There are those who say, "Blood is thicker than water," and for some those words may be the truth.

However, if you dig deeper you will find that the full quote actually says, "The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb." It refers to relationships that are forged by choice. The relationships that hold a deeper meaning than pure biology.

Biology is a tricky thing, and so is marriage and divorce.

My mother, the dear Carla May Lambert-Steele-Morton-Williams, would know better than anyone what marriage and divorce bring.

For some, it is heartbreak, chaos, and zero money at the end of the divorce settlement. For others, it is infidelity, greed, and wealth.

Carla has always found a way to achieve the latter.

Perhaps that's where I got it from.

At the delicate age of fifteen, I was introduced to Carla's fourth husband Gregory Williams.

Greg himself, wouldn't have been so bad if you set aside the sordid family history. He was, after all, Carla's brother-in-law.

The long lost ex-lover my mother had left behind when she gave birth to me and Frank died. She had relied on Raymond Steele back then only because the affair was fresh on her sister-in-law's mind and Frank's dear sister Gracie was dutifully raising Greg's lovechild.

So in truth, at the delicate age of fifteen, I was introduced to Carla's fourth husband Gregory Williams and their daughter - Leila.

Ray urged me to stay with Carla, Greg, and my newfound sister - insisting that we would form a bond unlike any other.

Perhaps in hindsight, Ray was right.

Leila and I bonded at our mother's insistence. She insisted that I go to the mall with Leila to spend time with her when I wanted to read books. She insisted that I play the role of the mannequin as Leila experimented with her makeup and hair products because I wasn't girly enough. She insisted I tag along to football games in the fall and Spring Break vacations to Miami because I didn't have enough friends.

I bent to the will of Carla and Leila and in the end, I changed for the worst.

That was one of the many reasons why I was in the position I was in as I was handed my Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from the one and only Christian Grey.

"Congratulations, Miss Steele," he says as he shakes my hand. The moment his eyes lock with mine the corner of his mouth lifts in amusement and he leans in, brushing his lips against the shell of my ear, "You look absolutely divine today, Miss Steele."

I smile as he hands me my degree.

"Thank you, Mr Grey," I purr, casting the girls I had been stuck between a look of accomplishment.

Christian Grey may not have been officially mine, but he was mine all the same.

"Did you receive my e-mail?"

"No, I don't believe I did."

He looks quizzically at me.

"Later," he says, and I have to move on because I'm holding up the line and because if I wait any longer, it would only raise suspicion when it came to the intimacy of our relationship.

I find my way back to my seat, following the line, wondering the entire time what e-mail he could have sent that I missed.

Then again, after three years of secrets and lies, I still haven't gotten into the habit of constantly checking my email. Probably because it's one small way I can stick it to the Big Bad Dominant that is Christian Grey.

The ceremony takes another hour to conclude, and the entire process is entirely boring.

Finally, the chancellor leads the faculty members off the stage to yet more applause, preceded by Christian and then Kate. Christian doesn't even spare me a glance, even as I will him to do so.

As I stand, waiting for our row to exit, Kate calls out to me as she heads my way from behind the stage.

"Christian is looking for you," she shouts. The two girls who are now standing beside me turn and gape at me as we stumble our way out of line.

"You're speech was fantastic, Kate," I grin.

"It was, wasn't it?" She beams. "Are you coming? He's being Mr. Control-freak again." She rolls her eyes and I grin.

"He's always that way. Besides that, I'm sure he's not actually looking for me." I glance up at my family and hold up my fingers indicating five minutes.

Greg nods, giving me an okay sign and I follow Kate through the corridor behind the stage. Christian is talking to the chancellor and a few members of the staff until he looks up and sees me.

"Excuse me, gentlemen," I hear him murmur before walking towards me and Kate.

Smiling at Kate briefly, he says, "Thank you," before his eyes meet mine in an intense gaze.

"Congratulations, Anastasia," he says smoothly. Leaning in he kisses my cheek, once again brushing his lips against the shell of my ear, "I can't wait to properly celebrate later," before he straightens and fixes the button on the front of his suit.

