Chapter Twenty-Five – Act III, Scene I – Precedence vs Consequence

Christian

I'll always treasure this moment, the way her fingers gently clench my clothes, her face pressed against my chest, the scent of her hair, the warmth of her body, this moment is everything.

"You should go," she whispers. "You should get some rest"

My lips brush her forehead slightly, "I'm too elated to sleep"

"As much as I would love to, I can't let you hold me like this all night"

"I think I can manage" I guarantee.

"No," she pulls herself gradually from my hold, "I mean it"

I cast my eyes over the room, there's a small sofa in the corner, which is enough. She catches my gaze, turning to the piece of furniture then smiles knowingly.

"Alright," she nods.

As I said before, I'm not tired so I sit while she lays down on her side, facing me.

"What's going to happen now?"

I clasp my hands together, "I'm going to do anything and everything to protect you, Ana. My sister will not be affecting just you anymore, she'll be affecting our child. The time for acceptance has gone past this stage, my sister doesn't know what she's doing and she doesn't care. I can't afford to put you in harm's way, you're too precious to me . . . ."

"And I want you to be careful, your sister is unhinged, Christian"

"I realize that," I agree, "I think we shouldn't mention the pregnancy to anyone, for now. Let's keep this away from her, if she's unhinged I don't want to give her another reason to hurt you, or the both of you"

"I understand," she smiles ruefully, "and I promise to keep out of her away, but I think it's best if we carry on like before"

"You mean the arguing, the bickering, getting yourself work up over this, no Ana"

"Christian, how else are we going to trap Mia if she doesn't think that we're all divided? It's what she wants, so let's give it to her"

I can't see another way around this, but keeping up the guise of disunity is the perfect ruse, and would be enough to lure Mia's true intentions out in the open.

"Without Kate and Elliot?" I ask.

"Yes, without Kate and Elliot. I don't know about your brother, but Kate would kill Mia if she found out about this"

"Elliot would play along just fine, but he doesn't keep anything from his wife, so that would be a problem . . . So I guess it's just you and me"

"I guess so" she replies, staring sleepily at my face.

"Do you forgive me for what happened that night at the hospital?"

"No," she pauses, "Not until you promise something like that won't happen again. You're not allowed to shut me out, and you're definitely not allowed to feel anything by yourself. You should know that I'm here for you"

"I know you are, and I promise, things are going to be different from now on. My first order of duty will be to steal you away from all of this . . . ."

She grins lazily, "You can't steal what's already yours"

"Notable and worthy point," I smile, honoured and appreciative of her sentiments, "I love you"

"I love you too"

"Get some rest, I have an early morning meeting but I promise to be back here as soon as possible"

"Don't hurry, I'll be here waiting for you" she whispers with her eyes closed.

By the time I get to her side she's asleep, I pull the covers over her delicate frame and press a lingering kiss on her cheek. I can't bear to leave her so I spend a few more minutes with her, gently stroking her hair and telling her the things my heart has ached to say to her since we were apart.

Harris

It's never too earlier to get the ball rolling, and I'm thinking Mr Grey is a man of similar views. We were let in by the guard stationed at the front entrance. The vacant building is eerily quiet, and in the middle of a large room, we were met by another man, currently escorting us to the meeting point. Walking down the corridor, I mentally prepare myself to fully engage him, I was curious when he contacted me yesterday afternoon. During our brief conversation, he claimed that he has some evidence I can use to take this case in another direction, and from his position, I suspect it's something that can further implicate Ethan Kavanagh. What else can it be?

My partner gapes at our new surroundings warily, this looks shady but Mr Grey assured me that this was important, and coming out here would be worth my while. I understand my comrade's apprehension, what I don't understand is Mr Grey's elusiveness. Why meet here? Why not at his office or the station?

We're led into a bleak room outfitted with three simple chairs and a table. Nothing about the space is welcoming except the sunlight brightening the room by the second.

"Good morning, gentlemen" he expresses with his back turned to us.

"Good morning, Mr Grey," I say with a hint of distrust. "What's with this covertness?"

Eventually, he turns then walks directly towards us, "I apologize if my behaviour is unsettling and suspicious, but it's necessary. Please, sit down, would you like to have some refreshments, a cup of coffee"

"No thank you, my partner and I already had a cup a short while ago" I indicate before taking a seat.

He nods respectfully, pursing his lips. "The reason why I asked you out here is mostly for confidentiality. I didn't want what I'm about to tell you, to get back to my sister"

"Yes," I nod, "The recordings you sent yesterday, we had an opportunity to go over them a few times. What exactly are you asking us to do with this?"

"I need you to hold on to them. I know it's not much right now, but I'm working on getting more"

"Can you tell what in fact are you working on?" I probe.

