We're riding in silence and a million different thoughts are flooding my mind. A ball. We're actually going to a masquerade ball. Once again, Christian manages to keep something from me, so it doesn't surprise that he would do it for this. The thought makes me chuckle. Oh Fifty, what am I going to do with you?
"What is it?", Christian asks, looking slightly amused.
"You. You're so difficult, you know."
"Difficult?", he smirks. "How so?"
"When were you going to tell me that we're going to a masked ball?"
"I didn't think it was relevant." I scoff at his comment and roll my eyes as I gaze out the window. Yeah, 'difficult' might be a good term for now.
"Did you just roll your eyes at me?", he whispers, causing me to look at him.
"Maybe. But there's nothing you can do about it", I challenge, raising a brow to emphasize my point.
"We'll see about that", he responds quietly, giving me that look. Oh...
"We're here, sir", Taylor announces, breaking the spell between me and Christian.
"You ready?", Christian asks.
"Mm-hmm", I answer with a reassuring smile, and Taylor pulls up outside a house I'm vaguely familiar with; Christian's parent's. Why is it being held here?
"What's wrong?", Christian asks concerned.
"I just...I just didn't know it was going to be here."
"My parents insisted. They're looking forward to seeing you again."
"Do they know we broke up?"
"Sort of. I hadn't told them how long it had been. I'm sure Mia kept them up-to-date."
"Do you not want me to be here?" As I ask this, Christian looks at me as if I've grown three heads.
"I've never brought a girl here, so you leaving is the last thing I want." My eyes widen at his revelation, and then I realize it's another first to add to the list. Christian brings my hand to his lips and kisses each of my knuckles in-turn. I smile to reassure him just as Taylor comes to open my door.
"After you", Christian orders and I roll my eyes again, knowing full well he can't see me when I do.
"I know what you're doing. Keep it up, and I will take you across my knee", Christian says once we exit and I gasp in response. Holy shit, he's being serious. Bring it on, Mr. Grey.
"I'll be back around midnight, Mr. Grey", Taylor addresses, once again breaking the spell between us. I feel sorry for him. It must not be easy to be exposed to so much...privacy. I really do hope Christian pays him well.
"Thank you. I'll let you know if we need anything else."
"Very good, sir. Have a good night", he says before directing his attention towards me.
"Thanks, Taylor", I smile. He enters the driver's seat of his car and Christian holds out his arm for mine.
"Come." I slip my arm through his and follow him into the foyer. My jaw drops at the sight; chandeliers; a live band; about three-hundred people and enough tables for about four hundred. Holy cow...
"Like what you see?", Christian asks when a young man offers to take our coats. I give my shawl to the man and watch as Christian hands him his coat.
"It's beautiful, Christian", I say, breathless.
"Just like you", Christian replies with a sense of pride on his face. I blush and stare down at the floor. How can he do that with just three words?
"Christian!", someone calls and we both look to see Mia running towards us, wearing a blue dress and matching mask.
"Mia", Christian answers coolly. Mia throws her arms around his neck and hugs him tightly, making him feel embarrassed as a result. Reluctantly, he hugs her back.
"Thank God you got here. My friends keep asking about where you've been."
"I've been busy, Mia. They should know that by now."
"You're always too busy. When are you gonna have some fun?"
"I have enough." Mia rolls her eyes and then turns in my direction.
"Ana, so good to see you", she exclaims and before I can respond, she hugs me hard, catching me off-guard.
"Hi, Mia", I say once I recover.
"Can you believe this shindig? I swear we try to overdo it every year."
"It looks amazing", I reply.
"Least there's a band. Gotta get the party started somehow", she huffs and I laugh at the sight.
"Ana", I hear someone behind me say and turn around to see Grace, wearing a formfitting emerald dress and a matching mask that she holds in her hand.
"Hi, Grace", I respond warmly. Fortunately, she pulls me in for a gentle hug and gives me a chance to properly react.
"It's so good to see you, darling. I wasn't expecting Christian to bring a date."
"It was last minute but I figured I'd come for support."
"Thank you, Ana. We really appreciate it", she smiles kindly before giving Christian a motherly hug.
"It's good to see you too, sweetheart. We haven't seen you since you brought Ana home for dinner."
"Work's been busy. I haven't had any free time available."
"Well, hopefully now that Ana's back in your life, you can actually spend some more time with your family."
"We'll see."
"Have you shown Ana to her seat yet?"
"We just got here but I was going to do just that."
"Well, you'd better hurry. The auction will be starting soon. You sent that check to your father, right?"
"Last night. I hope it's enough."
"Christian, everything you give is enough. I'll see you later. Tell Gretchen if you need anything, okay?"
"Will do mother. We'll see you around", he smiles coldly before taking my arm and leading me down the hall. I wave back to Grace and Mia and do my best to keep up in these heels.
"Are you ever gonna treat them like your family?", I ask once we're out of earshot.
"I treat them enough. It's been hard the past few years."
"Why?"
