A/N: Hello everyone! Hope you had an amazing Christmas and New Years. Thank you for being patient with me.

Please Be Advised. WARNING: This story has strong, bloody violence, strong language, contains material that some find disturbing, and contain scenes of sexual nature.

I do not have an editor so there are going to be blips and mistakes. Please be kind when reviewing. This is purely for entertainment and not real life.

As always all mistakes are mine. Enjoy!

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

ANASTASIA

"Mrs. Grey you have a delivery." Ernie states from the kitchen. His name is Ernesto but it's the name I gave him when he refused to call me Ana.

"Thank you, Ernie." I leave the cookies cooling on the kitchen island in our home and head towards the front of the house to the door.

Yes, I said home. We've officially lived here for four days since moving out of Carrick and Grace's house. Everyday a new delivery of household items and furniture is being delivered. It's like Christmas every time I turn around. Christian made sure that every room in the entire house was redone to my liking. All wallpaper and dark décor was removed, and we started with a clean slate. Since Seattle was going to be our home from here on out and Christian was adamant that we redecorate I added as much of our California house touches as I could.

Four months have passed since the jet exploded and things have started to settle down as best as this situation can. Collins had to head home a week after the incident when her husband called from the hospital after a fall at work that hurt his back. I was sad to see her go but know that I needed to face a lot of my problems on my own. I mean, how can I claim to be an adult if I'm still relying on someone else to solve my issues for me. It's time I started putting in the work and figuring out what and who I'm going to allow in my life and where I wanted it to go.

Walking out the front door I see Sam speaking with two delivery men from the furniture store. He is patting them down and having the box truck thoroughly checked before they put a foot on the steps up to the front door. Today we are getting the dining room table that seats eighteen people along with the living room, guest bedroom and my study. We've gotten everything else delivered. Our bedroom furniture was the first to be delivered and I think Christian made some calls to get it here sooner because he was tired of living under the same roof as his parents. He said we needed more alone time and hated sharing me every second when he got home from work.

Sam, who was glued to me since I've arrived here in Seattle, has been put at a distance for now. Christian said that he's been demoted until further notice and that Ernesto was my guard until Sam proved otherwise. I also think it's to train Ernie to be with the wives. When we go out Sam is still glued to me but while at home he's put on grunt duty.

"Mrs. Grey a Kate Kavanaugh is here to see you. She's at the gate." Sam pulls the phone from his ear and looks at me for confirmation. I nod and head back into the kitchen as he tells the person on the other end to allow it but check the vehicle before opening the gate.

On the compound we have a guard at the main gate and then we have another gate with a guard that leads up to our house. The same is for Grace's house too. Then there is a back gate that no one uses unless it's an emergency and we need to leave on a moment's notice. The entire compound is heavily guarded with men by the dozens and according to Christian it's doubled since Lorenzo has started a war with the family. We've been put on lockdown for the most part unless it's necessary to leave. I love my new home, but I still would like to go out even if it is to wander around the city to grab a cupcake or burger.

I've been pretty sick the last few months with morning sickness and haven't wanted to venture out but not being able to because some deranged idiot wants to rule the west coast takes that freewill out of your hands. The last week I've started to feel like my old self except for my growing belly that looks like I swallowed a basketball. I'm finally six months along heading into my seventh month and am loving every minute of this, even when I'm puking my guts up. Christian and I have finally agreed to find out the gender of baby Grey. Christian has wanted to know all along but I thought we should be surprised. It wasn't until it was time to decorate the baby's room that I realized I had to know.

Movement by the doorway brings me out of my thoughts as Kate walks in hesitantly. She looks so uncertain and out of place when usually she'd barrel in with a hug and make herself right at home. We grew as close a sisters over our time teaching and I wonder if any of it was real.

"Hi," I break the tension and offer one of my chocolate chip cookies from the island.

"Hi." Her voice shakes and I've never known Kate to falter, she'd always been so sure and confident. She's got tears in her eyes, and I can see the hurt and remorse in her face.

I grab the plate and walk over to the small sitting area of the kitchen that overlooks the backyard and pool. Kate follows close behind and as I sit down I see Ernie just outside the room standing in the hallway. I know Christian has made it completely clear that when someone is with me I'm to be guarded at all times when he isn't present, but this hovering is going to drive me insane. Sometimes I hide out in the bathroom with my books just so I don't have eyes on me and can be alone. Christian always question why I had loveseat placed in our enormous closet, but I'll never tell him it's to escape the hovering.

"I'm sorry." Kate bursts out right as our butts hit the cushion. She looks as though she might fall to her knees and beg. I go to open my mouth, but she holds up a hand to stop me. "Give me a chance to explain and plead my case, please." Her voice is shaky and quivering. "If afterwards you don't want anything to do with me I'll understand, but please let me tell you my side."