"My sister, I have a suspicion that she staged her attack, and she's framing Ethan Kavanagh"

"And how do you know this?"

"Ana was able to shed some light on a few things this past week, it opened my eyes"

I remain emotionless as my disbelief grows. It's uncanny that the man that was ready to do anything for his sister, including to separate from his new wife has now changed his tune. But that's not important right now, what's important is that I was right about Mia Grey's story.

"I see, does this change of heart have anything to with the fact that she's a threat to your wife?"

"Yes"

"How is she, I understand that she was admitted to the hospital yesterday?"

"She's doing much better," he leans forward, tenting his fingers on the table, "She's being discharged later this afternoon . . . Yesterday, I found out that she's pregnant"

"Congratulations," I nod.

"Thank you, that's why it was so important that I meet with you today.

As you indicated, Detective, my sister is a threat to my wife and my unborn child. My wife and I have had our differences concerning this matter, and I realized that I was wrong mostly. I couldn't see what was happening to me, but now I want to do the right thing. Mia is very calculating and volatile, she's successfully torn my family apart and she won't hesitate to go after my wife if she found out about her pregnancy"

His declaration surprises me, making my brows lift by a fraction. "That's a bold accusation, Mr Grey . . . ."

"But it's the truth, and I'm not willing to take any chances. I have my men gathering more information-"

"That's very generous of you Mr Grey, but this is an ongoing investigation. As the lead Detective on this case I'm obligated to inform you that is an ongoing investigation and that our team will be handling this, but unofficially, I can say that you are permitted to conduct your private inquiries into this matter. As long as you don't obstruct things on our end"

"I promise I won't, I want to put an end to this as much as you do"

"I'm glad to hear that Mr Grey, your sister was smart enough not to implicate herself fully to your wife. What we have right now is enough to shift our focus to your sister, and if it's true that she's responsible for everything, we can do nothing else but make her accountable for her doings"

He twists his lips ruefully.

"You know, it's strange how this entire scenario has come full circle. Before this meeting, your views of Mr Kavanagh were strongly opposing, and I was very sceptical about coming to see you today. I was afraid that what you wanted to share would come in the form of coercion"

"Coercion" he lifts his eyebrows a tad surprised by the word. On the other hand, maybe it was the way I emphasized it.

"Yes . . . Anyway, I'm willing to share an incident that occurred yesterday. Do you know a Ms Mimi Benoit?"

Yes, he shakes his head. "I know of Mimi. She's my sister's assistant . . . also her confidante"

"Her confidante indeed . . . Yesterday, Ms Benoit came to the station while I was in a meeting and she was told that I was unavailable, she became insistent, not wanting to leave until she could see me. When I approached her, she was guarded, fidgety and uneasy. She wanted us to speak alone and privately, she couldn't trust anyone, and by the looks of her, I can tell that she was afraid. She was carrying a large tote bag, which made me suspicious, so I instructed her to check it with the front desk, but she insisted that I would want to see what was in the bag. She kept her head down as we made our way through the department, avoiding eye contact with everyone. When we got to the room, I made sure to have Bryce and another Officer listening in. . . . You see, Mr Grey, you're not the only one who's afraid of your sister" The expression on his face and his desire to deny it is on the tip of his tongue, but he knows I'm right.

. . . . . .

"So Ms Benoit, I'm all ears," I say in a smooth, intent tone.

"I'm here to tell you about the night that Mia Grey was attacked"

"Really, what can you tell me?"

"I can tell you how she was attacked and where it took place, she told me everything" she begins in a tiny voice with her eyes stamped on the tabletop.

I don't budge, but my mind is curious to exactly what is going on. When something like this happens it is usually the person confessing has had some hand in it and is here to cut a deal.

"Mia faked her attack at Ethan Kavanagh's place"

"And why would she do this, Ms Benoit?"

I get a glimpse of her despairing eyes, "Detective Harris, there are a lot of things about Mia Grey that baffles me. She's brilliant, she's beautiful, she's rich, yet . . . she's very disturbed. She has a deep-rooted hatred for her brother Christian and her mother. Somehow she's convinced that he has wronged her over the years . . . A few months ago he got married, she told me that this marriage was some kind of arrangement to please their mother, she's very sick by the way"

"Yes, I've heard" I concur, taking a closer look at her behaviour "You're afraid of her. Why?"

"No Detective, I'm terrified of her. She can be really nasty if she doesn't get her way. I've seen her break people just to get what she wants. She prides herself in knowing a person's secrets, so when the right time comes she can use it against them," she says matter-of-factly.

"Did she do that to you?" I enquire right away making her look away utterly embarrassed.

