Hi everyone! Chapter 9 is here! I hope you all enjoy it! xxx

Chapter 9

It's been three days. Three days of constant tension. Three days of fear. And three days of anticipation.

I sat in Jose's living room, with a glass of wine, and lost in my thoughts. I was playing a dangerous game, one wrong step and I would pay for it but I refused to back down. I could not do it for three reasons, the first was that Jose's future relied too much on this, second, I wanted to see what he was going to throw onto the table at this dinner and lastly, I simply could not resist him.

I watched the fire in the fireplace crackling, the flames dancing, caressing each other. The room was so quiet I could hear the flame's erotic dance. This is what Christian became, he was the flame and caressed my cheek and my desire for him became an obsession. He wanted it this way, he wanted me to feel like this, so hopeless but I was not planning on giving in to his charm that he thought he had over every female within ten feet distance of him. I was not going to give him the satisfaction of falling under his spell like every other naive woman before me. I repeated to myself that I was an independent woman and I was strong, especially after what I have been through. My past taught me not to show weaknesses, stay in total control but most importantly do not let any man put me in the same position that I was before. My heart clenched at the horrific memories that have imbedded themselves into my crushed mind.

I stood up and walked over to the windows, my wine glass though empty was still in my hand. I was ready to see him again and to finally put him in his place, but there was nothing. No text and no call. Nothing. I could not stand it. He was playing with me, teasing me and I was beginning to have enough of it. I wanted to have this dinner over and done with, but it seemed that the bastard had a different idea. I got restless and angrier the more time that passed. I was not going to tell Jose about the deal that I made with Grey, it would not go down well. I can already picture the never ending argument that would start but I had a plan and I was going to follow through.

''There you are,'' Jose's amused tone brought me back.

I smiled before turning around.

''Hmm were you hiding from me,'' he purred.

''You really do think highly of yourself, don't you,'' I tossed back.

''I just know you can't resist me.''

I snorted. ''Debatable.''

''So have you go an answer?''

''Answer to?''

He rolled his eyes. ''We're going out tonight and I asked you earlier whether you were up to it,''

''Oh, yes, I remember.'' I really did not want to go.

''Come on, don't make me wait,'' His eyes sparkled. How could I possibly say no to that face? I had to go, for him.

''Okay I'll go,'' The smile itched its way onto my lips.

''Yes!'' His enthusiasm was infectious.

''What's the occasion?'' I started walking towards the island in the kitchen.

''That we survived, Grey's meeting.'' He sings.

''How is that an accomplishment? We didn't get the signature'' Yet.

''As I said to you before the meeting, he's really hard to impress and the fact that he even let me show him my work was an accomplishment.'' He paused. ''Usually when someone is late to his meetings he does not even allow them through the threshold of his office. So to me we did well.''

''Hmm... Okay... you're right.'' I muse.

''Of course, I'm right.''

I rest my hands on my hips. ''But you're not always right,''

''I am right, so end of conversation. Go get ready.'' He slaps my behind and jogs off laughing.

''Well that wasn't necessary was it?''

''Oh it was!'' He shouts from his room.

I threw myself into clubbing like it was going out of style. I loved to dance, I could let go completely and relax for once. My life has been a constant rollercoaster these days and I was ready to let go of the reins for a while. Me, Jose, Sam and Liz bounced from one club to the next wasting stupid money and having a fabulous time. I don't remember the last time I laughed so much my jaw ached and my stomach was in pain. It was the sign I needed to be given to know that I missed my friends. My feet started to really throb, but I refused to bitch about it and toughed it.

''Wow.'' Jose whistled. ''We're having such a blast, I'm glad you decided to come.''

''I'm glad too.'' I kissed him on the cheek and pointed at the table that a group of girls left from, '' We can sit there.''

I waved to Sam and Liv to come and join us. The music was loud, but we still managed to laugh and catch up on the latest gossip of our lives.

''So, Sam, how's Mia?''

