Chapter 11 –No one expects the Spanish Inquisition
Friday 7/1
Ana's POV
"Mr. Grey's guest?" Greta, the receptionist, looked at the scheduling book. "Is this the usual?"
"I don't know what the usual is, but I am here for a mani-pedi, waxing, shampoo, trim and blowout, and a 90-minute hot stone massage." I handed her the envelope with a white note written in Christian's precise penmanship. The usual? My self-conscious rolls out the contract and taps on the clause about the beauty salon and all the waxing bits nonsense. I'm at the Post Alley Esclava…where the submissives get their bits waxed. I'm not here to get a Brazilian. That cunning little predator...close protection detail, updated security at the condo, clothes, salon, and new owner of my work place… I hope the next thing he controls is Mrs. Lincoln's mouth…because I won't put up with that bitch…not for love, money or free spa days.
"Well, let's put your things away in a locker and get you into a robe. We can do the pedicure first. We had a cancellation for Tatiana; so she's available. Come this way."
I'm ankle deep in a foot bath, with my eyes closed and listening to my iPod when I feel someone watching me. I open my eyes and stare at a pair of cold hazel eyes staring at me. A pouty peroxide blonde, dressed in black, clickety clacks away from me in Louboutin stilettos. Christian's "friend and business partner" Elena Lincoln has entered the building. She doesn't look as young and fresh as in the picture of her online. You seriously underestimated my GPA Mr. Grey if you didn't think I would research Elena Lincoln, Esclava Salons, Nieman Marcus and Coping Together.
Less than an hour later, I have a lovely pedicure with pearlescent pale pink toenails. The color makes me giggle. I take a picture of my toes and email it to Christian.
Friday, 10:50 a.m.
From Ana
To Christian
RE: gone to market...
Attachment: My pedicure
Thank you for spoiling me today. I am doing girly things and not dwelling on events from this past week. I hope to be properly polished and primped to make you proud of me tomorrow night.
Ana playing hooky for a hot stone massage Steele
Intern, Grey Publishing
Friday, 11:00 a.m.
To Ana
From Christian
RE Mergers and Acquisitions...
…pale in comparison to your perfect petite toes. Toes like that should be showcased in peep toe Louboutin stilettos. Perhaps you would consider modeling some for me? There's a reason they are called "red bottom shoes."
Christian Grey
Toe Man and CEO
Grey Enterprises Holdings
Friday, 11:50 a.m.
From Ana
To Christian
RE: soft enough to hold hands…
Attachment: My manicure
A natural French manicure for tomorrow night, soft blush and vanilla…I'm deliberately ignoring your 'red bottoms' comment because I remember you telling me you buy Louboutins for Roz when you complete a successful deal. Off for waxing…there will be no pictures.
Ana playing hooky for a hot stone massage Steele
Intern, Grey Publishing
Friday, Noon
To Ana
From Christian
RE it will give me great joy to hold that hand
Blush and vanilla indeed! Not all of me is untouchable; do you have a clue what I'd like those little hands to do? Lunch is being catered while you do girly things. It will just be you and me for dinner at Escala. Elliott texted he and Kate are taking a later flight and don't plan to be at the condo until late. They will come to Escala for breakfast before Kate goes to do girly things.
Christian Grey
Lost in Phalanges Fantasies CEO
Grey Enterprises Holdings
Friday, 1:00 p.m.
From Ana
To Christian
RE: Girly and Giggly
Attachment: the mimosas
Thank you for lunch. I am spoiled by the Asian Lettuce Wraps and the Virgin Mimosas. I've never been a slave to girly things but now I might look forward to booking mani-pedi girl dates with Kate. Now that lunch is finished, I'm off to have a massage. There will be no semi-nude pictures included in the next e-mail. So far, I am pleased to say my fears about being poked and prodded have been for naught.
Ana Hedonist Steele
Hooky Player, GP
Elena reappears. My massage is almost finished when she bursts through the door to my room.
"What the fuck do you think you are doing?" I scream; pulling the towel around my body as I make a dash for the dressing screen and my robe. The masseuse races for the door, escaping the room.
