Chapter 23 - Sweet Georgia

I sit quietly hidden away in the far corner of the bar, nursing my drink.

It was a stroke of luck that the female CPO in the security detail followed Anastasia and her mother into the restroom when they were out shopping earlier, and overheard them discussing where to go for a drink tonight. In the end, her mother promised to treat Ana to cocktails in the up-market ‘Rocks on the Roof’ bar at The Bohemian.  It’s one of Savannah’s most exclusive hotels, so naturally this is the hotel I've booked into. Stalker extraordinaire.

I had dinner, and then made my way up to the bar, once I got word from the security detail that Ana and her mom were on their way.  Having flown all the way across the continent to be with her, I just want to be in the same place as Ana. I have this overwhelming desire to see her in the flesh, even if it’s just watching her from a distance. I’m still allowing her the time alone with her mom aren’t I?  

The plan is not to let her know I'm here until I make a surprise visit tomorrow morning. 

 Although, if the surprise that I've sent Taylor to organize comes off, I may have to revise these plans. I spent a lot of the time on the flight here today thinking about what I can do to prove to Ana that I'm serious about wanting more with her, and I came up with something that hopefully I think we can share and enjoy together – something not sexually motivated either. 

I secretly watch as Ana and her mother drink Cosmopolitans and talk animatedly. I really hope that Elena is right, that Anastasia is going to be pleased I’m here. As a woman, I'm assuming Elena knows more about these things than I do, so I’m putting my faith in her judgment.

Having not long arrived in Georgia, I’ve only just replied to the email Ana sent me while I was flying out here, quizzing me about who I had dinner with last night. In my reply, I confirm that I did indeed have dinner with Elena, or Mrs. Robinson, as she calls her. When her mother disappears towards the powder room, I see Ana quickly get her cell out of her purse, and I’m hoping it’s my reply she’s anxiously looking for. I watch to see the expression on her face as she reads my email, and wonder if she’ll notice the giveaway clue that it’s been sent from the same time zone that she’s in - EST. 

Her facial reaction to my email is not good - probably not helped by the fact that she’s already on her second Cosmopolitan.  I sigh in frustration. When will she learn to pace her consumption of alcohol, as her tolerance level is pretty low? Mind you, her mother is already on her third, so she isn’t setting a very good example.

I see Ana furiously tapping a reply into her cell, and I’m taken aback by the bitchy tone of it when it arrives on my cell. ‘OLD Dinner Companions’, she’s put as the subject. 

Well I suppose to be fair, Elena is about the same age as Ana’s mother, who is forty two, the background checks revealed. Which means she had Ana young, when she was about the same age as Ana is now. Probably an unplanned pregnancy. How stupid was that? There’s no reason for an unplanned pregnancy for anyone with the slightest intelligence. Which reminds me to check that Ana got her period this week, as I know it was due. We’ve not taken any risks, but I want to be sure there’s not been any kind of an unfortunate condom failure, while it’s still early enough to be dealt with. Never leave anything that important to chance, that’s my philosophy.

I read her caustic words about Elena in her email again:

‘She’s not just an old friend. 

Has she found another adolescent boy to sink her teeth into? 

Did you get too old for her? 

Is that the reason your relationship finished?’

I’m not at all happy about this reaction. I need to talk to her. It’s clear she really doesn’t understand about my relationship with Elena at all, and I don't want to leave her brooding about this all night. Of course the fact that I’m itching to see Ana, just to touch her, may be influencing my thought process here, because  I know I’m looking for an excuse to see her right now, this minute. I already feel better, calmer, just knowing that she is within reach. When I see the ladies order another round of drinks, I decide it’s time to step in. I email her back.

‘How many Cosmopolitans are you going to drink?’

I watch with some amusement as her head jerks up and she glances nervously round the bar, having worked out that this means I’m actually here. But I'm so well tucked away, she doesn’t see me until I make my way over to their table. I just hope I haven’t blown things by following her here. She told me ‘no’, when I  asked if I could come with her, and yet here I am.  But I cling to the fact that she said she missed me, and that she wished I was here.

“Hi,” she says, clearly very surprised to see me. But pleased?

