AUTHOR'S NOTE: The character of Melissa is actually a good guy. I do have one of those evil, conniving women later in this chapter, but I wanted to include a pro-woman character like Melissa to sort of balance out the cliché that all women are after Christian and plotting against Ana :) Let me know what you think! Btw, the White House reference is a real thing. Washington Post had an Interesting article on how female staffers worked together to have a stronger voice.

After an hour, Melissa and Ana had struck up a comfortable rapport. Melissa was a self-made investment banker who grew up on a small farm in Texas. She put herself through college by bartending and was now one of the few female hedge fund managers in Blackstone's firm. Melissa wasn't shy about the fact that she, like most of the women in the room, found Christian to be drop-dead gorgeous. Ana found her candor refreshing. At least she doesn't hide her drooling.

"Is it hard being the only woman executive in your company?" Ana asked, nibbling on her sea bass and filet mignon. This is like two entrées in one. Oh wait, it's a fancy version of surf and turf. Duh!

"The job itself is hard. But like most woman, I have to work twice as hard to be viewed as an equal. It bites but it's a fact of life in male-dominated professions like finance. You'll see. I suspect international law is similar — a bunch of men who think they know how to rule the world, even though they're usually the ones messing it up and then quietly leaving us with the clean-up," Melissa said, erupting in deep-throated laughter.

Ana giggled, attracting Christian's attention. She discretely shook her head, trying to signal for him to leave them alone. Christian was glad that Ana was finally warming up to someone, though he was irrationally envious that another person was monopolizing her time. Christian grunted and resumed his conversation, though he continued to eavesdrop on Ana and Melissa's chattering.

"It's funny," Ana mused. "Whenever we have a roundtable discussion in class, the men are never scared to speak up, even if they're spouting nonsense. The few women, however — myself included — only speak up when we're 110 percent comfortable with a topic and have done exhaustive research on it."

"Studies have shown that women tend to be far more prepared than men on many subjects, but they are much more risk-averse when it comes to talking about them. Part of it, perhaps, may be that men are natural-born risk-takers, but I suspect it has something to do with the fact that women get pilloried when they're wrong, whereas men are let off the hook more easily — or even congratulated for taking a chance."

"So men are less afraid to fail, because society gives them a softer cushion to land on?"

"Good way to put it. Let's face it, women are held to a higher standard. I have to be nice but tough, approachable but not a pushover. I can't tell you how many times I've been complimented on my suit or my smile after a meeting. People mean well, but what the hell does that have to do with my presentation? Can you imagine if Grey gave me a business presentation on acquiring a company and at the end, when he asked for my opinion, I told him I liked his outfit and his pearly whites?"

Ana put her hand to her mouth to stifle her laughter.

"Exactly. You're a smart girl. I'm sure you've experienced this in college. What's your philosophy when you have to dress up for a nice event? How do you pick out your clothes?"

Ana scrunched her nose. "I try to pick out something flattering, but demure. Conservative but not dowdy."

"Precisely. Professional women have to be feminine but not frumpy. They have to be restrained, but not too restrained, alluring, but not slutty. It's an impossible line we have to straddle. Men, they pick out a tie."

"The beauty of double standards," Ana giggled.

"Get used to 'em sweetie. I have to be one of the guys around my coworkers if I want to get ahead. So much business is conducted on the golf course or a bar. Either I be a priss and exclude myself or I hold my nose and listen to their juvenile talk about banging the new receptionist. It's the sad reality a lot of women in the investment world face."

"But all men can't be like that?" Christian isn't. He's bent over backward to put me on a pedestal. Then again, he also makes submissives bow down before him. Ana shook away the thought. "After all, women can be just as cutthroat as men," she pointed out.

"Of course they can be – and caddy. Don't get me wrong. You shouldn't see the working world solely through the prism of gender. It's not that simple. But as a woman, the disparities and sexism are impossible to ignore. The era of 'Mad Men' is far from extinct. I try as much as I can to support other women when it makes sense. Here's a classic example: How many times have you sat around the table, a woman makes a suggestion, it gets dismissed, an hour later a man makes the same suggestion and lo and behold, everyone applauds him for being a genius?"

"Holy shit," Ana whispered. That happened to me the other day in econ class.

"Right. My advice? When that situation arises, women should speak up and congratulate the female colleague who made the initial suggestion. It's a subtle but effective form of camaraderie in the conference room. I even read that female staffers in the White House have employed this strategy."

"Wow," Ana said, thoroughly impressed by Melissa's business savvy. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

"No problem. I actually mentor young girls so this is the kind of stuff I regularly talk about. Confidence doesn't come naturally to most people. It's learned."

