Chapter 20:

The sting of knowing that your own parent didn't believe in you bothered Christian. His temper was on edge, and it would take only one idiot with the wrong words to send him off into an uncontrollable rage. He knew he couldn't return to the office, and he couldn't face Ana. He didn't want to frighten her.

The gym!

Taylor watched as Christian went five rounds with the punching bag at the gym at Escala. The faithful CPO had no idea what set Christian off, but he knew it had something to do with Carrick. After another 10 minutes of punching that poor bag, Taylor approached his boss with a bottle of water.

"Sir, some water would be prudent now."

"Yeah, thanks." Christian took the offered bottle and twisted the cap off. He downed it in only a few gulps. "Taylor, I know that your father has passed away, but was he proud of you when you joined the military?"

"He was worried, but he was proud." Taylor answered in his low deep voice.

"Dad doesn't believe in me. He never has." Christian pulled back and punched the bag so hard that it went flying. "He dropped a prenup on me for Ana to sign."

"I am sure he was only thinking of your best interests."

"Ana is my best interest." Christian unfastened the Velcro straps and released his hands. "I thought we were past all this shit." He sat on a bench with his elbows on his knees holding his head. "He disrespected Ana. I can take him not believing in me, but not trusting Ana … that's unforgiveable."

"Sounds like he was talking like a lawyer instead of talking as a father. Christian, I think he was trying to protect you but went about it in the wrong way."

"Yeah, if he was so interested in protecting me why did he hand me over to a pedophile? If he's so damn smart, why didn't he see the signs? No, he was just relieved that I wasn't embarrassing him anymore with my fighting and getting suspended from school or kicked out." The anger that Christian thought had dissipated years ago came back full force! "You know I always felt that he blamed me for the Elena debacle when everything finally came out. Even though I was fifteen and only a child, I think he still held me responsible."

"Ever think that your father is feeling guilty? You do realize that parents are humans? We make mistakes."

Christian heard what Taylor was saying but his anger was too great to let him think about giving his dad a break. Even though he was exhausted physically and emotionally, he still had the need to strike out at something. For a brief moment, he thought about his defunct Red Room and the fifteen women he used to punish his birthmother or work out the frustrations in his life. There he could take back control of his emotions and push them deep inside him. But as soon as that thought crossed his mind, he remembered that the BDSM he was subjected to and practiced controlled him. No, the Red Room was not the answer. Caning a little brunette would not solve any problems. His usual coping element would not work in this situation; it would only cause him to lose the best thing he ever achieved in his life, and that was regaining Ana's love and trust.

Lightbulb moment!

Ana!

He would go home to Ana and discuss his issues with her. Together they would work through this situation. Ana's love and patience was what he really needed!

xxxXXXXxxx

Ana sat before her laptop reading and rereading a report that Sawyer had ran on her mother. The woman had not developed any morals since she ran away all those years ago.

Since moving to Georgia, she had cheated on her husband twice but somehow got him to take her back. Even though Bob Adams has a good job as a Sporting Activity Director with a sporting goods corporation, Carla had nearly bankrupt them with her gambling, high-end shopping excursions, and costly vacations that she expected every year. Money was what brought the prodigal mother to Seattle. She was looking to cash in on her daughter's good fortune of marrying well.

Ana stared at the most recent photograph of her mother which was taken only yesterday. Carla had short dishwater blonde hair and it was evident that she had some cosmetic surgery in the past. Her nose was too perfect, and her lips were unusually plumb. She looked like one of the Kardashians with too much makeup and gaudy clothes that were too tight and too revealing. This woman was an over-made-up cougar on the hunt!

"Where is she staying? I see that her credit cards are maxed out. How in the hell did she get here?"

"Welch did some digging. Mrs. Adams took out a payday loan against her car. She is staying at a cheap motel out by the airport." Sawyer thumbed through a few papers and showed Ana that Carla was also using her husband's company issued credit card. "I suspect that will get closed down soon."

"Well, she will be losing that car because she isn't getting a damn dime off me!" Ana closed out the report. "Just keep an eye on her. If she keeps trying to gain entrance to work or home, we will have to get a restraining order on her."

"Who are we getting a restraining order on?" Ana looked up to see her fiancé standing in the doorway of her home office/library. A little smile formed on her lips because just looking at him made her happy. His presence made her feel safe and cherished.

"My so-called mother." She stood up and went to him. Even though Sawyer was still in the room, Ana jumped into Christian's arms and kissed him like their lives depended on it. "She tried to gain entrance once again here and earlier today at my work."

"I am sure Kavanaugh's security took care of it." Christian's hands gently massaged her back as he held her. Mental note: More security will be needed!

"Of course. Agnes can't stand the woman even though they have never met. She just knows the history." Ana leaned forward and kissed him again. "I'm glad you are home. I missed having lunch with you today."

"I'm here all night, baby. Whatever you want…it's yours."

"You, Christian, I want you."

