Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU to every SINGLE HUMAN BEING who left a review and send me PMs with encouragement. I am so humbled. Thank you for seeing this story for what it is... as fanficition. Thank you for following along. It means the world to me.


Chapter 38 – The Game of Love.

Tuesday, February 11th, 2020.

CPOV:

"Long time no see, Christian." John says as we take our respective seats.

"You saw me on Friday night, John." I roll my eyes.

"You know what I mean... so, lay it all out for me. What's on your mind?"

I take swallow and take a deep breath. So much is on my fucking mind. When I'm with Ana, I'm calm. Nothing bothers me that much. I'm in the moment, I'm fully present and I'm safe. As soon as we're apart, I feel that shift. That need for order, control and stability. It's a different need. Before Ana it was the BDSM. It was the need for emotionless sex and punishing sessions. Purely physical. With Ana, it's the need for her. She's a balm, a calming presence. Even when it's an intense moment as long as we're together, in close proximity to each other... I feel a sense of calm.

"Christian?"

"I'm struggling." It's the only word that makes sense.

"With what exactly?"

"I had my first scene with Ana this past weekend."

"I see. Did something negative happen?

"Not during the scene but after, it's not entirely bad but it was something she said that got me thinking. I talked to her about it and she told me she had a vision of sorts. She went into subspace during the scene and I could tell she had, I looked into her eyes and I could tell she was in another... she wasn't here... I felt a connection with her, I have never felt that during a scene... I felt closer to her. I fell more in love with her" I stop for a few moments. "She told me she had this dream, a vision... of herself running through a field after a little boy, our son... and she felt me standing behind her caressing her belly as we looked at the little boy in front of us. He had my hair and Ana's eyes." Even just repeating all this has me filled with emotion.

"That sounds like a positive experience. I mean you said it was your first scene together."

"It was. We talked about it, it was a candid conversation but she asked me why she felt low after it was all over and I explained that she was experiencing a subdrop and that she needed to talk to me about whatever she was feeling so that I could take care of her. She asked me if I ever felt that way when I was a submissive and I told that when I did, I had to learn to channel into productivity but then said that my subs had to have felt this way too and I told her that my aftercare for them was elemental and not emotional and it was different with her because I loved her."

"That sounds about right. What seems to be bothering you about this exchange?"

"I could have shown a little more compassion to my submissives. When I told Ana that I had never experienced aftercare during subdrops she said I deserved to be cared for... I told her it was part of the manipulation I guess, I only realized it after she said that. How Elena suppressed my emotions... and then... I don't know it was just clear the extent of how much of a fucking asshole I've been."

"So you regret your treatment of your submissives?"

"A little. I know that we were consenting adults. Everything was negotiated. I understand all that but my intentions... my intentions have always been fucked up. I guess that's what has been slowly eating at me. I may not have gone beyond a safe word but I know I got off on inflicting pain. I know that I looked for ways to could punish them more than have sex with them. Even the sex had a punishment aspect to it. There is no real difference between the pimp who beat that shit out of my mother and what I did."

"Christian, I believe that is a gross generalization and unfair comparison. You cannot possibly compare yourself to a man who not only abused your birth mother and forced her into prostitution but also abused an innocent child. You said it yourself, you were consenting adults, if those women felt abused they would've terminated their contracts immediately. How many women terminated a contract with you?"

"Only one. Leila Williams."

"Because she fell in love with you and wanted more and when you told her that you couldn't offer that she immediately terminated the contract before you could. Right?"

"Yes."

"With the rest, you always terminated it. Correct?"

"Because they always wanted more or did shit to piss me off and were obsessed with harsher punishments."

"So you had a limit to your punishments even if they wanted it to be harsher?"

"Yes."

"What's really bothering you about this realization?"

"I've been lying to myself about what BDSM is really about. I tried, albeit a very introductory version of it with Ana and it was so much more. It meant so much more. I wanted to give her pleasure. I talked to her through everything, reminding her that I was there and she was safe. "

"Because you love her Christian. That's the main thing here."

"I know that. I told Ana that I never provided emotional aftercare to my subs because they were all experienced in the lifestyle and knew how to handle themselves and that I had no desire for that level of connection."

"Did Ana tell you that what you did was wrong? The lack of emotion?"

"No. Not at all. It was just how she said it. She felt for them... and it bothered me. Her saying that made me question myself and my motives. I know I used to say that I was sick fuck who beat women who looked like his mother for sexual pleasure but... I don't know John, I don't know why this is affecting me so much. It's all in the fucking past."

"Christian, introspection isn't a bad thing but letting it consume you is a disservice to yourself. This self loathing you're feeling... you can't hold on to it. I'll say this again, if you really were a sadist, which is what you're referring to essentially, then you would've caused some serious harm to these women and you didn't. You had limits, you did take care of these women, you gave them what they wanted within reason and within contract. They knew what they had signed up for and had the power to terminate these arrangements."

"I know. I guess, I just... when I see myself through Ana's eyes I feel undeserving of her."

"Has she recently said anything outright that's been negative?"

"No, it's been the opposite. I told her that I didn't think I'd be a good father and she reminded me of all my accomplishments and how I take care of the people in my life and that as long as I loved her, I would set a good example for my son and daughter and show them how to respect and love women and what to look for in a partner."

"Sounds about right."

"I want to be worthy of her, John."

"I think she's already made that decision, Christian. She wants you in you life. She's agreed to marry you."

"She doesn't need me like I need her."

"Is that what's really bothering you?"

"Yes."

"Christian, we spoke about this before. Ana has a strong network of relationships around her. This is still very new for you. As much as you love her, Ana cannot be your everything. She's also an individual who treasures her individuality. You have that in your professional and public life but in your private life, you've kept yourself isolated, you don't really have friends or a network outside of your personal employees and family. What I'm saying is that you need friends. You need to hangout with people as the kids say."

I laugh. "I don't even know how to be a friend. I mean... I had lunch with Ros and Ana's friends at GEH and it was entertaining. I didn't contribute much but having her there was... well it felt right. We both went to Ros's babyshower and I enjoyed myself but again only because she was there."

"Christian Grey at a baby shower? This I'd pay good money to see." He laughs.

I roll my eyes. "I actually participated in some of the games. You'd be proud."

