A/N - IM SOOOOOOO SORRY THIS HAS TAKEN FAR TO LONG TO UPDATE! My memory stick was lost with the original chapter on it; plus I have had ALOT of work to do with college!
ALL OF YOUR REVIEWS MEAN THE WORLD TO ME! THANKYOU SO SO MUCH! :)
Please Read and Review what you think of this chapter, I really would appreciate what you think! :P
All rights belong to E.L James
Chapter Eleven
As soon as my feet touch the ground, I'm in a swamp of unfamiliar panic. My mother, shit!
So how are you going to do this Grey? Hey Mum, This is Anastasia my girlfriend. Yes; Girlfriend. .. I run my hands through my hair pulling myself together as I catch Ana staring at me. I pull the condom off and throw it into the wastebasket.
"Come on, we need to get dressed- that's if you want to meet my mother." I can't help but smile. Yes she should meet my mother; out of all the subs that I've been with, Anastasia; unfortunate timing as it is, should meet my mother. I lean over to Ana stroking her cheek before abruptly leaping off the bed pulling on my jeans which are scattered across the room and pulling them on commando.
"Christian –I can't move." My grin widens as I see her helplessly tied up against my bed, oh Miss Steele I could picture you there forever.
As I remove the tie, a woven pattern has imprinted into Ana's skin. So sexy. I gaze at her with so much passion, that I honestly can't believe that my mother is in the other room. I kiss Ana's forehead quickly beaming at her. "Another first."
"I have no clean clothes in here." I can tell by Anastasia's voice by the sudden strike of panic. "Perhaps I should stay here."
"Oh no you don't," I threaten; she must come out with me. Now! "You can wear something of mine." I pull on a white T-Shirt from the ground and place it over my head. Oh shit, how am I going to explain this situation? Thank Christ Taylor stopped her. I run my hand through my hair again, noticing, Ana completely frozen on the bed, staring right at me. "Anastasia, you could be wearing a sack and you'd look lovely. Please don't worry. I'd like you to meet my mother. Get dressed. I'll go and calm her down." Though she can't take her sweet time doing so; Mother would get very suspicious then. "I will expect you in that room in five minutes, otherwise I'll come and drag you out of here myself in whatever you're wearing. My T-shirts are in this drawer. My shirts are in the closet. Help yourself." I glance at her reluctantly, perhaps I should wait until shes dress and we both face, Mother together…
No… Get the fuck out there, Grey.
As I close the door to the bedroom, I sigh deeply before I see the incredulous look on my mother's face. This impeccable woman who brought me up stands only meters away from me, both of her hands clutching a small, black handbag.
"Hello, Mother." I say, causally planting a kiss on her cheek. Her hands linger in front of her away from any form of touching. I appreciate it.
"Hello, darling." She smiles wickedly, like an untold secret has been revealed and she is overwhelmed. "So... A girl?"
"Of course, a girl." I roll my eyes at the attempts of my mother's humour. So I don't usually allow my subs or women for that matter met my family. I don't show any attempts of being with a women.
"Okay," She says quickly, grinning at me.
I shake my head as I lead her to the couch, she sits at the leg as I lean back comfortably against the leather. Her head turns swiftly to my bedroom door eagerly. I smile at her interest of the mysterious creative that is changing in my bedroom. I smile.
"So, Mother how have you been?" I ask, pulling her attention back to me.
"I'm very well, Christian dear. Oh!" she gasps with a sudden realization, "Flynn messaged me the other day dear, he hasn't heard from you in a while." I narrow my eyes. Fuck Flynn.
"Well I've been rather busy with Business and such lately, Mother. I'll call him tomorrow."
At that moment, with impeccable timing, I see Anastasia's silhouette from the corner of my eye. I raise to my feet ignoring my Mothers muttering words, with my complete focus on little Miss Steele. Her sex'd up hair now pulled back into one sleek ponytail, her eyes wide with amusement and scandal. She is dressed in the same clothes as yesterday, but who the hell cares. She looks amazing.
"Here she is." I say, Ana's eyes trace the floor as she makes her way over to us, I reach out my arm as she steps into it.
I turn to see my Mother's reaction, her butter wouldn't melt megawatt smile stretches across her face approvingly. "Mother, this is Anastasia Steele. Anastasia, this is Grace Trevelyan-Grey."
"What a pleasure to meet you," Mother murmurs with a stunned sigh of relief in her voice. I roll my eyes automatically at the insane surprise of my relationship in her voice.
