Disclaimer: The original characters and plot are the property of E.L. James. I'm just having a lil' fun. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 3 | Will You Be Fine?

GREY

"Good morning Andrea, any calls?"

I really don't wanna be here today, or any day since Ana left me. I can hear her giggling throughout the apartment. I actually heard her whisper my name last night and felt her kiss my cheek in the few minutes I did sleep.

Wonder how long that'll last.

It seems my relationship with Ana has had an even more profound affect on my life than either of us believed. She always worried about not being enough for me. My thoughts of her and how she'd feel about my knee-jerk reactions have caused me to stop and think before I act. Don't get me wrong, I haven't gone all hearts and flowers with my business. I'll always be Christian Grey, CEO Grey Enterprise Holding, Incorporated and all that implies, but outside these doors and without this suit, it feels good to be Christian.

Atta boy.

"Your messages are on your desk Mr. Grey. Mrs. Lincoln has called several times. She says it's urgent she speak to you." I shake my head. I bet it's urgent. When is it not with her? The hag won't leave me the fuck alone. How fucking much rejection can one person take? She convinced me she was the epitome of control. She's called, texted, emailed and carrier pigeoned me every motherfucking day for the past two weeks. What kind of control does that show?

More like a desperate old bitch.

You know good and well she's slithering around trying to take Ana's place.

Don't make me puke. It'll be a cold day in these nuts if that old sack of shit even comes sniffing around down here Grey. You can believe THAT slick. You were the best fuck the ole bat ever had. Then she managed to have a leash on the caliber of pussy available since you got away from her. NOW there's a new sheriff in town and she can't handle it.

"Thank you Andrea. Please make it known, Mrs. Lincoln is now on the proscribed list for calls, appointments, visits...everything. I've notified Taylor and Welch as well. If she gives you any trouble, let her know I added her name to the list personally." The cheesy grin on Andrea's face says it all. I know Andrea. Believe me, I know.

"Yes sir, Mr. Grey." I've just made her day. She smiles brightly as she asks, "Would you like any coffee sir?"

I smile right back at her, "No, thank you Andrea. I'll be fine."

Will you be fine?

We'll see.

Since sleep has been null and void in my life again, I decided to increase my overseas presence, even more. After verifying everything was in place regarding the Taipei shipyard deal, I looked into another acquisition, then I let Ros know what was next on the GEH M&A agenda.

"What the fuck are you gonna ship from Australia, koalas?! You're joking right? What about the shipyard? Are you even gonna follow through with it? We threw a fuck-ton of man hours into that merger then you turned it into an acquisition!" It was difficult to keep a straight face while she ranted about the time spent on the Taipei shipyard deal I kept pissing and moaning about and the uselessness of having, yet another, overseas steel company, let alone one in Australia.

When she finally took a breath I finished my thoughts, "Pull your panties outa your crotch Ros. Taipei is mine, plain and simple. Lei will sign the agreement during my layover. Since I'm on his home turf, I'll go to the dinner I suspect he'll hold, then I'll be off to Townsville."

I didn't stop to let her reload, "ECO Blue Steel is a sound investment. It's a flat steel producer for the domestic Australian, New Zealand and US markets and a leading international supplier of steel products. We can easily import and export shipments from the Port of Townsville, which is in the same area."

Even after hearing everything I had to say, I could tell she was still a bit skeptical. "Australia, huh?" I nodded yes. It's the right deal at the right time. "A bit drastic don't you think, even for you?"

I sigh to myself. First, I don't need hers or anyone else's permission to make a decision in my company. Second, Ros works hard, kicks asses and skips the names, but she gets too focused on what's right in front of her. "Ros?" She should understand this, at least I thought so.

"Hmm?" She was chewing on her pen, looking at the specs about ECO Blue, trying to reconcile the deal I'm going after.

"What has no hands, but may knock on your door and you better open up if it does?"1 I love doing this to her. Like I said, she's intelligent and can run a boardroom almost as well as I can, but she can get caught in the quagmire.

