APOV
For the first time since meeting with Lillian I'm not required to wear a wire. Welch and Taylor will join us at the secluded table in the back of the coffee shop since there's nothing undercover about our meetings anymore. It doesn't surprise me in the least when Christian informs me that over the course of the day on Sunday, while we were getting reacquainted, the two men and Rachel had worked out a plan with Lillian. It seemed a bit rushed to me but when he told me that they expected Elena's arrest on the identity theft and tax evasion this week, I understood not only the speed but the intensity.
I was thrilled, over the top tickled when Taylor informed Christian on the drive over here that Elena Lincoln had paid a $20k retainer fee to one of the top attorney's in the state on Friday. She knows what's coming and therefore has to be stressed out by it. The idea of her squirming, of her waiting for this all to happen makes me so happy my teeth hurt. I never thought I was a spiteful person but it turns out, I really am. At least when it comes down to this particular vile human being.
At this point, the meeting is more of a courtesy than anything and while nobody sees the need to have me involved at this point, I refuse to drop out and leave Lillian high and dry.
Christian bucked against the idea of me being here this morning but when I reminded him that Lillian had been used as well and to make her feel that again would be not only foolish but cruel, he relented. And since I'm privy to information that nobody knows, I've convinced him to let me meet with Wendy as well. I'm sure Taylor and most likely Welch has put the pieces together as to the nature of Elena and Christian's early relationship but only I have all of the facts and if Wendy hesitates, I'll at least be able to offer her a real incentive. Help us catch a pedophile.
When I arrive she and Rachel are seated, both casual in jeans and tank tops. I don't know what I was expecting, I guess a bad ass touch chick in leather but Wendy is just about the furthest thing from what I anticipated. When she stands to greet me she's eye level with me and probably only about five pounds heavier. Her hair is long and pin straight, almost blue it's so black. Where I thought I'd find a hard edge I don't. Instead her features are dainty, ultra feminine even.
"I've ordered you a coffee, Ana," Rachel says softly, pushing a mug towards me with a smile. I can't imagine what these two women have seen and dealt with together over the last few years. Their bond shows strong though and even though I don't see them exchange more than a few words, it's evident that there is a deep respect and love for one another.
Lillian joins us a few minutes later, shaking hands with both women nervously before ordering a tea. Welch is the first to speak, directing his attention to Wendy and laying out exactly what we're asking of her to do while also acknowledging the risks she'd be taking. Her eyes flit from me to Welch, back to me and then to Lillian. Once the groundwork is laid Rachel excuses herself and leaves, squeezing my shoulder on her way out. She had made it clear that after the introductions were made she was out of the picture entirely.
At the table there is a tense silence while Wendy mentally sorts out the pieces, asking questions here and there to fill in the blanks so that she can formulate a complete picture.
"The hard drive, the paperwork, what exactly is on it?" Welch clears his throat, crossing his hands over his bent knee.
"Sexual information on Christian Grey that while not illegal could still damage his reputation and more importantly, his peace of mind." Her eyes fixate on his, her lids lowering as if to study his answer.
"And the video's?"
"The acting out of the information." He shifts uncomfortably. "We aren't even sure if there are video tapes or disks but we need you to at least look for them."
"And if there are many and none are labeled?"
"Take them all. We'll destroy them after ensuring that there is no illegal activity she can be prosecuted for on them." Wendy gives him a look of incredulity.
"You realize that if you steal evidence, that evidence can't be used in a court of law to prosecute don't you?" Welch smiles and shrugs.
"It would be sent anonymously to the authorities. I'm confident that they would be able to go from there and construct a case." She purses her lips and puffs out a bit of air, almost mocking his simplistic plan. Lillian reacts to the exchange by interrupting and pulling the focus back on to today's meeting, something myself and Taylor are grateful for.
"Elena has agreed to meet with you at noon today. I'm sorry to say she's in a less than agreeable mood but right now she's desperate for the cash so while it wasn't easy to ask her, it was very easy to convince her. Once I introduce you you'll hand her the five thousand in cash and she'll count it right there in front of you and then, according to my friend, she'll put it in the safe."
"What kind of safe is it?" And there it is, the hard edge I expected from her. This chick means business. Her words are curt, to the point and rough. She's got a job to do and she's going to kick ass doing it.
"I have no idea." Wendy leans back and looks at Welch.
"I can't get into a safe I have no information on. I at least need to know what kind it is so that I can read up and practice."
"Well," Lillian interrupts, "you'll be there today and again on Wednesday so long as you can get your medicals completed by then. When I spoke to her she mentioned having a few men who were on a wait list for a high tolerance submissive so the sooner she can satisfy them, the sooner she'll get paid by them."
"What about the backstory? How we met, what I supposedly like and don't like? Did you memorize what you were given?" Lillian nods.
"Yes. I'm not going to do much talking though. I will give you a bit of advice. Elena likes her submissives quiet and meek. If you talk too much or you ask too many questions, she'll cut you lose. She didn't make her money by letting just anyone in and in this lifestyle, reputation equals money for her. You have to play the part well."
Wendy scoffs and levels her gaze. "I know how to play a sexual woman. I know all about submissives and BDSM. This is my job and I'm fucking amazing at it. Don't you worry. Just get us in." Taylor remains impassive but I sense the straightening of his shoulders. He's pleased.
"I'm not worried about getting caught, I'm too good for that. My concern is that I find something about kids or trafficking in that safe. I swear to Christ I'll go straight to the Feds as an anonymous tipster myself. I'm not fucking around with that for even three seconds."
"We understand. So long as we get the information we're looking for, we will allow you to do anything else you deem necessary." Satisfied she finishes her coffee and stands, stretching her back before slipping on her sunglasses and pointing at Lillian.
"11:30. Meet me here." And then she's gone, Welch following directly behind her. Taylor rises to give us a bit of privacy as I requested, disappearing into the main room of the coffee house. Lillian relaxes across from me, a rush of air leaving her in the form of a laugh.
