Chapter Twenty-four

Controlling his fury with every trick he's ever learned, Christian too-calmly asks Taylor, "Say again?"

Taking a deep breath, Taylor says, "Other than a grazed knee, Ana is absolutely fine. But there was an incident with the press at GP. Ryan did his best to get her safely into the building, but they were both jostled and Mrs. Grey was knocked to the ground. They're on their way home, on her orders…actually, probably there by now."

Noting the uncharacteristic use of "Ana", Christian relaxes further, knowing that Taylor is also controlling his temper. "Is this Ryan's fault?"

"Not in my opinion, sir. Though I'm sure he feels guilty. Not even the extra security we've stationed at the parking garage could have prevented this forever. It was only a matter of time since that photo of Mrs. Grey circulated."

That photo; the one taken with what can only have been a very expensive zoom lens, showing the bald patch on Ana's head and her healing scar. She'd carefully styled her hair to cover it up, so they must have stalked her relentlessly to get that money shot. Since then he'd banned all newspapers from the apartment, because Ana didn't need to face headlines speculating on whether she or the baby might die at any time. Shoving a few papers into his briefcase, he says, "Right. Looks like I'm going home very early, today."

Christian calls Ana on the way to the car, and she answers, "I'm fine, Christian, really. Just a skinned knee. Gail is playing nurse for me."

As always, calmed just by the sound of her voice, Christian promises, "I'll be there, soon."

"No, please, darling. I'm honestly okay. It was a bit scary, but Ryan stopped anyone from actually getting to me, and you know how clumsy I can be. It wasn't his fault. I've already rung the office. They understand and will no doubt be glad that the press will be forced to find something else to do for a while. You'll just be bored at home. I'm going to get some rest and do what work I can from here until things settle down."

Motioning for Taylor to wait, Christian comes to a halt, saying, "You do sound okay."

"That's because I am. Please, baby, I'm relaxed and well. Little Blip found it a bit exciting, but I'm fine."

"Blip is moving?"

"Yeah, I told you; those little flutters."

"Oh, right." A deep sigh and he says, "I can do this if you get Greene to check you and the baby, today."

"I will. I promise." A muttered "Thanks, Gail," and then Ana quietly asks, "And will you reconsider if Pam says it's okay?"

"Our next checkup with Renner isn't for two days, which will be only four weeks since Adams cut into your brain."

Ana is quiet for a few seconds and then attempts, "Have I not been a good girl?"

His dick, already at attention at her line of questioning, swells still further at her tone and choice of words. Leaning his head against the nearest wall, as the sudden intensity of his desire for her curves leaves him lightheaded, Christian says, "Fuck, Ana, would you go easy on me?"

"I have, darling; almost four weeks of nothing but foreplay. I haven't had any of the symptoms they said to watch out for. I'm not going to break, Christian. I'm fine. But I've promised to let you decide, so that's why I'm asking you, instead of planning a seduction."

As if he actually has a choice, when his dick is practically pointing towards Escala, Christian finally relents, "You win, baby; if Greene says it's okay. Can I trust you to tell me the truth about this?"

Ana giggles and says, "Probably not. Yes, of course. I'll see you tonight. Thank you, darling. Sex you soon."

Christian groans and hangs up the phone. At Taylor's obvious concern, he says, "Uh, Ana, she…" Waving a hand to dismiss that explanation, he settles for, "Pregnancy hormones and brain surgery; tricky stuff."

Presumably only his years of training keep his reaction to sparkling eyes and a slight twitching of his mouth, and Taylor says, "I imagine so, sir."

After a very unconvincing glare at his friend and bodyguard, Christian spins on his heel and heads back towards his office, saying, "Ana will be working from home for now. I'm not having her or the baby in danger because of those jackals. I want two people on her whenever she leaves the apartment, and I want one of them to be you."

"She's not going to like two of us shadowing her, sir."

"No, but she'll fucking do it. She knows very well that I'm daily fighting the urge to just whisk her away and keep them safe."