"Dr. Trevelyan-Grey." Ana murmurs back.
"Call me Grace." She smiles. I frown. Christ make it obvious, Mother. "I am usually Dr. Trevelyan, nd Mrs. Grey is my mother-in-law." She winks at Ana. "So how did you two meet?" she turns her head towards me, questioningly trying her hardest to hide her curiosity.
"Anastasia interviewed me for the student paper at WSU because I'm conferring the degrees there this week."
"So you are graduating this week?" my Mother asks Ana.
"Yes." Ana mutters, I frown and all of a sudden a cell phone starts to ring, Who the fuck is that!
"Excuse me." Ana mumbles and wonders off into the kitchen to answer the call. I know my Mother is talking to me, I can hear her muffled words as 'she's nice', and 'Elliot Called'; but I'm not listening. My attention is on the girl standing in the kitchen.
"Look, Jose, now's not a good time." She turns and glances at me as she says his name. That damn fucking Photographer ruining everything. I stare impassively at Ana ignoring my Mother's words. I feel the swarm of jealousy raging within me; that fucking twat isn't getting what is mine. Anastasia is MINE.
She hangs up and makes her way back over to us. I study her face trying to work out what is going through her head. Nothing, fucking nothing. Usually she wears her feelings on her sleeve, but why does one call from the fucking photographer change that. I hear the end of what Mother was saying, something about Elliot and me being around..
"Did he now?" I murmur still gazing at Anastasia.
"I thought we might have lunch together, but I can see you have other plans, and I don't want to interrupt your day." Mother walks back over to the couch and picks up her cream coats slinging it over her arm. She reaches up and offers her cheek which I plant a kiss on hastily.
"I have to drive Anastasia back to Portland."
"Of course, darling. Anastasia, it's been such a pleasure. I do hope we meet again." She turns and holds out her hand for Ana to take. At that moment Taylor appears from his study.
"Mrs. Grey?"
"Thank you, Taylor." And then they are gone.
I am still furious, glaring at Ana.
"So the photographer called?"
"Yes."
"What did he want?" I hiss between my clenched teeth.
"Just to apologize, you know – for Friday." I narrow my eyes, sure that's all he wants from you Anastasia, not a quickie or you to be his. Oh god no.
"I see."
"Mr Grey, there's an issue with the Darfur shipment." Taylor interrupts. Christ this is all I fucking need. I nod curtly back at him.
"Charlie Tango back at Boeing Field?"
"Yes, sir." He murmurs a goodbye to Ana then leaves.
"Does he live here Taylor?"
"Yes." I say through a clipped tone. And I ignore her heading over to the kitchen and pick up my BlackBerry, scrolling through the contacts until I find Ros's number.
"Ros, what's the issue?" I snap!
"The security is low at the drop of site, Sir. They still want it to be a delivery." As I listen to the chaos on the phone I watch Ana looking around the apartment wondrously. Can't she tell I'm fucking furious at her?
"I'm not having either crew put at risk. No, cancel… We'll air-drop instead."
"Ok, Sir I'll go and arrange that now."
"Good." I hang up the phone, this can't go on any longer, and she can't disobey me like this!
I narrow my eyes and head towards my office, one quick glance at Ana and I know what I am going to do. As I enter the room I take the printed sheets of paper containing the contract and place it into a large brown envelope. Hurriedly I head back to the living room, Ana hasn't moved an inch, and she is twiddling her thumbs in the centre of the room just where I left her.
"This is the contract. Read it, and we'll discuss it next weekend. May I suggest you do some research, so you know what's involved." This is how it's going to be; no emotional shit coming in to ruin everything. That's it… she will be your sub Grey. The sooner she signs the more chance of keeping her mine. Just mine. "That's if you agree, and I really hope you do," I say little softer yet more anxious.
"Research?"
"You'll be amazed what you can find on the Internet," I murmur. She goes silent, completely dead behind the eyes, silent. "What is it?" I asks, cocking my head to the side.
"I don't have a computer. I usually use the computers at school. I'll see if I can use Kate's laptop." Don't think that is a very good idea…
"I'm sure I can … er, lend you one. Get your things, we'll drive back to Portland and grab some lunch on the way. I need to dress." I hand over the envelope and turn to walk to my bedroom.
"I'll just make a call," she murmurs, I turn to face her and frown.
"The photographer?" I clench my jaw, my eyes narrowing. She just stands there and blinks at me. "I don't like to share, Miss Steele. Remember that." I say as a warning; I give her one lasting look before heading to the bedroom.