"That's nice to know. I guess I could use a few lessons before I go applying to jobs then."

"Well, here's my card. If you need something or want to chat, give me a ring. In the meantime, I actually have to duck out of here early to finish this proposal I'm working on."

"In other words, you're working twice as hard as everyone else," Ana smiled. "Hope your boss at least appreciates it."

"He better! Actually, Blackstone's a pretty decent chap. His mother was a single working woman who died fairly young of breast cancer, so he's huge in raising awareness about women's issues. Also been married to the same woman for 25 years, which I respect. Every other executive is on his second or third wife, who coincidentally keeps getting younger and younger."

"I guess it goes to show that you can't judge a book by its cover. I sort of pigeonholed him as the stereotypical chauvinist CEO," Ana said guiltily. "I should've given him more credit."

"Don't feel too bad. He was testing you on Turkey. And you passed with flying colors. And like you said, women can be just as bad as men." Melissa motioned to the bevy of ladies elbowing each other to get a moment with Christian.

"Keep an eye out on your man. Although I suspect, based on the googly eyes he's been giving you all night, you don't have much to worry about."

Ana's cheeks were on fire. "Thanks," she mumbled. "It was great talking to you Melissa. I really appreciate your advice."

"Nice talking to you as well," Melissa said, rising from her chair. Christian instantly rose to meet her, not only out of chivalry but also out of gratitude for making Ana comfortable.

"Melissa, it was a pleasure seeing you. Why don't you call Andrea to set up a lunch when you're free?"

Melissa gawked at him before regaining her composure. Christian Grey was not exactly the type to offer a personal lunch to just anyone. She even heard that the mayor of Seattle had problems getting an audience with him. "Ummm, thank you Mr. Grey. I'll certainly do that."

Christian sat back down, reaching out to tenderly stroke Ana's cheek.

"Are you having a good time baby? It looks like you and Melissa got along well."

"Yes, she's so nice and down to earth," Ana beamed.

"Good. You should definitely take her up on her offer and call her some time. In the meantime, will you be alright on your own for a bit?"

Panic washed over her face.

"It's only because I got wrangled into saying a few words before the live auction. One of the auction items is a weeklong stay at my house in Aspen."

"You have a house in Aspen?"

"Yes, and a few other properties across the country." His blasé attitude toward money never failed to unnerve Ana.

"I only volunteered to speak because you scolded me earlier about how important this charity is to the organizers. Your little lecture made me feel guilty."

"I'm sorry. I never thought…" I had that kind of influence over you.

"Nothing to apologize for baby," he cut her off with a swift kiss. "It's a new feeling to be put in my place."

"Somehow I highly doubt it's a feeling you'll have to get used to Mr. King of Seattle," she winked.

"Somehow I doubt that's true Miss Has Me By The Balls," he parried back.

"Christian," she shushed him, outraged. "Stop saying that out loud!"

"Stop saying what out loud?" A spectacular brunette with green eyes interrupted their banter.

"Adrianna, how are you? I was wondering if I'd see you here tonight." Christian rose to his feet and shook the woman's hand. She wore a royal blue dress with a thigh-high split that revealed her slender legs and an intricate bodice that accentuated her ample chest.

"Like I could avoid it," she scoffed. "Terry would kick my ass."

"Tell that old ball-buster I said hello," Christian said, turning to his shell-shocked date. "Ana, this Adrianna Peyton. She's the senior VP at Seattle-Scape Communications, a firm we often work with. Terry Lambert is her boss. Adrianna, this is my date, Anastasia Steele."

Ana rose to her feet, standing a good six inches shorter than the statuesque Adrianna.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Peyton," Ana said, shaking her hand. Oh my God, she's flawless. Even her skin is as soft as silk. She should bottle that up and make a hand cream or perfume out of it. This woman is the embodiment of female perfection. Hell, if I batted for the other team, I'd have the hots for her!

"Please, call me Adrianna. Grey, you didn't tell me you were bringing a date tonight. Now I've lost my claim to fame as your only date to one of these things," she admonished him, playfully swatting his arm.

Ana raised her brow. I thought no one could touch him? And I thought I was his only date?

Christian coughed, rubbing the back of his neck. It was the first crack in his veneer of impassivity that Ana had seen all night.

"Adrianna and I weren't dates," he rushed to explain. "We've always been the two single-largest contributors to the cause. As such, we tend to be seated together. That's all." And have the first dance together, but since I'm already up shit's creek, Ana doesn't need to know that just yet.

"Lighten up Grey. I was only joking," Adrianna said, slapping him on the arm again.

How many times is she going to touch him?