When Christian suddenly stops, Taylor almost runs into him, saying, "Sir?"

Resuming walking, Christian says, "Nothing. Just had an idea that she might be able to live with. Have Welch grab all the footage he can of the incident. If there's a chance to see any of these fuckers do jail time, make it happen. But only if it's by the book. I don't want them to have any reason to turn it into another story."

Already getting his phone out as they walk, Taylor's voice is harsh as he says, "My pleasure."

"What the fuck are you doing?"

Startled by this rude interruption to her sudsy reverie, Ana quickly recovers and doesn't even open her eyes to tell Christian, "I would think it's perfectly obvious that I'm having a bath." Then opening her eyes and pointing to the baby monitor, she adds, "And, if you're going to use language like that, would you please switch that off? Though I'm guessing Gail's already switched it off at her end, now that she knows you're here to keep me safe."

Immediately mollified by this knowledge that Ana has at least considered her safety, Christian does as bid. Beside the monitor is a page of instructions: How to take a bath while pregnant, and a thermometer. Dropping to his knees beside her, he says, "I'm sorry."

With no trace of bitterness, Ana asks, "For?"

"For once again forgetting to trust you, when I know very well that you'd never do anything to put our baby at jeopardy."

Apparently it's enough, because Ana's face brightens with a ready smile and she observes, "You're early."

Relieved to be so easily forgiven, Christian grins and says, "Well, once you texted me 'We have a green light', I found it surprisingly difficult to concentrate on work."

"Then I think you're wearing far too many clothes, Mr. Grey."

"You'll behave? Bath's too dangerous a place for our first time."

Her gaze deceptively deferential, Ana looks up at him through her eyelashes and traces a cross, in bubbles, on her naked chest.

"Oh, fuck. There's no fucking way I'm getting in there with you in that mood."

Ana giggles and says, "I'm sorry, baby. I'm just teasing. Of course I'll behave. I need you to wash my hair, remember? Pam says that the scar is looking good, but still to check with Renner before soaking it." With a warm smile, she adds, "Besides, I like you pampering me."

Still wary – the fear that he might inadvertently hurt Ana during sex having returned his nightmares, but with a new plot – Christian decides to trust her and says, "Be right back."

When he does soon return, now naked, Ana drinks in the sight of him and says, "I've changed my mind. I'm going to take you right here in this tub."

Recognizing that she's mostly joking, Christian grins and teases, "Not if I take you first."

Despite their need, they manage to keep it clean, in every sense of the word, while Christian washes Ana's hair; her sitting between his legs, facing away from him. "How's it looking back there?"

Gently touching the puckered scar – at first so shocking that it genuinely distressed him to look at it – Christian says, "Not too bad; healing nicely, and your hair is growing back. You've got a patch of fuzz." Remembering that this sign of physical trauma is the reason why Ana no longer suffers crippling headaches, Christian steels his courage and tenderly places his lips to the site.

There's several seconds of silence while he returns to gently cleaning her hair, and then Ana whispers, "You've never done that before."

He can hear the tears, so Christian wraps his arms around the top of her chest and shoulders, saying, "No, sorry. But I know you understand that it totally freaked me out to look at it. Other than I anchored my gaze on yours and didn't let go of your hand even when you fell asleep, I'm not sure how I got through the surgery. So I couldn't stand seeing that reminder of what you've endured."

Resting her arms over his, relishing the almost platonic contact, Ana says, "Of course, I understand. I'm just amazed you could do it at all. And now you're able to kiss my scar? I'm in awe of your courage."

Christian smiles and kisses her cheek, then says, "Funny, I seem to recall saying almost those same words about you more than once."

They're quiet again for a while, just silently drawing comfort from each other, and then Ana says, "Just had a horrible thought; with your courage, and mine, our child really will be fearless. How the hell are we going to control them?"

Christian chuckles and says, "God, you're right. I've read all those books, and spent hours researching parenting websites, but I have a sneaking suspicion that we'll still have to wing it on occasion." Holding her a little tighter, he adds, "Together, right?"

