05.19.21
Part 1 of 3 of the smackdown. YOU READY?
CHAPTER TWENTY - You have to help me.
As the sun began to rise over the horizon, Seattle was slowly waking up. The cool temperature of the morning air was starting to thicken into what was forecasted to be a humid day. Across the city, coffee machines were busy brewing morning fuel, blow dryers were on full blast, runners were pounding the pavement and construction crews were warming up for another day of work. While most loathed Monday mornings after weekends, there was a small population that looked forward to it more than ever.
On the top floor of Escala, Christian Grey's ivory tower from where he watched over his Kingdom, he lay in his extraordinarily huge and comfortable custom bed with the woman he loved. After coming back from his parent's house for the usual Sunday dinner, he sought to celebrate the new development in his life. Anastasia Steele was in love with him too. I love you, Christian. He ached to hear those words over and over again and she obliged in sweet whispers, teasing laughter and sultry moans as he indulged in all that her body had to offer and all that he had the strength to give and take.
His eyes blinked open and immediately checked the time, 6:07am. Fuck the morning run. Years of rigorous routines and now with Ana he just wanted to be normal and lazy. These were new verbs he was learning to get accustomed to. I ran and worked out enough while we were apart these past few days. Had to push my body to the brink of exhaustion to kill any and all lingering sexual frustration. It's a miracle my dick still works.
"Christian…" He heard Ana's sweet voice murmur from nearby. She was lying on her side, curled up in a ball with her back to him. He scooted in closer to her and wrapped a protective arm around her waist. She hummed in contentment and settled further into his embrace. "Christian, please…" She murmured again, writing a little. Feeling the heat of her body, it was warmer than usual he noticed. Is she having an erotic dream? Oh, sweet Anastasia. Having fun without me?
This will not do.
"I'm here, baby." He whispered, tracing the skin of her neck with his lips moving up to her ear. "Do you want me to make you feel good?"
"Hmm, yes…" She moaned, eyes still closed and lost in dreamland. Christian's hand trailed down her body, feeling her up and watching it react. His dick twitched in zealous anticipation of what lay ahead. As soon as his fingers found her weeping core he groaned, closing his eyes. So fucking wet, always. Her legs parted automatically and her breathing turned into shallow pants. Fuck, I've barely even touched her and she's already reaching her climax. I need to get ahead of this dream scenario that's got her worked up.
Using his two skilled fingers to manipulate her pussy to his liking, Christian turned Ana's face towards him and peppered her lips with kisses till she parted them, allowing his eager tongue to take over. She moaned into his mouth, unable to really decipher reality from dreamscape.
This feels so real, she wondered. He's put a spell on me and I need a release. The familiar tightening sensation caused her eyes to flicker open briefly only to find her lover's face directly over hers and out of focus as she realized his tongue and fingers were dexterously working their magic. Please don't stop, don't ever stop, she moaned wordlessly in time with what he did, growing louder.
And he didn't, not even for a second. He continued till her body fell apart into a loud and trembling mess.
She called out his name but the sound was muffled by his merciless tongue till she raised her hands to grab on to his hair. The effect was immediately apparent in the way his body moved closer into her. They automatically changed positions, mentally in sync. He wasted no time moving to slide into her with ease, relishing the spasming of her walls tightening around the welcome intrusion of his cock. Her entire body rose up in reaction and she wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders.
Who needs the early morning runners high when I have this piece of heaven at home? He drove into her with a punishing rhythm, watching the look of pure bliss on her face, eyes closed and bottom lip trapped between her teeth. This isn't a dream anymore, Miss Steele. Time for you to wake up.
"Eyes open, baby." He crooned against her lips. "I want to see you." She slowly complied, bright pale blue orbs shining through a hooded gaze. She smiled and raised her face to kiss him, pulling him down to feel his body weight over hers and slow his pace. She loved it when he was frenzied and chasing a high but enjoyed the gentle exploration he undertook at times as well.
"Slow." She moaned between kisses. That alone was enough to tame the beast in him.
