Hey everyone! Chapter 8 is finally here! I do hope you will enjoy it :) xxx

Chapter 8

''Get up, sweetheart,'' Jose says with a laugh. Here we go. I mentally roll my eyes. The day that I was dreading has come. I jerk my head up and squint when Jose pulls the curtains wide open allowing the morning sunlight to come flooding into the guest room. I glare at him through the brunette curtain of my bed head. ''What are you doing? The sun is just appearing and here you are looking well too energetic.''

I pull the covers up to avoid the bright sun.

He chuckles and before I know it the covers are ripped off me completely. ''Hey!'' I shout and attempt to grab the covers again. But he slaps my hand away and flops on the bed beside me. ''Leave me alone,'' I mumble

''If I remembered correctly, you, promised to assist me in a meeting.''

I shake my head and snort. ''You think you so clever,'' I blink up at him to adjust my eyes to the brightness around me.

Jose grins and leans back on his forearm, looking way too happy with himself. But then why wouldn't he? After all he managed to persuade me to go to one of his meetings. Forcing myself to relax, I hug my pillow, anticipation as well as fear knotting in my stomach. I hated the two, maybe because I haven't dealt with that combination a lot. I glanced out the window at the dreary smog filled sky and thought that even the clouds looked like they are about to burst with emotion.

''Come we're going to be late if we don't get this thing rolling...'' he glances at his watch, ''Shit! Like now!'' he jumps of the bed and I groan. ''You are to be downstairs ready to go in five!'' his voice dulls down as he gets further away from the room. After letting his words sink in I too bolt out of bed. Five minutes! Is he crazy?! Or is this some kind of joke?

I huff and stroll out of the room in my underwear. I throw myself over the banister, ''Are you serious ?!'' I yell at him,

''Yep so I suggest you stop the questions and get a move on, the Grey's hate the word late,''

I rifle through my clothes in my travel bag trying to desperately find something suitable to wear. Since I left Kate's in such a rush I didn't have any formal wear with me, I was planning to go back and pick the rest of my clothes this evening, I throw my t-shirt on the floor. God damn it! I get even more flustered when I remember that Jose was a man who rarely looked anything less than absolutely gorgeous on any day. Whereas there I'll be, standing next to him, wearing a plain top and jeans that will probably have a stain on them knowing my hopeless laundry skills. Just great.

''You're not even dressed yet?'' I turn my head and pout. ''Don't do puppy eyes with me, why aren't you dressed?'' He asks again. My eyes flashed back to his, I fully expected he wasn't going to drop this issue and even when frowning he was a knockout, making my self-esteem drop down further.

I felt his hand on my shoulder giving me a reassuring squeeze. He crouched down next to me.

''Why the pout?''

I looked at my travel bag and the now messy cream carpet full of my clothes. ''I haven't got anything to wear''

''There's got to be something''

I stood up and picked up my jeans, ''How about... stained black jeans...'' I paused to pick up a blue

silky tank top, ''...or a creased top.''

He finally nodded, ''Okay point taken, I'll be right back.''

I stare in disbelief at his back as he walks away from me. Where is he going?

A moment later he comes back into my room again but this time he carries a brown box. A deep frown appears on my face and I cross my arms over my chest. He dazzles me with his winning smile and hands me the box which I take... eventually. I placed it on the bed and looked at him, my eyes wide full of confusion.

''I was going to wait till next week for your birthday but since this is a fashion emergency, as you girls call it,''

I giggled

''Well open it,''

With shaking hands I carefully lifted off the lid to the box. I saw black wrapping paper but besides that a small business size card. It was written in Jose's neat handwriting that said

To my happiness, to my joy and most importantly to my best friend. From Jose

My lip quivered as happiness wrapped around me. I was holding my tears back but when Jose hugged me they ran down my cheeks. I wanted him to know how grateful I was for having a best friend like him but no words came out. When I finished his forearm was covered with my tears which I obviously apologised for.

''Don't apologise, open your gift,'' I grinned through my remaining tears and pushed the black wrapper away and what greeted me was something I would never have imagined. I swallowed loudly which I am sure he heard as I could feel his smile. ''Now you can get ready but try your best to be quick, we are really pushing for time,'' he left.

