Authors note: Again, I've got to thank my awesome guest reviewers, I wish ya'll would sign up for an account so that I could respond to you individually! To all of those who have taken the time to review, your encouragement has been well received and I'm so glad to have gotten to 'know' some of you. Thank you!
APOV
"What are you doing? I want to go back to Escala!"
"I've been ordered to wait here, Ms. Steele." Of course she has, Christian Grey strikes again. I'd get out and walk but I'm still terrified of where that prick Hyde is so I sit and wait for the inevitable fight that's about to ensue. Never one to disappoint the driver's door opens along with the one next to me and Taylor orders Prescott out while Christian attempts to get in right next to me.
"Come on, Ana, slide over, we need to talk." I've decided that I'm going to be a child about this apparently because I just keep my arms crossed and look straight ahead until he shuts the door and goes around to the other side.
Taylor begins driving before he's entirely in and his mouth starts running the second the door shuts.
"I am so sorry, so very sorry for my behavior. I don't know what to say, Ana, I know I fucked up and I'm so sorry." God I want to flip him off so badly but I won't, no I'll be the 'bigger person' and take the 'high road'. You know what, no, fuck him, I'll give him the silent treatment a bit longer.
I notice that we're driving in the opposite direction of Escala but I refuse to even ask why. The truth is, if I open my mouth, I'm going to cry out of sheer frustration and embarrassment and I will not give him the satisfaction of my tears.
"It shocked me to see him there and I went crazy. I knew you weren't fu, ah, sleeping with him and I knew you didn't invite him but when I saw him laughing and joking with you and touching you, I lost it. I should never have pulled you away like that and I should never have accused you of anything. I'm being sincere here, Ana, please look at me. I am very, very sorry, please forgive me."
"Tu sei un colossale buco del culo e mi vuole a bussare fuori proprio adesso. Potrei dormire con lui ora solo per parlarvene. Non mi interessa nemmeno se fa male! Spero che lo fa!" Fucker, take that to the bank and cash it. God I am so mad!
"Um, I can't respond to that since I have no idea what you just said." I give him a sneer and continue on in a low cold voice. He looks like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car.
"Che deve uccidere, signor Sono il re del mondo e di ciò che dico va. Ebbene ecco una notizia per voi, voi non parlate di me come quella mai più!" This feels good, knowing I can say anything to him right now and really mess with his head. I can tell that he's totally out of his element, apologizing isn't something he does often, if ever, but that shit's going to change, tonight.
"You really hurt me tonight, Christian. As in, I don't even want you near me and I definitely don't want to speak to you." My furious stare is doing a good job of keeping him on his side of the car, he looks like he's afraid of me and right now, he should be.
"I know and I take full responsibility for my actions." I scoff; of course you do, asshole, what else could you do? "I'm embarrassed at how I handled that and it's…new for me, embarrassment. But I know what I did and I can see how much it hurt you and that's all I care about right now."
"You're embarrassed! For fucks sake, Christian! You all but accused me of fucking him in the bathroom at your mom's event and then painted me as a slut, which, at this point you know isn't the case." My cheeks are so red they're hurting but I will not let him get away with this type of behavior. "There will never be a time where treating me like that is ok. If you have an issue with me or you're upset about something, try this instead; talk to me like a human being. I've seen you snap on your employees, on your staff, on your family and frankly, I'm surprised it took you this long to go after me but the difference between them and me is there is no way in fuck I'm going to take it. Impetravi?"
"I think you asked if I understood and I do, loud and clear. Am I forgiven?" Ugh! I flick the light on and look at him, roll my eyes three times in a row and then flick the light back off.
"Mostly. I'm still upset but I won't light your apartment on fire anymore." He laughs heartily and after a few seconds it becomes contagious and hard as I fight it, I can't help but start to laugh as well. Even Taylors shoulders are moving up and down.
"God, Ana. The shit you come up with kills me." He chuckles a few more times before wiping his eyes and looking at his lap.
"A virgin, huh? Can't say I saw that one coming." Oh my god, if these doors didn't self-lock while the car was in motion I'd throw myself out onto the street.
"Not that it's any of your fucking business but yes."
He breathes out slowly and shakes his head while he contemplates what he wants to say. I swear to god if he touches his hair again I'm going to shave it off while he sleeps.
"You're still mad, you've said fuck more in the last nine minutes than you have the entire time I've known you." I can't help but laugh again.
"You say it enough for both of us! And the rest of the State of Washington!" The newfound lightness in the car feels much better than the oppressive anger. I need time to process what just happened and sitting next to him while he smells so good and looks so good isn't the right time so I make a conscious decision to let it go. This man just intoxicates every one of my senses and that does not make for good contemplation.
"It's my favorite word I guess." He shrugs and turns to me, looking at my profile since I can't look directly at him yet. "I really didn't know, I would never had thought that you were a virgin. I mean, fuck! I showed you my playroom!" Now he's embarrassed. I like this much better.
