Just Breathe Chapter 3 – The Accident
Friday, Week one of Ana's new job at SIP
Christian's POV
It's been a long and busy week; in addition to SIP, Roz and I have been working on two other acquisitions in addition to Darfur shipping problems. I've been out of town for most of the week; relying on Sawyer reports of Anastasia. I have daily pictures of her going to work and daily reports of her activities – but we're still low on background reports for employees of SIP.
"Can you meet me at a sports bar called Fifty's around six-thirty for a drink?" I asked Elliott. "I want you to inspect a property with me after seven tonight with the CEO of the business. When we inspect the property; please let me know if one of your crews can renovate the place in a week after we sign the papers."
"One week is fast work bro. The place will need to be empty." Elliott wrote down the address. "Are we moving any walls?"
"No moving walls, but we are putting up a permanent wall with a door to create a secure server room. It needs a dead bolt lock, card or touchpad lock. Take a look at the place and tell me what has to be fixed and any changes you suggest. My IT guy, Barney, will meet us at Fifty's also. He wants to look at the layout of the place. Taylor is giving it the eagle eye to pinpoint security issues."
Six thirty, Taylor pulled into the parking lot at Fifty's. "Mr. Grey," he called over his shoulder, "Isn't that Miss Steele, coming out the side door?"
They both paused to watch as she slipped from the building into the shadows. "Now, that's odd," I muttered. "Call Sawyer."
Taylor's phone rang. "He saw us," Taylor reported. "He's following." He put Sawyer on speaker phone in the vehicle.
"She's in stealth mode," Sawyer reports.
"Stealth mode?" I asked.
"Moving quietly; sticking to the shadows. Keys splayed between the fingers of her right hand, in case she needs them as a weapon. Pepper spray concealed in her left hand. Purse across her body with zipped jacket over it. Ponytail tucked down into jacket so she can't be grabbed. She's on the move toward her car. Her father taught her well!"
"Why was she at Fifty's?" I asked.
"Friday night drinks with a group from work." Sawyer reported.
"Why did she slip out?" Taylor asked.
"I think she was uncomfortable. Her boss, Jack Hyde, pressured her to drink more. She nursed a beer which she bought for herself; turning down refill offers. He asked Miss Steele personal questions. When he learned she and her roommate had a condo near Pike Place Market, he told her he lived close by and would give her a ride home if she needed it. Once when she returned to her seat after dancing with someone from the Finance Office, she stumbled over her feet. Jack Hyde grabbed her. I think he left bruises; she winced when he grabbed her. When everyone watched the entertainment, she slipped to the powder room and then out the back door. She's headed for home."
"Stay on her Sawyer. Call if there is a status change or you need relief." Taylor ordered.
"Taylor, I didn't like the sound of Sawyer's report. I want a military level background check done on Jack Hyde." I ordered. "I don't want Miss Steele caught in the midst of HR issues at SIP while I'm in the middle of buying the company."
XXXXX
Day 6 – Saturday, Ana's First Work Week
Christian's POV
Sawyer called; Miss Steele is running at the park near Pike Place Market. Grey and I drive there, and once he spots her, we park. Grey runs in her direction; and I follow at a discreet distance. He speeds up to catch her. She doesn't respond when he calls out to her. He catches up to her, reaches out and grabs her arm. She swings around, punching him in the chest, screaming at him to let her go. Oh SHIT. I race to him to try to prevent a meltdown; but I am too late. He freezes and his arms automatically shove her away from him. He screams at her not to touch him. She goes flying and her right arm hits a park bench. Her body, still in motion, hits her right arm again on the park bench. Her body stops when her head glances off the cement riser framing a drinking fountain. FUCK! Grey just assaulted Miss Steele!
"Taylor!" Grey screams. I race past him to Miss Steele. I move her flat on her back and begin checking her extremities. She screams when I touch her right arm.
"I'm sorry, Miss Steele," I said. I shake my head at Grey. His anguished face studies her; he drops to his knees; his breathing labored. "Don't pass out on me Grey!" I snap. "Broken right arm – I think it's a clean break."
Miss Steele swore a very unladylike epithet. She moaned, pain lancing across her face. "Taylor...if you touch my right arm one more time, you'll need first aid." She couldn't carry though on her threat; she passed out.
"Mr. Grey?" Gail came into focus. "Are you all right sir?"
"Miss Steele has fallen and broken her arm," Grey announced.
