All the characters belong to E. and I'm just having a bit of fun with them.

Please enjoy.

Lots of love and thanks to my beta ))))

Christian POV

Sunday 12 May 2019

I instruct Taylor to head back to Escala. My body's treacherous reaction to Anastasia scares me. I don't understand why I have a permanent boner when I'm around her. I'm constantly surrounded by gorgeous women, some of whom are bold enough to basely proposition themselves, and yet I've never reacted to them as I have to Anastasia. It's baffling.

I so need to get laid.

Then I remember Susannah, who should be at the penthouse already. I'm contemplating a relaxing round in the playroom before we talk about the changes in the contract, but as tempting as that thought might be, I replay my evening thus far and consider a romp in the playroom would not be in my best interest. I'm not in the correct frame of mind and I may inadvertently cause Susannah bodily harm with an unplanned scene. Besides Anastasia did have a point about being more respectful with my partner.

I huff. When did my controlled and structured life become this second-grade reality show? The saddest part of all this, is that I don't see it ending any time soon.

Leila fucking Williams; I'm certain that if I saw her now, I wouldn't be accountable for my actions. I make a promise to myself that despite the outcome of this cluster fuck, I will destroy that scheming slut. She will rue the day she crossed me.

Arriving back at the penthouse, I tell Taylor to advise Susannah to come to my study. I can see through Taylor's usual professional demeanour that he strongly disapproves of my evening company, but he keeps his opinions to himself.

Opening the door to my study, I go to the side bar and pour myself a drink before taking a seat behind my desk. I feel like my perfect life, the life that I have carefully constructed, is slipping out of control and there's shit I can do about it.

This is not me. I never went with the flow. I always took the reins of any complication and found a solution to my advantage. Now, there are just too many people tampering with the strings in my life and it pisses me off beyond reason. I'm the Master of my Universe and all the people around me better remember that, or there will be very unpleasant consequences. I always end up on top. Loss is simply not an option. I decide to deal with things that are in my immediate control, and that's Susannah.

If I'm completely honest with myself, I don't see how I can keep our arrangement the way it is. The Logical part of me says to terminate the contract and forget about the playroom for the foreseeable future; but the selfish part of me doesn't want to close that door and deprive myself of the best form of stress relief.

I consider the possibility of convincing Susannah to stay on board. Perhaps we can put our meetings on hold for a couple of weeks and as things settle down, proceed with our normal routine. Obviously, not here in the penthouse, but I'm sure I can arrange and alternate location as I had initially thought. And as soon as that train of thought passes, I feel so disgusted with myself I fight the urge to vomit.

Susannah can always opt not to stay on and terminate the contract which, surprisingly, makes me feel infinitely better. If this is her choice, I will wish her luck and send her packing. But if I terminate the contract, there's a strong possibility she'll disclose our arrangement for the right price. It's evidently clear to me that she can pull a Leila who's proven her signed NDA means jack shit. So, just in case Susannah starts flapping her lips, I want to make sure I have my ducks lined up in a row. I reread Susannah's background check looking for any weaknesses to use as leverage.

Is it low of me? Yes. Yes, it is, but fuck it. Survivor of the Fittest and all that.

The background check shows her family lives in Boston. Her parents own a small bakery and her older brother is a pilot for international flights. She herself is trying, unsuccessfully I may add, to become the next Top Model.

I smirk like the evil Grinch who stole Christmas. With this information, I know I have plenty to work with. My connections can help her in her chosen field of work, but I will be clear, if she says one word, I will destroy not only her, but her whole family. The Daniel's will pay dearly for her indiscretion. Giving her the benefit of the doubt, I make an unprecedented decision.

Yah. Fuck it. I've got to let her go. With all that's going on, even a good lay isn't worth it. I've been without a sub for months before, this time won't be any different. I need to keep my focus on making this charade of a marriage work. No need to drag a sub into this mess. It wouldn't be fair to anyone involved. When, the fuck, did I develop a conscious?

All to soon I hear a knock on my door pulling me out of my inner battle. I check the clock to see that it's already 9 p.m. Susannah's punctual, as expected of a good sub.