"Yea, well, I don't know what to say about that. You were showing me butt plugs and telling me they were for me and I'm just standing there thinking, 'what did I do to make him think I'm into this?'"
"You didn't do anything, you just are. You have to know what you do to me, what you've done to my world. I mean, how is it even possible that you've never had sex?"
"Would you lower your voice, for fucks sake Taylor can hear you!" He reaches up and taps the privacy glass. "When did that happen?"
"When we were laughing before, I don't want anyone knowing our, I'm sorry, your business."
"Oh thank you so much, Mr. Grey. Instead I get to discuss it with you."
"How? How is it even possible?" His question isn't one I've asked myself and I shrug and say what comes to mind first.
"I don't know, I've never dated anyone very long and the guys I have dated haven't been around long enough for me to sleep with. I've never really been all that interested to be totally honest." I'm going all in, here's me, take it or leave it.
"Wow. I'm speechless. You are so fucking hot I almost feel bad for the guys you told no to." He quickly continues, "I'm glad you did though, don't get me wrong. Fuck, I've been making myself sick thinking about the guys you've been with."
He's shaking his head and so am I at this point. What is wrong with him?
"Right. Anyway, it's officially your birthday so happy birthday, Christian. Way to start your year!"
He shrugs his shoulders in embarrassment.
"Thank you, Anastasia." Grabbing my hand he taps again on the glass so that Taylor knows to go to Escala. "I'm very glad I get to spend the day with you and I'm very sorry for tonight. I wanted you to just go out and have fun and I'm the one that ruined it for you."
"You're forgiven but this is your get out of jail free card. Next time, it's a lighter and your couch." He smiles and kisses my hand sending a charge straight to my barely concealed groin.
"Understood. How was the rest of your day?"
I grin, I'm not that easily distracted but he did put forth the effort to take care of me even when he couldn't be there and he did come running to make tonight right immediately.
"It was good, really relaxing." Well, most of it anyway. There is nothing relaxing about getting a Brazilian wax. Every time I get one I curse out Kate for talking me into it in the first place before we went to Malibu. "Kate made me buy this dress that you so sweetly told me you hated."
"Ana, I like it too much and so did every other guy that saw you in it. I should've known Kavanagh talked you into it." He doesn't miss the pointed stare I'm throwing his way. "And I'm sorry about the way I acted then too. Shit, this was a real clusterfuck of a night for me, huh?"
"Speaking of clusterfuck, have you called Sawyer yet? We went to visit him this afternoon and brought him lunch. Which I'm sure you know all about since you are omnipresent. Anyway, he was happy to see us, a gaggle of women infiltrating on his bachelor pad. Lots of leather and wood, you'd probably love it." I give him a snide little grin and he gives me one right back. "Anyway, he's doing well, I brought him the entire DVD series of Mad Men to keep him busy. Said to tell you he'd be back in a week."
"I know, I've spoken to him every day. Your father called him as well to thank him for protecting you. Was the nurse there?" I scoff and laugh a bit.
"Oh, she was there all right. She didn't like anyone of us getting too close but Heather, you remember my friend Heather?" He nods "Well she was very interested in his bandages and wanted to hear all about how heroic he was. Don't worry, he kept his mouth shut except to smile but that nurse did NOT like Heather by the time we left. I think the car you sent him was all the incentive she needed to try and hook her claws in."
We've pulled into the garage at Escala and head into the elevator together, my shoes in my hands since my feet are killing me.
"Do you want me to carry you so you don't have to walk?"
"Don't even think about coming near me right now." He grins and rolls his eyes but turns towards the wall once the doors close.
"I'm not an animal you know, I can control myself."
I'm surprised to see Ray awake in the living room reading a book when we get home, he's usually in bed before 11 and it's close to 12:30.
"Hey, Annie, Christian. What the hell are you wearing young lady?" I resist the urge to roll my eyes, instead slitting them while Christian throws his hands up and walks into the kitchen.
"I told her Ray, but our girl doesn't listen to anyone in case you haven't noticed."
"Hi Dad, I had a good night, thank you. How was yours?" He gives me an annoyed sigh and waves me off unwilling to get into a battle with me. Smart man.
"Good, it's always good to catch up with the guys, see what's going on, bitch about the president or congress or the Senate. Between seven ex-military, you're bound to have some good fights. Anyway kid, I wanted to say goodbye, I'll be heading out early tomorrow, around 7a or so."
He hugs me close and I fight the urge to ask him to stay. I know he would but he's got a life and a business to run back in Montesano so I bite my tongue and hug him back.
"Thank you so much for coming, I'm sorry I ruined your fishing trip."
"I'd do anything for you, Annie. Nothing else is nearly as important as your safety. Listen to Christian, do what he says, let him take care of you. He knows what he's doing, he's got a good team and the resources to pull it all off so let him. We'll get this guy, there's no way me or Christian will let him get away with this shit."
