Sorry for the late update, school is...busy lol. I'm thinking that I really should get a beta. It would definitely save me a hell of a lot of time re-reading my own words haha.

Anyway, enjoy (:

CPOV

"You look gorgeous."

She smiled, doing a little spin before walking over to me, "Thank you, and you look amazing."

The dress clung to her frame, hugging every curve, and I had to stop myself from throwing her down onto my bed and fucking her into the mattress - but we needed to get going.

"I can't wait to get you back here." I said, sliding my hands up her sides.

She hadn't stayed the night at Escala for a while, and even today she'd just shown up an hour ago to get dressed so we could leave together. So I was more than ready to have her here.

"I see nothing but naughty things in those eyes of yours, Mr. Grey." she said, a smirk on her face.

I chuckled and tugged her against me, "You know me well, Ms. Steele."

Before she could say anything my phone rang, and I released her with a soft kiss to her forehead before walking over to where I'd left it on the dresser.

"Christian, where's Ana?"

I was surprised to hear Katherine's voice, and looked over to Ana, eyebrow raised.

"Ana, where's your phone?"

Her eyes widened and she started looking through her purse.

"She's with me, Katherine."

"I've been calling her for like the past hour! I thought she got abducted or something." she said, huffing out an annoyed breath.

"I don't think she knows where it is."

Ana shook her head and said, "Tell her to look if I left it in my room."

I did and a few seconds later Katherine said, "Yeah, it's here. For the love of god, tell her she needs to keep better track of this thing."

I chuckled, "I'll be sure to pass that message along. Just bring it to my parent's house."

"Sure, sure. Can you put her on the phone?"

I gladly handed the phone to Ana and sat down on the recliner while I waited.

"Well I imagine she will be." said Ana, standing by the mirror to look over her makeup.

Silence.

"Well she's known them for a while. She is old."

Silence.

Ana laughed and then said, "It'll be fine. I'm not worried about it."

She turned and looked at me, her lips - red lips - turned up in a smirk and said, "I have a feeling he'll be more than occupied."

She laughed again and then said goodbye, hanging up the phone and handing it back to me.

"What was that about?"

"Nothing important." she said, picking up her purse, "Come on, we're already late."

I followed her downstairs, but didn't drop the subject.

"I can only assume it was about Elena."

She rolled her eyes and turned to face me as we waited for the elevator, "Christian, I don't want to talk badly about your friends, so don't ask."

"You know it's not like that." I said, taking her hand.

She smiled, "I know, but still. You guys have a...past, and I'm trying to respect that as much as I can."

We got onto the elevator and I tugged her against my side, "I -"

"But," she said, fixing me with a stern look, "If she pulls any of that crap she did at your parent's dinner, I can't guarantee that I won't yank her out of the party by her bleach blonde hair."

I couldn't help the smirk that slipped onto my face.

"I think I like you like this."

"Like what?"

"Feisty - with someone other than me."

At that she laughed and said, "Don't get too used to it."

"Wouldn't dream of it."

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"I never would've imagined this many people being here."

My eyes scanned the backyard, taking in what she'd said, but I was used to this.

"It's always like this." I said simply, tugging her against my side.

Suddenly I caught Flynn's eye, and damn him to hell he was smirking, and I could only assume that he was going to come over here.

Fucking hell.

"Um, Ana."

"Yeah?"

"There's something I have to tell you."

"Oh?" she asked, eyebrows shooting up.

"And really I would've done this more tactfully, but it kind of slipped my mind."

And then Flynn was there, hand outstretched to her.

"This is Dr. Flynn, my psychiatrist."

Her eyes widened in surprise, but she shook Dr. Flynn's hand.

"Nice to meet you."

"Oh it's very nice to meet you, Anastasia. I've heard nothing but good things." he said, that shit eating grin on his face.

She turned and looked at me, "You talk about me?"

I shrugged, "It's complicated."

She rolled her eyes and smiled, turning back to Flynn.

"So you're his psychiatrist."

Dr. Flynn nodded, clearly unsure of where she was going - hell, I was curious too.

"Well, can I just suggest you do something about," and then she leaned towards him and lowered her voice, "His twitchy palm? Honestly I think it's all in his head. I mean eye rolling can't actually trigger a physical reaction, can it?"

At that Flynn laughed - loudly - and Ana chuckled, leaving me wanting to feel irritated, but actually trying to force the smile off my face.

Damn this woman...

"I can see exactly what Christian meant with that quick wit of yours." said Flynn, after he'd gotten his laughter under control.

"Quick wit? I doubt those are the words he used." she said, shooting me a wry look, "But thank you for rephrasing."

