Sorry for being away for long. Life is pretty hectic but I still managed to churn out this. Have fun and enjoy.

'I am sorry Miss,' and I bend down to help her with her things. She looks up and again the blue eyes never fail to amaze me.

'It's o… ' and she stops mid-sentence the moment she lays her eyes on me.

'Oh my…' she gasps! I have effect on her. A very positive effect.

'Anastasia… how nice to see you.' I smile.

'Christian!' she whispers but it is still loud that I can hear.

'When did you come to Seattle?' I asked her smiling. You very well know when she set foot at Seattle and you are still questioning her like a moron?

'Three days ago' she replies like in a trans. What do you expect when you turn up in front of her even after she asked you to get lost! Shut up! I say to my inner voice.

Her eyes were soft, warm and welcoming but her face is still alarmed. She looks around and I know she is looking for Jason.

'Jason is not here. I am alone.' The moment I said I am on my own, a small relieved smile plays on her lips. She even let go her long held breath.

'Oh.. umm.. how are you?' She asks in a small voice balancing her books.

'I would be lying if I said I am fine. Need some help with the books?'

'Huh?' her blue eyes grew wider ignoring my offer. I took the stack of book from her while her eyes are still glued to mine.

'Can we talk?' She suddenly asked after few seconds of silence. I was in fact getting ready to ask her for a drink but she asked first. I glance my watch, even though I know that my whole afternoon is clear and I am free as a bird to spend time with Anastasia.

'Sure. Shall we go to the deli across the street?' I asked looking at the Deli. Anastasia turns around to have a look at the deli that I mentioned and a second later she turns with a smile and said yes. Smooth Grey!

I take her hand and crossed the road. Her hand was warm and welcoming. I love the heat against my palm. Her scent, orange smell, is very refreshing and whenever I smelled orange, I look around for her since the day I met her. We sit at the last table at the back of the deli. A waitress in a tight blouse and short skirt appeared to take our order.

'One black coffee, strong.'

'Tea, bag out.' Anastasia orders with a very bossy strong voice and looks straight at the waitress with a very fierce look. She is marking her territory Grey…

After the waitress leaves, I asked, 'So, what are you doing here?' Not that you don't know. You are lame! Just get her back to ESCALA and fuck her Grey!

'I had an interview at Kidzie Publication. They are looking for an assistant editor.' She replies with a glow in her eyes.

'Did you get the job?' I asked but from her glow, I know she has got the job. At that moment, my phone buzzed and I took out my blackberry without moving my eyes from her happy face.

'Yes. I got the job and I'll start next Monday.' She announces and I can hear some pride in her voice. The waitress returned with our order and somehow, her arm managed to brush my fingers. I could see Ana's anger boiling again. I smile to myself.

'Congratulations Anastasia.' I took a sip of my coffee. She dunks her tea bag into the hot water three times, and leaves it aside.

'Thank you Christian. What are you doing here?' and she sips her tea.

'I was running some errands.' I replied but then I realized it is very lame. I hope she buys it you moron.

'You? Running errands on your own? With your fortune, you even can afford to get people to do anything and everything for you.' He beautiful voice rings in my ears.

'Ms Steele, there are things that I have to do by myself. I don't depend on anyone.' I smirk.

'Yeah but without Jason by your side is something unusual.' She is smart, very smart and observant and she rolled her eyes.

'I have security with me, just not physically here. He is watching me from a distance.' I reply bluntly. Gary, the private detective is also trained and armed security officer formerly from CIA is following Anastasia and technically he is watching me as well now. I can't see him though because he is good at blending in.

'Don't you feel suffocated with people constantly watching every move you make? Don't you have privacy?' She asks looking slightly annoyed but privacy, something that I lost when I made my first billion.

'I have no choice Anastasia. I am a public figure, I am rich, and so I am a target to threat.'