"He's right, Ana. We'll find him. Ray, a pleasure to meet you, I'm sorry it was under such vile circumstances but I do appreciate your help with everything." The men shake hands with vigor before Christian turns to me.
"I need to make a phone call but I'll be finished in 10 minutes or so."
"I'm going to bed now anyway so don't rush. Be ready at 8a tomorrow for your birthday celebration to begin. Lightweight pants, t-shirt, good boots or sneakers." He smiles and turns to go but I call after him, "Oh, and Christian, no phone. All day."
I'm rewarded with a drop of the jaw but he's not working tomorrow if I can help it and separating that phone from him is the only way to ensure that. Ray and I say our goodbyes and I lay out what I want to bring for tomorrow and then fall into bed to dream of over bearing men and short blue dresses.
"Good morning, Mr. Grey. Phone? Oh, and happy birthday!" Damn he looks good in everything doesn't he? Even in cargo pants, a grey t-shirt and hiking boots the man still looks like he stepped off the pages of GQ.
He smiles at me and hands me his phone which I promptly lay on the breakfast bar.
"If there are any emergencies your staff has been instructed to contact me. Your family knows to call my phone as well so there is no reason to have yours. Now, are we ready to go?"
"You tell me, Ms. Steele, you're the one running the show."
After a another quick look at him I grab my bag and head down to the garage where Taylor waits with the keys to the Spyder.
"Good morning, Sir. Happy birthday." Christian tries to hide his smile and nods once at him, taking the keys before attempting to take back some control.
"You'll be following us I presume?"
"Uh uh uh, you don't get to ask any questions. I've covered security and put Taylor in charge of that entire aspect of our day so you don't need to think about it."
"I'm training you well then, Ms. Steele." Oh god that smile is infectious. "I'm allowed to drive?"
"Well I wanted to but I didn't think you'd let me drive your car so that's a concession I'll make. The only one! Oh! I'll need your wallet too, I almost forgot!"
"Are you crazy? You have totally lost your mind if you think I'm giving you my wallet. And damn right you aren't driving my car."
"Get in the car and hand me your wallet, Grey. I will consider your acquiescence to this request as payment in full for last night."
He waves the wallet around, tapping it on his open palm, "You're good, I'll give you that much. Fine, anything to put that behind us for good."
A victory with him is sweet but I don't gloat as he gives the wallet to Taylor who will be tailing us with Prescott and Ryan all day. I'd rather it be just the two of us but I'm not foolish enough to think Christian would let us leave without them. The engine roars to life and we pull out while I direct Christian to our first destination.
"The Ballard Sunday Farmers Market." He's confused, I'm excited.
"A farmers market?"
"Yup, they have a really great farm to table breakfast here and then we'll get some things for the next part of the day. Come on!"
I know that Christian likes being outdoors, the few personal effects that I've found in his apartment and office didn't lend themselves to any useful information but Mia is a wealth of it. Our entire day will be spent outside, starting with breakfast. An omelet for Christian, pancakes for me and a celebratory mimosa. Afterwards we wander around for 20 minutes or so and pick up a few things for later.
Back in the car, top down, directions given, I grab my phone and put on Ellie Gouldings 'Anything Can Happen' on as loud as possible. The freedom and excitement I feel makes me feel giddy with possibilities and I sing along, throwing my arms out to feel the sun and wind. Today, I will not stress out about anything and if Christian's huge smile is any indication of his mindset, he won't either.
Once we park in the lot for the Lower Coal Creek Trail he gets out and stretches, amused and happy.
"Well, this explains the shoes and your outfit."
"Hey, what's wrong with my outfit?" I've got my Athleta pink tank and khaki hiking pants. He's hopping from foot to foot as I change from flip flops to sneakers but I've already agreed to let Prescott run ahead to check things out first so we need to kill a few minutes. "Stop jumping, you're giving me imni."
"Imni?"
"Anxiety in Gaelic. Seriously, stop jumping around, what's wrong with you?"
"Nothing, I'm excited and nothings wrong with your clothes. You look cute. I'm used to seeing you all girly or in workout clothes, that's all." Prescott jogs to the end of the trail and gives us the go ahead so I grab the bag of snacks and take off with Christian by my side.
"You have got to stop, you're driving me insane! I have two eyes that work and a pretty good awareness of my surroundings, just worry about yourself. Geesh!"
"I can't help it, if you fall you could really reinjure yourself, you really shouldn't even be out here yet." He's just being thoughtful, he just cares about you.
"I feel fine, totally back to normal so don't worry about me getting hurt, ok? Just enjoy being away from everybody and everything and make friends with nature."
Prescott waves us over to a flat clearing and I spread the sheet I packed while Christian unloads the food we picked up at the market. In typical male fashion he's halfway through the gourmet cashews before I even sit and somehow managed to eat a pear as well, core and all.
"That is so gross."
