After several, persistent commands from Grey, Taylor grants us permission to return to our seats. I have to admit, it feels a lot better. I look at the window beside me and see the circle the bullet made, and a thousand little fractures extending outward. I turn my head and look behind me. The rear windshield looks different. The shots were very close together, leaving a mark like a shamrock. There's a huge round circle of crazed glass surround the area where the bullets impacted, taking up almost half of the rear windshield. I wonder had the shooter kept firing in the same spot, how long would it take for the glass to fail? I decide I dont want to know.

I look over at Grey and he is texting on his phone. He's fast, really fast. He's angry, I can tell from his stiff posture; even his flying fingers seem angry as they pounce on the keys. I look up then and see we've reached Boeing field. He must feel the car slow down because he looks up as well.

He turns to me and gives me a brief, polite smile, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. His mind is elsewhere and I am simply a polite distraction. I don't really mind, quite frankly I have had enough attention for one day.

I watch as our car is cleared through security and Taylor actually drives out on the tarmac to the waiting jet. He pulls right up beside the jet and orders Sawyer to go inside the jet and 'sweep it.' The pilot is standing by the open doorway at the head of the stairs so it seems a little silly to me, but then what do I know?

Sawyer signals all clear to Taylor, who promptly exits the car, unholsters his weapon and opens the door.

Grey is annoyed to see Taylor's gun out and orders him to holster it. Taylor looks around, scanning the perimeter and reluctantly put his gun away. Grey and I exit the car and start up the stairs. Taylor is immediately behind me.

As we approach the pilot, Grey says, "Anastasia, let me introduce you to our pilot, Stephen."

The name echo's in my brain like rumbling thunder. Unreasonable terror floods me as panic overwhelms me. I step backwards as I fight for breath and suddenly I am falling only to be caught by Taylor. He turns me to him and I see a flare of emotion in his eyes.

"Do you know him?"

I shake my head no.

"Does he look like someone else?"

I shake my head no again, while trying desperately to control my breathing.

"Is it his name?"

I nod yes, emphatically as Grey grabs me and Taylor tells him to get me inside. I cling to Christian and pray he can work his magic with my breathing once more. I close my eyes

as we pass the pilot. Why do I have to be so fucked up?

Christian gives me that intense stare again, daring me to defy him when he orders me to breathe in and breathe out. It works. Again. I think its those gray eyes of his. They are so mesmerizing. I finally calm down and start breathing normally. Christian declares the pilot will be called captain from now on; no more first names. I think that will work for me. Its the name that freaks me out and brings back memories.

After a few minutes, I am calm enough to look out the cabin window and notice Taylor yelling into his phone. He is red with anger, pacing furiously and every other word out of his mouth appears to be the f bomb. His free hand keeps sweeping through his buzz cut. He looks completely frazzled. I would never guess he could be so emotional.

Then just as suddenly, he stops pacing and he smiles. I look at Grey and he is smiling as well. I look at him questionally, and he answers, "Looks like he got a hold of Gail. She's my housekeeper. They are in a relationship."

I am a little surprised, not that Taylor is in a relationship, because he truly is a hunk, but because Grey doesn't strike me as the kind of employer who is okay with employees fraternizing with each other. I haven't met Gail, but after seeing Taylors reaction from just talking to her, I have to admit, I really want to meet her. Grey excuses himself to have a word with the pilot.

Grey returns and advises me we are waiting on the co-pilot who has arrived at the airport and should be here momentarily. Then we will be able to take off. In the meantime, he has some calls he is going to step outside to make because he doesn't want me to hear the colorful language he will be using. He smiles at me reassuringly and leaves.

I see the pilot adjusting his blue tooth on his ear and realize everyone has a phone growing out of their hand but me. Then I remember Kate. I think about calling her and nix that; she would interrogate me and I don't feel up to that. I'll call her from New York. I pull out my phone anyway, thinking I'll send her a quick text, letting her know I am fine but won't be home tonight. I pull out my phone and its dead. I'm not sure if I have a charging cord with me or not. I go digging in my bag and find one. I insert the cord into my phone and look around for an outlet. I don't see any and I'm not asking the pilot. I'll ask Grey later.