I admired the woman staring back at me in the long mirror which hanged in the living room of Jose's apartment. The dress Jose picked was fire engine red which was a colour that screamed confidence. It hung on one shoulder, cutting diagonally across my cleavage, it was very figure hugging but flared out at the hips. What shocked me the most was the back which was a v cut and the only thing there was, a gold glittering chain that went across my back, it kept the front from falling off. It was knee length which made it an acceptable choice for a business meeting. I'll just have to wear a jacket to cover the back. My heels that were also in the box were golden and laced around my foot delicately and ended just above my ankle.

I grabbed my jacket and went down to the lobby where he told me he would be. As soon as I got there he came jogging up to me.

''Well, well, look at you,'' I gestured in his direction.

''It's just something I quickly picked out,'' I raised my eyebrows. Regardless the amount of time Jose had to get ready he looked stunning especially wearing one of his Giorgio Armani three- piece suits, which was navy this time, he wore a bright white shirt, and a navy tie that was hanging loosely. Jose already managed to get attention from by-passing women in the lobby but as soon as their stares met mine I was given sour glances in return.

''Wait,'' I lifted my hands to fix his tie, ''Now we can go,'' I offered a smile since I could tell he was nervous.

''Thank you,'' his lips lifted. ''Hold this,'' he passed me a folder, ''We'll take your car it'll be easier since you parked in front of mine,''

''Shit, sorry!''

He shook his head,''Don't worry about it we need to go,''

Thankfully the traffic was in our favour and we were weaving in between cars with no problem. I remained within the speed limit as I knew Jose hated when I didn't. My foot was twitching over the accelerator that I wanted to so desperately press but I restrained myself. Even though I didn't know why Jose always freaked out whenever I accelerated. My stilettos made it harder for me to feel the fluid movements of my car but I still managed. I licked my dry lips and sighed remembering our destination that we were going to arrive in approximately ten minutes, which was what my sat nav has been showing.

We reach our destination with only ten minutes to spare but we weren't late and I felt my hands relax on the steering wheel. I've been tensed during the whole journey without even being aware of it until now. Jose has been quiet and so I glanced at him.

He's yanking the collar of his shirt, trying to readjust it. ''Stop, you look fine''

He runs his hand through his tie, ''I can't Ana, this is a huge deal for me, it could open so many different doors for my career.''

I put my hands in my lap, ''Jose, you're one of the best photographers, Seattle knows! You'll win him over!''

''He's hard to impress...'' he drifts off and turns his head towards the building we parked in front.

''We need to go,'' I get out the car and lock it when Jose stands next to me on the pavement.

I tipped my head back and allowed my eyes to stare at the impressive and immaculate building in front of us. It was a sleek spire building that shimmered when sunlight hit it and pierced through the clouds that appeared even darker then before. From Jose's description of this building I knew that the interior will be as awe-inspiring as the structure itself. My gaze finds the entrance door and I notice 'Grey House' written discreetly in steel but once my gaze locked onto it, it screamed boldness and arrogance like the man himself. We walked in silence up the white concrete steps and finally reached the lobby which was just as intimidating as the outside. The silver veined marble ran through the whole vast area, which included the walls. Behind the immaculate aluminium desk sat a blonde woman and as soon as we neared her, she looked up at us and offered a customer kind of smile which I knew was forced by the tension in her eyes. She didn't want to be here just as much as I didn't. I don't fail to notice that she's well groomed and very attractive. She's wearing a black suit jacket and a white shirt. Not a single strand of hair was out of place in her ponytail.

Jose steps forwards and lays his palms flat on the desk, ''We're here to see, Mr Grey,''

''What's yours and the lady's name?'' Her gaze jumped to me and then lingered on Jose. Typical.

''I'm Mr Rodriguez and this is Miss Steele,''

''One moment, Sir,'' She starts typing away on the keyboard

I tried to remain still but I lost the battle and started to fidget with one of the buttons on my black jacket. I began to step from foot to foot as I observed the woman. She was immaculate just as the building itself and I instantly felt out of place. What?! I snap at myself for even thinking this. I was already loosing the battle with my mind as well as my body, I concluded. It's this building... I tell myself over and over again but I know its far from the truth. Its him. I clench my eyes shut and breath out calmly.