Flynn chuckled again and I cleared my throat, "If you two are quite done, I'd like to dance with my girlfriend."

Ana rolled her eyes but said, "If you'll excuse us, my caveman would like to dance."

Flynn nodded and disappeared with a smile.

"It's really not fair how quickly and easily you get everyone to like you." I said, sliding my hands to her waist.

At that she snorted, "Yeah right."

"I'm serious. I mean Elliot, my parents, Mia, Taylor, Gail, Flynn -"

"Have you ever stopped to think that maybe they like me because they see that I make you happy?" she asked, looking up at me.

I brushed the idea off, "You're just that amazing."

She smiled and it was infectious, and I couldn't help but lower my head to press a soft kiss to her mouth.

"Let's keep it rated PG on the dance floor, shall we?"

For the love of god.

"Go away, Elliot."

He chuckled, and Ana stepped away from me to give him a hug.

"How are you?" she asked.

"Pretty good, Kate had to go...something about an Ethan emergency, but she told me to give you this."

He handed her her phone back, and she took it, but seemed more concerned with what he'd said before that.

"Ethan emergency? Did she say anything more than that?"

Elliot shook his head, "All she said was that she had to leave because Ethan needed her, and to give you your phone."

She sighed and looked down to her phone, her fingers flying over the screen.

After a second she looked up and said, "Well thank you."

Elliot just nodded and then looked to me, "Word is Elena's looking for you."

I glanced over at Ana, but her face was impassive. I didn't know if that was good or bad. It was still strange to think that she knew about our past - and even stranger that she knew and was still here.

Just wait until you drop the real bomb on her, Grey. Let's see where she is then.

"Any idea why?"

"Probably wants to fuck you in the gazebo." he said with a completely straight face.

All of a sudden Ana laughed, but quickly covered her mouth with her hand in an attempt to stifle it.

"At least someone thinks I'm funny." said Elliot, smiling at Ana.

How was that funny?

I shook my head at both of them and scanned the crowd, but I didn't see her anywhere.

Good.

This night would no doubt go smoother if I didn't have to see her at all.

"I think I'm going to get myself a drink." she said, eyeing the bar.

"I'm with you on that one." said Elliot, leading the way.

I sighed and took Ana's hand, following him.

APOV

Everything was perfect as usual at the Grey's. Everything from the food, to the decorations, to the music, to the drinks - everything.

I was worried about Kate and Ethan though, because it wasn't really like her to leave without telling me anything, but I'd tried calling her and she hadn't answered, so I'd sent her a quick text that I hoped she'd reply back to.

"Christian, how nice to see you. It's been so long."

This must have been the tenth person who'd come up to Christian with a similar introduction. It was like he knew everyone - which was slightly awkward for me. I mean here I was, surrounded by Washington's most prominent business people, and all I did was paint for a living - and everyone seemed to know it, and felt the need to comment on it. As if I needed their advice on my life decisions.

Thanks but no thanks.

"...Anastasia Steele."

My eyes snapped up to the man who was now holding his hand out towards me, and I quickly shook it.

I supposed that's what I got for letting my mind wander.

"It's nice to meet you, Anastasia. It most be overwhelming meeting all these people, huh?"

"Um...it's...interesting." I said.

The man looked friendly enough. He was probably around Ray's age, gray hair, a mustache, and a plump belly.

"Grace was telling me about how you're interested in art."

I simply nodded.

"In this day and age I think it's a safer investment to be in business. You just don't want to be one of those 'artists' who sell their paintings out of the back of one of those 50's vans." he said, laughing.

"I don't think there's anything wrong with someone doing that, if it makes them happy."

His tone turned patronizing as he said, "Dear, you're young. You don't know what Christian and I know about the world. Art is an unnecessary pastime. Business, on the other hand, is needed. You don't want to waste your time with something like that, do you?"

I saw Christian open his mouth to say something, but I beat him to it.

"Of course not. Why would I ever want to have fulfillment in life, when I could just have money. God forbid I actually enjoy my life. If you'll excuse me, I need a drink."

With that I left Mr. Beer Belly and Christian to their discussion and made my way over to the bar again.

Elliot was still there, exactly where we'd left him earlier, and I took a seat next to him.

"You look like you're having a not-so-good time."

He chuckled, turning to face me, "No, I'm just thinking is all."

"Don't think to hard." I said, motioning for the same thing Elliot was drinking, "You're supposed to be having fun."

"So are you." he countered.

"I will, as soon as everyone in here doesn't automatically assume they have the right to tell me what I should and shouldn't be doing with my life."

"Ah," said Elliot, nodding his head, "The old business guys don't really see a big value in art."