I see a man running across the tarmac towards the movable stairs. No one is alarmed so he must be the missing co-pilot. Grey and Taylor return inside. Grey sits down beside me as naturally as if he has done it all his life. What is even stranger is I expected him to sit beside me and would have been hurt if he hadn't. There is a pull between us that I have never felt before and don't understand. I just know when he sits beside me, its where I am supposed to be. By his side. Fuck, I need Flynn.

The engines are revving, the movable stairs have been taken away, when I remember my phone. I explain I was trying to text Kate that I am okay but won't be home tonight but my phone is dead.

He fires off a quick text to his p.a. to call my roomate and reassure her without divulging where I am. Then he shuts off his phone and prepares for takeoff. I look around the cabin. We are seated in two adjoining white leather lounge chairs in the middle of the cabin facing to the rear. I turn and see Sawyer and Taylor are seated up front, facing forward. It is nothing like the pictures I have seen up commercial airlines. Everything feels plush and luxurious, there is so much room but still I worry.

I have never flown before. I hope I don't do anything to embarrass myself. The pilot reminds us that seats belts must be on and everyone seated for take off as the engines rev furiously and we wait on the runway for permission to take off. Then, just like that, we are moving. I dig my nails into the padded arm rest and feel my heart race as the trees start to fly by and we go faster and faster. I feel sure we should be in the air by now and fear for the worst.

Then, like magic, Grey's hands cover mine. He leans close and asks gently if I am okay. I smell his after shave. It is a unique woodsy scent, earthy and intoxicating. I am about to answer him, when the ground slips away and we are airborne. The plane is tilted up, reaching for altitude and I can feel panic beginning inside me.

He knows, I don't know how, but he knows. He pulls up the arm rests between us and wraps an arm around me pulling me close. Why does this not bother me? I don't care why. I lean into his side, close my eyes and accept the comfort that he offers me. Before long, the plane has leveled off and I sigh with relief.

"Have you never flown before?" He asks.

I feel like an idiot. I look down and finally confess this is my first flight. He smiles and congratulates me on my first take off, then apologizes for the lack of amenities. Normally, there would be a decent hot meal served aboard, especially on a cross country flight like this. Unfortunately, there wasn't time to get food or the stewardess to get to the airport. The beverages weren't chilled and there is no ice. Basically, he could offer coffee or tea with potatoes chips or pretzels. He says all this with the most sincere look you can imagine, like he is embarrassed he can't offer me chilled wine and a gourmet dinner. I giggle and his face softens.

"What is so funny?" He asks.

"I had a really big breakfast." I smile. He smiles back at me and his whole face lights up as he remembers. His gray eyes twinkle with happiness as he agrees, I did indeed eat a very large breakfast.

The pilot makes an announcement that we can move around the cabin and Taylor is there first thing, requesting a moment. I start to stand and leave, but they both stop me. Grey excuses himself and they move to the rear of the plane and Taylor is showing him something on his phone.

Whatever it is, I wish Taylor hadn't showed it to him. Grey is absolutely enraged. I can hear him yell, "How the fuck did she get that close and security not see her? Fucking bitch!" And he just rants on and on. Finally, Taylor lightly taps his arm and says something so low I can't hear it. It must be about me, though, because Grey immediately looks over at me.

God. I hope he's not angry at me. Taylor keeps talking and finally, a reluctant Grey nods yes. They both start heading back to me and I can feel my palms sweat. My normal instinct is to run. Who wants to be around two angry men? But its hard to run when you're in a plane. I wrack my brain trying to think what I did that has them so angry. Maybe its Wanda. Maybe the damage was expensive? I squirm in my seat as they both arrive.

Grey smiles and holds out his hand, "Come, Anastasia. Taylor wants to update us."

