Chapter 28: Stay with me

Disclaimer: FSOG belongs to EL James

A/N is This chapter has been a challenge. After losing it three times and recreating and editing each time I can't look at anymore but I still hope you find it up to par ...Add Site issues to the equation - hopefully its worth the wait - if not be gentle with the criticism this times around...take into consideration all the hiccups.

Thank you all for reading, reviewing, and following -Please enjoy

"For the umpteenth time, you look perfect. He's not going to be there you know."

"Who?"

"Don't be coy, you know who. Christian."

"You've got it twisted; you're the one with Christian Grey on the brain. My only concern is keeping his little secret a secret."

"Please," Kate says blowing out a puff of air. "I know you're pregnant and still can't tell. Except for the cankles-."

"Ugh," I gasp loudly, cutting her off just as my head snaps down my eyes going directly to my ankles and feet.

"Relax. I was joking. Your feet and ankles are not swollen. We took care of the issue. Remember, it's the reason I let you con me into treating you like the pampered princess all day."

My head comes back up, and I roll my eyes at her. "Word to the wise. Not the kind of joke to make to a pregnant woman, who's about to have dinner with grandparents to be she was saddled with keeping said pregnancy from."

"Steele, I'm sorry for being instinctive, it must be tough. Has Christian given you any indication when he's planning to tell his parents and Mia? I know Elliot has offered to be there for moral support."

"Ah, that's nice. Elliot is a good Egg. Are you sure you two can't work your issues out?"

"You need to give it up. We don't have issues; we worked them out, and this is the result. And we're happy with our decision."

"Alright, I get it. Anyway, I'm glad Elliot will be there for his brother because Christian's going to need it. The same way I'm going to need your support when Dr. Grace turns me into a cadaver."

"I wouldn't worry it if I were you. You're the prized goose, carrying the golden egg from the golden gander."

Giggling. In the seat, I shift to face her and I pick up her hand. "Thank you for making me laugh, I needed it."

"You're welcome. So what's the deal with all the texting? You two have been texting a lot. Not that I'm complaining, I prefer it to the bitter arguments."

"All what texting? You mean the two texts that were precipitated by you?"

"Me?"

"Yes you, the first time-,"

She swats her hand at me dismissively interrupting me. "Move on I remember that. What's another time?"

"The use of his last name."

She snorts. "That shouldn't count. It was information you needed that frankly I'm surprised you were not on top of. By the way, I'm still team Steel, because I'm fairly certain Christian is going to demand you use Grey despite how irrational he's acting?"

"I don't know; I'm still team Sawyer. I like the ring of Sawyer Addison or Addison Sawyer."

"I still say it's too risky. Too many variables. I know you think he's your forever, but you're 18 years old. And 18 is a long way from forever."

"Well, before I can think about forever or the future for that matter. I have to stay present in the present."

"One look at you in that outfit he'll forgive you. Though I must give it to the boy, he didn't buckle. He didn't reach out once. So you have your work cut out for you."

"Maybe so, but I have a secret weapon under my outfit."

Kate starts cackling, shaking her head and waving her hands in the air. "Give it up," she squeals holding her palm up so I can give her a hi-five. "You are an uncover freak, and I love it. I'm so happy you've come over to my side."

"Whew. You had me worried; I couldn't tell if you were overtaken by the holy spirit or a Spirit.

"Come on we'd better get out of here. Ready?" she asks.

"Yep, let's blow this Popsicle stand," I reply.

Locking the door, Kate walks around the car to me, putting her keys in my hand. "Here you go."

When the door opens, we're greeted by Dr. Grace, Elliot, Mia and Mr. Grey, the same contingent that met us the afternoon of the Coping Together Gala. During dinner the conversation flowed smoothly it felt like I was having dinner with family, and not people for all intents and purposes I'd only met a hand full of times. Then it hits me hard, will they reject me or accept me when they find out about the baby, and it is at that moment, I feel him before I see him? When I avert my gaze, Christian is being escorted into the dining room by Gretchen, who's basking in his glow. I don't blame her he's devastatingly handsome, and I don't know if it's because of our recent detente, but it feels like I'm seeing him for the first time.

Under the table, Kate pinches me to get my attention. "Dinner just got interesting," she whispers.

"For who?" I ask

She then flashes a satisfied smile. "Me," she says, "Come on, you gotta admit the man can wear a suit. He looks good."

Kate lied, Christian looked more than good and the bit of scruff that he's sporting only makes him that more alluring. And if being his kind of handsome isn't a crime it should at least be a sin.

Sauntering to his mother, Christian bends down so she can hug his neck something she'd been dying to do since he'd entered the room. "Christian sweetheart I'm so happy to see," she coos releasing his neck. "We weren't expecting you. We'd just finish up dinner which means you're right on time for dessert."

"I didn't think I would make either, but my meeting ended sooner than I'd planned. So I thought I'd take a chance on dinner, but dessert is even better," he says his gray eyes trained on me as if the comment is directed squarely at me. The innuendo makes me squirm in my seat; it harkens back to our first one on one meeting at the hotel the day of the photo shoot.

"Well, have a seat, son. Gretchen is getting your place setting," Mr. Grey says.

"Thank you, dad, I will. First let me give squirt a kiss," he says walking around the table to his little sister.

"Hey Bro," Elliot calls, poking out his jaw to Christian pleading for a kiss too. But Christian ignores his shenanigans, patting him on the shoulder instead. "What no kiss?" As the family, interaction plays out in front of us Kate, and I sit in silence feeling like interlopers even though we're invited guests.

"Next time," Christian says lightheartedly taking the empty seat next to Mia. When he's carefree like this with his family, he looks his age. It's heartwarming seeing him interact with his family in this way; it makes me sad that his child will never experience this part of him.

Finished with his family, Christian finally acknowledges us. "Anastasia. Kate," he says, greeting us warmly.

"Hi Christian," Kate says, intentionally drawing out his name to annoy him. Because his demands to be called Mr. Grey irks her.

"Hi Christian," I say, and the voice that comes out of me is high pitched sounding more like a tween meeting Harry Styles for the first time than an adult. And I slink down a little in my chair from the embarrassment.

A wry smile playing on his lips, Christian piles onto my humiliation. "Hi Anastasia," he says repeating my name mocking me.

