After Ana leaves Christian when he spanks her too hard (aka end of the first book). Ana has since distanced herself as best as she can from him and the story is set a year later. Written mostly in Ana's POV and possibly Christian's later on… WARNING: expect Lemons. And the first chapter I'm just laying the setting of the story… it's going to get good soon! Just bear with the sadness. I think it's really important for understanding Ana's state of mind for later. Also the first chapter focuses mainly on Ana but bear with me. Christian is definitely a BIG part of the story!

Manchester

"You can't love me, Ana. No… That's wrong" Christian gasps horror etched in his face. My heart breaks as I listen to the dismay in his voice after my confession. How could I have been so stupid to fall for this gorgeous man? He who had warned me from the start that he wasn't good for me… and yet here I stand hoping against all hope that he'll change his mind like he always does in a second and reciprocate his love for me… I wait… my heart thumps loudly in my ears… "Wrong?" I whisper, the hurt evident in my voice. "Why's it wrong?" I ask as I will him to see things my way… His horror struck face turns to one of complete anguish. "Well look at you. I can't make you happy." His answer strikes me dumb for a moment. What's he talking about? "But you do make me happy" I reply mirroring the shouting from my inner goddess in my head. What do I have to do to make him understand? "Not at the moment, not doing what I do," he replies quietly with a ring of finality. I search his beautiful gray eyes for his meaning and I see his defeat, his resignation. My scalp prickles with fear…

"CHRISTIANNNNNNN!" I shout immediately bolting upright in my bed drenched in sweat. I sob escapes my chest as I realized I was reliving that day in my dreams again. I sigh and slip out under my covers and into my silk robe. I shuffle over to the kitchen and put the kettle on. Surviving on less than 4 hours of sleep in tough. When will these nightmares end? I wonder for the millionth time in frustration. It's been a year and I've moved on in every other way except the dreams haunt me, reminding me of the reason I left Seattle. I had to get out of there. I couldn't stay in the same state as Christian with his stalker tendencies. One look from those cool gray eyes of his and I know I would've gone crawling back, so I left. Well… Fled is more like it.

I didn't trust myself with him, so I left within hours of leaving Escala to crash with Jose. I drove all night in Kate's car crying every mile of the way. When I was an hour away I ran out of tears. Needing to feel the anguish I turned on Kate's iPod still docked to her breakup playlist. The sad melodies and angry words replaced my desire to sob. Jose was really nice when I arrived, not asking me anything about my red puffy eyes and showed me to his room before making his way to the makeshift bed on his couch. That night I let myself feel every emotion and by morning I made a small promise to myself to never let myself feel that much pain again. I figured I couldn't even stay in the same country as him so I looked for internships abroad in publishing, journalism anything that would require me to write.

After two weeks of applying (and being holed up in Jose's apartment as I refused to step outside in fear one of Christian's many friends spots me and tells him where I am for him to force me back home or change my mind about leaving) I finally got an unpaid internship in Manchester with the possibility of a full time position subject to performance for a small but up-and-coming publishing firm. I was desperate to get out of the country and what more a chance to go to England no less! I cashed in the check Christian gave me for my car and booked the one-way ticket across the Atlantic. I could survive on my savings and what money I had left from the check. So what if I go hungry a few days I think to myself, smirking as I see Christian's eyes bulge if I ever told him that in his face – NO! You mustn't think about him. Its over… he's out of your life! my subconscious yells.

And that's how I ended up here in my now big apartment in Manchester I muse to myself as I slowly sift through my past. The whistle from the kettle snaps me out of my travel back in time and I make myself a nice cup of tea as I sink into my couch. A few months of throwing myself into work really paid off as I climbed up the ranks from a lowly unpaid assistant and made it to a five figure earning chief editor in about a year. I head to the sink to wash my teacup and decide to go for a run on the treadmill to vent some frustration of not being able to sleep. Perhaps exhausting myself will allow me to succumb to some much needed dreamless sleep. An hour and a half later I sink into my bed and fall asleep quickly

When I awake it's the middle of the afternoon and panic hits for a moment thinking I've overslept big time. I fumble for my blackberry and am assured that it's a Saturday. I sigh and check my email.

To: Anastasia Steele

Subject: I can't wait for…

From: Daniel Wright

…tonight baby. Looking forward to having a wonderful evening with you, as always. Pick you up at 7? Reservations at Michael Caines at Abode at 8.

Dan x
President, Wright's Publishing

I smile at the email from Dan. Daniel is the founder and owner of Wright's Publishing, my boss and my… boyfriend? I don't really know. We've been dating for a few months now but nothing really serious. I mean it started innocently enough with late night talking over Chinese takeaway while rushing out finalized manuscripts. Dan's a really hands on boss preferring to edit books while multitasking his other responsibilities as an owner of a now very successful publishing firm. Of course he can't do as many books as his hired editors but it's nice that he doesn't feel he's above everyone just because he's the owner. It's also the reason why I help out with his book projects as chief editor and was why we really bonded over those late nights. Tonight we're celebrating the very successful launch of his latest book project which shows a lot of promise in landing the number one spot in the New York Times best sellers list where it currently resides in number 9.

