wow you guys, the response I've gotten to this story has been for the most part so wonderful and i appreciate it so, so much. to the 215 people who followed this story and too the other 90 that Favorited i just wanna say THANK YOU i love to write in general but hearing your comments and thoughts is really something i look forward to when writing new chapters.
Side-note:
- Mia's hair is blond in this story.
To Rosetta11, i'm sorry i didn't reply to your message sooner but i wanted to answer when i posted a new chapter(which is now) which i didn't think would take as long as it did, but hey i do have a life outside of fan-fiction (sadly) so its just gonna take as long as it does to post a chapter and to answer your questions i do have quiet a few ideas planned for this story so i guess it will be pretty long.
also i. am. sorry it took so long for me to post a new chapter, but with school and work its just been a little crazy so thank you to everyone who is still with me and reading this story.
so enough of me talking...
From: Elizabeth Morgan
Subject: Interview
Date: June 5, 2011 16:00
To: Anastasia Steele
Dear Ms Steele,
As a result of your application, I would like to invite you to attend an interview Monday, June 8th. You will have an interview with Commissioning Editor, Jack Hyde for the position of Mr Hyde's personal assistant. Please bring three references (if available), as well as a copy of your I.D, e.g passport and/or drivers licence.
Please contact me on 684-8850 if you have any further questions, we look forward to seeing you.
Elizabeth Morgan
Head of personnel, Seattle independent publishing (SIP)
omfg, Holy Shit, I got an interview!.
jumping off the bed i wiggle my hips, doing a silent happy dance, Whoop whoop. running to kates room i swing open the door to see her looking at a selection of dresses on her bed,when she looks, my grin spread.
"what?" she asks, a smile covering her lips.
"I got the interview" I say barely containing my excitement.
"At SIP? oh my god! When?"
"Monday!". we both squeal jumping up and down and she pulls me into her arms. "Congrats steel, now we definitely need to celebrate"
"agreed" I smile and release a long breath, I can't believe I might get a job at the same publishing company as my mom when she first came to Seattle. A warmth spreads through my veins as i fall onto kate's bed. she smiles at me as she grabs a dress from the selection.
"so, what do you think?" she holds up a black and white sweetheart ball gown bandage short bling dress and I frown, leaning up on my elbow, I tilt my head to the side.
"little fancy for a club don't you think?" she shrugs and begins to unbutton her jeans and pulls her top over her head then steps into the dress.
"Well.. techniquely it's a club Opening" she pulls up the zipper and stands in front of the floor length mirror at the bottom of her bed.
"oh?" I sit up, folding my legs and turn to face her.
"yeah, it's invitation only, Elliot's sister is hosting, the themes like a mini version of this gala Elliot's family host every year called coping together" a gala? When did going out to a club turn into a fricken gala.
"Kate!" I gape and she shrugs "I don't have anything to wear" she looks at me with a bright smile and walks into her closet.
Returning she lays a black dress, heels and mask on my lap "Mask?" I frown
"it's masquerade "she shrugs and plants her hands on my shoulders, pulling me off the bed, she turns me toward the door and ushers me out of the room.
"you have an hour!" she informs before slamming the door shut.
After gathering my wits and a much needed shower I grab my makeup bag and apply some light foundation and curl my hair, doing a half up style, so my brunette bangs fall freely on my forehead. Blowing out a breath my mind goes back to the email and a knot forms in stomach from both excitement and fear you can do this steel my subconscious give me a thumbs up and I smile to myself.
"I hope so" I whisper then my mind wanders. I wonder if he'll be there tonight. My skin heats and my subconscious drops to her knees, clasping her hands together in prayer. I glare at her, grabbing the dress Kate gave me and slip it over my head.
Ok, here goes I turn toward the mirror and my eyes widen.
I stare at my outfit in the mirror and a giggle escapes me wow I look…really good, i'm wearing a long sleeve black lace cocktail dress with a triangular cut out in both the front and back with a pair of nude heels. I smile and give my outfit the once over, when there's a knock at the front door.
"I'll get it" Kate shouts and I blow out a puff of air, ok here goes. I grab my mask and clutch off the bed and head into the living room.
"Shit" I murmured and quickly turn to face my room oh god, my eyes! my precious eyes! My subconscious screams when I see elliot has Kate pressed up against the wall with his hand under her dress. Jeez those two are like a bunch of horny teenagers.
