Just Breathe

by Mother of Pearl Fetish

What happens when Christian and Ana don't meet at the interview? What steps will he take when he first sees her at graduation? What will change when he inadvertently injures her before he can introduce her to the Red Room of Pain? 2015 Nominee - Fanatic Fanfics Multifandom Awards.

10. Chapter 10

Just Breathe, Chapter 10 – What Fresh Shade of Hell is This?

Sunday, June 26

"I need to explain the sequence of events. Within the next 24 hours, Jack Hyde will be arraigned. He will probably plead not guilty. There will be a pretrial readiness conference where the prosecutor discloses the evidence they have collected so the defense can prepare. A plea bargain may be discussed. A plea bargain can be offered and accepted any time during the trial process, as long as the judge or jury has not issued a verdict. If there is no plea bargain offered or accepted, then the preliminary hearing of the evidence occurs before a judge. The judge decides if there is enough evidence to hold Jack over for trial. Then the trial is scheduled. Expect Jack to push for the trial in less than 90 days. The faster he can get this to court, the less prepared he will expect the D.A.'s office to be. If the prosecutor has to keep asking for continuances to firm up evidence, eventually a judge may weary and dismiss the charges. Some of the interns he assaulted still have to be found and interviewed."

"How many," Ana's small, quiet voice revealed her anxiety.

Ray frowned at Carrick. He didn't want Annie reliving all of this over and over before police, attorneys or in a court room.

"Barney found video information on ten of Jack's interns. We located five of them and three out of the five are willing to testify against him. Two are married and refuse to discuss him or the case. They can be subpoenaed, but I doubt the D.A. will put them in that position. We're still seeking the other five. Once Grey House gets personnel files from SIP; we should be able to find them via their contact information and tax forms on file." Carrick said. "When it goes to trial, be prepared to be called as a witness. Your entire life will be under scrutiny. At the conclusion of the trial, if Jack is found guilty, you will be asked for sentencing recommendations. You will testify to the emotional, physical and financial damages inflicted upon you by his actions. A sentencing hearing is conducted. The judge will announce the sentencing."

"It seems straightforward." Ana admitted; looking at Ray for agreement. He nodded.

"Ask questions any time you need clarification on issues. You have a right to know and understand the legal process." Carrick assured her. "Christian will utilize lawyers from GEH to protect him. My law firm is offering its services to you and the other interns, pro bono. It would give us great pleasure to see this predator put behind bars."

"Is it a conflict of interest for me to accept your help?" Ana asked.

"We've had this conversation with the DA's office and he has no plans to argue against any of the interns using us." Carrick assured her.

XX

"Elizabeth – you have to sell my story to a tabloid before Grey whitewashes everything," Jack snarled. "Tell Christian Grey I'll keep his secrets quiet if his father acts as my lawyer pro bono. Grey can drop this and pay me to relocate to a large publishing firm on the East Coast. I won't be left standing in the dust again by that fucking family!"

"Where am I supposed to start?" Elizabeth asked. "For god's sake Jack, SIP is relocating to Grey House Annex this week. Only upper level employees are allowed in the building, but most of them are working from home. Support staff is off for the week with pay. I couldn't come see you until tonight and then I had to make sure I wasn't followed. Everyone who has SIP-purchased equipment in their homes has until noon tomorrow to return everything: laptops, printers, faxes, cell phones, tablets, etc. Keys to the building are due by close of business on Thursday. Friday we report to the new location. Once Grey House has their hands on all the SIP equipment, building, HR files, etc.; I don't know what will happen! You know their IT people will search everyone's electronics. Your electronics will probably be the first items searched."

"Then contact Seattle's Secrets or Seattle Nooz tonight and see which one is willing to pay for the story of the century that Christian Grey is not gay! And has a girlfriend…who is an intern working at his company. It may not pay as much as intern Monica Lewinsky's information, but it will be worth some money! Tell them she's moving in with him. He is providing transportation for her after all. Tell them about her rich roommate who is sleeping with his brother Elliott of Grey Construction. Did you bring her termination paperwork for me to sign? I fired her on Thursday night. She's not going to have me arrested and think she's getting away with it!" Jack pounded his fist on the table.

"I backdated the paperwork to noon on Thursday. The paperwork says you were disappointed in her performance. We claim you fired her on Thursday night before you were to leave for New York, ordering her to come in on Friday to clear her desk. She offered you a blow job in order to keep her job – that's when her dad walked in and assaulted you. I have paperwork filing a harassment claim against her. I will get copies of them to your lawyer before you are arraigned tomorrow. He can share them with the D.A." Elizabeth explained.

"In the meantime, contact my authors. If nationally-known authors give sound bytes to the press about what a travesty it is for SIP to be swallowed up by Grey Enterprises Holdings, which has NO background in publishing, it will be worth the time we expend to keep my cause first and foremost in national press." Jack demanded.

Elizabeth smiled. Jack really needed her support right now; which would make him more appreciative of her when he was free. No more chasing little skirts like Ana Steele. He would be free and rich once the Grey family paid him what he was owed. She still wasn't sure how they owed him, but it had been a debt collecting interest for over 20 years according to Jack. All that mattered was that Jack would be with her. Together they would show the world what lying, cheating, conniving little slut Ana Steele had been. Once they were done exposing her; Christian Grey wouldn't want her either. Elizabeth planned to appear in court tomorrow to support her man – dressed elegantly in a designer power suit. With any luck, she'd drive Jack home after the arraignment and they could celebrate his release with champagne and sex. He wouldn't have to threaten her this time. The days of playing the reluctant lover were over. She was going to be there for him though these rough times and he would show his appreciation for her efforts.

XXXXX
Monday, 6/27
Christian's POV

Taylor's sit-rep this morning covered Elena's P.I. The materials retrieved from his office late last night were worth the money I paid. He left town after signing an NDA for me, accepting my check, signing the M&A paperwork for the business and removing his personal effects and financial files from the building. Every possible piece of information, electronic or otherwise about Ana or me has been destroyed. The pictures of Leila have been destroyed. The pictures and information of Elena's brunette stable have been forwarded to Welch. Additionally, I learned some of my ex-submissives have been in contact with Elena. I do not know why. Leila has not been to see Elena; which is the only good thing about this situation. I ask Taylor to remind my ex-submissives that their NDA is still in effect. I want to know what they are saying to Elena and what she is saying to them.

Taylor will arrange moving crews to clear the building today. Legal will transfer ownership of the building to GEH. I now have another building for Elliott to renovate and rent. The downstairs office is too film noir according to Taylor. His direct quote was that Nero Wolfe would have been comfortable growing orchids there. The apartment above the business office is a bachelor flop pad with possibilities.

Barney wiped the P.I.'s cell phone and personal laptop; donating them to a computer recycle/resale business. Welch hired a shredding company to shred the remaining contents of the files. The phones for the business have been forwarded to an answering service who will explain the owner is out of town for an undisclosed period of time dealing with a family crisis. Ninety days from now; that service will be terminated.

I email Roz; reminding her I have a personal appointment. Then I'm checking on Grey Publishing. She warns me that GEH PR is being slammed with inquiries about the Grey House takeover of SIP. I give her the green light to develop a press release announcing our acquisition, reorganization and relocation of Grey Publishing.

I'm going to go thermonuclear if I don't get Ana in bed soon. I want to touch that perfect skin, kiss those lips, stroke that hair and fuck that body until she safe words or until both of us are so sore we can't walk for a week. I want Ana Steele in my life and in my bed. I'm sure I suck at long-distance relationships, but the truth is – Elena and Harvard was not a relationship. If Ana returns to Montesano – I'll give Roz charge of the company for however long it takes, rent a house near Ray's house and workshop. I will bring Mrs. Jones to feed all of us. I can sand wood or fish with Ray if it means I can be near Ana. I like Ray, but these chaste kisses with Ana are killing me.

