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.

19. Chapter 19

Just Breathe, Chapter 19 – The Bitch Troll Tries to Make a Comeback
Friday, August 5

******* Seattle Nooz *******
Following in the footsteps of vintage Hollywood (Gable and Lombard, Newman and Woodward) – Grey and Steele have made it fashionable to just go home and be with one another. Sources caught up with the gorgeous Christian Grey and his leading lady, Anastasia Steele last night when they returned home to Escala. When asked if the couple was going anywhere special for the night; Miss Steele gave Mr. Grey what could be described as a knowing look and replied "home". The look on gorgeous Grey's face can only be described as ecstatic.
******* Seattle Nooz *******

Elena's POV

My housekeeper brings me breakfast. I'm checking my phone for messages and email when a notification from Settle Nooz pings at me. I almost throw up in my mouth when I read the Seattle Nooz feed. ESTATIC? WTF? Where the hell has my business god Christian Grey gone?

I had to terminate eighteen members of my salon staff and pick up eighteen unpaid interns from Seattle Salons Academy. Each of the interns can work 20 hours per week. I can assign them to menial tasks like reception, cleaning, stocking, inventory control and shampoo girl to fill in when they are not with clients. I can't media prank Anastasia Steele visiting Esclava since her picture was in the paper with Kate Kavanagh going to the salon at the Hyatt. I have had to close all the salons on Mondays and Tuesdays except the Bravern Center Salon. My other five salons have lost so many clients; I've had to change staff to independent contractor status with a 65-35 payout on fees. They have a minimum level to maintain and find their own clientele. The hours have changed for all of them from 1-9 daily to ensure we are open at the most accessible hours. Social climbers, who could not afford us before except for special occasions, are now becoming the backbone of the business.

This is all her fucking fault…leading lady Anastasia Steele. It's time to fight fire with fire. I go to my laptop and access The Women webpage. I post links for the Seattle Nooz articles for the ice cream and leading lady remarks and unleash the vitriol. That bitch is going down and Christian Grey is coming back to me. If Christian continues to separate himself from my business; I'm going to encourage the sub club to make her life a misery. I won't let another man destroy me financially and socially.

XX

"Understood," the pap slid his phone into his pocket and pulled out car keys.

"Where are you headed?" One of his cohorts called out.

"Grey is in for the night with Miss Steele…and who can blame him? I've got better things to do than wait here for the besotted couple to emerge. Elliott Grey is in for the night with Kate Kavanagh so there's no sense hovering there either. There's a rumor Mia Grey is at a dance club with some friends. Short skirt; tight shirt; long legs in stilettos."

"Really?" The paps shared a cynical chuckle. "Not that any of us will get close enough for a news byte."

"Well; looking at her beats looking at empty lobbies and glass doors," the pap announced on his way to his car. "I might catch someone grabbing her ass."

"I wouldn't mind another look at Mia Grey myself. Whether we get a good shot of her or not – she's more interesting to watch than closed doors. I doubt we'll see Grey and Steele or Grey and Kavanagh again tonight." One of his cohorts agreed and departed at the same time…triggering a mass exodus of paparazzi from Escala.

XX

Ana's POV

"If you require an answer about the car right now, then the answer is no. I won't keep it. If you can be patient and give me time to consider my options; I might change my mind and the answer could be yes. So… if you want a yes answer, I need time to think. I signed off on the title to Wanda and mailed it to Ray today. It doesn't mean I'm keeping the Audi; I'm facilitating Wanda's sale." I inform Christian. His disappointed face hurts my heart; but I can't coherently explain what I feel about him buying me a car. I don't care if he's done it for the other women in his life. I'm not one of them…god, why can't he get past trying to treat me like a submissive?

"Fine," he says as quietly as he can; biting back his disappointment. "Do let me know when you've made a decision. I've got a pile of work to get out of the way if we're going to spend time with one another this weekend." He gives me a glancing kiss on the cheek and then goes to the office.

Damn. Friday night and nothing to do…except unpack boxes of books in the library and work on setting up my home office. What the hell…it will keep me busy.

XX

I check my watch. It's almost ten thirty. I'm done with unpacking the last of my boxes of books and office supplies. I text Sawyer that I need the empty boxes in my home office to disappear. I need a shower. I feel restless because I thought Christian and I were spending time together tonight. Those plans died during our dinner conversation about the Audi. I'm not giving in over the Audi; I gaze out over the twinkling lights of Seattle. Before we can settle into a routine with one another; this media prank situation occurs. We learn more about each other the more time we spend together. I know we're capable of having a normal conversation without it disintegrating into an argument or without one of us withdrawing from each other. This learning to live together shit is exhausting. His life is complicated by his past with that awful woman. I think she hates me because I'm trying to introduce normal into his life. I'm upending his ordered, structured, controlled life in his ivory tower.

Obviously Christian is immersed in his business because he does not join me; or make an attempt to join me while I shower. I sigh. Usually the sound of the shower or the tub filling or opening and closing dresser drawers calls to Christian like ringing a bell for Paslov's dogs. Maybe Christian needs a different incentive to be with me. For once I heed Carla's wisdom about lingerie and good smelling perfume. I decide to wear one of the three nightgown ensembles from Neiman Marcus. I choose the pale pink and put it on over my head. The fabric skims across my skin, caressing and clinging to me as it falls around my body. It feels luxurious; made of the finest, thinnest satin. My inner goddess preens. I look like a 1930s movie star. I brush my hair out, letting it hang loose over my shoulders. I put on the matching robe and peek at my reflection again…seeing an elegant and sexy creature. If I were good at flirting…I'd float by Christian's office door and ask if he needs anything, but the door is barely open. Another plan shot to hell. I decide to read in the library. I could read a new manuscript on my work tablet; but right now, I want the comfort and reassurance of a physical book. If Christian comes looking for me when he's done working and finds me in this posh nightgown; he might want makeup sex. My inner goddess swoons, a girl can only hope.

