My dear little broccolis💚💚💚

💚 So, this story is dedicated to two particular authors with whom I have briefly touched on those issues, and who make amazing stories. paleseptember10 & Krooela. Go check them out, you won't regret it.

💚 So, I know, I know, it's been a while. Life was not the greatest, and long story short, I didn't feel like doing much. Getting back to it because I don't want to leave the stories unfinished, and I am getting back together, of sorts, but anyway, let's finish Fallen Angel and other stories in the process.

💚 Just so you don't have to reread all the previous chapters, the big threads that you need to keep in mind

- CG + AS are an item and CG has asked her to move in.

- Ray has proposed to CG to end Elena's life, and we don't know what was CG's decision in that regard

- Ana has gifted a puppy to CG to help him with his touch issues.

- CG has seen Carla only once and Ana and Carla look nothing alike, so adultery is the only logical reason why she is no longer in Ana's life and why Ana looks like no one.

- Elliott wants to move in with Kate

- CG is super jealous of Jose, even though Ana has told him time and time again that he is like a brother to her

- Ana does not like pictures or compliments concerning her looks

💚 Fallen Angel💚

How would have Christian Grey's life turned out if the Greys had intervened when Elena tried to sink her claws into him? Would he still be the same man as we know, or someone completely different ...

‼️Rated M - {Out Of Characters/All Human/Alternate Universe}‼️

‼️Romance/Angst/Drama/Lemons‼️

‼️AS/CG/The Greys/The Steeles/Jack Hyde/Elena Lincoln‼️

💚 READ & REVIEW, DON'T BE A SILENT READER 💚

Chapter 52: Sinner & Saviour

Christian's PoV

For the rest of the next couple of weeks, Ana stays with me. She doesn't even seem to think about going back to Kate's place. And there is also this whole Little Lola Grey thing to get around with. One thing I have to give to Ana, having a dog forces me to be home earlier than I have been used to. Yes, I did aim to be home for at least dinner when Ana was home, but now I like to give Little Lola Grey at least one walk a day, and I usually go for the one before dinner. It is purifying in a way and purging.

And as per usual, Ana was right. Little Lola Grey (LLG as we call her) unknowingly helps me control my touch issues. The adorable puppy loves to jump on me when I get home and lick my face, and I have never had an issue with her. I should have listened to Martha long ago and gotten a dog then. Maybe I wouldn't have had my touch issues then when I met Ana and we wouldn't have wasted all those months of me debating that we should just remain friends.

My parents also noticed the change concerning my touch issues, though I am very grateful they didn't make a big deal out of it. In fact, they didn't say a word about it, just sharing a happy knowing smile with each other when they saw Ana touching my chest over brunch when I said I would fix her a drink.

The only downside of the cutie LLG is the fact that, other than her hair being everywhere, she drools a lot. To the point where I wonder if the Colonel suggested this breed of dog to Ana on purpose, to see me overwhelmed by the mess. But she could be dragging mud every second of the day, and I would still open my arms to her when I get home.

Right now, we're in the middle of dinner, with LLG by my side as I give her bits and pieces from my plate. Martha has been telling me that I shouldn't blindside Ana with my takeover of SIP so I guess this is a good time as any to let her know about it. I let her finish her rant on how she is annoyed that her favourite podcaster about Australian serial killers has decided to stop her podcast.

"You know, what is annoying is that she is stopping the ASK podcast not to start another one about serial killers from another country like she did before, but because she wants to start a makeup YouTube channel! Who does that?" she laments

"Maybe she got bored of serial killers."

She looks at me as if I have just said an ineptie and clears her throat, "Anyway. How was your session with Martha today? You seem incredibly … pensive. Did you have a breakthrough that you'd like to share?"

I shake my head, handing LLG a little piece of the roast beef that Mrs Jones made us and I take a sip of water as I let her know,

"No. My breakthroughs happened long ago. But I indeed have something on my mind. It just has more to do with work."

"If you want to rant, I am all ears. Even though I will probably not understand much. Sometimes just ranting helps us feel better."

"No. No rant needed. I just signed some papers today, and I think I should let you know about it."

"Why? Am I finally the beneficiary of your life insurance plan?"

I chuckle and don't say anything for a moment, watching LLG chew on her piece of roast beef with dedication and seriousness. I know that Martha is right and that Ana will not appreciate being blindsided, but if she is, she can't argue and sulk about it. Still, I let Ana know about the upcoming change in the ownership of her workplace, because last time I ignored Martha's advice over something big, I ended up regretting it and wasting time in my relationship with Ana.

