Here is chapter 36 for you. Me I my partner in crime tried to do our best to post as soon as possible and we will try to keep up the pace, but no concrete promises will be made.

Enjoy )

Anastasia POV

It's no bloody wonder.

I'm a complete sucker to shit like this. I'm the type of person who can't watch SPCA commercials without breaking down in tears. My empathetic self can't help but comfort the little Christian who still lives within him. He's the lost and neglected child of long ago who in its way still impacts his being.

We remain in our tight hold for a long while, longer than even I anticipated, basking in the surprisingly comforting closeness his embrace is giving me. Christian, too, hasn't soften his hold making me believe he's feeling the same way. While like this I can imagine a different us, in a different time where our coming together was more natural and serendipitous. That this romantic getaway was a celebration of our engagement, and upon our return our friends and family would whisk me away to plan our dream wedding...

Sigh...This is what happens when you keep watching Notebook over and over again.

Quietly the cold hard truth of our relationship creeps its way to the forefront of my mind putting a proverbial bucket of ice water onto my consciousness. My internal goddess is bitching at me, fist in air dripping wet and shivering wearing her June Cleaver dress. Like I said Notebook. It's not healthy. I immediate need of a shrink!

I pull away slightly from Christian but remain seated on his lap. I know he's taking comfort from me and I don't want to seem insensitive by pushing him away after the man bared his heart and soul to me, but I can't dismiss the dismay I feel from the past few weeks despite the progress he's made these last few days. I would be doing both, he and I a disservice. I tread compassionately for what I know Christian may interpret as rejection.

Cupping his face softly I look deep into his grey spheres and offer in sincerity, ''You are one brave soul Christian Grey.'' He tries to turn his gaze away in an attempt to hide his pain and a flash of anger.

''Don't interpret compassion for pity. You were a child whose traumatic experience could have led you down a darker road than the one you chose to live. That brave little boy lived through it and came out the victor. I'm humbled and thankful you trust me with your past because it helps me understand you a lot better. Although I'd hate to admit it, I even understand Grace a bit more. Understanding is not forgiving. Her wrapped sense of protectiveness does not give her justification for the king hostility she showed towards me. She still needs to pay the piper for her bitch ass behaviour, but with regards to her son, I get where she's coming from.'' I place my hands on his shoulders and shake him a little.

He moves my hands from his shoulders to hold them in his. His hands are soft and warm and tender and his touch sends a wave of solace over me. "I want to thank you too for your sharing earlier. I'm truly sorry for your loss. You had a very profound relationship with your father, one that I can only hope to attain with my own but know it may not come to pass." He shrugs his shoulder in resigned acceptance.

Taking a deep breath in, I brace myself for what I know will be another difficult talk, only this time I'm hyper aware of Christian's declaration and humbling disclosure, which couldn't have been easy for him. My Compassionate Self supersedes my Angry Self. I really much prefer my Bitch Take No Prissoners Self personally. It's easier to sass my shit on his head instead of being kind and conscientious.

I give Christians hands a quick squeeze in thanks. "I'd like to keep with the spirit of our game, and I think it would only be fair for you to take your turn."

I see the smirk he's trying to hide and appreciate the levity. "Truth or Dare Ana"

''Truth.'' I state decisively preparing myself psychologically more curious to what he'll ask.

''What would it take for you to give me a chance, more correctly, give us a chance to become a real couple?''

I'm a bit thrown by his question because I was hoping that subject would be shelved for a bit longer. I'm still reeling from his huge declaration and I need time to process the realness of how I feel. I recognize the strong attraction I feel for this man, but I'm not one to bandy about I-love-you to guys like condoms at a Lollapalooza no matter how painfully handsome, and on occasions when it's just him and I, is actually nice to be around. I don't want to imagine or convince myself of any feelings that may not be there. Rejection is awkward and uncomfortable, but I need to be truthful to the both of us. But Christian is worse than a dog with a bone when he wants something. I just happen to be at the top of his latest acquisition list.

''You're a persistent one, aren't you?"

''You know how I feel about you, Anastasia. I don't expect you to say you love me. I'm very aware of our history and I also know I've got a long way to go before you can trust me, but you have to understand I have never desired this kind of relationship before. You have no idea how insecure I feel right now knowing I'm out of my depth. In all things, I've relied on my instincts to keep me safe, sane, and successful. My instincts tell me you're it for me and I'm willing to do anything to show you how much I want our relationship to work. I just need you to tell me what you want and I promise I will strive to be that man.''