I enjoyed putting Tess back where she belongs, among the other first editions in Christian's library. I'm thrilled he put my home office in here instead of a room upstairs. I am surrounded by the warmth and comfort of books. I've rearranged the shelves to make space for my books by removing some of the art work so easily broken by clumsy fingers like mine. I settle on Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. I haven't read this book for a long time. I can't help but compare the malevolent wicked Rebecca, who lived a secret life and carried on multiple affairs, to Elena Lincoln. I can't help but compare myself to the insecure little heroine who is married to the wealthy but enigmatic Maximillian deWinter. I am so much like her, fashion challenged, clumsy and feeling the ghosts of the women in his life before me. Like the unnamed heroine, I am determined to bring the man in my life from darkness into light. Like her; I did not let his secret destroy how I feel about him. Like her, I will support him when he faces his darkest secret. But I laugh; I am wrong. Elena is not Rebecca…she is Mrs. Danvers who seeks to undermine me every chance she has…while keeping the ghost of Rebecca (Christian's Dom life and his submissives) alive. I smile as I curl up in one of the overstuffed armchairs and read the first line: Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again…

I become barely conscious as Christian lifts me in his arms.

"Hey," he murmurs, "you fell asleep." He nuzzles my hair, breathing deeply and sighing, cradling me close to his chest. Sleepily, I put my arms around his neck and breathe in his scent…oh, he smells yummy. He carries me to our bedroom; lays me down on the bed and covers me. "Sleep, baby," he whispers and he presses his lips against my forehead, his hands caressing my hair.

I'm asleep before he closes the bedroom door.

XX

I wake suddenly from a disturbing dream and am momentarily disoriented. I dreamed I was auditioning for a hair care commercial. I'm one of fifteen petite brunettes who caress the model, Christian Grey and extol the virtues of his soft, silky hair. Elena is the director of the photo shoot and I am scolded by her for being too plain to be in a commercial with Christian. However; in my dream none of us are good enough for Christian according to Madame Director. I shake off the weird vibe left by the nightmare. I am determined to journal this evening's events. Perhaps that will put some things into perspective for me.

Drifting from the great room, I hear the faint strains of a complex melody from the piano. What time is it? I check the alarm clock...two in the morning. Has Christian come to bed at all? I disentangle myself from the sheets and my robe, which I'm still wearing and scramble out of bed.

In the great room, I stand in the shadows, listening. Christian looks safe and secure before his piano; lost to the music he plays. The melody he plays is elaborate, parts of which sound familiar. I need to learn more about music because it's such an important part of Christian's life. He is so talented. When I pick the entertainment for our next date night; I want him to play a concert for me. I realize the piano lid is down, giving me an unhindered view of Christian's face. He glances up and our eyes lock. His eyes are gray and softly luminous. He continues to play, not faltering at all, as I make my way over to him. His eyes follow me, drinking me in, burning brighter. As I reach him, he stops and closes the lid on the keys.

"Why did you stop? That was lovely." I praise him.

"I think of my muse and suddenly she appears…she's so beautiful I forget what I'm doing when I look at her." He says…his voice soft. His eyes heat as he holds out his hand. When I take it, he tugs me into his lap. He wraps his arms around me and nuzzles my neck behind my ear, sending shivers down my spine. "I'm sorry about tonight. I'm sorry you feel like I'm pressuring you about the Audi. It's just that I want to give you everything you need; everything you could want, everything you should have. I'm sorry it seems easier for me to share my wealth with you instead of sharing my feelings."

"I'm not sorry if it results in sweet moments like this," I suppress a moan.

"Why do we argue?" he whispers, as his teeth graze my earlobe.

Uhm…he feels so good; he makes my heart skip a beat. Close proximity to him makes my blood pound through my veins and roar in my ears. My breath hitches as his talented mouth kisses that hollow spot by my ear. I can barely think…I don't know how I reply, "Because we're getting to know each other; you're fifty shades of emotions and I'm a few shades of conflicted and insecure." I murmur breathlessly, shifting my head to give him better access to my throat. He runs his nose down my neck and I feel his smile.

"I am fifty shades, Miss Steele. It's a wonder you put up with me." He nips my earlobe and I moan this time. "Do all couples argue?" he sighs.

"Probably…if their makeup sex is as good as ours," I said. "I don't know how they can stop themselves."

"Me neither," his hands fist in my hair. Pulling my head back, he kisses me, his tongue urgent, relentless and needy. I moan in response and caress his face. He yanks the sash of my robe so it falls open and his hand skims down my body, over my breasts. My nipples harden beneath his gentle touch and strain against the satin. He continues down to my waist, down to my hip. His hand gently pulls my nightgown up, slowly, tantalizingly until he's fondling my naked behind and then running his thumbnail down the inside of my thigh. Suddenly he rises, lifting me onto the piano. My feet rest on the covered keys. His hands skim up my legs and part my knees. He grabs my hands.

"Lie back," he orders, holding my hands while I sink back on top of the piano. The lid is hard and uncompromising against my back. He lets go of my hands and pushes my legs open wider. "You are very beautiful, Ana…this satin confection just makes you edible."

