Anastasia

There's a knock on my door and looking up from my spot at the island where I'm editing a picture of the Puget Sound, I see Christian standing on the other side. I find myself smoothing my hair as I make my way over and I chastise myself over it. Who the hell cares, Steele.

Opening the door, I give Christian a smile. "This is the second time you've knocked. You're getting the knack of this knocking thing."

He looks me over, ignoring my smart ass comment. "Why aren't you ready, yet?"

"For...?" I wasn't aware I was supposed to be ready for anything.

"I said that the party started at five."

"Ooookkkaaayyyy... and what does that have to do with me?" A lightbulb goes off. "Oh! I'm so sorry! You wanted me to entertain Ellie while you guys did your family thing, didn't you?" I feel stupid that I didn't think of that. Of course a nanny would come in handy during times like this.

He rolls his eyes. "No, Steele. Ellie can entertain herself if she doesn't want to be with us. You're invited."

"I am?" My voice is high.

"Of course. We're friends. Kate will be there and my mother wants to meet Nanny Ana." He gives me a teasing smirk at the end.

"Oh boy. That's a lot of pressure. What if she doesn't like me? You wouldn't fire me if she doesn't think I'm good for Ellie, would you?" Suddenly I'm nervous about meeting the matriarch of the family.

He snorts. "Relax, Steele. She isn't going to hate you. I wouldn't let her dictate who I employ either. Now, we're going to be late. Hurry and change before I give in again and give you even more of my DNA."

I give him a salacious grin. "Don't threaten me with a good time." I'm thankful it isn't awkward and that we can make light of our time together.

Luckily I've already showered thanks to the fun we had earlier so I hurry to find a dress to throw on. Once I find some cute wedges to go with the lavender dress I chose, I take one look at my hair and know that it's going in a high bun tonight. It only takes a few minutes and some hair spray to get my hair slicked back and high on my head. I grab my makeup bag and throw it in my purse before making my way back out to where Christian has helped himself to the pictures on my laptop.

"How do I look?" I spin. "I'll apply some makeup in the car, so disregard my face for now."

"Beautiful. Your face, too. Makeup isn't needed, Anastasia."

"I remember a certain man practically drooling the other night just because I applied a little bit of mascera..."

He gives me a grin. "Yea, it does make those baby blues pop, but I think it was the long gorgeous hair that got me."

I roll my eyes, but can't help my grin. He always makes me feel so good about myself. I know I shouldn't need a man's opinion to raise my confidence... and I suppose I don't because I consider myself pretty confident, but it never hurts to hear.

"These pictures are incredible, Anastasia. You really are talented. Have you thought about going back to school to take a few classes?"

My cheeks heat at his compliment. "Well, thank you... I... I don't know. School takes money and I'm still saving up so I can pay my parents back."

He cocks an eyebrow at me. "What do you mean? They expect you to pay it back?"

I shake my head. "Oh, no. No, they would never do that. They were just so disappointed when I told them I was stepping away from the publishing world that I'd been obsessed about since I was the editor of our 8th grade newspaper... I just... I need to pay them back. They forked out fifty grand from their retirement for me to basically flush it down the toilet."

The look he's giving me is so intense that it makes me feel awkward. I find myself crossing my arms over my chest to try to shield myself from his gaze.

"That is so admirable, Anastasia."

I clear my throat. "Um, thanks."

His eyes flick down to my chest. "Er... on second thought, maybe you should change your dress."

"What? Why?" I look down and see part of a hicky peeking out on the tip edge of my breast. "When...? How did you...?"

I look up at him and he gives me a grin. "Like I said, I'm talented."

"Menace." I huff and turn on my heel to find another dress that has a higher neckline.

"Absolutely!" I hear him call from where I left him.

Christian

As we make our way up the walk to my parent's home, I can't help but notice how antsy Anastasia is beside me. I find it quite entertaining... and kind of endearing. She wants to make a good impression as Ellie's nanny and I find it adorable.

"Relax. They'll love you." I rub my hand up and down her back, trying to ease her a little.

She gives me a guilty grin. "This is more nerve-wracking than meeting a boyfriend's parents!"

I snort. "You are a mess."

She rolls her eyes. "Boyfriends come and go, but I couldn't bear the thought of not having Ellie around. I love her so incredibly much."

"Hey." I grab her arm to stop her. "You never have to worry about anyone keeping you from her. No matter what happens, I will always let you see her. Nanny or not."

With a sigh, her shoulders relax and she gives me a sweet smile. "Thank you, Christian. It's crazy to think how fast the sweet little thing became the center of my world."

My heart bursts with her words. I have to clear my throat to keep my emotions at bay. "You love her like your own." I know it's true so I don't bother to phrase it as a question, but still, she nods.

