Wounds to Bind Chapter 48 – "...our impulses are too strong for our judgement sometimes" – Thomas Hardy, Tess of the D'Urbervilles

March 7 – CPOV

"What do you mean I need help with my baggage?" I tried not to smirk during my Skype with John. It's a busy business week. I'm trying to clear the decks to be back in Seattle early Friday afternoon.

"Baggage – you know, the stuff you carry around which weighs you down. Why do you think there are porters at airports and fancy hotels? Someone's got to carry the baggage for you once in a while. My purpose is to help carry your mental baggage. Your task is to quit practicing anticipatory listening and really listen." John explained.

"Anticipatory listening?" He's pissing me off.

"You don't really hear what is said because your brain is busy formulating your response to the response you expect them to give you." John defines his jargon.

"Define baggage." I demanded.

"Predators who want to use your family and Ana to get to you. Women who want to remove anyone close to you from your sphere because they think it will get them next to you. Business people who extend friendship and invitations as a way of facilitating business deals with you." John said. "Leftover, unnamed anger. That's baggage."

"I'm angry because Elena has been in close proximity to Ana. I don't trust the bitch."

"You have several reasons for not trusting Elena. Specify one…" John ordered.

"Because I know from experience how easy it is for her to pounce." I admitted. "I'm just waiting for her to get frustrated by her living conditions and pounce in Ana's direction… because I will have her arrested. I'm tired of the SPD languishing in their efforts to arrest her for promoting prostitution."

March 8 – 3PPOV

"John, we're a great deal farther with Christian's TTT this time than we ever have been. Is he still experiencing night terrors or inability to sleep?" Sela questioned John during their weekly Skype.

"Christian understands he was abused as a child. He does not know why his mother's pimp abused him – other than to control her. His adoption file said Ella was first arrested for prostitution when he was two. So his experience with the abusive pimp occurred from the age of two to four."

"Then he fell in with his Domme – learning more control over his body and having a sexual lifestyle which allowed him sexual release without touch. Understanding those issues opened him to healing his body and his mind. It's difficult for him." Sela sighed.

"He sees Elliot carefree and able to be physical with the woman he loves. He wants that with Ana …and I am confident after the pain is purged…he will have the beautiful life he envisions with her. The night terrors are fading. He still has them, but not the intensity or frequency he had them before. The inability to sleep is still there but I believe once he reconciles with Ana it will go away."

"Is he doing TTT for himself…or for this girl, Anastasia?" Sela pondered.

"I think it began for her, but Elliot's engaged to be married and Christian has to spend at least four-six hours in a venue with 300 people. He can't have his bodyguards in the wedding pictures, so he has to learn to be touched." John replied.

"I am heartened to see he's progressed so far. If he quits now…it will be a little easier when he comes back. But I have faith he will make it to the end of the therapy. The emotional trauma, combined with the physical trauma had to be released through massage therapy. We're working on muscle memory. His body learned to pull away from touch because of physical and emotional pain. His physical body retains the memories of what his mind and body experienced. If I were a vindictive woman, I'd find his mother's pimp, his Domme and every psychiatrist who retraumatized him and beat the stuffing out of them." Sela sighed. "I know I'm making headway with him, but this has been one of the hardest cases I have taken on."

"But you think you can get past the muscle memory where his body automatically reacts without his brain thinking about it?" John contended.

"I know we can. I believe Anastasia Steele is one of the reasons for his agreeing to touch therapy. I know he has self-loathing, and while I can't battle it, I know you can. Some clients, after years of verbal therapy, feel the need for physical therapy to reclaim their body. I can say this to you, because you understand my thought process. I thought Christian and Anastasia were having the talk about their relationship, but he's been busier than ever with his business. Does he want to work this out with her or not? Is he avoiding the talk out of fear of rejection?" Sela posed valid questions.

"He wants more. The once-a-week date schedule fizzled before it took off." John reported. "Ana has work, classes and therapy appointments. He has work and therapy appointments. Both are working on the wedding every bloody weekend."