"What? I took the stem off! Did you want some of this 'grass fed free range local organic artesian extra sharp cheddar' with your bread? And what happened to cheese?"
The playfulness of his mood thrills me and I reciprocate in kind, joking and making the conversation light and fun while we laze about until it's time to go.
"Come on, we've got to go." I jump up but he grabs my hand and pulls me down so that I'm lying on top of him.
"I want to kiss you." And he does, his large hand resting on the small of my back while he lifts his face to mine, kissing me gently and slowly. I relax on top of him and melt against him as he sucks gently on my lips and runs his other hand over my ass, squeezing it and pushing my groin into his. Oh god, I like his hands on me.
"Christian."
"Mmm?" I can't really answer him since his tongue is in my mouth but I do pull back enough to squeak out a few words.
"We have to go, we're already a little late." His hand snakes to the back of my head and I feel his fingers against my scar but I don't react and neither does he. Instead he moans again and flips me onto my back immediately cupping my breast and grinding against me again. "Oh god, nevermind."
I feel his grin as he pinches my nipple through my shirt before lifting himself off of me.
"Uh uh. I want the rest of my day. Come, let's go." Well shit! He lifts me by both hands and kisses me quickly but deeply before we pack up and start the 2.5mile trek back. Once at the car I hand him a duffle bag and order him to change.
"Where? Here? In the parking lot?"
"Suddenly you're shy? There's no one here but your security team and I can't imagine the things they've had to endure over the years. Come on, suit up." I climb in the car and change myself, laughing as I see Christian doing his best to peek in while he puts on his jeans and clean t-shirt.
"Here you go, you'll need this." I hand him a Mariners baseball hat and hot damn when he puts it on along with his aviators he's hotter than I've ever seen him. Oh my god he's so hot.
"OK, can I guess where we're going?" I nod and he grins, "Baseball hat, almost 1p, jeans and t-shirts, I'm guessing baseball game?" He seems happy and I clap my hands together with excitement.
"Yes! Elliot said you like the Mariners but he couldn't remember the last time you guys went to a game so he and Kate are meeting us there."
He looks surprised but pleased and as he backs up, he stretches his arm behind my seat to see where he's going, mumbling about not remembering either. His arm is perfect, strong and slightly tan, the muscles cut and defined and I squirm in my seat to alleviate the feeling building up between my legs.
"Happy birthday, bro!" Elliot shakes his hand as we find our seats. I wanted to be up in the nosebleed section just so Christian could really be 'normal' for the day but Elliot convinced me otherwise so here we are, the first row behind the dugout of the Mariners.
"Happy birthday, Christian." Kate gives him a quick kiss and then hugs me and hands him a beer and me an iced tea. "I still don't know how you don't like beer, Ana but the wine choices here were awful."
When the waitress comes by, I order hot dogs, nachos, fries, soft pretzels, sausage and peppers and of course Cracker Jacks. Christians eyes are huge but he says nothing and eagerly grabs the sandwiches when they get to us. I guess these seats do have their advantages, waitress service at a baseball game? He and Elliot are in the middle of Kate and I and while I find baseball to be boring as hell, listening to them go back and forth on players and pitches makes it entertaining and fun.
Every few minutes Christian leans over and kisses me, mostly on my cheek or a peck on my lips and if he's not eating, he's touching my knee or my back, playing with my hair or holding my hand. I love the affection and his carefree attitude. I've seen him with Elliot numerous times and it's clear that his older brother really cares about him but I've never seen them engage like this. Laughing and cheering, yelling at the umpire and high fiving the people in our little circle.
Even though the Mariners lost the guys are in high spirits and Elliot hugs me on the way to the car while Christian is in the bathroom.
"Ana, I don't know what you're doing to him, but whatever it is, don't stop. I've seen him smile more today than I have in his entire life and I'm being serious. Who knew he could be fun to hang out with?"
"I'm really happy to hear that, Elliot. So you're still willing to take him now to the bar for an hour or so? I just need enough time to get dinner ready but if he's home, he's going to go to work."
"I'm actually looking forward to it, we just need to convince him to leave your side." Just then Christian comes over with Kate and puts his arm around my shoulders, kissing my hair and giving me a wink.
"Hey, I need a few minutes to get the last part of your day set so Elliot is taking you out for a beer. I'll expect you both back at Escala at 7p, that gives you two hours. Not too drunk though, ok?" Christian looks a bit put out, I can tell hanging alone with Elliot wasn't on his list but he'll just have to learn to enjoy his brother.
"OK, two hours, no more."
Kate and I take off in Elliot's Audi Q7, a gift from Christian last year for his birthday and head back to the apartment. I've hired someone to come in and help with cooking and cleaning up so that Gail and Taylor can join us tonight as guests but I still want to be the one to make him dinner.
Marcella is right on time and I show her what I've started. She'll handle the steak au piovre and the oysters while I'll make the vegetables and of course the potatoes that Christian loves. Kate gets going on setting up the balcony the way I want for our dinner party while I whip up a chocolate cake and frosting. Mia claims it's his favorite which makes it a must have for tonight.