"Ana" Kate calls giggling and I slowly turn around.
"Ready?" she asks like I didn't just walk in on her getting groped.
"Yeah" I nod trying to hide my burning cheeks
"Alright then ladies, lets go" Elliot wraps an arm around Kate and leads the way.
When we pull up to the club we wait in the car for a few minutes. looking out the window i see a line of photographer's screaming people's names as they pass them on there way inside.
"masks on" Elliot said and produces a plain black mask from the inside of his black suit jacket and slides it over his eyes.
Kate follows suit and its like I was playing catch up, Grabbing the black lace floral eye mask Kate lent me off my lap; I slide it over my eyes and fix it into place ok steel, deep breaths.
clutching the door handle Elliot opens it and we're immediately blinded by Camera as we exite the SUV and Elliot leads us inside.
When we're safely past the mob of screaming photographers my shoulders relax. we're led to the V.I.P area, where Elliot excuses himself to go get us some drinks.
I look over the balcony and see the crowd of people (there has to be more than 100) dressed so fancy with their extravagant masks I self-consciously look at my outfit what am I doing here? I look to Kate and she smiles brightly but I don't have a chance to say anything when we are interrupted by Elliot and a short blond haired girl. she's wearing a stunning dark purple dress and diamond encrusted mask to match.
"Ana I would like you to meet my sister Mia, Mia this is Kate's roommate Ana" I smile politely and reach out my hand, when she grabs it and pulls me into a hug.
"It's so nice to meet you Ana" she giggles and squeezes me tightly, wow she's really strong for someone so small
"It's Nice to meet you too" I squeak and she giggles releasing me and flipps a blond curl behind her shoulder.
"Sorry" she smiles shyly "its ok" I smile back then look around for Kate who is nowhere to be seen, The V.I.P area is filling up and it's hard to see over the people and dim lights, when I suddenly got the urge to pea. Great, now to find where the bathroom is.
I excuse myself and walk down the stairs before looking around and spotting the bathroom which is located near the bar of course. I do my business and wash my hands when a platinum blond enters and stands beside me. She's wearing a skin tight too tight black dress and pink platforms with black spikes sticking out the back. She removes her silver mask with feathers and glances at me; I smile politely but her expression remains blank alrighty then. I drie my hands and head for the door when platinum says something
"It's Ana, right?" she asks and I frown looking at her.
"Yeah" I nod and her face lights up like a Christmas tree.
"oh Ana I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was you, I didn't mean to come off as rude" she shuffls over to me as a smile covered her face whoa stranger danger! My subconscious holds her hands out at arm's length.
"I'm sorry, you have me at a disadvantage, and you are" I prompt and she smooths out her dress before sticking out her hand.
"I'm Elena, a friend of the greys" she flicks a blond nearly white curl behind her shoulder and I hesitantly shake her hand and that has to do with me because…..
"Nice to meet you" I smile and she grips my hand a little too tight. Ok this woman is officially making me uncomfortable.
"Well I better get back to my friends" I head toward the door and thankfully she doesn't stop me, but I feel her eyes as the door shut behind me.
When I return to the V.I.P area Kate's still nowhere to be seen and Mia's talking animatedly to a tall gentleman so I head toward the private bar and order a Cosmo. I smile grateful when the bartender hands it to me cheers to me I giggle and take a sip. I'm halfway through my drink when I hear Mia call my name.
"Ana.. ANA!" she calls and I turn spluttering some of my drink when I came face to face with the one man I hoped wouldn't be here tonight. Shit. My subconscious drops to her knees, mouth ajar, taking Christian in from head to toe. Black suit, white shirt and plain black mask. My eyes meet his and I try to hide behind my Cosmo but a ghost of a smile crossed his lips and I could just tell. fuck. He knew.
"Ana this is my brother Christian, Christian this is Kate's roommate Ana" ok this is so a fight or flight moment, what the fuck do I do now? Run for the exit, jump into his arms, tell him to piss off. How about thanking him for the best sex of your life and can you have some more please. My subconscious is on her knees with her fingers entwined and bottom lip pouted.
Well flight's definitely not an option; my legs are rooted to their spot so if I try to move, the floor's going to come up to meet my face. when my eyes meet his intense gaze I can't look away and it's like Mia has disappeared, leaving only the two of us, blue to grey.
"It's nice to meet you Anastasia" his voice is husky with an undertone of something and i feel my face heat up.
