Reviews from Chapter 11:
cheshire115: I think Christian is a little of all of those things. However, my version of Christian is slowly going to learn from his mistakes.
daytonalay: Everyone is always worried about Leila being asleep or not so let me make it clear: Our Leila loves her wine and sleeping pills. Imagine her as Meredith from The Parent Trap sleeping on the mattress in the middle of the lake. Girl is gone. Lol. Now, Leila's wrist surely is a mystery and will remain so until the next chapter. As for her Dom? All I can say is that it's not Jack Hyde. His creepy importance comes in the second book. Although we'll certainly see a surprise or two from him in this book too. ;) Thank you for your continuous support!
emou.albarout: you could most definitely be almost 100% right. Insight on Carla will come, but not for a while . . . Hang on tight!
motherbeatrice: I really didn't want to spoil this fact until later on, but I did above and I'll say it again because it's quite funny. Our girl Leila likes her wine and sleeping pills a lot more than she ever liked Christian!
Ehundl: I hope this update was earlier for you! I'm posting around 7:30 my time (Indiana, USA). Leila isn't playing dumb, if she finds out what's going on . . . let's just say it will be a big surprise. Dinner is sure to be interesting . . .
velosewer: Leila definitely shouldn't be underestimated. My Leila is even sneakier than the original but there won't be too many surprises during dinner . . .
sam251: what can I say? If you don't like my Ana, don't read. It's that simple.
I included more than 5 review replies this time around simply because it's been so long. Thank you all for the well wishes and for those of you who have waited patiently! Enjoy!!
Song: Bad by Lennon Stella
P.R.E.T.T.Y.B.I.G.L.I.E.S
It's odd standing around Christian and Leila's apartment, with just the three of us. Usually, Gail is around. But tonight it is Leila who stands at the fridge, pulling out ingredients as Christian pulls out a bottle of wine and three glasses.
"Oh, we'll need another."
Christian pauses and looks at Leila oddly.
"Why?" he asks icily.
"I invited a friend over for dinner."
Christian grits his jaw and stares at her impassively as she begins to lay her ingredients on the counter.
"Who? Who on fucking earth could you have possibly invited here for dinner?"
Leila blinks at him.
"He's a friend and I think he'll get along well with not only you but with Ana."
Christians voice is clipped. "What?"
"What?" I echo."Why would you do that?"
"I don't know why you're so upset, Christian," Leila shrugs. "Ana isn't some teenager like she was when you met her. Evidently, she's been dating people and I think this will get her mind off of the professor."
"What professor?" he scowls.
"The portraits . . ." she says bewilderedly as she stares at him. before she looks at me. "About that, I was talking to the head of that studio. There were more portraits included in Josè's work. I went ahead and had him charge us for the ones that weren't hung. I guess they get pretty . . . risqué."
I blanch. "What do you mean?"
"Well, I know that I told you all those years ago, how Christian and I met." She looks at Christian who is still scowling like a petulant teenager. "Before you yell at me, I was drunk, plus she's my sister and would never tell a soul about out personal business. Anyway," she continues. "When I asked just how risqué the photos get, I was told that there are certain photos that are . . . revealing."
"How revealing?" Christian growls.
Leila looks at me as if asking for permission and I nod.
"Full frontal, blindfolded, hands bound. That sort of thing," she shrugs.
As I feel my skin heat, I cradle my head in my hands and Christian comes around the bar and wraps an arm around me in comfort.
"Ana, it's nothing to be embarrassed about," Leila says gently. "It's all perfectly normal. I'm sure Christian even has a few photos of me laying around somewhere. I could show them to you if it will make you feel better and—"
"No," Christian says sternly, making me stiffen. With a gentle touch, he lowers my hands from my face and pulls me into his chest. "The photographer took photos of Ana without her permission. She's angry, Leila. Not embarrassed. Angry. And she has every right to be. The photos I took of you—before we were married, may I add—were for insurance purposes because at the time you were just my Submissive."
"And I'm not now?" she asks dryly.
"No," he says simply. "You're not. We married Leila, and when we married you decided to leave that part of our relationship in the past."
"Seeing the photos still might make her feel better," she says, rolling her eyes as she turns away.
"Or they could make her highly uncomfortable," he scowls at her before he looks down at me with a gentle but reassuring smile, "I myself will call the gallery in the morning," Christian promises. "I'll confirm that we own all copies including any negatives. Then I'll request to have the portraits delivered here and I'll put them in storage myself to ensure that none of the staff decide to take a look at them. You can decide what to do about them whenever you're ready, Anastasia."
"Thank you," I murmur.
"Why don't you talk to Ana more about the purchase of SIP while I begin to get dinner ready?" Leila suggests as she looks over her shoulder.
"That's an excellent idea. We can talk about what I see for the future of the company. Come, Anastasia," Christian says while rolling his eyes at her. "Let's go sit in the library."
"There's a tray of appetizers in the refrigerator if either of you are hungry."
"I can wait," I say easily, picking up my glass of wine and taking Christian's offered hand.
Once we've reached the library Christian looks at me curiously.
"Are you sure you wouldn't like something to eat?" he asks.
"The only thing that sounds appetizing at the moment is unfortunately not up for grabs," I quip.
Christian gazes at me intensely and I feel every single muscle in my body clench in sweet anticipation of his answer. The mans voice alone was enough to do me in, add in the starving look of lust and I was a goner.