I am quite sure Grey is leaving out something very important, but I let it slide. I will know soon enough. We move to a table up front with four swivel captains chairs bolted to the floor. We sit and Sawyer serves coffee to Taylor and Grey. Then, the huge gorilla looks down at me and asks which I would prefer, coffee or tea? I don't know why just his being so close to me is scaring the shit out of me, but it is. I stare up at him with frightened eyes and suddenly, he seems to understand. He drops down to one knee and now we are eyeball to eyeball.

"Please," he asks, "Don't let my size intimidate you. I am here to protect you. I could never hurt you."

I want to believe him, its just he is so scary big. Then Taylor speaks up. "I want Luke to be your personal security, but it won't work if you are afraid of him. He's big. It will keep a lot of people from approaching you. That's a good thing, right?"

I nod yes, still looking at the giant by side who is still on one knee like he is going to propose. Somehow that ridiculous vision in my head makes me smile. I look at Luke and he smiles back, almost like he knows what I am thinking. I look at Grey and Taylor and its obvious they haven't a clue. I look again at Luke and I am 100% certain he knows what I am thinking. He is grinning wide now, from ear to ear. He drops to both knees.

"Mame," he begins.

"Ana," I reply.

"Ms Steele,"

"Ana" I reply.

"Anastasia,"

I giggle and correct him again, more emphatically, "Ana!"

He takes a quick glance at Grey and Taylor, blesses himself quickly and blurts out "Ana!"

Everyone laughs. " then he pulls out an enormous ring. I can make out the initials USN, so I guess its his Navy ring. I didnt know he was in the Navy. He holds the ring out to me.

"With this ring, I promise to keep you safe. I promise no one will get near enough to even think about touching you. I promise to be available 24\7. Will you promise to listen, trust and obey me? Will you allow me to offer you my skills as a close protection officer?"

He has a sense of humor, his blue eyes are twinkling. I look at the ring. I am quite sure I could fit three or four fingers in it and it would still be big, but I like his style. I look up at him smiling and nod yes; he smiles back.

Then Taylor stands and announces, "This man has promised to protect you and you have agreed to obey him. What I have blessed, let no man tear asunder. I now pronounce you Protector and Protectee!"

We all have a good laugh, but I notice all three men look relieved. After a minute, Luke gets up and sits down in the empty chair. Almost immediately, the table quiets.

"Ana, I am sorry but we have to get serious now. Okay?"

" Okay," I answer a bit nervously.

"Who knew you would be in Seattle today?"

"No one. Even I didn't know I would be in Seattle today. Until, like, two in the morning, last night."

"Did you make any stops on your way here?"

"No, Wanda can be moody. If I stop, she may not start again."

"So you drove straight through?"

"Yes."

"Did you get or make any phone calls?"

"No, Taylor. The only person I spoke with was a homeless woman in the parking garage while I was waiting for the elevator."

All three men lean in closer to me as Taylor asks, "What did she say?"

"She asked me if I was going to interview with Mr Grey. I told her yes. She was on the cold cement and she looked so sad. I reached in my bag and handed her a ten dollar bill but she got angry. She said she didn't need my money. Her master would take care of her. Then she quieted and just said, " He won't like you."

The elevator came then and I got on. That's it. The next person I spoke to was a guard in the lobby and the receptionist of course."

Taylor looks for something on his phone and then slides it across the table to me. "Look at these women. Do you see anyone you recognize?"

There is only one. Its a vibrant blue eyed brunette with a big, bubbly smile. Its the homeless lady. She looks nothing like that today, but its her. I recognize the eyes. I point her out to Taylor. He thanks me but looks grim. I look at Grey and he looks devastated. He excuses himself and leaves the table.

"Who is she?" I ask. Neither Taylor or Sawyer answer. "She tried to shoot me, don't you think I have a right to know?"

Taylor motions with his head for Sawyer to leave. Once he is gone, he pulls out a folded paper, opens it up and slides it across the table to me.