Put me out of her misery. Tell her already. The expression on her face screams she has no clue what you're going on about, Riddler.

"Think about it for a while Ros. Get me the follow-up information I requested about ECO Blue. Andrea has a copy of the draft agreement I've forwarded to their chairman of the board. We can go over it after lunch."

She got up from her seat, then slowly walked to my office door, glancing, every so often, back at me over her shoulder. "I'll tell you the answer after we review the agreement." She still looked confused and I couldn't contain my laughter anymore, which pissed her off so much she stomped the rest of the way out of my office.

Sometime around noon, I'm interrupted by a timid voice calling out to me. "Mr. Grey?"

I look up from my spreadsheets, projections and dividend reports and see Andrea standing in my office doorway. She's never sounded so apprehensive. Something's wrong. My mind immediately goes to Ana, but Taylor's not with her or even without her. He would've contacted me if something was wrong. I swallow hard before I respond, "Yes Andrea," my voice shaking a bit.

Andrea continues to speak softly as she fills me in on the reason for her demeanor. "Mrs. Lincoln is at the front desk and refuses to leave. I told her she's now on the proscribed list, but she's very insistent and becoming belligerent towards the guards. They didn't want to call the police because you didn't say they could go that far with her." So, the Bitch Troll is raising all kinds of fucking hell downstairs.

Is that Wrinkled Witch of the Pacific Northwest for real?

What the fuck does the bitch want? I'm working dammit! I've got a fucking company to run, a business trip to finalize, outstanding M&As to get through the queue and brain-frozen "professionals", who can't understand they should be doing their jobs, not me!

The Operations "Expert" from my Audit Department missed an associate's error, one a disinterested two year old could spot no less. Then she tells me, 'It wasn't listed as a Merger Touchpoint Management error. It was inconsequential.' I so wanted to choke the ditzy bitch as I vehemently disagreed with her summation, "It's a fucking error. What this tells me is the Project Analyst and the Quality Analyst need to get their shit together and update, correct or rewrite the Merger Touchpoint Management "bible" you seem insistent on waving in my face!" I couldn't help the teeth clenching snarl, "Get it done! Redo the audit! Or find another job. You've got twelve seconds to decide." Of course, it didn't take that long for her to respond, 'We'll get right on it Mr. Grey.'

I don't have time to do security's job too. Nevertheless, I say, "Andrea, let security know I'll be there to handle Mrs. Lincoln personally." I take a deep cleansing breath, if a public display of embarrassment is what she wants, who am I to deny her?

So, now I'm salty as I take the lift down to my lobby. Taylor reviews the proscribed list every morning. He saw her name, I know he did because he commented about her on the drive in…"Sir?" I look up at him from my BlackBerry, I'm responding to emails and text messages confirming meetings, shooting off instructions and re-writing agendas for the ECO Blue bastards who think the time difference is gonna throw me off my game.

They have no clue how we operate.

Obviously.

I looked over and nixed their board chairman's change requests. They can look me in the eye and ask for those increases. If they dare. "Yes Taylor." I know I sound perturbed. I am perturbed. I want Ana back. I want to go on with our lives together and for whatever the fuck reason, she's convinced I'm trying to take over her entire being. I want out of Seattle so bad I can taste it . Hell, I already have more than two overseas steel companies, I don't need another one. This deal is a means to an end and my departure isn't coming fast enough.

"I see Mrs. Lincoln's name was added to 'The List'. Does that include all the attention afforded to the other tasks thereon?" He means surveillance, additional background checks and surprise security appearances, when warranted.

I chuckle, "Yes Taylor, it most certainly does. Welch has an updated check in progress. He'll liaise with you regarding her first scheduled, impromptu, security appearance." Looking at me in the rearview mirror, Taylor gives a single nod. Once his eyes are back on the road, I see the distinct crinkles accompanying, what I know is a smile reaching his eyes…

…Why the fuck am I going to face-off against this whore?