At 6:20 I jump in the shower, blow dry my hair and get dressed in a flirty plum dress that Kate's let me borrow. It drapes nicely and shows off just enough cleavage and curve to make it enticing without making it suggestive. Strappy gold sandals set off the demure tone of the outfit and I make my way out to the great room just as Grace, Carrick, Mia and Ethan arrive with Grandma and Grandpa Trevelyan.
"Ana, this is such a nice thing for you to do, I can't tell you how excited we are to be here." Grace kisses me on both cheeks and then pulls me in for a hug. Mia is bouncing, literally bouncing with excitement and runs around showing Ethan the apartment and the small touches she was allowed to make.
Ryan announces that Ros and Gwen are on their way up, I've told Taylor to relax and enjoy himself and I'm pleased to see he and Gail laughing on the balcony with cocktails in hand. Elliot texts just then to let me know that they're five minutes away which is just enough time for me to plate up the raw oysters and make Christian a drink.
I hear the two of them laughing in the foyer but it quickly stops when they turn the corner to see us all standing there. Nobody yells out the traditional, "Surprise!" since I asked that they not but instead they greet him with kisses and hand shakes, telling him happy birthday and joking about how old he is now. I wait until the end so that I can enjoy the sight of him being literally surrounded by the people in his life who love him and approach him last, handing him the gin and tonic before kissing him on the lips softly.
"You did this?" He looks incredulous and a bit lost. I know he's not upset, there's an emotion in those eyes that I can't quite pin point but anger isn't it. It's almost a disbelief that these people would want to be here to celebrate him.
"Yes, I hope you don't mind that I gave Taylor and Gail the night off and hired someone to help with the food. Gail knows her and I had her sign an NDA plus Taylor pulled a background check on her."
He shakes his head and runs his hands through his hair and I notice that he still hasn't blinked.
"It's fine, I'm just surprised. I can't believe you did all of this for me." I scrunch up my face and shake my head a bit.
"Why not? I care about you deeply and it's your birthday. People love you and want to celebrate with you, Christian. Now go and change out of that t-shirt and be back in one minute, I'm starving!" He smiles, a huge panty dropping grin and kisses me again before walking to his room to change. When I turn Carrick is standing there, drink in hand but frozen to the spot.
"You must weave some powerful magic, Ana. I can't believe the transformation in my son the last few weeks. Grace and I are truly grateful." I wave him off and take his forearm to guide him onto the balcony where the rest of the guests are drinking and talking.
When Christian joins us he's dressed in jeans and a white button down but has no shoes on, a glimpse into the freedom and comfort he feels right now and I kick off my own shoes and shove them under the lounge chair where I'm sitting with Ethan while he tells me about the fishing trip he just went on. Mia has long since checked out of the conversation but Christian stands next to me and interacts with Ethan while he rubs my head and plays with my hair.
Marcella signals to me that she's ready to serve and I encourage everyone to take a seat at the table. I'm really happy with the way Kate has designed it with white decorations on black accent linens. Christian walks to the head of the table holding my hand and pulling out the chair closest to him on the right. Mia looks about ready to cry until Elliot walks over to her and whispers in her ear. What was that about?
When Marcella presents the table with two large platters of raw oysters Christian looks at me and smiles before squeezing a lemon wedge on one and bringing it up to my mouth.
"Well played, Ms. Steele. I can't wait to see what's next." The mood at the table is light and cheery, Carrick and Ros are sparring over certain new tax shelters that are about to be put in place by the State but the banter is amusing and entertaining. As I suspected, Gwen is a force to be reckoned with but in an entirely different way than Ros. She's ultra-demure, almost quiet but underneath that is a shrewd and brilliant woman who likes a good argument.
Kate, Mia and I help Marcella to serve up dinner, I refuse to allow Gail to even refill her own drink tonight, a gesture that has Taylor actually smiling.
"I was hoping!" Christian exclaims when he sees the potatoes I've piled on his plate. He eats one immediately and I lean down to kiss the top of his head affectionately. I want to live in this moment, surrounded by friends and family, enjoying a perfect summer night with a man that I adore. It's perfect.
The conversations around the table flow easily, even Christian interjects on topics that don't include work much to everyone's surprise. He doesn't seem to notice the emotional stares his family throws his way throughout the night and when the cake comes out and we sing "Happy Birthday" I can hear the crack in Grace's voice.
He looks like a little kid with his huge grin and shimmering eyes. When I tell him Mia suggested the cake he gives her a random kiss on her cheek and she almost cries, again. Once he's distracted she comes over to me and takes my hand in hers, tears shining in her eyes.
"Ana, I don't know how to thank you. I've never in my entire life seen Christian this happy or relaxed and I know that it's because of you. Thank you!"
"Mia, that's really sweet but it's all of us that he's responding to. Not just me, I just organized it, with your help of course!"