"I'm just personally delivering a present for you along with a message. He doesn't like sharing." She purrs.
"Who? Christian or the delivery man?" I tie the robe closed firmly and step out to face her. I'm talking to Christian's molester…I think I should keep my questions and comments to myself unless I plan to call Ray for backup. It will be difficult to dig a grave with one good arm.
"Don't be coy! Christian of course," she tosses the package to me.
I manage to catch it, even with a cast on my right arm.
"So, how do you know Christian?" She frowns when she realizes I'm not going to open the package in her presence.
I stand there and stare at her for a minute. "I've signed an NDA for Christian. That is all I am prepared to say to you." I lost my virginity to him, my inner goddess preens.
"Where did you meet Christian? Who introduced you?" She asks more questions.
"I've signed an NDA for Christian. That is all I am prepared to say to you." I met him at the WSUV graduation where we felt a connection to one another the moment we touched.
"When did you sign the NDA? Where did you sign the NDA?" She continues to ask questions.
"I've signed an NDA for Christian. That is all I am prepared to say to you." I signed the NDA on our first date, after dinner, at his penthouse after he showed me Seattle from his helicopter, kissed me breathless and danced like a god with me. Somehow, I'm losing the relaxed feeling I had from my massage. This is almost as bad as a Kate Kavanagh inquisition.
"So, are you in contract negotiations with him?" She looks me over from head to toe and then shakes her head woefully, like I don't meet the standards for a Christian Grey submissive.
"I've signed an NDA for Christian. That is all I am prepared to say to you." Christian and I have a relationship…not a contract.
"So, you're not in the lifestyle?" She asks.
"I've signed an NDA for Christian. That is all I am prepared to say to you." She doesn't realize he has answered questions about her, him, his lifestyle and his submissives.
She stands stiffly, erecting her body; girding her loins. "I asked you a question." She snaps.
"You asked a lot of questions! I gave you the only answer I am prepared to give you. If you don't like my answer and if you are good friends with Christian…perhaps he will answer them for you. He sent me here today, instead of to the Bravern Center tomorrow with Grace, Mia and Grandma Trevelyan, in hopes that I would not have to endure the Spanish Inquisition." I perform a perfect Christian Grey head tilt and stare back at her. I don't like her tone of voice and I don't like her attitude.
"This is my salon, and you will give me the respect due me!" She barks out an order, putting her hands on her hips and jutting her silicone sacks at me.
I burst into laughter. "Unless you want me let Christian know I'm departing early because of your intrusion on my privacy and your inquisition; please exit and send the masseuse back in."
She huffs out, slamming the door.
Okay...I'll play…I'll open the package and see what it is …not because I'm falling for his wealth and riches … he is who he is … which is why she is desperate to keep her claws in him. She thinks she still controls him…and perhaps she does. I will step up my efforts to break him out of the stranglehold she has on his emotions. It's Army Ana…fast on her feet, carrying light weapons designed to take out the frenemy who has embedded herself so deeply in his life. She's a mole…a secret agent…his mother doesn't know the truth about her…so why do I? Because of who I am becoming in Christian's life…I'm the first real girlfriend…and, armed with that knowledge…I'm going to strap on my Kevlar and Army Boots and kick some ass. If Christian and I don't go the distance, I'm going to level the playing field just for fun.
I open the package, and it's a smart phone...top of the line, all the bells and whistles. The picture which appears on the main screen is our picture taken at graduation. I turn it on, and am not the least bit surprised there is an e-mail from Christian waiting for me.
XX
Friday, 1:30 p.m.
To Ana
From Christian
RE: Deeply disappointed...
You will not send pictures of the massage. I blame the size of the camera on your cell phone. Therefore, I'm sending a new toy...which takes much larger pictures and I am sure you can get a close up shot of the massage! Will you be done by 5:30? I would very much like to pick you up and bring you back to Escala for dinner.
Christian Grey
Consumerist and CEO
Grey Enterprises Holdings
Friday, 3:00 p.m.
From Ana
To Christian
RE: Massage interuptus…
Sorry, no massage pictures. Smart phone arrived toward the end of the massage.
