Authors note: Hey Guys! Sorry that I haven't been updating as often as I said I would but I just started my internship at a hospital and my schedule was a bit hectic but I am back to writing! As an apology and a thank you for a hundred followers (!) here is the biggest update I have ever done by far. Also before I start I just wanted to clarify that Ana and Ethan did NOT sleep together. It was just an innocent summer romance nothing more than kissing. True to the books Ana is still a virgin. Anyways love you guys lots! Enjoy this chapter and let me know what you think!

"I am going to kill you." I say to Mia along with a look that could kill. She gives me a evil little smirk. Holy moly a lot of people stepped up. What if nobody bids on me? Crap.

"First up we have the beautiful Rachel. Rachel is a world class surgeon who is also fluent in 4 languages and loves yoga" what the fuck? Okay if Rachel is the standard I am out of here. Mia quickly tells us that it's all bullshit and I take a breath because I have nothing like that. Rachel gets "sold" for $4,000 damn that's pretty good. When Mia goes she goes for $9,000 to Ethan after some competition. Interestiinngggg I think to myself.

"Next up we have the marvelous Katherine…" He goes on to say a bunch of rubbish Elliot quickly bids $10,000 and wins. Damn setting me up to look bad but Kate looks like she has died and gone to heaven. "Like you will soon?" Oh not now!

"Alright and next we have the Amazing Anastasia, originally from Russia she comes from a long line of royalty, She is an award winning writer also. Wow beauty and brains what a catch." And on cue I blush the color of my lipstick I'm sure.

"15,000" someone calls out quickly. Hold up what? It's Christian oh shit no!

"25" Someone else says. Oh my god this is some kind of sick joke.

Christian looks surprised but quickly says "50 thousand" much to the delight of the MC "Looks like we have some high rollers tonight!" The whole room has gone silent. Kill me now.

"75" The other man says smirking. Who the hell is he? Jokes on them. I can't even dance.

"100,000" Christian says obviously fed up with him. The MC looks at the other man who shakes his head.

"Sold to the highest donor of the night!" There is a deafening round of applause. I take this as my chance and basically sprint of the stage. I can't remember the last time i was so humiliated I felt like a piece of meat. I quickly remind myself that is is for a good cause. Somehow despite my speed Christian is waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs of the stage.

"I can't dance." I boldly say to him. He just smiles at me. "I would have danced with you for free you know?" I say after a few seconds of silence while raising my eyebrow.

"Well I wanted to be your first. And at least now you can't run away." He says to me. God his voice is like raspy and still so smooth and deep and his lips are so pouty and pink. Wait what did he say? Oh yeah.

"I didn't run first of all. And Secondly buying me to make me stay is not the greatest strategy."

"Good point Anastasia" He says defeated but still smirking. He's walking with me while holding my hand when I see Grace and Carrick with a shocked look on their faces. What's that about?

"Hey i need to go say hi to your dad." I say to Christian in an attempt to get away from him. I can't think clearly around him. Despite my efforts he smiles and follows me to his parents, great.

"Hey it's so good to see you!"

"Ana I thought I told you it's Carrick. I've missed you. How are you doing?" We continue to talk comfortably for a few minutes. I've always really liked Carrick, he always has this calming vibe to him kind of like Grace. We continue to exchange formalities while Christian stands still holding my hand. God how I wish he wouldn't have to let go. Eventually Carrick and Grace get called over to another table which leaves me and the Adonis alone once again. Dear god help me not succumb to this man and his charms a mere mortal like me cannot resist him. I have never been a religious person but right now I'm calling on anything to help me.

C.P.O.V.

God she is so beautiful. What the fuck is happening to me. I am a 26 year old billionaire, a complete catch on anybody's scale. I am always in control but when I am around Ana i feel like a 5 year old begging for attention. How does she manage to make me so happy yet so confused all at once, I need to talk to Flynn. Before Ana I was only interested in a contract, a sub that would do anything to please me. But I don't want that with Ana I want something else, something more? I DON'T KNOW. It's damn frustrating, almost as damn frustrating as her. One minute she seems happy and like she likes me and the next she is running of.