"Read it," he orders, then adds, "Its a standard non disclosure agreement, an NDA. Whatever You hear about Mr Grey, whatever personal or confidential information he shares with you or in your presence, you can't share with anyone else. Do you understand?"

"You mean like his scars and his haphephobia?"

"Yes. For some reason, he let's his guard down around you. He trusts you."

"It isn't that I don't trust you, Ms Steele, its just another way of doing my job and protecting him. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize, Taylor. Of course I should sign an NDA. Do you have a pen please?"

He slides his pen to me and I quickly sign and push the paper back to him. "Now, back to the young lady. What is her name? Does she have a license to carry a gun? Is she a good shot? How long since Grey saw her last?"

Taylor blinks as I fire my questions at him. He hesitates before answering and then he is on a roll. "Her name is Leila Williams. She just obtained a license to carry a concealed weapon two days ago. Grey hasn't seen her or heard from her in three years. Until last week. She showed up at his home, unannounced. She managed to avoid the cameras, the alarms and then locks. I still haven't figured out how. She had a scene with Mr Greys housekeeper and ended up slitting her wrist. It wasn't a serious injury, more what they call a cry for help. She somehow managed to distract the hospital security and walked away. We have been searching for her ever since. When you confirmed Leila's identity, Grey took it very hard. He feels responsible for Leila because of his past connection to her and at the same time he feels responsible for your safety."

"I think I need to speak to him."

"He's in the bedroom but I am sure he is not sleeping."

"Thank you, for everything."

Taylor just smiles and nods. I stand up and head for the bedroom. I knock on the door gently, and he barks, "Leave me the fuck alone, Taylor!"

I enter and shut the door behind me. He is sprawled across the bed, face down. "It's not Taylor," I announce.

He immediately flips over, his eyes wide with disbelief, "Ana?"

"Yes, Grey, it is me."

"You shouldn't be here."

"You are my friend, of course I should be here."

"What did Taylor tell you?"

"Taylor had me sign an NDA and then he told me her name was Leila, she has a permit to carry and you haven't seen her in three years,"

"I saw her on security tapes she is like a ghost of the woman I knew. I did that to her. I destroyed her. I met you and put you in danger too."

I run over and jump on the bed next to him, making the mattress bounce. I position myself on my side and face him, my open palm holding my head. "Whatever has happened in the last three years, it wasn't your fault."

"How can you say that? You don't know. I hurt her. I told her to leave."

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why did you ask her to leave?"

"Because. "

I groan in exasperation. "What? Did you beat her?" I ask with a grin.

His eyes immediately meet mine and I see the terror in them. He did. He beat her. My stomach turns and I feel its contents burning a path up my throat. I swallow, forcing it down and stare deep into his eyes. I know he would never intentionally hurt a woman but I also know he beat her. Leila. Christian beat Leila. How is that possible? Did she ask him to? Is he into kinky sex?

I take a long, slow breath. "Relax, " I whisper. "It will be okay." And I stroke his head as if he were a child. He turns his face away and buries it in the pillow and begins to sob. I want to rub his back but I know that's a no-go zone. He is ashamed and distraught.

"Talk to me, Grey." I demand but he ignores me. I decide to use the guilt card. "I'm your friend, Grey. I understand you. I almost took a bullet for you. Talk to me, please?"

"There is nothing to say. Leila and I had a sick relationship."

Okay, I think I understand what's happening now. It all makes sense. "You're a Dom."

"Past tense. I was a Dom. After Leila, I just could not do it anymore."

I have an internet friend who is married and she and her husband are into BDSM. I don't think either of them are sick, they just have different tastes.

So, Leila was your submissive." I state.

"You don't want to know this." He growls.

"You said you hurt her. Did she safe word?"

He laughs bitterly and explains, she would never safe word. She had no hard limits. She was a masochist and truly loved being restrained and beaten. It didn't matter if it was canes or whips or riding crops. She loved it and he was just as sick because he loved beating her.

