A/N: If Christian is the way he is because of abuse and Elena, why is Elena the way she is? What happened to Elena? This story is not about Elena, but Ana meets Elena first and then saves both of them. Different circumstances, different events, but the same couple. Hope you like it.
Please, please let me know what you think and what you would like to read about in this story.
Important: I do not own the Fifty Shades Trilogy or the characters. They belong to the very talented E.L. James.
Christian POV:
The rest of the weekend and Monday I submerge myself in work in an effort to try and get the girl out of my head. She is consuming my every thought and that is totally new to me. By Tuesday I'm ready to crawl out of my skin, but since I will be getting the information that I need on the girl plaguing my dreams, I behave myself. Okay, as best as I'm capable off.
When it's time for a lunch meeting, I go downstairs and get immediately irritated when we are stopped just outside Grey House.
"Jason Taylor. Just the man I was looking for." I hear a strong voice and turn to see a man walking up to us. He is big built, military haircut like Taylor and impeccably dressed. I was just about to be rude and tell Taylor that we are late, when I heard his response.
"Ray, nice to see you again. What can I help you with?" Jason asks and I try to stand closer without drawing attention to myself. If this is who I think, I want to hear why he needs Taylor's help.
"Please excuse me for interrupting your day; I see you are on your way out. I won't be long, Mr. Grey." He says to me before turning back to Taylor. "Jason, I've got a very strange request and believe me, I will understand if you say no. There is just no stopping my daughter and once her mind is set on something, there is no changing it. As a dad, I have to do the next best thing and control the situation. I'm sure you understand how it is. Anyway, my daughter decided to use a very… unusual topic for her last project for college. I arranged for a lady to help her with it, but Ana feels that she needs to visit a damn club to truly understand the type of people involved in this lifestyle. I very reluctantly agreed and Elena gave her the name of a club, but my one condition was that she will have security with her. She agreed to my condition." He stops and I'm tempted to go to Elena and beat the shit out of her. This is what she's been doing with Anastasia? Teaching her about BDSM for a paper? Why the hell would she give her the name of the club to visit?
"I have to say that if she needs to visit a club, I'm curious as to the topic of her paper." Taylor, you ass. I could answer that and surely you didn't need to ask.
"Uhm… well, it's about severe human behaviour and instead of the vast possibilities, Ana decided to write a paper about… BDSM." Shame, the poor guy is blushing. I would probably be too if I was in his shoes.
"And what can I do for you? I'm not in… that lifestyle if that's why you were looking for me." Taylor quickly adds and I just know he is very tempted right now to look at my reaction, but I'm casually standing here with my sunglasses on listening to their conversation.
"Oh, no. I don't think that. See, Ana agreed to security, but her security is under no circumstances allowed to be one of my guys. I was wondering if it will be possible for you to escort her to the club and safely back to her apartment. She will share an apartment with her friends in two week's time, but the apartment is already furnished and the stubborn girl insists on going back there instead of coming home." For the first time he pays attention to me, "That is if it will be okay with you, Mr. Grey. I will understand you require Jason's services on Saturday evening and will make alternative arrangement if that is the case." Well, I actually had a function to attend, but since my plans just changed, I won't mind.
"Actually…" Taylor starts and I cut him off.
"Actually that won't be a problem for me as I don't have any plans. If Taylor will be able to assist, I won't mind." I say and turn to walk to the SUV. We were already late and this just made it worse, but for some reason I'm not pissed or even upset. This day actually just got drastically better. Ray turns to look at Taylor.
"I would be happy to assist, Ray. Can you perhaps send me her number in order to make arrangements with her?" Taylor hands him his card. After a few more words, Ray leave and we go to my meeting. Taylor is not oblivious to the severe change in my mood, but I don't give a fuck. He works for me and he should remember that on Saturday.
I didn't hear a word in the boring meeting. My mind keeps wandering to those deep blue eyes and my new information that she's apparently strong willed. That would definitely assure that she gets punished at least once every weekend. My hand is actually tingling at the thought and I find myself rubbing it against my leg. Not for the first time since I laid eyes on this girl, I had to give myself a mental slap. What the fuck is wrong with me? I have never given any girl this much mental space in my head and she seems to be consuming my every waking moment. I wouldn't complain if she was able to consume my dreams as well and keep the nightmares away, but this is getting ridiculous.
When I get a text from Welch that he has the information I requested, I get up and signal for Taylor sitting a few tables away.
