Chapter 10

Christian

Christian stops and pauses, placing the condom aside. He slides off the bed onto the wooden floor to get some distance.

Ana whimpers uncontrollably, her legs splayed out on the bed.

He forces himself to lock eyes with her. The smell of her arousal maddens him. But something's off. Slow things down. "Ana. Do you want me to stop?"

She bites her lip and doesn't respond. Her hands tremble, as she tries to cover herself with her dress.

Christian runs his hands through his overgrown hair and walks away from her. The blood rushes to his arousal–pulsing painfully. "Ana, I can't read your mind. I need your consent."

Ana slides off the bed. She comes up behind him to hug his chest.

Christian tenses at the contact, then experiences a full body wince when she slides her hand down his side until she reaches the buttons his pants and undoes it. The nerve.

"Ana," Christian growls, trying to focus. He's super sensitive and can't concentrate.

"Christian, I'm ready," Ana says, her voice wavering, as she unzips his pants. She toys with his waistband, pulling at the stiff fabric and dragging his pants down. "These off."

Christian clenches his teeth. What's she keeping from him?

"It's okay Christian." She says, kissing him. She's fully clothed, while his pants are down.

"Are you a virgin?"

"I…um…" Ana's body tenses for a few seconds.

"You're a virgin?"

"I..I want you Christian," Ana says. She leans forward to hug him. "I want to know you. This way. Please."

Christian can't concentrate. He pushes her back on the bed and pins her down. His strength overwhelms hers. His erection throbs. He jabs his finger into her, unable to let go. The smell has faded; he wants it back.

She gasps.

He slows his movement. He increases pressure by using his other hand to apply indirect pressure to the small bead.

"Stop," Ana pants, "I can't take it."

Christian smirks, loving the feeling of total control. Ana's wet. Any moment now.

Ana's eye flicker towards the door.

"Look at me," Christian says, slowing down. He needs to pay more attention. She needs more teasing while he adds pressure inside. Where's the sponge? That's it.

Ana cries out.

Good. He's getting somewhere. He adds some pressure.

"Christian, now," Ana says, between breaths. "Please."

Christian shakes his head. She needs to scream his name. Most subs would have yelped with pleasure by now. He ups the pressure inside. That should work.

Ana squirms. "I'm good."

"But I'm not done," Christian says, trying to perfect the position of his hands. Direct contact or teasing. It's unclear. The other women were easy to please. "I need to give you more pleasure."

She tugs the elastic of his boxers. "These off."

"You're eager."

She slides his boxers off.

Fully exposed and hardened, he takes a deep breath. He wanted to give her more. Why's she testing him? "Ana, I need to–"

Ana's now on top of him. She creates a weak suction cup with her mouth. She's sucking him. It's sloppy, unpracticed and vexing.

"Ana," Christian says. "You need to–"

She adjusts her mouth and starts using less pressure. Her hands are on him.

Christian's speechless. His submissives followed his orders like cooks following a recipe. They never strayed away from his expressed desires. Ana experiments like a chef, using different hand movements to accompany her sucking until his body convulses involuntarily.

"Ana," Christian, wheezes. "I'm going to…"

She settles into a rhythm using a double hand twist.

Christian flinches, trying to hold on longer. She's barraged his senses. This woman is completely fulfilling his needs. And he let's go.

Ana gags on him and comes up breathing for air. The rest of his orgasm falls onto her hair in a sticky mess.

Christian smiles at her. He touches her hair. The clean-up will be a group effort. A shower. Or two. "Your turn."

Her eyes dart away from him. "No thanks."

Did he disappoint her? His brain dismisses that thought. Impossible. He's a titan of industry, a man of refined taste and sexual prowess. "Please Ana, I need too."

She keeps fiddling with the wet spot on her hair.

"We'll clean it later," he says, swatting her hand away. He focuses on her body. It's an unknown puzzle. Like the boulders, there's a path to the top. "I need you to orgasm."

"But I am–"

Christian pulls Ana back to the bed. "Please Ana."

"Fine," she says, with a smile. A fake smile.

He presses her into the white comforter. Why she hesitating? She never answered. Is she a virgin? His fingers linger over the lines of dress. He unhooks the metal clasp to start unzipping it. "I need to discover all of you."

Ana's muscles tense, as he pulls her dress down.

Maybe she's intimidated. He strokes her back. "You're beautiful."

"The condom," Ana whispers.

"Will come on soon enough," Christian says. A familiar ache grows in his pants. "I'm going to figure you out."

She gasps as he takes off the last piece of clothing–her bra.