Oh boy…I know what he's going to do. I groan loudly with anticipation as he kisses the inside of my knee, then kisses and sucks and nips his way higher up my thigh. The soft satin of my nightgown skims over my sensitized skin, as he pushes the fabric higher. Closing my eyes, I surrender myself to him as his mouth reaches the apex of my thighs.

He kisses me there and then gently blows on my sex before his tongue circles my clitoris. He pushes my legs wider. I feel so open…so exposed. He holds me in place with his hands on my thighs as his tongue tortures me. Tilting my hips up to meet his mouth, I am consumed with need.

"Oh, Christian, please." I moan.

"Oh no, baby, not yet," he teases, but I feel myself quicken as does he and he stops.

"No, don't stop," I whimper.

"Wait…I want you to enjoy this as much as I will. Don't come until I tell you to." He trails kisses along my belly; his hands stroking, kneading and tantalizing my inner thighs. His tongue circles my navel as his hands reach the summit of my thighs.

"Ah!" I cry out as he pushes two fingers inside me. His thumb rolls slowly, agonizingly, circling round and round my swelling clit. My back arches off the piano as I writhe beneath his touch. It's almost unbearable. One of his hands pins my torso to the piano so I can't writhe, can't squirm. I have to bear the sensations.

He blows puffs of air at my slit. He nuzzles my sex; rubbing me over and over again. "You smell so good, Ana," he buries his head between my thighs, alternating hot breaths with brushing rubs of his thumb in sync with his slow penetrating pushes. I moan when his fingers leave me and his talented tongue takes over teasing me.

"Christian!" I cry, spiraling out of control with need. "Please…please…I need you!" I beg him.

He takes pity on me and stops teasing. Lifting my feet off the piano, he pushes me. Sliding me up the piano, gliding on satin. He pauses to strip and then follows me up on top of the piano, briefly kneeling between my legs. "Grab the edge of the piano and don't let go." He says as he stares down at me with wonder and love and passion in his eyes. "I want you so much," he says and very slowly, exquisitely, he sinks into me. Holding my hips securely, he moves slowly, drawing out his pleasure and mine. There is no rush to fulfillment; each move is slow and full, filling me completely while my body clenches around him. He coaxes my body into a physical dance with his over and over and over until we peak together in a breathless, raging finale. Instead of a fast and furious fuck…Christian made slow sweet love to me.

XX

When I'm aware again…I am boneless. My body as languid as my thoughts. My robe hangs down, shielding his naked body from observation as we lie on top of his grand piano. He's much more comfortable to lie on than the piano. My cheek lies on his chest near his heart and I keep perfectly still. He doesn't object and I listen as his breathing slows like mine. Gently he strokes my hair.

"Do you drink tea or coffee in the evening?" I ask sleepily.

"What a strange question," he says dreamily.

"I thought I could bring you tea in your study and then I realized I didn't know what you would like."

"Oh, I see. Water or wine in the evening, Ana. I might drink tea if you drank it with me – especially when you are wearing something like this." His hand moves rhythmically down my back, stroking me tenderly, making me feel cherished, loved, protected.

"We really know very little about each other," I murmur.

"I know," he says and his voice is mournful. "But isn't discovery half the fun?"

I lean up to gaze at him. "What is it?" I ask.

He shakes his head as if to rid himself of some unpleasant thought and raising his hand, he caresses my cheek, his eyes bright and earnest. "I love you, Ana Steele," he says. "Let's go to bed."

"I love you, Christian Grey; but you are going to have to carry me…I think I'd walk like a wobbly newborn giraffe right now."

"Let's sleep in tomorrow, unless you have other plans?" He suggests.

"The only plans I have for tomorrow are a security session with Taylor and Sawyer and possibly one with Barney. Sunday your mom wants us to come to brunch." I murmur. "Elliott and Kate will be there."

"Let's go out for dinner and dancing at the Century Ballroom tomorrow night. It's a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Seattle." He suggests. "It solves three issues. We support a good cause, we will eat dinner and dance, and the caveat to all of this…we're seen together in public."

"Sounds nice." I yawn despite myself.

XX

Christian's POV

I carried her to bed, feeling her body underneath the soft satin. I was instantly hard again. I stripped her robe off her and kissed her deeply and passionately. "I want you…this nightgown makes me greedy for you again." I kissed her, tasting her sweet mouth, crushing her body against mine. I can't help it…I want to feel her body against mine, all of it, even my chest. I'm not scared of her touching me…I want to feel her…I want her to feel me. I laid her on the bed, moving her nightgown up and out of my way before I take her again. "Touch me…" I beg her, feeling her legs wrap around my ass. "Touch me…" I beg her. She gasps with understanding and her arms circle my neck and hold on. I hold her against me as I thrust over and over and over in her soft wet warm channel. Her breasts, clothed in the thin satin, are crushed against my chest and I'm lost in loving Ana. I stop breathing as my heart, my mind and my body explodes from the love of the petite perfect woman in my arms. "Mine," I whisper to her. "Mine."

XXXXX
Saturday, August 6
Ana's POV

After a lie in with Christian, invigorating shower sex and a hearty breakfast, I present myself at the security office for my lessons today. Taylor gave me a lesson on the panic room in Escala, the various exits and where to find and access weapons. Once the panic room is accessed and closed with the code, the main phone lines to the penthouse go dead to prevent triggering any kind of explosive device with them. The panic room has its own utilities system – heat, light, water, air, phones and security cameras. It's built to withstand everything but a nuclear blast. He gives me an emergency security code to enter/exit the penthouse and enter/exit the parking level if my security is injured and I'm trying to escape capture. He turns me over to Sawyer. Sawyer tests my knowledge of my emergency elevator code before taking me down to the parking level. I receive elevator entry and exit training also.

