Chapter 9

"Ma'am." A young man in a black and white tux greets me and gestures for me to take his hand. I oblige and he guides me toward two large wooden doors. He takes hold of one of the door's handles and springs it open with ease.

The view I am blessed to behold seems like it's out of a fairytale, like Cinderella or Beauty and the Beast.

"Enjoy your night miss." The man addresses me as he shut the door behind me.

The inside of the mansion is beyond ones' imagination. As soon I walk in, my eyes are drawn to a dominating, crystal chandelier. It had many layers and hung low as it casts an eerie light over the numerous guest dressed for the occasion; it was a work of art. The men all wore black suits with matching ties while as the women looked glamorous in studded and embellished designer gowns. There are double stairs that lead upstairs and illuminated white tiles glinting with the moon's glow pouring in from the windows along with numerous corridors which I'm sure leads to many other rooms.

I instantly feel uncomfortable and out of place; I don't belong here. I want to retreat far away and never look back. I begin to descend until I see Kalum standing next to two unknown men. Anger rises in me once more today. He lied to me, big time. Why would he lie to me when he knew I had no choice in the matter whatsoever? Whether the circumstances, tonight was inevitable. We made a deal – my secret stays a secret as long as I played the part of Kalum's perfect girlfriend. Oh god that sounds horrendous. This night better end just as fast as it started.

My eyes are locked on Kalum, virtually burning a hole through his head. I think he senses my tortuous attempt because he turns his head toward me and a smile erupts on his face. What on earth is he grinning at? Before making his way towards my direction, he casually excuses himself from the two gentlemen. I can even make out the words "Excuse me." on his exit.

He gently makes his way through the crowd and finally reaches me. Kalum is now standing before me looking dashing I must say.

"Good Evening." Oh so now he wants to be a gentleman. A little too late if you ask me.

"I need a drink." I declare while rolling my eyes excessively. I begin to drift off from Kalum's side and search for the bar when he grabs me by the wrist tightly. My first instinct is to pull away from him until I notice what he is doing. With his thumb, he is tracing the scars on my wrists. Feeling each one with what I think is fascination. He removes his touch and dives his hand into his pocket. It doesn't take long before he presents a thin, but long rectangular box.

Kalum opens the box and what I see is too overwhelming. "What is this?" I ask, knowing what the contents in the box were but why I was being handed it.

"It's a bracelet. It might not cover your scars completely but it will be a distraction for everyone else and maybe even you." He shrugs while holding the bracelet from both ends. Why does he even care? And where is this nice side coming from?

"I can't accept this."

"I'm not really giving you a choice." He fastens the bracelet onto one of my wrists. I have to admit it's stunning. Each link features clusters diamonds, encircled by three frames filled with additional diamonds. "It's a gift. Don't make things more difficult than they have to be."

"I don't know what to say."

"You could say thank you."

"Thank you." I sincerely express gratitude to him.

"Shall we?" Kalum hooks his arm out and waits for me to take his gesture so he can escort me into the party thoroughly. He leads me towards the center of the room and all I want to know is the answer to the mind numbing question that has been on replay since I've arrived.

"Why didn't you tell me this was more than a simple get together? I didn't know you were going to wine and dine me."

"I thought the dress was a dead giveaway?" Shit he is right. This dress is way too formal for a simple gathering. "Besides if I told you the truth you would have never come. I know how you are about things like these."

"I am fully capable of attending whatever this is." I gesture my free hand to express the non-intimidating area. "Besides it's not like you gave me a choice."

"And for that I am completely sorry."

"I've enough of sorrys' for one day, so why don't you just cut the crap and tell me what this whole thing is."

"It's a founder's ball."

"A what?" I try to contain my anger.

"See I told you, you couldn't handle it."

"I can't believe –" Kalum removes his arm from my hold and wraps it around my hip when we stop in front of a woman. He forcefully pulls my close to his side causing me to end my sentence. I am grateful he did because I am not fully sure I would have been able to halt verbally assaulting him. And that last thing I need is embarrassing myself in front of the founding families of Seattle.