He stopped mid drink, that can't be a good sign. ''Don't even talk to me about that woman.''

My smile turned into a frown, ''That bad, huh?''

All the attention turned to Sam. ''She's just a bit controlling, just like her two brothers, she's a bit too much to handle, you know?''

Oh, I knew all too well. Seems like the world is full of control freaks but no one will ever compare to Christian. It's the first time I thought about him all night, which shocked me, but I found that thought appealing.

''A girl that you can't handle,'' Liv laughed.

Sam rolled his eyes, ''Give me a break,''

''He can have his fill if he wants tonight, maybe with that blonde over there?'' Jose points to the bar attender that is indeed eyeing Sam up. But then who wouldn't the guy always gets noticed. Curly jet-black hair that sat on his head. A sculptured jaw and those aqua eyes made every woman look right into them, hypnotizing them.

''I think I'll have a break from women,''

Liv lifted her brows high. ''You are having a break?'' she snorted.

''What? Men can change, you know.''

I laughed then. It was so good to laugh. I was happy. And I wasn't going to let anyone, or anything ruin it, especially Christian, he's done it enough already. I let my mind run wild and I smiled at Sam.

'Yes, they do.'' I paused and grinned. ''But you don't Sam.''

He feigned hurt. ''Glad to know I have such supportive friends,''

Jose nudged him in the ribs. ''Don't act like you don't like the attention, Sam.'' He smirks at him.

''Very funny, mate.''

The blonde waitress from earlier stopped at our table and I couldn't stop but grin from beneath my glass. ''Is there anything I can get for your guys?,'' She glanced at all of us but her eyes danced and lingered longer on Sam. I admired her confidence and I was sure Sam was not going to resist.

We all proceed to fire away our orders at her, me sticking to my wine, mixing drinks never ended well with me. I watch as her pen glides along the notepad as she scribbles away our orders. I observe Sam and I can see him firing away his winning smile which the blonde sure does not miss. I roll my eyes but smile anyway, Sam will never change.

''Thank you, I won't be long.'' The blonde flicks her hair over her shoulder and turns to leave but her eyes never leave Sam's. The famous flirty look. She straightened her back, clearly to show off her breasts in her low scooped top, which I myself was even jealous off, those cannot be real for sure.

I glance at Sam, ''I'll give it half an hour,''

His stare finally leaving the blonde's ''What?''

''You know what,''

Liv places her glass down on the table, ''Half an hour? Bit long.'' She says

I giggle, clearly feeling the effects of the wine by now.

The time passes by quickly, I find myself walking towards the crowd of dancing bodies with Jose and Liv at my heels. I decided against calling Sam over when I saw him leaning against the bar, his right arm propping his head up, as he smirked at the blonde watching her, as she laughed at something he said.

''He's getting laid tonight,'' Jose shouted over the music.

''For sure.'' Me and Liv shouted back. None of us being at all surprised by our friend's behaviour. It was normal… for Sam.

I closed my eyes then and enjoyed a bit of Justin Timberlake singing about the way he wanted to rock someone's body. I gave in enjoying the song, Jose and Liv encouraged me on as I danced, sweat dripping down my body, sticking my dress to it. I did not care I was feeling good and everything felt right.

''Drinks,'' Liv shouted after our intense dancing on the dance floor. All she got was a nod from me and Jose as that's all we could master at the time. Besides I needed to sit down my feet were begging me to stop torturing them.

We found our table and I sighed as I sat down on the stool, flexing my toes. Damn it felt good.

Two guys stopped at our table. ''Okay if we join you?'' the taller one said.

I glanced at Liv and Jose and then back at the guys. They were broad chested and dressed well, they could have been mistaken as brother. But maybe they were. I batted away my curiosity and was just about to say, Sure, when I felt a warm hand land on my shoulder. It squeezed it firmly, a possessive gesture. ''This one is taken,'' Christian.