"No, you don't understand. We've always had dinner for him on his birthday and he's always been sullen and withdrawn, moody and distant but tonight, he's here, totally present and happy. You're the reason for that, everyone here can see it." She hugs me quickly and runs off to grab the few gifts that people brought for Christian.
I'm able to spend a bit of time with Gwen while Christian opens his gifts, most of which are gag gifts or accessories related to his boat. He has a boat too? He's surprised when he opens a jar of Iranian caviar from Ros and holds it up to me while he says something about me trying this next. No thanks!
Gwen leans over and rolls her eyes. "$12k for fish eggs. Ros was adamant but really, what do you buy a billionaire?"
"I bought him an omelet and hot dogs. Trust me, he prefers the caviar!"
I'm relaxed and anxious all at the same time, the last of the guests are getting ready to go which means that it'll just be Christian and me alone. I thank Marcella and hit the down button on the elevator before turning to find Grace waiting for me.
"I'm going to have Mia drop me off so I've got to run, she's waiting downstairs. Carrick needs to speak with Christian privately for a bit, I'm sure he won't hold him too long." Oh god, the implication is pretty clear and as hard as I fight the blush, I feel it creep up anyway. Carrick and Christian appear then, each with a brandy in their hands and Carrick kisses Grace.
"I'll be home shortly. Tell Mia not to set the alarm if she goes back out."
Christian looks irritated and I don't blame him but it's rare that his dad asks anything from him. He kisses and hugs his mother goodbye, her face lighting up at the contact with him. After she gets on the elevator he turns to me and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.
"I shouldn't be too long but he says it's important so I've got to hear him out. What are your plans now?" Well, I was going to try and seduce you but I guess that'll have to wait, not like I was nervous enough about it!
"I'm going to get ready for bed, maybe read a book or something. Just come find me when you're finished." His face falls but for gods sake his father is standing right there!
"OK, well, thank you so much for tonight and for today, Anastasia. It was bar none the best birthday I've ever had. I shouldn't be too long." My heart soars, I knew he enjoyed the day but hearing it makes the effort worthwhile. He turns to his dad and gestures for him to follow him to his study but at the last minute turns back to me and blows me a kiss, a move so un-Christian like that both Carrick and I do a doubletake.
CPOV
A fucking virgin. Well, technically virgins don't fuck so just a virgin. How is that even possible? The woman exudes sex, literally leaving a trail of salivating men in her wake and she's never let any of them into her panties.
I have to have her. I've always had to have her but now, it's an immediate need. Knowing that I can possess her entirely, make her mine and no one else's, fuck that is the hottest thing I can think of. I've never understood the fascination with virgins, historically I'd rather have an experienced woman who knew what to do but this, this is a game changer for me. Nothing would make me happier than being the first, and only, man to ever be inside Anastasia Steele.
That blush that I love isn't just for show apparently, she really is just that naïve and inexperienced. Shit, can I do this? Can I pursue her knowing how innocent she is and knowing how disgusting my past is? I have been tormenting myself with images of her with other men, all for nothing! The decision to press ahead is an easy one, I simply cannot allow anyone to touch her. It has to be me, she belongs to me only.
Much to my dismay Ray is up when we get back to Escala, I was hoping to have her in my bed tonight but even I know it's a nonnegotiable for her as long as he's here. I'venever been happier to see someone leave and that's saying something.
Sleep eludes me again as I wrestle with myself. I want nothing more than to be the first and only to fuck her but I also feel like someone more deserving of her should be the one to take her for the first time. Who am I kidding? My internal debate is moot, she's the only one who can decide who she sleeps with and even if I signed a contract in blood stating that I'd refuse her should she come to me, I know I wouldn't.
Waking on my birthday is bittersweet. I'd like to have had her next to me but I know she's next door, probably still warm and supple under the blankets. Taylor and I go for a six mile run and then come back to shower and get dressed. I have no idea what Ana's got planned but I'm not too proud to hope that it includes her naked and spread waiting for me. Fuck that image just does it for me.
Seeing her sweet smile waiting for me in my kitchen makes me smile and though I had planned on arguing her demand that I leave my phone, I just can't tell her no. Until she tells me to give up my wallet. If she thinks she's paying for anything she's out of her mind but her promise to fully forgive my transgressions last night are the incentive I need.
I hand it over to Taylor with a whispered warning, "I want to know every penny she spends today and I want it wired into her account on Monday morning." He just tips his head to the side and gets in the SUV he and the rest of today's team will be tailing us in. Did he just ignore me?
A farmers market. OK. It seems a little strange but once we sit for breakfast, which I admit was amazing, and then stroll around I begin to actually enjoy it. Ana's in her element here, surrounded by beauty in the shape of food, flowers and trinkets. She engages with everyone and the transformation of these tiny interactions, from stranger to new friend is fascinating. It seems that I'm not the only one she captivates.
