It feels wrong to say enjoy, so here it is.

Sins of the Father

Chapter 38

"Mad People Sane."

Christian's POV

Entering Escala, I breathe a sigh of relief when the smell of home hits me. The familiar warmth that surrounds me lifts my mood, allowing me to forget what I just left in New York. I call for Teddy.

"You're back," he, races from the kitchen. He's still chewing the bite of what smells like an orange he took before he left his snack.

"I sure am," I say. He high fives me with sticky hands.

"Did you see, Ana?"

"I did and you know what she said?"

"What?" He's trying not to bounce up and down about whatever he thinks it is.

"She told me that she'll be coming here sooner than expected and you know what else?"

"What?"

"She can't wait to see you."

"Yayy," he says.

Mom comes up behind him with a smile on her face. Mine fades when I take note of her. She seems tired. She's hiding it well, but I know her. Something's wrong.

"Teddy bear, why don't you go and finish eating so I can talk to Grandma, okay?"

"Kay," he says. "Can we go to the park tomorrow?"

"Sure, we can."

Mom waits until he disappears before she speaks.

"He's really happy you're home. So am I."

"Mom, what's wrong? And don't tell me it's nothing."

"I'm just a little tired. I didn't sleep well last night."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to put you on the spot in watching Teddy."

"Oh, no, Teddy is a Godsend. I love spending time with him. Don't ever feel like it's a burden to ask me. And he slept like an Angel."

"Then what kept you up last night?"

"Oh, nothing at all, Dear. I'm just…" She waves me away. "I'm just being silly about things. Nothing for you to worry about."

"Fine. I'll let it go for now."

"Thank you. And did I hear you say that Ana was on her way?"

"Apparently so. You know the guy she's been seeing?"

"The Singapore trip one?"

"Yes, Mom," I smirk at her. "The Singapore trip one. His name is Hunter Barrington."

"Barrington?"

"Turns out my idiot older brother was right about the name after all. It's a convoluted mess of a tale and I'm too worn out to go into details, but I have a brother. Two, actually."

All the color has left her, but she's taking it better than I expected.

"Yes," she says. "I see. And Ana is dating this Hunter Barrington, your brother."

"You don't seem surprised."

"Not much surprises me anymore and I'm sad to say it. So, he is coming here to get to know you?"

"No. I want nothing to do with the lot of them. They are coming here because his father, who happens to be my father, is in need of a specialist who just so happens to practice here in Seattle."

"You have a real father now," she whispers. "A real family. This might be a good thing."

"Mom, I've always had a real father. Dad is my real father and you are my real mother. I know I haven't been the best son through the years—"

"Nonsense," Dad says. The rich boom of his voice nearly scares mom out of her skin. I almost feel like I have to catch her when she jumps. Her eyes fall on the little hand that he's holding.

"Teddy." She calls his name, going over to get him. She takes his hand from dad's, almost snatching him away and bringing him over to me.

I look at that dad in question, but he just shakes his head. I can't help but wonder if they're fighting. Mom can get very possessive when she's pissed. Whatever it is, I have a feeling dad's going to be in the doghouse for a while.

"You did nothing but make us proud, Son," Dad says, ignoring the slight from mom. "You have an important role in this family and you fulfill it perfectly, and so does Teddy. Isn't that right, Grace?"

"Y-Yes… yes, that's right."

"Good girl. Now, come along. I'm sure Christian's had a long flight and he wants to relax and spend time with my grandson." Dad holds his hand out, beckoning mom to come to him, but she hesitates. She seems to be in a daze and I feel terrible for springing the Barrington bullshit on her the way that I did. "Remember what we talked about last night?"

She nods her head at Dad before turning to me.

"I love you, Christian," she says. "Never forget that."

"Of course not, Mom."

She bends and kisses Teddy's cheek then goes to Dad without another word.

"Welcome home, son," Dad says as the elevator doors close.

Mom doesn't even look in my direction. Her eyes are trained on Teddy as he waves goodbye to them. I'll have to broach the subject of being a Barrington to her more gently next time. I don't want her to think I would prefer them to her and dad. I am a Grey and the Greys are my family.

"So, what have you been up to," I ask the happy ball of energy standing next to me. We make our way to the great room and he sits next to me so we can catch up.

"I was practicing for the wedding," he says. "Uncle Elliot says you're gonna be his best man."

