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 6 | I Can Wait

GREY

I haven't felt this free since…since…

Never. You were a scared kid, a hateful teenager and now, apparently, a cute ogre. You've never let the wind whip through the train wreck you affectionally call hair.

That can't be right. What about…

Never! Before Steele came along, the answer was never. College meant pining over the old whore. After college meant staying close to the old whore and until this past May the old whore determined the caliber of pussy in your life. Again, before Steele…NEVER!

Well, I feel free now and it's fucking fabulous. I know Jason is somewhere pissing vinegar, the best part is I. Don't. Care. I continue on my way to the hotel and what I've decided will be a bit of a holiday for me.

The Grand Hyatt Taipei is in the Xinyi District, the most cosmopolitan and wealthiest district of Taipei, right next to its world-famous landmark, Taipei 101.

The place doesn't look like much from the outside, but the lobby is an experience all its own. I've been here several times and believe me, it never gets old. An atrium-style lobby, with an eye-catching chandelier, polished marble floors, large golden columns and an Italianate marble fountain as a centerpiece. Between the three mezzanine levels, with iron railings, and the huge windowed ceilings, the space is bright and airy. A mix of traditional Chinese art and European architecture adds elegance, without going overboard.

When I arrive, a female valet meets me to take my car keys and offer bell service, which I decline. I palm her the equivalent of 100 USD for her efforts before thanking her, "Xièxiè."

She quickly shoves the funds in her pocket, I don't believe she's supposed to accept tips, then says, "Bú yòng xiè." I flash my smile at her reply and, to my surprise, she flashes back her own ear to ear grin.

Cute kid.

She nods, then takes the keys. I admire her restraint. She managed to start the car and slowly pull away from the portico, instead of revving the engine and peeling off. You could see it in her eyes though, she wanted to floor it. I shake my head and continue inside the hotel.

The room features contemporary muted gray, taupe and beige furniture offset with pops of color in the form of soft-orange and fuchsia cushions and chairs. As an occupant in one of the two Presidential Suites, this room affords me a panoramic view of the city. The bedroom is also large with a very comfortable looking king-sized bed, which, believe it or not, I may actually fall asleep in.

All the splendor and pageantry I usually appreciate every time I'm here is lost on me today. I walk into the room, drop my bags and grab the phone.

I. NEED. FOOD!

On it dude.

"Room Serv"… I cut the poor girl off. It's taking everything in me not to yell I WANT FOOD!

"Hello, this is the Presidential Suite. Please send up…"

Ah… I've missed Asia. Which one I like better, breakfast or dinner, is a toss up. After scarfing a sizable Jiang Rou Da Bing and a Règānmiàn, I'm actually tired.

I intended to work, but after a hot shower, a delicious meal and a king-sized bed, my insomniac, overworked, emotionally stressed brain finally collapsed. My internal clock shutdown and I managed to get eight straight, uninterrupted, nightmare free hours of sleep. That's a fucking coup.

With a rested mind and renewed energy, I delve into work. My ridiculously full email inbox shows progress. Preliminary departmental performance statistics, quality and audit estimations and leadership updates are pouring in. I'm not compiling this shit, and neither is Andrea. I made that abundantly clear to all of them before I left, including Ros. She has her own fucking PA, leave mine. Andrea was grateful. She's worried about her position in Seattle with me being overseas. I told her she has absolutely nothing to worry about, besides the time difference. I'd be lost without Andrea.

Looks like Taylor forgot he was on vacation. I dunno who snitched, but now "Big Brother" is threatening me.

Friday, November 04, 2011, 10:22 AM PDT

To: Christian Grey

Cc: Alexander Welch

Subject: Update

From: Jason Taylor

Sir,

What's your precise location?

I was under the obviously false impression you were taking Reynolds with you overseas. Seeing as that's not the case, please provide your address. I'm being upfront with this request. In the event you refuse to comply, GEH Personal and Corporate Security will be forced to enact the appropriate protocol regarding your possible disappearance.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Jason Taylor

Head of Personal Security

Grey Enterprises Holdings, Incorporated

Good grief, Charlie Brown! You'd think the man would rest, relax and enjoy himself on vacation. Hell, get some pussy, Gail's with him. Instead, he's trying to track me down and threatening to send out the National Guard if I don't respond. I completely forgot the protocol regarding my disappearance. The next thing I know, he'll contact my K & R insurance representative. He must be bored.