Sawyer decided it this was a good time to leave the room.

Making love to Ana did more for him than going rounds with that punching bag. Christian made another mental note to have Taylor have the bag at the Escala Gym replaced immediately. He was relaxed and at ease with his emotions. Ana had that effect on him. She soothed him. Her tender words of love showed that she accepted him … all fifty fucking shades of him!

After their lovemaking session and a quick meal, they settled on the sofa in their television parlor. A now forgotten movie was playing on their big screen tv. They discussed the day's problems. Ana was shocked and a little hurt that Carrick didn't trust her. However, she could see his point of view. She wasn't bringing a huge fortune into this marriage as Christian was. She wasn't filthy rich, but she lived more than comfortably. Her student loans were paid off and she bought her own car when she returned from London. She told Christian that she had no problem signing a prenup if it would make Carrick sleep better at nights. Of course, Christian said no! He wasn't going to start their marriage with a contract. She wasn't one of his subs. They came to an agreement of no prenups or even a discussion of one. This wasn't a problem of theirs, but only a problem for Carrick Grey! Dear old dad would just have to deal!

Next subject was what to do with a stalking prodigal mother? Christian suggested a fifty-gallon barrel and a trip out to the ocean, but Ana only shook her head at him. Not that she didn't think of her dad's gun collection a few times. Carla would be watch closely and security would keep her away from Ana. Christian decided that Taylor might have to have a little meeting with Mrs. Adams. If anyone could scare off a money-hungry woman, it was Jason Taylor. He did a great job with his own ex-wife!

xxxXXXXxxx

Ray Steele sat in his pickup truck watching the door to his ex-wife's motel room. It was almost noon, and she hadn't stirred from the place for breakfast. He figured she probably had a bottle of her favorite whiskey for her meals. Part of him wanted to pound on the door and give her a good scare, but she wasn't worth an arrest record for disturbing peace or possible assault. He also had the same report that Ana read since she sent him a copy through e-mail, and he had placed a phone call to Bob Adams. That was an interesting phone call. According to "Bobbo", Carla ran off once again and he figured she was gone for good this time. She had cleaned out their bank account, got a payday loan for her Cadillac Sedan, and took off with his company credit card. Bob had just cancelled the card and reported it stolen. If she used it for this dump she was in, she would probably be getting evicted soon. Ray was about to leave when the door to her motel room opened, and Carla stepped out.

"Damn, time has been cruel." Ray said out loud.

He followed her in her rental car which was a sub-compact. The first place she visited was a liquor store, not surprising him, then she drove into Seattle straight to Kavanaugh Media.

The calls were relentless this business day. Major political events in Seattle were the headlines. Agnes and Eamonn were hopping from one meeting to another. Ana had already been given three drafts that Agnes wanted her to edit then send back. She was about finished with the last one when security called her to tell her that once again, Carla Adams had been sent packing but this time with a police escort. She thanked the caller for the information, then text message the details to Christian, Sawyer, her dad, and Taylor. She had more important things to deal with than Carla Adams.

She missed her lunch time, so she was sent home early. Sawyer was driving her these days always using different vehicles. Ana was full of questions when Sawyer took her to Escala instead of driving them to Grey Estate. She was told that a suspicious car was parked near the entrance of the estate gate and there was an active investigation being carried out. No one had to tell Ana that her dear old mom was waiting for her. Per protocol she was taken to a secure place for her safety. After the penthouse was cleared, Ana was allowed entrance and went into lock down. Christian was dead serious about her safety!

Christian was escorted to Escala within an hour. He found Ana sitting at the kitchen bar working with her laptop as if she didn't have a care in the world. His big arms went around her and held her close. "Are you alright?"

"I was angry, but I'm over it now. Our security was on top of it." She looked up at him with a smile. She knew his worry was off the scales. "Welch informed me that there is a restraining order being filed against Carla."

"I am so sorry for all this. You should be enjoying this time before our wedding."

"Maybe we should confront her and find out for certain what the hell she wants."

"We know what she wants: money." He declared drily. He had those same thoughts, but he had to make sure that any meeting with this woman was secured and recorded. He was working on it. He didn't want to meet with Carla in any of their homes or businesses. He could see Carla faking an accident and trying to sue them for injury. For now, it was a no-contact strategy.

"To throw off the press, GEH has leaked some information about our upcoming nuptials. As far as the public knows, we are marrying upstate in your Grandparent's apple farm. Agnes is on it as well." Ana voiced knowing that he already knew this but wanted to give him some confidence in Kavanaugh Media. "I was told that a few members of the bottom-feeders of the press have already set up camp."

"Bottom-feeders?" He laughed, loving her choice of words.

"I might be an assistant to the Chair of Kavanaugh Media, but I can see the difference between the legitimate press and the paparazzi." She nudged Christian playfully. "Dad also is doing some recon for us. He says she drinks a lot. He hasn't approached her playing along with our no-contact aspect. The last thing we need is my dad being arrested."