"Christian, honestly, in the last 3 months you've had a lot of breakthroughs. You need to appreciate your journey. You'll get there. We're all a work in progress. "

APOV

I just finished telling Jose, Val and Phillip everything. I didn't cry. I just said it all. Now they're looking at me. Stunned. Fuck, there's that look again. Now I feel the tears forming

"Please don't look at me like that. I'm fine now, I'm healed."

"Ana... I'm..." Jose stammers.

Val gets up and envelopes me in a crushing hug. "I'm sorry." She whispers and on cue the dam bursts. Fuck. Why the fuck am I crying? Get it together, Steele.

Jose and Phillip come in for a hug too and we all sit close to each other and Jose holds my hand.

"Does Christian know all this?" Val asks in a heavy voice.

"Yeah he does."

"Please tell me he's doing something to bring that motherfucker down."

"Val, it's complicated. It would cause a lot of rifts in the family. I cannot let one person ruin everything I have with that family and blow everything up... everything's connected. The business, the relationships... it's messy."

"Bullshit, he deserves to be in jail. In solitary confinement." Val is seething.

"Val, I understand what Ana is saying. Look, you guys already know this I was molested by my mom's younger brother; my own uncle, who was supposed to be a protector and a father figure to me. Just like Ana's cousin who made her believe he was a brother. I never could tell my mom. That fucker died and I still couldn't tell her. Some of it's fear and some of it's to prevent more heartbreak not only in terms of your family finding out but also for yourself because it's heartbreaking to seem them go through the guilt." Jose shares. He gets it. Finally, someone gets it.

Phillip hugs Jose, while Val shakes her head and a new wave of tears fall from her eyes.

"Is he good to you Ana, Christian? Is he a good guy?" Val asks with a heavy and wavering voice.

"He's the best, Val. I was initially apprehensive but I think us meeting at the wedding was good. I mean, he wasn't a billionaire or my boss and I wasn't his employee, we got to know each other as ourselves in this little bubble. He's completely different than the person we see at work. He's extremely private, yes but he has his reasons. Otherwise he is a really good guy. He's made me so happy and he cherishes me." I smile at her and she nods.

Jose snorts. "With buns like that and a bank account to match he better be making you happy."

We fall into a fit of laughter.

"Tell us Steele, how good is it?" Jose wiggles his eyebrows.

"It's good. Like, REALLY good. That's all I'm gonna say."

"BITCH I WANT DETAILS"

"Why are you so interested in my hetero sex life?"

"I'm interested in gossip. SPILL."

"Isn't it enough that I'm not longer Asexual Steele?"

"When are you gonna trap his ass?"

"When the time is right. I'll trap it. Right now, I just want to be a girlfriend and have fun. Being a wife can wait for a bit."

"DIOS MIO DIS BITCH WANTS ME TO DIE. I am looking for a lifetime hookup girl, hurry up and get married so we can cash in on this connection." Jose is dead serious at this point and I have to laugh.

"Yes Jose, I will get married so that you all can wine, dine and shop like a bunch of Queens on my black amex tab."

"See, now you get it. I knew you'd see it my way... though, I'll still be the ONLY Queen in this little group." Jose sings as he takes a big sip of his wine.

We fall into our rhythm of conversation and discuss what we're wearing at the Gala. I show them my dress options and Jose gives more than his two cents. I offer them to join me in getting ready and Jose all but jumps at the chance to be treated like royalty. I'm suddenly so excited about tomorrow.

...

I got home around 10pm and took a quick shower and set out my clothes for the next day when I get a call from Christian.

"Hey baby..." He croons and on cue I'm a mess.

"Hi you, what's up?"

"Nothing much, what are you doing?"

"I just got done with a quick shower and now I'm eating some ice-cream straight from the pint like a heathen. You?"

He laughs. I love it when he laughs. He looks and sounds so young and I want more of it.

"What flavor?"

"Your favorite, vanilla." I giggle.

"True, it is my favorite. I wouldn't mind some of it right now to be honest."

"Is this a booty call, Grey?" I laugh.

"Miss Steele, I would really like it to be."

"You want me to come over?" I giggle.

"No, I'll come over."

"Wait, you're serious?" He better not be playing with me... my body will not be happy if this is a drill.

"Miss Steele, do I sound like I'm joking?" There's that serious Dom voice but I sense a hint of amusement.

"No sir, you don't." I giggle.

"I will be there in 15 minutes."

"I'll see you then." I say as sweetly as I can.

Fuck, I should change out these panda pajamas and wear something sexy. God, I'm pathetic, I'm 24 and this is my first booty call experience and I'm giggling like a schoolgirl about it. He makes everything so exciting.

I run into my room and realize I left most of the lingerie stuff that I got with Caroline Acton at Christian's place. These panda pajamas will not do. I still have the robe he got me from Japan. I'll just wear that with nothing underneath... it'll help get to the point quicker.

I fix my hair and now I wait. The anticipation is killing me. Thank God Kate is at Elliot's. I miss my best friend but I like the idea of being alone with Christian in the apartment too.

I eat a few more spoons of ice-cream and head back into my room to listen to some music and lightly apply some perfume. I play some music to relax myself and bide the time. I'm so nervous and excited. I can't help but rolls my eyes at myself.

Rising like the smoke
You linger on me
You got me so high
I can finally breathe
You're walking poetry
It's what you do to me
It's what you do to me
Touch me with no hands
Hold me with your eyes
Unwind me with your mind tonight
Speak with no words
Show me and I'm all yours
Show me and I'm all yours

I'm going through instagram and catching up on what the world is up to when I hear the door knock. Fuck, he's here. Why is it that you always have the urge to giggle or laugh at the wrong time?

He's late. He's 6 minutes late.

I open the door slightly and fuck me... why is this man so hot? All he's wearing is a pair of black jeans with a white tee and a black leather jacket with that signature smirk. The ultimate bad boy and he's all mine.

Must. Remain. Calm. And. Collected. Do. Not. Smile. Girl. Of. Steele.

I signal him to enter.

"You're six minutes late." I say with a raised eyebrow. DO NOT SMILE, ANA.

"Excuse me?" Oh shit, there's that Dom voice from the weekend.

"You heard me." I try not to smile but I end up laughing.

"Miss Steele, I have to say, I do not like your tone."

I roll my eyes. "Well, I don't like to be kept waiting." Take that, Grey.

CPOV

"Did you roll your eyes at me?"

"Yep." She says defiantly.

"That's impolite, I think you need a spanking to remind you of your manners." I say with slight aggression, pushing against the wall. I'm so fucking turned on right now. All she's wearing is the robe I got her and I can see her hardened nipples through the silk fabric.