I can't help myself. I lean in and press a kiss to the bridge of her nose. "I am so thankful for you, Ms. Steele. We both are."

"Don't get all mushy on me, Grey. I'm a nervous wreck as it is!" She batts at my chest, making me chuckle.

I grab her hand and pull her toward the door. "Well, then, let's get you acquainted so you can settle a little."

The door opens as we hit the doorway, my mother and Ellie standing there with bright smiles. I feel Anastasia pulling on her hand and I quickly release it, hoping my mother doesn't get the wrong idea. I need us to navigate whatever is happening between us before other people start sticking their noses in.

"Daddy! Nanny Ana! You're here! Happy birthday, Dad!" She throws her arms around me and I lift her enough to shuffle the two of us inside.

"Thank you, lovebug. I've missed you!" Leaning down I give her a kiss and I'm thankful that she isn't trying to wipe it off this time.

"Nanny Ana! Come see my room!" Grabbing Anastasia's hand, she pulls her deeper into the house, making her giggle.

"Ellie, give Anastasia a moment to greet your MawMaw, okay? Take a chill pill."

"Ohhh!" She whines. "Fine. MawMaw this is Nanny Ana. Nanny Ana, this is my MawMaw. She's a doctor."

Anastasia shakes my mother's hand with her free one, trying to keep herself planted in place since my nutty girl is trying to yank her toward the stairs. "Nice to meet you, Dr. Trevelyan. I'm Ana."

My mother laughs at Eloise's antics. "Likewise, Ana. Please call me Grace. My granddaughter is really fond of you."

Her smile brightens so much that it makes my heart ache. She's so beautiful. "I'm fond of her, too. She's the best."

"Okay, are you done, yet? MawMaw already knows I'm the best!"

"Anastasia, you don't have to-" She shakes her head, quieting my sentence. At least she didn't interrupt me this time.

"I don't mind."

"Alright. Ellie, you can take Anastasia upstairs, but only for a few minutes."

XxXxXx

I go in search of my brother, who is sitting out back with Kate drinking a beer.

"Hey, man! Happy birthday again!"

"Happy birthday, Christian!" Kate surprises me by hugging me. "Where's Ana? I thought she was coming."

"Ellie coerced her up to her room." I shrug. "I wanted to speak to Elliot about something."

"Oh, okay! I'll go find Mia and give you two some privacy, Christian."

I give her an appreciative smile and open the door for her. "Thank you, Kate." After I close the door and turn back to Elliot, I see him smiling at me.

"What?"

He laughs. "Just waiting for you to tell me about your banging night."

I roll my eyes. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"I saw you two eating face. You can't tell me you two didn't end up rolling in the sheets."

Sighing, I throw myself into a chair adjacent from him. "Maybe."

"So how was it?" He wiggles his eyebrows. "She's a feisty little thing... is she in bed, too? She looks flexible. Is she flexible?"

I actually laugh. Elliot and I haven't talked about stuff like this since I was in college. His questions are entertaining, but it's Anastasia. A woman he's close to. If I tell him anything, it might come back to bite me in the ass. "I'm not going to answer that."

"Was it at least good sex?"

Considering I had the girl screaming and she had me coming so damn hard, she choked on it... "Yea." I grin at the thought of my cum still in her belly and between her legs. I wish I could mark her every damn day. "It was pretty hot."

He grins. "I knew you'd fall madly, deeply in love with her." My scowl makes his grin drop. I don't know what his fascination is with me being in love with the girl, but he needs to stop before other people hear.

"What did you fuck up?" He eyes me suspiciously.

"I didn't fuck up anything, El. We're fine. This is not what I wanted to speak to you about."

"Obviously. You're not fun enough to offer up any information on your own."

I find myself tapping my fingers on the glass tabletop. "I need to know what happened with Jack Hyde."

His face actually pales. "Why? I don't think Ana would appreciate me telling you what happened. It needs to be her decision."

"But you're obviously a part of whatever happened. I want to know what I need to do to keep you guys safe. I know that Anastasia dropped the charges, but-"

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?" My brother jumps out of his chair, shocking me to my core. "What do you mean she dropped the charges?" He grits between his teeth and I find myself staring wide-eyed up at my brother that resembles the Hulk right now.

"I-um..." Fuck. He doesn't know!

"Where is she?" He stomps into the house and I find myself hurrying after him, worried he'll be too harsh with her. We catch Anastasia as she's coming down the stairs.

"Ana!" My brother growls out her name, causing her to still at the bottom of the stairs, a look of fright on her face.

"Easy!" I shove him in the arm to get his attention. "Anastasia, can we see you outside?"