Once I'm inside, I throw my blackberry as it hits the pillow. So much frustration over one tiny little man, who wants his way with Miss Steele. Ahhhhhh fuck sake!
I grab a bag and put throw some clothes in it for this week for the Heathman, grab my blackberry and charger and place them in my bag. I go out and see Ana sitting on the couch with the phone glued to her ear, murmuring the name 'Kate'. I suddenly feel a little more ease than I did previously. I go into my office and scroll from my e-mails. There are a few from Elena arranging for a lunch date which I know I will have to return soon enough.
I stand by the double doors to the foyer and call for Ana, "Ready?" she joins me by my side and nods uncertainly. She has her coat slung over her shoulders. As we stand and waiting in the Foyer. I feel Anastasia's eyes on me, I try to hide the smile in my eyes.
"Tomorrow, then," I say to Taylor, who nods.
"Yes, sir. Which car are you taking, sir." Decisions, decisions… what would be the best for little Miss Steele here.. I'll show her one of my thrill seekers.
"The R8."
"Safe trip, Mr Grey. Miss Steele." Taylor looks up at us both as he opens the door and leads us out. I press the button for the elevator. Anastasia fidgets at my side; from the corner of my eye I see her biting down on her lip. I sigh.
"What is it, Anastasia?" I reach out and grasp her chin. "Stop biting your lip, or I will fuck you in the elevator, and I don't care who gets in with us." I smile slightly at her anxious fatigue, her body slightly arching towards mine, inviting me to come and play.
"Christian, I have a problem."
Problem, fuck she's going to say no. "Oh?" I say giving her my full attention.
The elevator arrives. We walk in, and I press the button marked "G". She's defiantly going to say no… crap.
"Well," she flushes. "I need to talk to Kate. I've so many questions about sex, and you're too involved. If you want me to do all these things, how do I know-?" She pauses, I look deep into her eyes completely amused by the struggle she is forcing to spit the words out of her mouth. "I just don't have any terms of reference."
I roll my eyes, Oh for Christ sake.
"Talk to her if you must, just make sure she doesn't mention anything to Elliot."
"She wouldn't do that, and I wouldn't tell you anything she tells me about Elliot – if she were to tell me anything," she adds quickly.
"Well the difference is that I don't want to know about his sex life," I murmur dryly, I really do not want to know the insides of my older brothers disgusting fantasies. "Elliot's a nosy bastard. But only about what we've done so far," I warn her. "She'd probably have my balls if she knew what I wanted to do to you," I add slightly softer hoping she doesn't hear it.
"Okay," she agrees readily, smiling up at me, completely relieved. I smile a little more, shaking my head over this silly little girl.
"The sooner I have your submission the better, and we can stop all this," I murmur sighing.
"Stop all what" she questions.
"You, defying me." I reach down and cup her chin again, planting a swift, steady kiss on her lips as the doors to the elevator opens. I grab her hand and lead her out into the underground garage.
Besides the elevator, I see my true girl. My sweet black 4x4 Audi.
"Nice car," Ana murmurs dryly.
"I know," I reply, smiling widely, completely carefree. She rolls her eyes as I open the door like a gentlemen allowing her to get into the car. I move round the car swiftly.
"So what sort of car is this?"
"It's an Audi R8 Spyder. It's a lovely day; we can take the top down. There's a baseball cap in there. In fact there should be two." I say pointing to the glove box. "And sunglasses if you want them."
I start the ignition, the sweet sound of the engine roaring to life. I place my bag on the back seat, and press a button that brings down the roof. With a flick of a switch, the car leaks the sound of Bruce Spingsteen surrounding us.
"Gotta love Bruce." I grin at her, easing the car out of the parking lot and up the steep ramp.
When we're out into the Seattle May morning, Anastasia reaches into the glove box and retrieve my Mariners baseball cap. She passes me one and I put it on without any hesitance.
But then it hits me, how am I going to explain to Flynn about my relationship status with Ana… My mother has met her. Elena would say I'm completely over my head getting involved with her. It needs to be private. Man this is messed up… but I want her I need her…
I turn to face Ana, she cheeks slightly red by the speed of the R8. The traffic seems to be light and we are now on the Interstate 5 heading south, the wind is sweeping over our heads. Springfield is blaring out on the speakers about being on fire and his desire. I glance at her, I pull my Ray-Bans on covering my eyes from the sun. My smile widens at her expression, I reach over and place one hand on her knee, squeezing it gently. Her breathing hitches and it brings great pleasure to me, knowing how badly I can affect her.