Because you and I know she won't shut up until you show her your pretty grey eyes.

That's bullshit! You and I know she won't shut up then either.

Get the fuck down there Grey. The sooner this is over, the sooner we can get the fuck outa here.

Bet.

As the elevator doors open, I hear what can only be described as a cat being flayed. "You obviously don't know who I am. I have free access to all areas of this building, any time of the day or night, so get on your little flip phone over there and hop to it Sam because my time is more than valuable." His name's Max bitch. I can picture the look on Max's face right now. He's been the first shift desk manager for years. Many's the time he's huffed and puffed to Taylor about 'the old, plastic pussy Grey keeps around.' So, he knows who she is and he can't stand her.

Showtime Grey.

Emmy, Oscar or Golden Globe?

It's November dude. Emmy.

Booo. Hisss.

Heads up.

Finally reaching my destination, I jump right in, "Mrs. Lincoln, what the fuck do you want?" No niceties, no get the fuck outs, not yet at least, no I don't care what you have to say because, as you have so eloquently stated numerous times in the past…

It's a fucking waste of oxygen.

Indeed.

I look at my watch. She's got sixty seconds to spit it out or I'm gone. She's on the list. Taylor confirmed it. Security knows the drill. I look at Taylor, who looks at Max. Both gentlemen synchronize their watches for sixty seconds as well. Yes, they're behind me. We need her reactions caught live on Candid Camera and while I can't stand the sound of her voice, if they grab her too soon, we may miss something useful.

I look back at Elena, never saying a word. Her impassive glare is in place as she says, "I see you're going to play games today Christian. You must've seen the headlines already. No need to elicit these infantile spectacles dear boy." She begins walking closer to me. "We can handle your aggression in a more stimulating manner." She actually fucking winks at me before she continues with her demented fantasy, "Now Christian, I know you're hurting. She has no right or reason to leave you, especially after professing your love for her. I know what being alone does to you, how you become stressed and require help maintaining calm. I want to be certain you have everything you need in order to retain your control, until someone more suitable comes along that is. You know I can help you. I know you better than anyone, even your family. You and I have history and I want you to remember I'm here for you in your time of need."

I told you Grey, a frigid day. Just the sound of her sniffling near us and you'll have to dream about how it felt to cum from then on. You'll be ruined down here dude, for real.

I hear you dammit! Did you NOT just say 'Showtime Grey'? All the fuck I did was walk up to the damn desk.

I know how the cow operates.

As do I. Just, take a rest and let me deal with this.

The bitch slithers closer to me, throwing a hateful glance at Taylor when he stretches his arm out between us. Then she purrs, "I can be in the playroom at a moment's notice. Position one, two or three. Whichever you desire, sir." My skin crawls in response.

No matter, I have a warning to deliver. I lean slightly over Taylor's outstretched arm, moving closer to her ear, "I want you to go back to the dungeon." She gasps. She hasn't had me in her dungeon since before I established GEH, "I want you to strip naked and in position one. Be certain the carriage whip and the cat are both in place. I don't want to have to search for them." This time, I wink at her. Seeing her pupils dilate as she licks her lips makes my stomach boil. She's even beginning to pant. Based on the growl I hear beside me, I know Taylor noticed her reaction as well. I flash him a staged, admonishing look, then turn back to my prey. "Call Christopher," at the sound of his name, her head pops and she tries to jerk away from me, but she's not fast enough and I'm not finished yet.