Ana's POV

"Name it," I put on a brave face when Christian announces we have to talk during breakfast. Christian might tell me he can't date an employee. I will live with this possibility. I don't like it, but I will live with it. I don't know if he's distancing himself from me…all I've received lately are chaste kisses…maybe he perceives a no-fly zone around Ray. Of course, with the interior doors being replaced, we haven't been able to have a private moment.

"Mom recommended you rest another day which dovetails nicely with my plan. You are off work today because Hyde will be arraigned. I don't want you out where paparazzi and press can make your life a living hell. Grey House announced the purchase and move of SIP to Grey Annex. The media may be out in full force again; but they are barred from entering Grey House Annex parking or building. They will probably congregate on the sidewalk and have media vehicles on the street. Only upper level staff is working this week. Everyone else has the week off with pay because of the move, except for Claire and two other clerical staff who are facilitating the move. HR negotiated with them to give them a week of paid leave around the holidays in lieu of working this week. If you want to work from home; Mr. Roach said he would have three dozen manuscripts delivered to you to read and analyze as you have time. He does not expect you to complete and return all of them next week." Christian looks down at my plate, a frown crossing his face when he realizes I haven't finished my breakfast.

"Oh," I say softly and continue eating.

He seems uneasy. "I would feel better if you were at Escala this week while Grey Publishing moves and settles. You may not be comfortable at Grey Publishing until the reorganization is finished at the end of the week. I'd rather you weren't here alone during the day, especially if Hyde gets out on bail. Ethan will be in and out, organizing his schedule, etc. to start classes at UW this fall. Sawyer can stay with you; but you may be overwhelmed by the media."

"Ray and I discussed that," I look down at my plate and then peek up at him. Why is it that when I try to sneak a peek at Christian, he's already looking at me? Ray and I have a need to know kind of relationship. I felt he needs to know I want to be in Christian's life and vice versa. He felt I need to know Christian had better keep me safe. Anything beyond that is just chatter…and we don't do chatter.

"I won't be finished working on the condo today. Sawyer can remain here with Annie today while I'm gone. I've decided not to return to Montesano until we have answers regarding Hyde's arraignment. If Hyde is released, Annie and I will be on the road to Montesano by mid-afternoon tomorrow after I finish up business. I have to know Hyde will not attempt to intimidate Annie against testifying if it comes to that." Ray threw his napkin on the table.

"You can't put me under house arrest, Ray," I protested.

"Don't tempt me, little girl," Ray said darkly. "Either you're going to be under house arrest, or I will. If he is released; I'll find that smarmy son-of-a-bitch and I'll break one bone in his body for each day he made you miserable."

"Ray," I said, getting up from the table to refill my tea cup. "I'm already concerned about why Christian has so much security and about why I need security. As God is my witness, if you give Christian ideas on how to control me; you will both regret it. And don't think that telling Sawyer or Taylor how to control me will work either."

"If Hyde stays in jail until his trial; I'll go home. I will feel better if you are not alone right now also, especially since you have a broken arm. I would feel better if Mrs. Jones is not alone," Ray apologized. "I'm not giving you permission to move into Escala; that's not my call. Christian provides security 24/7 or I will take you home to Montesano. You can read manuscripts in Montesano as easily as you read manuscripts in Seattle."

XX

Monday, late afternoon
CG to AS
A is for Arraignment
Dad sent one of his interns to watch Hyde's arraignment and report back. The judge refused bail at the urging of the D.A. Hyde will be held in jail until the trial. Elizabeth Morgan was livid he's been denied bail. She gave his lawyer termination papers for you and sexual harassment charges supposedly filed on Thursday at noon by Jack. His lawyer tried to introduce them as proof he was assaulted over your termination. The judge refused to allow the "evidence" because Barney testified the paperwork did not appear on SIP's server until Sunday night.

AS to CG
B is for Batch Cooking
I'm batch cooking meals ahead for Ray. Cooking is one of the ways I relieve stress. He loves Italian food. Sawyer went on a grocery run for us while Ray worked on closets. I have batch cooking menus and shopping lists saved on my computer. You can choose between lasagna, Italian Beef Stew, baked ziti with Italian sausage, chicken Alfredo or chicken parmesan for dinner with tossed salad and garlic bread.

CG to AS
B is for Barney
I had him pick up a new cell phone for Ray. It is a burner phone so the media won't be able to find and bother him. Can he come to dinner to give Ray a tutorial on how to use the phone? I think he'll like being able to take pictures of projects, etc.

AS to CG
B is for BYOB
Barney is welcome! He will need to teach Ray how to download the photos from the phone to his laptop. I have enough food to feed you, Mrs. Jones, Taylor, Sawyer, Ryan, Ethan, Barney and me. What I don't have is wine…so if you want wine with dinner, you need to bring it.

CG to AS
C is for call me…
Do you or Ray need help? I will ask Dad about getting you a no contact order. I'll have the answer at dinner tonight.

AS to CG
C is for custom closets
Ray's finishing up the custom closet in Kate's room tonight and tomorrow morning. He changed out the windows and doors today with more robust ones. Security company here now; they are discussing upgrades with Ray. Ray and I both work best when we work alone. I keep the electric tea kettle going. Sawyer's been great about helping both of us. He chops vegetables almost as good as Kate…LOL.

CG to AS

D is for Dinner
Mrs. Jones will be joining us for dinner. I told her about your kitchen armoire and she's 'jonesing' to see it.

AS to CG
E is for Ethan
who will not be joining us for dinner…Mrs. Kavanagh asked him to dinner so they can talk about his schedule for classes.

CG to AS
F is for Fired – The DA just sent the copies of your termination and harassment paperwork over to Grey House HR. After meeting with the head of my GEH HR; we have decided Elizabeth will be terminated from Grey Publishing by Friday and replaced by an HR officer from GEH. He has no skin in the game, so he's going to do what is best to make Grey Publishing flourish. When you go back July 5th, you will have a new job, based on what HR feels is appropriate for you.

AS to CG
F is for Friends
Did Hyde have any good friends at SIP/GP other than Elizabeth Morgan? I don't want to deal with inquisitions when I return to work.

CG to AS

G is for Grey Publishing
Roz and GEH HR are scrutinizing personnel records now. Hyde has not contacted anyone except Elizabeth Morgan and no one has attempted to contact him. We will not know if Hyde had friends at SIP until we get through all of the personnel interviews.

AS to CG
G is for "Grateful the judicial system works."

CG to AS
H is for Hungry
I've been thinking about that list of dishes you are cooking…and my mouth is watering. I will bring wine. Can I taste test everything? Can I have you for dessert?

AS to CG

I is for Imbibe
Don't be rude. Ray is in the house. Yes, you can taste test everything but the goal is filling Ray's freezer. Wine would be good, but I won't imbibe too much.

CG to AS
M is for Manuscripts
(Sorry – I don't have a single J, K, L topic!) Roach messengered manuscripts to your condo; he said he appreciates your work ethic, since you really don't have to work this week. He says the synopsis of the manuscripts will keep things moving forward in the offices. Have Sawyer intercept them.

AS to CG
M is for Manuscripts
Manuscripts delivered; Sawyer intercepted. Reading manuscripts means I'm not staring at walls and brooding over what might be at work.

CG to AS
P is for Paparazzi
Taylor tells me the paparazzi are out in full force at GEH, Escala, SIP/GP, and there are more media trucks in the Pike Place Market area. Don't go out unless you have Sawyer with you.

AS to CG
Q is for Quiet; R is for Rest, S is for Social Media
It's been quiet there – no one banging on the door to talk to me. I've been resting as I can in between cooking. Please talk with Ray about having a Facebook page for the business. The website he has is just a static ad. Facebook would bring him more clients, especially if he starts taking pictures of projects and posts them.

CG to AS
T is for Taylor
who is taking us to Escala to pick up the lovely Mrs. Jones and a few bottles of wine.