"Um... okay, sure." Her eyes are still wide and I see her making a half circle around him to keep out of reach.

"Stop being like that! I'd never hurt you!" Elliot steps toward her and grabs her hand, pulling her back towards the patio.

Once we're outside and the door closes, he rounds on her.

"What the fuck is this I hear that you dropped the charges on that Hyde fucker?"

"Christian told you."

"It doesn't matter who told me!"

"I have a reason-"

"He beat the shit out of you! God fucking damn it, Anastasia! He raped you! If I hadn't walked in-"

"Stop it!" Her voice is tight as she begins to cry and she smacks him on his chest with both of her palms. Fuck. I'm trembling from the news. My nervous system is in overdrive and I can feel the blood pooling in my face. This fucker is dead.

"No! I won't stop! Evidently you forgot that when his advances to groom you didn't fucking work that he forced himself into your apartment and-"

"Just shut up! Shut. Up." It's obvious the words are too painful for her to hear and I find myself wanting to tell him to shut up myself so I can wrap her up and carry her home.

"Why, Ana? WHY! Why did you drop the charges?"

"Because of you, you big ape!" She smacks him in the chest again and he grabs her by the upper arms.

"What the fuck are you talking about? How is this my fucking fault?"

"It isn't your fault, El. He said if I didn't drop the charges, he would come after you, you butt! You almost killed him, remember? He was in a coma for a week! Charges like that could have ruined you, Elliot! It would have screwed up your business and you and Kate's futures! I dropped the charges so he'd leave you alone."

"The charges would have been worth it to have him in jail, Ana. I would put him through that wall over and over again to get him off of you!"

She shakes her head, the tears in her eyes streaming down her face now as he holds her steady by her arms. "He said that it'd be too hard for me to prove what he did. He said there was nothing to prove that it wasn't consensual and that he'd tell them you were the one that beat both of us! He said he'd tell them you threatened me not to tell them that it was you that hit me."

His shoulders drop and he yanks her to him, squeezing her against him while her feet dangle. "Jesus Christ, Stasia. I don't know what to say."

"I'll ruin him." I murmur it out loud, hoping the crushing anger in my chest will dissipate enough for me to take a full breath.

Elliot releases Anastasia enough to put her back on her feet and the two of them stare at me.

"I swear it. I will go after him and I will ruin him. He can't do this to you! If I have to buy the fucking company and smear his name to every Publishing House in the country I will." I scrub my fingers through my hair. "I can't believe I didn't throw him out last night! He was right fucking there, close enough to touch you. Fuck. If I wasn't there he could have-"

"Wait. What do you mean? Jack was there last night? How do you know?" Anastasia is now trembling as she takes a few steps toward me. Her body is in overdrive with everything in the last few minutes and it's my fault. Trying to control my own trembling, I squeeze my fists until my nails bite into my palms. Calm, Grey. I need to stay calm for her.

"I have an alert that let's me know when certain ID's get scanned into the system. It woke me up last night."

Her jaw drops. "You came because..." Her sentence falls off and I nod.

"I needed to make sure you were safe and that I didn't need to bail my idiot brother out of jail."

"So... so that's why you pulled me away from Ethan...?" Her gears are turning, realization hitting.

Again, I nod. "He was feet from the two of you. I had to keep you safe."

"How could I not know? How did I not notice him?"

I shrug. "You were with someone you felt safe with." I know she feels she has to be on red alert everywhere she goes alone, and I hate for her to think she can't relax anywhere she goes now.

"That's why we ended up by the bouncer in front of VIP." She swallows as she connects the dots and I can't help, but reach out to touch her face, cupping her cheeks between my hands.

"I swear to God, if I would have known everything he did to you... he wouldn't have stayed." I figured he tried to get handsy in front of my brother or something. I never imagined this.

She wraps her arms around me and squeezes me, holding me close and I'm thankful she isn't angry that I didn't tell her about last night. "Thank you, Christian. Thank you so much."

The thought of what could have happened to her if I wasn't there makes me sick to my stomach and I have to force the thoughts away. She's here, she's safe. I tighten my hold on her body and press a kiss to her hair. "I'll always keep you safe."

Behind her, my brother cups his hands together in a heart and mouths you love her as he wiggles his eyebrows.

I give him a scowl. Not the time to be made fun of, asswipe.

Anastasia

I'm so touched that Christian would wake up in the middle of the night on his birthday to make sure that we were safe and that our night wouldn't be ruined by that disgusting predator, that I can barely keep it together at the dinner table. I hate that I feel so strong for him already and this didn't help any of it. I just find myself caring for the asshole even more. I frown as I cut my chicken that's in front of me. Really, he's not an asshole... not deep down.