"I am and I'm looking forward to it."

"Why is it called a best man?"

"It's an easy way of saying that the person is important to you. It's usually a brother or a best friend or even a son."

"Kinda like a MOH?"

"Exactly. Ana is Aunt Kate's best friend."

"Is Emmy coming to the wedding?"

"I hope so."

"She can meet Ana," he says. It sounds absolutely exciting to him, but I'm not entertaining the prospect at all.

"We'll see. In the meantime, why don't you go and grab your jacket? I'm taking you both out for dinner and if you want, she can join us for a sleepover tonight."

"Yess," he says running off to do as I asked.

Leave it to my son to point out the obvious. If Ana is in the wedding then, of course, the Barrington fucker is going to accompany her. So not only do I have to contend with my long lost and found brother being in my city with my ex, but I have to deal with her being with him celebrating with my real brother on the most important day of his life.

This shit is enough to make Shakespeare scratch his head.

..

Carrick's POV

I glance over at Grace who's hugging the passenger door. Never does she sit so far away from me while I drive. Her hand is usually laced in mine. I hate seeing her so afraid of me, but unfortunately, it's a necessary evil. I cannot have her running amuck and ruining my plans. Fear is the only thing that will keep her in line. It controls absolutely and I must have absolute control over her right now.

"You did very well not to alert our son to you're being upset," I tell her. "You need to continue to behave that way."

"And how do you suggest I do that? I just, not more than a few hours ago, found out I was married to Satan himself. How is one expected to behave normally when faced with that?"

"Satan?" The word comes out in a chuckle. It's the first time anyone has ever called me something that extreme and it strikes me as amusing. "My Dear, you were never one for over exaggeration. Please, don't start now. I'm nothing of the sort and you know it. I'm still your loving husband as long as you remain my loyal wife. I don't think that's too much to ask after all I've given you."

"What have you given me," she asks. I turn into the driveway and nod my head in the direction of our home. A Spanish style two-story she fell in love with the first moment she saw it. I still remember the feeling of carrying her over the threshold the day of our wedding. The willow trees catch the wind and sway with the rustling of their lush green leaves. I make a note to have them trimmed back come winter. "It will become my prison," she says. "It's almost ominous now."

"More overexaggerating? I'm really surprised at you. Our home is no different than when you left it."

I lead her inside to a waiting Gretchen.

"Welcome back Mrs. Grey," she says, taking her coat. "I hope you enjoyed your stay with your grandson?"

Grace, lost in her own thoughts barely acknowledges her. Gretchen looks at me for direction and I nod at the sweet little thing to let her alone.

"Is it worth being rude to the staff," I ask her, following her as she walks aimlessly through to the sitting room.

I take the opportunity to pour myself a drink.

"I don't give a damn about the staff," she says. "How can I worry about keeping pleasantries when I don't even know who I'm married to anymore. I don't even recognize my life anymore. How could it have all fallen apart so terribly in such a short span of time? Just yesterday, my greatest fear was of you being unfaithful in our marriage. Now, I long for it to be that because at least that I could forgive."

"What have I done to you that you deem me so terrible. I have been nothing but a supportive husband to you, Grace. I adore you. I worship the very air you breathe. I even allow you to breathe it."

"Allow me to—"

"You are the mother of my children. The woman I share my time and my bed with. There is no one else above you in my life. And ever since Ella's life came to an end, you have been the only woman in my heart."

"You mean since you killed her."

"Never say that to me again." I slam my drink down on the trivet, spilling its contents.

"Why not? It's the truth, isn't it?"

"Never say it aloud to anyone again, do you understand? Even thinking it will be dangerous for you."

"Dangerous for me? What about you? You are a lawyer. You know better than anyone that the dead never stays buried. All someone has to do is investigate. All it would take is a phone call to the Detroit PD. How many people besides me know about this? How many people have you told? You can't keep all your ducks in a row forever. Look how much you told me without meaning to. Who else have you mistakenly confided in? You're wasting all of your energy keeping me quiet when any number of people can go against you."

My mind starts making a list of who all knows enough to be dangerous. Natalie is the one I confide in the most, but even she doesn't know anything detrimental. The same with her father and Flynn. I've made sure all of my right hands are never aware of what the left ones are doing. Grace is the only exception. She knows much too much. She doesn't realize it, but she has just sealed her fate. Regardless, I give her a round of applause for that little performance. She nearly succeeded in throwing me off my game.