"Watch where you're going, you almost tripped on that tree root."
Her perfectly manicured hand flies to her hip and she turns to me and wags her pointer finger in my face. I'm trying hard not to laugh, she really is the cutest fucking thing I've ever seen.
"You have got to stop, you're driving me insane! I have two eyes that work and a pretty good awareness of my surroundings, just worry about yourself. Geesh!"
Yea, yea. I need you in one piece so that you have no reason to not let me sleep with you tonight. The security team has long since finished installing a state of the art alarm and monitoring system but she doesn't know that and Ray is probably back in Montesano so there should be no reason she can't spend the night with me. Naked and writhing in pleasure under my body.
I want to see her come so badly my balls hurt with the desire for it. I've been one walking erection for over a month now and no amount of self love is going to help that, only that hot little body lying on the sheet in this meadow is going to end my torment.
Our impromptu picnic is nice, I've never just spent time with someone for no real reason. It was always for business or a family obligation. I've certainly never spent time with a woman I was dating since I've never dated to begin with. I'm on my back looking up at her sitting next to me. She looks stunning. Her hair is a mess on top of her head, there are few dried leaves and blades of grass on her shirt and pants but it all adds to her appeal.
I'm not ready to go when she is, I've been so busy imagining the ways I want to fuck her that standing would be painful right now so I pull her on top of me and look for a little relief. Not the best of my ideas, the warmth of her body on top of mine only makes my groin hurt more but I can give as good as she can and I squeeze her breast, pulling her nipple while she moans under me. If I'm going to be hot and horny all day, so is she.
It only screws me up more though because now I get to watch her bounce down the trail with her nipples showing until we both change into jeans and t-shirts. She's cool as a cucumber but I can barely button the fly on my jeans. I can't wait to take my payment for the constant hard on I've had since meeting her.
I'm psyched when we pull into SafeCo Field. I haven't been here since before Elena came into my life and being here, with Elliot, is a good feeling. I'm sandwiched between him and Ana and as I eat my disgusting nachos and watch her pick the peanuts out of the Cracker Jacks I feel, for the first time ever in my life, truly happy and free. She's freeing me from myself.
Elliot and I head to a bar near the stadium with Ryan to grab a few beers. He's obviously in love with Kate, why I don't know, but she's not so bad I guess.
"What about you man? You drop the L bomb yet?" He sips his beer and looks at me intently.
"The L bomb? What the fuck is that?"
"Love. Did you tell her you love her yet?"
"What the fuck business is it of yours? Shit, Elliot, are we going to do this hearts and flowers brother bullshit now?"
He looks hurt and I feel like an asshole.
"No, we aren't. I just thought we were in a different place. You've never been this….accessible to anyone and it's nice to see, it makes me happy for you. I thought you'd want to share it but I was wrong. No worries, forget I said anything."
"No, I'm sorry. I'm so used to being an asshole that I go right to it. I'm…working on it." He sips his beer and raises his eyebrows surprised that he got that much out of me. He's right though, I do want to talk about Anastasia, I want to shout from every building top how amazing she is, how sexy she is, how happy she makes me and how much I love her. Well, there it is, the L bomb as Elliot puts it.
"I haven't told her yet, no." I'm pulling the label off the bottle in front of me, too embarrassed to look at him. I'm not saying anything more, it's too hard still.
I am stunned speechless when I walk into my apartment. My entire family, including my grandparents are waiting for me along with Ros and Gwen and Taylor and Gail, dressed for a cocktail party and not for work. After greeting them all I reach for my girl and pull her in tight, grateful but unable to say it. Since I've met this woman, I've had a constant hard on and a ball of emotion stuck in my throat.
I'm still running my hands through my hair when she orders me to go change. I need a minute to regroup and sit on the edge of my bed to wrap my head around the day. They're here for me, not because they have nowhere else to go but because they care about me. Why have I never seen it before?
For fucks sake I'm even happy that Ethan Kavanagh is here and spend time actually trying to get to know him. What the fuck is happening to me? I want to get to know the guy who my sister is dating and engage him in a conversation that I'm actually interested in. Having Anastasia next to me is just icing on the cake.
Love. I've heard people yap about it for years, been invited to a shit ton of weddings over it and have been talked out of it by Elena. For as hard as I denied it and as many times as I gagged hearing about it, I can't deny that it's found a place in my life. Looking around the table at my family and friends I realize, a bit sadly, that it's always been here, I've just never acknowledged it. But these people, they're sitting here in my apartment, eating and drinking, talking and laughing and it's for me. But it's because of Anastasia.
She's laughing at something my grandfather just said, her shiny chestnut curls bouncing as she throws her head back and laughs, her eyes reflecting the candle light perfectly. I love her. I've thought it before but watching her now, knowing her as well as I do, spending the time I have with her, I allow myself to believe it. I, Christian Trevelyan Grey love this woman next to me. As if she hears my thoughts she leans over and presses her face to my arm, squeezing my fingers that are interlaced with hers. Does she love me too? Could she ever?