The intensity of his feelings is overwhelming. My head is spinning in shocked wonder trying to understand why this man, of all people, would choose me. I know my strengths which is why his determination is baffling. The few women of his past whom I've unfortunately had the displeasure of meeting are nothing like me. I'm not his type. It makes no sense.

''Ok, just give me a moment.'' Sighing I get off his lap to sit beside him rubbing my temples. The old proverb 'Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free' comes to mind and I think this may be a good place to start.

Yesterday I was secure in my conviction of keeping Christian at arm's length, but so much has changed since then giving me pause. Fuck. Well, who knows? Maybe after dishing Christian some serious truth he'll have second thoughts about second chances.

"I think you can appreciate my hesitancy Christian. If you recall I was determined to terminate our contract yesterday, but considering this new development, I want to exercise caution for several reasons. I don't deny my attraction to you." Looking up at him I can see his eyes twinkle a bit. "But…"

"Yah. I figured there'd be a 'but'" His demeanour changes from hopeful to dejected and as much as I want to ease his discomfort, he needs the truth more. No one wins if I start sugar-coating shit just to appease him.

"But…" I continue "I don't want to give you false hope. I'm not being dismissal of your feelings Christian. I'm acknowledging it, and I know there's an expectation to return the sentiment, but that wouldn't be true and you deserve the truth." Cupping his face in both my hands I stare purposefully into his eyes to impart the seriousness of my words.

"You may believe you love me, but I believe you need to explore deeper into your new realization. Being that the relationship you seek with me is not something you've desired before you need to understand the depth of that kind of commitment. I know what I want in a life partner and I think you know in no uncertain terms that what I've been through these last few weeks was not it." I raise my eyebrows in emphasis.

With the same intensity in his own eyes he reaches up to cup my face, "tell me what you want Ana."

I try to maintain our connection, grey eyes on blue, and hope he understands.

"Attraction is merely the superficial recognition of a potential partner. Attraction and romance bring partners together but it is not the basis to which a marriage or any long term relationship is built upon. Respect, loyalty, honesty, sincerity, trust." I list just a few of my expectations in a life partner. "I want my partner in life to be my safe harbour. I want to enjoy our similarities and discover our differences. I want equal ground on decisions that affect our lives. I want to celebrate our successes and overcome disagreements with mutual understanding through open conversation. I want to possess the conviction that when doubt introduces itself in our relationship, I will know within the deepest part of my being that that doubt has no substance. The truth founded in love will always remain present no matter the controversy."

He looks perplexed so I try to clarify in the most basic terms in a language that will help him understand.

"People will try to convince me of things about you, and vice versa. They'll want to insert the seed of uncertainty for whatever reason or bad mouth you. I want to be able to uphold your dignity based on the bedrock of our knowing each other so intimately there would no basis to hearsay or rumours. We would be open books for each other. No secrets. Just raw truths. Essentially, I want a partner, a protector and confidant and companion."

My eyes don't waver from his and put a finger on his lips to silence whatever affirmations he's ready to proclaim.

''Please let me finish. In the short time I have known you it didn't escape my notice that there are two ways you handle your relationships with women. You either bulldoze them with your intimidating and dominating personality or you completely submit to them. Either option is not suitable for me. Let's face it, it is not in my nature to bow to anyone and no matter how much you'll try I will never surrender my independence for any man. I'm also not of an overbearing nature. Those who chose to dictate instead of engaging in discussion are just bullies. A partner Christian is just that. Equal companions in all things.

I know that right now you want to counter every single word I've said to gain the desirable outcome. And it may work for a little while. But the tiger doesn't change its stripes and you can't pretend to be someone you are not for long, nor is it heathy. If you love someone, you love all of them, not just a neatly presented picture. That kind of theatre will make both parties miserable very fast." I shift to move my finger from his lips but before I do I remind him of one very important impediment should I even consider a relationship with this man. "Aside from all that Christian, let's not forget that half your family hate my guts. Just saying.''

Taking hold of the finger I kept on his lips, he brings it back up to his mouth to bestow a quick sweet and gentle kiss before releasing me.

Bloody romantic. Keep it together, girl! Sooo not the time to melt into a puddle.