"Damn that was intense." She flexes her hands in front of her and grimaces. "I'm sweating. Actually sweating. I can't imagine what it's going to be like to be in the same room with that Wendy chick and Elena at the same time."
"Speaking of Elena," I begin, the real reason I wanted her alone right now, "did you tell her about mine and Christian's engagement? Or did she read about it before you had the chance?"
She laughs and tosses her hair back, carefree and a bit diabolical.
"Oh I told her alright. Classic Elena response too. She didn't ask about you or him at first but instead went on about a new business venture she was looking at so I waited until she took a break and as casually as I could threw out that I had given you the necklace finally." At this she cringes and looks down. I had forgotten about that stupid choker.
"Her face lit up and she walked to me with this snarl looking smile and asked how you reacted. So I lied my ass of and told her that you opened it, rolled your eyes and then dropped the flash drive in your coffee before dumping it in the garbage can." She gets excited, sitting up straight, her hands waiving in the air. "At that her face fell, obviously she wanted you to see whatever was on that thing but we're talking about Elena so it took less than two seconds for her to act like it was no big deal. She wanted to know if you threw away the choker too and I said yes and that you said you didn't need a collar around you neck since you had one around your finger."
Inwardly I cringe at the reference to my engagement ring being associated with Christian's old life but I guess it was worth it because Lillian leans back and smiles as big as I've ever seen. "That caught her totally off guard because she stood perfectly still and said in a very low voice, 'What do you mean around her finger? As in a ring?'"
"So I say, very slowly so she can absorb it all, 'an engagement ring. A big one too. I guess they're getting married soon too because she was talking about how much planning they had to do and how romantic he had been and blah blah blah." She stops and cocks her head to the side. "I hope you don't mind that I elaborated a bit, I just really wanted to fuck with her."
"Oh, I don't mind. What else?" If it wasn't so immature I'd be bouncing in my seat right now like a child on Christmas morning.
"She just stood there gaping and staring off into space, didn't even bother to shut her mouth for a good minute. Then, well then she got pissed, started hissing about how stupid he was, what a skank you are, how you're only after his money, how you must be pregnant and isn't that obvious that you trapped him, how his parents are putting him up to this yadda yadda yadda. It was like watching a hamster on a wheel, her mind was going crazy but she was getting nowhere with it."
"So she was upset?" I laugh wanting to hear it all again and again and again. I win, Elena. You lose. He wouldn't commit to lunch with you but for me he's committed his entire life.
"Upset? Livid is more like it. She basically pumped me for more information and when I didn't have anything else she dismissed me like a child. When I left she was sitting at her desk staring off into space."
Just then I feel him, the electric pull that is always between us racing over my entire body. He's standing to the side just inside the curtain but his scent permeates the entire space.
"Lillian," Christian says softly, almost hesitantly. She blinks and looks at me, surprised and a bit caught off guard. When she turns he offers her a small smile and a handshake. "I wanted to say thank you. For being so good to Ana, for agreeing to help me, for putting yourself out there on my behalf. It's unfortunate that you were drawn into this but I'm grateful for your assistance nonetheless."
She's momentarily stunned silent as am I. Just seeing the two of them in the same space makes my stomach feel heavy and sick. They've had sex with each other. Numerous times in ways I'll never be able to replicate. For a moment I wallow in self doubt and jealousy but then I look at his face, carefully studying what I see there. He regards her the same way he regards Missy or Kate or Rachel. Nowhere is the reverence or the light I see when he looks at me. Nowhere is there the tell tale signs of a man in love or even in lust. Instead he appears as a business man, not entirely cold but not warm either. They have a history and on some level share a respect towards each other but there is no affection, no longing, no lingering desire.
"I'm just relieved that you aren't upset with me. I've…I've wanted to apologize for getting caught up in her lies and for the website. I would never have done any of it had I known you were against it. None of us would, Si…err, Mr. Grey."
"I know that now. Your NDA's are still in place and I would appreciate it if you passed along to the others that I won't press charges for the site but anything past it holds the same consequences."
"I will. And again, I am sorry." He lets her hand go and waves her apology off.
"I'm sorry you were put in this position." He glances at Taylor who steps up and hands her an envelope which she mindlessly shoves into her purse, turning to me as if she knows this is it for her and I. She is keenly aware of a Christian Grey dismissal.
"Thank you," I say, reaching out to touch her arm gently.
"I didn't do much of anything, I just set up a meeting."
"You did a lot more than that, trust me. I think you're one hell of a woman and I'll forever be grateful to you." When she reaches to hug me I let her, the awkwardness of hugging my fiancé's ex in front of him too much to bear for either of us. It pains him. He extends his hand to me and nods once.
"Anastasia," he says gently. His large hand engulfs mine, both of us smiling at her once more before I offer her a quick wave which she returns quickly. His hand goes to my lower back as he guides me through the back room and into the alley where the SUV is waiting. Inside the car Sawyer turns and waits for Christian to give him instructions, a terse, "Go ahead." Sawyer hits a button on his phone and hits the privacy screen.
"What was that about?" I ask, more out of curiosity than anything else. Christian is deep in thought staring out the window as we wait for Taylor to start driving.
"Elena basically stole $40k from her. Sawyer just executed a transfer for that amount into her bank account." He says it like it's no big deal at all.
"What was in the envelope then?"
"The deed to her house. I paid off the mortgage last week and had the paperwork expedited so she could have it in hand today."
"Does she know you did that?" He shrugs, his eyes never leaving the window.
"I doubt it."
"Wow, baby. That was really generous of you." He looks at me, confusion marring his beautiful face but I get it. The money, the house payment, it all appears as if she's being paid for her help with all of this but that's not at all how Christian sees it. To him, that money is his way of apologizing for his involvement in the wrongs that were done to her and the house was his way of communicating to her that she is held in high esteem to him. In some way, this is Christian's way of showing empathy.
