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Christian's POV:
Last night Anastasia and I had the best sex to date. Expressing our feelings for each other really made our connection with each other stronger. Plus we haven't had sex in a month so I think that may have added and extra bonus.
Right now we are both just lying in bed dreading getting out, but unfortunately we both have to get back to work. Last night we were in our own little bubble and I don't want that to go away. The only thing that is a huge concern other than finding out who did this is how much weight Anastasia has lost. We both have been out of the hospital for the same amount of time, but she hasn't put on any of the weight she's lost. Her hip bones and ribs are extremely noticeable and I'm worried. She didn't weight that much before the incident, but she must have lost 15 pounds.
Once we've showered we step into the closet and try to figure out what to wear. She puts on a high-waisted bow back jumpsuit with the 18K yellow gold diamond cuff I bought her with a pair of black peep toed pumps. I know she is more comfortable is jeans and a tee-shirt, but she has amazing style. I decide to wear my white button up shirt, my gray Theory suit with my Hugo Boss black leather lace ups.
As we are sitting at the breakfast bar eating I turn to Anastasia and ask "Did you mean what you said yesterday?"
"Of course I did Christian." She stands up and wraps her arms around me and plants a kiss on my lips.
"Christian Grey I love you with all my heart." When she says that I can't help but smile. I am absolutely in love with Anastasia.
"I love you too, but we better get going or we will both be late for work." I give her a kiss and grab her jacket from the hall closet and help her put it on.
We climb into the SUV and she cuddles in close to me. I already talked to Taylor this morning about having around the clock surveillance on Ana's apartment and an extra security detail following her at all times.
"Anastasia until we've figured out who did this I've upped security for the both of us." I prepare myself for the fight that usually comes along with these sort of issues, but I do no expect the response she gives me.
"Alright."
"What? I was expecting a huge fight from you."
"Christian both of us almost got killed the last time this person tried something I am not going to put up a fight to keep me safe I get it Christian." I just smile.
I drop her off first and make plans to pick her up after work so we can grab an early dinner together. Once I am safely in my office Taylor asks to speak to me.
"Sir, I need to tell you something about the explosion."
"I just want you to know you can call me Christian if you'd like."
"Thank you, but I'm still unsure about that. I didn't feel it was the best thing to tell you this until your memory came back because the old Christian would have killed me for even thinking this."
"Just spit it out Taylor." I say. I am absolutely livid that Taylor has kept something from me regarding mine and Ana's safety.
"We hacked all of the CCTV camera at the marina and saw someone wearing a mask plant the bomb on The Grace who we have been unable to recognize. So after we checked the CCTV cameras at SIP, Grey House and Escala. He has been to all of them with a woman who we have identified as Elena Lincoln."
"What? Are you serious? How come you let her near me while I was sick?"
"Trust me I never wanted to, but I know the old Christian before Ana the person you were when you forgot her would have thrown a fit. So I thought it would be best that we just leave it be."
"I understand Taylor you were just trying to protect me. What are we going to do about Elena?"
"We don't have enough to go on as far as identifying her goes, but we have someone following her so we can make sure where she is at all times. Also when she came in to come visit you I took her phone so now we can track all her calls and texts."
"Wow you've really got every aspect covered." I am genuinely impressed with how Taylor has handled this while I've been indisposed.
"Thank you, sir."
"I have a meeting, but go see Welch and send me pictures of the two suspects maybe I can figure out who the John Doe is."
"Yes, sir."
Ana's POV:
When I get to work I am more than happy to hear that even though I've been indisposed for the past month my book is going to go on sale as planned. Now I know why SIP is the most profitable publishing company. I work my ass off going over manuscripts, but I can't shake this feeling. Jack has been hovering over me all day and at first I thought he was just being friendly making sure I was okay since I just got out of the hospital, but I'm not so sure. Ray always said trust your instinct because before we had anything all we had to go on was our instinct.
He's touching me inappropriately and making some strange remarks. "I am so sorry to hear about your boyfriend it's terrible how he just forgot you like that." How would he know about the troubles we've had all Jack knew was that I had an accident there is no way he knew about Christian. Taylor didn't tell anyone without making them sign an NDA, which includes doctors and nurses. The press didn't even find out. They told Ros to tell everyone in the company that he was away on business. If that isn't sketchy enough how did he know about Christian's memory?
I just wave it off and ask to take my lunch break. Once I am out of the building I feel like I can breathe for the first time since I stepped into the office today. Christian and I were in our own little bubble this morning and I wish we had just called in sick and stayed in bed with each other all day.