''Mr Grey will see you in just a moment, just take the elevators on your left and press the twenty-fifth floor'' she gestures towards the elevators,

After thanking her we find our way to the elevators and press the floor that Miss Fake Smile told us to press. The elevator shoots up and when the doors swing open I staggered but manage to balance myself before leaving the elevator. My nerves coiled round me, just like a spider wrapped its prey in the cob web, there was no escape from it. Think of Jose. The angel in my mind screamed at me but the devil was still there and kept pushing. If you leave this building everything will be fine. I was fighting the urge to run but the look of determination on Jose face stops me. I am here for him, I remind myself. I am not letting down yet another person, I mentally sulk when I think of Kate.

''Ready?'' Jose startles me,

I regain my composure, ''Yes,''

''Mr Grey will see you now,'' Mine and Jose's eyes shift to Miss Blonde Number Two. Another blonde? And just as immaculate as the first ''Follow me,''

We follow her through yet another perfectly decorated corridor, pictures of awards and of successful projects have been placed on either side of the walls. How many has there been? Has it all been achieved by Grey? Have I really underestimated him so much? Mr Grey not only had a god like body but he also had his mind focused on business and his success showed.

I was so wrapped up in my thoughts about, Grey, I walked into Blonde Number Two, ''I'm sorry,'' I offer an apologetic smile.

''It's Okay,'' When she smiles I can tell that this one is sincere by the warmth look in her eyes. She opens the door, ''Here we go,''

I glanced at my phone for the last time and found that we were three minutes late, crap.

Jose walks in first and after a sigh I walk in too.

Christian Grey was sitting at a large dark mahogany desk, typing on his computer. He didn't look up or even slow his strokes. We might as well not even entered, I dropped my eyes. I couldn't stare at him for long he just effected me too god damn much and this was meant to be a formal meeting, about Jose. Get it together.

He was still typing

We stood next to each other in silence and waited. My grip on Jose's folder tightened and nerves rose again. How long have we been standing here? Five minutes? Or maybe ten? I completely lost track of time. I was too tensed. Too flushed. And just because he's in the room with me. Did he notice us come in? Or were we ghosts to him? I started to count my breaths to occupy my mind and I felt my heart slow its rocket speed.

He stopped typing.

''Mr Rodriguez'' I jumped at his confident tone, ''Miss Steele''

I looked at him and my legs nearly gave way. He pushed his chair back, the wheels rolling loudly on the hardwood floor which was the second loudest sound in the room along with my racing heart. My mouth popped open as I watched him walk towards us, his strides were confident and even. Photographs never did the man justice. He was dressed to perfection, with his five thousand dollar grey suit, white shirt and a gray tie. He wasn't just very attractive he was captivating, everything about him was. I blink rapidly, my eyelids matching the speed of my heart hammering. His eyes darkened and he smirked.

''You're late,'' he says simply.

I felt tension radiating from Jose, ''We do apologise,Mr Grey there was a lot of traffic on the way,'' he lied but we had to have some rational explanation.

He nodded, ''Next time leave earlier, and get to my office at least ten minutes early,''

''Yes Sir,''

''Very well,'' His voice warm and possibly amused, but why? He extended his long fingered hand towards Jose. What could those hands do? I pressed my legs together to dull the ache. I rubbed my sweaty hands on the jacket, the temperature in the room was rising. Or was it just me?

Jose put his hands in his, and they shook. ''It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr Grey.''

He smiled and I couldn't look away.

He looked at me.

My heart stopped.

My breath hitched.

''Miss Steele,'' He extends his hand to me this time. I hesitantly place my hand in his, he tightens his grip. In that moment a strange cold as well as warm shiver ran up my arm. I withdraw my hand quickly but didn't fail to miss the frown on Grey's face. What the hell was that? Static. It must be.

''Would you both like to sit?'' He gestures towards the massive conference table in his office. It is then that I finally peel my gaze away from him and look around his office. His office is way too big for just one man. There are huge floor to ceiling windows on one wall of his office that overlook the beautiful city of Seattle. Everything is white, the floors, the walls and even the ceiling. The office looked bright but clinical. There was nothing personal on his office desk, besides only four sharpened pencils and also four black pens, which were neatly placed there. There was a computer which looked very high tech and also some paperwork which were stacked to perfection on one corner of his desk.

''Yes,'' Jose replies and we walked towards the conference table. Grey's in front and I follow like a puppet behind.

