Chapter 42 - Communicating



I’ve taken on board Flynn’s advice about communicating more effectively with Anastasia, so that evening, as we sit down together to eat the meal that Mrs. Jones has prepared for us, I tell her what I've been involved with at work today. 

I explain about the solar-powered cell phone my company has been working on, which I think has fantastic potential to help those in less developed countries that inevitably have unreliable power supplies. 

Ana listens intently as I talk, and then questions me about the vision I have for its development. It means a lot to me that she is so interested, that she wants to learn more about something that I care so passionately about. 

It seems that we share the same values about projects such as these, that can make such a difference to the more deprived areas of the globe, and that fact makes me love her even more. Not just the amazing sex you share, is it Grey? She really is a special woman. One in a million. A trillion. No, she is totally unique actually. You must never let her go. Ever. 

For some reason Ana seems relieved that I only have three properties – New York, Aspen and Escala. I also have my eye on the potential acquisition of the property overlooking the sound, but I’m not saying anything about that yet, as it may come to nothing.
Anastasia clearly still has some adjustments to make to get used to my kind of lifestyle, as she automatically starts clearing up once we’ve finished our meal, forgetting that I have staff to deal with all that. 

“Leave that. Gail will do it,” I remind her, so she reluctantly leaves the plates in the sink. 

“Well, now that you are more docile, Miss Steele, shall we talk about today?” 

“I think you’re the one who’s more docile. I think I'm doing a good job in taming you.” 

“Taming me?” I snort with derision. Well, not exactly the Dominant these days, are you Grey? “Yes, maybe you are, Anastasia,” I admit. 

“You were right about Jack,” she quietly concedes. 

I feel my blood run cold. I fucking knew it. I knew he was a sleazeball. What the fuck has he done to make her see him for what he really is? 

“Has he tried anything?” 

I’ll fucking kill him if he has. But not until I've beaten him to a pulp first. I can feel my temper about to explode and I know I could easily lose control, the way I used to when I was a teenager. But I work hard to contain my rage, and try to establish some facts first. 
Ana shakes her head. 

“No, and he won’t Christian. I told him today that I'm your girlfriend, and he backed right off.” 

That might be what she innocently believes, but I still don’t trust him one iota. 

“You’re sure? I could fire the fucker.” 

If that ass hole’s been hitting on Ana, he’s history, and I don’t fucking care what the legal implications of breaking the terms of his contract are – let him sue. 

But Ana is adamant that she can deal with him, that I have to let her fight her own battles and not stifle her. Remembering Flynn’s advice from this afternoon’s session, I listen and try to take account of her feelings and wishes, but it still takes all my resolve not to insist that either she leaves the job, or that I’m getting Hyde fired. 

She comes round and stands between my legs as I sit at the breakfast bar. She pulls my arms around her and then rests her hands on my arms, and I begin to feel a little calmer because of her touch, this close contact between us. 

“I don’t need you charging in like a white knight to save the day,” she tries to reassure me. Trust me, baby, I’m definitely the dark knight, the thoughts I'm having about what I’d like to do to Hyde. 
“You have to learn to let go. And if you can do that – give me that – I’ll move in with you,” she whispers, as she tenderly strokes my face. 

“You’d do that?” 

“Yes.” 

“But you don’t know me.” Because if you did, if you knew the whole sickening truth about me, trust me, you’d run. 

“I know you well enough, Christian. Nothing you tell me about yourself will frighten me away.” You really don’t know what you’re talking about, sweet girl. “But if you could just ease up on me.” 

Flynn’s words come back to me. ‘She’s clearly an intelligent woman, so explain to her more effectively why you have concerns about her safety’ 

“I'm trying, Anastasia. I couldn’t just stand by and let you go to New York with that… sleazeball. He has an alarming reputation. None of his assistants have lasted more than three months, and they’re never retained by the company. I don’t want that for you, baby. I don’t want anything to happen to you. You being hurt… the thought fills me with dread. I can't promise not to interfere, not if I think you’ll come to harm.” 

I know what I want to say next, what I need to say. It’s hard, but I take a deep breath. 

“I love you, Anastasia. I will do everything in my power to protect you. I cannot imagine my life without you.” 

Ana stares at me. Then a wonderful smile spreads across her face, as she gazes into my eyes. Her eyes are shining with unspoken emotion. 

“I love you too, Christian,” she whispers, then leans over to kiss me. It’s a special, perfect moment between us. 

The first time I’ve said those words to her. 

I. Love.You. 

But the moment is disturbed by Taylor discreetly clearing his throat, trying to get my attention and looking distinctly uncomfortable about it. Christ knows how long he’s been standing there waiting for the right moment. 

“Yes?” I bark at him, knowing he must have a good reason to interrupt. 

“Mrs. Lincoln is on her way up, sir.” 

“What?” 

Taylor shrugs apologetically. What the fuck can Elena possibly want now? I sigh as I shake my head. Of course she had to turn up just at the precise moment when things were developing nicely between Ana and me, before I've even had the chance to get my head around the fact that she’s agreed to move in with me. 

