Chapter Six – Permission to Cross the Line
Mia
Purposefully, I exit the elevator and pass over Christian's blonde clones behind their reception area. This place is so mundane and dull, it hasn't changed much since Dad was here. One day I'll convince my brother somehow to correct these hideous colour schemes. Somewhere behind me, I hear one of his aides quickly trailing after me.
"Good morning Ms. . . . ." I don't wait for her to finish her habitual mandatory greeting.
"Is my brother in?" I keep walking.
"Yes but . . ."
"Is he alone?"
"Yes"
"Thank you, that's all I need to know, and don't trail after me, I'll see myself to his office" Tossing my hand, her quick steps come to a complete halt.
When I enter, Christian is standing before a spread of papers and envelopes strewn across his vintage coffee table. His demeanor is pensive, as it also demands his full attention.
"Mia" he welcomes without looking my way, I knew his underlings would have already alerted him to my presence, "What do I owe the pleasure?"
"Nothing can't a girl just drop in on her big brother," I sigh playfully, plopping down on the couch.
"No, not you, with you, there's always a purpose, a reason" he reveals, not taking his eyes from his work.
"Okay, you got me. This morning I got a sneak peek of YB Designs' new collection. I think they're rebranding or diverting from their usual signature concepts, it's bold I must give them that".
"Is that a good thing?" he probes.
"I don't know," I say to myself, "But it's given me an idea . . . . Anyway, their presentation doesn't compare, and I have ample time to make some necessary alterations to my Men's Collection".
"That was quick, you're here only one month and you have Daryl feeding you information. Hope you can be a good friend to him if or when he gets caught".
"He won't get caught," I guarantee vehemently. "That's the business, Christian. How else am I going to be a step ahead of the competition?"
"With your natural talent," he answers distractedly, tilting his head as he continues to examine the documents, "Where's your shadow, Mimi?"
"Please don't say that girl's name," I roll my eyes.
"Oh-oh, what did she do now?"
"You mean what didn't she do, I sent her off to London yesterday for fitting exercises, but I better cancel that if the way forward is going to be altered. She made a mess of things earlier this week, something about her conscious and indecisiveness, she doesn't have what it takes to take it to the next level".
"I hope you're talking about work."
"What else would I be talking about?" I shrug.
"I don't know, you two seem to be at odds with something and I'm not going to ask what it is because what you have in mind is usually harmful to someone other than yourself."
I purse my lips together, trying to suppress my oncoming smile.
"Are you only doing London this year?" he asks distractedly.
"Of course not! There's Milan and Paris, it's my first time in New York and maybe Seattle".
"That's good you'll be preoccupied for the rest of the year," he nods still fixed on his documents, "I can't have you barging into my office and disrespecting my staff every time you want to share."
"I see my presence hasn't been missed . . ."
"Oh, it has, don't get me wrong, but every time you come back everything is suddenly misaligned".
I take his statement as a compliment, laughing at the bold accuracy. "I see you've gotten my pieces?"
"Yes, this morning. How do I look?"
"Dashing naturally," I overly praise, "I'm thinking about doing my own show when I'm finished touring . . ."
"And?"
"I'll need sponsorship towards my next venture,"
"You're warming up,"
"What do you mean?" I express.
"Never mind, submit your proposal to Andrea, only then I'll have a look at your next project."
"Thank you" I beam.
"I didn't say yes, Mia."
"I know, but you won't say no either," I say meaningfully. My mind changes gears, time to reveal the true purpose of my visit. "I just came from Mother's . . . We had a very interesting conversation. She talked about Katherine and Anastasia, more so Anastasia. She was practically gushing" I roll my eyes. "And who is this, Anastasia?"
"She's my girlfriend," he says tersely.
"I wasn't aware that you two have been seeing each other, you looked like strangers at the dinner party. When did this happen"
Finally, he looked at me, "It took you long to reveal the real reason why you walked in here,"
"Oh," I blink like a set of lights on a Christmas tree, "You know me that well".