I would tell you about the massage but I've signed an NDA. Off for a body wax (30 minutes), followed by sauna (30 minutes), and then followed by shower (15 minutes). Sorry, again, no pictures will be forthcoming. Shampoo, trim and blowout are scheduled after the shower. I'm probably done by 5:00. Sawyer can take me back to Escala if you and Taylor are not here at that time, or I will be glad to walk to my condo.
Ana Regretting Playing Hooky Steele
Intern, Grey Publishing
Friday, 4:05 p.m.
From Christian
To Ana
RE: Regrets?
It is obvious something, other than the smart phone, happened between lunch and your last email. We have to talk about what happened there today. I don't like when you are upset. Taylor and I will be there at 5:00 to get you. Please wait for me inside Esclava. I am not comfortable with you walking unescorted around Pike Place Market area with the number of press and paparazzi who have hanging out about SIP. I cannot guarantee your condo is not under siege from the press. Please wait for me.
Christian Grey
Clock watcher and CEO
Grey Enterprises Holdings
Friday, 4:15 p.m.
From Ana
To Christian
RE: Can't wait to see you...
either. Even as intense as you are, I think it would be a welcome change from this freak show. I'm reconsidering the mani-pedi dates with Kate. Just so you know...voices were raised.
Ana possibly unwelcome here ever again, but I enjoyed being pampered Steele
Intern, GP
Friday, 4:30 p.m.
From Christian
To Ana
RE: Don't get too comfortable in Franco's chair...
and remember you signed an NDA if he gets nosy and wants to chat about ANYTHING.
See you soon, pretty girl.
Christian Grey
Working for the Weekend CEO
Grey Enterprises Holdings
"Miss Steele," the blonde receptionist addressed me as I entered the waiting room. "Mrs. Lincoln left a message for you to deliver to Mr. Grey."
"I'm not a Hogwarts owl; I don't deliver messages," I say.
"I thought Elena wasn't supposed to be here today," Christian's voice growled at Greta the receptionist. He reached for the note that I refused to take.
"We had staffing issues today, Mr. Grey. Mrs. Lincoln left the Bravern Center in the care of Eliza and came over to help. Do you want to see Mrs. Lincoln?" Greta flutters her eyelash extensions at him; but it does no good.
Did she come over to help before or after you told her I was here? I thought uncharitably.
"Mrs. Lincoln can email any business concerns to me. When I have time, I will address them." Christian rips Elena's note in half, unread, and drops it in the trash by Greta's desk. He takes my hand and escorts me to the SUV. Taylor stood by; holding the door open for me.
XX
"Taylor, how rude can I be to your boss before you shoot me?" I try to look at him in the mirror.
"I won't shoot. Depending upon why you are rude, I might not even stop the vehicle." He shrugs.
"Good to know..." I hope my eyes are phosphorescent blue fire when I glare at Christian.
"Hey! He works for me." Christian protested.
"Boss, I'm a father and an ex-Marine. Miss Steele's father is ex-Army and owns a gun. He'll take me out first to get to you if things go south. You'd be on your own with her until the situation was resolved between Ray and me." Taylor shrugged again.
"So, you'd be at my mercy," Christian teased.
"Yeah well, I might have a broken arm but I can still defend myself." My voice got really quiet…like how the earth stands still before things explode.
"What's up with you?" Christian looked startled, reaching for my hand.
I pulled away from him. "I signed your NDA. I told you...I'm a private person. I don't talk about myself. I wouldn't talk about you. I didn't talk about you. I'm not a student, a science experiment, an undiagnosed patient or a thermonuclear device. I don't require testing."
"What are you talking about?" He snapped.
"Mrs. Lincoln asked questions about us...and what's going on between us...and where we met...and how long have we known one another...and who was my previous relationship with, etc. She was exceptionally displeased when I refused to give her any information." I paused. "I could have handled that but suddenly there was a plethora of petite brunettes in the place…all giving me the evil eye. I don't suppose you know them?" My voice is frosty.