"You too" I nod politely and nervously bite my bottom lip at that His eyes darken and my breath hitches.
"oh Ana, I was wondering if you could help with the first dance raffle?" Mia asks shyly breaking my trance and I nod without breaking our intense gaze. she squeals grabbing my hand and pulls me with her.
I'm down the stairs before I blink out of my trance and release a breath I hadn't realized I was holding Holy fuck and I was on stage before I even realized what was going on.
Mia puts me in a line with other girls across the stage. "Welcome ladies and gentlemen" she smiles brightly after grabbing a microphone and the crowd quietens. she walks to the front of the stage.
"welcome to the grand opening of the mile high night club!" the crowd cheers but i'm too transfixed by a certain grey eyed distraction moving through the crowd.
"Now, I know most of the people here tonight have attended my families annual copying together gala, so you guys will know what time of the night it is.." she walks down the line of girls until she's standing at my side shit, what have I just agreed too?
"All you gentlemen out there, now is your chance to win one of these beautiful ladies first dance and all proceeds will go straight to coping together" what! When did I agree to get sold?
I wrack my brain but she's already started.
"Alright gentlemen lets meet beauty number one, lily….." lily walks to the front of the stage as I try to control my breathing, in, out, in, out. Where is Kate?
I look up and my panicked eyes meet Christians and a slight frown appeared on his face.
"So gentlemen we have reached our last beauty…" Mia smiles at me and I step forward planting a fake smile on my face, I nod toward the crowd of men and the bidding begins
"Two thousand" someone shouts and my eyes widen.
"Four thousand" I hear Christian shout and glare at the stranger.
"Ten thousand" the other voice shouts.
"Fifty thousand" Christian shouts and looks over to the other man who bows his head in defeat.
"Going once…going twice…Sold to Christian grey" the crowd erupts into applause and Mia winked at me as Christian walks to the edge of the stage and I grab his hand, releasing a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
leading me to the dance floor i place my hand in his warm hand presses against my lower back and pulls me flush against him. We're silent as the music begins to play but I can feel Christians breathe on my cheek and it does things to me.
"You're welcome" he bends his head and whispers in my ear, grazing the lobe with his lips causing me to suck in a breath and look at him with a frown. I'm Welcome, For what?...
"Your note" he answers my unspoken question and i = feel my face heat oh, right. That. I look down at his chest to avoid eye contact and bite my lip.
"Yeah well, I know what we did wasn't exactly an invitation to breakfast the morning after" he tightens his grip on my hand forcing me to meet his eyes.
"How do you know?, or are you so used to fucking and running that's it's become a reflex by now" he seethes and the venom in his voice causes me to do a double take.
"Excuse me?" I try to pull my hand from his but his hold tightens did he just call me a…..
"are you insinuating something Mr grey, because it sounds like your calling me a whore?" Christian averts his eyes
"your words, not mine" think your smart do you grey! Prick.
"if you must know Christian" I dig my nails into his hand and he hisses releasing me and I take a step back.
"I have never had a one night stand before in my life, only you" he looks at me his grey eyes brewing a storm and the words just keep coming fuck I really shouldn't drink, half a Cosmo and it's like word vomit with me but I'm too pissed at this prick's audacity to call me a whore, he doesn't even know me.
"A week before we fucked, I split from my long term boyfriend who I was with since I was fifteen and who apparently became bored of me after one year together and decided to fuck my ex-best friend into oblivion whenever I had my back turned so you can go fuck yourself with your insinuations of the kind of person I am, because you Mr. grey, don't have a fucking clue"
Christians eyes widen at my outburst and I'm so angry, I'm practically shaking, I meet his gaze and for a split second an emotion crosseshis face that resembles regret but its gone just as quickly as it came and he just stares at me like he's trying to decide whether i'm talking shit or not. Shut the fuck up steel, he doesn't need to know your fucking life story my subconscious screamed then buried her head in her hands and for once I agree with her, I don't need to justify myself to him or anybody else, I'm a grown ass woman who can do whatever the fuck she likes.
Christians silent, causing me to scoff
"Nothing to say?" I roll my eyes and push past him, dick. I walk back to the V.I.P area and grab my clutch; pulling out my phone I see I have a message from Kate
Gone home with Elliot, see you 2moro ;)
-Kate
Well this is fucking fantastic, this night just keeps getting better and better. I pull the irritating masquerade mask off my face and shove it into my clutch before heading for the stairs.