“Hi,” I reply, as I lean down to kiss her sweet, soft cheek. Yep, she still smells as good as ever, even though she’s been drinking.

“Christian, this is my mother, Carla,” Ana politely introduces us. I like this. I appreciate good manners; I was brought up to always show good manners too.

I turn my attention to her mother. I see an attractive woman, who looks much younger than her actual age. Ana has taken after her mother with her slim build, but her mother’s hair is lighter, and her eyes are a hazel color. Ana must have inherited her darker brown hair and stunning blue eyes from her deceased father I assume.  

As it seems that Ana is close to her mom, I decide it would be prudent to get on the right side of her, just as I did with her stepfather, Ray. So I turn on the full blown Christian Grey charm that usually has most women eating out of my hand and swooning at my feet. 

There are some advantages to being considered good looking, even though I know it's just a stupid, shallow reaction to my physical features, not to the real person inside. They would soon realize this person is hideously ugly and deformed, if they could only see the real me.

“Mrs. Adams, I am delighted to meet you,” I smile, as I proffer my hand. It works like a charm, I note with some satisfaction, as her jaw falls open.

Christian,” she replies breathlessly as she takes my hand, and I note Ana’s irritation at her mother’s reaction.

“What are you doing here?” she snaps at me. Not the response I was hoping for. She seems pissed at me.

“I came to see you, of course. I’m staying in this hotel,” I reply as calmly as I can.

“You’re staying here?” she asks incredulously.

“Well, yesterday you said you wished I was here.” You did, honestly. She just looks at me stony faced. “We aim to please, Miss Steele.” Please don't be like this. You’re meant to be pleased to see me.

“Won’t you join us for a drink, Christian?” Ana’s mom pipes up, as she signals to the waiter.

“I’ll have a gin and tonic. Hendricks if you have it, or Bombay Sapphire. Cucumber with the Hendricks, or lime with the Bombay.”

Ana looks at me strangely. So I’m particular how I take my G & T. What’s wrong with that? That’s the advantage of coming to a decent hotel; they know the correct way to serve each brand.

“And two more Cosmos, please,” Ana adds defiantly. I frown, but let it pass.  I don't want to start off with a row.

“Please pull up a chair, Christian,” her mom invites me with a smile.

“Thank you, Mrs. Adams.” I remember her latest married name, having refreshed my memory by re-reading the details of her background check - I always do my homework.

I pull up a chair and sit next to Ana, stupidly thrilled just to be in close proximity to her again. And I can feel that pull, that electricity humming between us. It’s always there.

“So you just happen to be staying in the hotel where we’re drinking?” Ana quizzes me suspiciously.

“Or, you just happen to be drinking in the hotel where I’m staying,” I counter. Well it’s sort of true, isn’t it? “I just finished dinner, came in here, and saw you. I was distracted thinking about your recent email, and I glance up and there you are. Quite a coincidence, eh?” I give a little smile to convince her that my bullshit story is plausible. Well it could be true. It’s only a little white lie. Need to know basis. She doesn’t need to know that I have her under surveillance. All for her own good of course.

“My mother and I were shopping this morning and on the beach this afternoon. We decided on a few cocktails this evening,” she mutters. And I know she’s telling the truth, because the security detail has been keeping me informed. First thing I did when we landed was catch up on their reports. Taylor was right; the female operative is very efficient. I’m pleased with her very detailed reports, so I think she may have earned herself a bonus, thanks to her excellent work.

“Did you buy that top?” I ask Ana innocently, knowing full well that she did, having seen the surveillance picture of her with the green silk outfit in the shop. I thought it would suit her, and it does. “The color suits you. And you’ve caught some sun. You look lovely.” You always look lovely.

I’m pleased to see her flush. She does care what I think. Good.

“Well, I was going to pay you a visit tomorrow. But here you are.” I reach over, take her hand, and squeeze it gently, running my hand across her knuckles. It’s been nearly three long days since we had any contact, and it’s all I can do to control the urge to grab her hand and pull her into my arms. I need her. Desperately. “I thought I’d surprise you. But as ever, Anastasia, you surprise me by being here.”

