Chapter Three: The New Ana
Ana POV
Setting: Barnes & Noble bookstore.
Nothing relieves my anxiety more than being surrounded by books. After making my selections, I take my pile over to the biography section of the store.
My phone vibrates as I ease into a comfy armchair and start flipping the pages. Thinking it's Christian, I immediately answer the call without looking at the caller ID. My fellow bookworms glare at me for breaking the sacred code of silence.
Kate and I have a whispered conversation. She wants me to stop by her apartment. I sigh. I was really looking forward to these moments of blissful solitude. However, with everything that happened at the party, I could use a sounding board. Kate and I can visit for an hour or so before I head home. The night is young; it's a little after 8 pm. I pay for my purchases and ask Sawyer to drive me there.
...
Sawyer POV
Ana asks me to drive her to Ms. Kanaugh's house. I think it's a good idea. Mr. Grey called me a few minutes ago and informed me of the situation at Escala. He wants me to keep Ana away until we locate the intruder. He's thinking perhaps there is something more sinister going on.
While I wait for Ana to pay for her purchases, I join a conference call with Taylor and Mr. Grey. Taylor tells us about a new technology he's researching, the Calibur Digital Video Multiplexer and Recorder (DMVR), which is in its early stages of development. He believes DMVR will be widely available next year in 2017. He's certain the manufacturer will welcome the opportunity to install a prototype model at Escala.
While I wait for Ana, I contact my friend Liam at the FBI. I tell him about the break-in and how Taylor is dusting for fingerprints. He tells me once we provide the fingerprints, Liam will check it against all databases. It might take some time, especially if the individual has no criminal record. The biometric data stored in the databases will be useful in identifying the perpetrator. These extensive databases include everything from firearm permit listings, health care records, federal employment, and national security clearances. So, even if a person's fingerprints haven't been uploaded to any databases, there are other means to obtain biometric data. Liam gives an example of a challenging case where his team positively identified a young first offender through an ID kit. The man had been previously fingerprinted as part of his school's missing children prevention program.
...
Ana POV
When I arrive at Kate's apartment, she ushers me into the living room and offers me a margarita. Without waiting for my response, she turns toward the kitchen and returns with two mango-flavored margaritas.
I plop down on the couch and start munching on the popcorn on her coffee table. Her TV shows a blue screen, and the DVD player is paused.
"What are we watching?"
"Titanic."
"That's a four-hour movie!"
"Here," Kate said, handing a larger-than-life margarita with a colorful straw. "You need to lighten up a little. Let him wonder when you're coming home."
I set down the glass on the coffee table.
"I don't need a drink to lighten up."
"Yes, you do," Kate says, clicking her tongue. "It will help you realize you're sweating the small stuff. Couples argue all the time and have differences of opinion. Take Elliot and me. We argue like any normal couple. Fast forward two hours, and I'm having the best orgasm of my life," She winks and takes a sip of her margarita.
"You know what you need to do?" She goes on without waiting for my answer. "Just pretend that his blow-up was not a big deal, act normal. Let him bring it up. Chances are he won't."
Hmm. Maybe Kate is onto something here. It hadn't occurred to me to downplay Christian's reaction to her calling off the engagement.
"I don't know, Kate.."
Kate shakes her head in annoyance. "Act normal, that's all I'm saying. Pretend his blow-up never happened...Go home. Act as if everything is fine between you. He'll be relieved if you ask me. You know how men are. They would rather crawl under a rock and die than talk about relationship problems. I mean, seriously, when was the last time you heard a man say: 'Honey, we need to talk'?"
I chuckle. Although that may be true for most men, my Fifty is in his own special category. She won't understand what I mean unless I share all the gory details of our relationship.
I was about to reply when she spoke again. "And the answer is... never!"
I reach for my margarita and take a few sips. I'm starting to feel better already.
"C'mon, Ana? What have you got to lose? Most likely, by the time you get home, I bet he's gonna be ready for some activity in the bedroom," she lifts her brows suggestively, and I chuckle.
Sawyer calls me. He tells me Christian has been trying to get hold of me. He doesn't offer many details except that he wants me back home as soon as possible.
"See? I told you." She says with a grin in her voice. "He's obviously not upset at you anymore."
"Okay, I will be downstairs in fifteen minutes," I tell Sawyer, breathing a sigh of relief. Now that he's had time to think about it, he can't possibly still think I'm trying to break up with him.