Sawyer spends two hours teaching me vehicle security protocols. He teaches me how to observe my surroundings when approaching a vehicle. I'm never allowed to enter a vehicle without security or Christian opening the door for me. It means they have checked the vehicle and there isn't a mad slasher lying in wait. It also means that someone driving an Audi SUV like one of Christian's fleet cannot kidnap me. Unless I'm driving, I am never to ride in the front seat of the vehicle. If we are alone in the vehicle, he asks that I sit opposite him in the back seat. He says it's easier for him to hand off weapons if I'm sitting there. He explains the seats are reinforced to keep bullets from penetrating them and injuring passengers. The glass if bullet-proof. I am never allowed to exit the vehicle until security or Christian open the door for me. It means they have checked and contained the exterior against paparazzi or crazed obsessive fans of Mr. Grey.

He gives me the emergency electronic code for opening the doors to the vehicles. Should anything happen to my security detail, I am to get in the vehicle, lock all the doors and get down on the floor in the front passenger side. He shows me where weapons are secured in the vehicle. He shows me where to find a spare cell phone in the vehicle if the Onstar is disabled or if I lost my cell phone. He shows me where to find the emergency first-aid kit if I need it. He shows me where to find a spare key to drive the vehicle.

He explains the vehicles are always serviced by security personnel. If my CPO is disabled and I get a flat tire or run out of gas, I am NOT to exit the vehicle for help. I am to call Taylor and wait for someone from the security team to arrive and help. He plays the sound of a car tire blowing out so that I will know it when I hear it. If I come across an accident; he would prefer that I not offer assistance because it could be a set up for a kidnapping. I'm never to give my cell phone to anyone to call for assistance. They might clone my phone. I am to immediately call police to report the accident and take pictures, via the phone of the accident and license plate numbers.

If I am pulled over, I am not to exit the car, but pass my driver's license and registration through a slightly ajar window. Vehicle doors are to be locked at all times. Seatbelts are to be worn at all times. Music is not to be so loud that I can't hear approaching emergency vehicles. Speed limits are to be followed. Road safety rules are to be followed. I'm never to get personalized plates because it could make stalkers recognize my vehicle and follow me.

"There are things for you to do when you drive. You need to keep a basket or container in the back of the vehicle to hold anything you purchase. It keeps things from sliding and rolling all over inside the vehicle. You should have tinted windows, but if you don't – a king-sized sheet the color of the interior of your vehicle will keep people from seeing what you bought or where you shopped. Leave no paperwork in your vehicle except the registration, insurance and user manual. Always put your tote, briefcase, purse, etc. on the floor of the vehicle behind the driver's seat. Don't put anything on the seat next to you. If you are stopped at a light, someone could break the window and steal your purse." Sawyer teaches me basic carjack rules – including never agreeing to be a driver; throw the keys at them and run in the opposite direction – not screaming for help but screaming "Fire!"

I ask about riding with Kate or someone else. I'm allowed to ride passenger style with them if we are followed by security. We discuss security for restaurants, night clubs and dance venues. We discuss security for shopping and doctor appointments. We discuss security for events like Coping Together. He explains the vehicle is never left alone unless it is in a secure parking structure like Grey House, Grey Annex, Escala, Flynn's office, Kate's condo, Grey Bellevue, Carrick's law firm, Grace's medical practice or hospital, etc. Security always sits in the vehicle to eliminate tampering. Ryan rode on the running board of the vehicle at Coping Together because of the volume of vehicles and drivers at the event. When Taylor and Sawyer exited to provide security for Mr. Grey and myself, Ryan took the vehicle to secure it.

Then Sawyer asks if I'm ready for security training for my new Audi. I can't help myself; I frown. "If I have security training to use it – does that mean I have to keep it?" I ask.

"I'm not supposed to have an opinion on the matter; but I recommend you turn down the Audi. If you're going to drive, I'd like you to drive a small SUV with bulletproof glass; better ground clearance; four-wheel drive and Onstar enabled – something the equivalent of a small armored tank."

"Do I really need that Sawyer? I mean, seriously…you drive me to work, or I ride with Taylor, or I ride with Christian. I'm not driving anywhere." I protest.

"Don't misunderstand me. The Audi is a safe car; safer than your Wanda," he said. "But I believe you are compromised by the vehicle. Because Mr. Grey has purchased the same vehicle before, anyone entering any garage used by Grey could know which vehicle is yours. Driving it puts you at risk from anyone in Mr. Grey's past who wants to cause trouble for him."

"Elena Lincoln?" I asked.

"I don't trust her. I don't trust her or one of her sycophants to not tamper with a vehicle potentially driven by you. No one would think twice if another SUV joined the fleet in the garage. No one would know for sure which one was your designated vehicle. If she is behind the media pranks like Mr. Grey believes, you are endangered by anyone who looks like you and drives a car like yours." He paused to look at me. "I know Prescott agreed to be one of your CPOs; but I'm the head of your security detail. If you have issues with any security personnel, you come to me. Taylor is the head of Grey's security and you fall under that purview. I report to Taylor. Welch, whom you have not met, is the chief of security. He runs the CPOs, building security, security for the Grey family, etc. Barney is the head of electronic security – email, internet, phones, etc. and he is the chief of the IT team. You'll meet with him for an hour at Grey House Monday evening. I want you to polish some of those self defense moves Ray taught you. I also agree with Taylor; you need shooting time on the range. Additionally; we need to change the address on your conceal carry permit. Once it's updated we need to provide copies of it to Grey House Security and Grey Annex Security."

