A/N: Thank you so much for the feedback, your response has been overwhelming. I love this Ana and Christian – I love an HEA and characters who seem to know and follow their hearts. Several of you love that Christian took a spill and not Ana – I must admit I laughed to myself when I wrote it – I think it was about time he was a bit off balance for a change. Thanks again for reading and reviewing – Enjoy!

Chapter 4 – Sunrise…Sunset

CPOV

I wake up at about six - my usual for a weekend. I know I'm not dreaming because there's no snoring in dreams – and Ana is snoring away – it's barely audible and totally precious. I lay for what feels like an eternity watching her chestnut colored hair splayed across my pillow – her lips are slightly parted and her lashes are so long they look painted on. I steal a brush of her cheek with my index finger. I really have to take a piss so I get up and head to my bathroom to relieve myself.

I finish, wash my hands and slide into bed behind Ana, spooning with her, she hasn't moved one muscle. I can see the sun rising.

"Ana…Ana baby. Wake up. Wake up Ana." I say as I trail kisses down her earlobe and onto her neck.

"Noooo…she moans." I giggle…wait! I don't fuckin giggle!

"Baby open your eyes, you can go back to sleep afterwards, I want to share the sunrise with you."

"MMMoookay…hmph…I need to pee Christian." There I go giggling again.

"Ssnot funny…everybody pees Christian." She says as she shuffles out of bed and into the bathroom – she comes back and crawls over me to get into the same spot she was in – damn she makes me so happy.

"Do you want to go upstairs and workout after our first sunrise?"

"I'd love too she says through a yawn."

"How about you let me know when you're ready."

"I will."

Ana and I have all fruit strawberry banana and flaxseed no dairy smoothies that she made us before we worked out. We had strenuous workouts and some serious kissing. We read the Sunday newspaper together while we had our coffee and got the shock of our lives when I shared my Google alert with Ana.

The National Informer

Is Seattle's most eligible bachelor off the market? Hearts are breaking all over Seattle this morning. The ever elusive Grey was spotted walking in Pike's Market holding hands with a mystery brunette, smiling and laughing – Later the two shared an early afternoon meal at Matt's. [Picture: Christian Grey holds hands with mystery woman]

"And so it begins."

"Christian, Oh my god." She looks so sad.

"Ana baby, what's wrong?"

"I don't know – I guess I knew on some level this was going to happen, but I thought I'd have you all to myself a bit longer – I'm going to miss our bubble – women will see that picture of you smiling and think of you as approachable now, they'll be throwing themselves at you even more." Ana's mood has plummeted to earth, I can tell she's contemplating because she's chewing on that tasty bottom lip.

"First Ana, please stop biting that lip – you have no idea what that does to me. Second, we are in this together – this is all new for me as well, and I promise you I won't leave you hanging…I promise Anastasia. Third, and most important – I only have eyes for you – there's only you baby, and anyone who tests the theory of approachability will find out it brutal fashion…verbally, exactly what it means to disrespect our relationship." I tilt her chin up and kiss her softly and she responds with a shy warm smile.

I'm interrupted by my phone ringing.

"Grey."

"Mr. Grey, Welch."

"Good morning."

"I have forwarded the background on Jackson and you will find some of it quite interesting I believe."

"Good work."

"One more thing, the tail we put on him reported – he spent most of last night driving between Escala and Ms. Steele's residence. He ultimately gave up after sitting and waiting for her to come home for about three hours. He obscured his car by parking in an adjacent parking structure. He made one more drive by Escala at three thirty this morning before heading to his residence. At some point – while he waited under cover of darkness he walked over and used a pin light to look for something in the wheel well of Ms. Steele's car, he wasn't carrying anything so we were sure he wasn't planting a device – after he was tracked to his home and another man was posted there our guys went back to Ms. Steel's and located a tracking device."

"She's going to be terrified Welch, but I have to tell her regardless, I can't keep this from her. We're headed to my parents soon and I will read the report when I return – I want her to go over it with me."

APOV

"Hello?"

"Ana, I just wanted to make sure you're okay – I woke up and realized you didn't come home last night."

