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.
💚 WOW! I didn't make you wait months on end! Enjoy ...
💚 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 56: Sacrifices (1,9K)
Christian's PoV
The Thanksgiving charity dinner is an annual tradition for my parents, a staple in the Grey family calendar. Grace thrives on these events, her element found in the warmth of crowds and the endless stream of polite conversation. I, on the other hand, have always managed to avoid them. Crowds aren't my thing, and Grace knows it. I don't have the patience for small talk or the frivolities of these gatherings.
But this year, there's no escaping it. Ana is here, and my parents are determined to include her in every aspect of their lives, which is fine by me.
Ana's parents left for Georgia earlier today. The Colonel didn't let on whether he knows Carla told me about her past, and I haven't brought it up with Ana yet. I can't—not now. I'm still trying to process it myself. But I've made small changes. The picture of Ana that I had as my phone background is gone. I couldn't look at it without thinking of what Carla told me, without seeing the shadow of her mother's pain in her eyes. I've also decided to deal with the large framed photos I purchased without Ana knowing. I want her to feel welcomed in my home, not burdened by something I thought would please her.
As I adjust my tie in the mirror, I wonder how I would have acted if I were in the colonel's shoes. Would I have been as composed? As supportive? Probably not. I would have beaten the bastard to a pulp. Killing him? I don't know. But I would have been consumed with anger, terrified of projecting that onto Ana. Then again, there's a part of me that's dark—a part I've discovered since knowing her and her father.
I'm pulled from my thoughts when I hear Ana's soft voice from the bedroom. "Christian? Can you zip me up?"
I step into the room and stop dead in my tracks. She's standing in front of the mirror, holding her hair up with one hand, the other gripping the back of her dress. She's breathtaking. Hauntingly beautiful. This woman could have the world at her feet if she wanted.
I cross the room in a few strides, my fingers brushing her back as I zip up the dress. Her skin is warm beneath my touch, and I resist the urge to linger.
"You're staring," she says, catching my gaze in the mirror.
I say nothing, leaning down to press a kiss to her temple instead. She turns to face me, her blue eyes searching mine, and I know she sees it—the restraint, the effort it takes not to comment on her beauty.
"Thank you," she whispers, her lips brushing against mine in a soft kiss.
She knows that I know now. And she knows that I won't comment on that one thing about her anymore. Not now that I understand the weight those words carry.
"You are my whole life," I say finally, my voice low. "But you already know that."
She smiles, a touch of sadness in her expression. "And I love you. Though I think you already know that too."
"Shall we?" I ask, offering her my arm.
She takes it, her fingers light against my sleeve. "Let's get this over with."
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Time behaves strangely with Ana by my side at the event. It flies faster than usual, yet drags painfully slow all the same. I want this night to end. I want to take her home, lose myself in her, and show her how much I love her.
She's remarkable, though. Every person I introduce her to is charmed within seconds. She's gracious, poised, as if she was born to play this role. My family does their best to ensure she's comfortable.
Mia, in particular, steals her away under the pretence of going to the bathroom. When they return, they're laughing, sharing some private joke they refuse to tell me.
"What's so funny?" I ask, narrowing my eyes at them.
"Nothing you'd understand," Mia says with a wink, pulling Ana back to the table.
Ana shakes her head, still smiling. "It's nothing, Christian. Just girl talk."
I should be annoyed, but I'm not. Seeing Ana bond with my siblings fills me with a quiet sense of pride. She belongs here, with me, with us.
As the evening wears on, the dinner transitions into a ball. The dance floor fills with couples swaying to the music. Kate and Elliott are in the centre, lost in their own world. Mia has disappeared somewhere, probably charming the guests as she always does. Carrick stays at our table, chatting with Ana about the pecan pie she baked yesterday.
"Grace couldn't stop talking about that pie," Carrick says, leaning back in his chair. "I think you've officially ruined store-bought desserts for her."
Ana laughs, her cheeks flushing. "I'm glad she liked it. Though she didn't brag, it's one of my mom's recipes."
"You'll have to share it with us," Carrick says, glancing at me. "Christian could use a few lessons in the dessert department. He never shared his."
"I'm right here, Dad," I say dryly, earning a laugh from Ana.
When a new song begins, Ana leans toward me, her eyes lighting up. "This is the song my parents danced to at their wedding," she says softly. "I've seen the tape so many times, I almost wore it out."
I can hear the longing in her voice, see it in her expression. She wants to dance. With me. But I can't. Dancing is a simple thing for most people, but for me, it's an impossible hurdle. Too many people. Too many variables. This isn't like home, where her touch soothes me, where I can let my guard down. And even if I could tolerate her touching me here, I don't know how to dance. I never learned, unlike Elliott and Mia.
Carrick must notice the tension in my shoulders because he clears his throat and stands. "Ana," he says with a warm smile, "may I have this dance?"