She seems to happy and at ease when she is talking to my parents, they love her of course, she is amazing. She is letting me hold her hand which for some reason means the world to me right now. I can't explain it, I know that we shouldn't be together, that I would only hurt her but I find myself unable to let go of her. I can't stop looking at her. She looks so beautiful tonight, everything about her is just perfect. Unfortunately I am not the only one who is noticing every fucker noticed Ana as soon as they see her, how can they not but she is mine. "No she isn't dick." Fuck I want her to be. She will be. She has to be.

Once she's finished talking to my parents who were clearly still shocked that I wanted to dance with Ana I lead her outside toward the balcony over the garden. I don't blame my parents for being shocked. Hell even I was a little surprised at myself but the thought of someone else dancing with her was just wrong and it made my blood boil. Usually I eat dinner donate money and leave or I don't show up at all but this year I am actually having fun. Ana makes me happy just being with her, her smart mouth. The first thing that she says to me after I spent a hundred thousand dollars on her is "I can't dance." How could i not want her? Seriously how do

I stop? She deserves better than me I am not a good man. Sure I have a good face and bank statement but what about my heart, or lack of. But I just can't help myself.

"Where are you taking me?" She asks in that perfect angel voice of hers.

"Just trust me." Please. She continues to follow me without saying anything and I take that as consent. We finally make it out to the balcony. It's nice out today, there is a clear sky full of stars and a full moon. Below us is my mother's beloved garden, filled with different plants and flowers. Being out here is a nice break from the room inside it's a bit crowded, I believe this is the largest gala ever for my mom.

"I thought you could use a break from inside. I hope you don't mind heights." I say softly. She has yet to say anything she just stared at the sky. She looks even more incredible out here in the soft glow of the moonlight. The balcony is large enough to comfortably fit at least 6 people but still intimate. Intimate. Intimate with Anastasia. I think I just found my new favorite sentence. We both take off our masks to let us breath and place them on the table in the corner.

"No it's good." She says a bit absently, lost in her own thoughts, in the sky she is still staring at. She looks at me finally and says "It's amazing. Thank you for bringing me." We stand there hand in hand for a few minutes in comfortable silence. She continues to look out and I can't take my eyes off of her.

"You're staring." She calls me out. I can't help but chuckle. I have to admit she's got balls. She looks directly at me. It takes everything in not to kiss her. I shouldn't i know but she is so beautiful and god I want her.

"Fuck this" I think I said that out loud but I don't have time to think about it because next thing I know I am kissing her. It's a soft kiss at first, gentle but it turns into something more. I bring my hand to the small of her back and the other under her chin keeping her head against mine. I slowly back her against the wall. She grants me access to her mouth and next thing I know we are making out like teenagers. She moans and god I lose it she is so fucking hot I need her.

"Mm wait stop. Christian stop. We ca.. I can't do this." She says softly but still somehow firm. Fuck what just happened? Well lets see one minute you were looking at her the next you were dominating her mouth against your parents wall.

"I know I'm sorry. Are you okay?" She looks really worried. Inside we both hear the MC announce that it's time for the first dance. She doesn't look at me but just begins to make her way in. She is playing with her hands again her tell all for when she's nervous. I take her hand in mine to stop her fidgeting. I don't want her to worry. Did she not want me to kiss her? She could have stopped me. Was the kiss bad? No. If there is one thing I'm sure of it's the fact that that kiss was the a damn good kiss. So why is she so upset? Before I have a chance to think about it further we are on the dance floor. Ana is standing awkwardly far from me looking at the floor deep in thought. Right when the song starts I pull her too me and begin to dance slowly.

A.P.O.V.