"There is this program I do every year where GEH helps either a rising business, or a failing one. This year I'm doing both."

"Oh?"

"Yes. There are those two guys who want to create a company for bikers. Safe equipment and all of that. They know nothing about business, but I trust in their product. They just need a little nudge in the right direction."

"That's great. It's nice that you give back the opportunity you had in the past. Does that mean that I'll see you on a bike anytime soon?"

"Don't be ridiculous," I roll his eyes and she laughs, biting on the stem of her broccoli as she shrugs and says,

"Too bad. Bikers can be hot. Imagine what you on a bike could do to my libido."

Okay, this is serious talk, right now. Maybe I should consider taking driving lessons for bikes. Anything to get Ana hot and bothered. She wiggles her eyebrows at me and asks, "And who are you saving this year? A fro-yo shop?"

I glare at her and put my napkin down as I let her know, "No. SIP."

This makes her stop joking and she puts her fork down, "As in Seattle Independent Publishing?"

"Well, it will soon be Grey Publishing."

She longly looks at me before she says, "I had no idea that it was failing."

"You said so yourself that they were not replacing people leaving."

"Yeah, but I assumed they were just being cheap. Every big corporation does the same and that doesn't mean they're doing bad. Anything to make a buck, even millionaires think like that."

I shake my head and she bites on her lip, making me wish I could do the same. Then she asks, "Are you betting on SIP because I work there?"

I raise an eyebrow at her and she explains her train of thoughts, "No matter how much I love to read I know that publishing is a dying business. So it doesn't make sense for you to go down that road. It's not a smart nor a safe investment."

"Yes. I decided to help SIP because of you. If you didn't work there, I wouldn't have given it two thoughts."

She nods, and falls silent for a while, keeping her thoughts to herself. I wait for her to say something, but she doesn't. She simply gets up and takes away our plates. I call her name, but she brings the dessert, and as she sits back, she looks at me, planting her blue eyes in mine as she says,

"I am not going to fuss. But I have conditions."

"Conditions?"

"Yes. I don't want to advertise to the world that I'm shagging my boss's boss's boss. If people find out, they do, but until they do, you can't decide that you want to make out when you visit SIP, or Grey Publishing or whatever."

"I'm not hiding my relationship with you, Ana."

"I'm not saying you have to. I'm just saying that work is work. How would you feel if two of your employees decided to smooch during work hours just because outside they date?"

I can't argue with her on that, because she's right. I have a strict no-PDA policy in my company, and I would be the biggest hypocrite if I didn't follow my own rules. So I concede that to her. She nods in agreement and continues,

"You can't interfere in whatever opportunity might come my way. Whether I stay there for one month or two years, you can't say a thing about it. I can fetch coffee for that duration, and you will have to accept it."

I grind my teeth, because I already had a mind to make one of my changes that she becomes an editor. Now if I do it, she will know I had a say in the matter. So I reluctantly agree and she gives her final condition,

"I will always prioritise our relationship, Christian. So if I feel you're not keeping your word, or you're becoming overbearing as a boss, I will quit, and you will have no say in what I do after. And I want your word that you won't stop me, or that you won't try to buy the next company I'll work for."

"Ana … I'm just trying to help. I had help when I started GEH, and I didn't fuss like that."

"Yeah, yeah, I am an annoying little independent woman who always finds a way to kill your mood. But that doesn't stop the fact that you are asking a lot from me. If I were to listen to myself and my principles, I would resign by tomorrow morning. But I understand why you helped, and so I am working your way. Now, work my way too, and promise me that you will let me go if needed."

I look at her, trying to find a loophole in her reasoning, but nothing comes. So I acquiesce and she smiles at me, getting up to come sit on my lap as she says, "Now, I promise that, though I will give you raises, I will not ask you for a single one."

.~°~. .~°~. .~°~.

After walking out Little Lola, we go to bed, and I secure Ana in my arms. For the first few days, I welcomed Lola in our bed, but then I quickly invested in her own bed. Not that I mind Lola, she is the cutest, but I like it better to cuddle with Ana than with Lola. Plus, Lola prevents the fun times that result from cuddling Ana. She feels too self-conscious to have sex in front of the pup, and so I made the very sane choice to give Lola her own room, just next to mine.

I am starting to drift to sleep, enjoying Ana's soothing presence by my side, when she tells me out of nowhere, "So, just to warn you in advance, I won't be here for Thanksgiving."