"Nothing you need to worry about. Do you want some champagne?", he inquires once we reach our table.
"Yes, please", I smile sweetly as he pulls out my chair for me and allows me to take a seat.
"I'll be right back", he says before heading off. I take a minute to admire my surroundings and quite honestly, I don't know why Christian didn't want to come. It's obvious he doesn't see his family too often, and I wonder idly why he chooses to do so. Still, another feeling that stings me is being in this place again. The last time I was here, Christian carried me over his shoulder because he was angry that I didn't tell him about Georgia. Also, this is where I met her for the first time. I shudder at the memory. I hope I never have to see that woman again.
"Anastasia?", I hear a woman ask and turn around to see Elena sitting directly behind me. My heart stops beating when I see her sitting across from me, wearing a black and white ball gown and a matching mask lying on the table. She's still exactly how I remember her, but in all honesty she's the last person I want to see.
"What are you doing here?", I ask sterner than I intend.
"Listen, I know we got off on the wrong foot last time we talked, but I just wanted you to know that I hold no ill will."
"That's good to know", I say impassively before turning in my seat to avoid her gaze. I listen as she stands from her chair and sits straight in front of me at mine and Christian's table.
"Ana, I need to tell you something important."
"I have no interest in talking with you."
"I know how you feel about me, but I swear to you that I'm not the enemy here." I can't help my scoff. Is she serious right now?
"I think anyone with common sense would find that untrue."
"Listen, I didn't come here to argue and you have every right to be upset with me, but I need to warn you that this isn't sufficient."
"What are you talking about?"
"I don't know if Christian told you yet, but there's some certain needs he has that I'm not sure you can entirely fulfill."
"What kind of needs?"
"Ana, he's in pain. The man you think you know isn't as clean as you want him to be. And I'm just worried that he'll hurt you if things go any further."
"Why would you say that? We just got back together and it's none of your business what we do behind doors."
"It's not that. Did you not tell you how broken he was when you left? He came to me the night after you left, and I can tell that he was hurting inside."
"What?"
"He's a good man, Ana. He really is. But he's not the man for you and I'm almost positive you're not the woman for him."
"How would you know? You took advantage of him and I can't forgive you for that."
"All I did was help him and I'm still helping him now. It might be fine for right now, but I can guarantee that this isn't going to last. Just give it some time and you'll see what I mean."
"Elena, knowing you, I'm sure you've never known what it's like to be in love. I don't need you tell me what to do and if things don't work out, I'm sure you'll have something to do with it. Me and Christian are fine and I don't need a bitch like you to tell me I'm wrong." Holy cow, did I just say that out loud? But with the look she's giving me right now, I feel a little victory. Disgruntled, Elena stands and grabs her mask before firmly grabbing my arm and squeezing tight.
"I tried to be nice to you, but you overplayed my hand. Don't say I didn't warn you. Nothing ever lasts and I'll be there when you learn that."
"Elena", someone yells and I look to see Christian with eyes blazing and a look of determination on his face. All too soon, he grabs Elena's hand and removes it from my arm.
"Don't fucking touch her", he growls. Elena yanks her arm away and looks momentarily afraid right now.
"Be careful with her, Christian. She'll never be the right one for you."
"Fuck off, Elena. And leave us the hell alone." The look on his face tells me he means it, and immediately Elena backs off and walks away.
"Are you okay?", Christian asks more gently and I look away because I can't bear to look at him.
"Talk to me, Ana. What did she tell you?" I swallow before responding.
"Nothing I didn't already know", I say quietly and I feel Christian take my hand and give it a gentle squeeze.
"I'm sorry about that. I wasn't expecting her to come."
"Just like the last time?"
"Ana, that was different."
"How?"
"Because she said she couldn't make it here tonight."
"I'm sure she couldn't", I say as I turn my gaze away and glance at the ceiling.
"Are you rolling your eyes at me again?"
"No", I lie.
"Come. I think you need that spanking sooner than I thought." He stands and holds out his hand for me, and I suddenly feel my heart beating in my chest. After a beat, I accept his hand and he pulls me to my feet.
"Leave the mask on", he whispers before leading me to a staircase and heading upstairs. We walk down the hall to a bedroom and I watch as Christian pulls out a key and unlocks the door. I smirk once he opens the door.
"What is it?"
"Nothing", I say as I deliberately bite my lower lip.
"We'll see, Miss Steele", he smirks and leads me inside before closing the door. I watch mesmerized as he removes her suit jacket and lays it carefully on a nearby chair. He then undoes his bowtie and walks over to me with a carnal look in his eyes.
"Turn around", he orders and I do as I'm told. I feel him hold my wrists and deftly ties a knot to hold them in place. He slowly slides down my zipper and helps me step out of my dress. I glance over my shoulder as he places my dress neatly on his jacket, and looks somewhat pleased when he turns back. My breath hitches but once he returns, he turns me around sharply and kisses me hard. I struggle to keep up and all too soon he pulls away.
"Is this what you want?", he asks, breathless.