"I'm fine Kate, I stayed with Christian last night."

"Oh, okay. There was a picture of the two of you in that gossip rag."

"Yes, I know among many actually. Creepers, no biggie."

"When are you coming home?"

"I'm not sure, probably tomorrow."

"Oh."

"Kate I need to shower and get dressed right now – so I will talk with you later, okay?"

"Okay, later."

I disconnect the call and scroll through my missed calls. I have seventeen calls from Hyden – seriously? Seventeen missed calls and four voicemail messages. I will listen to them later with Christian…after we've had a chance to enjoy our brunch with the Greys.

The Grey mansion is amazing! The estate sits on a sprawling property of I'm not sure how many acres; the home is huge, and I can envision that cute little copper haired boy running around playing.

"Ana it is wonderful seeing you again – thank you for joining us."

"Thank you for the invitation you have a lovely home Dr. Grey."

"It's Grace dear."

"Well Grace you have a lovely home, and something smells wonderful."

I am greeted by the rest of the Grey family – still no date for Elliot which surprises me since Christian has told me he's quite the ladies man. I have a great time with Christian's family and he seems to sit back and take it all in. They are all very engaging and I can tell that everyone is very organically themselves, including Christian who seems comfortable in his own skin and happy to be with his family. I feel so welcome and I can tell that Christian's family is thrilled to see him dating. Being here reminds me of the extra effort my mom always puts into entertaining and feeding family and friends – it's at times like this that I really miss her, RJ and home.

Everything from glazed ham to caviar is on this elaborate buffet – and sherbet mimosas. I can clearly see Mia's influence on this elegant meal – much of it reminds me of dining at Breakfast. The chocolate croissants practically melt in my mouth. My nervousness was abated in the best way – I was able to relax and enjoy myself amongst the Greys, my boyfriend's family.

KPOV

"Why do you keep calling me? Ana is with Christian, Hyden – I overheard the conversation she had with you before Christian picked her up. . .You. What are you going to do Hyden, make her fall in love and into bed with you? Ana is my best friend, and I intend to tell her everything that happened between you and I – you can do whatever you choose with the contract Hyden, that's your choice, we will of course run it by our attorneys, so stop fucking threatening me you asshole. I have a feeling that our pitch to GEH will turn out to be much more lucrative than the pennies you throw our way. Are we done here?"

"You tell that fucking whore Ana, to call me or her father is going down."

"Ana is not a whore, that's what bothers you most isn't it? It's not about money Hyden, she just doesn't like you! Now you resort to name calling and threats, do your worst. Mr. Steele is a big boy, he can hold his own, now leave us the fuck alone! If you show up here or at our offices I will call the police and I will have a restraining order in place by tomorrow but until then." Sound of nine millimeter being racked.

"You rat bastard, bring it the fuck on! Just so you know it's fiscal suicide to piss off the daughter of a media mogul, I will fucking bury you." I disconnect the call.

What did I do, what did I do? Ana won't talk to me, but I know she's safe with Grey, so no worries there I'm glad Ana didn't come home last night – under normal circumstances she would be sharing every detail of her time with Grey, but I screwed that up because of what jealousy? Grey isn't my type, so this is professional and personal – I've been working really hard to prove to my dad that this was the right move for me, he basically washed his hands when I told him of my plans which didn't include a career at KMedia. I know I come off abrasive, but I really believe in our company – I know Ana is capable she's one of the smartest most competent people I've ever met, I was offended by Grey's behavior toward me, it reinforced my insecurities that I may not be good enough. I have to make this right with Ana.

CPOV

Once Ana and I returned late in the afternoon to Escala, we pulled up the background report on Hyden Jackson. He's had quite the interesting history; one thing that was buried – was a rape allegation leveled against he and his business partner, around the same time they took their company public – ten years ago. They claimed the girl had lied to make money and she was paid off after she admitted she didn't remember exactly what happened and that she had had several drinks. She remains under a gag order to this day.