“Well, this should be interesting,” I mutter, knowing how Ana can't stand Elena. But I resign myself to dealing with the fallout from the woman of my past meeting up with the woman who is my present and hopefully my future too. 

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. 




67 comments:

  1. You enjoy you're time away and thanks for keeping us addicted to your writing! Safe travels
    maria.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Another great read, looking forward to the updates. Travel well :)
    Bronny (New Zealand)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Brilliant... ツ
    Be safe, enjoy your trip...

    ReplyDelete
  4. Awesome as usual. So sweet of you to have come up with a plan while you are away to keep us happy. Thank you. Happy, safe travels.
    Mal NZ

    ReplyDelete
  5. Short but sweet. Have a good holiday return refreshed and revitalised for the story ahead. So looking forward to your future blogs.

    ReplyDelete
  6. short but still awesome as usual.

    happy trip and take care

    Judy Aussie

    ReplyDelete
  7. Loved it, thank you!! Have a safe trip and look forward to reading more.

    ReplyDelete
  8. It was amazing as always. I love, when I get mail from "Christian Grey" lol. First time I got the blog mail I was all kinds of confused and shocked. Now I am so looking forward to it.
    Thank you for this lovely update and arranging further updates.
    Have lots of fun on your trip and stay safe.
    ~Selena

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thankyou for the amazing chapters and also your thoughtfullness in keeping us addicts up to date even while your away have a great break and enjoy yourself and i for one will be eagerly waiting your return safely :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ay dios me dejaste con ansia de leer mas esto no se hace buahhh espero que llegue pronto el viernes!! muchisimas gracias por compartir con nosotr@s tus capitulos que son buenisimos y nos hace extrañar menos a Grey!! gracias desde España.

    ReplyDelete
  11. thank you for another wonderful chapter have a great holiday with your family take care big hugs xxx

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thank you for being you. Without you the Greysessed fans would be in complete and utter darkness. What is it Christian says to Ana? I believe it is "the sun has set and has not risen". Well my sun rose when you started writing. You intellegantly fill in the blanks to what Christian is thinking. Never leaving a stone unturned. My favorite chapters have to be Purgatory 26 & 27. You dug deep there. I look forward to reading what comes next. Enjoy your time away and may it treat you kindly. Much love and gratitude.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks :) I love writing my blog just as much as everyone seems to like reading it, so no doubt I will be itching to get back to it after a couple of weeks away :)

      Delete
  13. Wonderful last two chapters. loved them! wishing you safe travels.and enjoy your time in the states. huge fan from Oregon. Looking forward to Fridays. Chelsey <3

    ReplyDelete
  14. Sweet n short one...and still more to come while you away...amazing....have a good one...cheers ...greetings from Melbourne!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Another great chapter...they always leave me wanting more. Safe travels and can't wait for the next amazing chapter.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Safe travel! You r so thoughtful to see to it that CG diehards still get our fix while you r on holiday. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sweet and short but satisfying. Have fun. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Have fun Sir and we will be waiting as always. I cant get enough of this

    ReplyDelete
  19. i just noticed you added a new chapter....omgoodness...i am only on chapter 20....lol...thank you so much for this..YOU ARE AWESOME!!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thanks again! The last two chapters were amazing, as usual. I'm falling in love with Dr. Flynn. He is not only a therapist for Christian but also a friend. Hope you have a wonderful time on your vacation. Take a break from writing because there is so much more for you to cover. Can't wait until you get into Book 3, so many possibilities for you to explore. I always felt that EL James short-changed us in that book. I felt she rushed through it, leaving out a lot.
    Thanks for leaving us something to look forward to while you are away.
    Safe travels & have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Out of the three FSOG blogs I follow, yours is the only one that has consistent updates. You never disappoint!! Have a wonderful and restful holiday and arrive safely. Love, love.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I haven't read the chapter yet, but even short it will be good. Have fun in the US, and this will definitely keep us from rioting. Be safe and enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Even short, that was a great chapter. Christian telling Ana he loves her just sent goose bumps through my body. I have read it in the book a bunch of times and it still has the same affect on me whether I am reading from Ana's POV or Christian's POV. Love is great!

    ReplyDelete
  24. When I finished the trilogy (ok, for the 6th time...lol) I was lost with that "what am I going to do now without these two characters who I feel have become people I know??" Then I found your blog, Ive told you before, and this wont be the last either, you are an amazing and gifted writer, you give me the "more" that I so badly need and I love every bit! Good luck, please take care of you! So many have a special need for you and your gift you are providing to all of us! Cheers! Cant wait for the next post =)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thanks for thinking of your fans. :-) I really enjoyed this short chapter, and I wish you a great trip!
    B.in NYC

    ReplyDelete
  26. Very nice, sweet surprise on Friday morning. Have a safe and sound trip to the U.S. Interesting that you'll be here on Election Day. I certainly hope that this being the case, you don't have any less respect and enjoyment while visiting.