It's his turn to take a deep breath. ''Thank you for your honesty Ana and I want you to know that I am practicing active listening. I am hearing you" he huffs out. ''You've raised several key points in your assessment of me especially around my past relationships with women. From your perspective I can understand and appreciate your reluctance with me, and I know you feel I can't step up to the list of your expectations, I'm telling you I can.'' Now it is my turn to be silenced with his finger on my lips.

''It's my turn Ana. Please." I nod before he moves his finger away from my lips.

"While it's true that I've never had a relationship outside of a contract, I believe you're omitting a valuable aspect in my confession. For the first time in my life I want to have the 'more' that the whole world is raving about. I may have no concrete idea what the freaking hell 'more' means but I'm 100% sure I want to explore that mystery with you. You want a partner. I can be that partner. You want equal footing; I will endeavour to walk down that road with you hand in hand. Neither of us are naïve to believe in fairy tales, but what baffles me is your willingness to walk away from happiness. I know I can make you happy Ana. I've seen it and that's what makes me believe we are possible. All I'm asking from you is a chance. You said it yourself that nothing of worth is ever easy, so why do I feel like you are taking the cowards' way out?''

I'm at loss for words. It's no wonder he's as successful as he is. I bet he can sell ice to Inuit's. Still I'm hesitant. The trouble with his mom and sister won't evaporate. And then there's that Peroxide Bitch.

''As for my mom and Mia," I look at him sharply started by his ability to read my thoughts, "I know your reservations are justified but they'll come around." He says dismissively.

I snort in an unladylike fashion. He's got to be shitting me.

''Christian'' I say frustratingly. ''I admire your devotion to your family. As it should be. Your hope for them runs eternal, but hope you imagine is not the reality."

This man is so exasperating.

"Your sister is toxic. She threw the pain of my fathers passing in my face as negligible. In her words I should 'get over it'. Your mother is more concerned with saving face in front of her socialite friends than considering our choices. These aren't insignificant behaviours and despite your faith in them 'coming around', the fact is they are a significant stumbling block to us moving forward.

Your sister is a skank and your mother's a hypocrite. You want me to change my mind about them, then I dare you to address them on their truth. How can you justify your sister's blatant disrespect for another's suffering and your mother's justification of that behaviour? They lack human decency Christian. Do you not get that?"

Ugh. Perhaps he just can't see the trees from the forest when it comes to his family, but Mother of all that is holy this is maddening.

''And the main thing that you have missed here. Mia and Dr. Grey may take their heads out of their asses and start behaving like decent humans, but I'm not so sure I will be receptive to their change of hearts.''

He looks confused and sad. Perhaps he needs time to digest it all. Heck, I need to digest some myself. Rome wasn't built in a day, so I'll not press my point further about his family. Christian did hit me in my weak spot though. I'm not a coward, but if I chose to stick around and decide to give him a chance, his family is first on my chopping block.

I rise from my spot releasing my hold of his face. ''I'm tired now Christian. And really hungry. If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to get us back on board that mansion on water you call a boat." I roll my eyes making a move to pick up one of my bags, then stop myself. Nah. I'll give the man something to do. Besides without the trolly, all that luggage is a bitch.

He looks up with a small smile on his face knowing I've let this argument go for now. It's a repentant and a bit grateful smile that resonates like insect wings inside of me. Reaching my hands out to help him up, I pull until he's standing flush against me. Pushing myself from his chest creating a bit of distance I point to the bag letting him know he's still got a job to do. A promise is a promise after all.

"Do you know a good Thai place around here? I'm in the mood for something exotic for lunch." I hear his soft chuckle behind me as I hear him walk behind me dissipating the gloom that had fallen upon us.

''Christian," stopping midstride I turn a little toward him. "I'm not brushing off your feelings. I think we both need some time to think everything thru before taking any steps. Whatever we decide to do I think we need to give it our best for all involved.''

''I understand Ana. I was hoping for better, but I'll take what I can get. You want time, I'll give you as much time as you want. All I want is a chance.''

''I can live with that.'' I turn back to the path towards the marina thinking this may just work. Maybe.

Elena POV

Hell, hath no fury like a woman scorned and right now that's exactly how I feel. And scorned and me is a very very dangerous combination. The last two weeks has been one disaster after another. Of all the bloody people for Christian to turn to with the Leila situation, he had to run to Carrick. Why?! Christian is many things but stupid isn't one of them so for him to act so foolishly is just beyond me.