Similarly a former girlfriend stated he was physically abusive and held her in his apartment for four hours against her will – she has a permanent restraining order and lives on the east coast now. He has not contacted her in six years. He was accused of stalking an employee, including placing a tracking device on her vehicle – that employee was paid off and relocated to the Midwest.

"Oh my god Christian, he's a monster – how could my dad not do his homework on this guy – he practically pushed me towards him."

"Well we're looking at his business dealings as well he's got some pretty shady numbers crunchers working for him – and while we can't prove it right now there appears to be evidence of insider trading – he's been flagged by the FTC. There could also be money laundering according to this."

"Wow, I can't believe my dad and his people could overlook something like this, this is insane."

I don't know how to break this to Ana – but it's possible her dad was involved and did not overlook it. I would never make an accusation of that nature, but I need to tell her something that will prevent her from talking to her father before we can look into it more thoroughly. I have asked Welch to look deeper into Ray Steele's connection with Jackson.

"Since your dad is so enamored with this guy, let's make sure we keep this between us for now, we wouldn't want your dad to pull away or confront him – essentially giving him a heads up."

"There is something else Ana…he spent the majority of last evening driving between our places…."

"What!?"

"Yes, and unfortunately it gets worse – at one point last night he was seen lowering himself under your car with a pin light." The look on her face is pure horror.

"Once he left, we found a tracking device under your rear wheel well but we left it in place…for now—we need him to believe he still has the upper hand."

"Oh my god! – it makes so much sense Christian, I can't even tell you the number of times he just happened to pop-up – when I was in the Market or hanging out with Jose or Kate for a happy hour after we ditched him, or at the mall. He ran into me just enough that it didn't seem off for him to be in the places where I was. I'm so angry – he's been stalking me, for god only knows how long, this is insane."

"The good news is we have great video of him doing it and he's shown a pattern of stalking – we can present this to a judge tomorrow."

"Kate could be in danger – Christian." We should call her.

"Kate it's me and Christian."

"Oh, Hi. Ana I have so much to tell you – I'm glad you're with Grey, Hyden is becoming unhinged, he's been calling and making all kinds of threats to our livelihood, I'm going to have our lawyer comb over his contract in the morning – he's completely out of control – he's been calling and calling demanding to know where you are."

"Kate you don't know the half of it – he was outside of our house most of last night and has a tracking device on my car…"

"Shit, remember we joked about him having a lo-jack on you? – We were right on the money, crazy son of a bitch."

"Kate there is a security detail assigned to the house right now – but if you don't feel safe with that we can have them bring you here."

"Riiight, I'm sure Grey would be over the moon thrilled to have me in his personal space."

"Ms. Kavanaugh, you are more than welcome to stay here until we get this whole thing sorted out."

"I appreciate that you two, I really do, but knowing there's someone outside watching makes me feel better, and I have my gun, which I wound up cocking during my last conversation with Hyden, so I made my position crystal clear. I pulled down all the necessary paperwork from the net for the restraining orders – I have his sorry ass on tape threatening both of us and the business. He is unstable Ana and he was ranting about you and Grey during his last call, my guess is he saw the picture of the two of you in that filthy rag—I hate to admit it, but you two look kinda cute." I can't help but smirk at her attempt at humor.

"Kate we're going to go to and make dinner, and you're more than welcome to join us, we really mean it."

"I'm good, Ethan was here this afternoon with groceries and dinner from mom's, so I'm fine, I really appreciate your asking."

"Ana, I really need to speak to you before we listen to the audio tapes I made of Hyden, he goes on and on about you – and it ranges from loving to pure hate and misogyny."

"Why don't I give you two a moment, I'll meet you in the kitchen."

"I'll be there soon Christian, thanks."

APOV

"What's up Kate?"

"I had sex with Hyden. Just saying it makes me feel extremely dirty." I'm speechless.

"What!? When?"

"Friday night when you went out with Grey."

"I'm floored Kate, you have to tell me what happened, why?"

"I was very upset – I haven't heard from Kevin since I got sick, on top of being very angry about not doing the pitch for GEH." Oh god if she only knew – I will never tell Kate she had no chance at all that would destroy her, but I do have to find a way to let her know that her approach is abrasive, I know that Christian isn't Kate's biggest fan but he does care about me and he said what he said in order to help me and her adjacently. It was hard to hear the things he had to say, but I did hear him.