"Kalum! Honey, I've been searching for you everywhere!"

"And is this the infamous Ana? I'm Lyra Gallagher, Kalum's mother." She extends he hand and I accept it. For a woman she has a strong firm. "It is such a pleasure to meet you. I've heard so many things about you."

"Really?" I try to unnoticeably elbow Kalum's side. "All good things I hope, Ms. Gallagher." His mother stares at us suspiciously while put on the biggest smile I can plaster on my face in hope she doesn't suspect something is up.

"Please call me Lyra."

"There you guys are!" A young female comes barreling towards, light-brown haired, hazel eyes, and curvaceous. She's young, maybe just graduated high school.

"Ana! I've heard so much about you." She hugs me hard.

"So I've heard." I mutter into her shoulder. She releases me and I can't help but smile at her boundless enthusiasm. "I didn't know you had a sister." I whisper into Kalum's ear.

"You never asked." He whisper's back. "Plus Chauntal isn't someone I particularly enjoy talking about."

"You are so gorgeous!" Chauntal's eyes light up with excitement. "He said you were pretty, but I didn't know you were this pretty." I brush crimson.

"Chauntal, calm down," Lyra scolds softly.

"What? It's not every day we meet one of Kalum's girlfriends. If we could even call them that." I glimpse Kalum rolling his eyes, and I raise an eyebrow at him. He narrows his eyes at me. What now?

"Thank you." It's all I can say. I'm not the best at receiving complements or give them.

"Did you find your father?" Lyra asks Chauntal.

"Yes. He is about to make his speech with the mayor."

"I am so glad you could join us on such a special night, Ana." Special night?

As if he heard my question, he responds, "We are a founding family. Tonight is in honor of my family." It was a light whisper but the words were like I was just hit with a wave of revelation. I'm so overwhelmed. Just when I thought I knew everything about him, I get bombarded. Wait, it all makes sense now. The reason why he wanted to impress his father on the night that counts. I don't mind playing along, for my benefit of course. However, I can't help but feel like a trophy – the only reason why he wants me here is so he can earn brownie points.

The sudden dinging of crystal makes everyone's head turn, including mine. It takes a few dings before people starting going "shhh," and a couple more before the whole crowd goes silent.

"Uh, if everyone could gather, please." A man comes into view and stops midway on one of the double stairs. I am utterly astounded by who I see; the mayor of Seattle. Seeing him really puts my mind into gear that this is a high society function and for the sake of Kalum's reputation and my dignity I need to act like the perfect girlfriend.

"Welcome, thank you for joining us tonight. Tonight we have been brought here in celebration of one of the many founding families. Here on behave of his family is Mr. Calvin Gallagher."

Everyone applauses as Dean Gallagher descends the staircase toward the mayor. "Thank you all for attending this honorable night and sharing it with my family and I. I want to thank you all for supporting the community and figuring out ways to make Seattle a better place to call home. What we achieve is done with teamwork and I know I couldn't ask for a better group of people than the people I stand with in this very room. With that I would like to continue tradition of our founding families and commence the evening with a dance."

The harmony of violins and cellos intoxicate the ballroom as Kalum extends his hand towards me. "It would be rude not to dance, you know."

"Got to keep up the act, right?" I retort as I take his hand. I hope that statement gave him reassurance that I am not dancing with him because I want to but because I have to. We find a place on the floor and Kalum takes his hand in mine and places the other on the small of my back. Before I know it my feet are moving the melody of instrumental music. I know Kalum is laughing at me. I mean who wouldn't? I know I'm all over the place. I'm just glad he is helping disguise my lack of rhythm.

"I never got to apologize for my behavior and blackmailing you." He murmurs as he leads is in a different direction.

"Don't. Seriously."

"Okay then. On to more mannered subjects then, like how beautiful you look in that dress."

"I didn't really have time to shop."

Kalum raises an eyebrow and snickers, "Good thing I thought ahead, uh?"