The single-minded idiot went into a blind panic and taking the advice of his father's wise council he's now shackled to a brat for a wife. Since then, Christian's been propelled into the public limelight and for a man who detests intrusive reporters he's living a hell of his own making. Only Carrick would come up with a lame solution of an arranged marriage. The mere idea of it is so preposterous it baffles the modern mind. Yet, there it is. A Carrick classic. I bet Theo put his silver dollars into this plan too. Those two have been the bunion on my foot of life for the longest time.

Granted, Carrick's arranged marriage plan paid off in the end dispelling Leila's threat as the victimized party. She's probably curled up somewhere in a dark hole licking her wounds, but still, if Christian had come to me with his need of a fake marriage, with my unlimited resources my choice of bride would have been more suitable. A well trained compliant submissive who knows her place, is skilful in the playroom meeting all, if not most of Christian's soft and hard limits yet more importantly she would be controlled keeping her curiosity and most importantly her mouth in check. Anastasia Steele is an unknown undescriptive homely type and is as adventurous as Dora the Explorer.

Did I not teach the boy anything about discretion? Now the dumb fuck is stuck with Teenage Barbie who is privy to all my business. To be fair, Miss All-I-Want-is-World-Peace proved to have some sass and spunk. The way she handled that reporter on live TV was a real eye opener. I would admire her style if I didn't hate the bitch. She may have the gumption necessary when the going gets tough, but she has no idea who she's dealing with when it comes to me. If Christian doesn't ball gag and cane her to submission, I'd be more than pleased to show him how it's done. I do not tolerate disrespect which Christian knows this intimately. His pubescent bride is on my shit list for daring to speak to me with such condescension and impertinence. Her attitude is noted.

Control Elena. Always keep in control. You are still a master manipulator and as God is my witness, I will bring his 'wife' to heel.

Regrettably, Christian has been AWOL for the last few days. I was sure he would've called me after the live interview to discuss a plan of action. The threat of Leila has been removed. His reputation is intact and the road clear to resume some normalcy yet he's maintaining radio silence with me and that is disturbing. He needs to get back to some semblance of control. His last submissive, Susannah was a disappointment. I was sure she would've lasted longer than she did. I need to get someone back in there to be my eyes and ears on Christian. Since he's hooked up with the Little Mermaid, there's been a growing distance between us like he's fallen off the face of the Earth. He's never taken this long to get back to me giving me cause for concern.

Something is rotting in the state of Denmark and I don't like it. Christian's been putting me off for days now, and this avoidance is unusual. I think 'bumping' into Mia during her appointment at the salon today is in order. I need to get information and Mia is a fountain of everything Grey.

That ungrateful spoiled brat! I purposefully delayed the Coping together committee meeting to be here and that little tit didn't even bother to come in. The trollop didn't have the decency to call ahead to cancel, so now I have a pissed stylist who's lost money for that time slot. But what is more disconcerting is with Mia's no-show I have no source of information to the Grey household.

Mia is my google for anything that's happening in that house. She has absolutely no filter and is more than pleased to share her grievances of what's happening at home. And while she's as irritating as all fuck, she's a treasure trove of information. I do have to trudge through all her incessant useless shit then pander to her ego with nods of reassurance as her most sincere confidant before she offers up the news, I'm most interested in. Knowing Mia, and by extension her family, are all still blind to my and Christian's intimate involvement is comforting.

My efforts to glean some information from Grace on what's happening on the Grey front these last few days went bust too. Grace, like Mia, is usually more forthcoming. Rarely do I need to entice her away for a private conversation about home and her children, specifically Christian. As with Mia, I need to listen to all the bullshit about her pretentious precious Mia and her promiscuous son Elliot before she gets around to Christian, and really, it's only Christian who I have an interest in. But one must do what one must do.

Grace is usually verbose in her dialogue. I know more about her relations with her husband than I care to. I fear one day my eyes will get stuck in the backside of my head for all the eye rolling I do when I know she's not looking. Grace and Carrick's perfect marriage is nauseating and vomitus Willy Wonka sweet, but as long as I get what I want, I'll play the BFF Grace needs. Heck, this scheme worked for years so no need to seek other avenues.

Feeling the disappointment in Mia's no show, I was hoping Grace would be more than willing to have my ear after the whirlwind that was this weekend, but to my frustration at the Coping Committee meeting I got the impression Grace was in some sort of la-la-land. I proposed to meet up for coffee after getting rid of all other attendants to have some girl-time but she actually brushed me off citing a need to get back home as Carrick had plans for them this evening.

