Good morning everybody :)
Here's the third chapter, I hope you will like it as much as the previous ones! Once again, thank you for your reviews!
Some of you advised me to find a beta... you were right, and now it's done! The amazing TheOnlyMeThereIs accepted to correct my mistakes!
Characters belong to the extraordinary E. L. James

Chapter 3 – Untouchable

This morning, I woke up at 5.30, welcomed by the soft sunbeams which were breaking through the orange curtains. Kate was still in the arms of sleep, and I realized that I didn't hear her coming back during the night.
Not being able to go back to sleep, I decided to enjoy the morning peace by going running. I fastened my hair in a ponytail, opted for shorts and a green top and tied my sneakers. I took care to write a note to Kate so she wouldn't worry, and then went out silently.
Once outside, I breathed in deeply. The air was pure and fresh, which stimulated my body, which was still tied down to sleep. I selected my playlist 'Motivation' and started to run slowly to warm up. A refreshing wave unfurled within me. I love running. It had the effect of a drug on me.

I had been scampering along for fifteen minutes when he appeared. Christian Grey. I slowed down instinctively and stayed far enough away to ensure that he couldn't notice me.
How is it possible that he looks better each time I see him? He was wearing a pair of ripped jeans which hanged from his hips and… Holy Shit. He was shirtless. My mouth dropped open at the sight of his torso: his pecs were developed, but not too much; his abdominals were impressive and his 'V' was perfectly drawn. He's so freaking hot.
He seemed to be in a hurry (but his confident gait was not affected by it) and exhibited a determined expression that made him look even sexier. He was holding something in his right hand –a kind of collar with chains-, but the distance made it impossible to identify.
When he had disappeared behind a dark-bricked building, I decided to stop my run prematurely to discover where he came from. I moved forward cautiously. I was feeling like a child doing something wrong, despite there being no reason. I am allowed to visit the campus, right? Anyway, it's 6 am, nobody's out. Hm hm so where are you? Rrrr, you're useless!

I retraced Christian's steps and arrived in front of what seemed to be an annex to the Witherspoon's Hall, whose entrance was an imposing rib vault. The Rockefeller's heraldry –emerald green with three heads of tiger- had pride of place right over the arch. Slytherin-like.
I suddenly felt adventurous and decided to enter as it was open. The coolness assaulted me and my whole body shook violently. I was standing in a small corridor, soberly, (and gloomily,) decorated, whose floor was marble. There was only one door but it was worth seeing. This was at least 2 meters broad, as high as the ceiling and jet-black, which contrasted sharply with the immaculate walls. But most astounding of all was that it was in carved wood; the patterns sculpted with an infinite precision. One could notice different characters such as humans (some standing, others on their knees) or tigers and also unknown symbols.
I tried to interpret it but it was a fucking brain teaser. If there was a story to understand, the creator should've been more explicit. However, I noticed an inscription in Greek in the middle of the drawings. Not that I could speak nor even read Greek, but after fifteen long years spent in the company of my math course, I knew most of the alphabet.

Determined to know what it meant, I took a picture with my old Samsung and then left like a robber.
Have you ever felt like you were being sucked up by the darkness when you were leaving a scary area? Well, that was happening. I can't explain it, but this place felt frightening. Remind me which one of us watches too many criminal TV shows? I flipped off my reason and began to run, this time lengthening my strides.

When I came back to Hamilton, it was 7.45 and Kate was brushing her golden hair.

"Barely settled and you're already running in the morning! It's lucky that you didn't get lost!"

"I'm a run-aholic, no matter where I am." I replied, raising my shoulders in excuse. "And I had a great guide yesterday!" I added to flatter her.

"Well saved, Miss Steele!"

"How was your evening?" I asked.

"Perfect! On that subject, my friends are waiting for us in Procter for breakfast. I told them you would come."

It's only when she talked about food that I realized I hadn't eaten before my exercises. It was really rare.

"Okay. I'll be ready in 20 minutes, let me have a shower and I'll join you."

"It's a deal! See you in 19 minutes and 50 seconds then!"

She laughed and left the room as I was rolling my eyes. She's incorrigible. I hastened to have a wash (I hate shared bathrooms!), picked up my favorite pair of skinny jeans that I brightened up with a mint t-shirt, and headed for the dining hall.

