Hi my lovely readers x
A huge sorry for the length of time it's taken me to update but it's been moving week and so my time has been taken up with heaving boxes in and out of my new flat and then unpacking. Not to mention the move in party last night – most of which I don't really remember but I think I had fun hehe
Anyway I have a week until Uni officially starts and am planning on updating every night so hopefully that will make up for my terrible behaviour recently , pretty please with cherries on top forgive me hehe
Quick point with this chapter and the story in general , I've had to change a few things regarding one of the characters backgrounds (I'm sure you'll work out which character it is) just so that the story works.
Anyway hopes there is enough drama for you all and look forward to reading your reviews. They really do help motivate me so please keep them coming.
Thanks again to every single one of you for reading , following and favouriting.
Alexandra xxxxx
Christian's POV
The roads are empty so I reach Elena's apartment in seconds. I slam the car door just as Taylor arrives in the SUV; I'd called him straight after finishing the call with Elena. The speed he must have driven at to be here so quick just shows me how concerned he must be for Ana's safety , he sees Ana as a daughter and to know she may be in trouble probably sickens him.
I don't have time to discuss anything with him; I have to get to Ana. Taylor shoots me a look of understanding and makes his way to the grand glass doors of Elena's apartment building, beckons the smartly dressed doorman over and starts chatting to him. Taking the poor man by surprise as he knocks him unconscious by pressing his thumb against a pressure point located at the back of the man's neck. Shaking his shoulders as he takes the man's master key card and throws it to me, ignoring my impressed expression. Sometimes Taylor's intelligence is frightening, even to me, and I pay him for God sake.
"Let me get the door for you sir , we have a young maiden to rescue" I shoot him a smile before sprinting through the door and up the eight flights of stairs to Elena's door , leaning in for any clue as to what's happening inside.
Images of my beautiful wife hurt, or worse, fill my mind and suddenly I feel the pasta primavera Mrs Jones made for dinner come back up my throat. I shudder and take a few deep breaths, my panicking is getting the better of me and I need a clear head when I beat the shit out of Elena for hurting my Ana. Not that I know she's definitely hurt her but I'm guessing she has, and in my mind that's enough of a reason.
"Sir?" Taylor's voice brings me back and I notice the key card in his hand, poised over the apartment lock pad.
"Open it!" my voice comes out much harsher than I want but Taylor ignores it. Holding the key card over the lock and moving back as the door goes green and opens. I waste no time in barging in, startling a very comfortable looking Elena. She stands once she's composed herself and wanders over to meet me, a strangely calm smile on her lips.
"Christian how nice to see you. You know I do have an intercom, you could have just rang the bell" her calmness unnerves me and I step away and search the room.
No sign of Ana, just the same cold lifeless furniture that I have in Escala. I really should redecorate, letting Elena pick my decorator was a huge mistake. Anything to do with Elena being in my life was a mistake looking back on it. I should have stayed away, why didn't I stay away?
"Where is she!" all my emotions fuel my anger as I shout, thank god for my height as I tower over Elena. I want to intimidate her like she use to intimidate me. I'm powerful here now Miss Lincon.
"Where's who Christian?" rage fills my blood and I grab her shoulder, shaking her violently. Out of the corner of my eye I see Taylor searching the various rooms; his eyes are dark and sad as he doesn't find her. He turns and shakes his head and my heart plummets. Letting more anger take its place, anger I fully intend to vent on the scared women in my arms.
"You know exactly who I'm talking about Elena! Now tell me the fuck where she is or so help me god you will not see tomorrow!" her eyes widen in pure fear, she's seen me angry of course but this is anger on a whole new scale. I am literally burning on the inside with pure unadulterated hatred.
"She's in bed" her voice is a whimper and she closes her eyes, bracing herself for more of my anger.
"If you've laid one finger on her..." her eyes spring open and I'm met with intense brown eyes.
"Who the hell do you think I am Christian? She's pregnant! I'd never hurt a pregnant woman. I do have a heart you know" I sneer at her and let go of her shoulders.
"No you don't! Now tell me where my wife is! Tell me now!" my voice is full of rage now and I can see Elena visibly wince at the volume of my shouting.
"She's asleep!" she shouts back and Taylor rushes to the bedroom door and check it.
"The bedroom is locked Sir" I narrow my eyes at Elena and she steps back hesitantly, reaching for something. Taylor notices as well and reaches for his gun; I stop him when I see her pull out a silver key.
"I have guests and I didn't want Ana to be disturbed. Calm yourself down for goodness sake; you're like a cat on a hot tin roof. She's fine, a little shaken up but that's to be expected. Poor girl didn't see it coming after all" I know she's talking about Jose, a man I am seriously considering removing from this world if he so dare touch what's mine ever again.
"Just open the door Elena!" I shout once more and she winces at my tone before going to the bedroom door and opening it. Moving out the way as I rush past her. Stopping at the sight I see as I enter.