''Come in''

Susannah walks into my study in all her submissive glory. Eyes downcast, acting shy, wearing a skin-tight revealing black dress with six-inch heels, just as I usually order, but tonight her appearance is more irritating that arousing. I take a moment to look at her, like really look at her. Before me stands the woman whom I've done all sorts of things in the playroom with for the past two months. Yet, all I see now is a stranger and despite how hard I try, I can't evoke any emotion toward her; no desire, no lust.

I. Feel. Nothing.

Since I haven't been in the playroom for a while, I was expecting to feel a rush of desire or animalistic lust. I was expecting to act in the way I have always done, but I feel nothing. Susannah's physically standing in front of me all ready and willing and my dick doesn't even twitch. Reversely, if I conjure up a picture of Anastasia in the bath, I get a hard on so sever it's almost painful.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

''Sit." I order. "You may look at me, Ms. Daniels''

Despite her surprise she obeys instantly. I can see she's nervous. The renewal of our contract is not for another month and I bet she is freaking out that I want to discuss our arrangement. I usually get a kick out of this. I craved exerting my power over a sub. It used to give me a thrill, but with the current circumstances as they are, this meeting irritates me.

With all these new discoveries, I'll need to book several sessions with Flynn.

She fidgets in her seat as she looks at me.

''Sir, did I displease you in some way? First you cancelled our planed weekend and now I'm in your study. Can you tell me the purpose of this meeting?'' hearing her voice cemented my decision to put an end to our contract.

I look back at Susannah with an emotionless mask and more than distant demeanour.

''Due to some developments there will be some changes in the future. My marital status to be exact.''

She frowns not quite registering my words, until her confusion quickly changes to excitement and hope. Her reaction confuses me.

What in the world is she excited about?

Then it dawns on me.

Ah yah, no. Bloody hell, she thinks that I'm about to propose! Oh, sweetheart, there's no chance in hell of that ever happening!

''Oh, Sir, this all is so unexpected!"

Susannah's face is glowing with anticipation and joy. I'm looking at her like she's the Loch Ness monster rising from out of the deep. I instinctively lean slightly back in my chair, more in defence than surprise.

"I'm really happy about those changes!'' she beams at me. She's sitting at the edge of her seat and practically shaking with glee.

''Susannah. Stop. You've got a wrong impression."

Her face falls immediately, and her eyes flare a bit.

"The change in my marital status has nothing to do with you aside from my decision to terminate our contract."

I wait for the words to register before proceeding.

''Our contract renegotiation was to be reviewed next month. Due to the changes in my life, I've decided to terminate our contract sooner than anticipated. I recognise the inconvenience which this sudden termination may cause; not being able to establish yourself with another Dom, so I will fulfil my obligations for another month financially, and extended rent payment of your apartment for another year. All your belongings here will be packed and delivered to you tomorrow. You can keep the car and other gifts."

I don't see the point in prolonging this conversation any longer, it is what it is.

I see a million emotions cross Susannah's face before it settles on anger and fury.

Oh, fuck me. This is emotional shit is getting old.

I keep my stoic face. Despite what she may have hoped, our interactions were contractual based. She is a sub. A SUB!

''Excuse me, Mr. Grey. I want to be sure I understood you correctly?''

I nod my head for her to continue.

''You're terminating our contract because you have met someone you plan to marry?''

I nod once again waiting for the other shoe to drop.

''So, whilst the contract clearly stipulates both parties be monogamous for an outlined duration, you were engaged in another relationship!"

Her voice is increasing in volume becoming harsher and stronger with intensity as she continues.

"Was I the only one who following that specific clause?!'' she hisses at me and for a second I'm taken aback by her demeanour. Gone is the submissive persona. Her face transforms like a chameleon, into hard features. Her chin juts out, her eyes glaring, and her mouth closed tight, like she's grinding her teeth. She's prepping herself for a battle which she will lose.

''Until you leave this apartment Susannah, you are still a contracted Sub, so I suggest you stand down." I say with a low yet harsh tone. My words are sharp; clipped and severe.