Still Mortified by my faux pas, I sit quietly and marvel at Gretchen's interaction with Christian as she put out his setting. It's amusing and sad actually watching her blatantly flirt with him, and him blatantly ignore her. Twisted as it is, it takes another woman making a fool out of herself over him to makes me feel better. I guess it's true misery loves company.

More relaxed, I tilt my head to Kate. "How embarrassing," I mumble under my breath.

"Don't worry I don't think anyone noticed," she whispers trying to reassure me.

"Christian did."

"Girl, you make it too easy for him. He's just playing with you."

"Christian, Anastasia was about to tell us about Harvard," Dr. Grace says pulling my attention from Kate. What the… We weren't talking about Harvard. It hasn't been a topic of conversation all night.

"Yes, Anastasia. Please tell us about Harvard. I'd been dying to hear about your stay and all the people you'd met," he says it nonchalantly, but he has a hidden agenda. I'm defensive, but I remember Kate's words. "He's playing with you."

So ignoring his snarkiness I recap my time at Harvard for his family. I keep the narration short because Kate has heard it more than once, plus I didn't want to give Christian too many details. As it is, he's already digging and is on one of his witch-hunts.

"So Anastasia what was it like meeting the Silicon Valley elites?" Mr. Grey asks taking me by surprise because he'd barely spoken a word to me since his initial hello. Like his son, he does not view me favorably, so it's not going to be fun for when he finds out that I'm carrying his first grandchild. I almost feel sorry for Christian having to deliver the news.

"Dad, you've meant most of them at the Gala or private meetings in my office." Christian responds before I can, and his response is his terse as if he's annoyed by his father's question.

Undeterred by his son's bratty attitude Mr. Grey follows through with his question. "Maybe, but I haven't met Marissa Mayers, the new it girl," Mr. Grey replies.

This time around I make sure to answer him, before his son does. "Luckily I was able to meet her, and I found her to be nice, despite the media's unflattering depiction of her. The same for Sheryl Sandberg, whom I admire a lot. I've read her book, Lean In more times than I can count. "I say.

"Jealous Bro, someone else has taken your spot at the top?" Elliot asks and Christian knows the question is loaded with innuendos, but he doesn't take the bait.

Instead, he takes his frustration out on me. "It's the media Anastasia; it's what they do. Paint people with a broad brush," Christian says, condescendingly, as if he's lecturing me. And I'm about to give him a smart alec response until Mia gets in on the discussion, distracting me. Unbeknownst to her she just averted a turf war.

"It's the war on women," she says, introducing a cultural war into the conversation as she daintily dives into her desert.

"Come on Mia, let's not get started on that Democratic mumble jumble," Eliot says shocking me because I didn't peg him as a Republican.

"I don't think its mumble jumble," Kate says taking Mia's side going against her bed partner.

"Alrighty then, I think it's time to move away from the political minefield and talk about something more suitable for the dinner table," Dr. Grace says diplomatically.

"I agree," Christian answers immediately, making me uneasy. He's up to something. "So, Anastasia what about the friends," he says needling me.

But before I can respond, Kate jumps in. "Oh Ana stop being so coy, tell the people what they want to know. About your boyfriend." Like a scene from the exorcist my head whips around to her.

"Follow my lead," she mouths to me. And then she winks. Great, now I'm caught up in a game of cat and mouth between Kate and Christian.

"Ana," Mia squeals. "You have a boyfriend, and you're just telling us," Mia says giddily. Taking my eyes off Kate, I sneak a peek at Christian through my lashes, and his nostrils are flaring.

"Don't waste your time Mia Ana is too modest she won't share details. But let me just say, he's smart, handsome with the body to match." I know what she's doing, but I'm going to kill her.

"Ana, if Kate thinks he's handsome then he must be hot. She's picky," Mia says.

"You got that right sista; you needn't look any further than her date," Elliot proudly proclaims, and it's then that I realize I'd lost control of the conversation. My only hope now is that Kate won't sell me out.

"That superficial bullshit, can't put food on the table," Christian says his eyes laser focused on me.

"I don't know bro; it worked for you," Elliot says getting in another one of his zingers and Mia gets in on the fun before Christian has a chance to offer his rebuttal.

"Food on the table, Christian leave it to you to use old people speak when talking to a teenage girl about a boy. For a young man, I swear you're such a Sponge Bob Square Pants. Ana is young, right now it isn't about responsibility, it's about fun and what's between Mr. Hunk a burning love's legs." As soon as, the S leaves her mouth, I see the regret in Mia's face. She'd gotten so caught up in lecturing her brother; she'd forgotten where she was. Her face is redder than the red wine being poured. After all it's not the kind of language you mention at the dinner table with your parents and bigger brothers. It's for girlfriends on a late night with pints of ice cream.

Young lady and Mia Grey are hurled across the table at the same time with equal fervor, by Dr. Grace and Mr. Grey. I can't discern which parent is saying what, I just know they are not happy with their daughter. The brothers aren't exactly thrilled either, but they seem to be content to leave the disciplining to their parents.

"Someone isn't leaving the house again until she's 90," Elliot mumbles, getting a chuckle from me and Kate and a derisive snort from Christian. Mia, on the other hand, is not hearing it. I'm sympathetic to her plight, but I'm thankful that the attention has shifted to someone else.

Elliot's utterance may not have amused Mia, but it served to ease some of the tension at the table.

"Anastasia, please accept my apologies, Mia was inappropriate. With that said I think it's safe to say, we've exhausted the topic. We can agree that our little Ana has a boyfriend, but we do not get to discuss what she may or may not do with him intimately. So we can move on." I know she meant well, but she didn't help the situation. Cringing, I close my eyes and when they flutter open, they land on Christian's face. His eyes are narrowing, and they're aimed squarely at me. God, I need to get out of here, before the proverbial crap hits the fan.

"Thank you, mother, for clearing that up. I think we can also agree that you did more damage than Mia," Christian says sardonically, as he picks up his wine glass taking a sip. Unaware that we've engaged in sexual relations changing the nature of our relationship, Dr. Grace misinterprets Christian's comment.

"Nonsense Christian you're overreacting, because you're finding it hard to believe that the sweet little 8-year-old girl you helped rescued all those years ago has grown into a beautiful young woman. But you need to look at the positive, the Lord has put her back in your life. In our lives to be a part of that growth."