Ana's eyes are closed tight as she snuggles into one of the big pillows, her small arms cuddling it to her chest. She looks so beautiful that she takes my breath away. Her small face is calm in her slumber, her shoulders relaxed, it's so different to the high emotion filled woman I held in the bathroom not two hours ago. In sleep she's returned to the Ana I fell in love with, she's that clumsy girl who needed someone to look after her but yet had the smartest mouth I'd ever seen. She's pure perfection.
"See, she's perfectly safe here Christian. You need to start trusting me when I say I care about you and want you happy, and its obvious Ana makes you happy so why would I hurt her? I've realised you and me will never happen again , I've done wrong in the past I know and I don't expect your forgiveness straight away but I hope in time you'll let me be your friend once more" I shudder at the thought and shake my head quickly.
"No" I move over to Ana and go to take her hand, wanting to see her beautiful eyes and feel her back in my arms, but my hand is seized.
"Don't wake her, she needs her rest. She's had quite the scare and might still be in shock" however much I hate to agree with this vile woman she does have a point.
First things first I need to know the full story about Jose and knowing Ana she'll probably continue to defend him , sometimes she's far to kind hearted. I pull my hand away and shake my agreement, following Elena back out of the bedroom and over to her white and grey marble kitchen.
"Right now talk and don't hold back. I need to know exactly what happened" she raises an eyebrow at me before shaking her head softly.
"I thought you were brought up with more manners" she shrikes as I grab her wrist and spin her round.
"Don't you dare talk about my upbringing? You fucked up my upbringing by seducing me then abusing me! Now tell me what happened so I can get my wife away from this fucking mess and never talk to you ever again" the hurt in her eyes evident and she looks down momentarily.
"You don't have to be so cruel Christian. All I want is you happy, I hate seeing you get hurt" I let go of her wrist, ignoring her wince as she rubs it gently.
"I'll be happy when you start talking. Tell me what happened!" she takes a deep breath and looks up at me. My heartbeat is so intense I'm worried she'll be able to hear it.
"He had a knife" he's dead! Jose fucking Rodriguez will die! I turn quickly and motion for Taylor to follow, heading for the door. I'll find Jose! I'll find him and make him pay! No one pulls a knife out on my wife and gets away with it; he's a dead man walking!
"Christian stop!" I ignore Elena's plea, I'm nearly at the door. Suddenly she's in front of me, her arms stretched to both sides so she's blocking me. I shift my gaze and shake my head, desperately trying to stop myself from hitting her out the way.
"Elena get out of my way" amazingly my voice is calm. Calm but deadly.
"No I won't, I know what you'll do if I let you go. Ana and the baby need you here not behind bars" she needs to get out of my way! The longer I am here the less time I'm spending beating the shit out of a certain Mr Rodriguez.
"I'd get away with it" she narrows her eyes at me, something I hate people doing, it's almost as bad as eye rolling. Oh how I miss Ana's eye rolling though, it's annoying but in such a cute way.
"You're powerful but not that powerful Christian. Now calm the hell down and lets act like a grown up for once hey?" I roll my eyes and let her lead me back towards the sofa's , pushing me down by my shoulders so I sit down.
"He touched what's mine. No one touches what's mine" suddenly I feel tears fill my eyes. What if she'd allowed him to touch her, what if she's fallen for him? I can't lose her, I just can't.
"Christian stop, I know you're thinking she's going to leave you and be with him but she's not. He pulled a knife on her remember. Not really your typical wooing technique" against my will I laugh and accept the large tumbler of scotch she passes me, downing it straight. Passing it back to her, only to get it re-filled instantly.
"What happened between you and her Christian? Last time I saw you both you seemed stronger than ever. A united team against all who went against you, it was sickeningly cute. What changed?" I squirm uncomfortably and shake my head. I don't want to talk about Esmee and Victoria, I'm too ashamed.
"I don't want to talk about it" the scotch warms me from the inside and surprisingly I find myself feeling comfortable, safe even. Like before when I had Elena has my friend, a trusted friend. But I don't trust, no make that can't trust her, too much has happened since then.
"Talk to me Christian, there was a time you told me everything. You trusted me above everyone else, I miss those days" her eyes are full of sadness and I feel my heart pang a little, she did after all help me through a lot over the years. But that doesn't make me forgive her, not by a long shot.
"You have yourself to blame for that Elena" I spot a flash of anger, and I wonder if she's going to argue back, but instead she just nods. Which catches me off guard; it's not like Elena to admit she's wrong.
"Your right, I have acted appallingly towards you and Ana and that was wrong of me. I do see that now Christian. But I just couldn't understand why Ana made you change so much, after all I provided you with perfectly skilled, beautiful women. I still can't understand what it is about her, but you love her" I nod and her smile brightens.
"I do love her, I really love her. She makes me a better man, the man I've always wanted to be but never thought I could be" her hand finds mine and squeezes tightly, and I actually find myself squeezing back.
"So tell me Christian, what happened between you two?" I take a deep breath.