"Good thing." I put a smile on my face although I don't mean it.

We continue dancing until Kalum twirls me out fast and then back, but I don't land safely in his arms; suddenly I'm in someone else's. I almost think it was unintentional until I notice other couples switching out their partners. I gaze up and soak in the familiar beauty of my new dance partner.

"Professor Grey." What is he doing here? I'm taken back by the impromptu appearance of Kate's professor and my now "counselor". His gray eyes glaze over and I feel like I'm witnessing something intimate.

"You look stunning, if it isn't obvious." I don't speak. My heart flutters; it's caught in my throat. The instrumental music changes to a slower, more seductive tempo. I can feel Grey's eyes on me as all of the couples stand beside each other with hands crossing over each other to make a figure eight.

He readjusts our grips in each other's hands and a rememberable shock course through me. "Thank you." I finally muster up enough courage to speak. I don't know why but I blush underneath his stare and gaze towards the ground. Professor Grey starts to dance, catching me off guard causing me to step on his foot. "Sorry! I'm so so sorry. Are you okay?" I ramble. Damn these heels!

Professor Grey laughs at my innocent act and I can't help but feel myself blush again. Shit why do I always do that? I begin to push away from him to prevent further embarrassment but his hand lowers down my spine to my waist. He then jerks me towards his body as if to say 'You're not going anywhere'. Heat smolders within me. I can sense heat burning in him too. It courses through me and into him in every place we are touching.

We begin to move again however I start to feel hesitant, rationality surfacing in my mind. I mean this is a teacher I am dancing with. What if someone assumes something? But my hesitation fades when he looks into my eyes.

I quickly look away and he leads me into a spin. I follow through but I'm not into it like I was. I'm staring off into the crowd of unknown faces and I come across Kalum's wary face.

"You seem off. Everything okay?" His gray eyes searches through mine as if he is looking for something. Hopefully he doesn't find the truth.

"Yeah, it's nothing." I pause. "Really." My mood is deteriorating. I can't stand this place much longer. The only thing keeping me here is dancing with Professor Grey and keeping my secret intact.

All of a sudden, he twirls me out onto the floor and pulls me closer to him. As the dance progresses our feet work together perfectly. Not like before when I could barely take one step without making a complete fool of myself. I shockingly find myself smiling a bit. Professor Grey is one of those people that can always find a way to make me smile, no matter what the situation is.

I catch a glimpse of an infrequent smile upon his face and I think it's because he sees me actually enjoying myself. All of a sudden, he twirls me out onto the floor and pulls me closer to him. I rest my head on his shoulder my arms around his neck.

"May I ask you a question, Professor Grey?"

"Yes. Anything."

"Who did you come here with?" I sense him stiffen and I begin to regret asking.

"Dr. Lincoln." He says it almost with no emotion. That's odd.

"Oh." I try not to sound disappointed but I am. I then start to wonder where Professor Grey's date is. Before my search for her initiates, I forgo the thought of seeing her face. It would only make tonight worse than it already is.

We dance silently for a few moments until he speaks, "I need to talk to you." Professor Grey sounds desperate and his eyes are pleading.

"Okay, so talk."

"Not here." He murmurs as he twirls me around and brings me back to his front. Only this time he has me at his front, holding me in place. I feel his chest lightly grazing my back and the next thing I know he is leaning into my ear. I can feel his hot breath on my neck. The air is electric, thickening with lust. His mouth descends towards the shell of my ear behind me.

"Meet me upstairs in twenty. There's a room down the hall. Last door to the right." Grey whispers lecherously. His desperation is so thick in his voice I can almost taste it.

"Wait. Why –" Before I can finish my sentence he disappears into the crowd.

I am now standing alone in the middle of the dance floor, staggered. The feeling of loneliness and that high on life feeling I felt while dancing with Professor Grey wanes when Kalum's mother stands beside me. My heart rate starts to slow and my breathing returns to a steady pace. The spark is gone except for the faint flicker of my current thoughts of his hands still touching mine and the vista of those enchanting gray eyes.