AS to CG
U is for uber understanding
Barney is here now, working with Ray on how to use the cell phone, answering, forwarding, setting up and checking voice mail, pictures, etc. Ray has his laptop and he and Barney are talking about graphics programs now to crop and clip pictures. Thank you for him!

CG to AS
W is for warning
We're pulling up to the condo now…Mom and Dad are coming over to your condo after dinner. He has things to discuss with you and Ray.

XX
Ana's POV

"Jack's attorney is not wasting any time." Carrick announced, handing Christian another set of papers.

Christian was surprised by this. "Are you serious? They're actually exercising their right to a speedy trial?"

Carrick nodded and continued. "No stall tactics like requests for continuances. Jack is pushing for his day in court."

"Well, that's the last thing I expected." I admitted.

Carrick shrugged. "What typically drags on for months has now been put on the fast track and the preliminary evidence hearing is less than seventy-two hours away."

"What about the evidence gathering and processing?" Christian asked, concerned that Ana seemed to be in shock over this turn of events.

"Not to worry," Carrick announced. "The evidence is strong enough to survive preliminary. The DA has proof Hyde assaulted ten women including Ana. Seven of them agreed to depositions. He had video proof of 62 assaults on his computer. The DA has proof of four cases of stalking from evidence found on Hyde's computer. The DA also has proof of 29 invasions of privacy from conversations taped at interns' desks, in the powder room and kitchen along with copies of 54 intern emails which were also found on Hyde's computer. Once the DA presents all of that to the judge; he won't dismiss the charges against Jack. The court gave every one of the Grey family, Ana, Ray, Grey Publishing and Grey House a no contact order against Jack. He cannot contact any of us in person, electronically or by a third party. It's in effect for six months. If he has not gone to trial by then, the judge will reissue the no contact order for another six months."

"Anyone at SIP who had a 'great' working relationship with Jack Hyde will be gone on Friday after my Grey House HR conducts interviews. That includes SIP's IT team, Elizabeth Morgan and Mr. Roach's personal assistant. I won't have Ana return to a hostile work environment because those people believe Jack Hyde's assertion that she was sleeping with him and Ray assaulted him." Christian said, reaching for my hand to provide me with physical and mental support.

Carrick explained, "The DA is investigating Ms. Morgan as an accessory in Hyde's crimes; but they want to determine if he was blackmailing her. If she was coerced by Jack into helping him assault his interns; we need to know in advance. We can't be blindsided by any allegations from her, especially in light of the termination papers and sexual harassment lawsuit she tried to give Hyde's lawyer as evidence of bad blood between Ana and Hyde. In the information we found on his SIP laptop, there were videos of their sexcapades with one another, but it appears consensual. Rough; but consensual."

"SIP's IT team will be terminated because they are worthless gits at best according to my IT team. Under the guise of Jack Hyde vetting their IT thriller trilogy – they spent work hours writing their thriller and not conducting a lot of IT work. He's the one who recommended the standard password protocol of first initial, birth month, second initial capitalized, birth day, third initial, birth year; which allowed him unfettered access to everyone's information. While no one should expect privacy on work computers, printers, phones, faxes, emails, etc., Hyde was using what information he gleaned from intern communications to blackmail them. I'll be lucky if the interns in his videos don't sue for sexual harassment and hostile work environments. I may have to do a few million dollars in preemptive damage control. I blame Elizabeth Morgan for facilitating that predator!" Christian exclaimed.

"Enough talk of business," Grace announced. "Let's talk about more pleasant things like the Coping Together event."

XXXXX
Tuesday 6/28

********** Seattle Nooz **********
Jack Hyde, remember him – the man who assaulted Christian Grey's new girlfriend, Anastasia Steele, last Thursday night? He claimed he and Miss Steele were in a sexual relationship with one another and she used him as a stepping stone to get to Christian Grey. Now he's claiming she offered to sleep with him to keep her job at SIP. How many stories will we hear before this goes to court? At Hyde's arraignment yesterday, the judge charged him with seven counts of aggravated assault, one count of stalking and seven counts of invasion of privacy and denied bail. The DA's Office announced it may be filing other charges and will seek no contact orders to prevent Hyde from contacting any of the interns who have worked for him in the last five years. What Seattle Nooz wants to know is … how long has Christian Grey been dating Anastasia Steele and when are they announcing their relationship to the world who already knows?
********** Seattle Nooz **********

XX
Ana's POV

I brought the Tess books with me and returned them to Christian's library. If he asks about them, I will claim I brought them with me to read while I'm here this week. I don't want to fight about $15K of books he should not have bought for me; especially since I foresee a heated argument arising from the over $20K of clothes in his closet which are intended for me.

Jane Eyre had to put up with Mr. Rochester when he bought her wedding clothes and trousseau…but she did get her way with some plainer things. I think he was blindsiding her with the clothes and jewels to cover up the fact he had a wife locked up in the tower. So, I sit here and look at the clothes Christian ordered for me. This is so wrong! I don't want to argue about that closet of clothes with Christian; but I have to know what he's thinking.

Ray met Mrs. Jones last night and they talked for a long time about him creating a kitchen and a sewing armoire for her house. She likes shabby chic furniture and he shared descriptions of his projects with her. With his approval; I agreed to stay at Escala until Kate comes home. There is strength in numbers and if Taylor feels like an uncle to me, Mrs. Jones feels like the aunt I've never had.

My cell rings. It's Elizabeth Morgan again. I send it to voice mail and continue to work. She demands an exit interview with me since Jack fired me. I'll tell Christian about it at dinner. He may ask GEH HR to notify Elizabeth and Roach. They can handle HR issues with her. I'm not talking to her in case she plans to give me a message from Jack.

In the meantime, I've been curled up in a comfy leather chair in Christian's library reading manuscripts. I'm reading a great book for children about a girl and her homeless friend. The book is insightful about how the little girl feels about her friend because she's been homeless before herself. I think it's well written. I can't stop at the first chapter or two; I want to finish reading it. I will highly recommend it to the editor I'm assigned to.

Kate overshares her vacation with Elliott when she calls. She questions me about their 24/7 bodyguards. Elliott and Christian need to sort this man to man. Kate says they've experienced coitus-interuptus more times than a pair of horny teenagers at a church camp. TDMI! I so don't want to go there! We talk about the Coping Together event. She and Elliott plan to dress at his condo and then go to Bellevue. I tell her I have dress, shoes and jewelry already. I try to describe my silver gown to her, but I fail miserably when she asks who designed the dress and the shoes. I managed to get the jeweler right: Cartier. I explain Christian bought special opera length gloves made out of stretchy material to match my dress so the right one will fit over my cast.

I explain her bed is three feet deep in clothes I took out of the spare bedroom for Ray to build out the closet and to have a bed to sleep in. I explain we emptied her closet also so Ray could build it out. She groans and says she might just put everything in garbage bags and deliver it to her room at her parents' house until she can figure out what to do.

XX

"I'm not comfortable with this," I gesture at the clothes in Christian's closet. "Did you buy this many clothes and jewels for your submissives?"

"No and what clothes I did buy were housed in the submissive bedroom upstairs." Christian said. "I buy clothes for Mom and Mia. I buy Louboutin stilettos for Roz each time we conclude a successful business deal. She just got a fabulous pair, her description not mine, of Louboutin Stardust Lace stilettos from the 2011 Spring Collection for the SIP acquisition. I pay for Mrs. Jones' work wardrobe. I pay an exorbitant amount of money for work wardrobe for security."

"I'm neither employee, family or submissive. I'm Ana…the woman who wants to have a relationship with you. I'm not comfortable with this excess." I gesture at the semi-full side of the closet which is supposed to be for me.

"Well; Mia says you can't wear the same gown twice. Since I want to take you to three events; there are three gowns, plus underwear and accessories, and jewels. Can you understand I want to do this to show the world what you mean to me?" Christian asked.

