Ball's Deep

Christians POV:

There she is" My father points behind me, so I don't see her coming.

"Sorry for being late, but I was just showing Ethan some of the grounds" Ethan? I turn my head, and rage starts to build inside of me. Why the fuck is Ethan Kavanagh, the asshole who wants my Anastasia, with my little sister? Why does he have his arm around Mia and why is it that he is going to sit between her and Ana? This evening is not going to go well.

I feel the table cloth move slightly alerting me to the fact that Ana is fidgeting under the table, a clear sign that she is uncomfortable. The fucker doesn't have the right to sit on the opposite side of her. Worse is that I can't have him removed! If we were in any other setting, sitting with people other than my family, I would put my good manners aside. I place my hand on Ana's in attempt to settle her. The mere touch of her amazing, tantalising hands and I am almost tempted to place it strategically on me. One thing for sure is if Ethan makes one wrong move then I am going to make sure that he regrets tonight.

"Excuse us if you will but now that all the guests have arrived, we are needed to start tonight's events" My father and mother graciously excuse themselves politely. Good manners instilled into us dictate that my brother and I stand for our mother. Ethan too extends this courtesy... at least part of his brain is operational.

"Ana, it's so good to see you again! I was at Kates apartment on Wednesday evening and was hoping to see you there." Screw that idea little sister. If you want to see Ana, then you come to Escala or at Bellevue, or at a lunch date escorted by security... anywhere except that apartment where your idiot date lives at! Mia hugs Ana and winks at me. I wonder how long it will take for my family to start acting normal over the fact that I am with a girl. Oh fuck it; Ana deserves all the attention, especially with how elegant and hot she looks tonight. I am about to remind Mia that Ana has moved in with me and throw salt on the wound for Ethan but Ana manages to speak first.

"Oh you know with adjusting to the demands of full-time work and now living with Christian... it has been hard to find time to get over to Pike Market lately," Ana explains. I love how she just referenced the fact that she is living with me. "Besides I am surprised that Kate was there with how much time she has been at Elliott's... have you two moved in together also?" Ana asks Elliot and Kate. They both smile villainously at each other.

"They might as well..." Mia replies rolling her eyes. "I was in the Pike market area and went over to see Kate and maybe Ana, to get their advice on a couple of dresses I bought for tonight. I couldn't make up my mind. You both weren't there, but Ethan was. We started talking and ended up having dinner together that night." Okay so how does dinner extend to tonight? Mia, you are too naive! You have no idea!

"Okay buddy, I have to say this... and especially before our parents rejoin us, but if you intend to tap our sister, I will have to castrate you." Elliot threatens, much to the shock of the ladies on the table. Castrate? Is that all Lelliot? You are going soft!

"Elliot!" Kate and Mia admonish him.

"Seriously Lelliot, we just met and Ethan isn't YOU," Mia responds, much to the humor of the table. "What is the average time between you meeting girls and having your way with them? And apologies Kate for such a crude question but my eldest brother needs to get some perspective." Mia has Elliot there. I would congratulate her except the issue is Ethan being with my sister, so right now I am backing Elliot.

"No matter. You still live at home with our parents and even at the age of twenty-one, you are the ultimate daddy's girl. Plus there is also Christian and I you have to get through... Sorry Ethan but you have to climb Everest to get to our sister."

"Otherwise, what my brother Elliot is saying is that me dating a guy like him is his worst nightmare" Mia effectively ends Elliot's mock causing him to direct his attention to Ana and me... okay here it comes. Elliot Greys famous whitt... I mentally prepare to throw back a comment though with far more eloquence.

"What about our two love birds? Ana, my family, is ready to nominate you for sainthood. You have lived with my brother for at least two weeks now, haven't run off and you're still smiling...Though if you need some respite care, I am more than happy to take my brother for a weekend. We can head to Vegas for a weekend, in his private jet and use his black Amex card!" I am to make a comment in regards to always picking up the check, though at the same time at my insistence when Ana manages to get a word in first.

"Elliot, if you took Christian away for a weekend, when he returned no one wouldn't see him for a week. He would have far too much catching up to do, plus the usual daily requirements I require from him." I take a double take. Anastasia's smart mouth just got dirty.

