Author's Note:I'm back, attempting to finish this story. At the very least, I'll add a little to it. Sorry it's been so long; you might want to go back and read it again to remember what's going on. I'm going to attempt to update it weekly, if life doesn't get too busy. Thanks if you've messaged me in the past with requests to finish it. I've got it planned out, so let's see if I can manage to get it written for you. Merry Christmas, a couple of weeks early!

Chapter 48: Raymond Steele Comes to Visit

Thurs., March 21, 2019

"What have you told Ana?" Mia asked Christian.

Barney had left them and was back in his office putting things into motion, including selling Esclava salons to an online bidder in an auction that he'd set up overnight. He'd also managed to put Elena's house on the market. It was amazing how much work could get done without ever having to meet anyone in person. When the time came, Barney was prepared to forge Elena's signature, scan the documents, and send them through the secure system that the real estate agency would use. Barney was even communicating via emails and social media with Elena's friends, the few she had remaining, so they wouldn't suspect anything. He was making sure there were no loose ends, and that she would leave just enough of a paper trail when she "left town" to be convincing.

"Nothing," Christian answered Mia. "She knows that I was worried as fuck all night and that it's family-related, but she doesn't know anything. I purposefully left her out of it just for her own protection."

Mia nodded. "That's exactly what I expected you'd say. At some point, you're probably going to want to tell her something. Don't tell her any details, just basics."

"She doesn't need to know even the basics," Christian insisted.

"I agree," Mia responded. "But you're experiencing something with her that you've never experienced before. Neither have I, mind you, but I get it. I understand the concept of building trust with a significant other, at least in theory. I had this same conversation with Elliot about Kate."

"Has he told her?" Christian asked worriedly.

Mia replied, "I doubt he's said anything yet, but I'm sure he will. She's his wife. He can't exactly keep it all from her. She's going to know something's wrong."

"Ana knows something's wrong, but I don't have to tell her what it is. She knows not to ask."

Mia smirked. "She's a good submissive, then?" Without waiting for Christian to reply, she added, "Kate's no submissive. She won't put up with that shit. She's going to demand an explanation. And she deserves one."

Christian was surprised that Mia thought Kate deserved to know what had happened. "Why do you think she deserves an explanation?" he asked.

Mia rolled her eyes. "She's his wife," she explained simply. When Christian didn't look convinced, Mia added, "I might be a blossoming Dominatrix, but I'm also a romantic. Beatrice says it's possible to be both, just unusual."

"What the fuck does being a romantic have to do with anything?" Christian asked confusedly.

Mia sighed. "You're really hopeless. God, Christian, as a Dom, you should know all about building trust and having open communication with your sub."

"That's in regards to what we do together," Christian explained. "It doesn't mean telling her everything about my family or business. I don't expect that from her either."

Did he? On second thought, he actually did want to know about anything and everything that mattered to Anastasia, but he didn't admit that to Mia. He wasn't even sure where it was coming from.

It didn't matter. Whether Mia knew his inner ponderings or not, she hit the nail on the head when she told him, "Whether you're ready to admit it or not, you're in love with her. And Elliot and Kate are in love. So yeah, Ana and Kate both deserve some kind of explanation, just not too much. Don't tell them what Mom did to her or what we did to protect Mom. Just tell them there was an accident. That's the truth. Sort of."

Christian didn't know what to say. Mia knew he was in love with Ana? He refused to either confirm or deny that. It was too soon to admit it.

Mia continued, "I appreciate a good love story, and that's what I see happening with you and Ana. And if that's true, you're going to want to get it off your chest. Just not too many details and not yet, OK? Let's wait and make sure everything goes according to Barney's script."

"Can you believe that guy?" Christian asked, happy for a change in topic, as well as still feeling completely blown away by Barney's insistence on helping them protect their mother.

"He's a really good guy," Mia agreed. "If I were straight… Never mind. Anyway, I'm going to make sure Mom and Dad know exactly what to do and say. That's my work until I leave for Boston. That, and making sure Gabby and Carson don't find out about any of it."

Christian agreed with the importance of protecting their younger siblings from the truth. They chatted about Carson and Gabriela for a few more minutes, and then Mia took her leave.

As soon as Mia was gone, Taylor had news. "We've had to postpone Operation Entrapment until tomorrow because Raymond Steele is going to arrive earlier than expected. He bumped his furniture deliveries up to this morning so he'd have the afternoon free. Ms. Steele is now expecting him around 2 p.m. We've leaked the word to Hyde that you've postponed your 'business trip' until tomorrow. He'll make his move then."