Christian touches her breasts, kissing them. His hands caress her body slowly moving from her chest downwards, until he finds the tiny bead. He presses it and moves down to lick the bed.

She squeals. "Christian, stop that."

"Wait, Ana," he says, between breaths. Don't go through the motions. Most submissives like it brief, they get self-conscious. But most would have screamed his name by now. Better check. "Ana, are you close?"

"Yeah," Ana says, "Almost there."

Christian wants to believe it. But he's not convinced. Not quite there. He continues to lick her, increasing pressure. She should react differently. Unless…the other women faked it. Not possible.

"Christian, I'm… "Ana says, moving to sit up. "I want to– "

"Never lie Ana," Christian says. "I'll know when I'm done. Trust me."

Ana nods and leans back onto the bed.

Christian curls his finger to reach her upper wall while he kisses her just above her belly button. An experiment.

"Oooh," she murmurs.

Good. He's getting somewhere. The screaming should start soon. Direct stimulation might not be the answer. He moves his tongue above the bead.

She exhales and clasps her hands together.

Christian moves one hand to touch her inner thigh, steadying himself hearing her moans. Progress.

"Christian I…"

He embraces her, touching her upper thighs. It's okay Ana. Now, he's got it. The unique pressure she craves.

"I…wow," Ana says, breathing heavily. She smiles at him.

Christian smiles back. She'll scream next time. It's not him. She's a quiet one. Right? Christian suppresses his inner voice. He wants her. Now.

"I want to have sex," she whispers.

"You're sure?" Christian asks, as he nips her neck. His erection brushes against her stomach.

"Yes!" Ana says. Her face no longer pale.

"Good." Finding the condom wrapper, he places it on quickly and grinds toward her opening.

Christian covers her body with his and her hand reaches to touch him. He scans her face again. No more mixed signals.

Ana grips his back, staring at him deeply. "Now, Christian."

Christian finds her opening and enters. It's like trudging through quicksand. He charges in inch by inch as she squirms beneath him. What's going on? She's too tight.

"Keep going," Ana says, with a tight jaw.

Christian freezes, raising an eyebrow.

She starts smiling. "Please Christian. It feels great."

He picks up his speed, trying to loosen her muscles. She shouldn't be this tight. It's like he's trying to pull a contact off of a dry eye, her body's giving him too much resistance. He kisses her, again and again, until her body wilts beneath him.

"Hmm…." Ana says, breathing heavily. She lies like a star fish, as he continues to kiss her.

What's going on? Christian ignores his gut reaction, assuming it's his problem, and thrusts again and again. He hears her pants, as her walls clamber around him. He manhandles her body, pushing her legs back to get in deeper. He slams into her to get fully immersed.

"Ouch," Ana mutters, her energy back. Her hands dig into his back.

"Sorry, I'll slow down," Christian says, slowing his rhythm. He kisses her neck. "You're so tight. I don't want to hurt you–"

"It's wonderful!" Ana says, rotating her waist, so he hits her at a different angle. Still snug. She smiles and starts kissing him.

"Why are you so tight?" Christian exhales, as he thrusts in and out of her. "I need to know."

"Touch the bead– where you were earlier," she says.

Christian balks at the determination in her eyes, as he continues to push in and out of her, picking up speed. He'll uncover the reason for her tightness later. He needs to regain power. "I want to see you touch yourself."

Ana shivers underneath him, but manages to slip a finger between them, stroking herself while he thrusts. It's getting wetter.

But he's not enough. He examines her flushed skin. What will it take to get her to finish? He reaches his finger down, careful to not change the rhythm. Nudging her fingers aside, he applies indirect pressure. He feels her liquid release, she's opening up again.

"Oooh…" Ana says, gripping his back.

It's time. Jolt after jolt of bliss flows out of Christian's body. Finishing, he gives her a deep kiss and smiles are her. "You were amazing."

Ana smiles back at him. A shy smile. "You were better."

Christian smirks, pulling out of her and pecking her on the cheek. "Should we head back to Seattle?"

Ana's smile fades, as she sinks into the sheets. "Yeah, I guess so."

Christian smiles smugly and touches the top of her hair–still damp. "Let's get you a shower."

She nods, taking a sheet with her as she hurries to the bathroom.

Christian waits until she's gone, then he flips the comforter over, searching for blood. Was she a virgin? She never answered his question. There's no blood. The tightness could be from a dry spell. Or a medical condition. Find out later.

º-º-º-º-º

Anastasia

I'm rinsing off the hotel's Pine Forest scented shampoo. My body aches from him entering me. I can still feel his movement. The throbbing proves I did it – I lost my virginity.