"I'm parked over there," Gail pointed at the public parking facility. "Here; immobilize her arm with a magazine and a scarf," she pulled things out of a tote bag on her arm and handed them to me. "It's at least twenty minutes to get an ambulance here. We're less than 10 miles from Northwest. Traffic at this hour of the morning should get you there in less than 20 minutes."
I curl the magazine and place Ana's arm in it; wrapping it securely with the scarf and tying it. "It's a temporary splint," I explain to Mr. Grey. "I need your belt, Gail." She gave me a funny look. "It's to secure her broken arm to her chest so she doesn't flail around and injure her arm more." Gail stripped her belt off. It's not like she needed it; more of a fashion statement as far as I was concerned. She holds Miss Steele's arm in place as I lift her and adjust the belt like a cross body bag strap to hold the arm against her chest. I lift Miss Steele and head toward Gail's car. I ignore Mr. Grey when he demands I hand her off to him.
"I'm trying to monitor her breathing which I can do better if you shut the fuck up!" I yell at Grey.
Gail's eyes widen as she fishes keys out of her jeans pocket and hits the unlock button with the key fob. She opens the back door so I can position Miss Steele on the seat. "Grey, inside to the middle and prepare to shift to the passenger side. Lift, don't pull." I place Miss Steele in the back of the car; handing her off to Grey. "Watch her breathing!" I snap. "If she struggles to breathe, tell me. I'm worried about her being unconscious this long." Gail tosses the keys to me.
I drive; Gail navigates and coordinates with Sawyer. Grey cushions Miss Steele's body on the way to the hospital. He calls Dr. T. at Northwest, telling her we are inbound to the Emergency Room with an unconscious girl who has a broken arm. He calls Sawyer and tells him to get to Northwest Hospital. I wheel up to the Emergency Room and Dr. T. is there with two techs and a gurney.
"Damage?" She asks while the techs ease Miss Steele off Grey's lap and out of the car. She moans when they lay her on the gurney.
"Broken right radius; more than a buckle break, less than a compound fracture. Possible hairline fracture of the ulna. We immobilized the arm for transport. Check her for a concussion; she hit her head on a concrete riser when she fell. She's been unconscious for twenty minutes. I didn't check for contusions on her torso, but none seem to be blossoming on her legs."
"Miss Steele? I'm Dr. Trevelyan. We're headed for an emergency suite. The doctor on duty is Sheridan; the physician's assistant on duty is Caulder." Dr. T. checks Miss Steele's pulse while comforting her.
"I'm staying with Miss Steele," Gail announced. "She doesn't have family here and should have someone with her while she's undergoing tests and evaluation." The warning tone in her voice was mirrored by a look on her face.
"Mr. Grey, this way..." I tried to take Grey to the closest waiting room.
"Not so fast, Taylor," Dr. T. intervenes. "Go home, clean up and get back here within the hour. We may have news by then."
"I'm not leaving Miss Steele!" Grey argues.
"Christian Trevelyan Grey...do not make me call hospital security." Dr. T. gave him a stern look. "I mean it, go." She reached into Miss Steele's pocket and handed off her cell phone to Grey. "Contact her family if you can and get someone here. She will need to be watched for 24 hours when she's released if she's got a concussion."
"It's my fault!" he yells.
I grab his arm and pull him out of the Emergency Room before he has a meltdown. He doesn't need staff in the Emergency Room calling SPD because they think he deliberately assaulted the girl. He doesn't need ER staff alerting media he is there with an unknown woman. "Come on, E.T.A. to Escala is 15 minutes." I lead him toward the car. "Ryan!" I bark into the car speaker phone. "Go to Mr. Grey's room; lay out jeans, shirt, underwear, socks and shoes. Ditto for me. Miss Steele has been injured and we should return to the hospital after we clean up and contact her family and friends. Retrieve the SUV from the park near Pike Place Market and deliver it to the Emergency Room parking area at Northwest." I phone Sawyer next, "You're on duty at Northwest. Keep your ears open and provide backup for Gail and Dr. T."
Gail's POV
"What the hell...Mrs. Jones?" Dr. T. asked as the radiology tech x-rayed Miss Steele's arm. When he's done, the next tech takes her for a CAT scan.
"I haven't a clue, Dr. T." I shook my head. "I was at Pike Place Market this morning, when I heard Taylor's name. I turned in the direction of the shout, but Taylor and Mr. Grey were next to the girl. I ran to them as fast as possible; Taylor immobilized her arm and moved her to my car. We came here."
"How does Christian know her name?" Dr. T. asked.