"Anastasia Rose Steele, marry my brother. Marry him now!" The seriousness in my brother's voice and expression is one like I have never seen before. He doesn't know that I have asked Ana this very thing, and I am thankful for him saying it so sincerely. "Christian ignore my suggestion of taking me to Vegas, take Ana... go to a chapel…Tonight! Before some other guy takes her away." Ethan smirks a little at the latter part of Elliot's comment. Nothing would give him happier than being that guy who takes Ana.

"Christian No! Don't you even think about! Mom wouldn't ever forgive you! She put up with so much hell raising you the least you can do is let her rejoice in planning a wedding and watching you get married! I wouldn't ever forgive you too!" Mia chastises. I sit back and enjoy my sister's rant, even though I doubt it will persuade Ana.

"Marriage, are you all serious? Ana and Christian haven't been together long at all. Don't get me started on the psychology of jumping into rash decisions, especially marriage. If we are all honest, it has already happened. Both of them weren't together for more than a few weeks before Anastasia just decided to move into Escala. It is illogical and don't even get me started on the statistics. It all points to disaster. Spontaneous and poorly thought out relationship decisions results on the weakest member of the couple, which, in this case, would be Ana, suffering greatly. Loss of self, character, awareness of self. They become what the one person wants and abandons their dreams. It's devastating I can show you all numerous journals and texts on the matter!" Ethan is trying his damndest to sound like he is providing professional advice but, of course, I know better. " Ana, how is your living status going? Living with another person, one who leads such a fast driven life must be difficult… I know how you like to set your own pace."

"I love living with Christian. He is everything that I want. Caring, loving, driven, generous and protective!" Ana responds to Ethan attack. I repay Ana's compliment by stroking her back. A very public and hopefully visible show of affection. She turns her heads to face me and I can't keep my eyes off her mouth. I am in a trance, only forced into the here and now when Ethan makes some sort of ghastly annoyed sound though does manage to keep it quiet enough that no one else besides the occupants of our table took notice.

"Something the matter Ethan?" Mia inquires.

"Yes... umm... no... I got my finger stuck that's all" Is that the best you can come up with?

"On what? Thin air?" Kate mocks. Okay, she might be making the beast with two heads with my brother but she just might have promise.

"Just got it caught on the side of my chair" Ethan shrugs it off.

"Mia you said that you went to Kites to get some fashion advice..." which is curious since you are the queen of fashion "... and met Ethan. How did a chance meeting end up with a date?"

"We just started talking after I decided to wait and see if Kate would arrive home soon after. Ethan spoke about graduate school, then his family and being here in Seattle. I spoke about similar subjects over dinner and then I decided to invite him to the ball. Ethan wasn't doing anything this evening and I didn't have a date. Besides he knows almost everyone at the table and his parents are in attendance ." I narrow my eyes at my sister as she looks at me directly. Is she seriously telling me to play nice with her date, just because his parents are here? Oh, Mia, you have no idea! Not only do I detest the fucker because he wants Ana but also because he is using you! The issue is I just can't come out and tell Mia that, at least not in this setting.

"Apologises, but now some housekeeping has been taken care of Grace and I can now enjoy the evening." My parents resume their seats and smile ever so contended with each other. This is the first time that my siblings and I have all been present for this ball for about five years. Also, the fact that Elliot has had a girl long enough to accompany him today and I am actual with a girl has bought my parents a great deal of happiness... Moments later dinner is served. My foul mood, due to the boy Kavanagh, is put aside by Ana's placement of her hand between my thighs briefly. Nice one Anastasia... at least you haven't lost your sass and boldness.

Regardless of the distasteful start to the evening, dinner exceeds expectations owing to Ana eating heartedly and Ethan keeping his mouth shut. Mia is chatting to him which is the reason for his silence. I don't even hide my smile. The asshole won't be able to get a word in edgewise. I never realised that my sister's innate chatter could be such an asset.

"Kate and Ana, after dinner is the first dance auction, actually it's not a true auction anymore; however, it will still be a lot of fun. You both have to participate!" Both girls look at each other unsure of what it entails and listen as Mia talk ups up how much fun it is. I take it back what I said about my sister constantly chatter, it is not such an asset.

