CHAPTER 1 : REMEMBRANCES

I'm cold. Something is digging painfully into my arm and I'm unaccountably groggy. The last thing I remember is Mr. Grey - Christian, I think, he told me to call him Christian - stripping down and oh, oh my, he was seducing me wasn't he? And then, then something shocking, a fall and water and… sharks? Were there sharks?

A hand is grasping mine, I realize. My fingers twitch in response to this realization and I hear someone breathe in.

"Ana," Christian says, "Ana, are you awake? You had quite a nasty tumble."

I crack open my eyes and see Christian gazing down at me.

"Hey there," I croak out. "What happened?"

"You were quite overwhelmed by my advances, it seems. You turned quite the alarming shade of red and just keeled over."

"So… that wasn't just a dream?"

"Afraid not, my dear Ana. Though I can't say that I've ever had someone faint at the sight of me naked before."

I start to blush and get a little woozy.

"I had the strangest dream after I fainted, then. You were shouting about sharks, and um, well, pleasuring yourself."

Christian stares at me silently for an uncomfortable amount of time. He opens his mouth to say something and pauses, looking up. His secretary is peering around the doorframe.

"Oh, you're up! That's good. Christian, the execs at Sci-Fi Original Movies are on the phone and want your opinions on the latest batch of screenplays."

"Tell them to add more sharks."

"Sir, most of them are already predominantly shark themed."

Christian's hand tightens on mine.

"Add more sharks. Just keep adding sharks."

The secretary pauses for a moment and nods. She scurries out without another word leaving me and Christian alone.

"That thing about the sharks … that wasn't a dream either, was it?"

He shakes his head slowly.

"I have certain tastes, Ana. Most people don't understand them and some are disgusted by my habits, but I thought maybe, maybe you were different."

"You've certainly given me a lot to think about."

I move to brush a strand of hair off of my face but my wrist stops short. Very short. I look over and see I've been strapped down to the bed with leather belts. Christian totally has me at his advantage. I move my gaze to his stormy eyes and see something in there - a quick flash of something - raw emotion bubbling underneath the calm exterior he's projecting.

He sees the look in my eyes and suddenly stands up. Leaning over me, our faces inches apart, his breath warm and cinnamon sweet… I breathe deep of him as he nimbly grabs the wrist strap holding me down.

He growls into my ear, "Shit! Sorry, we had to tie you down so you didn't tear out your IV line - and now you're awake there's no need for it. I can't imagine what you thought of me; tied up against your will, without consent. I'm so sorry."

"It's fine. I'm just glad you're aware of the importance of mutual consent in these matters."

We both share a knowing nod.