"I see you've met Mr. Grey. He is quite the charmer isn't he?"

"I'm sorry, who?" I say, attempting to seem disinterested in the god-like man.

"Christian Grey. The man who you were just dancing with. He's one of the biggest benefactors every year."

"Really?" I asked, honestly fascinated to know more about him.

"Yes. Ever since he moved here." She takes a sip of the glass of campagn in her hand. "He isn't apart of the founding families, but his family has close connections to many of them."

"Wow." I don't know if I can handle much more perfection out of one man.

"Yes, well, let's go find the boys. I know my husband is just dying to meet you."

"Okay."

I meet Kalum's father accordingly. We talk about school, what I want to do after college, and work. The work subject wasn't fun at all. Having to fluff how Kalum and I met and how we had an instant connection made me want to vomit, but I made a deal and I had to follow through.

Every time Mr. Gallagher would speak, I would zone out and just stare at the second floor. It's been about fifteen minutes since Professor Grey told me to meet him upstairs but I am reluctant to go. Yet I know if I don't go see him I am always going to wonder 'what if'. Knowing me, if I don't go I will live to regret it and I already have enough of those.

"Will you excuse me?" I announce to Kalum's family as walk towards the back of the mansion to act like I am going to get some air. Just went I thought I made a clean getaway and I halted by a familiar grip.

"Where are you going?" Kalum's features show distress.

"I need to get some air."

"Oh." He takes a step back. I reflect that he might think he is suffocating me. And I start to feel guilty about what I'm about to do. However curiosity to know what Professor Grey wants to tell me is overweighing that guilt.

"I just need a few minutes alone. It's been a long night." I wasn't lying. That was the truth, which made this a lot easier to walk away.

"Sure. I have my phone on me if you need me."

"Okay. Thanks." He walks away and turns his head back for one final glance before returning back to the ballroom.

Shit. What do I do now? I can't just waltz upstairs without Kalum or anyone else seeing me. Time was of the essence and I need to come up with a plan. Ultimately, my only choice is to see if one of these corridors can lead me upstairs. I begin to travel down to vacant halls and just my luck there is a back stairwell that leads to the second floor.

"Thank God. I just hope I'm not too late." I mutter to myself.

After making my way up the steps, I find the door Professor Grey was talking about, but I'm worried I'm too late and that he thinks I stood him up. Anxiously, I turn the door handle and begin the creep open the door. The room is completely dark except for two lamps that are on. I see the silhouette of a familiar man leaning against the wall. My breath hitches.

Before I knew what was happing, Grey pushed me against the room door. His hands were firmly on either side of my body and he had me trapped between the door and him. A million thoughts rushed through my mind. His body loomed over mine and I could almost swear I felt my heart in the pit of my stomach.

What the hell is he doing?

Forming logical sentences was unfeasible to formulate in my mind. All I can do is gulp down the anxiety I have and hold my ground – well what ground I do have. Grey leans towards me, cutting the distance between our bodies. He dips his head down, coming closer to my face until his lips were only a few inches apart from mine.

I gaze up into his eyes and there's something different about them. The clarity in them have faded and now they are dark clouded with... something. He plasters on an innocent blinding smile that makes me shiver. There is something unnerving about him; it's on the tip of my tongue.

Just as I thought he was going to come crashing down, he stops, places his forehead on mine, and gazes into my eyes. "Anastasia." I feel my legs go weak as he says my name. I then sense one of his arms trail along my side seductively creating a pool of desire between my legs. His arm lowers further and just when I think he is going to make a move I hear a click as he locks the door. Professor Grey breathes out causing his breath to run down my neck. Goosebumps sprout on my skin when his mouth grazes me. I close my eyes shut. His lips linger near my ear and his breathing grows heavy and ragged.

"Professor Grey." My voice quivers. "You need to think about what you're about to do." I pleaded with him, hoping to give him some words of wisdom.

