A/N: Thank you for all the reviews!
Don't worry, we are now on the Monday before Christian's birthday and since all hell broke loose on the Wednesday, I will be going with the same time frames and the Elena secret will come out with a bang. That was a busy week for them and this will be no different.
Important: I do not own the Fifty Shades Trilogy or the characters. They belong to the very talented E.L. James.
Ana POV:
Sex mad and insatiable. That's what I am. I can't seem to get enough of him. Today will be very long, but I take comfort in the fact that he will come home tonight to find me here, waiting for him. He will no longer come home to an empty apartment and eat his dinner alone.
"Good morning, Gail." Christian says as he walks into the kitchen, looking very tempting in his blue suit, white shirt and blue tie.
"Good morning, Mr. Grey. Breakfast will be ready in a couple of minutes."
"Thank you." He comes to stand beside me and moves the bar stool for me to face him. "Morning. You look very sexy, baby." Oh good Lord, does he ever switch off his power of seduction. I'm wearing a black pencil shirt, red silk blouse and high heels. But then again, he is used to see me in jeans so this is a new look where he is concerned.
"Morning. And thank you. You don't look so bad yourself." I say with a kiss to his lips.
Gail puts my granola and yogurt in front of me and then gives Christian his omelette. When he frowns, I prepare for the speech about my eating habits, but then he looks like he remembered something else.
"Ana, I noticed this morning that you answered your phone without looking at the number." Since I normally do, I don't see a problem with this. It's not as if I give my phone number out to everyone I meet. Seeing my confusion, he continues. "Will you please look at who is calling before you answer? It could be some weirdo and since we've now gone public with our relationship…" He stops and I look up to see Gail has discreetly made a run for it. Are we that predictable?
"If it bothers you that much, I will check my phone before I answer it." See, I can be accommodating. He actually looks surprised.
"Thank you. And is that all you will be eating for breakfast?" He asks, pointing to my bowl and I take a deep breath.
"No, I'm also having tea." I joke, but he scowls and I go on before this turns into another argument. "I'm not that hungry Christian and normally don't even eat breakfast. I'm only eating breakfast now because I know that you won't like it if I ate nothing before going to work. This," I point to my breakfast, "Is to make you happy. Besides, Gail made sandwiches for me to take to work for lunch with a lot of fruit and yogurt. I won't go hungry."
"You've lost weight since I've met you." He says softly and if I'm honest, I like the way I look now and it's only six pounds.
"Maybe it's because it's been a busy month and well, I do get a lot more exercise than I used to," I smile coyly and he finally relax.
When we've finished our breakfast and walk to the foyer hand in hand, I realize again how fast we are moving. A month ago I was single and now I'm walking to the foyer to go to work in a penthouse in Seattle, with my hand in the hand of the man I love. I grab my keys, but Christian takes it from me and puts them back on the table.
"Sawyer is taking you to work and will drive you back home tonight." When I narrow my eyes, he goes all powerful CEO on me.
"This is not up for discussion, Anastasia. Leila is still out there somewhere and the press will be all over Coping Together as soon as you arrive. This is for your safety and my peace of mind. Please don't fight me on this." I would have, if he didn't look like he needed a break. I turn around and walk towards the elevator without another word. Even though I'm not voicing my disapproval, I will certainly not say out loud that I agree to this either.
In the elevator, we stand and stare at each other. I'm not mad about the driving arrangement, I'm just not happy. I understand where he is coming from, honestly I do. I would just like to be introduced to his life, our new life, in small doses. Is that so wrong of me? Christian on the other hand is trying to figure out what's going on in my head. Watching me carefully with one hand in a fist. He is on his side of the elevator, not making a move to touch me even though I can see that it's taking a lot of effort on his part.
I step forward until we are standing toe to toe and give him a sincere smile to which he relaxes almost instantly. "Are you going to give me a kiss before we reach the parking area or will I have to suffer through the day with only a peck on the cheek in front of Taylor and Sawyer?"