"It was the least I could do considering she gave us almost all of the information on the inner workings of Elena's side business. That and she was duped just as I was." One hand cups my jaw, his thumb running over my mouth to pull my bottom lip from between my teeth. "You've come a long way, baby. I never thought I'd see the day you'd be comfortable with the whole sub thing."
"That's because you've come a long way. It was hard for me to imagine you as that guy, the Dominant, detached, mean aggressor. You were always kind and gentle with me but to find that shit out and have absolutely no understanding of it, it took a lot of patience on your part to help me figure it all out." I don't tell him that I'm not exactly ok with the whole sub thing as he puts it but I just don't see the point in having that conversation again. The past is the past, no amount of revisiting it is going to change anything. I can only accept him for where he's at now.
"It's still a lot to take on," he murmurs, almost reverentially while his thumb continues to rub my bottom lip. "I didn't like you touching Lillian." I snort.
"You don't like me touching anyone." He smiles and shifts, sitting forward, his demeanor changing in an instant back to the untroubled man I've come to know.
"Truer words were never spoken." His hand grips my thigh and pulls me towards him, "Mine," he says gruffly before cupping my sex and kissing me harshly on the mouth. "Speaking of touching, has that douche Paul Clayton called you?"
"Like you don't know," I smirk. His hand is still pressing between my legs, the heady sensation of being so vulnerable to him overcoming my senses. How is it that I'm so weak to his advances? Against my mouth he answers.
"I don't. Nobody's told me anything about his calls." I'm shocked enough that my libido takes a backseat to my pride in his ability to give me my privacy. But then he sits up and adjusts his hard on before opening the door to the car and my libido returns full blast. Must have sex with him soon.
"Ana? Has he called?" Behind his calm question is a tension that I've inadvertently caused by my quiet lusting.
"Nope, no calls. He must have heard about our engagement and that was that. I told you he wasn't a bad guy, just a bit clueless." Christian snorts and pulls me out to press a quick kiss to my cheek.
"Right. Clueless." Behind us are a small group of people taking pictures and yelling out questions. They seem to be everywhere we go but I've begun to notice them less and less. Today however I stop, entertaining the idea of answering a question since Christian was cool about it last night but he pulls my arm to his side and ushers me in with a quick hidden slap to my butt.
"But…he was just asking about my dress from last night." He rounds on me, kissing my nose before pulling out a cart and tossing two large watermelons in it. Outside of the bedroom, Christian in the grocery store has become my favorite place to be with him.
"Ana, never answer their questions. They are pariah's. You answer one question, they'll come back at you with ten more."
"Then why did you let me talk to that reporter last night? You all but encouraged her." He picks up a pint of blueberries and answers me absentmindedly while he reads the label on a bag of prewashed salad.
"It was a favor."
"A favor? For what? For whom?"
"Don't worry about it. I owed someone a favor, now I don't."
"Christian, just tell me!"
"God, Ana, it's not even important. I promised a red carpet interview to whichever news outlet didn't drag your name through the mud or report on the Hyde trial." My feet are glued to the linoleum beneath me.
"Is that why they stopped calling me a gold digger and an opportunist?" He laughs and pulls me against his hard chest, looking down at my cleavage with appreciation.
"No, they stopped doing that because as jealous as all those fuckers are, even they can see you're the real deal. But I do think it helped lessen the Hyde coverage." My god if that was lessened, I'd hate to see what the norm would have been.
"So is that how it works? Media manipulation?"
"Pretty much," he answers, smacking me again on my butt.
"Then why didn't you let me answer that I asked you to marry me?" He rolls his eyes and pushes the cart to the next aisle.
"Because if the public found out that you asked me, they would jump all over it and make the assumption that you did that so that you could get to my money. It's already headline news that we won't have a pre-nup so to give them anymore room to paint you as a gold digger is foolish especially when that story line has run its course."
He continues to walk but I'm frozen in my spot. Pre-nup? Of course he'd be expected to have a pre-nup, how could I not have thought about it?
"Wait. You don't want a pre-nuptual agreement?" I whisper loudly which is entirely unnecessary since Prescott has all but cleared out the entire store for us.
Without looking or turning around he says, "Nope. Don't need it. You leave you can take everything because nothing would matter anyway." Then he turns, his face softening when he sees the emotion on mine. "Plus we'll never be apart so what's the point?"
"I…I hadn't even thought about it." I blink like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming truck. "I mean, I guess I should sign something, right? I mean, all I'm bringing is my income from Steele Translations and a few books."
He laughs and pulls me to him, one arm draped protectively across my shoulders. "Ana, I've already made it clear to everyone that it's a non-issue. There is no way I'm even entertaining the thought." An icy finger runs down my spine.
"Everyone? Who's everyone?" His cheeks puff up while he feigns interest in a bag of organic cookies, something I know he's not the least bit interested in. "Christian? Who asked you about a pre-nup?"
"My legal team, my broker, the media, Carrick."
"Your dad talked to you about it?" He turns and takes my face in his hands.
"Ana, he's an attorney. It's what he does, he can't help himself."
"But…but…does that mean he doesn't like me? Or trust me?" I sputter, the question petty and childish but I don't care I'm so hurt by the thought of him thinking he'd need to protect Christian from me.
"No! It has nothing to do with that," he counters. Frankly, being called a gold-digger and an opportunist for three months has taken its toll on me. As hard as I try not to be, I'm hyper aware of every cent spent on me from the ring to the coffee this morning. I've never had money so I've never really thought about it. Truth be told, I'm uncomfortable with it. From what I can see, it buys nice things but it makes your world a lot more complicated.
"Then why bring it up? Does he think we aren't going to make it? And how does the press know we won't have a pre-nup yet I've heard nothing about it?"
"He casually mentioned it last night, I told him it wasn't an option, he said ok. End of story. He loves you. My mom loves you. My siblings love you. As to the press, they were given a statement from my PR team the same day as the engagement announcement. You just don't know it because you avoid that shit like the plague."