"I was pissed at you because you seemed to be avoiding talking to me – I felt cut out and off and while I'm in no way interested in Grey I was jealous that you had connected in such a profound way with someone who treated me like I wasn't worth his time." I understand this completely and I am not sure I wouldn't have felt the same way, I just know I would have reacted like a friend and not the way Kate did.

"Hyden dropped by and I was glad to see him, in spite of the fact that I knew he wasn't really here to see me – on top of that I knew he was only staying for the chance to see you when you got home. We started drinking and before I knew it we were all over each other – so the short answer to the question of why is simple, one word…Tequila."

"It gets worse Ana, on top of everything else that was going on with me that day, I was feeling especially vulnerable and so I was willfully ignorant of his true motive, that is until he came and yelled your name to my horror and humiliation." I seriously think I might throw up, I would literally be sick if it wasn't so bone chillingly terrifying.

"Ana?"

"I…I'm blown away by this Kate."

"I told him to get the fuck out and he threatened me that he would tell you about what happened between he and I, called me names and told me that he would pull his contract if I didn't keep my mouth shut. So when you came home I felt hurt, used and angry and I took it all out on you."

"I…I don't know what to say – Kate, you could have told me what happened, before you called me a whore that is."

"I'm so sorry Ana."

"I wasn't trying to keep anything from you Kate, I met Christian and I knew almost instantly I was falling for him – but you were so negative – and I avoided you because I didn't want to hear you constantly talking shit about him. I couldn't explain to you at that time that I was feeling all of these remarkable things for a person I'd literally just met, and although you're my friend and I love you I wanted to defend him. So I figured the less I said about Christian – the fewer your opportunities to say nasty things about him. You were pissed because he avoided meeting you—his prerogative by the way – and you wouldn't let up. He is nothing like you described, and that's because you don't know him…He's the one Kate and I knew that moment we met, I don't expect you to understand it but I do expect you to respect our relationship and support it because I would do the same for you."

"Are you saying you lost your V-card?" This is what she took from everything I just said? Unreal and typical Kate thinking below the belt.

"Not that I really want to get into that, but he does know I'm a virgin…still and is taking it slow with me – I will not be providing you graphic details Kate so get that out of your head, but the connection I've waited my whole life for is with Christian. He's amazing."

"Who knew he wasn't just another pretty face? I'm happy for you Steele I really am and I'm so sorry."

"I knew you would be…eventually. Forget about Hyden – he's a seriously disturbed individual, and if you're sure you're okay there tonight by yourself, I want to get back to my hunky boyfriend and cook dinner with him."

"Are we good Steele?"

"Yes, and I love you. I will call you first thing in the morning, okay?"

"Cool, talk to you then – I love you too, goodnight."

"Goodnight."

"Hey – what did you decide on for dinner?"

"I haven't a clue baby, is everything okay?"

"Kate had a rather ugly encounter with Hyden on Friday, he said horrible and embarrassing things to and about her, things of a personal nature, she didn't feel comfortable having you hear those things is all—what an asshole."

"Let's take a look at what you've got going on in these cabinets. How do you feel about either spaghetti or carbonara? I say assessing the contents of the cabinet and fridge.

"I'd love carbonara."

"Yum, me too, you're going to be my sous chef today."

"That was delicious baby, you're a good cook."

"Thank you – I had an excellent helper."

"I'm going to miss you this week Christian, I don't understand what's going on with me – I'm not a needy person."

"I feel the exact same way baby, you have no idea – right now I the only thing I keep thinking about is how I'm going to work and see you. I'm right there with you, trust me. But baby you have at least another full day of me – well you and Ms. Kavanaugh – you need to cancel meetings for tomorrow if you have them and give your office and IT managers the day off."

"Well Mondays are paperwork days for us we schedule meetings Tuesday through Friday only."