We discovered this young man a few days ago. The poor sucker unfortunately looks like my fucking twin. The background check showed Vanessa Maxwell, his mother as she describes herself, isn't fit to look after a goldfish, let alone raise a teenage boy. The information about his old man is a bit vague and highly secure. He's some bigwig, CEO overseas who's wheeling and dealing without a care in the world. He may even have another family. One thing's for sure, whoever he is, the motherfucker dishes out billions to keep that gold-digging whore of his in check. Welch has a few more leads to chase, then we'll decide how we can proceed. With my hand around the back of her neck, I continue to give her instructions, "He's your sixteen year old. I'm absolutely certain he's skilled in shibari and knows how to make a Struggler's Knot by now. Tell him to use the jute rope because you'll want to remember this scene. Then tell him to wait. He's to answer the door with no questions, or else," with a firm grip on the nape of her neck, I pull her head back slightly and raise a brow letting her know, I got you bitch! If the slut is stupid enough to go through with that scene, Welch will have Seattle's finest at her front door to catch them both. Since she's on the list, she has covert surveillance so we'll know what happens next. I also told Welch and Taylor not to bet on it.

She struggles out of my grasp and stubbles backwards to get away from me, her face stark white. Now it's time for the crocodile tears and dramatics, "Christian, what are you saying? Why are you speaking me to this way? What a vile thing to say to me, your friend. I've done nothing but take you under my wing…"

Via her left tit.

"...in an attempt to enhance your control and sharpen your dynamic abilities…"

Specifically, your ability to make her scream. Then there's the not so little matter of our width and girth, as well as the added attraction of our stamina.

I can fuck like a stallion...for hours.

"...and this is the way you repay me, with innuendos and threats?" Same old fucking routine, pardon the pun, and her sixty seconds are up.

"Mrs. Lincoln, we were never friends and we will never be friends. There's nothing you can say that surprises me or has any bearing on my life. I already know about your ongoing contact with every fucking sub I've ever had, in and out of my playroom. I also know about your meddling in my business ventures and your allegiance with those who'd just as well have me drawn and quartered. Then, there's your perpetual inclination toward underage males. Make no mistake, I don't make threats and I don't speak in innuendos. Now, don't ever let an eyelash flitter at another GEH property, especially this one, ever again. I'm telling you for the final time, don't cross me bitch." After regaining her composure, I hate to admit it, she wears an impassive expression like no other. However, Elena forgets I know all of her expressions. She'll run through a myriad from a softened glance to dilated pupils before settling, as if on cue, on the smile of Satan's imp.

Having said my peace, I turn to leave. I'm not gonna tell her to call me Mr. Grey because I won't talk to her again. I'm not gonna remind her to go through her attorney because that's an excuse for the dull-witted dumbass, I told her not to employ, to call me and whine on her behalf. As far as I'm concerned, this bitch is toast.

Damn straight Grey. Continue to march dude. Don't look back.

In true Elena Lincoln 'gotta have the last word fashion', she calls out to my retreating back, "I don't understand the reason for your hurtful words Christian. Just know I'll forgive you when you come back to me…and you WILL come back to me."

Without losing my stride or looking back, I let my smooth voice waft through the air, "When Hell freezes over, again, bitch." The last things I hear as the elevator doors close are a gasp from Elena and a 'boo-yah' from Max.

I smile at my reflection in the mirrored elevator doors, "Ana would be proud of me."

STEELE

"Anastasia Rose Steele, I love you. I want to love, cherish and protect you for the rest of my life. Be mine, always. Share my life with me. Marry me."

I blink down at him as my tears fall. I love him so, and all I can say as the tidal wave of emotion hits me is, "Yes." I love you Christian.

"Steele! Come on, let's go out, we can have a few drinks, meet a few guys and take it from there." Kate's in a mood again. She's pulling on my arm, dragging me away from Christian.

He looks at me, confused. "Baby, where are you going? Why are you leaving me? Please, come back Ana!" I'm moving, sliding, being pulled away from him.

"Christian!" I reach for him with my free arm, but Kate yanks me away harder.

"Forget Mr. Moneybags Steele. Let's find you a nice, normal guy who won't try to boss you around and block your joy. I don't see how you put up with the controlling, overbearing, arrogant, bully."