I swallowed and peeled my eyes away from the two guys to look at Jose and Liv. ''Liv, Jose. Christian Grey.'' He extended his hand to Jose which he shook. ''Nice to see you again, Jose.'' He turned towards Liv, he took her hand and kissed the back of it instead, causing her to bat her eyelashes at him. Jealousy hit me then and it hit me hard. I had no reason to feel like this, none at all, but I was regardless. I was puzzled at my reaction, I could not understand it at all. But I felt possessive. I hated that he was smiling at Liv like that. I hated that his lips kissed her hand so gently and how he could disarm such a strong-minded woman like, Liv, with just a look.

''I'm Liv.'' She looked away from his gaze, ''But you already knew that.''

Even though I was not looking at him I could feel his presence and his smile as he carried on looking at Liv. ''I've heard a lot about you,'' She added.

I could've killed her. I seriously thought about it just then. And she knew it when she saw the murderous look I was giving her.

''Glad to hear it, all good I hope.'' Christian moved closer, so he could take a seat right next to me. He so casually put his arm around my shoulders, his fingers brushed over my bare shoulder briefly. But I felt it and even if I refused to admit it to anyone I wanted more of it. I cannot believe he just trampled all over my evening just like that. It did not matter that my body craved every single bit of his magnificent body my mind for sure did not.

I twisted at the waist to face him. ''What are you doing here?'' I whispered fiercely.

He did not look pleased by my tone as his smile dropped in an nanosecond and his gaze hardened. ''Because I can,''

''We're going to dance.'' Both Jose and Liv stood up. Liv giving me a mischievous grin. ''We'll be back later,'' She grabbed hold of Jose's arm and I watched them walk away towards the source of the music.

She completely ignored the pleading look I was giving her, she simply left me there on my own, to deal with six foot four inches of male sat right next to me. After a few minutes have gone by, it became almost ridiculous to keep on ignoring Christian. I bit the inside of my cheek, hard. I cannot believe my behaviour right now. After all I was the one wanting to see him earlier, begging to be exact, so what now? Why cannot I just bloody get this over and done with?

So I do, I face him again. ''So, let me ask you again, what are you actually doing here?'' I tried I really did not to look and admire him, but I just could not deny myself a quick glance. He wore black trousers, a white shirt undone at the collar and over that white shirt he wore a navy-blue jumper. I don't know what it was but seeing him dressed all casual had all my nerves frying. Oh dear God please have mercy on me. That's all I had left, was praying that I did not give in.

He chuckled and shook his head, giving him a softer look. But I knew different, he was anything but. '' I own this club,''

Of course, he bloody did. Was there anything he did NOT own.

''I did not know owners made appearances at the clubs that they own.''

''I do, when necessary.'' He sounded pissy, his words clipped. What's gone under his skin?

I frown. ''And today you had to, because?''

''Because a certain woman is driving me insane.''

I took a deep and long breath. He stared at me for what felt like eternity. ''You are so stubborn, and I don't know whether that makes me more mad or even more determined.''

What on earth is he saying? What does he mean? I have never been so disarmed by another male before. Here I was having a blast of a time with my three friends, which I cannot catch a sight of anymore, and he comes in and ruins my mood and my fun.

I'm pissed. '' You need to leave me alone. ''

His hand that has been placed over my shoulders has now started to stroke my arm gently. Making me forget why I was even angry at him in the first place. His fingers were so soft as they draw circles on my arm.

I cleared my throat. My hands flexing restlessly in my lap.

''The funny thing is, you think you're acting all cool and calm.'' He moved in slightly closer. I held my breath. ''But you are anything but that… you're breathing has changed… you're blushing… you can't keep still.''

Christ.

''Stop.'' I moved away from him. Hating the fact that I missed the warmth he was creating.

''You are so stubborn.'' He repeats. ''Thinking that you can resist me baby.'' I wanted to hear him call me that again. What has gotten into me! '' As soon as I place a finger on you, you are gone. Letting me take over.''