"But," I start but he presses a finger to my lips.
"I'll probably never say this to you again in our lifetime but Ana, stop talking. The only person making it an issue is you. Here's the truth. We have an enormous amount of money. More than we could ever spend. I worked hard for it. When we get married, it's ours. Not mine, not yours, ours. My family, Carrick included, thinks you hang the moon. Now, what else did you tell my mom we were bringing besides fruit salad?"
Silently we gather the odds and ends for our day, both of us ignoring the strained silence from me. I don't know what to make of all of this. A pre-nup is one thing, his father asking about it is another entirely. Money. Like I said, it carries complications.
"Sir." Outside the car Taylor waits with his tablet out, handing it to Christian before shutting the door to the Audi and getting behind the wheel. I'm already nervous; the tone of Taylor's voice indicates that whatever he found is serious but the fact that he didn't wait to hear instructions from Christian means it's not considered a risk. So I'm surprised when Christian snickers and hands me the tablet a few minutes later with a wink.
In front of me is a full page article about the amazing salon opening gala for Franco's complete with stock photos of he and Christian shaking hands on the red carpet. The article itself goes on to list the many attributes of the salon and highlights the business partnership between the two men as one that was cultivated when Grey's investment in a different salon was terminated. Brilliantly the author hints at the rift between 'Grey's previous business partner' and the Grey family as a whole, citing the parting as 'necessary, timely and prudent'.
For an entire paragraph the article goes on to describe how Seattle's elite stylists and artists are all flocking to Franco's since his clientele caters only to the upper echelon of society. The message is clear. Esclava is not the place to be anymore.
I hand it back to him and whistle, "Well, you got what you wanted. It's well written too, nothing overt but somehow it stomps on Esclava without even mentioning the name." He pauses, holding the tablet up to me.
"Did you see the reporter's name?" I squint to find it and gasp, covering my mouth with one hand to stifle the excited scream.
Katherine Kavanagh.
"She has to know, Ana. I doubt Elliot told her and I know you didn't but she has to know if she's willing to write something like this." My chest swells with pride, affection, anxiety, joy. He watches me, imploring me to provide him with information as to what Kate knows.
"She doesn't know details, just that whatever is bothering Elliot and Mia has to do with Elena. Holy shit, Kate." He reads it again, the smile growing a bit bigger.
"Kate Kavanagh. Now that's an angle I didn't think to use but damn is it a good one. I should put her on the payroll for GEH. Who knew?"
At the Grey's Mia clucks and fusses with making sure the food is loaded onto the boat while Ethan and Elliot ready the yacht for departure. Christian runs up to his room to change into board shorts and flip flops which leaves me alone in the kitchen with Grace and Carrick.
At first I try to act like nothing is bothering me and by all appearances, nothing seems to be on their minds either but I can't help but wonder if Carrick is just pretending to be nice to me. His interactions with me have always been sweet and pleasant, today being no different. Maybe I am blowing this out of proportion.
When the front door opens Christian comes down the stairs and steers Kate into the living room, speaking to her in hushed tones for about two minutes. When they emerge she grins at me and hugs me, whispering a quick, "I couldn't help myself," before reaching for Grace.
Clearly they've seen the article as well because both parents hug her as if she were an angel and I swear I see Grace give her a little high five before she links her arm with Kate's to walk to the dock.
"Dad," Christian starts, clearing his throat. Carrick turns, beer in hand, waiting. "I mentioned to Anastasia that you suggested a pre-nup and I fear she's a bit hurt by it." I am going to kill him. Slowly and painfully.
"Old habit dear, can't take the attorney hat off for too long." He reaches for the door and stops, turning to assess me as I stand there with my mouth open still contemplating ways in which to murder my fiancé. "I don't actually feel there's a need for one mind you but they are pretty standard in my profession."
"I would never take his money," I murmur, so painfully uncomfortable that I would rather be getting a root canal right now. Fire. I will light him on fire. No! Suffocation. A pillow over his face while he sleeps.
"I know that, and I also know there won't be a need for the agreement and that's why I don't feel as if it's a topic that needs to be discussed any further." He winks and walks out, stopping to yell back, "Get me another beer from the basement, Christian, one of those craft ones from Portland!"
I turn on my heel, fire shooting out of my eyes and stomp over to him. At first he seems amused, almost entranced by my anger but then he notices my clenched fists, my wide eyes, the steam floating from my ears. I am pissed.
"I knew you were worried and I wanted to put the issue to bed. I told you that"
"Do not EVER do that to me again. I could have handled that on my own instead of you embarrassing me like that. What in god's name made you think that was the way to handle that? I almost died!" He laughs, fucking laughs and pulls me in for a hug.
"I'm going to be your husband, it's my job to right the wrongs done to you and also to make sure you're happy. Finding out what my father said made you unhappy, you refused to listen to reason so I corrected the problem." Shooting. I'm sure Taylor leaves his weapon laying around sometimes.
"You're an idiot," I spit out, pushing against his chest with the heel of my hand. "That was so not the way to make me happy." He just keeps on smiling and laughing, somehow pleased with my reaction which just infuriates me even more.
"You're being dramatic. But damn you are hot as hell when you're pissed. I should piss you off more often."
"No, you shouldn't because in the last two minutes I've killed you half a dozen ways already. You better hope I don't toss you overboard today, Grey." I stop, one finger straight up in the air as if I had a brilliant thought. "Actually, you're safe until we're married. Then I'll throw you overboard. You know, since we won't have a pre-nup and all that shit."
His laughter rings loud enough so that I hear it even after I've shut the door and am halfway to the yacht, cheeks burning with embarrassment and rage.
If I had any reservations about spending the day around Carrick they were quickly displaced shortly after we left the dock. Instead of dwelling on the issue he acted as if it had never happened which left me with one real option. Believe that it was just business and not an indication of how he feels about me and move on. Since I'm avoiding Christian until I've cooled off and he somehow winds up everywhere I do, I find myself hiding at the wheel with Carrick.