I scrub my body with the matching body wash. When I give myself pleasure, the sensation is more intense. Being with Christian was nice…but I don't get it. What's the fuss about?

I condition my hair, taking in the mountain aroma. At least I've had the experience. But where was the blood? I didn't see any on the sheets. A good thing. Now Christian doesn't have to know.

I finish showering and wrap a towel around my body. It's time to get out of here. I smile at Christian, who's fully dressed, as I pick up my clothes from the ground.

He doesn't smile back.

I shrug and start walking back to the bathroom. Not sure what his problem is.

"Ana," Christian says, stopping me. He touches my exposed shoulders. "I need you to tell me the truth. Were you a virgin?"

"Um…excuse me," I spit out, walking past him to get in the bathroom. I lock the door. Am I ready for this discussion? No.

He knocks on the bathroom door. "Please Ana, the truth."

I change clothes and a take a few deep breaths. It'll be okay. He'll understand. I'm not a freak. When I swing open the bathroom door, Christian stares at me. We make deep eye contact, and I sigh. I have to tell him. "I was a virgin. But it's no big deal. I should have told you."

Christian growls. "Why didn't you tell me?"

I shrink away from him, stepping backwards.

But he follows me and pulls me into a hug. I try to wiggle out, but he holds tighter. "I want you to trust me."

"I trust you. That's why we–"

"If you trusted me, you would have told me about your virginity earlier," Christian says, sighing. "But I'll get your trust soon. You'll see."

º-º-º-º-º

Christian

Christian packs the trunk of the oversized SUV. It's dark now and the air has settled into a smokey stew. Leaving is voluntary since this area is Evacuation Level 2. But the lodge wants to reduce their liability. Oh well.

Christian adjusts the crash pads to make sure his rear-view window is clear. The smoke-filled air reduces his visibility. He told Ana he'd pick her in the lobby.

Slamming the trunk shut and entering the driver's seat, he wonders about her orgasm. He ignores the blinking yellow warning light as his mind turns to the memory of her gentle moans. His submissives screamed with pleasure every time he entered them. On cue. What it real or did they fake it?

Christian's stomach turns, as he parks in front of the lobby. He hates losing. The others didn't fake it. Ana must be sensitive. And besides, virgins are different. She'll scream his name soon.

He finds Ana inside reading tourist brochures. He grabs an advertisement for the lodge and stuffs it in his pocket. A nice memory of their first time. He'll take her back sometime.

"Are you ready?" Christian asks, taking her hand. Her hair shone, freshly blown dry. "You look beautiful."

"I just checked us out," Ana says smiling, as they leave the lobby. She waves a skiing brochure in her hand. "Mission ridge looks fun."

Christian nods.

Her grip on his hand slackens and she bites her lip. "Well I mean if you– "

"We'll go in the winter. I have skiing equipment."

Ana nods timidly, her eyes darting in multiple directions, as they walk to his SUV. "So, um…how much time do you usually take off for the holidays."

"Not much," Christian says. "But I'll make an exception this year."

"Good," Ana says, beaming.

Christian opens the passenger door for her. Closing it, he imagines taking a two-week vacation. He hasn't done that since he purchased the public stock of a fallen contractor and turned it into an empire. Might be a good idea.

He gets into the driver's seat. His hands find the steering wheel, and he clenches it involuntarily. A vacation might not be good. He needs to purchase more subsidiary business units. How long can he refuse to give a dividend to stockholders?

"Is that smoke or fog?" Ana asks, bringing him back to the moment. "Any idea how the fire started?"

"A party foul," Christian says, as he starts driving. "Someone popped a firecracker at a gender reveal party." The SUV's warning light blinks again, this time faster.

Ana pulls out the car manual from the glove compartment, flipping the pages. "We better get the light checked out."

A loud honk startles Christian. What's their problem? Christian suppresses the urge to flip the asshole off, as he gets onto the highway. He can't get off the ramp because the cars are lined up clogging up the highway. Dozens. It'll be a long drive back.

"It's your tail-light. It needs replacing. A common problem with the 2015 model," Ana says. "It might be dangerous with this traffic."

"I'll be careful," Christian says, grabbing her hand. He manages to force his way onto the highway. No one wanted to let him in. Jackasses. Should have used Charlie Tango. Might as well make the best of the situation. "I have questions for you. Tell me about your family."

º-º-º-º-º

In three hours of driving, Christian has gone 45 miles. Traffic. A red Mustang tries to cut in front of him. Christian speeds up. Not again. This fucker needs to watch out. "I can't catch a break today."

