The conference hotel manages to pull off the dual impression of being both chic and imposing at the same time. Inside, the interior designer's vision has been extensively and expensively employed to great effect. Climbing out of our town car, I find I am awed by the sight in front of me as quirky light fittings and vibrant flashes of bold color contrast against stark white backgrounds.
Looking at the faces that greet me, I can see that I'm not the only one gazing in awe. If I was laboring under any misapprehensions that my boyfriend and soon to be co-inhabitor, Christian Grey's importance is confined to the Pacific Northwest, the reaction of the venue staff to The Christian Grey in person sweeps those misconceptions right away.
A veritable line of toe-curlingly obsequious men and women are waiting for him, hovering around the car doors and falling over one another to greet him and help him into the building. Their shocked faces briefly take in the sight of his hand wrapped around mine before they seize their opportunity to court Christian's favor by extending the same toadying treatment to me.
I smiled grimly, my heart sinking. So much for hoping that being together openly would make this business trip a little easier to bear than the last one. Christian takes it all in his stride of course, moving past them with little more than a curt nod, pulling me tightly to his side. But then he's earned that privilege. I haven't, and I feel deeply uncomfortable at the praise being heaped on me by simple virtue of being Christian's girlfriend.
The proffered handshakes and flattering comments get increasingly more nauseating and awkward to accept until I reach the eager young executive at the end of the line. Seeing his chance to make his mark, he rather unwisely reaches out to grab me by my shoulders and sweep in for what I think was going to be a double cheek kiss. He doesn't get that far. With hideous clarity, I sense Sawyer rear up from somewhere behind me, grapple with the bewildered guy and swiftly remove him from my sight.
Christian pulls me even closer, scowls at the unfortunate executive and mutters something obscene under his breath. Then, gripping my hand, he leads me through the huge open lobby and towards the main conference hall, ignoring the gushing apologies of the horrified conference manager. Her face is glowing a bright puce and clashing a little with her killer red suit.
I stifle a smile. I can't help but feel a little sympathy for the poor woman; that was probably not what anyone would call a textbook-perfect VIP meet and greet.
All the sycophantic attention the conference organizers are heaping on Christian is for a reason; they are beyond grateful he has agreed to participate. All around me I can see that his name is head-lining the conference publicity, lending it a certain gravitas, elevating it into a must-go event for the upper-echelons of the business world. Perhaps even the business equivalent of the Oscars. I wonder just how many people are here for the chance to pitch a business opportunity to Christian.
The snarky side of me wonders how many are here just to ogle him in person. Instinctively, I tighten my grip on his hand and move closer to him; he's mine.
As soon as we enter the main hall, I become acutely aware of nudges, whispers and sideways glances coming from groups of immaculately attired business people in every direction.
Christian looks even more handsome than usual this morning in a tailored dark gray suit that looks as though it was made for him. Hmmm…it probably was. He still looks hot, but at the same time, he looks at once striking and alert. The warm, loving expression that I have been privy to all night and this morning has been banished in favor of this unyielding, focused mask, designed to deter all but the most indomitable from approaching him.
But to my relief and secret joy, the hand holding mine is still soft and tender.
The conference manager scurries along beside us, batting her eyelashes at Christian: "Sir, your assistant informed us that you were bringing a guest for the duration of your stay. Let me assure you that we have made every effort to ensure that you, and your guest, will enjoy every comfort and convenience while you are here." She flashes me a fawning smile that shows her slightly crooked teeth. "Ma'am, should you tire of shopping and sight seeing here in the city, we have an award winning spa available for your use. Simply let me or one of my staff know, and I we will set that up for you," she continues breathlessly, speaking to me but gazing with carnal appreciation at Christian.
I bristle with annoyance and all sympathy I felt for her vanishes. How dare she flirt with him right in front of me? And how dare she presume I'm here idling through the day waiting around for my boyfriend to finish business? Is that how I look to the outside world? Is that what I've become? Christian's fingers tighten around mine and his thumb softly strokes my knuckles, soothing away my irritation, but I can't let this go.