"Thank fuck," is all I get before he spins me around to pin me to the elevator wall. It must be a man thing…trapping woman between their bodies and a hard surface. I can feel his relieve in the kiss, that and the overwhelming passion he always kiss me with. When he pull away, I reach up and run my thumb over his lips to remove my cherry lip gloss. "I thought you were mad."
"I'm not, I understand where you are coming from. I'm not happy about it, but I'm not mad. But even if I am, I would not like to start my day with avoidance and no way am I missing out on a kiss from you before we go our separate ways."
"In that case, will a quick fuck be pushing my luck?" Does all men reload this quickly?
"If you didn't spend the first half of the ride down on your side of the elevator, we could have. We're almost at the parking and I don't want to be late. Rain check?" I bet his kicking himself for a missed opportunity.
"You want to make it up to me?" Oh, he is up to something.
"Yes…what do you have in mind?" Just not the playroom again soon. As satisfying as last night was, it will take a couple of days to recover after a visit to the playroom.
"You'll see."
We finally get into the Coping Together building after battling through the paparazzi and I'm sure Christian has never been here. The security is non-existing to say the least and if I can pick up on it, it really is bad. One look at Luke's face tells me that he agrees and I'm sure it won't be long before Taylor and a team of experts arrive to fix it.
"Ana, it's so good to see you. My apologies for cancelling dinner last night, but something came up. I hope Christian explained it properly." Grace says as she greets me in the reception area. I think back to Christian's words and smile. "Baby, my mother just gave me permission to fuck you all night if we promise to attend dinner at Bellevue on Wednesday evening."
"Don't worry, Grace. He did explain it to me. Don't you have to be at the hospital?" I ask and she starts to look a bit nervous.
"I'll have to leave in an hour or so, but I needed to ensure that you're settled in first. I want to show you your office, the consulting rooms and then you still have to meet your assistant." I have an assistant? Not sure why I would need one, but I think I like the idea of having an assistant. Seems Christian is rubbing off on me. "But I have to warn you, he can be very… not professional. But he is an absolute sweetheart. Come, let me go and introduce you before I have to get going."
When we get to my office, the desk in front is empty and Grace looks around to find my assistant. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that he is an absolute sweetheart. He, not a she. Oh I can already see Christian going nuclear over this. Does this woman not know her son at all?
"Grace, are you looking for… Oh here she is. I've been eating my nails in anticipation of meeting the Anastasia Steele and let me tell you, you are every bit as beautiful as everyone says. And look at the outfit…Yep, stylish too." Says the guy walking around me as if I'm a new car. It's very uncomfortable and he's wearing…a bow tie? Is that not a fashion sin unless it's with a tux?
"Tony Shields, this is Anastasia Steele. Ana, this is Tony, he will be your assistant." Grace says, pulling him to stop beside her.
"Nice to meet you, Tony." I offer my hand and he shakes it gently. I don't shake a lot of hands but this is not like Christian did when we first met. More like when I shake hands with a woman…ooooh. Okay. This is good. Hell, this could even be fun.
"Oh, the pleasure is all mine. You have to take a photo with me because my friends will never, in a million years, believe that I met you in person. If you need anything, and I mean anything, you come to me. Lunch, dinner reservations, even if you want someone's ass kicked, I'm here for you. I won't do the last one myself, but I know people if you catch my drift." I can't help but giggle. He's good mood is contagious.
"That won't be needed." Of course he will show up at this very moment.
We turn to see Christian behind us flanked by Taylor and Luke. Honestly, the guy knows how to make an entrance. I'm sure the sight of the three of them next to each other will turn even a straight man.
"Oh sweet Lord, I think I've died and gone to heaven." Comes the whisper from Tony and I giggle again. Hot sex at home with this awesome man and daily entertainment at the office…I think I've died and gone to heaven with Tony.
"Christian, I didn't know you are stopping by today." Grace recovers first and walks over to Christian to give him a kiss on the cheek. "Come to think of it, I don't think you've ever been here."
"He's definitely never been here. Damn, a poor gay boy would remember if he met any of those men in person." Tony whispers to me with a hand on my arm. A hand Christian immediately zooms in on. Gay or not… he has a penis.