To: Daniel Wright

Subject: RE: I can't wait for…

From: Anastasia Steele

… Our celebratory dinner tonight either Dan! You really deserve it! 7 is fine. I'll be sure to wear something appropriate that befits both the classy restaurant and the celebratory nature of the evening ;)

Ana x
Chief Editor, Wright's Publishing

I send the email with a wicked grin knowing exactly what I'm going to wear and his reaction to it. I check the time and it's now 5pm! Better start getting dressed! I take a hot bath and feel all the tension from this morning melt away as slowly but meticulously exfoliate my skin. Luckily I had waxed all important areas the day before so I just concentrate on washing my hair with my lavender scented shampoo. As soon as I'm satisfied that every inch of me that was tainted by the memories of that day has been washed away I carefully step out of the now lukewarm water and dry myself. I curl my hair in loose long curls that fall all over my breasts and go put on my underwear. I slip on my black lace bra and matching panties both of which are translucent and I know when he sees them it'll drive him wild. I smirk at the thought.

Before with Christian, I was always unsure of myself, never confident but now… I know I look good and know exactly what to do to make a guy lust after me. I guess experience and maturity is what I gained in my time apart from Christian. I'm bolder and more assured with actions. I slip on my figure-hugging dark red Gucci dress that comes 3 inches above my knees and a pretty low neckline that manages to show off cleavage but not too much. I pair them with matching high heels and put on my makeup. It doesn't take very long as I like to keep it natural and just accentuate my features. When I'm done I take a look at myself in my full length mirror and am taken aback by how hot I look. I don't know if I'll ever get used to sexy Ana. I check my blackberry and see a text from Daniel.

| Coming to pick you up in 15. Can't wait to see you babe! X|

I keep the jewelry simple with a bracelet and some rings to keep things a little edgy. I'm still only 23! I should get to live a little! As I fuss over my hair the doorbell rings. Always early… I open the door and see Dan dressed all in black with a gray shirt. Man does he look sexy for a 28 year old, with his boyish grin, windswept dark brown hair and a shade of stubble running down his cheek. He holds a bouquet of tulips, my favorite flowers and leans over the kiss me on the cheek. Always the gentleman. As he leans in, his stubble grazes my cheek and a soft but urgent growl escapes his lips from somewhere deep within. "I truly am a lucky man Ms. Steele," he whispers as he kisses my cheek. I blush pink patting myself on the back for choosing the right dress. He hands me the bouquet and I find a vase to put them in. He patiently waits as I fill the vase with water. As soon as I'm done he holds out his hand for me to take and whisks me to his Chevrolet Corvette convertible. We arrive at the restaurant and it's gorgeous. After we order our mains and wine, Dan slips his hand on top of mine which is on the table.

"Ana I just want to thank you for helping me with this latest book. Without you I would not be here, and I don't just mean number 9 on the best sellers list."I look at him quizzically. A small frown playing on my features. Dan sighs and continues.

"I have been so happy these past few months. I enjoyed working closely with you…" A small smile plays on his lips as he recalls our lovemaking way into the night after we finished working. "… and you've made me a really happy man Ana. I didn't realize what was missing in my life until you came in and pointed it out to me with your infectious giggles, quick wit and amazing intellect. It isn't just about the sex Anastasia. It's you. I can't help but feel I'm really falling head over heels for you. And I know you don't want to rush into anything and I don't either. I just want to be with you all the time, not just late nights in the office. I want more with you" he concludes, his eyes shining with passion and sincerity. There's that word again… more… but I push all thoughts of Christian from my mind. Here's a man I could really be with. He's smart, funny, makes me laugh and truly cares for me. Christian may have been my first love but Dan… He's right for me, and I him.

"Ana? Say something…" And I realize that I've been stuck in my head again. A big grin spreads across my face. His smile quickly follows. "I want more with you too Dan" I say looking up at him through my eyelashes his hand still gripping mine with his passion. And out of nowhere Dan stands up and quickly kneels in front of me as he takes my face in his strong capable hands and kisses me with all the passion that he showed in his green eyes a few moments ago. I'm completely taken aback by his public display of affection and the fierceness of his kiss. I could sense his urgency and yet at the same time his affection for me. His lips both hard and soft at the same time displaying both his desire to have me now and yet also showing me how much he cares for me. I've never been kissed like that and quickly the shock washes away and I reciprocate holding his hands that are still holding my face.