"Have you eaten today?" he asks as she steps right in front of me.
Not even a touch, but still he stands before me radiating heat off of his hard body. He continues to stare down at me, his slate gray eyes burning into mine as desire courses through my veins and I turn into a puddle at his feet.
"I had part of a sandwich at lunch," I whisper. I don't want to talk food.
He narrows his eyes. "Just part? You need to eat, Anastasia."
"I wasn't really hungry. I was too keyed up in anticipation for you. I'm still not really hungry right now. At least . . . not
for food."
"Why, just what are you hungry for, Miss Steele?" he flirts.
"I think you know, Mr. Grey," I taunt back at him.
He leans down, his lips hovering over my own, and for a brief moment, I think he's going to kiss me, but all too soon, he pulls back.
"Do you want me to kiss you, Anastasia?" he whispers softly, his minty breath fanning over my face.
"Yes," I breathe.
"Where?"
"You're not playing fair."
"Perhaps not. However, I need you to be specific so I know just what it is you want. I told you before, I'm not going to touch you until you're begging me and telling me what you want. In fine detail."
"Please," I whisper. "You're the one that's supposed to beg."
"I don't beg, baby. I'm your Dom, remember?"
"Then touch me," I whisper hoarsely.
"Where should I touch you, baby?"
His scent is so intoxicating as he drifts closer that I hungrily reach up, only for him to take a cautious step back.
"No, no," he chides, his eyes suddenly wide and alarmed.
"No?"
"No." He confirms with a shake of his head.
"Not at all?" I ask longingly, and I can't keep the sadness out of my voice.
He looks at me uncertainly, and I'm emboldened by his hesitation. I take a cautious step towards him, and he takes a full step back, holding his hands up as a defense mechanism.
"Look, Ana," he seems completely exasperated as he runs a hand through his hair. "It's not so simple."
"Sometimes you don't mind. Sometimes it seems like you're encouraging me when you pull me into your arms. I just don't understand."
"You don't need too."
"But, I do. Perhaps I should find a marker so we can map out the no-go areas."
He raises an eyebrow at me thoughtfully. "That's actually not a bad idea."
I nod in anticipation and he sighs reluctantly before quickly changing the subject.
"Are you still on your birth control? Or did you have it changed?"
Oh shit.
"No," I squeak. "I had my IUD taken out and planned on replacing it at my next appointment."
"I see," he says, and his lips press into a thin line of disapproval. "I've changed my mind. Come, let's have the appetizer to eat."
"First, I thought we were going to talk. Then, I thought we were going to play. I've missed you, Christian."
"I know, baby." He smiles, and then he swiftly grabs my wrist and pulls me into his arms so that his body is pressed against mine.
"You need to eat and so do I," he murmurs, gazing down at me with burning eyes the color of ash. "Besides . . . anticipation is the key to seduction, and right now, I'm really into delayed gratification."
"Then consider me seduced. I want my gratification now, Christian. I'll even beg," I pout.
He smiles at me tenderly as he runs a finger down my cheek. "After we eat. You're far too slender." He kisses my forehead and releases me.
The man has chosen to play a game I'm all too determined to win.
"I thought we came in here to talk? I'm still mad that you bought SIP, and now I'm mad at you because you're making me wait." I pout.
"You are one angry little madam, aren't you? You'll feel better after a good meal."
With my hands clasped behind my back in surrender, I take a step towards him, rubbing my body up against his.
"I know what I'll feel better after."
"Anastasia Steele, I am simple shocked at your behavior." He gently mocks me as he tickles my sides, making me giggle at his antics.
"Stop!" I squeal. "Stop teasing me! You don't fight fair."
He stifles his grin by biting his lower lip and it makes him look simply . . . adorable. The successful CEO is in playful Christian mode—toying with my libido on a whim. If only he would let me seduce him like he did the first time. Of course, not being able to touch him does hamper my skills just a tad.
As Christian and I continue to gaze at each other—me, yearning and him both relaxed
and amused at my expense—I realize I have a date that I know nothing about.
"Leila set me up on a date."
"She did."
"You're going to be here."
"I am." His expression hardens.
I shake my head in exasperation. Shit, he's pissed and it's not even my fault!
"It's not exactly my idea of a fun evening," he says sternly as he turns on his heel and walks over to the bookshelf. "Then again, Leila wants to spend the evening 'catching up' as she put it. So, I believe this leaves you with the perfect opportunity to stay the night. Perhaps we could spend my morning run in the gym shower, instead."
I swallow audibly at his suggestion and catch his slight smirk.
"Aren't you at all curious as to why Leila is playing Susie Homemaker? It's quite sudden."
"Yes, but at the moment I'm more curious as to why you haven't been eating."
"I wasn't hungry. When I worry, I don't eat. As a side note, you probably shouldn't look in my fridge if you stop by."
"Why?" he glares, then his eyes widen to the size of saucers. "Do you not have food in the apartment?"
"Maybe."
At my admission, he shakes his head.
"Why don't you have any food in the apartment?"
"You know why."
Gritting his teeth, he clenches his fist.
"It was you who left so easily," he mutters disapprovingly. "You could have fought."
"You called me a whore, Christian. You threw a check in my face and thanked me for servicing you for three years."
Christian winces at my words and scratches the back of his head.