"Will you discuss the Audi with Taylor and have him discuss it with Christian?" I asked. "I know I have to have a car – but I'm not happy about that Audi. An SUV would be great for traveling back and forth between Seattle and Montesano just for the sheer hauling capabilities."

"If we get you a small SUV, it will need to be special ordered and we're talking a minimum of two weeks to fit it with bulletproof glass, etc." Sawyer said thoughtfully. "When it comes – we have a two hour session with it. Then I want you to take a defensive driving class using your main vehicle."

XXXXX
Sunday, August 7

******* Seattle Nooz *******
Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele attended the Seattle Boys and Girls Club Fundraiser at Century Ballroom last night. Grey was dressed in a navy suit; Steele was dressed in a lovely navy sleeveless illusion overlay flare cocktail dress by Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon. Her navy bow pumps and purse were by Michael Kors. Her hair was a cascade of curls held back by embossed gold combs. Simple classic gold earrings and cuff bracelet completed her ensemble. The Seattle Boys and Girls Club raised $1.15 million dollars at last night's fundraiser, and were pleased to announce that Grey Enterprises Holdings offered to match what was raised; bringing the total for the evening to $2.3 million dollars for youth in Seattle.
******* Seattle Nooz *******

XXXXX
Sunday, August 7
Ana's POV

"This is nice," Kate murmurs as we lounge by the pool.

"I'm so glad to have you girls here," Grace pats us on the shoulders as she sits in a chaise across from us. "Finally, I feel we have a decisive voice in these family BBQs and get-togethers."

"Yeah," Mia joins in. "They're all so alpha-male, it's nice to have an equal number of women to men today."

We pause and watch Carrick, Elliott, Christian and Ethan argue about the BBQ. Some things are cooking too fast, some too slow, some are done and need to move to the warmer to make space for other things on the grill. We ignore them and go back to sipping our rum runners.

"Ana, how's work?" Mia asked.

"Better since Jack Hyde is in jail and Grey Publishing moved to Grey Annex. Better since I just passed my first thirty day review with flying colors." I smiled a genuine smile.

"Kate, how's work?" Mia asks. "I wondered if you wanted to shop and do lunch on Wednesday."

"I can't shop during work lunch hours. I can only do lunch if we brown bag and go to the little park across the street from work. HR is very strict about exact break times and lunch hours. Work is going well; I'm not complaining. There were three other interns hired at the same time I was. One works in obituaries and the morgue fact checking, filing and answering letters from genealogists doing research. One reports sports scores, schedules photographers for sports events and keeps the sports section of the website updated. One works on the comic pages, laying out the horoscopes, the advice columns, the Sudoku puzzles, the anagrams and the crossword puzzles. I make and serve a lot of coffee…but lately I've been putting in extra hours researching a couple of stories." Kate revealed.

"What stories?" Mia is suddenly interested.

"Well, mom signed up her dress salon to be in the September Bridal Faire. It's six months before Valentine's Day, which is a big wedding day everywhere. As an intern for the Seattle Times, I was assigned to interview all of the designers and vendors for the event. We're putting out a special edition that has ads from all the vendors, plus interviews, plus pictures. I sold enough advertising to print the edition. Plus I will help design the layout, features, etc. The tickets for the Bridal Faire are $100 each with the profits going to charity. Brides have a chance to win free services or airline tickets for their honeymoon. This reminds me – Ana, mom is wondering if you will be a model for her. It's not a runway walk. She's going to have platforms and a tri-mirrored area with her display. One of the petite models she planned to use can't do it because she's pregnant. So, mom wondered if you would be willing to dress up, get your hair and makeup done and model one of her dresses. She has twelve dresses to display. You'd be on with the first group from nine to noon on Saturday, September 10th. I'm modeling in the Sunday morning group."

"Let me check Christian's schedule, but I would do anything to help your mom out." I promise. "I'll even check with Christian to see what his schedule is after we get out of the salon. I might be free for a couple hours to go shopping, if you can stand the paparazzi following us everywhere."

Grace and Mia jumped in the pool; leaving me alone with Kate. "So, how is the living together stuff?"

"Great when we're not arguing. Fantastic when we have makeup sex," she purred.

"I understand that," I blushed.

"You too?" She asks in astonishment. "I can't imagine the two of you arguing over anything."

"Friday we were arguing over the Audi he bought me as a moving-in present." I shrug.

"I know you are attached to Wanda; but you really need a better car to get around Seattle in the winter." Kate sounds surprised. "Face it Steele…you're in love with and living with a self-made billionaire. You need to get over your aversion to people spending money on you."

"Working on it," I shrug. "It's just that he had Elliott do some contracting work at Escala before I moved in. I have my own home office and a home gym. I don't want him spending more money on me."

"You are not Carla," she says in a low tone of voice. "You don't equate men spending money on you as a sign of love or interest. I look at the two of you and I know you're with Christian because you love him. Elliott assures me Christian feels the same way. Elliott says the only way he's been able to show love in the past has been through buying things for everyone, especially Grace and Mia. You both have a crappy history…let him be your knight in shining armor and fight your battles for you. Let him be the alpha male and take care of you."