"Mind if I pull up a chair? Those Archer-Bell investment people strong-armed they way onto my table and I think one of them is hoarding my dessert."

"Of course. The person next to me stepped out," Christian replied, smoothly holding out a chair for Adrianna. As soon as he and Ana sat back down, he reached for Ana's hand, pulling it onto his lap while reflecting on the awkward turn of events.

He had done business with Adrianna for years and respected her workmanlike ethic and no-nonsense attitude. Her indescribable body was an added bonus. Christian never mixed with business with pleasure, although he toyed with the idea of introducing her to the lifestyle over the years.

There's no denying I wanted to fuck her brains out. I was seriously tempted. I'm only human after all. We have chemistry and she's one of the few females who doesn't fawn all over me and get on my nerves. She's also one of the smartest, shrewdest businesswomen I know. We would've been compatible. I had a feeling though that she wasn't cut out to be a submissive, and I wasn't about to risk our business relationship or my reputation to find out. I can't believe I even flirted with the possibility of trying vanilla with her. I definitely put that pussy up on a pedestal. But I figured if I was ever going to go "mainstream" and give up the lifestyle, it might as well be with a gorgeous woman whom I got along with relatively well and who shared my interests.

Christian's thumb lovingly grazed Ana's knuckles.

Thank God I didn't fucking settle. In just one week, Ana evoked more feelings in me than Adrianna has in three years. So what if I could come home and talk acquisitions and mergers with her? All I want to do now is come home and hear Ana's inane theories about which California housewife is talking smack on TV, or taste her piss-poor chicken, or watch her bite that lip when she tries to concentrate on a book or enjoy any of the other idiosyncrasies that make her distinctly mine. Fuck, love really does turn men into saps.

Adrianna continued talking shop with Christian while Ana eyed the chocolate mousse in front of her with distaste. Not only was she full, she felt like a third wheel. Accrued interest, amortization, blue chips, funded debt, hypothecation — what the fuck language are these two speaking? They obviously know each other very well. I wonder how well? Oh stop it Ana. At the end of the day, you're just his submissive. It's not your place to know. You're in the big leagues now — and clearly out of your league.

Christian leaned over, concern on his face. "What's wrong baby? Do you not like the dessert? I know you're not a fan of chocolate. I can have the kitchen make you something else."

"No, no. I'm just full from all the food. That's all," she reassured him.

"What about some fruit? I can have them bring some out for you."

"No Christian. Thank you but please stop fussing." I know he means well — and is probably just trying to make me feel better about the goddess next to him — but his sweetness is about to give me a cavity. It's embarrassing. Christian should be out mingling, not babying his immature date.

"I'm not fussing. I just want to make sure you've had a proper meal."

Ana could see by the narrow slits of Christian's eyes that he was frustrated with her. "It wasn't just proper — it was gluttonous. And I've reached my limit. Please, don't worry about it," she pleaded.

"Fine," he relented. "They're signaling for me to go up on stage. I'll be back in a few minutes."

"OK," Ana gave him an encouraging smile. "Good luck."

As soon as Christian left the table, all of the men and women turned their attention to each other, losing interest in Ana now that she was just another guest. I guess I'm only important as long as Christian is by my side. Even Adrianna is ignoring me, which is just as well. I was pretty invisible to her from the start. Not that I'm complaining. I could use some peace and quiet.

Ana watched as Christian strolled onto the stage with ease and offered a succinct summary of his property. An initial bid of $24,000 quickly ballooned to $110,000 by an eager army of women waving their bid paddles in the air.

"They think that if they buy a week at Christian's house in Aspen, that he comes with the property," Adrianna joked.

"Oh," Ana giggled. "At least it all goes to a good cause."

"Have you been to his place in Aspen?" Adrianna inquired, as innocently as she could.

"No. We haven't known each other very long."

"I see. What is that you do Anastasia?"

"I'm an international law student."

"A student," Adrianna said, unable to conceal her surprise, or judgment. "Sorry, I assumed you were in business like Christian."

"No. We just bumped into each other on campus a few weeks back." That's the story we're going with right?

"I see. How unusual," she observed, deep in thought. "For Christian, I mean. He's pretty immersed in his company. I didn't realize he visited local universities."

"GEH apparently has some scholarships they sponsor at my school," Ana replied, fidgeting with the stem of her crystal wine glass. And please don't ask me any more questions because I'm a crappy liar.

"So, international studies? That's an interesting major. Do you travel the world much?"

"No, I've actually never been outside the U.S." Or the state, for that matter.

"Really?" Adrianna said in disbelief. "So what else do you then besides school? Classes can't take up all of your time."