Now, I wouldn't typically get my hackles up about not being able to reach Christian. He's got a multibillion-dollar company to run, and his time is valuable as well as limited. But with these other 2 avenues of resource, (Mia and Grace), going silent makes me feel uneasy. Especially with Grace. In a weekend her son gets engaged then publicly outed on live TV and instead of calling me up as she would normally do, she blockades me citing plans with Carrick?! Yah. That's as real as my prosthetic tits.

Very well. If the Greys are choosing to ignore me, I have no choice but to pay Christian a friendly visit, warnings be damned. The boy is getting soft and undisciplined. I may need to remind him of his place as a Dominant and who made him that way. And if his Fiancé should happen to be playing house at the penthouse all the better. I quite enjoy rattling her cage with my mere presence. I take satisfaction knowing there's absolutely nothing June Cleaver can do with Christian championing me.

I think I'm going to enjoy this.

I inhale the scent of the fragrant flowers placed prettily on the side table that decorates Christian foyer. Stepping off the elevator I'm predictably greeted by Taylor Christian's ever-present shadow confirming the boy's presence at home.

''Good evening, Mrs. Lincoln" he says in his typical deadpan stoic manner. Taylor may not have anything on Christian, but he's close. If I were to get my hands on him, he'd make a delicious plaything. Unlike Christian, Taylor is a tank solidly built like a warrior and already disciplined. I lick my lips imagining what he must taste like.

As expected, he remains steadfast giving no external indication of how I am affecting him. But I know. There's a heat to his gaze as I walk past him making my way into the great room.

"Taylor."

I notice him following me at a respectful distance instead of going to the study to announce my arrival. Odd.

"Mrs. Lincoln"

I strongly dislike this formal address. I haven't been Mrs. Lincoln for a while, but the name is an unfortunate necessary evil. Almost everyone is sympathetic to Mrs. Lincoln's plight with an overbearing husband who left her penniless after a traumatic divorce. If I need to keep the name to play on people's heart strings like Grace, then I'll suffer the nuisance.

However, Taylor addressing me directly catches my attention. Stopping at the foot of the steps to the great room I turn my attention to him raising an inquisitive brow granting him permission to speak.

My god he'd be a fine specimen for my entertainment. His ability to read commands without verbal cues whilst exuding control in his demeanour is admirable. I applaud Christian's choice for Chief of Security.

"Mr. Grey and his fiancé are not home at present. If you'd care to leave a message, I will make the effort to relay it to them."

Excuse me? Taylor is never far away from his boss unless Christian is taking a piss or exercising pleasure in his playroom. If Taylor is here and Christian is not where the fuck did Christian go?

I narrow my eyes in a lame effort of intimidation. Coercing Taylor to show any sign of emotion is like water off a duck's back. I'd have more luck getting into Gringotts Wizarding Bank than manipulating someone like Taylor. Nonetheless, I am none too pleased with this new development and I make my displeasure known.

''Very well." Like fuck am I going to get brushed off and dismissed as if I'm a guest and not an intimate friend of this house. "I'll wait. Inform Christian I am here and advise him to attend to me immediately wherever he is. I have limited patience so be sure to inform him his attendance at home is of utmost importance. Also, have Gail bring me a cappuccino in the living room. If I'm being forced to wait, I might as well indulge."

Gail makes her way further into the room instead of the kitchen catching Taylor's eye they exchange knowing glances.

''Mrs. Lincoln, Mr. Grey is away with his fiancé and is not expected back for a few days. If it is of an urgent matter, I can relay its priority to Mr. Grey, however, I was given strict instructions to not disturb him whilst he is away with Ms. Steele. Given the current climate, and as a long-time friend of Mr. Grey, I'm sure you can appreciate his desire to alleviate the stress he and Anastasia have been under. Mr. Grey felt some intimate time alone would benefit the both of them."

"Where are they Taylor?"

"Undisclosed location Mrs. Lincoln."

"With no CPO? That's an unusual protocol. This must grate against your military mandate to protect those under your purview." Targeting his sense of honour was a low blow, but if I'm to get any information from this man, I need to shake him up a bit as futile that exercise may be.

Fuck. Taylor is too seasoned and surprisingly loyal making my efforts in getting information from him more challenging than I'm accustomed to.

