A/N – Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate it! Here's the next chapter. I tried my hand at Christian's perspective. I hope you like it. Here's the next chapter a little early since it's Christmas . . . thank you for reading. Please Review! Enjoy the holidays. Camilla 'Millie' Rose. Xx.

CHRISTIAN'S POV

I lean back in my seat, resting my head on the back of my chair and let out an almighty sigh. After two exhausting conference calls and working through dozens of e-mails, it's safe to say that my brain is fried. It's been a busy morning, transitioning the afternoon to be slow and unproductive. My mood is a little low today. I don't feel like working too hard. I'm not bothered with the rest of my agenda after having such a stiff morning.

I think of the one thing on this earth that lightens my mood; Anastasia. Mm . . . her lips against mine. Her full hips enveloped in the silk. Her love-handles teasing me to pinch them. Her breasts perky as they hide pointedly behind the material. I can't get the image out of my head. And then to have her under me. My lips on her neck and my tongue down her throat. Saturday couldn't of been a better night. Her body curved against me to fit the perfect shape. Her warmth. The smell of her hair, lavender locks that intoxicate my senses. Her sexy body pressed against mine and feeling heavenly under the pressure of my hips. Her whisper soft whimpers of pleasure. Fuck . . . I want her.

Thinking of our night together places a permanent smile on my lips. She was so beautiful at the State Dinner. So unlike everyone there. Her face and hair were flawlessly decorated, her dress not being as upscale and expensive as the rest, but she made it look that way. The way she carried herself. Such a lady. An elegant rose among so many thorns.

The only thing that irked me was how low she seemed when talking about work. The stress on her face when talking about her potential unemployment due to articles not being able to be written. That stress and worry that hid in the crevices of her eyes bugged me. I know I have to help her out. I have to give over some information. I don't really care that much since it'll be out there once this business deal hits. Ana will just be the first one to publish it.

I know snooping is wrong but in order to figure out what we can put into this article that'll be filled with new information I need to know everything that has been said about me and the best way to find out is through Ana.

I type in her name and wait for the searches to be delivered. Surprisingly, not much comes up. All of her articles, her e-mail, a few letters and documents. Nothing out of the ordinary on her part. Except for a few e-mail chats that have nothing to do with her, yet her name seems to be a pretty popular topic and target.

My teeth click in irritation. I frown harshly when seeing the active e-mail chat overflowing with content. Who at Ana's work would be talking about her and using such informal language? That's not professional. Who is this Elizabeth Woods? And, why is she talking about Ana?

I click into the chat and scan the conversation, not liking what I see one bit.

M:Did you see Ana Steele out with Christian Grey the other night! :O

E: What? No! Where and when? What the fuck! Ana!

M: There are so many pictures of them together!

E: Where?

M: Galore publishing house just got the rights to print the photos. They'll be out by Friday's issue.

E: What! Ana should be writing about this! She was there for fuck sake . . . what the hell would Christian Grey want with someone like Ana? She's ugly. And getting fat by the looks of her tree trunk thighs.

M: She's not that ugly! She looked alright next to him. A little puffy and in need of some serious posture pointers but other than that she looked pretty good.

E: I doubt that! She most definitely didn't win the lottery of genes . . . or brains. Where were they?

M: Yeah. He took her to the State Dinner. They arrived together. Ate together. Danced together. Molly from the news channel was telling me everything she saw. They looked cozy. And they left together . . .

E: That skank! I always knew she was low in class. Sleepy around with the rich, what's new! I have to tell Carrick all about this . . . finally a news story worth reading about. The gossip pages will be flipping at the inside details. I'll make sure to poke it out of Ana, make sure to get every detail.

M: I want to be the first to know everything! Xx.

E: You will. Once she gets back from her lunch break I'm sitting her down. xx.

My finger jams down on the buzzer, alerting Taylor to have the car ready A.S.A.P.

"Mr. Grey, you have a meeting." Stephanie complains from reception when I shrug my coat on and hurry towards the elevators.

"Cancel it. I have business elsewhere." I call back as I step into the elevator and the doors close against her floored expression.