He moved his lips, kissing as he went to her ear. "Will you be my good girl and cum for me again?" Immediately panting out an affirmative response, she tightened the grip on his hair. The low timbre of his voice was enough to bring her to the brink. He grinned, feeling the intensity of her around him. Almost there.
In the afterglow of sharing sweet morning kisses, Ana fell asleep again. It wasn't even 7:30am, and she still had half an hour till she had to get dressed and head out for work. Escala was only five blocks from Grey House so all she needed was ten minutes to spare.
"I'll see you soon." Ana heard Christian's voice whisper in her ear. She opened one eye and giggled. What a sight, Mr. Greek God Grey in all his god like glory, wearing a black fitted suit, crisp white shirt with a black tie. Fuck me again before you go? As he pulled away after a chaste kiss, Ana grabbed onto his tie and pulled him back down for another one, greedily taking what she wanted.
"You look very handsome, Mr. Grey." She bit on his lip playfully.
"It's a blessing and curse." He smirked, kissing her soundly. "Promise me you'll eat breakfast." Ana nodded, knowing full well Gail would report to Christian if she didn't, prompting a food delivery from him at work.
"I promise."
"Good girl." He said with a kiss to her forehead.
Ana got up and crawled on top, completely naked to straddle him. Christian's hands roamed her entire form as they exchanged more kisses. For a man who didn't want to be in a relationship and be responsible for another human being outside of his family or the bare minimum for his employees, he found the idea of taking care of Ana and spending time thinking about her to be the only thing that he wanted to do. Whether it be wanting to hear her voice, her giggle, the soft touch of her hands on his body, the way her face looked when she was pissed as hell, or watching her eat excitedly to her heart's content; Christian was head over heels in love and obsessed with the woman safely cocooned in his arms.
I could get used to mornings like this. Now if only I could convince her to move in...
"Have you ever played hooky?" She asked.
"Never." He replied. Never had a reason to. Even when he was sick, which was rare, he worked from home and answered emails constantly.
"We should do it one day." She smiled, running a hand through his always just fucked looking hair, trying to tame it. "You work too hard. We'll be lazy, watch movies and eat our weight in snacks."
I'll do anything with you, Miss Steele. I'll even paint your nails if you want me to.
"What about you?" He asked in return, tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear.
Sometimes he'd wonder how many firsts he'd be able to have with her; firsts that were completely theirs and not shadowed by her earlier relationship. There was no comparison but he still found himself jealous of José. He got to have her and he didn't treat her right. For that alone he wanted to punch his face in and rip his dick off. I may have erased him sexually from her memory but there's still a lot of ground left to cover emotionally.
"Not really. I always felt like my employers would show up at my door and drag me to work. " She giggled. "I'm also shit at lying. I'm like the worst person to commit a crime with, I'd start telling everyone what we did the second it happened."
"I'll keep that in mind the next time I want to do something illegal." Christian laughed and checked the time. He had that 8am meeting but now, the reminder of it made him irritable. Fuck it, I'll stay here a little while longer, that shit can wait. "Do you know how much I love you?"
"My body definitely knows." Ana snickered, referring to her sore muscles and the masterpiece of hickeys spread across the front of her body. Christian smiled and dove in to bite her hardened nipple for good measure, her answering moan did nothing to ease the ache in his now growing cock. He knew he should've stopped but he was a glutton when it came to her.
One more before I go, I want her cum all over my cock for the rest of the day.
Ana worked to unbuckle his belt and unzip him, rushing to guide him inside her. Moaning at the contact and possession of each other, Ana set a slow and sensual pace to get them both to the end.
She always thought she just wasn't the sexual kind. Once or if she was lucky, twice a week was her normal but this new normal had her body in a constant state of need. So far, he hadn't once denied her and always made sure she was taken care of first before indulging himself. It's still new, she reminded herself but the more pressing question was…. Am I an addict now?
"No you're not, though I do like the idea of you being addicted to me." Christian smirked. Oh fuck, I said that out loud! Ana giggled and gave him a sweet parting kiss with a declaration of love.
