Knowing you
The night again was full of nightmares, and so he could not rest much, so he decided to run early with Taylor, left when not dawn and when he returned still didn´t feel calm, so he spent an hour in the gym of the Escala. When he finished, he went up to his apartment and got ready to leave, when it was 7 in the morning he called Flynn, hoping he could have a session with him, fortunately he agreed to meet early, so he finished dressing, chose a dark three-piece suit with a shirt white and matching tie, and without breakfast he went with Taylor to Flynn's office, he did not think he could try a bite.
When they arrived they were greeted by Flynn himself, it was very early and his secretary was not there yet.
Christian extended his hand - John thank you for having me so soon in advance - John smiled, Christian Grey was his most special patient.
-"Okay, Christian, I assumed by your call that you needed to talk, you have not asked me for an urgent consultation for some time, take a seat please" - Christian settled into a large chair, Flynn's office was spacious and well-decorated, it did not look like a psychiatrist's office, John sat in an armchair in front of him with an Ipad in his hands, he adjusted his glasses and looked at him.
-"How was the festivities, Christian?, Your parents?"
-"Well, we spent Christmas at Bellueve and the new year they spent in Aspen and I with Elliot, it's worth remembering that there's nothing memorable about it." - Flynn raised his eyebrows and nodded.
-"Knowing Elliot, I imagine it would have been anything but quiet." - Christian laughed.
- And you John, how about Christmas with your family? How's Ryan? - Flynn smiled.
- Ryan is fine, thank you, delighted to return to the routine, and Christmas as you know we spent in London, my parents were delighted to have us - nodded - and tell me Christian, why should you visit so early ? - Christian ran his hand through his hair, had so many things running through his mind that he did not know where to start.
"-John in these last days I'm out of control I feel altered."
-"I understand Christian, and what is this feeling about?"
-"I met a woman who totally unbalanced me.
-"In what sense?"
-"It dazzles me, it surprises me, it captivates me, it makes me laugh and it drives me crazy," - he said taking his head with both hands.
-"I understand, but what you told me is not bad Christian, it seems you've found a submissive that satisfies you not only in the sexual part.
-"That's the subject John, it's not a submissive" .- John opened his eyes but recovered quickly.
-"Isn´t she a submissive? Is not it under contract yet?"
-"No John, is not under contract, and I don´t think she ever will be," - said Christian annoyed, John was curious.
-"Well, Christian, this is definitely something new, and how did you meet her?"
-I met her in November in NY, a dinner that was celebrated in her honor, when I saw her, she captivated me, I danced with her once, but since then I had no contact with her, until Monday, I saw her in my parents' house .
- "Go on," - he said interestedly.
-The fact is that on Monday I asked her to have dinner with me the next day and she agreed, we went to my apartment and had a great evening, I invited her to dinner again yesterday and when we were together she told me that this weekend she would go to NY for some business and when I told her not to go ... - Christian was interrupted at that moment
-"Excuse me, did you tell her not to go?"- Asked Flynn interested.
-Yes
-"And this was the second time you went out with her?" - He asked again, a little more hesitantly.
-"Yes," - Christian answered again, annoyed.
-Ah ... please continue - he said and wrote something on his Ipad.
She sighed. - "The fact is, when I complained, she was annoyed, thanked me for dinner, and left the restaurant.
-And what did you do? - He asked, staring at him.
-"I paid the bill and I went after her, when I found her I had to beg her to get in the SUV to talk, she agreed and when we got to her apartment. I told her again that I did not want her to go, she told me that she was not going to stay so I would tell her what she could do again, in the end I told her that it bothered me to leave me out of her decisions and not count on me.
-"Just to have something clear," - Flynn asked with a hint of humor in his voice, - "this is a woman you saw for the first time on Monday, she's not under any contract and she's not your submissive.
-"Yes, and Monday was the second time I saw her," - he said more loudly and grumpily.
Flynn smiled – "sorry Christian, but I find all this very entertaining".
-"I'm glad to be a source of fun to you, John," - he growled grumpily.
-"Christian, please don´t misunderstand me, I mean, no woman, let alone one you're dating only two days ago, you can tell her what to do, what happens is, you're not used to relationships that are not stipulated by a contract and by rules.
-"John, I've never had relationships.
-Although there was a contract in between, it was a relationship, maybe there were no feelings involved but if there was a certain type of relationship, and what happens with this young woman ..