If I hadn't left, would he have offered the vanilla alternative? I wonder idly. Perhaps my choice of not fighting and leaving with Elliot, was his wakeup call. Or perhaps . . .
"Have you talked to Elliot at all?" I find myself asking.
Christian gives me an odd look and shakes his head.
"About . . . maybe an hour after he left with you, he came back. We ended up having a pretty heated argument. One where I may or may not have accused him of sleeping with you. And giving you-"
"Chlamydia? The chlamydia I ended up not having? You did receive my email, right?"
"I did. And yes, I blamed him for that."
"I finished the medication because it was recommended. I still need to make an appointment with Dr. Greene, unfortunately."
"Anastasia—"
"Elliot told you. He told you the same exact day it all happened and yet you let me sit there and think you hated me for something I didn't do. You lied to me, Christian."
"Except I didn't," he says softly. "I really didn't have sex with her. I don't know how I caught it from her. But I swear to you, I haven't physically slept with Leila in that way in a very long time."
There's a sharp tap on the door and we both freeze as it opens, only to reveal Taylor.
Letting out an audible sigh, Christian looks at him.
"What is it, Taylor?"
"Mrs. Grey wished for me to inform you that your dinner guest is here."
"Thank you, Taylor," he says tersely as he turns to me. "Oh, joy. I get to spend the remainder of my evening watching some man ogle you."
I brush up against him as I bat my eyelashes at him with a salacious grin.
"Yes, you do. However, I've spent three years of my life watching you leave my bed only to go home to your wife. But, just remember: tonight you get to fuck me while she sleeps."
P.R.E.T.T.Y.B.I.G.L.I.E.S
"I've brought a bottle of white wine, I hope that's okay with everyone?"
Geoffrey Porter is a tall, dark haired man with an athletic build and brooding blue eyes. He is also, apparently, someone Christian knows and does not like, judging by his initial reaction.
Of course, that could simply be because of my own reaction or the fact that we found him greeting Leila with an overly friendly kiss on the cheek. I'm guessing it's the latter, unfortunately.
With a charming smile, he hands the bottle off to Leila and she gives me a pointed look.
"Ana, why don't you help me get the wine?"
As if I have a choice.
With one brief glance back at Christian, I dutifully follow her into the kitchen.
"So, what do you think?" she asks as she carefully opens the bottle of wine with the corkscrew Christian has left out.
"He's . . . handsome. It's not as if I know him, Leila."
"That's the point of dinner, Ana. Now that you've graduated we need to find you someone suitable. You should flirt with him a bit. See what you have in common."
"Right," I answer passively.
"Please, take this seriously. He's a wealthy man and business owner who has a lot of women who are interested in him. This is a once in a life time opportunity for you, Ana. Now, you take the bottle of wine out and I'll bring dinner out in just a moment."
I manage to refrain from rolling my eyes at her as I pick up the wine glasses and the bottle to carry out into the dining room.
With a charming smile I set the glasses on the table, but before I can begin to pour, Christian takes the bottle and gracefully fills all four glasses.
"So what is it you do, Anastasia?" Geoff asks kindly as I hand him his glass.
"It's Ana," I say, correcting him before I continue, " I just graduated from WSU with a degree in English Literature."
"Ah, a hopeless romantic?"
"Hardly," I say, raising an eyebrow at him. "I may prefer some of those stories but that doesn't mean that's where my heart lies. Anyway, I just started at Seattle Independent Press."
"Ah, you must know Jack then?" he asks.
"Um . . . yes. He's my new boss. How do you know Mr. Hyde?" I ask curiously as Christian studies him with an impassive stare.
"It's a bit of a long story, truth be told."
"Why don't you all have a seat, dinner is almost ready but we can start with the salad," Leila says with ease.
We find our places at the dining table that is set for four with Christian at the head, me to his right, Leila to his left, and Geoff to her side.
We sit in a comfortable silence as we fill our salad plates and Leila says, "The main course should be ready by the time we're done with our salad. So, what were you talking about?"
"I had just asked Ana about work," Geoff says, glancing down at Leila who shifts in her seat.
"Leila and I had the . . . pleasure of meeting Hyde today," Christian says smoothly. "He seems friendly with his staff."
"A practice that I've warned him of, I can assure you," Geoff says. "I always say not to mix business and pleasure. It's far too messy."
"Ironic coming from you," Christian replies.
Geoff smirks slightly, and I can feel the tension rise in the room.
"Leila mentioned you were in business. What is it that you do, exactly?" I ask curiously.
"Mergers and Acquisitions just as Grey here. Although, I do own a small chain of clubs, Monsieur, Regnant, and Maîtriser. Perhaps you've heard of them?" he asks, gauging my reaction.
I nearly choke on my wine and spare a glance at Leila who looks pleased with herself and then at Christian who looks as if he wants to murder Geoffrey Porter.
"Can't say that I have," I mutter as I recover.
Of course, I could say that I did, in fact, know of them. Christian and I had attended a few of the masquerade parties at the one in Portland. It just so happened to be the Sir or the Monsieur of Monsieur, Regnant,and Maîtriser.
That doesn't surprise me in the least," he smiles. "Admittedly, they're exclusive clubs and cost a pretty penny."
"I'm sure," I mutter dryly. "I suppose they would have to be, seeing as they seem to cater to a certain clientele."
Geoff's eyes widen in surprise at my remark and he glances at Christian.
