Chapter 24: Happily ever after
Author's Note!
Hahaha, well. This shocked me. I managed to get this out before Friday and at close to 5k words! Wow wow. Hope you guys enjoy this one, please remember to leave a review and a favourite! Have a good week, everybody! We shall see if I can update again on Friday.
Christian's teeth grazed the top of my shoulder blade, the sensitive spot near the nape of my neck and I shuddered in response. His warm breath blew against me as he caressed me. "Christian..." I said with caution, "If we do this, we'll be exceptionally late for your family gathering."
Like the petulant stubborn child he was, Christian groaned. "Just once."
I shook my head and tried to resist his arousing nibble and picking of my skin. "That's what you said the last five times, Christian."
Christian closed his eyes and shook his head against my naked skin, brushing me with his superior lashes. "We're late already anyway, once more won't make a difference."
It was incredibly difficult to stifle the erotic fire that was Christian Grey, who had now moved to stroking my naked stomach in slow circular motions. Swallowing my emotions, I leaped to my feet and out of his reach.
Christian looked lost for a moment, his hands in mid-air having had been worshipping my body. As he turned to me, I winced at the soreness that was now overwhelming. Every inch of me was aching, head to toe, outside and... In. Sympathy crossed Christian's childish face and he shot me an apologetic look. He liked it rough. Very rough.
"You can make it up to me by changing, we've got to go." I scolded him, turning around slowly to prevent my thighs from rubbing against each other. I was convinced that if they did, I would just crumble in pain and agony of the apex of my thighs.
"No bath?" Christian questioned, saddened at the thought.
"We've no time," I reminded him, "and besides, we probably won't make it at all if we take the shower you have in mind, Grey."
I heard the rustle of the blanket and knew we had both made it out of the bed. Christian and I had barely spent any time out of this bedroom the past week. We even had to postpone the family dinner twice to accommodate both our lustful hungers. "Where's my underwear, Grey?"
"I'm not giving it back." He said, matter-of-factly.
Rolling my eyes at him when I knew he was not looking, I strode to our closet and found a new pair of lingerie. There was barely any time to decide what to wear, I reached for the first orange fabric and slipped it on. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the feel of the dress against my skin, the inner silk sliding down my thighs and stopping barely after my butt. The dress was body-hugging and cleavage showing, squeezing my chest from both sides to make the dip deeper. This was a great dress and it looked ridiculously expensive.
"When I come out, you better be changed." I warn Christian from the closet, knowing that he had picked his attire earlier and left it hanging by the door.
"Or what?" He taunted as I glanced through my accessories, picking the butterfly earrings to accompany the diamond butterfly pendant necklace Christian had given to me. I grabbed high strappy black heels that will allow me to rival Christian's height more than usual.
Folding my arms, I stalked out of the closet and into the living room. I was prepared to come face to face with a butt naked Christian. "Hm. Impressive." I remarked, shocked that he had for once obeyed and dressed himself.
"Wow, Ana." Christian's jaw dropped in appreciation as his eyes raked me. "We're staying in after all?"
"What?" I put my hands on my waist, letting him get a better look.
He pursed his lips and shook his head, folding his arms sternly against his chest. "You're not wearing that out."
"Why not?!" I whined, "We're late!" I was exasperated, not bothering to think of what else he was going to say, I stormed out of the bedroom.
Luke was leaning against the kitchen top with Taylor asking him trivia questions to get him going when I stepped out. Both men turned to me as I entered the area, about to greet me when their eyes came into contact with how I was dressed.
Waiting for Taylor to look away, Luke gave me an appreciative nod. "Gorgeous as always, Ana."
"Thanks, Luke." I flushed and cast my eyes in the same angle as Taylor.
"Keep your eyes to yourself, Sawyer." Christian warned, following after me while fixing his wrist cuffs. He glared at Luke.