"I think she's the girl in the graduation picture from WSUV," I admitted. "Maybe she told them who she was when they got to her." Why was Luke Sawyer cruising near Pike Place Market? Was he following Miss Steele for Mr. Grey? Damn him! I know this girl looks like Mr. Grey's type; but it's obvious she's too young…too impressionable…too innocent. Mr. Grey, you are messing with the wrong young woman. She's not like those girls Elena Lincoln sends you! I'll leave Taylor if he facilitated Mr. Grey stalking that girl. I mean it. I won't stand for it. I'll quit.
"She's got a broken right arm, but what worries me are the bruises," Dr. T. said.
"What bruises?" I asked.
"Someone manhandled that girl in the last twenty-four hours. Those bruises on her arm aren't from this morning's incident." Dr. T. said. "If she's not forthcoming with the ER doctor about how she got them, he may see the bruises and this break as a pattern of abuse and call SPD."
Christian's POV
"Mom," I said, pulling her aside. "It's my fault. Miss Steele was running in the park near Pike Place Market. Taylor and I were out for a run. I recognized her from graduation exercises at WSUV. I grabbed her arm. She had her ear buds in, listening to her iPod. She was frightened and defending herself. She hit me on my chest. It was automatic; I pushed her away and she fell, getting hurt. I have to take care of her. I have to tell her I'm sorry I injured her. I'll pay all the doctor bills and the hospital bills."
"She told the E.R. doctor she fell while running." Mom said. "I'm not concerned about the break, Christian. These things happen. She's not family and doesn't know she should not touch you. What concerns me are the bruises on her arm that are not from this morning's incident. She said she stumbled last night while out with coworkers. Her boss grabbed her arm to keep her from falling down. I think that's why she reacted to you touching her in the park."
"Really?" I said slowly. I can't acknowledge I know this because it would cause questions about how I know and why I'm having Miss Steele followed. I can't reveal anything to my mother that she might inadvertently reveal to Elena.
"Those bruises are almost purple black, like you see with abuse victims. There is no way an accidental stumble and being helped to your feet should result in the contusions she has." Mom said. "We're waiting for results from the CAT scan to determine whether to release her or admit her. Here comes Dr. Sheridan; let's see what we can find out."
We waited for Dr. Sheridan to finish speaking with PA Caulder. When I asked about Miss Steele's injuries, Sheridan and Caulder both gave me icy stares.
"None of you are family," Dr. Sheridan stated, looking at Mom, me, Taylor and Mrs. Jones. "I can't give you any information."
I consulted my Blackberry. "Ana's father, Ray Steele, lives in Montesano. He is away from home right now on a business trip. Her mother, Carla Adams lives in Savannah, Georgia. She is unable to be here because her husband was injured and requires physical therapy. Miss Steele's roommate Katherine Kavanagh is leaving for a two-week vacation in Barbados with her parents."
Gail's POV
How the hell does he know all that? I wondered. Taylor does not reveal anything. He is holding a straight flush of information and wears his poker face.
"It's against HIPPA regulations for us to discuss her condition." Dr. Sheridan shook her head. "No boyfriend, no emergency contact in the area?"
"Katherine Kavanagh is listed as ICE on Ana's phone. I've attempted to contact her but there is no answer on her cell phone, voice mails, or via texts I've sent her from Ana's phone." Grey said. "Ana started working last week for Seattle Independent Publishing. It is a new job so I don't know if she really knows anyone from work."
"She's asked us to call a cab for her..." PA Caulder said. "She assures us her roommate will remain with her until her father arrives. If we were not assured she had help at home; we would not release her."
"Belay that request..." Grey stared at Caulder. "I've called her father via his emergency contact. I'm waiting for his permission to take her home with me. That way she can be watched until he can make arrangements for her or arrive to take care of her."
Ana was wheeled into the waiting room seconds later. "I thought I imagined all of you," she murmured. "Can I go home now?" She asked Dr. Sheridan.
"Miss Steele are you sure you have someone to stay with you for the next 24 hours? You have a concussion from the fall." Dr. Sheridan inquired.
"My roommate Kate is probably at home. She can stay with me until I can contact my father." Ana states firmly.
"I like that girl. I think she could keep Mr. Grey at arm's length. Especially if he is the reason she is hurt." I thought; narrowing my eyes at Taylor, but he ignores me. This is so NOT how I planned to spend my weekend.
"I'm giving you a ride home!" Grey snapped.
"Fine," Ana said in a resigned tone of voice. "I'm tired, my head hurts and I don't feel like arguing with you. If letting you take me home is faster than waiting for a cab, then I'm all for it. I have to stop by billing and give them my insurance information."
