Disclaimer: I do not own anything but the plot of this story.

Chapter 36

Anastasia's POV

Oh my god.

Playful Christian. When he found that lingerie, UGH KILL ME NOW. I was mortified, embarrassed, and turned on, all in one. Fuck it, I'm still all of those things, right now!

No matter how injured I am, I cannot deny the electricity between us as the elevator ascends to the now familiar penthouse. I'll be staying here for a week, totally at his mercy since there's no way he's letting me out of his sight. The thought is appealing and tiring. He's always so... intense. When the doors open, I step out gratefully only to be assaulted by a whirlwind of shrieks and blonde hair.

"Kate! When did you- ouch! Squeezing. Too. Hard." I manage to gasp out and cough as she releases me. She steps back with a sheepish smile.

"Sorry. Goddamn it, you saved me!"

"Of course I did dumbass. You're my best friend!" I scoff and roll my eyes. Behind me, I hear Christian whispering in hushed tones with Elliot, but I don't give a fuck. Right now, my best friend and I are alive, and I could not be more proud of us.

"Wow. Who knew you could make even a cast and sweatpants look good Kavanagh?" I step back, examining her. She is in her most casual attire with her hair in a messy bun, but her face shines with health and happiness. Holy fuck. I am so out of my league here.

"Damn right she can." Elliot steps up behind her, kissing her forehead affectionately. Kate blushes. Actually blushes. Wow. She lets out a giggle and I sigh with frustration inwardly. Why can't Christian be like that?

I shut down the thought immediately. He has issues and I'm not here to demand that he get over them. I'm here to help him. He doesn't know that, though. A familiar warm hand pushes its way on to the small of my back and I bite back a gasp.

"Let's go sit down." He murmurs into my ear. I nod and just as a bout of dizziness seizes me, I'm seated on the huge wraparound couch in the Great Room.

The four of us make casual conversation and I'm surprised to see that even Christian seems to be enjoying himself. Gail brings us a dinner of chicken salad and buttered bread and we sit informally around the coffee table. This feels so weird - sitting cross-legged, eating salad and bread in the middle of a fucking art gallery that belongs to the richest man in all of Seattle. And he's even taken off his suit jacket!

"So. Ana. José called this morning and said you weren't picking up your phone. He wanted to let you know that the venue has been changed for his show. It's in Seattle now, by the way, not Portland. He said something about going out to lunch with you to catch up."

I freeze and try not to choke on my slice of chicken. Slowly, I note that Christian has paused, though I cannot read his emotions. He continues to eat, but this time, he doesn't meet my gaze. I'm frightened beyond belief. Fuck, Kate! Why would you do that?

"Oh. I'll, um, call him later."

Elliot, sensing the tension, changes the topic quickly and I try my best to engage Christian and myself in the conversation. He, however, seems a bit more distant and cold with his responses. Dammit Kate!

"Kate, let's clean up."

She nods and stands with a wince. She's told me that her only injuries are on her back and her leg, and so, we support each other on our way to the kitchen, much to the horror of the boys.

"Oh no you don't Katie girl, get your ass back here!" Elliot stands quickly, but Kate gives him a flirty wink, stopping him in his tracks.

"Well come on then, El. You can help us wash the dishes!" She chirps.

Elliot's face falls immediately and he sits back down in a hurried fashion. "Nope, I'm good."

"That's what I thought." She mumbles in my ear. We make our way into the kitchen and immediately, I put the plates in the sink and spray her with the faucet.

She steps back and gasps. "Shit, what was that for?!" She whisper-yells.

"You know why." I fume, my blood pumping through my veins. I feel light-headed, but I ignore the muffled pounding of my brain and try to focus on the present.

"Dammit Ana!" She grabs a dishtowel and starts to wipe herself off and sighs, blowing a strand of hair from her face. "Nothing wrong with a little jealousy." She grumbles, half to herself.

"Uh, yeah there is! Kate, I don't want you meddling in my relationships, okay? Especially not this one." I won't reveal to her the reasons, of course, but she just doesn't get it. It's taken me almost three whole months to get to know Christian Grey and finally get him to open up. And even then, it only lasted for a couple of seconds.

She raises an eyebrow at me and crosses her arms, assuming a calmer demeanor. "Wow. Relationship. It's getting serious, huh?"

I flush a furious shade of pink and grab the sponge, turning my back to her. I start scrubbing a plate furiously. "Kate, that's besides the point. Just promise me you won't pull a stunt like that again." I mumble.

She lets out a heavy sigh and tosses her hands in the air. Stepping towards me, she uses the dishtowel to dry off the plates and silverware as I wash. "Okay Steele. I just want you to know that something's off about him. He's hiding something." And this is why Katherine Kavanagh will be the best journalist on the face of the Earth.

I just hope it's not at Christian's expense.

When I finish brushing my teeth, I step into the bedroom to find Christian staring up at the ceiling. His arms are behind his head and he looks deceivingly calm. I know that we're about to rehash what Kate said tonight, and I really don't want to.