"Perfect! There is no way you can go in there. I don't trust that guy, and until he's been contained I cannot have him near you, Kavanaugh or your staff – he seems unstable, I'm just so glad you're here right now Ana – I wanted to ask you to stay so badly yesterday, but I didn't want you to think I was being too forward or controlling."

"I felt the same way, I didn't want you to get the wrong impression, or think I was teasing you."

"Ana, trust me – whether you were in my bed or not – the level of difficulty is the same. The greatest upside of your being here is I don't have to imagine waking up with you. Okay back to Jekyl – Elliot will be at your place to do an assessment of doors and windows and by the end of the day his security people will have taken necessary steps to secure it, including checking for listening devices since he's been inside. He will bring Kate here.

"I think you both should stay here for the week – if you're okay with that."

"Kate will bawk at it – but she owes me big time for her nasty attitude on Friday. I will be glad when the two of you get to know each other. Kate is incredibly loyal to me – she's a good friend and I trust her; she's a brat and sometimes lets her emotions overrule her senses but she always means well."

"Well, one of the things I thought about when you were on your knees attending to my wounded knee and pride was that Kavanaugh couldn't be but so bad if she had you as a good friend."

"That's incredibly sweet Christian" I lean in and kiss him – god he's gorgeous "and I remember thinking – how could a man that gorgeous and nice be an ogre."

"Nice, you thought I was a nice guy? That's so funny to me – I was preparing to be a real dick that morning and you completely disarmed me—I knew my life had changed in an instant, I have never tripped over my feet Ana or been so mesmerized by anyone."

"I had a great time with you this weekend – I went into Friday expecting to get the vaudeville hook after twenty minutes of groveling and left with a boyfriend – how's that for a turn of events?"

Christian and I watch a little TV and to my surprise I discover that he's never watched 60 Minutes. As a matter of fact he usually only watches TV with Mia or Elliot, more Mia than Elliot. We can't keep our hands off of each other – and by that I mean we're constantly holding hands and touching each other and kissing – my favorite is the kissing but I love when he holds me, it feels like home like I was meant to be in his arms.

CPOV

I love everything I'm learning about Ana, she knows how to cook on top of everything else and that's very sexy. I am amazed by her. It was all I could do not to find a meadow to skip through it when she asked if she could stay the night last night. I had spent the whole day trying to figure out a way to ask her to stay over – I was so not ready for her to leave me, even though I realize she has to at some point but it's not going to be easy for me.

After dinner we watch some TV and cuddle on the sofa in the TV room – I love it when she wraps her arms around me. Tomorrow morning I will meet and deal with Ms. Kavanaugh, but I'd entertain a savage if I had to if it would make Ana happy. I would love to be with Ana in every sense of the word, but I'm not sure about the concept of making love to a woman. It's something I've never done before, and while it's not about feelings of inadequacy – I just want to be gentle and loving, I want to be every fantasy she's ever had, but for now I'm enjoying the intimacy. I've never desired a woman more, but this time she will dictate how and when we are together – it feels right.

"Hey, do you want to go to Breakfast in the morning and by that I mean Mia's restaurant Breakfast."

"Sure, I'd love that."

"They open at six, the chocolate croissants will be warm still."

"I've passed by that place and it's always packed – I heard it was very good, I read the write ups in the Times."

"I've had a few breakfast meetings there – my sister is there every day except for Sunday – she is doing the thing she loves most and I'm so happy for her – is your work the "thing" you love most?"

"Well if the economy were different Christian I would have a little bookstore – and an online business where people sign up for book clubs – the advertisers would pay for it – It wouldn't be lucrative but it would be incredibly satisfying. Most people in my experience work to optimize their earning potential – Mia is fortunate to have found the perfect combination of both, it's rare. I do find our work fulfilling – helping people to find lasting employment – once every quarter I give a workshop on landing the perfect position and I'm working on a deal with the Learning Tree to become a part of their lecture series, if I'm successful there I could develop a lecture series for college seniors and I could travel across the county and teach." No, don't go.

"Christian, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, it's silly really, you haven't even left town or developed that aspect of your business – but I found myself missing you in advance. Crazy right?"