Christian nodded. He agreed that it wouldn't do for Anastasia's father to show up at the same time as her would-be kidnapping attempt. Raymond Steele would probably put a bullet in the bastard's head. Not that Christian didn't want Hyde out of the way for good, but he didn't want the messy complications of getting his girlfriend/submissive's dad involved.

While Christian and Mia had been meeting, Anastasia had worked through her own lunch so that she could finish her day early. She wanted to be able to stop work when her dad arrived, but she knew that would be impossible. She had a Skype meeting scheduled with Penny, the new head of her children's editorial team, about the new author that Penny had wanted to sign instead of the one they'd lost when Mandy quit. Hopefully that meeting would take less than an hour, and then she would have the rest of the day to devote to her dad.

It had been weeks since Anastasia had seen her father in person, and she was looking forward to catching up with him. She knew that he knew all about Carla's visit last week, and he would undoubtedly be worried about how Anastasia was handling what happened with her. Yes, Anastasia was aware that Ray worried about her just as much as she worried about him. No doubt, he wanted to find out for himself what was going on between her and Christian. She still couldn't believe that Christian had admitted a bit of what they were into, but she still wasn't clear on what exactly Ray knew, and what he thought of her lifestyle. She hoped he didn't believe all the crazy things the media were saying about her.

It was shortly before 2:00 p.m. when Raymond Steele arrived in the lobby, and was met shortly by Taylor, who escorted him up to the penthouse. The plan was for him to be served some light refreshments while he waited for Anastasia to finish her meeting. There was no opportunity to speak with Christian, who was in a video call with Ros and a potential merger in Brazil. Christian had back-to-back meetings, all via Skype, until 6 p.m.

Gail Jones had just finished plating her famous sausage rolls when the elevator doors opened, and Jason stepped through them with their expected guest, a familiar looking face. No, it couldn't be!

Gail's eyes were large as she stared at their guest. "Ray?!"

Raymond Steele's eyes bugged. "Gail!? Is that really you?"

Tears filled Gail's eyes. "Ray Steele! It is you! I can't believe my eyes!"

The shock on Ray's face was palpable. "My God, it's been… what? Ten years? You haven't changed a bit!"

"I had no idea…" Gail rambled, "I knew Anastasia's father was Raymond Steele, but it's a fairly common name. I didn't make the connection. Oh my God, is that Annie!? Anastasia is Annie?!"

"The very same," Ray confirmed. "You were her first babysitter."

"I was more than a babysitter," Gail corrected. "I loved that little girl."

Taylor cleared his throat. "So, you two obviously know each other," he commented.

Gail turned her wet eyes on Jason and explained, "Ray was Stevie's best friend. They served together. He was there when Stevie… Anyway, Ray was married to Carla, and Annie was their little girl. But Carla was always gone, so Ray was more of a single father than anything, and he and Annie spent a lot of time with us."

Now Ray's eyes were moist. "Steve Jones was a good man. The best. I'm sorry you went through that, Gail, and that we lost touch afterwards."

"I still can't believe this," Gail said. "Anastasia is Annie. This is… unbelievable."

Ray nodded and glanced around at the penthouse. "So, you're his… cook? Housekeeper?"

Gail answered, "Yes, I'm Mr. Grey's housekeeper. Jason Taylor here is his CPO. Jason and I are… together now."

Ray nodded thoughtfully at Taylor. "How long have you worked for Grey?" he asked Taylor.

"It'll be four years in May," Taylor answered.

"You a marine?" Ray asked.

"Army," Taylor replied. "Retired four years ago."

"Straight into private security. Yeah, that makes sense," Ray commented. He glanced around the penthouse again, noting all the surveillance cameras. "What can you tell me about Grey?"

"Why don't you both sit down here and have a cup of coffee," Gail offered.

"Did you make these?" Ray asked Gail as he pointed at the plate of sausage rolls. He remembered eating Gail's cooking back then, and he'd never been disappointed.

"I did," Gail answered. "And in my humble opinion, they're better than the ones I used to make. I've perfected the recipe over the years. Oh, and there's a German chocolate cake in the oven. It's for dessert later."

Ray couldn't hold back the grin. "That's my favorite."

Gail smiled back and explained, "Anastasia… Annie… said so. Again, I didn't make the connection, but I should have. The Raymond Steele I used to know and Anastasia's father both love German chocolate cake. She asked for it for you."

Ray helped himself to a sausage roll while Gail poured coffee for him and Taylor. "Do you like working here?" he asked Gail.