Christian had somewhat given me the approval to call Sawyer Luke instead as he had already put a ring on my finger. It had given him a greater sense of security and trust in me not to go running off with my bodyguard, permitting him to let me take our professional relationship down to a little more casual one. Besides, Christian found the immense joy in making me comply to "Say my name" every time we had sex after I had called Luke by his first name. It added a Brazilian spice to our sex life, not that we needed it anyway.
"Yes, sir." Luke cast his eyes away, obeying his boss.
"Change." Christian narrowed his eyes at me.
I shook my head at him. "Don't be so territorial, you've already marked me." As if to prove my point, I wiggled the finger that had his ring on it in the air. Yet, he still remained in his firm stance, grey eyes all smoldering and annoyed. "I suppose you won't help me into my shoes." These heels were sexy as hell but the most tedious to put on, I was never able to reach the strap. Again, the statue remained as it was.
"Luke," I called, and his head snapped up from being exiled. "Could you?"
Immediately, Christian moved, stalking towards me and getting onto his knees. Angrily, he grabbed the leather string and tied it once over my ankle and crossed it up my leg then fastened it to its strap. Then, he did the other in the same manner, rising to his feet after he was done. "Let's go, Taylor." He commanded and Taylor disappeared.
Once again, the dog needed to pee on its tree to mark its territory. Christian Grey took my hand in his and lifted it for Luke to examine, then hauled me right into the waiting elevator. The moment the metal doors closed, he was on me, pressing me against the cold metal with my leg hitched up around his waist. Kissing me fiercely, he pressed himself into me and causing me to gasp. The 'ding' of the elevator alerted us to our arrival, breaking the spell Christian had cast.
Taking the hand he was holding, he brought it up to my face so my eyes were leveled with the ring. With exaggerated slowness and intense dramatic skills, Christian growled. "Mine."
My head was dizzy from our little tryst and I nodded at him. Christian led me to the car and helped me into the back seat, refusing to let either Taylor or Luke guide me in like they usually did. Christian and I remained apart from each other, bound by our seat belts and his paranoia of potential accidents.
"Ana," He disrupted my line of thoughts, "Kate's going to be there."
Kate Kavanagh? Sigh. My inner goddess groaned and sat back in her chair, refusing to get involved. Christian had spent the past week explaining to me how my behavior was extreme and not very nice. I knew it was not, but at the heat of the moment, I could not prevent myself from jumping her. She had been such an annoying best friend to the point that I myself had become the annoying best friend.
He reached for my hand, trying to give me support in my decision. "It's been a week, Ana. And I know she's apologetic."
Shooting him a glance, I narrowed my eyes. He had talked to Kate behind my back?
Christian laughed and shook his head in answer to my mental note. "Elliott calls me every few hours to beg me to help him make the two of you up."
Elliott was a really sweet man and the best for Kate, but I was not about to unblock Kate's number from my hand phone just for the love of her life. But then again, I did feel really bad for my sudden outburst and attack on Kate. It was just the need for me to vent and rid of all my frustration and stress that had accumulated. She just happened to be there.
"Do I need to tell Taylor and Sawyer to standby for another cat fight?" Christian raised an eyebrow at me, trying to pick my brain to find out how I was going to react when I came into contact with Kate.
"No."
"Good." He said, stroking the back of my hand with his thumb.
I sighed and leaned against the door, increasing the distance between Christian and I. His mercurial behavior always got the better of me, especially since I had thought it would have made him happy that I attacked Kate. But he did not, he was not. He had scolded me for it.
You're just trying to rationalize your hormonal out lash, my inner goddess rolled her eyes at me.
"Ana?" Christian sounded worried.
But I was not in any mood to answer him, because I had nothing to say. Looking out, I realized that the car had pulled to a halt outside the humongous Grey mansion already. Without wasting any time, I pulled on my handle and swung the door out with gusto before anybody could do it for me. Unfortunately, the metal door came into contact with a hurrying Luke, who was now barreling towards the ground.
"FU**!" I cursed, leaping out of the car to check the damage.