"That's very thoughtful Miss?" I cock my head to one side, Christian style. "Jamieson, Ma'am. Chloe Jamieson," she offers, eagerly.
"That's very thoughtful Miss Jamieson," I continue, "But I have a full calendar while I'm here so it's unlikely I'll have enough free time to take you up on your kind offer". My tone is distinctly frosty. Miss Jamieson looks a little crestfallen, but she keeps step with us, ignoring me again and repeatedly thanking Christian for agreeing to participate until the noise level from other delegates mercifully drowns out the simper of her voice.
As we come to a halt in the middle of the main conference hall, I'm dismayed to see no fewer than four glassy-eyed business men advancing hungrily towards Christian.
I sigh inwardly. And so it starts…
During our flight earlier I had carefully explained to Christian that I thought it would be better all around if we both maintained a professional distance during the conference, particularly as I, along with the other interns, have been asked to carry out some specific research on new communication techniques and Christian would be busy being schmoozed and seeking out new business opportunities. Not to be out done, Christian had employed his usual finely honed negotiation skills to ensure that I would be his 'date' during the conference dinner tonight and that I wouldn't go 'all pissy' on him (his words) if he felt the 'sudden irrepressible urge' to be affectionate towards me during the day. Rashly, I agreed, immediately regretting it when I saw the victorious look on his face. It dawned on me how many 'sudden irrepressible urges' he is likely to experience during the course of the day.
Round one to Christian.
He then abandoned all pretence at negotiation and informed me that Sawyer will be trailing around with me for the duration of the conference. That was a non-negotiable. Frankly, I'm so used to Sawyer's quiet constant presence, I barely notice him any more, so that was no big deal. And if he's going to step in and prevent any unwanted advances from other delegates, like he did with that unfortunate guy in the receiving line this morning, I'm kind of grateful, if a little embarrassed. I only hope that it's only Christian who experiences any 'sudden irrepressible urges' around me today, or it's going to be embarrassing all around.
I quickly decide this might be a good time to quietly slip away and start researching before the first speaker session of the day.
I turn to give Christian a swift hug goodbye, but he grabs me and pulls me to tightly him, cupping my face in his hands and kissing me chastely on the lips. His eyes are bright with mischief, gazing intently into mine. I narrow my eyes at him, half amused. I know what he's doing; he's testing me, pushing the parameters of the agreement and making his mark, showing everyone around here that I'm with him before sending me off on my own. Secretly though, I can't help feeling pleased; hopefully it will work both ways and perhaps even deter a few predatory females, like that Jamieson woman from hitting on him. I smile and arch an eyebrow to show him that I've busted him before melting away into the crowd, with Sawyer at my heels.
Moving around the crowded hall and away from the glare of Christian's spotlight, I relax a little. To my relief, very few people are even giving me a second glance and the freedom from the constant scrutiny feels liberating. I haven't felt like this since before I was so publicly 'outed' as the boss's girlfriend. Sighing happily, I begin to relax and enjoy myself, wandering around a few of the exhibitor's stands and orientating myself.
"Ana? Oh you made it," Andy's familiar voice jolts me from my day dream.
"Hey Andy. Yes, just arrived," I smile and turn to greet him. He is standing beside Dex, Amanda and Darcy who all look puzzled to see me. Tyler is lagging behind two stands away, engrossed in an intense conversation with an exhibitor. The stand looks like it's something pretty high tech. Typical Tyler.
Andy still looks confused. "Oh…we figured you weren't gonna make it when you didn't catch the flight last night".
"And there were no later flights from Sea Tac that would have got you here on time," Darcy interjects, "we checked".
She doesn't look too happy about it. It occurs to me that it wouldn't surprise me at all to hear that she had gone ahead and personally cancelled every other flight, just to make absolutely certain I wouldn't make it. Yeah, so sorry to spoil your day Darcy, I think, uncharitably.
