A/N: Hello ladies! I am so glad that you are enjoying this story. I got a couple of complaints that the secret was being dragged out for too long. I do apologize, but that is how I've written it. For those of you wanting to know, it will be revealed soon. Probably in the next couple of chapters.

All mistakes are my own. (If I confuse any names, please refer to chapter 16)

I do not own FSOG. (Just this plot, and original characters.)

Oh, to be likened to a goddess is what I aspire to be. I am almost certain I have shocked a plethora of you ladies who read my column secretly, afraid of the ridicule you will bring. But for that brief moment, while you are reading my thoughts, tucked away in a corner, away from the prying eyes of husbands, brothers, and potential suitors, confess; haven't you always wanted to feel like a goddess reincarnate? –Gossip columns

Ana stretched her body in the plush bed. It felt unfamiliar, and completely unlike the bed at Lady Ackley's home. That was when all of her memories returned to her.

She left last night's ball with the captain.

Christian brought her to his residence, where he proceeded to spend the remainder of the night making love to her.

He told her that he loved her.

I am very much a woman, she thought to herself, smiling in satisfaction at the recent turn of events.

Just thinking about the pleasures, she experienced at his hands, made her blush. Blinking her eyes open, she noted the man himself was still in bed beside her. He was facing her, and still asleep. Ana was glad, because it gave her a moment to silently study him. She noted in his sleep that he looked very young. She would have to ask his age, but she guessed he could be no more than one score and ten years. Slowly, she reached up, and smoothed his hair away from his forehead. She loved the feel of his hair. The silk-like texture was a complete contradiction to the hard body. She combed the hair back, before running her fingers over his jaw, and to his neck. With her other hand, she ran them both down his exposed arm, and over his chest, stopping where the sheet pooled around his waist. Before she could explore any further, she was stopped by an amused voice.

"Are you going to remove the bedding off the lower half of my body, or continue to stare?" Flushing at being caught, she glanced up into his very alert, and amused gray eyes. She found herself stammering trying to find an answer.

"I, um. Well sir, I was-"

Christian slid lower until he was at her level in the bed. Raising a brow, he pulled her closer.

"You were what, love?"

Sighing, she slapped his chest, to which he chuckled.

"It is quite alright. I know that I am irresistible."

Mouth open, Ana was about to strike him once more, when he caught her hand, unfolded her balled up fingers and kissed each one. Warming under his touch, she closed her eyes as his mouth travelled from her hands, and wrist up her arms. When he reached her mouth, he kissed her lips softly, before whispering against them.

"I love seeing you in my bed."

Feeling wanton, she smiled.

"I enjoy being in your bed."

Removing the sheet from her body, Christian was again struck by how beautiful she was in the daylight. He was pleased to note that Ana had shed some of her shyness throughout the night, because he meant what he said to her. She had nothing to be ashamed of. Quickly, he gentled pushed her onto her back, before settling between her legs, much to her surprise.

"I love you, Christian."
He could see the open, honest expression on her face, and instantly felt like a cad.

Just do it, already. Tell her.

Clearing his throat, he kissed her lips softly, trying to give himself a bit of courage before confessing his true identity.

"Ana. I have something to admit. And I pray to God above that you are kind, and understanding. I will not fault you if you are not, as it is my fault, but I would have your word, that you will listen until I am finished."

Studying his eyes, she knew it was serious judging by the look on his face. Reaching up, she smoothed her hands over his chin, and lips, disliking the tension, nor sadness in his gaze. Tracing the skin beneath his eyes, she nodded.

"You have my word."

"Ana, I-"

"You're not engaged to another, are you?" She asked, fearful of the answer, but needing to know. Ana's mind was whirling, thinking the worst. She couldn't bear if he was indeed supposed to marry another. Ana was also of the mind to run away with him even further, but completely nixed the idea as soon as it came to mind. Christian wasn't the type of man to run from responsibility, or trouble.

"No! I would never have you in bed, while be married to another? You mean more to me than a simple dalliance, Ana."

At that, she blushed in shame. Christian was correct. He'd never given her any reason to think so lowly of his character. Contrite, she reached up and squeezed him close to her.

"I am terribly sorry, Christian. It's just, with how serious your countenance has gotten, I assumed the worst. Please forgive me."

Leaning over he kissed her lips.

"It's already forgiven, love."

Glad that was settled, she ran her hands over his chest, before returning her attention to his face.

"If you are not married to another, what is it?"

A sudden knock at the door, interrupted Christian, once again. Sighing, he got out of bed, and strode to the door without a stitch of clothing on. His butler, used to his master's refusal of wearing clothes, except in proper company sighed.