Luke was cradling his right arm to his chest as he sat on the floor in utter pain. Falling to my knees beside him, I repeatedly apologized as I tried to pry his hand away from him to see. "It's fine, Ana." Luke groaned through gritted teeth. Had I swung the door that hard?!
My inner goddess looked like she was just about done with my nonsense. Tapping her foot against the floor in an irritated manner.
"Let me see!" I barked, effectively grabbing it.
Forming rapidly on Luke's mid arm was an angry bruise the length of his arm, it was purple and blue. There were even red streaks of popped blood vessels lining the entire patch. I gasped. "I'm so sorry."
Luke shook his head at me and forced a smile. "Great to know you can take care of yourself."
"Is it broken?" Taylor asked, coming to stand by the both of us.
Luke looked up at Taylor and shrugged his shoulders, "I doubt so though."
Christian's hands came under my arms to pull me up to my feet, "Taylor, take Sawyer to the ER."
Taylor offered his hand to the victim, who carefully took it with his other hand. Ridding myself of Christian's hold, I reached for Luke and wrapped my arms around him tightly. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
I felt him wince but hug me back with his healthy hand. "You'll be alright, Ana." He told me quietly, reassuring me of the many uncertain things I had in my life.
"Alright, now, bye bye." Christian said with pursed lips, taking me back under his arm and guiding me towards his house.
The main door was right open, so we walked right in and stood in the empty living room awaiting our hosts. Christian hugged me closer to himself and planted a kiss at the side my head.
I felt like I was about to cry. "I'm not usually this violent."
"I know, baby." Christian promised, nuzzling the side of my face. "We're back together now, we're going to be alright. You're going to be alright."
A part of me knew he was right. All these mood swings, all this anger and confusion will soon be replaced by the love and security that being with Christian would fill me with. I would take things one by one, even if that meant getting beaten up by Kate.
"ANA!" The familiar bright cheery voice resounded through the entire house as my best friend stole me from Christian and embraced me warmly.
Shocking everyone including myself, I returned the embrace, enveloping Kate into a firm lock as I began to cry. "I'm sorry, Kate." I told her over and over, just as I had done with Luke. "I'm so sorry."
Kate stroked my hair downwards as she cooed into my ear, telling me it was alright and that she knew she was at fault too. Kate confessed that she was trying her best to steer me away from Christian that she had overlooked my well-being entirely, pushing me off the mountain top and into an angry abyss that she had to deal with. That had made me cry harder and soon, I was wailing in my best friend's arms, wondering what I would do without her.
When my sobbing finally died down, Kate gently pushed herself off me to get a better look of my ugly crying face. She swiped away my tears and offered me a sweet smile, " I can't stay mad at you, Ana. Now stop crying, dinner was ready before you even arrived."
Another reminder of Christian and my tardiness. I nodded at her defeatedly and she began to guide me towards the dining room. Christian stepped in, putting a hand on the small of my back but Kate whacked him away. "That's enough of you, Grey. I can handle this." She hissed at him.
Graciously, Christian agreed. "You win this time, Kavanagh."
"Get used to it." She snapped, as we stepped into the grand dining room and into the circle of Greys and to my surprise, Ethan sat in their midst. He watched me with a sad smile, as if in agony that he was now in my presence.
My memories flickered back to the last time I saw him and the last things I had said to him. None of which was very nice. I had to talk to Ethan, I had to apologize and make amends because he was the closest guy friend I had apart from Jose, who had called me everyday for the past week to check in on me. Ethan had not. Maybe it was because he hated me now, hated my guts and found me repulsive.
I thought Grace was about to cry of happiness as she rose from her seat to greet me. "Anastasia, it's been... Too long." Smiling at Kate in request for her permission, Kate took a step back and surrendered me to her. Grace took me into her arms and stroked my back.
"I'm sorry, Grace." I whimpered into her hold.
Christian cleared his throat, "Alright, Ana is here by banned from apologizing to anyone for the rest of the night."
"I'm truly sorry, Grace." I ignored him and she laughed a little, shaking me. "I'm sorry, Carrick."