I clamber on to the expensive sheets and bring my knees up to my chest, wrapping my arms around them - a neutral position. My head begins to pound in anticipation as a wave of nausea overtakes me. Deep breaths Steele. Breathe. Perhaps if we just talk...

"Is everything okay?" I try to keep my tone gentle and soothing and he shifts, turning his body towards me.

"Anastasia, you are mine."

I blink and instinctively respond. "Yes. Yours." I confirm.

He narrows his eyes. "I don't do sharing. And frankly, it pisses me off, the amount of male friends you have."

Now it's my turn to narrow my eyes. "I don't like what you're insinuating here Christian."

"Fine. Then I won't insinuate it, I'll say it. They all want into your panties Anastasia. They want what's mine and I'm not giving them that. Therefore, you are not allowed to go to that so called lunch with that photographer prick."

My eyes widen as anger flares deep in my belly. "First of all, his name is José. Second of all, he's my friend. He's been a constant in my life and he's a good guy. Third of all, since when do you tell me what I'm allowed to do?"

He gives me a glare, but it makes me want to laugh. I will not back down on this.

"I don't give a fuck what his name is and how 'good' he is. He wasn't good when he tried shoving his tongue down your throat. You would've woken up in his bed if it weren't for me. As for telling you what you can and can't do, I only do so for your own protection Anastasia. You are not going to lunch with him."

I scoff at his remark. "Look, we were both drunk that night Christian, and I've forgiven him for that. We've both moved on, but why can't you?"

"Because I see the way he fucking looks at you, dammit! He can't just brush his feelings for you off, and he won't. When he sees an opportunity, he will take it."

"He's not like that!"

"How would you know? You don't know how testosterone works."

"Okay, I don't know how testosterone works, but I do know José! Christian, he's been my friend for years, and he respects me! He's just a friend, why can't you trust me to take care of myself?"

"It's not you I don't trust, it's him. You're not going. That. Is. FINAL."

My face is on fire and I feel flushed and frustrated. Why are we fighting over this simple concept? With my mind made up, I stand up adamantly and cross my arms.

"Look, Grey. I don't care how jealous you are or how much you resent my friend, but you are not going to dictate what I can and can't do. That is up to me and me only. You need to work this shit out with Flynn or find some way to deal with me going out with my friends because this is a hard limit for me."

I point my finger directly at him. We are face to face, and his eyes are glazed with an intimidating fury that I've never seen before. Suddenly, I can't take this. I grab my phone and a pillow and march out. I hear him rise from the bed. "Where are you going?"

He follows me out to the hallway, but I don't answer. I set a steady pace to the White Room and open the door. He is right behind me when I turn. "You can sleep alone until you apologize." I spit the words out with as much quiet fury as I can muster and slam the door in his face, locking it swiftly.

I step back, but there is no sound. No pounding, no pleading. Nothing. With a cleansing exhale, I move to the bed and freeze as a whimper sounds from the corner of the room. Two big blue eyes stare up at me from a dog bed and I coo immediately.

"Hello buddy, how are you?" I hug Grey close to me and he coats me in kisses. Christian must've asked Gail or Taylor to move him to this room so that he wouldn't be afraid of all the open space in the Great Room. He laps at my face and I giggle.

"Okay, no more. Let's get to bed." He follows me with a wag of his tail as I wrap the sheets around us. When he snuggles into my side and starts lightly snoring, I'm reminded instantly of Christian and a pang of unwelcome guilt washes over me. Damn. I was harsh.

Yeah. Bitch. My inner goddess files her nails dutifully, disgusted at my uncharacteristic show of aggression. I sigh and try to relax as my phone pings. I pick it up and read over the brief text.

Hey Ana! It's Fiona, just wanted to let you know some'n real quick. Since the building's down, they're saying that we can't really come into work for the next week. Yvonne and the board are doing their best to try and find a temporary spot until all of this shit blows over. Teleworking is not really an option either... they really need all hands on deck for this disaster. Just thought I'd let you know, you should get the formal email soon. Good night! xoxoxo ~ F.

"What?" I gasp out loud and groan. The little warm body continues snoring, but cuddles into my hip further. No work for a week? What the hell am I supposed to do?

All of my previous tension resurfaces and I bite back a scream of frustration. Okay, so no working for the next week. What the hell do I do? Read, sleep, shop, cook, clean. Hmm. I consider the last two especially. If Christian's at work all day, perhaps Gail will let me help her with everything around Escala. I want to become familiar with the place, and perhaps Grey and I can spend more time together. The thought makes me smile and before I know it, I'm asleep.

I wake to the feeling of an insistent warm wetness on my face and sit up. Grey gives me another small lick and bounds off the bed, scratching at the door. I rub my eyes and pause, allowing myself to really wake up. The sound of a mournful lament is muffled and faint, but I hear it, and I know immediately who it is. I open the door softly, wearing nothing but a t-shirt and some panties as Grey and I creep downstairs together. I pause on the last step and take in the sight before me, saddened.

Christian is sitting in the darkened Great Room, bathed in liquid moonlight, stroking the keys of the grand piano softly. He is wearing nothing but plaid pajama pants and his eyes are closed, his expression desolate and vulnerable.