So, I met Chad Sullivan, Cheryl Bates, Olivia Clayton and her brother Paul. Indeed, they were all very nice and especially very talkative. Nonetheless, I had difficulty to understand Cheryl because of her Texan accent. I guess I will get used to in the long run.
I was subjected to a genuine questioning, and only after they had reviewed my entire life (from my hometown to my favorite meal), they let me ask something. Something I've wanted to know for twenty-four hours.

"Do you know the ginger girl who's missing? Who is she?"

The atmosphere changed and they looked at each other, ill-at-ease. Chad took the plunge.

"Well… Hm, she's a student from Butler College, freshman, probably 18. I think her name is Valentina but everyone calls her Valy. She disappeared in April last year."

"Did you know her personally?"

"Not really, but she's often at the Firestone Library and she sometimes asks me for advice. We both study chemistry."

"Stop talking about her in present tenses whereas we all know she's dead!" Olivia intervened.

"That's false! You don't know her! You act like a heartless bitch to protect your cousin!" Chad got worked up, looking at her nastily.

"Don't talk to my sister like that!" Paul retaliated to defend his sister.

Ah! Damn it! Obviously, it wasn't a subject to tackle. What's behind all of this?

"Wow, calm down!" I implored, surprised by the sudden general irritation. "I'm sorry, I didn't want to create a fight. Please stop screaming. What are you talking about? I don't follow you, I'm lost."

After five endless minutes, Kate broke the heavy silence which had set in.

"She lodged a complaint for rape two weeks before her disappearance." Her look was empty and her jaw tensed when she said 'rape'. "It was a gang rape. She accused four members of θβΩ."

My blood froze.

"We know who?"

"No," Cheryl answered. "Apparently they had hoods, but she was sure that was them."

"My cousin is in the θβΩ's committee. He would never do that," Olivia said, looking daggers at Chad.

"You know what I think about it," Chad replied angrily.

"Can we change the subject?!" Paul begged.

Nobody spoke during the rest of the breakfast. The tension was palpable and it was my fault. Great. When we were clearing the table, Paul came up to me with a reassuring smile. Seemingly, my face was reflective of my sense of guilt.

"It is not your fault, Ana. It is still a taboo theme between us because we're not all of the same opinion. I can tell you more about it if you want, but in private. My room is in Joline Hall, number 45," he murmured, placing his hand in the small of my back.

It furiously sounded like an invitation. My skin crawled.

"Hum… Okay… I'll think about it, thank you," I said hesitantly.

I am curious, yes, and I want to know the truth, but it doesn't mean I would do everything for it.

"See you soon then," he winked at me and let his hand glide to my buttocks.

WTF?! I started back and swallowed my smile, but he didn't seem to notice it and went away nonchalantly. What is he thinking about? Sex. Noooooo, you're kidding? What I mean is: why the hell would he desire to have sex with me (nobody ever has!) and who the hell does he think I am? An easy lay who would give her body to have a piece of information? Bitch, please.
Dear Paul, I have now perfectly thought about it and I will not ask you anything else.

The rest of the day went quickly. I ran across the campus to sign every administrative document, to enroll on every necessary course and to buy every compulsory book.
When I finally found a moment of time, I sat on a bench outside and opened my computer. There was something I needed to decipher. I googled the Greek phrase and clicked on 'I'm feeling lucky'. It did work because I almost immediately found the meaning of the aforesaid sentence:

'He who has never learned to obey cannot be a good commander'

A quote from Aristotle. What does it have to do with the student organization? Besides, I should do some research about it too.
I was about to touch the keyboard when a shadow descended upon me. There was no need to look up to know it was him; I could recognize his smell among thousands: a subtle mix of eau de Cologne, musk and apple that I love. I first froze and then resolved to raise my head.

"May I sit with you?" Christian asked politely.

His voice –deep and low- made my heart race and my mouth dry. Whereas all my senses were on the alert, butterflies were also flying in my stomach. Seems like my body doesn't sense the danger.
I could see in his eyes that he was sure I would agree, but he was waiting patiently for my approval.

"Yes," I finally succeeded in articulating.

"Thank you."

He took place next to me. Too close. Our elbows were almost in contact and it sort of created a magnetic field between us: I was attracted to him like a magnet. My heart accelerated and I was pretty sure he could hear it beating against my chest. It's getting ridiculous.

"I do not want to disturb you, you can continue what you were doing," he said when I rapidly closed my laptop.

Oh no, impossible. I didn't want him to know I was actually doing research about him, and there was no way in hell I was going to ask him directly.

