All rights to Fifty Shades of Grey are owned by E. L. James.

I have been asked by several readers about ages, years, etc. I apologize that I have forgotten to answer you all. From now on I will post the month and year at the top of the chapter. I also went back and added them to the earlier chapters. I posted the following below for the readers who asked me too.

Ana initially meets Christian at the photo shoot in May of 2011. Same month and year as FSoG

Ana and Christian are same ages as in FSoG when they first meet, she is twenty-one and he is twenty-seven

Ana and Kate graduate WSU May of 2011 and move to Seattle in June 2011

Ana's birthday remains in September and Christian's remains in June

Ana and Christian meet again eight months later in January of 2012, making Ana twenty-two and Christian twenty-eight.

It's Strange What Desire Makes Foolish People Do

November 8th

Ana had once again been robbed of sleep and a Crystal Gayle song kept running through her head, "It's two o'clock in the morning, and it looks like it's gonna be another sleepless night…"

With the lyrics stuck in her mind Ana remembered hearing that song on one of Carla's vinyl albums and singing into her hairbrush, pretending it was a microphone. That was a happy memory Ana would always have.

Ana had been awake since after one in the morning and eventually said fuck it around two-thirty and went into her study. Sitting behind her desk, Ana had finally made a decision that had been running through her mind for a long while. Perhaps exhaustion drove her to this point, for all intents and purposes, it was pointless, but having a what the hell moment, Ana grabs a piece of her heavy cream colored stationary monogrammed ASG and a cheap PaperMate pen. The pen was hovering above the paper because Ana did not know what she wanted to say, or if she actually wanted to say anything at all. After chewing on the pen's cap for a minute or so, she finally put pen to paper and let all of her feelings bleed all over it.

Dear Christian,

If you're reading this…

May 12th, 2012

"Before me stands Christian and Anastasia who have joined their souls together in Holy wedlock. In doing so, they have chosen to provide companionship, love and support to each other during both the happy and difficult moments of life and marriage.

They have declared their perpetual love to each other before their family and friends gathered here and before the almighty God. They have promised their solemn love by exchanging rings and joining hands as they prepare to walk through life together.

In the name of the Holy Spirit and the powers vested in me by God and man, I pronounce you husband and wife.

Let no one put asunder those that have been joined together today in the presence of almighty God.

Christian, you may now kiss your bride."

~After a kiss that lingered a bit too long, Christian only came up for air due to the thundering applause that filled his childhood church. The shining adoration Anastasia saw glittering in Christian's eyes caused all of her love for this man to spill out through a huge, beaming smile. A smile Ana had only met when Christian Grey wrapped her inside of his love~

February 2012

Anastasia Steele walked into Christian Grey's white fortress on that cold Friday evening and never left. Katherine had called every other minute that weekend but stopped when Elliot possibly duct taped to the wall. That Sunday afternoon Ana insisted she needed to go home because she had no work clothes for the following day. But before six that evening, Christian had gifted Ana an entirely new wardrobe, from the most expensive underwear to shoes she couldn't even pronounce, proclaiming that now she had no reason to go home that night. Ana might have put up more of a fight if Christian hadn't kept her occupied in bed the entire weekend, sated from all the sex and still utterly perplexed as to why he held her wrists each time, and irked that he would never answer her when she questioned him.

That weekend had left Ana overwhelmed from information overload. Christian's home was not an apartment but a huge palatial palace that seemed to go on forever. Ana learned the place was covered with CCTV cameras and a security office manned by Taylor, who also happened to reside there. Christian also had two other live-in employees, another CPO who was none other than Reynolds, the hulk who had taken Ana to the hospital when she her sprained ankle. Then there was also Mrs. Gail Taylor, Christian's cook and housekeeper who happened to be Taylor's wife. Ana immediately took to Gail's kind and motherly personality and the women were quickly on a first-name basis, which Christian did not approve of. While Gail got every weekend off, Taylor was a constant presence and Ana wondered if the man ever slept.

At the end of that weekend, Ana knew everything about the life that revolved around Christian Grey, but not much about the man himself. She had already had a front row seat about how rashly his moods could change, but that wisp of mind-numbing madness never reappeared again.