"Yes, I do, Mia subtly doesn't stick around when you're having a conversation, and I didn't know you had to be informed about my personal life."
"Oh, don't be so defensive brother, I feel slighted, you usually tell me everything. Elliot told me about Katherine since he was in New York and only today, I found out that you've been involved with this Anastasia, have you gotten over Savannah? Don't you think this a little too soon?"
"No, I don't, Savannah is long gone, she's married, and I had to move on someday," his attention goes back to the documents on the table.
"Have you done your background checks?"
"Of course," he utters curtly.
"Where does she come from?" I ask curiously.
"San Diego"
I wait, tolerantly. "And?"
"And what do you want to know, Mia?" he asks slightly irate.
I shrug. "I don't know. This woman just came out of nowhere, do you know anything about her family, her past? She doesn't look like your type, Christian. She's too simple, that's Elliot's taste. I'm used to seeing you with extraordinary sophistication, not some cook from a four-star hotel".
"She an Apprentice Chef," he counters. "A damn good one too"
I huff, "Whatever, it's all wrong this isn't you-"
His head snaps to me, I can tell he's heated, "It's all wrong? . . . . Mia, let me make this indisputably clear. What I do in my personal life is not up for debate, not with you".
"But it is for Mother-"
"That's different. You didn't have this problem with Savannah".
"No, I didn't, Savannah was my friend, she's one of us".
"One of us? Are you listening to yourself? Do you remember what happened?"
"Yes, I remember" my voice dips. "But I don't agree with this, you can do so much better than a nobody who . . .".
"Stop talking, Mia, or get out of my office . . . ."
"Savannah was different; she was in a class by herself" I gather my purse and stand still long enough so he can observe my firm gaze, "This woman . . . I don't like her".
He doesn't react to my words, but I can feel his eyes on my retreating back as I walk away. When I get to the door, I look over my shoulder, he remains positioned where I left him.
"You're not meant to be in love, Christian, it crushes you, remember that, and if you must marry her in the future, it would be in your best interest if you have Amos prepare a prenup . . . make sure she signs it," I say before dragging the door open and stepping out into the hallway.
Christian being in a relationship with a woman is a great distraction, and I intend to show him.
Kate
"Yes . . .Yes" I'm excitedly bouncing around the couch, "Thank you, thank you".
I hang up, toss the phone then sprint into her bedroom.
"Ana, Ana" I screech.
She scrunches her face and opens her eyes muddled, "W-what, what is it?"
"I got in . . . I GOT IN"
"You got in?"
"I GOT IN" I climb onto her bed and begin to jump around in circles. I know I've just woken her up but I'm so happy to keep the news to myself.
"It's Romeo and Juliet?" her voice is groggy.
"Yes, Roméo et Juliette" I clasp my hands together and flop down on the bed next to her.
"I'm proud of you," she whispers.
"I know, thank you."
"Rehearsals?"
"Next week, so I'm guessing a few late nights . . . .Speaking of late nights, I heard you and Christian were on a date late at night" I wriggle my eyebrows, "How did that go?"
"It wasn't a date. He was hungry, I had already eaten, and he asked me to join him. That was it, no date".
"When are you guys going on a date?"
She slowly pulls herself upright in bed, "You know this isn't real, right? This thing between Christian and me . . . We're doing this for Grace".
"I know, I just feel sorry you got roped into this."
"Hey, I'm having fun, so don't feel bad".
"Actually I do . . . . Elliot and I love each other and we're getting married soon, but you and Christian have this . . . . Arrangement. You shouldn't put yourself through this, not since-"
Her face transforms quickly and she shuts her eyes, "Kate. . . ."
"No Ana, let me say this. . . ." I move closer and take her by the arm. She wants to bolt I can tell. Ethan breaking up with Ana was the hardest thing she's had to deal with since her mother died, it broke her completely, and it broke me too.