"Last year was a real hoot. Some guy won a dance with another guy girls. Security had to hold the boyfriend back. Hey, Mia wasn't that girl one of your 'seeking a rich boy to marry' girlfriends" Elliot taunts. He already knows this answer. Mia attended one of the most elite all girls' school in the state of Washington providing her a wide range of rich girlfriends. Many of which are now just seeking a rich boyfriend to marry and maintain their lifestyle, rather than using their expensive education.

"Yes. That was Amanda and she happens to be engaged to that guy that won that dance with her last year. Though her date and then-boyfriend made a bit of a mess of each others, face later in the evening.

"Interesting" Ethan mutters quietly. I narrow my eyes. If the asshole thinks he even has a chance at dancing with Ana, then he is delusional. I would make his face more than a mess. Ethan's comment gains the interest of my family. Yeah sick head, best not to say what you are thinking around here. "Psychologically speaking I would presume that Mia's friend was probably influenced by the wealthier guy. Though if we examine statistics and mental health records, Amanda is likely to become bored and lose herself due to the wealth. She will end up becoming what her fiancé wants as opposed to who she truly is. A loss of character, loss of self, and loss of self-purpose. Depressing actually."

"Pleasant thoughts their bro! Maybe save it for your grad classes!" Sarcasm pours of Kate obviously put off my brothers assessment. She looks appalled at him. For the second time tonight, she has showed a glimmer of hope. Kate might not be so bad to have around. If anything she at least seems able to set Ethan straight.

"Well, either way the first dance is fun. Kate and Ana, are you both willing to participate with me?" Mia's usual excitement pours out, but there is something a little different about her expression. I can't put my finger on it.

"Sure!" Both Ana and Kate respond immediately. I would rather Ana didn't participate, but I am definably the richest bachelor here tonight. No one will be able to outbid me, and I am sure that has what has influenced Ana eager response.

"Ladies, you should know that due to the scene caused by last year's events, the organising committee voted unanimously to change the structure of the first dance auction. It was a ghastly idea in the first place to auction young girls off as meat. I can't believe we let Elena convince us to introduce it years ago" My mother's voice has progressively dropped in tone and having to say Elena name appears to leave a bad taste in her mouth. My father, ever the most perfect husband, takes her hand and smiles softly at her. Mom shouldn't feel guilt or shame, it's mine to suffer, not hers.

"As Grace was saying, there won't be an auction. All the young men wishing to purchase a first dance will have to write their name on a piece of paper. They will pay $5,000 to do so and then they will be allocated a dance according to the order that their names are pulled out. Some will manage to win a dance, others won't since there are always more men willing to bid than young girls" My father explains. Who the hell came up this idea? Any fucker here could end up dancing with Ana.

"Anastasia won't be participating. Mother, can you ensure her name is not listed" I ignore the looks that my siblings and their partners are giving me. No one gets to have what is mine, even for one dance.

"Excuse me?" Ana responds, asking me to clarify my position. Oh, don't get all mighty and feisty Anastasia… I won't budge on this one!

"Mom and dad, I will write a check to 'Coping Together', for double the value of the dance ballot." Their case closed.. or at least I thought so.

"Mr and Mrs Grey…"

"Anastasia, please Carrick and Grace" My father reminds her.

"Carrick and Grace, in the spirit of the evening, I am happy to participate." Ana smiles warmly at them and then looks towards me. "It's just a dance, and besides it is you that I will be going home with." Damn right you will. Ana mouth's 'I love you' and then forget my surrounding, I lean over slightly kiss her forehead.

"And the cutest couple of year goes to Mr Christian Grey and Miss Anastasia Steele!" Mia's comment causes Ethan to commence coughing violently, it is almost as if he was choking. Mia, my mother and even Anastasia respond. Passing him water and making sure he is okay. Interestingly the one person who doesn't react and probably should is Kate.

"I am fine. Thank you." Ethan reassures everyone though I notice that he looks more at Ana as opposed to Mia.

"Ethan if you like we can go inside the house and I can examine you ?" My mother offers kindly. Her goodwill and caring nature displayed for all.

"No, that won't be necessary. It's nothing… I just ….. had a bad taste in my mouth."

"That was some bad taste then," Mia comments shaking her head.

"You have no idea" Ethan then looks away and takes a drink of water. At least he has shut him up for awhile.

