Fifty Shades Bound

Chapter Thirty-Four

As I wrap up the end of my third meeting of the day, I glance at my phone to find 32 missed calls from none other than Christian. Instead of being annoyed, I feel a little guilty because I did run out on him when he was preoccupied with Disco. Then again, he would never have let me leave and work is important to me. I don't want to be one of those bored housewives that do nothing but spend money and gossip. I worked hard through college to get somewhere in life, and I'm finally achieving my goals.

I say goodbye to my team and make my way to my office, needing to grab a few things before going home. Maybe we can go check the progress of our new house today. Elliot called Christian yesterday telling him that everything was going as planned and that they would make the deadline by the time I'm due with the baby, but I wanted to see things for myself.

I put my coat on and arrange my papers and manuscripts into my purse before I hear my phone ring. I can't help but sigh and answer the phone without checking the caller id.

"Christian, is it really necessary for you to keep calling me? I'll be home soon," I tell him, walking down the hall where I see Sawyer waiting by reception.

"Is someone getting needy these days?" A sinister voice responds. 

I stop in my tracks, an action noticed by Sawyer, who lifts an eyebrow in question. I fake a smile and put down the phone, telling him I forgot something in my office. I see doubt flash through his eyes but he quickly hides it with a mere nod. I quickly hurry back to my office and lock the door, bringing the phone back to my ear.

"Who is this?" I ask, trying to keep my voice from shaking.

"Wouldn't you like to know," the voice responds. 

I try to take deep breaths and stay calm for Blip's sake, not wanting to put anymore stress on him or me for that matter.

"What do you want?"

"Well that's quite easy. I want you," he says, snickering. I close my eyes and try to make sense of any of this. It's not Jack because I could never forget his voice. I can feel my eyes bulge as I realize who it is.

"Linc. You're Elena's ex-husband," I say breathlessly, waiting for his reaction. The receiver goes quite and I think he hung up, but then he speaks.

"Bravo, Ana. You figured it out. Just out of curiosity, what has your husband told you about Elena and his relationship? Did he mention that they were still fucking when he had other submissives? Or how she told him she loved him and would leave me for him?"

My heart stops and I feel the blood drain from my face. What is he talking about? Come on, Ana. He's full of shit. He's screwing with your head.

"You're lying," I tell him, trying to sound confident. I hear more snickering before he speaks again.

"You only wish I were. Anyways, this has certainly been an entertaining conversation. No worries though. We'll continue it soon," he says, almost like a promise.

"And what makes you so sure about that?" I question, anger rising up inside me.

"Because Ana, you have questions and I have answers. Do you really think I can't see past your fake confidence? I know much more than you ever will and I'm the only one you can get answers from. I mean, who do you think found out about Christian and Elena's relationship first? Who do you think Christian would go to to talk about women, not knowing I already knew about the woman he was referring to. Me, Anastasia. I know everything."

I feel the tears brim around my eyes and before I realize what I'm doing, I throw the phone against the wall with all my might and watch it shatter. I sink to my knees and begin to softly cry, hugging myself and trying to block out everything Linc said. He's lying, I tell myself over and over again. I don't know how long I stay there, but when I hear an abrupt knock on my door and Sawyer asks if I'm alright, I know I've been in here long enough for suspicion.

"Yes, one second Sawyer," I hear myself call out. I pull myself up from the floor with the help of my desk and wipe at my face, hiding all evidence of crying. Taking a deep breath, I open the door and give Sawyer a wide smile.

"Ready!" I say in a way too high-pitched voice. Sawyer studies me for a second before guiding me through the building and into the car, shutting the door behind me. Once he gets to the drivers side and starts the car, I let out a long breath I didn't realize I was holding. I know Sawyer is smart and can see past my act, but he doesn't say anything, which makes me feel more than grateful.

I must fall asleep at some point on the ride home because when I wake up, I find myself in the arms of Sawyer in the elevator. He notices me waking up and gently places me down, giving me a small smile.

"Sorry ma'am. When we arrived, you were fast asleep and I didn't have the heart to wake you," he says with a small blush. I can't help but laugh and assure him it's fine.

"I appreciate it Sawyer. I'm sure when we walk in, I'll be wishing I was back asleep because Christian will be on my case."

When the elevator doors open to the penthouse, I find Christian standing directly in front of them, arms crossed. I shrink back and let Sawyer walk out rather quickly, leaving me there to deal with my angry husband.

"I believe you have some explaining to do, Mrs. Grey," Christian says, glowering. I take a deep breath and begin explaining myself, telling him why I went to the office and how I had a lot to do. I don't mention the disturbing phone call I received, knowing it would cause more problems.

"Christian just admit it. If I had asked to go to the office, you would have said no! I have a career too, okay? A career that's very important to me. Please try to understand," I beg, stepping out of the elevator and wrapping my arms around his waist. I feel him relax and slowly bring his arms around me in return. He lets out a long sigh before speaking.

"You're right, I'm sorry. I worry about you, and I'll never stop worrying, but I know you love your job and I don't want to get in the way of that. Let's both promise to communicate more though, okay?" He asks, giving me a serious look. I can't help but smile and lean up to give him a quick peck on the lips.

"Okay."

He guides me to the kitchen where Mrs. Jones is hard at work. I can't help but smile when I see the chicken parmesan she's preparing, one of my favorites.

"I hope you're hungry, Mrs. Grey."

"Always, Mrs. Jones," I respond, giving her a bright smile. 

The conversation I had with Linc drifts to the back of my mind as I enjoy dinner with Christian and we talk about the nursery and the new house. He promises we can visit the house soon, but not today because they're using a lot of heavy equipment and doesn't want me in harms way. I decide not to argue with him and continue on about my night, and before I know it, I'm in bed trying to sleep.  As I lay there, I can't help but think back to what Linc said. Is Christian hiding more things from me? I know I told him I didn't want all the details about his relationship with Elena, but what if there are things worth knowing about. 

Hours must pass before I decide to get up to grab a glass of water in the kitchen. I quietly leave the room, not wanting to wake Christian, and wander into the kitchen, filling a cup with water and drinking it quickly. I put the cup in the sink and turn around to find Sawyer sitting in one of the bar stools, staring at me.

"Couldn't sleep?" He asks quietly. I nod my head and lean against the counter. 

"What about you?"

"I have a lot on my mind," he responds, avoiding eye contact. I don't push him to tell me what he's thinking about but when I walk up to him and cover his hand with mine, he looks into my eyes, a little surprised. 

"Well, I'm sure you'll figure things out," I tell him before heading back to my room. As I open the door and prepare to slip back in, I hear him whisper a response that I don't think was meant for me to hear.

"I hope so."