All Ana knew for sure was that Christian was too wealthy, beyond handsome, complicated, and mercurial. He also seemed easily perturbed with change, no matter how mundane it would appear to anyone else. Take her first night there as an example. Christian was out of sort about sleeping in the same bed as Ana, and she could tell that it was seriously pissing him off. She was completely bewildered by his behavior and was not sure if it was appropriate to laugh or cry at his obvious distress.

"You know I can always sleep in a guest room,"

Ana knew she was staring at him as if he had two heads; this was one puzzling situation, but witnessing his discomfort, Ana felt the need to let him off the hook.

"No, it will be fine. I'm just not used to sleeping with anyone."

"What about your subs?"

Shaking his head no, Christian absentmindedly mumbled, "They had their own room."

"I see,"

Christian was running both hands through his gorgeous hair. Ana saw his exasperation and felt an emotion rolling off of his body - despondency? Christian finally reached for her hand and led her into his bedroom, all pale blue and reminiscent of the sea. Digging through of one of his drawers, he brought out a tee shirt, handing it to Ana.

"I know you don't have any sleep wear, so you can wear this if you'd like."

Christian was obviously in some sort of struggle to sound as if he was okay with his given situation. Ana burned for him to expound on what was going on in his mind and what brought about this palpable fear that seemed as if it was embedded within him. Ana's mind had always favored sensible rationale and knew that everyone carried ghosts inside their soul, so she did not pursue an explanation.

Ana she took his tee shirt and nodded, heading to the bathroom that Christian was pointing out to her. Quickly changing, Ana giggled to herself as she used Christian's toothbrush when he suddenly opened the bathroom door, only clad in a pair of pajama pants that barely clung to his hips. She did not think he could look any hotter, but then saw his upper body decorated with long since healed circular scars. Ana quickly averted her eyes. She was not going to gape at them or make him feel self-conscious.

"Feel free to use my toothbrush, Anastasia,"

His earlier mood was gone and he was back to wearing that panty wetting smile. Ana only shrugged.

"Would you prefer I had bad breath, Mr. Grey?"

"Turn around,"

Ana blinked at him in bewilderment, but then assumed Christian wanted to fuck her from behind as she held onto the sink. Barely able to contain a flirtatious smile, Ana bit down on her lower lip.

"Why?"

"Just do it,"

With greedy and lascivious eyes, Ana watched in the mirror as he stalked toward her. Taking her by surprise, Christian pulled her hair causing her head to tilt back a bit. It was just painful. He then began to expertly French braid her hair and Ana saw that he even held an elastic hair band. Okay, what is this?

"Why are you braiding my hair, Christian?"

"Because I can,"

"That doesn't mean I wanted you to braid it."

In what felt like three seconds, Christian was finished.

"Impressive. Maybe I should call you Vidal Sassoon,"

"Get in the bed, Anastasia."

"But why did…"

"Anastasia, go get in the bed."

Christian's eyes bore into her with unuttered lust and his low and husky order left no room for question. The corners of Ana's lips turned up with a small coquettish grin and practically skipped to his bed. Christian's naked body slid over hers, kissing her deeply, and raising her arms over her head by her wrists. The reason why Christian had braided her hair was long forgotten.

March 2012

The next month was as close to heaven as Ana thought she would ever reach. She already knew Christian was gorgeous and sexy, but she was now finding out that he was brilliant, hysterically funny, and highly unpredictable. From tearing Ana out of a perfectly good sleep at four in the morning so Christian could take her soaring, to finding herself being flown in his very own helicopter that he piloted himself. One day he told Ana that if she got a sudden urge to shop on Rodeo Drive, Christian's private jet could easily accommodate her. Ana was not sure if that was to said to impress her or to tell her she owned shit for clothes.

Ana was astutely aware that Christian had no point of reference when it came to relationships and romance. If Ana had not had two serious and long-term relationships, this budding one with Christian would have shriveled up and died. But Ana learned the hard way about ex boyfriends and Christian Grey.

One night, Christian had taken her out to dinner at an intimate French restaurant. They were tucked in a small corner and having a lovely and romantic night out when Ana heard a male's voice saying her name.

Looking at her with a huge grin on his face was none other than Riley. Ana smiled back at her former flame and then felt Christian release her hand that he had been holding.

"It's so great to see you here! Seems like it's been ages,"

Riley had always been so sweet and good-natured that Ana wanted to stand up and properly greet him, but she was already imaging the smoke leaking out of Christian's ears.