"Awkward," Elliot leans over and whispers to Christian. He tries to covers his mouth, but he can't shield his lips from me. I read them. Mainly because I'm staring so intently, dumbfounded at the dissect Ana's life fest that has broken out.

Shaking my head, I dial back in for the rest of Dr. Grace's monologue. "I'm a parent, so I understand. It's tough to see your babies become adults. Especially when that baby is your little girl," she says her voice cracks at the end. That part was for Mia and the moment they look at each other with misty eyes is touching beyond belief. Still Elliot manages to find the comedy. Latching on to the piece about Christian and me, he snickers.

"Elliot," Mr. Grey calls. "Are you okay?" he asks, sardonically.

"Sorry. I'm good. Thinking about our Christian here as a parent is hella funny. " Elliot may find humor in what he'd said, but by the vein bulging in Christian's neck he does not.

"Fuck you, Elliott," Christian barks and Kate shoots me a glare like I do something.

"Christian, watch your language at the dinner table," Dr. Grace says reprimanding him.

"Sorry mother," Christian says, and it's nice to see there's someone he bows down to.

"Hey mom, I've got something noncontroversial, our little Ana had a birthday this month," Elliot announces. Why me? Who named me the conversation starter when I wasn't looking. Still I'd much rather talk about my birthday, no matter how much I detest it than my personal life.

"Happy birthday sweetheart. 18 is a big one. We need to celebrate it. I wish you'd told me and we could've turned this into a party," Dr. Grace says.

"A party. Yes, I love a party," Mia exclaims, and I'm glad to see she's recovered and out of her funk. Her comment made me uncomfortable, but I think Dr. Grace blew it out of proportion. The truth be told, I was angrier about being referred to as a teenager than any mentions of my sex life.

"Hold on," I say giggling. "I don't need or want a party. But Dr. Grace thank you so much. Its the thought that counts," I say.

"Happy birthday, Ana," Mr. Gray says

"Thank you, sir," I swear this man is mercurial like his son.

"You know Anastasia, now I know why you look so radiant. A handsome new beau and an 18th birthday will do that to a girl. Here, I thought it was the one or two extra pounds," she says matter a factly and then there's a collective gasp from Christian, Elliot, Kate and me. Sputtering in my glass, I spew my lavender lemonade everywhere, while each of them gulps down their wine. Mia is also mortified, but less animated she just calls her mother out. In her defense Dr. Grace is unawares of the implications of her words; meanwhile, I'm going to kill Kate for not being honest and telling me I resembled a baby whale.

"Ana sweetheart are you alright? Gretchen, please get Ana a new napkin," Dr. Grace says multi-tasking, checking on me at the same time giving Gretchen her marching orders.

"Mom?" Mia shouts, talking over her mother.

"Mia, please, I'm talking to Anastasia," Dr. Grace says.

"Mom it's unbelievable, you called her fat. So I'd say, no she's not fine," Mia says.

"Mia Grey, you're putting words in my mouth, I did not call Anastasia fat," Dr. Gray, chides. Scanning the room, I get a glimpse of Christian and his impassive demeanor has returned, but his face is red under that beard.

"Mom, I'm just saying I heard fat," Mia says shrugging. She's trying to defend my honor, but in her quest she's giving me a complex by continuing to say fat over and over.

"Sorry mom, gotta take Mia's side on this one. You didn't say the word, but it was understood. I'm just saying.?" Elliot says in a more playful tone than his sister, but he uses her catchphrase.

"Will you two stop? Anastasia knows I didn't mean it in that way. It was a compliment-"

Unable to let it go, Mia's cuts her mother off again."A backhanded one," she says, under her breath.

"Watch it, young lady, you've gotten your only get out of jail free card," Mr. Grey says, warning her.

"Dr. Grace, I know what you meant so no apologies necessary. I overreacted because I didn't realize the extra pounds were that noticeable. I didn't gain the Freshmen 5, but the Senior 10 is kicking my butt," I say, relying on humor and an embellishment of the truth to get me out of the sticky situation.

"Sweetie just know you look great. I may get skewer for this too, but I'm going to say it. I thought you were too thin, so I'm glad to see you're eating healthily," she says, and I just say thank you. I want to avoid any further discussion about my weight.

"Hey Ana, don't worry about it. 5lbs, 10 lbs, 20 lbs it doesn't matter. You're still a hottie. Right bro?" Elliott says smirking. I don't know why he's goading his brother, but I wish he would stop, it's making me uncomfortable because it's usually at my expense.

"Elliot Grey, did you not hear a word I said. That was an inappropriate question to ask your brother about Anastasia. Not to mention, I will not allow my boys to objectify a woman in my presence and most certainly not when the woman is our little innocent Anastasia," she says. Luckily I'm not drinking because I'd spit that out too. And I want to ask her the same question she asked Elliot. Did she hear herself?

I lean slightly so Kate, and I can whisper. "I think this is my cue to leave."

"I don't blame you."

"Thanks again for the car."

"You're still going, huh."

"Yes, why wouldn't I."

"You know," she says nodding her head at Christian.

I paste a fake smile on my face and clench my teeth so no one can tell that I'm yelling at Kate. "Stop it."

"Well, he's been staring at you all night."

"Yeah, making sure I stay in line."

"Ladies, want to share?" Elliot asks.

"I'm sorry for being so rude," I say extending my apologies to the table. "I was just telling Kate that I was heading out." Christian clears his throat and when we make eye contact, he glowers at me.

"You're leaving already? What about you Kate?" Dr. Grace asks, and I speak for her.

"I have to be somewhere, but Kate is staying," I say.

"Are you sure you're not leaving because of all the chatter about you?" Dr. Grace asks.

" No, I promise. I have a bit of a drive, so I wanted to get on the road before too late," I say giving out misleading information to throw Christian off. I'm not ready to divulge that he lives in the same city as Luke. Speaking of Christian, his eyes are still on me, but I keep mine focused on Dr. Grace.

"Then please drive safely," Dr. Grace says, and she starts pushing back on her chair, but I leap out of mine and race to her, to reach her before she rises.