My foot taps impatiently as I descend downwards, the dial on my watch is ticking too fast for my liking. I have to get to Anastasia's work before this bitch sits her down and treats her like a rag doll. How dare she insult someone and verbally abuse them online! She's supposed to be professional. And who cares if Ana did sleep with me that night, not that she did, but whether she did or she didn't it's none of this woman's business.

I stalk towards my awaiting car and jump in the backseat. I order Taylor to floor it. He weaves through the traffic, making excellent timing. It's not to long before he's parked outside the publishing house.

I stride through the glass doors and approach the front desk of Ana's workplace full of my own self importance. I'm hear to deal with this bitch and make sure she gets slapped down for her wrong doings and I know exactly how to approach the situation.

"I'm here to see Carrick Trevylan." I present to a bored woman tapping against a keyboard.

She doesn't look up so I clear my throat.

Her eyes meet mine and the moment the lightbulb clicks in her head she's all over me like a hot rash. "Mr. Grey. I'm so sorry. I didn't realize it was you. May I get you anything? A glass of water? Tea or coffee?" she tramples over her own words.

"I want nothing but to see Mr. Trevylan." I force.

"Just one moment." she rises from her seat and disappears down a hallway.

I roll my eyes at her lack of understanding for her job. Aren't receptionists supposed to offer their guests a seat? I take it upon myself to sit down on the leather armchair. My freshly pressed designer suit looks to clean against such a worn out piece of crap. God love Anastasia for having to work here.

"Mr. Grey." Carrick appears.

Jesus, he's disheveled. I'd rather be shot dead than be seen at work in a crumpled cheap shirt and trousers that don't even fit properly. I can see his ankles. And he's wearing white sports socks with black work loafers.

"What can I do you for?" he shakes my hand too enthusiastically.

I squeeze his hand firmly, letting him know with one gesture that I'm not here to play games. "I think we should take this matter to your office." I advise.

He straightens up and nods his head. "Of course. This way." he almost trips as we head down a narrow hallway. His staff are crammed like cattle to the left of us and his office looks like a pig sty, all stacked papers, files everywhere and a packet of biscuits and their crumbs on the desk.

"Have a seat." he offers, clearing the leather chair of his belongings. "What can I help you with?" he wonders, sitting behind his desk while struggling to look me in the eyes. He's pouring with sweat already. He's feeling the heat, the pressure. And I'm glad. A taste of his own medicine.

"You can help me with nothing." I sound bored, and I am. He looks shit at his job and by the sounds of it, he is. "You've been publishing articles upon articles about me. The head of this company is a close client of mine and I'm sure he'll be unhappy to know that you sent one of your employees to a gala of mine under a false name in the attempt to gain information and build an article from it. I'm not happy one bit about it." I tell him.

His cheeks drain of color. "I'm sorry, Mr. Grey." I eye him sternly. "Sir. I'm very apologetic about that. I hadn't a clue. Steele, it must have been Ms. Steele who went on her own agenda. You know how staff are. Anything for some recognition." he tries to fay lightheartedness with his crooked smile and tone.

"Bullshit." I call. "Blaming your staff for your decisions is not only disgustingly wrong but also illegal. I could do you for so many counts of immoral conduct. I'd be happy to have a little chat with your boss, my client, about all of this. Unfortunately he's on vacation and I'm left dealing with you." I lie. I wouldn't bother bringing this to his boss, all I want is for them to get off Anastasia's back. That look of worry when she told me she could be fired is the reason I'm here. And to get that bitch from talking about her like that.

"Sir, that won't be necessary. I'm so sorry. It won't happen again." he's pleading with me.

"Ms. Steele will be left alone from now on." I pin. "As for Elizabeth spouting ugly comments towards the employees within your department, I'd make sure you do something about that before I take this matter to a higher level. I've heard and seen her abusive comments. I might remind you that my staff work very closely with the PR department upstairs. I hear everything. And what I'm hearing at the moment isn't something I like. These articles are Anastasia's to publish and she is in control of what is printed about me. I won't have any made up stories printed to fill your payroll, understood?" I bark.

"Yes, Sir." his jugular is pulsing.

"Good." I stand. "Ms. Steele is going to write an article about me. And I'm due for an interview. She's a woman of skill you have here, you might want to take a deeper look into the talent around your office rather than stuffing your face." I order, eyeing his biscuits. "Good day." I announce politely.