"Oh no," I argued, "They love selling it, and getting millions for a piece of artwork. What they don't see a big value in are the people who create it."

"Which is exactly why I told him to shove his opinion up his ass."

I turned and saw Christian, an apologetic smile on his face.

"You didn't have to do that."

He shrugged, wrapping an arm around my waist and pressing a kiss to the top of my head, "I'm Christian Grey. I can do whatever I want."

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The night was winding down, and somehow we hadn't seen Elena the whole evening - although I was pretty sure I owed that to Elliot.

After he'd left the bar he'd been keeping Elena busy and away from us - or more specifically, me. I didn't want to have an issue with her, but I kind of already did. I couldn't change the fact that I didn't like her - couldn't like her. I mean she was a pedophile for crying out loud. That wasn't okay, and I wasn't about to act like it was.

"I'm so glad you came, and you look lovely as usual."

I smiled at Grace, hugging her back before saying, "I'm glad I came too."

Carrick smiled, wrapping his arm around Grace while saying, "I'm sorry Kate couldn't stay. Would you tell her that we'd love to have her - both of you - back over soon?"

"Of course."

I really did like Grace and Carrick. They were some of the nicest people I'd met - not to mention giving. I mean the amount of money they gave to charities rivaled even Christian.

"There you are Grace. I was looking for you."

We all turned our attention to Elena, who had a smile on her face as she hugged Grace.

"It was a lovely party, as always."

"Well thank you, Elena. We're glad you could make it."

"Like I'd ever miss one of these."

She gave Carrick a hug as well before turning to Christian and I.

Of course her eyes trailed over Christian first, and if I hadn't been watching for it I wouldn't have noticed it - but I had been watching and I did notice it. Her eyes flicked to me next and her smile bordered more towards a smirk as she said, "It's nice to see you again, Anastasia. I take it you had a nice time tonight?"

I refrained from narrowing my eyes at her and calling her a disgusting old hag - mainly because even though Grace and Carrick had moved away from us to say goodbye to another couple they were still close enough to hear me if I got too loud.

"It was nice. I love being around Christian and his family." I said, intentionally sliding my arm around his waist.

He chuckled and wrapped his arm around me, giving me a light squeeze and a kiss on the temple.

"Well I'm sure you would. It must be nice to wear such an expensive dress and be surrounded by so many -"

"Elena, enough." said Christian, sounding halfway bored and halfway irritated.

"I'm just making a point." she said simply, "I can only imagine what it's like to date someone so successful."

"Oh don't be silly, Elena." I said, a sweet smile on my face, "You married Mr. Lincoln when you were young, and from what I can remember he was the one with all the success and money."

Her eyes widened and she opened her mouth, but Christian beat her to it.

"Elena, unless you have something to say to us that doesn't involving pissing my girlfriend off, we're leaving."

Yes, leaving. That sounded like an amazing idea, especially when I remembered back to what he'd said earlier. The thought of going home had me thinking about -

Wait a second...home?

Escala. We were going to Escala. Escala was not home. It was Christian's home.

I suppressed a groan and focused back on the conversation, since my thoughts weren't going anywhere I wanted to venture to. At least not yet, and definitely not here.

"...and you're right. So I apologize, Anastasia."

My eyes nearly popped out of my head, and I cursed internally at not having payed attention to all of what she'd said - though I doubted any of it was sincere anyway.

"Alright." I said slowly, slightly unsure of what exactly it was I was supposed to say.

"Hopefully we can move past this."

Move past you being a pedophile? No. I don't think so.

"Christian, could you give me a hand!" called Grace from inside the house.

"Coming." replied Christian, his eyes meeting mine as if saying, 'I'll be right back'.

Elena and I watched as he disappeared inside, before I turned back to look at her. I had intended to respond to what she'd said a minute ago, but she was already talking.

"Listen here, Anastasia, I've known Christian for years. I've always been here and I'll be here long after you're gone - and trust me, you will be gone."

"I wouldn't be too sure about that."

"I've seen plenty of silly little girls in Christian's life. They show up fast and they disappear even faster. You're no different."

"That's where you're wrong." I said with a smirk, "I'm not one of your handpicked girls. I'm not a submissive, and I'm certainly not his submissive. I'm his girlfriend. I sleep in his bed, he tells me about his past, he's real with me, and there's not a damn thing that you can say that's going to change that."

"Trust me, little girl, I've had more influence in Christian's life than you know."

"Trust me, old lady," I said, emphasizing the words like she had, "I know more than you think."

Her eyes widened, a slight hint of understanding in them as she said, "You won't be able to keep him satisfied for long."