Bending down I hug her, thanking her profusely while she apologizes to me profusely. Removing my arms from around her neck, I wave my goodbyes to the others at the table to avoid an awkward scene with Christian. Then just as I'm about to breathe a sigh of relief that I'd survived dinner with him and his family, Christian announces that he's going to walk me out.

Remaining expressionless but screaming no inside my head I accept his kind gesture. Chivalry isn't dead, but I'm doubtful I'd appealed to Christian's higher nature, he has an ulterior motive. Probably to rail on me about crossing some arbitrary line he'd set for me. Tossing about the possibilities, behind his sudden attack of chivalry, I proceed to the edge of the dining room to wait for him. Turning to face forward, I make eye contact with Kate, and she's wearing a smug expression on her face

Ogling Christian as he heads towards me, I'm thinking why me. All I wanted to do is go to the boyfriend everyone has been talking about and beg him to take me back. Instead, I'm watching Mr. cocky approach in his blue suit and crisp white shirt, looking all mouthwatering. And I'm not even hungry. You combine the look of him with his swagger and he's the epitome of male perfection. He is such a waste of a beautiful package because inside his content has rotten over time. Still it doesn't stop me from undressing him with my mind's eyes while keeping up with the charade that I'm only his innocent doe-eyed admirer. It's hard to believe that at one time our relationship had been that innocent but we've come a long way in a short period. And we'd been battling for so long, this is the first time in a long while I'd been able to appreciate the beauty and it's been eye-opening. He's such a force of nature I'm finding it hard to believe myself he'd slept with me. Is he justified in his hatred of me, because if I'm honest, I'm in doubt that he'd slept with me if I'd not manipulated the situation. After all look at me and look him.

"Ready," Christian croons, pulling me back from my self-loathing. I need to stay away from the destructive thinking because regardless he did sleep with me and soon there will be a gray-eyed heir as proof.

Putting his hand at the small of my back he touches me and I flinch. "Are you okay, you look a little peaked?" Christian asks. Suddenly is voice is smooth and warm like the molten chocolate cake we'd just been served for dessert and it's swoon worthy. I'd not prepared for occupying his airspace, seeing he wasn't supposed to be here.

"Yes," I say

"Did you wear a coat?" He asks.

"No, I'm wearing long sleeves. It's enough."

"It's not summer you know."

"Yes Christian, I know," I say, as he finally leads me out of the dining room. Everyone yells a final goodbye to me as we clear the threshold and I hold a hand up to them.

"Well that was interesting, and it was the only dessert. I can't imagine what dinner must have been like," Christian says and since we no longer have a crowd, I step from under his touch. He smirks but says nothing.

"Let just say it lacked the excitement you brought with you to desert," I say

A genuine smile on his face, he chuckles. "I see how this is going to go, the blame is being placed on my shoulder," he chortles. Maybe his motives weren't sinister after all.

I giggle. His playfulness is infectious. "If the shoe fits," I say. "You didn't have to do this you know."

"I disagree. I think it was warranted," he says and his smile slips. "Why didn't you tell me you were planning to leave early?" he chides and just like that playful Christian is gone making a liar out of me. Let the fireworks begin. We're not alone so they can't be that explosive.

"Firstly, you weren't supposed to be here. Secondly, you're not the boss of me and finally when was I supposed to tell you. It's not like we talk all the time. We just starting having any type of communication for God sake," I say hotly using my inside voice.

"Do you want to talk to me every day, Anastasia. Is this your passive aggressive way of asking," he says all full of himself.

"No Christian it is not, "I retort. "A Text every blue moon is more than enough."

Perturbed, Christian puts his hand out latching on to a few of my fingers bringing us to a standstill and we're face to face. But my eyes fall to where our fingers are entwined. "My mother was right, you look radiant," Mr. Mercurial says when I hold my head back up meeting his scrutinizing gaze.

I snatch my fingers back from his grasp before responding. "Thank you," I say, with some reluctance. But I keep with the standard response deciding not to call him out on his hypocrisy. Clearly, any glow is from a pregnancy that he has renounced.

"Why are you always so skeptical of my compliments."

I can't help myself I laugh at his tone deafness and I start moving again. "You have to ask?"

"I like a good laugh as much as the next guy. Care to share what's so funny."

"You," I say deadpan. "You rarely have anything nice to say to me and yet you wonder why when you do I find it hard to take at face value."

Turning my head, I sneak at peek at him to test his reaction. His jaws are clenched, still he's distracting. I have to remind myself to stay focus on the door that suddenly feels like an entire football field away. Regardless, of the distance I have to maintain my casual pace as not to let on how much I 'm affected by him. The smell of him is so luscious, it should be bottled as is. And blue is his color for sure. And Grey. And black. Who am I kidding I bet there isn't a color on the color wheel he can not wear.

Christians sighs, taking me away from my meandering thoughts. "I was hoping we could talk," he says sternly. "We could go to the boathouse for privacy," he adds as if that's the nugget needed to convince me. When in actuality, it's the complete opposite, the structure is loaded with too many memories of our last encounter. And since I'm not searching for a repeat performance, it's definitely not going to happen. Being in there would be a slippery slope to nothing but bad things.

"I can't. I'm leaving, remember," I say firmly and it's as much a reminder to him as it is for me.

"If I recall I'm owed a free show," he says, his eyes downcast and on my feet. The banter that was innocent over text, in person sounds like an invitation to salacious acts.

"Some other time. By then they'll probably be even bigger," I respond employing Elliot's tactic. Injecting some humor to diffuse the rising sexual tension.

Thank the Lord for the space separating us, it's the only thing saving me from wrapping my body around him like Ivy daring him to do the lascivious things the heat in his eyes is promising. I almost wish he'd hurl obscenities at me to douse the desire simmering beneath my calm exterior. I want to be reminded of the bastard he truly is, and not the suave, debonair human he's pretending to be. So I can go on my way with no lingering thoughts of him.

"You're going to see him aren't you?" He asks me point blank as if he has the right and he'd read my mind. His audacity and coldness are just the antidotes for my awaken libido. I'm brought back to reality. He's the snake, he'd warned me about. He'll never change his nature. And it would serve me well to take him at his word. I'm reminded of Maya Angelou's famous quote, "when people show you who they are believe them".

"You're very forward, asking a question that is frankly none of your business," I say refusing to dignify his question with an answer.