"I say, he needs to go her work on a Friday afternoon, throw her over his shoulder, take her to a hotel, have the conversation, do the deed and get past this. They are just torturing each other right now. He doesn't want to say anything to lose her and I think she's remaining quiet to not poke the bear."

"She's got Friday night classes," John revealed.

"Then they need to play hooky in the middle of the week. He needs to work something out with her because I have to deal with the triggers she causes when she aggravates him." Sela sighed again.

March 9 – APOV

Our business dinner is scheduled for a beginning business symposium at the Chamber of Commerce. I wear a navy pencil skirt, light blue silk shirt, navy heels, navy handbag and my wool dress coat, with silver jewelry. It's what I wore to work today. My hair was in an inverted ponytail at work. Hannah moves my hair tie down a bit and then ties my hair in a knot, covering the hair tie. She pins it in place. It's easy, it's sleek and I think Cassie will approve.

We have two forks for dinner, signaling we'll be served a salad course followed by an entrée. One classmate was censured for not silencing her cell phone. One was censured twice for taking his out to look at it. We are seated at a twelve-person rectangular table. This is the reason for the two-minute introduction we were to practice. Business conversation goes well until someone asks how the SEC investigation is affecting Grey Publishing. Everyone pauses their meal to hear my reply.

"I apologize, but staff signed nondisclosure agreements. We can't discuss anything which we might overhear about Grey Publishing or Grey House in connection with the SEC investigation." I explain. I'm sure there was a better reply, but I'll have to consider it. I haven't practiced answering that question.

Cassie announced our first business dinner went well. Her orders this week are to work smarter, not harder. She collects everyone's six venue and menu suggestions for work lunches and business dinners. When I shake her hand goodbye, she informs me she'll email me a better reply for future SEC conversations. I quietly state I may be a witness for the SEC. Per their orders, I'm not allowed to discuss the case. I assume that includes emails. The look of surprise on her face was priceless.

XXX – 3PPOV

Ray picked up the wrought iron items he took to the sandblaster. He bought a baker's rack, a rectangular console table, a round dining table, four chairs, chaise lounge and a chandelier. He planned to paint them navy blue once their old paints were blasted off. They would be perfect for Annie's patio. He purchased Plexiglas for the table tops.

He explained to Laura about Annie working in the garden with him early in the morning or after dusk. She loved growing things. Laura found square cranberry-colored pots. She potted a trio of baby herb plants in each pot: rosemary, basil, thyme, mint, sage, oregano, and garlic. She planted larger pots with spinach, lettuces and scallions. Each winter Ana could bring the herbs inside and put them in the south window of her office. The goal was to get everything painted and transported to Seattle over Easter.

Every minute of sunshine, Ray worked in the yard, clearing space and building the dog kennels and runs for Laura. He wanted more time with her. He understood she needed to work and applauded her work ethics. However, he hoped once the kennels were a reality, Laura could stop teaching extra night and weekend classes. He especially hated when she had to stay overnight at her place in Aberdeen. He prayed for lots of sunny days this spring.

March 10 – APOV

Our business breakfast is at the Chamber of Commerce. I pass Cassie's inspection, which makes me feel good. However, while I'm at the breakfast buffet, serving myself, I run into Ros Bailey. She invites me to join her table and I don't think twice about ditching Cassie or my classmates. Ros introduces me to the occupants of the table, which are all upper management of Seattle companies, but none of them are under the Grey House umbrella. I'm vaguely interesting to them. The topic for discussion is the Small Business Forum which is set for Easter Week. We peruse a preliminary handout of the conference agenda. It's interesting to watch Ros deal with men who are upper management like her.

XXX

"I'm glad you agreed to go to lunch with me." Ros shared a menu with me. "I deliberately picked the Capital Grille because the movers and shakers of the city are here. It was interesting, seeing you at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast this morning. I'm starving. I hate breakfast items. You probably noticed I picked at the fruit salad. My favorite breakfast is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich and a strawberry smoothie. Let's order and then we can chat."

Steak sandwiches with tossed salads and iced chai tea ordered…Ros picked up the conversation. "I'm not sure if your instructor approved of my lunch offer."