Her expression darkens as her gaze slides to Sawyer, standing patiently just behind me. I guess she's finally figured out he's my bodyguard.
Andy is still waiting for me to reply. Crap…Of course, I was booked on a commercial flight with the other interns. Do I mention that I flew in on Christian's own private jet, enjoying six and a half hours of uninterrupted sleep in the luxurious, on board bedroom? Well at least, it would have been six and a half hours if we had merely slept the whole time. I am now a proud member of the mile high club. Christian was keen to make up for lost time when I was sick at the weekend so he fucked me into an exhausted sleep last night then woke me with his tongue this morning. No, I will definitely have to filter out some of that.
"So how did you get here?" he presses.
I pitch for nonchalant. "I flew in with Christian," I shrug and swiftly change the subject. "This is a huge conference isn't it? We need a plan to make sure we cover off as many exhibitors as possible between us, we'll never get around them all individually. We've only got two days."
Dex nods eagerly, his eyes bright with enthusiasm. Strategizing is his thing. He immediately launches into a detailed plan that involves all six of us hitting every exhibitor over the next two days and pooling our findings. I listen, swept along by his enthusiasm and trying to ignore the quizzical expression on Darcy's face. She's still trying to figure out the mystery of the non-existent flight. I'm not going to help her. I smile inwardly at this small win; withholding information from Darcy has recently become one of my new favorite pastimes.
We agree to get together after the first speaker session to finalize our plan and, moving into the crowd of other delegates, we file into the auditorium.
The main auditorium where the key note speeches will take place is a vast amphitheatre. There is a large, raised stage area at the front that juts out in the middle, reminding me of a dock. Two gigantic television screens fill the wall behind it and the ceiling is dotted with masses of colored spot lights that would look equally at home at a rock venue as they do at a corporate business conference. Row after row of seating is set out around the raised stage area extending endlessly across the room as far as I can see.
A heavy scent hangs over my head; the clashing aromas of hundreds of spicy colognes and exotic perfumes battle for supremacy with the lingering aroma of freshly brewed coffee and hard cash. I feel hopelessly and completely out of my league.
Hoping for a friendly face, I wonder briefly whether Sawyer plans to pose as a delegate and sit alongside me through the entire speech or if he will stand at the side of the room and try to look like part of the furniture. I turn around to ask him, but his eyes are scanning the room around me, watching everything and everyone and instantly I feel anxious. Am I safe here? I turn back reluctantly to allow him do his job, trying to keep pace with the other interns.
The room is filling quickly now and we look around for some seats where we can sit together. Darcy halts and turns around, waiting for the rest of us to gather around her. "There are a few seats open over that side. Follow m…Oh!" her eyes widen and her smile switches to full beam at something behind me.
I make to turn around but jump, startled as a hand curls around my elbow and I feel warm lips brush past my ear: "Ah Miss Steele. What a pleasure," Christian mutters.
Over his shoulder I spot the Taylor who, like Sawyer, is raking the room with his eyes, missing nothing. Following in his wake are at least three of the four salivating business men I spotted a little while ago, but they seems to have spawned a few extra disciples along the way, of both genders. All of them have a steely glint of determination in their eyes and a dogged ambition to ingratiate him or herself with Christian.
"Good morning Mr Grey," Darcy purrs. "We are all so looking forward to hearing your keynote speech today".
Jeez, does she ever give up? I grind my teeth irritably, but to my relief, Christian merely nods impatiently, his eyes scanning rows of seats, scarcely glancing in her direction.
"I just spotted some open seats over there, Sir" she persists.
Christian gives her a frosty look. "You should go sit down then Miss Pendleton," he replies, rather rudely. His voice softens as his hand wraps around mine: "This way baby". Ignoring Darcy's open-mouthed shock and the suppressed sniggers coming from Andy and Dex's direction, I allow Christian to lead me away.