"Okay." I truly believe that everyone deserves to be heard and to be allowed to tell their truths. Even when it's hard to hear sometimes.

"I've lived my entire life under the thumb of my parents. I was told how to dress, what to eat and when to speak. I knew what my family was at an early age, they never hid it. But I never thought that it would follow me once I was an adult." She kicks off her sandals and pulls her legs crisscross. "I had just finished my degree in photography when my father called me home. My mom had this elaborate graduation party for me to celebrate. It was one of the best days ever until that night. My dad had us meet in his office and my stomach plummeted. I knew that things were going to change, and my hopes of photography were for nothing."

I knew Kate loved photography. See always had a camera with her like it was an extension of herself.

"I grew up right outside of Chicago as the daughter of an underboss. I knew what was expected of me from a young age, but I'd have hoped that since I was allowed to attend college that maybe dad had changed his mind and let me live my own life. A life outside of organized crime." She looks so heartbroken and my own heart hurts for her. "Dad told me that he'd received a call and that I was to insert myself into the life of the son of the Don here. I had no idea who he was talking about, but I was soon filled in. I'd been told that the eldest son had left to get some space and was to make myself known to him and his life in California."

"Like a spy?" I ask interrupting.

"Kind of," She pauses and cuts her eyes away. "I was to report back to Mr. Grey every once in a while. I had no idea who Christian was or what he even looked like. When I was shipped to Cali I got the biggest surprise of my life. I had no idea that he was going to already be married. You were the biggest surprise of it all. And I was sure that Mr. Grey didn't have a clue that Christian had gotten married either. I didn't know what to do. So I followed you around for a while. I got the job with the school and made friends with you. I never in a million years thought we'd be best friends. I swear it on my life Ana. Please believe me. I thought it was a sham marriage at first and then I got to know you and saw what a truly amazing person you were, and I didn't want to ruin it. I've always had a hard time making friends with who my dad was back home, and you were like a breath of fresh air. You were kind and didn't judge me, you accepted me for me."

"What do you mean sham marriage? I don't understand what to think. We knew each other for a year Kate! You knew about everything I went through making friends myself and you played me. I thought I'd finally found someone who I could trust."

"I am, Ana, I promise." She cries. "You are like a sister to me. When we were together you got the real me. The me that could be herself and have a friend who didn't judge me of who my dad was or only be my friend so that your parents could get promoted. You're my sister and I swear that besides not telling you why we met that I never lied to you."

We both have tears leak from our wet eyes. My hormones are all over the place these days. I saw and ad on a video of a puppy just the other day and burst out in tears. Christian stormed through his office door gun drawn ready to kill someone at my wail.

"I was told that he and I would be married when he came back to take over as the head of the family. That our marriage would unite our organizations." Kate says after wiping her eyes and nose.

"What?" I gasp. "What do you mean that you'd marry Christian?"

"That is how it is usually done in our world, darling."

Our heads whip over to the man's voice in the doorway. Carrick and Christian are both standing there. My husband doesn't look happy at all which tells me that he's heard our entire conversation. It's low but I hear a growl come from Christian's throat. Crying for me equals an ass beating for someone that's near Christians reach.

One evening Ray had passed me in the hall at Grace's house after dinner and even though I had planned to speak to him my thoughts got hung up in my throat and instead of words a cry was let out. All the guards emerged from their stations in the shadows and converged there ready to go to battle. Christian rushed over to me checking every inch of my body for any scratches or injury. When Ray had spoken up to say that nothing had happened, Christian grabbed him and they left out the backdoor. Grace ushered me into the kitchen and made me my favorite craving of peanut butter and banana sandwich which helped calm me down. Christian came in ten minutes later with red knuckles and the next day Ray looked to be sporting a slightly swollen cheek. When I asked what happened Christian assured me that Ray had tripped and fallen over one of Grace's gnomes on her back porch.

"I had planned to unite our families through marriage, and this is how it has been done for decades. I also thought it would make my son come home once he settled down with a family on his own." Carrick explains.

Kate tenses beside me when the men step into the kitchen but stay close to the doorway.

"Kate's father and I made an arrangement to marry my son with her and we'd have a foothold in Chicago." He glances over at Kate. "It seems that Ms. Kavanaugh kept quite a few details and didn't report back the important information I was looking for, clearly. Or I'd called off the arrangement and found another avenue. I'd also went about getting my son here differently had I known the woman who was brought here was now part of my family and carrying our family heir with her." Carrick glares towards Kate and I can see her wilt inward.