Let him stew.

Seeing as though my Rip Van Winkle ass slept the day away, I won't be able to go sightseeing. No worries, there's always plenty of GEH work to be done. Beginning with that asshole Oliver Kelly.

I originally postponed the ECO Blue Steel signing to piss Kelly off. He's using this time to piss me off. This prick sent me a one-hundred fifty page, amended business agreement. He feels as though we undervalued his company. He's had a new inspector go through their records "with a fine tooth comb" who swears by these new numbers.

My first mind to tell Kelly to kiss my ass. Unless they get an infusion of cash, ECO Blue Steel will fold in about thirty days. My second thought is much nicer, an end of the year gift, so to speak. In the meantime and in between time, I kick back and read the fairy tale that is the ECO Blue Steel amended business agreement.

This motherfucker is out of his mind. There's no other fucking excuse for the shit he's trying to pull. I don't understand people. When someone has what you need and they can deliver, why would you wanna screw them over? Why would you shit in the hand that's gonna feed you? 'We'll accept the food and assistance you're offering, but only if you rub our feet while we enjoy it?' Who does that bullshit? Ever since I earned my fortune, I've run up against fuckers like this guy. He must not have asked around. I. Don't. Loose.

Feeling ballsy, huh, Oliver? Ok, I got you covered. I hope they all have their golden parachutes fastened tightly. Andre's gonna be a busy lil bee come Monday. I shoot off a message for her not to accept any more calls from Olivier Kelly or the board, ever, and to keep compiling the trash he's throwing, as I asked. She said I will coordinate delivery. He and his board will either wait for me to arrive in Townsville or genuflect to the companies that told ECO Blue Steel to fuck off.

Next, I contact Stephen to let him know, after the shipyard signing, I'm staying in Taiwan longer than anticipated. He and his crew are eternally grateful. They've gotten some rest and can make the next leg of the trip, but we agree additional rest is always a good thing, and a paid vacation is even better.

Scrapping my original plan, I set to work on an "amended" concept of my own.

They have no clue how we operate.

I wake with the sun in my face. Something's wrong here. I'm actually sleeping. I never sleep without Ana. Not that I'm not complaining, it's just an observation. Anyway, after a run, shower, coffee and a good ole American breakfast, I finish the ECO "New Deal" those bastards will sign, or I'll walk and finish them off the other way. Believe it or not, that smug bastard emailed me more documents. I forwarded the messages to Andrea. She knows the drill.

A little more homework before recess. This part is almost as fun as the acquisition itself. Ros retraced my research on ECO Blue Steel, while I had Welch research the board. I always have a few backup plans for just such a scenario, and I can see Kelly's Plan B.

You never know what you don't know, till you learn what you don't know. I now have more than enough time for GEY End of the Year planning and creating my mental acquisition itinerary. People think I fly by the seat of my pants. Not even remotely true. I can think fast and make moves faster, but I plan all things. Being a Dom, I create the scenes and many's the time a scene has to change to get the desired result. Reward or punishment. Pleasure or pain. It doesn't matter. Planning and execution are the key.

Done. Ok, Mr. Sub(conscious), wake the fuck up. It's time to be a "regular human being".

I oughta let you wing it after that crack.

Awww, but you love me and you'll love today's scene. Come on, let's go.

Whateva.

The remainder of the day is R & R.

Ten'll get you twenty, it ain't gonna last.

It may or it may not.

I don more of my "new" wardrobe, grab my Ray-Band and hit the street for a full-day tour of Taipei City.

Carolyn told me she had the most fun buying my wardrobe for this trip. When I asked her why, all she would say was, 'You'll see'. I refused to go back and double check what she did, which killed me, but I managed. She had carte blanche with all casual gear. She knows what business casual I want, but apart from that, it's all a Carolyn Acton Creation.

The name Christian Grey conjures images of a crisp, dark color designer two or three-piece suit, dress shirt, coordinating tie and designer shoes. Not this time. Carolyn assured me a replica of my Seattle wardrobe will be waiting for me in Townsville, and I packed a suit for shipyard signing day myself. Other than that, it's Carolyn Acton's show. Based on today's selection, I know why. Today is another casual as fuck day, with a bit of a homage to my baby. I shall present myself to Taipei City clad in light indigo, Levi, Silvertab Loose Jeans, a heather black Cutter & Buck Washington Huskies quarter-zip pullover and my Chucks. I can't stop laughing. Everything fits and everything's comfortable, so I can't complain. I hope she sees the pictures I know will make it back to Seattle. I text Andrea to send Carolyn a handsome raise for her choices.