OH MY GOD. Oh my god. What was that? What just happened? It was incredible and perfect and romantic and hot and ohh but wrong. That can't happen. Why did he kiss me? Oh my god. Before I realize what is happening I feel Christian pulling me into him as the song start. I look up to him unsure of what to do. He looks into me eyes and reassures me immediately.

"Just follow my lead." He says softly in my ear. I just nod and do as he does. He moves gracefully to the song. It's a beautiful song whatever it is. One of his hands rests softly in the small of my back and the other holds my hand away from us. I continue to look at him and let him lead me. It feels like we are in our own little bubble everything else has disappeared, it's just me him and the music.

...

"Nothing prepared me for

What the privilege of being yours would do

If I had only felt the warmth within your touch

If I had only seen how you smile when you blush

Or how you curl your lip when you concentrate enough

Well I would have known

What I was living for all along

What I've been living for"

He moves me without missing a beat gracefully across the dance floor. I can't take my eyes off his. All the emotion, the heartbreak, the confusion is poured out without a single word. He spins me away from himself only to bring me right back against his chest. Before I know it the song ends and there is aloud round of applause. When I look around I see almost everyone is looking at us. I immediately blush of course. I think this is what causes Christian to chuckle and pull me closer to him once again. The MC announces that we may now take of our masks which I do gladly.

"May I have this dance?" I hear a man say to me. When I look up at him recognize him as the man who was bidding against Christian before. I look at Christian who looks ready to commit a homicide. I shrug at him and go with the man.

"Of course" I say politely with a smile. Truthfully I need a timeout for Christian so I go off.He brings me against him and begins to dance.

"I'm Trent McNamara" He says with a smile. He is pretty attractive, strong features. He's not as tall or attractive as Christian but then again who is.

"Ana Steele" I say formally.

"I thought your name was Anastasia?"

"Oh right but I prefer Ana, it's just shorter." He smiles. He is nice enough. "Beautiful name for a beautiful woman." And here comes the blush. I just laugh and thank him.

"So do you and Christian know each other… outside of tonight I mean?" He ask.

"Oh I have known his family for a few years but i just met him a few days ago. What about you?"

"Yeah we have been in business a few times together."

"Oh so you're in business too?"

"Yeah. The ever so exciting world of mergers and acquisitions." He chuckles "What about you? Somehow I have a hard time believing you are an award winning novelist."

"Why do you say that?"

"Call it gut instinct it's sort of important in my line of work."

"Haha fair enough. You got me, i am not a writer. I am in college currently."

"That's what i thought" He chuckles once more. He's cute but i can't stop thinking about Christian is he dancing with someone? Has he forgotten me already? When Trent turns me I see Christian is dancing with Mia but is staring at me. I give him a small smile. And look back at Trent. Kate is dancing with Ethan now too. When the song ends Carrick quickly cuts into our dance after politely asking.

"I hope I'll see you again Ana." He gives me a kiss on my hand and takes his leave. I dance with Carrick and Grandpa Theo for a while, while Christian dances with his mom and Grandma, it's adorable to watch them have fun. Before Christian can get to me Ethan has already cut in.

"Didn't think I forgot about you did you Banana?" He says playfully.

"Oh I have to admit my ego did get a little bruised that you didn't bid on me. But Mia huh? You guys look adorable together." I say teasing him.

"Yeah I don't know. I like her. She's gorgeous obviously but her two giant brothers look like they are ready to pummel me into the ground."

"Imagine if some guy felt the way about Kate the way you do about Mia. Plus you are pretty giant yourself."

"Yeah i see your point and I think Elliot does feel that way about Kate so i get it." He says laughing a bit. When I see Christian over Ethan shoulder he looks ready to break Ethan in two so I decide for his sake to cut our dance short.

"Mia is alone. Go before someone else beats you too it." I say to him He leaves me after a quick kiss on the cheek. I see Christian make his way to me from the bar but Elliot cuts him off before he can reach me. Whoa he looks pissed.

