A/N: Just a little quick one. So today here in New Zealand is December 31st and I can't believe the year is gone already…I want to wish you all a Happy New Year and I hope that 2016 is full of fun memories, laughter and even greater accomplishments, and this is my New Year's treat for all you faithful readers

~oooOooo~

Thursday, June 16th 2011

Grey Enterprises Holding Ltd.

Seattle, Washington

It was a quiet night here at Escala, I ran Ana a bath and allowed her to have some space. I went to my home office and did some work for a little while and went back to find that she had dozed off in the bath. I grabbed a towel and laid it on my bed before going back to lift her out of the bath and carried into my room laying her down drying her gently, she was groggy enough to tell me that she wanted to be in the spare room and I couldn't deny her wishes no matter how much I just wanted to be able to hold her and make her feel okay again. I'll tell you the internal debate I was having to keep myself from thinking about the fact she was naked under my hands was killer, it's not exactly how I pictured seeing her naked for the first time.

I had a restless night, not that it surprised me after sleeping really well for the last four days it was bound to happen sooner or later. I just wish that it wasn't because Ana wasn't sleeping next to me. I hate to admit that she keeps me relaxed and calm and keeps my nightmares away…at least most of the time, it makes me feel weak and it's not a feeling that I'm accustomed to although I'm hoping that I can acclimate myself to the idea that she may have only used the spare room last night because she was feeling so restless and out of place and tonight she'll be in my bed. I know what you're all thinking and I agree…dreams are indeed free, although in my case I can make most dreams a reality…but this one has be to done on her terms and her terms alone.

I left early this morning to meet up with Elliot at IHOP for waffles and it killed me when Ana wasn't awake when I checked on her. I was hoping that she would have been a little more conscious than she was last night when I last spoke to her, truthfully if I'm being entirely honest with myself I was hoping to have a little make out session with her…it killed me last night when we were at her parents trying not to kiss her and hold her and touch her as much as what we do when we're alone.

I kissed her head, told her I loved her and left a note on the pillow next to her head, of course the only way I'll know if she got it is if she texts or rings or for some strange reason decides to come in to the office….I know that you're all wondering what I wrote but the truth is, I think it's best it comes from her if she decides to tell you.

Elliot and I spent a good two hours together, of course most of that time was spent talking about Frankie and what's going on with Carla and how it's effecting everyone, especially our mother, she hates to see them all so upset when all they want is to be shown some sort of affection by her. Elliot agreed to let Justyce use his room should he need it now that he's got his own condo a few blocks from Escala of course it's where he spends most of his time when he's not working. Mom asked Elliot, she told Ray and he passed it on to Justyce. Only time will tell if it is indeed necessary.

I've been in a meeting for the last two hours with the lawyers here sorting through contracts that are still up in the air and some that we're looking at passing out to a few businesses that are in drastic need of help and I have to say that by the end of this year I could be easily worth three point five billion and that's even if some of the deals drop. It even amazes me sometimes how much money I have and the only person that I want to really spend it on is Anastasia, of course my family too but they don't need it as much and I've been spoiling them for the last few years. I know that Ana doesn't need it either but it's been years since we've spent any time together and now I'm in a better position to spoil her and spoil her I will whether she likes it or not. I'd love to be able to make some of her dreams come true; allow her to have the freedom from her mother so that she can be happy.

I get Andrea to order me in some lunch and I take a break in my office sitting on the couch that's in the corner and allow myself to think clearly and not about work. My mind drifts to Ana and I wonder how she's doing and I just want to go home to be with her now that I know she'll definitely be there when I get back but my work is never really done. As it stands for tonight, I have to go from here to Elena's place for this charity event that I agreed to go to, the only thing that's making it bearable is that Ana will be going with me but I know that she will do anything in her power to breakup what Ana and I have and the only thing I can do is pray that Ana knows that my feelings for her are real and that no matter happens I will always choose her, I have to because for the first time in nearly sixteen years I'm happy…and there's only one thing responsible for that and her name, at least to me, is Bitty….My Bitty.