"I've got a daughter" Elena's face falls and her gasp fills the large room.
"WHAT! With which one?" her face is pale with shock and her hand tightens around mine, it's refreshing after Ana's reaction.
"Esmeralda" suddenly she's on her feet, pacing the room. She's more annoyed than me.
"But she was your first? How could you have let that happen? For God sake Christian I told you the precautions to take!" I feel like a six year old being scolded by a teacher, it's actually rather enjoyable. Like how it use to be all those years ago. Suddenly I wonder if she's going to punish me. She always did know the best forms of punishment. I scold myself and instead focus on her questioning.
"I know, I don't understand it either but it's happened and Ana left me because of it" I'm not going to mention the dream, it's not relevant, and it hurts to remember the pain I saw in Ana's eyes after she found out" that same feeling of heartbreak hits me and I look to the floor, closing my eyes as I fight the tears that threaten. I hate crying, it's the ultimate sign of weakness.
"Well have you checked?" I look up and stare at her confused.
"Checked what?" she sighs exasperated and suddenly her palm is hitting my cheek at full force. The sting is small but my anger is hard. I stand ready to hit back but stop when she speaks.
"Checked that she's not lying Christian! Gotten a DNA test for example!" she's so angry she's actually spitting her words out.
"I didn't think about that. I mean Esmee said she had loved me when she left , why she would lie if she had once loved me" once again her palm hits my cheek , this time on the other side.
"You stupid man! You really think that because a woman once loved you they'd never hurt you? My love has made you naive hasn't it" her patronising laugh kicks my pride hard.
"Maybe your right"
"Of course I'm right! No wonder Ana's so upset! You've basically accepted this child without a second glance and yet when she told you about her pregnancy you went and left her!" I notice how she doesn't mention it was her I had run to that night , good because I'm still angry at myself for doing so.
"She knows I'll love our baby when it's born" and I will , more than life itself. I want to be a dad , Ana's made me ready for that amazing journey.
"Yes now! But when you found out you wanted her to get rid of it! How do you think that makes her feel watching you accept another women's child without a seconds glance!" I hadn't thought about the effect this might have had on Ana , I had just assumed she'd stick with me , like a wife should.
"So what should I do?" she sits down and taps the seat opposite , beckoning me to join. I run a hand through my hair and sit down , my emotions are all over the place.
"Get a DNA test before you do anything. Esmee was very young when you two became involved , if I remember rightly she'd only just turned 20 , and you were only with her three months remember. How do you know she's not fallen into some money problems and is now looking for a way to easy financial help. After all it's clear you're a changed man since you've been with Ana , which makes you an easy target"
"Aunt Elena? Where's your hair dryer?" A young women's voice filters from upstairs and Elena is suddenly on her feet , rushing to the foot of the stairs and shouting back up.
"On the side , near the bathrobes" suddenly a loud thud is heard and then a crash of something glass hitting a hard surface.
"Opps I think I just broke your Chanel perfume. Sorry Aunty" Elena's shoulders tense slightly before relaxing , obviously after she'd taken a deep breath.
"Its fine now hush up I've got company down here" there's an authoritive tone to her voice but also a kindness , a kindness that only comes from speaking to a person you love.
"You have a niece? I Didn't even know you had a siblings" I have had numerous background checks done on Elena over the years , mostly because she was a business partner but also because I like to know about the people who surround me. Both friends and enemies.
"Not through blood , she's the result of a two year affair between my husband and his pretty little assistant, not that she ever told him though and ended up marrying someone else and pretended the child was his. Her mum passed away though recently and the family found out about the affair and threw her out. I'm kinda the only family the poor girl has" I nod , mentally noting to add this new information to my file on Elena when I get home.
"I can't find it! And who's your company?" once again Elena is deep breathing , slowly becoming agitated at her niece's neediness.
"Look harder than and he's just a friend , no one you know I'm sure" she turns to me slightly and mouths a sorry , which I answer with an understanding smile. Mia is exactly the same , constantly needy but strangely cute and endearing.
"A he? I'll be right down"
"Stay upstairs young lady"
"I'm 24 years old Aunty you can't keep telling me what to do" the sound of heels on wood flooring is suddenly heard and Elena turns back to me , shrugging her shoulders in defeat.
"Guess you're about to meet my niece" I smile softly , showing its fine for the girl to join us. After all I do have to stay until Ana wakes. Might as well get a little more information on this niece so I can add her to my file.
"So where's this gue..." the young woman stops as she reaches the bottom of the stairs , her dark brown eyes wide with shock and her small mouth wide open.
"Mr Grey?" I can't believe it , no won't believe it! How can this be possible! The one sub that I found myself , without any help from Elena at all and she's her fucking niece!
"Leila?" she nods slowly , her eyes locked on mine. I need to get Ana away , now!
How do you all feel about Leila being in the story? Just too let you all know Elena knows nothing about Christian and Leila's relationship or Leila's past behaviour.