"Yes. But I want you to spank me", I respond boldly.
"With pleasure, Miss Steele. Walk over to the bed", he commands, pointing his chin to emphasize his point. I quickly do as I'm told and stand in place waiting for demands. He sits on the side of the bed and motions for me to come closer. I do, and he takes my arm and pulls me down. I squeal in surprise and he holds me firmly on his lap.
"If it gets too much, you have to tell me to stop, understood?"
"Yes."
"Yes what?"
"Yes, Sir", I reply, biting my lower lip again. Christian looks pleased with my answer and starts caressing me. I gasp as he kneads my backside and before I can respond, his hand disappears and slaps me hard across my silver balls shoot up inside me, leaving a delicious sting as they do.
"Ah", I moan.
"You okay?"
"Yeah." He then slaps me again, slightly harder this time. He takes turns on each cheek, gently rubbing where he hit and striking me again. Oh, I've missed this...
"I think you're done", he says panting and carefully lifts me off his lap, before tossing me on the bed. I watch paralyzed as he starts to undo his suit pants and slides them and his boxers down to the floor.
"You want me to take my shirt off?", he asks. It takes me a moment to process what he's said.
"You can say yes", he says softly but the look in his eyes tells me he's unsure.
"Please. I won't go outside the lines", I tell him sweetly and he smiles shyly before removing his shirt. The lipstick marks are completely untouched and I can hardly believe what he's letting me do.
"Stay still", he orders and I arch my back as he removes the silver balls slowly in turn. He places them beside me on the bed and quickly fills me, causing me to gasp. Once he adjusts, he starts rocking his hips and slowly goes faster and faster, forcing me to fight to keep quiet.
"Nobody will hear us. Don't be afraid to come." His words are my undoing and I come gloriously, calling out his name.
"Fuck, Ana", he grunts and his body stills as he finds his release and collapses on me breathing hard.
"Don't ever leave me."
"I never will, Christian", I confess because I know it's the truth. I feel him smile against my skin and lifts himself so that he's hovering over me. He leans down and kisses me softly and I wrap my arms around his neck, holding him close. After a few minutes, he pulls out and I wince at the all-too-conversant feeling. He unties my wrists and rubs them gently to bring them back to life.
"The auction will be starting soon. They'll be missing us."
"Can I meet you downstairs?"
"Yeah, of course. Meet me at our table and I'll give you a dance."
"Okay. I love you."
"I love you, too." He kisses me again and I watch amused as he climbs off the bed and slips on his boxers.
"Enjoying the view?"
"Always."
"Good." He grabs his mask and puts it on before opening the door and closing it behind him. I sit up on the bed and walk over to a mirror above a chest to make sure my hair doesn't show signs of being fucked. I look okay so I gather my dress and start to slip it on. As I zip up the back, I notice a photo on the mirror and feel as if I've seen it before. As I look at it closer, I realize who it is. His mother. It's the same picture as the one Elena gave me during our first encounter. My hearts tightens and I can only imagine what his childhood was like. His mother looks so sad and I silently pray that he didn't feel the same when she was alive. I touch the photo and try to hold back my tears. Gathering my equilibrium, I give myself one final check and head down the stairs.
Once the auction is over, I'm dancing with Christian on the dance floor and watch him lovingly as he twirls me around. He spins me again and I can't hide my giggle when he spins me back in his embrace.
"Is this more?", he beams.
"So much more", I laugh and lean up to kiss him on the lips. His shy, boyish look returns and it warms my heart. I love this man, and I always will.
"Mr. Grey, we have a situation", Taylor announces and I'm momentarily taken aback by his appearance. When did he get in here?
"What is it?"
"It's at your apartment, regarding Miss Steele."
"Me?", I ask out of curiosity.
"It's not too serious, Miss Steele. I just have to take Mr. Grey to investigate."
"Can I come?"
"I'm not sure that's a good idea."
"I want to." I look at Christian for permission and he sighs before nodding his head.
"Alright. We'd better hurry then. I'm afraid it can't wait", Taylor says and we start to head out.
We follow Taylor outside after saying our goodbyes and he holds open the door for me and Christian to enter. Christian lets me slide in first and once he slides in next to me, Taylor shuts the door and climbs in himself.
"What's wrong?", I ask once we pull out.
"I'm not sure. Maybe you should stay."
"If it's about me, then I'm going whether you want me to or not." Christian opens his mouth to speak but closes it before he can say anything. We ride in silence and I stare out the window, watching the lights alter every time we pass.
We pull up inside the parking garage at Christian's penthouse and my anxiety continues blooming in my chest. What could be so important that it couldn't wait?
"Sir", Taylor directs and Christian opens the door before climbing out.
"Stay here", he demands and quickly closes the door before following Taylor. I watch helplessly as they stand by something in the distance and before I can stop myself, I open the door and head in their direction. Once I get closer, my breath catches in my throat. There's a red car completely covered in paint, with FUCK YOU written straight on the hood.
Holy shit, that's my car. What happened to my car?