"I don't want stuff Kate; I just want his love. I just want to be with him." I feel defeated. Kate's always been able to accept what men spend on her because she is a princess and loves the homage they pay to her. Me, I'm just Ana. I know I'm not Carla…but I don't like having people buying things for me. Carla is rarely satisfied with what she receives. When I was a teenager as soon as Carla got something that she wanted/worked for/earned, it immediately lost its value and she begin seeking something else to fulfill her. She hasn't acted that way with Bob…and it gives me hope she's changed. "So, what else is up with you and Elliott?" I try to deflect the conversation.

"Elliott and I are supposed to interview potential housekeepers Wednesday night. We finally have his study established, my study established and our bedroom organized. You will laugh; but Elliott only allows us fourteen days of clothes in the master closet and drawers. It sure keeps the bedroom clean. Everything else is stored in our office closets. I had to put six rolling clothes racks in my bedroom at my parents' house to hold my off-season clothes. I'm not allowed to go clothes shopping until I prove to Elliott that I donated two items to charity for every one item I bring home. But between his work and my work…neither of us have the time to keep the rest of the condo clean. We could use someone a couple afternoons a week to do laundry, take things to the cleaners, change bed linens, clean the condo – especially the bathrooms - and prepare half a dozen frozen dinners each week because take-out is getting old."

"Shall I make you some freezer casseroles you can throw in the oven?" I laugh.

"Don't laugh! We bought a dozen pizzas and lasagnas from a take and bake place. We bought a dozen of those slow cooker dinners from one of the make-a-dinner places, but we have to go buy a bigger crockpot. We bought a small gas grill for the balcony. Elliott going to try to grill enough meat to get us through a week, and I can open various bags of tossed salads for us. Seriously, we considered mooching a dinner a week at my parents, his parents, Christian's and Ethan's places. Elliot thinks all of you would get sick of us and says we should take cooking class together." Kate moaned.

"That sounds like fun!" I try to encourage her.

"Yeah," Elliott says, coming up behind us. "It's all fun and games until Kate gets mad and comes after me with a meat cleaver."

"You know me so well," she says, putting her lips up for a kiss.

"We're through burning lunch," Elliott grins. "Time to eat and tell us what good cooks we are." He pulls her up out of her chaise and kisses her.

XX

"Ana and I have a problem and we're hoping to enlist some of you to help us out," Christian spoke during a lull in the conversation.

"What's up?" Kate eyes us with interest.

"Seattle Nooz, paparazzi and media are being pranked by a really obnoxious person who vaguely resembles Ana. The faux Ana doesn't have one ounce of her brains, beauty or class; let alone kindness, love, or understanding." Christian announces.

"Media pranks?" Kate frowns.

"Wednesday I got a call that someone posing as Ana was visiting Hera's Forum. In case you don't know what that is, it is a shop that sells risqué lingerie along with other… things. When we got that message, we jumped in the car and went to the nearest Baskin Robbins to get ice cream. We had our pictures taken by the paps and Ana gave them a how to spot the real Ana versus faux Ana lesson. We warded off that media prank; but we think it's going to happen again a few times and we need to be prepared when it does. If Ana and I call and ask you to come over right away…can you do that? We'll meet you in the lobby or out in front of the building and wave to the paparazzi."

"If we can't come to you…can you come to us?" Grace asked.

"It's a possibility. Right now, if I have to work late, Ana will leave Grey Annex via the front door to be seen by paps. She'll enter the front door of Grey House, again in front of paps. If anyone asks, we're working late. We'll leave Grey House by the front door, again to be seen by paps. Right now Taylor lets us out at the front door of Escala and we do the paps walk so they see us together. It's a little intrusive, but it beats pictures of faux Ana being posted where she's drinking and dancing in some club with total strangers."

"It's not right that you and Ana have to put up with the media…" Grace said.

"Well, it's an ugly fact of life right now," Christian admitted. "You saw the pictures on in the Seattle Times of the event we attended last night. Granted, we were left alone at the Century Ballroom after the surprise of seeing us there wore off."

"Yeah," I laughed. "They got to see me dancing with two left feet with Christian."

"Well, the dress you were wearing was fabulous; perfect for dancing the night away. I'm pretty crazy about your shoes and purse. I might need to borrow them in the future," Mia remarked.

"Well, we're going to attend more of those high-profile events," Christian announced. "The more the media sees the real Ana; the faster we can put a damper on the faux ones." He sighed. "Hey Mia – until you get a real job – will you act as a social secretary for Ana and me? I'll buy you a pair of Louboutins."

"Ooooh," Mia said. "That will be a good reason for me to come visit you and drive the paps crazy." Her laughter was infectious.

XXXXX
Monday morning, August 8
Ana's POV

"Hello, Miss Steele; I'm Becca Spraggins; the nutritionist for Seattle Medical Group. You're a new patient of Dr. Green?" She asked. When I nodded, she continued. "Depo Provera can cause bone thinning. You need to do weight bearing exercises three times a week for thirty minutes a session while you take the shots. I understand you are a runner; but I would recommend weight training with free weights or machines. You can do it in your home and not have to contract with a gym. Dr. Fouraker recommended swimming for physical therapy for your arm; but swimming is not a weight bearing exercise."

She passed me a slip of paper. "This is the appointment for you to get a bone density test first thing tomorrow morning. I scheduled you for eight o'clock. It takes about ten minutes for the test. You should be done and released by 8:30. I think it's important since you just recovered from two bone breaks in your right forearm. How many times a day do you drink tea?" She asked.

"Six-ish. Does it matter that I like my tea black and weak?" I tried to smile.