"It's good to see you, too. May I introduce my boyfriend, Christian Grey? Christian, this is Riley Stough,"

Ever a jealous asshole, Christian explained exactly how he felt with one glance at Ana, but did stand up to shake Riley's hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Stough."

Ana nearly broke out in giggles the second she said her boyfriend was Christian Grey and Riley's eyes nearly popped out of his head.

"It's great to meet you, Mr. Grey. I apologize for interrupting your meal, but I was waiting on my date and spotted Ana, so I wanted to come and say hi,"

"No reason to apologize, Riley. How are you? Is grad school still kicking your ass?"

Ana cannot help but laugh at her own question with Riley laughing along with her. Christian has set back down and leaning back in his chair staring at Riley, his face impassive. He was definitely not laughing.

"I'm doing well, and yeah, school is the same. How about you? Have you taken the publishing world by storm yet?"

"I'm well. I don't know about taking publishing by storm, but I do love my job."

"That's awesome, Ana. I always knew you'd land your dream job,"

Ana smells Christian's burning anger as it crosses the table, but she refuses to be rude to Riley.

"Oh, I see Robin coming out of the ladies room, so I better catch up with her before she thinks I left her,"

"It was good seeing you, Riley. Take care."

"You too, Ana. Mr. Grey, once again it was a pleasure to meet you,"

"The pleasure has been all mine, Mr. Stough."

Riley was barely out of their sight before Ana heard what sounded like a guttural growl escaping Christian's throat. His eyes had gone from gray to green, showing that he was full of boiling jealousy and his laser vision set on Ana.

"Who was that, Ana? Who. In. The. Fuck. ?"

Ana was so stunned with Christian's immature reaction that she just stared at him.

"Answer me, Anastasia. Who is your friend? You were quite pleased to see him," "

Ana threw her napkin on the table. She had done nothing wrong and Christian had witnessed that with his own eyes, even if they were clouded by irrational jealousy.

"I met Riley in college and we were in a relationship for quite awhile. He is in graduate school here and we went out a few times when I first moved to Seattle. Is that enough information, Mr. Grey?"

"So I just shook hands with a guy that has had his dick inside you?" If Christian's voice had not been so menacing Ana would have laughed.

"Christian that was crude and an inappropriate thing for you to say to me. I'm done with this conversation,"

"Well, I'm far from done. When was the last time you've seen him since you've been in Seattle?"

Ana sighed deeply. She knew Christian had hold of a bone and was not going to let it go, but his ridiculous expression of frost only spurred her on to challenge him.

"Two or three times, I think. It was long before I met you. Why can't you let this go? How do I know when I run into one of your previous subs? I don't know if I do, isn't that right?"

Silence.

"Anastasia, the thought of any man touching you, kissing you, fucking what is now mine fills me with rage. Now I have been face to face with a man that has. I want to kill him,"

Christian's voice has softened and seems - apologetic? Reaching across the table, Christian takes her hands into one of his.

"You were right. What I said to you was out of line and inappropriate" I apologize."

Ana studies Christian's face, her blue eyes taking in every detail searching for sincerity and replaying his apology in her head. Yes, it is there. He meant what he said and although she feels agonizing jealousy when she walks by that locked room, she never goes thermonuclear about it. Ana realizes all of that was before her.

"I accept your apology and I want you to understand that you're it for me,"

Christian stares at her with a dubious expression, but nods at her and smiles his shy smile that she has come to love.

"Are we having dessert?"

Christian's eyes glitter at Ana's innocent question.

"We'll have dessert at home, Miss Steele. You are going to dessert,"

Christian stands and reaches for her hand. Ana's insides tighten at his low and husky voice and what his words imply.

"Lead the way, Mr. Grey."

Christian was as intense as he was competent. He was quietly philanthropic and ragingly loud in the boardroom. Each of these contrasting characteristics only made Ana love him more. Love him, Ana pondered. Yes, yes, I do. From the outstanding sex, to his quick-witted humor, a kindness he shows just a few, his generosity… Ana knew she could probably list her reasons all day. What Ana really wanted to know is if he loved her as well.

Ana eventually found out that the large company that had purchased SIP was none other than GEH, also known as Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc. While she was not comfortable with the thought of living with the company's new owner, she could not get angry with Christian since he bought the company long before getting involved with her. In one swift move, SIP was Grey Publishing, and as he promised, he never interfered with her career. Ana sardonically thought Christian would eventually own every business in Seattle.