"Let's pull off at the next exit." Ana begs, pointing to an advertisement. "It's getting late. The town's two miles away."

"What about Seattle?" Christian asks, honking his horn. The cretin tries to pass him again. There's no fast lane buddy.

Ana lifts an eyebrow, like he's further proving her point. "It's not safe to keep driving with a broken tail-light…I'll find us a hotel room."

Christian squints to read the Native American word on the advertisement. "I've never heard of that place," he says, gesturing to the billboard.

"I think it's a tourist town," Ana says, pausing for a minute. She unbuckles and pulls her backpack out the back seat.

"Ana," Christian chides, shaking his head at her rashness as he slams the brakes, dodging another idiot. This isn't safe.

She starts typing on her phone. "I found us an open room."

"We're almost to Seattle."

"No, we're not. And besides, they aren't under evacuation orders. This is far enough."

Christian scans the clogged highway. "Fine."

º-º-º-º-º

It takes another thirty minutes to reach the exit ramp. Christian follows several other vehicles, getting off and drives past a jam-packed gas station.

"Get onto 5th street, then keep going straight, we'll get to downtown," Ana says, gesturing to a road sign.

"What did you book? A tourist resort?"

"Um… I found us something similar," Ana sputters.

They pass another gas station full of travelers and enter a "downtown." There's a deserted railroad station. But not much else. "Are we in the right place?"

"Yep," Ana says, "Pull into this parking area."

"Here," Christian questions. Is this a hostel? A picture of a steam engine embellished the motel's entrance.

"There weren't many rooms available," Ana says, grabbing her face mask.

Christian stares at the antiquated motel and rolls his eyes.

"You'll like it. Think of it as a piece of history."

Christian snorts, as she exits the vehicle. He should have pushed through with the drive. He hesitates before following her into the hotel. Stop thinking of yourself. "Wait up."

Ana stops to hold the door open for Christian.

He grabs it to hold it for her. "Ana, are you sure about this place? I can find us–"

"Sorry it's not a 4-star resort. But it's a good switch don't you think? Live a little."

Live a little. Him. Christian grumbles under his breath. "I don't need a switch."

She winks and starts walking toward the front desk agent. "I have a last-minute reservation under Anastasia Steele."

Christian scoffs, walking over to the sparse decorations. Black and white photographs. Suppressing a sneeze, he touches the dusty photograph. A grandstand ribbon cutting, highlighting new railroad tracks. The crowd cheers. Men stand on podiums, celebrating the technology of the future.

"Thank you," Ana says, as the agent hands Ana an old-fashioned room key.

Christian takes a last glance at the old photograph. It sobers him. What mattered then, doesn't matter now. That's reality. His time will pass.

"It's got a shared bathroom but is mostly private…" Ana says. "It'll be an experience."

"What room?" Christian asks. Adrenaline rushes through his veins. He expected fatigue at this hour, but instead, of droopy eyelids, he has a burning desire – to rectify something. He'll need another condom and a few supplies.

"112."

"I'll meet you there," Christian says, kissing her forehead. "I need to get a few things out the SUV."

º-º-º-º-º

Christian knocks on room 112.

Ana opens the door. "Welcome to paradise."

The room's for cheap travelers. Three beds. Christian fingers the cheap, scratchy blue bedding on the button bunk. It's good for camping. Not for his plans.

"It's not so bad," Ana says, stepping past him. She starts climbing the ladder of the bunk bed to get to the top.

Christian finds the bathroom. Peering in, it's shared between two rooms. The lights off. "Do you think anyone is in the other room?"

"Nope. I asked the man at the front desk. We're the only guests in this side of the building."

"We'll need privacy," Christian mutters, touching his chin. This might work. He washes his hands and locks the bathroom door, adding the trivial bolt. Good enough.

Ana stares at him inquisitively. "I might have had enough today. I'm getting tired–"

"I need to know something."

"I told you everything. About my family and my virginity."

"Did you orgasm earlier?"

"Well…" Ana starts, not meeting his eyes. "How about we talk about it tomorrow?"

"Ana you need to trust me. Did you?" He needs to know where he stands.

"Yes…" Ana says, "Well, partly."

"Come down here." He reaches again for her waist, grabbing it to pull her down from the top bunk in a swift movement, dropping her gently to her feet. "Earlier you said you trusted me."

"I do…" Ana whispers, touching the lamp near the bunkbeds, turning it on.

"Show me," Christian says, taking her hand and wrapping it up with his. He guides her to the full-sized bed on the other side of the family room. He lies her down on the dirt brown comforter and trails his hands down her chest. "I brought you something."

"Please don't let it be a paddle," Ana says, chin quivering.