"I know what you're going to say. . . . But you didn't hurt me, Kate, he did. Just because he's your brother doesn't mean you're responsible for his actions," her eyes begin to flood with tears, "Goddammit" she protests wiping her face.
My mouth hangs slack shortly, I've never seen Ana cry for anything, at least not in my presence. I say her name and touch her shoulder lightly, "I'm sorry".
"It's okay . . . . it's alright" she sniffles, cupping her face.
The moment is cut short when her phone begins to vibrate on the nightstand. She's dubious, it's obvious she doesn't recognize the number.
Christian
When she says the second hello it's only then I identify her voice . . . . . something's wrong.
"Hello," she says for a third time, snapping me out of my disquiet.
"Um, it's me, Christian . . .Grey" I pause. Should I ask? . . . No Christian, it's none of your business.
"Christian, are you there?"
"Yes, sorry, Anastasia. The reason why I'm calling is that I need you to come to my office to sign the contract".
"But the copy from last night. . ."
"Is a draft" I complete, "I would like you to bring it back so we can dispose of it. I know you said you must work this afternoon, what time can I send Taylor to pick you up?"
"Two is good," her tone is curt.
"Okay, see you then . . . . . Anasta-" the line goes dead before I can finish her name. No insults, no witty remarks, nothing. I find myself thinking about it more than I should, so I go back to my task that's strewn across the center table in my office.
. . . . .
"Whatever, it's all wrong this isn't you-" . . . ."Savannah was different; she was in a class by herself"
"Mr Grey. . . ."
"This woman . . . I don't like her" . . . . . You're not meant to be in love, Christian, it crushes you, remember that, and if you must marry her, it would be in your best interest if you have Amos prepare a prenup . . . make sure she signs it".
The purpose of keeping my beloved sister out of my affairs became even more prominent after her so-called innocent visit. Mia Grey is the craftiest and most duplicitous woman I've come to know; I love her dearly but she always scheming, and she can't keep a secret. If she found out about this arrangement with Anastasia Steele, I fear she would reveal everything to Mother by a supposed slip of the tongue.
"Mr Grey"
I blink rapidly, ridding the dreaded words of my sister before turning my head to the voice calling out to me. Andrea comes into focus; she's standing a few feet away.
"Sorry to disturb you, Sir, but your two o'clock is here and I couldn't reach you on your line. . ."
"It's two o'clock?" my hand comes up, exposing my watch.
"Yes, Sir" she replies astonished herself.
"I apologize my phone is set on DND. Who's here for two o'clock?"
"Why Ms Steele, she's waiting in the reception area?"
"Please send her in" I instruct.
Paired with the salient utterances of my sister and this batch of documents I've been combing through; I hadn't realized that two hours had vanished from my day. I look up when I catch her footsteps entering the room. I admire her grey coat, which is strategically matched with her pumps. It's unbuttoned all the way down revealing the low cut of her top exposing the roundness of her breasts and her jeans accentuating her curvy hips, something I've never noticed before.
"Please sit down," I motion hastily to the couch and avert my eyes.
She complies wordlessly and I continue to stack the documents to one side of the table.
"Can I ask you a question?" she mutters unexpectedly.
"Will it result in an argument?" I ask cautiously.
"That's totally up to you."
I sigh, "Go on".
"Why are you doing this?"
"My mother is very family-oriented. She couldn't have children of her own but that didn't stop her from fulfilling her dream of having a family. She suspects I won't settle down, and she's right".
"You don't believe in marriage or a family?"
"Why should I? Having children these days wouldn't be a problem once you find the right candidate, but getting married" I shake my head objecting, "The only man I know who's in a committed marriage is Amos, and he himself has had his problems with his wife. Three years ago, they got divorced and then remarried after being apart for five months".
"They couldn't stay away from each other," she mumbles adoringly.