This completely clears my mind and wakes me up.

"Why?"

"I always celebrate it with my parents."

"But … this could be our first holiday together."

"I knew you'd say that. But this is the one holiday I always spend with Mom."

I roll my eyes because why Ana is so concerned about tradition and family when her mother isn't doesn't make sense to me. And so I point out, "Christmas is the family holiday. Can't you spend Christmas with her?"

She doesn't say a word and turns so she can face me, even though neither of us can really see the other. For a moment, she remains silent before she says, "I always spend Thanksgiving with my mother, Christian. It is not up for negotiation. I am just letting you know upfront."

I hesitate for a brief second, and cup the side of her face that is not touching the bed, "Can I be honest with you?"

She nods and so I continue, "You always make the effort to see your mother, but that's not how it should work. She is your mother, not the other way around. You shouldn't be such a people pleaser when it comes to her just because she birthed you."

I can almost see her bite her tongue before she tells me, "I know that from the outside our relationship might seem odd, but I love my Mom, Christian, and she loves me. Our relationship world the way it does, and I am asking you not to judge it because of how you perceive it."

"Then tell me what I'm missing. Because it seems very one-sided from where I am sitting."

She shakes her head, and says, turning again to retake her first position cuddled in my arms, "No. if you want to know more about my Mom, you can ask her when you meet her. But neither I nor Dad will ever tell you about her."

.~°~. .~°~. .~°~.

I didn't mention her mother again since that conversation, but I have managed to make her compromise on that whole Thanksgiving situation. Well, Grace did. She mindlessly asked Ana what her plans were, and when Ana said that she was spending it with her Family, Grace invited them over, since Ethan and Kate were already invited as well. Ana said she would discuss this with her parents, and all I hope is that they won't fuss about it.

I shouldn't worry much about it anyway. There are still a couple of months before that. And I have to worry first about Ana, Kate and Mia wanting to celebrate Halloween in New York first. I don't see what is so great about getting drunk and putting on cosplays, but I guess this is where our age difference shows the most. Ana is very mature, and I rarely feel that I am older than her, except when she says that she wants to go out.

Of course, even though I am not that fond of partying, I told her that I would go with her. First, because Elliott is going with Kate and I don't want to look like a bad boyfriend. Second, because Rodriguez is invited as well, and the less time they spend together, the better it is in my book. Third, because I want to spend time with my girlfriend.

Anyway, over the past couple of weeks since I told Ana that I was buying SIP, she has been still staying at my place. She only went back to Kate's over the weekend for a girls' night when I was away in New York. I don't want to push my luck and remind her of my offer, but I also know that Elliott has been staying at Kate's a lot whilst Ana was with me. So if all goes well, we will soon each have our girlfriend living with us.

She texted me earlier to let me know that she was making a detour to our local market because she wants to eat brioche in the morning. I have been working from home this afternoon, so when I finish my conference call with Jack, I close my laptop and ponder the idea of joining her in her shopping. Ana doesn't like when I buy her expensive things, but when we are at the supermarket, I can buy her whatever. That girl loves food so much, that she doesn't even realise that everything that she sees ends up in my basket. Especially cheese. Though she admits that American cheese is terrible compared to French cheese.

But when I'm about to call her to ask her where she is, my phone lights up with her face, requesting a Facetime. I happily answer though I am a bit surprised. Ana rarely facetimes me, unless I am away, and even then, it is mostly me Facetime her than the other way around.

As soon as she appears on my screen, the odd feeling intensifies. She doesn't seem as usual. "Hey babe! You tried to call?"

I frown because we both know it's not the case. She is louder than I have ever seen her be, and she isn't wearing her earbuds to make this conversation private. My eyes analysing her background, and she isn't far from home, so I let her know, loud enough

"Yes. I just wanted to let you know that I am nearby. Send me your location so I can pick you up."

"Done!"

"I'll be here in a minute. Just keep walking so we can meet up."

I keep her online and rush outside, signalling to Taylor to do the same. She is just around the corner, but knowing Ana, she doesn't want to come into the building if she's being followed. She didn't have to tell me for me to understand. As I walk to her, Taylor hot on my heels, my brain is going to all sorts of dark places and five minutes later, I finally meet her, swooping her in my arms and caring very little that we are in the middle of the streets.