"I know. I know" He whispers against the shell of my ear in a low, husky tone. He then hit the door with his fist hard but not hard enough to be heard from downstairs. I flinch as Grey backs away slowly with a look of devastation on his face.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry I don't know what came over me." I can hear the sadness seeping in his voice. "Please…" He pauses. "Please don't tell –"

"I wasn't going to. Don't worry. We can just call it even. A secret for a secret." He smiles and it's a smile that I'm enthralled with.

My phone suddenly chimes with a text message, Great, who could that be? I reach into my clutch purse, pull it out, and read the screen.

Where are you? I can't find you anywhere. – K.G.

I type him a quick response telling him that I went on a tour around the mansion and that I got lost but am on my way back to the ballroom."I've got to go."

I step to the door and place my fingers on the handle. I open the door all the way and before heading out I gaze back at Professor Grey. His face is full of regret and remorse. All I want to do is tell him that while he and I were chest to chest, I wanted him. How could I not want him?

He's brilliant and passionate and generous. When I'm around him, he makes me want to be a better person. And he is doing just that. I can't jeopardize our professional relationship just because I can't keep my hands to myself. Because if he didn't back away I'm not confident my actions would have been honorable to the rules. "Ana?" He stalks toward me once more and I begin to worry we are about to go for around two but he stops right in front of me, arms locked by his side. "I had fun tonight."

The room grows hotter with his confession. We stand there looking into each other's eyes. He grabs my hands in his and interlocks our fingers. He rubs my hands with his thumbs causing shoots a stream of sparks into my blood with every brush of his skin against mine.

I look up at him from beneath my lashes. "Me too." That was the honest truth and I needed him to know that.

"You go out first. I know you have to head out sooner than I do."

I can't help but smile. Even in the midst of what we just went through he can still be chivalrous.

"Oh before I forget. What was it that you wanted to tell me?"

"Uhhh." He stutters. "It's nothing. To be honest I have no idea what it was even about."

Professor Grey smiles and opens the door for me. I take a couple of steps out of the dark room and see the devil herself. Dr. Lincoln in front of me with the biggest smug expression I've seen in my existence.

"Well, isn't this interesting," she taunts, sauntering over to me in her skillfully crafted gown. She was beautiful. I couldn't deny that. Her sophisticated silhouette was embellished with lace and sheerness is done with taste. But my envy of her looks vanishes with the reality of what's going on become apparent. "And I see you have Professor Grey with you as well." Shit has really hit the fan now. We've been caught and I'm going to lose everything. Professor Grey is going to lose everything. "This is all my fault –"

"You don't have to explain yourself. I know what is going on here." She snaps at me like a snake attacking its prey. I glance over to Mr. Grey to see his eyes full of… hate. I am so confused!

"You do?"

"Yes. I do." I'm really hoping she doesn't assume the worst. I really need her to lose a couple brain cells right now.

"Run along now." What? That was a change in direction. Dr. Lincoln is staring intensely at Professor Grey. I feel like a third wheel.

"Um but –"

"Just go Ana." Professor Grey's voice is harsh, ugly. I hate it. It makes me wince. He's never talked to me like that. "GO!" It was much harsher this time but I sense some regret, like he didn't wholeheartedly mean it. Well he meant for me to go but not the way he was saying it. It's almost like he is protecting me from something but I don't know what.

I don't look back and head my way back downstairs the way I came. I'm practically running until I reach the ballroom entrance and I slow down to recollect myself. When I catch my breath I walk in with grace I didn't know I had. Kalum spots my instantly and struts towards me.

"Are you okay? You were gone for a while." He intakes a breath. "I was worried."

"I'm fine. Just lost track of time and my way." He puts his arm out and waits for me to take his gesture like before but this time I deny his offer. "Is it alright you take me home."

"Yeah sure just let me say goodbye to my parents and sister then we can go." He puts on his panty dropper smile. Still the same ole Kalum. "Stay right here. Don't want you getting lost again." I giggle. For a man whore he sure knows how to make a girl laugh.