"Because they're comfortable and attached," I indicate, "In the beginning, everyone is giddy and illogical over love. It's a fairytale and over time that fades. A husband gets lazy and loses sight of why he entered the relationship, after ten years he's trying to regain his youth by fucking a woman fifteen years his junior because of his nagging wife. A woman becomes content with having children and lets herself go. Soon, all she does is pay bills, drive their kids to soccer, bake cookies, and let's not forget sex is out of the equation. Tell me, Anastasia, does the idea of marriage sound appealing to you?"
"Well, after your stomach-churning analysis, no. But there's more than what you've just outlined, it seems like you're looking on like a cynical spectator".
"I'm guessing you believe in marriage?"
"Yes, I do. Even though my father walked out on us, even though I never saw my mother with a man, and even though I'm not currently in a committed relationship that doesn't mean the idea of marriage hasn't totally escaped me. Wouldn't you want to reciprocate the love and affection you've received from your mother to someone else?"
"If that were possible it would have already happened, trust me. I missed my chance and it's best that doesn't come my way again because if it does, I intend to ignore it completely. Besides, I don't have the time for a full-time relationship, between my mother and work there's nothing".
"I can tell you're cutting yourself off . . ."
"And I can see that you're living in a bubble," I disparage.
"What's wrong with you, you've got your back turned to the world," she retorts passionately. "I can tell something happened to you and your experience has made you cold and bitter."
He makes a rude snort, "You don't know what you're talking about".
"Believe me, I do"
A few seconds ticked by, and we found ourselves staring daggers at each other. I remain silent to her spot-on statement and head over to my desk to retrieve the contract she came to sign.
"I believe I understood what you meant about the contract being fragmented. There are some additional details you need to look over, also I've decided to marry as soon as possible"
Her eyes widen at my disclosure, and she doesn't accept the document I'm holding out to her. I motion to my outstretched hand, and she pulls the papers from my fingers.
"You do realize we don't get along; I know nothing about you and vice versa. We should spend some time together before we . . ."
"There's no time for that and I don't care if we get along or not. Remember you jumped on this just to annoy me, and now you're stalling the inevitable. Once we both stay focused on why we're doing this everything will go smoothly. This is strictly business don't get personal".
Her eyes narrow viciously, "You're not going to bully me into doing what you want. I've already agreed to marry you, but you don't get to say when".
"Getting married on my birthday is a dead giveaway, my mother will realize that this is a ruse and she'll question the validity of our relationship."
"I'll settle for a week before your birthday."
"That's next week, I was thinking by the end of this week."
"No," she answers staunchly. "We're not even engaged, and she doesn't know about your intentions, this sloppy and rushed."
"You're right, okay, I'll tell her that I'm enamored with you, and I don't want to wait to get married, she'll be delighted".
She shakes her head disapprovingly. "I don't like this, Christian, we're moving too fast".
"We'll do a small, private wedding at my mother's place, no bridesmaids, no groomsmen".
"Not a chance, I want Kate standing by the altar with me and I'm wearing a white dress," she asserts.
"You're asking a lot if I had it my way, I'd haul your ass to the Municipal Court and we'd be standing in front of a Justice of the Peace, today."
"Well too bad, it may not be what I've always wanted but you can give me something," she flares.
"Fine, then I get to keep the conditions outlined in the contract."
"What conditions?" she asks with a peculiar expression on her face.
"For instance, whenever I need you, you have to make yourself available."
"That isn't a condition," she argues, "and if it was it should be flexible. From here on I don't exist only to satisfy your needs"
I openly smirk at her tone, "That's a good idea, we can slip that in somewhere," I recommend in a suggestive manner.
She pulls back slightly, "I don't like the sound of that."
"I want you to move into my place by next week," I instruct.
She gasps then simmers down, "Fine. But I'm not giving up my apartment; I want to have somewhere to go when this is all over".
"I don't care, that's your decision."
"And I'm not signing this," she states, getting to her feet quickly, "Not until I read it thoroughly, I don't trust you well enough not to slip something into this document to undermine my sanity. I must get to work" her eyes dip shortly to the stack of papers on the table, the letters CMBI are in bold on the top page. "CMBI . . . that's Edison Stanley's company?" she questions perceptively.