"Well I hate to break this to you, but that's just not up to you. Goodnight, Elena." and with that I turned on my heel and walked inside.

Who the hell did she think she was? Who was she to tell me that I wasn't enough for Christian? I guess I was supposed to assume that she was enough. Ha.

I took a deep breath and quietly walked through the house to the front door without being noticed, and pushed it open to step out onto the porch.

"You're even more of a badass than I thought."

I jumped at the sound of Elliot's voice, turning to look to my right where the sound had come from.

"You scared me."

He chuckled and moved under the glow of the porch light so I could see him before saying, "I heard you and Elena talking."

"Oh?"

He nodded, "You're pretty badass for someone so little. Hell, you're badass for someone my size."

I couldn't help but laugh, "Don't mention it to Christian, okay?"

His eyebrows shot up and he asked, "Seriously? Why?"

"I don't want the drama."

"Sounded like there's already drama."

"Well there doesn't need to be more."

"Sounds like there's already going to be more." he argued.

I let out a deep sigh and said, "Elliot. Seriously."

"Suit yourself. I won't say anything...but between the two of us, I think you could take her." he said, throwing a few playful punches.

I couldn't help but laugh at his antics, because...well...they were so...so...Elliot. There wasn't really a better explanation for it.

A few seconds later Christian came outside, eyebrow raised at the two of us.

"Sounds like you two are having fun."

"Not nearly as much fun as I'm sure the two of you have." he said, disappearing inside the house with a wink and a smirk.

I couldn't help the blush that tinted my cheeks as I looked up at Christian, who was now very, very close to me.

"How did things go with Elena?"

"Is that really what you want to talk about?" I asked, tugging him toward me by his tie.

He smirked, his silver eyes full of sinfully naughty promises.

"Escala?"

I simply nodded, excitement bubbling in my stomach. I knew what I wanted, I just didn't know how to ask for it - and even then I didn't really know what I wanted exactly, just that I wanted something...

"I think..."

Christian looked over at me as he opened the door to the Audi Taylor was waiting in for us.

"You think what?"

I got in and he got in after me, but I didn't make a move to finish my thought.

Christian looked at Taylor for a moment before saying, "Could you give us some privacy?"

"Of course, sir." he said, putting his earplugs in.

"You were saying?"

CPOV

She was nervous, if her lip biting and hand fidgeting was of any indication. I just didn't know why, and she wasn't exactly Miss Talkative at the moment.

"Ana," I said softly, taking her hand in mine, "Talk to me."

She released her lip and said, "I think -" she shook her head and started again, "What did you have in mind for the rest of tonight?"

I smirked, "Ravishing you."

A beautiful blush tinted her cheeks, and at this point I knew the tops of her breasts as well, as she said, "You always do. I meant in...in what way?"

Ah.

"What way would you like, Anastasia?" I asked, tugging her over to me to whisper in her ear.

Her breath hitched and she said, "I - I don't know. You're the sex god."

I chuckled softly and said, "And you're the goddess."

"Goddess?" she asked, clearly surprised, but what I didn't understand was why. She had to know she was fucking beautiful.

"If only you could see what I see." I murmured, trailing my lips against hers, "You'd see how stunning you are. How absolutely fucking stunning."

She didn't say anything, not that I expected her to. Instead she closed the slight gap between our lips and kissed me.

After a moment I pulled back and asked, "So, Anastasia, what is it that you'd like to do?"

She bit her lip again, but maintained eye contact with me as she said, "I want you to show me something new."

My eyes widened, slightly surprised. I needed her to elaborate.

"A lot of things are new, considering I'm the first and only man who's had the joy of making you squirm in pleasure, Miss Steele."

"I mean something that you'd like to try with me...something more...on your side of the field." she said, clearly a little uncomfortable saying it out loud, which I found funny considering she'd given 'my kind of sex' the wonderfully creative name of 'kinky fuckery'.

Where was the feisty woman who was always two seconds from tearing me a new one? Seemed she was nowhere to be found, and I couldn't help but be slightly smug about it. It really was an accomplishment.

I smirked and said, "Oh there are plenty of things I'd like to do with you, so I think we can figure something out."

Lemons in the next chapter. Kinky lemons. You've been warned, just so I don't have to respond to comments saying things along the lines of her being his submissive and her doing what he wants, etc. etc. etc.

Reviews are always appreciated. It lets me know what you guys like, don't like, expect to happen, and so on.

Alright I'm rambling, which is pretty normal for me at this point, buut it is almost 2am and I have to be up at 9 so I'm off to bed. If there are any mistakes...well...I'll catch them at a later date haha.