"She knows?"
Christian nods stiffly and Leila decides it's the perfect moment to get dinner out and onto the table. Acting as a gentleman, Geoff offers his assistance and they both make their escape.
Looking directly at me, Christian quietly speaks.
"Geoff and I met years ago through a mutual friend, Mrs. Lincoln. Although, I'm now curious as to exactly how he knows my wife."
"Why did she invite him here if she knows he's . . . like you?"
"To rattle you, I suppose," he mutters. "Of course, it's only pissing me off."
"He seems nice enough. Except, I think she's doing it to rattle both of us."
"Very possible. Porter owns three BDSM clubs, Anastasia. They aren't tame little parties. It goes much deeper than what you saw that night," he hisses. "There's more than one level and I would never dare to take you past the first."
"What if I wanted you to?" I ask breathlessly.
Christian gasps as he becomes rigid in his seat.
"Don't say things like that when I can't touch you, Little One."
"Dinner is served," Leila says cheerfully as she walks in with a large casserole dish with Geoff, following behind her holding a tray full of breadsticks. Once the food is on the table, I notice Leila's heavy blush as Geoff pulls out her chair, and suddenly, I'm truly curious about him.
"So, how exactly did the two of you meet?" I ask once Christian has kindly filled my plate with far too much food.
Leila's eyes meet mine over her wine glass as she takes a drink, and then she smiles charmingly.
"Well, I was out to lunch and a friend introduced us. Geoff happened to be looking for some art and I told him about my art show in New York at that school."
"The one you had before your wedding?" I ask curiously.
"Yes," she frowns and Geoff smiles at her.
"We've kept in touch since. I have quite a bit of her work in each of my clubs, my office, and at home. I was hoping for some portrait work next—to go inside my clubs," he says carefully. "I'm actually searching for a model."
Leila's eyes light up as Christian refills my wine.
"Oh! Ana, you should do it! Those portraits were awfully beautiful and no one would have to know it was you."
My jaw drops and I can practically see the anger radiating off of Christian as he glares at his wife.
"No."
I look up at him and scowl.
"It's my body."
He turns his gaze on me and grits his teeth together. In his eyes, I can see exactly what he's thinking.
No, Little One. It's mine.
"That shitty little photographer friend of yours did that without your consent. These pictures would be in multiple clubs across multiple cities, Anastasia."
"It's just an idea," Leila says rolling her eyes.
"And I said, no," Christian snaps, glaring at her.
Keeping her eyes on his, Leila raises her nose in defiance.
"I was actually considering posing for the photos myself."
Christian blanches, seemingly speechless and it's then, that I notice out of the corner of my eye, Geoff watching for my reaction . . . and for Christian's.
"Why can't you find a submissive or even a dominant and submissive from within the community?" I ask, keeping my gaze on his. "I'm sure you could find someone, being that you own three clubs."
"She's right," Christian says simply. "Or perhaps your own, submissive, Porter."
"I'm currently free of a contract. Besides, I've always looked for relationships that weren't strictly BDSM. Unlike you, Grey. Of course, that is until you met Leila."
Leila shifts in her seat uncomfortably and Christian takes a sip of his wine before he eyes, Geoff.
"Yes, it seems Leila was the exception."
"Perhaps, I'll ask Susannah. After all, she was the one that introduced us. Do you think she would be interested?"
"I could ask her. I'll call her tomorrow," she smiles.
"Susannah? As in Susannah Stevens?"
Leila almost looks smug as she looks at him.
"Susi was a friend I made when I met Elena. Ana's met her."
"I have?" I ask.
"Why did Elena introduce you to Susannah?"
Leila rolls her eyes as she turns back to her plate.
"It was when I started seeing you. Elena said that Susi was . . . well, you know," Leila shrugs. "Its not as if she was ever your official Submissive. You only shared scenes with her at the clubs."
"No, she wasn't my sub. However, if Elena hadn't done her best to ensure that I was devoted to you, Miss Stevens was next on the long list of candidates."
"Excuse me as I vomit," I say, shoving my half-eaten plate away.
Christian grits his teeth and shakes his head as Leila stands from the table.
"I'll get everything cleared and then we can do dessert."
"I'll help you," Geoff offers, throwing a smile my way.
I watch as they take the plates and then I look at Christian.
"Okay, so Susi subbed for you?"
"We did a few scenes for demonstration before I met Leila. However—unbeknownst to Leila—Elena was bringing Submissives to meet me up until last fall."
"What?" I snarl.
Christian looks amused at my possessiveness and grins at me.
"I never touched them, Little One. Not once. Cheating was never part of my routine. You are the exception to it all."
"Why did she stop?"
"I told her I had the perfect Submissive," he says affectionately. "It's not my fault she thought I meant my wife."
I flush under Christian's heated stare and shift in my seat.
"Can we go sit in the living room?"
"Yes, that's a good idea. Why don't you grab the bottle I opened earlier from the kitchen and I'll turn on the fireplace. Also, you're not to sit anywhere near that man, understood?"
"Yes, Sir," I murmur.
His eyes blaze like a storm as he stands from his seat and quietly orders me to stand. Catching my chin in his grip, he gazes at me adoringly before he fails at his attempt to hide a small charismatic smile, causing me to giggle.
"Run along, Little One."
"You called me that," I say thoughtfully. "Last night. In front of her."