# # # #

"Thank you for your attention, especially to our eager gentlemen who have all entered the ballot in hopes of winning the much anticipated first dance of these gorgeous maidens. Yes, these perfectly lovely fifteen maidens are ready to be swooned on the dance floor, though the question is who will win who?... whose name will be pulled out and who will just miss out?" The Master of Ceremonies announces in his usual elaborate tone. My lips form a hard line and I narrow my eyes seeing Ana on the stage, where she is in perfect sight for every guy here to eye fuck.

"Okay bro, I guess we are at the mercy of fate. I pray that I don't get Mia's friend, Lily, she is the worst, but most of all I hope no sleaze get's Kate or Ana. It will be a return to your brawling days and I might recreate them also if that happens. " Elliot assess. He and I are standing by the bar closest to the dance floor having a drink. I had hoped to somehow remove Ana from this ridiculous dance ballot or ensure I win the dance with her, but my attempts to bribe the MC failed... I had almost sealed the deal until my sister Mia intervened with my parents. Fuck it was like when we were kids and she would tell on me, then turn up with our parents to catch me red handed. Flynn has even intercepted me this evening and reminded me that this is just one dance; however, Anastasia isn't just one girl.

"Damn Kate looks so hot up there on the stage, actually she looks like that any time of the day. I swear if any other guy gets to dance with her, I am going to rip his head off. I don't want her close to anyone but me!" I narrow my eyes at my brother. Mr love em and leave em here is acting more like me. When did he become so possessive? Elliot and I watch the stage like hawks and start to calculate how many girls are left in comparison to how many dance slips are left.

"Okay Christian there are only four girls left; Ana, Kate, Mia and our sister annoying ass friend Lily and there are seven men left, including us two. Maybe we will get lucky and get our girls" Elliot replies hopefully. "Fuck luck ... Christian tell me you somehow used those multi-billion dollar resources at your fingertips to ensure that you get Ana's first dance and then out of an act of kindness, for your lifelong friend and brother Elliot, ensured my name will get pulled out to win the dance with Kate. I know you, bro, you are may seem aloof, but you are obsessive about Ana..." I am waiting for Elliot to cease speaking to explain my failed attempts to do so when he is interrupted by a voice I am sadly becoming too familiar with.

"Exactly. Billionaire Grey here is obsessive. He is so neurotic that he probably has the whole first dance rigged. In all probability, Christian has spent night after night planning on who would win who!"Ethan hisses and drinks down his drink of bourbon in one shot. I can't help but smirk. Night after night planning a stupid first dance? No.. I have been too busy making slow and passionate love to Ana, then fucking her hard, having her every way and more. I would spit this fact into his face, but I don't want to disrespect Ana.

"Do not give him another one of those drinks" I order the bartender. Ethan, alcohol and his already poor choice of words will not be a good combination.

"What? I have only had one drink ... bartender another!" Ethan demands.

"No!" I repeat. I stare at the bartender. He knows who I am and that I am the son of the hosts. Wisely he agrees and moves away from Ethan.

"You always get your way don't you... no matter who has to suffer... come on, let's are honest. It's just us three guys. Confess Christian, how did you get Ana not only to date you but also move in with you? I have known her for years and I what... only ever managed to her to kiss me once. What did you offer her... what did you say?" I narrow my eyes and my lips form a hard line.. damn I am fuming at his suggestion that Ana could be bought. When I was four I didn't talk because I couldn't find my voice. Post-traumatic syndrome from the death of my natural mother and abuse from her wimp, but right now my voice is absent due to the intense fury I feel. I press a code into my cell phone which alerts Taylor. He stands only a few feet behind Ethan though he isn't aware of the fact.

"Not going to explain are you? Okay, so how did you engineer the results of this dance ballot?"

"I haven't... And I should warn you that.." I stop when I notice Eamon Kavanagh approach the bar. I would love for him to see his son in action, maybe he could kick some sense into him, but he didn't approach us at the right time.

"Grey, great to see you. Ethan, your mother, has been hoping to meet your beautiful date. You must be Elliot Grey. My daughter talks about you constantly." Eamon Kavanagh shakes our hands, greeting each of us, then orders a drink. Ethan is one lucky bastard.. saved by his father. A man I have done business with.

"Kavanagh, I hope you and your wife are having a wonderful evening" I greet back

"Very much so! Also, I was hoping to talk to you about upgrading to fiber-optics, I am returning to New York tomorrow, evening, but I would like to discuss the matter."