There's a knock on my door and I finish my mouthful before telling them to come in.

"Sorry Sir but I just received this from Gail. She was told to give it to me and then for me to give it you and she assured me that it is perfectly safe, it's from Miss Steele…." I know he's only being so formal with me because we're at the office but the fact that it's from Ana brings a smile to my lips and I stand up taking it from him.

"Thank you Jason, please make sure that you have my suit here by Five thirty and we will leave here at Six, God knows why she's having this thing so early but I can't disappoint my mother and show up late, it's one thing to do it to her but a completely different one to do it to someone else…at least that's what I think she meant when she told me off the other day" he smiles and nods before he leaves.

I take my seat back on the couch and debate whether to open it now or later. I think she gave me a box wrapped in Grey Paper on purpose, she probably thinks she's being funny by playing on my last name but I wouldn't have it any other way, she has always been a smart ass when it comes to gifts for me, at least she use to anyway. The paper is covered in these white molecule looking things. I have to say that I'm intrigued by what could be hiding inside. I untie the white twine bow and lift the wrapping paper off to see a letter sitting on top.

*Dear Mr Grey,

I have to thank you for that lovely note you left me this morning, it was beautiful and made me smile. I have to say that I'm surprised that I didn't see you when I woke up during the night, I thought that you might have joined me for some cuddles, however I appreciate that it was probably done against your own wishes and I have to thank you for not letting me drown in the bath tub when I fell asleep.

I know that you are probably dying to look inside this box and I have to say that it took a lot for me to do this but I think we both deserve to have a little fun, and while I'm not normally this forward I hope you appreciate the gesture.

Once you see in this box you may not be able to concentrate for the rest of the day so I'm advising you now, if you look in this box before you're ready to leave you do so with your own consequences. So if you want my opinion, which I know you probably don't but I'm still going to tell you anyway, I suggest you wait and control those errant thoughts running through your head right now.

Just one more thing before I go…I hope that you don't regret your decision about taking me as your plus one tonight and also about wanting to give our relationship a go…I look forward to seeing you in your suit, I will meet you at the party.

Have a good afternoon Sir and know that I can't wait to kiss you either.

Yours Sincerely,

Miss Anastasia Rose Steele xxx*

Well thank you Miss Steele, now I really want to know what's inside this box but I have to trust your judgement on this. I have just over four hours before I can look in the box and it's going to be pure torture until then. I so hope that it's worth it because if it's empty I'm going to be so frustrated with her for teasing me…not that it will last that long because I could never stay mad at her.

I decide that I should maybe stop by a jewellery store on the way to Elena's, I haven't looked in the box yet but she's obviously been debating about whether to do this and I have to take it as a sign that she's ready to take a step forward in our relationship, although I'm not quite sure which step that is. After everything that's happened in the last few days she deserves a little treat and I've been eyeing up a bracelet that I think she'd like, of course I asked a while ago to have a few changes made and they've just been waiting for me to buy it so there's no time like the present.

Let's just say that the contracts that I was double checking before taking over two businesses today took a lot longer than normal because I kept looking over to the box sitting on the coffee table by the couch, it's like it's calling my name but she's right, I want to be able to concentrate as much as possible on these contracts otherwise I could ruin my reputation and lose a whole lot of money.

I sign the contracts with C.R.T Grey and then put them back in the envelopes and give them to Andrea to send down to the firm floor and then walk back into my office and into my ensuite, thankfully I took Elliot's advice and got a private one added to my office. The door that leads to the bathroom is actually a bookcase which you just push on and it opens inwards. Jason has already been back with my suit and it's handing on the back of the door and I decide that now would be a good time to take a quick shower and hopefully by the time I'm finished getting ready I can finally open the box.