Also clutching at him just a little more, Ana agrees, "Together." Eventually, platonic feelings turn more carnal, and she says, "Well, you're going to insist on dinner before we fuck, so I'd better get out."

Christian laughs again and says, "Yes, I am." Standing long enough to ensure Ana makes it safely out of the tub, he says, "I won't be long. Just wrap a towel around your hair for now. I'll dry and brush it for you when I'm done."

Ana quickly kisses him and teases, "Don't forget to scrub between your legs. I have plans."

His still semi-erect dick springing to life at the thought of Ana's mouth on him, Christian groans and says, "You're an evil woman."

Resting one hand lightly on his wet chest, Ana's smile is serene as she says, "And you're a gorgeous man. I'm glad I have the scar." At his confusion, she explains, "Makes me a little more like you."

Genuinely moved that she'd want such a thing, Christian's voice is filled with longing when he says, "You'd better go."

Ana's joyful laugh echoes off the tiles as she wraps a towel only around her hair and leaves the bathroom, deliberately accentuating the movement of her currently fuller hips as she does so. Christian looks down at his now rigid cock and promises "Soon," before quickly cleaning the day from his body. Then reaching for his waterproof electric shaver, he takes care of what little stubble exists on his chin and flips open the trimmer to do some manscaping.

Still smiling at this fun, new game of provoking Christian without trying to wrest control from him, Ana selects something a little nicer than she usually wears to a mid-week dinner; that peach bustier and garter belt that he'd so enjoyed on the evening she'd chosen to submit to him. She knows him well enough to understand that just seeing it will bring that evening back in vivid detail for him. Of course, the outfit no longer fits her pregnant form.

She's trying to force it's cooperation over her wider hips, fuller breasts and slightly bulging belly when warm, strong hands cover hers where they're struggling with the laces. She's fighting frustrated tears as Christian wordlessly helps her from the bustier. Still without a word, he unwraps her towel turban and tosses it aside, then kisses her and leads her by the hand into their walk-in closet.

Within seconds he finds and helps her into a peach empire line evening dress that suits the underwear and her figure. Then taking a still emotionally fragile Ana in his arms, he gently says, "I love that you're making this evening special, baby, but we don't want the baby born claustrophobic." It's enough that a glimmer of a smile lightens her features, so he continues, "I'm sorry that I didn't think of it before. I forget that you still don't see yourself as the stunningly beautiful woman I know and love. Your wardrobe will be fixed by the end of the week; only sexy maternity clothes, okay?"

Recognizing that this is now something that Christian needs to do for her, Ana is genuinely grateful, even as she worries about the fate of her "skinny" clothes. "Okay. Thank you. Can we keep these, though?"

Visibly relieved that she seems all right, Christian smiles and says, "Sure, baby. I'll put them in storage with the rest of your clothes."

"The rest of my clothes?"

He laughs and says, "Yeah. What, did you think I just threw everything out?"

Ana had honestly not even considered what had happened to all the clothes she'd left behind at the apartment she'd shared with Kate. He'd said something about storage for her belongings, but she had no idea that included even the boring outfits she used to wear in an attempt to remain invisible. "You kept even my clothes?"

"Of course, baby. At the time you made me promise not to choose what you wear."

Genuinely moved that he'd go to such lengths to keep his word, Ana smiles and says, "You remember everything you promise me, don't you."

Caressing a hand through her damp hair, Christian says, "I'm still working on keeping all of them. But, yes, I remember. Though I'm glad we don't need so many words to understand each other nowadays." Suddenly grinning, he suggests, "How about you go through all your things when you're too huge to move?"

Ana's eyes narrow in warning at the taunt, even as she realizes, "You're testing me."

With a ready grin, Christian admits, "Yes. You passed." Suddenly sobering, he cradles Ana's face with both hands and insists, "You are a vibrant, incredibly sexy woman, who also happens to be pregnant with our first child. Say that back to me, so I'll know you've heard me."