I laughed. "Cassie tries not to ask intrusive questions, especially since I made her sign one of Christian's famous non-disclosure agreements. The NDA does not prevent her from being curious, however."

Ros laughed a deep throaty Bette Davis laugh. "So, why are you taking a business dining course?"

I explained about Kate and Elliot's wedding and how I felt I needed to take dining, dancing and receiving line lessons. I explain there is always a casual, business/professional and social element to Cassie's classes. I explain about the business communications class. Ros questioned the bullet points of the lessons.

Ros is impressed with the topics we covered in class. She explains how difficult it is for women in business. Although it is not as hard as it was when our grandmothers were stuck in secretarial pools with no chance to advance.

I explain I feel more comfortable about my position as Copy Editor, but I don't have a business background, like some of my peers. They are more mature and have more experience than I do. I've already been bashed in Seattle Nooz about my lack of experience versus Hyde's decade in the business. "Ros, I'm the youngest and least experienced editor at Grey Publishing. It's not that no one remembers my name or avoids eye contact, but they rarely ask my opinion. I don't always know the answer, but sometimes my logistics beat theirs. How do I say...Try it my way, without sounding like a …"

"Know it all?" Ros laughed. "Research the meetings beforehand. The agenda is available on Monday for Tuesday's meeting. Copy it – print it so there is space to write notes during the meeting or write down ideas before the meeting. Use two different color inks to differentiate between ideas and notes. Be sure to say hello to everyone in the meeting room, make eye contact with them. Since you have a book launch in March, you should attend the editorial and financial/marketing meetings on Thursday."

"Sometimes we have working lunches after editorial meetings. I'd like to feel more comfortable at them," I shrug.

Ros recommends I never order seafood items for lunch, because someone might be allergic and touching a sandwich followed by shaking hands could affect them – the same with a Waldorf salad and nut allergy. She also recommends never ordering something with a strong odor or flavor like Caesar dressing and ranch dressing. I would never have thought about that.

Ros says she will be glad to send me a bibliography of books I should read. Our lunch is delivered and Ros pauses me for a minute. "Business dining rule number one: never season your food before you taste it. If you do, you take the chance of your mentor believing you react before you have information. Taste your food first, then season. I know it sounds silly, but it's really important."

We started eating and Ros told me how she met Christian. They were at a business conference. Some man kept hitting on her and she threatened to put her knee in his junk. He called her a lesbian. She told him his sleazy manipulative efforts to get her into bed would not work. She explained some men, the ones who are not confident in their abilities to seduce you, will resort to getting you drunk or slip something in a drink to manipulate you into sleeping with them.

Ros revealed Christian was getting hit on also. They gravitated toward one another and became one another's beard for the night. When they met for breakfast the next morning, Christian laid out a business plan to Ros, citing which companies represented at the conference would be ripe for takeovers or mergers. He claimed he could do it in less than a year if she came to work for him. She didn't hesitate; she knew his plan was brilliant. She gave her notice to her boss and reported two weeks later at Grey House's doorstep and hasn't regretted it once. Of course, she explained travel was hell on a relationship, but her partner, Gwen, traveled with her whenever possible. Right now they were traveling about 50% of the time, but she anticipated it would slow before the end of the fiscal year.

Ros asked what I want to do with my life. I tell her I love being a copy editor. I want to learn about electronic publishing. I agree with Christian, it is the future. Ros feels the two business courses I attended count as professional development. When I provide Robb Loeder with the agenda, registration, books and fees receipts, I can be reimbursed.

She compliments me on my 30-day employee evaluation. I thank her, but I explain there are issues. She urges me to explain. "I believe Jack Hyde asked Elizabeth Morgan to send letters to all the authors he worked with in the past five years."

Ros raised her eyebrows and I continued.

"Robb showed me two of the letters. Hyde has nothing to do in jail right now, other than work on his SEC case and try to mess with Christian and me. He has an eidetic memory. He probably provided Morgan the addresses for every author he's ever worked with. The authors strongly urged Grey Publishing to reinstate Jack Hyde as an editor if GP wants to keep them as authors. They would rather change publishing houses than deal with Christian Grey's flavor of the week."