"Never had a reason to come down here before since I normally meet you at the hospital or at home. Taylor and Sawyer needs to assess the security and I thought I would join them and see Anastasia." Christian says to Grace with his eyes still locked on my arm.
"Oh son, that's not needed. We've never had a serious incident here and we have the building security down stairs." But Grace also knows her son enough to not argue with him, "But feel free to do what you feel is right. I've have to get to the hospital." She turns and walks back to me, "It's good to have you here, Ana. Let me know if you need anything. Tony has your appointment schedule for today. He insisted that we keep it light this week in order for you to settle in first." She tells me and with a kiss to my cheek, she's gone.
"Uhm… Ana, why don't you take Mr. Grey to your office and I will bring you guys something to drink while Taylor and Sawyer access the security." Tony says, distracting me from Christian walking over to me gracefully.
Christian takes my hand and leads me to the office with my name on the door and behind us Tony starts to mumble something, but we could clearly hear the last bit. "Best. Job. Ever. Christian Grey, Jason Taylor and new hottie on the scene, yep, this job just got a whole fucking lot more exciting." I laugh and even Christian's lips are twitching, but Taylor and Luke disappeared.
After Christian close the door, he locks it and walks back to me. I step backwards, but I'm already standing in front of my desk. Trapped.
"You haven't settled into your office yet?" He asks, stopping when he's right in front of me.
"No, your mom took me on a tour and then introduced me to Tony." I explain and he lifts me to put me on top of the desk.
"Ah yes, Tony. The over friendly colleague with hands he really should learn to keep to himself. What does he do here?" I raise a brow to this as I'm sure he knows everyone by now. When he waits for my answer, I guess he hasn't read the back ground check on the staff yet.
"He's my assistant." That does not sound right. I'm no hot CEO that needs an assistant, but since I've got one I will have to learn to get used to it.
"Your assistant? He seems… nice."
"He's obviously gay, Christian."
"He's still a man. Men are naturally attracted to you. Can't really blame them, but I sure as shit can keep them away from you." Possessive, jealous Christian is smoking hot. "We should christen your office, baby."
I instinctively close my legs with his hands trapped between my knees. He smiles that smile that melts my heart, but this is a place of business. Surely people don't have sex in offices, do they? More importantly, does Christian?
"This is my office, Christian, not your bedroom."
"Our bedroom." He corrects me. "And I know. This is my rain check. Now open up and show me if you're wearing pantyhose or those sexy suspenders." And since I don't seem to be able to deny this man anything, I open my legs and he runs his hands slowly up until I feel him on my bare skin under my skirt. "This is very sexy baby, but you should know that I will be beyond pissed if I find the matching panties for these suspenders on your pretty ass. Crotch less panties are for my private entertainment." He pulls the chair from behind him to sit in front of me with my legs spread as far apart as it will go with the tight skirt.
"Now, let's see what's hiding under this skirt. Put your feet on the armrests, Anastasia." I'm quickly becoming wet and again obey his command.
"Christian, Tony will be here soon." But his hands already found what he has been looking for and I feel the finger slipping into me.
"Always ready for me, Anastasia. That pleases me. Put your hands behind you on the desk and move to the edge for me. I want to taste you before I fuck you." Damn if that does not turn me on even more.
I feel him through the thin lace and he moves it to the side to run his wicked tongue through my wet folds and I'm tempted to grab onto his hair, but that's not possible in this position. When my breathing become short and rapid, along with my racing heart, he stands in front of me and enters me in one thrust.
"This will be quick baby, we don't want to start office gossip." Yeah right, we are already the hot topic of the office and half of Seattle.
After a quick office fuck, Christian pulls my clothes in place and then his own before he again sits back on the chair. On shaky legs I unlock the door and go to sit behind the desk. I have to say, this feels great. I would like to see Christian sitting behind his desk. In fact…
"You know, I might just stroll into your office one of these days and have my wicked way with you sitting in your master of the universe chair." I tell him casually, but the effect on him is not casual at all.
"Anastasia, that happens to be one of my many erotic fantasies. And before you ask, all my erotic fantasies are about you. And no, my office is a place of work. I've never had sex in there… of any kind. I will however be more than happy to make an exception for you." Oh my, I wonder how many fantasies he has and why does that sound like a challenge?