"Gentlemen, there is something very urgent that needs my attention at the office. Please excuse me. I will have Andrea contact you to set up another appointment." I say and walk away.
When I get to my office, Andrea tells me that Welch is already waiting and I close the door behind me.
"You have what I asked for?" I get to the point immediately.
"Yes, Sir." He points to a folder on my desk and I go to sit down.
"Thank you, Welch. I appreciate it and please remember to keep this to yourself." He does not look happy when he leaves my office, but I don't have time to dissect his reaction at the moment.
I open the folder and I'm thrilled to see the first item in there is a 8x5 picture of Ms. Anastasia Steele. I let my fingers run over her face while I let my imagination run wild. I can feel her soft skin under my fingers. I can feel the burn as my hand comes down on her naked ass. I can imagine what she will feel like around my dick. All soft and warm and gripping me as she reach her climax. That soft, full lips around my dick, taking me deep into her mouth, scraping her teeth against…
"Mr. Grey, your brother is here to see you." I hear Andrea says, bringing me out of my erotic daydream.
"Send him in." I reply rather rudely, but fuck, she just ruined my fantasy. I close the folder and put my hands on top of it.
Elliot comes in looking rather nice for someone in construction and I raise my brows. Apart from family dinners, I don't get to see him like this. He looks down at his clothes and shrugs. I adjust my throbbing erection and shift in my chair. If I get up now, Elliot will never let me live it down.
"Sorry to interrupt your day, Bro. But I need a huge favour and although I know you are extremely busy, I hope you can help me." He sits down after I shake his hand.
"Elliot, I really am very busy this week, what can I do for you?" I ask even though I know I will say no. I normally do, unless he needs something on a weekend like inviting me to a club or a round of golf.
"I need to meet some people on Thursday to discuss a building project for them when they want to expand to Seattle. I could go on my own, but I would really like it if you could go with me. We could make it a road trip." He says and I look at him like his lost his damn mind. I don't have time to hold his hand during meetings.
"Elliot, I'm sorry…" I start, but don't get to finish.
"Please, Christian. Portland is not that far and we can come back the same day." Did he just say Portland?
I carefully open the folder in front of me and move the photo to look at the background check. Yes, I remembered correctly. Anastasia Steele currently resides in Portland. Well, why didn't he just start with that?
"Elliot, I tell you what. We can fly Charlie Tango down to Portland on Thursday morning and if you don't have other plans, we could even spend the night at the Heathman and fly back midday on Friday. We could go out on Thursday evening or grab some dinner. What do you think?" I close the folder, but keep it in front of me. Elliot seems to be in shock and I get up to get each of us a bottle of water from the fridge.
"You would do that for me?" he says, making me feel a bit bad, but one glance at the folder and that gets replaced with anticipation.
"Yes, I would. I also have an interest in Portland and this give me the opportunity to check up on it. So, should I ask Andrea to make arrangements?" I ask and hope he doesn't back down now. All my hopes are now on seeing Ms. Steele two days from now.
"Yes. Thank you, Christian. Is Taylor going with us?"
"No." I answer faster and louder than necessary, and take a sip of water, "No, I think it will be nice if it's just the two of us. I'm sure we can take care of ourselves for one day." I say and get a megawatt grin from Elliot.
"This will be fun, you won't be disappointed. Thank you, Christian. I'll let you get back to work. See you on Thursday." I shake his hand and walk him to the door. This week just keeps getting better.
"Andrea, please can you come in for a moment?" I ask politely as I'm in a good mood after all.
"What can I do for you Mr. Grey?" She asks as she sits down with a notepad and pen… always so efficient.
"I need you to cancel all my appointments for Thursday and Friday morning until about twelve. Also arrange accommodations for me and Elliot to sleep at the Heathman on Thursday evening. Don't worry about a dinner reservation as we will take care of that ourselves. I will need Charlie Tango as we will be flying down on Thursday and back again on Friday. That will be all." I dismiss her and she leaves to take care of things. I have five minutes before my next meeting and grab the folder in front of me.