"Yes . . . I did a few things I regretted in my teenage years, my past isn't squeaky clean"

"Same here, Ms Benoit, I could tell you a few stories that make you fit right in with me . . . I wasn't always a cop you know" There's a tiny smile, "You think if she found out you were here she'll do something to hurt you"

"I know she'll do something hurt me, Detective . . . Mia knows everyone everywhere, especially in this case. The police, judges, politicians, high government officials, you name it. If anyone recognizes me and knows that I'm here she'll know right away"

"That won't happen, you're safe," I guarantee. "Please continue"

"In the beginning, Christian and his wife, Anastasia, weren't on common ground. In fact, they fought all the time. About a month later that all changed, they started to get close, and Christian wasn't the same after that. It irked his sister, it irked her to the point where she was doing anything to come between them"

"She was jealous" I state.

"Yes, she doesn't want him to be happy because she isn't happy herself. She says he's the reason for all her sufferings. It has been months, but her scheming has affected so many lives. To begin with, she was responsible for the fire at the Sheraton restaurant . . ."

"Excuse me?" I lean closer.

"Yes . . . She hired this woman who worked with Anastasia to keep an eye on her, I believed she was another Chef or something like that. Anyway, her name was Elena. She started the fire and other things; she used that same woman to find someone to carry out this dreadful thing with Ethan. On the night of the ball, she planned on getting drunk knowing fully well that Ethan wouldn't let her go home alone. If by chance they ended up at her place, she had a plan B. She questioned the building's super weeks before about the building's surveillance. During that conversation, he inadvertently mentioned a date for maintenance so she used that. Elena knew a guy who would go along with Mia's crazy plan . . . That morning after Ethan left for work, the guy went to the apartment and beat her up. Some of her blood was smothered on the floors, splashed across the cupboards then cleaned up. He used the service entrance to the back to enter and exit the building"

I lean back into my chair and cross my arms. No knows about that pointed fact, not even my partner so this has to be the real deal. Good, now we're getting somewhere.

"Later on that day, the man she hired man showed up at my house with a bag, this bag. At the time I didn't know who he was, I was so afraid. He told me that Mia sent him over to my place. He said that Mia wanted me to get rid of this so I went along and took it from him. When I called her she didn't answer, later I found out why. A few days after when she got out of the hospital, she told me everything. In the end, she asked if I got rid of the bag. I told her yes, I told her I burned it. But I lied. I couldn't do it, I couldn't get rid of it after hearing all of that . . . So here it is" she looks down to the floor on her right.

"Why would you do that, Ms Benoit? A strange man shows up at your place with a bag and you take it"

"You don't understand . . ."

"What's in the bag?" I say not looking at it.

"Clothes . . Rags . . the stuff he used to clean the apartment I guess. I opened it once but I didn't go through anything"

"And where is this man now?"

"Gone I suppose, so is Elena but I think she went to New York. I can't tell you about the guy, I don't know who he is, that was the first and last time I saw him" she nods then looks at the table.

"Why didn't you come sooner, Ms Benoit, why now?" I lace my fingers together, placing them on the table.

"She threatened my sister and my niece if I told anyone about this. You don't know how she can be" the pitch of her voice elevates, "She appears to be this refined, respectable person but she's truly evil. . ."

"Has she ever harmed someone, physically?" I probe, suddenly engrossed by her disclosure.

"No, I mean I don't know. I've seen her threaten someone, that's all I know"

"So . . . you're afraid she will hurt you and you're here to get protection in exchange for what you know" I poke.

"Yes, but that's not all," she replies exasperated, "Last night I found out that there's a strong chance that Ethan could go to prison for a very long time. I can't have that on my conscience, he didn't do this . . . I spoke to him a few times, it wasn't like I got to know him or anything, but he told me that he loved her and I think he was being truthful about it. What's happening to him isn't right, and instead of reciprocating his feelings she turns around and uses him to get back her family. Who in their right mind does that?"

"Someone who has a vendetta and doesn't care for much. Maybe you're right, maybe she is dangerous, and you should be wary of her"

Her eyes are laden with worry, "Yes I am, but my other fear is that if I came forward I would be accused of being an accessory to this crime . . ."

"Maybe, maybe not. But we can work something out for your testimony and cooperation. Please wait here" I say before leaving the room.

. . . . .

"For her safety, we have a man stationed outside her apartment and her sister's residence. The evidence Ms Benoit brought in is being processed, I hope to have those results by the following week. Once we do, we can go after this guy and get the truth out of him. For now, there's evidence to incriminate your sister to this crime and others but a confession would be nice, the sooner, the better"

"I understand" he agrees, reasonably.

"Where is your sister now?"