"Did you think I'd let you leave without a dance?" Elliot says.

"No but careful i think your brother might kill you." I say laughing

"I know. I can take him. Don't worry about me sweetheart" I just smile at his playfulness.

"So you and Kate huh?" I say to him accusingly after a few seconds of silence. I need to know what's up with them. They look so cute together!

"So you and Christian huh?" He says back.

"I asked first" I say. I don't want to talk about me and Christian. I don't even know if I want there to be a me and Christian.

"Yes. I think. I don't know okay I really like her but she's a hard ass. She cuts right through the my shit. But I really like her Ana. Any chance you could talk me up?" He pleads.

"For you Elliot of course but know this, she is my best friend if you hurt her so help me god. Are we clear?" I say intimidatingly. I know Elliot would never hurt her but that doesn't change my protectiveness over her.

"Yes Sir. You know you can be scary when you want to be?"

"Yes I do."

"So Christian huh? I always thought that I would be the Grey brother you'd fall for." he says acting upset. I just laugh. And he actually gets a little upset.

"Okay it's not that funny." He says kinda petulantly.

"Yeah it is!" I say still laughing.

"Look all jokes aside this is the happiest I've ever seen Christian. He's acting his age and carefree for the first time in well ever." God I can't believe this happened. Of course it happened. The second that I can't be involved with anyone the world's most eligible bachelor wants to make out. Great.

"Hey you with me Steele?" Elliot says concerned.

"Yeah I'm good. Just tired I guess it's been a long week." I lie quickly.

"I hear ya. Look I'm gonna give you back to my brother before he decides he's had enough and hurts me. He's a good guy who's had a shitty hand of cards handed to him. Give him a chance." He says with a kind smile. I just nod. What shitty cards? He is literally perfect. Speaking of the Adonis…

"Finally I get you back I gave you away for one dance even that one without much say and suddenly you leave me for an hour." He says in one breath. Has it really been an hour? Wow.

"Well to be fair half of them were your family so…" I say giggling

"And? That doesn't mean I want you dance with them. I don't trust Grandpa Theo." And I laugh a loud unattractive laugh because grandpa Theo is the nicest man I have ever met. Christian is smiling broadly too as he leads me over to his table.

"You should smile more often. It's a very nice smile." I say mindlessly. Oh shit did I actually say that. He doesn't say anything for a few minutes just smiles more but this time there is a bit sadness behind it.

"Here drink this you seem tired and I haven't seen you drink water all night." He says while handing me a giant glass of cold water. Bless his soul I'm parched. I quickly drink it all and thank him. Before either of us could say anything we get pulled back into dancing. Mia drags me with her and her friends and Elliot takes Christian. I can't help but start dancing I love this song. We dance to Rihanna's "this is what you came for" for a few minutes and I finally get to dance with Kate. I feel Christian watching me while I move and I admit it did encourage me move my butt a bit more nothing inappropriate but still. After a few more songs I make my way to the powder room with Kate I'm sure I look like a sweaty mess by now.

God even the bathroom is fancier than my entire high school prom was. Kate and I quickly use the bathroom and when we step out there is a creepy lady in all black standing in front of the mirror. I almost let out a scream but thankfully hold it in. She has this full face mask on even though everyone already took theirs off. She is wearing a inappropriately fitting dress in my opinion but honestly she has a good body, too good to be true honestly.

"You must be Ana." She says. I immediately want to run and hide in a corner. Thankfully Kate happens to come out right now to and immediately stands in front of me protectively. Kate senses her as a threat too. Good I'm not crazy.

"Yes, I'm sorry do I know you?" I say cautiously. My scalp is prickling. Something about her is just not sitting well with me.

"Do you mind giving us a moment dear?" She says a bit too politely to be true to Kate.

"Uh yeah I do mind. I am not going anywhere." Kate says defensively. I can't help but smile oh how I love this girl.