"You've done this before," he says, standing next to me as I steer the huge yacht into the Sound slowly. Below us everyone else is already lounging on the deck with a drink in their hand. I'm not sure where Christian and Taylor are but one quick glance at the clock tells me they're probably speaking with Welch.
Right about now Wendy and Lillian are getting to Esclava for Wendy's first 'interview'. Inside the butterflies spread their wings and flutter about, the anger I felt just a moment ago fading into anxiety for the man I love. As hard as this is on me, this is far harder on him. When he appears on deck, aviators pushed to the top of his head as he looks around for me, I lean over the rail and wave. He relaxes instantly, a slow, sincere smile spreading across his face as he motions for me to come down.
So I join in the fun and drink mojito's and maitai's made fresh by the onboard staff and laugh along with everyone else as Elliot does his best impression of the latest Hangover movie. Taylor is with us but is up top to give us privacy and other than the waiter and the chef, it's just the Grey's and soon to be Grey's on board. Not for the first time I notice Ethan give Mia a look of pure adoration and wonder how long he'll wait to ask her to marry him.
As if he can read my mind Christian reclines next to me on the tiki lounge chair and grumbles, "Guess I better get used to that guy being around." His finger lazily slides up my thigh, hooking under the band on my hip and then snapping it back into place. "You look damn good in this bikini baby. You've got about an hour and then I'm taking you downstairs."
"You are not, your parents are here. Your brother and sister are here. My friends are here. Behave," I chide, refusing to look at him because if I do, I'll drag him down there myself. The man can wear a pair of board shorts and Aviators like nobody I've ever seen before. And despite the fact that I've seen his naked body more times than I can count now, the sight of him pulling that t-shirt over his head had me panting.
"One hour, Ana." And then he gets up, dumps his drink overboard and walks to Taylor. Before I can react Kate sits down and wiggles her toes, arms thrown up above her head to 'tan her pits' as she so eloquently puts it.
"Nice article," I whisper after making sure nobody is listening. She smiles.
"I'd like to see that bitch take on the Grey's and the Kavanagh's. I may not have a dog in this fight but I will tear the face off anybody who hurts my Elliot. Old blonde she-males included."
"What did Christian say to you in the living room?"
"He wanted to make sure that I understood that the issue wasn't about Elliot, that I didn't need to worry that something had happened to him. I didn't go to journalism school for four years to not be able to figure that out though. I told him I knew that but it was affecting him so I felt the need to do something and since I didn't have all of the information, and wouldn't be asking for it," at this she raises her sunglasses and levels with me, "that I did what I could."
"He was a bit surprised at my boldness, something tells me he's not used to women, or anyone for that matter, speaking to him so bluntly. But that's me, take it or leave it you know. Anyway, he thanked me again, asked if I'd consider working for him outside of the PR job he wants me to take on with Feed the Nations and then told me you were in the kitchen."
"Kate," she looks at me, sensing the seriousness of my voice, "thank you. You absolutely suck at boundaries, you overstep your position with me regularly and you drive me to the brink of insanity with your constant need for information. But you're a good friend and I love you for it."
"Am I your maid of honor then?" And we laugh at the obvious topic change. Kate has never been able to be emotional with someone for longer than three seconds. "I'm just kidding, I think it's great that you guys are doing your own thing like Missy did. So long as I can sit in the front row."
"Absolutely, where else would my best friend sit."
"Those two are such idiots," she mumbles, turning her attention to Elliot and her brother who are competing to see who can flip the most times in the air before hitting the water. They may be idiots but they're good looking idiots. "Damn," she whispers when Elliot climbs back in and slicks his blond curls back, "he's got one hour and I'm taking his ass downstairs. God the things that man makes me want to do are wicked!"
CPOV
"Damn bro, that hot little number is going to be your wife. Wife. W.I.F.E. Eternity." If it had been anyone else I'd have laid them out already just for the subtle reference to Ana's delectable body in that mint green bikini. But since it's Elliot and it's become his personal mission to piss me off and get under my skin, I let it roll off.
"Yup. And that," I indicate with a point of my finger just as Kate picks her teeth, "is going to be yours."
Elliot smiles, tips his beer bottle to his lips and says softly, "Damn right she is. I'm taking her down below in 30 minutes. Plan accordingly."
Damn, I was planning on doing the same. "You've got 20 minutes once you get down there." He laughs and slaps my shoulder.
"Plenty of time!"
Just then we both notice two people who aren't on deck. Mia and Ethan. Our heads swing around and then we catch each other's eye, an "oh hell no," bellowing from Elliot before we head to the galley steps as loudly and quickly as our feet will take us. When we find nobody below we automatically look up and see them standing on the upper deck with our dad.
Elliot can screw anyone and everyone he likes. He can start screwing guys for all I care. But if Mia thinks she's going to start sleeping with Ethan Kavanagh while her older brothers are 20 feet away, she's out of her mind. Before I can get all riled up about it Taylor calls for me from where he's stationed on the fly bridge. Elliot gives me a curious look but slaps my shoulder and turns.
"I'll keep my eye on Ethan." Up on the fly bridge Taylor hands me his phone.
"They're inside." On the screen I flip through stills of Wendy and Lillian walking into the front of Esclava. They're both dressed the same as they were this morning but Wendy has put on a bit of makeup to soften her look and instead of the shit kicking black boots she had on, she's now wearing red stiletto heels.
"How long have they been in there?"
"About three minutes. I've got Dottie inside as a customer and according to her they were both ushered into the back by that woman Pamela about a minute ago." He looks amped up, almost jittery which is new for him.
"Do we have any idea how long this meeting is supposed to run?"
"According to Lillian the interview takes about 20 minutes, then the cash is exchanged and then the list of requirements is handed out."