Ana’s mom is staring at me. I remember that Ana has not had a boyfriend before, so this must be a new experience for her too. And I was meant to be giving them time together. There’s nothing wrong with a girl spending time with her mom is there? She’s lucky to have a caring mother after all, even if she does seem a little wacky.

“I don't want to interrupt the time you have with your mother. I’ll have a quick drink, and then retire. I have work to do,” I promise Ana. It’s true; I do have work to catch up on. I’ve justified this trip to myself on the basis of several business opportunities I’ve found that are worth investigating in this neck of the woods. And as always, I have numerous calls to make and emails to reply to.

“Christian, it’s lovely to meet you finally,” Ana’s mom pipes up. “Ana has spoken very fondly of you.” I hope this is true, and clearly she’s told her about me, so that’s good.

“Really?” I smile back . I wonder just exactly what she has told her. Somehow, I don't think she will have told her mom how you like to beat and flog girls like her, Grey.

The waiter brings our drinks, pleased with himself because he’s got the Hendricks.  What’s the big deal, it’s your job, asshole.

““How long are you in Georgia, Christian?” Ana’s mom asks.

“Until Friday, Mrs. Adams.”

My plan is to fly Ana back with me in my private jet. Then it’s the weekend, which she will be spending with me as agreed, and she’ll be accompanying me to the function on Saturday night. I hope she’ll like the surprise gift of the diamond earrings I’m having Cartier make for her – she doesn't have any decent jewelry, and I want to put that right.  This will be the first of many such gifts I hope, if she accepts this one graciously.  

“Will you have dinner with us tomorrow evening? And please, call me Carla.”

“I’d be delighted to, Carla.”  Because this will give me the opportunity to meet another of Ana’s stepfathers, having already met Ray. This one’s called Robbin, but is known as Bob, the background checks revealed. I like having all the details, all the blanks filled in as far as possible.

“Excellent. If you two will excuse me, I need to visit the powder room.” I realize that she’s giving us some space, because I know she’s only just been to the powder room. Nice move, Carla, appreciate it.

"So, you’re mad at me for having dinner with an old friend.” I lift her hand to my lips and kiss each knuckle gently.

“Yes,” Ana murmurs, and I can tell by her erratic breathing that she is craving the contact between us just as much as I am.

“Our sexual relationship was over long ago, Anastasia. I don't want anyone but you. Haven’t you worked that out yet?” I can’t even contemplate being with anyone else. It's you baby. Only you.

She blinks at me.

“I think of her as a child molester, Christian,” she states. Whoa! That’s an extreme reaction.

“That’s very judgmental. It wasn't like that,” I whisper, as I let go of her hand in shock at her words.

“Oh, how was it then? She took advantage of a vulnerable fifteen year old boy. If you had been a fifteen year old girl and Mrs. Robinson was a Mr. Robinson, tempting you into a BDSM lifestyle, that would have been okay? If it was Mia, say?”

I’m shocked to the very core at that thought. If anyone had ever laid a finger on my baby sister, I would have killed them. Seriously, I would have torn them limb from limb. But that’s different. She’s never done anything to deserve being treated in that way. She has a perfect heart; she’s so sweet, and pure and innocent. 

Unlike me. I needed to be controlled and deserved to be punished.

“Ana, it wasn’t like that.” I protest. She just glares at me. I suppose I can't argue with how it looks to her.

“Okay, it didn’t feel like that to me. She was a force for good. What I needed.”

Ana looks puzzled. “I don't understand.” No, because you don't know the sordid depths of my twisted black soul. 

If this is going to turn into an argument, perhaps it was a mistake for me to have come.

“Anastasia, your mother will be back shortly. I'm not comfortable talking about this now. Later maybe. If you don't want me here, I have a plane on stand-by at Hilton Head, I can go.” This is all going pear shaped. Shit.

“No – don’t go. Please. I’m thrilled you’re here. I’m just trying to make you understand. I’m angry that as soon as I left, you had dinner with her. Think about how you are when I get anywhere near José. José is a good friend. I have never had a sexual relationship with him. Whereas you and her…”

“You’re jealous?” Light bulb moment. Her reaction suddenly makes sense.

I finally get it. This I can understand and relate to. I really don't think I could handle it if Anastasia had history. Just the thought of José holding her in his arms is enough to send me into a blind fury if I let myself dwell on it. But if she’s jealous, it shows she cares, that she’s possessive of me. This I like. Hell yeah!