"Yes," I freeze, casting my eyes on her. "What do you know of it?"
"Only what I read on the internet. There isn't much about the incident in your history, but he tried to buy out this company when your father died".
"Yes, I had my assistant retrieve these for me from my father's archives. You researched me . . . . Interesting"
"Why is that interesting?" she says bewildered.
"I thought you'd be content with the information shared through our discussions yesterday."
"You're so confusing, you hardly give me anything, and when I probe you shut me down."
"I don't remember shutting you-"
"Yes Christian, last night. You were very vague with your answers, and you told me not to assume anything about you" she adds flippantly, "So I did my own research. And don't stand there and tell me that you didn't do the same to me" she's waiting for an answer, "Yeah, that's what I thought. Christian, just like you I'd like to know who I'm dealing with. For all I know you could be some multi-billionaire Dominant living a secretive BDSM lifestyle with a playroom in your Penthouse, pleasuring yourself with the perfect Submissive by spanking her with your riding crop and screwing her brains out and somehow has a disheartening inability to form an emotional connection with a woman".
"Even if my life was like that, I'd doubt you'd find that information on the internet . . . But hey, that sounds like a worthy idea for a book or a movie, but I doubt anyone would read it, so hold on to your day job" I mock.
"You could be wrong about that . . . anyway I have to get going."
"And remember Anastacia this contract doubles as a non-disclosure agreement, no one is to know about the intricacies of this union, outside of Elliot and Kate".
"I know I wouldn't want anyone finding out about this either. I have a reputation too you know," she quips nonchalant.
"Good, I'll give you a ride to the Sheraton; I'm attending a conference . . . ."
"At the hotel, I know. The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, this company is a member".
"Very good" I nod somewhat impressed, "It's good to know that you weren't only interested in how much I'm worth."
She gives an unladylike snort and flashes a mischievous smile "I wasn't interested in that, actually, I wanted to know why you weren't in a relationship with another woman, you know . . . I thought you had a different sexual preference".
"Excuse me," I remark confused.
"I thought you were gay" Instantly my emotions flame and punches me in the gut, "So don't flatter yourself, Christian. I already told you I don't want your money and I can take care of myself".
I'm a helpless bystander as my brain stutters to generate a response to her inaccurate assumption as she snatches up the contract, smirks, and gracefully marches on with a victory stride out of my office.
Ana
I've annoyed him I can tell, Christian and I are sitting apart with an invisible line drawn down the middle of the car. Instead of scooting over the backseat, he went around the vehicle while Taylor held the door for me, got in, and slammed his door shut. The entire ride was a vacuum of silence; his stormy grey eyes fixed out of the window in crossness while I would periodically make facial gestures mocking Christian when Taylor would steal a peek into the rearview mirror making him smile.
When we pull up at the entrance, he exits the car and meets me on the other side when Taylor gets the door. We enter the hotel; and walk the corridor side-by-side close like an actual couple.
"The conference ends at nine, but I'll wait around to give you a ride home" he speaks low as we stand off to the side near the doors of the conference room where a handful of media personnel are talking quietly, "And you're wrong, I'm not gay".
I turn my back to them, "Okay, but if you were gay that wouldn't be a problem, I have a few gay friends . . ."
"But I'm not gay," he insists.
"I heard you the first time," I nod and smile internally at his efforts to make sure that I know. "Don't worry about me getting home tonight, I can get a ride home . . ."
"Don't argue with me, you're supposed to be my girlfriend. I can't allow you to get a lift from some co-worker when I have a driver, people will find that peculiar".
"And when I have my car?"
"That's okay, but today you don't, so I'll be waiting for you outside."
"Okay," I say as I turn to walk away.
I feel a firm, possessive tug on my elbow that takes me by surprise and forces me to look back at him. Instantly, I recognized that fiery passion in my eyes, the need to conquer something or satisfy some deep-seated desire.
"Don't read anything into this," his voice trembles.
"What?"