"Can you understand that I don't need stuff? Can you understand I just want to spend time with you? If it means I have to dress up to dance the night away in your arms…I'll do it, but I prefer jeans and gliding with you." I paused. "I don't want to waste time arguing about clothes with you when there are more important things to discuss. Just for future reference; I won't be sidetracked with pretty clothes and stuff. I never was that kind of female; I won't be that kind in the future."

"Ana, I want to spend money on you – I worked hard for it and I want to share it with you. I don't want you to want for anything." Christian stated.

"Do you understand I've been supporting myself for over four years? Granted, it's not the style your family is accustomed to…but it's what I know and what I'm comfortable with. These clothes are going back." I am resolute.

"Will you keep half?" Christian attempts to compromise.

"One week of work clothes, one week of casual clothes, one week of lingerie and one week of sleepwear can stay so that I have clothes to wear if I stay overnight here. Plus, if I'm only allowed to wear the evening clothes once, I want to donate them to the Spouses of Doctors rummage sale that is scheduled for mid-October. Grace said she plans to ask Mia and Kate to help by donating once the Coping Together event is over. I said I'd be out of my cast and would help any way I can. The money raised from the rummage sale is going to buy winter coats for kids. It's a good cause. Evening clothes for the future have to coordinate with the underwear, accessories and jewels you already bought; so please don't buy more. It's offensive to spend one fourth of a year's salary on a dress."

"Well, not one fourth of my salary for a year." Christian chuckled.

"Not making points with the girlfriend…" I warn him.

"God, you are a tough negotiator; will you come to work at GEH in my mergers and acquisitions section?" He moves behind me and starts nibbling on my neck. "Seriously – that mouth will get you anything you want."

"Knock off the sex god stuff, we have things to discuss," I say, moving out of his arms, "and that does not include me giving you a floor show of the lingerie that's staying."

"Later?" His voice holds out hope. "I would love to stay in here for the rest of the afternoon, but there are companies to conquer and schedules to clear so we can have adventures over the 4th of July. Let's go eat lunch."

"When I see what my work space is at Grey Publishing; then we'll negotiate about Sawyer's proximity to me. No monitoring my phones, faxes, emails, client meetings, etc." I said, careful to cut my dinner into small bites so I can eat and argue with Christian at the same time.

"We have to discuss that," Christian said. "Grey Publishing and SIP are getting emails addressed to you. One fourth of them are from media sources who want to make you rich and famous if you give them an exclusive about being my girlfriend. One fourth of them are from people who hate you because you're with me and they think I belong to them. One fourth of them are from people who want you to be with them when you leave me. Barney has taken down six blogs of delusional men who claim to be married to you, engaged to you, or involved with you. In their blogs they announce they are suing me for alienation of affection. Most of them want $10 million because you're with me now. The last one fourth are from women who want you to join their agency, promote their non-profit group, want your business or want you to hire them to be your personal shopper or personal assistant. Media is calling and leaving messages for you at Grey Publishing. We hired a phone service to screen the calls. Any business calls go through to Claire. Media and nuisance calls leave messages with the phone service that are destroyed at the end of the day."

"Seriously? Are you teasing me?" I sputter.

"No, I'm not. Chelan County Cadillac wants you to come test drive one of their cars for a commercial. You get to keep the car you test drive. I can have Barney forward examples of emails, phone calls, faxes, communications etc. if you really want to see them. He can tell you how many thousands of emails you get a day. And letters and cards and gifts."

"Gifts?" I swallow hard and shudder.

"Security checks it all. If there was anything you needed to see, I would bring it to you. They shred everything, except the overt threats, which we keep to find out who is sending it. They incinerate the disgusting stuff and they donate the good stuff to charity. They return clothes from designers with a polite letter on GEH stationery that you are not interested in modeling for them."

"You're serious?" I shake my head.

"This week security returned approximately a quarter of a million dollars of clothes and accessories that designers wanted you to wear to the Coping Together event. Three clothing designers have delivered a carte blanche offer to clothe you for work for the next five years if you only wear their designs. Two accessory designers are willing to stock your closet with their spring and fall collections from the last two years if you will appear in one ad for their company. Six designers want to use you as a model for new petite clothing lines they have designed." He stares into my eyes. "Fifty shades baby; I'm fifty shades of fucked up and have a fleet of ships full of baggage and creepers to go with it."

"We haven't told anyone except your mom, my dad, your brother and Kate that we're together. I haven't even told my mother." I protested.

"Someone told Seattle Nooz; they have been telling Seattle about us for a week now. Speaking of telling; I'd like Grey House to release a statement Saturday morning that we are in a committed relationship with one another. There will be press at Coping Together and there will be pictures of us in the papers."

"Instead of dating…or gal pal?" I knot my fingers together and look at my hands.

Christian lifted me and carried me to a chair in his room. He sat me on his lap and looked in my eyes. "I like the term committed relationship," he asserted. "I want people to know what you mean to me. There will be people I have to introduce you to at Coping Together, but I'd like to introduce you as Anastasia Steele, girlfriend, instead of Anastasia Steele, date. I checked the seating chart and we're at the same table as mom, dad, grandparents, Elliott and Kate and Mia and her date. That will be a little more comfortable for you, right?"

I nod. "Speaking of letting people know what I mean to you…are we still doing the birthday BBQ at your parent's home on Sunday after Coping Together to celebrate your birthday?"

"Yes and then Monday's a holiday. I thought we could go sailing on The Grace and then we could watch the fireworks over Bainbridge Island." Christian nuzzled my hair.

"I'd like that…as long as it doesn't include paparazzi and an over the top designer bikini." I shrug.

"Jeans, sneakers, t-shirt, hoodie and modest swim suit. We will be sans paparazzi once we hit the open sea. Security usually follows behind in a boat to warn off anyone attempting to follow me. Once we're a few miles from shore; they will return to the marina. A modest swim suit will be acceptable. Save the topless portion of the day for the cabin." He smirked before his hands slid up my leg. Before he can try anything; he is distracted by Taylor and Mrs. Jones whispering in the kitchen.

Taylor's POV

"Taylor," Grey looked up from his obsession with Miss Steele to address me. "Something the matter?"

"Sorry boss, I didn't mean to interrupt you and Miss Steele's dinner. I was just telling Mrs. Jones I'm taking out the trash." I flashed Gail a look, which I should not have done because now we both have to stifle our laughter. She goes to the staff quarters. I depart the penthouse via the main elevator. I'm a man on a mission. Elena Lincoln is downstairs and mightily pissed because her pass code doesn't work for the parking garage or for the elevator. The night doorman has allowed her to wait for me in the lobby. Since the Leila incident, he knows no one goes to the penthouse without a security escort. In this case…yeah…I'm taking out the trash.

"Mrs. Lincoln," I said with as much gentility as possible under the circumstances. My serve, protect and defend ethics are kicking gentility's ass right now.

"Taylor," she practically spits my name as she heads for the elevator. "I need to see Christian about business and this lackey won't let me go up. Why has my pass code changed?"

"Pass codes changed because of security issues. I'm sure when Mr. Grey wants you to have the new pass code; he will give it to you. In the meantime, I'm under orders to keep everyone except family out of the penthouse."

"What happened?" She Bitch demands to know.

I am grateful she opened the ball! Now let's see if the bitch can dance. I take her by the arm away from the elevator where she waits, to the small private office kept by security just off the lobby.

"One of your girls, Leila Williams, gained access to the penthouse and assaulted Mrs. Jones." I frostily inform her.

She Bitch looks at me in horror. "Was Christian hurt?"

"NO, he wasn't here. It was the night Jack Hyde assaulted Miss Steele. Mr. Grey was at SIP with the police. Mrs. Jones was alone and was assaulted." If she doesn't act sorry about Gail getting hurt; I might hurt the bitch myself.

"So you changed all the pass codes?" She Bitch rolls her eyes at me.

I'm half tempted to smack her and claim I thought she was having a seizure or something. "Yes, all pass codes were changed per Mr. Grey's orders. Additionally, we instituted new safety protocols."