"Thank you, Christian."

As he opens his mouth to speak he looks up far behind me with a frown etched upon his face before giving me a brief apologetic look.

Leila waltzes past me and into Christian's arms, kissing him soundly for all to see before pulling back and looking up at him adoringly.

"You were amazing up there," she gushes, placing her hand upon his chest briefly, only for him to grip her wrist and move it away as he looks down at her.

"It's not about me, today," he says sternly as we head back towards our family, "Katherine gave her own speech and your own sister just graduated."

"I know that," she says exasperated, rolling her eyes in the process before smiling at me sweetly. "Ana, congratulations."

"Yes, congratulations."

I give my mother a smile before looking back at Christian and Leila.

Christian looks like perfection in his suit with the gray silk tie, and next to him Leila portrays the ideal housewife with her hair up in a perfect bun and scarlet red lipstick to match. It makes me wonder why he bothers with me when he has her standing at his side.

"We're very proud of you, Ana," Greg exclaims, snapping me out of my inner turmoil.

"Yes, of course, we are," my mother grimaces before looking down at her phone, "Darling, we really should be going."

My smile falters as I look between Greg and Carla, "You're not staying?"

"We have plans for an early dinner and a show with friends we don't typically get to see, living in Seattle and all. You understand."

I swallow the acid threatening to crawl up my throat before I glance to the side and see the one person who could make it all better.

"Dad!"

"Annie!" Ray cheers, wrapping his arms around me and hugging me tightly.

"You're here! How? I thought the truck-"

"Christian," he says simply, glancing at him with a grateful smile, "Thank you again."

"Ana!" I turn, and Ethan Kavanagh scoops me into his arms. He twirls me around, before setting me back on my feet.

"Congratulations!" He beams down at me, his green eyes twinkling as he takes two glasses of champagne, or cheap fizzy wine, from Kate and hands one off to me.

It's not chilled, and it tastes sweet. My thoughts drift to Christian only a few feet away . . . he won't like this at all.

His dirty blond hair is tousled and sexy as per usual. He's as beautiful as Kate and the family resemblance is striking. It's only going to get worse once they're all perfectly tan after their vacation to Barbados.

"Ethan! It's so lovely to see you! Dad, this is Ethan, Kate's older brother. Ethan, this is my dad, Ray Steele." They shake hands, my dad, coolly assessing Ethan as he casually wraps an arm around my waist.

"He's been in Europe," I pause and turn to Ethan, "When did you get back?" I ask.

"I've been back for a week, but I wanted to surprise my little sister," he says conspiratorially.

"That's so sweet." I grin.

"She is valedictorian, couldn't miss that once in a lifetime show," he states, looking immensely proud of his sister.

"She gave a great speech."

"That she did," Ray agrees.

"Hello Ray," Kate says, kissing his cheek before turning to look at Christian, "You've met Ethan, right?"

"Briefly," he says coolly, his frosty gray eyes assessing him, "Mr. Kavanagh, it's good to see you."

"Mr. Grey," Ethan nods, shaking his hand briefly before looking down at me, "Ana Banana, what are your dinner plans?"

"Carla and Greg are leaving and Ray has a fishing trip planned with Mr. Rodriguez so . . . nothing, I suppose."

"You're not celebrating Annie's graduation with her?" Ray asks as he turns toward Carla.

"We have plans. Really, Ana, you don't need to be so spoiled all the time."

Ethan frowns as he looks down at me, "You should celebrate with us then. Like good old times," he grins affectionately.

"Ana," Christian murmurs, beckoning me over.

I walk out of Ethan's grasp while Christian smiles at him, and I take my place at his side.

"My family is here. We'll celebrate together."

"Ethan, Mom, and Dad wanted a word. We'll see you later Ana," she smiles.

"Annie, I can stay-"

"No dad, don't miss out on your fishing trip. Besides, Mr. Rodriguez is counting on you. I'm just happy you could make the drive before your trip, " I say, offering him a sincere smile.

He lets out an elongated sigh before casting a look at Christian.

"That was a fine speech you gave, thank you for keeping an eye on Annie."

