look on you," just as Norah Jones softly croons in her ear-buds, "Like a light bulb in a dark room."

Laughing, Ana offers him one of the buds. Christian listens for a few seconds, smiles and asks, "Is that a request, Mrs. Grey?"

Leaning back against him, promising more, Ana says, "Later. Dinner is ready."

Christian kisses Ana's neck, just below her ear, seriously messing with her equilibrium, before releasing her. When she turns to face him, he removes the bud from her other ear and says, "Reminds me; you need to ease back on these things. I'll have a technician put an iPod dock in every room, so you won't end up deaf."

"I don't have it very loud, Christian."

Again wrapping his arms around her waist, Christian says, "Are you going to argue? Because I'd rather not spend the evening consulting the research into the consequences of spending hours every day with even moderately loud, concentrated sound assaulting your ears."

He's obviously thought this one out, so Ana says, "No. That's okay. I'm sure you're right."

Grinning his victory, Christian tightens his embrace and says, "Baby, I'm always right."

Giggling at his playful manner, so different from this morning, Ana jokes, "Yes, Sir."

As always, her affectionate teasing awakens his passion. Christian stares down at her for a few seconds, then kisses her and takes a step back, saying, "Okay; dinner. What are we having?"

With a smug grin, Ana reveals, "Mac and cheese; Taylor's recipe."

His face transformed by a joyful smile, Christian says, "Marry me."

Ana laughs again as she readies the meal, saying, "I did."

With their meals on trays, Ana picks up hers and says, "Follow me."

Clearly amused, Christian grabs the other tray and does as bid. When they bypass the dining room, he says, "We're eating in front of the TV, aren't we?"

"Yes; like normal people."

With Christian not giving a damn, Ana has possession of the remote control. Eventually finding one of her favorite crime shows, she starts eating, only to see that Christian is almost finished. When she laughs, he looks up, realizes why and says, with his mouth full, "Good."

Shaking her head as she resumes her meal, Ana affectionately accuses, "Caveman."

Before Ana has finished, Christian leaves with his empty plate and returns with a second helping. Mirroring her smile, he sits down as he says, "Very good." Leaning over to kiss her cheek, he adds, "Maybe we don't need Gail after all."

Ana knows he's not serious, but "protests", "Oh, no you don't; I have a job. I'm not spending my days serving you."

Wondering why her brain would betray her like that, Ana's own words remind her of Angie. Refusing to examine the connection, she tries to focus on the fictional hunt for the murderer. But an echo of her concern remains, and she's picking at her food when Christian gently says, "Sweetheart, just ask me."

Somehow, his compassion acts as a command on her emotions. Putting aside her plate with suddenly trembling fingers, Ana moves into his arms as she says, "I will, thank you. But just hold me for a while."

Adjusting his position for her comfort, he does exactly that. Ana manages to keep the tears at bay and, when her breathing becomes more relaxed, Christian says, "Baby, if you're okay, can you sit up a little? You're resting on two large helpings of mac and cheese." Giggling, Ana is already complying, and he adds, "Thank you."

Finally composed, Ana claims one of Christian's hands for strength and says, "He would have…she must have been under a full-time contract, right? No way could a woman with friends be held captive for three days, otherwise."

Christian nods and says, "Yes. It's why we terminated our relationship. She was happy for a while. But what Angie really needs is a Dom who'll be there for her, twenty-four hours a day. She doesn't function too well without that kind of…direction."

"But…she seems so smart and capable."

Smiling, Christian says, "Like you."

"But I'm not a sub."

"No, but you do submit, so you know better than most that intelligence doesn't preclude a need to surrender. Angie's need is greater, or more acute, but she's still a bright, talented woman. I'm surprised that you're surprised. Did you think I'd be attracted to dullards?"

Realizing that he's right; the fact that he encourages and is always proud of her accomplishments is an indication that he wouldn't have settled for less. Ana is now at ease and smiles as she says, "That's an old-fashioned word."

Also smiling, Christian caresses her cheek for a moment and purrs, "I'm an old-fashioned guy."

Recognizing his altered mood, Ana says, "I'm not done talking yet, and you're too full for whatever image is behind those eyes."

Christian chuckles and says, "Fair enough. Any other questions? And can this count as our twenty minutes?"

"Good idea. Uh…are you and Taylor okay, after he refused you today?"

"Yes. I fired him again. We're fine, now." As if remembering something, Christian asks, "Oh, how did you know that Angie needed to speak to me in private?"

"Well, you'd already said she was a good person when you knew her. And I could see immediately that you were right. There's no way the woman you described would blackmail you into a face-to-face. She was going to testify whether or not you agreed. So I figured she must have had a good reason for apparently acting out of character; a secret that she felt reluctant to share with anyone but you seemed the most likely option."

Christian gazes at her with only love for several seconds, and then warmly says, "And you must know that, if our situations were reversed, there is no way in hell I could have done what you did today; certainly not with your grace and class."

Blushing, and mildly annoyed that it's still so easy for him to do that to her, Ana can't quite meet his eyes when she asks, "You think I have class?"

Apparently in earnest, Christian lifts her gaze to his with a gentle hand under her chin and says, "I do. You're a genuine lady. I am daily in awe of you, and eternally grateful that you tolerate my presence."

It's almost too much. Ana's chest actually aching with love for him, she says, "I'm not taking my tray back to the kitchen."

The air between them suddenly crackling with sexual tension, Christian calmly asks, "No?"

Shaking her head, Ana manages not to smile as she adamantly declares, "No."

When Christian glances at her plate, Ana guesses that he's calculating whether she's eaten enough for health, and if it's too much for comfort when they play. In that moment, Ana realizes that she now loves even this obsessive attention to detail. When his gaze returns to hers, Dominant Christian is staring at her as he commands, "Then you know what to do."

Where credit's due: Norah Jones song is Turn Me on.

To allysmum, for the term "old married, kinky couple". Thank you.