She looks at me, her eyes questioning. I force a smile and nod.
"Go ahead," I say. "Have fun."
"Are you sure?" she asks, hesitating.
"I'm sure," I reply, my voice steady.
Carrick extends his hand, and Ana takes it, her smile tentative. "Thank you, Mr. Grey," she says.
"Carrick," he corrects with a chuckle. "And the pleasure is all mine."
As they move to the dance floor, I watch them. My father is every bit the gentleman, guiding her with ease, and Ana looks radiant, her laughter ringing out as they glide across the floor.
I'm grateful to him for stepping in, for giving her what I can't. But it kills me inside.
I watch Ana dance, wishing it were me twirling her around the floor, making her smile like that, and not my father. A good thing I'm secure in both relationships; otherwise, I could end up jealous of my own dad.
The music shifts, a slower melody weaving through the room, and my father leans in to say something to Ana. Whatever it is makes her laugh, her head tipping back, her eyes sparkling. The sight is beautiful and bittersweet.
Someone slides into the seat beside me. I glance over and see Gia. Elliott's best friend since he was adopted. She's blonde now. It suits her, though I thought her more attractive when she was her natural brunette. But then again, I have a thing for brunettes.
She looks good—radiant, her dress walking the line between classy and sexy. That's always been Gia: a little bit of both worlds.
"Elliott never mentioned you were actually with someone," she says, her voice carrying the same playful lilt it always has.
"It's new," I reply, keeping my tone neutral.
Her gaze flicks to Ana on the dance floor, her smile faint but sharp. "She's cute. Definitely your style. Should've stayed a brunette, darn."
I roll my eyes, brushing off the comment. There was definitely sexual tension between Gia and me when we were younger, but nothing ever happened. My haphephobia saw to that. Not that it stopped the occasional wet dream about her. Gia understood, though. She never pushed. She knew me too well—knew all my issues from the moment I was brought into the Grey family.
She leans back in her chair, crossing one leg over the other. "So, what's this I hear about your business? Elliott mentioned you're expanding internationally."
I smirk, shaking my head. "Yes, but who cares? How about you, Gia? Elliott says you're branching out to London?"
Her lips curve into a smile, her confidence practically radiating. "I am. It's been a wild ride, but I think I'm ready for the jump. Expanding across the states was one thing, but Europe? That's a whole new game."
"Ambitious," I say, genuinely impressed. "But then again, you've always been like that."
She grins, leaning forward slightly. "And you? Don't tell me you're still stuck in the Pacific Northwest. You were always dreaming big when we were kids."
I chuckle. "Taiwan was my latest stop, but I'm not expanding anything. Just managing what I've got and trying not to lose my mind in the process."
Her laughter is warm, familiar. "That sounds about right. But I'll bet you're still pulling it off. You always had a knack for juggling a hundred things at once."
Ana is still dancing, her cheeks flushed, her smile easy. My father spins her, and for a moment, I feel a pang of something unnameable. Gia's voice pulls me back.
"You're not asking if I brought a date," she teases.
"Of course you did," I reply, glancing at her. "A beautiful girl like you? It's a given."
She smirks, shaking her head. "I didn't. Free as a bird, as we speak. Who has time for a boyfriend? I barely have time for myself. Hookups are easier—casual or a bit longer if they're interesting enough."
"Sounds about right," I say, smirking. "You and Elliott—two peas in a pod."
Her laughter is warm, but I can feel her eyes on me, assessing. Ana is still dancing, and my father says something that makes her laugh again. I force myself to look away, focusing on Gia instead. Her beautiful face, her plump lips—it's like a time machine to my youth.
"I want to try something, Gia," I say, my voice low enough that only she can hear.
She raises an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. "What's that?"
"You know, that thing we talked about. After Elliott had gone to sleep. Many times."
Her lips curve into a knowing smile, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Christian Grey, are you suggesting what I think you are?"
"Maybe," I say, my tone light but edged with challenge.
Her laughter is soft, her head tilting as she studies me before she says in faux outrage, "You're a married man now, Christian. Or close enough. And I've got a reputation to maintain."
"Since when do you care about reputations?" I counter, grinning.
Her smile widens, and she shakes her head. "I'll text you my schedule and where we can meet."
She stands, smoothing her dress, and leans down to kiss my cheek—a lingering, deliberate gesture. "It's good to see you," she murmurs, her voice softer now.
"You too, Gia," I reply, watching as she walks away, her confidence as unshakable as ever.
My eyes find Ana again. She's coming off the dance floor now, her gaze searching for me. When our eyes meet, she smiles, and just like that, everything else fades.
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💚Your thoughts and opinions are always welcomed💚
Finally we meet Gia. And remember that she is Elliott's best friend and that Mia compared their friendship to the one José and Ana have. I can't wait to read your thoughts on her and on Christian ...
💚 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 💚💚💚