Author's Note: This is a bit of a roller coaster — sorry, I went back and forth with it but hopefully you like it. After this are two light-hearted chapters, and then Ana's backstory is revealed, which should offer more insights into her personality. Thank you for the reviews — love them!

Ana leaned her head against the armrest and decided to enjoy her unexpected respite from reality. She had finally stopped pestering Christian about helping him in the kitchen after he had shooed her out for the third time.

Half an hour later, he emerged, proudly bearing two steaming-hot mugs.

"Here you go Miss Steele," he said, handing her a cup before taking his spot beside her.

"Thank you Sir. This is wonderful."

Ana spoke too fast. As soon as she took a sip, she scrunched her face in disgust before she realized what she had done.

"What's wrong?" he asked, eyes wide with fear.

"Nothing Sir. This is fabulous." And I'm a horrible liar.

"Ana, I've been described as many things, but when it comes to the kitchen, fabulous is definitely not among the adjectives."

"Perhaps that's simply not the room where your particular expertise lies Sir," she said, giving him a scorching gaze.

The fireplace was now officially an afterthought. The flames between them were enough to heat up the room.

You promised her some rest Grey, not another playroom romp. Cool your jets.

"And I will ensure that you become well-versed with my expertise," he crooned, "but first tell me what's wrong with the cocoa."

"It's just a tad on the sweet side, that's all," she replied, trying to take another sip without giving herself a cavity.

"I only added two teaspoons of sugar," he said defensively.

"My teeth are just sensitive." He eyed her dubiously. "Also, I believe the little pods already come pre-sweetened. But it's delicious."

"Shit. Why don't they write that on the damn packages then? What an asinine invention."

Ana smiled coyly. One that made its inventors millions. Bemused, Christian took the cup from her and set it down on the coffee table.

"Let me make you another one in that case." And redeem myself.

"No please." I have to leave some time today. "That's really not necessary. I have everything I need right here. I'm enjoying myself."

Christian grinned, taking a hold of her feet and massaging the soles with his firm grip. Ana stifled her groan. Oh God, this man can give a woman an orgasm with just a foot rub.

"Does that feel nice," he chuckled, arrogance personified.

"It feels heavenly Sir." Ana almost zoned out in ecstasy before remembering herself. "But I should be the one making you feel good. It's my job Sir."

Why the fuck does she always make it sound like an obligation? Christian took a deep, fortifying breath. Chill out Grey. Don't ruin the mood.

"Well, you know what they say about all work and no play?" he teased.

"Yes, but I highly doubt anyone could ever accuse you of being a dull boy, errr, man … Sir." Obey Ana. Don't flirt. Your sense of humor is about as sexy as that canker sore on the roof of your mouth last week.

"I could say the same for you Miss Steele," he mused out loud. "There's never a dull moment with you."

"I highly doubt that as well Mr. Grey," she said, her voice tinged with sadness. He stopped his ministrations and eyed her quizzically.

Ana quickly sought to deflect his curiosity, her cheeks flushed pink by her slip of the tongue.

"Is there something I can do for you Sir? You've been very kind to me, but is there something you need?" she asked, her submission indelibly ingrained into her psyche.

"I need you to stop fussing over me."

"But …"

"I know, I know. It's your job. It's also my job as your Dom to ensure your well-being. It's my priority, in fact, so just relax," he ordered her. For once in your life.

She blinked in shock. His declaration left her speechless.

Her previous interactions with Doms were all respectful but sterile and one-sided. She knew about the lofty principles that undergirded the lifestyle: trust, devotion, mutual pleasure, etc.

But at the end of the day, it boils down to one human being controlling another purely for sexual gratification. Why do people put BDSM up on some pedestal? It's just a means to an end for both people — not the road to self-fulfillment or romantic nirvana. It's not exactly easy to wax poetic about vibrators and butt plugs. Christian's so different on two levels though. He's an exceptional Dom — one who takes his responsibilities seriously — but he's also a caring person. Despite how closed-off he is, I'm sure he'll find a woman one day who will make him truly happy. He deserves no less. In the meantime, I'll savor our time together and for once just go with the flow — or as much as a sub can go with it.