"It's handled," Dr. T. tried to soothe Ana.
"Handled?" She asked; which sparked an argument between Mr. Grey and her. "Thank you for bringing me here, Mr. Grey, but I've really taken up more of your time than necessary. I have insurance; I don't need assistance paying my medical bills."
Taylor interrupted them. "I'll get the car, Miss Steele. Mrs. Jones, may I walk you to your car?"
Outside the hospital, Taylor tried to kiss me goodbye when he gave me the car keys.
"No PDA until you answer some questions," I said sternly.
"We've signed an NDA, Gail. We can't discuss this." Taylor says with a tint of resignation in his voice.
"Jason Taylor…you ought to be more afraid of what I can do to you rather than what Mr. Grey can do to you. He didn't fire you for yelling at him when you carried Miss Steele to the car. I may not be able to threaten you with bodily harm….but I know where you work; I know where you sleep; I know what you eat. You should be afraid of me… very afraid. I know where Mr. Grey keeps items I can use as weapons if you hide my cast iron skillets. There will be a discussion."
Ana's POV
"Where have you been? What the hell happened to you?" Kate opened the door and looked at me. "Mr. Grey?" His presence shocked her into silence.
"Hello again, Miss Kavanagh," Mr. Grey shook her hand. "Miss Steele had an accident in the park this morning."
"I fell while running," I apologized. "I have a broken radius, it took the brunt of the fall, and the ulna has a hairline fracture. No significant swelling. They gave me pain meds before they cast me. I have a glow-in-the-dark cast so I won't fall over my own two feet on the way to the bathroom at night for the next six weeks." I groaned. "But, the long story is, I have a concussion too. I can't be alone for the next 24 hours. I know you leave for Barbados tomorrow morning. I left messages for Ray. Can you stay with me until he gets here?"
"Of course," Kate appraised Mr. Grey again. "So why is Mr. Grey delivering you to the door?"
"I was running in the park when she fell. My staff rushed her to Northwest Hospital where my mom, Dr. Trevelyan, is on staff." Grey explained. "I tried calling you but it kept going to voice mail."
"Oh bloody hell," Kate swore. "I've probably lost my cell somewhere in the piles of stuff I'm sorting and packing. The battery is probably dead."
"I sort of remember meeting Dr. T. My head is fuzzy. I really need to shower." I apologized. "Thank you for helping me today, Mr. Grey." If I shake his hand, will he please go away? I need a shower; I need clean clothes; I need a clear head when he's around me!
"If you need anything Miss Steele, I left a contact number on your cast. In the bag is a shower sleeve, your prescription and the release instructions from the hospital. Good day ladies," he called out as he ran down the stairs.
"He's a funny one," Kate mused.
"I'm not laughing," I said, with phosphorescent fire in my blue eyes. "Arguing with him is like arguing with a five-year-old about nap time, bath time or bed time. He makes my head hurt. I have to think of an appropriate thank you for his help today. What the hell can I give a billionaire as a thank-you gift? I paused and looked at the grin on Kate's face. "You're the one who thinks he's gay…don't even mention my v-card!"
"Maybe he's interested in hiring you as his skirt," she replied sarcastically. "He can't seem to take his eyes off you when he's around you. So either he wants you or he WANTS you."
"STFU. I need to shower and get to bed before the pain meds wear off," I move toward the bathroom.
Christian's POV
"Look," Katherine insisted, "I wouldn't ask but I'm due at my parents' house in the next hour or my mother will disown me! I've been trying to reach Ray, but he hasn't returned messages yet. I'm not calling Carla. That's a long story and I don't feel like explaining it at this moment. So, are you going to get your ass over here and take care of my friend until her dad gets here, or am I calling a 24/7 medical service and having the bill sent to you?"
"Incoming," I snapped. "I'll bring my brother to carry your luggage to your car."
"Fine," Katherine snarled. "Ana remembers running and you grabbing her. She vaguely remembers the fall. You made this mess Grey. Don't be snarky because you are expected to fix it!"
XX
"Miss Kavanagh, this is my brother, Elliott Grey," I remembered some of my manners. I wanted to smack Katherine for abandoning Ana. Yet, surprisingly, I'm thrilled she called me to watch over Ana. "Why did she react so violently when I touched her arm?"
"Her new boss, Captain Space Invader, has her on edge." Katherine spit the words out. "He grabbed her last night at the bar. I think you saw the bruises on her arm."
"Captain Space Invader…because he plays video games?" Elliott asked.