"Good day." he replies lamely from his seat. He's like a lamb having been mauled by a lion.

I walk down the hallway, my eyes scanning for Ana. I find her sitting across from another woman in a board room with glass walls. I walk through the door, not bothering to knock. I barge in.

"Christian!" Ana's eyes are wide in surprise.

I want to smile at her but can't help but frown when I see an aged woman sitting before her that carries a sour expression.

"Anastasia." I greet with a warm tone, feeling comfortable in this board room. It's small and cramped with chairs, and it's nothing that would intimidate me. I feel as if I own the room. Making me too comfortable within it. "I take it you're Elizabeth?" I question, keeping my tone contained. Keep cool, Grey!

"Yes, Sir." she squeaks.

I eye her harshly. I'm letting her know who's boss. And as I scan her over, I can't help but make internal comments about her appearance. No offense intended against her appearance, but, the tide wouldn't take her out. She's old and fat and granny like. Why the hell is she still operating on this floor, let alone so concerned with what Anastasia's doing. God, you'd think someone at her age in life wouldn't care two shits about anyone else's story.

"I am Christian Grey." I announce, extending my hand to her. Keep it polite, Grey! I talk myself through this. "I'm here about an article Anastasia is supposed to be interviewing me about. We agreed to meet here but I've got a hectic day ahead and I'd like it if Ana could interview me briefly at my office and then work with my PA on finalizing details. It would require her to leave for a couple of hours." I state with confidence. Shoulders high and chin angled up in a snooty way. I'm making sure to rub it in, for Ana's sake. This woman is all over jealous. Envious at best.

"I'm sure that's okay. I'll just ask Carrick, our –" she starts.

I cut her off, "No need. Carrick and I already had a little chat." I eye her again. And with the slight gulp that runs down her throat she knows she's knee deep in some shit.

I smile against her worried expression. Now she's got a taste of how she makes Ana feel. And I'll make sure she feels this miserable if she dares talk out of turn again.

"Anastasia." I look expectantly at her. "If you'll come with me?" I try to sound authoritative and not so friendly. We need to play this right so no questions are raised.

We walk out of the board room. Ana fumbling around in shock as she gathers her stuff before scuttling out the door with me.

She giggles as we stand outside. "What was that?" she exclaims.

"Nothing." I shrug nonchalantly. She doesn't need to know what was said about her on that internet chat. It'll just upset her.

"Christian." she exclaims. "Elizabeth was shitting her pants."

"As she should." I smirk. "She's a pestering cow." I spit. "She needed to be put into her place. The article will come when it comes. She can't threaten you with unemployment just for you to get a story."

Ana nods in agreement with me, "Thank you." she whispers softly. And with how grateful she sounds my chest puffs with triumph. I blew all her worry away.

"You're welcome." I feel like kissing her, but I'm aware of the blinds flickering in the windows. "Get in," I order, lightly. Gesturing to Taylor waiting in my car.

She looks at me in confusion. "Where are we going?"

"I told you you'd get a story." I urge her into the backseat. She complies without question.

I follow suit and slide in beside her.

"The middle seat?" Ana eyes me. "Really? You couldn't get any closer . . ." she teases me for sitting right by her.

I smirk happily, feeling my heart rate increase just by her presence. She looks so sexy in her work outfit. Fitted blouse, shortish skirt with stockings. I can only imagine what's underneath . . . mm.

I lean in and kiss her cheek, a brief warning of my intentions. When she cracks a smile I know it's okay to press my lips to hers. It's not long before her hands have filled my hair and her nails are scratching against my scalp as our lips massage each other.

I feel a kick of pleasure ignite in my groin when she fists my hair and tugs my head back away from her face.

"Christian." she's breathless with blushing cheeks, eyeing Taylor.

I should have known he'd cramp our style. She's embarrassed he's in the car with us. And I guess she has a right to be.

I sit back and hold her hand, wanting her to feel comfortable. The ride to my office is quick and short lived. As soon as Taylor stops at the curb I don't wait for him to get out and open our doors. I take Ana's hand and lead her into my building.

The elevator ride is a struggle. I'd have her pinned up against the wall, with the amount of sexual tension pulsing between us, but force myself to stay together because of the security cameras that glare down at us. I don't need the entire security and receptions teams laughing at us.