He draws me nearer to him as he deepens the kiss and my hands roam down his arms to his shoulders and then around his neck while his make their make around my waist and we both pull each other so close that we are completely pressed against each other. He reluctantly pulls away and our foreheads are pressed against one another as we pant heavily with desire and gaze into each other's eyes. I didn't even know we had stood up and soon we realized that we weren't the only ones in the room. Everyone was staring at us and Dan coolly took my hand and seated me down in front of him again. My face still flushed from the realization that everyone witnessed our very passionate kiss when our food came. We eat quietly and when everyone's eyes have reverted back to their food and company I look up at Dan. He's beaming. I've never seen him so happy before. We chatted about work and books and music all the while Dan exudes happiness and after a while I realized I was exuding happiness too. After finishing up our meal, he drives me back to my place and the sexual tension in the car is insane.

As soon as he drops me off I invite him in for 'coffee' which neither of us drinks. I smiled coyly at him and he nods before closing the door behind him. As soon as the door shuts, he grabs my hand, spins me around so I faced him and kisses me, backing me into the wall. I moan with desire, run my hands down his perfect abs and begin to under do the buttons of his shirt before pushing it off him. I wrap my arms tightly around his neck pushing us closer together so my breasts press up against his perfect chest as he undoes my dress zipper. He slowly peels the dress from me before letting it drop to the floor. His breathing hitches when he reveals the black lace underwear and suddenly his desire doubles. His hands swiftly undo my bra clasp and he takes off my bra before running his hands down to my bottom, squeezes it and lifts me up. My legs wrap automatically around his waist, his groin rubbing against mine as he walks to my bedroom.

The friction is driving me wild with desire and I moan softy into his ear as I suck on his earlobe. My arousal clearly turns him on further as I feel his erection twitch against me in anticipation. He throws me on the bed and quickly takes off his shoes, socks, pants and finally his boxers unveiling himself fully. Wasting no time he parts my legs and holding onto my right foot kisses me from my instep and up my thigh. I moan with anticipation and Dan smirks. He continues kissing me completely bypassing my eagerly waiting sex and I buck my hips in protest. "Patience baby… patience" Dan whispers as he nuzzles against my right breast. He sucks my nipple teasing it to erection while playing with my other nipple as his erection teases my entrance. The sensations are overwhelming and I moan loudly.

"Daniel… Please Daniel…." I moan into his ear. He chuckles against my breast and looks up into my eyes. "Anything for you Ms. Steele. You've made me a very happy man" he whispers as his nose caresses my cheek. "I can see that Mr. Wright" my smirk quickly followed by a wicked grin. Dan growls into my neck "you don't know the half of it" he says before he thrusts hard into me filling me completely and I cry out in complete shock. He bites down on the soft flesh of my neck as he forcefully thrusts into me once more. The mix of pain and pleasure from the bite and hard thrusts has me close to the edge. I cry out his name as Dan continues, keeping up a relentless pace clearly knowing I'm close to ecstasy.

"Daniel…" I scream. "I'm close… I'm so close" I manage before I completely unravel beneath him. Two more thrusts and he's joined me in ecstasy. As he climbs down his high, his head lying on my chest both of us drenched in sweat, he whispers "You're amazing Ana.." I barely hear him as I descend down my own high. We lay there for what seems like forever before Daniel props himself up on his elbows and whispers seductively "I do believe we need a shower Ms. Steele." I grin and that's all the confirmation he needs. He picks me up and carries me purposefully to the bathroom

Seattle

As my fingers skim over the black and white keys of my grand piano and a powerfully sad melody fills the apartment I hear a faint beep from my blackberry in the background. Must be another email I think to myself. Nevertheless I stop playing and saunter over to my blackberry and open the email. It's a Google alert. That's strange. I don't recall signing up for any. As I scan it I quickly see it's an article about Ana. I forgot I had signed up for it soon after Ana left… me my heart aches as I complete that painful sentence. I assumed that she had fallen off the radar and didn't want to be found not that I could find her. No! It's been a year. She doesn't affect me anymore! I try to convince myself. But I still found myself clicking the link to the video.

"Daniel Wright president of the Wright Publishing was seen in a heated embrace with a beautiful young lady in Manchester's posh restaurant Michael Caines at Abode. The two were seen arriving together in Wright's Corvette. Wright's Publishing has emerged as a strong competitor in the publishing industry not just in the UK but also in America. Soon after being seated, they were witnessed in a heated embrace that lasted a couple of minutes. "We were eating dinner and suddenly Mr. Wright knelt in front of his lady before kissing her passionately" an eyewitness recounts. "Soon they were both standing still kissing wrapped up in each other forgetting the world existed." This has led to some speculation that Mr. Wright proposed to his special lady friend. However this has neither been confirmed nor denied. However the question on everyone's minds is who that stunning young lady is. Sources close to Mr. Wright confirm that she's none other than Anastasia Steele, his young American Chief Editor. That's right, she works for him. Well whether it's a proposal or something else, it looks like Mr. Wright found Mrs. Right"

A low but angry growl escapes from deep within and all I see is red. I hit the speed dial and wait for an answer. "Welch..." I spit out. "Get me everything on one Mr. Daniel Wright of Wright Publishing" I bark before hanging up the phone. Who does he think he is…?