"Well, it's time to fix that situation," Ros announced. "Robb and I will have a discussion with Jerald Roach. Letters will be sent to Jack Hyde's authors. We will let them know he was arrested by the SEC for insider trading. If they want to do business with a criminal, they are cordially invited to go somewhere else. We don't want to represent that kind of person."

"I just feel…I don't know…like I'm a tattletale… Christian, please save me from the mean girls." I shrugged.

"I will not allow Jack Hyde, Grey Publishing, or their authors to bully you. I want to get my hands on one of the original letters. I want to know how close Hyde was to slander or libel." Ros stridently stated. "I'm also talking to Legal. He signed an NDA. Morgan signed an NDA. They both have no-contact orders. How far does this situation go over the line?"

I sighed. My stomach is churning, slightly.

"Ana, I want you to know how highly I regard you. I know how overwhelming Christian can be in business. I sincerely believe he's that intense in his personal life also. I knew he met someone in May of last year. He stayed in Portland for a week and was distracted during videoconferences. Then the picture of the two of you appeared in the paper. I am in awe you are so strong and so good for him. I'm not disloyal when I tell you someone needs to say No to Christian once in a while." Ros laughed a deep, throaty laugh.

"I think I say no to Christian more than he wants to hear. But, I don't always feel strong. Sometimes I feel intimidated by Christian's business smarts and by his lifestyle. Seriously, if there were such a thing as injections of confidence or self-assurance, I'd take daily shots." I declared.

"You're doing fine Ana. You are helping yourself at work and in your personal life with Christian. I had to take classes also. Christian grew up knowing how to behave and how to network at charity events and business conferences. I watched him. I saw what came easily to him. I researched, read and studied. When Gwen and I came into some money, ala Christian, we hired a personal assistant who taught us how to dress, walk, talk, table settings, etc." Ros laughed again. "Summers when she wasn't teaching, Gwen studied cooking and wines, art and music, etc. and was wonderful about teaching me."

"I'd kill to be able to walk in stilettos like you do." I remember Christian telling me about the self-improvement classes he took while at Harvard…wine, dancing, dressing and cuisines.

"Ever try the book on top of your head routine?" Ros inquired.

"One hour every other day. I've graduated to wearing three-inch heels. When I'm not walking with a book on my head – I'm learning to stand and sit properly." I grimaced.

"Don't let the instructor tell you it takes 21 days to make something a habit…I've found 60 days usually does it for me. I must be too obstinate for my own good. How is Prescott working out?" Ros nodded at the server to remove our plates and refill our tea glasses.

"I appreciate she doesn't tell Christian where I'm going and what I'm doing. I appreciate I can work while she drives. I appreciate being able to throw a curve ball once in a while and have her adapt to the situation." I bit my lip. I should ask for another CPO so Prescott isn't on call all the time.

"I'm glad you allowed me to assign a protection detail. Ana, part of where I am in the business world is because Christian had faith in me. Part of it was my intent to achieve. I would like to mentor you. One of my personal goals is to mentor one GEH employee a year."

"What would that entail?" I asked.

"Business breakfasts or lunches once a month. An occasional business dinner or conference which I feel would be beneficial for polishing your knowledge, skills or abilities. You are intuitive. I don't want to lose you as an employee or have you lose that skill." Ros explained.

"Thank you," I said to my surprise. "I want to be comfortable in my professional life. Can you tell me how to deal with a business cocktail party? I'm due at one tomorrow night and don't have a clue what to wear or say or drink."

"A black fit and flare or sheath dress, with a French twist or maybe a double chignon, mid heels because you don't know how long you are standing. Clutch purse, not shoulder bag. A clutch with a hidden strap is the best option as far as I'm concerned. If you have a cocktail in your hand, and need to shake hands, the clutch is awkward. Open it, pull out the thin strap, sling it over your left shoulder – cocktail in left hand, shake hands with the right. The clutch needs to hold a cell phone set on vibrate, some business cards, some breath mints, comb, lipstick, ID and enough money to hire a cab to get you the hell out of there if necessary." Ros listed necessary items. "You need a good intro line. Mine is: Ros Bailey, I save the sanity of 50,000 people on a daily basis. People want to know how I do that. I explain I'm the Vice President of Operations for Grey Enterprises Holdings. Now, what is a good tagline for you?"

