Chapter 7

Ana pov.

The rest of the day has passed by agonizingly slow every minute has felt like an hour, I've tried to keep myself busy in the hopes to make it go by quicker to no avail, my mind keeps wandering to the conversation I had with Christian and what he's offering. Is it really a good idea will it really help me with everything I've gone through and to move past the trust issues that plague me, I don't know what I do know is I'm scared of the outcome if it doesn't what if I end up even worse than what I already am. I sigh heavily and put my head in my hands, I just don't know what to do anymore. Maybe the advice from Luke tonight will help.

I look up at the clock to see it's finally time to go so grabbing my bag I pack up my things and head towards the elevator, I don't even know if I have what it takes to be a submissive I mean I'm shy so I don't speak out very much but I can also be stubborn and defend myself. I bite my bottom lip in deep thought as the elevator descends to the bottom floor, my heels click on the floor as I head out to my car. I chose to wear a white shirt, black jacket and skirt today so I want to go home first to change into something a little less office like and more friend like. I get into Wanda my beetle and slide my heels off because I can't drive with them on, I join the traffic heading towards my apartment and sing along to the radio.

When I park up outside my door I quickly slide my heels back on and dash up the stairwell to my apartment, my feet regret that dash very quickly reminding me that stairs are the enemy for a girl in heels. I head straight into the bathroom where my laundry hamper sits in the corner and start to strip off the work clothes, I put everything in the hamper then turn and walk through to my bedroom naked. I rummage through my wardrobe looking for something to wear and I decide on a simple pink halter neck dress, I then go to my night stand and grab some fresh panties and a bra to wear before returning to the bathroom. Putting my hair in a bun I switch the shower on and step into the steaming hot water, I give my body a brisk freshening up and resisting the urge to relax and enjoy the water I step back out again.

I rub myself with the towel taking my time with this part to make sure I get everywhere dry to avoid skin irritation, once my skin is dry I start to pull the underwear and bra on wondering if I should bother with makeup or not. I blush thinking maybe I should in case I see Christian but then again I've never worn makeup and he liked me without it, after shimming into the dress and tying the halter I decide to leave the makeup. Standing at the sink I release my hair from the bun and gently start to brush it, I take my time being careful to get all the knots out of it but also to avoid making it go static. After sliding on a pink pair of heels I'm ready to go after one last look in the mirror just to double check.

I head to the apartment elevator this time and wait patiently for it to take me to the bottom floor, wouldn't want my heel to slip on the stairs. Once again I slide the heels off once inside the car so it's easier for me to drive, as I get closer to Escala I start to become nervous again. What if Luke freaks out at the idea of Christian and I having some sort of relationship together, what if Christian makes my trust worse. Shit this is so overwhelming I feel like I'm underwater inches away from the surface and air but just can't quite get my head above the water to breathe, I take some breaths to calm myself as I pull into the buildings underground garage. Just take it one step at a time and see how things play out.

First step talk to Luke and get advice on the idea he'll be able to clear things up, I take my seat belt off and get out of the car. I step into the elevator and punch in the code for the penthouse feeling that familiar drop in my stomach as I'm carried up, I'm surprised to see Taylor waiting for me when the doors open.

"Hello Taylor how have you been" I ask stepping out.

"I've been well Miss Steele thank you and yourself?" He asks.

"I've been good thank you" I say.

"I'll take you to Luke Miss" He says.

Turning he heads through the doors to the staff quarters and I follow him, he leads me into the kitchen where we find Luke preparing dinner. I thank him and he disappears back to the main apartment, I hug Luke and immediately feel better about the situation.

"So what are we eating" I ask.

"Spaghetti Bolognese" He says.

"It smells so good" I say.

"It's just about ready want to grab us some white wine" He says.

"Sure" I say.

I grab two glasses from the cupboard and then go on the hunt for a bottle of wine, by the time I come back Luke is plating everything up so I quickly fill our glasses and put them on the table. We sit beside each other and eat in a comfortable silence for the first few minutes, then finally I break it.

"So how are things going with your girlfriend" I ask him.

"Really well we have so much in common and can talk for hours I really have a good feeling about this" He says.

"Good I'm really happy for you Luke really I am" I say.

"Anyone caught your attention" He asks.

"That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about Christian came to my office today" I begin.

"Okay isn't that normal since he owns it" He asks smiling.

"Ha ha very funny Luke he asked to see me alone so I took him to my office and he offered me something" I say.

"What did he offer" Luke asks.

"He thinks he can help me with my trust issues and be able to move on" I say.

"This help he's offering does it involve sex" He asks.

"Possibly I just I know he's your boss and I didn't want to make you uncomfortable plus I'm not sure if it's a good idea" I say.

"Well I mean I would prefer a proper relationship for you instead of something like what we were but at the same time it's your choice it's what ever you feel is right with you and if you think you should try whatever help Christian can give then you have my blessing but Ana you don't need my permission as long as it doesn't affect my job I don't mind" He says.

"Thank you Luke that really helps" I say smiling.

"Good I'm glad we should get cleaning up before Gail kills us" He says.

I giggle and standing up I help Luke clean the kitchen up so Mrs Jones Christians house keeper won't have to do it I know she gets pretty busy, after cleaning we sit down and start watching a movie together but it doesn't last long as Taylor enters the room.

"Sorry to interrupt you both but Luke Mr Grey would like us to escort him somewhere it will only take a few minutes Mr Grey says Ana can make herself at home and in the main apartment if she wishes" He says.

"Will you be okay" Luke asks me.

"Of course go I'll see you soon" I say smiling.

He smiles back and I watch as he follows Taylor out the room, I stay where I am and watch the end of the movie alone. They're still not back when the credits roll up so after switching it off I decide to accept Christians offer and go to explore his apartment, it's very modern and large with a kitchen I could get lost in. I smile as I find a library and scan some of the shelves managing to find a few of my favourites, Mrs Jones is nowhere to be seen so I decide to sneak upstairs to explore what's up there too. Unsurprisingly it's mostly guest bedrooms they're all stunning and follow the same colour scheme to match the rest of the house, I open another door however and this time I notice that the wall looks red. I flip the light switch and feel the colour drain from my face as I look around the room, it's deep red like the colour of a womb and the smell of leather and citrus floats in the air. Around the room are various sex tools, whips, crops, ropes cuffs. It's a room for BDSM this is what he wants to do with me.

I've heard about this stuff but never really paid attention to it, it's not something I've wanted to try before. Yet now I'm standing here with the decision of whether to try it or not, I suddenly feel very overwhelmed again and I turn and run from the room. I run all the way down the stairs not caring that I'm wearing heels and I don't stop until I'm in the living room of the staff area again, I grab my things and run to the foyer calling for the elevator, I can't stay here I can't see Christian after seeing all that not right now. I need time to process and think about what I just saw so with that last thought I sprint to Wanda and getting in drive towards home.