"Hungry" I ask.
"Not particularly." Sudden the good humour is gone.
"You must eat, Anastasia," I threatened. "I know a great place near Olympia. We'll stop there." I squeeze her knee again, then release her hand place my hand back on the steering wheel. I push my foot down on the gas pedal and we zoom, this car can sure move.
The restaurant is small and intimate, a wooden chalet in the middle of a forest. The décor is rustic, with random chairs and tables with gingham tablecloths, wild flowers in little vases. CUISINE SAUVAGE, it boasts above the door. I love this place. Food is exquisite.
"I've not been here for a while. We don't get a choice – they cook whatever they've caught or gathered." I raise an eyebrow in mock horror and she laughs, such a beautiful sound.
The waitress comes over and takes our drinks order and flushes as I'm talking to her, its ridiculous. "Two glasses of the Pinot Grigio," I say with authority. Ana opens her mouth in a shock exasperated fashion.
"What?" I snap.
"I wanted a Diet Coke," she whispers, sounding slightly afraid of my tone. I narrow my eyes and shake my head.
"The Pinot Grigio here is decent wine. It will go well with the meal, whatever we get," I say patiently.
"Whatever we get?"
"Yes." I smile, cocking my head to the side, where is she going with this… But all of a sudden she returns a smile that so big it's captivating, no wonder my Mother liked her.
"My mother liked you," I tell her.
"Really?" she says rather abruptly.
"Oh yes. She's always thought I was gay." I say with a smile, remembering the recent conversation I've had with, Miss Steele herself. Her mouth drops open as she remembers the incident herself.
"Why did she think you were gay?" she whispers, her eyes dancing with laughter.
"Because she's never seen me with a girl."
"Oh… not even one of the fifteen?" I smile, oo.. she remembers…
"You remembered. No, none of the fifteen."
"Oh."
"You know, Anastasia, it's been a weekend of firsts for me, too," I admit quietly.
"It has?"
"I've never slept with anyone, never had sex in my bed, never flown a girl in Charlie Tango, never introduced a woman to my mother. What are you doing to me?" My eyes plead with her to understand me, to get that this isn't the person that I am. I can't be this way. At all.
The waitress arrives with our glasses of wine, and Anastasia immediately takes a gulp of wine.
"I've really enjoyed this weekend," she murmurs, biting down on her lip. I narrow my eyes at once again the streak of sensation flushing through my body.
"Stop biting that lip," I growl, with a warning tone. Then I softly add, "Me, too."
"What's vanilla sex?" she asks out of the blue. I laugh, where did that even come from?
"Just straightforward sex, Anastasia. No toys, no add-ons." I shrug. "You know … well, actually you don't, but that's what it means."
"Oh."
As on cue the waitress comes and brings soup. We both stare at it rather dubiously.
"Nettle soup," the waitress explains plainly before flouncing back into the kitchen. I beginning eating my soup when I hear the most incredible sound escape Ana's lips, her giggling warms me, as I cock my head to the side yet again taking in this incredible creature.
"That's a lovely sound," I announce.
"Why have you never had vanilla sex before? Have you always done… er, what you've done?" she asks, intrigued.
I nod slowly, trying to see if she understands.
"Sort of." Hoping she'd let the subject drop. Why does she have to ask me all of these stupid questions. Then it hit me, I have to tell her this… if there is any chance of her signing her life to me. She must know. "One of my mother's friend seduced me when I was fifteen."
"Oh."
"She had very particular tastes. I was her submissive for six years." I shrug; it's completely no big of a deal.
"So I do know what it involves, Anastasia." She just stares at me, unable to articulate anything I have just said. "I didn't really have a run-of-the-mil introduction to sex."
"So you never dated anyone at college?" she asks, as the curiousity kicked in big time.
"No." I shake my head continuing to eat the remaining soup in my bowl, as the waitress comes back and removes the dirty dishes from the table.
"Why?" I smile sardonically.
"Do you really want to know?"
"Yes."
"I didn't want to. She was all I wanted, needed. And besides, she'd have beaten the shit outta me." I smile at the memory of my leaning over the mahogany kitchen table, and Elena whip in hand ready to spank me over one of the many occasions I had disobeyed in my first year as her sub.
"So if she was a friend of your mother's, how old was she?"
"Old enough to know better." I smirk.
"Do you still see her?"
"Yes."
"Do you still… er…?" she flushes unable to finish the question.