''Christian what the hell do you want from me?'' I nearly shout. I need an answer or I'll actually go crazy.

He looks surprised by my outburst. ''Don't take that tone with me.'' He warns.

I laugh. Arrogant prick, that's exactly what he is.

''And don't roll your eyes at me either.''

I moved further away from him. ''I don't have a clue as to what you are trying to do here but you need to just stop that right there. No one gives me orders. I don't submit.''

His eyes narrow. ''Here is where you are so wrong. You submit so willingly and so quickly. Yet you fight it.'' He looks confused… puzzled in fact. ''I'm going to change our deal.''

''What deal?'' I'm quick to ask.

''The one we made in my office.''

''You can't change the deal.'' I lean forward, throwing a hard gaze at him.

''Any deal can be changed if it has not been officially written on paper and signed.'' He smirks. This is the catch. He let this all play out knowing full well he was not going to keep to his end of the deal.

''Well it's not very professional of you to even suggest a deal without writing it all down.'' I bit back.

He was chewing his lip and my gaze locked onto that lip. ''You and your smart mouth.''

''Well I'm right,'' He looks lost in though. ''Are you going to continue or what?''

''You're not patient at all are you?'' His eyes are laughing.

''I just like to get straight to the point,'' I raise my eyebrows.

''Good things come to those that wait.'' He purrs. I clench my thighs together… the guy is sex on legs.

I stood up and so did he, grabbing hold of my arm as he did. ''You're not running away, again.'' He whispered. His words rolling of his tongue making me bite down on my teeth so hard my jaw was throbbing. ''You're going to listen to me.'' His voice was full of authority… confident… clipped… daring me to challenge him. I did not dare. I nodded.

''Good girl,'' He praised me and just when I was about to protest and say that I am not some kind of pet that needs to be praised, he turns and starts walking towards the exit of the club.

''Christin stop,'' I try and shout over the music but he can't hear me.

Damn it.

His grip snug over my arm as he leads me through the crowd of people, dancing, chatting and laughing. I was distracted the entire way to the exit I failed to register how we even managed to make it outside.

Christian waved towards someone and shortly afterwards an Aston Martin makes his way in front of us. He puts his arm around the small of my back and leads me towards the car and like the puppet I am I let him. If this is the only way that I'll get answers, then be it. I got into the car and sit in the passenger seat, my bare thighs making contact with the cool leather making me hiss.

I watch mesmerised as Christian makes his way in front of the car looking very pleased with himself. I don't even have to ask why, I already know, he's got me where he wants me and I did not say no to him this time. I'm disappointed in myself… I need to be stronger than this, but I'm tired. I'm tired of fighting this attraction between us. I crossed my legs at the ankles and watched until he got into the driver seat of his car.

''Put your seat belt on, please.'' His expression is soft. I've never would have thought that I would see this expression on him. It makes him look less dangerous… less powerful.

My returning smile is genuine for once and I do as I'm bid.

''See look how easy things are when you actually do as you are told.''

''Don't get used to it, I'm only here to hear what you got to say. It looks like I haven't got much choice in that matter,''

''That smart mouth is never too far away.''

I lick my dry lips ignoring his comment. ''Well?''

He presses a button and his car roars to life. This is a beast of a car and even if I will never admit it to him… I love it. Sexy…. Sleek and its easy to imagine myself straddling Christian, ridding his cock. Where did that come from? Have I got a car fetish I did not know of? Or is it just him?

His hands move to the wheel, gripping it tightly as he drives off. ''As I was saying I am changing the deal.''

''As you keep saying.''

''I'll ignore your tone.'' He takes a left onto the main highway. ''As you probably have guessed I want you,''

My insides heated in an instant.

''And by your reaction… I can tell you want me too.''

I refuse to look at him. I can't.

''But my tastes are selective. Singular… if you like.'' His gaze flicks to mines for a few seconds, trying to gage my reaction. I don't give anything away. I wait to hear it all. ''I like control. I like being on top… the one to call the shots''

And then it clicks into place. He does not have to say anything more. I know.