"I work," Ana mumbled, taking a mouthful of her mousse, hoping it might stop Adrianna's interrogation.

"Where?"

No such luck.

"At a hardware store," she said bashfully.

"A hardware store," she repeated in snide shock. "Not too many young girls work in a hardware store. What a unique occupation."

"It's a nice family-owned operation and it pays the bills. I just stock the shelves and ring people up. Oh, speaking of ringing, would you excuse me a moment," Ana said, motioning to the phone in her purse as if she'd just received a text message.

"Of course. Be my guest," Adrianna replied with false courtesy.

There was no text. Ana was discovering the fine art of using a smartphone to look preoccupied. She aimlessly scrolled through the screen, reading the latest weather forecasts. When she glanced back up, she noticed Christian was being mobbed on stage by three women who had won the auction bid and were posing for a photograph with him.

They're not as pretty as Adrianna, but they're definitely up there. Jesus, beautiful women just seem to sprout out of the woodwork when he's around, like weeds.

Ana quickly looked back down at her phone, surveying the weather updates for other cities. Hmmm, it's going to be chilly in Gloucester. Wait, where is Gloucester anyway?

Amid the female frenzy, Christian's eyes never left Ana. He saw her playing with her phone and promptly whipped out his to text his newest employee.

Sawyer – is Ana alright? What is she doing?

The burly bodyguard was standing guard not far from their table, unbeknownst to Ana. Taylor had already informed him about the boss's paranoia when it came to Miss Steele and he was prepared for it.

She is looking at her phone Sir.

Christian rolled his eyes. No shit Sherlock.

I can see that. What is she looking at?

Sawyer peered over.

From my vantage point, she doesn't appear to be looking at anything in particular. Weather updates I believe.

Christian frowned. Is she bored? Are people ignoring her? No, I saw Adrianna talking to her. Did she say something to upset her? I wouldn't put it past her pretentious ass.

Did anyone at the table say anything to her?

I only heard a few snippets Sir. I believe the woman you were speaking with earlier asked Miss Steele about her travels and her employment at the hardware store.

Christian dropped his phone in his pocket. "Ladies, if you excuse me, I have to be getting back to my table. Congratulations on the bid. Enjoy the house," he brushed off his fan base as he exited the stage.

"Hi baby. What are you doing?" Christian took his seat, taking Ana by surprise.

"Oh nothing." She fumbled with her phone before tossing it in her purse.

Christian eyed her suspiciously.

"I was checking the weather," Ana whispered, her face beet red.

"Why?"

"Just curious," she shrugged.

"Christian, I can't believe your house fetched a cool $130,000. Congrats. You should take Ana to see your place. I heard she hasn't had a chance to travel much," Adrianna goaded him, knowing full well that the commitment-phobic billionaire was rarely seen in public with women. Pressuring him to whisk one away to his private home would only up the ante.

"Of course. I'll take Ana wherever she'd like to go," Christian said, affectionately gazing at one woman while snubbing the other. He knew Adrianna was a shrewd operator. He respected that in his professional life. But his personal life — and Ana — were off limits. "So, what were you two ladies chatting about while I was gone?"

"Oh not much," Adrianna casually replied. "Ana mentioned that she worked in a hardware store. Did you know that?"

"Of course." I know everything about her.

"It's just not a typical job for a young girl in school," she said condescendingly.

"That's because your family put you through school Adrianna," he pointedly reminded her. "Most people don't have that luxury. They have to work their way through it. And I didn't realize women had 'typical' jobs."

Both Adrianna and Ana grimaced, for different reasons. Adrianna was offended. Ana was worried about causing a scene.

The MC on stage wasn't about to help matters.

"And now ladies and gentlemen, it's time for our ceremonial first dance, which this year once again goes to Mr. Christian Grey and Ms. Adrianna Peyton for their generous donations," she blared over the microphone as the spotlight swerved in their direction.

Ana visibly shrank as 500 necks craned in her direction as well. She slumped back in her chair, hoping the tablecloth could somehow swallow her whole.

"You ready Grey?" Adrianna winked.

"Just a second," he said sharply. "Go on without me."

Adrianna stomped off as Christian turned toward Ana, tucking a wisp of hair behind her ear.

"Baby, I'm sorry. It's tradition…"

"Christian stop fretting. Please. Of course I understand," she smiled sincerely. "Go on. I'll be here when you get back. I'm looking forward to seeing you strut your stuff on the dance floor."

"You'll see me strut my real stuff later baby," he vowed, kissing her forehead before reluctantly getting up.

Damn it, this doesn't feel right. I can't have the woman I love watching me dance with another woman who wants to jump my bones. Shit! How do I weasel out of this though?