"Aren't you supposed to be in a meeting, Mr. Grey?" I change the topic when I see Tony walking towards my office. He walks in and place the tray on the desk and I look up at him in surprise.
"The very sexy new guy, who totally deserves to be in a magazine himself, told me you don't like coffee and he gave me a bag sent by some lady called Gail with your favorite refreshments and snacks. I have to say that if you weren't sweet enough to give me a cavity, I would really hate you right now." He says, waving his hands. Christian pretends not to laugh, but I can see his smile hiding behind his cup.
"Thank you, Tony." But he wouldn't be gay if he did not wave his hands over his face to cool himself down and mouthing "hot, hot, hot" behind Christian at the door before he leaves. I look at Christian, "I don't see Luke as someone who would be comfortable with being in a magazine."
"He will be in most photos taken with you when you're alone, he will get used to it. You should spend some time on the internet, baby. Taylor's been in many, much to my private amusement." He smiles and peeks my interest.
"Taylor? Jason Taylor? In a magazine?" Have I been living under a rock?
"Yes, Jason Taylor. He is one of the top five highest earning CPO's and apparently one of the sexiest too. Poor guy hates it." I can already imagine his expression.
"To get back to my earlier question, aren't you supposed to be in a meeting?"
"Yes, but Sawyer phoned Taylor to raise concerns regarding the security here and here we are."
"Seriously, you moved your meeting to come and attend to this yourself?"
"Anastasia, I pay millions every year to ensure my staff and assets are well protected. Why wouldn't I attend to the security of my most prized possession myself?" That would make me feel pleased with myself if he did not just call me a possession.
"I'm not your possession, Grey." And the temperature in the room drops instantly.
"You belong to me, don't you?" He snarls and lean forward. I would pay for strength, but I might hurt him, so I pay for patience instead.
"Yes, I do, but that…"
"Makes you my most prized possession, like I said. Feel free to call me your possession any time you want, baby." And then he winks and takes the wind out of my flaming red sails while reaching for his beeping cellphone. "As much as I would love to stay and argue with you a bit more, I have to get going." He gets up and walks around the desk, bending down to put his hands on the armrests of my chair. "I will see you later, baby."
"You're going to drive me insane, you do know that?" I ask against his lips and he smiles.
"It's a good thing you love me. We can be insane together." After a kiss that could set the room on fire, he strolls to the door and turn to lean against it. "I love you, Anastasia." And then he's gone and in his place, staring at my stunned expression is Tony with his hand over his heart.
"I think the people on the floor below could feel the heat in this room." I just blink and he comes to sit on the chair Christian just vacated. "Honey, that man's got it bad and judging from your face, so do you. It's so romantic and hot." I think I like him. With all the drama in my life, I need some entertainment and I'm sure Tony is just the person to bring that into my life. Maya and Kate will love him. Jackson and Jose will hate him. Christian will be annoyed, but entertained as well. All and all, just what I need.
"Is Taylor and Luke done with the security assessment?" I ask and he swoons again.
"Luke. That's a sexy name. But yes, they are done. After Taylor made a list, a very long list by the look of it, he strolled out of here behind the King of wet dreams and Luke took a seat at the desk next to mine to start working on that long list." I'm still stuck on Christian's new name, which I will of course share with him tonight.
"But you've got things to do and people to help. Your calendar is on your pc and I will be right outside. Who knows, maybe Luke needs some help and I will be more than willing to offer my assistance." He walks to the door and stops to whisper, "If we are really lucky, he will have to roll up those sleeves to drill a hole or something." And then he strolls out and my day can finally begin.
Christian POV:
"Welch, I need to find this woman. I understand that we should not have let her slip through our fingers at the hotel, but that was one of the worst days of my life. The last thing on my mind was to keep Leila in sight." I wearily tell Welch sitting beside Taylor across from me.