Grace helped me to the table and sat me down beside her, where my other side was immediately flanked by Kate followed by Elliott. "Sorry bro." Elliott directed at Christian with the most cheeky grin I've ever seen. "You can sit opposite the love of your life."
Christian chuckled back a sardonic laugh. "Oh no, I don't intend to." Taking a few arrogant strides, he came to stand by me as he placed both hands on my shoulders. I tilted my head up to meet his gaze and new immediately what his intention was. "Ana and I have an announcement."
Gracie's eyes filled with wide-eyed shock, as if anticipating what we were about to say. Christian lifted me onto my feet and strung his arm around my waist in a testosterone banter that was unnecessary. Taking my marked hand, he lifted it for everyone in the room to see. There were appreciative 'oohs' from Kate and Mia. My cheeks burned from the attention and I hid myself in Christian's chest. "Mom, dad," Christian started, "everyone. We're getting married."
Grace clasped her hands together in joy and Carrick broke into a soft smile at the news. Ethan looked shock and taken aback, but Mia followed her mother's call, she jumped to her feet and ran to hug me. Elliott stood to hi-five Christian while Kate seemed to be contemplating the news, uncertain on how she should react.
Elliott pulled Christian away the same time Mia pulled me away, effectively creating a divide between us. "You liked it so you put a ring on it." Elliott bellowed out in between his thundering laughter.
Christian punched him in the chest playfully, "At least I had the guts to." He jerked his head towards a now flushing Kate.
"Oh, Ana." Mia was all over me, touching parts of my body that possibly even Christian had not. "We're finally going to be sisters."
Sisters. I liked the sound of that. I had always wanted siblings since I was young, to play with and to receive support from. Marrying Christian would give me that, I would be assimilated into a perfect family with a brother and a sister and a pair of loving husband and wife. It was almost a miracle and a dream come true that this was about to be the life I was going to lead. Especially if my sister was to be Mia, this sweet spontaneous girl would be everything to me. Hugging her close, I squeezed. "Finally."
After a long period of congratulations from everyone, we finally took a seat, this time with Christian situated on my right and the pair across us. This was a much better formation, Christian and I locked hands as the family -our family- began to eat.
My eyes ran over Christian's beautiful face, committing every feature to memory. I would have never thought such a Greek god could belong to me, could be mine. Christian caught me staring at smiled at me in question. "I love you, Christian Grey."
A resounding grin spread across his face and he disregarded his family all together, reaching for me and pressing his lips firmly against mine in reciprocation. And, Christian Grey loves you.
"NOT BY THE FOOD, GREY." Elliott whined from across the table. "And in front of me too!"
Conceding, for once, Christian pulled back and leaned into his own seat. "Alright. But we start again after dinner." He warned Elliott before tucking into his pan fried cod fish. Elliott made a gagging noise, which was silenced by Grace's killer glare.
"Ana!" Mia's voice rang with excitement. "How's the wedding arrangements coming along?"
Wedding arrangements? So quickly? I was caught by surprise and felt myself tangle at such a question. Coming to the rescue, Christian piped up, "We've yet to discuss it."
Mia's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "You struck me more as the propose and married in an hour kind of guy, bro." In an hour?! "Not the two years kind."
Christian forced an awkward yet thoughtful chuckle. "Definitely not two years, Mia."
"Then when!" Mia whined.
"Mia." Carrick cautioned, staring the child down with an authority that could not be questioned.
Mia pouted. "I want to be maid of honor."
"That's my role!" Kate suddenly got involved.
Oh no. This was going to get heated. Kate and Mia started debating on who should be my maid of honor and did their best to rationalize what determined it.
"ALRIGHT!" Ethan shouted, putting down his cutlery. He had been silent all the while but had decided to get involved this time round. All eyes turned to him for a solution. Instead, he gave me a sweet smile. "I'd be honored to be maid of honor."