I hear Ellie grunt beside me as she sits between Christian and me. Looking down, I see she is having trouble cutting her food. She notices me watching.

"It won't cut, Ana." She sags in her chair, pouting.

"Let me try. Can't let the chicken win, now can we?" I pull her plate over towards me so I can cut it for her.

She giggles. "No. It's going in my belly! If it likes it or not."

She always has me laughing, no matter the situation. She really is the best. "Alright, it's cut. Time for it to find its final resting place. Eat up, girlfriend."

I eat in silence while I listen to everyone around me talk, but I keep finding myself glancing down at Ellie's plate to see how she's eating. I'm getting as bad as her father.

Reaching for her small glass of tea, she gulps it down, giving a satisfied ahhh as she places the empty glass with ice back on the coaster.

"You were thirsty. Do you want some more?"

She grins up at me and nods. "Yes, please!"

I reach for the pitcher in the middle of the table and pour her another glass.

"Thank you, Nanny Ana. You're the best."

I give her a sweet smile and a wink.

"Oh no. Now I have to go." She pouts and looks down at her food like she hates she has to leave it. With a huff of annoyance, she slides out of her seat to use the restroom.

"Wash your hands!" Christian and I chorus at the same time before he looks at me and we crack up. That child is terrible about her hand hygiene. I feel like half the day I'm reminding her to wash up.

Soon, our plates have been cleared by the Housekeeper and Grace is placing Christian's crown on his head while we all sing happy birthday. His giant cake is sitting in front of him with 32 candles in it and I find myself sneaking pictures of him and Ellie with their crowns on while they both look at the cake with hungry eyes.

Ellie helps Christian blow out the enormous flame from his candles and everyone claps.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart." Grace gives her son a kiss on the cheek while he grins like a little kid and it's adorable. No wonder he's such a good father. Both of his parents have been so sweet and affectionate with him tonight.

Mr. Grey was nothing but lovely when I met him looking a little worse for wear earlier. He was understanding when Christian mentioned I got some bad news and even gave me a snug hug that made me miss my own father.

"Ana, you need a crown!"

I laugh. "It's your daddy's day, Ellie."

"But we...we throned him, remember?"

Christian snorts. "Ellie, you DE-throned me... but Ana gifted my crown back remember?" He tickles her sides, making her giggle.

"Yea, whatever. Me and Ana still rule."

Everyone else looks completely confused and I feel the need to explain. "Ellie and I conquered Christian in Monopoly the other night. We joked that I was the queen and Ellie was the princess."

"You two completely cheated and conspired against me!"

"You had the railroads!" I argue back.

"Yea, Daddy! And the blues and oranges!"

"Teaming up against me again, now? My own flesh and blood has turned on me." He teases back.

"That's right." Ellie yanks his crown off his head and shoves it on mine. "We rule the world! Girls rule, boys drool!"

I laugh as Christian and Ellie stick their tongues out at each other.

"Well, with the fifty percent tax, your kingdom is going to suck!"

"Those taxes are bitches..." Ellie repeats again, sending the whole family in mass laughter.

"I told you nine year olds don't say that word." Christian pokes her cheek.

"But it's funny, Dad!"

I place the crown back on Christian's head. "Your dad's right though. Fifty percent tax would suck."

XxXxXx

"You're such a natural with her, Ana." We're hugging his parents goodbye and his mother's admission warms my heart.

"Thank you, Grace. That means a lot. Ellie makes it so easy though."

"She's the best nanny, MawMaw. I asked her to be my mom, but she says we are best friends instead." Ellie shrugs and it breaks my heart. She has asked me a couple times this week and it's so hard to explain to her that it doesn't work that way. "I don't think she wants to be my mom."

Tears burn in my eyes. "Oh, Ellie. It's not that I don't want to be, it's just that I don't have that right. I know it's hard not having a mommy right now, but you've got all of us who love you so much."

"But you're going to leave me."

I shake my head. "No. I'm not. Even when I'm not your nanny anymore, I'm not going to stop seeing you. I'll climb the giant gate if I have to." My silliness gets her to smile. "I love you more than anyone else in the whole world. My heart would die without you."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. It would shrivel up and go poof! Have I ever lied to you?" I wipe a tear off her cheek.

"No. You promised you wouldn't."

I nod and hug her tight. "That's right."

Christian and both of his parents have tears in their eyes and the pain in my chest is too raw. The whole day has been so heavy and I end up crying into her hair as I hold her. All of our hearts are broken for this girl who just can't grasp why her mother doesn't want her anymore. A strong pair of arms wrap around the two of us and Ellie and I lean into Christian as we cry it out.

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