Of course in the shower I find myself thinking about Ana and drying her last night before putting her into bed and I find myself getting hard but I have to calm my thinking because I really don't want to have to masturbate when I could potentially have the real thing tonight. Of course that is just wishful thinking, but her note does give me some hope. I dry my hair and my body before getting dressed and decide to forgo my jacket and just wear my black pants and long sleeved black shit by Mr Giorgio Armani and put on my socks and then my black shoes with tan laces and soles cutting the black slightly, hopefully Ana won't be in all black and then she'll complement me in another way other than by her beauty.

I come out and my eyes automatically go to the box and I have to steady my nerves because I've been psyching myself up for this. I lift the two tabs on the box and there's tissue paper inside with another note sitting on top.

*Christian,

This is something that is completely outside my comfort zone but I trust you enough to not make me regret doing this…I trust you to not make me look like an idiot in front of everyone and I want this to be fun for both of us.

Once you open this tissue paper there is no going back, should you choose not use it please put me out of my misery the first chance you get because I don't want to be nervous the whole night.

This is a step forward for me in our relationship and I want it to be at a pace that we're both happy with and I know that you're ready for more so this is me offering you that little bit more.

I want you to know how much you mean to me and I want this just as much as you do.

Peel back the tissue paper when you're ready.

Yours Always,

Bitty xxx*

I'm glad that this note isn't formal because I can feel my heart racing when I reread it for the third time and she must have been nervous writing this because it's not as clean as her writing normally is and the fact that she said that she wants this just as much as I do means that I'm doing something right and I want her to know that I am listening to her.

I take a deep breath and pull back the tissue paper and my heart drops into my stomach and I have no clue what to think, looking at the packaging and then seeing the remote sitting to the side sends me into flashbacks about my past that I'm not happy with, but they mean nothing because this is nothing like what my past was. This is about Ana showing that she trusts me and that she is definitely ready to step up in our romantic relationship and that to me means a lot after everything she told me the other night about Georgetown.

Oh tonight is definitely going to be a good night…text her now, put her out of her misery and let her know we're on board…please, please, please let me at this…

Shut up, I'm still trying to get my heart back in the right place; this definitely solidifies that I need to go to the jewellery store on the way out to Bellevue… I pull my cell phone from my back pocket and hit the button to call the store and Javier gets it all ready for me to pick up in ten minutes.

There is one thing that I can agree with; tonight is definitely going to be a good night. I can't wait to see Ana and then see the reaction that she gives…oh and then there's after the party. That is the part I'm looking forward to the most. I think it's time that I hit the road...at least I have time to compose myself on the trip there.

~oooOooo~

This morning waking up my body felt drained and stiff and I know it's because I had a restless night and the fact that Christian wasn't next to me but I could tell that he thought that it was best. Last night took a lot out of me and I've never seen Daddy so upset and my mother so monstrous. Justyce and Christian of course we're the voices of reason and we've managed to make Clarissa a little bit happier, however I know that it's going to take time for her to get used to not being at home like she's always been.

If I'm being honest the thing that's made my day is the note that Christian left beside me on the pillow before he went out this morning…and I can imagine that you're all dying to know so I'll share but don't be too jealous of me for it….

*My beautiful Bitty,

I hope that even though we didn't share a bed last night that you still thought and dreamt about me because I did about you.

I can't wait to see you tonight looking as stunning as ever and we will definitely have a good time. I sent Kevin an email saying that you wouldn't be in today, I did that as your friend and not your boss because I think you might still need some time to get your head together.

If you want to come in you can but don't if you don't feel up to it.

I can't wait to be able to hold you and kiss you and make you smile again, last night nearly killed me and I'm not kidding.

You look stunning sleeping in the bed with your hair everywhere and it sends dirty thoughts to my mind especially after taking you from the bath if you can catch where my thoughts went…

You know where I'll be and how to get in contact if you want me for anything.

All my love,

Your Christian xoxo*

Okay so there may be nothing written there for you to be jealous about but it definitely made me feel better and I couldn't keep the smile off my face even as I sat at the breakfast bar eating the food which Gail graciously prepared for me, I'm assuming on Christian's word.