He lowers himself into the chair, right at the top of the table. Me and Jose sit opposite each other about two chairs away from Grey. I stared at the folder that I placed carefully on the glass table we sat on. Power radiated from him and was crashing towards me like a tsunami and those powerful waves made him dark and dangerous. I glanced through beneath my lashes and turned my head slightly, observing his movements. He ran one hand through his copper waves whereas the other held a pencil that he was twisting in his hand.

''Mr Rodriguez, shall we begin?''

I looked across the table to Jose, who put on his best ready-for-business face.

''Yes,'' he stood and walked towards a whiteboard and placed his laptop on the edge of the table. He switched it on and straightened again. ''I brought my assistant with me today, Sir, I hope you don't mind,''

I refused to look at Christian.

''Not at all, we've met.'' he murmured, the vibrations of his voice travelled to the deepest and most intimate parts of my body. He needed to stop talking, like now. Did he really have to say that? I tapped my fingers on the folder, anything to distract myself from the building desire inside of me.

''Oh, I see,'' Jose looked at me but I refused to look at him either. ''Okay,'' he started.

I tried to stay still for the next hour as Jose presented his portfolio with his photographs to Grey, I knew they were all breathtaking since he was one of the best photographers Seattle had. I watched and listened to Jose as he answered all of Grey's questions and made suggestions whenever he had any concerns. I admired how relaxed and passionate about his work Jose became. He wanted to sell his photographs to him and that goal showed, I was even ready to throw money on the table. But was Grey? I turned away from Jose and from the corner of my eye I watched him, his right arm rested on the table and his fingers were stroking the top of it. His other hand was placed under his chin as he listened to Jose speaking. A section of his wrist got exposed by the new positioning of his left arm and for some crazy reason that small sight of exposed golden tanned skin made my clit throb for attention. I wanted those hands on me. I needed them on me. I knew he could make me orgasm by just speaking to me long enough.

His face was impassive as his full focus was on Jose's presentation so I couldn't tell what he thought. My fingers curled round the folder so hard my knuckles turned white.

''Thank you for the presentation, Mr Rodriguez, I have one issue...'' he says as they wrap things up. What kind of issue would he have? The presentation went perfect.

''What is the issue, Mr Grey, I am sure we can resolve it.''

Christian smiled but it wasn't a convincing smile. ''Remember our conversation on the phone, Mr Rodriguez?''

Jose puts his hands behind his back, ''Of course,''

Grey stood, ''Well then you will remember that I was very clear and I mean very, about not being late,''

Jose didn't say anything and so Grey continued. ''I mean if I was to hire you to supply my photographs I would expect them to arrive at a given time and date, not any second later,''

''Why did you let me continue?''

He walked towards him, ''Because Mr Rodriguez I was curious and I am truly impressed by your work but the word late simply does not appear in my dictionary, do you think it's professional to be late?'' He raised his eyebrows as if he was waiting for Jose to bite back.

He didn't, ''No, no its not,''

''Well then, we are done,''

I stared with anger at Grey. Did he really just let this all play out even though he knew he would not hire Jose? And for what? To feed his own curiosity? He pissed me off further when he so casually walked off and left me and Jose in the conference area of his office. It felt like we were objects that could easily be disregarded and picked up whenever he decided. Fury flowed through me, I couldn't help it. How dare he! He lead Jose believe there was a chance for a job and then just blow it off like that!

I stared at Jose and he knew I was angry but he mouthed 'lets go,' but instead of leaving I straightened in my chair, ready for action. I glanced in the general area where Grey was and when I was satisfied we were out of earshot I whispered, ''Give me ten,''

''What are you doing? We have to go,'' he whispered back and grabbed hold of my elbow to drag me with him.

I refused to budge.

''Is there a problem?'' Grey's hoarse voice filled the tension between Jose and me.

''Yes actually there is,'' I gathered as much confidence as I could.

Rising to my feet, I walked towards his desk, I was hyper-aware of his stare and his presence all together.

''Maybe I can help?'' he remained seated not in the least bit intimidated by my tone.

''Yes actually, I think you can,'' I crossed my arms over my chest and looked over my shoulder at Jose, ''Would you give us a minute?''

''We have to be somewhere in a bit,'' he was lying.

''If, Miss Steele wishes to have a word with me in private, then she will get it,'' Christian interrupted.

''Fine, thank you for the meeting, Mr Grey,'' he looked stiff and tense as he left me and Christian in the office.

The door closed.

My confidence fled as quickly as it came the longer the silence filled the air between us. I felt my anger flow away but I knew what I wanted to get across and I finally found my voice.