"Oh, yes," she answered unreservedly. "Mr. Grey is a good man. Don't believe all that craziness in the media. He's reserved and driven. I think the media are making the fuss they are because he's so young, and he became a wealthy man so quickly. But he's not the monster they're making him out to be."

Ray had more questions, but he didn't get a chance to ask them because Anastasia's meeting ended, and she heard their voices.

"Daddy!" Anastasia exclaimed as the door to the library opened.

"There's my sunshine," Raymond grinned, walking into her open arms. Then he stood back a little and examined her. "You OK, Annie?"

"I'm great, Dad," she replied happily. "Better now that you're here. We'll go down to my apartment after dinner. I've been working from Christian's library this week. It's been a really productive day, and I finished all the work I needed to, so I'm all yours for the rest of the day. I'm so glad you agreed to spend the night. I even have a guest room for you, so you don't have to sleep on the sofa anymore."

"I never minded sleeping on the sofa," he responded grumpily. "What's really going on here, Annie?

"Nothing you need to worry about, Dad, I promise," she answered with a reassuring smile. "Christian's a good man. Don't believe the nonsense you've seen in the media."

Ray frowned thoughtfully. "Gail said almost the exact same words just a minute ago. I've been reserving judgment until I met him in person. I have to say I was impressed with his frankness in our phone conversation the other day. He invited me here. That says a lot. Anyway, enough of that for now. Did you know that Gail here knew you when you were a toddler? She used to babysit you."

Anastasia stared at Gail in shock. "No way! How is that possible?"

Gail explained, "My husband Stevie served with your dad. They were best friends. We all lived on the base. I was just a few doors down from you, and you and your dad were at our house often."

As she racked her brain, memories flooded Anastasia. The smell of chocolate chip cookies. A sunny yellow kitchen with a green formica table. A kind man with smiling eyes who always threw her up in the air and caught her. Stevie. She'd been closer to Gail, but she liked Stevie, too. He was taller than her dad, so when he picked her up, she was taller than her dad, too. Then, she remembered Carla leaving, and Gail consoling her. Gail had been more of a mother to her than Carla ever had. They'd lived at that military base for two years, when she was three and four. Shortly after she turned five, Ray and Stevie were deployed, and she had to go live with Carla in Las Vegas. It was awful, and she missed her dad, and Gail and Stevie.

"I remember you now," Anastasia told Gail as she tried to control her emotions. "And… and you still smell the same. I knew when we met that your perfume was familiar."

Gail smiled. "It's not perfume, I'm afraid. Just my favorite body wash and body spray. I've used the same brand for years."

Anastasia said, "I'm so sorry about Stevie. I had no idea."

"No, you wouldn't have, and it's OK, dear. That was a long time ago. Stevie was a good man, and I'll never forget him or what we had, but time brings healing."

Ray said, "I still can't believe you were the first face I saw when I stepped into this fancy penthouse. Gail Jones."

Gail responded, "I still can't believe that Anastasia is Annie. It's… surreal."

Anastasia's eyes popped as she realized that this woman who had been like a mother to her had seen her naked multiple times here at Escala. She knew everything about her sex life with Christian. How embarrassing! What would Gail tell Ray?

Gail smiled and squeezed Anastasia's hand reassuringly, as if she could read her mind and wanted to set it at ease. Anastasia realized belatedly that the expression on her face probably gave her away. "Don't you worry, dear. We can talk later, but now's your time with your dad, so I'm not going to intrude anymore. The cake is almost finished, and then Jason and I will leave you two alone.

"Nonsense," Anastasia responded. "Dad and I will go in the library. We're not going to kick you out of your kitchen. But I want one of those sausage rolls first."

"Would you like a cup of tea?" Gail asked.

"I'd love one," Anastasia replied.

The four of them made small talk for a few minutes as Anastasia drank her tea and Ray finished his coffee. Mostly, Gail and Ray talked about the past, and Anastasia did her best to remember. The memories were all blurry now, she'd been so young.

After a while, it was time to talk to Ray alone, so Anastasia led him to the library.

"Holy shit, is this a home library or a museum?" Ray commented as they entered the room.

"It's my favorite room in Christian's house," Anastasia answered.

Two walls were lined with books, several of which were first editions on display. Another wall was mostly windows with a fantastic view of Seattle. The work table Anastasia was using faced the window, so she could see that view as she worked. The other wall had some amazing artwork, and Anastasia assumed that was what Ray was referring to. There was a large sitting area in the center of the room, with a sofa, two large armchairs, and a coffee table. Anastasia and Ray sat on the sofa.