"Tis' Ackley, sir. He assumed Lady Steele left with you, because she was not found at their home." Leaning slightly over Christian's shoulder, he noted the flushed girl with the covers up to her neck.

At least he didn't see anything, the man thought to himself.

"Shall I inform him that she is here?"

"Yes."

"Very good, sir. He would also like a word with you, if you have a moment."

Closing his eyes, he pinched the bridge of his nose. He knew what Ackley's visit was about, and he was not about to entertain the man's tirade again.

"Unfortunately, that will not be possible. Please, kindly escort Dr. Ackley out of my home, and inform him that I will speak with him later."

Nodding, he immediately turned and headed for the stairs. Closing the door, Christian locked it behind himself before turning back to Ana.

"Shouldn't you go, and meet with Ackley? I am certain it is important if he has come all this way to call upon you."

Walking over to the edge of the bed, he kissed her once more, unable to stay away from her lips.

"Nay, I shall find out what was so pressing later. He probably came over to discuss what I was about to inform you of."

"Oh, yes. Your confession," she added, biting her lip. Gently tugging it away from her teeth, in silent admonition, he decided to omit certain details, and focus on something entirely different.

What is one more day, he thought to himself, opting to take the coward's route.

"I have a treasure map. It is said to have several lifetimes worth of gold."

At that, Ana gasp. He couldn't help but smile at the sudden light that came into her eyes.

"What of it? This treasure, I mean," she added.

"I want to find it. We have only one map, but I believe it to be an authentic one. I would like to sail in that direction, as it is heading towards Africa."

"That sounds exciting! When will you go?" She inquired. Ana was a bit disappointed, but she was still thrilled for Christian. It mattered not; she felt that she would be here when he returned. If that was to be her lot in life, for loving a sailor, she would grasp it with both hands. After all, he was the love of her life.

"Within another month, give or take. I have one demand, however."

"What is the demand?"

"That you come with me." At that, Ana's eyes widened for a brief moment, before she flung the covers off of herself, and jumped into his waiting arms. He laughed aloud as she squealed before peppering kisses across his neck, and face. Chuckling, he hoisted her body higher against his own, moaning when she covered his lips with her own. He felt his manhood instantly stirring, and pulled away before it could go any further.

"Is that a yes, Lady Steele?"

Grinning widely, she nodded.

"It is, Captain. It is a resounding yes." She kissed him once more before whispering to him.

"I would go anywhere with you."

He could see the seriousness in his gaze, and it filled him with pride to know out of every male she'd ever met, Lady Anastasia Steele only wanted to be in his presence. Before placing her back onto the bed, he whispered the same over her lips.

"I shall never travel far if you are not with me."

He could see the raw emotion, and wonderment in her gaze. Crawling back up into the bed, he pulled her atop of him.

"I have one more request, should you permit it."

Eyebrow raised, she hummed when she felt his body align itself with her own.

"You are very demanding, are you not?"

Sliding his hands down, he lightly tapped her derriere, which in turn, caused her to squirm a bit.

"I request that you stay here for the next several days."

"I do not have much to wear, save for my gown from last night."

That was true. It was beautiful, but wasn't practical.

"My sister has some gowns still here from before she married the doctor. I shall have the maids bring them shortly. Please write my sister, so she does not worry.

"I promise."

"I know you must be clothed in proper company, dear Ana, but please remember what I told you. You are beautiful without any additional silk, jewelry or rouge. I would prefer you bare, then to taint your skin with such meaningless drivel."

Melting into a puddle of the finest chocolate at his words, Ana sighed.

Would this man fail to overwhelm me? she thought in amazement.

Standing from the bed, he bent over, and slid his arms under her legs, picking her up. Deciding to tease him, she questioned his declaration.

"Better than silk? But sir, have you seen the latest fashions?" she asked, giggling, and not caring an inch about fashion. After all, it's what got her into this predicament in the first place.

Be sure to thank mother in the next letter.

Growling playfully, he pretended to bite into her shoulder. "I guess if you are to be adorned, it should be in the finest silk. Now, back to the matter at hand; I would have you bathe with me. Before you awoke, they came by, and prepared the water. It should be a perfect temperature by now."

Wrapping her arms around his neck, Ana luxuriated in his embrace, allowing him to take care of her, and not worry about the future. In this moment, everything was perfect.

One more calm before the storm, and that's it! LOL leave me a review ladies, I do read them all! And have a glorious weekend. I may update another chapter of this story, and If You Love Me on Saturday, so be on the lookout!