"And I love you, always believe in that." He replied.
He was being a little ominous and Ana tried her best to silence the alarm bells that had begun to ring loudly in her mind. She could now spot the differences in his tone. Sometimes it was intensity with a softness that made her body sing and then other times it would make the hairs on the back of her neck stand.
"You trust me, right?" Ana blinked in surprise and slowly nodded knowing her voice would give her hesitation away if she spoke out her reply. "I will do everything and anything to protect you. You're my world now."
I don't care how dirty my hands need to get, as long as I can destroy those who hurt her, I'll do whatever I have to with no remorse whatsoever.
"Chris—" Ana choked out, why is he saying this? "W-why are… you're scaring me."
He smiled and kissed her, wiping away the tears. "I thought angry badgers and drunk racoons weren't scared of anything."
That made Ana laugh and go shy even though the pit in her stomach remained. Christian knew she still wasn't entirely convinced, her body was still tense but he knew that after today, it would all be smooth sailing and Ana could blossom just how she was meant to.
Gaia slipped out of her shared condo with José telling him that she was going to a hot yoga class nearby followed by some pilates before going into work. In reality, she was going to rush up to her condo and peruse through the elaborate wardrobe that arrived earlier last week. This, is the life, she thought to herself.
She settled on a cream white blazer, pencil skirt combo and paired it with a silk camisole blouse in pale pink. With her hair done to perfection, she did her makeup to bring focus to her fiery hazel eyes. He won't be able to resist me. Choosing to forgo panties, she threw them in her new designer bag and stepped into a pair of 6 inch Louboutin white snakeskin pumps. Spinning around to give herself a once over before smirking in approval at the woman in her reflection.
She had envisioned that she'd dress up like this once the money came in but with Christian Grey behind her, that dream was now a reality. I just have to keep him hooked long enough to make sure my future is set. I know I can be what he needs. He wants someone intelligent and passionate and I am all those things and more. I'll prove it to him over and over again in a series of different positions.
Today is the day.
And now, his sister had pretty much confirmed his feelings. You're still married, a voice nagged at her. In a different country, she muttered, dismissing the fact. I know what I need to do to take care of that problem if push comes to shove… And I've got great upper arm strength.
A car was arranged by Andrea to pick Gaia up from her building and bring her to GEH. It was a short distance that she could have walked but the sweet gesture did not go unnoticed. His thoughtfulness only added to the allure and promise of what this was turning out to be.
"Mr. Grey hasn't arrived yet, an urgent matter came up." Andrea, informed her. "He will be in soon, till then please make yourself comfortable. Would you like anything to drink or eat?"
"Coffee with cream and two sugars would be great." Gaia smiled, graciously. She took in the beautifully decorated conference room that happened to be right next to Christian's office. It had a long conference table on one side of the room, and a series of couches and chairs arranged for a slightly relaxed atmosphere on the opposite side. Meanwhile, the large windows provided additional respite in the form of the entire Seattle skyline for anyone's viewing pleasure.
Gaia got comfortable but soon that comfort turned into annoyance and full blown angst at the time passed. It was now 9:15 and she had been here since 8AM. What the fuck is keeping him? She was on edge, desperately wanting release. The back and forth during the weekend had her wound up so tight that just once touch from him meant she would snap and burst into a bright explosion of satisfaction. I need this man to fuck my brains out, asap.
Just as she was smiling at the thought, a pair of footsteps entered followed by the visual of the man she'd been aching for since that day at the Fairmont. Finally, alone.
"Ms. Reed," he said without looking at her and throwing a file on the table. "Is there anything you'd like to tell me?"
His voice was low and controlled, as if he were holding back. It took Gaia by surprise. Staring, more like, looking down on her were two stunning yet ice-cold grey irises.
She gulped and shifted slightly in her seat.
"I-I… I'm not sure what you're referring to, Chris..." she saw his jaw harden and immediately backtracked. "..M-Mr. Grey, I mean."
"Open it and read it." He barked.