"At the moment I don't know but I always have someone watching her. We haven't announced the pregnancy to our family. Ana and I decided it's best that we keep the news away from my sister at this time, and now I'm convinced more than ever that it's the right thing to do. I fear that she may harm my wife and our baby if she figures things are getting worse. . . . My sister needs help and I hope after all of this she can get that help because I can't give it to her. I thought I could but I can't"

We share a common understanding that permits me to nod in agreement.

"I hope so too, Mr Grey, your sister has committed a number of crimes, all separate and unrelated, meaning that she will spend decades in prison. . . . Do you understand?"

"Yes I do", his lips twist again. I gather he's having some difficulty picturing his sister behind bars.

"Good, we'll keep in touch. I understand your concern for limiting the number of people to your latest discovery. You don't know who are acquainted with your sister, and you don't know who to trust to keep the details of this case restricted. With the introduction of Ms Benoit's evidence, we've decided to limit the number of details being divulged to others. Some of us have bits and pieces, but my Lieutenant, Detective Bryce here and I know everything" I stand then reach my hand across the table. "Again, congratulations to you and Mrs Grey. Is this your first child?"

"Yes," he grins, returning the gesture.

"All the more reason to celebrate, children are both an inspiration and a blessing. I have two daughters, a son, and seven grandchildren. Trust me, take care of your wife and your children, they are what matters the most"

For a moment, there's a spark in his eyes that make him gap at me.

"Thank you" he replies sincerely then looks over to Bryce, "Your partner, he doesn't speak much"

"No, he prefers to listen . . . He's the silent type and the bad cop, his approach is a bit more heavy-handed. In the Interview Room, your sister will be introduced to his methods very soon. We'll see our way out"

"Call me if you need anything," he says irrevocably.

His final words appear to be genuine, yet my analytical mind continues to dissect the entire conversation as we're being lead out of the building. Christian Grey has turned against his sister in order to protect his wife, and something tells me that it has more to do with their union than the discovery of her pregnancy. This may be a problem for his sister if she were to find out that her brother knows the truth, and that in itself can be another event.

"What do you think?" Bryce words slices into my thoughts making everything fizzle out the window.

"I don't know" I murmur uncertain, taking a glance to the traffic light that just changed from red to green. "If his words are true, it's admirable that he's finally putting his efforts where it's needed the most. In that case, we must do what we can to hold Mia Grey. Once she finds out that she doesn't have her brother in her corner, who knows what she would do. If she's as deceptive as everyone say she is, she might feel threatened and do something unpredictable. She might even do anything to get out of this"

Ana

I can only nod and smile as her rapid succession of words coming at me like raging torrent of waves. From time to time, I would attempt to retrieve my seized hand but then she would only hold on tighter. Elliot stands on the other side of the bed simply looking down and harmonizing melodically at everything his wife would say. The elephant in the room positioned next to Elliot is emotionless and inaudible with her arms crossed. Regardless, I mentally cancel out her presence as I'm grateful to see my best friend looking happier than she's been in weeks.

". . . I'm a little mad at you, you know that"

"I knew Elliot would tell you, Kate" I counter, rolling my eyes. "It's nothing to worry about . . ."

"Nothing to worry about? Once you're in the hospital it's something. What's going on, what's wrong?"

"Dehydration and high blood pressure" I reply for the second time, "I've been under a lot of pressure lately" Mia shifts from the direct quip in my words, it's obvious she can tell it was intended for her.

"I knew you were working too hard then this thing between you and Christian," her eyes dart quickly to Mia, before moving closer to my face, "Ana, you can tell me, what happened yesterday at the mansion. Did he hurt you?"

"I heard that, Kate, and no need to make false accusations against my brother. Christian is smarter than that" Mia interjects, fuming. "How dare you suggest that my brother is the reason why she's here?"

"Mia, don't speak to my wife in that manner. I would tread lightly if I were you"

"Excuse me, whose side are you on?" she turns on him and scrunches her face in irritation.

"Why are you here, Mia? You don't even like Ana" Kate points out.

"I hate agreeing with you because it's soo uncomfortable, but yeah I didn't want to be here. You can thank your husband for that, he instructed me to come"

Kate's nose flares as she targets her daggered stare at Elliot. He closes his eyes and crosses his arms over his chest. I bet he's wishing that the ground can swallow him whole at this very moment.

"I can't believe this" Kate huffs, "You asked her to come, why would you do something like that?"

"Kate, calm down . . ." he pinches the bridge of his nose.

While Kate is fussing over this I watch Mia pressing her lips together hard trying to suppress a sly smile as her eyes are fixed on the slight tension building between Kate and Elliot. She's enjoying this.

"I am calm, but you didn't answer my question"

"What's going on here?" Christian walks in, bringing a deafening silence to the room.

"Nothing" Elliot raises a hand to him.