"No, he's constantly invading her personal space. He's been staring at her all week; legs, ass or boobs. He was completely profession when she interviewed for the job. She feels like she's dealing with Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde. Monday, he insisted she go to lunch with him to celebrate her new job. We had an appointment to see a lawyer to sign our lease agreement with my parents. He was not happy because she didn't go to lunch with him; so he was an ass to her Monday afternoon. Tuesday she couldn't go to lunch with him because we had to go to DMV and update our driver's licenses and car registrations. He was a jerk about that too. At the end of the day he asked her to go to dinner with him. She refused because Ray was calling her that night."
Katherine paused and then continued to blurt out the story. "Wednesday Hyde wanted to take her to lunch but HR sent her off for a six-hour entry-level publishing technology workshop hosted by Puget Publishing. Thursday when I picked her up after work to run errands; Hyde followed her to my car to remind her Friday was casual day at the office. She thinks he was checking me out and hoping for an introduction. Friday Hyde insisted she go drinking with a group from work at some sports bar across the street from work. He told her to drink as much as she wanted; he would be her designated driver since he lives near us. She wouldn't let anyone buy drinks for her; pretty girl rule number one. She didn't know anyone and didn't trust they wouldn't drug her. When she stumbled; he grabbed her. She said she got bruised even more by trying to pull away from him. So when you grabbed her arm in the park, she freaked out; thinking it was Hyde and she reacted badly."
"I reacted badly also. I don't like to be touched. I am so sorry about all of this. I know she didn't want me to pay the hospital and doctor bills, but she's just started working at SIP. I don't think her insurance is valid for almost ninety days. " I apologized again. "Mom gave me a list of things to do. Is there anything I should know?"
"The most important task is to wake her at the top of every hour and carry on a coherent conversation for a few minutes. If she plans to return to work on Monday, she has to take the pain pills as scheduled until after the two a.m. pill on Monday morning. I think she should take Monday off, but she's adamant about not missing work at a new job. Here are her meds. The schedule is six, ten and two. She hasn't eaten well all day; the pain pills make her nauseous. She needs to eat when she takes the pain medication. There's soup if she is hungry, there's ginger ale if she's thirsty. Perhaps yogurt or tea and toast will help settle her stomach." Katherine paused.
"My leaving right now looks like I'm self-centered; disappearing to Barbados when Ana is injured. My parents are determined to have one last family vacation before Ethan and I are caught up in our own lives. I'm duty bound; I'm sorry. If I had a choice, I'd stay here with Ana. If I don't go, neither Ana nor I will hear the end of it from my mother. I can live with my mother being disappointed in me. I can't live with my mother acting injured and pissed off every time she is around Ana. Ana doesn't deserve that. She's my best friend because she didn't judge. Other classmates assumed I slept with the professors for the 'A' I got in classes. Once Ana became my friend, roommate and sidekick, they stopped assuming I slept around for grades. People thought better of me because they could find no fault with her. Yes, I'll determined; yes I'm inquisitive; but Ana made me a better person. I'm not going to let anything bad happen to her." Katherine paused.
"Do you know why Ana has low self-esteem? Why she doesn't see how beautiful, smart and talented she is? It's because she was abused by her mother's third husband. I don't know his name; she only refers to him as Three. He was verbally abusive to Ana; physically and verbally abusive to Carla. He didn't dare be physically abusive to Ana. Her track coach was the brother of the chief of police. Three blamed everything that was wrong in his life on Ana. After a particularly nasty fight, Ana told Carla she was would request emancipated minor status from Family Court in Nevada unless Ray was granted guardianship of her. Carla felt she could fix her marriage if Ana was out of the house. Needless to say, the marriage was doomed, and a quickie Nevada divorce followed soon after."
"Ana went to live with Ray in Montesano. She was on the track and field team there. Ray was so proud of her. He did his best to go to every meet, cheering her on. At a regional meet she was scouted by a coach from WSUV. She got a full tuition scholarship to WSUV. She worked and applied for student grants and loans. I don't know if you understood that Carla didn't come to Ana's graduation because Four was injured. Carla felt she needed to be home. She knew Ana would forgive her for not being there because that is the kind of person Ana is." She stared at Christian Grey. "Take care of her Grey. I'm warning you…if anything else happens while I'm gone; you will answer to me."
"Challenge accepted." I replied. "You can call, email or Skype Ana every day. I promise to keep an eye on her and keep that fucker Hyde away from her."
"Well, I'm not sure you're any better. You look at her like she's some kind of shiny new toy on Christmas morning." Katherine glared at him.