I'm already at the door so to avoid further probing questions, I reach for the knob so I can make my escape. Freedom is a mere open door away, but a clean break isn't in the cards. Christian grabs me by my elbow stunning me preventing me from going forward. My head is spinning with so many questions when all I want is to be anywhere but near him.

"Answer me," he says between clenched teeth.

Now irate, my eyes flicker where his hand is squeezing me on my arm and back to his face. Exasperated I give him his answer. "Yes," I spit out daring him to throw his favorite insult back at me. By the way, his lips are twitching I'd say it's on the tip of his tongue, but his blow back never comes. He just pins me with his patent glare while putting more pressure on my arm. "Let go of me," I seethe, snatching my arm from his grip.

But the Prince of Darkness intervenes and the break isn't clean; instead, as if it was choreographed by Lucifer himself our fingertips touch allowing Christian to grab hold of my hand. Initially, I'm incensed, but then when he traces his thumb over the back of my fingers, I'm aroused. So much so, I can feel the moisture pooling between my thighs.

She thinks she's going to leave me to see the fucker, she'd better think again. I don't lose; I win in all things, and I want her in my bed tonight. By rubbing small circles on the back of her hand with my thumb, my seduction of her has begun. Jerking on her hand, I pull her to me, and our bodies collide. I'd intended to continue my seduction by whispering naughty threats in her ear. However, I have a change of heart. I pin her arm behind her back shoving her up against my parents' door. Her eyes grow wide, and her alabaster skin is the perfect shade of pink; little Miss Steele is panicked and turned on at the same time. I like it. Resting the back of her head flush against the door, Anastasia angles her face away from me.

Cupping her by her lower jaw with my free hand I bring her face back to me. "Don't," she says, whispering a faint protest.

"You want this as much as I do," I say huskily and tilting her head up I crash my mouth to hers. "Stay with me," I whisper against her lips and her already closed eyes go tighter in deeper contemplation.

Then sucking on her full bottom lip I coax her mouth open slipping my tongue inside exploring her mouth getting reacquainted with the taste of her. Swirling my tongue over hers I release her face and arm, immediately grabbing the back of her head deepening the kiss. Moaning, in my mouth Anastasia comes to her toes and shocking me, she weaves her hand in my hair pulling me tighter pushing my tongue further to the back of her throat.

"Gah," I yell to myself and in my head stomp my feet. I'd meant to push him away; instead, my hands are in his glorious mop of hair encouraging him. My common sense has taken a leap out the window along with the antidote that turned out to be nothing but snake oil.

Over the fabric of her skirt, I grope her firm round ass pushing her into me as I grind down on her sex through our clothes. Then moving my hand up I start caressing her side bringing her blouse up as I go exposing a patch of her smooth skin. As my fingers graze the area, I can feel the quivers swarming her body. "Relax," I mumble in her mouth as I continue to devour it. Snaking my hand under her shirt I find that her chest is bare. Pulling back from the kiss, I rasp against her lips, "No bra." But I don't give her chance to respond before my tongue is again at the base of her throat.

I cringe that he's privy to this intimate secret that was meant for Luke only. Luke, who I should be kissing. That was my plan. Add another hash mark, another plan foiled by Christian Grey.

Cupping her full heavy breast, I squeeze and massage, quickly uncovering a benefit of her pregnancy. Her breasts have grown substantially since the last time I'd held them. This has possibilities; maybe I should rethink my stance, why should the fucker reap the benefits of my seed. Moving my hand from the back of her head I pull out of the kiss completely, giving her a moment to catch her breath. Then I capture her mouth again, to keep from popping a mound in my mouth. Unfortunately, I'd remembered I was in my parents home, so it doesn't allow for me to do to her all the things I want. Like flipping her to her front fucking her from behind as the doorknob hit her clit for additional stimulation.

That's it we need to be at Escala right now, fuck this dry humping shit like I'm a horny teenager. My dick is in need of relief. Extracting my tongue from her mouth I rest my forehead on hers and it forces her hand out of my hair.

"I want to fuck you," I say outright. Fuck being subtle. Bringing her hands up Anastasia rests them on my chest trying to push back on me. But she's not strong enough to move me if I don't want to be moved.

"What? I turn 18 so now I'm welcomed in your bed? Is that the magic age of consent for the mighty Christian Grey. One year is all it takes to help you sleep at night knowing your precious image and empire are protected?" She snarls. I don't have the patience or the desire to endure a moral lecture from her right now, so I need to put an end to this line of questioning.

"Anastasia you want me to fuck you just as much as I want to fuck you,'' I say fervently. She is acting righteous, but she's turned on.

"You're a hypocrite and an ass. A hypocrite for continually throwing my age in my face and ass for thinking one kiss would erase all of it and I'd just fall right back into your bed. So my answer is an emphatic no," she says sternly. "Now move out of my way so I can go." She brings her hands up, but this time I'm faster and I grab her puny wrists.

"You're overthinking things. No, is coming out of your mouth. But I know your body and baby it's screaming yes," I respond to her ridiculousness, trying to deny me and herself in the process. As for her assessment of me, I dismiss it because she's not telling me anything I don't already know.

"Correction. You use to know my body, but now someone else does," she proclaims. The response takes me by surprise, the momentary lapse gives her an opening and she snatches her wrists from my hands. What the fuck, how dare she insinuate that the prick of a boy knows her better than I do? If I were a benevolent son of a bitch, I'd let her leave here believing the absurdity and I'd feel sorry for the asshole, for buying into the bullshit she's selling him. But I'm not. I'm a vengeful SOB and I will prove to her that I so do own her body and I can make her bend to my will. I can have her anywhere, anytime, and any place I please.

Smirking, I rest my hands on the door above her head and I stare in her bewildered eyes. "That kiss, says something different. Were you thinking about him then?"

Pissing me off she snorts. What the fuck? That's not the response I'd expected. "The kiss you stole," she responds, chuckling, "and yes I was," she adds taunting me.

Shit. Game on Miss Steele, you've just moved up from the Minors to the Majors. Let's play. I'll remind her what it's like to be with a man and not a boy. My lips curl up in a wicked smile. "It's not theft if it's given up freely," I say and I tilt my head down so my mouth is at her ear.

"If the kiss didn't do it for you, maybe this will," he whispers.