"I will have my personal assistant call yours and find a mutually suitable time."

"Excellent. Now, Elliot, I hope you and Kate will find some time to come and have a chat with us tonight." Elliot nods but like fuck he will. Spending time with the parents of one of his conquests has never been on his to-do list.

"Ethan, your attractive date is up. I hope you win the dance. You did put your name in didn't you?" Eamon questions.

"Yes, father. I did" The Master of Ceremonies pulls out a name and announces that a Nathan Van der Meyden has won.

"Oh well, better luck next time son." Eamon takes his drink and walks back to his table. At least Ethan is silent once more, even if it's short lived. Plus Mia won't be dancing with him for at least one song. Small blessings but Ethan is still in the running to win the dance with Ana. Never! I will take her home, over my shoulder if need be.

"Do you know that guy who won the dance with Mia?" Elliot questions

"No.." I pull out my cell phone and text Welch for a quick synopsis. Sure the kid is only going to dance with our sister, but neither Elliot nor I can put our big brother responsibilities aside. My phone beeps and I read the quick email from Welch. Van der Mayden is the son of a University professor who has several books published. He is here in Seattle, visiting his parents, on break from graduate school in California. Welch asks if I would like a full background report. I reply and tell him to wait for further instructions.

"Next is the very beautiful Katherine Kavanagh," The Master of Ceremonies announces and a name is pulled out of the hat.

"Please God let it be me!" Elliot prays. Man, I am almost praying that he gets her to now.

"And the lucky man is Christian Grey." What? No, I want Ana, not Kate. I look appalled while Elliot is glaring at me. Though right now that is the least of my concerns. Next up is Ana and Ethan's name in still in the mix... I don't want him or any man for that matter to dance with Ana. She is mine.

A hold my breath as the slip of paper is finished out. "The winner of the first dance with the ever so lovely Miss Anastasia Steele is... Mr Elliot Grey!"

"What?" We both call out. Thank gosh it is noisy enough or else everyone would have heard us within a ten-mile radius. Elliot and I look at each other shocked. What twist of fate is this? I got Kate while he got Ana?

We both look behind us when we hear a cackle of a laugh. "This is the funniest shit I have heard in years. " Ethan continues to bask in the situation and fails to hear that he wins the last dance, with a one Lily Spencer. The fucker doesn't realise that he won't have the last laugh.

"Christian! Elliot! I can't believe you both won the first dance with each others, girlfriends. It's so sweet... " Mia smiles. "Oh and Ethan I am sorry that you didn't win the dance with me... but here is my friend Lily. Lily meet Ethan." Jackpot, Ethan's stupid grin is erased immediately when the would-be socialite commences swooning all over him. Interesting enough Mia doesn't look like she cares in the slightest. Ana and Kate join us, both unsure of this state of affairs.

"I have an idea, we can switch partners. I will dance with Ana and Elliot you can have your date back." I announce, believing this will be to everyone's pleasure.

"No, you can't. It doesn't work like that. Elliot won Ana and you won the dance with Kate. Everyone here heard it and it will look suspicious if you don't abide by the rules. Besides it only one dance.. hurry we need to be on the dance floor." Mia directs. Fuck the rules, fuck who heard what and fuck the notion of how things work.

"Christian.. it's okay.. one dance then I am all yours again" Ana grins. Oh the things that mouth does to me. I look at my brother who is longing to be with Kate.

"Okay. No touching below the waist line. One hand on the wait and the other in her hand. No looking deep into their eyes, and just focus on the dance. The second the songs finishes I give you back Kate and I get Ana. Deal?"

"Damn straight. Also, Christian, I will be keeping an eye on you."

"Same! But not only will my eyes be on you but so will Taylor and Sawyers." I reply. "Also Taylor carries a gun." Sure I am anti-gun but as I have been accused of today, I am obsessive when it comes to Ana.

The music begins and Elliot and I both glare at each other, focused on where our hands are. Our mother has just taken a photo of us. Keep that safe photo mother because this will be the last time I give up Ana. We circle around each other, almost like prey. David Attenborough could even narrate the scene. I haven't taken my eyes off Ana and Elliot's fingers, and the same can be said about Elliot towards me. Let this song end quickly. But I didn't need to wait for it to end, the fucker Ethan got too close with his unfortunate dance partner and knocked into Ana and Elliot. Hard. Ana falls to the ground, regardless of Elliot's vigorous attempts to help her. Kate also alerted to this incident walks over with me.