This day has taken a serious turn for the worst around lunch time. I was about to invite Ana for lunch when Taylor came with the news that Ana's car had been vandalized in the Escala parking lot. Paint thrown over it and tyres slashed. He immediately went to investigate and came back with the footage of the perpetrator, clearly identifiable as Leila. The rage on her face as the Audi was destroyed, is frightening and the thought that she could get close to Ana, with that rage building up inside her…
"Sir, Ms. Steele clearly turned into the object of obsession for Ms. Williams. That extreme level of rage towards someone you have never met is alarming. Ms. Steele should be warned and security increased at Coping Together immediately." Taylor speaks for the first time. I know that deep down, even he blames me for the situation we now face. Shit, I only blame myself.
"I'll speak with Anastasia tonight, but please brief Sawyer immediately. Also get one of the guys on site to team up with Sawyer whenever Ana leaves Escala. I want security at Coping Together increased before tomorrow morning. I don't care what the cost is, I want it done." And then something comes to mind and I buzz Andrea.
"Tell Conway I want to see him in my office immediately and he should bring his laptop as well." I turn back to Welch.
"We can increase the security on their floor, but not the building without approval from the owner. How quickly can you find out who the owner is for that building?" I will buy it if I have to and if we have to move Coping Together to a more secure location, then that's what we have to do. Either way, I will not allow Anastasia to be in even the slightest danger.
"Sir, I think you should see this." He hands me his iPad just as Conway enters my office.
I read over the details regarding this building, but it makes no sense so I turn back to the three on the other side of my desk. Welch already filled Conway in about my questions regarding the building where Coping Together is and he looks at me like I've lost my mind.
"Mr. Grey, the Thompson building is owned by the Seattle Property Management group." The name seems familiar, but I can't figure out why and I motion for him to continue. "The Seattle Property Management group was one of the entities owned by Franklin Enterprises." He says hoping for me to put two and two together and I start laughing. Taylor looks from Conway to Welch and then back to me, who puts him out of her misery.
"Franklin Enterprises was owned by John Franklin. He was the CEO who tried to punch me in the boardroom in February. It turned out that 51% of his shares were owned by public shareholders due to a cash flow problem he had last year. The shareholders were more than willing to sell at the price we offered. When Franklin found out that GEH owns 51% of his company, he begrudgingly sold the rest to me the week of Ana's graduation. Fuck, this day just a lot better." I laugh again and Taylor immediately jumps onto the phone. Since GEH technically owns the building, he can do anything he feels necessary and if any of the other tenants does not like it, they are welcome to give notice.
"This also means that I'm receiving rental income from my mother's non-profit organisation. Conway, please ensure that Coping Together is refunded all rental income with interest today. I also want you to draft a new contract for them stipulating that as long as the building is owned by GEH, no rental payments will be required. Should I ever to sell the building, GEH will relocate Coping Together to a new building where the same terms apply. I will inform my mother."
On the way home, I start to get very nervous about telling Ana why her car is no longer in the parking area. And to think, we just wanted a normal day. When I get out of the SUV, Sawyer meets us downstairs to give Taylor an update and Taylor decides to go and check on the security upgrade at Coping Together himself. After today, it is clear that even Taylor has a soft spot for Ana. Luckily he is one of a handful of men that I would trust with Anastasia.
"Sawyer, would you mind coming up with me?" I ask, taking the man by surprise and smile to calm his nerves. "Nothing's wrong. I just want to talk on the way up."
When we enter the elevator, I get right to the point. "Did Ms. Steele notice that her car is missing?"
"No, Sir. She was on the phone with her mother as we arrived and didn't really pay attention to her surroundings. I was extremely grateful." I can imagine.
"Sorry to ask you this, but is she in a good mood?" The relationship between a bodyguard and the person they should be protecting is very fragile and I don't want to overstep, but I need to know what to expect when these elevator doors open.
"She had a good day, Sir." I smile, impressed that he wants to answer me as best as possible without betraying Ana.
The minute we step into the foyer, Sawyer gives me a 'good luck to you' look and goes to hide from the wrath of Anastasia Steele. Seems I'm on my own on this one.
"Wish me luck," I mutter and go to face what is sure to be one highly pissed off five foot woman. Maybe I should tie her up in the playroom and only untie her again when she has calmed down.
A/N: Yes, please review.