"And just how many will remind me of my place?" She's even more defiant, raising an eyebrow and looking me dead in the eye.

"5 should do it."

Her breathing has changed and her skin is on fire. I can feel her heat as I lower my lips to hover over hers.

"Yes sir." She moans. Fuck me she's so good. I grab her hand and drag her to the bedroom, I hear her giggle as she tries to keep up with me. It makes me smile. She's always playful. I let go off her hand and take off my jacket and place my bag down by her closet. Her room is still bathed in red light from that night.

"Look at me." She raises face to look at me. "Take off your robe." She opens it slowly and slips it off her shoulders. She's completely naked. My jeans are now suffocating me.

I sit down on her bed and hold my hand out for her to take and take her across my knee.

"Why am I spanking you Anastasia?"

"Because I rolled my eyes." She says innocently. Fuck, my dick is begging for her and I don't know if I'll last. I'm going to have to learn how to control myself all over again.

"And is that polite?"

"No sir."

"Now, you're going to count with me."

"Yes sir."

I lay it on her one after one and she counts. After the last one, I quickly check and am pleasantly surprised to find that she's completely drenched. She never disappoints. Before I lift to pin her down to the bed, she straddles me and kisses me roughly, biting my bottom lip. I can't help but let her.

She looks into my eyes "fuck me sir, make me scream."

Holy fuck, I love this woman, she's always surprising me. "Topping from the bottom Miss Steele, I see how it is." I say and she giggles. I pin her down to the bed and kiss her roughly as she opens her legs, inviting me to take her. I quickly unzip position myself and slam into her hard. She gasps and moan into my mouth, I can feel her smile. I place my hands on either side of her head and push into her. She throws her head back and moans. She looks back up at me with such a fire in her eyes "Harder, sir, please." She bites her lip and I almost come at the sight. I attack her mouth again and fuck her as hard as I can. We come together and it's loud and raw and everything that I knew it could possibly ever be with her. She's so fucking good.

I lie next to her panting "baby, where have you been all my life?"

She giggles and looks to me and shrugs one shoulder "I've been around... mostly stalking your ass" with such sass. I grab her face and kiss her deeply.

"Miss Steele, I'm completely under your spell now."

She giggles. "I know, mission accomplished" and she pulls me to kiss her again. "This was quite a booty call experience to remember, thank you Mr. Grey."

"We aim to please, Miss Steele. Another first for us."

"Good luck finding a charm for that." She laughs out loud.

After another round, we clean up and soon lie in bed facing each other as we recap our day. She tells me about her dinner with Jose and Valerie and how it all went. She sounds and looks relieved now that they know.

"How was your session with Flynn? You don't have to tell me specifics, I just wanted to know if it was a good session or not?" she smiles as she runs her hand through my hair.

Do I tell her about my realization with the subs. Do I need to? It's not worth it. It's all in the past. I need to move forward now. I need to move forward with Ana. She's all that matters.

"It was good. He made me realize that I need to expand my personal life. I need... more friends. He's been saying that for years actually but it's the first time I've heard him I guess... and that I can't possibly expect you to be everything for me."

"Do you agree with his assessment?"

"I don't know. I've never had... friends. I never sought out those connections. I knew that relationships like that would have expectations that I could never meet. I didn't want to talk, I wanted to be alone and... on the other hand I got what I wanted from the lifestyle. I never looked to expand my life beyond that and my family... till you."

"I understand that. It's one of the reasons why I never wanted to date in college or... I guess ever. A romantic relationship would have had expectations that I couldn't possibly fulfill given everything I had been through. John is right, we can't be each other's everything but we can be incredibly important for each other. We can be each other's anchor. " She places her hand on my cheek and give me a small kiss.

"As for the friendships, that will take time for you to open up and shed this image you've established. I mean you're a sweetheart, you're funny... not as funny as me but like I'd rate you at a solid 5 maybe." She giggles.

"Why thank you for the realistic rating Miss Steele. Way to wound a guy's ego."

"Just keeping it real Grey, you have enough people inflating your ego." She sticks her tongue out at me. "No but seriously, friendships are a lot of give and take, you choose your friends, yes but... it's like Kate and I, we're so different but we're also so alike. We've influenced each other. I saw a lot the spark I used to have in myself when I was a kid. I mean yeah we both had complicated relationships with our mothers and we bonded on that but Kate... I think she's a lot like you in many ways. She takes no prisoners, she accomplishes whatever she sets her mind to. She's dreamt a very big life for herself. I was the complete opposite and there were things that she did that I never agreed with but I had to realize that she was a good person and we had similar values... who just did things a little differently from me. As long as her and I shared some very important core values... the other stuff... was just that... other stuff. Every relationship requires expansion and contraction of your personality and most of all, friendships like romantic relationships require patience. Something that I don't think you've really had to deal with."

"Yeah, I haven't. Patience has never been my strong suit."

"You know we have a saying. Sabar ka phal meetha hota hai. Which if I were to literally translate would mean, the fruit born of patience is sweet. Much like I guess you may have seen with Grandpa Theo when helping him out with the orchards; you told me he said that sometimes you all you can and then you have to let nature take its course. Sometimes you get what you want after a long wait and it's that more meaningful and sometimes you don't and it hurts but you learn to get over it and you move on to the next thing and looking back it doesn't seem all that bad. Friendships helped me so much in Portland, even though I kept a lot of stuff hidden, they helped me evolve. Otherwise, trust me, you wouldn't have want to have met the girl I was back then in recovery. I was just a hollow shell biding her time. I'm only like this right now, largely because of Kate." I can feel the emotion in her voice. She's trying her best not to cry.

"I understand what you're saying. I know I need to put myself out there. I guess the only thing I've got close to a friend is Elliot... but he's my brother."

"So? Your brother can be your confidante, your best friend. Before Kate and I became best friends, Ethan was hers. She never had good luck with other women and then we got close she told me that as close as she was to Ethan, nothing beat having a proper girlfriend. You know, girl talk and all." She giggles.

I take a deep breath and look up to the ceiling. "Yeah, I guess. I should test out all this friendship stuff on Elliot, test his limits and shit."

She laughs. "Go ahead, I'm sure he'll love it. He loves you Christian and I know he'd absolutely jump at the chance to spend more time with you. In fact, I think you, Karan and Tony would really get a long. Even if it's talking business, I think you guys could really become bros."

