Caged Butterfly

I wrote a slightly different take on the interview scene. I'm hoping that I've captured a less bashful but more assertive Ana here. Christian is his same beautiful, sultry, tortured self. I'm not using a beta so forgive any errors you might read. Hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Fifty Shades of Grey.

Ana

I squirm in my seat, utterly shocked that I muttered such a stupid question out of my mouth. Are you gay? Damn you Kate! Really? Who asks such a question? But what I'm really wondering is why I didn't review Kate's questions in the first place, before my meeting with Christian Grey. Correction, Damn you Ana for being ill prepared!

He scowls and bluntly answers the question, obviously enjoying my mortified expression from the smirk he's now given me, and I deserve it. It's clear I'm annoying him by asking such ridiculous and mundane questions but I get this feeling I'm also amusing him in some way, perhaps by nervousness or my complete lack of preparation for this interview. This ordeal has left my self-conscious dangling in the wind, while his is confident and head strong. Something he must get a rise out of no doubt, since he's now wiped the smirk off his face and is looking at me in a condescending way. But who wouldn't be self-conscious around this man? He's gorgeous and knows it.

"I'm sorry, um, it's written here," I apologize softly, and subconsciously bite down on my bottom lip. I find myself quickly confessing to him that I've been drafted for the interview and didn't volunteer for the job, which seems to shed some light on my lack of professionalism to him. His mood shifts, as if all is forgiven, and suddenly he's carrying on about the internship program with his company and that I should look into it. I thank him of course but decline his offer, which now has left him glaring at me. Ooops! I've done it again and pissed him off with my answer.

I almost want to break out in a nervous laugh from the ups and downs this interview has gone through but I hold my tongue for Kate's sake so I can finish the interview. At first he seemed inconvenienced by the interview but quickly showed some sign of warming up to me, but then became annoyed (by my unintentional snide response or two from his answers), which then turned to being intrigued (for which I'm still unclear of), and then back to being annoyed again from my latest questioning of his sexual orientation. At one point when I asked him what his interests were outside of work, his look darkened, and then gazed at me like I was suddenly desert on the menu. I couldn't help but think I appeared as a piece of red velvet cake sitting before him, blushing from embarrassment by his cryptic answer. I have varied interests, Ms. Steele…varied interests.

I fumble through my questions again to make sure I haven't missed anything and notice that an awkward silence is growing between us. I start fanning myself and wondering if someone's turned up the heat in the room, because I've gone from mildly warm to smoking hot in an instant. I finally look up at him and my breath hitches when he's staring at me amused again, patiently waiting for me to continue. It appears he enjoys seeing my ineptness unfold before him.

I've got to shut this interview down and make my exit as eloquently as I can, regrettably, with my two left feet leading the way, because there's no way I can take much more of this. I just pray I don't fall on my backside when I exit, but if I have to crawl out of here with what little dignity I have dragging behind me, then so be it. Exit Stage Left, my subconscious hollers at me over her shoulder, who's already left the room.

I shift and move forward to grab the recorder on the table but stop when I realize things have heated up…, down there. Is it my imagination or do my panties feel soaked? Shit – they're soaked!

Looking over at him, I'm mortified that I'm as transparent as the air around me on how my body's reacting from being in this man's presence. He's eyeing me closely, with a hint of a smile on his face, as if he knows what's going on… down there, but I shake it off. There's no way in hell he knows that.

I hate being so transparent when it comes to interacting with the opposite sex who are extremely attractive but if there's even an iota of sexual tension surfacing between us, then I go squirming like a worm on a hook. To help build my confidence, Kate's been giving me a variety of pointers on men, which has her special touch on flirting, to giving them the brush off, which she's merciless at both. But darn it to hell if I'm drawing a blank on any of her tips and tricks, and the one I'm digging for is how not to make a fool of myself in the presence of a handsome billionaire. Fearing that I appear to look like a deer in the headlights, I clear my throat, and look back down at my questions.

We both look up at the door and to my relief his assistant Andrea has stepped in the room, reminding him of his next appointment. Thankfully his new-found annoyance is now being directed to her. After what seems like a mild tongue lashing for interrupting him, mind you – she was only doing her job, she quickly exits the room leaving me once again alone in the lion's den with the hungry lion sitting across from me.

"Where were we?" he asks, his tone almost sounding as if he's growling out the question. "Oh, that's right, I was going to ask you a question."

"Me?" I ask shyly and a little too quickly, not wanting the attention directed my way.

"You've asked me questions - I think it's only fair I can ask you one."

I brace myself for what's he's about to ask.…"Ok"

He taps his fingers on his knees, which are slightly spread apart, contemplating his question while not breaking eye contact with me but I believe he knows exactly what he wants to ask. "What is it that you do Miss Steele when you're…chilling?"

I grunt a soft nervous laugh, pause, swallow, and then look down at my hands, thinking about his question, which is the same one I asked him earlier.

"I uh…also have varied interests," I look at him again, when I emphasize varied, and he arches an eye brow. "Well, I love reading, and hiking, and traveling – which is basically to see my mother, ummm…. dancing, and taking long strolls on the beach - " I threw that last one in as a joke to lighten the mood but he's still staring at me with that damn raised eye brow, "Oh - and going to the theater, and... I guess cooking...yeah, I like to cook." I clear my throat, wishing I could come up with more exciting activities that really don't fill up my days. "But I don't get to have as much fun these days, you know...while I'm finishing up with school." I finish my response with a shrug, and from the impassive expression on his face, I can't help but think he looks disappointed with my dull life.

"Interesting," he responds coolly.