''Why did you do it?''

''Miss Steele, you talk?'' a ghost of a smile formed on his sinful mouth. Awareness of him prickled along my skin. He was such a strong force even in such a big space. I was sure he caused a disturbance with his presence where ever he went, what would it be like to be so good looking? His gaze was sharp as he observed me. The intensity of it was searing and it felt like his whole attention was focused on me. It made me feel sorry for Jose who was under that heated gaze for more then an hour. The now familiar electricity crackled to life between us, I still couldn't explain it and I didn't have time to allow my mind to linger onto that thought. I needed to talk to Grey, professionally.

''Yes I talk, and as I remember clearly I have an issue that I would like to address with you,'' I neared his desk.

He lifted his head and half smiled at me, ''Yes, I'm fully aware that you have an issue, Anastasia, which is why I cleared the room,''

I rolled my eyes, ''I want you to hire Jose,''

He stood up and walked round his desk, leaned against it and crossed his arms. I took a step back. ''Miss Steele, I already explained to you that I cannot hire Jose and I gave you a valid reason,''

''But I don't agree with your reason,''

''Do you think I have time for people who are late?'' I knew it was a rhetorical question so I remained quiet. ''No, I don't, I have a team of people that I can trust and rely on and they know that they have to carry out their tasks on time.''

I frowned, ''Jose's work is the best you will ever get,''

''Very persistent, I see,''

''Yes,'' I met his gaze with my own level of intensity.

He pushes himself off his desk and takes a small step towards me. I lift my chin up slightly to appear unaffected to him but having him this close has all my nerves frying. I saw his gaze darken further and I felt that shiver again but this time he didn't touch me, so why did I feel it?

His voice lowered, sounding intimate. ''So you think that I am going to listen to you after you didn't listen to me,''

I scowled, ''What are you talking about?''

He let out a small laugh, ''I'm talking about what happened at Heathman,''

I gasped, ''Oh,''

''Yes, Oh. So may I ask why you left?'' He raised his eyebrows and took a step forwards.

I quickly shake my head, ''That's really non of your business,''

''I was your client so that makes it my business. What are you hiding Anastasia?''

My insides quivered at the way he purred my name. His eyes sparkled with amusement making him even more unbelievably handsome then before, if that is even possible. I blinked up at him.

''I-I don't have anything to hide'' I stutter.

Bending close, he whispers, ''Liar,''

As soon as his scent wrapped around me that warmth moved through me again, followed by that heated ache between my legs I came to know so well ever since I started to share the air with him. I didn't know how much longer I could keep my mask in place but I knew I had to, for Jose.

''You can't hide forever,'' he said.

I took a step back, the shiver eased, a little. ''Who do you think you are?'' I shifted my weight onto my right leg.

He straightens, his face expressionless, ''I asked you a question first,''

I looked away already feeling that fury simmering inside me back to life. ''That is not something we need to discuss,'' I stand my ground,

No reaction

Nothing

He doesn't seem surprised by my responses as if he expects them. Strange.

''Have dinner with me,'' it's not a question, it sounds like an order.

''No,''

''May I ask, why?''

My eyebrows shoot up, ''Why do you want to have dinner with me?''

He smirks, ''The answer is simple, Anastasia, because I want to,''

''It's still a no,''

''How about a deal?''

Well now I am very much intrigued, what does he want to offer me? Any why not give up already after I turned him down.

''I'm listening''

He grinned, ''I knew you wouldn't resist,'' he paused, ''The deal is simple, you have dinner with me and you'll get my signature which will mean that Jose will get the job,''

I needed to be cautious, men like him don't just give simple deals like that and he was the dangerous type. So I have to be extra careful especially when Jose was in the picture.

I cleared my throat, ''Where's the catch?''

He shook his head, ''There's no catch, I simply want to have dinner with you and if giving Jose a job is what you need to convince you, then you'll have it,''

''Now who's persistent,''

''I always get what I want, Miss Steele,''

''I don't doubt it, but you can't have me, Mr Grey,''

That breathtaking smile touched his lips again, ''You just a challenge and I don't back down from one,''

I inhaled sharply, I've never been so painfully aroused by another man. I wanted him but he was off limits, the forbidden fruit, that I could only look at and crave. But we all want what we cannot have and he was oh so tempting.


Please let me know what you think :))) xxxx