I know that I have to get Clarissa from school at Three but then her and I are going out to Bellevue and I'm getting ready there with Mia who is very much gunning for Christian and I to get together. I think she likes the idea of all of us officially being officially related, whatever that relationship maybe, what with Elliot being with Frankie, her being with Justyce and then Christian and I, honestly I don't know if people will think it's strange, one family marrying into the other one but maybe it's just me being nervous about telling Christian that I'm in love with him too. I don't think I could tell him tonight but I might be able to show him that I'm heading in that direction.

I go back to the spare room where Jason kindly but my belongings and I start going through my bags looking for what I want. It takes me ten minutes but I finally locate my bag that holds my 'adult toys' if you catch my drift. I am by no means an innocent woman, Louise and I use to watch porn and we made out a few times you know the whole sexual experimentation thing when you're in your teen and we even agreed that if we reached a certain age and we hadn't found anyone to settle down with that we would marry each other and become lesbians…of course we both laughed about it often now that she was married and has Nastasia and now she says that I just have to do the same, although Jace always makes us promise that if we do anything when we're together that we take pictures. It's nice to have a 'brother-in-law' that can see the humour and the seriousness in our discussions and of course occasionally Louise and I get all lovey-dovey around him just to see how he responds.

I look through the small bag until I find the unopened package and decide that tonight is going to be a go big or go home sort of night. I open the packaging and remove the panties that are in there and then take the packaging and place it on my bed before I go in search of a box and some wrapping paper, thankfully Gail has a well-stocked cupboard in her apartment that she let me raid and I found the perfect sized box and wrapping paper.

I quickly run into Christian's study and write out the note that will go on the outside of the box, I write that one first because it's the easier of the two, the second one is more personal, more difficult to write because I'm breaking down a wall that's been up for a little while but I know that I have nothing to fear with him, except maybe that he'll realise this was a mistake but I'm hoping he won't. Once I've gotten the second one out of the way I feel myself breathe a little easier, let's just say that writing it on a piece of paper is a lot less scary than trying to say it in person, especially to Christian.

I go back to the spare room and take the remote out of the packaging and place it on its own in the box and then place the packaging inside, mainly so that Christian knows what it belongs to and hopefully he won't think I'm too much of a slut…not that I think he would think that…

Of course he wouldn't think that…this is Christian we're talking about, you're his bitty if anything he won't know how to process what you're trying to say…think about it, what guy wouldn't be turned on when looking into that box…can't think of one huh….well there's my point.

I wrap it and then tie it and then go in search of Gail. Of course it wasn't hard to figure out that I'd find her in the kitchen packing what looks like to be a picnic and I have to smile at the thought of her going on a date with Jason. I've seen the looks they give each other a couple of times when I've been awake enough to realise what they mean and they make me smile.

"Gail could I possibly trouble you to pass this to Jason to give to Christian…it's just a little something for tonight that I thought might make being at Mrs Lincoln's a little more bearable for him…I can promise you that it's nothing that will threaten his life, just a little gesture from me to him…." I know that he has to have most mail screened but this one is really personal for me and I'd rather that the less people know about this the better.

"Of course Ana, and don't worry about it I know that you wouldn't want to hurt Christian…and just between you and me I think that Jason only wants to have lunch with me so he can get some nookie…but you didn't hear that…" she takes the gift from me and places it in the basket and then turns back to me. She treats me like we've known each other for years and I have to say that it makes me feel better about being in this penthouse.

"I have to tell you that it's lovely to have another woman around here, I was beginning to think that they might have to turn me into one of the boys or I'd be out of the job…if you need anything at all just let me know…although right now I better get going, Jason gets cranky if he has to wait one minute longer for food than necessary…have a good time tonight and try not to let that witch get to you" she kisses me on the cheek and gives me a hug before grabbing the basket and running out the door to the elevator.