"Yes, she asked about that," he shrugs. "I said it was just a term of affection because I have known you for so long, and you are indeed the Little One. Now, fetch the wine as I said."
Grinning, I head for the kitchen, but nothing can prepare me for what I see as I round the corner.
Against the counter on the far side of the kitchen, Geoff stands with Leila bent over in front of him. One hand rests on her thigh as he grips her hair in the other.
"What did I say about teasing me if front of Grey?"
"Not to or you would punish me, Master."
"That's correct, Slave. Now, did you take your medicine like you were told to do?"
"Yes, Master."
"Good, girl."
"Now, are you going to convince your little sister to go on a date with me to make things easier? Just imagine all of the family dinners. Me fucking you, when they're both in the other room. Does that turn you on you fucking whore?"
"Yes, Master."
"Good, girl. Stand."
Leila stands up straight and turns around in his arms before he lifts her up and sets her on the counter. Stepping between her thighs he keeps a hold of her hair as he claims her mouth.
Seizing an opportunity, I grab the bottle of wine from the end of the counter and hastily make my escape.
As I enter the living room, Christian easily takes me into his arms and grips the bottle of wine in one hand as my stomach twists and turns nervously.
How was I going to tell him what I just witnessed without causing him to blow up?
"Did I mention how incredible you look, today?" he murmurs.
"I'm in a blouse and jeans," I scoff.
"Yes, and I'm hoping you're wearing the blue set I bought for you underneath."
How do you tell the man you're sleeping with that his wife is cheating on him?
"Christian—"
"How did I not notice that you grabbed the wine, darling?" Leila asks, straightening her dress as she makes her way over to us from the kitchen, with Geoff on her tail.
"Anastasia grabbed it while I got our glasses," Christian says while not evening bothering to look at her as he fills all four glasses.
Leila's gaze turns to me hesitantly and I give her a tight smile before turning to Christian and taking the offered wine.
I had to wait. It was my only option at this point. If I said a word, I would only be made out as a liar.
"Thank you," I murmur as I peek up at him beneath my lashes.
His intake of breath is sharp, but he quickly covers it with a cough before clearing his throat.
"So, how is the world of mergers and acquisitions going for you outside of the clubs?" Christian asks, looking at Geoff as he sits down.
"Pretty well, if I do say so myself. I'm securing a deal that will ease the burden of shipment out of China."
"I just purchased a factory out there myself this past quarter. I'm due to travel out there sometime this fall. I wish I could get Ros to do it, but the sad fact is, they're not very open to women."
"Isn't that a little sexist?" I ask.
Christian gestures for me to sit beside him on the couch and lets out a troubling sigh.
"It is, but it's difficult to get them to agree to our terms when it's just Ros handling things. Some of the men feel as if I should have final say, being the CEO. Technically they're not one-hundred percent wrong, but they're not right either. I trust Ros. That's the reason why I made her COO. I can send her to our own factory, but if I want to secure any deals with them, it's easier to do it face to face myself."
"That's horrible."
"That's the way things should be. Not all women are capable of making those types of decisions. Frankly, I'm surprised Grey can give up that kind of control to some woman. Although, having met Ros myself, I can see why. She's not exactly like the rest, is she?"
I grow increasingly uncomfortable as Christian glares at Geoff.
"I think you need to learn where to draw the line when it comes to business and pleasure. Women have every right to do the jobs men are given on a daily basis. If that wasn't the case, Anastasia wouldn't be working in a field she loves and she wouldn't have graduated as one of the top students in her class. Her best friend wouldn't have been given the title of Valedictorian if the world saw things your way. Women have rights and deserve to be treated as equals."
Setting my wine down, I make a slight show of rubbing my temples and Leila gazes at me with concern just as Christian places a casual hand on my thigh.
"What's wrong?"
"I think I'm getting a migraine."
Christian's eyes widen at my words and Leila sighs.
"When was the last time you had one?"
"Around finals," I murmur. "But when I get them, they knock me off my feet."
Geoff seems to sense what I'm getting at and stands.
"Then we'll cut this evening short. Besides, I'll be seeing you all at the Coping Together Gala tomorrow evening, correct?"
"Oh, I won't be going."
"Yes, you will," Christian says easily. "Mother insists now that you're in Seattle."
"I don't have a dress."
"It's been taken care of," he smirks. "As long as you get a night of rest you should be well enough to attend tomorrow."
"Well, then. It's settled. I'll see all of you tomorrow," Geoff smiles as his eyes land on me.
A sinking feeling swarms my gut and I watch in silence as Leila offers to show Geoff out and he kindly accepts, bidding us adieu.
P.R.E.T.T.Y.B.I.G.L.I.E.S
It's nearing one in the morning when I hear the sound of the piano from below. Sitting up in bed, I run my hands through my hair before making the hasty decision.
I make my way downstairs to find Christian hunched over his piano, playing the same notes of Beethoven over and over again.
"Christian?"
"Anastasia, it's late. Why don't you sit down and have a snack? You didn't eat very much at dinner," he murmurs.
Feeling brave, I shake my head. "You'll have to beg me first."
"Is that a challenge?"
"Perhaps."
Ever so carefully, he closes the lid of the piano before he stands and slowly saunters over to me, his eyes dark and heavy. Reaching behind me, he switches off the lamp and it's as if the world around us has gone silent.
"I think, that perhaps we can have a snack later."