-"Anastasia," - said Christian, interrupting him, John was surprised, but he recovered quickly.
-"What happens with Anastasia is that she does not enter into the arrangement that you were accustomed, therefore there are no rules to follow, which causes you to find yourself losing control, as you said before and feel that you are becoming crazy. You are accustomed to women doing exactly what you want, when you want and how you want, and now comes to your life a woman who does not follow those guidelines, which you met in a natural and normal way, that surprises and dazzles you, and for what you said does not have problems expressing her opinion or discontent, and that although you do not want to admit, you like it.
Christian looked at him in silence, it was true, Anastasia liked it, her whole being, and her naturalness and spontaneity only made her more attractive,she clutched his head tightly with his hands and leaned on his knees.
-"Oh God, I'm lost."
John laughed quietly - No Christian, you're not lost, you're just discovering what it's like to date a woman away from rules and punishments, just meet someone with all that entails.
- "What do I do, John?"- He asked, genuinely intrigued, John smiled again.
-Enjoy it Christian, savor the moment you are living and that you have lost all these years, if she likes you, go out with her, learn to know her in a normal way, without checks of information, but by what she tells you of herself, shares time with her, invite her to dinner, dance, normal dates, make her trust you and tell you her plans and explain your motives when you do not agree with something, do not impose yourself or forbid you to do this or that thing , relationships do not work like this, put aside a little your dominant self and live these moments as they come.
-"And what I do with what I am John, what you say seems very simple, but you know that I do not work this way, I have special needs, particular tastes, that will make her run to the hills if she knew."
-"Have you shared your tastes with her? Have you explained your special needs as you call them?" - Christian's eyes widened, and with annoyance he answered.
-"You're crazy, John, I just told you that if she knew, she would not want to know anything about me.
- "And how can you be so sure, if you have not told him yet?" - He asked interested
Christian sighed – "Because she is a good girl, innocent, it is clear that it is quiet and I am sure that it does not have much experience, I would corrupt her."
-"Do you base yourself on your way of being to claim that she will flee if you tell her your tastes? " - Christian nodded, - "so you better stay away from her if you think that's going to happen anyway, "John teased.
-"I can´t, that's the point, I want to be with her, I like to see her, I like to talk, I like to kiss her, I like her company." - John smiled.
-" Then just enjoy it Christian, it's too early to say that she will flee when you tell her your tastes, aside, you have said that you don´t think she can become a submissive, perhaps this is the occasion to find out, that it´s no longer a submissive, what you are looking for."
-"Do not talk nonsense John, I don´t know anything else.
-Exactly, the lifestyle that you have always enjoyed has always fulfilled your expectations and never led you to look for something else, but now you know a person who is not participant of that style, at least as far as you know, but that does not prevents you from liking it, but that is what primarily attracts you to it, you may be in the pursuit of something more.
-"I do not want more, I've never wanted more."
-"So far Christian," - John said.
-"You're not helping me, John, I want you to tell me what to do to balance myself."
- Christian, I can´t tell you what to do, what I can is advise you and I already did, enjoy this new stage for you, meet Anastasia and then talk to her about what you like, maybe she can surprise you .
Christian looked doubtful. - "You say I tell her my way of life?"
- I say that when you feel comfortable with her, share your tastes and perhaps she liked, but only time can tell you when it is rigth moment.
Christian left Flynn's office without a specific answer, had gone with the intention of him to clarify what he could do to regain control, but he had only advised him to enjoy meeting Anastasia, he had not been satisfied, so he was frustrated on his way to GEH.
Ana got up that morning and the first thing she did was look at her cell phone, but she did not find any messages, she debated at times if she should message him to wish him a good day, but in the end she went to the shower without sending anything.
She prepared to leave, she would be only half a day since she had to come to prepare her luggage to NY, she would leave today at 10:00 pm. And would return on Monday at 10am.
She dressed in black leggings, a black t-shirt, a black leather pouch and a few booties, prepared a tea to take and when she was leaving received a phone call, looked eagerly at her phone, but her mood declined a little when she saw who it was .
-"Hi, Grace, how are you?" -she greeted gently.
-Hello Ana, I'm fine and you ?, I hope not to bother you ...
-"No, I was heading for the office, what can I do for you?" - Walking to the elevator.