I grab a fruit cup from the grocery store around the corner and sit in front of the office eating it while I listen to a playlist of The Decemberists and The Cranberries. I calm myself down and get back to work. I made a friend with one of the editors new assistant Lacy today and nearly crash into her getting coffee for Jack.
"Is jack always like that with you." Even she noticed somethings not right about this situation.
"No, but he's making me really uncomfortable." I say quietly the last thing I need is him to get upset with me. I notice she goes to make herself a cup of Twinings English Breakfast Tea, which has always been in stock since Christian took over the company.
"I like my black tea weak and my herbal tea strong" She says with a giggle.
"Me too. Twinings is my favourite." I respond with a smile.
"Same." She make me a cup of tea, while we wait for the coffee to brew.
"I don't want to over step any boundaries see as I've just met you, but I think you should complain about Hyde."
"I know I'll wait until tomorrow and if he hasn't stopped I will."
"Good he gives me the creeps." She says and we both laugh. Since I started working here I haven't had any friends, but I really like Lacy. Just then Hyde walks into the break room and asks for his coffee.
"Here you go it just finished brewing."
"Thank you. I think you should get back to work Lacy don't you?" He stares her down.
"As should I." I say walking past him with Lacy who just gives me a what-the-fuck stare.
I bury myself in manuscripts and try my hardest to ignore Jack breathing down my neck. It's five past five and as I'm packing up my things Jack asks me to make him some coffee before I go. I set down my things and head into the break room and start brewing a fresh pot of coffee.
I turn around holding the coffee pot looking for the mug I've taken out when I see Jack in the door way. He startles me and I end up dropping the coffee pot and I watch as it shatters into pieces. Oh shit! I kneel down and pick up the biggest pieces as fast as I can't help but scream when I slice my hand open.
"Fuck." I scream and Jack rushes to my aid.
You are the last person I want helping me I think to myself.
I run my hand under the water as Jack goes in search of the first aid kit. He bandages up my cut poorly I should add. I swear a child could have down a better job at this, but I couldn't careless I just want to get to Christian. I pull my hand away and start sweeping up the glass.
Once everything is clean I ask him if I can go home.
"Anastasia stop playing games with me." He steps closer as I take one step back.
"I don't know what you're talking about" I respond my voice is shaking.
"You're such a cock-tease Anastasia. You've led me on knowing I can't do anything about it because you've been dating my boss...our boss." He says with a twisted smile.
"You're delusional Jack." I spit at him Bad idea Steele. He takes another step closer and I step back. I've got nowhere else to go he's got me pinned against the wall.
"Look at you. Even now I can tell that you want me." He says looking me up and down. "You are so turned on right now, your body is begging for me." My fear starts to rise and adrenaline is coursing through my body. If he takes another step closer, if he touches me I am going to take him down. I am in attack mode right now. I am watching him his every little movement.
"Jack, I want to go home."I say in a whisper. My anxiety is sky-high all I can think about is those times that Morton cornered me spitting nonsense at me.
"Don't be so coy Ana. Now that you're alone we can be together."
"Jack I don't know where this is coming from, but I can assure you I have never meant to lead you on and I will never be with you." I am starting to get defensive. Jack just laughs. It is a horrible menacing laugh that chills me to the bone. I must not cry I keep repeating to myself like a mantra.
He reaches out and grabs my waist pulling me onto him. I try to fight him off leaning my head back pushing him off me, but he's way stronger than I expected. He kissed my neck and as he does he loosens his grip on my and I use this to my advantage.
I bring my knee up is a swift motion and hit him in the groin making him topple over in pain. He is curled up on the floor holding himself between he legs.
"Don't you EVER touch me again" I scream and turn on my heel to walk away. I am just past the threshold when I am taken down to the ground. He pins me on my back holding my hands down beside my head. Using his feet to keep my legs grounded.
"I could tell you liked it rough, but not like that." He whispers in my ear. Everyone as cleared out of the office by now, but the security camera catches my eye. There are none in the break room, but a ton around the office. I know that is where Luke goes when I am working so I find the best one and start mouthing for him to help me and pray he hasn't gone to meet me in the lobby yet.
I start screaming for help when I see a small figure emerge from the bathroom.
"Lacy get some help." I scream, but instead of running for the elevator or a phone to call for help she tackles Hyde and punches him square in the jaw. I think he's down and out when he takes a swing for Lacy knocking her off him.
"You stupid bitch." He yells, but I'm not sure who he's talking to.