"Well, you can just take me up there to see him. I've been calling and emailing all week. I haven't been able to get an appointment with him at Grey House and now I can't access the penthouse."

"You don't understand, Mrs. Lincoln. Unless your last name is Grey or Trevelyan, you will not be admitted to the penthouse."

"He's got her up there doesn't he?" She Bitch demands.

"Her who?" I'm acting so innocent my mother would not recognize me.

"Miss Steele," She Bitch spits out through clenched teeth. "No wonder Mrs. Jones was vulnerable here! Security staff watching him, security staff watching Grey House, security staff watching his parents and siblings, plus security staff watching her and her boss!"

That bitch just blamed Gail's attack on Miss Steele. That miserable old snatch! "Why don't you tell us where to find Leila Williams before she assaults anyone else? Unless you sent her after Miss Steele like the private investigator you hired? Perhaps you should ask Jack Hyde what happens when you invade Miss Steele's privacy!" I inquire gravely.

She appears shocked her P.I. has been discovered. I take her arm and haul her to the front desk. "If Mrs. Lincoln doesn't leave quietly in the next ten minutes…please call the Seattle Police Department and tell them there's an intruder at Escala. I think the paparazzi are still outside Mrs. Lincoln. Do you want pictures of you in handcuffs to grace the front pages of the Seattle Times?" I walk away while she's protesting. I don't give a fuck what she has to say. I skip the main elevator and head to the staff elevator for the penthouse. I use my pass key to get back to the penthouse and to my lovely Gail. I wonder if I can convince her to give me a shower because I took out the trash.

Elena's POV

Who does Taylor think he is? I swear I'm going to get that bastard in my playroom someday and beat that attitude right out of him. He is increasingly difficult to be around and acts like he's protecting Christian from me. I'm sure he's sharing sheets with that housekeeper who is a pain in my ass also. Christ, they are a pair – I've spent hours planning and working to pry them away from him. I send their résumés to head hunters, but I never hear if they've been approached by other millionaires to terminate with Christian and go to greener pastures. He must be overpaying them; otherwise they wouldn't put up with all the women wandering in and out of the penthouse or put up with his attitude. Perhaps I will slap Christian's face the next time he is rude to me. I was his Domme. I expect him to treat me better!

Taylor said Leila is in town. She hasn't come to see me. So much for loyalty. I get the stupid bitch the gig as Christian's submissive – thinking it's going to be over after ninety days like the rest of the little whores. Good god, Leila hung in there for eighteen months, and was acting like she was going to be around for eighteen more! Lunches with Christian were increasingly boring the longer Leila hung in there. They must have done every position in the Kama Sutra with a toy or furniture. He loved the fan position with her when he claimed her ass after she was restrained and he spanked, paddled or caned her ass. He loved how her ass maintained the heat and felt so good against his groin. She loved the eagle position when her hands were restrained over her head, her legs restrained in the air, and with a y-clip nipping at her breasts and clit while he pounded her. He bragged how he constantly pushed her limits and how she practically worshipped him. Nothing he ordered her to do was beyond her hard limits. She took to being caned like a wayward Malaysian student desiring discipline, which stroked his ego. He thinks he's a master at caning. I wouldn't know; the bastard terminated our D/s relationship before I got to taste the bite of a whip or the sting of a cane.

Of course, she blames her contract termination with Christian on me. Yes, I gave her advice…and I'm glad she took it. I suggested after eighteen months, it was time for Christian to take the next step in their relationship. Leila just needed a little prodding to convince her that she and Christian needed more with each other. Of course, I knew it wouldn't happen. Christian, at that time, knew love was for fools. The moment Leila said "more"; Christian said "bye-bye" and terminated the contract. It took him three months to contract with a new sub, and I could not have been happier. He contacted or saw me at least once or twice a week during that time, letting me know how frustrating it was to go from having the 'almost perfect' submissive to terminating with her.

Leila was careful, that sneaky little bitch. She put music on his iPod so that he would think of her when he was listening to music on his jet or in his car or just down time from work. She was always available for middle of the week sessions in the playroom if he had to be away on business for the weekend. The little whore scrubbed up nicely too, and made an effort to live by all the fucking ridiculous rules he had about sleeping, eating, and physical exercise. She traded art lessons for cooking lessons so that she could prepare decent meals for him. She traded artwork for an education in wine tasting. She was constantly endeavoring to improve herself… like he would declare his undying Dominant love for her if she knew which fork to use! She never asked him for more than he was willing to give her and was always so grateful for everything…until I convinced her that they deserved 'more' with each other. Then when he terminated with her – she came looking for me – demanding to know why I had interfered in their 'relationship.' Stupid bitch – it was a D/s contract – not a relationship.

I wanted to use her as a call-girl for Doms who were in Seattle on business, but the stupid bitch married someone she met at school. He of course, saw the fairly new car, the clothes and the jewels and thought he'd married up – only to realize she was a no-talent art student who had sold her body to the right man for the right price.

The lights are not on at Susannah's condo and her car is there. I made arrangements for Susannah to take a two-week Caribbean cruise with a Dom. He paid me dearly for the arrangements; but she was too stupid to ask for more than $5K in fees and another $5K for appropriate clothing for fourteen days of sunbathing and fucking. Tonight I will put a notice on the submissive website to see if Leila's been in contact with anyone. I really could use Leila right now to rattle Anastasia Steele out of her panties and out of Christian's bed.

XXXXX
Wednesday 6/29
Christian's POV

"Good morning," I kiss Ana awake. "Do you feel like going for a run?"

"We didn't sleep much last night," she blushed, "I thought I'd have a lie-in until you were ready to eat breakfast. After breakfast, I'm planned to shower, dress and tackle some of those manuscripts."

"You could shower with me." I offered.

"You could have a lie-in with me…" she counter offered.

Suddenly the thought of Ana, in my warm bed, followed by in my hot shower, followed by a good breakfast just seem to kick start my day in the right direction. "You have to promise not to scream too loud. The security office is full of staff." I said, kissing from her ear to her collarbone.

"You're not gagging me, if that's what is floating through your wicked little mind," she said.

"I just thought I'd keep that mouth busy doing other things," I smirked.

Ana's POV

I can't believe it took breaking my arm to convince Ray to foray into the world of modern technology. Playing phone tag with him on José and José Sr.'s cells was not fun. An answering machine and fax for the business are "old school." I warned him I expect an email weekly. Today, Ray emails me a picture of the cherry wood bar back he's going to start restoring next month. It's gorgeous. I email back I'm at Christian's penthouse with Mrs. Jones and we have security with us. I tell him I'm staying in all week to avoid the media. He commiserates with me. The excessive calls at the house for me or about me are impacting his time. He shut off the ring and lets everything go to voice mail or the answering machine. He listens to the messages first thing each morning, noon and before dinner, dumping 99% of them. He asks me to call my mother before national tabloids announce our relationship. Ray reminds me to email José about his art show. He's promised to go with José Sr. to the show and to dinner afterwards. I don't know Christian's schedule but I promise Kate and I will go to dinner with them.

Mrs. Jones asks if I can wait until two for lunch. There is a new film noir channel on the cable. This afternoon they are showing Rebecca. She says it sounds like a good reason to make a tea tray for us with Earl Grey, luxury biscuits, savories and tea sandwiches. I'm willing to read manuscripts until movie time if she's willing to make a tea tray for us. I explain after the movie, I need help packing up some of the wardrobe and returning it to Nieman Marcus. She has the number of a reliable messenger delivery service; but she asks me if that is really what I want to do. When I tell her that I'm only keeping some of the clothes and returning the rest, she tells me of the "wardrobe malfunction" that was delivered before. Now I feel like a total shit. My decision will make Caroline Acton at Nieman Marcus unhappy also. Mrs. Jones says she can't advise me what to do; but she is confidant I will make the right choice for me. Suddenly, I understand no-first-name Mrs. Maxim de Winter and her insecurity at living at Manderley. I'm out of my league here at Escala. If I let the clothes stay…can I put my foot down that he won't buy me anything else without asking? Do I need to send the clothes back so he knows I mean business? Crap. I don't need to start second guessing my decisions; especially not right now.