"Talk to me, Annie," Ray said as they sat. "What's really going on here? For the past couple of years, since you met the guy, you hated him. Wasn't he the one who made you leave your job, when he took over? And didn't you want to rip his head off when Jose and BB got married? But then, when you told me you'd started seeing him, all you said was that it had all been a misunderstanding. Now that all this other shit has come out, I'm going to need you to explain that. What misunderstanding? And is all this other stuff also a misunderstanding?"

Anastasia took a deep breath and started by explaining her job with Jack Hyde and the biography that he'd ordered her to commission.

"Let me see if I've got this right," Ray said after she'd told that story. "You hired Christian's ex-girlfriend? But he told me on the phone the other day that he's never had a girlfriend before you. Was that a lie?"

"No, Dad, that wasn't a lie. I never said she was his girlfriend. She wasn't. She was… a woman he had sex with." Anastasia had no idea how much she could or should tell Ray.

"That doesn't sound any better, Annie," Ray commented dryly. "And I know what you're not saying because he told me himself. He's a Dominant. He's into that BDSM shit. Does he beat you, Annie? Do you let him hurt you? Does he treat you the way he treated that woman in that video that's all over the Internet?"

Ray had seen the video? Anastasia hadn't watched it and didn't plan to. But she already knew the answer to Ray's question. "No, Dad, he doesn't treat me like that. I didn't see it, but I can imagine what you saw. Christian is good to me. I like everything we do together." Shit, how much of her sex life did she need to tell her father?

"So… you're telling me… you're a submissive?" Ray asked.

"How much do you know about BDSM, Dad?"

"I know enough," he huffed.

Anastasia sighed. "If all you know about is beatings, then I'm not sure you do. I felt doubtful and suspicious too when Jose first told me about it. I'd met BB and liked him, but then I… noticed things, and I asked Jose about it. I was determined to get him away from BB if he was hurting him. But what I learned… BB would never hurt Jose. He loves him. He loved him even then, whether they realized it yet or not. And he's perfect for Jose, the way he takes care of him. You know how shy Jose's always been, how insecure. He's come out of his shell a lot since being with BB. And when I watched their relationship, I realized I wanted one like it. So I asked BB to train me to be a submissive."

"You had sex with BB?" Ray asked incredulously.

"No, BB's gay, and he's committed to Jose. We didn't have sex. Training me to be a submissive wasn't about sex. It was about obedience and submission. He taught me how a submissive is supposed to behave. I know it sounds crazy, but I found a release from it. Like a stress-relief. I liked the idea of letting go and letting someone else take care of me. BB taught me to trust someone to do that."

"Is that the reason he paid off Carla?" Ray asked.

Anastasia looked surprised. "You know about that?"

"Grey told me," Ray explained.

Anastasia nodded. "Yeah, that's the reason BB did it. I didn't want him to spend so much money on someone so horrible, but he was protecting me. That's what he does. I've known that for months, and I've learned to trust him completely. And he's been training me to trust a Dominant the same way.

"And now that Dominant is Christian Grey," Ray commented dryly. He wasn't happy.

"I was already in the lifestyle for about nine months before that happened. Christian's good to me, Dad," Anastasia insisted. "He would never do anything to me that I don't like. I have safe words, and if I use them, he'll stop whatever he's doing."

Ray was beginning to look a little green. "Have you never used a safe word?" he asked.

Anastasia explained, "I have two safe words, like 'red' and 'yellow.' Red means stop, and yellow means check in, like if it's almost too much. I've used my yellow safe word once. But I've never needed to use my red one. But when I used my yellow one, he stopped what he was doing immediately."

Now Ray was even more green, and not like Cinderella. He could imagine what Christian had been doing to his little girl, and it made him want to break every bone in his body.

Anastasia continued, "He would never hurt me, Dad. I wouldn't stay with him if he were truly hurting me. But the fact is, he's obsessed with protecting me, which I really like. He makes me feel like a princess. He's already hired two bodyguards for me. One's a woman who looks like a body builder, and she's with me during the day when I go to work. She was right there with me the day Carla visited. And when she's off duty but I still need protection, there's Luke. Christian is serious about keeping me safe."

"He should be," Ray said. "He's the reason you need protection in the first place, because he's so high profile."

Anastasia shrugged. "Maybe. But I have a feeling I was already a target to Jack Hyde, and that was why he hired me in the first place. I'm not sure if Christian's the reason he's targeting me now. Maybe he is. But I suspect Jack Hyde would be dangerous to me whether Christian was in the picture or not."

The repugnance Ray was feeling quickly turned to anger mixed with worry. "What do you mean, you were a target, and he's targeting you now? And why the hell did you never tell me that Jack Hyde was dangerous?"