Carrick has been trying hard to get back in my good graces ever since kidnapping me and bringing me here. He's gone out of his way to make sure that I know that he's truly sorry for how I was treated. Everyday I'm given little surprises that are from him as a way of showing that I am part of this family. One day I received an assortment of flowers. Christian flipped his lid that anyone but him gave me flowers. Another time it was a platinum bracelet with mine and Christian's wedding date engraved. More and more gifts came until I finally spoke to Carrick. We talked and he made sure that I understood that I was family and that I'd never have to worry about anything ever again. We came to an agreement about the gifts. Now he makes donations to various children's programs around the city. I know he does it monthly because I receive an email every time one is made thanking me for my generous donation. I have a feeling that he has had many years of groveling with Grace to know how to get forgiveness. I've forgiven him but he still tries to make sure that I know that I'm considered his daughter in his eyes.

I believe that if I can open my heart and forgive Christian for what he did and how he went about it then I should be willing to also forgive Carrick for his actions. In my mind people make mistakes and it's not what defines them but how they prove and show you that they truly repent and are sorry for their actions. That's why I think I'm ready to hear Kate out and see if we can salvage the friendship that we'd had. Plus I'm not hanging over a toilet every hour now so I feel as though I can start to make strides with the people in my life.

Carrick doesn't wait for Kate to respond before turning on his heels and leaves the kitchen. Christian walks over with a glass of milk and hands it over to me. He puckers his lips in a smooch that is really reserved for the bedroom while rubbing my belly then leaves the kitchen as well.

Kate noticed Christian's hand on my oversized sundress and her eyes bulge.

"You're pregnant?!" Kate squeals. "Oh Ana I'm so happy for you, you're going to be the best mom ever." Her body goes to hug me, but she stops last minute remembering herself. I hate that we can't be like we were. I miss my best friend so much.

"Thank you, Kate."

"You have to know that once I found out how genuinely nice and sincere you were that I stopped reporting anything to Mr. Grey. I swear it. You were so nice to me and really wanted to be my friend that I couldn't tell you. I regret not saying anything, but I know that I'll have to live with my decisions. I'm just really sorry for betraying your trust. I'm not even sure if I'm going to be shipped back to Chicago or not at this point. Mr. Grey said that he'd make a decision soon regarding my future."

"I'm sure everything will work out."

"Are you going to be teaching after the baby is born? Or has Christian finally talked you in to staying home."

We both giggle. Christian was always trying to get me to quit this last year and be a housewife. We went round for round about me not needing to work that he made enough to support us. It was truly our biggest fights in our first year of marriage. I see now why he was pushing so hard, but I wanted to follow my own dreams and he finally let up on the topic.

"I think I want to stay home with the baby for a while before returning to work. Especially since I'm in a new city. I want to soak up all the moments I can before this little one grows up."

"Can you imagine if the baby is a girl? Christian is going to be bald and have bars on all the windows and doors!" We fall into giggles again and a feeling of peace sets in my chest.

This is how we've always been. Kate says some of the craziest things and we end up laughing all night while watching our shows. I've missed her so much.

Getting up from my chair, I pull her up and wrap my arms around her in the biggest embrace. I need her in my life. I need normalcy and my baby will need it too.

"I forgive you." I squeeze her a little tighter. "Please don't keep things from me again."

She pulls back slightly not letting me go as if she's worried I might disappear.

"I promise on my life that I'll never keep a single thing from you ever again."

We talk a little bit longer and she heads out with the promise of us seeing each other in two days for movie night. I told her to pack a bag so that we could catch up on some of our show since we've got six months to make up for. I'm sure Christian is going to have a field day when I tell him she's coming to camp out like the good ole days.

Turning on my heels after shutting the front door I head for my husband's office on a mission. Without knocking I barge in while Christian and Carrick sit at the matching sofas facing each other with an amber colored drink in their hands.

"Baby, you alright?" Christian goes to stand and come to me, but I hold up my hands to stop him in his tracks, worry etched on his face that he can't touch me. I've been working on this speech in my head all the way down the hall. If he comes near me I'll forget.

Before I can make my first word a wave of irrational thoughts of Kate leaving me and I'm all alone without a friend again comes out of nowhere and tears make an appearance down my cheeks.

"I-I want Kate to stay with me." I blubber with my hands pleading and I'm pretty sure it was unintelligible.

"Babygirl, I'm not sure what's…"

"Anastasia, darling it's a little complicated right now with her father's organization. We've not come to another arrangement, and she'll need to head…" Carrick stands, his voice calm, and kind. After our first encounter he has always used a soothing tone like he does with Grace.