"Christian, you do realize I could have gone home last night right? I wanted to avoid a confrontation with Kate sure, but more than anything I wasn't ready to leave yet, I didn't want to leave you – so I get it I really do. I just about did a somersault when you said I should take tomorrow off and that we would take care of Hyden. I'm so sorry to visit this craziness into your life…"

I shut her up with a kiss that deepens almost immediately. I pull her onto my lap and we kiss, exploring each other's mouths. I love the feel of her hands in my hair – and the way she smells, she's perfection – I'm enjoying my time with Ana so much – I have never felt more comfortable with anyone ever. She asked a number of questions about my BDSM past but she never seemed judgmental at all – she was curious and tempered her questions with a level of sensitivity that expressed her level of care for our new relationship and for me.

After another gorgeous sunrise we're sitting in Breakfast having a meal that Mia prepared herself for Ana and I, she even joined us.

"I'm so excited about you two Ana, my brother has never looked happier."

"I'm sitting right here Mia."

"Oh poo – just shush – I used to tell him that mergers and acquisitions couldn't keep him warm at night and that he needed to find balance in his life. Christian is an amazing guy Ana and no one deserves happiness more than he does – I would like him even if I didn't know and love him – I'm so glad you two met." She's actually tearing up.

"You act as if I was holed up in my place writing my manifesto every weekend while polishing my rifle or something."

"Christian you may as well have been, you are a workaholic and I can relate because I am too, but Aaron helps me with balance is all I'm saying. I love seeing you smile big brother, now all we have to do is work on Elliot, he needs to settle down." This entire time Ana is watching this play out between my sister and I with her hand caressing my knee.

"You okay baby?"

"I'm fine, I miss RJ is all – I'm hoping we'll have this type of grown up relationship one day, I feel bad sometimes about not living closer to him – we need to Skype more often – hopefully I can get him here during spring break, but he's older now you know – has his friends and his own life so he's not interested in me, he's not my little potato head anymore."

After our workout and making out, we get dressed in casual business attire. We are after all taking meetings at Escala today.

"Elliot is on his way over with Ms. Kavanaugh baby – he was able to convince her to pack for the two of you for the week – no worries though you will be able to go over escorted if she misses anything, or I could just take you shopping. Your attorneys will be here within a half hour of their arrival as will my dad – to both review the points of the contract that protect you as well as prepare the paperwork they will be filing on yours and Ms. Kavanaugh's behalf this morning with the courts.

"They're coming here? I can barely get them to return a phone call. How did you get them to come to us?"

"There's very little that can't be accomplished with the right incentives. I do want you to consider other representation – I don't think they have treated you with the directed care a growing business such as Elite requires – my guy looked over the contract and while it's competent – there could have been better protections established, but that's for another time."

"I'm speechless Christian, thank you." I kiss her in reassurance. "It's nothing baby, I will always look out for you and make sure you have what you need."

"Your storm door will be installed by this afternoon—don't worry it's the kind with the invisible pane so unless you are directly in front of it it's hard to see because it's all glass. Elliot's guys will assess all of your security needs and make recommendations for you and Kate to sign off on. According to the surveillance team Jekyl hasn't left his place – he probably thinks he's good with tracking your car – so Elliot and Kate are bringing it here where we will have it scanned for devices and disable them – he will likely go nuts when this happens, but we will be prepared."

"I called Jose to warn him about Hyden, he was beyond excited about having a Monday off – I didn't tell him that meant he would likely be working late every other day this week. But he's locked in with Chad, he won't be a security risk. I spoke with Jerome and told him the office would be closed today as well, he has the capability to monitor system functions remotely so that won't be an issue either."

"Chris, we're here." Elliot has entered the building in his signature subtle manner, he has Katherine Kavanaugh in tow. She's pretty put together and has long strawberry blonde hair – just my brother's type, he's grinning ear to ear like a loon, and she's blushing like a high schooler. Oh this would be tragic, that insufferable woman at family gatherings, say it ain't so! The good news is slutty El has the attention span of a three year old and he'll move on to the next shiny thing in no time, I'm sure of it.