"I don't touch without permission," I crossed my arms over my chest.
"That doesn't explain grabbing her in the park! Besides, Ana's not in much of a condition to put up a fight." Katherine snapped.
"I like my women sentient and willing, not comatose and vulnerable," I argued.
"Quit beating up my brother, Kate," Elliott intervened; the shock of my comments reflected on his face. "He's sorry about Ana's broken arm. He took her to the hospital; he paid her hospital bills. He's here to watch her so your mom doesn't get upset. Let's take your luggage to your car. Let me drive you to your parents' house; you've had a busy day. Christian, can Taylor or Sawyer follow us and take me back to my place?"
"I'll get Sawyer to follow you." When Elliott and Katherine were gone, I slipped into Ana's room. I sat in her desk chair and watched her sleep. Her hair is braided, with little tendrils escaping to curl around her face. She sleeps on her back, her right arm cradled across her body. Hyde's fingerprint bruises are easily seen on Ana's left arm. I called Welch and ordered him to do a background check on all the interns who worked for SIP, particularly the ones assigned to work for Jack Hyde. If he is harassing the young women who work there, I want to know before the purchase goes through. Just as a signing bonus, I'm going to fire that fucker for bruising Ana. If I'm lucky – he'll fight me about it and I will get to leave bruises on him.
Elliott's POV
"So, Kate, how do you know my brother?" I teased. "I'm still reeling from Christian's comments about not touching without permission. His comment makes perfect sense; he doesn't like to be touched. The comment about liking his women sentient and willing is a shock. Our family always thought he was gay, but celibate. There must be something to that picture of him and Ana Steele after all." I thought.
"I was supposed to interview him for our college magazine, but I was sick. I sent another staff member to interview him and get pictures. Your brother handed out diplomas at graduation. I was the valedictorian so I was on stage with him. He and my dad decided to talk business the day of my graduation," she rolled her eyes. "So he hosted a very nice graduation lunch for Ana and me at his suite at the Heathman Hotel in Portland to apologize for interrupting our celebration with business."
We talked about my company, Grey Construction. We talked about her internship at the Seattle Times. She wanted two years of experience outside Kavanagh Media before she went to work for her father. Her mom is a dress designer. Ethan, her brother planned to become a psychologist. He was scheduled to move in with her before he started classes at UW.
I told Kate about my sister Mia, who just came home from Paris where she has been studying culinary arts. Kate laughs when I claimed studying in Paris was an excuse for her to buy tons of Paris fashions that her friends don't own. Kate explains the spare bedroom, where Ethan is supposed to take up residence, is currently her spare walk-in-closet. She's tempted to buy rolling racks, take them to her parents' home and leave her off-season wardrobe there. She explains she asked Ana's father to build out custom closets in the place so she can jigsaw more clothes into hers and leave the spare room open for her brother.
"I will build out the closets if Ana's father cannot," I offered. "It's not because I want the work – I want to see Kate again. She's pretty and feisty with lots of personality to go. All of a sudden I'm jealous she will show off her curves in Barbados to frat boy tourists." I thought. I met Mr. and Mrs. Kavanagh. Her father was shocked Kate managed to contain her vacation wardrobe in two large rolling suitcases and one carry on. She told him space bags guaranteed she had twice the wardrobe in her allotted baggage. I give her back her car keys when she saw me to the door. I offered to look in on Ana from time to time during Kate's vacation and let her know how things are going. She gives me a card with her contact information, and a soft, lingering kiss of gratitude on the cheek. "My god she smells good; and the faint brush of her body against mine gave me an instant semi," I thought. Can I arrange to take a vacation right now…and go to Barbados in hopes of seeing Kate again?"
Christian's POV
At ten o'clock I sit on the edge of the bed, brushing curls behind Ana's ears. I talk softly until her eyes open. "Hey there," I smile when she was alert.
"What time is it?" She whispers.
"Ten, Katherine had to leave, she's sorry to go. She said she would contact you daily. We're waiting for Ray to contact you. Do you need anything? It's time for another pain pill. Do you want something to go with it?"
"Some ginger ale please," Ana asks.
"You should eat something; the prescription recommends taking it with food." I say kindly. She's so tiny; she needs to eat!
"The pain meds and the concussion make me nauseous. Besides, I'm not hungry. Please don't nag at me to eat." Ana's beautiful blue eyes pleaded with me.
"Do you need to go to the bathroom?" I asked gently. I laid her bathrobe on the bed. It was a hideous blue quilted thing, with pills on the cheap fabric. It needs to be burnt, and replaced by something made of silk or satin. "I'll get your pill and ginger ale."