"Thank you, sir. It's been my pleasure. We'll have to take that fishing trip sometime soon. It's the perfect time to take The Grace out on the water."

Ray raises his eyebrows and smiles—a rare, genuine Ray Steele smile—and off they go, talking fish and camping trips. They are so in depth, I soon feel inadequate and move onto Carla and Greg who are making small talk with Christian's parents.

Grace and Carrick greet me warmly, exchanging brief pleasantries, mostly about our move.

"Carla, I assume you and Greg are taking Ana out to dinner," Grace comments.

"We would, but we have a previous engagement," Carla answers sweetly.

I scowl at the sight of her overly-sweet-going-to-rot-your-teeth smile.

Something more important than your flesh and blood?

"Actually, Christian offered to let me tag along to dinner," I glance up, and both Ray and Christian are looking at me. "He even surprised me with Ray."

"You're family, darling girl," Carrick says sweetly.

"I'd better go rescue Ray, or perhaps Christian. I'll see you later, Carla," I glare at her.

"Goodbye," she calls after me.

"Hi." I smile at both of them on my return.

They seem okay given the circumstances. Christian is enjoying some private joke, and my dad looks unbelievably relaxed given he's in a social situation. What have they been discussing apart from fish? Especially because whatever it is has left a sour look upon Leila's face.

"Ana, I'm going to head out if that's okay?"

"That's perfectly okay, dad. Thank you so much for delaying your trip and making it here."

"I'll always make time for you, sweet pea. You kids enjoy yourselves."

Ray heads out and I glance nervously up at Christian before a photographer stops to take a picture of both Christian and Leila. That is, until Christian grips my elbow and pulls me into the shot.

"Mr. and Mrs. Grey, who is your guest?"

"We're her guest tonight," Christian says simply as his thumb grazes the base of my spine, "My sister-in-law, Anastasia Steele is a graduate."

"Thank you, Mr. Grey." The photographer scurries off as I blink from the flash.

"So you've charmed my father as well?"

"As well?" Christian's eyes burn and he raises a questioning eyebrow and I can't help but flush.

"You know what you're doing."

Leila rolls her eyes as she leans into Christian, "He's a business mogul. It comes naturally to him."

"Leila," Christian says swiftly, "Will you fetch my parents so we can head out to dinner?"

"Of course," she smiles sweetly at him before casting me a look of disdain as she walks off into the crowd.

"Oh, I wish I knew what you were thinking, Anastasia," he whispers darkly, grasping my hand in his as we gaze intently into each other's eyes.

My breath hitches as I lick my lips.

"Right now, I'm thinking, Nice tie," I breathe, staring at the gray silk that most recently had been used to bind my wrists together on the floor of his office at GEH.

He chuckles. "It's recently become my favorite."

I blush scarlet as he takes a step towards me, using his hand to grip my waist, grazing my back again.

"You look lovely, Anastasia. This silver halter dress suits you, and I get to stroke your back, feel your beautiful skin," he croons. "Of course, that Kavanagh fucker got that chance too, didn't he?"

Suddenly, it's like we're on our own in the room filled with hundreds. My whole body has come alive, every nerve ending is on fire, that electricity pulling me to him, charging between us.

"It's silver-gray," I grin. "But honestly, Christian. What was I supposed to do? Push him away? It's not like you can stake your claim."

His eyes darken into a gray storm as he stares down at me.

"You know I would if it was possible."

"Can you stay?" I ask quietly, "Come up with some excuse about the staff or-

"I can't. I promised Leila it would be about family tonight. If I do that-"

"I get it," I say stiffly.

"This week, you should come stay. We can invite Elliot over and if you get there early we can have lunch." At my look of apprehension, he leans in close. "You know it's going to be good, don't you, baby?" he whispers.

I close my eyes as my insides melt.

"But I want more," I whisper.

"More?" he looks down at me puzzled, his eyes darkening.

I nod and swallow. He knows what I really want. It's a topic that we argue over constantly.

"More," he says again softly. Testing the word—a small, simple word, that is so full of promise after oh, so long. His thumb traces the base of my spine once more. "You want hearts and flowers."