Not really feeling it, Ana is almost amazed when her mood improves even as she speaks the words, "I am a vibrant, sexy woman, who also happens to be pregnant with our first child." Suddenly shy, and not understanding why, she lowers her gaze and says, "Thank you, Christian."

Nothing in his tone suggests anything other than desire and love for his wife, when Christian kisses her and says, "Truly my pleasure, Anastasia." Then releasing her and glancing down at his still erect penis, he concludes, "Well, if we're going formal, I'd better see if I can fit this into a tux."

Gail is putting the finishing touches to dinner when Christian enters the kitchen. Quickly taking in his appearance, she smiles and says, "My, don't you look fine this evening, sir."

Despite their now practiced familiarity still feeling a little awkward, after so many years thinking of employees as just that, Christian is helpless to stop the wide grin as he cheekily reveals, "Date night."

Gail chokes on her laughter, clearly unsure how to respond for a second, and then teases, "Jason will be happy to hear it, sir; ten miles is a little more than he likes to run every morning."

Still grinning, Christian says, "Yeah, he's a lazy fucker. What's for dinner?"

"Beef bourguignon? Ana said that her morning sickness is easing, so I thought she might be ready for something richer."

"Perfect, thank you. Serve when you're ready." Picking up the opened bottle of non-alcoholic wine still sitting on the counter, he asks, "This is what you used?"

"Yes, sir. I'm done with it, if you'd like the rest."

"Thanks." About to leave, he forces his legs to stillness and says, "And, thanks, for putting up with me. I know that I've been on edge since…well, for a long time. Oh, did Taylor tell you that he'll be working at home most days for a while?"

"Yes, sir. Thank you. And you're welcome on the other matter. I know you understand that I'm not here just for the money. I'm still mostly proud to work for you."

Suddenly grinning, like an errant child who's been granted a reprieve, Christian teases, "And so you should." More serious, he then says, "I'll enjoy seeing his ugly face when I get home in the evening."

"Sir?"

"That night…when I fucked up enough to make Ana think that I could ever leave her, for any reason, I knew that she wouldn't be here when I got back." Struggling to find the words, he soon continues, "I mean, that arrogant bastard in me thought I still had a shot. But deep down where it counted, I knew that I'd driven her from me; that she'd already be gone from my life when I got back here. Only when I saw Jason waiting in my car did I dare to hope that I still had a chance. I'm not an idiot…not completely. I know that, if Ana ever leaves me, you two will go with her." His eyes wide with fear at the extremely unlikely event, Christian concludes, "And that's how I'd want it, anyway."

Then gesturing to Ana, silently waiting in the doorway behind him, Gail smiles and says, "I don't think that's something you have to worry about, sir. Dinner will be ready in ten minutes."

As Christian warily approaches her, Ana complains, "I've just put on makeup. Could you please not make me cry, tonight?"

Relaxing at her teasing tone, he offers the crook of his elbow as he says, "No promises. But let's see if we can make it through dinner."

As he guides them towards the dining room, Ana composes herself and says, "Maybe I should have let you apologize; you're good at it."

A hint of genuine regret in his tone, Christian reminisces, "Well, I did warn you on our honeymoon that I'd fuck up enough to improve."

"Not for a long time now."

Now in a bitter tone, Christian bites out, "Yes, almost five months without pissing off my wife enough that she should give up on me; truly an awesome feat."

Stopping their progress, effectively forcing him to look at her, Ana admonishes, "Hey, forever is composed of nows, remember? There's no point either of us dwelling on mistakes we've made in the past, except to use them as an example of what not to do in the future."

His pained expression transformed with a smile, Christian tenderly kisses her and teases, "Yes, Flynn."

Still untrusting of his mood, Ana instructs, "I am not a fuckup."

Of course, recognizing it as an instruction, Christian grins and says, "I'm glad you agree. Let's eat." When Ana stubbornly holds her ground, he touches his nose to hers and then quietly vows, "I, Christian Grey, am not a total fuckup. Happy?"

Unable to maintain her stern expression for a moment longer, Ana smiles and lets him again guide her as she says, "Close enough. Thank you."