"Elena forgets we are only business partners and my personal life is none of her business." Christian snapped. Then his attitude softened, "I thought she would be at Bravern Center and you would not be disturbed. I don't have a clue who the petite brunettes were…I didn't see anyone I knew in there other than you and the receptionist. I'm very sorry. Please come to Escala…the press release regarding our relationship goes out tomorrow. I need to know you won't be bothered by the press until we arrive at Coping Together."
I nod but am silent for a minute. "I willingly accept my part of the blame. I wouldn't let Sawyer come in with me when he dropped me off. I didn't want him hanging around Esclava and having women hit on him. It never dawned on me that if he was in the building, he would have kept everyone away. That's on me, not him." I reach for Christian's hand this time. "Please understand when I say this to you…telling Ray about our relationship was like walking in a mine field. Telling Carla we're in a relationship wasn't much easier, especially when I deflected some of her persistent questions. I understand how uncomfortable it is justifying ourselves to people since we haven't known one another that long. Perhaps we should wait until Sunday to release the announcement of our relationship to the world. The press release will coincide with any pictures of us from Coping Together."
"I like how you think," he murmured, kissing my hand. It sent little messages of lust to my girl parts. "I'll call communications and have them release it on Sunday. I will do my best to keep myself between you and the press when we walk the carpet tomorrow night."
"Thank you," I sighed, "but I don't think questions from the press will be as intrusive as the ones from Elena Lincoln. I'd prefer not to have words with Elena Lincoln tomorrow night at your mother's charity event." I saw the stern look of Taylor's profile. I'm not always adept at reading people, but I think Taylor hates Elena Lincoln.
I really need a minute to think…there's something nagging at me and I can't bring it into view. Despite being pampered today, I'm a little tired. When we pass the condo, it is obvious some of the press is waiting for me to appear, hoping for a comment on the shooting. Suddenly, I want more answers and I know that I will not get them if I go home. "I think you're right," I murmur. "We'd better go back to Escala. Will you email Elliott about the press waiting around the condo?"
XX
"I have to go to the security office for a few minutes," Christian said, kissing the top of my head. "I'll be right out. Mrs. Jones, would you pour some white wine for Anastasia and me? Thank you."
"I've signed an NDA for Mr. Grey," Mrs. Jones said softly. "I'm not allowed to talk about things I've seen or heard. I'm not allowed to ask Taylor why you are stressed despite the day of pampering you had at Esclava. Mr. Grey is in the security office because Mrs. Lincoln messengered a note over to him. Apparently, from the comments made by the messenger, you refused to deliver the message." Mrs. Jones poured wine and handed me a glass. "Mr. Grey is a good man. He will think badly of himself before he thinks bad thoughts about her. You are going to a charity event near and dear to Dr. T's heart tomorrow night. Don't let Elena Lincoln get under your skin. Get your picture taken with him often tomorrow night. He would never have a picture taken with anyone except Dr. T. and Mia; until he met you."
"You're talking about twisting the knife," I said.
"No, I'm telling you…when that blonde bitch buries the proverbial knife in your back…all the way to the hilt…pull it out, sharpen the edges and use it to cut the strings she has on Mr. Grey's life." Mrs. Jones said wisely. "But I've signed an NDA…and as Taylor says…that means None of your Damned Advice."
I shake my head and laugh at her. I tell her about the Asian Lettuce Wraps at lunch. I don't know where they came from, but they were delicious. She offers to go to a copycat recipe website and search for Asian Lettuce Wraps for me. She swears they will be easy to make for me for lunch at work one day. We talk about the shopping list and the menus for the week. Christian is longer than a few minutes, but I try hard not to concentrate on that.
XX
"My feelings for you haven't changed," I whisper. "I want to be with you. I want a chance to see if we can make this relationship work. It's as new for me as it is for you…but we don't need interference. This is you and me…no one else. I can tell Kate to back off if she starts the Kate Kavanagh fact-gathering mode. I don't want to interfere in your mother's friendship with Elena…but I won't deal with Elena's inquisitions. I'm private and I don't like talking about my history. I know you don't like talking about your history either. You felt you had to hide your lifestyle and the history of your friendship with Elena to keep from hurting your family." I said.