Christian's POV

Roz alerts me when the relocation of Grey Publishing is underway. We discuss the Grey Publishing staff interviews on Friday. Roach will be offered a decent retirement package at the end of two years. It's not as large as he would like – but considering how badly he's managed SIP for the last five years, he's lucky to receive one at all. The security staff will have an opportunity to take advanced training and keep their jobs, or they are terminated. They won't sit around and act worthless. They will be assigned to the security staff of Grey House Annex and will rotate through the buildings and businesses. Two of the senior editors are under scrutiny. They have been very vocal about "transparency" in the Hyde matter and have offered testimony from authors about what an upstanding citizen Hyde is.

"What does transparency mean anyway – they want to know the color of Ana bra when Hyde attacked her?" I snap.

"Grey House should announce NDAs will be required along with interviews when we meet with Grey Publishing staff on Friday morning." Roz suggests. "Anyone who does not sign an NDA will be terminated with cause. I also suggest alphabetical interviews of the staff rather than going unit by unit. Alphabetical interview will ensure the HR staff will not miss conveying important information. We'll take four HR teams with us to begin at nine to conduct interviews, discuss IT training, review security issues, sign NDAs, etc. Barney and his IT team will begin IT training with staff as they complete their interviews and are assigned to office spaces."

"I don't want Ana going to Grey Publishing to sit around and wait to be called. If we go alphabetically; she would not be interviewed until sometime in the late afternoon." I explain to Roz.

"Don't bring her in until Tuesday morning when the reorganization is complete and when HR knows which positions need to be filled," Roz suggests.

I concur and we go on to other issues. We've been approached by the College of Agricultural Science at OSU about grant funding like our commitment to WSUV. I tell Roz to get their information and we'll discuss. If they have program topic areas not covered by WSUV, we might consider their request.

Welch is endeavoring to open my Detroit files to see if he can find more information on me prior to the adoption. He's trying to find someone to open Jack's sealed files in Detroit and also see if there is information at Princeton we should know. We know that Hyde graduated from Princeton and worked for a small publishing firm in Boston. He went to a national publishing conference in New York and met Roach who recruited him for SIP. Once he hit Seattle, he started collecting information on my family and me.

Andrea reminds me I have an appointment with Claude Thursday and Saturday morning. She hands me 15 messages from Elena. I shake my head and throw them in the trash. I thank Andrea for her patience in this matter but I have nothing to discuss with Mrs. Lincoln right now. I won't take her calls, I dump her emails and voice mails and request Andrea work with Barney to tighten the communications firewall around me. Taylor has orders to remove Elena immediately if she appears at GEH or at Escala. I don't want her to know Ana is staying at the penthouse with me. I don't care if she finds out I relocated her P.I. Best scenario – the Coping Together event coupled with the committed press release should inform Elena that I am not seeking a submissive.

When my world is quiet for two minutes, I open my Blackberry and gaze at pictures of Ana. I get hard again, sitting at my desk thinking of her sucking my spine out though my cock this morning. I lock myself in my private bathroom and call her. I swear it is just to hear her voice, but seriously…I carry on a conversation with her while my hand is a poor substitute for her warm, wet, velvet mouth. Her soft voice flows over me like sunshine when I'm on The Grace and headed out to sea. I shout when I come and Ana is concerned. I lie and tell her I was a klutz and spilled hot coffee on myself. She giggles and promises to kiss my boo-boo. It's a downhill conversation from there. My cock twitches; ready to play again. God, I haven't had to jerk off in the middle of the day since I was 21. I had stepped away from Elena, didn't have a submissive and didn't want a one-night stand at a club. Now, I'm hard enough to jerk off twice in one day because of a petite blue-eyed brunette who makes my head swim; my blood race and my heart pound. Fuck, I know I'm lucky she's staying with me this week; but will she move back to the condo once Kate's in town? That thought was a definite cock blocker. My cock lost interest in a solitary second gambol and waits to be touched by my lovely Ana.

XXXXX
Thursday, 6/30

********** Seattle Nooz **********
Sources tell us Christian Grey and his girlfriend, Anastasia Steele, have been playing matchmaker! Seems Miss Steele's roommate, Katherine Kavanagh, is currently vacationing in the Bahamas with Gorgeous Grey's brother, Elliott. That sound you hear is not tectonic plates shifting in the Northwest…it's the sound of millions of hearts breaking…
********** Seattle Nooz **********

"What are you doing here," Elizabeth grabbed Ana. "Haven't you caused enough trouble? No one wants you here! None of us trust you! Security," she shouted into the phone. "Come up to Miss Steele's desk and escort her to my office where she can sign termination papers. Then I want you to escort her from the building! You will sign your termination papers and leave!" She shook Ana out of frustration. She really wanted to slap the fuck out of that bitch! "How long did you know about Grey buying SIP before he told the world? You throw yourself at Jack Hyde to get him fired so Grey didn't have to pay him a decent severance package! Then you get Grey's father to request a no contact order for you! We're all getting screwed over because of your billionaire boyfriend!"

"He's not her boyfriend! He doesn't want more! We were together for eighteen months; it was the best time of my life! I loved him! He should have loved me! I have to talk to her…I have to warn her not to get involved with Mr. Grey! He'll only break her heart. Let go!" She tried to pull away from Elizabeth's strong grip. "Leave me alone!" She pulled away from Elizabeth's grasp and spun around.

"You're not Ana! Who the hell are you?" Elizabeth demanded from the petite brunette before her.

"Where is she?" Leila demanded. "Where is Miss Steele?"

"She's not here," Elizabeth snapped. "She's supposed to be working, but she's not here and she's not at Grey House Annex. She's not answering her cell. She's probably playing hooky with Mr. Grey. Who are you?" She grabbed Leila again. "No one is supposed to be here this week except upper level staff." She pulled Leila over to a phone. She pressed buttons on the phone and tightened her grip on Leila as she spoke into the phone. "Morgan here, second floor, there's an intruder, get up here now!"

Ryan stopped in the parking lot to confirm the license plate number on Miss Martin's Audi before he continued into the building. He headed for Miss Steele's desk on the second floor because he was sure that's where Leila was headed. He burst through the stairwell door, having finally caught up with Leila, who he tracked from Susannah's condo to GP/SIP. "Miss Williams, stop!" He shouted.

Leila ignored his shout and tried to yank herself out of Elizabeth's bruising grasp. She pulled her handgun from the tote.

"What are you doing? Are you crazy?" Elizabeth screamed and reached for the gun; struggling with a manic Leila. The gun fired and fired again…shooting Elizabeth twice in the chest. Elizabeth gasped and let Leila and the gun go…falling to the floor. Leila shot in the direction of Ryan's shout; but her aim was too far off the mark. She ran for the opposite stairwell. Ryan ran for Leila, tackling her to the floor. He heard bones snap as he took her down. Security burst through the stairwell at the same time Ryan and Leila hit the floor. Ryan managed to shove Leila's gun away and use a zip tie to restrain her hands behind her back.

"Call 911! She shot someone!" Ryan yelled at security. He pinned Leila to the floor, ignoring her screaming and swearing as he called Taylor. "I have her! GP/SIP building! She shot the HR Director, female, mid-thirties. Police and ambulance incoming! She's definitely been staying at Susannah Martin's condo. She drove Martin's car here. It's parked in the back parking lot of GP/SIP. We're going to have to find out where she got the gun. She came here looking for Miss Steele. The HR director was going through Miss Steele's desk looking for contact information which is how she intercepted Leila Williams."