I will not put up with this shit from a Submissive. Holy Christ! The world is going insane.

"Let me make this clear to you. The contract stipulates monogamy referring to sexual partners. While we're bound by the Sub/ Dom contract, neither party will seek or engage in any other sexual relations/ partners. Let me remind you that our contract has a 'emotional involvement' part, sothe personal relationships I engage in outside of the contract is outside your purview. I did not lie. There was no breach of contract, at least on my part."

I raise an eyebrow and look at her inquisitively.

I will not be accused of something that never happened.

"This meeting is a courtesy to you, Ms. Daniels, to notify you of the arrangements I made in recompense for the early termination. Outside of this, I owe you nothing."

Susannah bows her head in understanding.

''I apologize Sir. I believe you when you tell me you've never lied to me, but I find this turn of events disturbing.''

She releases a long sigh, and I can see that she is about to cry.

And here we go.

In my mind's eye I'm looking to the heavens and a taking in a deep calming breath, thinking how ridiculous and dramatic this is turning out to be, but externally I give her no response. I'm placid and aloof.

She pauses for a moment to compose herself, most likely because I'm not giving into her tactics, then suddenly, she sits up straighter and blink her eyes rapidly as if she's come up with the most brilliant idea. It's an odd expression on her. Bright ideas and Susannah aren't marrying images.

''Sir, would you consider continuing our arrangement anyway? Your upcoming marriage doesn't have to put an end to our time together.''

The woman is obviously a sandwich short of a picnic. What part of monogamy does she not understand?

''I can be discreet.'' She says conspiringly with pleading eyes.

Sweet Jesus. I can't believe I've inserted myself with yet another psychotic woman. Talk about mental issues. This is the same woman who accused me of cheating not a minute ago and now she is offering her services knowing I'm about to get married.

First, she accuses me of lying to her about being monogamous, and in less than 5 minutes later, because it suits her, she's suddenly ok with sharing.

I look around me, convinced I've somehow transported myself in an alternate universe. I'm absolutely stunned.

"TAYLOR!"

Susannah is startled and quickly jumps out of her seat. She's looking at me with surprise and a bit of fear. Jason quickly strides into the office.

"Please escort Ms Daniels out. Ensure her name is crossed from the visitors list. She will no longer have access to Escala."

''As for you, Ms. Daniels; I find your proposition abhorrent. It is not so much a morality issue Ms Daniels, but safety. The monogamy clause in the contract was put in there for a reason. It is a standard to which I abide to. To even suggest a liaison, with a person like you, would be a degradation.

Since our contract is officially terminated, as of now, I strongly advise you to uphold the NDA and remind you that any connection between us is null and void. Stay away from me, my family and anything related to GEH and/ or the Grey's. Should you feel the need to share our time together, know that it will be to you and your family's expense. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?"

Tears are free flowing down her cheeks, tracks of black running from her thick mascara laden eyes.

I stand from my chair and move around to face her.

"Leave now, Ms. Daniels.''

She is full on sobbing, but she gets up and moves quickly towards the doors. I'm not in the least swayed by her crocodile tears. Truthfully, I feel relieved to be rid of her, but I have a nagging feeling this will not the last I've seen of Ms. Daniels.

Better instruct Taylor to put a tail on her. If I'm going to have another out of control psycho sub on my hands, I'll need to be more prepared than I was with Leila. Once bitten…

About five minutes later Taylor steps back into my study.

''Mr. Grey. Ms. Daniels has been escorted to her car and left the perimeter''

He announces in a calm even voice, but his eyes of approval and relief are evident. This gives me pause leading me to believe that my head of security had a greater instinct to Susannah than I had.

''Thank you, Taylor. I'll need you to organise surveillance on her. I have some reservations with Ms. Daniels and based on our conversation this evening I have reasons to believe we may experience some issues from her."

''Very well, Mr. Grey. Will that be all?''