After cake and gifts, I'm anxious for everyone to leave so that I can be alone with Ana but my dad corners me and casually mentions needing to speak with me.
"Tonight? Can't it wait until tomorrow?" My father or not he's still a man and the look I shoot him says it all.
"I'd rather not wait, 10 minutes tops." Fuck! The man hardly asks me for anything and it's only 10 minutes….
"Fine, we'll speak in my office, let me let Ana know."
I'm pissed when my mom says goodbye, I was banking on her staying so that Ana would have to entertain her. I can't hide my disappointment at Ana's mention of reading and I hope against hope that she's just embarrassed to say anything else in front of my father.
"Does the woman in this photograph look familiar to you?" I take the grainy photo from him and study the woman in the picture before handing it back to him.
"No. Why?"
"Her name is Agnes Perkins, she works in your accounting department, I'm not sure exactly what she handles but I know she's worked for you for about three years."
"OK, and?"
"The gentleman in this picture is Lawrence James. He's currently under investigation by the SEC for running a Ponzi scheme. One of his larger clients hired my firm in the hopes of pressing a lawsuit before he's indicted by a grand jury so that they could reap a larger percentage of any found monies. We in turn hired someone to follow him so that we could learn who his associates are and follow the money from there."
I do not like where this is going.
"He's met with this woman three times over the last two weeks, each meeting is private and held in different non-descript locations. You know the drill, we investigate anyone he meets with to learn the relationship, the implications etcetera. I had her background check run once we found out her name and received the report this morning." He hands me a one page document listing the basics and his concern is glaring, right there in black and white.
Employer: Grey Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
"Now, I don't know for sure if she's laundering money for him using GEH as a cover but if she is, this could be an enormous legal and financial headache for you. I have to present this to the DA's office who will in turn hand it over to the SEC. I should have done it as soon as I made the connection but I wanted to give you a few days to get your people ready. I can hold off until Tuesday morning but that's it."
Fuck! This is bad. Even if she has nothing to do with the scheme, the implications that somehow GEH is connected to this could destroy my company.
"Dad, as an attorney, what do you think I should do?"
"Put her on paid leave first thing Monday morning and then hire an outside firm to audit any and every account she ever worked on from day one. Have an investigative firm look into any interoffice relationships she had and have those accountants audited if necessary. The second something comes up unclean, you call me and the rest of your legal counsel. You'll survive this but only if you have outside firms handle it."
"I'll also get PR started in on the potential fallout. Fuck, this is so not what I want to deal with right now."
"I know and I'm sorry but I needed to give you as much time as I could so that you could prepare. It could take weeks for the DA's office to even begin an investigation into her or they could demand a search and seizure of anything she's worked on. We may get lucky and find out she's not involved at all too."
"What's the likelihood of that?"
"Slim to none." We're both tugging at our hair but I'm pacing the room while he stands still, his head the only thing moving as he follows me from one end to the other. I hear the stopper from the Waterford crystal decanter on one of my rounds before he steps in front of me with his arm extended.
"Here, drink this, calm your nerves and go find that beautiful girlfriend of yours. I just wanted to make you aware of this bullshit so that you could get a head start on it and put the necessary safeguards in place. I'm sorry it had to be tonight but like I said, this is time sensitive."
I shoot back the brandy enjoying the slow burn on the back of my throat before escorting him to the elevator. He sticks his hand out and I shake it, hugging my mom is one thing, hugging my dad is an entirely different beast.
"Thank you, dad. I appreciate you coming to me and I really appreciate your help. I'll call you tomorrow once I speak with my team."
"Happy Birthday, son. You have a good night." He winks and I roll my eyes but the second the door closes I run to my bedroom, hoping that Ana is waiting for me there but it's empty, the bed is turned down like Gail does every night and I stand in front of Ana's door listening to the water run in the bathroom.
"Damn."
I'll give her a few minutes before I knock because I'm not sleeping alone tonight. I lean against the wall opposite her door and tug at my hair for a few minutes before I head to my room. I'll deal with Agnes Perkins tomorrow. Tonight I've got one thing on my mind and it isn't business.
Tu sei un colossale buco del culo e mi vuole a bussare fuori proprio adesso. Potrei dormire con lui ora solo per parlarvene. Non mi interessa nemmeno se fa male! Spero che lo fa!-translates to "You are a colossal asshole and I want to knock you out right now. I should sleep with him now just to tell you about it. I do not even care if it hurts! I hope it does!" in Italian
Che deve uccidere, signor Sono il re del mondo e di ciò che dico va. Ebbene ecco una notizia per voi, voi non parlate di me come quella mai più!-translates to "That must kill you, Mr. 'I'm the king of the world and what I say goes.' Well here's some news for you, you will not speak to me like that ever again!" in Italian
Impetravi-translates to 'got it' in Latin