I wake with a start and feel momentarily disoriented. Oh, Christian's bedroom. I'm in Christian's bedroom. For some reason, the thought makes me smile. I look to the side and see that Christian is nowhere to be found. I notice that I'm completely covered with the duvet and feel incredibly cold since he's not here with me.
I'll admit it, I miss him.
For good reason. He let you touch him, my subconscious remarks and the thought makes me smile even more.
Yeah. I then wonder what this will mean from now on. He still won't let me touch him completely and more than anything, I wish I knew why. Still, it's a start, and I wonder idly if it's too much for him. The last thing I want is making him uncomfortable, but at the same time I like being able to touch him. Hopefully someday he can tell me the truth.
One can hope, my subconscious retorts and I find myself agreeing.
Making up my mind, I decide to go and search for Christian and climb out of bed. I notice my clothes piled neatly on a nearby chair, and I instantly know who the culprit is. Grabbing my clothes, I dress quickly, fix my hair, and reach for a hair tie in my back pocket. Pulling my hair into a ponytail, I leave Christian's room and start to look for him. I check the kitchen, and for a brief moment wonder if I should check the Red Room.
Are you crazy? One thing at a time, my subconscious interjects but at the same time, I wonder if we will go there again. I blush at the thought and continue my search.
As I head for his office, I notice his office door opened slightly and quietly head in its direction. I knock gently before entering and sure enough, Christian's sitting at his desk staring intently at a file on his desk. He looks up and smiles when he sees me, looking much calmer than he did a few moments ago.
"Hi", I say softly.
"Hi. Sleep well?"
"I did. You?"
"Indefinitely", he smirks and I blush in response. How does he do that?
"What are you doing?", I ask as he motions for me to enter.
"Checking those files stolen from my office", he states as he pulls me into his lap and kisses my hair.
"Anything serious?"
"Just background on my family. Fortunately, Leila hasn't contacted them yet."
"How do you know?"
"Because she's blocked. She can't contact anyone, including you."
"Blocked? When did this happen?" As I ask this, he looks uncomfortable.
"Christian", I press gently.
"She showed up at my penthouse a few weeks ago. She was trying to see me in person."
"Did she?"
"I wasn't here, so no. Gail was but before she could intervene, Leila took off. We haven't seen her since."
"Has she ever acted like this before?"
"I'll admit she was persistent, but none of my submissives tried to keep in-touch with me after we broke up. They all moved on."
"So you haven't seen them since?"
"No. As far as I know, they've moved on." He smiles to reassure me and I suddenly feel shy again.
"Why is that ball so important to your family?", I ask carefully and his brow furrows at my comment.
"Always so eager for information, Miss Steele."
"Knowing you, yes I am", I say as I arch an eyebrow at him. He chuckles and kisses me softly.
"My parents started it after they adopted me. It's for kids whose parents are addicted to drugs." Oh?
"Then why don't you want to go?"
"I don't need their pity. It was a long time ago."
"I don't think it's pity, Christian."
"Trust me, it is", he says softly and for a moment I wonder what he's thinking. After a while, he takes a deep breath.
"Do you really wanna go?" What?
"We don't have to, Christian. I wouldn't be a good date."
"I know, but I'd still like you to come", he smirks.
"Why?"
"You really wanna know?"
"Indefinitely, Mr. Grey", I joke and he laughs in response.
"I've never brought a date to the ball." Oh. This is news.
"Why?"
"I was waiting for you", he grins, giving me his boyish look again.
"I don't have a dress for that", I state quietly.
"I'm sure we can work something out", he states and gives me oh-so-secret smile. Before I can press him on it further, there's a knock at the door.
"Come in", Christian calls and Taylor enters, looking a little taken aback. Has he never seen a girl in Christian's lap?
"Sir, Franco's here to see you", he states professionally and looks embarrassed to be caught by the sight. Franco?
"Send him up to Ana's room", Christian orders.
"Yes, sir", Taylor replies and quickly leaves the room.
"He's here", Christian smiles as if it's a big secret.
"Who's here?", I ask.
"Someone to do your hair. Figured you might want to get it styled for tonight."
"You were going to tell me this, when?"
"I'm telling you now", he smirks.
"You're impossible, Mr. Grey", I say and am that close to rolling my eyes at him.
"Likewise, Miss Steele. Do you want to go?"
"Okay. When is it?"
"Seven."
"I'll try to be ready by then", I joke and look down as a thought enters my mind.
"What is it?", Christians asks concerned.
"Are we ever gonna visit the Red Room, again?", I whisper and he looks surprised by my question.
"Do you want to?"
"I was just curious, is all", I confess.
"Ana, I'm not ready to take you in there again. Last time I did, you left me."
"That was different."
"Not for me. I still think we should take things slow."
"I am. I was just curious is all", I blush and avoid his gaze. Will I ever be comfortable with this man? He's already taken my virginity for God's sake.
"Do you want to?", Christian asks amused.
"Maybe someday."
"Is that so?", he smirks and gives me that look. Oh.
"Wait here", he orders and gently lifts me off his lap before exiting his office. A few minutes later, he re-enters holding something small and shiny in his hand.
"You sure about this?", he inquires softly.