Anastasia Rose Steele. Pretty name. She's twenty two, turning twenty three in September. Her father's name is however stated here as Lambert and not Steele. It seems Raymond Steele is the second husband of Carla Lambert Steele Morton Adams. Busy woman. Ms. Steele will finish her degree next week to become a social worker. So she wants to help people. That seems to fit her. Bank balance contains a couple of thousand dollars, but it seems she mostly make use of her credit card. Oh yes, if you can't control your daughter, control the things around her. I get that. Ray obviously gets the statement to see what is on there. Religion not specified. Relationship status unknown. Friends with Katherine Kavanagh, Jose Rodriquez, Maya O'Conner and Jackson Cunningham. I wonder if she's dating one of these guys. Katherine Kavanagh is the daughter of the CEO of Kavanagh media. Anastasia seems to enjoy reading and going out with friends.
"Mr. Grey, Ros and the legal team are waiting for you in the main boardroom." Andrea interrupts again and I close the folder after another quick glance at Anastasia's photo. I'll see you sooner than expected, Ms. Steele.
The meeting drags on forever until we conclude what is required to take over a shipping yard in Europe. This deal has been going for almost a sixteen months and I'm starting to get annoyed at all the red tape that goes along with this acquisition. If I didn't really want the shipping yard, I would have walked away by now, but I want it and it will be good for my company, so I will just have to suck it up and see this through.
With Thursday and Friday morning now cleared, I will have to work until midnight tomorrow to get everything done and probably again on Friday. Not that I mind if there is a possibility of seeing Anastasia while we are in Portland. Who am I kidding? I will definitely be seeing Anastasia in Portland.
Wednesday is just like predicted… jam packed and so busy that I don't even have a chance to glance at the picture in my top drawer. I've been over this so much that my head is starting to hurt. I just don't know what it is about this girl. She's beautiful, that for sure, but I have more than my fair share of beautiful woman willing to 'Yes, Sir' and 'Please, Sir' whenever I want. So why this girl?
Just after midnight I get into bed, but before I fall asleep I send a text to John to ask him to stop by as early as possible the next morning. I will need to talk to someone before we leave for Portland and since Elena is out of the question, I will have to settle on John.
"Christian. You look… well… not like yourself. What is bothering you?" John sits down in the great room and I take a seat opposite him. I'm unsure of how to start. The entire morning I was practicing my little speech and now I can't remember a damn word of it.
"It's a girl." I manage to finally get out. John looks shocked. With everything this man knows about me, I'm glad I can still shock him.
"Well, for normal patients, it normally is. But… this is certainly new." He takes a sip of his water and takes out his tablet. He probably thought it was the same shit, just a different day… if only. "What about this girl?"
"She's… captivating, beautiful, young, innocent, but bold and carefree. She is completing her studies to become a social worker. High marks… damn smart girl. Controlling father with his own security company. And her eyes… John, those eyes are haunting my every waking hour. And her lip… she bites her bottom lip in this seductive way, but she's totally unaware of the effect on the unsuspecting male population." I stop when John chokes on his water. Some fucking therapist… very professional.
"I apologize, but I never thought I would see the day that a woman has this profound effect on you. Where did you meet this girl?" he asks and I keep looking in his eyes to see his response.
"In Elena's office." I say and he sighs as he puts the tablet down.
"Now, that's unfortunate. Here I was hoping for you to have a normal relationship for once and it turns out this girl is a sub." He frowns before taking his tablet again, "A social worker as a sub… just doesn't make sense."
"It's because she's not. She's not in the lifestyle at all. Turns out that she is doing research on BDSM as part of her final project for college on severe human behaviour." I explain and the frown disappears.
"That's good them. So Elena was not introducing her to you as a sub?" He asks as he's making notes on the tablet.
"Quite the opposite, John. This is so bizarre actually. Elena was trying to protect the girl from me when I arrived unexpectedly. She went so far as to tell me that Anastasia is unavailable and I'm not to approach her. That she's a nice girl and that she likes her. This is Elena Lincoln we are taking about… she's does not like anybody. I just don't know what the hell is going on." I explain, again dumbfounded with the events of last weekend.
"This… Anastasia?" he asks and I nod, "she must be quite a young lady to get protection from Elena. The Elena I know would not think twice to try and convince this girl to become your sub. Unless she does not fit your… preferences?" he asks with those raised brows again.
"No, she does. Long dark hair, petite figure, beautiful blue eyes and luscious lips. She fits my preferences just perfectly. I'm going to Portland today with Elliot, that's where Anastasia lives, for business. I'm planning on tracking her down, but I'm not sure why I feel this immense need to see her again. I'm not sure if it is because I want her so badly or if it is because Elena said I could not have her."
