A/N Thank you so much for reading my story. My nerves get the better of me everytime I post a chapter but y'all have been so kind. This is Ana's story but of course Christian will continue to be critical to the story line. There will be revelations and realizations for both. Thank you for your patience. I take my inspiration from all the awesome FF writers and of course E.L. James

? POV

There was just something about her he wanted to protect. She was beautiful, not doubt, but there was something ' more' about her he wanted to know. She was always kind to him and he sensed a gentle, loving spirit. A few months after their final encounter, she looked thinner, more frail, and still trying to insure those around her were comfortable. From his vantage point at the bar, the friends were having an intense conversation. Ana was clearly in distress, but there was nothing he could do. So he waited for what seemed like hours until the group embraced and he could see them all relax again.

The familiar stranger silently watched the friends' departure from the restaurant. In truth he had been observing Ana for a while. It wasn't constant, but he liked to keep an eye on her and her surroundings. When in town, he would check on Anastasia; nothing obvious. It was a routine check on windows, doors, neighbors, and an overall canvas of her office and home.

On more than one occasion, he'd heard her muffled cries from her room. He didn't understand their "relationship", but who was he to judge. He'd done some crazy shit for the love of a woman. He'd discussed the situation with Taylor. Even the ever stoic head of security intimated that this arrangement started out differently but eventually changed.

He never enjoyed working for Grey and considered him a petulant, arrogant asshole. It wasn't until a particularly nasty confrontation with the boss over some bullshit in the late spring of 2015 that he quit. He didn't like working with an ill tempered five year old, constantly demanding and too full of his own self worth to show gratitude or consideration. He didn't need the money or the attitude from the self absorbed, egomaniacal billionaire. He just didn't like Grey or the he way treated people in general. From what he was told, Miss Steele ended the relationship later that summer while he was out of the country. For some unknown reason, he was relieved.

Before moving to Seattle, he worked special security for a few international agencies and companies that could make GEH look like a mom and pop corner store. His clients were grateful and appreciative. He was very good at his job and had a 'particular set of skills' that would make Liam Neeson bow out of a fight.

Invisibility was crucial in his line of work. Years of working undercover taught him how to move with the shadows, to listen to what was said and not said but most importantly, awareness of his surroundings. One misstep and he was a dead man. Currently, he worked when and where he wanted, choosing his clients and jobs that met his strict moral code. So one night a few weeks ago he nearly saw his life pass before his eyes when he heard the unmistakable click of a small caliber pistol behind his ear. Well, maybe he wasn't as good as he thought. While calculating his odds, the voice spoke, "why are you spying on my little girl?" The stalker had been stalked.

That is how he and Ray Steele ended up in a dive bar outside of Seattle. Without exception, it was one of the most difficult conversations either man had ever had. Silence ensued as both men battled for dominance and how to begin. Ray spoke first, "are you the man that's been beating my daughter"?

Ray still found it difficult to believe that his baby had been hurt at the hands of a man. Carla was adamant in her speculation and begged Ray find out what was going on? The father in him couldn't bring himself to ask his daughter fearing the question would damage the fiber of their relationship. What would he say? So Ana, have you been tied up lately? How the hell do you casually work that into a conversation over fishing or restoring furniture? He instead decided to observe from afar. Nothing, he could find absolutely nothing, that is until one day he noticed some one also watching. So, Ray watched the watcher. Now he needed answers.

Ray recognized a fellow soldier, an officer maybe, when he saw one and he could see the wheels turning as to what and how much he could say. He gave the younger man time to gather his thoughts.

"First of all sir", the fellow Marine began, "I've never laid a hand on your daughter". I met her when I worked for her former boyfriend. He hired me to keep her safe while they were together." that was close enough to the truth and he thought it might pacify the worried father.

Wrong…..

Ray was outraged. "Keep her safe?" he yelled. " Who kept her safe from him and who is he? If he hired you, he has to be wealthy. Is he married, high profile; a politician maybe?"

"Sir" the Captain deferred, "I am not at liberty to provide that information. I can tell you that they have not been involved for sometime and I am no longer in his employ. I do still look after her when I can. I want her safe. While I worked for my former employer, I was in frequent contact with Miss Steele and came to think of her as a younger sister. No one was happier than I when she broke up with him and moved on. If you want more information, you'll have to ask her."

Ray rubbed his hands across his face, knowing he wouldn't get his drinking companion to add anything further. He stared intently into the eyes of the younger man before he finally spoke. "Look son, you can't imagine what it's like to watch your only child hurt and not be able to fix it. Not only is she dealing with the loss of her mother but...I don't even know if there is anything I could do that wouldn't alienate her. I remember what it's like to be young and in love. I just need her to be safe and appreciated. I love her; I would die for her; she is my everything. Legally she's a grown woman, but she will always be my little girl."

Some of the tension dissipated. Reluctantly, he thanked the young man for looking after his daughter once he was assured that he would get a regular update. He didn't like spying on his daughter and he wasn't really. Ray wasn't looking for a daily report; he just wanted to be aware. They continued sipping their drinks a little while longer before exchanging numbers and going their separate ways.

Tonight and for the foreseeable future, his time was his on. He followed stealthily behind the group as they made their way to Fifty's Bar. Once again, he stood in the shadows considering his next move. An hour later the group was on the dance floor so he made his way to the men's room. He looked in the mirror and wondered again why he was still in the bar and what did he hope to happen? Opening the door, fate answered.

Teetering slightly, Ana collided with a wall of muscle. More than a little tipsy, she giggled and offered an apology into the chest of the man before her. Looking up, it took a moment for her eyes to focus on the familiar stranger. The affect of the alcohol dissipated immediately and she literally backed into a corner. There was no where to go. She was simultaneously shocked, worried, embarrassed. This man knew her secrets and they needed to stay buried. Yep, back to page one she mused.

"Luke what are you doing here and are you alone?" Ana managed to choke out. She was beginning to panic. Luke reached out intending to calm, but she flinched and tried to make herself smaller. "Hi Ana, it's good to see you and yes I'm all alone" he winked aiming for nonchalance and humor, missing the mark by a mile.

Ana was immediately offended by the wink, reading something completely different. She blushed and squared her shoulders in indignation, "What do you want Luke, are you just like your boss? Please just go. I need you to move Luke please" she was practically begging.

Luke stood perfectly still, not believing what he heard. "Ana, I'm sorry, I would never treat you or anyone like that. I'm genuinely happy to see you" he replied holding his hands up in a surrender position.

Ana felt like an idiot. Of course he wasn't like that. He'd always treated her kindly. Jeez, she really did need help. It was her turn to apologize. "It's okay Luke. I should be apologizing to you. Let's blame it on the alcohol. Do you mind if we go back out to the bar, I'm feeling a little claustrophobic"?

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