Mia dashes to Christian eager to get in the first word. "It's more than nothing, Kate was just insinuating that you or something you did is responsible for Anastasia being here at the hospital"

Yes, he's wholly and solely responsible, Mia. I am pregnant; I give a slight chuckle under the guise of my understanding and when his eyes flick to me I realize he gets it too. It's amazing when knowingly he wants to crack a smile but this is where he's forced to maintain his façade.

"It doesn't matter what any of you think and it doesn't change the fact that she and I have unfinished business. Please leave, I'd like to speak to her . . . Alone" his voice booms firmly.

"I'm not leaving this room," Kate declares, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Kate, I know you're concerned about Ana, but we can't stop Christian from talking to his wife" Elliot states.

"Yeah Kate, besides, they won't be married much longer" Mia waves her hand as if she dusting a fly.

Everyone in the room turns to Mia, Christian and I remain emotionless while Kate and Elliot's eyes are narrowed in annoyance.

"You and your sister are so insensitive" Kate scowls.

Mia gasps, "Excuse me . . ."

"Insensitive? You think I'm insensitive . . . . Maybe you're right Katherine. Pity you didn't observe this when you and my brother came up with this plot to marry your friend. She's the one throwing around divorce papers and making demands, and you think I'm insensitive. She doesn't care for this marriage or for me, she said so herself. . . ."

"And that's fine because you didn't love her in the first place, but she loves you and she shouldn't be punished for it. Yes, I made a mistake because I thought you love her back, but clearly, you don't. You've done nothing to make things better, and you're doing nothing to protect her, so this is where I come in," she looks over to Mia, "Your sister is about to take my brother away from me, I won't allow you to take my best friend"

"I'm not going to hurt her, Kate . . ."

"You've already done that," she counters angrily marching over to him. "She's lying in that bed because of you, Ana is a good person and you're nothing but a toxic pool of anger and ignorance. She doesn't deserve this . . . ."

"Kate, it's okay," I plead, "Please, stop it, all of you, I'll be fine. Christian is right, we need to talk . . ."

"Ana, you don't have to-"

"Yes, I do" I emphasize but not too forcefully. "Believe me, I understand your concern, and I appreciate it. But the only ones that can work this out is Christian and me"

Elliot places his hand on Kate's shoulder, "She's right, Katie, we should give them their privacy"

"Whatever," Mia rolls her eyes, "Christian, I should be leaving now, but I can I have a quick word outside"

"Can't it wait?" Christian questions, furrowing his brows.

"No, it can't wait" Mia grabs him by his forearm, "You rather stay with these people and argue all afternoon"

Without another word, he turns and leaves with her, keeping the appearance of irrevocable displeasure and annoyance to everyone in the room.

Christian

"Okay talk, and what are you doing here?"

She huffs, "Elliot made me come, he said it would be a sign of goodwill that was before his wife turned on me. But why are you here, did something happened at the mansion as Kate said, did you and Anastasia have a fight"

"Yes," I lie, "Then she suddenly collapsed across the room"

"What's wrong with her?"

"She stressed"

"Stressed, hmmm. So you're here to make sure she's alright?"

"And I want to talk to her about our separation"

"What about it?" she probes.

"I want us to reconcile our differences . . ."

"Have you gone mad?" she barks in a whisper, "She wants a divorce, remember? She doesn't want you, she wants out. What you're going to do, beg her to take you back?"

"Why are you so interested in my personal life?" my eyes bore into her. "Mia that woman is my wife, and she's in the hospital, what we're going through has nothing to do with what's happening now. But if it comes to that, if Ana doesn't want me anymore, I'll give her what she wants, but for now, I'm not convinced"

"Alright"

I look away briefly but I don't fail to notice the sneer that kicks up on the corner of her painted lips.

"Anyway, I wanted to let you know that I'm going to Portland tonight, I'll be there for a while . . ."

"Why?"

"I need to get away . . Something urgent came up and I have some . . .things to do"

"What things?"

"Just like you, Christian, I have a personal life and it's not a crime if I want to get away from this place"

"Get away from what, Mia, life. You mean life is so hard that you can't stay put. I would like to remind you that there's an ongoing investigation. It's not a good idea to pick up and leave because you're having a hard time coping with reality" I berate.

"You have no idea what I'm going through. I can't stay here, I'm suffocating and I don't need your permission to go anywhere. I was simply informing you out of common courtesy so let's just leave it at that" she repeats, taking a glance at Ana through the open blinds. "What a convenient episode . . . A few days ago, she wanted you out of her life, now she's in the hospital in the middle of a pity fest. I never viewed Anastasia as a desperate attention seeker, but I guess having her exposed to the Grey lifestyle has transformed her affable nature"

"She's not like that . ."