Frustratingly, I throw my handbag on the couch angrily. I rarely lose my temper in front of the help but my attempts to garner any information from anyone is infuriating me and before I lose it completely, I need to collect the vestiges of my self-control. Before I move an inch in any direction, I hear a blood chilling screech that jerks me instinctively toward the sound. In a flash from out of nowhere a dark shadow of fur and wicked eyes pounce on me. I stumble backwards in an attempt to ward off the beast, but in my frozen momentary fear, the creature happened to latch onto my lower leg before I can ascertain what the fuck was happening. My efforts to dislodge the thing from its deathlike hold is futile until I feel a very strong searing pain ripping my calf. Looking down to my leg I screech in abject horror flaying at the furry blackness grabbing it fiercely pitching it far from me.

Jesus Christ. What in the living hell is that?

Now I'm absolutely livid. I've had enough of this bullshit. All of it and I completely lose it. The pain in my leg supersedes my sense of civility and control. I turn toward the culprit of my distress only to find Gail bending down placating the devil spawn.

''You incompetent useless housekeeper! Since when do you cater to rabid rodents and what the fuck is it doing here? Look at this! What is wrong with you. I demand you attend to me.'' Gail is not moved by my tirade maintaining her professionalism as Taylor assists me to a chair noting the damage on my leg with a critical eye. Gail is as expressionless as her counterpart giving nothing away pissing me off further. With the creature still cradled in her arms she moves into the kitchen pulling out the first aid kit from a cupboard.

''I need an ambulance for Christ sake, not first aid! And get rid of that thing! Jesus Christ woman. Did you not hear me? I was attacked with who knows what disease it might be carrying. This bloody ineptitude is completely out of character and Christian will be sure to hear about it!"

''Gail, I've got it from here.'' Taylor addresses Gail calmly taking the first aid kit from her.

"Why is everyone so nonchalant about this?! I've been attacked and you both act as if my injury is of no consequence. What the hell is going?!"

I jump back instinctively when I see Gail come closer with the black hellion further distancing myself when I watch Gail cooing and comforting it completely ignoring my rattled state.

The world has gone completely mad. I'm the victim here not the bloody animal.

As if hearing my thoughts both Gail and the creature look in my direction, one with insouciance and the other growling its annoyance. Taylor nods toward Gail who thankfully leaves settling the demon far away from me.

''Gail is highly competent in her job Mrs. Lincoln. The creature you are referring to is Hippo, a maine coon kitten. He's a gift to Ms. Steele from Mr. Grey and a very cherished part of this household. These cats are very loyal and territorial animals." Expertly Taylor attends to the gouged streaks along my calf. I hiss in a breath as he applies the alcohol infused cotton swab to my wounds. "You must have scared him" he continues casually. "Hippo was sleeping in his preferred space on the couch where you tossed your purse. You must've startled the poor fella and the furball doesn't take to kindly to those who disturb his rest, especially strangers invading his space. I believe the need for an ambulance is a bit dramatic and I'm sure a little antiseptic is enough for these surface scratches.'' Instinctively my leg jerks in Taylors competent hands as he applies with slight pressure the alcohol-soaked cotton ball along the angry slices down my leg. The alcohol stings with each press to the open wound and I swear it feels like he's purposefully lingering on the open wound than is strictly necessary.

"That rodent sized porcupine was a kitten?! Yah. And I'm the Virgin Mary. That is no kitten it's a diseased beast and if it treats guests in Mr. Grey's home so viciously, then the animal needs to be put down. I will guarantee it." I continue with my diatribe unaware that in mere seconds, Taylor has my butchered leg tended and bandaged. The bleeding has stopped but I can feel the throbbing in my leg. Before I can so much as deliver any further scathing set down's, Taylor shoves my handbag in my hands and swiftly escorts me out of the apartment. Looking up to utter a word of protest, the elevator close on me and the elevator is moving down to the garage level. I'm startled and spinning in a wondered daze until I'm aware of the elevator doors opening.

What the fuck just happened? If Christian or any of the Greys think they've got me handled they are so off the mark. If there's one thing I can do and do well is I will always get what I want. Christian has some serious explaining to do and Taylor and Gail could kiss their jobs goodbye after I get through with them. No one dismisses me. No one.

I home you all had a good laugh by the end of the chapter ) Got to love that devilish cat.

On a more serious note. I hope all of you will stay safe, it seems the second wave of COVID is even bigger and more devastating than in spring. So please take care and be careful.