It is then that I should slap his face and leave, but I don't. And I can almost telegraph what he's going to do to me next, but I'm too enthralled to stop him and more abhorrently I'm not sure I want too. My heart is pounding out run, but my traitorous body is pleading with me to stay. Surrendering I sag against the door.

Now, I just have to do what I do best, get a woman to submit to me. Pushing her shirt up, I tweak her nipples before letting my hand glide over her skin. When it reaches her stomach, I feel the barely there bulge and her body shudders.

This is the closest he's been to my stomach since he'd found out about the baby and I'm tempted to put my hand on top of his pausing it there. Maybe if he feels his child growing inside of me, he'll change his mind. But I'm too much of a coward, letting the moment pass me by, as he continues on his way down to my nether regions.

As my hand continues downward, I can still feel her trembling and I'm compelled to reassure her. "Relax, I got you," I whisper as my hand easily snakes inside the elastic waistband of her skirt and her head falls forward to my chest.

"I can't do this," she murmurs against my jacket.

"Yes, you can," I say softly, against the top of her head. My hand pauses and it is then that I realize she's not wearing panties either. Holy shit. Fuck me.

Right now, I could give a shit that I'm in my parent's home and they're merely a few feet away having dinner with guests. I want this and despite her momentary attack of puritanical sensibility Anastasia wants it too.

"Anastasia you're not wearing panties. Which means you're naked under your clothes, "I say breathily. Removing my hand from her skirt, I nudge her head back from my shoulder and tilting my head down I put my finger under her chin lifting her mouth to me. I bite her bottom lip. "You really are a naughty school girl," I say huskily, releasing her chin. Then I refocus on my ultimate goal and sticking my hand back in her skirt I skate over bare sex. Warring with herself, Anastasia tries not to moan, but when I dip a finger inside her pussy, she can't hold out any longer.

"Ah," she whimpers her head rolling back against the door. The sound makes me smile, she's been aching for this and I'm the one giving it to her. The fucker can't even please her. So how can she even compare him to me.I was the first one to have her after all.

"Fuck baby, you're soaking," I mumble in her hair as I pump my finger deeper into her and Anastasia's hip starts moving in circles, begging me to finger fuck her. "You're still so responsive," I say huskily, reminding her who'd had her first. Keeping my moans to a murmur so no one can hear us, I continue pumping my finger in and out of her drenched sex. "Say yes. Come home with me." She's moans quietly and by the feel of her walls clenching around my finger she's ready but she's also hesitant. "Is this enough?" I say and I flick my finger up hitting her nub.

"Christian, nothing has changed," she says, breathlessly gripping my forearms trying to stifle a moan

"Baby, you're not wearing panties or a bra which means you're naked under your clothes. Add to that my hand buried deep in your pussy, I'd say fucking you is moot at this point," I say in irritation. Then to prove my point I push my finger even deeper taking her by surprise pinning her against the door. Leaning in, I whisper more gently this time. "So the only question that remains is where; against this door or in my bed." The words are barely out of my mouth before her hands are covering mine over skirt.

"Stop," she murmurs, her voice quivering.

I pull my hand back, resting it on her waist keeping the other pressed against the door. "Anastasia, don't deny yourself. You want this."

"Christian, please just let me leave," she whispers and I bring my hand around to her ass pushing her into me so she can feel what she's done to me.

"The last time was on your term, you owe me this one," I say and she freezes.

"You really don't think very much of me," she says it so quietly, I'm not sure it was meant for my ear. But I do hear it. I remove my hand from her ass and rest my forehead on hers.

She's letting the self-doubt, get to her. I know she wants this, but she'll leave if I don't salvage it fast. I remove a hand from the door and bring it to her face I run my thumb over her cheek. And I feel the moisture.

"You're crying," I say, gently.

"Why are you doing this to me? You know you don't have to strong arm me to sleep with you," she says, softly.

I don't respond, I simply keep my forehead on hers and in the quite surrounding us I simply listen to her breathe.

"You want me. Stay with me," I say and I grab her hand and she jerks it from me before I can rest it over the bulge in my pants begging for some relief from her.

"You don't get it," she whispers and she pushes on my chest and this time I let her.

I'm incredulous. "You're choosing him?" I ask.

"I'm choosing hope over one night. Good night, Christian." The door eases opens and she slips through it.

"Anastasia," I call, but she fades in the dark.

He calls my name, but I don't let it break my stride. I hurry down the steps taking them two at a time afraid to pause for fear of choosing to go with my body over my head. The light chill in the night air is exactly what I need to cool me down and bring me back to my senses. After all, it was all a game to him. A game he does not play fair and so much better than me. So I'm the idiot for kissing him back engaging in the dangerous seduction chest match. Meeting his low expectations of me. Sadly, even with the humiliation, I can't say that if he came after me I'd reject him.

Fumbling with the keys I finally get the car door open, and once inside I rest my hands on the steering wheel trying to calm down and stop my hands from trembling. My shaking under control, I start the Mercedes and "Angel" comes on the radio. Immediately turning it off, I ease the car out of the driveway. I can't believe I'd considered his indecent proposal for even one second. Following through, would've been the definition of Einstein's insanity; clearly, he was looking for one night, and I want a lifetime. And my best chance for that is across town.

My phone rings and hurriedly I get the earbuds in my ears just in time. "Hi, Kate."

"Don't, Hi Kate me sounding all innocent. What the hell?" she says, whispering when she wants to scream.

"Why are you whispering?" Human nature, I whisper though I don't have too.

"I'm in the restroom. I didn't want anyone to hear me. I saw you and Christian going at like rabbits. What the Hell?"

"Oh my God." I squeal, a hand flying from the steering wheel to my mouth. My whole body swelling with embarrassment.

"Don't worry no one else saw you guys. I only did because I was on the way to the restroom.

"So stupid," I say out loud chastising myself. "What was I thinking Kate, for doing something so brazen in his parents' home while they were there no less?"

"My guess, you weren't. Like I said no one saw you and since voyeurism isn't my thing, believe it or not, I didn't hang around. So spill?"

"He wanted me to stay with him" I disclose if only to hear the words come out of my mouth to ensure I didn't imagine them coming from his.

"That's huge, it has to mean something. Right?"