Scrambling to reach for the file she opened it with trembling hands. What the fuck is going on? Why is he being so aloof and abrasive?
Her eyes fell on the text and she exhaled in relief. Just the lawsuit, I can handle this.
"It's just a petty lawsuit from a disgruntled ex-girlfriend." Her voice was back to it's usual seductive and condescending tone. "I didn't want to bother you with it because Josè and I are handling it."
"Why is she claiming one-third ownership? You told me it was just you and Rodriguez and now I find out someone is trying to fuck with something I've personally invested in. Something I'm trying to protect" He growled.
The message between the lines was a loaded one and Gaia's interpretation of the situation only fueled her desire for the man in front of her. He wants to protect me, he's personally invested. Time to go in for the kill.
"You have to help me." She pleaded, her voice breaking into a slight sob. "Anastasia is just a vicious ex-girlfriend looking for a payout. Josè and I worked so hard to get here and now after he dumped her a while ago, she's lashing out."
"I don't need this teenage fucking drama at my fucking doorstep." He muttered and took out his phone to dial a number. "Roach. Grey…. your assistant, Anastasia Steele? Send her up to my office immediately." Shoving the phone back into pocket, Christian gave Gaia a once over before taking a seat across from her.
Judging by that sinful smirk, Gaia could see he was mentally undressing her.
"I am going to settle this once and for all. I protect what's mine at all costs." The implication of his words sent Gaia soaring with a delicious tingle running down her spine. I should've worn the fucking panties.
Fuck! She'll mention the wedding. Not like she has any proof, it's her word against mine and we know who's words he wants in his ear and on his lap. That calmed her significantly till her phone buzzed and she quickly checked to see who was calling her. Ugh, Josè. Cancelling his call and ignoring his barrage of text notifications she threw her phone back into the bag and seductively shifted in her seat, crossing her legs while keeping her eyes locked with his. The sexual tension in the room was scorching and now she couldn't wait to see Anastasia burn, again.
"Ana!" Roach called out to his assistant, just a few feet away.
"Yes, Mr. Roach." She hurried in, ready to take notes.
"Mr. Grey wants you in his office immediately." Ana looked at him in confusion. Why didn't he just call or text me?
She nodded wordlessly and made her way to the elevators after quickly grabbing her phone from her desk. A new text had come in just a few minutes earlier.
Christian: Trust me.
And just like that, her entire body was on edge and stomach in impossibly tight knots.
The elevator ride seemed to take forever but when she finally reached his floor, every step she took felt heavier than the last. Don't throw up. Andrea was already waiting for her with a sweet smile to lead Ana to a conference room.
Taking a deep breath, Ana walked into a sight that made the bile rise in her throat. Gaia and Christian were sitting across from each other on identical leather chairs, with her dressed to the fucking nines, staring at Christian with a seductive smirk while he remained silently engaged with her too only breaking the stare to look at Ana when she entered.
She felt like she had walked in on something extremely private. Yes, they were a healthy distance apart but it all looked off.
They look good together, a nagging voice jabbed at her.
Christian however, felt immediately relaxed when Ana walked in. As he stared at Gaia, he thought of the ways her life was about to turn to shit. Here she was dressed and acting like she was desperate for a fuck and doing her level best to get him to initiate but Christian was a master at seduction and destruction. This wasn't his first rodeo and it wouldn't be his last.
Welcome to the playground, Reed. I'm about to teach you a lesson that you'll ever forget.
"Miss Steele." He said in his usual velvety voice. "I'm glad you could join us."
Ana stood frozen, noticing Gaia's now turned and smug face looking in her direction, raising an eyebrow.
"Mr. Grey." She nodded with a tight smile. "Mr. Roach said y-you wanted to s-see me." She said nervously.
Yes, Gaia was dressed as if she had walked off of an editorial shoot, with her makeup and hair overdone, but Ana still stood out in her simplicity and natural beauty. She always would. Her lips were no longer bruised from their kisses and the flush in her cheeks had paled, her hair was in natural waves and all she wore was a simple black fitted dress that came to her knees with simple flat shoes.