He nodded, embarrassed.
"Please don't view my need for honesty tonight as arguing…or prying. Maybe because all your submissives ever said to you was yes sir, no sir, please sir, thank you sir, and safe words, you don't know how to carry on a conversation without it escalating into an argument. I needed answers about Elena; although I refused to answer hers today. I'm sorry it was painful for you to tell me what I wanted to know about your sexual history with her. I'm sorry she touched without permission. I'm sorry she didn't honor your safe words. I'm sorry she shared you with other women. I won't do those things." I look at him, gazing into those smoldering grey eyes I love. "Please trust that I love you."
"I want you, Ana," Christian murmured. "I love and I hate, and I love arguing with you. It's very new. I need to know that we're okay. That means being physical with each other – the sex, the hugging, the kissing, the touching, the showers, the dancing. It's how I know we're okay."
"As long as you understand that I don't need or want things from you. I don't want to keep repeating that. All I need is you…I need to know that you are in this as deeply as I am…" I'm lying on my back; staring into his eyes.
His proximity is overwhelming, exhilarating. He's so close, but he doesn't touch me. His heat warms my skin. The familiar pull is there, all my synapses goading me toward him, my inner goddess at her most libidinous. Staring at his t-shirt, I know where his no touch zone is, but I need to touch. I stare at his beautiful yet serious face. "May I touch your face?" I breathe, and see his surprise reflected briefly in his eyes before he nods. Lifting my hand, I caress his cheek, and run my fingertips across his stubble. He closes his eyes and exhales, leaning his face into my touch. He leans down slowly and my lips automatically lift to meet his. He hovers over me.
"Yes or no, Anastasia?" he whispers. "I'm not going to touch you without permission," he says softly. "But right now, I want to bury myself in you and make us forget everything but the joy of being with one another."
"Yes."
His mouth softly closes on mine, coaxing, coercing my lips apart as his arms fold around me, pulling me to him. His hand moves up my back, fingers tangling in the hair at the back of my head and tugging gently, while his other hand flattens on my behind, forcing me against him. I moan softly, feeling his erection rapidly growing against my belly.
XXXXX
Saturday 7/2
Ana's POV
"I'm sorry we couldn't come for breakfast this morning," Kate called to apologize. "Late night getting in and getting settled. We went to Elliott's place to avoid the press. Ethan mentioned they had been hanging around since Wednesday. I just wish you had told me about Jack Hyde and Elizabeth Morgan before it got to this point."
"I didn't want to wreck your vacation," I explain.
"So, are you and Christian still planning on a press release about your relationship today?" Kate asked.
"We thought we would wait until tomorrow so that it coincides with the pictures from tonight's event." I laughed.
"Maybe pictures from tonight will be enough to let the world know the Grey boys are taken," Kate suggested.
"Don't count on it," I laughed. "We're thinking our announcement will answer hundreds of questions about pictures from tonight. Once the world knows Christian isn't gay…I doubt any predatory female will consider me a threat. They will consider me collateral damage to get to one of the most eligible bachelors in Seattle."
"Bitches…" Kate muttered. "Tell Christian thank you for this spa day. Mom and Grace are getting to know one another. Christian's grandmother and sister are here also. We've been drinking mimosas and having a good time. Sorry you aren't here."
"If Grace's friend Elena Lincoln is lurking about, I'm glad I'm not there." I said.
"Yeah, who is that bitch and what is her issue with you? She asked questions about your background; if you were attending tonight and what you are wearing. Grandmother T. finally asked her if she was feeding information about Christian to the paparazzi because she was so damned nosy!"
"We had words at her Post Alley Salon yesterday. She wanted more information about Christian and me than I was willing to tell her. Do me a favor today…if anyone starts pumping you for information about me…tell them we don't kiss and tell? That ought to make them more curious!" I started laughing.
A/N:
Thank you for the reviews and viewers; thank you for the messages and questions; thank you for the favorites and follows!
A shout out to Missreadingfool for her FSOG fanfiction story The Management of Christian Grey. I love the chaise in the closet scene!
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.