"Has Elena seen the article Kavanagh wrote yet?" He looks at me as if to say, 'how the fuck should I know' and shrugs. "So we wait."
"We wait. Enjoy yourself, Sir, I'll alert you to anything as soon as it happens."
Ana and Kate are lounging together, whispering and giggling like women do for some reason while Elliot and Ethan show off. My mom busies herself with a magazine, looking for the perfect dress to wear to our wedding, occasionally showing Ana something she likes to get her take on it.
Last Labor Day I had refused to go on the boat for the day, instead opting to stay home alone and work from my office. I didn't have a sub and both Taylor and Gail had been given the day off so when I heard the elevator alert and the alarm get turned off I briefly panicked but then Mia had burst through the doors in an electric pink bathing suit and micro jean shorts that pissed me off. After a full five minutes of her begging and me telling her no she threatened to walk down the sidewalk, all the way to Pike Place in what she had on. I relented and drove us here, half pissed, half amused that she had learned the power of negotiation so effectively.
The day was spent watching Elliot with his then girl toy; some bimbo with blond hair who did everything she could to get my attention, and getting drunk while Mia and Lilli cackled and tried to sneak wine coolers. I was rude and withdrawn but that didn't stop Lilli from trying to sit next to me or talk to me the entire time. When we finally docked six hours later I was so keyed up I drove straight from my parents to the club where I'd honed my BDSM skills.
And six years ago I could have done that. I could have just walked in and picked a girl, set up a scene and followed through with it. Now, everyone knows who I am. I walk in a club like that, filled with at least 50 people, there is no way my name stays out of the paper the next morning. So instead I went home, ran a punishing nine miles and killed a bottle of 1959 Glenlivet.
At the time I had thought nothing of it. I called Elena in the morning, had a sub by Friday and was back on track with my day to day. Reflecting back on just one year ago, I'm dumbfounded by the change not only in my life but in myself.
Last year the day was acceptable as the norm. My behavior, the anger and the sullen isolation was the norm. Now I find it repugnant, sad, unbelievable even. I thought I had it all; money, power, influence. I thought that was all life had to offer, to conquer.
And now I stand here, leaning against the very same rail that I stood at last year and watch my family, happier than they've ever been even though they know my truth. Despite the difficulties of the last few months and the lingering pain my abuse has left behind, there is a joy and a lightness that I either didn't notice or wasn't there before.
And there in the middle of it all is a woman in a sexy as fuck bikini with a peach Bellini in her hand. Her hair is in a messy knot, her face devoid of makeup, her body relaxed and prostrate on the teak lounge chair. In love. I, Christian Grey, am in love and getting married. And despite her reservations, I have every intention of having her pregnant right away and then, then I'll have it all.
"Come on you chicken shit, get your ass in here!"
Ana shakes her head vigorously, screeching when Ethan reaches for her as she runs towards me. I'm happy to wrap my arms around her hot little body but when he continues to lunge for her I shoot him a warning glare that elicits an eye roll. Mia runs past and jumps in the water, my father laughing so hard he snorts.
"Let's go downstairs, baby," I whisper into her ear.
"No." With a bit of pressure I force her closer, her skin hot from the sun, her scent that of coconuts and pineapples.
"No isn't really an option." My dick swells with anticipation.
"Oh really?" I push my obvious need against the small of her back, my tongue reaching out to lick that spot behind her ear that I know will make her more…agreeable to what I want.
"Really." And like a schmuck I manipulate her in, tossing her a line I know will have her following me downstairs for a quickie. "I've never fucked on this boat before." I pull on the back of her bandeau top, the result a jiggle to breasts that makes me hard as granite. "Come on, baby, five minutes. Nobody will even notice we're gone."
"I'm still mad," she huffs, crossing her arms which only helps to lift those breasts up towards me.
"About what?"
"About what?" She tries to turn but I hold her tight, needing to feel her against me. What in the world is she mad about? "Christian, you are seriously asking why I'd still be a bit upset with you?" Uh...
"The conversation with my dad?"
"Bingo!"
"Ana, let it go."
"I will let it go but I need you to understand why that upset me."
"Can it wait five minutes?" I give her no time to think though and reach around to cup her mound. I want her. Now.
"Five minutes," she squeaks. "But I'm still…but what if someone…" my fingers rub lightly up and down, pressing the fabric gently between her lips, "comes down…what…oh god you're good…we…it's rude."
"Rude?" I snort, applying a light tap to the motion between her legs. My mouth softly suckles that spot, the answering wetness urging me forward.
"Mmmhmm, rude...the chef made snapper and…oh christ…it's my favorite with lemon…and…ok, five minutes."
The blankets on the bed in the guest stateroom are disheveled, images of Elliot's naked ass on them forcing an immediate change of plans. Within seconds her legs are wrapped around my hips, that feminine heat calling to my cock. Bracing her against the wall I hook my finger in between her breasts and yank the top down to expose creamy flesh outlined with the faintest hint of a tan.
"Christian, hurry please, I want it," she whimpers as she grinds her hips, her feet hooked behind my back, her hands wrapped around my neck. I like her like this, needy for me, desperate for me.
"What is it that you want, Anastasia?"
"You." I roll against her, that damp heat promising a remedy to the ache between my legs.
"You've got me." I roll again and her head falls back, a muffled moan floating over my skin.
"Inside me," she gasps when I bend her backwards and suck on her nipples hard, the pink points hardening against my tongue.
"What do you want inside you?" When she doesn't answer I pull the fabric aside and press my thumb to her clit, the gentle pressure causing her to temporarily lose her mind.
"Your cock, please, give it to me." A drop of precum slides down my shaft.
"Always come to me, Anastasia. Whenever you need pleasure, always come to me."
"Yes! OK, I will, please...just...fuck me, Christian." Oh hell yes.
"We aim to please, baby." I thrust as deeply as I can seat myself, covering her mouth with my own before she gives away our secret. "Shhhhhit," I hiss, her wet heat squeezing me. "God damn you are so tight…shit!"