"Wow, she sure has you fooled. Don't forget, Christian, this is the same woman that denounced herself in front of our family. She doesn't love you, it would be useful if you remember that"

"I don't believe that"

"She told me so herself, right before you interrupted us at the mansion. You should have seen the contempt in her demeanour, she was practically rubbing it in my face" she fabricates, "If you know what's good for you, you wouldn't just hand over everything you've worked so hard to build, Christian. Anastasia Steele is a gold-digging mistake that needs to be put in her place . . ."

"What's wrong with you? Where is this coming from?" my eyes pierce her dangerously.

"It's coming from a place of rational thinking and intellect. You're too close to this fucking mess and you're letting your emotions do the thinking for you. I'm telling you, Christian, that bitch isn't good for you . . . ."

"And your opinion in this matter is irrelevant" I snap in a whisper, "If you want to go to Portland, Paris or the ends of the Earth, I don't care. From here on, what happens between me and that woman is none of your business"

On my part, any attempt to display further emotion is put on hold. She got what she wanted. I realize that this was her ploy to provoke me and to reveal my stance on Ana.

"Okay" she squares her shoulders, "I'll see you when I get back"

She skirts past me coldly and I don't bother to turn around to watch her walk away. Truly, I prefer to have my sister around so I monitor her whereabouts, even so, it wouldn't be difficult to have her surveyed at any time. Nevertheless, I feel the urge to dampen that sense of security that's coursing through that twisted mind of hers.

Elliot

My brother is a bit startled when he turns and spots me standing in the opened doorway. I step out of the room needing to have a few words with him myself.

"She's pissed" I nudge my chin to the place where my sister stood.

"What else is new" he retorts.

"Kate and Ana are pissed at you as well"

He shrugs unconcerned and remains quiet.

"You know, Christian, there was a time I would know when you're keeping something from me, and so did Mia. You're not a fantastic liar, maybe in business, but not to the rest of us"

"I don't know what you're getting at?"

"I think you do . . . But whatever is happening I hope you know what you're doing. I'm here if you need me"

"I know that, Elliot. Thanks"

A lull of silence stretches as neither of us attempts to remove ourselves from each other. He hesitates, parting his lips momentarily then closing them in haste a few times.

"I can't tell you everything. But what I can say is, in order to save our family we have to divide the family"

I shake my head doubtfully, "I don't understand . . ."

"Excuse me; I have to make an urgent call"

Baffled by his pronouncements I open my mouth but no words emerge. I want to prompt him but it's clear he doesn't want to further this conversation. There's more to what's going on between Christian and Mia, something that's affecting all of us.

Ana

Kate and I watch on at Christian and Elliot through the opened blinds. Their muffled voices are difficult to decipher but we can tell it was curt and hurried on Christian's part. Elliot returns to the room shaking his head, no doubt at whatever Christian had just told him.

"Baby, I'm heading back to town, I'll drop you off at the theatre. . ."

"It's okay" she rejects, "I'll stay here with Ana"

"No, you don't have to do that, I'll be fine" I guarantee immediately.

I mean, I love Kate. But right now, having her is not ideal. I want my husband. However, my swift assurance does nothing to alter the notions floating around her head. Elliot's demeanour is projecting a line of suspicion intended for me. Quietly, we share a brief, perceptive glance and assumed understanding. He moves to the opposite side of the bed where Kate is sitting.

"Kate, we must leave Ana needs to get some sleep" he insists, curving his arm around her waist, almost bodily lifting her.

"But . ."

"No buts, we have to go. Ana, get some rest, we'll see you tomorrow"

"But . ." Kate repeats.

I mouth a grinning thank you to Elliot before he shuts the door behind him. It's already a little after noon the clock on the wall tells me. I'm supposed to be leaving in an hour or so, and it's making me wonder what's going to happen when I leave this place. It's obvious that Kate feels a bit of resentment towards Christian, while Mia stands quietly in the background, fanning the flames of our separation. Elliot, on the other hand, is trying to decipher everything that's been going on around him.

My stomach rumbles slightly when I sling my feet off of the bed on to the floor. Thinking of everything that's happened up to this point is tiring, and I wish things didn't have to be this way. After a long shower, I'm frozen in front of the mirror, taking in my unrecognizable reflection, eating is not one of the things I enjoy these days, and it showing in my physical appearance. I keep my eyes on my reflection just as I'm about to pull a tie through my hair when I hear a knock on the bathroom door.

"Ana . . Ana, are you in there?" Christian beckons.

"I'll be out in a minute," I reply, tapping my cheeks to give them some needed colour.