''No. Ms. Steele will require her own security when we go public with our relationship. Do you have someone in mind for her CPO?'' I'm sure Ana will not be pleased with having someone following her around, but one ambush by the press and she will see reason. I chuckle, she's one unexpected woman, and I find myself pleased with that thought. But I must remember, she's not mine. She's a business partner and nothing more. It's sobering.

Speaking of business partners, I need to have a serious conversation with Elena. She's responsible for vetting these subs, and this is the second sub who's failed my expectations. What the fuck is she doing? These are serious bombs being dropped on me. Where, the fuck, is she picking these women from? The BDSM fucked up farm? I'm brought back to the here and now.

''Sir, I recommend Sawyer as the perfect candidate for Ms Steele. I can introduce them tomorrow if you wish.''

As efficient as ever, he probably had this in mind the moment this arranged marriage was agreed upon. And THAT's why I keep him on my payroll. He's simply the best at what he does.

Wait! Sawyer? As in Taylor's usual backup Sawyer? The pretty boy Sawyer? I'll admit the guy is good at what he does, but I don't want a guy who looks like a male underwear model glued to Anastasia's side. Never a good idea to dangle a carrot in front of a starving horse. I'm about to protest but stop myself at the last moment.

Who the fuck am I right now?

Reacting to this I may seem weak and insecure to my team, and I'm neither of those. Besides, if anything does come out of it, that would be Ana's business, not mine. If she's discreet, I have no reason to be concerned.

''Get a meeting with him and set it up Taylor. I'd like him in place immediately. I also wish to be present during the meeting to diffuse any tension if needed''

I see a slight smirk forming in the corner of Taylor's mouth. What's that about?

''Certainly Sir. If that's all, I will get on with the arrangements''

I dismiss him with a wave and continue out of my office toward my bedroom. I'm exhausted and mentally drained. One can only hope that things will settle into a routine soon.

The only other options I see ahead of me are Jail or the Inpatient Psychiatry ward at UW Medical Centre. Wouldn't that be ironic. One of the Universities which I support housing one of their prominent benefactors. What a joke!

Mia POV

Bloody hell! I can't believe that man was my father. He's never, EVER, talked to me like that before, let alone my mom.

Mom and I sit stunned silent by dad's last statement. I look over to my mother to see how she's taking dad's tirade, and she's just as confused and flabbergasted as I am.

Dad must be full of shit. There's no way what he says is true. Christian and Elliot were supposed to marry one of my friends. That's how I always envisioned us to be. We'd all hang out together, go on vacations and have fun.

On first meeting Ana, I was thrilled, but as I listened to her, the more disinterested I became. Christian is almost thirty, and she's a bloody teenager! If he's going to hitch himself with a girl my age, might as well be one of my friends, not some nothing from no-where.

God, she's so uptight, exasperatingly boring with zero fashion sense. My brother deserves someone more refined than this Ana. He needs to have someone who'd compliment him when he attends all those red- carpet benefits, business meetings, galas and other public outings. Sure, Anastasia's pretty, I'll give her that, but she comes off as an opinionated brat who would never fit into our social circle.

I'm still thinking this over when mom pulls me out of my musings.

''I gather with the shocked expression on your face, you had no clue either about your brothers, more specifically Christian. I'm surprised considering you have a closer relationship with Christian than anyone else in the family. I sure as hell never knew. I do hope your father is wrong about Ana being the one. All of this is just too much too fast.'' She shudders.

Yea, I'm with you on this one mom.

''We all know about Elliot and his proclivities, but Christian? No fucking way."

Mom gives me a disapproving look.

"Language Mia. You're still a lady."

"Sorry. Bad habit."

"I've noticed that there are a few bad habits you've picked up while in Paris, and those need to change."

"I already apologized for swearing mom. Give it up already. Besides the swearing part couldn't be avoided having Christian and Elliot as brothers."

I wave mom's look of concern off. Fuck my bad habits. My bad habits are not important right now. Christian getting tied to Ana The Opinionated Bitch is more upsetting.

"Do you believe that Christian is as much of a man-whore as Elliot? It seems too unrealistic. I'm sure we would've met one of his girls over the years, right. It's Christian for Gosh sakes. It's just odd wouldn't you say?''