She gives me back my embrace, seeking comfort in my arms, and Taylor disappears, trying to locate the person who followed her. For a long minute, she doesn't say a word, before she mumbles against my chest, her body still shaking, "I don't think Taylor will find anyone. As soon as I called you, the shadow disappeared."

I kiss her hair with love and direct her back to our apartment. I insist for her to eat, but she shakes her head and says that she needs a shower. So I acquiesce and stay in the bedroom whilst she takes the longest shower that she has ever taken. I don't dare interrupt, because she said that she wanted to have this moment for her, but I still look intensively at the door, whilst reading the text messages from Taylor,

Did a swoop of the neighbourhood, and nothing suspicious, sir. Whoever was after Miss Steele must have bolted the second she called you. ~ TAYLOR

Who do you think it was? ~ CHRISTIAN

Not a pap, they wouldn't have bolted. They even would have stayed to have a picture of you two. I can look into it. ~ TAYLOR

Thank you. ~ CHRISTIAN

And sir? Might I suggest a CPO for Miss Steele as well. For the time being. ~ TAYLOR

I give him the go for him to find someone, though I grimace. I know that this conversation is doomed from the start. Ana jokes enough about Taylor being a constant present in my life, I doubt she will welcome a Taylor 2.0 in hers.

When she finally leaves the bathroom, she comes straight to bed, refusing to eat, and when I start to argue, she counters back, "I don't want to seek comfort in food. But I will eat my brioche in the morning, promise."

I nod and take her in my arms to give her the comfort she obviously needs. For two hours, she tries to fall asleep, but to no avail. So I give her a sleeping pill, and even with that, her sleep is restless. I don't even try to sleep, because I know it will be useless.

All night long, I only think of what could have happened to Ana if she hadn't called me, or if I didn't arrive on time. It was already rather dark when I found her, and so much can happen in Seattle in the hour of the wolf. Especially to a young woman. Especially to someone as beautiful as Ana.

When morning comes, Ana seems over the whole ordeal. She makes jokes and as promised, eats a good part of the brioche. So when we are in the car to drop her off at her job, I let her know about my plans concerning her safety,

"I am going to hire someone for you, Ana. In the meantime, please wait for me to pick you up. And I will drop you off in the morning, as per usual."

"Don't be ridiculous, Christian. It's ancient history already. I've handled it."

"Because speaking loud on the phone is handling it for you?"

"Yes. It worked. Whoever the creep was, was long gone as soon as I called my boyfriend."

"Ana … if you don't take my protection, I will tell your dad about last night, and I am pretty sure that he will be your protection."

She glares at me, and I fully feel her wrath. To be honest, this is just an idle threat, but if my bluff works, it's all that matters, and so I push it further, "I don't care how you feel about this, Ana. your safety comes first. I should have had someone on your back the second that picture was in the tabloid, and I only delayed this decision because of your pigheadedness."

"My pigheadedness?" She scoffs, before turning her head to the window and refusing to talk to me the rest of the way. As I said, pigheadedness.

When we arrive in front of SIP, she turns to me, and tells me, "Since I am pigheaded, I am going to go home and sulk in my bed tonight. Just know that I don't want to have a bodyguard and that it's a hard limit for me. Thank you for driving me."

She doesn't even give me the time to argue, and I sigh with frustration as she closes the door. How am I the bad guy for wanting to keep her safe? For a moment, Taylor doesn't say a word as he drives us into traffic, but then he surprises me by commenting on what just happened. Taylor always pretends that nothing happens in the back seat,

"If I may, Sir. You should let Colonel Steele know."

I frown, both because it is the first time that he is commenting about what happens in the back seat, and also because I have rarely talked about Colonel Steele with Taylor (or anyone) around. So I raise an eyebrow and look at him in the rearview mirror and he clears his throat,

"I know this kind of man. I have done his kind of job. You don't always make friends in his situation, and maybe what happened is related to him."

I nod, not having thought about that and take my phone out of my pocket to text the man in question,

I need to talk to you when you get back. ~ CHRISTIAN

The answer is instantaneous.

Your office. Tonight. Don't tell Annie. Pull some long hours. ~ COLONEL

❌PLEASE DO NOT COPY, DOWNLOAD OR SHARE THIS ANYWHERE OTHER THAN HERE❌

.~°~. .~°~. .~°~.

💚Your thoughts and opinions are always welcomed💚

💚 E L James owns the names of the characters from the Fifty Shades franchise, Everything else is mine (including the mistakes and grammar errors).

Love, Mina 💚💚💚