I'm going to come. One minute in and I'm going to come. In my head I begin to recite the starting line up of the Mariners. It takes me 30 seconds and I'm right back to my embarrassing lack of control. So I recite the starting offence of the Sea Hawks. Which starts with that fucker quarterback Matt Ryan. She doesn't know what fuels the brutal pummeling but she likes it, her body responding with a flood of wet sweetness along with the clenching of her pussy.
Against my chest her breasts bounce, the flesh so inviting I have to bite my own lip to keep from biting hers. I'm too close, too out of control and filled with need at this moment. When I pull the material of her bikini bottoms up tight to press against her clit she shudders, her fingers pulling my hair so harshly it hurts.
Quiet as a church mouse she comes, her teeth biting her lip so hard I'm sure she'll draw blood and just as she comes down and I begin to build she wiggles free of my hands and drops down to her knees, pulling my cock into her mouth until I hit the back of her throat. While her mouth bobs up and down her hand jerks me off, the other hand scratching and fondling my balls.
"Oh fuck don't stop…don't stop…don't stop…fuuuuuck!" Hands braced against the wall I empty into her mouth, her head not slowing down for a second until I shiver and pull away from her, over stimulated and dazed. "Damn, baby," I pant, "you could kill a man with a finish like that."
Obviously proud of herself she stands, pulls up the top to her suit and wipes the corners of her mouth. "I didn't want you dripping out of me all day with everyone around." I laugh and pull her close, kissing her, my taste still on her tongue.
"Well, as much as I love you walking around with me inside of you all day, that was a very satisfying way to avoid it." Another shiver runs down my spine, the aftershocks of coming that hard just enhancing the experience.
Every sexual situation I'd ever been in before Ana had been choreographed from beginning to end. As a sub I had no say in the outcome but the 'dance' if you will, was structured and confined to the parameters that had been set up. As a Dom, I had control of the scene and I followed my plan from conception to completion with focus and accuracy.
So to have experiences that are not only spontaneous but are also unpredictable adds an entirely heightened sense of arousal for me that is completely unexpected. If a sub of mine had done what Ana just did I'd be furious, there would be hell to pay. But for her to do that, to stop me mid-fuck and drop to her knees because she felt like it, well that shit was just hot as hell.
On the way back up to the deck Taylor stops me, his quick nod to Ana causing her to blush as red as I've ever seen before.
"Lillian left about 15 minutes ago and waited in the car, Wendy exited about five minutes ago. Welch is with her now, if you're free we can conference in from the guest stateroom."
So back down I go to the same room I just had my fiancée up against the wall in. I ignore the lingering scent of her suntan lotion and avert my eyes from the spot on the floor she was just kneeling in and focus my attention to the phone Taylor's placed on the table.
"Welch, we're here."
"I'll let Wendy fill you in, I've gotten the run down already."
"Things happened exactly as Lillian stated they would. We were taken in the back by a woman, first name Pamela. We bypassed the two offices and proceeded down a hallway on the left of the building accessable only by one doorway which from outward appearances looks to be a closet. Down that hall way on the left is a small room, door closed. I imagine that's the training room we were told about. Second door, also on the left is the office used for whatever illegal activities she's got going on."
"Once inside we were offered a drink, we both refused and after a minute Ms. Lincoln appeared. She told me to stand without any other formalities or greetings, proceeded to circle around me twice, touched my breasts and then asked me my name. Once she was satisfied by my physical appearance I was told to sit, Lillian was dismissed and I was questioned about my prior experience, asked to list a reference number of a previous Dominant, required to list my hard and soft limits and then she asked for the $5k. Once in hand she counted it, put it back in the envelope and placed it in a TL30SG combo lock safe under the desk."
"Do you have experience with that particular style safe?" Taylor interrupts, asking the same question I wanted to.
"No, I do not. I don't have much experience with any safes, that's not my usual role. But that doesn't mean I can't get my hands on one today to start figuring it out. I have…an associate if you will, who has access to the tools I'll need to use to crack the combo."
"An associate? There was no discussion about you bringing in someone else, this is not at all acceptable!" My hands fly to my hair, the relaxation I experienced not ten minutes ago gone for good.
"I need help, I'm not a thief," she pauses and snickers, "well, not with heavy duty safes like this one but I know my limitations. You want this done, I need help with it. I haven't used names, I've not given any information at all yet. But I do need access to the same style safe, I do need the tools to get in, and I need it today. You got a better idea?"
If I could, I'd reach through the phone and spank her for her insolence. But as it is, I'm not there and she's doing me a huge favor. Granted there's a very big payday at the end for her but still, this is dangerous to her career. So I bite my tongue and walk to the window to stare at the ocean.
"My ass on the line gentlemen so we operate by my rules. I promised you secrecy and discresion, I meant it. But if I can't do something, I can't do it. I need help."
"Fine," I bark, frustrated and pissed off.
"How long do you need?" Welch sounds like he always does, cool and calm and thank fuck for that because if I were in charge right now, I'd be tearing that office apart. Just knowing the shit that's sitting in that hidden office is about me has me ready to climb the walls.
"If I can start tonight and have tomorrow to continue practicing, I can be ready by Wednesday. I'll need to get a doctored clean bill of health from a local physician along with bogus blood work. You can handle that?"
"Yes. I'll have it to you by end of business today."
"You said she required the reference of a Dominant. She will follow up on that."
"I expect her to. She'll reach my current partner who is also the associate I spoke about earlier. He works sex crimes with the Seattle PD, he'll know how to answer and what she's looking for. He also knows this is separate from his job, that it's not to ever be spoken about, and that if he does I'll serve his balls up on a platter with fried onions. Now if we're finished here, I need to get started."
"When is your next meeting with her?" At this she scoffs.