This point is really bothering me. Women throw themselves at him left and right all the bloody time it's annoying, but never has he shown any interest in any of them. Not even any of my friends who I thought would catch his eye. Like Grandma I truly thought he was gay and afraid to come out.

Maybe Ana's just his beard or a transvestite, or a she-man or man-she. Fuck if I know what the right pronoun is now. Not very politically correct savvy.

"I mean. C'mon mom. I would never have guessed Christian to be as promiscuous as Elliot. That bomb of information was surprising, but what dad said does make sense. Elliot's forays are so public, I wouldn't be surprised if he has a revolving door installed to his bedroom and half a dozen kids that we know nothing about. Christian, being the public figure that he is would have more to lose, so I get the need for discretion. It'd be bad publicity if he was seen walking out of clubs with a different woman every week''

Something is off with this Ana chick. I would never peg someone like her to be Christian's type, and I know my brother better than anyone. She's got something on him and she's just using him for her own nefarious reason. Maybe something to do with her dad's company.

''I did invite Ana to hang out with me and my friends on Tuesday. I hope she's still planning to join us. It will give me the perfect opportunity to get more intel on her. We're going to attend a small benefit at a new gallery downtown. Do you think Christian would show up too?''

I'm brilliant! Simply brilliant. We'll go shopping for dresses first and I can find out if Christian is already supporting her fully. Then we'll get ready at Esclava. After all, there's no better way to have some girl talk. We can shoot the shit while we get our nails done. My girlfriends will be there too, and I'm sure they'd be eager to voice their opinion on Ms. Steele, no holds barred.

Fuck, Tuesday is going to be epic.

''Oh, I think that is a good idea, honey. I may not be fully on board with Ana yet, but we still need to give her a chance."

Mom rubs her temples with her fingertips most likely trying to rub the whole after dinner fiasco away.

"Okay Mia. I'm heading for bed. I'm tired, so I'll see you in the morning."

Mom leans over and kisses my cheek before she gets up and heads upstairs.

"Good night Mia'' she says in parting.

I sit in the living room a few moments longer contemplating my 'Get Rid of Anastasia' plan.

That little gold-digger doesn't stand a chance against me. I always was Christian's number one girl, and I don't see that changing any time soon.

Anastasia POV

Sunday 12 May 2019

The moment I step into Kate's apartment the ever-curious fireball starts her interrogation.

''The fact that you're here and with the expression on your face I take it dinner didn't go very well?"

She grabs my hand and drags me to the couch. I see a bottle of wine with two glasses placed on the coffee table.

Shit. I don't drink. I could've sworn I told her this already. Maybe she forgot.

''Relax girl, it's non-alcoholic. I also have lots of ice cream to put us into the mood'' she wiggles her eyebrows making me giggle. She is simply the best.

''Thanks Kate. I really appreciate this'' I motion towards the setting '' This wasn't necessary, but I love it none the less.''

''Ana, that's what friends are for; to pick you up when you're down. NOW, my patience is wearing thin here, so spill''

She hands me the tub of caramel ice cream and makes herself comfortable with the tub of chocolate one. We're both digging in with globs of ice cream on our spoons.

God, I so needed this.

''I don't even know where to begin.'' I sigh.

I decide to leave Christian's in-house sex buddy out of the conversation, but otherwise I would appreciate her advice on Grace and Mia. I'm out of the loop with the chick thing, so I'm holding out for Kate to give me a quick 101 Girl Session lesson.

''Everything started off great. His mom was surprised, but delighted. Mia, she's Christian's baby sister; she was all bubbly and interested in me too. And his grandmother, Adele, she was the happiest of all. What a hoot that one is. You'd love her, if you ever get a chance to meet her. I bet a million that she's already started a binder for Christian and my wedding.''

Despite how the evening ended, memories of Adele and her shenanigans make me laugh.

''Ok. So, when did it go south?''