Kate downs the rest of her drink. "Ana, Why don't you surprise him tonight? " She then runs her finger around the rim of the glass. "Wear your sexiest lingerie," She winks. "I can lend you some of mine if you want..."
I wrinkle my nose at the thought of wearing someone else's lingerie.
"And then, have the kinkiest sex of your life. Do you want to borrow some of my ultra steamy reads, my dear?"
I nearly choke on my drink. Poor Kate doesn't even know what she's talking about. My story with Christian is the textbook definition of kinkiness. It could become an international bestseller...I doubt any of Kate's books could come close.
…...
Christian POV
Ana steps off the elevator. I breathe a huge sigh of relief. She's home safe. She could have been kidnapped. And then, it occurred to me that whoever had been watching us could have kidnapped us. But Ana and I did not leave the party together, which must have ruined their plans. We had an argument and went our separate ways. A close call indeed. I'm not a religious person, not by any stretch of the imagination. Yet, I'm starting to believe the man upstairs was looking out for us.
Ana steps off the elevator, and I breathe a sigh of relief.
"Christian!" she rushes toward me. "Sawyer told me about the intruder." She wraps her arms around my neck and leans on her tiptoes for a kiss. "Did you call the police?" She pulls back and looks at me with a concerned expression.
"Unfortunately, he got away." My gaze shifts between Sawyer and Taylor. The two were loitering, waiting for further instruction.
That damn intruder must have been Houdini incarnate. How on earth had he managed to flee unnoticed by the security cameras? I shake my head as I discover the footage of the underground garage is also missing. Whoever did this had intimate knowledge of Escala's layout and security system.
"Is it safe here?" Ana asks, alarmed.
"Absolutely, m'am. We're absolutely certain the intruder is no longer on the premises." Taylor says.
"Otherwise, I wouldn't have asked Sawyer to bring you here," I tell her. She makes eye contact with me for a brief moment.
"I need to freshen up," she says. She appears exhausted. "Are you coming?"
"In a few minutes," I say, and she exits the room.
Taylor and I should finish our conversation to ensure we dot the i's and cross the t's. Honestly, I don't even know if I'll be able to sleep tonight. We're doubling security measures, but we got an intruder on the loose. We don't have a motive; we have nothing.
"Sawyer says he thinks his friend will be able to ID the persons or persons involved as early as tomorrow," Taylor reminds me.
I nod. That's certainly a step in the right direction. It is still possible there is an accomplice. That reminds me we need to continue questioning Ryan.
"How's Ryan?"
"Tom is taking him to the nearest urgent care. He may have a concussion."
"What do you think, Taylor? Ryan claims he didn't see his attacker. How is that even possible?"
Taylor cocked his head. "Whoever it was had the code." He sighs audibly. "I hate thinking this is an inside job."
…...
Ana POV
Christian comes into the master bedroom an hour later. I feel so much better after my shower. I'm wearing a G-string underneath my silky robe. I'm drying my hair. Our eyes meet through the mirror, and the dance begins. I don't know how long he'd been standing there watching me before I noticed he was there. In any event, he has no idea what awaits him. Tonight, I'm showing him a side of me he's never seen. I giggle inwardly at the thought.
I turn off the hairdryer and turn to face him. "Hey, Handsome, I'm looking for a sexy man. He's a master tiger in bed... have you seen him?" I reply in a sexy voice that doesn't sound at all like mine.
Standing at the threshold, I remove the robe to reveal my red see-through lingerie. I blink up, lightly biting my lower lip.
I bridge the distance between us and play with his shirt collar. It was fun to see that, for once, Christian is a little off his game and not wanting to acknowledge it. I know he's wondering what had gotten into me.
"Yep," he said after a moment, his lips quirking into a small smile, regarding me with hooded eyes. "As a matter of fact, the tiger you're looking for is right here," he adds, lowering his lips to brush mine ever so slightly.
I laugh flirtatiously. "That sounds lovely, Mr. Grey. You're the only tiger I would ever want," I meet his gaze and pause long enough to prolong the moment, and a touch of intrigue glides like a feather-light ballerina.
He then pulls back for a fraction of a second as though he can't believe this is me.
"Well, if it's not my little sex-kitten," he smirks.