Christian bites his tongue. How does she know about paddles? He glares at her. Fess up.

"Your bathroom at work…the white box," she says, "Sorry, I snooped."

"You need to be punished," Christian says, tickling her.

Ana giggles, struggling to breathe. She tries to roll away from him, but he holds her with his legs as he tickles her. "Christian, stop, I can't take it…"

Christian stops. He's got her where he wants her. They need a contract. An agreement. "Then you'll have to orgasm. A real one."

"It's not that easy…" Ana says, her cheeks growing red. "It's easier to get one by myself…"

Christian's heart pounds. The truth is out. He failed. No. He miscalculated. That' all. He straightens his shoulders. He'll fix this. "Earlier was too short."

"But…what about… "Ana says, her face contorting, as he reaches for her underwear.

"Forget about sex, it's not important now. One goal or else I'm going to," Christian says, tickling her.

"Okay, Okay," Ana says, laughing. "I'll try."

Christian eyes linger on her lips and she nods. He reaches for her underwear, slipping them down her thighs. "Now tell me, what you do to yourself."

"Um…" Ana's face scrunches up. "It's hard to explain."

Christian nods. He can handle this. It's just another negotiation.

"I should–"

He pulls her upward, into a seated position. "Ana, look at me." He uses the voice, the tone he developed directly for sales. "I want to see you come. This is for both of us."

"Okay," she says, "But you said you brought me something." Her eyes flicker to his backpack.

Christian drags his backpack across the shaggy carpet and take a black box out. "These are my tools."

"Tools?"

He opens the box and pulls out a wireless vibrator with a large head and premium lubricant, carefully choosing the plainest one. "Let me use them on you?"

Ana's eyes widen but she nods. "Okay. Be gentle."

"Tell me Ana. How do you please yourself?"

"Well, I start with a fantasy," she says, crossing her arms over the chest.

Christian's mouth gapes open. Not what he expected. Visual turns him on. She's different. He vows to get her head in the right place as he plugs in the vibrator. "Keep going. What type of fantasy?"

"Well, it's boring compared to your um…paddles. Just little scenarios."

Christian strokes her thighs. Scenarios. He can handle that. "We're on the boulders," Christian says, painting the picture, despite their surroundings. The outdated fluorescently lighted room. "You just climbed to the top."

Ana smiles at him and lies down, resting her head on one of the pillows.

"I climb up to meet you, to comment on your success, when you ask me who's claimed this." He touches her slowly on the inside of her thigh, nudging her thighs apart. He needs to see her. All of her. "You want to expose yourself, to feel the cool breeze," he whispers, pulling her dress up.

She exhales and her legs tense up.

He massages her upper thigh, until he can smell her arousal. "You're an exhibitionist, a primal adventurer."

She starts shaking, trembling beneath him as he brings his hands closer to her center.

"Your skin brushes up against the hard rock."

He lowers his mouth close to her center, teasing her. Close enough that she can feel a burst of warm breath, but no direct contact. He strings his finger along, bringing it everywhere, in a circular motion, purposefully avoiding the bead. "There's friction."

Ana gasps. "Christian you shouldn't–"

"You don't mind, the rough contact," Christian says, finally giving her the touch, she wants, while adeptly grabbing the plugged-in vibrator with his free hand. "You want others to see."

"Christian you can't–"Her body trembles.

"You're not afraid." He puts the vibrator directly on her clitoris. The buzzing sound filling the room.

She squirms, trying to scoot the pressure away. "Too much."

He readjusts the vibrator, putting a sheet between the device and her body. He needs the exact amount of pressure. He stares into her eyes. "You're not afraid," he repeats, keeping the pulsating movement going, while he places a finger into her, using a rhythmic movement.

"The shallows," Ana says, her tone softening. "Your finger, keep it near the front."

Christian hesitates, but seeing her rising flush, listens. He focuses his movement toward the front, in and out. Not there yet. He needs a final push.

"So, I take you," Christian says, "again and again, on the top, until you scream my name." He loosens up the pressure on the vibrator, while continuing the rhythm of his fingers. "You want more." He peeks up to check her face.

She smiles back and then exhales loudly. Her face changes. She's beaming. It's different than the submissives. No screaming. Her face glows, and he moves the vibrator, trying to connect to what she's experiencing.

"Did you get it?"

"That's it," Ana whispers, moving his hand away, putting the vibrator aside, "The bigger one, thank you. I didn't know…it could happen with a guy."

Christian grins, shrugging.

Ana sits up and pulls him into an embrace, kissing.

For the first time since 2020 begun, Christian feels like a winner.