I smile. "Yeah, let's see. Let me know when you want to go to Miami and I'll block out those days in my schedule."

"I will. Tell me, would you consider Ros your friend?"

"Yeah I do actually but I've never discussed anything personal with her. She always has, I've never been able to give her advice but she's used me as a sounding board here and there. In general, I've always found it easy to talk to her. I guess, maybe because she's gay, I knew she wasn't a threat in that way... she's dedicated herself to GEH and yeah, I do consider her a friend... in fact she's more of a bro." I chuckle.

"Then open up to her a little more too. She's your second in command Christian; she's fully invested in protecting your vision and dream, she's been with you every step of the way. You can trust her with your personal stuff too. She's a good person but you already know that."

"Yeah, you're right."

"Slowly but surely, you can do this Mr. Grey. I have faith in you." She gives me a small kiss.

"You always know how to say the right thing. I don't know why I even go to Flynn."

"Cause you like him and he has helped you. He's your friend too, otherwise he would've never invited you and the both of us into his home to help us get better. Inviting someone into your home is such a big step, that level of trust... your home is your safe place, not everyone is worthy of coming in and meeting your family. I learned that from Nana."

I silently nod. I understand what she's saying.

"I would've suggested Jose as well but I think we should take our time on that. He's... well, it takes some time to get used to him and I think we should start you off slow in the friend department." She laughs.

"I find him entertaining. You both know how to get on each other's nerves and that's hilarious to me. As long as he doesn't objectify me, I think I'll be okay."

"He won't, it's all talk but he knows his limits. He's incredibly aware and such a chameleon sometimes. I have seem him act straight and... it's mind blowing. I've seen girls hit on him at bars and it's hilarious when he breaks their hearts. The let down is gentle but still, so hilarious to see." She giggles and then starts to laugh uncontrollably, telling me of this one time in the beginning of their friendship when they went to a bar with some other GEH employees from legal and a girl tried to get his attention.

I kiss her forehead and pull her close to me.

"This song sounds familiar... you sang this to Hasan and Mina's son at the Rahman dinner, right?"

She listens for a moment. "Yeah, I guess I did. It's called And Counting."

When I fall asleep I feel you with me
When I fall asleep I feel you with me
When I fall asleep I feel you with me
Until I fall asleep and you are with me

"I listened to it a lot when we on break. I missed sleeping with you so I had to imagine you were here and try to sleep, wearing your t-shirt helped sometimes..." she shares

I give her a small kiss. "I know you said you couldn't really move in with me... but do you think it's something you'd be willing to consider sometime soon?" I want her with me all the time. I don't want to sleep without her unless I'm away for business or something. It doesn't make any sense. We're better when we're together, what's the point in waiting?

"Umm... Christian, that's a really big step. I mean, I just... this space is mine you know... Escala is... I don't know..."

"You can set up one of the guest bedrooms just as you like it if you want. For whenever you need some time to yourself. It'll be your space completely. Or fuck it, I'll have an interior designer come in and tell them what you like and we can have the whole place renovated."

"Christian, that's insane. I'm not going to make you change your whole life and apartment for me. I mean, I don't want to impose my life on you, I want to invite friends and family over and cook for them and I don't want that to disturb you. I know you like things a certain way."

"You're not making me do anything Ana, I want to move forward with you. We're going to get married eventually... I want you to live with me, and I want our place to look like a home and you have impeccable taste, I know you'll make the entire place beautiful and besides Escala is big enough that noise is not an issue. I want to be a part of your life, Ana. I hate the though of sleeping without you. I fucking hate it. I know that makes me sounds like such a limp dick sap but here I am."

She looks at me with her big blue eyes, and I caress her cheek. "For starters, I don't remember anything about a limp dick when you got here... " She giggles making me chuckle. "... can I think about it for a while? It's still a big step, merging our lives like this. I have to talk to Kate as well. I've been paying bills here and I don't want to just up and leave and say sayonara. I want to make sure she's taken care of too, she's been such an important part of my life." She says with such sincerity.

"Ana, Kate can fend for herself. Besides she's always flying out for work or with Elliot who knows how to cook so she'll be fine... but sure talk to her. She'll be moving in with Elliot soon... I mean, given the proposal and all."

"Then how about I wait till then? Kate's birthday is on March 12th, Elliot will propose to her that weekend."

"Do we have to wait that long?" I grumble.

"Patience is a virtue, Grey." She smirks.

"Fuck." I laugh.

"About that..." she smiles and climbs on top of me.


Wednesday, February 12th, 2020.

APOV

Christian is in Portland for most of the day. He went to WSU to visit with the soil science team to get an update on their new projects, basically to make sure his donations are being well spent. I told him I was half jealous he was visting my Alma Mater and that we needed to visit sometime so I could give him the Steele tour and also... god I really miss Voodoo doughnuts. I'd kill for and Old Dirty Bastard and a Portland Cream right about now.

CG: Miss Steele?

AS: Mr. Grey?

CG: I want you to meet me in the Cascade Suite this evening before you go into the event at the Fairmont.

AS: Is everything okay?

CG: I want to see my girl all dressed up before everyone else does.

AS: I think can that can definitely be arranged ;) love you.

CG: Love you, baby.

He's such a sap. My sap.

At 5pm, Jose, Val and I head out with Sawyer to the Fairmont Spa where she made reservations for us to relax and get ready. Christian told me on Saturday that he had spoken with Caroline to get us a room to get ready in and book the three of us spa appointments. I love how he thinks of everything.

We're hanging around in the spa after our massages in a private room getting our hair done while Jose lounges around in his robe sipping on some champagne.

"Girlfriend, I was MADE for this life..." Jose sings.

"Well I'm glad you feel at home." I snap back.

"Of course I feel at home, when shit is sponsored, I feel at home."

Jose and Caroline, instantly hit it off and focus all their energy on making me look... fuckable after the hair and makeup girls leave.

"Girl, we want him to lose his shit and drag you out of the event and have is way with you."

"Jose, you are way to invested in my sex life." Chances are he'll have his way with me before the event even starts. I sincerely hope he does. He's turned me into an addict. I need help I think.

"I'm invested in you trapping his ass and sex traps any hetero man's ass. So yeah, you better keep that shop open for business, 24/7. I don't care if there's a flood or a volcano eruption forecasted, those legs must remain open so that these little sponsored spa days can keep happening."

I roll my eyes will Caroline and Val laugh their asses off.