"Knowing your dad, he would think it would be worth it." Christian let her go and went to the wine refrigerator for a bottle of white wine. He poured two glasses and carried them into the living room, so they could sit and relax. They cuddled on the sofa. "So, how are the plans going?"

"Your mom is on top of things. Taylor said that security will be tight, but I already figured that out. The night before we will be spending the night with your folks. I already told your mom that we won't be spending the night apart. It would only feed into our worries if we couldn't be together."

"This is why I am marrying you. You get me."

"Lucky you."

Christian laughed. "Damn right."

xxxXXXXxxx

"Well, that didn't work." Carla said to her glass of whiskey that was set before her. She was in some dive bar after spending more than four hours with the police being questioned about her stalking of the Grey Family. She had been served papers demanding that she stay clear of her own daughter, any member of the Grey family, and all properties owned by the said family. "I should have known that Ana would make this difficult. The little bitch!"

"You say something, lady?" The Bartender asked as he wiped down the bar before her.

"Nope, just drinking away my sorrows." She felt defeated. She had been in the city for over a week and could never manage a meeting with Ana. She tried to make an appointment but was turned away even after demanding to see her only daughter. Her time and money were running out. The credit card she was using had been cancelled.

"Another round for me and get one for the lady." A deep voice declared. Carla looked to her left to find a handsome, tall man. One look at him, she could tell he was military or ex-military. He only nodded at her.

Once her drink was delivered, she turned to the kind stranger. "Thank you." She offered her hand. "Carla."

"Jason." The big guy gulped his drink. "So, what's a good-looking dame like you doing in this place."

"A bit down on my luck." She twirled the amber colored liquid then took a drink. "I was hoping my daughter would give me a hand, but nope."

"She ungrateful?"

"You could say that."

Jason Taylor had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from going off on the bitch that sat beside him in this little filthy dive of a bar. She fit well into this cheap atmosphere. "Kids, what ya gotta do with 'em?"

"Oh, she's going to pay. I know she will. I just need to find a way to contact her." She finished off her drink to which Jason motioned the barkeeper to refill. "I figure she owes me for giving birth to her." She watched greedily as the barkeep poured her a generous amount of the liquor. "She's marrying the richest guy in town. She can afford to keep me in the style she has become accustomed to. I deserve it, I think."

Drink after drink was offered to Carla until she could barely stand. Jason paid the tab and helped her from the bar into a non-descript car. He sat in the back with her in case she began to complain as Reynolds drove. Carla snuggled up to the big guy thinking that there might be some sexual activities in her future. She was more than willing to give the man a little tumble for the drinks. Besides, he was damn fine! She didn't pay attention that they were driving out of town and toward a little-known airport until they arrived. She looked around and began to get nervous.

"What's going on?" She asked as the guy climbed out of the car. She stared after his wide back. "Hey, … what the fuck…?" The door slammed and locked. She knocked on the window trying to get his attention, but he stood before the door showing only his back and blocking her view. She tried the other door, but it was locked also. She noticed that there was a shield raised to keep her from seeing in the front of the car. She was basically trapped … and all for a few drinks!

A few minutes later, the door opened, and another man slid into the car. Carla recognized him immediately. Everyone knew of The Christian Grey! He looked her over and shook his head.

"So, you are bothering my fiancé. Why?" He stopped her from any chance of a tirade with a wave of his hand. "Here are some hard truths for you, Mrs. Adams. Yes, I know who you are and why you are here. First, you are not welcome here in Seattle and you are not needed or wanted by my fiancé. Second, if you try to contact Anastasia or anyone in our family, you will be in direct violation of the restraining order. Mrs. Adams, I will not have you bothering my fiancé or any member of my family. To help you, I have arranged for your transportation back to Georgia where officials are waiting for you. I do believe there are charges being levied against you for credit card violations."

"You can't do that!" She screamed at him. She was nearly wild with frantic. How did this go so far wrong?

"But I can and have." He laughed. "Now, you can go quietly, or you can go in handcuffs. Outside are four police officers from Savannah PD here to escort you. I've made accommodations to make your flight more pleasant, however, if you resist, you will be handcuffed." Christian buttoned his suit jacket with ease. "I hope I have made it very clear to you that you are to stay away from Anastasia from now on."

"She owes me…"

"She owes you nothing! I owe you nothing."

"Just because you are rich you think you can push me around?"

Another deep chuckle came from Christian. "Of course, and I am. There is nothing here for you in Seattle, Mrs. Adams." He gave a knock on the window and the door opened. He slid out of the car. He bent down to look her over again with his ice-cold eyes. "Take heed, Mrs. Adams. I don't take kindly to anyone who presents a danger to my wife." The door slammed shut and Christian walked away. Before the big guy could hide the view, Carla saw her daughter standing beside another black car staring towards her.

"Fuck me." Carla whispered. All was lost!