'Christian, I don't want to take your time. I know you are a busy man..' damn, I just got her and she is planning run from me? No way!

'I am free for the day. I am all yours.'

Christian? What the hell is he doing here?

If he is here, then Jason will be around. I look around incase Jason is nearby but I can't see him. The day I arrived at Seattle, Gail and Jason was on a conference call with me, ensuring that I will not go near Christian Grey, at any cost. I have already turned my heart into stone, pushing him away and said a big NO but looks like they are not happy.

'Look you two, I have already rejected him and I will not find him. But if he finds me, it is very well not my damn mistake and I will not tolerate another lecture for seeing him.'

'Annie, don't you dare to speak to your aunt like that!' Jason yells. This yelling drama is really getting to my nerves.

'Look, I have done a behavior analysis for Christian and I know what the hell his problem is. So cut it off. I can give you my word. I will not go out to Seattle streets and look for him but if he finds me, I am not responsible. Whatever happens after that is not for you two to talk about or comment. Get it?' I say and cut the damn line off. That conversation left me fuming for hours. I like him. He is a nice guy but his baggage is something that I can't

I don't want to hear another earful from Jason and Gail for talking to Christian but he cleared my doubt. I am glad that Jason is not nearby anywhere so we head to a deli across the road. I choose a table at the back of the café and Christian followed me without uttering a single word. A waitress appeared with a tight blouse, which is two sizes smaller than her and a very short black skirt. I know her buttons are going to pop anytime and when she bends, the whole wide world will be able to see what is under that flimsy little skirt. If only I have a cloak, I will drape it over her and kick her in the butt. After taking our orders, I gave her a warning look but she just brushed passed me as if I am not there. Idiotic cheap girl! When she returned with our orders, she had the guts to brush her filthy finger against Christian's hand. I have half the mind to slap her. Christian brought my attention back to him. He asked about my work and I asked about Jason.

'I am free for the day. I am all yours.'

I wish he is all mine. Those gray eyes which have been haunting me, causing me sleepless night is now staring at me. If only I could caress his strong jaws. The piercing eyes stares back at me without blinking and I just can't look any longer.

'How are you doing?' I asked but then I realized I have asked him. Sure he is going to think that I am some dumb whacko.

'Not better then you Anastasia.'

'I am fine…' I start but Christian interrupted me mid-sentence.

'I can see the pain in your eyes. Don't lie to yourself.' He says looking straight into my eyes.

'I can't accept what you had to offer.' I whisper. I know he did offer to try more but …

'I did tell you that I will try more.' He says and his voice sounds so hopeful.

'That is not the true you. You are changing just for me. I don't understand why.'

'Because I want you Anastasia.'

I let a small gasp out. That was out smooth. Christian reaches out to my hand which is playing with the tea bag label. The touch sent a chill down my spine. His touch is so soft and I can't believe that he holds canes and whips with the same hand.

'I know you like me. What is stopping you?'

'Christian, a woman's heart is as deep as Mariana Trench and you won't know what is going on in her. Certain things are better unspoken.' I am about to break down now.

'State your terms.' He says leaning back.

'Firstly, this is not a business deal that I can state my term and you can negotiate. Relationships don't work like that Christian. Relationship should be something that develops from the heart but you can't give that. Yes, you said you will try more, but you are trying something that you have not done before. Something that you don't know.'

'How the hell can I get you then Anastasia?' He asks bluntly.

'Win me.' I replied and gulp down my remaining tea.

'Win you?' He asks, sounding more confused. You want me; you have to work to have me. I am not some woman who will just fall for looks or money.

'Yes, win me. I admit I like you, attracted to you in fact but with your past, I might just be another knot at your bed post, or rather the bed post in the room of red blood . As you know, I never had a relationship before and I want a relationship based on love and trust not NDA, agreement, whips and belts.' I state my term and gather my books. Christian gets up as I am on my feet ready to leave.

'Anastasia, I ….. ' TBC