I nod again as he blinks down at me, and I watch his internal struggle play out in his eyes.

"Anastasia." His voice is soft. "It's not something I can do right now."

"Me, either."

He smiles slightly.

"You're trouble you know that?"

"Yes, Sir. However, so are you."

"Try it," he whispers, "Try to be patient until you're securely in Seattle and we'll figure this all out."

Like the serpent in the Garden of Eden, I follow him willingly without much thought. It's something I've found myself doing more and more often. I bend to his will like the Submissive he wants me to become.

"Okay," I whisper.

"What?" he asks, looking at me stupefied.

"Okay, I'll try to be patient."

"You're agreeing?"

His disbelief is evident.

"Subject to at least one visit between then and now, yes. I'll try." My voice is soft as I stare up at him.

Christian closes his eyes in response and bites his lip as his hands fall to his sides, clenched together tight, rather than pulling me into his embrace.

"Jesus, Ana, you're so unexpected. I promise you, one visit."

He steps back, and suddenly Leila has returned with his family in tow, and the volume in the marquee gradually rises and fills my ears.

We're not alone. We never are. We never truly have been, even when we've been buried in the warm duvet across his bed . . .

Holy shit, I've just agreed to continue whatever has been going on for the past three years.

Christian smiles at his parents as his eyes light up with joy.

"Ana, darling should we get some dinner?" Carrick asks.

"Okay." I blink up at Carrick, trying to find my equilibrium.

What have I done?

"Would you like to join us on the car ride there, or will you be heading out with Christian and Leila?" Grace asks.

Christian?

I stare up at him, and then at Leila, imploring them to refuse.

"Thank you, mother, father. If you could take Ana it would be appreciated. I just learned about a business trip and I'd like to discuss it with Leila on the way to the restaurant. We'll meet you there?" Christian says suavely.

"Of course," Carrick responds. "We'll get Ana there in one piece."

"Oh, I'm sure."

They pat each other on the back before Christian wraps his arm around Leila's waist, making me feel sick. Christian has no idea how Carrick really looks after me. Carrick has a way of knowing what no one else knows.

"We'll see you there, Anastasia," Christian breathes, his voice full of promise.

My stomach swirls at the thought.

Carrick takes my elbow and leads me toward the entrance to the tent as Grace chatters on about how lovely it was to see Leila and me together because it's just been so long.

"Leila is such a solid young woman. We're so lucky that Christian found her, don't you think so Carry? The volunteer work she's doing for Coping Together is just outstanding. You should join her one day, Ana. Though I assume you'll be looking for work?"

I shrug noncommittally.

"I'm looking into a few publishing houses."

"Let the girl be, you know Ana fully intends to work for a living. I know Leila has an income through her art, but really Gracie, they're complete opposites."

I smile at Carrick as Grace lets out a deeply embedded sigh.

"Oh you're right, I'm sorry Ana. I suppose I just worry about you like I worry about my own children. Especially after watching you with Carla. How she can just leave on a day like to day just astounds me."

"It's all part of Carla's charm. You get used to it after so long."

The fact that Grace and Carrick even notice how odd my mother is, astounds me. Christian didn't know just how good he had it.

P.R.E.T.T.Y.B.I.G.L.I.E.S

Grace and Carrick drop me off at the house close to dusk.

"Call us when you get to Seattle and we'll do lunch," Carrick says.

"I will. Thank you both so much for coming today."

"We wouldn't have missed it for the world, darling girl," Carrick says.

"You made us both so proud," Grace says wistfully.

A huge lump forms in my throat, and I hug them both, hard. They both put their arms around me, bemused, and I can't help it—tears pool in my eyes.

"Oh, Ana, darling," Carrick croons. "You are a part of our family. We love you like our very own. What about a cup of tea?"

I laugh, in spite of my tears. Tea is always the answer, according to Ray, and it was charming that Carrick had remembered that. Though it briefly reminds me of my mother complaining about him, saying that when it came to tea and sympathy, he was always good at the tea, not so hot on the sympathy.