A devious grin slowly spread across Christian's face as he approached the female MC, who had now migrated down to the dance floor. Time to put this pretty face to good use.

He bent down to whisper something in the woman's ear, his close proximity clearly flustering her.

"Well, ladies and gentlemen, it looks like we have a slight change of plans. Since both Mr. Grey and Ms. Peyton have brought dates this year, we thought we'd bring their dates up and let the two couples share the dance floor! Let's all give them a round of applause!"

Adrianna looked like she had just swallowed a sour lemon. Her date was Andy Kaplan, a sweaty, social-climber friend of her father's who had been pestering to go out with her for years.

Christian threw her a self-satisfied smirk. That's right bitch. You're not the only one who can be conniving. Go dance with that sorry excuse of a date while I dance with my woman.

Christian walked back over to Ana, taking her by the arm while she shook her head in disbelief. "You're incorrigible, you know that right?"

"Only where you're concerned Miss Steele. May I have this dance?"

"Have you left me a choice?"

"Nope. Now get your ass over here."

Christian wrapped one arm around Ana's waist, tugging her close to his, while his other hand clasped hers.

"I don't know how to dance," she warned him. "Your feet may regret this in the morning."

"I'll survive. Just follow my lead baby," he murmured in her ear, his warm breath tickling her.

Ana concentrated on dancing in lockstep with Christian. Her movements were halting whereas his were graceful. But as he glided them across the floor, they appeared effortlessly in sync with one another.

Swaying to the rhythm of Louis Armstrong, their bodies pressed against each other, they were oblivious to sea of onlookers gossiping around them. But Christian couldn't shake the feeling that Ana was still upset.

"Ana, did Adrianna make you uncomfortable?" he asked softly.

"Huh? Oh no, she was just asking questions." A lot of them, but I think I deflected her as best I could.

"You mean she was being intrusive."

"More like inquisitive. It's fine Christian. Please don't make a big deal out of it. She's your friend. I understand."

"She's an associate. I don't have friends."

"Oh." Ana looked down at her feet to make sure she wasn't stepping on his wing-tipped shoes.

"Nothing's ever happened between us Ana."

"I … Christian, it's not my place," she stammered.

"Yes it is," he said firmly. "And I wanted you to know that."

"Ummm, OK." Ana bit her lip.

"She's very pretty," she whispered, avoiding his gaze.

"Yes she is," Christian confirmed. "Ana, I won't lie to you. I'm a red-blooded male. I was attracted to her. I've been attracted to many women over the years. But I've never been drawn to any of them like I have been to you. You have absolutely nothing to worry about. I would never be unfaithful to you."

"I know. We have a contract…"

"That's not why," he interjected. "I wouldn't do it because I could never betray you. Because you're the only woman I want to be with. Period."

Ana nodded dumbly, floored by the vehemence of his words.

He sighed. "I hate that you doubt yourself and, by extension, me."

"No Christian, I don't doubt you," she insisted. "All of this is just hard for me to believe, that's all. I need time to process everything. But I know you have a heart of gold, and not because of your obscene wealth."

"So you think I'm obscene eh?" he teased.

"In many way, yes," she giggled. "But I was referring specifically to your money — and the ridiculous amount that you have of it."

"Only you would think money was ridiculous," he smiled.

"I wouldn't quite say that. I just think some people who have it," she said, gesturing to the well-heeled crowd lining up for a chance to ambush Christian, "can act ridiculous sometimes."

"Am I included in that disparaging portrayal Miss Steele?"

"I think your protectiveness can get a little ridiculous Mr. Grey, but as I said, you yourself have a heart of gold."

"I don't have a heart Ana," he muttered, suddenly forlorn.

"Oh cut the crap. That's the biggest load of baloney I've ever heard," Ana dismissed him, unwittingly laying her head on his chest. He had given her free reign over his body lately, so his rules about touching occasionally slipped their minds.

Christian blinked in shock, disarmed by Ana yet again. As always, she has a knack for cutting through my bullshit. Maybe I do have a heart. And maybe it's time I tell her that it belongs to her. This is a romantic hearts-and-flowers setting right? Any girl would want to hear a guy say he loves her on the dance floor? Oh fuck it. Even if she rejects you Grey, she can't exactly run away in the middle of all these people, so that's some consolation.

"Ana, there's something I need to tell you," he said solemnly. Ana tilted her head to face him. "I … I … fuck!"

You fuck? Yes I'm well aware of that. You're quite good at it.

"Fuck," he exclaimed again as he saw a couple frantically waving at him. He took a deep breath, resting his forehead against Ana's.

"I have some bad news baby. My parents are here."