"Oh honey, you look magnefique." Caroline gushes. I try to not blush. I definitely feel... magnefique.

"Yassss bitch, you look good." Jose claps with Val who giggles like a school girl.

"Thank you so much Caroline, I feel it." I confess and she winks at me and gives me a hug. "He won't be able to contain himself." She laughs.

Christian is dreading having to spend more than an hour at this. He'd rather drag me home and... well... fuck. Now I'm wet at the mere thought of him again. He's texted me a few times asking for a sneak peek but I keep torturing him.

I chose a black Rasario tulle gown. It makes me feel fun and young but also sophisticated at the same time. Caroline wanted me to pick something more edgy and shiny but I told her I prefer the simple look and that I wanted to blend in a bit. In the end she relented. I guess because Christian maybe wanted that kind of stuff for the subs that she thinks that I may be into that stuff too... the thought worries me a bit but I am who I am. I can't let thoughts of what anyone else likes consume me. I'm finally getting to a point where I don't need to ask anyone how I look, at least not for the sad ass reasons I used to before. Even if Christian ever told me he didn't like what I was wearing... I'd kick his ass.

My hair is blown out, and styled in Hollywood curls and bright and bold red lip with eyeliner and some blush.

This feels good. I'll be fine. As long as Christian is there, I'll be fine. It's about 7:30pm and Christian texted me to let me know that he's in the cascade suite. I'm half regretting the bold red lip. I really want to kiss him. Fuck.

CPOV

I get a security briefing from Taylor before I head out to the Fairmont. Vishaal landed in New York the early hours this morning and after two meetings, his jet took off for San Francisco. Having the fucker on the same coast makes me want to lose my shit but I need to focus on Ana.

I hear the door unlock and open and I see Ana walk in. She looks around and walks straight into the bedroom. I walk to the threshold of the room and lean against the door frame. She turns around confused and jumps a little and starts laughing.

"Creeper! I was looking for my boyfriend. Have you seen him?"

"Boyfriend? I haven't seen him. Can you describe him to me?"

She slowly makes her way to me, smiling and giggling. She's wearing the bracelet I gave her. I fucking love this woman so much, she looks to die for right now.

"Hmm, well... he's a real sweetheart and an amazing kisser. Oh and looks like he belongs on the cover of GQ. And hot damn he looks good in a tux." She says as she puts her arms about my waist laughing.

"Nah, I haven't seen the fucker but I'll be happy to convince you that I'm a better kisser." I give her a small peck. "I thought I told you I was banning this color on you. How the fuck am I supposed to kiss you to my hearts content."

She pouts "I know, but Caroline and Jose were in charge of my look today and I can't handle them both on my own. You can kiss me to your hearts content after the event tonight."

I hold her face in my hands. "I missed you too much today."

"I missed you too."

"I got you something for tonight." I take out the Cartier box from my jacket pocket and hand it to her. Her eyes shoot up.

"Christian, this is from Cartier... why?" she looks like she's about to pass out.

"Just open it Ana, I want you to wear it tonight."

She swallows and slowly opens it and her jaw drops to the floor.

"Oh my God... this is so beautiful but Christian... this is insane. I can't accept this. You already do so much. Please... this..."

"Baby, look at me."

She looks up with tears forming in her eyes.

"I want you to have the best of everything. What you've done for me in such a short time, nothing I do could ever come close to showing you and repaying you for the light you've brought into my life."

"But..."

"I want you to wear these and then when we go home tonight." I lean into her ear. "I'm going to fuck you while you wear nothing but these earrings..." I hear her breathing hitch. I kiss her, I need her and lose myself in her as she moans. I break the kiss and look into her eyes. "You look so fucking beautiful, it's going to be a struggle for me... everyone is going to want you... "

"But I'm all yours Mr. Grey, I don't care about anyone else." She kisses me again and throws her arms around my neck and clings to me.

...

Ros, Ana and I stand and mingle with everyone. I honestly hate this part of going to events, in fact I hate it all but it's necessary to keep up with appearances and maintain GEH's presence in these circles. Ana is a natural and everyone is smitten with her. Ros was right, having her with us is making this a fucking breeze. She really does know how to meet everyone at their level.

We are approached by Jonathan Renner of RESIN, we sometimes use them for forensic auditing of GEH assets every now and then to make sure everything is clean and we're not missing anything. I met him when I first started GEH and like Travis he was always available to give advice whenever it was needed.

"So Anastasia, what's a beautiful woman like you working for an ogre like Grey." Jonathan asks

"Honestly, I'm just seeing how the other half lives." She giggles and we all laugh.

"Finally, someone other than Ros who can put him in his place. If you ever get tired of his face and want to work for some good looking people like myself, feel free to reach out." Jonathan smirks.

"Fat chance of that happening Renner, Ana's too valuable to us." Ros sneers.

"I guess this is the time I should ask for a raise." Ana wiggles her eyebrows and Jonathan laughs.

We take our places at our table. Jose and Val join us along with some other GEH executives. I waned Ana to sit with me but it turned out that she ended up sitting between Ros and Jose.

The theme for this years Gala is 'Love you like a love song." I don't get it. They're making all the tables assign someone to do sing a song with the word love in the title in order to raise money this year. Last year it was a masquerade ball and it was great. I was barely recognized and I left after and hour. Ros cursed me out the next day but there was no way I was going to stick around for that shit.

Seattle-Mason hosts a gala every year to raise money for funds to conduct operations on the less fortunate as part of their free clinic initiative. Suddenly, AHAK's way of philanthropy looks appealing to me. I suppose Ana will want to do that once we are married. In fact, maybe we should have her run a philanthropy division at GEH. As of now, PR deals with that shit but Ana would be perfect for it. I should talk to her about it.

We engage in conversation and the performances start. We're 5 performances in and they've been decent so far, everyone has been opting for the classics. So far, they've raised about $2 million.

"GEH is next." Ros says.

"What are you singing Jose?" Ana asks.

"Actually, my throat sore." Jose coughs.

"Ana, can you sing instead?" Ros asks her point blank.

"Wait, what? NO. Jose is lying, you should've heard him screaming like a girl this afternoon." Ana says in a panic.

"Listen, you'll do much better... Jose is boring."

"Well, fuck you Ros." Jose bites back.

"You know what I mean."

"Ros, I can't sing. I don't even know what the fuck to sing." Ana angry whispers.

I thoroughly amused by this and Ana will definitely kill me. She already giving me that murderous look but I know what Ros is going for.