While I'm familiar with many of these places, I learn something new every time I visit. My first stop is Mengjia Longshan Temple. I've been to this temple quite a few times. Even Jason likes it here, so when I tag along behind a group visiting Mengjia Longshan Temple, there's an end to my means.

"Mengjia Longshan Temple, the oldest temple in Taiwan, was built in 1738 by immigrants from Fujian, China…."

I'm not interested in the history lesson. I enjoy the beauty of this historical location. The ornate structure has been damaged by war and natural disasters, as well as rebuilt, expanded, and even improved over the years. Today, it remains a center of religious life and a bastion of local culture in Taipei.

…"Longshan Temple is dedicated to Guanyin, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. However, as is typical with temples in Taiwan, it actually houses hundreds of Buddhist, Taoist, and Chinese folk deities, including Mazu, goddess of the sea…."

Ana would love it here. I know she'd appreciate the intricate and ornate decorations on the doors, walls, and roofs, and elaborate carvings out of stone and wood. Not to mention the only pair of bronze dragon columns in Taipei. I so wish she'd come with me. She makes everything better, brighter and more beautiful, if that's possible.

Just as I'm fretting over missing Ana and wondering why she hasn't returned by call, I hear, "Sir?" The cautious voice causes me to tear my eyes away from a Buddhist deity. I don't get a chance to respond when the tour guide tells me, "This is a private tour. You are welcome to pursue the other areas of the temple or even pay and join the next group. Thank you." The other participants in the little party look a little confused.

WOO HOO! Now you know how it feels, huh, Ginger? Let me translate for you, Lucy, FUCK OFF AND GO PAY! HAH!

"My apologies." I tip my head and turn to leave.

Once I'm what they believe is, out of earshot I hear the guide say, "He's so handsome I almost let it slide, but it's not fair to those of you who've paid."

A few other female voices chime in with 'Who cares!', 'Cheat me! and the one I absolutely love, 'I'll pay his way'.

Mission accomplished Grey. You've earned the title everyday schmo."

Don't it feel good?

Damn skippy.

There were no issues at Taipei Confucius Temple, which was fine by me. Modeled after the oldest and largest Confucius Temple in Shandong, China, this structure displays all the characteristics of traditional Chinese temple architecture. As it stands today, the Taipei Confucius Temple was erected in 1930 and briefly served as a Shinto shrine during World War II.

I wandered from one informational placard to another, pondering a commentary on the history of Confucianism. None of its essential values do I exhibit.

That's not true and you know it. You can't consider filial piety until you have some kids, unless you combine it with humaneness, which you prove all the time with those anonymous donations including the Friends of Youth.

What about ritual? I'm not a religious man. I went to Sunday school and church until I was a teenager, and we both know why that was. Perhaps BDSM, work and being a control freak are my rituals.

The idea of my control freak tendencies, brings my mind full circle, to wondering if Ana's thinking about me. I sent her another bunch of text on my way over here. I'm trying not to worry and I'm trying not to call Sawyer to check on her because I said I wouldn't. Is this how regular guys feel about their girls?

You could always call Lelliott. I'm sure he'd rather hear your voice than the blonde bimbo he keeps around.

No. I don't wanna get him involved in my drama. If his bitch bothers me again, I punt the issue in his direction, but I won't just drag him into my mess.

Unlike other Chinese temples, the Taipei Confucius Temple houses no likenesses of Confucius and bears no inscriptions. According to local legend, no one can match the literary prowess of Confucius, making inscriptions inauspicious.

I continue my trek through the temple and the Six Confucian Arts. Before leaving, I indulged in one of the 4D theater screens I've walked past, which runs a short film about Confucius. Anyone else would be bored by now. Since I'm so used to not being left the fuck alone and not being able to enjoy a museum, I'm in a good place.