"Christian, why don't you go down there and get in touch with her and see where it goes. Maybe this could be good for you. Don't push too hard, but make it clear to her that you would enjoy her company." I would enjoy far more than her company, but I decide to keep that to myself. No need to shock the poor man further. "Christian, you're not planning on making this girl your new submissive, are you?" Oh hell, he knows me too well.
"John, I don't do hearts and flowers. The plan is to get her in the playroom and fuck her out of my system and move on. I cannot concentrate on anything. My mind keeps going back to when our hands touched and it felt as if electricity where shot through me. I need to get control back and I don't think I would get that back until I've had her." So much for not shocking the good doctor anymore today because he looks well and truly shocked, but he did ask.
"I see. That may not be the best thing to do, Christian. If she is innocent and not in your lifestyle, she might refuse, especially with her knowledge that Elena is helping her with. Also, if she is bold and confident, there is no way she will even consider your proposal. You might want to accept the possibility that you might never get her… unless your offer is a normal relationship." No fucking way is that happening. I don't need a woman in my life every single day and the weekend arrangement suits me just fine.
"Thank you, John. I will keep what you said in mind. I don't mean to be rude, but I will unfortunately have to go now. Elliot should be ready to leave." We get up and shake hands on our way to the elevator.
"Good luck, Christian. Just relax and see where this is going. For all you know, she might be in a committed relationship already." The elevator doors unfortunately close before I could punch him in the fucking face and my fist connects with the elevator door. I never entertained that thought for more than a couple of seconds for a reason… I want her and if she is in a committed relationship that will not happen.
I'm still staring at the elevator door when it opens again to reveal Elliot.
"Oh boy. Did you not sleep well? It looks like shit, Bro." With a slap on my shoulder he walks into the penthouse with his overnight bag.
"Elliot, not today." I walk past him on my way to my bedroom, "I'll just get my stuff."
When we are in the air, I can't escape the thrill that runs through my body. Flying always gives me this thrill and I'm glad to see that at least something hasn't changed in the last week.
"This is great, Christian. It's been ages since we've done this. Thank you." He thanks me again and since I'm so relaxed right now, I might as well have a conversation with him.
"How's… Candice?" I ask, uncertain if it's the right name as he goes through girls like I do socks.
"Eunice… I don't know. I haven't seen her in over a week. I think the flame is dead. There's just no spark there anymore." He explains and I'm not surprised at all with his reputation. I do however understand the bit about the spark. I've never felt it before… before Anastasia.
"Sorry to hear that. So, this project, how big is it?" I ask as a distraction.
"Pretty big. After Seattle they are looking to expand to LA and then to New York. I've had one meeting with them already in Seattle and this is the second round of meetings. If I get past today, I'll be good to go." I'm glad for him. His business is doing really great, but then, he is very talented and the work they do is top quality.
We get to Portland and Elliot goes to his meeting while I go to check on several of my other interests in the area. Just after twelve, I phone Welch to track Anastasia's cell phone. He phones back twenty minute later.
"Grey."
"Sir, her phone seems to be off." He says.
"Welch, this is the 21st century. Who the hell turns of their phones in this day and age? Check again." I say, irritated as I thought I was getting her location, just to get nothing.
"Uhm… students who are writing their final exam, Sir. I've checked with the college and it seems today is the last day of her exams." He explains and it makes sense.
"Send me the link Welch. I'll track her myself when her phone comes back on." I disconnect the call and take out my iPad. My phone will definitely not make it, so I open the link on the iPad.
By the time I get a hit on her location, we are already dressed to go out for dinner. I take the iPad and pretend to work as we walk out of the hotel. The signal is on the move and I try to move as slowly as possible in order to see where she is going. When it stops across the road from Evolution, I know what their plan for the rest of the night is. I call ahead and let the manager know that I will be stopping by and to keep the VIP area closed. Evolution in Portland was the third club we opened after Ros insisted that we buy the one in Seattle two years ago. It is profitable, so I don't complain even though the club scene is not really my thing.
"Are we having dinner here?" Elliot says pointing to the restaurant in front of us. It's nice and cosy and pricy for Portland, but also not really my scene so I understand his confusion.
"Yes, unless you would rather go somewhere else?" I ask with no intention in the world to eat anywhere but right here.
"No, this is fine." He says as we walk in and is shown to the bar to wait for a table.