"No, Carrick, I'm good. It's been so great to see both of you. I'll visit as soon as I'm settled in Seattle."

"Good luck with the interviews. Let us know how they go."

"I will, Carrick."

"Love you, Ana," Grace says.

"Love you both, too."

They both smile, their eyes warm, glowing, and they climb back into their car. I wave them off as they drive into the dusk, and I wander listlessly back into the apartment.

The first thing I do is check my phone after ignoring it since before the ceremony. Finding that it's dead, I hunt down the charger and plug it, waiting for it to come back to life so I can check my messages. Four missed calls, one voice mail, and two texts. Three missed calls from Christian . . . no messages. One missed call from José and a voice mail from him wishing me all the best for graduation.

I open the texts first.

Are you home safe?

Pleaselet me know.

They are both from Christian. Why did he call when he never calls?

Rather than suffer the wrath that is the Blackberry, I head into my bedroom and fire up my laptop. Sifting through my emails I find one from the night before.

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Tonight

Date: May 25 2011 23:58

To: Anastasia Steele

I hope you made it home.

Let me know if you're okay.

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

Fucking hell . . . why is he so worried about my safety all of the sudden? I drove myself home for heaven's sake! It's not like my beloved Wanda is in that bad of shape.

Christian's next e-mail is from today.

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Soft Limits

Date: May 26 2011 17:22

To: Anastasia Steele

What can I say that I haven't already?

You looked beautiful today.

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

I want to see him. I need to see him. Today simply wasn't enough.

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: One Limit

Date: May 26 2011 19:23

To: Christian Grey

I want to see you. Are you still in Portland?

Ana

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Soft Limits

Date: May 26 2011 19:27

To: Anastasia Steele

I'll come to you. I meant it when I said I wasn't happy about you driving that car.

I'll be with you shortly.

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

He's coming over now? I wonder what happened to Leila?

There is only one thing I have to get ready for him—the first edition Thomas Hardy books are still on the bookshelf in the living room. I cannot and will not keep them. I wrap them in brown paper, and I scrawl on the wrapping a direct quote from Tess from the book:

"I agree to the conditions, Angel; because you know best what my punishment ought to be; only—only—don't make it more than I can bear!"

If he wanted me to agree to continue the game, I could play along.

A Note from the Author:

Hello Lovelies,

Sadly, no Lemons were to be had this time around. It's also about half the length because the first chapter was technically an introduction. However, don't expect future chapters to be any shorter than 4K and due to how I tend to write you may even get a few that exceed 10k.

You may have noticed a few lines from the original Fifty Shades Of Grey. Some lines will also be used in the next chapter to stay true to the form of the story. Like that oh-so-exclusive contract. As always, credit goes to the one and only E.L James. We wouldn't be here without her.

On another note, several have asked if this is just two parts or two stories. To be clear this is the first book in a two part series. I'm guesstimating somewhere between 20-25 chapters for each book.

Last but not least, thank you all for the encouragement. Whether it's through favorites, follows or the sweet reviews and messages. I'll try to start replying to a few reviewers at the end of each chapter starting . . . now!

xoxo,

Sara Jo

daytonalay: no, thank you! I think just about everyone hates Leila to some degree. And my Leila is definitely one to watch out for!

zeeulove: I can't either. I'm still not 100% on the ending. But rest assured, always a HEA over here! :)

pepe71: hope it lived up to expectations!

emi17: Dear old Christian has a heart of gold buried beneath those layers. But does he or has he ever truly felt a thing for Leila? Only time will tell! But you've got that right. Leila is just about as vindictive as they come. Unfortunately, she's not the only one.

LOVE (Guest): Ah thank you! It's been a long process. Ana is definitely alone and there's just no telling if it's going to get better or worse. ;) As for how long this is going to be . . . This book is part of a two book series. Each book will range from 20-25 chapters. Hope that answers your questions! :)

Kira (Guest): thank you very much! To answer your questions, Anas intentions are a bit mixed at the moment. Christian does indeed share the same past with Elena. BDSM definitely plays a role. CG wouldn't be the big bad Dom we all know and love without it. :)