I think about it and wonder how he ever got involved in such a controversial lifestyle. He has moved a littla away from me and is sitting up with his back against the headboard. He doesnt look as distraught as earlier, but he still looks pretty wrecked. I make a decision and ask him how he got introduced to S&M.

He stares at me in complete horror and opens his mouth and closes it about five times and then yells for Taylor.

The door flies open and Taylor looks at each of us closely before asking, "Sir?"

"Scotch. Find some. Now."

"Yes sir." Taylor replies and leaves.

He returns almost immediately with a fifth of Johnny Walker Black.

"Do you require a glass sir?"

"I can't speak for Grey, Taylor, but I would like a glass."

The expression on Taylor's face is priceless. He tries to recover, " I assumed you would be granting Mr Grey some privacy." He states all formal and stiff.

I laugh. "Taylor you know what they say about the word assume."

Taylor frowns and leaves, returning with two crystal on the rocks glasses and two bottles of water and sets them down on the nightstand.

"May I pour for you, sir?"

Grey hands him the bottle. Taylor pours two fingers in each glass. He picks up the water, but Grey yells, "Neat. I want mine neat."

"Me too!" I butt in. Taylor looks annoyed but says nothing. He hands Grey his glass and then hands me mine. I take a tiny taste as both men watch me intently. It burns like hell and takes my breath away. I smile, "Mmm, I like it." Grey laughs and pulls me close; Taylor frowns.

"I know what you're thinking, Taylor, but you're wrong. I would never abuse the trust Ms Steele has placed in me. Nevertheless, if it would make you feel better, you can stay and play chaperone and bartender too."

Taylor's stiff posture suddenly relaxes. "I would be honored, sir."

"Good. You may hear things you didn't know. I know this is unnecessary, but please don't repeat them."

"Understood, sir. Now just forget I am here until you need a drink."

"Okay, but dim the lights."

Immediately the room darkens. Grey slips an arm around my shoulder and I rest my head against his side. "Anastasia, where were we? Ah, I remember, my introduction to wonderful world of Bondage, Discipline, Sadism and Masochism otherwise known as BDSM."

I listen carefully as he drones on. I have never felt sexual or horny. Sex scares me. I am as asexual as a person could be. Grey was the opposite. He described himself as a desperately horny, but terrified of being touched teenager.

I was home schooled so I never had to face the same demons Grey did. I feel bad for him. Then he tells me about the neighbor, his mother's best friend, Elena. He goes on to explain how she slapped him and kissed him and saved his life by teaching him how to be her submissive.

I am puzzled. I ask how old she is. She was thirty five according to Grey and married. I am shocked. I try not to show it but it is really hard. I finish my drink in one long swallow and hold out my glass to Taylor. I ask Grey how old he was and he tells me fifteen. I am appalled and furious with this bitch of a woman, this pedophile bitch. I grab my drink from Taylor, and with one quick look I can tell he is equally furious but saying nothing.

I take a long sip of the straight scotch. It tastes better and doesn't burn as much.I finally ask him how long was he with her and he tells me five years as her sub and one year as her Dom. I feel sick. He defends hrr no matter what I say. He deserved the punishments, she made him who he is, she gave him the money to start his business, without her he would be nothing. He is completely blind to any fault in this woman. I look at Taylor, who at some point acquired a glass and is drinking with us. The bottle of scotch is almost empty. Grey is the slurring badly. I sigh. I do not want to hear anymore about this bitch. I burrow my head into Greys side and close my eyes. He leans down and kisses my cheek ever so gently. I fall asleep savoring the touch of his lips.

Grey looks down to hear my gentle snoring. He closes his eyes and is asleep almost instantly.

Taylor looks at the two broken souls, passed out in each others arms. Fucking Elena. He always knew she was twisted but never did he suspect how much damage she had done to Christian until tonight. Every dog has its day and Elena would have hers.