    Looking forward to next Friday's installment.

    Bethann

    ReplyDelete
  27. Another great chapter. Especially when Christian tells Ana that he loves her. Looking forward to the "short" chapters upcoming. Have a safe journey and thank you for remembering all of your fans. Stay safe.

    ReplyDelete
  28. thank you for another great chapter.

    Enjoy you trip

    ReplyDelete
  29. Enjoy your time away!! Thank you so much for the automatic updates...it is so awesome for your fans!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love the kitchen scene! it's so sweet and intimate.I will not ever get tired of thanking you for giving a voice to the thoughts of Christian.Have fun

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thank you so much for this chapter! Living in NJ, USA - just got my internet/phone/TV back last night from Hurricane Sandy (and we're one of the lucky ones) - I really appreciate your giving a voice to Christian and sharing with us. I hope your vacation is filled with some much needed R&R!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thank for for a great chapter, even if it was shorter. I got my "Christian" fix thanks to your beautiful writing.. Safe travels to where ever you're off to.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Once again, very nice read.....can't wait for the next few chapters!!! Enjoy your trip and have fun!!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. thanks again for a good read , have a good rest and hurry back all fresh hope you havnt sufferred too much with the hurricane and bad weather.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Master Grey lives in England ;p

      Delete
  36. Enjoy your day off sometimes we forgot that u have your own life hahahaha but we are obsseed with your writing have fun!!! and we´ll wait for your next update

    Greetings from México

    Móny :D

    ReplyDelete
  37. I read your fanfiction last weekend and found my way to your blog. I was able to catch up right before today's post. You are doing a great job capturing Christian's essence! Congratulations and safe travels.

    Valerie

    ReplyDelete
  38. Another amazing chapter as always doll! Loved it! I cannot wait to read Christians POV of the encounter with Elena! Exciting! Have a great and safe trip!<3

    ReplyDelete
  39. Looking forward to Fridays...as always well done! Wishing all goes well for you while you are away..Thank you for making my day once again!

    Lisa x

    ReplyDelete
  40. Enjoy your time off, It will be hard but I am sure we will live...lol..

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thanks for the update it made my Friday complete.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I hope you have a great time away!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Have a great trip!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Thanks again for a chapter to end our Friday with :)

    Arizona is still perfect a lil warmer than it should be in November, but not unbareable. High 80s in the day and 50s at night. Hope u enjoy :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Oh no...I am so addicted..hope you have a great vacation...can't wait until your next blog

    ReplyDelete
  46. Oh you are going to AZ..it is wonderful there..absolutely beautiful..you will have a fantabulous time...!!!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hope you have a wonderful hoilday......
    Thank you for leaving us with some small chapters while you're gone......
    Take Care and enjoy........

    ReplyDelete
  48. Short but sweet and wonderful like always. Please enjoy her vacation. Your loving and caring for us is noticed. Your fans will be here waiting for you. Hope you have time to think or write you own book.
    Kim

    ReplyDelete
  49. Looking forwardnto next Friday...as always Thank You!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Your so thoughtful! Have an enjoyable break away :)and like all the rest thank you for another wonderful chapter!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Well written as ever even if you only write a sentence a week it will be worth waiting for and reading have a safe journey you're proof reading sub heather xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  52. Please don't stop, please don't stop - I'm begging you!

    Just found this blog and I LOVE it! LOVE it! LOVE it! Love the male POV and all the testeron. Am a subscriber now. Continue the great work, pls pls pls! :)

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thank you so much for writing this story. You are doing an amazing job.:-)

    ReplyDelete
  54. No grumbling!!! Just again wanted to tell you to keep up the great work!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Love everything that you share with us..Have fun while your away :)

    ReplyDelete
  56. Please enjoy your vacation! I am in the Jersey Shore of NJ and just got power enough to read where I left off! I was itching for one week! I might just start from the beginning again and that will leave me with enough time. I can never get enough of Christian and Ana (read trilogy 3 times!). SO like I said, please enjoy your time and give thanks for life, it is so precious. All the best!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Phenomenonal! And I am referring to all of your chapters. I could comment on them all. I absolutely love your writing and you have captured the characters perfectly!! I have even found myself truly laughing out loud at many things, particularly Christian's inner voice, love it! Thank you for feeding my addiction, accurate to call it that. :) I have never reacted to characters like this before. Do you have other blogs, writing, or books? Enjoy your time in the States!

    ReplyDelete
  58. i hope you are enjoying your vacation as much as all of us here and enjoying your awesome creativity.... another great chapter....

    ReplyDelete
  59. I was reading Christian Grey POV from another author and accidentally found your work. Your writing is awesome, thank you! Hope you have a good vacation!

    ReplyDelete
  60. I absolutely love you "Christian POV" I can't get enough of it! (:

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Be sure I read each and every one, even if I don't always reply individually.