Hushed whispers and quiet nudges precede Christian's progress through the crowd to the front of the auditorium, but he takes full advantage of it. With each step he takes people drift aside in wide-eyed deference to let him, me, our security details and the assortment of other hangers-on pass by.
My lips twitch with amusement as I watch the audacious little posse of devotees striding along behind Taylor and Sawyer, full of their own self importance and shamelessly basking in Christian's reflected glory. I cannot ever image Christian kowtowing to anyone like they are to him today, even when he first started out, before he built the organization he owns today.
I lean a little closer to Christian, lowering my voice so that only he can hear: "Who are all those people?"
"Fucked if I know. All chancers hoping to do business with me." He doesn't bother to lower his voice. He gives me a sideways look. "Taylor already had to eject one of them for eye fucking you."
"What? When?" I splutter, my eyes wide.
"A few minutes ago. His greedy little piggy eyes followed your legs and ass all the way across the conference hall." He curls his lip in disgust. "Fucker."
"Are you seriously telling me you had a complete stranger, someone, who must be a fairly senior business man if he's here, removed from this conference simply because he looked in my direction? Don't you think that was perhaps a little tiny bit of an over-reaction?" I hiss, incredulously.
"Fucker wanted into your panties Anastasia. He wanted what's mine," his hand tightens on my elbow and he closes the distance between us, dropping a soft kiss on my hair. "No fucking way was he getting another look. Only I get that privilege," he murmurs. I can feel his breath warm against the top of my head, his words resonating against my skin.
I groan heavily and shake my head in exasperation as we reach the front row. Christian directs me to two seats at the very end of the row sporting large 'reserved' labels. I'm hardly even surprised when, on closer inspection, I see the name 'Anastasia Steele' printed on one and 'Christian Grey' printed on the other in a small elegant font. Jeez, he thinks of everything.
I sink into the seat, looking around to see if I can spot the other interns I have just so rudely abandoned, but they have moved out of my sight, swallowed up by the crowd and I can't see them anywhere. I feel kind of guilty for leaving them and vow to seek them out as soon as the speeches are finished.
Christian glances at my face and smiles softly, leaning closer to me, his face full of concern. "You ok baby? Don't be worried, I'll look after you," he whispers. His hand drifts over and covers mine on my lap but lingers there when his gaze returns to the platform at the front. Deciding that a public display of affection in a conference hall is a perhaps a little too much, I give his hand a quick squeeze and then release it to fumble through my bag, under the pretext of finding my tablet. I only hope that sitting next to Christian during the speeches will help me to feel a little more comfortable about being at this damned 'super business' person conference and not make me feel even more awkward.
Once the speakers begin, all of my fears are forgotten as I listen carefully to what they are saying and watch the presentations, taking notes on anything that I think might be useful. Christian's name comes up frequently, building up to the key note speech that he will deliver later today.
In spite of the praise being lavished on him, beside me, Christian looks bored, fidgets, occasionally taps away on his blackberry and spends the rest of the time gazing up and down my legs in open appreciation. On the few occasions I catch his eye to give him an admonishing glare, he grins insolently, looking like the devil himself, leaving me in no doubt where his thoughts are headed.
His expression immediately reminds me of the last time he made love to me this morning. Remembering the sensation of his lips tracing the contours of my throat, gently nipping and suckling my skin as he drove into me makes my body spasm with desire. How can he turn me on like that by just sitting next to me? I feel a throb at the top of my legs and quickly cross my legs to suppress it, inadvertently sending my dress higher up my thighs. I see him glance at my hemline, his eyes widening for a second before the corner of his mouth lifts in a crooked smile.
Gah, he can read my body so well.
Christian casually stretches his arms and shoulders, shifting back into a position that puts his body a little closer to me than before. His arm is pressed against mine, effectively obscuring the view between our seats to anyone sitting behind us. Seconds later, I feel his hand move against the side of my leg closest to him, his fingers idly stroking the exposed skin above my knee.
