The next several weeks were hectic with school. I had so many papers due and tests to study for. I wanted to do well. It was important to me to prove not only to everyone else, but myself. That I could so something other than ballet and excel at it. Ever since we'd came back from Miami, things had been going well between Christian and I. Our relationship was progressing at a steady pace and ever since he'd told me about his past relationships, we'd started to open up more. I learned that he was adopted when he was a toddler due to an abusive household. My heart ached for Christian the boy. I wanted to disappear in time to save him but thank god his parents had done that. One subject he wasn't keen on focusing on however was his past in BDSM. I couldn't comprehend the Christian I now know engaging in such…acts. Imagining him tied up in a dungeon sent shivers down my spine and not the good kind.

It confused me he'd never been even remotely kinky with me. Like, nothing. Not so much as a blindfold or handcuffs. It confused and irritated me. Did he not find me desirable in that way? Or did he not think he'd be able to handle it? Each time I broached the topic he would shoot me down and I know he regrets ever telling me. I need more information and if Christian won't give it to me, I'll have to look elsewhere.

Its Friday night now and after a busy week I'm spending the night watching movies and eating rubbish with Kate. We're both on the couch, mid-way through Clueless when she asks me about Christian.

"Things seem to be getting serious," she says through a mouthful of Doritos.

I nod, bringing a cushion to my chest.

"Things are great, it's just…sometimes I think he's hiding things."

She looks at me now with a quizzical expression. "Like what?"

I cave and tell her about his BDSM history.

"Shit," she says with a grimace. "Well it's obvious he had some shit going on. To be into that, like so full on with dungeons and stuff…he must have been in a dark place."

I bite my lip. It makes sense. Maybe he under exaggerated when talking about the bad patch he went through.

"But it's okay," I tell Kate. "Some woman named Leila saved him.'

Kate makes a face. "Leila?"

I nod. "He said she introduced him to the lifestyle."

Just thinking about another woman being with Christian that way makes me uneasy.

"We should find out who she is," Kate says, jumping up and almost knocking the snacks.

"'How?" I say, leaning forward, my interest piqued.

Kate rolls her eyes. "Because I'm a genius at finding people. Honestly, I should work for the FBI or something."

She grabs her laptop and brings it back down. I scoot closer to her as she starts her search.

"Do you know her last time?" She asks.

I shake my head.

"Does she live in Seattle?"

"I guess?"

"Ana you could give me something to work with."

"She's into BDSM," I tell her.

She laughs.

After scrolling through countless Leila's, we finally find one that looks like it might be here. She looks in her thirties, she has brown hair, blue eyes and a stunning figure. Waves of jealousy wash over me as we look. Kate clicks on her about me information.

"Look. She works at this place called Seattle Elite," Kate says, clicking on the website.

Seattle Elite is a members only highbrow club in central town. It specialises in BDSM erotica and I immediately know that we've found her.

"Should we send her a message?" Kate suggests.

"Saying what?"

She shrugs. "That we're interested in BDSM. We'll just pretend we want to know about the scene. Get to know her and then ask about Christian."

I grimace. The plan doesn't sound bad, but I shudder to think about what Christian would do if he found out.

"He won't find out," Kate assures me as if reading my mind. "We'll use my fake account, hold on."

Kate quickly logs into her stalker account and is soon sending a message to Miss Leila Williams.

It reads:

Hi. I'm sorry for messaging you out of the blue but whilst doing some research I saw that you work at Seattle's Elite. I have a friend and both of us are interested in getting into the BDSM scene. We're unsure where to start. If you have any advice or information, please get in touch ASAP.

Penny C

I nod my approval as she clicks send.

"Do you think she'll answer?" I ask.

Kate shrugs. "We'll see."

She closes her laptop, stands and asks if I want popcorn.

Saturday afternoon is spent at the ice rink with Christian and Violetta. We have so much fun and it brings back memories of our time skating in New York.

"Do you remember?" I ask him, cradling his face mid-skate.

"I remember how much I wanted to kiss you," he confesses.