I waited in the kitchen until I heard her return to her room. I didn't want to spook her or infringe on her privacy. She didn't argue about the Greek yogurt I brought her. She ate it; took her pill and drank most of her ginger ale. I watched as she slipped back asleep, murmuring, throwing off her blanket. I saw the soft blue of her camisole and sleep shorts, the outline of her breasts, the mold of her perfectly rounded ass and the alabaster of her skin from head to toe.
I want to touch her and hold her. I want to kiss those perfect lips. I can't get the fantasy of that pouty pink mouth wrapped around my cock out of my head. I want to make her mine in every possible sense of the word. Instead; I exercise control and cover Ana. If I can do this, provide care while Ana is injured, can I control my Dominant nature? Can I put the physical wellbeing of this beautiful girl ahead of my desire to take her to my playroom?
I retrieved my laptop from my bag, and set about answering emails. I set the alarm on my Blackberry to wake Ana every hour. I sent a Skype request to Flynn. I'm conflicted. I am attracted to Ana. My first thoughts when I met her were how to make her my new sub. However, I'm horrified I unintentionally hurt her. Flynn should know how I injured Ana. I don't want to lose control like that again. I don't want to inflict intentional pain on Ana; given what Katherine said about her history. I want to protect Ana but does that mean protecting her from me? Will Flynn understand when I say I ache for Ana and it's not just a sexual need? I want to see her smile. I want her to gaze at me with those big blue eyes. I want to kiss that plump lower lip that she likes to bite when she's nervous or upset. I want to smell her hair. I want to touch her skin. I want to hold her tiny hand in mine. I want to hear her giggle. I want to feed her. I want to take care of her. I will tell Flynn the comments I made about my sex life in front of Elliott. I will tell him I've been avoiding Elena and avoiding an interview or contract with a new submissive. I hope Flynn gets back to me soon. I don't understand this "I want" persona who is overwhelming my Dominant tendencies. I need guidance from Flynn.
XXXXX
next morning
Ana's POV
A little before six o'clock I woke and stretched. My head throbbed a little more than my arm. I rolled over to see Christian Grey next to my bed. He is gorgeous even in his sleep. His white shirt sleeves rolled up, showing muscular forearms and long fingers. His copper curls are wild and he has stubble which makes him look hotter if that's possible. His bare feet are propped on my bed. I suppress a sigh; even his damned feet are gorgeous. His closed laptop sits on my desk next to him. I breathe a sigh of relief because my bedroom is clean, despite the two moving crates sitting next to the desk, and the empty bookcases awaiting the contents of the crates. Honest to god, if I could find my cell phone right now, I'd take a picture of him just to prove I'm not hallucinating via those damn pain pills. He has been here all night; waking me every hour to make sure I'm okay. I thought I was just dreaming about him, again. I slipped out from under the covers, threw on my bathrobe and went to the bathroom. When I opened the door to slip back into my room; he was leaning against the wall, waiting for me.
"Need some help?" He asked softly.
"I'd shake my head no, but my head hurts too much." I said, equally soft.
"How about some breakfast, and then a pain pill, and then some more rest?" He offers.
I nodded and then winced because it hurt my head.
"Go lay down, I'll bring you breakfast in bed." He smiled.
"Just something light, my stomach is queasy." I grimace.
"It's the pain pill. I'll bring you some tea and toast." He heads for the kitchen. For a minute I feel guilty because I can't remember where anything is. However, the longer he's in the kitchen, the longer I have to regulate my breathing around him. Lord he smells good…masculine, and that sexy smelling body wash…crap, I can't breathe normally again!
Christian's POV
When Ana's phone rang, I took it off the charger and went to the living room. I answered it. I don't allow anyone to answer my phone, but she's asleep and I think it is best not to wake her. Mr. Steele returned his messages. I explained about Ana's accident, leaving out the part where I assaulted his daughter. I explained I was running in the park, saw her fall and took her to the hospital. I explained about the cast and concussion. I explain about Katherine leaving town.
Ray explained he committed to spending another week with the Rodriguez family. José Sr. picked up three more contracts for fish at local lakes and ponds. Ray planned to drive a third tank truck for them this week. He was not keen about Anastasia going to Montesano to recuperate, because there would be no one there to care for her. He didn't want me to ask Carla to come help her only child. Annie would feel guilty about her mom leaving her stepdad, Bob, to recover alone, Ray explained. Additionally, Annie didn't need the expense of Carla's plane ticket on top of her medical bills. Nor did she need to play hostess while she should rest and recover.