"Yes, that he wanted to fuck me and throw it back in my face later!" I blurt out, unashamed of my use of the F-bomb. It just felt right.

"AnaGene, look at you, saying fuck. I'm so proud of you. Finally, you've grown up."

"Kate can you get serious, I can do without your sarcasm right now."

"Okay, I'm serious and I seriously think you should've kicked him in the balls. Because if he throws shit like that up in your face, you need to stand up for yourself and tell him go fuck himself.

"To tell you he truth I'm angrier with myself. I knew what wanted, but I want more."

"From him?"

"No," I yell out in exasperation. "In general."

"Just checking to make sure this is still what you want."

"Kate, I slipped, but I'm still resolved to get Luke back.

"What if he rejects you. Will you go to Christian?"

"NO. If Luke rejects me, I will stay there until I get him to change his mind. I'm in love with him Kate. I was a diversion for Christian, and he was a minor distraction for me. Plain and simple.

"Ok, good luck. I better get back before they get suspicious. I'll let you know what happens with Christian."

"No, you want. I don't care. I've got more important things on my mind.," I say, and we end the call.

Still reeling and shaking, I stand in front of his door feeling uneasy. My guilt is bubbling over. It is not how I'd scripted tonight. The night was meant to be all about me and Luke, so I can't believe I'd allow Christian to hijack it. My fist hovering over the C, I pause to collect myself and my thought. Because I can't fully shake him off. Then the door flies open on its own accord.

"Ana," Luke says, looking as surprised to see me as I am to see him. The bead of sweat covering his bare hard chest momentarily distracts me. Apparently, he'd been working out or just coming from a working out.

I swallow the lump at the base of my throat so I can speak. "Hi. From the looks of it, you were expecting someone else," I get out.

"And you look like you'd just seen a ghost," he responds before snaking his arm around my waist hauling me inside slamming the door closed with his free hand. Setting my feet on the floor, he captures my face in his hands covering my mouth with his. "I've missed you," he whispers against my lips.

"I've missed you too," I say resting my hands on his sweaty forearms as he pulls my face in tighter to deepen the kiss.

Pulling back from the kiss, his hands fall away, and so does mine. And then stepping back slightly, he scans my whole body. "You're here," he says in disbelieve.

"Yes. I'm here," I say, and he starts running his hands up and down my arms.

"Baby, you're shaking. I can feel it through your shirt," he says. "What's wrong?"

"I was worried. I didn't know what kind of reception I would receive showing up here uninvited," I say, my voice now shaking too.

"Well, you can stop worrying," he says, putting a finger under my chin tipping it up. "I'm elated that you're here."

"I must be honest I'd expected more of a fight. But I'm not complaining."

"No fight here. I have no fight left; I've been miserable without you," he says tilting his head down to give me a peck on the lips. "I'm sweaty, come shower with me," he says.

A shower is just what I need to wash away the smell of him. "You've read my mind," I say.

My chest bare to him, Luke steps back to lustfully inspect. "No bra," he says echoing Christian and the words sound more tawdry than ever before and I vow to wear a bra always. Pretty soon I won't have a choice, my breasts are growing at an alarming rate. I'm surprised Dr. Grace didn't call me out for them too. "You know what I like," he says bringing my attention back to him, and another wave of guilt washes over me. I need that shower now.

The water at the right temperature, Luke guides me into the glass enclosure. Then I walk directly under the downpour reveling in the feel of the water against my skin. Letting my head fall back I simply let the water cascade over me. Bringing my head forward, I reach to the shelf for the bar of soap and I begin the process of cleansing my body and mind of him.

"Let me," Luke says, huskily taking the soap from my hand and taking over. Rubbing the bar over my body he pays attention to every part of it. Stopping at my sex he sets the soap back on the ledge. "I don't need this," he says as he runs his hand between my thighs.

"Ah," I moan when he gets to my sex and his hand parts my folds rubbing the nub at the center.

"Step back," he says and removing his hand Luke helps guide me to where he wants me. "Now reach up and grab the bars behind your head," he instructs and tilting my head back, I reach for them doing as he says. Lasciviously eyeing my wet and nude body dangling from the bar Luke steps forward lifting my legs lining my entrance up with his erection. And then he slams into me.

"Fuck," he grunts. "I love you," he says pulling his cock to the tip before slamming back into me.

"Ah," I cry. It's been awhile, so I have to get acclimated to him again. Removing one hand from the bar, I reach out and rest my palm on the glass shower door as he pounds into me.

And just when I'm getting lost in him, Luke abruptly pulls out of me. Peeling my hands from the glass and the bar he moves them to his shoulders before helping me to my feet. Then untangling my arms from his neck he turns me so I'm facing the tiled wall, and I brace my palms against it. Panting and waiting for what he has planned for me next I feel him getting into position between my legs. Using the cascading water as the lubricant he inserts his finger into my anus moving it in and out. It's overwhelming but not exactly surprising since I'd expected it. His finger still in me, he lines his cock up with my entrance and in one thrust he is deep in my core.

We towel dry and then Luke carries me to his bedroom where he prevails upon my body some more. Our makeup sex ran the gamut of loving making to dark and gritty. We covered all the bases including spanking, anal, oral, and masturbation. I'd suspect he'd wanted to remind me what I'd walked out on, and he'd succeeded.

"Babe," Luke calls bringing me to the here is now. "Are you sleeping?"

"No just resting my eyes thinking about all the thing you did to me."

"If you're a good girl I may do them to you again," he says pushing off the door frame and coming to me. Leaning down he gives me a light kiss on the forehead before coming back upright. "No cold water, sorry I wasn't expecting guess."

"Room temperature is fine," I murmur.

"Okay. I love you. You know that?" he says.

"I love you too," I say, smiling up at him and Luke returns my smile before going back for my water. Once he clears the door, another wave of guilt comes over me.

Shifting, I lean over him setting the bottled water on his bedside table. Then I fall back into the crook of his arm, the space that is just for me. "I really miss this," I say rubbing small circles on his chest.

"Me too. I missed all of it," he says, and his voice is pained.

"Resting my hand on his chest I peek up at his face and into his soulful eyes. "I'm here," I say, pausing to examine his expression. "You told me to call you when I knew where I stood. I want to stand with you. I love you, and I'm ready to prove it this time." I say. The words are barely out of my mouth before he has me on my back and my arms pinned above my head.