“Yes, and angry about what she did to you.”

“Anastasia, she helped me. That’s all I’ll say about that. And as for your jealousy, put yourself in my shoes. I haven’t had to justify my actions to anyone in the last seven years. Not since I broke up with Elena. Not one person. I do as I wish, Anastasia. I like my autonomy. I didn't go and see Mrs. Robinson to upset you. I went because every now and then we have dinner. She’s a friend and a business partner.”

I watch to see how this information goes down. I realize she needs some reassurance that I’m not having an affair, I'm not sleeping with another woman. “Yes, we’re business partners. The sex is over between us. It has been for years.”

“Why did your relationship finish?”

Crap. This is not going to sound good. “Her husband found out.”

And beat the shit out of Elena for it. Strange thing was, Elena wouldn’t press charges against him, despite the horrendous injuries he inflicted on her. It was almost as if she welcomed the fact that he’d finally paid her some sort of attention, that he’d noticed she existed. I wanted to kill him, but Elena was adamant that I had to steer clear of him, that there were other ways to get even. So I’m still biding my time, and if the opportunity ever arises I won’t hesitate to cut his balls off – slowly and painfully.

But this is not how I envisaged spending my reunion with Ana – reminiscing about all that old shit.

“Can we talk about this some other time – somewhere more private?”

“I don't think you’ll ever convince me that she’s not some kind of pedophile,” she stubbornly insists.

“I don’t think of her in that way. I never have. Now that’s enough!” I finally snap at her. This is not what I had planned for this evening. Why won’t she just leave it the fuck alone?

“Did you love her?” What?

“How are you two getting on?” We are interrupted by the return of Ana’s mother, and so we hastily sit back in our chairs, trying to act as if everything is perfectly normal between us.

“Fine, Mom,” Ana assures her.

Maybe this was a bad idea, to crash their little drinks party. I decide to cut my losses and head off as soon as I finish my drink. I look over at Ana, and I can just tell that she is still turning all this about Elena over in her mind. Over thinking again. Maybe I should never have told her about any of it, but in my heart I know that it’s best to be upfront and open. 

 Except for the very blackest part. You can’t tell her that. This is me. Fifty shades of screwed up me.

“Well ladies, I shall leave you to your evening.” I’m pleased to see that Ana looks disappointed at my declaration. “Please put these drinks on my tab, room number 612. I’ll call you in the morning, Anastasia. Until tomorrow, Carla.” I’ve dropped a little hint there for Ana, just in case she feels inclined to come and find me later so I can fuck her senseless, but I’m pretty sure I’ve blown things for tonight. And she’s with her mother, for crying out loud. Not a fucking hope in hell, Grey.

“Oh, it’s so nice to hear someone use your full name,” her mother smiles.

“Beautiful name for a beautiful girl,” I agree, much to her mom's obvious pleasure as we shake hands.

Ana stands up and looks at me. I lean down and gently kiss her cheek.