"Thats not a sentence I ever expected to hear from The Christian Grey," I swallow nervously as I lick my lips in anticipation. "Does this mean you're going to beg?" I whisper, bravely gazing into the molten gray of his eyes.
"No, Anastasia. There will be no begging." His voice is soft, seductive, as he steps as close as he can get without touching me.
The atmosphere is charged with electricity crackling between us as he stares down at me and I, up to him. As I bite my lip, I watch as he silently swallows and my blood ignites with a vengeance, desire pooling between my legs. Just looking at him looking at me, sends me into a tailspin.
"How is it, that just looking at you completes me?"
Before I can even respond, he grabs me by my hips and pulls me flush up against his body. Instantaneously, I reach for his hair and his mouth claims mine. With the brunt of his weight, he pushes me back, pinning me up against the wall. As his tongue melds with mine, coaxing me into caving into his bodies commands, I vaguely hear the table next to us holding his wedding photos protest. The kiss between us ignites with passion as his hand moves into my hair, tugging my head back to gain access to my neck.
"What do you want, Anastasia?" he breathes.
"You," I gasp. "All I've ever wanted is you."
"Where?" he rasps.
"Bed. I want you in bed. Please, Christian."
Without letting go of me once, he scoops me into his arms, letting me wrap my arms and legs around him freely. With efficient ease he carries me through the apartment and up the stairs before setting me on my feet at the end of the bed. Leaning down, he switches on my bedside lamp before he quickly glances around the room and makes his way to hastily close the pale gray curtains.
Turning he stares at me with a look of utter wonder.
"Now what?" he asks softly.
"I want you to make love to me, Christian."
"How?"
What?
"You have got to tell me, baby. Tell me what it is you want."
"You're not playing fair."
"Anastasia, I won't ask again."
"I want you to undress me and make love to me," I plead. "Please, Christian."
He smirks as he hooks his index finger into the shirt I've stolen from him for the night, pulling me toward him.
"You're such a good girl," he murmurs, and without breaking his scorching gaze, he begins to slowly unbutton my shirt.
Needing to steady myself under his heated stare, I tentatively put my hands on his arms and to my complete and utter surprise, he doesn't protest.
His arms are a safe area.
When he undoes the last of the buttons, he pushes my shirt off my shoulders, and I manage to briefly let go of him to let the shirt gracefully fall to the floor.
His eyes are nearly black as he parts his lips in an exasperated growl.
"Tell me what you want, Anastasia."
"I want your lips on my skin," I murmur as I trail my finger along the length of my slender throat, from right below my ear to my collar bone.
With skilled grace, he smoothes my hair back, out of the line of fire before he bends. His lips feel like the scorching sun as he begins to leave the sweetest of soft kisses right along the path my finger trailed and then back again like an echo.
"And now, my dear sweet girl?"
My words come out as a soft murmur. "I want you to take off my panties Christian."
I feel him smile against my neck before he places one firm kiss at the base of my throat, then he proceeds to fall to his knees in front of me. I watch in awe as he hooks his thumbs into the material and gives me a devilish grin.
"I could tear these off. It's much faster."
"I believe I told you to take them off, not tear them."
"Your wish is my command, madam."
Ever so gently, he begins to pull the scrap of blue silk down my legs. With newfound grace, I step out of them before he tosses them aside, leaving me in just my bra.
He stills, looking up at me expectantly. "What would my sweet girl like now?"
"I want your lips on me."
He hums, "Where?"
I teasingly trail my finger along my pelvic bone.
"You know very well where, Mr. Grey."
"Where?"
"I could just show you," I murmur breathlessly.
Feeling liberated, I part my legs and trail my fingers down to the apex of my thighs. With a single finger, I gently begin to part my lips, watching as his eyes darken into a deep storm. I close my eyes, tilting my head back as I feel the evidence of my desire begin to coat my skin.
"Stop." his voice comes out as a growl and I can't help the whimper that escapes my mouth. "Your pleasure belongs to me, Anastasia."
With skilled ease he takes my hand in his and sucks my finger into his mouth, cleaning it off before releasing it and drawing my core to his mouth.
He kisses me then, unleashing his expert tongue in the most devilish of ways. I groan and thread my fingers through his hair, holding on as he uses his tongue to circle my clit over and over again. Nothing deters him, even as I begin to pull on his copper locks. When I dig my nails into his scalp he uses his teeth to nip at my swollen bud, causing me to cry out in protest. Then, he buckles down, relentlessly using his tongue to drive me closer to the edge.
"Christian," I gasp. "Please." It comes out as a plea. I don't want to come standing up after eleven days. I simply don't have the strength.
"Please what, Anastasia?"
"Don't torture me. Make love to me like you've promised."
He pulls back just slightly, looking up at me. "I am," he murmurs before gently blowing against my dripping core.
"No, that's not what I want, " I growl out stubbornly. "I want you inside of me."
"I am inside of you."
He teasingly dips the tip of his tongue between my lips before circling my clit.
"That's not what I mean and you know it. I want your cock inside of me."
"Are you sure?"
"Please."
Yet he still doesn't stop his sweet, exquisite torture. Instead, he doubles down, burying his nose between my lips and spreading me open with his tongue, tasting me as if he's starving and it's his last evening on earth.
"Christian . . . please, " I plea. "I need your cock inside of my pussy.