Ana had not been living with Christian for very long when he hired her a CPO, another hulking man named Luke Sawyer. Sawyer was 6'4 and probably 190 pounds. Despite his intimidating appearance and no nonsense way of protecting Ana, she could see that he was also quietly kind.

But when Christian put security on Ana she became incensed, feeling it was ridiculous and completely unnecessary. This conversation quickly accelerated into a loud and contentious fight. Ana refused to see a reason that required Luke Sawyer to essentially follow her every move, even setting up his own place inside Grey Publishing. Christian took Ana into his arms and murmured in her hair that he couldn't stand the thought of her being harmed and he would always protect her, no matter how many fits Ana had over it. Plus, he warned her that the second the media saw them together, they would be all over it until they found out who Ana was and everything about her.

It turned out he was correct. In a mere matter of days as the couple strolled hand in hand in downtown Seattle the local media descended upon them, shouting questions at them both, asking Christian the identity of who he was walking with and blinding Ana with camera flashes. Ana was initially shocked by their interest in who she was until she had a sudden epiphany; they were so fascinated with her because Christian had never been seen with a woman. The thought depressed her. The swarm of media soon became too large for Taylor and Sawyer to handle no matter how many times they elbowed a photographer in the face. Before she knew it, Ana was flanked by Ryan and Reynolds. Christian gripped her hand even tighter as if to reassure her. The onslaught only ended when they reached Escala.

The first time Christian took Ana to his childhood home to introduce her to his parents, she was too nervous to even speak. Her only saving grace from acting like a complete idiot was that Kate would be there too. When they arrived, both of his parents were on the porch waiting to greet them, wearing beaming smiles as Christian introduced Ana to Carrick and Grace Grey. Christian's mother Grace enveloped Ana in a warm embrace and led Ana into the foyer. Just as Grace released Ana from her arms, Ana saw a gorgeous, brown-eyed young woman barreling toward her. Seconds later, this young lady had Ana engulfed in a death grip and was screeching in her ear.

"CHRISTIAN! She is gorgeous! Where have you been hiding her?"

"Mia, let her go, you're choking her to death. Anastasia, this is my little sister Mia,"

Letting Ana go, Mia began to excitedly clap her hands. Her mood was infectious and Ana could not help but grin back.

"It is so wonderful to meet you, Anastasia. He has never brought anyone home before!"

"Please, call me Ana,"

Christian cleared his throat and gave a small push on Ana's lower back to move them from the foyer. Looking around at the lovely and comfortable surroundings, Ana agreed with Kate's assessment; it felt like a real home, despite its opulence. Everyone entered into the living room where Elliot and Kate were cuddling on the sofa. Suddenly, Ana was being lifted off her feet and spun around by the sunshine that is Elliot Grey while Kate laughed loudly.

"Give her to me, you big oaf! She's my best friend!"

Christian looked at his older brother reproachfully, not amused that Elliot had placed his hands on Ana. Elliot winked at Christian, but once their mother turned her back, he flipped him off with an amused smirk on his face. Ana watched the brothers with fascination-two polar opposites.

Christian and Ana joined Elliot and Kate on the sofa where the young women began whispering in each other's ear about a girl's night out, while Elliot and Christian started making predictions about the Mariners upcoming season. Ana had not missed the cool reception Kate had given Christian or that Christian had made it very clear that he did not like her. Ana knew that Kate still did not trust or like Christian Grey, but she had chosen to keep her mouth shut for both Elliot and Ana's sake.

Christian's family was warm and friendly, and apparently approved of both Ana and Kate. The Grey's were already acquainted with Kate's family, so the majority of time was spent getting to know Ana. Never being one to enjoy the spotlight of scrutiny, when a few of Mia's questions delved too far into Ana's unsettled upbringing, Kate rushed to her best friend's rescue, either deflecting the question all together, or answering for her. Ana felt herself under Christian's watchful eye, and when she acknowledged him Ana saw his curiosity over Kate's behavior.

In the middle of pre dinner drinks, the doorbell chimed and the family maid led in a stunning older woman. As soon as the woman entered the room, all three men immediately stood up due to years of ingrained manners. The woman was quite tall and wore her platinum blonde hair in a short bob and was dressed entirely in black.

"Mrs. Lincoln has arrived," The maid announced.