The table erupted into laughter. As usual, Ethan Kavangh to the rescue. I shot him a grateful look which he caught and returned With a tight nod. Clearly, he was still uncomfortable with me. He had every reason to be but I really needed to talk us out of this mess, we could not succumb to the mistakes I had made. Ethan was such a close friend and my heart constricted at the thought of losing him.
"What kind of wedding, Ana?" Mia continued her interview.
I gave it a thought. "A traditional one," and thought harder. " in a church."
Mia did not look too happy. "Then it must be a HUGE cathedral, with glass murals and pews and everything!"
Kate was in agreement with her this time. "All white! Everyone in white! Flowers every where. " She flung a filthy look at Christian. "We all know how good you are with flowers."
But Mia was too excited to stop. "Puppies and doves. We'll release doves and butterflies when you kiss the bride!"
I laughed at her enthusiasm and nodded but Christian was not into amusement. "Mia," he stopped her in her tracks. "This wedding is about Ana, it only matters what she thinks. Not you."
"That's not very nice, Christian." I hissed at him as Mia looked crushed.
Christian met my gaze with his own. "You know I mean it."
I waved him away with a flick of my wrist. "It's okay, Mia. I say we'll go with what you want to do." I had the joy of watching the spark return to her eyes as she straightened her posture.
"Christian's right though," Elliott pitched in as he finished what was left on his plate. Mia punched him but he cuddled her. "If you give Ana all your wedding ideas, it would be too cliche at yours, baby sis."
"You're right!" Mia came to acknowledge it too and I felt like I had lost Seattle's most eligible and promising wedding planner.
"See what you've done." I tutted at Christian. "Lost our best hope at a perfect wedding."
He was unscathed at my words. "A perfect wedding in my terms would just mean that you'd be at the alter saying I do."
I flushed at the thought and returned to finishing up my meal. Grace gave me a soothing pat on my back and quietly reassured me, "Darling, there's no pressure. We'll take it slow."
Slow sounded good. "Thank you, Grace."
"You're going to have to start calling me mom soon, darling." There was a spring in her words and I knew that she was looking forward to the same moment Christian was.
I knew I would surprise her with this, but I decided that I needed to make up for all my wrong doings that had already begun to pile up. "Yes, mom."
Grace's jaw dropped at the sound of it and she did a little squeal, completely out of her mature motherly stance but adorable anyway. "Thank you, Christian."
"You're welcome, mom." Christian beamed at the both of us, giving me a kiss at the corner of my cheek. Elliott cleared his throat.
"Alright, Elliott." I said. "But when I get back from the bathroom, I expect to be able to make out with Christian on the table."
Elliott chortled loudly in between mock vomit and I rose to my feet, squeezing Christian lightly on the shoulder, I made my way to the toilet down the corridor. It was nice to have some time alone to myself, standing at the mirror, I smiled at my reflection. This was a happy girl, satisfied, living out her fairy tale.
Christian had already called Carla and Ray to ask for permission to marry me even before proposing. He did mention Ray's persistent resistance and Carla's skepticism on his faithfulness, both of which subsided as he called them daily to ask again. Eventually, Christian won my parents' hearts over and sealed the deal of our marriage. For once in my life, I had a complete family along side my mom and Ray. This certainly was a dream come true.
Looking around at the grand bathroom, I soaked in the beautifully marbled floor and the state-of-the-art toilet furniture. Even in here, I could tell I was about to marry rich. It made me think of all the other girls out there who would be envious of me. I had nothing one second, no looks and no cash, but in the next second, I was about to become a princess. Cinderella. I was Cinderella and all that mattered was my Prince, the man that I would dedicate the rest of my life to.
Stepping out of the bathroom, I crashed head first into a padded chest. The entire dinner had gone relatively well, in my definition, it meant that I had not embarrassed myself. Unfortunately, my streak had not lasted and I was now finding myself in a position of attacking someone. Again.
"You alright?" Ethan's smooth voice was concerned, as we took a small step away from each other.