When he gets to his feet I am in fighting stance. He throws a punch, but I duck giving me the perfect opportunity to knock him to the ground. Two punches to face before he hits me and pushes me off.
"Why are you fighting me Anastasia I'm just trying to give you what you want." We are both on our feet waiting for the next move when little Lacy gets up and restrains his arms behind his back letting me get a few punches in before he falls to the ground.
"Anastasia." I turn around and see Christian running towards me.
He looks me up and down making sure I'm alright then turns to Lacy.
"Who the fuck is this?"
"She's another assistant she saved my ass." I reply "Hyde attacked me." I say and the adrenaline tears start, which soon subside into a fit of giggle. Everyone is staring at me like I have three heads except for Lacy who is doing the same.
"I guess you will be talking to HR then?" She asks making me laugh harder.
"I think that would be wise."
"Can someone tell me what the fuck is going on?" Christian asks staring at Luke and Taylor who look equally as confused.
"Well Hyde attacked Ana so we kicked his ass. He was being very inappropriate today and I'm just glad I stayed behind to talk to Ana," Lacy says.
"I got that part I'm just wondering why you girls are laughing."
"Oh you see typically when you have adrenaline coursing through your body it is like a surge of energy and most people after having a spike of adrenaline will either cry, shake etc. I'm just assuming because the same thing happens to me Ana cries as a result and sometimes after that will burst out laughing because you are confused. Am I right?" She turns and looks at me.
"Yeah it happens a lot. The laughing is more caused by the anxiety that comes with it."
"Alright enough." Christian shouts. "Luke escort these two girls outside while Taylor and I have a conversation with Jack." Lacy and I grab our belongings and get into the elevator with Sawyer.
"So how did you learn to fight like that Lacy. No offence, but I pegged you as the type of girl who would freak out if she chipped her nail polish." I say laughing as we walk through the lobby.
"Don't sweat it I thought the same about you. My father served in the army and I won't get into details, but something happened and he thought it was best I learned how to protect myself. How about you?"
"I doubt that you would believe me, but the same way." I say with a smile it seems we have a lot in common.
"You alright though." She looks at me with concern.
"Nothing a good nights rest won't cure."
"I get that. Do you want to go get a beer?" She asks practically reading my mind.
"I would love to, but I have a date with my boyfriend rain check on the beer?"
"For sure I feel like we are going to be great friends." She says laughing.
"I don't doubt that for a second." Just then Christian comes storming out of the building with blood on his shirt.
"I better get going , but I'll see you at work right?"
"Yes I'll see you tomorrow." She heads into the parking lot.
Christian's POV
It takes all of my restraint not to kill Hyde right now. Once Taylor gives me the go ahead that he's fine I fire him on the spot.
"Your days working here are over. I will have security come up here you have an hour to clear out your things and get off the premises do you understand?" I shout.
"You can't fire me." He shouts back
"You attack two staff members you're lucky I don't have you arrested."
"I'll sue you."
"For what?" He doesn't respond, but he does take a swing at me and that's all I needed to go in. I punch him in the ribs and then in the face knocking him to the ground.
"Now do you understand what I've just told you."He looks me dead in the eyes and says "Yes, sir" In an almost sinister way. What the fuck is wrong with him.
When Ana and I get home I call grace to come over and check on us. We take a quick shower together washing the blood off of us and change into PJ's.
We both decided we have had more than enough excitement for one day and plan on staying in, ordering food, drinking beer and watching movies, which is apparently something normal for couples to do.
I put my Hanro night and day lounge pants and a white tee and Ana puts on a white camisole with matching draw string shorts. I comb through my hair and Ana just throws hers up in a messy bun on the top of her hair with strands falling down framing her face. Even when she doesn't try she looks beautiful.
Grace cleans up our cuts and bruises and we do out best to avoid how this happens, but we eventually just told her the truth. We ordered in Chinese fast food, which I have never had, Ana thinks I am crazy. We share sweet and sour pork, general tso's chicken, egg fried rice and Ana insists I try a deep-fried mars bar. I don't argue with her because this way I can make sure she's eating. We watch movies until midnight eating munchies and for the first time in a long time I feel like I have a sense of normality in my life. I am sitting on the couch beside my girlfriend with Chinese food boxes surrounding us watching action films trying to catch popcorn in our mouths, while snapping pictures at random times with either my phone or Ana's Polaroid camera. I insist she let me buy her a new camera, but she says Polaroids are about catching to moment and she likes the old feel of a Polaroid.
How did you like the chapter? xoxo