I actually manage to spit my water onto the table. "What!" I screech through my coughing fit. Before Christian has the chance to respond, the waiter comes over to set two glasses of champagne on the table.

"Calm down, Anastasia. It was just a question."

Once I'm done coughing and manage to find my breath, I face Christian. "What is wrong with you?" I cannot believe he just asked me that. I heard him correctly right? He looks at me over the rim of his glass. His eyes appearing darker and harder. I suddenly feel very uncomfortable. I'm completely out of my mind. "I'd like to leave now." I move to stand up.

"No, no, Ana. Wait." He stops me. "I apologize. I'm sorry. That was much too forward of me."

I laugh. "You think? Who do you think you are asking me such a thing?"

He actually looks shameful. Good. "Listen, Ana. There was a reason why I asked you out tonight."

"Well I was hoping it was because you found me somewhat attractive and you wanted to spend time with me." Oh, did I actually say that out loud? Pathetic, Ana.

"Well, yes, Ana. You are an extremely beautiful young woman."

"But…" I press. There's more.

"But, I'd like to offer you…a proposition if you will."

"A proposition? What kind of proposition?"

Right before Christian has time to answer, the waiter comes over and places our plates in front of us. Strangely enough I think I've lost my appetite.

"Please eat, Anastasia. You're too thin."

I throw my head back in disbelief. "Excuse me?"

Christian places his napkin over his lap. "All I'm saying is that you need to eat more."

"And all I'm saying is that you need to work on your manners more."

Christian chuckles. "You are a fiery little thing. Now, would you like to hear what I have to say or not?"

I look down at my plate. Wow, lobster actually looks pretty good. "I'm not sure anymore." I pick up the lobster cracker thing and awkwardly go to town.

"Anastasia, I'm a very wealthy man. And excuse me if I'm too blunt, but I know you are in some distress and I'd love to help with that."

I pick up my first piece of lobster, dunk it in the butter and pop it into my mouth. It's delicious. I could get used to lobster. "So what? You want to be my sugar daddy or something? What's the catch?"

Christian chews slowly and washes it down with his drink. "No. Not like a sugar daddy, Anastasia." He puts down his fork and looks me dead in the eyes. He's all business now. "I like to life a certain lifestyle if you will. If you choose to accept this then there are rules you must follow."

"Oh. What kind of rules? I'm assuming one is that I can't actually call you my sugar daddy"

"You would have to address me by Sir or Mr. Grey for starters. And you would be mine in everyway. I would be in complete control of you."

The lobster feels too thick sliding down my throat. "What?"

"I would have you to myself on weekends. We would indulge in my favorite…physical activities and then you would be free to live your regular life on weekdays."

I know I'm not one for alcohol, but I manage to down half my glass in one swing. "So you want me to be your sex slave?"

"No, Ana. It's a little more mature than that. You would be my submissive and I would be your dominant."

"What is that?"

"Here, I have something for you." He reaches into his jacket and pulls out an envelope. "I want you to take a look at everything in here tonight and let me know what you think."

I take the folder out of his hand. "So, I'm assuming you didn't really ask me out on an actual date?" My chest aches at how stupid I was for even thinking such a thing.

"I'm not a dating type of man, Anastasia. I don't do the hearts and flowers thing."

Another ping to my chest. "Ah. I see." I don't have it in me to look at him. I feel like an idiot for thinking that a man like him could actually be interested in a girl like me.

"Just look it over. I would make us both very happy. I know it."

I don't do anything, but offer a small smile. I can feel the tears sting behind my eyelids as we finish up our meal in silence.