Walking around Dihua Street is a bit daunting for me, with my fear of being touched. Dihua has been an important centre for commerce in Taiwanese products and produce. I made it through here with my family and once with Jason around, but I don't think I can take much more of this. No one is bothering me per se, although being this close makes my teeth itch. I'm so engrossed with keeping an eye out for people, I'm missing some of the area's artistic beauty and customs. Finally, I decided, I have to get outta here. I can't do this alone.

As I'm leaving the area, I see something that makes my heart ache. No matter how tight the space, I have to stop and get the ingredients for the post-processing of Taiwanese tea, which dates back to the 1850s. I know Ana likes Twingings English Breakfast Tea, so I have no idea why I'm buying this stuff. Something's telling me it's the right thing to do. I make my purchase then move, as quickly as I can, on to my next destination.

When are we stopping to eat?

No way, I'm braving the street market alone just for you. We can head back to the hotel for a meal and sit in the restaurant this time. Taiwanese Sausage and Shrimp Rolls sounds delicious. After taking my order, the waiter looks at me like Seriously? You? I raise my eyebrow and ask him, "Is everything alright?"

"Yes sir. It's fine. I'll be back with your order in a few moments."

Without acknowledging his response, I open my phone to the non-presence of a text from Ana. I'm getting pissed. I almost throw the damn thing across the room when I remember, this is a public place. In my room is one thing. I can arrange another phone, but public displays of aggression are a no-no.

I sigh deeply and go to my usual companion, GEH e-mails, more drivel from Kelly and end of the year reports are my lunch companions. No more shit from Ms Kavanaugh I see. Hopefully, Elliott put a foot in her ass because alls quiet on the Northwestern Pacific front.

Dude, I for one, am tired. How many more points do you have to prove? Believe it or not, Ripley, we're alone out here?

My point was proven at Longshan Temple. I can't stop thinking about how much miss Ana. She would've loved seeing the sights. If we weather this storm, I promise I'll show her Taipei one day.

TOWNSVILLE

I quietly enter his study, where he's always looking out at Rowe's Bay. I've never asked what he's looking at, the view is beautiful, if not monotonous after all this time. Occasionally, I wonder what he's looking for. "Taipei." I say as I enter the room, "He is staying at the Grand Hyatt. You are not going to do anything rash, are you? I really do not fancy the idea of breaking your jaw, that does not mean I will not do it."

He looks back over his shoulder at me, then raises a brow. He knows I can, as can he. He knows I will, as will he. "I have not bothered him before, why would I start now?"

He's telling the truth. We've watched from the wings. Eyed his successes, his less than successes and his failures, always staying out of sight. I, too, have been impressed, and we've shared many of this young man's victories, as if they were our own, which can be argued. We haven't divulged our findings to the others — yet. I'm not quick to believe things, nonetheless, when the time comes, we have what we'll need.

"The ECO Blue deal should be a blessing for Kelly and the board. I almost called the young man to caution him away. It would serve Kelly right to fail miserably. We both know this young man is rather savvy. I have it on good authority, the board may be in for a surprise." The ole man nods. I'm not giving him anything else. I want this to be a surprise for him as well.

"How long will he be in Taipei? He owns that damned shipyard. His number two could have polished off the deal and presented it to him as an American Thanksgiving Day trophy. I fully understand and appreciate the need for control. This appearance was unnecessary, he knows it, I am certain he does. Something else took him there." He's concerned. We both are. The press reports everything the young man does, everywhere he goes. From what we gather, heart break brought him this far from home.

"Well, he has to suffer though a bit of jet lag then prep and sign. If I know Lei, there will also be drinks and a celebratory meal involved. The boy should take in a few sights before leaving. Give his crew ample time to recuperate. If things go as planned, I do not expect him to leave before Wednesday or Thursday morning. Do not be surprised if he stays put for a while. Our eyes are open. It will not be much longer."

He gives a casual nod, then turns back to look out of the windows in his office at Rowe's Bay. He takes a deep breath to steady himself, "I have waited a lifetime. I can wait as long as it takes.

FOOTNOTES

Xièxiè Thank You

Bú yòng xiè No need for thanks (You're welcome)

K&R Kidnap and ransom coverage

R&R Rest and Recreation or Relaxation or Recovery. You get the idea.

The New Deal was a series of programs, public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the United States between 1933 and 1939.

Ginger / Ginger Grant was a character in Gilligan's Island is an American sitcom created and produced by Sherwood Schwartz.

Lucy / Lucille Ball was an American actress, comedian, and producer