"You almost had me going for a moment, my Dear, but I can assure you, my ducks are quite lame. And as long as I have you by my side, I can handle the rest."

"You do not have me and I will not be by your side. You've all but admitted to murdering a woman. Your son's mother. And you threatened to do the same thing to me and to our children. I would rather be anywhere else than at your side."

"As my wife, there really isn't much you can do about that, is there?" I refresh my drink. This conversation is lacking. Normally, I find her stubborn spirit endearing but right now, it's picking at my nerve.

"I think, perhaps, it will be best if we separated," she says. I turn towards her so fast, she takes a step back.

"You have truly lost your mind if you think I will allow that to ever happen."

"I'll remain here in the house. I just mean that our living arrangements need to change. You can move downstairs, or maybe I will. I just can't go on being your wife, not after everything I know."

"You are not moving anywhere. You are not going anywhere, but up to bed, our bed, where we both sleep. As my wife, your job is to sleep with me. You denied me access to you last night. I allowed it because I understood you were upset, but you will never lock yourself away from me again. Is that clear?"

Not wanting to hear any more from her, I take my scotch and venture over to my chess table. Last I played, I was at a pivotal move and I am eager to get back to it. I study the board, getting lost in it, already feeling the tension start to dissipate from my mind.

I reach for the rook, but with a swipe of a hand, the chess pieces go scattering across the board. I watch as the pawns fall and go rolling across the floor. I look at Grace just in time to see her turn on her Ferragamo heels and rush towards the door. She has the audacity to think that she's going to get away with causing this much disruption. Does she think she's just going to skip on up to bed after such a display of tantrum?

"Let go of me," she yells when I grab her arm and spin her around.

"You will clean this mess up."

"Let your precious Gretchen do it."

"You keep this up and you'll be the only mess she'll have to clean." She brings her other palm up, but I catch it just before it strikes my face, twisting her wrist, making her cry out in pain. Her short nails claw into the back of my hand, drawing blood. She yells again when I drag her over and throw her on the couch. She's lost all control of herself and it infuriates me. "Stop it, Grace." I straddle her as she lashes out. "You are completely mad."

"You are the one that's mad. This is crazy and I will not be married to it. I will not live with it. I will lock it out. I will lock you out." Her words thrust me back to the last time I heard them. The last time a woman denied me access to her.

"Just let me love you one last time. Let me be with you. I just want to feel you in my arms again and then I'll go. I'll let your brother have you and I'll never return," I begged her. I was desperate for just a crumb of affection from her.

"Please stop doing this to yourself. How many more ways can I say I don't love you, Carrick? I never have. Not the way you want me to. I tried, but I just don't want you. I feel nothing like that for you. You deserve a woman who wants you. Grace wants you. Go home to her. Be with your wife. She'll never deny you. Stop wasting time wanting someone you can't have."

The fury I felt then overtakes me now and just like that night, all reason in me snaps.

"You ungrateful Bitch! I'll show you just how much of you I can have."

Grace yells in pain as her blouse and bra rip away from her body exposing her soft breast. The same breast I've enjoyed caressing and suckling since the day I made her my wife. The very breast she's now twisting her body to keep me away from.

"Carrick, stop—"

"Shut up." Her knees are locked together tight. I pry them apart, pushing up her skirt and ripping off her panties. Her feet are bare. Her shoes are now flying in the air as she tries desperately to kick me away from her. "Never will you deny me. Never."

"Stop," she yells before I place my hand over her mouth. Her teeth sink into my hand.

"You bitch!"

I slap her face so hard that it stuns her. I've never struck her before. Never have I had to. She stays still. The fight in her is all but gone. No longer denying me what I want, I take it from her, coming inside her with such glorious satisfaction it makes me weep from the feel of it.

The anger I felt moments ago has left me in a sputtering mass of cum. Completely sated with a sense of euphoria I've only ever felt once before, I ease out of Grace and tuck myself back in.

"No, no, no," she sobs, hiding her face in the throw pillow.

"Now, that we've made up," I say, towering over her as she curls into a ball. I pay her no mind as I fix the sleeves of my shirt, picking a tiny piece of fabric from Grace's bra from the corner of one. "Clean up this mess."