"Leila's grief is manifesting itself in confusion, disbelief, panic and anger. She's dehydrated and malnourished. Additionally, Mrs. Jones was right; she's been cutting. There are scars from cutting about a year ago – probably on a weekly basis. But she has fresh scars, semi-healed cuts and fresh cuts which happened in the last two months. I think the self-mutilation is a way for her to relieve stress. She has been sent for evaluation at West Seattle Psychiatric Hospital." John Flynn explained. "If the facility staff determine she needs long-term inpatient care; they will petition the court and a commitment hearing will take place. She will be represented at the commitment hearing by a court-appointed attorney. The judge will hear evidence from the facility and police before determining what to do."

Taylor interrupted, "Ryan will probably testify since he is the only witness to Elizabeth Morgan's shooting and since he restrained Leila Williams. We will make sure he's available for when the police and court want to talk to him. Leila left her husband nine months ago. They have not divorced. Her boyfriend was killed two months ago in an accident on the 405. After his death, she moved in with Susannah Martin. Susannah left on an extended vacation the Monday after your picture appeared in the Seattle Times. According to Miss Martin's landlord; she is not expected to return for another two weeks."

Welch concluded the update, "Elizabeth Morgan refused to incriminate Jack Hyde before she died. She admitted to going through Miss Steele's desk searching for any information on how to contact her, since Miss Steele has not returned her calls. She didn't know who shot her; or why."

"Thank you Taylor, Welch. I'd like a minute to talk to Flynn – to John; alone." Christian said.

"I know my eyebrows lifted to the ceiling. I knew this breakthrough was coming…this stepping back from the formalities that keep my patient's life under the guise of control. I'm probably going to be John from now on; and he will be Christian. I know this is because of Anastasia Steele. His life has been changing since he met her. Now if he just can muster the courage to keep going forward and not withdraw into himself because he blames himself for everything, I feel my patient will continue to make great strides in his therapy." John thought.

Christian waited for the doors to the office to close before he continued. "Did Leila specifically mention me – our time together?"

"They sedated her after a blood draw to make sure she's not doing drugs. She is being rehydrated and monitored. The doctor will call me if there is a change in her condition. She hasn't eaten properly in so long that her organs may be compromised in the future. Ryan broke a couple of her ribs when he took her down." John paused. "Before you start blaming yourself for this; please stop. Take a deep breath and realize that you are not responsible for the world or the crazies in the world."

"I am responsible for this," Christian muttered. "I saw Ana and I wanted her. She got hurt because of me. Mrs. Jones got hurt because of me. Elizabeth Morgan is dead because Leila."

"Jack Hyde set plans in motion to hurt you and your family before you ever met Ana." John argued.

"Yes but she was in close proximity to him because of me. He saw our picture and hired her." Christian said.

"Would he have hired her if he had not seen the picture?" John asked.

"I don't know." Christian said. "She is petite, like all his other interns. That may be his preference – petite women who can't fight him off."

"You planned to buy SIP before you knew she was hired there. You hired a close protection officer for her; who informed you of Hyde's New York trip. You kept her from going to New York where she might have been assaulted. You planned to fire him to protect her. Her CPO discovered Elena hired a private investigator. Her CPO informed you of Leila's proximity to Ana." John paused again. "You could have kept Ana locked up in Escala, but Leila managed to breach the place and hurt Mrs. Jones. None of this is your fault. Spend your time doing proactive planning instead of obsessing and blaming yourself for this. Now, where is the beautiful Ana?"

"In the staff quarters with Mrs. Jones. They are watching some vampire movie that just came out on DVD."

"Bloody hell; that's not good," John said. "The main character, Bella, leaves her mom's home and moves in with her father. Dad happens to be a cop who wants to protect his daughter. She falls in love with a gorgeous boy, Edward. He has bronze curls by the way and happens to be a vampire. They have these intense discussions because they are falling in love with each other, but the vampire has a difficult time restraining himself from killing her. Edward, the vampire, has touch issues because he's physically cold and because he's strong and could hurt her. He has food issues because he is a vampire who is trying to be vegetarian and not kill humans. Plus, he is in love for the first time ever in his miserable existence and besotted with this girl. He knows how to act human until he falls in love because that is out of his normal realm of existence! Don't pull her out of there. Get your ass in there, put your feet up, hold the lovely Ana on your lap and have a very vanilla make out session with her; kissing and holding hands only! Hope to god she doesn't correlate your life to the movie! Elizabeth's shooting is traversing the media circuit now; you need to give her answers if she asks questions."

Christian's POV

"Elizabeth Morgan is dead," I explain the situation to Ana. "Leila is undergoing psychiatric evaluation. Dad is finding a family services lawyer I can hire to represent Leila. I'm paying John to guide her psychiatric care. If the court determines Elizabeth's death was manslaughter; Leila may not have to do much jail time after her psychiatric evaluation and treatment is concluded."

"Leila is the bus-stop brunette and a previous submissive?" Ana clarifies.

"For eighteen months," I nodded. "Our contract ended because she wanted more and I didn't. She married, but she left her husband nine months ago. She had a boyfriend, but he died in a car accident two months ago. For some reason, she was fixated on you since the Seattle Times picture. I told you, I had never had a picture taken with a woman. It caused a lot of questions and speculation."

"The picture is why she was outside my condo and SIP? She was trying to contact me?" Ana asked.

"Yes, but we don't know why. Until she's lucid, we may not know." I explained. I am shredded when Ana bursts into tears.

"I have to quit Grey Publishing now," she sobs. "First the situation with Jack and now Elizabeth is dead because she confronted someone who looked like me. No one will want to work with me now."

"Do I need to book time with John to talk to you about this?" I hold my breath; waiting for her decision.

"I don't think I'm going to have nightmares over Jack Hyde, if that's what you are asking. I'm not happy he hired me to get to you. I thought…I wanted to go into publishing because I like books so much." She knotted her fingers in her lap.

"Have you enjoyed reading the manuscripts this week?" I asked.

"Yes," she sniffled.

"Roach is very happy with your work and that has nothing to do with me and everything to do with you. HR will find you a position at Grey Publishing that will be a good fit for your knowledge, skills and abilities. Give it three months, Ana. If you don't like the work environment after three months; we'll find you a job you do like. I don't want my relationship with you to impact your future. I know you want to work. I know you don't want me to pay off your student loans. I love that you have been responsible and have taken care of yourself. I love that you have a good work ethic." I run my knuckles down her arm. "Calm; let me take care of you tonight," I carried her to the tub. We both need a hot soaking bath to soothe frayed nerves.

XXXXX
Thursday, 6/30
Christian's POV

All the T.V. talk shows dissect the predatory mind set of stalkers and paparazzi. Ana's situation is discussed a dozen times according to my communications department head. She wants a sound byte regarding the shooting at SIP. Media stalks GEH, Grey House Annex and GP/SIP. The media announces the shooter as an obsessed stalker who intended to harm SIP employee Anastasia Steele. It is the story the security at GP/SIP told the police. How much of that is the truth? How many more stalkers will come after Ana because of her relationship to me? I called Mrs. Jones to check on how things are going with Ana. She explains Ana is working in the library without the distractions of TV or radio, by her choice. She has her iPod turned on low volume. I explain I'm coming to Escala for lunch so Ana and I can have a conversation about today's media issues and ask Mrs. Jones to prepare lunch for us. Ana will need to warn Ray and Carla about the media. I am determined more than ever to announce my relationship with Ana at Coping Together.

Per John's advice, I arrange for two grief counselors and two HR staff from GEH to go to the GP offices at Grey House Annex Friday morning to speak with anyone who needs to talk about the shooting. I ask him about Leila. There is no news. She has been sleeping or uncommunicative for several hours right now. He says she needs the sleep for her mind and body to heal. I give him the name of the family services attorney Dad recommended. John will contact him and see if they can determine what to do if Leila refuses to talk to anyone. I talk to him about Ana and what to do if she needs to talk about the issues at SIP. He recommends a day at a spa for her to relax tomorrow before the Coping Together event. We agree to arrange an introduction between them Saturday night. He will offer to listen if she needs to talk. We talk about the press release announcing Ana and my relationship before the Coping Together event starts. He recommends discussing security protocols and the schedule for Coping Together with Ana as soon as possible. He recommends a conversation regarding Elena before the event so that Ana is not blindsided if Elena decides to attend.