"Tea is known for blocking the adsorption of iron into your system. You are a little anemic, so I recommend eating red meat at least once a week and taking a daily multivitamin. Vitamin C when consumed with protein, increases the body's absorption of iron. If you eat a hamburger, drink orange juice, not tea. If you eat a chicken salad, toss some mandarin oranges on top. Orange or grapefruit juice or sections or strawberries with your fortified cereal at breakfast will start you right. Breakfast parfaits of yogurt with fresh berries and granola is acceptable as a fast breakfast. I will give you a pamplet about good vitamin C sources and food combinations which will increase your body's adsorption of iron. You need to eat a calcium and Vitamin D enriched diet for your bones. That includes dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese and green vegetables like kale, spinach and broccoli and omega-3 foods like fish."

"So a spinach salad for lunch with salmon and mandarin orange sections," I read the pamphlet she passed me and sigh. Great; not only do I have Christian nagging at me to eat; I now have an OB/GYN group acting like a vitamin cartel. My inner goddess sunbathes to get Vitamin D and eagerly waits for Greek God Grey to hand feed her strawberries dipped in champagne.

"Fresh pepper strips with string cheese for snack; fruit salad with guavas, mangos, kiwi and berries for dessert. There are lots of easy ways to boost your vitamin C and D intake." She smiled. "I'm pleased to see that you are a nonsmoker and don't drink to excess. That plus your running makes you three steps ahead of most young women your age. If you don't have a general practitioner, we have two on staff. They are both women. If you would like, I can send your bone scan to one of them. They can contact you if there are any issues."

XX
Christian's POV

"So you gave her the car on Monday, argued about the car on Friday, had Taylor counsel you about the car on Sunday and gave Taylor orders to acquire a new car…a different car this morning?" John summed up the car issue fairly succinctly. He read my journal offerings…as slim as they were this week.

"Yeah, that pretty much sums it up." I admit.

"Do you admit that buying Ana a car without Ana's input was probably a bad idea?" John's voice gently chided.

"Yes." I rolled my eyes.

"Compounded by it being identical to ones you purchased in the past?" John asked.

"She called it the submissive special." I shrug.

John raised his eyebrows. "What do you think about that?"

"Sometimes I think my life would be easier if Anastasia was just my submissive…but her smart mouth would make me want to punish her…and the thought of inflicting pain on her is abhorrent to me since her broken arm. However, but I didn't consider the car might inflict emotional pain on her…and it makes me feel like shit. Plus she said Ray bought Wanda for her; so I may have inadvertently hurt him by seeking permission to replace Wanda."

"Well, Christian, I believe. in expensive charlatan parlance, you just experienced empathy. You felt pain because she felt pain." John grinned.

We talked about the media pranks and what we can do to offset the damage. John asks about the sub club and Elena. He asks what I can do to diffuse the situation from blowing up Ana and my relationship. As soon as Barney can prove Elena set up the website and pays for hosting, it's coming down. John suggests a private talk with Carrick about sending a strongly worded letter to my ex-submissives reminding them that the sub club and the website are covered in our NDA. I express anger at Elena. I feel that after thirteen years of keeping our BDSM lifestyle under covers, no pun intended, it seems that she is determined to out us to the world and embarrass me. John suggests I consider how to deal with a blackmail situation if it comes to that. He reminds me again, that a safe, sane and consensual BDSM lifestyle is as prevalent as steampunk lifestyle, or goth lifestyle. He pointed out no father wants to learn that his baby girl likes getting spanked, restrained and blindfolded during sex. He also explained that no man wants his mother to know about his sex life either.

John asks if I vetted anyone on his therapist list for Ana. I explain she's meeting with four therapists this week to determine her comfort level with them. We agree to meet on Thursday unless I need to see him before that. I feel confident when I leave his office. I have plans, I have things to do.

XX

"Elena," my whisper sounds cold. "What the fuck are you doing here?" I exited John's office after my session to find her pacing the hallway.

"You banned me from Grey House and you won't come to Esclava. You banned me from Escala and you won't come to my house. You banned me from talking to Grace; but you won't talk to me. I'm here because I need to talk to you; to make you understand." She doesn't whine, but I don't want to hear the sound of her voice.

"So you tracked me here. What do you want?" I demand to know.

"You can't talk here in the hall," John halts our confrontation. "My office is open for the next hour. Come in here away from walls that hear everything and cameras that see everything."

We move into John's office and then I repeat myself. "What do you want?"

"He has to leave…" She nods in John's direction.

"Are you afraid someone will overhear what I say to you today?" I can't help myself; I feel absolutely cold toward her and I know it reflects in my voice.

She sighs and remains mute.

I nod at John to activate his CCTV as he leaves the room. "Now, what do you want?"

"You're destroying my business by pulling out of our partnership. Your mother is destroying my business by not using Esclava anymore and urging others not to use our services either. I've had to close every salon but Bravern Center on Mondays and Tuesdays. I've had to replace good qualified staff with unpaid interns. I know how much you care about people…you don't want anyone to be jobless and unable to support themselves just to get even with me over a misunderstanding." She asserts.

"A misunderstanding?" I try not to laugh. "Tell me how I misunderstood you calling Anastasia a gold-digging whore. Tell me how I misunderstood you telling her she isn't good enough for me. Tell me how I misunderstood you hiring a private detective to obtain information you could use to blackmail Anastasia into leaving me. Tell me how I misunderstood you attempting to turn my family against Anastasia. Tell me how I misunderstand you interfering in my personal life."

"It's not like that at all. I care for you and I've seen how being with her has upset you." Elena protests.