Elliot is telling me something, but my focus is on the beautiful, carefree brunette sitting two tables away from me. When he sees that my attention is elsewhere, he follows my gaze.
"Fuck, Bro. That blond is just my type. Another two drinks and I may just go over there to introduce myself." He says looking at the girl sitting next to Anastasia.
I can only see her in profile, but get a glimpse of her naked back. Her one hand is playing absentmindedly with her hair. When I let my eyes go down her body, I see her dress ends a bit higher than I would have allowed, but the heels soon distracts me from what punishment that dress would deserve.
"Excuse me for a moment, Elliot." I say, but I know he will follow as soon as he sees that I'm heading towards the blonds' table.
When I get to the table everyone is listening to the other brunette talking and hardly notice my presence, so I just jump in as Anastasia don't seem to be listening to what is being said anyway.
"Ms. Steele, what a pleasant surprise. It's nice seeing you again." I say in a friendly tone and every head snaps to mine except for hers. When she lifts her head, she glances at her friends before turning her head slowly in my direction. She looks shocked to see me and takes a while to find her voice.
"Mr. Grey. This is a… surprise. What are you doing here?" She asks in a surprisingly harsh tone. I wonder if I have been on her mind at least half as much as she has been on mine.
I tell her that I came with Elliot on business and she invites us to join them after the blond whispers something in her ear. Blondie only has eyes for Elliot who is as happy as I've ever seen him at this turn of events. We are introduced to Kate, Maya, Jackson and lastly Jose. Jackson and Jose do not seem to like our presence and I couldn't care less. If one of them where dating Anastasia, she would be sitting next to him, but instead, she is sitting next to me. Just like when I got to the table, everyone is sharing their plans for when they move to Seattle, but Anastasia is quietly sitting next to me.
"Oh my god. Oh my god. It just hit me. You are Christian Grey." Kate says out of nowhere and everyone looks at her. I say nothing. Elliot is trying to contain his laugh. It's not often that it takes people this long to recognise me.
"Kate, are you okay? You already know that his name is Christian Grey." I hear Anastasia's voice for the first time in over fifteen minutes while she is giving Kate a look that could kill.
"You have to excuse, Ana. She refuses to read newspapers or watch the news." Kate explains and then turns to Anastasia, "Ana, this is Christian Grey. As in Grey Enterprise Holdings." Kate looks at Anastasia, waiting for some sign that she has a clue what Kate is referring to and after Anastasia glance my way, she looks back at Kate.
"Well, good for him." Elliot is trying to hide his laugh behind a cough, but I can see that Anastasia is starting to feel uncomfortable… hell, I'm starting to feel uncomfortable.
"Ana, why don't you read the papers or watch the news?" Elliot asks. I continue to get my visual fill of Anastasia and notice her shift in her seat. It brings joy to me to know that she is affected by me.
"Newspapers are filled with things that already happened, which is pointless as nothing can be changed about it. They also turn tragedies into something sensational for the pure purpose of selling papers. Apart from that, there is sport, which I have no interest in and the financial pages. That's for businessmen and clearly I'm not one." She answers and that explains why she apparently has no idea who I am. It's refreshing actually.
"There is also the weather prediction, Ana." Her friend, Maya says.
"Yes… well… why spoil the surprise?" She says matter-of-factly and I actually giggle, surprising myself and Elliot.
"Fair point well made, Anastasia." Damn, I like the way her name sounds coming from my mouth. I'm again distracted by the blush on her face and imagine the same colour on her naked ass. My dick is twitching and I shift in my seat to get it under control before we have to get up, which will be soon as I already paid the bill.
After we get invited by Kate to join them at the club as well, we get up and as I glance down to ensure my hard on, caused by the close proximity of Anastasia Steele, is hidden; my eyes caught her shoes as she gets up. I let my eyes run up her legs and over her dress, thinking of ways to get her out of it, but then I blink and realize just how short the dress really is. I should have come to that realization earlier when she was sitting down. How can she go to a club dressed like this? I can feel the anger cursing through my veins, but can't take my eyes from her at the same time. She looks HOT, no doubt about that. When Kate comes to stand next to Anastasia, her dress is even shorter and one look at Elliot tells me that he is feeling the same anger right now.
When the fact that neither of them belongs to either of us hit me, I sigh and walk over to Anastasia. I give her an apologetic smile, just in case she has seen the anger in my eyes, and offer her my arm.
A/N: Please don't forget to review.