I purr seductively, and his eyes widen. I chuckle again, hoping he won't realize how nervous I feel.
He then pulls me into his arms, his hands cupping my bottom and pressing me against him.
"I need you deep inside of me," I growl huskily into his ear amid our foreplay. I'm secretly thrilled to see him hesitate just a little. He doesn't know what to make of this new Ana. My inner-goddess does a happy dance. She definitely approves of this decidedly -bold-out-this-world Ana.
He groans in response, and in one swift move, he pulls me closer, his hand circling my waist and lifting me onto the bed. Without breaking the kiss, his other hand holds my head, stilling me as his tongue thoroughly explores mine.
Christian pulls back abruptly, regarding me appreciately, leaving me breathless and wanting more.
"You are so beautiful...my love. You have such lovely legs. I want to kiss every inch of them, starting right here." He presses his lips against my big toe and then grazes the pad with his teeth.
Everything south of my waistline convulses. My inner goddess mocks me. I wiggle beneath him as he undresses me and rips my underwear like it's made from wrapping paper. He breathes in my scent and lingers. His tongue circles around my bundle of nerves very slowly.
Oooh, God!
My body releases a powerful orgasm. His tongue continues its delicious assault. I squirm so much it amuses him.
"Ms. Steele, stay still, " he warns, and suddenly, he flips me onto my stomach and continues his leisurely journey with his mouth up to the backs of my legs, to my thighs, my behind, and then he stops. I groan. My inner goddess elbows me in the gut. You? A seductress? She's making fun of me now. He's got you right where he wants you.
"Please!"
I can feel his erection against my behind.
"What do you want, Ana?"
"You," I say.
While he undresses, I seize the moment and turn around, and he rushes to meet me halfway across the bed. He wasn't expecting that. Whoa. His eyes twinkle with excitement. Before I know it, our limbs intertwine, and he crashes his lips against mine and swallows every single one of my moans.
I pull back, and he gives me a questioning look. I waste no time and give him a blow job that leaves him weak and wanting. I feel my sex getting dripping wet just from knowing what I can do to him.
"On your back, Mr. Grey," I murmur. And it surprises me when he readily complies.
"Ah," he groans when I slowly lower myself onto him. I'm in heaven, my mind is devoid of thought. He massages my breasts and punishes my nipple with a sharp tug. I moan and curse. I pull him deeper and make him go faster. I draw it out as long as possible, chasing my own orgasm, lost in the delicious contraction that builds until I explode into a million pieces. He follows closely behind.
"That was amazing," I say as I bury my head into his chest. He gathers me tightly into his arms and kisses my forehead.
I kiss his earlobe and whisper how much I love him. I'm so happy he let me take the initiative and followed my lead.
We fall asleep in each other's arms in the sweet afterglow of our lovemaking. We don't discuss the intruder or anything unpleasant. There's no need to rehash the day's events. I feel safe. I'm sure the entire security team is on high alert. I do wonder about the motive behind the break-in.
…...
In the morning, an annoying ringtone, which I initially mistook for an alert from the Emergency Broadcast System, jolts me awake. A groggy Christian reaches over his nightstand and squints at the bright screen.
"Shit. I forgot about breakfast." He gazes at me and then at the clock. We clearly overslept, even for a Sunday. "Everyone 's already downstairs waiting for us."
"What?"
I can't believe I forgot!
I waste no time getting out of bed and heading for the bathroom. When I return to the bedroom fifteen minutes later, clad in a bathrobe, Christian is dressed in jeans and a light cotton shirt. His hair looks wet, so he must have showered in the other bathroom across the hall. I smile appreciatively. I gotta be the luckiest woman on earth.
"I won't be long getting dressed," I say as I wander into the walk-in closet. "But you can go downstairs and meet with everybody if you want."
When I return, I'm surprised he's sitting in the armchair across the bed.
"Is everything okay? Did you sleep well last night?" I ask.
He takes forever to respond. "I did. How about you?"
"I slept good, all things considered...I mean...the intruder. I was thinking maybe it was a poorly planned robbery.
He takes a deep breath and exhales. He surprises me with an abrupt change of subject.
"What are we going to say...about us?" I give him a quizzical look. "As far as everyone is concerned, we're still engaged."
"I guess we'll have to let them know we're putting our plans on hold."
He shakes his head no.
"I want everyone to know that you're mine."