It's then that he stands and gazes down at me granting me the opportunity to see that his perfectly sculpted lips are glistening with the evidence of my arousal.
Fuck . . .
"Well?" he asks.
"Well, what?" I breathe, staring up at him in frantic need, desperate to feel him inside of me.
"I'm still dressed, Miss Steele."
I gape at him in both confusion and frustration.
"Christian Trevelyan-Fucking-Grey!" I scold him, but he only continues to grin mischievously.
"While I do know how to fuck quite well, I don't believe it's part of my name."
He wants me to undress him?He's never let me go so far before without precise rules. There has to be a catch . . . Yet I so desperately want this more than anything ever before, that I'm willing to try. Even if I get punished later
As I go to reach for his shirt he takes a step back.
"No, no," he admonishes and glances down at the very evident bulge in the front of his jeans.
With a Cheshire grin, I drop to my knees in front of him. If he was going to tease me to the brink of insanity, I would return the favor. I easily undo the button of his jeans and pull the zipper down before yanking his jeans and boxer-briefs down his legs as far as they will go, effectively freeing his gorgeous cock. Mine.
With a salacious grin, I quickly remove my bra. Then, I coquettishly peek up at him through my lashes, to find that he's gazing at me with a look that I can't quite make out.
He easily steps out of his jeans and pulls off his socks before I boldly take hold of him in my hand, rubbing my thumb along his tip and effectively spreading his precum along his length. I squeeze his girth tightly, using his precum as a lubricant to push my hand back like he's shown me so may time before. I watch in fascination as he groans and tenses, hissing through clenched teeth. Feeling quite proud, I tentatively put him in my mouth and begin to suck hard on his delicious cock.
Mmm, he always tastes so damn good.
"Ahh. Ana . . . whoa, gently."
He tenderly cups my head, and I push him deeper into my mouth, pressing my lips together as tightly as I can, sheathing my teeth, and sucking hard until his swollen head hits the back of my throat.
"Fuck," he hisses.
I revel in just how desperate he sounds, so I do it again, pulling his engorged length deeper into my mouth, swirling my tongue around the end before breathing out through my nose, letting his cock slide down into my throat, until my nose is nestled against his skin. Christian Grey and his cock are all mine.
"Ana, that's enough. I can't take it anymore," he growls.
Instead of conceding, I choose to do it again. I want him to beg—Beg me, Grey. Beg me to release your cock and fuck you—over and over again.
"Ana, you've made your point," he grunts through gritted teeth. "I do not want to come in your mouth, Little One. I want to come in your sweet little cunt."
His delicious words spur me on to do it once more, so he bends down, grasps me by my shoulders, hauls me to my feet, and tosses me back onto the bed with a fierce growl. Reach back, he drags his shirt over his head, before he then reaches down to his discarded jeans to produce my least favorite type of a foil packet. He's panting, in angst, his cock dripping with arousal just like I am as he holds the packet between his fingers.
"Lie down. I want to look at you."
Taking his order seriously, I lie back and spread my legs for him, gazing up at him as he slowly rolls the condom on his length. I crave him and I know that as I watch him lick his lips, he's enjoying what he sees as he stares down at my dripping core.
"You are a fine sight to behold, Anastasia Steele." He bends over the bed and begins to slowly crawl up and over me, kissing every inch of my exposed and accessible skin as he goes. Each of my breasts are teased in turn, my sensitive nipples hardening beneath his skilled touch. Not once does he stop, even as I writhe and groan beneath him.
"Christian, please."
"Please what?" he murmurs between my breasts.
"I want you inside of me," I breathe.
"Do you now?"
"Please."
"I told you that you would beg."
"Back at you, Grey," I gasp.
Gazing at me intensely, he pushes my legs apart until they hit the mattress and moves so that he's hovering over me. Without taking his eyes off of mine, he takes hold of his cock, rubbing the engorged head up and down my swollen lips before he sinks into me at a deliciously slow pace.
I close my eyes, relishing in the full, exquisite feeling of his possession. Instinctively, I tilt my pelvis up to meet him, to join us as one, groaning loudly in protest as he eases back before he carefully fills me again. My fingers find their way into his unruly hair, and he begins to slowly move in and out of me again, filling my pussy with more and more of his length each time. Until finally, I feel the base of his cock meet my core.
"I need it faster, Christian, faster . . . oh, please."
He gazes down at me in wicked triumph and gives me one long, hard kiss before he really starts to move. He begins a punishing, relentless pace, letting his balls slap against my skin so hard, that—oh fuck—I know it won't be long. The pounding rhythm he sets shatters my bones and all too soon I start to clamber towards the edge, my legs tensing around his waist.
"Come on, baby," he gasps. "Your orgasms are mine, Little One. I own them all. Give it to me."
His words are my undoing, and I explode, shattering around him into a million little pieces, and he follows, calling out my name.
"Anastasia! Oh fuck, Ana!" He buries his head in the crook of my neck as he collapses on top of me.
As sanity returns, I open my eyes and gaze up into the face of the man I love. Christian Grey. Christian bears his weight on his elbows, holding my hands so that I don't touch him as he lovingly strokes his nose against mine. Planting a gentle kiss on my lips, he eases himself out of me and I can't help but to cry out in protest.
"I've missed this," he breathes.
"Me, too," I whisper.
He takes hold of my chin and kisses me again. A passionate, beseeching kiss, that seems to be asking me for something, while leaving me breathless.