He stood up and walked to Ana, cradling her face to put on an obscene display of public affection. It took Ana by surprise while Gaia's audible shock filled the room in the form of a sharp gasp.
When he pulled away and smiled at Ana, she was lost in lala land for a good few seconds before coming back to reality.
"Hi, baby."
"H-hi…" She stuttered, trying to catch her own breath.
"Gaia, allow me to introduce you to my girlfriend, Anastasia Steele. I believe you two have met before."
But Gaia's eyes remained wide and her voice remained lost. Should I check for a pulse? Christian wondered.
Ana and Gaia's backs were still to the door when Christian noticed another guest that had arrived.
"Ah, Mr. Rodriguez… welcome."
Ana and Gaia's head whipped in unison to José's jaw hitting the floor. He too looked like the picture of disbelief. This is who she's with now? Wha– how?
In the swirling confusion, Gaia found herself scrambling. What the fucking fuck is going on?
Deafening and awkward silence clouded the room. "I believe Mr. Rodriguez has something he'd like to share with us." Christian spoke again, gesturing to him to take a seat next to Gaia which he nervously and confusingly did.
"What the fuck is going on?" Gaia hissed at José.
"I was denied entry into the Acero offices. Everything is gone, it's empty." He said in a panic. "I was escorted out of there and directed here by his security, that's why I was fucking calling you." Jose threw a dirty look to Christian then to Anastasia. "You fucking sold us out didn't you? I get it you're pissed but I never expected for you to stoop so low and make a trash move like this."
Christian strengthened his hold around Ana's waist, feeling the shiver run through her body. She too was still in a state of shock.
"N-no, I didn't." She answered. "I didn't… I only filed a lawsuit." She looked to Christian for answers and backup but her attention was caught again by Gaia's voice.
"What else could we expect from Carla's spawn?" She spit out. "Crying, whining and now spreading her legs. So what, you two are a thing now?" Gaia stood up and crossed her arms.
"Watch it, Ms. Reed." Christian warned her. "I will not tolerate disrespect towards Anastasia. You are on very thin ice."
"Is that so? Then what was all that from you in the past week. The flowers for rescheduled dinners, the fully decked out wardrobe in my condo, the sexting, pictures of your enormous dick, telling me how you couldn't wait to shove your cock down my throat and fuck me into next year in the most descriptive and obscene ways… I'm sure little Annie here wasn't woman enough for you which is why you had to look elsewhere... it's okay Christian you can tell her the truth. " She laughed sinisterly, not giving a flying fuck that her husband and best friend was right next to her.
Ana's eyes burned with tears and her body began to recoil from Christian but he held on to her tightly. Not again, not this again. I'm such an idiot. Gaia's words cut through her and she began to retrace every moment she had with Christian. I knew it, I wasn't enough. I'm never going to be enough for anyone. She could feel and hear her heart hammering in her chest while everything around her slowed down as if she were underwater and drowning as her body began to break down from the inside.
José's body went numb in shock again at the confession Gaia was dishing out. Time stood still and the air ran cold like his blood. This is a joke, this has to be a cruel joke.
"Ana baby, look at me." Christian commanded but she couldn't hear him till grabbed her face, kissing her hard and forcing her to look into his eyes. "I love you, you're my world."
Hearing those words only fueled Gaia's anger and heightened José's shock.
Christian saw the fear and heartbreak in her eyes. He knew deep down it was a bad idea to engage with Gaia this way but he needed that added strike on her record to make sure this plan went off without a hitch. This is all for you baby.
"Tell me she's lying. That none of this shit happened." Ana cried. Please, please tell me it's all a lie. That I'm not a fool. You said you loved me.
"She's not lying." He confessed, reluctantly.
Ana knew what the answer was going to be before he spoke and in that moment she wanted nothing more than to wither way into the abyss.
A/N: BOOM. I know, I know. Lots of answers coming at you in chapter 21. Hang in there and while you're hanging, hit me with those detailed reviews.
I'll see the rest of you crazy kids on Facebook.