"Ana let me help you up" Ethan takes a hold of her arms and swiftly wraps him arms around her in an embrace.

"I am alright Ethan.. don't worry about it." Ana tries to push away, but Ethan doesn't budge.

"You can let her go." Elliot argues verbally, but I enter the scene and push him away.

"I believe Anastasia said she was alright... go back to your dance" I growl. Ethan looks disgusted, but it is mild to what I am feeling right now. If he didn't walk off the dance floor, then we would have needed the expertise of my mother's professional colleagues.

"Ana, do you want a drink or anything? I can't believe my brother. What a child! I apologise for his behaviour!" Sincerity pours out of Kate. She too is appalled.

"It's fine.. don't worry about it... but Kate if you don't mind I would like Christian back."

"Sure thing Steele, I have wanted my Grey man back as well." Kate and Elliot commence to dance around the floor, but I escort Ana off the stage. My mother is standing to the side and I just want to make sure for certain that Ana is perfectly well. While my mother checks Ana for any injuries and puts my mind at rest, it causes several people to approach is and converse. Denying me the chance to take her on the dance floor. I soon realise that my business associates are more interested in checking out Anastasia, I let go of her hand when Kate asks Ana to join her for a drink.

After several songs and more mundane conversations, the music stops playing and the Master of Ceremonies requests that everyone return to their tables for desert and for the official auction of the donated items. Anything which will mean Anastasia has to go back within a hundred miles of Ethan Kavanagh is the last thing I want to happen, but she is already seated before I can act. Ana and Kate are talking, and damn I wish that I could read lips. I quickly join them and take my rightful position next to Ana. I glare at Ethan as he has the audacity to resume his seat on my families table and send a quick message to Taylor to stand close by, once more. He might have to carry a dead body out of Bellevue.

"Ana, I have been meaning to ask you, how have you been adjusting to full-time work?" Ethan enquires. What he is going to make polite chit chat now? Who the fuck does this guy think he is?

"Fine thank you."

"I heard that SIP is being sold, supposedly a hostile takeover. Some malevolent major corporation has managed to take over another local company." My lips form a hard line. Maybe I could instruct Taylor to remove Ethan and throw him into Lake Washington… except he is pretty much like an insect.. they just keep coming back to annoy. The nature of Ethan's comment doesn't go unnoticed by my family. "Have you heard who the new owner is Ana?"

"I don't know. I know nothing about it all" Ana shrugs and then commences to talk to my mother. This is unlike her to shrug something like this. Ana refuses to allow people to play her and would usually put them in their place; however, she has class and wouldn't do so in such a formal setting. Ana is trying to ignore Ethan, but he fails to provide the same decency.

"Seriously? It was in the paper yesterday. You must have heard."

"Ana, is your job in danger?" Kate enquires concerned.

"I don't know" Ana replies picking up her wine. Thank gosh, she is strong and doesn't show that Ethan is commencing to agitate her. "I am happy to just go to work, perform my duties to the best of my abilities and contribute to my workplace as per the wishes of management."

"Yes, I hear that you are making management pretty happy." I narrow my eyes at Ethan innuendo filled statement. I can't make a scene here at the table, but I damn well can say something.

" Anastasia's professional work performance has been outstanding. Roache and the other editors have taken notice. She has an outstanding future ahead of her." I am filled with pride just thinking about my girls early achievements. Regardless of my personal relationship with Ana and anyone else, the performance of my employees is not a matter I take lightly nor do I allow my emotions to influence my opinion.

"You know Ana's bosses?" My mother queries.

"Yes. I am familiar with them" I reply simply taking a small drink of my wine. When everyone at the table seems content that this odd conversation is over, Ethan shakes his head and laughs out a little.

"Come on, of course, he knows Ana's bosses. He is her boss and her boss's boss. Surely you all know Christian purchased SIP don't you?" Ethan looks at everyone as if they are ignorant. Never insult my family!