"Your actions towards Anastasia upset me. I'm not upset over anything Anastasia has done." I stand my ground against the woman who has worked to undermine me; to undermine Anastasia.

"You've been in control of your emotions for years, keeping them contained and not allowing them to rule your life. Just call it quits with this happily-ever-after shit with that girl. We can find you a nice brunette submissive with minimal hard limits, willing to please you and fulfill your needs. Have Ana sign an NDA, pay off her college loans, relocate her to Georgia to live with her mother." Elena slips into her Domme voice, attempting to manipulate me. However, it won't work ever again.

"Do you know what I have learned from Anastasia? I've learned that it is acceptable to conduct research in all parts of your life. In Roman times, it was acceptable for a man to act upon his sexual desires; as long as he was the penetrator. Lack of self-control; including managing one's sex life, indicated a man was incapable of ruling others. Too much indulgence in low sexual pleasure erodes an elite male's identity as a refined person. Well…Elena…the days of being your fuckee are over. The days of using submissives to claim I have self-control are over. I don't want another submissive. I don't need another submissive. I aspire to better myself. Anastasia is the best thing that ever happened to me. I want her more than I have wanted anything in my life. I need her more than I ever needed anything in my life."

"More than you wanted me?" She scoffs. "If I had not intervened, you would have continued down the path you were on…drugs, alcoholism, prison. Anastasia is not the best thing that ever happened to you. I'm the best thing that ever happened to you. I taught you everything you needed to become the success you are! You are throwing it all away because of that girl!"

"I want Anastasia more than I wanted Ella when I was four, more than I wanted Grace to save me and more than I ever wanted you to touch me." I announce.

"I gave you a way to cope with your doubts, to cope with your tendency to destroy the good things in your life because you feel you aren't worthy." Elena argues.

"Your coping mechanisms fucked me up more than I was before. I never understood the scars you left on me because I never looked back on that part of my life with clarity, never considered that what you did to me was not to save me – but for your pleasure. Ella was a vulnerable, flawed person; her pimp was a cruel, controlling asshole. However you aren't a Domme; you are a sadist. You took pleasure in inflicting physical and emotional pain on me."

"I was your Domme!" She snaps. "You needed the pain I gave you to control yourself and learn to control your life."

The fog of my friendship with Elena has lifted – everything is so clear to me. "Tell me how I misunderstood you using my mother for information you could use to seduce me. Tell me how I misunderstood you knowing exactly how to target me, groom me to be your sexual conquest. Tell me how I misunderstood you telling me I was special. Tell me how I misunderstood you demanding I not tell anyone about our sexual relationship because they wouldn't understand our needs. Tell me how I misunderstood your sick pathetic need to sexualize teenage boys? Tell me how I misunderstood you using my submissives to control me? Tell me how I misunderstood your current refusal to stay the hell out of my life and leave me alone."

"I'm your only friend," she insists. "Don't be obtuse! Do you really think giving up your BDSM lifestyle, which you have enjoyed for years, in exchange for a virgin is the best thing for you? You are out of control; which is what happens when your needs aren't met."

"You were my only friend because you isolated me from my family. It's Pedophilia 101 and it's how I know I was not the first young man you seduced. I know I'm not the last. But I know if I find out you are currently acting out your pedophile traits – I will ruin you personally, professionally, and socially. Don't delude yourself into thinking I won't." I glared at her.

"You are the stupid delusional fool if you think I'm going to let you ruin me. I will tell the world you traded your body to me for startup money for your business. I will tell them Lincoln found out, beat, hospitalized and divorced me because of you. If you try to ruin me…I will take you down with me." Elena spat.

"You are delusional if you think you can manipulate me into being with you again – as a friend, a confidant, a business partner, or a sexual partner. We're done with each other." I pause and stare at her with clarity I never had before. "I am Christian Grey, commander of my universe, captain of my fate and master of my soul. I'm not your submissive, under your control, dancing to your tune, obeying my mistress's commands. I'm free from your control Elena. I'm warning you – another attempt to see me, another attempt to hurt Anastasia, another attempt to reinstate yourself in my life or my family's lives will result in the immediate sale of my partnership in Esclava. I was doing my best to depart the partnership and leave it intact with you owning 100% – so don't aggravate me. You won't like the results."

I step into the outer office. "Taylor, please escort Mrs. Lincoln from the building."

Taylor came to retrieve her as John came back into his office. Once they left, John turned off his CCTV.

"Christ," he whistled. "When you have a breakthrough you don't take baby steps do you?"

I sit and put my head between my knees and attempt not to hyperventilate.

"When you reconsider this confrontation with Elena, and I know you will…I want you to avoid self-blame and self-loathing. I want you to see the breakthrough for what it is." John advised. "I think today's confrontation is worth at least two paragraphs in your journal."

XX

"Listen carefully to me, Mrs. Lincoln," Taylor turned her to face him when they arrived at her Mercedes. "Mr. Grey may be able to ruin you financially and socially – but I'm the one who should scare you. I don't know how you found out Mr. Grey was here; but don't follow him again. Don't track him down. If you come near Miss Steele or the Grey family again, if I even catch a whiff of a hint that you are causing problems or a scandal – I will make sure you disappear in the middle of the night; never to be heard from again. That's my skill set. Don't make me prove it to you."

A/N:

Thank you for the reviews and viewers; thank you for the messages and questions; thank you for the favorites and follows!

I do not own Fifty Shades Trilogy or the characters. They belong to E. L. James. My story is the interpretation of my thoughts about how the characters could have, should have, would have acted.