Wow.

Grey skitters over beside him, plops on to the piano bench ungracefully, and leans against him. He startles from the sudden warmth, but doesn't stop playing. He looks up as I approach and take the puppy in my lap, sliding on to the bench beside him. His copper hair flops in messy curls and he looks harsh and angular in this light. He finishes the piece with a flourish and leans forward, resting his forearms on the piano. Grey squirms in my lap and I let him go as we both watch him stumble over to his bone.

"I'm sorry." His quiet voice catches me off guard. He sounds lonely.

I sigh and play with my fingers in my lap. "I'm sorry too. For being a bitch."

He smiles, still looking forlorn and hesitantly reaches for my hair then pauses. "You weren't being a bitch. I was being a douche."

I let him run his fingers through my hair and play with it. The gesture is comforting and intimate. Something I'd never expected to see from him. "I'm sorry I couldn't see things your way, Christian. I know how hard it is not to be jealous."

He stops playing with my hair and raises an eyebrow at me. "You do? How?"

I giggle and my head throbs once in warning. "Well, I have to compete everyday with the random women I see ogling you. It makes me mad."

He chuckles and my heart warms instantly. "It's just a face."

I smile sadly. "Why can't you accept yourself?" I whisper, cupping his face.

He leans into my touch and closes his eyes. "You know why, Ana. I'm fucked up."

I run my hand through his hair and he gasps as I tug gently. "No, you're not. Why can't you see how good you are? You help people without expecting anything in return, you employ thousands of people, and you're even trying to feed the damn world!" He opens his eyes in shock and I laugh softly. "Yes, I know about that. Christian... you're a good man."

He sighs and I pause as he sags against me, resting his head on my chest. My poor, poor fifty. I run my hand through his hair again and he shudders. We sit like that for awhile and I continue to comfort him the best I can without touching his 'no go' areas.

Grey scampers about and finally wants into the attention. I release Christian and he sits up, watching as I tenderly pick up the pup. He quickly laps at my face and loses interest, rapidly scrambling towards Christian. I hesitate, but surprisingly, Christian lets him climb into his lap and begins to stroke him gently.

"Wow. When did all this begin?" I whisper in awe and he laughs in a hushed tone.

"I brought him to work with me. I think he's begun to take a toll on me." I soften at his kind words and watch the two Greys in my life interact. Christian rubs his belly and Grey soaks it all up, legs in the air, completely surrendering himself. I grin as he whimpers when he strokes his sweet spot behind his ear. Finally, Christian pauses and the pup rests his head on his leg lazily.

"You should be in bed." He says.

"So should you." I shoot back.

He smiles and shakes his head. "I've apologized. Now you have to sleep with me." My eyes shoot up to his and they're full of longing and pain. He looks tortured, and faintly, I wonder if he's had another nightmare.

I stand up and reach for his hand confidently. "Okay."

When I wake, Christian is passed out completely, snoring, mouth open, the whole shebang. His head is nestled between my breasts and his leg is forcing both of mine apart. His warm hand is splayed over my waist and I'm hugged close to him. Way too close. A look at the clock tells me it's 6 in the morning. Time to wake up.

I gently stroke his face as he groans and then nuzzles into my chest. Shit. I feel a tremor of desire course through my body, but I try to ignore it. My head is surprisingly calm today. "Morning Sleeping Beauty." I whisper into his ear.

He stirs and blinks owlishly up at me before giving me a panty-dropping smile. "Morning Miss Steele. Mmm, a man could get used to this view." And so, playful Christian is back.

I smack his arm lightly and sit up as he rolls off of me, still watching my every move. "Well, you can get used to the view all you want, but you're still not getting any sex." I say brazenly.

He smiles lazily before responding. "Oh trust me Miss Steele, there are still ways to obtain pleasure without sex."

"Oh really?" I pretend to sound surprised as I stand with my back to him, pulling my hair into a bun.

"Yes. Now-" He pauses and there's a sudden, sharp smack, followed by a spike of pain on my ass. With a yelp, I jerk forward and turn around, agape. He hit my butt! "Go make me some breakfast, wench."

I narrow my eyes at him playfully. I love this banter. "Wench?"

"Wench." He confirms with a sexy-as-sin smirk. Oh my god, I know I shouldn't be turned on by this kinky shit, but I am. I really am.

I grant him a sweet smile and bat my lashes before deliberately chomping down on my lower lip. I watch with satisfaction as his grey eyes darken with lust. Oh yeah. Take that Sleeping Beauty. "Coming right up. Sir." I emphasize the last word and saunter out, sashaying my hips. I can feel his gaze on me as I leave the room. Pervert.

No doubt, I've left him reeling, and I feel beyond triumphant.

If this is how it's going to be all week, then I'm perfectly okay with this.

Sorry for the short chapter, but please know that I'm doing my best to pump these out while balancing a financial, social, and personal life. The fourth chapter that I owe you guys will be up tomorrow and let me tell you, some big things happen. As always, thank you so much for your support guys, you're the best! ~ HA