The car ride home is silent, which is to be expected. Kalum is driving what I guess is his car. It's expensive, that part is obvious. Although luxurious and pricey things never did impress me but that doesn't mean I can't admire them. Like this dress. Yes, I'm in love with it but it was only a part of the deal. Once tonight is over I'm returning it back to Kalum.

Glancing through the passenger window I take in the city at night. It has a perfect combination between the nightlife and the sleepy city. I really need to see and experience more of Seattle. I have my own hands knotted in my lap, trying count down the minutes until I get home.

He pulls up to the side of my house and parks the car on the curb. Kalum quickly walks around to the passenger door, pausing before opening the door, giving me a second to get my things. As the door opens; I step out, holding his hand to help me climb out the seat. He walks me all the way to the porch of my duplex and I can't help but feel nervous. What if he tries to make a pass at me?

"Thank you for tonight. My parents and sister loved you. I knew they would." Kalum declares as he puts his hands into his jacket pockets.

"No problem." I say quickly hoping he will say goodnight and let me go inside.

"Not just for this, Ana. For everything..." Great. Somehow I know I'm going to be here for awhile. "I don't know what I would do if you weren't there tonight. Even when you probably felt out of place."

"I was fine, really. I think I took care of myself pretty well."

"You did and that's what I like about you, Ana."

I ignore his comment hoping I was just hearing things. "You're world is very..." I try to look for the right word. "Perplexed."

"And living in it is just." He sighs heavily. "Sometimes as I'm sitting at these events listening to everyone chattering on and on about nothing, I look around and I think." He pauses and all of this conversation is getting… well personal. "How did I get here? I just want to move past my life where it is now and find something new. Does that make any sense?" I nod. Although I am a bit lost. Why is he telling me all of this? "There's been something I've been wanting to tell you all night I just didn't know who to word it all. But now I do." He gulps hard, as he studies my face carefully, searching for approval to continue. I don't make any gesture for approval but he goes on anyways.

"I know I've been known to get into a trouble every once in a while." The way he annunciated trouble cause me to blush. I know exact what he means by 'trouble'. "But I can tell you now that I'm not like that anymore." He stretches one of his arms over his head and smiled at me sweetly. Oh my god! Kalum is nervous. I thought I'd never see the day. Yet, it doesn't stop me from calling him out on his attempt to woo me.

"If you're saying you've changed then you might want to reconsider that. Change is something I am overly knowledgeable about. And the one thing about it is that change can't happen overnight. Sorry to rain on your parade Kalum, but once a bad boy always a bad boy." My voice is full of confidence; something I'm not use to.

Kalum doesn't comment immediately which makes me worry. He is looking at me in a very serious manner, his brows slightly drawn together. I bit my lip contemplating weather to say something but he beats me to it.

"Ana, for once in my life I am going to be honest. You are beautiful and I like you but I know, you've heard around school, that I'm not a one girl type of guy. And I was but not anymore. Despite the way I've treated you in the past, I do want you to know that I care for you. I constantly think about you. And it's becoming unbearable to just stand on the sidelines and not be next to you – be in your presence." I can't speak. Why the hell can't I speak? I'm frozen solid. I feel his hands on my arms. "There's something between us, I can feel it. We have a connection here, don't we?" This is a new side of Kalum I haven't seen before. I cringing at the way his voice sounds; it's so desperate.

With as much effort as I could muster, I stepped back, pulling away from him. Finally I think he is getting my vibe. "I'm sorry." He pleads. "I shouldn't have piled all that on you." Kalum starts to walk backwards step by step to his car. I feel so bad, but at this moment I'm gratefully he got the message because would have had no idea what to say or how to handle this situation.

"Umm goodnight. I guess." He is stuttering. I'm not going to lie, it's a precious sight. "See you at work." And with that he is gone.

Not knowing what else to do I head inside, shut the door behind me and lean up against it as I gaze up at the ceiling. Words are finally materializing in my head again. And the one and only thing that occupied my mind was that all the while Kalum was venting his emotions towards me, all I wanted was for Professor Grey to be saying the exact same things.