"Wednesday at two pm. I'll need to have the medical papers ready and as she put, have my ass ready. I'll need your assistance in working out some sort of distraction that night so that I have at least five minutes alone in that office."
"Done. I'll put together a plan of action and confer with you that morning." Welch continues to speak but after a minute we all realize that she's gone. Actually hung up on us gone. Now that's a first for me.
On deck Ana waits nervously for me to fill her in but the truth is, I don't want to. I don't want this to be a part of her life, or mine for that matter, anymore. But as much as I'd like to pretend this isn't happening I can't because she turns those pretty green eyes on me, leads me to a secluded lounge chair and sits me down.
"So?" She queries.
"She got in, got a look at the safe and is learning today how to get into it with the help of someone on the police force."
"Her boyfriend."
"She said something along those lines but I'm not,"
"It's her boyfriend. Rachel told us about him a few weeks ago. He works in the sex crimes unit, right?" I nod.
"What else did she say about him?" One dainty shoulder shrugs and reaches behind me to push the chair down flat, my body reclining along with it.
"Not much," she says, climbing on top of me so that her face rests in the crook of my neck, "just that he was a bit of a vigilante and a loner like Wendy." My mouth opens to ask more but then she wiggles her hips so that her legs are between mine, the soft flesh of her belly pressing against my groin.
"Ana…" I sing song to her, stroking the skin of her back.
"Hmm?"
"What are you doing?" One tiny hand lifts to my hair and runs through it slowly a few times before resting at the back of my neck.
"Napping."
"Napping? Here? On top of me?" Napping is most definitely not the answer I had been hoping for.
"Mmmhmm. I'm tired. You were quite amorous yesterday and last night. A girl can only take so much before she needs a nap."
I'm not exactly thrilled with her lying like this, her sweet ass slightly raised, her body screaming of sex on top of me. The chair is pretty secluded and facing out to sea but I'm not sold on her being so on display. But just as I'm about to tell her that she sighs, a soft, sweet, contented sigh that floats over my chest and straight to my heart.
"Well shit, are you asleep already?" Nothing. Not even a grunt. Gently I adjust myself and slide one hand under her bikini bottoms to grab onto that sweet flesh I love so much. "Definitely different than last year," is my last coherent thought as I drift away with her, content and happy to waste a perfectly good afternoon on a nap.
"Oh my god it will be epic! We'll leave Friday morning, you can take a day off of work, right? Of course you can you won the company! We'll fly down to Vegas and party until Sunday afternoon and fly back so you can just fall right into bed and sleep the weekend off."
What the hell is Mia talking about? I'm still half asleep but my chest is void of the weight that had been there only minutes before. Around me there are female voices, excited and frankly annoying.
"Mia, I'm so not going to Ve"
"Oh my god, don't even do this to me. Do not tell me that we can't throw you a bachelorette. I mean, if you knew what Elliot was planning for Christian you'd be all over Vegas." In the interest of gathering intel I remain quiet and still but inside I'm about ready to go nuclear. If anyone thinks they are taking Ana away from me for three days or throwing her an all day party, they're dead wrong.
"What do you mean what he has planned? What does he have planned?" Kate asks, an edge to her question that Mia is oblivious to.
"Oh I'm sure there's strippers in every flavor, booze until they need their stomachs pumped, you know, guy stuff." Next to me Ana shifts but stays quiet. I know there's no way I'll tolerate strippers but I'm curious to see what how she handles the idea of it.
"Mia, have you even talked to Elliot about it? Because we were discussing this over breakfast and he has no plan in place whatsoever. In fact, he was going to talk to Ethan today to come up with something after he ran a timeline by Taylor."
"It's Elliot, Kate." Mia sasses back, clearly upset that she's being usurped as her big brothers mouth piece. "There is no way in hell he's not going to have strippers and booze."
"I'm not sure about Vegas," Ana quips up, doing her best to diffuse the situation beginning to brew between my sister and Kate. "To be honest, I don't really have the time to go away for three days and I'm not sure that would work for Christian anyway." That's my girl. "And as much as I don't want to get in the middle of you two, I'm positive that Christian doesn't want any females in on anything Elliot plans to do and I'm also pretty sure that Elliot knows that. He's pretty in tune with Christian."
Mia huffs and lies back, blowing a bubble as big as her face. "It's a bachelorette party. Party. As in, be 23 and party. But hey, if you want to blow that off for another boring weekend at home with my brother, who am I to argue?"
"Boring, Mia?" She groans and rolls her eyes, swinging her legs to the side of the chair to stand.
"Great, now that you're up, I'll never make any headway. Talk to your future wife about a bachelorette please. I want to plan a party." Oh I'll talk to my future wife about a bachelorette. Or more accurately, about not having a bachelorette.
Next to me Ana shifts a bit restlessly and reaches for the white cover up. It's still sunny but the temperature has dropped enough that there's a slight chill in the air. Mia huffs off leaving me alone with Kate and Ana who are exchanging glances the way women do when they don't want you to know what they're thinking.
"Do you want a bachelorette, baby?" Kate watches me while I watch Ana. She's a bit apprehensive to answer which is answer enough so instead of telling her a flat out no, I'll need to manage this the best I can. "It's part of being engaged, I understand that." She looks at me surprised by my willingness to even have this discussion. Fly to a trap, baby.
"Well, I'd like to do something with my girlfriends but maybe just for a day, not for a weekend. And I definitely do not want strippers." It wouldn't matter if you did.
"I'll talk to Mia, come up with a plan for the Saturday before the wedding. Plan on being away for the entire day." Kate looks at me with her hand up, "Don't worry, I'll have her home that night. I'll tell Elliot to plan for the same hand goes back up, "and he's not going to have girls there, don't worry." I'm won't. He knows I'll rip his balls off.
Ana looks at me shyly and smiles as if she were asking me for permission. I like it. Who's in charge, baby? But then she turns that smile to Kate and agrees to the plan before I've had a chance to say anything.
And so there goes my obedient wife.