"Then why do I feel like only half of you is here."

"You have all of me."

"Baby, don't do this. Let's not start anew with the same old bullshit."

"I saw the baby's father," I confess, blurting it out before I can change my mind.

"I should have known, you were upset He's the only person that can affect you in that way.," he says sarcastically.

"Don't be mad and please don't make anything out of it. I only told you because I didn't want to lie, but I hope you understand that I can't give details. But please know I only want to be with you."

"I wish to not talk about him ever again when we're in bed," he says releasing my arms. "Open your legs and push your knees up for me. I want to fuck you," he says huskily, and I can't help it I turn my face away from him. That word is still raw.

"Can we not use that word," I whisper when I bring my head forward, and the lust in his eyes has changed to fury.

"Baby, did he come on to you," Luke roars as he kneels between my legs. "I swear Ana if he touched you or came on to you I will kick his ass. I'm tired of threatening a ghost so you have to tell me who he is. He needs to understand that just because in one night he made a baby there are boundaries, and he doesn't get to cross them at will."

Sitting up I try to reason with him. "Please don't let this mar our first night back together. Come back," I say softly lowering my body, "coming back to me." Then bringing my knees up I spread my legs wide opening myself up to him. "Fuck me," I say breathily.

At first he's tentative, then holding my gaze he lowers himself, anchoring his elbow on either side of my head, and then he slides into me.

"Fuck," Luke grunts as he finds his way deep in my sex

CPOV

She's running, I can't believe I fucked things up. Reaching forward I close the door and lock it. The smell of her is lingering on my finger. In the air. Unable to make sense of what just transpired, my head rolls back in exasperation.

"Hey, bro" I hear Elliot behind me, and cringing I close my eyes. What the fuck does he want? No doubt my mom sent him, or he's just nosy.

"What do you want Eliott," I ask, keeping my back to him.

"Don't be mad at me be mad at mom. She sent me to see what's holding you up and to make Ana got off okay. You were gone a long time."

"Everything is fine. Anastasia is gone," I say, and regrettably I spin to the front facing him.

"Whoa dude," he says putting his arms up in front of his eyes as if he's trying not to see something. "You better do something about that boner before you go back in there."

Peeking down I examine my trousers. "So it's bigger than yours, still you got one."

"What the fuck man? Don't tell me. On your way to the door, you bumped into an erection."

"Hilarious. What can I say, I was just following your suggestion, playing nice."

"I think my exact words were treated her with respect, not make another baby," he says sarcastically. "Where's Ana? Is she okay?"

"She's not standing here is she," I say mockingly "She's fine. Trust me,"I snarl. I want to confess, it's because I teed her up for the asshole. "Seeing that I'm the one with a hard on the size of Mount Rushmore you should be worrying about me."

He snorts. "Please. Worry about you when you're only one phone call away from some pussy. So what exactly did you do to find yourself in this peculiar situation?"

"I'm not giving you details, pervert."

"You don't have to; I can put two and two together. You hit on her, and she turned you down. Man, you got some nerve, you treat the girl like crap then you try to get in her pants," he says shaking his head. "Good for her. I'm starting to like Ana more and more. You on the other hand not so much."

"This is what you get when you take the boy out of Detroit."

"Holy shit, don't you start off on that tangent. You only play that card when you want someone to feel sorry for you. Well, get over yourself. You're a billionaire, aside from pussy, you've got presidents and princes on speed dial." He says and I have to laugh.

"Now that's funny," I say slapping his shoulder. "Tell mom I'll be out soon. Go before she sends a search party for you too. I'm going to the bathroom."

"If you go to my bedroom, some gel may still be in my bathroom. It's probably old but it's better than nothing," he says, grinning the entire time. "You may have to go the emergency room to get that thing down.

"Fuck off."

"Hey, I'm just trying to help a brother out," he says putting his hands up before he heads back to the dining room.

Meanwhile, I head upstairs to Elliot's bathrooms making a mental note to have Taylor find out about the fucker that Anastasia is calling her boyfriend. Fuck the not knowing. I'll deal with the fallout from her later.

Ana POV

I almost make it outside to freedom away from his temptation. Until he grabs my fingers pulling me and in what feels like slow-motion and warped speed rolled into one I crash into his chest. I'm trapped and aroused, with his scent filling my nose, and his bulge pressed against my belly. I try hard to conjure up Luke's face, but I can't see him. And it feels like I'm suffocating as I battle with my inner turmoil. If only I could breathe, I could think. Turning my head away from him seeking a bit of air space free from of him I try to protest. Then he squeezes my face. Keeping his tight grip on my jaw Christian pries my lips apart plunging his tongue deep into the back of my throat in a glorious assault on my mouth. I allowed him to steal what was not saved for him before freely surrendering to his touch. Relishing in the feel of his hand on my body, the way my breasts feel in the palm of his hands is overwhelming. And the feel of his hand between my legs, his finger in my sex is more than I can handle, but I want more. I can't get enough of him, lifting my hips to meet his finger I gyrate, and he pumps in and out of me. Begging with my body, I want him to take me higher. And higher. And higher…

"Uh," I gasp jolting upright. Panting, the back of my hand flies to my mouth as my eyes roam the room. It felt real because it was except I actually came this time.

"Baby," Luke calls coming up behind me resting his hands on my shoulders. "Are you okay?" He asks and all I can do is nod my head. "A nightmare?"

"Yes," I croak. My voice is dry, so he reaches back for my water handing the bottle to me. A nightmare that I enjoyed. I don't know what that says about me.

"Thank you, "I say handing the bottle back to him.

"You haven't had one of those in a while."

"Nope," I say squeezing my thighs together feeling the moisture between my legs. I don't recall ever having an orgasm in my sleep.

"You're shaking again," he says gently running his hands along my naked arms. "Come here," he says pulling me back down with him to the bed so I can lay in his arms. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"No," I say flatly, as my mind wanders outside to the night sky. Staring at the stars, I feel guilty for letting him comfort me when I'd just come from dreaming about a tryst with another man. The side of my face resting on his chest and my mind drifting somewhere else I need his reminder. It' becoming clear, I'm in love with Luke and in lust with Christian.

"Make love to me," I murmur