"Do you sit out here often Sir?" Ana asked, attempting to make polite conversation.

"Not particularly." The rain tapped against the window while the glimmer of the fire bounced off her eyes. I should do this more often actually. "Perhaps I'll be more motivated to come out here now that you'll join me."

She gave him an incandescent smile that sent his heart rate soaring. Christian sensed Ana's fortress-like walls crumbling and was determined to worm his way inside.

"What else do you like besides cocoa and rain Miss Steele?"

"I don't have any hobbies outside of my studies," she replied candidly. "I enjoy reading, nature, long walks — all the clichéd things people who live on their own supposedly do. The only thing missing is the cat."

"So you're a loner?"

"An introvert, like many submissives, but yes I suppose." I'm my only friend but that's fine by me. It's better than relying on people who inevitably hurt or abandon you.

"So what else do you enjoy other than solitude?" And sex.

"Not much Mr. Grey. You give me far too much credit. I'm a very boring individual," she said matter-of-factly.

His intake of air was pronounced. How can she put such little value on herself? I'd give a fortune to know what's going on inside that pretty little head of hers.

"I beg to differ. You're intriguing Miss Steele. In fact, I wish you'd open up more," he whispered so quietly that Ana almost didn't hear him.

She wished she hadn't.

Why? There's nothing to tell. I have a complicated past and a tedious present. It's good enough for me, but not for anyone else.

Christian robotically continued to massage her feet. He could see Ana's wheels spinning but he wanted her to make the next move. He had already taken a giant leap of faith, after all.

But Ana's inner thoughts were a comfort she clung to, and she wouldn't give them up to anyone, not even an incredibly persuasive, impossibly handsome billionaire.

He doesn't understand that while on the outside I may be a doting little submissive, on the inside I'm snarky and cynical. My thoughts and opinions aren't much but they're my own and I don't like to share them. They're my little secret — one I guard jealously. Your mind is the only thing people can't ever take away from you.

The pitter-patter of drizzle outside was the only sound in the room as they waged their silent tug of war. But in this battle of the sexes, one side was at a distinct disadvantage when it came to patience. Ana wouldn't be bulldozed, while Christian was growing restless.

"I know you heard me," he caved but refused to wave the white flag. "Why aren't you more open with me?"

"If you look inside me, you may not like what you find Mr. Grey," she cautioned. Most people don't.

"Impossible." I'm the repulsive one, not you Anastasia. "Try me."

Her knees felt weak under the burning intensity of his gaze, even though she was lying down. It was her turn to crack under the pressure.

"My submission has its limits Sir," she tried to explain, her voice trembling. "I'm not the obedient, opinion-less girl you're used to or want." So please let me be. I don't want you to get rid of me just yet.

"Then what kind of girl are you?" Because I can't for the life of me figure it out.

"A contradictory one Sir — one who's independent on the inside and submissive on the outside. It's simple." There, happy now? It's not enough that I expose my body to you — apparently now you want everything else as well.

Triumph surged through him. Holy fuck, I can't believe I actually won that little pissing contest. Miss Steele may give up her secrets to me after all.

But Christian's victory was short-lived. He saw the veins in Ana's neck begin to pulse with resentment. He had ventured into newfound territory for both of them — and taken her too far. Shit! Reel her back in Grey. But with what? Sex or politics? Definitely sex. I don't need another lecture on Mideast revolutions.

"You're anything but simple Ana," he purred, trying to put a light-hearted spin on their heavy talk. "So what you're saying is that instead of a smart mouth, you have a smart mind?"

His fingers began to caress the outside of her calf as he gave her his best panty-dropping smile. Ana saw through his seduction. That didn't mean it wasn't working.

"I certainly hope so, lest my scholarship be in jeopardy," she said, the heat of his touch melting away her resistance.

"In that case Miss Steele, indulge me in one last question. You wouldn't happen to be badmouthing me in this rebellious mind of yours?"