"Yes", I whisper. What has he got planned? Suddenly, my inner goddess is excited.
"Good", he says before holding up a pair of silver balls. Holy cow.
"Remember these?"
"Yes", I reply, breathless.
"Maybe tonight can be more stimulating", he grins with a carnal look in his eyes. Wait, he wants me wear those? Tonight?
"Curious?", he asks and for a moment I wonder what he means. I nod slowly and his grin returns.
"Good. Open your mouth", he commands gently and I open my mouth as wide as I can. He slides the balls in my mouth and asks me to suck gently. I do as I'm told as the metallic taste invades my mouth. Why is this so erotic?
"Enough", Christian interjects and I open my mouth so he can pull them out. He then motions for me to remove my jeans and I quickly do as I'm told.
"Now bend over. On the desk", he demands, pointing his chin at the desk. I comply and he looks pleased as I do. He moves my panties to the side and slowly circles his fingers on my clitoris.
"Always so ready, Miss Steele", he states, obviously pleased. He then inserts a finger and I struggle to keep still.
"Just tell me when to stop", he says.
"Please don't", I whimper before he twists his finger, stretching me more.
"Okay. Hold still", he commands and all-too-soon, releases his finger. Before I know it, he inserts one of the balls and I gasp at the feel. He holds me gently as he pushes in the other. Holy shit. Once he's finished, he kisses my behind and motions for me to stand. The feel of the balls hang deliciously in my core, and I turn around to see Christian with a look of satisfaction on his face.
"How does it feel?"
"Good, sir", I say, emphasizing the word and biting my lower lip.
"Let's take it slow, Miss Steele", he warns but I can tell he's amused.
"Go upstairs. I'll meet with you if you want." What? Is he being serious?
"You're gonna watch me getting my hair cut?" Suddenly, I feel exposed.
"Do you not want me to?"
"I think I can handle it, Mr. Grey."
"As you should. Fine. Come see me when you're done", he remarks before leaning down and kissing me briefly. Oh my…
"Laters, baby", he smiles and leaves me standing alone in his study. Oh, Fifty. I roll my eyes once he's gone and then gasp as the balls shift in place. Oh, bring it on.
A few minutes go by and I'm finishing with Franco. We decided on a haircut and classy bun and he looks generally pleased with his work. I like him already.
"Bellissima!", he exclaims and it makes me smile. He removes the robe from my body and helps me stand to my feet.
"You call me whenever you need a haircut", he smiles kindly at me.
"Okay. Will do", I respond shyly. Before I know it, he pulls me closer and kisses both of my cheeks. He then gathers his equipment and leaves the room.
"Ciao, bella!", he calls out and I check my reflection in the mirror. Holy cow. He did all that in ten minutes. Suddenly, I'm impressed. After one final check, I head out to go find Christian. I walk past the Red Room and Christian's words start to circle my head.
"Ana, I'm not ready to take you in there again. Last time I did, you left me."
Deep down, I know it's true but at the same time, I wouldn't mind going in there again.
Take it slow, Ana. He said he's not ready, my subconscious interjects and I find myself agreeing.
In time. Maybe.
Shaking my head at the thought, I head downstairs and find Christian standing in the great room wearing a tuxedo. Holy cow.
"Miss Steele", he says before heading in my direction.
"Mr. Grey", I smile sweetly.
"I like this", he says amused.
"Good."
"Come. I want to show you something", he says as he holds out his hand for mine. I accept it and he leads me back upstairs. I follow him to a room in the hallway and watch as he takes out a key and unlocks the door. He flicks on a switch and soon the room is flooded with light.
"A closet?', I ask, looking at rows and rows of clothes hanging from one end of the wall to the next.
"Your closet", he shrugs, looking concerned.
"When did you do this?"
"It was after I invited you to my penthouse for the first time. I wanted you to see it if you agreed to be my submissive."
"So, all these are for me?" I can hardly believe it.
"Only if you accept them", he explains and suddenly looks ashamed.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm just worried if it's too much", he says and my heart tugs at the sight. I reach up, careful of where I touch, and pull him down to me and kiss him gently. He returns the kiss and soon, his tongue glides past my lips and twists with my own. I moan in response and once I pull away, I'm breathless.
"Thank you."
"You like it?"
"Yes", I smile sweetly. He looks relieved as I do.
"Just give me a minute to get ready."
"As you wish, Miss Steele", he remarks and leans down to kiss me again. He turns on his heel and heads back downstairs. I want to roll my eyes but for some reason, I can't. Will I ever get used to this? Deep down, I hope I will. Taking a deep breath, I head into the closet and look at all the clothes. Most of them still have tags on them and look like they cost a fortune. Out of curiosity, I check one of the tags and my mouth drops. $10,000? How rich is he? Rolling my eyes, knowing full well he can't see me, I check the dresses and soon decide on a silver satin, pleased as I do. I find a pair of matching shoes and on instinct, check the drawers to see if I can find any jewelry. Sure enough, I find some necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings in a desk on the side. I decide on some long diamonds and proceed in getting dressed. As I pull on the dress, I notice a small box on a nearby chair and check to see what it is. I open it to find a silver mask inside, perfectly matching my dress.
We're going to a masquerade ball?