Silently, and almost robotically, she gathers herself off the couch and picks up the pawns from the floor, sitting them back on the chess table. She waits, clutching what's left of her blouse closed to save her modesty.

"All done?"

"Yes, Sir," she says so low that I have to strain to hear her.

"Good girl. Now, go on up to bed." I reach for her when she passes me. Her body stiffens. Her hands grip her blouse so tight they turn white. "Our bed." I step closer to her. She turns her head away with a soft cry of protests when I run my nose up the length of her neck. "And don't shower. I love the smell of our lovemaking on you."

With that, she races out the room and up the stairs.

I shake my head as she goes. I wish she could understand. I've waited my whole adult life for the events that are about to transpire in the next few days. I have been meticulous in my execution, spending years manipulating lives as easy as if they were pieces on my chess board.

I used to despise the game as I child. I didn't understand my father's fascination with it. My mother thought he was downright obsessed with it and I was inclined to agree with her. Until, one evening, I was bored out of my mind and he sat me down opposite him to play.

"Chess doesn't drive people mad, it keeps mad people sane," he told me. Patiently, he explained each figure and their importance in aiding the king. "Make sure you're the king, son," he told me. "Everyone else is there to serve him."

I never forgot that.

I fell in love with the game after that. We'd spend hours upon hours getting lost in the world of chess and when I became a partner and made my first million, instead of buying Ella her ranch, I blew it all on this chess set. Each piece is one of a kind, handmade, and designed with exquisite detail. My mother scolded me for a solid hour for wasting money on such ridiculousness. Only my father understood and he was quite proud.

I sit at the table and pick up the queen, my Grace, and right her again. Her crown is of the rarest of diamonds. She takes her place next to her king, with his crown of blood ruby red. Ironically, his queen is the most powerful piece he has defending him and I have to laugh at how true to life that fact is.

Grace has always been my strongest defender, but my beautiful queen is in danger of going rogue. I pray she does not force me to make a move that I'm not prepared to make. It will only end up destroying her in the end and that is the last thing I want to do. If she continues on this way, something will have to be done about her. The thought of losing my beloved queen pains me deeply. I lift her again, bringing her crown to my lips, kissing it.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Grey," Gretchen's voice interrupts my musings. "I thought I heard you go up to bed. I was just going to turn off the lights."

"I was just on my way."

"What's happened," she says, coming into the room and seeing Grace's shoes and discarded clothing on the floor.

"She became hysterical," I say, holding up the queen piece to show her who I mean before putting it down again. "I couldn't calm down. She's very ill. I'm afraid it's worse than I thought. The respite she took to be with our grandson has done nothing for her."

"Oh, no, not Mrs. Grey. Isn't there anything else we can do to help her?"

The staff has been made well aware of my wife's recent difficulties. The stresses of life have gotten the better of her and she's in danger of having a mental breakdown.

"Remind everyone to tread carefully where she's concerned. I don't want her bothered with the day to day goings on in the house. It's your job to run things for her now. Let the staff know that all things must be approved by you, not Mrs. Grey. You have my full authority."

"Yes, Mr. Grey and I'll see to it that she's not disturbed."

"I'm to be alerted immediately if she starts acting strangely."

"Strangely?"

"Rambling on about things, making wild accusations, trying to leave without permission. She's gotten it in her head that I'm trying to do her harm. She'll make bold attempts to escape. She's becoming very paranoid, very cunning."

"That's such a shame. She's always been so kind."

"It's not her, Gretchen, it's the illness. I am heartbroken over it."

"I can imagine."

"I don't want her to hurt herself. I couldn't go on if something were to happen to her. I want someone watching her at all times."

"Of course, and I'll call you right away, the minute someone notices anything's off with her."

"Good. My wife is the most important thing in the world to me. I'm counting on you to see that she is cared for."

"I won't let you down."

"I know you won't. I know how much my family means to you. You would make an excellent daughter in law."

"I don't think Mr. Grey knows I'm even alive."

She laughs a little to lessen the sting of the unrequited love she has for my youngest son. How he misses that she looks at him all twinkle-eyed whenever he steps in the room is beyond me. Grace noticed it the day Ana first came to dinner. Gretchen let her jealousy get the better of her. Grace was ready to dismiss her, but I forbade it. I think now Grace is under the assumption that I'm sweet on her.