But what?
"Don't leave me again. Don't let me leave you," he implores, looking deep into my eyes, his face serious.
Ah, there it is.
I find myself whispering as u smile at him bashfully. "Okay." His answering smile is a dazzling combination of relief, joy, and boyish delight that could melt the coldest of hearts.
A moment later, he gently pulls out of me the rest of the way before he stands and disappears, only to return with a warm washcloth. After cleaning us both he crawls into bed and lays down with me.
For a brief moment, I allow myself to revel in the fact that I am curled up in the arms of Christian Grey. My back is to his chest, and his arms are wound around my waist with his nose buried in my hair. It's pure bliss. It's the moment I've longed for after countless nights spent alone in my bed after he left for home. It's then that the weight of the moment comes crashing down around me.
"What I feel for you, it scares me, Christian," I whisper.
He stills behind me and lets out a small sigh of frustration, before his next quiet words. "Me too, baby. Me too."
"What if you leave me?"
The mere idea is horrific. If it were to actually happen, I don't think I could survive it.
"Oh, Anastasia. You could never get rid of me that easily. I'm not going anywhere. Somehow, I don't think I could ever have my fill of you, Little One."
I turn and gaze at him over my shoulder to find that his expression is both serious and sincere. I lean over and place a gentle kiss on his lips, earning myself one of his sweet, but rare smiles just as he tucks a wild tendril of hair back behind my ear.
"Never have I felt the way I felt when you left, baby. The moment you walked out that door, I knew I had fucked up. I would move heaven and earth to avoid feeling that way ever again, Little One." His words sound so sad, that my heart nearly breaks.
"You will never feel that way again, Christian. I'm your Little One. Forever and always."
"My sweet, sweet Anastasia," he murmurs as he cups my chin and gives me a chaste but loving kiss.
"Will she come looking for you?"
"No. Sleeping pills. I'm all yours, sweet girl."
I gaze into his eyes for several moments, studying the specks of blue in their gray depths before pursuing my next line of questioning.
"Will you tell me what you found out after I left?" I ask quietly.
"Elliot told me about her being there," he says quietly. "I don't remember sleeping with her Ana. If I did . . . it had to of been that night I was drunk and worried about you. I swear to you, that to my knowledge, I have not slept with Leila. She's not on birth control. I never wanted to take that risk that with her."
"I know," I murmur. "I believe you. Besides, Dr. Greene hinted that it was an oral infection on someone else's end."
Christian's eyes widen for a brief second and he shakes his head.
"Unbelievable. Do you remember the night of Leila's birthday?"
"When we had sex on the couch with her asleep in the chair in the same room? How could I forget?" I grin. "That was some of the best sex of my life."
Christian chuckles before he shakes his head with fake admonishment.
"My little exhibitionist, huh? I would hope, that all of the sex you've had has been the best because it's all been with me."
"I don't know about that. In the early days, I gave myself some pretty wicked orgasms thinking about you and what your cock would be like," I say teasingly. "Of course, the real thing is far better than my imagination."
"Damn right," he grins and winks before shaking his head. "Anyway, I woke up that morning on the couch, thinking it was you touching me. I had been having this fantastic dream about your lips around my cock."
"Only it wasn't a dream. It was Leila," I finish.
He nods and looks at me with regret.
"I am so sorry, Little One. I never meant to hurt you. I would do anything to avoid putting you through that kind of pain."
"Being that she must not have ever done that before, do you think it's possible that she heard us that night?"
"Do you?" he asks seriously.
I frown as I think about it. It seemed highly unlikely that Leila wouldn't react if she found out that I had been sleeping with her husband.
"No. You're right. If she knew, she would have more than likely murdered me. Although, that makes me think about some thoughts I had earlier this evening."
"If it's about Geoffrey Porter, then those thoughts can wait until tomorrow. I don't really care what they're up too because you and I belong to each other."
I kiss him again, lingering for just a moment as we both hum happily. After talking about Leila and Geoffrey, I want to somehow lighten our mood, but Christian does it for me.
"Go to sleep now, Little One. Tomorrow you must endure a shopping trip with Mia."
"What?!" I screech and he laughs, tossing his head back.
"Oh, Anastasia," he murmurs fondly. "Go to sleep, or I'll be forced to spank you."
"Don't make promises you can't keep," I reply, cheekily.
He swats my ass once before he pulls me back into his arms, and wraps himself around me tightly as if he's a cobra and I'm his prey.
"Sleep."
"Yes, Sir."
Kissing my hair, I feel him smile and for the first time in Eleven Days Post-Christian, I relax.
I could happily say my days spent as Post-Christian were no more.
A Note from the Author:
Quick Edit: it's important to note that while Christian was diagnosed with the STI Chlamydia he has taken a full course of antibiotics and his only sexual partner is Ana.
As for Ana, she was never officially diagnosed with an STI. She never caught the infection BUT she has also taken the full course of antibiotics.
They've also used a condom and while I myself would never have sex so soon after something so serious, Christian and Ana are merely characters. They're also both hot, in love, and haven't had amazing sex in over a week. Give 'em a break.
Many apologies for such a late update. Life got in the way of posting. For information about updates and such join the Facebook Group Sara Jo Updates. The link is in my profile.
Recommended FanFiction: Constant Craving by mllezeau
xoxo, Sara Jo