"You've got a lot of security around your office." she glances around at the four burly men guarding my door.

"I've got some clients in town." I answer.

"Oh, I think you mentioned that . . . the ones you took to the nightclub?"

I shake my head. "No . . . different clients this time." I tell her, hoping she'll drop the subject.

"Different." she tests the word.

And I know she knows what I'm talking about. It's not completely honest business going down at the manufacturing plant, Portugal called with a shipment and I can't do anything other than comply with their demands.

Her eyes flash with unease but with a shake of her shoulders she reassesses the questions spinning around her head and drops the subject. I breathe a sigh of relief, thank god she's not going to ask me about the drugs today. I'm really not in the mood to talk about it. And I don't want to come off as angry with her . . . I can't be harsh in my words or actions. I'll scare her off and that's the last thing I want to do. Gentle is the way to go with Ana, regarding what she's gone through with that fucker.

"You want to write an article." I say.

She nods, eyes wandering around my office. She's a nosy woman, but aren't they all?

"Here." I lift a file off my desk and pass her the report. "I had my PA write a brief summary of the Iran deal. She's proofed some pictures too. There should be quite a few new facts within the small article that's been typed up. Do whatever you like with it." I offer. "But, please. Keep the facts to the facts, don't exaggerate too much." I don't want too much air fueled under my wings. It'd annoy the fuck out of me.

"I won't." she assures, reading through it. "And the fibs?" she wonders.

I crack a smile. "We'll work on them. We have time." I kiss her lips.

"Christian." she scolds when I stand in front of her, loving the feel of her full hips in my big hands. I love being able to hold onto her and have solid flesh under my grasp. It's sexy.

I walk up towards the couch despite her resistance at first. She feels like it's wrong to miss work for this kind of personal matter, but she's not going to get into trouble. Not when she's with me. She needs to relax . . . and I have the perfect remedy.

Just as she opens her mouth to talk, I swoop down and catch her lips with mine in a searing kiss.

"Mm," I ignore her jibes and kiss her neck.

"I have to get back to work." she scolds me further.

I roll my eyes, "They know where you are. I need you here."

"You want me here." she corrects.

"That I do." I nuzzle into her.

"Christian." she squeaks in enjoyment.

She feels my bulge against her. I know she does. The way her eyes light with excitement and her breath hitches against my lips as her hands are pressed to my chest, fingers clutching the material of my shirt. She feels how much I want her. And she likes it. It feels good.

I moan into her mouth when she bounces against my lap. It's involuntary but it feels fucking blissful. My lips move to her neck, wanting to hear her moans sound out rather than get trapped in the base of my throat. I suck on her neck, basking in her whimpers as I work her skin. She's so responsive, in a genuine way, no porn-star screaming shit like Elena or the others. I let my hand slide down her waist and cup her bum, softly squeezing her plump flesh in my hand. It feels so fucking divine to hold on to some meat rather than thin flesh and bone. My cock twitches just thinking about what it would be like to slide in between he ass cheeks and pound her from behind. Her flesh jiggling with joy while I thrust deep into her tight little self.

Our mouths dominate each other, tongues rolling against one another and teeth softly nipping at each others lips. I want to mark her, to state my territory but I know she'd kill me for such a teenaged move. Especially if it was visible at work. I don't want to run myself into the dog house when I've just been granted access into her life. I hitch her leg over my hip instead and curse myself for making the move when I feel her slowly pulling away from me. Take it fucking slow Christian . . . my mind scolds me.

"You don't want me?" I feel the rejection washing over me when she pulls away and starts to fix her shirt to avoid my eyes.

"Believe me, I do." her cheeks heat as she bites her lip. "I'd spread my legs right now and have you fuck me on this desk, but my self respect and standards are the barrier in the way." Her skin is scorching at her bold admission.

My eyes pop out of my head at the erotic image of her and I on my desk. I'd like that very much . . . my cock twitches.

"It's just too early to jump between the sheets. This is lust, Christian." she traces the outer part of my ear, causing a ticklish tingle to shoot down the base of my neck.

I snuggle my head into her hand, "You're right, Anastasia." I say seriously. "I am lusting after you . . . but it's different than before." I admit.