"I WANT HER HERE WITH ME!" I weep but yell. "I haven't asked for anything since I was taken from the safety of my home. You interrupted my life and stole me." I point to him. "My baby could've had severe health issues with all the drugs that was dumped into me when you had your thugs break into my home and drug me! You told me that if I ever needed anything to come to you and you'd make it happen, well I'm here to tell you that she's with me." My eyes narrow into slits. "She's my best friend and I don't want her to be shipped back to those horrible parents." Then I do something that I know will get me what I want. I've learned a thing or two since coming into this family because Grace has all the best advice. Carrick is all about family, especially us girls. I place both hands on my round belly and start to rub. Baby Grey starts to kick right on cue, and I swear they are going to be a mama's girl or boy.

Both sets of eyes follow my hands and Christian bolts over to me with one hand on my belly and the other around my waist pulling me into my side.

Carrick looks me over coming close. Tears are still streaming down like a faucet. Once they start it's hard to make them stop.

"I'll make sure that Katherine is here to stay, darling. I'm sorry to upset you."

I nod, then like having an out of body experience I turn to face Christian.

"And I want to go to the grocery store!" I demand looking right into his eyes.

"Why?" Christian looks confused as if I've grown two heads. "Mrs. Harris takes care of the shopping and cooking for us. We don't need to go and do the shopping."

"Son…" Carrick tries to get Christian's attention, but he's focused on me.

"Why? Why? It's not normal to be locked away everyday with nothing to do. I can only read so many dirty romance novels before I lose my mind! There's nothing for me to do here! And I want to go and pick out my own fruit and snacks!" I all but stomp my foot. What in the hell has gotten in me? "And if you didn't want to take care of me and my needs, which by the way includes grocery shopping, then you shouldn't have knocked me up!" I poke his hard chest.

"Babygirl, calm down…" He tries to rub a soothing hand down my back, but I can't seem to make heads or tails of my emotions or thoughts. Calm down? Boy, you just pressed the I'm going to light you on fire button!

"Son don't…"

"Calm down?" Yep, that didn't work. I let it sink in for a millisecond before I step out of his reach which surprises him. I can hear Carrick swearing under his breath and telling Christian to shut the fuck up. At hearing the cuss word my brain goes in a different direction. "And I want everyone to start watching their mouths! This baby's first word better not be a curse word or there will be hell to pay!"

Brushing past them both I hear Christian call after me as Carrick interrupts him as I make my way out in the hallway and up the stairs towards our room. Calm down… we'll see how calm he is when I decide to lock him out of the bedroom for a few nights or maybe I'll just…

A knock on the bedroom door breaks me from my thoughts and I turn to see Christian standing in the doorway with his hands in the pockets of his slacks in a nonthreatening presence.

"Can I come in?" He asks, not moving from the door. If it were any other time I'd burst out laughing that he'd have to ask permission to come into our bedroom.

"Do I need to calm down first?" I sass. He looks gorgeous as ever in that keep your daughters locked up bad boy kinda way.

"I'm sorry I suggested that. It was incredibly stupid according to Pop. I just didn't want you to get your blood pressure up and get any more upset."

"Well, how did that work out?" I snip, crossing my arms over my chest and lifting my chin. I've never been so snippy in my life but this baby has brought out a side of me that I don't even recognize sometimes.

"According to Pop, I'm lucky you didn't grab the nearest sharp object and stab me with it. Babygirl, I have a lot to learn and am going to say a lot of stupid things, please forgive me. I love you and the baby and want the best for you both." He rubs the area over his heart where he had my name tattooed.

I'm softening with every word he spouts and can feel myself start to feel tired.

"Why don't we lie down, and I make it up to you with my mouth and then we can take a nap before we head to the grocery store. I'm sure we're in need of some bananas and popsicles."

I can't even hide the smile as my body reacts to his words. Right now my body craves two things, and it wants it on tap, peanut butter banana sandwiches and Christian's body.

Not one to let him win so easily, "I guess a nap sounds good." I say before pulling the sundress over my head and lay back on the bed. Christian doesn't hesitate before striding over to the bed while dropping articles of clothing along the way.

I'm in the middle of the bed where I always sleep as Christian stops at the end of the bed. He's licking his lips as his eyes look over my entire body. When he reaches my chest he gives a disapproving grunt letting me know to remove my bra. With our unspoken conversation I lay there completely naked squirming at his heated gaze. Being tired was a thing of the past and I'm ready to get this party started. As his eyes do another sweep of my body he leans down ever so slightly, placing a knee on the mattress. Christian slides his hands under my thighs until he has a handful of my butt cheeks. He's eyes lock with mine and I'm hypnotized.

"Spread." He demands and my body obeys like a good little girl and then he descends on me.

A/N: I have to say that when I was pregnant with my kids my hormones were all over the place and did and said some crazy things! I've already started the next chapter, it will be in Ray's POV

Until next time!

~Amber