"Ana, you'll be amazing at it." Ros smiles.

The current performance is coming to an end and it's almost go time for GEH.

Ana rolls her eyes. "You know as my employer I have to tell you that you're putting me in a very uncomfortable situation and as my friend... I fucking hate you right now." She says trying to stifle a giggle.

"You'll live." Ros winks.

"What do I get out of this?"

"What do you mean?"

"I want two extra weeks of vacation." Ana raises an eyebrow. There's my negotiator.

"Bish, ask for more money too." Jose interjects.

We hear the Phillip who's the MC for this evening call out for GEH to come to the floor.

"ONE SECOND WE'RE NEGOTIATING!" Ana yells form the table and the room roars in laughter.

"So what's it gonna be Bailey? You want me to go out there and make this work?"

"FINE." Ros rolls her eyes.

"Shake on it." Ana holds out her hand.

Ana and Ros shake on it. "Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta go show these bitches how to raise money." She sasses as she gets up and walks away and we all laugh. Fuck, I wish she would marry me already.

Ana walks over to towards the announcer and the whole room applauses.

"Please introduce yourself and tell us what song you'll be singing" Phillip asks Ana.

"Good Evening everyone, I'm Anastasia and I'm part of the GEH team. I was actually volunteered as tribute against my will about 6 seconds ago, hence the negotiations. I'm happy to announce that I just got a raise. Right Ros?"

Everyone laughs and Ros yells. "It's a done deal. Just called accounts and HR."

"Damn straight, you did." Ana giggles and the room claps. "Okay so, the past few performances have been wonderful so I can either continue with the same theme of classics or maybe we could dance a little? Please you want to dance?" Ana looks to the crowd almost pleadingly and they all clap again. "Okay good!"

She walks to the band and talks to them for a bit and turns around and takes a deep breath. "This song is called the Game of Love."

We hear the warmth of the electric guitar come through and it sounds like summer. I see Jose and Val get up and head to the dance floor to get ready to dance and suddenly people from all around the room start to get up and fill up the dance floor.

Tell me
Just what you want me to be
One kiss
And boom you're the only one for me
So please tell me
Why don't you come around no more?
Cause right now
I'm crying outside the door of your candy store

It just takes a little bit of this, a little bit of that
It started with a kiss
Now were up to bat
A little bit of laughs, a little bit of pain
I'm telling you my babe
Its all in the game of...

She closes her eyes and throws her hands up and loses herself as she sings with the band and fuck, she looks beautiful. Everyone is eating up and smiling and dancing. Ros looks pretty fucking proud of herself.

"Told you she'd be good for GEH at this event."

I roll my eyes. I never had a doubt.

"If she kills me Ros, I'll fucking kill you." I grumble and she cackles.

Love is
Whatever you make it to be
Sunshine
Instead of this cold lonely sea
So pleased baby
Try and use me for what I'm good for
It aint saying goodbye
Its knocking down the door of your candy store

It just takes a little bit of this, a little bit of that
It started with a kiss
Now were up to bat
A little bit of laughs, a little bit of pain
I'm telling you my babe
Its all in the game of love
Its all in the game of love

You roll me
Control me
Console me
Please hold me
You guide me
Divide me
Into me

So please tell me
Why don't you come around no more?
Cause right now
I'm dying outside the door of your loving store

It just takes a little bit of this, a little bit of that
It started with a kiss
Now were up to bat
A little bit of laughs, a little bit of pain
I'm telling you my babe
Its all in the game of love
Its all in the game of love
Its all in the game of love
Lets play the game of love

Roll me
Control me
Console me
Please hold me
In this game of love
I'm out here on my own

The song ends and the whole room stands to applaud her. She laughs and curtsies and then it's judgment day to see how much money she raised. The number shows up on the board and it's gone up to $3 million. Not bad at all.

"Hold on a second. Really guys? I am not about to accept this level of mediocrity. Come on we can do better than $3 million." The room laughs again. "I see the room is full of billionaires and multi-millionaires... don't make me list your names in descending order. I will, I have no shame when comes to charity... so open up those, Gucci, fendi, dior wallets and drop it like it's hot or make it rain... whatever tickles your fancy. Come on, you can do it. I want to see those numbers go up."

The room is eating it up and we start to see the numbers slowly go up. We're at $3.5 million

"Boss, you should throw in a million." Ros wiggles her eyebrows. I roll my eyes and make the donation.

Ana begins to speak again. "Okay, solid effort but we can do better. You know what they say right the higher the net worth the bigger the..." She looks to the crowd and it's dead silent.

"DICK" we hear from one side of the room and everyone loses their shit.

"DONATION. DONATION. God, the higher the net worth the bigger the donation you need to make. KEEP IT CLASSY people." She laughs. "I think we can totally get these numbers up to $6 million easy. COME ON, I mean do you want me to hold your hand and give you a gold star on your cheek like in preschool? Like, it's a Wednesday night... what's $1 million here, $5 million there... you won't miss it. It's chump change for all you bigwigs. Think of all the brownie points you're racking up with the universe." She laughs.

Sure enough she gets the numbers up to $7.5 million. Only my girl could do this.

"You know, I'm going to accept that number. Is there room for improvement? Always, but I'll accept that number. You all should be proud of yourselves. Give yourself a round of applause." She laughs and hands the mic back to Phillip.

"Well, Anastasia, feel free to host next year..."

"Sorry, y'all are too small time for me now, my agent just got a call, I'm hosting the globes next year." She yells from her seat before she sits down and we all laugh. She looks to us with the evil eye. "You're welcome. That little bit out there was for press, so I'll repeat myself... you're welcome."

Jose mimes taking off the crown from his head and placing it on Ana's head. "I coronate thy a Queen for the night. I'll snatch it back at midnight so don't get used to it."

I chuckle and Ros and Val along with the other GEH employees mime bowing down to Ana and she laughs and shrugs a shoulder with her usual sass.

CG: I fucking love you baby.

AS: I love you too but holy hell you OWE ME.

CG: I promise to make it up to you all night and weekend ;)

AS: You better xx

After dinner we stand around talking to a few people. The President of the hospital came up to us to personally thank Ana.

"Thank you for that. It really means a lot that you care for our cause."

"Oh please, there's nothing I love more than shaming rich people into giving their money to charity. It's entertainment and for a good cause. You'll be able to help so many people this year."

"Yes, we will. It's been difficult but the free clinic has been vital to the Seattle community."