I'm trying to unlatch her hands from my arms. It seems the more I struggle, the tighter, she grabs me. I can't get free from her.

"Kate, where's Elliott?" Maybe talking about him will get her to let me go, then I can find my way back to Christian.

"I love Elliott, right now he's as blind as you are. I'm sick of him sticking up for his thoughtless, sorry excuse for a brother. He actually yelled at me because I tried to tell him the truth about that prick sibling of his."

"What's the pull to that no good bastard anyway? I mean, I know he's gorgeous and has more money than the US Treasury, but come on Ana, he's a creep and an asshole. Hell, Ethan and Jose are both better than that grey-eyed jackass."

NO!

Oh my God! I wake up sweating and shivering. She's as bad as you said she was. She's worse! Why does she hate Christian? I know he can be controlling, but what's it to her? I don't wanna lose Kate's friendship, but she's the bossy one here. She's keeping me from reaching my potential with Christian. I've been thinking about this since I read those articles yesterday.

Same dream Steele?

Yeah. Kate's dragging me away from Christian's boathouse proposal, trying to get me to go out and forget about him. You have to understand, Kate loves me she's only thinking of my best interest. Why do I sound like I'm defending her? I know how she feels about Christian. She's never liked him. I'm not really sure why, but I know it's true.

Are you trying to convince me or you?

I'm not trying to convince anyone. I know Kate. She just wants to see me happy. She's right, Christian is controlling, he can be overbearing and arrogant. She doesn't see how someone like me can be happy with someone like him. She forgets, opposites attract, I guess. I dunno.

Well, since we've had this discussion several times and it seems you're only going to regurgitate what you heard in your dreams, I'm going back to sleep. You figure this out on your own. Nighty. Night.

NO! WAIT! I also dreamed of his proposal, in the boathouse. I can still see the flowers, hear his words. He looked so sincere, so full of love for me.

I shake my head. I miss Christian. I miss talking to him about my day, I miss him telling me about his day, when he sees fit that is. I miss people watching the sycophants and groupies I know were at the Halloween Gala. He deserved an Oscar for his performance answering those questions too. I miss him, plain and simple. I miss Christian.

I look at the clock. It's 2AM. I wonder if he's asleep.

There's no law saying you can't call him.

I can't do that to him. He doesn't sleep enough as it is. I pray he's not having those horrible nightmares. I've seen pictures of him in newspapers and magazines lately, he looks happy, carefree. It's wonderful to see. He's always so serious. I tell him all the time, he has a beautiful smile. I'd like to see it more often.

Call him. You're not gonna get any sleep until you do, whether you reach him or not. Dial his number.

You're right.

I call Christian's cell phone. Ring…Ring…Ring…

He's not answering.

"Grey. Leave a message." Beep

"Hi Christian. I apologize for calling at this hour. I couldn't sleep. I wanted to hear your voice and tell you I miss you. Gimme a call when you get time. I love you." I guess he's alright after all.

Go back to sleep Steele. We'll hear from him tomorrow." I hope.

Me too.

AN: I'm not trying to insinuate anything. I've seen reviewers get lost in words they don't remember or have never heard, then take it out on the writer. So, here are a few just in case.

Thank you for sticking with me.

~ Laters

FOOTNOTES

What has no hands, but may knock on your door and you better open up if it does?

(I'll leave this one until the next post. If you know or want to guess, leave your answer in the comments.) 1

Riddler is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics.

Emmy award is presented to the television industry; every year in November

Oscar awards are only presented to the cinema; every year in February

Golden Globe award is presented on both the television and in cinema; each year in January

Sam (Samwise Gamgee, later known as Samwise Gardner) is a fictional character in J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.

Candid Camera was first and longest running reality-based comedy program featured footage taken by a hidden camera of everyday people caught in hoaxes devised by the show's host Allen Funt

Shibari is a type of BDSM Rope Bondage "philosophy'

Struggler's Knot is a single column tie