"Ana Steele…confused and dazed?" I tease. Ros shook her head. "Ana Steele, I help make dreams come true?" I offered.

"And how do you make dreams come true?" Ros asked. "Remember to explain your job title and where you work…"

"I am a Copy Editor, Grey Publishing…" I faltered.

"And I help aspiring authors become published authors." Ros finished the sentence for me. "So, you'll introduce yourself as Ana Steele, I help make dreams come true. As a Copy Editor for Grey Publishing, I help aspiring authors become published authors."

"That sounds a bit…" I shrugged.

"Self-aggrandizing?" Ros grinned. "It sounds better than saying you spend your days with a red-ink pen in hand correcting people's grammar. That introduction makes you sound like a high school English teacher."

"OMG – it does sound better!" I laughed.

"So, give it a try," Ros directed.

"Ana Steele, I help make dreams come true." I shook Ros's hand.

"Excellent grip, good length of time shaking hands, no sweaty palms, no excessive bangle bracelets to drown out the sound of your voice. Okay, Miss Steele – how do you make dreams come true?"

"As a Copy Editor for Grey Publishing, I help aspiring authors become published authors." I said sincerely without breaking into laughter.

"Very good, Miss Steele! You seem like an interesting creature. Tell me, are you a drinker like most misogynistic male writers? Can I convince you to come to my room and share a bottle of Cristal with me?"

My jaw dropped and I stared at her.

Ros threw her head back and laughed another deep throaty Bette Davis laugh. "My god…how long has it been since someone hit on you?"

"Halloween…a police officer," I blushed again.

"Ohhh, kinky. Did he want to pat you down or use his handcuffs and night stick on you?"

"He wanted a coffee date," I blushed again.

"Please tell me Christian didn't intervene. We gave quite generously to the SPD Police Charity Fund at Christmas." Ros informed me.

"Sawyer, one of his security men, was dressed as a mummy and kept chasing off the creepers." I blushed again.

"Okay, back to the cocktail party – meet as many people as possible and network. Immediately after you leave and before you forget who is who, jot notes down on the back of business cards. I set my cell to record conversations because at the end of the day – I can't remember my room number, let alone 100 people I just met. Be sure to thank your host as you depart. Research mock cocktails online. Learn how to make one so you give directions to a bartender. Although, if they are worth their margarita salt, they know how. Be sure to carry small bills with you for tipping the coat room attendant, bartender, powder room attendant, etc. I usually run through $50 in $5 bills for a two-hour cocktail party because I tip the servers who bring me drinks and food."

"Whether it is a food station or passed trays – the food rule is don't stack the food on your plate. Food items can touch, but don't stack the food in layers on your plate. Avoid skewers and chicken wings because they are very inelegant to eat and you have to dispose of skewers and bones. Dip can spread and it can drip on your clothes. Avoid it if possible. Pass on any seafood nibbles because you don't know who is allergic. If you have food allergies, stick to crudités and bring an epipen with you."

"Is there anything you won't eat at a cocktail party?" I have a good memory, but I wish I had recorded this conversation. I should You Tube cocktail parties.

"Crab cakes and not just for allergy reasons. Crab cakes are like a fish meatloaf to me. I don't care for the taste or texture." Ros shrugged. "Gwen adores the ones at Sky City. I'd really like you to meet her one day. She's a petite, intelligent blonde and has a heart as big as the universe. She has her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She currently works for the Seattle School District."

"If I ever go to a convention with Christian, you can bring her and we can hang out at bookstores together." I offered.

'I can't suggest what the topics of conversation will be. Just attend one cocktail party and then you'll do better when you go to the next one." Ros advised. "Remember, business cocktail parties are an extension of the business world. You would not drink or do drugs at work, nor would you engage in inappropriate behavior."