''Not just south as in California south. Fuck! I'm talking serious Antarctica South, and it went fast! The moment I told them I was moving in with Christian shit hit the fan! The mood swung so fast my head was spinning trying to figure out what-the-fuck.

Ok. So, get this, and tell me if I'm the one not tracking correctly, because I have no idea where Grace and Mia are getting their attitude from based on the conversation.

Grace asks me where I'd be staying now that I'm back in Seattle. I told her that I had a condo, but Christian wanted me to move in with him, so in the end we decided to do just that. Somehow, from there I'm a scheming slut taking advantage of her angelic son!'' I snort.

Angelic my ass. Art, maybe, angelic?! I don't even want to know what his ass has been up to.

''And his sister, Mia; fuck, what an entitled brat. That girl has some serious case of Disney evil stepsister attitude, which I'm suspecting stems from misplaced jealousy. Mia wasn't getting the attention she normally would from her beloved brother, hence'' pointing to myself, "bad guy"

Kate starts laughing, but I don't find it funny at all. I'm fucking confused. How does one deal with these people? Kate looks back at me and tries to control her outburst, but she's failing miserably. I just sit and wait until she's calmed down, then take another scoop full of much deserved ice cream.

Fuck this shit tastes good.

''Sorry, sorry. Obviously, Mia Grey hasn't changed much in the last couple of years. From the sound of it she's gotten even worse.''

Worse? What does she mean worse?

''Wait a second. You know Mia?'' she nods still laughing her ass off ''Fuck! You could've told me! Y'know friends warn friends of impending danger, especially when they're going into hostile territory!"

Bitch.

''Sorry, Ana. Truthfully that fact slipped my mind completely. I don't really know her. I know about her. We went to the same school, but never interacted. She was the epitome of a queen Bee. You know the Mean Girls type. She was a popular girl with lots of airheaded girlfriends just like her. You know, 'Like' attract 'Like'. Anyway, they followed her around like a bad smell, all hoping to hook up with one of her brothers.''

Kate laughs again. Myself I see it more as a tragedy than a comedy; pathetic.

And this is now my life. Christ what did I get myself into? It looks like Christian is not the only one in the family with mental trouble.

''Good God, Kate. She's bloody more than three years older than me, and you're telling me she hasn't changed?!"

''Well going off from what you just told me, no; she hasn't changed. She had a huge crush on my older brother Ethan and chased him hard. About two years ago he relented and asked her out. He came back an hour later pissed as hell.

He ranted on and on about him wasting his time, something about instincts and what an emptyheaded brat she is. Turned out she didn't shut her mouth for a moment, speaking incessantly about shopping and places to party. But the final straw was her attitude. That really turned him off."

She turns her body to face me, one leg tucked under her on the couch, spooning into her ice cream like she's trying to test how big of a scoop she can get in one go, while I'm waiting for the rest of the story.

"According to Ethan, Mia was acting like she was doing him a favour by going out with him, and now that they were dating, he'd better tow the party line and start kissing the ground she walked on.''

I look at Kate in shock. Now it is my turn to laugh hysterically because never in my life have, I ever, heard of something as ridiculous as like this before. Poor guy. It must've been the ultimate first date from hell.

''Yep! In the end he just stood up and left the restaurant without a backward glance''

''Ouch! That's cruel, but I don't blame him.''

That must have been a hell of a hit to Mia's ego, but obviously didn't make any impact on her.

''Me neither! Sometimes I still tease him about that one. He always has to take a shot every time I bring it up when we play Never Have I Ever."

I look at her puzzled.

"Y'know. It's a drinking game. Never Have I Ever…had a first date from hell! It's a guaranteed shot!"

And Kate goes off laughing again.

"But what I was trying to say is let Christian deal with his relations. You should still be polite and stuff, but if one of them extends an olive branch, accept it.'' She gives me a pointed look and I sigh.

''The most hilarious part of all this is that I'm the teenager and everyone expects me to be the bigger person."

With that we erupt into hysterical laughter again and it feels great!

Oh, thank you God for sending Kate my way!

So now we are officially done with the weekend from hell, time to move on with the action )

Ilenka