"Very well." She says coldly and pauses before saying. "I just came here to warn you. Stay away from Christian. You have no business getting your gold digging paws in him. He is not interested in you nor will he ever be."

"Who the fuc.." I stop Kate before she goes on. I can fight my own battles.

"It is none of your damn business what I want from Christian or what he wants from me, if anything." I say in a cool voice. On the inside I have rolled into fetus position and started calling for my mommy. Ugh save the mommy issues for another time Steele. She just smiles at me it unnerving but I do not back down.

I keep my eyes locked in her cold blue ones until she simply says "Just watch yourself dear." And walk right back out the door.

"Who the fuck was that? I am about to go beat her old fake ass into the ground." Kate says almost yelling. Kate always has been a bit overprotective of me.

"I have no idea, it doesn't matter. Come on I am not wasting tonight thinking about her. Whoever she is." If I was honest I would say that she scared the pants of me but then Kate would worry and might actually assault her. We both freshen up and go back out forgetting about what just happened.

When we step out everyone is still dancing I see Christian standing off with Elliot. Kate immediately wants to go to them but I would rather stay away from Christian right now so I just say I am going to go find Grace. She hesitantly agrees, when she begins to make her way alone I can see the disappointment in Christian's eyes but he hides it well. Something tells me he has a lot of practice hiding his emotions. I am about to go find Grace when Trent comes up to me.

"Hey there." He says eagerly. Ugh I don't really want to talk to him right now. I have had more than enough testosterone today A.K.A. Christian. However I don't want to be rude so I smile and respond.

"Hey yourself." No really keep it to yourself.

"What is a pretty girl like yourself doing all alone." I can smell the whiskey on him even so far away. I want to leave. Get me out of here. Suddenly everything seems to crowded, too loud. Breathe Steele. Just when I feel like I am going to pass out I feel a familiar pair of arms around my waist. Christian. For some reason i immediately relax into him. For some unexplained reason he makes me feel safe and protected.

"Hey I was just coming to find you." I say lying straight through my teeth. Trent looks beyond pissed. Uh oh.

"Well I beat you too it." Christian says playfully. He knows that I am uncomfortable. Christian completely ignores Trent, weird Trent said that he and Christian did business.

"Christian it's good to see you again." Trent says finally giving in.

" ." Christian says coldly. Oh my damn! This feels like an uncomfortable pissing contest. I need to get out of this situation. Thankfully I make eye contact with Grace and send her an SOS with my eyes. Grace understands immediately and makes her over.

"Do you gentlemen mind if I borrow Ana?" Grace asks casually with her easy smile. Bless her soul. Christian still has his wrap around me but he loosens up which for some reason upsets me.

"Of course." Trent says with a tight lip forced smile.

"Yeah." Christian reluctantly lets me go. Grace wraps her arm in mine and begins to lead me out.

"What was that all about?" Grace asks worried. My face has always been an open book. I could never have any secrets because my feelings were always plain to see on my face.

"I.. I think it was a pissing contest." I say and suddenly I can't hold it in anymore I begin laughing uncontrollably. At first I am alone but then Grace starts to laugh too. Oh my god I am going crazy because the next thing I know there are tears coming out of my eyes. Grace has me in her arms before I even truly know what is happening.

"I know sweetie, I know." Grace says tearfully as I cry in her arms. It just hit me all of a sudden how unfair life is. I have the chance to be happy with a good man and another hot man is hitting on me and I have a best friend who may have just found the love of her life but I can't enjoy it because I am dying. I don't want to die.

"It's not fair. I don't want to die. No fair. No fair." I sob against Grace's chest.

"What?" oh my god. Christian. Fuck.

Sorry for another cliffhanger but i couldn't resist. Mwahaha! Also just wanted to let you know the song that Ana and Christian were dancing to was "Turning Page" by Sleeping at Last. It is an amazing song i highly recommend it and Sleeping at Last in general are SO GOOD. Anyways love you guys. Bye!