-I wanted to know if this weekend we could meet you, me and another person who collaborates with me in everything that is Coping Together.
-Grace, this weekend will be impossible, I must be in NY tomorrow, just tonight I'm leaving, for there
-Oh, what a pity ... - Ana thought for a moment, could leave today at noon and meet with them if Grace agreed.
-"Tell me Grace, today at noon, it would not be feasible, we can meet at 13:00 wherever it seems to you."
-Excellent, I will call my friend and I will ask, but I already confirm my presence, I'll see you in Shanik's at 13:00.
- "Okay, Grace, see you there.
When Ana arrived she met Jim directly, called Elliot and confirmed that next week the adjustments would begin and that if everything went according to plan in 10 days they would finish, after cutting the move was scheduled for February 20, Ana commented on the security system she wanted to install and that next week would meet with people who would advise her about it, when she finished everything she had to discuss with him, it was already 12:30. and had to leave for her lunch with Grace, all day, zhe received no message from Christian, that was sad, but decided to give him his space after last night, before traveling it would call him.
She arrived at the restaurant on time and saw Grace sitting at a table, her hair down, and she had a black sleeveless dress that molded to her, as always sophisticated and elegant.
-"Hi Grace," - she said when she arrived, gave her a little hug and sat down.
-"Hello Ana," - Grace said, smiling. - "My friend just called me and told me she's a little late but she'd be here any minute, would you like to order something to drink?"
- "Sure." - They both ordered two apple drinks and started talking, Ana was telling her about the SIP move and the changes in the company, Grace told her the date she wanted to celebrate the carnival party and they were commenting on that when they saw that someone was approaching her table, Ana looked at the woman well, was blonde, wearing a black tube dress leng to the knee, the neckline on V of the dress went to the waist, was wearing sunglasses and hair collected and a matching bag, when her went to the table, Ana saw a smile that didn´t think very sincere, when she took off her glasses she could see that it was well preserved but you could see that she was older. She walked first to Grace and with a kiss in the air she greeted her.
-"Grace, my dear, forgive the delay, a complication in the saloon."
-"Don´t worry, I want to introduce you," - Grace said, looking at Ana, - "she's Anastasia Steel, Ana, she's Elena Lincoln." - Ana stood and ran her hand, Elena looked her up and down,
she put a smile on his face and shook hER hand.
-"Well, Well, I finally met you, Grace just says wonders about you," - she said with a slight disdain, the tone did not go unnoticed by Ana, this woman made her hair stand on end.
- "Grace is very kind Mrs. Lincoln, I'm sure she exaggerates," - she said, sitting down, both imitating her.
- "Ana, I'm just telling the truth." - Ana smiled sincerely. At that the waiter arrived and Elena made her drink order and ordered the food.
- "Grace, you have the date for the party you want to organize," - Elena said, taking a sip when her drink was brought to her.
-We were arguing that dates would be appropriate since I do not want it to be very close to the annual Gala, and I think February 25 is the best.
-"I understand, and tell me, Anastasia, how would you collaborate?" - She asked ironically.
Ana made a smile. - "The place would be in charge of me as well as the decor and food Mrs. Lincoln.
"Oh ... I hope it's a fancy place, all the parties we've organized with Grace have always been the event of the Year, all high up. -
-"Elena," - Grace said in a tone of annoyance at the way she behaved, - "I confidently trusted Ana and her tastes, I'm sure the party will be excellent, besides the end is to raise money.
Elena smiled at Grace – "my dear, I just want to make clear to Anastasia that the people who sponsor us are accustomed to things well done, I do not want our reputation to be damaged by someone with no experience" - ended with false kindness .-
-"I assure you Mrs. Lincoln that I feel absolutely capable of preparing an event of this nature, and that in case of any problem I would resort to Grace," - said Ana firmly.
Elena smiled and nodded, not liking this little girl, but from what she saw, Grace was delighted with her – "oh, I'm sure it will".
When the food arrived the comments on the theme of the party, setting, catering and other things followed, every time that Elena could throw hints about Ana's experience, she did all her gathering, not to respond to her provocations, not understood as a woman as loving as Grace could be friends with a woman like Elena, when it was 2:30 pm, Ana excused herself, saying that she should leave already, said goodbye to Grace with a hug and Elena with the hand, the lunch had not been pleasant.