He leaves us and for a while, it's just Ros, Ana and I as we stand and talk about Gwen and how she's been feeling.

"ANA STEELE" I hear a man call her from behind. He's a good looking fucker... who the fuck is this guy?

Ana's eyes go wide and she turns around. "ROSENTHAL!" she goes into give him a big hug. "God, how long has it been. What are you doing here? Where's Vic?"

Who the fuck is this bastard?

"Vic is at home. We had triplets."

"Oh god, congratulations, that's amazing. She must HATE you."

"Hate is a very kind word for what she feels for me." He laughs. He takes out his phone to show her a picture and she gushes over it.

"They are so beautiful, thank God they don't look like you." She sneers.

"I can't say I've missed that snap."

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever." She laughs. "Oh god, I'm sorry, where are my manners. Um, Jacob Rosenthal this is Christian Grey and Ros Bailey of Grey Enterprises. This is Jacob Rosenthal, his family are our neighbors back in San Francisco. I'd hang out with them whenever I visited with my mom." She smiles.

We shake hands and make small talk.

"So what are you doing in Seattle?" Ana asks.

"I've been here for about a year. I'm a Cardio Thoracic surgeon at Seattle-Mason now."

"That's amazing. Give me your number, I need to meet Vic asap and we need to hangout. I want to see those babies." They exchange numbers and finalize on a plan.

"Yeah sure and by the way, mom is here too. She's had a meeting with Senator Rhodes from something they're working on... hold on let me get her." He walks away just a few feet and fuck me that's the leading Senator on the Select Intelligence Committee. What the fuck?

She walks to us and envelopes Ana in a big bear hug.

"Hi Senator Rosenthal." She jokes.

"Oh shush, call me Amy. I'm always just Amy to you."

Ana introduces us to the Senator.

"Ah, Christian Grey, so you're the reason why Ana didn't take a job with my office in D.C." She laughs.

Ana quickly interjects. "Well Senator, it came down to the money. I'm sorry, you know me... it's all about the money." She winks.

"Has Ana made you her famous chocolate chip and walnut cookies?"

"Yes she has, they're quite a hit at GEH." I say and Ros agrees.

"I'm jealous, I haven't had any in 4 years."

"I could send over some to D.C. if you'd like. Give me your address and I'll have it done." She smiles sweetly.

"I'd love nothing more. Besides, I'll throw it in Nancy's face."

"God, don't do that, Nancy will hunt me down... in fact I'll send an extra box for her too. Maybe you can share some on the other side of the aisle and brainwash them into passing some favorable legislation." She wiggles her eyebrows and we all laugh and talk a little more.

"Ana, it's so good to see you. I'm sorry about your grandfather, I spoke with Aisha and Nita recently as well but it's so lovely to see you again and looking so well. Such a remarkable recovery."

"Yeah Ana, you're a walking miracle. It's so good to see you. Vic will be thrilled. You definitely have to come over." Jacob smiles at her

Ana looks visibly uncomfortable and Ros looks at me confused.

"Thank you both. I really appreciate that, I'm so happy we ran into each other." Ana smiles but it doesn't reach her eyes.

We all talk some more and the Senator and her son get called away to meet some other people.

Ros goes in for the kill.

"That was Senator Rosenthal, lead on the Select Committee on Intelligence and Nancy as in Nancy Pelocci? As in 3rd in line to the presidency? As in, you're telling me your cookies have the power to possibly sway democracy?"

Ana and takes moment and looks at me and looks back at Ros and it's almost comical and she beings to speak with that undeniable sass. "Yes Rosalyn. Told you I was that fucking good." She flips her hair back. We both laugh.

"Wait, you had the chance to work with her and you turned it down?" Ros is baffled as am I.

"Well, do you think I would survive in DC? DC people are transient and it's not my scene, it's about one upping each other and name dropping and yeah... Besides I had no personal network there, I interviewed with them but I would've only gone if I maybe didn't get the GEH job."

"Well thank fuck you did." Ros muses. "How do you know them so well?"

Who is this woman? I learn something new every day.

"Both Nancy and Amy have family homes on Presidio Terrace where the AHAK family home is and I was friends with Nancy's grandkids and Amy's kids because of my cousins. We'd hangout whenever I visited and then when I moved to SF after my dad died, I'd see them on the holidays."

"Why did they say you made a remarkable recovery, what happened Ana?" Ros asks with no filter as usual.

I see Ana tense. "Ros, now is not the time." I tell her.

"Ros, it's a really long discussion that needs to happen in private. I'll tell you someday over lunch maybe." She gives a small smile and Ros looks to me with concern but thankfully drops it.

We're alone for a bit talk a little more and Ana makes a few more jokes at my expense and Ros eats it up. Ana looks over my shoulder and I see her face drop.

"Vishaal?"

WHAT THE FUCK?

Before I can turn around, he's already walked around me and is standing next to Ana and goes in to kiss her cheek as he greets her and she lets him.

"What are you doing here Vishaal Bhai? She asks in a measured tone.

"Looking into some new business prospects here in Seattle." He says with a smile. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your friends?"

"Yes, sorry. This is my boss Christian Grey and Ros Bailey." She gives me a small smile. "This is my cousin Vishaal Kapadia."

"Nice to meet you both. Have heard a lot about you." He holds out his hand and it takes everything in me not to break it during our handshake.

"I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather." Ros offers her condolences.

"Thank you, I appreciate that. He was a great man." He says and takes a sip of his drink. "I hope our Aana hasn't given you guys too much trouble at GEH." The fucker has the audacity to laugh.

"Not at all. She's proven to be an invaluable employee." Ros smiles adoringly at Ana.

"The family feels the same way. We can't wait till she's back at AHAK again."

"I don't think we're going to let her go that easy." Ros laughs

"You never know. We're letting her have her fun, a Rumspringa if you will, in the end AHAK is where she belongs and will prosper." He laughs.

"I'm actually really happy here, I've found my family at GEH and I'm laying roots in Seattle so I guess I've made my decision." She laughs and shrugs her shoulders but I see the discomfort in her eyes.

"We'll see how long that lasts. Anyway, can I talk to you in private? Some family business."

She looks up to him, eyes wide. "How long are you here for? We can meet tomorrow for lunch instead?"

"No can do. I'm flying out tomorrow morning. It's urgent that we speak. Surely you both don't mind if I borrow Aana here for a few minutes. Family stuff." He smiles like the fucking snake he is and Ros agrees and I'm fuming. I see Ana quickly take out her phone and text and she looks at me... god... fuck...