I smile at her comment and realise that Christian isn't the only one happy to have me here, or though speaking of Christian I have a feeling he may want me to share a bed with him tonight and every other night for that matter and I have to say that last night felt rather lonely when I woke up and he wasn't there. So I go to the spare room and move some of my things into his room. I grab some lunch and pack everything I need for tonight before I head out to pick up Lissa from school.

Thankfully traffic wasn't too bad today and I manged to get to Lissa and on the road to Bellevue in record time allowing me at least two hours before I had to be at Elena's house and hopefully in Christian's embrace…of course with all the photographers that will be there I think that out interactions will be limited no matter how much I would love for the world to know he's mine…I'm not there yet and I still need to figure out what Jose thinks he'll gain from this insanity plea that he's now conjured up from nowhere, just thinking about him makes my skin crawl.

The drive out to The Grey's was quiet, I decided not to broach any subject with Lissa, especially Mom because she has to deal with it in her own time and I'm sure last night wasn't easy for her by any means. She sighed a few times while we drove down the highway and she seemed to relax a little when we turned on their street, which was three over from where our house was. Pulling into the driveway I park next to Mia's White Audi RS5 and then we both get out and I grab my bag from the back seat.

For the next half hour I spend time helping Clarissa with her math and her English work as well as some of her science, at least the things that I knew and then went up to Christian's old room where Grace said I could get ready, thankfully we're all riding over together in a limo that Carrick has ordered for the night and that settles my nerves a little bit because I don't think I'd be able to focus on the road.

I shower and wash my hair hoping that I'll be able to do something with it that will make it look a little better than it did this morning when I just put it into a ponytail. I pull on the panties and then find the bra that I brought, it's an Agent Provocateur Evalyne bra which is set up as a half cup although it's a cut out bra so there's really only a strip that goes up on an angle to cover my nipples and still allows a little peak at the skin which makes me feel sexy and with the panties I feel naughty and I have to laugh to myself before I pull the dress from my bag.

The dress is designed by Louise and she specifically made this one for me when I told her I wanted something feminine but still a little edgy without all the frills and ruffles and preferably black with hints of navy blue and a high front and low back and she pulled it off. I may have forgotten to mention that she was a fashion designer, I guess I got so caught up in Christian that I let some things slip my mind.

She is absolutely brilliant at it and we are similar in tastes that she asks my opinion sometimes and even has me walk in her shows. Frankie has taken photos for her portfolio and even given me some copies too. Frankie told me that I had the beauty to be a model but without the height I wasn't exactly a top pick for runways, so I never really tried to get into the business. Hopefully I'll be able to walk in one of her shows soon because I would love to be able to get away from here and maybe go overseas and rock a cat walk s, not that I want to leave Christian but then again he could probably come with me if I happened to be going somewhere where he owns businesses and just leave the country for a week or two.

Anyway back to the dress, it's one of the first dresses she ever made and I got so excited. I've hardly worn it but I know that it will rub Elena the wrong way and hopefully it will rub Christian the right way. It's got lace and then straight colour block black fabric while the half sleeves are just Navy Lace, it's over the shoulders but has spaghetti straps that hold it just right which means that they'll hide my bra straps too and has a long train at the back while the front only comes about half way down my thighs which might as well leave little to the imagination, not that it really bothers me, I know I have good legs and it's one of the only body parts that I like to show off. In the light the lace and the fabric makes it look like a blue-black dress, the design comes in at the waist and flares out over my hips giving me some sort of hour glass figure and it just makes me feel gorgeous.

Of course finding the shoes to go with this dress are a little more difficult to sort out because I love to add a splash of colour but still complement the dress at the same time. I don't see myself as a fashionista per say but I know that I can mix and match really well and still stay true to who I am. Thankfully I manged to pack most of my shoes which meant I had plenty to choose from and settled on my Tan high heeled shoes that buckle over the top of my foot and that's my outfit done.