Deliberately, I run my hands down the front of my gown, it doesn't scream sexy at all, not even in a funny, ad hoc way. With my messy hair and my pale complexion, I frown to myself. The unexpected rumble from my stomach jerks me from my current thoughts. I'm terribly hungry, again. One final time I look up and smile then exhale loud, expanding my cheeks. Another series of bubbling tumbles in my tummy. We just ate like two hours ago, you can't be hungry again . . . I say looking down with my hand pressed against my stomach. I step out of the bathroom relaxed and unconcerned like I didn't spend the last five minutes judging my appearance. There's a bothered look on his face when he comes into view. Not only that, the blinds are drawn, and I would bet anything that door is locked too.

"Are you ready to leave?" he enquires, looking at my dripping hair.

"Of course I am. I'm not a big fan of hospitals, but I have to wait for the doctor to do a final checkup. That's in an hour or so"

"What will you do next?"

"You mean, where am I going?" I tilt my head. "You want me to come home"

"Yes, I do . . . My sister is gone, and I just saw Elliot and Kate leaving" he notes.

I nod, giving him a smile.

Are you okay?" he steps to me, which is exactly what I need right now.

"Yeah, I'm fine, I just need to get my things . . . ."

"I'll help you pack"

"No, it's alright," I object, "it's not much . . ."

"Don't fight me on this, I can help you, and I will" he smiles.

"Alright," my cheeks flame.

A few pieces of clothing are left at the foot of my bed, he zips the bag shut then places his hands in his pockets.

"Is that everything?"

"I believe so," I say, looking around the room.

"You didn't answer me about coming home-"

"Do you think that's a good idea?"

"I know it's a good idea . . . . Mia is going to Portland for a few days"

"She's leaving, why?"

"Don't worry, it's typical Mia being Mia, when things are too much for her she needs a break. She questioned me about the status of our relationship and, she tried to give me a million reasons why I should give you a divorce"

I remain silent.

"Also, I met with the Detectives this morning, there's more to Mia's story and Mimi gave it to them yesterday. Ethan is being set up by Mia, he's innocent"

"I knew it," I murmur under my breath, "Kate will be so relieved"

"Yes, but we can't tell her yet. Mimi provided some evidence, it's being analyzed, we'll know the results in a few days. So for now, we must be patient and allow everything to fall into place. Interesting enough, I think . . . ."

Our discussion is rudely interrupted by more grumbling, and I'm instantly frozen by the pitch and intensity. I clutch my stomach in a feeble attempt to try to stop the noise.

"You're starving" he frowns.

My face burns with embarrassment, "Yes, but I can eat later . . ."

"No, you're going to eat now," he insists, "get dressed, I'll get the doctor so he can do one last check-up and we'll leave earlier"

He's about to turn and head for the door, so without thinking I brazenly grab his arm, cementing him to the spot. His eyes travel to our connection and he stares at my hand compressed against his skin. He opens his mouth to say something but my lips are already pressed against his and my hands are positioned at the sides of his face.

"Ana-" he whispers darkly between our sensual kiss.

"Shhh, don't think"

Immediately, his body lowers and his hands run over the curves of my bare skin, eventually pulling the gown over my head and ripping the tie from my hair, making it cascade around my shoulders and down my back. The sensations tingling my body causes me to moan emphatically through our locked lips, I'm completely naked against him. My fingers make quick work, removing his jacket, reaching for his belt, pulling it roughly through the loops and unfastening the buttons of his shirt. His mouth captures my neck while his hand is positioned at my nape, holding me in place.

"Do you have any idea . . . how much I've wanted to touch you . . . To hold you . . . You feel so good . . . Promise we won't fight again" his teeth gnashes against my neck.

Adeptly, his hands trace along my thighs and bring my legs around his waist. Liquid heat pulses my middle, searing at the point of our connection.

"That's a lot to ask, Christian, I can't make that promise if making love is the end result of our fights," I murmur smiling.

He lays me down on the bed and finished removing his clothes, all of it. My breath leaves me when my eyes become fixed on his fierce, angry erection. I arch my knees and elevate myself on my elbows anticipating the warmth of his skin and his touch. He parts my legs slowly not taking his gaze from my face, his eyes are boring into me, commanding my body and making my breathing intensify. Cool air stimulates me further when his hand cups my mound, and not long after, a finger invades me, then he adds another, rubbing my sensitive nub. My midsection seizes and I'm about to explode when he pulls me from the edge, removing his tormenting hand altogether. But his absence is brief, I shriek when his mouth lands on me, lavishing my core, my body arches willfully, as my mind surrenders to everything that's happening. Oncoming waves of pleasure forces my eyes shut, and everything behind my closed lids explodes, sending my body down a rabbit hole of pleasure. His mouth captures mine passionately and he's slowly inching into me, my orgasm hasn't ended and it's heightened by his slow movements. His grip tightens on my skin drawing our bodies closer. We belong at this moment, the force of his hands capturing me, protecting me, making me feel loved.