I smirk and pull his lips to mine. "Now you can."

"Ana!"

We break away and I look down at Violetta's little face glaring at me. "You said you would teach me to twirl."

I laugh. "Of course, madam," I grab her hand, spinning her around effortlessly. She stumbles giggling and I catch her.

Christian kisses us both and we glide away whilst he chases us.

Later that evening, we're in bed and Christian kisses his way down my neck. I arch, giving him full access as I close my eyes in pleasure. I then think of an idea and sit up suddenly.

He looks at me confused.

"You not in the mood?" He asks, breaking away.

I pull him closer and straddle him.

"I'm always in the mood for you."

He kisses me in response.

"I want to try something," I whisper against his lips.

"Hmm."

He ignores me, continuing to kiss but I get up quickly and go straight to his drawer and pull out a tie. It's navy blue. I wave it at him and he looks at me quizzically.

"What are you doing?"

I make my way back to him with the tie.

"I want you to blindfold me," I tell him, seating myself back in his lap. I start kissing his ear. "I want you to tie me up."

I expect him to throw me on the bed and do as I request but he surprises me by pulling away.

"What's all this about?" He asks. I can't quite read his tone but it's not a happy one.

I take a deep breath. "I just wanted to try something new."

"You're bored already? I didn't realise we quite needed to spice things up in the bedroom just yet."

I roll my eyes.

"Of course I'm not. I just…I thought you'd like it."

He looks at me for a long moment. "Is this about the BDSM?" He finally asks.

I blush.

"Ana," he says, holding my face. "What I have, what we have is enough."

He takes the tie from my hand and discards it on the floor. "We don't need this," he says. "I promise."

"Why don't you want to do it with me?" I ask, my voice painfully small. I'm trying my best not to show the rejection but it's hard. Why won't he blindfold me? It's seriously not a big deal.

He moves his hands and untangles himself from me. I've annoyed him.

"I'm going to get a drink," he says, standing.

I look at him in bewilderment. "Why are you shutting me down?"

"Why do you keep pressing?" His voice is angry and defensive.

"Because you won't tell me anything!" I say equally as sharp.

"I told you that it's a part of my past," he glares. "It's in the past. It's over. Finished. I'm not talking about this anymore with you."

I stand, pulling on my clothes.

"What are you doing?" He rolls his eyes.

"I can't stay after all," I tell him. "I've got work to do."

"Ana stop being ridiculous."

I storm past him.

I'm down the stairs, out the front door and driving home before I even have time to cry.

Kate's back waiting for me at home with a blanket and her shoulder.

"I don't deserve you," I say as she dries my tears.

"I know," she winks.

We sit in silence for several moments before she speaks.

"Want to talk about it?"

"He just shut me down," I say, wiping my eyes and leaning back. "He won't tell me anything about it."

"You can't make people talk Ana," Kate says reproachfully. "You have to give them time. Time to trust and learn to open up."

"He should trust me," I insist. "I'd never judge him."

"He doesn't know that," she counters. "You probably shouldn't have walked out Ana. It's not exactly showing him that you're mature enough to handle things."

I glare at her but deep down I know she's right. I'm stubborn to a fault and it's one of my biggest weaknesses.

"Anyway," Kate says, changing the subject. "Leila messaged back."

I sit up. "Show me."

Hi Penny. You've come to the right place. I'd be happy to show you and your friends around the club. I'll answer any questions you have, and I promise it's all completely confidential. How about we all meet one day this afternoon on your lunch break? Let me know. – Leila

My eyes widen and Kate smirks.

"Looks like we've got a date with Christian's ex," she says.

I grimace.

I hope I've done the right thing because there's no turning back now. The can of worms has been opened and I'm digging right through them.

A/N EEK. Oh Ana. Some people just can't leave things alone but then again, where's the fun in that? ;) I hope you enjoyed! The next chapter is gonna be a good one and there's gonna be a whole lot of drama and worms. Let me know what you think by leaving a review. Love as always – Elizabeth.

P.S There will be a sneak peek going up on the blog later tonight!