When I'm near the exit I hear a voice that sounds a lot like platinum say my name so I back up and see a door cracked to one of the private rooms, and my curiosity peaks so I as casually as I can lean near the door and the voices become clearer.
"Did you find Ana?" platinum asks
"yeah" another voice speaks is that Christian, what the fu…
"well what happened…"
"come on baby, just a little dance" my attention is drawn from my eavesdropping as I look over the dance floor and see Mia who is hardly visible behind a wall of muscle.
"No, I'm fine, sorry" her eyes meet mine and there pleading. Fuck why does tipsy Ana have to be brave Ana. Fuck.
I roll my eyes and cut through the crowd until I reach them and tap the wall of muscle on the shoulder.
He turns to face me with a crooked grin; I ignore him and look at Mia.
"Hey Mia, all the girls are heading home you ready?" I asks and she nods trying to get out of the muscles grip but he hold her tighter and looks at me.
"It's ok sweetie, I'll take care of her" she looks at me again but this time I grab her hand.
"I'm sure you will" my voice is dripping with sarcasm as I try to pull Mia away from the guy who reeks of vodka Christ that's strong.
He looks at Mia "who the fuck is this, your mother?" he glances back at me again "fuck off" he growls and I can sense him getting angry. Mia's eyes travel between the muscle and I back off steel, you don't know what this guy will do my subconscious whispers as she coward in the corner.
"You know what, I will…" I tug on Mia's hand once more "when you give me back my friend" the wall of muscle backs up and I get a little space pulling on Mia's hand she breaks free before he can grab her again and I place her behind my back as we slowly back up.
He reachs out to grab her but I step in his way and his fist clench.
"Get out of my way bitch" he growls and from the corner of my eye I can see someone coming toward us. when the muscle reaches for Mia, and I interfer again it happens so quickly I wasn't sure if it was actually real the only evidence left behind being the stinging sensation in my cheek when the back of his hand made contact with my face. Mia screams as I hit the ground. I hold my cheek trying to control my breathing when I look back to the wall of muscle who was now on the ground with someone on top of him, is that….
"Christian!" I hear Mia scream as I make it onto my feet. When they finally manage to pull christian away, his breathing is labored and fist bloody. he shrugs off the hands holding him back and comes to stand in front of me, cupping my cheek.
"What were you thinking?" he scolds his face etched with concern? wait is this the same guy from thirty minutes ago.
"Mia needed help" It comes out a bare whisper and his eyes softened.
"Sawyer take Mia home…." Christian orders but I zone out Lifting my hand to my cheek, I wince and release a shuddering breath.
"Come on" Christian grabs my hand and leads me through the back of the club.
"Where are we going?" I ask when I've finally gathered my thoughts.
"I'm taking you home" he says and I notice he isn't wearing his mask anymore.
"It's fine Christian, I can just take a cab" I try to pull my hand from his but like on the dance floor he tightens he grip and cuts me a look that tells me to keep my mouth shut and for some reason I do.
When we reach my apartment I get out of the walk toward the door only to be followed by him.
"What are you doing?" I asks Christian as I stop mid stride before reaching my apartment door.
"Helping you inside." he says like it should be obvious.
"I can walk inside myself Christian, thank you for the lift but I got it from here" I walk to the door, unlock it, then push it open but I'm only two steps inside when he's in behind me, can he not take no for an answer.
I kick off my shoes and stand by the open door as Christian walks through my apartment and into the kitchen.
He takes out a bag of frozen peas from the freezer and come to stand in front of me; gently he places the bag on my bruised cheek. A shiver runs down my spine as his fingers grazed my skin and I bite my bottom lip
"Don't do that" he scolds pulling my bottom lip from my teeth and his eyes meet mine. The atmosphere around us changes like it did the first night we met and the air becomes heavy.
"Ana" he whispers grazing my cheek with the back of his knuckles. Yesss my subconscious purrs pulling me from my daze and I clear my throat placing my hand over his, I slip my fingers between his and press the peas against my face.
"Thanks again for the lift Christian but... You should go" even to my ears it comes out a breathless plea and he studies my face before dropping his hand, the corners of lips turning up, he grabs my free hand and brings it to his lips, softly brushing them across my knuckles.
"laters" he whispers then he's gone, I stare out the open door as he hops into the back of the SUV and it drives off. I take a deep breath as I close the door and lean my back against it.