With everything else going on today I chose to forgo jewellery tonight with having the dress and the shoes they draw enough attention on their own without adding to it, plus with the panties and putting myself out there it just seemed like an easier decision.

I pull my fringe forward on my face and to the side and put the rest of my hair into a high bun that goes across the top of my head. When I normally wear my hair like this I put a headband across the top but decide that it just wouldn't go well tonight so I have to pray that nothing falls out because otherwise I will just be a fizzy mess and no one should be witness to that I take a step back and smile as I look at myself in the mirror on the back of his door which Grace hung there for me while I got ready.

I turn a few ways in the mirror and I can probably say that my dress more than likely won't pass as a cocktail dress but to be honest I couldn't care less. This isn't about Elena and her choice on what the attire should be this is about the charities and having a good time. I meet the others downstairs at the car and they all say how beautiful I look and I can only hope that Christian feels the same. I climb in holding my Navy Blue Lace Vintage Clutch in my hand and sit next to Mia on the drive over to the party. Thankfully Grace's housekeeper has agreed to watch over Lissa while they're away so she's not on her own.

Of course the drive wasn't very far so it was easy to feel myself get nervous in the space of a minute as I thought about whether Christian did indeed open the box, and if he's willing to take this step with me. When we pull up and stop in the drive way there are three gentleman on each side of the vehicles opening doors for the guests and helping them out. I take a deep breath and slide down until I'm in front of the door and climb out with the help of the attendant hoping that I don't flash anyone, the only person I'd do that for is hopefully around here somewhere.

I link arms with Mia and we walk around the side of the house and under the gazebo and out into the back yard which has been set with long tables that seat at least twenty per table and there's a stage with a band and they're playing music as everyone arrives, I can't wait to eat I'm starving.

Mia and I grab a champagne glass and take a sip as we look around taking in the surrounds and I have to say that I liked Grace and Carrick's better.

"She certainly tries to outdo your parents on the decorations and things, doesn't she?" I say gently as I take a long sip of my champagne.

"That she does but we all know she'll never top them. The fact that they don't really do it to outdo the last year it makes it better for everyone. The only thing they care about is raising money for a good cause and also that everybody has a good time. Elena on the other hand likes to be the topic of conversation well after her parties are over. Truthfully I can't wait for this night to finish, the way she looks at Justyce creeps me out and the further away I can keep her from him the better. Speaking of which he just walked in…if you'll excuse me Ana…" she doesn't wait for my reply she just takes off to where I see him standing talking to Elliot.

I shake my hand out and then switch hands while still holding onto the champagne glass tightly, waiting for Christian is torture not to mention the fact that Elena has been watching me since Mia and I passed the gazebo has me thinking that she's planning something, and I know that she probably wasn't expecting me to be here after the article but like hell I'm going to let her ruin my social life. I keep watching her but of course I zone out and it's not until I feel a hand on my hip do I realise that it belongs to Christian, which is weird because normally I feel him before I see him, I guess being on edge has thrown that out.

"Mia told me that I'd find you here…although I have to say that I didn't expect to see you looking this stunning when I left you that note this morning, add to that the gift that you sent to me at the office and the fact that your dress is almost too short at the front and that definitely has my blood rushing south…" I jump slightly as I feel the vibration under my skirt against my pussy and I gasp gently and bite my lip trying not to draw attention to us.

"I hope that answers your question that you left in the letter. I am so ready to take this step with you at your pace, however I feel it's only beneficial for you to know that right this second I'd give anything to be able to peel you out of that dress and touch you properly. I can assure you that it won't just be the vibration of the panties you'll be feeling tonight while we're here…" Oh God the way he whispered that in my ear had me getting wet, oh please don't let this night drag on…I seriously want to be at home with him cuddling on the couch. I so hope that we can leave early, I'm going to be crazy horny before this night is over…

~oooOooo~

A/N: I've put the Pinterest link in the story summary as appose to being added on to every chapter. As always feel free to Read and Review, Follow and Favourite.

Much Love,

Xxx Aby