"This is the layout for the Coping Together event," I show Ana a copy of the venue map. "Taylor will drive; Sawyer will ride shotgun. Ryan will be there in advance, waiting to take the vehicle and secure it in the family parking area. Taylor will park at the walkway to the venue. We will exit the vehicle. Taylor will walk in front of us to provide security; Sawyer will walk behind us. We'll go up the walkway, past the press to the marque. The press will take pictures of us on the walkway. Inside the marquee will be 32 tables, seating ten people each. At our table…" I drone on and on about cocktails and networking, everyone sitting at our table, where our table is located, where the bathrooms are located, the dance floor location, the band, the MC and the events of the evening. She's a good sport and asks pertinent questions. I'm sure it's the logistics she learned from attending track meets.

"I'd like you to go have a spa day tomorrow. Get your hair and nails done; just relax from everything that's been happening. I'll give you a card and you can go to the Post Alley Esclava where you went with Kate. Mom, Grandma and Mia are all going to Bravern Center on Saturday. You could go with them, but I want you to have down time to relax…and Mia would be after you with questions, questions, questions. Elena would probably be there also on Saturday; she normally works out of Bravern Center. If you are at Post Alley, you will not run into her."

"I'll behave myself if she behaves herself," Ana said stubbornly. "I like your mom…but I will not put up with her friend being rude to me."

"Speaking of friend; I threw Kate under the beauty bus on Saturday. She's going with her mom to Bravern Center with my mom, grandma and Mia."

"LOL, that will be a fun time…especially if Mia asks as many questions as Kate does." Ana laughed and climbed into my lap. "Thank you for saving me from the inquisition squad."

"Any time Miss Steele. There are things to discuss." I said. First of all…do you remember your safe words?"

"Yellow and red, SIR," she said, her arms stealing around my neck.

"Don't say sir like that or we'll be spending the night in bed together instead of discussing the event." I admonished her. "If the conversation becomes overwhelming to you, say yellow and if the conversation starts to vex you, say red."

"I understand," she says softly.

The charity is called Coping Together. It's a drug rehab program for parents with young kids. The program is designed to keep the families intact if possible; providing out-patient care, a support system and after care once the parents are drug-free. They take parenting classes along with drug therapy." I winced.

"Did your parents support Coping Together before or after they adopted you?" She wanted to know.

"I was born in Michigan." I pause.

"I was born at the Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton, California. I blame Martina Navratilova for my name. I think my mother was watching the tennis match between her and Chris Evert and got inspired to name me after a Russian princess." She said. "I threw that out there to defuse you…" her hands run up and down my arms. "You're a little tense. Do you need to safe word?"

I shook my head no, took a deep breath and continued, "My biological mother, who was addicted to crack cocaine, died when I was four. I was alone in a two-room apartment with her body for four days before the police were notified of her death and removed me. I was taken to the hospital where Grace was on duty. She was a third year pediatric resident. She saw me and decided she wanted to adopt me. Grace and Carrick had been approved by the State of Michigan when they adopted Elliott. Soon after I was adopted, Grace was hired by Northwest Hospital here in Seattle and we moved. Mia was born and adopted in Washington. Both Elliott and Mia were adopted when they were infants." I revealed everything I know about the foster home, Jack Hyde's presence in the foster home when I got there, Hyde's jealousy of my adoption by Carrick and Grace. "I don't understand his attitude," I said. "It's not like my parents were shopping for a child to adopt. He met them because they already decided to adopt me. They went to the foster home to see me. If I had not been in that foster home, he would never have known my parents or I existed." I shrug. "I just can't believe he's carried a grudge against me, against them for 24 years."

She kisses me gently before I continue. "Elena is on the committee; working with my mother on the event. In the past she always sat at the table with my mother." I explain.

"In the place where I will sit this year?" She asked.

"No, I always sat between Elliott and my grandfather Theo. My mother always put me there thinking I'd stick around for the festivities. I have a really bad habit of attending events and then departing before an hour is over. I've rarely stayed past dinner at Coping Together," I admit.

"Because you have touch issues and didn't want to dance with the young ladies?" She asked wisely.

"Every committee member brings eligible females they know between the ages of eighteen and thirty-eight to committee meetings just in case I happen to be around. Not all of them attend the event. Between the dinner ticket, clothes, primping and jewels – an event like Coping Together is about a $15K crap shoot to meet me."

"I can understand that right place at the right time scenario," Ana shrugged. "That's a lot of money to spend. This is for a good cause right? It's not just a reason to party and dance the night away?"

"We raised over $1.5 million for Coping Together last year. They spend 5% of the funds they are given for administrative reasons and salaries. They have one of the lowest administrative costs for a non-profit that I know. The rest of the money goes to help the families. It's one of the reasons my parents support them."

"Okay, so where is Elena sitting since she won't be sitting at your mom's table?" Ana asked.

I search the guest list Mom gave me and point the table out on the map. "Table ten with other donors. She normally donates a spa day at Esclava to the auction. I donate a week's vacation at my home in Aspen to the auction. Mom and Dad donate ten days at their ranch near Jackson Hole, Wyoming."

"Yellow," Ana said. "You have a house in Aspen?"

"The family likes going there Thanksgiving and Christmas for skiing. Do you ski?" I ask, stroking her bottom and thinking about how hot she would look in my Jacuzzi after a day of skiing.

"Ski? LOL. No…" Ana giggles and pushes my hands away. "But I make picture-perfect snow angels; enjoy bracing snowball fights and build excellent snowmen. Plus…I have a gourmet hot cocoa recipe that hits the spot after a day of snow play."

"We need to practice dancing with one another. I want to dance all night Saturday night if possible – and not share you with anyone. However; Dad and Grandpa Theo may try to steal you away for a dance."

"I can deal with dancing with your dad and grandfather as long as you aren't dancing with Elena." Jealousy tinged Ana's retort.

"I haven't danced with Elena in years. It's one of the reasons I depart early. If I stay long enough to dance, I'm not expected to dance with anyone other than Mom and Grandma. Mom announces at the start of her dance and Grandma's dance that they won't allow cuts, so that way women aren't lining up to get a shot at me."

She giggles again. "You don't dance with Mia?"

"Oh please! Mia's idea of dancing is gyrating on the floor to some song made famous at night clubs. It makes my head hurt." I lean my head against her arm. "You need to put on your shoes so we know where you will be in proximity to my chest. My family knows I have touch issues, but they will expect us to be more physical with one another after the press release Saturday morning. Expect me to kiss you at every opportunity I have. Expect me to hold your hand every opportunity I have." I kiss her ear and nibble down her neck. She wiggles her bottom against my crotch. "If you wake up the southern gentleman – expect him to find some way to get into your panties."

She giggles again and escapes from my grasp into the bedroom to put on her shoes. Just when I'm thinking about racing into the bedroom, closing the door and having my wicked way with Ana wearing nothing but stilettos; she reappears back out to the great room - wobbling like a fawn.

Ana takes my breath away. I beat down the fantasies of those legs and stilettos wrapped around my waist. I put on music and we start dancing across the great room to Just Breathe, by Faith Hill.

XX

"My feet are killing me," she moaned. "No more dancing tonight in stilettos; I can't do it."

I carry her off to my bedroom and take off her shoes. I massage her feet and work my way up her body; alternately making her giggle and gasp and sigh and moan. However, it's the little pleading whispers that turn me on the most.

"More…" she pulls my mouth down to hers. "More please…"

A/N:

Thank you for the reviews and viewers; thank you for the messages and questions; thank you for the favorites and follows! Someone asked why there weren't as many reviews as before…I think when I reload a chapter it throws away the previous reviews because it resets my reader count back to zero again.

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.