Lunch with Ros beat lunch and salon day with Kate. Kate appreciated the time to concentrate on her closets at the condo. I promised her brunch and salon tomorrow. When she asks if I'm coming to dinner, I explain I have a cocktail party I have to attend with business acquaintances.

March 11

Tonight's cocktail party is mandatory attendance for all of Cassie's students. We will be critiqued on everything by complete strangers. I'm not looking forward to it…not by a longshot. I'm wearing a black fit and flare dress with black heels. My hair is in a French Twist thanks to hairdo accessories. I wear black pearl earrings with a black pearl bracelet. I'm carrying a black clutch which has a ribbon thin strap which hides itself inside the clutch.

XXX – CPOV

I'm in a foul mood. Ana won't be a dinner tonight because she has a business cocktail party. It's a fabricated story. Ros and I would have been invited if it were for Grey Publishing. It doesn't take long for Taylor to send me a quick media update.

"What the hell is she doing now?" I wondered when I get a Seattle Nooz alert. Anastasia is at the Fairmont Hotel. She is at coat check and the sign reads "Cassandra Collins Cocktail Party – entry by invitation only."

I research Cassandra Collins and I find a Facebook page offering lessons in manners, etiquette, grooming, posture, style and deportment for beauty contestants, new young professionals, or the socially challenged. She works as a counselor at the Women's Health Center, Seattle.

This explains Ana dancing, walking gracefully, not fidgeting, not biting her lower lip, dressing beautifully lately and her total lack of self-consciousness regarding her role in Kate and Elliot's upcoming wedding. I wonder if she still squirms in bed. Fuck…now I must counsel the southern gentleman. It doesn't help to remember wanting to use a crop to refine Anastasia's motor skills.

XXX – APOV

"Tonight's signature drinks are Mojitos and Sangria," Cassie announced. "Tonight's cocktail party menu is Tex-Mex themed: Guacamole with Tomatoes, Cilantro and Jalapenos with Blue Corn Tortilla Chips, Red Lentil and Red Pepper Pâté with Spicy Monterey Jack Cheese Crackers, Crudités with Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce, Shrimp and Lime Mini Tostadas, Steak Mini Taquitos, Chorizo and Potato Tortilla Bites, Mesquite Grilled Chicken Skewers, Amaretto-Raspberry Fruit Tarts, and Dark Chocolate Clusters with Cherries and Pistachios. Please feel free to help yourselves."

"Business cocktail parties are easy to navigate. Say hello to your hosts and get a drink. Think of the room as a compass. Wherever you start is North; you talk to that group of people for five to ten minutes. You walk to the Southeast ordinal; you talk to that group of people for five to ten minutes. You walk to the Southwest ordinal; you talk to that group of people for five to ten minutes. You've now completed the first triangle. You walk Northwest, Northeast and South, repeating the process. You've now completed one full circuit and spent 30-60 minutes."

"You refresh your drink, get nibbles and begin again. North, Southeast, Southwest, Northwest, Northeast, South. That is a full hour or more and you can seek out your hosts and depart for the evening. I have people stationed at all the ordinals. You will be judged on your attire, grooming and conversation."

There are over two dozen students and two dozen unknown entities attending this cocktail party. We were started at different ordinals and had to determine out where to go. I lucked out with the bar as my North ordinal. I ordered a virgin mojito and the bartender winked at me. "Good choice," he whispered. It was a pleasure to tip him. I turned on the conversation recording app and slipped my cell phone in the lacy-net pocket on the outside of the purse.

Southeast is my first stop, I meet five clients and three decoys. I introduce myself according to Cassie's directives: "Ana Steele, Copy Editor, Grey Publishing." They introduce themselves and I met Drake, Dalton and Deborah. Nice…try to make me nuts why don't you? Deborah is an event planner for the Fairmont Olympia. Dalton is the meeting planner for the Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Drake is an events coordinator for WSCC. The topic at this ordinal is volunteering for good causes. The other clients press their business cards upon me. I have a lovely, engraved business card holder (a congratulations gift for my new job from Mom) filled with my business cards which I freely share. When five minutes are up and I can make a graceful escape. I continue the circuit. Northwest is discussing the upcoming indy film festival. Northeast is discussing museums. Southeast is discussing restaurants and cuisines. Southwest is discussing Seattle Met magazine.