His gaze is fixed on the speaker up on the stage, as though he is listening in rapt attention, and for a brief moment, I give him the benefit of the doubt and wonder whether he even realizes what he is doing. By the time his wandering fingers begin to glide further up my leg, sneaking under the hem of my dress and finding the tops of my hold-ups, I know for certain he knows exactly what he is doing.
I try to concentrate on the speaker, but the gentle, insistent fingers secretly stroking my skin stirs my body and makes me crave even more. The angle is awkward, so he can't reach as far up my thigh as I'd like. I'm grateful for the darkness and the stage in front of us for obscuring his wandering hands from public view. I really wish we had a little more privacy here; I have to fight the urge to grab his tie and pull him closer so that he can finish what he's started.
I smile to myself in glee as my mind wanders to the very sexy boned corset hiding under my sensible, conservative dress. He went out into the cabin to make a few calls earlier this morning, giving me my privacy while I dressed, so he's blissfully unaware of the sight waiting for him when he unwraps me from my dress later. My smile widens as I start to picture Christian's expression. Strapless, it clings tightly to my body, nips in at the waist, exaggerates my cleavage and accentuates the few curves I have, making my body look good in all the right places. He's going to love it.
By the time the drone of the speaker has finally ended, the heat his roving fingers is stoking up between my thighs is distracting me; all I can think about is finding somewhere a little more private so that his fingers can reach my damp, swollen sex and give it the attention it craves. Beside me, I sense Christian's breathing has become shallower. He subtly adjusts the fit of his pants with his free hand and I almost have to sit on my own fingers to prevent them from snaking over to rub the bulge of his arousal through the fabric of his pants.
As the audience begins to applaud, Christian jumps to his feet, taking advantage of an impromptu standing ovation to grab my arm and head for the nearest exit. His expression is grimly determined, his eyes dark.
"For fuck's sake Ana, what are you doing to me?" his low voice whispers into my ear. "We need to go. Now". His voice is urgent, insistent. We duck through the nearest doors, Sawyer and Taylor and the rest of his impromptu posse fast on our heels.
Christian turns to Taylor. "Taylor, is our suite ready? I need to make an urgent call," he lies smoothly, his hand still wrapped around my arm. My face flushes as I carefully avoid the suspicious, and in some cases, jealous gazes of his merry band of disciples.
I see the merest twitch in the corner of Taylor's mouth, but it is gone in a second. "Sir, here's your entry card. Top floor, Presidential Suite." He gazes impassively as he hands the card over to Christian. "Sawyer and I will wait here until we hear from you Sir."
Christian nods and directs me into an elevator, putting his hand up to silence a particularly keen businessman who moves around Taylor, seizing his chance to engage Christian in conversation before the doors close.
As soon as the doors glide together leaving us alone, a primitive growl escapes from deep in his chest and he pins me against the glass wall with his body. I groan with desire as I feel the heat of his arousal grinding against my belly. He stares at me intently, his eyes dark.
"All I could think about in there was how it feels to have those long legs of yours wrapped around me. How it feels to be inside you." He takes a deep breath and gazes at me, his eyes hooded. "I have to fuck you. I need to fuck you. Now". His voice sounds raw and desperate.
All the air seems to leave my body. I swallow and nod, unable to speak. I finally give in to the urge and reach out to grab his tie, pulling his lips to mine. His lips are hungry and unyielding, his tongue sweeping across my lips before stroking the inside of my mouth, his hands tenderly cupping my jaw and adjusting my head so that he can kiss me deeply.
"Are you wet for me baby?" he breathes into my mouth, one hand roaming down my body seeking to find its own answer.
The elevator pings and the doors glide open before Christian has managed to reach my panties. Growling with frustration, he keeps his mouth pressed into mine and moves out into the private lobby to the Penthouse, with me staggering against him.