"That could change," I say. "Christian has a way of coming around to things when they are brought to his attention. Especially, if he sees how well you're taking care of his mother. Her illness will devastate him, but knowing that you've been the one making her world safe may just open his eyes, and more importantly, his heart, towards you. Play your cards right and you might just have your man yet."

"I would do anything for Mr. Grey."

"I'm aware of that," I smile at her.

She is a very beautiful young woman and so dutiful. I had Ana lined up for Christian. She was perfect for him, although Elena didn't agree.

Ana had just the right amount of sass to keep him stimulated and allure to keep him interested. Now she's gone and tainted herself by laying with trash. I blame Elena and her constant meddling for that. She ran Ana off to New York and right into Barrington's arms.

Elena Lincoln is a thorn in my side, always has been. I lift the piece representing her, placing it next to Christian and Teddy, my bishops.

The pawn that is Jade catches my eye. She's too forward thinking for my taste. She pretends to know her place, but she's not fooling anyone. Jade will never be good enough to keep Christian for the long-term, but for now, she's proven to be a useful distraction. I've given Elena strict orders to leave her alone for the time being, but once she is taken out of the picture, Gretchen will fit in nicely. I slide her pawn piece next to Jade's.

I leave the board with pieces still out of place, deciding it's best to start again fresh in the morning. I nod a goodnight, leaving Gretchen with thoughts of gaining Christian's affection swirling around in her head. Grace will be in good hands with her.

Taking the stairs alerts me to just how exhausted the day has made me. I cannot wait to crawl in bed next to the warmth that is my wife.

Our room is dark, but I can still see Grace in bed. I sit next to her. My eyes adjust, allowing me to make out her beautiful face. A full bottle of Ambien, minus one pill, and a half glass of water is sitting at her bedside. Just like I requested, she is un-showered. The smell of my arousal is still on her. My dick stirs and I have to force myself not to take her again.

She's always been excellent in bed and tonight was no exception. Unlike Ella, Grace has always been uninhibited. She answers to all of my urges. How could she possibly think I'd cheat on her when no one satisfies me like she does.

"You have no idea how much I love you." I brush her hair back and try to kiss away the redness of her cheek.

Unable to stop myself, I slip under the covers and settle myself between her legs. I take her clit in my mouth. She is too deep in sleep to wake up, but her body is enjoying it. It's trembling in response to my touch. With my cum still leaking out of her, I lick her, bringing her to orgasm. Only a whimper escapes her lips as the taste of her sweetness slivers down my throat. I don't deserve to partake in such pleasantries, but they are mine to have and I will have them whenever I damn well please. I stop short at making love to her. I want her fully awake for that.

Leaving her in peace, I shower, before getting into bed. My phone vibrates and I'm in no mood for the annoyance of John Flynn.

Flynn: I'm still on standby, ready to admit Grace. Her room is on reserve. Shall I send someone for her now?

Carrick: I'm not as prepared as I thought I was to do that yet. I'm hoping for other alternatives.

Flynn: Medicate her.

Carrick: Excellent. Gretchen will come and pick up the prescription in the morning.

Flynn: I'll leave her name with my nurse.

Carrick: And have a session with Christian. He just returned from New York. I need to know where his mind is right now.

Flynn: Is there a certain direction you'd like me to sway it in?

Carrick: Yes. Mine. This is a very critical time. I don't want any more fuckups. Keep him under control.

Flynn: Understood.

I turn my phone off and I settle next to Grace. Her body shudders at the feel of my arm around her.

"Never you worry, my Dear. Soon, it will be all over."

Author's note:

Wow, it has been a while! I hope you all are having wonderful holidays.

First thing, I did not abandon the story. However, updates will be sporadic due to most of my writing time being dedicated to publishing.

Second thing, for those of you who are new to my stories, or for those of you who may have forgotten, let me just say:

*I do not guarantee or say if my story is an Ana and Christian HEA.

*I do not trigger warn.

*I do not post troll or even negative guest reviews simply because this is my platform and I choose not to.

You can reach me in the FB group The Playroom of the Sisterhood, under my name Lanie Love, Or join my newsletter at lanielove . com.

Links are posted here on my profile page.

As always thank you for reading and reviewing. Your support is awesome!