She makes a beeline and hugs Ana who asks how she's feeling, as El greets me in his usual manner of half hug and kiss on the top of my head, I don't know why he does this, I think it's his way of saying I love my little brother and I don't remember a time when he didn't greet me this way.

"Christian Grey, this is my best friend and business partner Katherine Kavanaugh…"

I extend my hand which she takes. "It's very nice to meet you Ms. Kavanaugh." I know I met her before, but I wouldn't exactly call her ambushing me at a buffet a proper introduction. Hakuna Matata Grey.

"Nice to meet you too Mr. Grey."

"Hey Ana" El says greeting Ana with a warm hug.

We sit down together after Ana shows Kate where she'll be staying to wait for the suits to show.

We discuss the craziness of Jekyl's obsession with Ana. The problem is the more I hear the more concerned I become. Ana is sitting next to me on the sofa with her arms wrapped around my waist, while Kate and El talk animatedly.

"I just feel awful that all of this happened because I ignored signs and wasn't more firm at the start of this."

I tip Ana's chin up so she's looking in my eyes.

"You are not responsible for his behavior, none of this is your fault Ana. He was never going to take no for an answer." I lean in and kiss her softly and she bites that bottom lip, so I nibble it causing her to blush.

"Ah-hem…still in the room people." El teases from the other side of the room, Kate seems stunned by the familiar ease with which Ana and I react.

"Well the system is going to be state of the art and you guys will have video monitoring from your cell phones. We're going to add perimeter lighting and cameras that are sensitive but height appropriate so that it won't be activated unless a two foot or taller intrusion breaches the perimeter. During the day video will be activated by motion without the lights. – don't worry ladies, if he comes near you – we'll know right away."

"Thank you Elliot – please let me know the costs associated with all of this…"

"Don't worry baby, we'll talk about it later."

"Christian, I don't want you to do that it's too…"

"Okay." Why is she talking about money, not once have I mentioned her paying for a damn thing. I'm more than mildly offended, does she think I won't take care of her – is it tit for tat with her? I'm so confused right now – we're together that means I take care of her, period.

"I need to give Ros a buzz and check in with Andrea before the suits get here – excuse me for just a moment.

APOV

I don't know what I did but I think I managed to upset Christian, he's going to his office – I could feel the chill towards me before he left the room. Elliot speaks almost as soon as Christian is out of earshot.

"Listen Ana, take the help that Christian is offering you and leave the billing between us. He's offended right now because he doesn't understand why you would bring up money…he never does. My brother is incredibly generous and if he wants to spend money to make sure you're safe, let him. I'll be right back."

"Ana, he's wealthy and he wants to take care of you…"

"Kate I don't want him to feel…"

"It's who he is, and if you're going to be with him you must get used to it. He's in love with you Ana."

I feel my face flush.

"Why would you say that?"

"Because I have eyes bitch." We both burst out laughing.

"He can't keep his eyes or his hands off of you, he's in love with you, I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it for myself."

When I approach Christian's study I hear raised voices, but not to the level that constitutes an argument. I did hear Elliot call Christian stubborn, and tell him not to "fuck this up." I knock on the door.

"Come in."

"Hey."

He smiles at me and I bite my lip and smile back. Elliot excuses himself and before he can get out of the door I have my arms around Christian's neck and apologize for putting him on the spot like that.

"I don't know what the rules are involving a relationship Christian, and I'm going to get things wrong – you have to resist the urge to get annoyed with me and just tell me what you're thinking."

"I admit I was irritated that you brought up money—when I told you I would make sure everything was taken care of – I meant just that…everything. I get that you're used to paying your own way, and that perhaps you felt you should at least offer but – I've got you."

"I just want you to understand that I have only known independence – and I wasn't trying to offend or embarrass you, I just want you to know that I don't expect you to foot enormous expenses simply because you have the means. I enjoy being with you Christian, not your wallet."

This has to be our most passionate kiss yet, he's leaning half sitting on his desk and he's lifted me so that I'm straddling his lap.

"You taste so good baby." That sent shock waves to my lady parts, and I let out a little moan.

"I'm sorry."

"Me too."