“Laters, baby,” I whisper in her ear. Please? Then I go, determinedly not looking back.

~~~

Back in my suite, I force myself to focus on work. I set up my MacBook, check the status of some contracts, then answer the most pressing emails. Next, I call Ros to get an update on several of the important deals I left with her. Part of the reason for my success is the fact that I’ve built up a strong, dependable team around me, but even so, no matter what is going on in my private life, I always keep my finger on the pulse. Control freak in all areas of my life.

Perhaps it was a mistake to follow Ana out here to Georgia if all we're going to do is row about Elena.  But in the end, I just couldn’t help myself, I was going crazy back in Seattle. It doesn't feel right when she’s so far away from me. Perhaps tomorrow we can start afresh, especially if Taylor has been able to make the arrangements I asked him to.

I’m disturbed by a gentle tapping at the door, so I walk over to open it while I’m still talking to Ros.

To my great surprise, it’s Anastasia. Once I get over the initial shock, I eagerly beckon her in while I continue to discuss work matters with Ros, wanting to get this out of the way so that I’ll be free to concentrate totally on Anastasia.

I’m beyond thrilled by this turn of events. She’s here. With me. Alone in this suite.

I think quickly. I decide to bring forward the plans and preparations I’d made in hopeful anticipation of Ana being happy to see me here.

But I need a few minutes first. As I attempt to wind things up with Ros on my cell, I show Ana the minibar, and indicate that she should help herself.  As long as she’s safely here with me, I don't mind if she’s slightly drunk – she’ll be more relaxed. Then I head towards the bathroom, run the water to fill the bath, and light the candles that I ordered to be placed around the side. I love candle light, it’s so soft and seductive.

I amble back into the main room, all the while still on my cell, as I run through the last few things with Ros. I see that Ana has helped herself to an orange juice, so I hand her a glass and the ice bucket.

“There’s a plot of land here that I'm interested in… I want to see what Georgia will offer if we move in… If their incentives are attractive enough. I think we should consider it, though I’m not sure about the damned heat here… I agree Detroit has its advantages too, and it’s cooler… Why? Get Bill to call tomorrow… Not too early.” I hang up, and turn my full attention to Anastasia.

We stand and look at each other, both unsure of where things stand between us.  

“You didn't answer my question,” she finally murmurs, as she looks deep into my eyes, seemingly searching for something there.

“No, I didn’t,” I reply quietly. Shit, she’s still harping on about Elena.

“No, you didn't answer my question or no, you didn't love her?” she persists.

Love? Elena? That was never part of our arrangement. She thinks love is for fools - stupid, romantic, idealistic idiots. She believes in listening to what your body needs, that only the physical aspects of human desire are real and not imagined. Fucking. Not making love. Nothing else to confuse or contaminate the physical pleasures of the flesh. And she knows every conceivable way to maximize those pleasures, and she taught me each and every one in minute detail. 

As I see the unmistakable look of desire in Ana’s eyes, it occurs to me that maybe all this Elena shit is just an excuse, a reason for her to come and find me. This pleases me. I fucking knew it; she does feel the same pull as me, the sheer magnetism between us.

“What are you doing here, Anastasia?” I ask, feeling a lot happier about things now I’ve worked this out.

“I’ve just told you.” She’s stubborn. She wants her pound of flesh. She wants to hear me say it. So I take a deep breath and come out with the words.

“No. I didn't love her.”  

What is all this fuss about the ‘L’ word anyway? In fact, what is all the fuss about love in general, like all that shit Flynn came out with about me falling in love? Fucked up men like me don't do love. End of. I’ve just developed an infatuation, an obsession that’s caused me to drop everything and fly hundreds of miles on the off chance that this woman will be pleased to see me. 

But at least I can see that Ana has finally relaxed now that I’ve told her that I didn't love Elena. 

So she cares. Really cares.  I feel a warm sensation spreading through me. I put it down to this fucking Georgia heat, the air conditioning must be faulty.

“You’re quite the green-eyed goddess, Anastasia. Who would have thought?” I tease her. But I like it. I like that she is jealous. 

“Are you making fun of me, Mr. Grey?”

“I wouldn’t dare,” I shake my head. 

Oh this is going to be fun, Miss Steele. You want me every bit as much as I want you. We are well matched. Time to get on with things. Time for some much needed fucking.

My cell buzzes, but I switch it off. I know I've dealt with the important things, so the world can just fuck off for now. 

~~~

I think I’m going to get some large mirrors installed in my playroom. I can’t believe this hasn't occurred to me before. It is so erotic watching us in the large mirrors in the bathroom. It’s like I'm a voyeur as well as a participant. I get to see Ana in all her full naked glory from several angles as I touch her, as I watch her reactions to my touch, to her own touch.

I don't care that she’s bleeding, I still want her.  Makes no difference to me if she’s got her period. I'm not squeamish, it’s just another body fluid. Elena taught me all about anal sex, and if you’ve experienced the reality of what that entails, anything else is easy by comparison. 

And I'm glad Ana’s got her period. It means she’s not pregnant. It means she can start taking the pill. And best of all, it means I don't have to use a fucking condom, finally. But under the circumstances, fucking in the bathroom is going to be better than in the bed. I don’t like messy sheets, and I’d rather not have to ring room service to get them changed after we’re done.