Yep, the man thinks I'm dull alright. I look down at my watch, knowing now is good enough time than ever to wrap things up, but I still for a moment when a few of Kate's 'man' tips cross my mind. I immediately decide I'm not going to leave his office with my tail between my legs but soar out of there with my wings spread wide. Well, not too wide, so as not to make a scene but still leave an impression on my exodus…I'll show you dull Mr. Grey!

Straightening up my posture and slowly sliding a strand of hair behind my ear, I start flipping through the questions again, while moistening my lips once with my tongue. They really are actually dry I tell myself. I finally stop and place my hands on my lap, appearing satisfied were done with the interview. "Well - I believe were finish here Mr. Grey. Thank you so much for your time, I really appreciate it." I almost purrr the words out, surprising myself by my velvety tone. I uncross my legs, moving them sideways together and lean forward and lower than I should, to grab the recorder. I hear him clear his throat and inhale in a sharp breath from what I assume is catching a glimpse of my cleavage. Yep, that got his attention. Kate tip #1 – Play hard to get…check.

"Would you like a tour of the office?" he questions, sounding interested on continuing the interview.

I hesitate for a moment, and my first reaction to his question starts with me biting my bottom lip, which I then look away while taking in a slow breath, as if I'm contemplating my answer. "I know you're really busy...," I return my gaze in a sultry and apologetic way, "and I appreciate the offer but I do have a long drive ahead of me, so I'll have to pass. I'll let Kate know though - I'm sure she'd love a tour." He looks a little shock by my response, not to mention disappointed. Hasn't this man ever been turned down by a woman before? Apparently not. Kate tip #2 – Deflate his ego a notch…check.

Surprisingly, he starts babbling and carrying on about the weather outside and how I'll need to be careful while driving in it. I almost want to chuckle at the absurdity that the big bad lion is now a sweet little kitten but I keep my mouth shut, knowing he's really trying to be thoughtful. I gather my stuff, walking away from him with as much poise as I can muster so he can get a good look at my backside, while exiting his office. Kate tip #3 – Leave him wanting more…check.

He's right behind me when I exit, walking close on my heels. I can't help but think that were both stumbling to make it to the elevator, almost like were racing to the finish line. Geesh! Is he for real? A thought occurs to me that perhaps he's the one playing me and sees through my ruse. If that's the case Mr. Steele, well played - you've called my bluff.

"Well, thank you again for the interview," I start to say out smoothly but then end up crackling out the last few words, which I'm clearing my throat from.

"The pleasure's been all mine," he responds, sounding genuine. He extends his hand to me, which I hesitate to take but then embrace softly with my own. I instantly feel a jolt of electricity vibrate through the two us as we shake hands but remove it quickly when I realize I'm quivering. I shakily inhale a sharp breath, feeling as though my plans of sticking it to him have definitely back fired, because brave Ana has now deflated back to shy Ana again. Kate tip # 4 – Be cool and don't let him see you sweat…Uncheck! Uncheck! Uncheck!

His assistant walks to me with my coat, which he takes from her and holds up to assist me with. I place my items on a small side table next to the elevator, and turn and slip it on, thinking this guy's going way overboard on seeing me out the door. I still for a moment, feeling his thumbs touch the base of my neck when placing the jacket over my shoulders, which instantly shoots another jolt of desire through my body. I nervously cough in my hand, to cover up my reaction from being touched by him, and try to ignore the fact that his office staff is undoubtedly watching us. I swallow hard to a rather parched throat, knowing if I don't get out of his office right then and there, I may just pass out in front of him.

Thankfully, the elevator arrives and I quickly step in, turning to look at this man who's rattled my nerves to the core, one last time. He's looking at my lips, which I quickly lick…, damn they're dry, and flash him a small smile. Just as the doors start to close, he quickly stops it from shutting, making me take a step back. I watch him turn to his assistant, who's handing him my items from the table. Crap! I can't even leave his office without looking like the most disorganized person in the room.

"Miss Steele," he whispers out, handing me my purse and recorder.

"Ummm Sir, errr…thanks," I breathlessly whisper out, embarrassed and stumbling for my words. His expression has turned dark once more, as if I said something to push his buttons in all the wrong ways. He realizes he's still holding up the elevator and releases it, not once breaking eye contact with me, and nodding his head good-bye just as the doors close.

Stunned, I blink several times ahead of me hazily while absorbing the mild shock that I'm feeling pulsating though my body. I sigh nervously while shaking my head, confounded by what I just experienced with this man. If I had to put a title on how this interview went it would be Surviving the Trials and Tribulations of Mr. Grey. This whole experience was going to take me weeks to recover from and I'd be damn if I wasn't going to tell Kate that she owed me big time.

Finally, I reach ground level and the doors open and I see across the lobby a large painting of Christian Grey on the wall that I didn't notice before. Obviously, I was in panic mode to arrive on time for the interview and missed it when I rushed through the lobby doors.

I step out and see that the painting has him dressed in a smart, and undoubtedly, expensive gray business suit and tie. His stature is picturesque and alpha looking in every way, all while looking devilishly handsome. Tearing my gaze away, I slowly approach the main doors, relieved that I won't be laying eyes on the real deal anytime soon again but then a horrific thought hits me like a title wave. I stop and stare at the painting again with my mouth dropped open. I sense I'm being watched and turn to see the front desk security guard eyeing me and shaking his head, no doubt thinking I'm gawking at the painting, like everyone else who passes the lobby doors. Embarrassed, I quickly step out of the building and into the pouring rain, crossing my arms together and wishing I could drown in the water that's drenching me. I inwardly groan again to the realization that I would indeed be seeing Christian Grey again, and sooner than I'd like. Mortified, I whisper… "Graduation."

AN: So what'd you think? Hopefully I can have the next chapter posted soon. Reviews are appreciated and thanks again for reading. :)