"I love you, Ana" he groans against my ear and finally burying his swollen length into me, "I love you"

Our marriage is real, and we're going to have a real future together, a family, children. It's better than pretending or fighting this intense attraction for each other.

"You'll always have me, Christian, I promise," I confess breathlessly.

His forehead is resting against mine, and our breaths are heatedly mixing as he continues to make love to me. Dazed in my euphoric desires, I hadn't realized he had our fingers interlocked, sinking into the sheets. He's finally here, this is fuck-me-till-I–scream Christian, I'm pinned by his animalist stare.

You know the rules, Ana, my inner conscious cocks an eyebrow and smirks, Don't look away.

He releases me, and instantly, my hands grip his taut back. His muscles ripple beneath my sunken fingers, his actions are deliberate, drawn out, gyrating, extracting another climax from within me. His thrusts are deliciously deep and I'm tongue-tied in ecstasy. Whatever I'm saying is silent, just below my breath and incoherent, almost in a drunken stupor. I shut my eyes.

"No, open your eyes" he instructs, breathing heavily. "Don't look away from me"

I open them, "Christian . . ."

"Yes, let me see you . . . You feel so good," he groans as his grip goes to my waist, steadying me.

Oh god . . . .

The sounds and rhythm of our love-making are in sync, skin against skin and our heavy breathing. I can't think of anything else but how good it feels. His body and face glisten from the dotted beads of sweat speckled across his body. I tremble, my fingertips sink into his broad shoulders. He stops, gently lifting my ankle to his lips, spotting kisses along my calf, my other leg is dangling over his shoulder. My eyes flutter closed, appreciating the gentleness of his lips and his feather-like touch.

"More, Christian, I want more," I demand in a soft whimper.

"Anything" he responses, then he resumes, pounding my core.

He's deeper and I feel myself tighten further, gripping and convulsing around him violently. My orgasm is drawn out longer as he continues to fuck me mercilessly.

"Christian!" I cry out.

"I wish you could see yourself, Ana, you're so fucking sexy . . . Goddamnit" he rumbles, quivering as his climax commands him.

My legs come down swiftly and tighten around his waist, restricting any further movement. I want him pressed against me, filling me, feeling every convulsion. This connection is more than sex, it's us, it's our love. I pull him down to kiss him deeply, running my fingers through his damp hair. He collapses, pulling me against his slick chest.

"That was spectacular", I grin.

"Yes it was, Mrs Grey, and I can't wait to take you in our bed"

"Me too," I say contently, closing my eyes, listening to his pounding heart.

"Ana, I promise, this is not going to happen again. No matter what happens, I'm going to keep you with me"

"Promise" I bit my lip, looking up his earnest eyes.

"Yes, we're in this together no matter what happens, but right now we have another issue"

"And that is?" I say confused.

"You need to eat"

I roll my eyes and huff, "Can we stay like this a little longer, I mean . . . ."

The rumbling in my stomach returns, this time it's angrier as it vibrates between us, I freeze.

"Should I be afraid of what's going on inside there?" he taunts with his eyes directed to my flat stomach.

"He's hungry, but he doesn't help me keep my food down . . ."

"Wait, you think we're having a boy"

I nod, and smile slowly creeps on my face, "Yes I do, but if it isn't . . ."

"Then it doesn't matter," he says absolute, skimming his fingers gently across my stomach.

There goes my stomach again . . . .

"He's very demanding, you see, things are favourable already," he quips, "it's two against one, you need to get that gorgeous body into some clothes so I can feed you"

"Whatever you say, Mr Grey," I say when I hoist myself away from him. "I'll go clean up, I won't be long"

When I get to the bathroom door, I turn just in time to see him stretch out in all his naked glory along the bed with a huge boyish smile on his face and his hands tucked behind his head. I'm happy that he's happy, and I hope this the beginning of a good life for the three of us.

Brief Author's Note:

Thank for reading.

First, I would like to thank everyone for giving this story a chance again. I've realized that the ending was a bit abrupt so I'm working on a reasonable plot ending. Right now the conclusion doesn't make sense to me, hence the reason for the delay.

For those who have read the original story, I'm sure you've realized that a few things are different about this chapter.

Originally, there would have been two chapters after this one but I think there will be more. I can't say right now. I made this chapter extra-long on purpose because it might be a while before I post anything. But when I come back I'll post the rest of the story.

SIDE NOTE: I'm an avid cricket fan, so our Caribbean CPL Tournament took me away from writing, but it's over now so I've gotten back in and hopefully I can conclude this. I won't abandon the story, I promise for those who are inquiring.

Until then, take everyone. . . . . .