-"Elena, I do not understand why you had to be so disgusting with Ana?"- Grace asked annoyed.
Elena put her hand to her chest and feigned surprise. - "Was I disgusting?"
-"Of course," - said Grace, - "you kept saying that Ana had no good ideas and no experience.
Elena drank a little – "Grace, I'm just worried about what will come out of this party, remember, it's the first of the year and marks the trend of the following"
-"Elena, it's a fundraiser, not a social debut.
-"I know perfectly well, and believe me all I ever do, I do it for the sake of those helpless children, you know how I like to help young people." - Grace believed her words and her face softened. - "I'm afraid, does not work well at this party, people who always support us move away, " - she said in a pretended dramatic tone.
Grace took her hand. - "I understand your concern Elena, but I'm sure of Ana's ability, I know she'll do a good job".
Elena smiled. - "I hope so."
Ana came home and made a small suitcase, did not need much apart, had things in NY, called Ethan and warned him that she would be there in the morning, they stopped by Mike's office for 10:00 am, when finished her calls went to take a relaxing bath, her mind wandered again to Christian, had not received signals from him all day, she knew that although they had been good yesterday, was still annoyed, but she did not understand why, he couldn´t decide whether she will traveled or not, he had no right to impose himself, she thought again about the way he spoke and remembered Kate, although he had not treated her badly, the Christian last night was very different from the one she knew.
When the water began to cool, she wrapped herself in a towel and headed for the kitchen to prepare something to eat, it was 7:00 pm, early in the afternoon, Kate warned her that she would go out with Elliot but would be back in time to take her to the airport, was preparing a sandwich when she heard the bell, went to the door and without looking opened smiling grumbled.
-"You forgot your keys and ..." - but when she looked, she was surprised to see Kate not standing at the door - Christian - she said softly, he was standing in front of her, he had the button of his shirt off and his tie protruded from the top pocket of his suit, looked at her from head to toe, Ana was barefoot only with the towel her hair was collected.
-I can pass? - he said without taking his eyes off her legs, she stepped aside and let him in, closed the door and lay by her without saying anything, Christian was still watching her intensely, she bit her lip unconsciously, this man loved it, Christian came up to her and stretched her chin gently to stop biting him –" Ana, you're biting your lip and more dressed like that" - said looking up again –" you want to kill me" - said in a hoarse voice, she laughed and made a negative gesture.
-"Please be comfortable, I'll go change," - she said as she walked to her room. When she arrived, she let go of her hair and put on her black leggings again and a white shirt, shoes, and went with Christian to find him in the living room looking out the window to the Sound with the moon shining on the water, stood beside him and looked too.
- "I understand why you like your apartment, the view is impressive," - he said.
- "From my room I can watch the sunrise if I wake up at the right time, when it's less cold, I'll show you the inner garden, the view will steal your breath." - Christian nodded, then turned to face her.
- "Forgive me for not contacting you all day." - She smiled sweetly.
- "You were probably busy, that's why I did not write you, but I thought I'd call you before I left."
Christian ran his hand through his hair, it bothered her to leave – "you would never bother me Ana," - he said sincerely, - " can we talk? - She nodded and motioned for him to go to the couch.
-You want a drink? - Christian shook his head and sat down in an armchair in front of her – "tell me ..."
- "I know that I behave badly yesterday." - She opened her mouth to interrupt, but he stopped her putting a finger on her lips - please let me finish, I know that last night we said we'd let it go and I know we said we had to talk, and that's true, but I can not help but feel uneasy because you leave, I understand that you have commitments and that they are prior to me, but I would like you to start participating in this type of things from now on, so that I can know, I am new to this Ana and I'm going to screw up a lot and we're going to fight a lot, but despite all that, I want to meet you, I want to spend time with you, I do not want to turn my back on this because of my outbursts and ... - but could not continue, it was hushed by a kiss from her.
-"As I told you yesterday - staring into his eyes - I'm new to this too, and yes, you are right, there are many things to talk about, but they will come at the right time, and I also want to meet you and spend time with you, and I promise you, that when something arises that might affect my time with you or some important decision, I'll consult with you, okay?
- "All right," - he said, resting his forehead on hers. - "I came to offer you my Jet for your trip." She smiled.
- "Thank you, but I already have my passages." - He frowned.
- "You can cancel them," - he said firmly, then softened his tone. - "If you want," - she smiled again and gave him a soft kiss.
