Fifty Shades of Pulp

The Fall 17

Chapter 17

The Fall

It's just after 7:30am. Taylor and I managed to squeeze in a workout at Escala's fitness center, which I hate doing. By the time we finished our circuit there were eight women downstairs. This is why I jog mornings or use the facilities at Grey House but today I have guests and sticking close is important.

It never fails taking about 20 minutes then word get out, catching on like a brushfire, and the place is teeming with women wearing their skimpiest workout ensembles attempting to garner my attention. It so blatantly obvious it's pathetic. Some of the ballsier women try small talk with me.

I just shut them down by giving them my usual cold glare saying "I'm here to workout so leave me the fuck alone."

Having made a few of them over the years cry. Naturally those little tidbits of information were always found as blurbs in the Nooze which only fueled the gay rumors, but I don't give a shit what they think or say about me. Elena always told me. "Christian you need to keep people at arm's length. Men around you are sycophantic Yes Men. They want to use your connections and power to get ahead. And the women are nothing more than gold-digging sluts hoping to mooch off your wealth. The only type of woman that understands and is capable of sating your true nature are submissives and those you keep on a tight-leash."

Shit...I hate it when Elena gets in my head... shaking those thoughts aside.

Walking into the kitchen I see Ben sitting at the island typing on his phone. "Good morning Ben. Hope you slept well."

"G'mornin Christian, yes I slept well thanks. Hope you did as well. Hey, again thank you for seeing after Ana last-night and putting up with us."

"No worries Ben. I'm glad I was here to help. On the topic of Ana, she must be sleeping."

"Maybe so" smiling "she asked that I give her another 10 minutes. Maybe you go up this time and wake her if she doesn't come down in the next few."

Hearing that I immediately want to bolt up stairs. The thought of Ana in bed sleeping is something I want to see.

Offering Ben some coffee. "Um, Ben there's something you should be aware of."

I see Ben bristle putting down his phone giving me his undivided attention. "It's not about Billy."

visibly relaxing "Sure Christian what's up?"

"There's a blurb about me, well us in the Nooze."

Ben, cocking his head giving me this 'what the hell are you talking about' look "Christian are you telling me that you and I were snapped together?" chuckling "So guess the gossip is you and I are a loooovvers?"

nodding "Yes, there are a couple of photos of us standing at the bar talking and we're looking rather chummy with the implied comment. Thought you needed to know just in case Abel sees it and has questions."

"Well thanks for the heads-up but he knows you're not gay, if that's what you're worried about. Abel knows you're a breeder." raising his eyebrow while smirking "You know Christian despite what they say about you in the rags... I think you're an upstanding chap."

I can't help smiling at Ben.

Breeder:

Jesus, this guy doesn't stops.

Sure, it can meant as in insult though Ben being Ben, it's all tongue & cheek. He's such a the smart-ass. I like him.

After a few minutes of chit chat, Ben seems unfazed by the Nooze's item, only asking if by chance his name appeared on it. When I said no. He smiled saying