I explained my mom was a doctor at the hospital when Ana was treated. I gave him Mom's number if he wanted to call her to verify what I was saying. We talked about Ana's new job. Before we ended our conversation – I had Ray Steele's permission to care for Ana until Katherine returned. He explained Annie was so used to taking care of everyone; she might be stubborn about accepting help.
Ana's POV
"I'm not arguing with you," Christian said softly. "You are past the stage where you need to be awakened every hour to check on your concussion. Ray called; he can't be here to help because he's helping the Rodriguez family. José Sr. got three new contracts for the fishery, so Ray is driving a third tank truck for them. After the fish tour is over, he has to go back to work. Carla can't come; Bob is just now getting off crutches and needs two months of therapy. Ray and I talked; you can't drive Wanda with a broken arm."
"I can take the bus," I argued.
"Neither Ray or I are comfortable with you taking public transportation while you are injured. If anything happens you will not be able to defend yourself. Please do not argue with me. Your father gave me permission to ferry you to and from work until Katherine returns home. If she is not able to provide transportation when she returns, I will continue providing transportation until your cast is removed." Christian's stern face; erect bearing and deep authoritative voice overwhelmed me.
"I don't know which hurts worse, my head or losing arguments to you." I said.
"Your blood sugar must be low; you gave up without a real fight. Let's feed you." Christian chucked.
"Oh great…a food fight," I rolled my eyes.
"Please don't do that," His request sounded like an order.
"What?" I removed the ice pack from the lump on my head.
"Roll your eyes at me," Christian snapped. "It's rude and I don't like it."
Christian's voice was cold and it made me shiver. "You're bossy, and I don't like that. Please get out so I can put on some sweats."
"You're getting up?" He was surprised.
"I need to go to the powder room, I need to wash my face and brush my hair." I explained patiently.
"I'll do that," he offered softly.
"What part?" I smother a smirk.
"Brush your hair. You have a knot on your head and a cast. Your left hand and a hairbrush are a recipe for disaster."
"I'm a recipe for disaster, or didn't Ray warn you? After we eat, and when I have a clear head, we need to have a conversation." I warn him.
XX
I agreed not to clean, unpack or overdo if Christian agreed to leave me alone for the rest of the night. I agreed to rest and read a book. I agreed not to go anywhere. I want to take a hot, soaking bath. I don't want to take it knowing gorgeous Christian Grey is sitting on my couch. I am relieved when he finally departs.
When I go to my room to find sweats for after my bath; I am amazed at the clothes in my drawers and in my closet. Kate left more than thirty days of work clothes in my closet. She saw what Carla purchased while I was in Savannah. She organized my closet according to type of clothes and hung them from light to dark. Plus, my obsessive-compulsive, high-maintenance roommate left me a printout of things I can wear in the next three weeks, complete with suggestions for accessories. And…damn, she agreed the apple green accessories looked great with Carla's navy column dress. She pulled an apple green summer sweater from her closet and an apple green headband from her accessories to finish the ensemble for me. She leaves me a note to take a selfie in the outfit and email it to Carla.
After I'm out of my bath, and dressed in comfy sweats, I take half a pain pill to ease the ache in my arm. I will take a full one at bedtime, but for right now, I want to be semi-coherent. I have to think about what happened. He asked me to call him Christian. Does that mean I'm finally considered a friend? He kissed my cheek when he left, which confused me. I bite my lip; thinking of when I woke this morning to see him sleeping in my room. The doorbell rings, and I'm freaked out. Why is Christian Grey back? But it's not him; it's a delivery boy with a package. I sign for the package the best I can. I open the package and find a half leather box containing three old cloth-covered books in mint condition. A white card with precision penmanship contains a cryptic message:
"Why didn't you tell me there was danger? Why didn't you warn me?
Ladies know what to guard against, because they read novels that tell
them of these tricks…"
Christian sent me Tess of the d'Urbervilles. When I open the first book, I note the publisher and the date. I have to research the books now. I think he's given me first editions. No matter how guilty he feels about my broken arm, he's already paid the hospital and doctor bills, cared for me, and will provide transportation for the next two weeks. The books have to go back. It's too much. He's too much. My quiet life is not ready for the whirlwind named Christian Grey.
A/N:
Thank you for the reviews and viewers; thank you for the messages and questions; thank you for the favorites and follows!
I do not own Fifty Shades Trilogy or the characters. They belong to E. L. James. My story is the interpretation of my thoughts about how the characters could have, should have, would have acted.