- "Thank you, but I'll take the floor for the next one." - Christian nodded and let him in. If he kept insisting, they would discuss it again and they would not see each other over the weekend.
-What time is your flight? - he asked
- At 10, Kate will come to take me to the airport.
- "I'll take you," - he said in a tone that held no discussion, Ana opened her mouth to argue but decided not to, they had had enough yesterday
-"Okay, I'll let her know, you want something to eat?" - asked standing up, Christian said yes and together went to the kitchen to prepare something.
When they were in the kitchen Christian sat at the bar to watch as she made some sandwiches, served him some Blueberry Juice.
- "I ate lunch with your mother and a friend of hers," - Ana said, cutting some bread.
- Really? Why? - he said, drinking some juice.
- "Your mother wanted me to meet this lady since she's always the one who helps with the events, but she does not seem to like me."
Christian frowned - Ana is impossible that you do not like someone, who was?
-"Mrs. Elena Lincoln," she said, and Christian's eyes widened. - "She was making comments about my inexperience and whether or not I will have good taste."
-"I'm sure she was only worried that everything would be all right."
They ate in silence, looking at each other deeply, both wanting to say many things but not daring, but there was something that hung around Christian's head.
-"With whom will you go to the charity dinner on Saturday?" - Christian asked casually.
-"With Mike and probably Ethan, Kate's brother," - she said nonchalantly, Christian boiled his blood.
-Mike your lawyer? - he said acidly, she stared at him and saw the anger in his eyes.
-Yes, but we will go as friends, as always
-"I don´t want you to go with him," - he said between his teeth, Ana changed her face, "come back with the same?" she thought, but when she opened her mouth, he continued - I don´t want you to go with someone other than me. - Ana did not say anything, this time she understood, she extended her hand to touch his and gave him a gentle squeeze.
-"Christian, I understand, but I don´t want to go alone, and Mike is a friend, just that, he already has it clear..." - Christian grunted.
- Did he try something? - He said angrily.
-"No, he has never tried anything, but I already made it clear that to me he is just a good friend, please don´t make this harder," - she said pleadingly, this appeased a little to Christian - and by itself everything is complicated, and you will not be there to accompany me.
- "If I went, would you go with me?" Ana smiled.
-What question is that? Of course I would have gone with you, that's for sure - Christian just nodded, no longer said anything and continued to eat, was not happy about how things were, but launched into his head a plan to solve everything.
As promised Ana told Kate that Christian would take her, after saying goodbye to her friend on the phone, went to the airport accompanied by Christian, Taylor greeted her kindly and packed her luggage in the trunk, on the road no one spoke, everyone went mired in his thoughts.
Christian watched the city pass by his window, felt many things that were totally new to him, didn´t want to prove it but jealousy was killing him, if it had been for him, Ana had not stepped on NY without his company, and would not have allowed that Mike would come close to her, but he knew that this came from before and more than anything else was her business, but Saturday was about to make him crazy, could not stay calm thinking that they would spend an evening together, an evening that must to be for him, he needed to find the way that she depended exclusively on him, did not want to share her with anyone, and above all, this feeling was the one that most terrified him.
Ana felt a lot of things for the man next to her, but she worried that everything was going very fast, they were going out? Was that? They never thought that was what they had, just knew they wanted to spend time together and meet, would have liked it to be with him, but she knew that the notice was short, so she preferred not to say anything, not wanted to hear the negative because she knew that it would make her feel bad, if it was for her would have returned tomorrow night to Seattle but since the event was held in one of their hotels, Ethan and Mike advised her to be present.
They arrived at the airport and Taylor under her luggage, she thanked him and then turned to Christian, he looked at her intensely.
-Well, I have to go inside.
He ran his hand through his hair and sighed.- "I don´t want you to go," - he said softly.
She smiled – "I know" - and came closer to him, raised her hands and caressed his face, Christian closed his eyes at this contact and enjoy the caress, she gave him a soft kiss on the lips and dragging her suitcase went to the doors.
Christian stared at her leaving, when she got out of his sight he got into the SUV.
-"Where Sir," - Taylor asked, looking at his boss in the rearview mirror.
-"Escala," - he said curtly, looking thoughtfully out the window, in short, he didn´t like at all that she was alone and was sure that this would be the last time this happened.