"Figures! I wouldn't be surprised if he owns half of Seattle!" Elliot's smirks, and then focuses on his Kate. "We should go and spend some time with your parents. " Kate nods and takes his hand. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears, I never would have believed it! My brother, 'Mr love em and leave em' actually wants to talk to the parents of a girl he is fucking. He has it bad... big time...but then so do I. Through the corner of my eye, I witness my mother glowing. Yeah, yeah mom, both your boys are happy and in love... is this enough to restitution for the hurt I have caused? For her to forget what happened with Elena?

"What! Mia... what on earth!" My attention is drawn back to the other members of our table. Ethan is standing wiping his suit pants and now bright red-wine stained dress shirt.

"I am so sorry. I must have knocked my glass of wine when I turned to wave to a friend of mine. I am sorry, I am sure there is one of my brother's old shirts in the house. They are both more muscular than you, but I am sure we can find one from when they are younger that you can use." Hang on did my sister just put down her date?

"No!..." Ethan snaps. "Mia, thank you for this evening. I will see myself out" The best thing I heard him say all evening. Ethan storms out, but I signal to Taylor, who trails behind him. Best to make sure that he definitely is gone.

"Mia... what was hat all about?" Our father inquires.

"I am not sure.. but since it has I might just go and catch up with some friends I haven't seen since I returned back from college. Before Mia walks off, she bends down and whispers into my ear. "That was for you, big bro. Ethan shouldn't be an issue anymore" She then proceeds to smile mischievously at me and winks. Mia Grey.. my little sister, socialite and one whose head is amongst the clouds... did she plan this?

"Excuse us Mother and father, but I wish to take my beautiful girlfriend onto the dance floor." I take Ana, hand and for a moment, imagine that a suitably large diamond was on her finger

"Your sister is a little powerhouse isn't she" Ana assess

"To be honest I never realised it until now.! I didn't even see or hear what happened before she 'knocked' over her wine glass." Shit how did I not even realise all the small gestures Mia directed at me and the minor incidents that illustrated Ethan;s issues. Gosh, she probably even invited him tonight after she met him and put one and one together. No matter what I won't underestimate my little sister again.

"Seriously?.. well that figures."

"What do mean Anastasia?" I stop and cock my head to the side.

"Because if you heard what Ethan had said to me... a much bigger scene would have been created than just some wine being spilt" Ana recommences to walk towards the dance floor, but I am still holding on to her hand and don't let go.

"keep going. What did he say?" I demand to know

"Promise you won't have him hurt and killed?"

"I promise I won't have him killed, hurt... that's up for negotiation... stop stalling. It's unlike you."

"Ethan leaned over and muttered, though not quiet enough for Mia, that you would ever loosen your claws on me now that you had me where you wanted. That I needed to get serious and realise how unhealthy our relationship is. Ethan then proceeded to say that I should leave you for him. That he had loved me longer and he too had money so could give me everything I wanted without all the Christian Grey baggage such as security. He ended his little speech but saying that you wouldn't make me happy." fuck .. I know that I shouldn't have made that promise.

"Ana... I love you and I wouldn't..." I am about to pour my heart out when she places her finger on my lips.

"Christian, it's you that I love, not Ethan. It is why one day, and I restate one day. I will marry you" A broad smile almost threatened to split my face into two.

"Come, Anastasia, after all that we deserve a dance, don't you agree?"

"Most definitely." I twirl Ana around he dances floor. In the crowd, I spot my brother dancing with Kate. We both acknowledge that we are in the arms of the girls we love. In the distance, I see my sister Mia talking to the same man that won the first dance with her... hmmm I will have to find out who he is. Another job for Welch. Two songs later, and we are both still on the dance floor. It is allowing me to hold her close in such a public setting. Ana and I both notice my parents are now also joined the crowd of dancers.

"Your parents are still so much in love. They are so proud of you Christian. The way your mother kept looking at you tonight. Her eyes and face are so full of love. It's unconditional. You do realise it don't you?"

"I am starting to thanks to you. But they are proud of the fact that you are with me. Imagine how proud they will be when that one day finally come and you agree to be mine. Legally!" Ana giggles and then in a great display of public affection I lean down a little and give her the longest kiss on her succulent lips right in the middle of the dance floor.

A/N: Sorry to make you all wait for this chapter. I hope it was worth it.. off to write the next chapter for '50 Shades of a Young Family.' Enjoy and review if you wish