"No." I say honestly shaking my head and smiles back at her. "She's a very good friend."
"Oh. Does your mother know?" Is she fucking serious?
"Of course not."
The waitress arrives back with the venison, and I dig in trying to get over the fact that I've told her some of my life story. Anastasia picks up her glass and downs the rest of her Pinot Grigio.
"But it can't have been full time?" she seems confused.
"Well, it was, though I didn't see her all the time. It was difficult. After all, I was at school and then at college. Eat up Anastasia." I say as I noticed she hasn't touched a single bit of her food.
"I'm really not hungry, Christian." Fuck sake… such a waste!
"Eat," I say quietly, as my expression hardens.
She stares at me, "Give me a moment," she mutters quietly. Blinking a couple of times.
"Okay," I say as I turn back to my meal, finishing it.
"Is this what our, er… relationship will be like?" she whispers, "You ordering me around?" she can't look at me. Her eyes trained on her fingernails that are drumming along the table.
"Yes."
"I see."
"And what's more, you'll want me to," I add; knowing that it's the truth. In what I want to believe… it is the truth.
"It's a big step," she murmurs, placing a bit on venison in her mouth.
"It is." I close my eyes taking a deep breath, I open them again widely and serious. "Anastasia, you have to go with your gut. Do the research, read the contract – I'm happy to discuss any aspect. I'll be in Portland until Friday if you want to talk about it before then." I talk in a rush, "Call me – maybe we can have dinner – say, Wednesday? I really want to make this work. In fact, I've never wanted anything as much as I want this to work." I say pleadingly honest. I long for her to give me an answer, but I know it will take time this negotiation.
"What happened to the sixteen?" she blurts out, curious. I raise my eyebrows in surprise, why the hell would she want to know this…
"Various things, but it boils down to…" whats the best way to describe this without her misunderstanding me… "Incompatibility." I shrug.
"And you think I might be compatible with you?" Oh, Miss Steele I know you are compatible with me.
"Yes."
"So you're not seeing any of them anymore?"
"No, Anastasia, I'm not. I am monogamous in my relationships."
"oh… I see."
"Do the research, Anastasia." She puts her knife and folk down on her plate, pushing it away from her.
"That's it? That's all you're going to eat?" she nods and I scowl again, I'm not fighting with her now over food.
I devour the rest of the food on my plate, concentrating on the delicious venison slipping down my throat, exploding on my taste-buds.
I glance up to see Ana staring at me, she then shifts uncomfortably as she blushes a deeper shade of red. Her whole body is quivering under my gaze.
"I'd give anything to know what you're thinking right at this moment," I say, as she blushes further.
I smile wickedly, Oh Miss Steele, you sexy girl… "I can guess," I say teasingly.
"I'm glad you can't read my mind." Mmm.. well I can read you, Miss Steele.
"Your mind, no, Anastasia, but your body – that I've gotten to know quite well since yesterday." I say seductively.
I motion for the check and pay. Standing up I push out of my chair and hold out my hand, "Come." She places her hand in mine, as I lead her back to the car. This contact, flesh to flesh is too intimate, but it feels sort of right. I know Elena would not approve of this but she is not here to judge me.
She is quiet on the drive from Olympia to Vancouver, lost in her thoughts. I park outside her apartment, it's now five in the evening. I switch off the engine, and I realize now she is away and I won't be seeing her again until Wednesday, which feels like it's a decade away.
"Do you want to come in?" she asks.
"No. I have work to do." I reply, which I do… I have quite a lot to catch up on with the Danfur account. I gaze at her, not wanting to let her go. She knots her hands together staring down at them. She reaches out to grab me and I catch her hands, just in time. I tenderly kiss the back of her hand in an old-fashioned gesture. "Thank you for this weekend, Anastasia. It's been… the best. Wednesday? I'll pick you up from work, from wherever?" I say softly.
"Wednesday." She whispers confirming.
I kiss her hand again and places it back in her lap. I climb out of the car, and stutt round to her side opening the passenger door. She has a fixed smile on her face, as I can tell it's fake from the short amount of time I've gotten to know her the past two days.
She clambers out of the car and heads up the path. I gaze after her, her hair bouncing up as she walks. I begin to walk back to the car as I see she has turned back to face me.
"Oh… by the way, I'm wearing your underwear." She gives me a small smile that sends shivers all through me, my mouth is open over the complete and utter shock of me watching Anastasia walk sexily up the stairs to her apartment with the band of my underwear peaking out of her jeans.
Well played, Miss Steele. Well played.