He pulls me hard into him, crushing his mouth against mine, my body heats and goes numb instantly. In the background, I can hear the clicking of cameras and an audience taking in the display. Caught off guard by the moment my mouth was slightly open when our lips collided, he took full advantage and skillfully slinked his tongue past my lips. A soft scream bellows from my throat in inaudible inhibited protest. He's got me imprisoned with a steady hand under my coat splayed across my back and the other on the nape of my neck. My mind goes blank, I want to move but I can't for two reasons. One, we're in public and I don't want to make a scene, which is contradictory right now because I'm already in the middle of one, and two . . . . No, Ana, you shouldn't be thinking about two.
Forcefully I sink my nails through his blazer into his rigid biceps to make him stop. He pulls away inches from my face and grins as if he's won something. The feel of his warm breath against my lips is making me lightheaded, I find myself greedily taking the air he's releasing.
"This was necessary, I'll see you after work," he speaks softly against my lips and moves past me as if nothing happened.
That was the longest seven seconds of my life, and I can't believe how quickly the tables have turned on me. This is game, set, but I'm the one who's going to win this.
. . . . . .
Seven hours later, I'm still red in the face over what happened with Christian. Even Jack didn't present any irksome remarks for the entire shift; I guess he figured he should stay clear. As promised Christian's car is parked outside the hotel waiting for me, promptly Taylor comes out and opens the back door. Christian is seated with the interior light on and doesn't look up at me; he's going over a few documents on his lap. I get in and say nothing, now it's my turn to stare out the window.
When we pull in front of my apartment, I'm too eager to get out of the car.
"Taylor" he utters before I reach for the handle, " Ms. Steele and I need to speak privately, please give us a few minutes".
"Yes Sir," he nods and exits onto the sidewalk standing a good distance away. He parts his lips to speak, but don't I allow it.
"Save it, if you think you can do whatever you want, then we should end this now".
"I was trying to make a point," he says composed.
"Enlighten me"
"I told you I'm not gay, and apart from that, the media will assist in taking this forward."
"You figured you had to prove that you prefer women?"
"Yes," he replies as if he's proud of himself.
"Well, believe me, that doesn't prove that you're not gay, but it was well received".
"I'm glad you like it."
"Who said I did," he frowns, "don't you ever do that to me again. You stuck your tongue in my mouth-"
"And you seemed to like it," he taunts.
My eyes are wide as saucers, "Y-You" Ana don't stutter, inhale, exhale "That's what you think, but it meant nothing as you indicated before you kissed me, and you said only if it's necessary. That wasn't necessary so you broke the contract . . ."
"Uh, uh, uh," he tsks, "you haven't signed the contract yet, so technically-"
"Don't be a smart-ass, Christian Grey. This isn't happening again, don't kiss me without my permission. . . . . I want you to promise here and now that it won't happen again".
His eyebrows furrow and I'm sure he recognizes what's going on. In my own way, I'm making him apologize and admit that he was wrong. He crosses his arms over his chest and remains silent.
"Okay, find someone else to do this," I threaten to reach for the door handle.
"Stop" and match. He twists his lips ruefully, "I promise . . . . it won't happen again, and I apologize".
Unconsciously, I fold my lips and for a moment it sparks the full memory and erotic warmth of the kiss. "I'll go over the contract tonight and sign it if there aren't any discrepancies. You enjoy the rest of your night, Christian".
As I get out of the car, I close my eyes and breathe in a lungful of cool, night air. I'm stuck with these sensations, the warmth, and gentleness of his lips, the way his hands caressed my back, and the fact that I liked how I felt against his body. Taylor smiles and tells me to have a good night when I pass him on the way to the front doors of the building. Whatever angst or annoyance I was feeling a couple of minutes ago I left it behind in the car to let it ride all way the home with him.
He gave me his word and I'll take that for now. Yes, even though there was a tsunami of emotions coursing through me when we kissed, part of me felt violated and helpless and that's something I will not bargain with.