Fifty Shades After

Chapter 21

Christian POV

I seal the letter and walk out to give it to Taylor. I see Gail working on his face and am curious what the hell happened. "So Taylor who messed your face up"? He looks at me sheepishly, "I was sparing with a partner and got kicked in the face. One of the downfalls to sparing" "Who were you sparing with? Cause you've never even spared with me" "Just a friend". I look at him knowing his is keeping things from me. I want to call him out but I want to wait, and get an explanation later. I know he is not doing this on purpose but it bothers me that he can keep things from me. "Well, maybe I need to spar with this person, if they can get a shot at you, means they are pretty strong". "I will talk to my partner, see if they are up for the challenge, but just so you know they are not a kick boxer, they are studying Krav Maga" Interesting.....wonder who this mystery person is. "Taylor Ana wanted to meet me for lunch this week, and I responded in the letter for tomorrow at noon. At Cafe Flur not far from here, would that be OK"? He looks at his calendar "Noon wouldn't work, she has a standing appointment, how about 2pm"? "I will make it work, call me to confirm for tomorrow" he nods and takes his leave. Standing appointment? Thought she was supposed to be getting well.

Ana POV

I just had a session with Flynn and has agreed to post my letter with his address as the return. He also said he would let me know if I get response from my mom. I shudder hoping this can mend things but am aware it may not. I am relaxing after my busy day...reflecting. As I begin to doze I hear Taylor come in. "Hello Taylor" "Ms Steele, Mr Grey mentioned you wanted to get together for lunch tomorrow.....he asked for noon at a cafe near him home, told him noon wasn't good but 2 would be fine. Was that OK ma'am"? I think about this "Yes its fine. Do you know where the cafe is"? "Yes ma'am" "Then I will let you decide our departure and such". He nods and departs for his quarters. I take the letter Christian has written to my room.

Dearest Ana,

I am so happy to know my words affect you so. Your words do the same to me. I love that you make sure to talk to me at least everyday. I hope wherever you are, you are able to gain the perspective you need to handle this trauma and come home to me. That is something I wanted to talk to you about but as we are not here together, I will ask in a letter. When you feel you are well enough to return.....live with me? Be mine and make my house a home. The moment you left, my house felt empty. Your spirit and happiness livens this house into a home.

As for your job, of course it will be waiting for you. Roach wanted me to inform you that you are being paid for the time you are off, as this injury was done "during a work function". They also want to pay for all of your medical and psychiatric bills. I wanted to discuss this with you but wasn't sure how to broach it. Take the time you need to fully heal, your job will be there. I may feel you don't need to work, but I know you well enough that you want to make your mark on this world.

As for meeting you for lunch, I would love to....I know this little cafe not too far from Escala that is amazing. How would tomorrow about 12p work for you? I will confirm with Taylor before he leaves here today. I am glad you find comfort in my t shirt, I will send another....just so the scent is fresher. I love the idea of you in nothing but my shirt. Makes me start thinking things that your little body isn't ready for.......yet. Until then

Laters baby

Christian xx

I still have my job, I sigh in relief. I reread his words....he wants me to live with him? I am so shocked that I end up dropping the letter. I can't even believe that he wants this...I am not the same girl he met, I am damaged, violated by another. But he wants me still? I bend and get his words and feel happy tears come from my eyes. With everything we have been discussing, I could feel confident saying yes, he is my world, my life, my rock. I don't know how to live without him anymore. I undress put on his t shirt, lay down hugging his words to me. I fall asleep with the biggest smile on my face.