With our current standing I suppose being honest with her is the best way. She knows about me and in order to keep things straight it's only fair that I'm honest in everything I feel and say even when it's daunting. I don't like opening up to people. I'm not someone to share my feelings, problems or thoughts with anyone. But, with Ana, it's different. I value her opinion. She always has something colorful to say. Her words bite into reality and demand to be felt. I always feel an impact against her voice. Most people talk and I don't remember what they've said. With Ana, it's like her words follow me. Everything she says has meaning.

"How is it different?" her voice is soft with wonder.

I gaze down into her forest green eyes. "It's different because I care for you. All the women around me don't care for much else than wealth and status. They're ditzy against a pretty face and some cash. You, it seems as if you couldn't care less. And maybe it's because you've seen it and written about it so much that it doesn't faze you. You write all about wealth and have realized it all has no meaning. It's vacant and meaningless against what's import in life. I admire that about you. How you value the difference in life rather than the mainstream. It's refreshing." I kiss her cheek gently. She's so delicate, I don't want to harm her.

I pull back, giving her the respect she wants despite my desires. She seems to appreciate my movements, as she kisses my lips repeatedly a few times and caresses my cheek with her soft finger tips before pulling away and straightening up.

"Let's get this article written," I decide, walking behind my desk and getting comfortable.

She smiles in agreement. "Lets,"

Abruptly, my office door swings open with a clatter. Ana jumps as I rise from my seat to assess the situation.

"Grey, we have to talk." He orders.

I stay cool, even though I'm sure a bead of sweat starts to form at the edge of my temples. I keep my eyes forward, my jaw locked and my stance tall.

"Of course." I comply. "Ms. Steele and I were just finishing up." I say with a leveled voice. Ana flashes her eyes at me in bafflement.

He nods shortly, his eyes impatiently darting to Ana and her presence. He's used to girls running in the opposite direction at his showing. But, not Ana. She doesn't know who he is. And she wouldn't want to.

"You should head back to work, Anastasia." I use my authoritative voice.

Her forehead crinkles in confusion, pulling her eyebrows closely knit together. "Okay," she stumbles over her word, unsure of what is going on around her.

She immediately crawls into her shell. All curled shoulders, sunken posture and eyes to the floor. As if to make herself as little as possible and invisible. She feels the awkwardness and the tension within the room. And I don't blame her for wanting to run away. The look in her eyes is not a look I like to see. She's nervous. Almost scared. And the worst thing of all is; I am too.

"Taylor will take you home." I add, eyeing him as he eyes Ana. And I don't like the intent behind his eyes. My core burns with protest.

His jaw is clamped tight with judging eyes. He waits quietly, boiling in his spot. With how the vein pulses in his neck I know he's here to point the finger. And I'm his prime target. This unannounced meeting is not something I wish to deal with right now, but like everything in this dirty business, it has to be dealt with quickly. Snap decisions have to be made. And with the look in his eyes he's full of ideas and decision. And I'll be the puppet to make it happen for him . . . or else.

Ana scurries out and although I wish to escort her to the door and make sure she makes it safely into the elevator, I'm forced to stand stock still behind my desk and watch her with commanding eyes. I'd rather look over her like an employee so no questions are asked than be slightly affectionate and have comments passed back and forth between he and I. In no way will I throw Ana into the firing line, even if it's just a few amateur questions about her. He doesn't need to know a thing about her.

"We have some business to talk about." he lowers himself into the seat in front of my desk, looking too comfortable in here.

"We do." I agree, confidently.

I lower myself with ease into my seat and rest my forearms on the desk and stare straight into his eyes. It's like looking into the eyes of the devil. Vacant and cold within the blazing fire. No mercy. Not an ounce of remorse for any actions he's ever taken. No warmth. Nothing but harsh coldness and explosive fire that tears through all things and disintegrates it all to nothing. A true demon at work. The devil masked within a human body. An angelic face to hide the malicious freak with horns beneath.

And a constant reminder to me of my early life. A life I wish to leave behind but it always seems to come back and bite me right in the ass. And the more successful I get, the more it seems to consume my existence.

A/N – Please Review!

Thank you all for reading and for the feedback, I love hearing your opinions and it keeps me writing! Happy Holidays :) See you next week. Xx. Camilla 'Millie' Rose.