"I'm sorry, Ethan." This was just my luck. I had intended to single Ethan out to apologize to him for the nasty side of me he had to bear the brunt of. Nobody deserved to be treated in such a manner, especially not a close friend of mine.
"You're a klutz, Ana." Ethan laughed softly. "We're all obliged to accept your apologies."
The fact that he was not even realizing that I was apologizing for something graver make me stare at my feet and blush. It meant that he had already forgotten about it, which further emphasized the horrid friend I was. My guilt was manifesting once again and I felt my eyes begin to develop excess moisture. I sniffled.
"What is it, Ana?" Ethan probed gently, his cool fingers lifting my chin in order for him to better examine me.
"I'm sorry, Ethan. For now and for..." The first tear slipped as my inner goddess reprimanded me inwardly for being such a bitch.
There was a voice, probably Carrick's, coming down the corridor from the dining room. Thinking quick, Ethan led me into the bathroom and locked the door behind us. I let myself sit on the bath tub edge and cry a little. Ethan remained sharp until Carrick's voice passed us, he was telling Kate about the architecture of the house. Ethan got down on his knees before me and looked up at me. "What do you want to say, sweetheart?"
Even now, he was being so nice to me. I did not deserve this. "I'm sorry for being so rude." I started, my voice waning at awkward times. He nodded at me to urge me on. "I was just so frustrated at everything and you were going to complicate things more." I told him and I pressed my palms against my head, which he caught and held in his hands. "I got really angry and said many things that I shouldn't have said."
Ethan waited patiently for my words to leave my body, restricted by the heaving of my chest and the uncontrollable sobs that would not leave my vocal cords alone. "Ana, I understand."
Understand what? "No!" I half-yelled. "I don't want you to leave me, Ethan."
"Ana, I know you love Christian. I'm happy for you, sweetheart." He said sincerely, his blue eyes like an ocean filled with compassion. "I'm happy that you're happy."
But yet, it still sounded like he was saying goodbye. "Don't. Leave. Me." I cried harder.
Ethan looked upon me with concern and sympathy, a side of him seemed to want to say something more, but he settled with something simple. "I'll never leave you." His thumb rubbing away the tear that slipped down my cheek." I'll always be your friend, Ana."
"Best friend." I corrected, reassured to a certain extent that he was not going to abandon my bitchy ass.
He chuckled. "Kate's not going to be happy, but yes, best friend."
Throwing my arms around him, I muttered into his skin. "Thank you, Ethan."
His own arms came around my waist, cradling me tightly in return. "What are best friends for?"
There was a knock on the door. "Anastasia?" Came Christian's worried voice.
We both jumped at the sound of his voice and Ethan looked slightly panicked, he rose to his feet, helping me up as he did. "What should we do?" He whispered urgently.
Unfortunately, the door was made of wood. "WHAT'S ETHAN DOING IN THERE, ANASTASIA?"
I bit my bottom lip nervously. Crap. This cannot spiral out of control. "Just... Helping!" I shouted back and went to wash my face at the sink, trying to erase the shade of red and the tear streaks that now two tainted my skin.
"WITH WHAT?!" Christian hollered, the door knob shaking with every attempt at breaking in. "WHY'S THE DOOR LOCKED?!"
"Relax, Grey." Ethan muttered under his breath, handing me the towel.
"Thanks, Ethan." I smiled at him and wiped my face as the pounding ensued.
"ANASTASIA STEELE."
Time to face the monster that was my Christian Grey. Recalling Christian's countless ambush on poor Ethan whenever he was at the front line. Ethan was reaching for the door knob when I caught his hand and shook my head at him. Ethan looked curious, but retrieved his hand and kept it to himself. Placing myself in front of him entirely, I unlocked the door and pulled it open quickly. Just as I had expected, Christian leaped, having expected Ethan. However, he stopped short just before he grabbed me.
Christian's eyes grew wide as he recalculated his moves, wondering what had gone wrong. Before he could succeed, I threw myself at him. My hands wrapped themselves around his neck as my legs hooked around his waist, joining my lips to his before he could protest.