A/N: =)

I hadn't laughed so hard in my life.

I had the most wonderful time with Christian and his friends at the gallery. I admit to having stared at Christian when he was speaking with someone or busy. I couldn't help myself. Andrea caught me staring and commented on it.

"You know, I've never seen Christian this way. In all my-knowing him," she said carefully to me. I frowned at that before shrugging.

"I can't take credit-"

"Yes, you can," she said solemnly before squeezing my hand and walking away. I wandered around the various paintings covering every inch of the walls and I couldn't help but admire the different places the couple had traveled. It was wonderful to see, and I could feel the raw emotion jumping out of the paintings.

"Fascinating isn't it?" I smiled and turned ready to answer only to freeze and stare back at the glamorous woman.

Elena.

"We were introduced at the dinner party a while back? My name is-"

"Elena. Elena Lincoln," I said carefully. I didn't really know her. But I got a terrible feeling whenever she was around. She raised a brow and gave a slight shake of her head before she forced a smile.

"Are you here with Christian?"

"Yes. But you already knew that," I said sarcastically. The woman smiled and I thought I saw what looked to be a-

Fang? Why that's impossible!

"I knew you were a smart cookie," she said to me in a patronizing tone. I rolled my eyes before crossing my arms over my chest.

"Ms. Lincoln-"

"Elena," she said to me with false sweetness. I sighed before dropping my arms.

"Alright. Elena. Listen I don't know what you're trying to pull but-"

"Trying to pull? What on earth are you talking about? I'm only-"

"I heard you the other night. You were trying to get Christian to get back together with you."

"He hasn't told you yet?"

"No. But I'm sure he will soon," I said. I was satisfied to see the anger flash quickly in her eyes before she blinked it away. She laughed throatily before placing her hand atop of my arm.

"Ana. You are a beautiful young woman. I'll give you that. But you don't belong in this world. In Christian's world. And I will make your life miserable if you continue to stay with him."

"Is that a threat?"

"That's a promise," she hissed at me. Before I could retaliate Christian's voice washed over me.

"Anastasia. I was looking for you," he said to me as his arm wrapped possessively around my waist.

"Ah, Christian I was just-"

"I know what you were doing Elena." I saw Christian look behind Elena and I noticed one of his bodyguards.

"Taylor, please escort Ms. Lincoln here to the rest of the party. Ana and I will be heading to our dinner reservation," he said coolly. Christian then steered me to the back exit and I looked up at him in concern.

"We don't have to leave you to know. Your friends-"

"Will understand. Now, how about that Italian place downtown?"

Christian and I had settled into our seats and the waiter had just left with our orders when I decided to speak.

"So, that's your ex huh?"

Christian's eyes widened in surprise at me before he barked out a laugh.

"Yes. You could say that. She and I-"

"It's complicated?"

"Yes," he said wryly.

"Help me understand," I said softly.

Christian ran a hand over his face and sighed.

"I thought she was different. She was older and didn't seem to be interested in my money, only me. My brother tried to make me see early on that it was just a ploy she used, and now I can see it, but while in it, I wouldn't have been able to see it. I thought I was in love."

I nodded, waiting for him to continue.

"Do you know that I proposed to her? And that we were going to get married?" He said cautiously. I only gaped at him before speaking.

"You must have been under a spell or something," I said off-handedly.

"You have no idea," he muttered. "Anyway, I just couldn't do it anymore. She was toxic, and I couldn't see myself spending my life trying to justify her, or how vindictive she truly was."

I sighed before reaching over and grasping his hand.

"Christian, it's a good thing you knew when to leave. And that you had a wonderful support system. That's all that matters. We make mistakes in life. It's up to us to fix them, and it looks like you did that successfully," I said to him, wanting to make sure he could see my sincerity. That I didn't hold this over his head. He shook his head at me.

"You are magnificent, and I don't deserve you," he said with conviction. I shook my head before pulling my hand away.

"Why would you say that? I have seen nothing but a kind man who has gone out of his way to make me feel special and appreciated. I have seen your friends enjoy your presence and your staff even respects you. I don't know much about your business, but I am sure based on what I've seen so far that you are respected as well. I only want to meet your brother so that I can get some intel on you as a child," I said lightly. I saw Christian's eyes light up before he laughed loudly.

"Well then," he said to me softly, and with reverence. I could feel my cheeks heat and I lowered my gaze to the table. It wasn't until I felt his fingers under my chin that I glanced back up at him.

"Never look down, Ana. No matter what, never look down."

It wasn't until close to midnight until we both arrived at my home. I sighed and thanked him for the enjoyable evening in front of my door. As soon as I opened it, he stepped in, closed the door behind the both of us, and pulled me into his arms. I gasped when he lowered his lips to mine and seemed to devour them. I moaned and sunk deeper into his embrace never wanting his kiss to end. I felt his tongue probing mine and I sighed before opening my mouth wider. He had backed me up against the door and his hands rose from their position on my hips to cup my breasts. I broke the kiss, gulping in air. Reaching up, I grasped his soft hair in my hands, enjoying the feel of the strands. His lips traveled from my neck all the way to the top of my breasts, as he spoke over my heated skin.

"Come home with me. Tonight. Come and stay with me," he said almost desperately. I laughed and shook my head as his kisses moved from my chest, up my neck, and back to my lips. I answered him in between kisses.

"Christian, I can't. Right now, it's too soon," I said, even though I felt my resolve weakening. He must've sensed it in me because he pressed his hard body to mine.

"Anastasia, we don't have to do anything. Just come and spend the night. With me." I wanted so badly to say yes, but I had to be firm. I was learning so much about Christian but I needed to know more.

"Christian," I started only to be interrupted by a knock on my door.

"Who is that?" I said before turning and looking through the peep-hole. I saw Christian's bodyguard and opened it. He gave me a slight nod before addressing Christian.

"Mr. Grey. There is something that needs your immediate attention concerning Grey Enterprises," he said. I watched as some secret conversation was being had right in front of me.

"Christian?" I asked hesitantly. He blew out a frustrated breath before turning to smile at me.

"It seems I won't get my wish of you with me tonight," He said before leaning over and kissing my cheek.

"I'll call you later."

"Okay, but is everything okay?" I asked.

"It will be," he said before kissing me once more and following Taylor out of my apartment. It wasn't until the door was shut that I noticed Sugar sitting at my feet.

"What was that about Sugar?"