I quickly undress Ana, and as I kneel behind her to remove her jeans and panties, I make her gasp when I’m unable to resist softly biting that delicious, perfect ass of hers.

“Look at you. You are so beautiful,” I whisper as I stand up and use her hands entwined with mine to caress her body. “Feel how soft your skin is. Feel how full your breasts are.” All the time, we watch ourselves together in the steamy mirror. It is so incredibly erotic, and I watch her moaning as I tease and play with her sensitive nipples.

I try to get her to carry on caressing and playing with herself while I watch, but she falters, clearly uneasy and lacking in confidence about her body. I don't understand why she doesn't realize how truly beautiful she is. But she’s more than happy to let me continue, which I willingly do. I quickly discard my clothes, and my erection presses up hard against her, as I trail my lips across the soft skin of her shoulders and neck, gently nipping and biting her. God, she feels fantastic. How can I ever get enough of her?

I trail my hand lower to gently tease her, but my need is now so urgent that I don’t linger, instead I spin her round to kiss her deeply and passionately.

The sensible, logical part of my brain is still just about functioning, so I remember to confirm my facts before taking things any further. But we’re all good; she started her period yesterday, she has taken her pill, and she doesn’t have cramps.

“Hold onto the sink,” I order. I pull her hips back, and then reach down to find her tampon cord. One quick pull, then I toss it into the toilet. And now, finally I get to enjoy fucking her properly, with no condom.

I hold onto Ana's hips as she bends over to grip the sink, then ease into her, enjoying the sensation of her stretching to accommodate all of me, all the way, deep inside her, as we both groan from the immense pleasure we feel. I would hardly have believed it possible, but with no condom as a barrier, she feels even more fucking amazing. We fit together perfectly. I can appreciate every tiny little rub and ripple of her hot slickness tightly surrounding and sucking at my cock. This is pure heaven. Heaven for my cock. 

I move slowly until I’m sure she’s okay with this, but when I feel her pushing herself back against me to greedily try and get me buried even deeper inside her, I know I can let go. My need is so desperate, so urgent, that I don’t have much time, so I reach round to stroke her with my finger tip. I quicken the pace as I pound into her, setting a punishing rhythm that she welcomes as tries to grind herself even harder against me. I angle my hips to satisfy her, and that’s enough to send Ana to her climax. I feel her insides magically clenching around my cock, my reward for her climax, my cue to let go, as I clasp her tightly to me in the throes of my orgasm. 

“Oh, Ana! Oh, baby, will I ever get enough of you,” I moan as I release into her. The intensity of my need consumes me, overwhelms me, scares me, thrills me. We sink slowly to the floor, and I keep her on my lap as I curl my arms around her. 

She is mine. Only mine. She belongs to me.

After a few minutes recovering, I suggest we take a bath. As we stand, I see her looking intently at the scars on my chest.  I feel uncomfortable about her scrutiny, and knowing her inquiring mind, I'm not surprised when she starts asking me about them.

"Your scars, they're not from chicken pox," she whispers.

"No, they're not," I snap back. "Don't look at me like that."

I really don't want to talk about this, not here, not now, in fact not ever.

“Did she do that?” she asks.

“She? Mrs. Robinson? She’s not an animal, Anastasia. Of course she didn't. I don't understand why you feel you have to demonize her.”

For fuck’s sake – she doesn't think Elena would seriously do something like that does she? Okay, so maybe she whipped and caned me hard, but she never did anything to scar me permanently. Ana really has an irrational grudge against Elena. Typical illogical female behavior. Maybe because it’s her time of the month? I realize I have evidence of that fact all over my cock. Time for the bath.

Ana walks past and steps down into the foamy water in the sunken bath, then looks up at me.

"I just wonder what you would be like if you hadn't met her. If she hadn't introduced you to your... um, lifestyle."

As I slip down into the steamy hot water to join Anastasia in the bath, I sigh as I realize that Ana is not going to give up. I cast my mind back to those days when I was Elena's sub...

I don’t own any of the Fifty Shades Trilogy or the characters therein. They belong to E L James. I’m just borrowing them for fun and not for profit. Please refer to the Legal’s page for further details. This work is not to be copied or reproduced in any way without permission.