It gets a little easier with each group. At my South, we all load plates with munchies and talk about which offerings we like best. I'm fond of the Red Lentil and Red Pepper Pate. I love the blue corn chips and the spicy crackers. I also like the Steak Mini Taquitos. We continue to make the circuits and once 30 minutes is over, Cassie calls us together and hands out questionnaires which we must complete and submit. I'm glad to have the conversation app so I can complete the questionnaire and write on the back of business cards. However…it was all too boring for words. I will praise the food and the virgin Mojitos. My classmates give me the eye as I drain my fresh drink. I explain it is virgin Mojito and delicious. I assure them it is the only way to drink at a company cocktail party.

Several of them head to the bar. I thank Cassie for a lovely evening, but explain I have another engagement and cannot stay for another round or two. She asks if it's for the wedding and I say yes and make a quick escape. Part of me feels guilty. Part of me cannot wait to let my hair down, take off these damned heels, get out of this dress and have a long soaking bath followed by dinner and a movie. I ask Prescott to take a quick trip through a Tex-Mex drive-thru purchase enough food for dinner for both of us. I also buy four combo plates which I can freeze and reheat later.

XXX – TPOV

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot! The boss is antsy because Ana's not available to talk tonight because she has a business cocktail party. Of course, since she works at Grey Publishing, the boss knows it has nothing to do with Grey House. His concern, she might have drank too much and didn't eat enough, is moot since Prescott stopped at a drive-thru. I agree to email Prescott but I don't want a Louboutin-clad foot up my ass delivered by the Red Queen Ros.

Prescott reported Ana ordered virgin mojitos to drink and she departed before the party ended. Prescott states Ana bought food for a few meals to save time and a six-pack of bottled lime water. They

had dinner together, confirmed schedules with one another and she departed when Miss Steele was in for the night.

Ros and Grey depart for Detroit at eight tomorrow morning. There are brownfield site issues. Maybe I should bring an extra team to research Hyde while we are there. Grey won't see Ana until Friday, maybe. He acts like he wants to fuck up someone's life right now. I anticipate getting fired at least once during this trip.

Early Hours of the Morning, March 12 – CPOV

'I enjoy watching you change yoga positions,' I watched as Ana morphed from Mountain pose to Warrior I and back into Mountain pose to Warrior II. 'I love those yoga outfits,' I approached and stroked her when she was practicing her yoga. When she is in the Corpse position, meditating, I laid on top of her. 'This is the Blanket pose. Don't move until I tell you.'

'Get the hell out of here, I'm practicing my yoga and my meditation, not playing with you.' She snapped.

I peeled myself off her, reluctantly and went down to play the piano.

Within the hour, Ana floats down the stairs in a black satin bra and panties from Agent Provocateur. She has a black sheer floor length robe on and black thigh high lace stopped stockings and black stilettos.

She sits on a step, one leg extended, one leg up, knee bent, shoe at a 45-degree angle to her body. She leans back, her elbows bent, propping her up on the stairs.

'What do you think you're doing,' I asked quietly.

'Sitting,' she said. 'Watching you play the piano.'

'Go away,' I ordered. 'You won't let me mess with you when you are doing yoga, don't mess with me when I'm playing piano.'

'I'm not messing with you,' Her eyes devouring me. 'I'm practicing sitting quietly. Don't you approve?'

Her alabaster skin glows in the dim light on the stairs…and the piano isn't taking my attention from her blatantly displayed body. I refrain from grabbing her and fucking her brains out…but thirty minutes of piano playing is the best I can do.

'Come here,' I ordered her. 'Now that you've woke him up…take care of him…' I push her to her knees and shove my cock in her hot, wet, pouty mouth…

I wake when I explode…and it's not in her mouth, but in my pants in my cold bed. I wait until my breathing evens and my heart quits racing, before I take a hot shower and exercise in the home gym. I need to exhaust myself…because Ana's interrupting my sleep and I have too many things to do today to not be rested.