I giggle as Christian curses at the door release before it finally relents and allows us to tumble through into the suite, our mouths still devouring one another. He kicks the door closed and presses me into the wall with a low grunt, his hands moving all over me at once and I strain and arch against him, wanting more.
"Please," I beg as we rock against the wall. The damp throb between my legs is unbearable.
"What, here?" he chuckles, his voice low. My hand drifts down to cup his arousal through his pants and I feel him pulse against my palm.
"Yes, here, anywhere, quickly," I moan.
"We aim to please, baby," he mutters, smirking as his eyes sweep the room. Seconds later he begins to move, taking me with him, our bodies bumping away from the wall, crashing into a table and staggering down some steps until we reach a huge couch in the middle of the living area. The heavy ache between my legs pulses and builds as his hands roam uncontrollably over my whole body, stroking and caressing me. I tug roughly at his tie and force his jacket off his shoulders.
He pulls me to him and kisses me hard before turning me around and bending me over the back of the couch, reaching under my dress to pull my panties down just enough to slip his fingers under the fabric.
"Fuck you're so ready for me baby. What you do to me…You are such a naughty girl." His voice lowers to a hoarse whisper. "You know what happens to naughty girls don't you?" his breath is hot on my ear, his mouth gently nibbling the sensitive skin under my ear lobe. I moan and squirm helplessly, pushing my ass back to grind against him.
His fingers reach under me and seek out my clit, circling gently, making me groan and writhe.
"Please," I moan.
He grunts at my words, and I hear the muffled clang of his belt buckle and the teeth of his zipper pull apart before his pants and boxers pool on the ground behind me.
His hand roughly rubs my exposed ass cheek and I hear a sharp intake of breath.
"Oh…what the fuck are you wearing? Is that a corset?" His voice is husky and incredulous. Oh yes, he's found the corset! I turn my head to look at him, deliberately biting my lip and swaying my ass a little more.
"It might be," I tease. "Why don't you take a look?" My voice is thick with desire.
Christian exhales a long breath and closes his eyes. When they open again they are glittering black. "I might just do that Miss Steele." He pulls me upright and slowly unzips the back of my dress, lifting it away from my shoulders and allowing it to fall gently to the ground.
He takes a step back, his fingers stroking his mouth thoughtfully as he examines the intricately laced back of my corset. After a few moments, he lifts one finger into the air and twirls it, inviting me to turn around. I turn to face him, looking up at him shyly through my eyelashes.
He slowly licks his lips and reaches over to lift my chin, his gray eyes burning into mine.
"Very nice. Very nice indeed Miss Steele. Fuck, if I'd have known about this, we wouldn't even have got through the first session." He cocks his head to one side and regards me thoughtfully. "I think we'll keep this on for now," he mutters, almost to himself.
"I was planning to spank you for deliberately arousing me this morning and distracting me from work." He smirks wickedly. "But now I just want to fuck you." He leans closer and whispers into my ear. "Hard".
My insides seem to turn over with excitement and raw desire. Standing in front of me, in just his shirt, his arousal jutting out and pointing up to his belly, he looks…hot. Knowing that I caused that primal reaction in him makes me feel wild with desire. My eyes are drawn to his arousal; I can't take my eyes off it and lick my lips, anticipating the feel of him inside me.
He follows my eyes and smirks. "Seen something you like Miss Steele?" I moan softly and reach for him, but he intercepts my hand and turns me around again, bending me over the back of the couch. "Oh no Miss Steele, I don't think so, not while you're tempting me like that."
He slides his fingers under the wisps of fabric at the sides of my panties and urges them a little further down my thighs so that my ass and my sex is completely exposed to him. His hands glide around to my ass cheeks and he circles the soft skin with the palms of his hands. "Oh that's a fine sight. You look so beautiful Anastasia." His voice is soft, reverential.