Christian tried to convey an air of indifference but his anxiety was about as transparent as his seduction.

Wouldn't you like to know Mr. Grey? And wouldn't I like to get laid? Yes, I would, so I'll plead the fifth on that one.

"I'll leave that to your imagination, which, based on our scenes in the playroom, is quite fertile." Hint, hint!

Ana gave him a sly smile that slipped once she saw the frown marring his otherwise perfect features. He wants an answer Ana. When are YOU going to take a hint?

She sighed. "Of course not Sir." I mostly badmouth myself, but not you. "You're my Dom. I respect you — immensely." She offered him a genuine smile that went unreturned as Christian looked away.

That's it? She has a million different ways to describe the situation in Syria, but that's the best she can come up with about the man who fucks her into oblivion?

Ana was confounded by the sudden distance between them.

As he stubbornly stared at the fire, she grappled for answers. What did I do now? There's no pleasing this man. I give him an inch but he takes a mile. How can I be his submissive and verbalize every opinion that goes through my head at the same time? That's impossible! Is this some kind of trap? Is he bored with me already and just fishing for an excuse to break our contract? Shit, I knew all of this was too good to be true.

"I endeavor to be completely honest with you Sir and communicate all my likes and dislikes, just as you've requested," she added in a last-ditch effort to appease him. It failed.

"Do you like our arrangement?"

"Yes."

"And what do you think of me?" Christian pressed on, undeterred by her vague replies.

"I think you're an impressive businessman, an admirable man and a masterful Dom." What more do you want?

He didn't know what he wanted — just that he wanted more than generic platitudes.

"And I think you have a wide vocabulary Miss Steele that you use to obfuscate your true feelings," he said, dripping scorn. "But that's fine. I have work to do. I'll leave you to your feelings and the rain. Enjoy the view."

Stunned, Ana reached up to stop Christian before he left. "No wait. Please Sir. This is your home. I'll leave. Don't go," she begged.

"Why Miss Steele? You would rather not divulge harmless tidbits about yourself, which is your prerogative, so I'm simply granting you your wish. Our physical interactions will be strictly confined to the playroom from now on."

Ana began to panic. That's not what she wanted. All she wanted to do was to keep a little bit of her privacy and dignity intact.

"I give people free reign over my body Sir," she squeaked out, visibly shrinking from him. "My thoughts are all that I have left in this world." So please don't take those away from me too.

The color drained from his face at her panged lament.

"Ana, oh God forgive me," he breathed, all of his anger dissipated. "I, I never meant to push you." Again. "I don't want to take from you. Just the opposite. I'd give you anything if you just asked."

He slumped against the sofa in defeat. "If you want to terminate our contract, I'll understand."

"And when are you going to understand I don't want that Sir," she said, suddenly exasperated. "No wonder we need a written contract. We stink at verbal communication."

Her defiance broke the tension, both of them erupting into fits of laughter.

"Jesus Ana, you're too much," Christian said, catching his breath as his laughs subsided. When she looked back up at him, he clasped her hand in his and gave it an affectionate squeeze.

"Listen Ana, I'm all new to this, so please bear with me. I'm neither impressive nor admirable. I'm just an immature ass who throws temper tantrums when he doesn't get his way."

She smiled bashfully. "Well, I'm difficult and closed-off, so we're even."

"We're not Ana," he said earnestly, "and one day you'll realize that, but in the meantime, if you're willing to overlook my faults, I'd love nothing more than to keep you company out here for a little while longer. No questions asked, I swear!"

"I'd like that Sir," she beamed. He lifted his arm to wrap around her, silently asking for permission. She nodded imperceptibly before settling into the crook of his shoulder.

"Are you comfortable?"

"Yes Sir."

"Good. I only have one other request. Less of the Sir. Just Christian outside the playroom."

"Sorry SirrreChristian," she giggled. "Hard habit to break."

"Sometimes it's good to break out of our molds," he murmured, planting a kiss on her hair before both of them dozed off, exhausted and emotionally spent.