''You're a dominant.'' I've heard of these types of relationships many times before. I only managed to dip my toe in when a client was to ask for a power exchange during sex. I never gave it all. Never. I was always the top and only the bottom during some acts for limited time only. I couldn't do it for long. The flash backs of my father where never too far behind me and to be able to give up my control with a man during a sexual act took a lot out of me, which is why I never let it happen often or for extended amounts of time.

I was not at all surprised when Christian said he was a dominant. I was sure of it from the start even though I never admitted it. The way he carried himself, the way he commanded attention wherever he went and the way he spoke was full of dominance. I don't know why but I wasn't scared, the only thing I was scared about is the fact that I found it tempting. My lips parted to accommodate faster breaths and I ran my fingers over my tangled hair, trying to distract myself from his piercing stare.

''Yes.'' He murmured.

I wasn't scared… I was feeling fuzzy all over instead, so painfully turned on as always when I shared the space with this confusing as hell man.

''What are you suggesting?'' I feel bold and so I take a step forwards in this conversation.

''I want you to submit to me, but I will never proceed with anything if I don't get your full consent first,''

''You've got to be kidding me,'' I whispered. Not believing what I was hearing. My body was roaring YES. But I couldn't give him what he wanted. I was too weak… too vulnerable to get myself involved the way he wanted me to. My body shook, and it was like a bucket of cold water was poured over my libido. I felt numb even with Christian right next to me, he was not igniting anything within me anymore.

''Please take me home,'' I could barely hear my own voice it was shaky.

''Anastasia, are you okay?'' I can hear the concern in his voice.

''Please can you take me home?'' My eyes stinging.

The car comes to a stop, but I look at the road ahead of us. It begins to rain, and the windscreen whippers automatically switch on, sensing the rain. ''Anastasia look at me.'' I don't.

''I want to go home,'' Another shaky voice escapes my lips.

To my surprise his hand touches my chin and turns my head to face him. ''That's better,''

My lip trembles. He sounds genuinely worried about me and like he wants to help, I feel overwhelmed. ''Now, that I got your beautiful eyes on me, talk to me,''

A lone tear escapes my eye and lands on top of my hand that was resting on top of my thigh. I did not want him to see me so weak. I did not want to feel this weak but I couldn't hide it anymore, he torn me wide open.

''I can't,'' I manage to spit out. '' I c..an't…'' I cover my mouth to prevent the sob from escaping.

Christian reaches towards me. Taking my small and trembling frame onto his lap. I don't protest instead I curl up even smaller on his lap and enjoy the feel of warmth. ''Shhh…'' I've got you. He repeats gently as if I'm a small child but in a way I am. I don't push his hand away when they come around my shoulders, pulling me in closer. ''I understand,'' he soothes me. I frown slightly at what he just said, what does he understand? I don't get the time to question him as I get distracting by his hand stroking my hair.

I don't know how long he was holding me or how long I was crying for. I didn't say anything at all, I couldn't anyway. He let me sit there, take as much time as I needed, until he was sure I was ready to go home.

He called Jose from my phone after I insisted that I wanted to go to his apartment, he wasn't happy when I refused to stay at his, but I just wanted to be somewhere similar, and he eventually agreed.

He reassured Jose that I was fine and in safe hands to which he replied that he was leaving the club and was going to the apartment to meet us there. I was carried all the way from Christian's car to the guest bedroom and into the bed. He didn't ask where the key to the apartment was, he simply took my bag and fished out the key. We were in comfortable silence all the way there, he gave me privacy when I changed into my nightwear, he then carried me into bed. Pulling the sheets over me, making sure that my entire body was covered. I didn't understand why he was doing all this, but I didn't ask I simply soaked it all in and appreciated it all.

I looked up at him, his expression sad but understanding. He kissed my forehead. My eyes heavy and before I knew it I was drifting off not knowing when he left.

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