His hands reach under me and cup my breasts, kneading them and probing my nipples through the soft taffeta, then slide down my body, his breath faltering as his fingers trace the outline of fine bones running down the front. I can feel the scorching tip of his erection throbbing against my ass and I moan and rock uncontrollably, desperate to feel him inside me.
"I'm going to fuck you now".
I moan softly and push my ass back, inviting him to enter me. He reaches down and guides his length into me, holding my hips to push in deeply. He exhales a long breath through his teeth.
"Oh fuck, you feel so good baby." He stills for a moment, his hands gripping my hips hard as though he is holding me in place.
His forehead falls to my shoulder and I feel his hot puffs of breath on my skin as he begins to glide slowly, oh so slowly, in and out of me. He presses kisses along my shoulder and, sweeping my hair away, begins to suckle and nip his way up my neck to my ear, murmuring softly and grinding his hips forward and up to push further into me. My head tilts to one side, urging his lips to caress my throat and my face.
For a while, his thrusts are slow and steady, yet deep and I lose myself to the sensation of him deep inside me, his thighs behind me and his hands roaming over me. As our bodies move together I hear his breath becoming more labored and his thrusts become more urgent.
His fingers reach around and find my clit, rubbing soft circles and making me moan and pant loudly.
"Yes…like that Christian, that feels so good," I whimper. I'm so close now, the sensation of him deep inside me, his fingers rubbing me send me close to the edge. I feel the delicious stirrings of a climax fluttering through my back and across my belly.
His breath catches as he grabs my hips and pushes even deeper inside me, his fingers still busy rubbing my clit. "I know, I know baby. Come for me". His voice sounds strained and desperate, as though he is only just holding onto his self control. He pulls back and slams deeply into me once more and I can't hold back any more. I let go and come hard, clenching and spasming around his hard length. With a deep groan, he thrusts once more and then stills, hissing his breath through his teeth, his mouth pressed against my neck as he comes deep inside me.
I collapse over the couch, panting hard, Christian leaning heavily on me. We lie together for a few moments as our breathing returns to normal.
I chuckle quietly. "Was that, by any chance, a sudden irrepressible urge?" I ask.
Christian withdraws and stands upright, turning me around and folding me into his arms. "I believe it was exactly that Miss Steele, yes, but allowable within the constraints of our agreement I believe?" His lips twitch with amusement as he drops a soft kiss on the tip of my nose.
I tighten my arms around him, squeezing him. "No complaints from me Mr Grey," I smile.
We stand for a few moments, our arms wrapped around one another, our bodies sharing the same air.
I sigh deeply. "We should get back before we are missed. The other interns will be looking for me and we're supposed to be working on a project together," I mutter, unenthusiastically.
Christian lifts my chin and kisses me tenderly. "You're right, we should. I'm supposed to be taking part in some shitty seminar."
He reaches down and grabs my dress from the floor.
"Here, put this on. As delectable as you look in that fine corset, I don't want any other fuckers seeing you in it."
He regards me carefully as I slip my conservative dress back on. "Just how am I supposed to control myself around you now that I know you're wearing that Miss Steele? Somehow I've got stand at that podium this afternoon, knowing you're watching me and wearing that." His eyes gleam and he grins wickedly. "I'm so pleased you're my date at the dinner tonight. I'm really looking forward to it."
Oh crap.
A/N - Wow I was blown away by the reaction to the last chapter. Thanks so much for your reviews and new follows and faves. I'm sorry this update has taken so long, I just couldn't get this chapter right. Then last night my big sausage fingers had a keyboard calamity and I accidentally (but irretrievably) deleted about one thousand words which I've had to try to remember and rewrite. I hope you like it anyway. Please let me know what you think and what you like to read about, it really helps.
I've updated pinterest with some images from this chapter. I add them as I work out the story it so please don't think you're missing a chapter if you see something you've not read about yet. Search for me under Showdog Fanfiction. I'm also on facebook.