She turns and walks away but manages to keep a distance. FUCKING HELL WHERE THE FUCK IS TAYLOR?

I see Sawyer follow Ana and Vishaal out of the room.

AS: I'll be fine I promise. I will keep Sawyer close.

Taylor walks up to me and asks me to follow him out where we can talk.

"You better have a good fucking explanation as to how the fuck that asshole got here."

"Sir, his jet landed in Oakland 3 hours ago and we saw someone, at least someone matching his description get into the car and go to his apartment building. Except, an hour after Kapadia's jet took off, The Rothstein's private family jet left Teterboro as well and landed at Sea-Tac 2 hours ago. We were not really following their activity."

"Fucking hell, Taylor. How the fuck did he get into the event?"

"He came with Senator Rosenthal about hour ago but has been keeping a low profile."

"Of-fucking-course."

"Where are Ana and Sawyer?"

"They're in the restricted guest corridor behind that stair case."

We walk towards it and I see Ana walk towards our direction with Sawyer. I am way to close to losing my shit.

APOV

I take out my phone and type as fast as I can to send Christian a text to tell him not to worry. I look at him and I see the anger in his face but he's holding it in. FUCK. Why the fuck is this son of a bitch here.

I turn and walk with Vishaal and he tries to get close to me but I keep my distance. I hold out the number 3 with my left hand and I see Sawyer start to follow me. We decided to come up with a system where the numbers 3, 2, 1 would help him decipher whether or not I was in immediate danger. 3 to keep him in in close proximity to me at a minimum 4-6 feet. 2 to verbally warn someone and 1 to beat the shit out of said person.

He leads me out to a guest-restricted corridor to talk. I can see Vishaal has new security; it's not his usual CPO. This dude is new and fucking scary but Sawyer is a perfect match for him. They both stand about 6 feet away from us, facing us the entire time and Vishaal tries to get close to me but I hold my hand up. I see Sawyer try to intervene as Vishaal's CPO tries to stop but I tell him to stand down.

"If you want to talk to me, keep your distance." I warn him.

"You need to fucking remember who you're dealing with."

"Yeah, a piece of shit. That's who I'm dealing with. What the fuck is your problem? Why can't you just leave me the fuck alone."

"You need to be reminded of your place and I know what you did. I saw that wire transfer."

"I finally found my place and I didn't do jack shit. Your friend is just too fucking stupid to keep his shit under wraps."

"That was confidential information, there was no fucking way GEH could've gotten it unless you fucking sold it to them. Is that what your price is? Because babygirl, I've got more money than him."

"Fuck off, I don't give two shits about you or your money. Why the fuck are you in Seattle?"

"A new business prospect came up. I'm looking to diversify a little more." He smiles that fucking menacing smile.

"All KGI investments in the US and Europe are under AHAK's purview and AHAK will not making any new plays till the 3rd quarter. Mama told me."

"Who says it's for KGI or AHAK?"

"Leave Seattle the fuck alone."

"Why cause your boyfriend runs this place? Let's see how good he is at chess babygirl."

"STOP calling me that, and leave us the fuck alone or I swear to..." I whisper through clenched teeth.

"...I have to say, I'm disappointed in you. The fact that you sold yourself for such a low price. I mean, where's the sign up sheet, I would've happily paid quadruple."

That fucking does it. I walk up to him and get in his face to say my final piece. I turn away from him before he can do anything and quickly get to Sawyer who high fives me. He approves.

"That was the icing on the cake." Sawyer smirks.

"I know, it felt good to shut him up for once." I smile. We're not even halfway down the corridor when I see Christian walking towards us. He is fuming.

"We're going home. NOW." That's his scary CEO/Dom voice. I follow him through the kitchen towards the service entrance and get into the SUV with Taylor.

We sit in silence for a while.

"Can we go back to my apartment?" I ask.

"No. We cannot. We're going to Escala." His tone is clipped.

"Christian, please... what was I supposed to do?" I try to reason with him.

"Ana, just give me a minute. I really trying to not lose my shit right now." He is barely hold on.

Fine. Be that way. A few minutes later, I hear him speak.

"What the fuck is he doing in Seattle?"

"I don't know, he says he's looking to diversify and looking into new industries. I told him to stay away from Seattle."

"I'm going to bury him, Ana. Enough of this shit. This city is mine and it's the only safe haven you have, he is not going to try to 'diversify' any of his shit here."

"He's just riling us up. You don't have to do anything. Just don't engage with him Christian."

"Don't fucking tell me what to do." He raises his voice at me.

"Then don't fucking act like you're going off the rails. I can't deal with the both of you acting like absolute lunatics." I bite back.

"Don't compare me to him." He looks at me with the same anger he had when he came to my apartment but I will not back down.

"Then don't act like him." I look him in the eye and hold my ground.

He grits his teeth and looks out the window.

CPOV

I can't believe she's comparing me to him. FUCKING FUCK. I want to murder the son of a bitch with my own hands right now.

I've counted back form 20 about a million times now. I look at Ana and she's equally tense as she looks out the window. This is not how this night was supposed to go. We were supposed to spend the night at the Fairmont and fuck... it's all down the fucking drain.

We get to the Escala parking garage and take the elevator to go up not saying a word to each other. She walks into the great room and goes to the kitchen and gets something to drink.

"Ana, we have to do something. We can't keep getting ambushed like this."

"Christian, trust me, it's not worth it. He's really trying to rile us up. He's a sick fuck. It's a waste of time and resources to stoop to his level. I want to live my life without having to constantly think about him." She says simply.

I can't take this shit anymore and before I know it, I explode at her.

"WHY THE FUCK WON'T YOU LET ME DO ANYTHING? WHY ANA?... ARE YOU IN LOVE WITH HIM OR SOME SHIT? IS THAT IT? SOME CRAZY STOCKOLM SYNDROME SHIT? IS HE YOUR BACK UP? DO YOU SECRETLY LOVE HIM BECAUSE YOU SEEM HELL BENT ON PROTECTING HIM."


Authors Note: A little more drama to follow in the next two chapters.

Pinterest: www dot pinterest dot com/paleseptember10/50-shades-of-love-and-light/ - check out board for chapter 38 :)

Music:

Show Me - Alina Baraz Galimatias

And Counting - Lights

The Game of Love - Santana feat. Michelle Branch.