"No, that's fine. I… I was just… on Facebook," I lied with a contrite smile.

He anew offered me his half-smirk half-charming smile and since it was apparently a habit, I decided to name it the charmirk. As usual, I felt blood rushing to my cheeks.

"Where do you come from?" he asked point-blank.

"Belgium."

"Interesting. You're here for your Erasmus right?"

"Yes."

"Do you know where to find everything you need to be in order?"

"Yes."

If you continue to answer by monosyllables, I feel like this conversation will be amazing.

"Good. As a RGS, my mission is to help you, so do not hesitate to call me," he recited like a machine.

So this is why he came to me: to pour out the 'speech for new students'. Why else?
I suddenly felt bad for him. He has to offer his help to everyone (and any normal girl will accept it and be bloody grateful) but surely has other more important things to handle. Really? Which ones? Because he's paid to be an adviser. Remind me which one of us has negative prejudices towards strangers?! I'm realistic, that's all. He profits from it, trust me.Certainly, yeah. I remembered what Kate said.
I must admit that I'm also disappointed he only came for that, even though I should be used to, after all these years, being ignored.

"My office is in Witherspoon Hall, number 5. Knock whenever you want, okay?" he continued, looking at me intensely.

Am I dreaming or is it an invitation? I relived the exchange I had with Paul this morning, except that Christian's proposition was way more tempting. Indeed, the butterflies in my stomach were going insane.
I nodded and when I bit my lower lip, he looked away nervously. Whereas he had been in a seductive mood so far, he seemed now pissed off. What did I do?
When he looked back at me, his irises were stormy grey and his pupils dilated. Desire.

"You should go back to your residence hall; it is not safe to stay out that late."

He used 'should' but his tone clearly indicated that it was an order. It made my panties even wetter (if it was possible) due to my natural submissiveness.
But is it really so late? I checked on my watch: 9 pm. Wow! I didn't realize the sun was already gone. The campus was shrouded in an orange mist which made it beautiful and scary at the same time.

"Yes, sorry!" I hastened to say, standing up… a bit too quickly.

I wobbled but he stood up at full speed to hold me back. When he touched me, an electrostatic discharge occurred and we both stepped backwards, taken aback. He seemed preoccupied, frowning and staring into emptiness.

"Bye" I waved him briefly, but he didn't react.

I had to force myself to go away because my whole body wanted to stay right there. I had taken two steps forward when he called out. I turned back timidly.

"Anastasia… I was pleased to meet you."

Oh my! He saying my name felt erotic. It was weird to hear my entire first name, though. Besides, how does he know it?! Did he do research about me? You're getting paranoid! Have you ever heard of Facebook?
He seemed sincere, but I'm sure he knows exactly what to do and say to bring women to his feet.

"… Me too," I answered with a shy smile, before heading for Hamilton.

I could still hear my prior English professor: "If you answer 'me too' when someone tells you 'nice to meet you', it means that you're enchanted to meet yourself!", but Christian turned me upside down, it was impossible to think (so impossible to talk) properly when he was close to me. Fucking limbic brain!

At 1 am, I was still awake. I had difficulty to fall asleep because I was overthinking. About him, of course, but also about many different fuzzy things. Hundreds of questions gnawed at me whereas I had been in Princeton for only two days.
Why does Christian act like he's seducing me? I'm certainly not the kind of girl he likes, so what is he looking for? Why does he stay here while he could work and probably earn a lot of money thanks to his diploma? Why did his attitude change suddenly yesterday in the dining hall and earlier during our 'conversation'? What was he doing when I saw him in the morning? What is hidden behind the mysterious door that necessitates a biometric authentication device? Does it have something to do with the student organization? Where is Valentina? Why is Olivia protecting her cousin? And I'm sure Chad knows more than he says.
Pfff, I'm not out of the woods.

I was in Paul's bedroom… we were talking about Valy when he began to act strangely… his gests became uncalled-for… he was complimenting me but it rang false… I was trying to push him away but he was stronger than me and forced me to lie on the bed… he was now insulting me… I succeeded in releasing myself and ran to the door but I was locked inside… when I turned back he had a knife and Valy was lying, dead, at his feet…

I woke up with a start, still tied down to my nightmare. That's it, a boy is kind to me and I'm freaking out. What's wrong with me? I wonder too.
I straightened my back and rubbed my eyes, trying to snap out of it. It was 9 am and Kate was already gone. She told me yesterday that she had a fashion show in California, but that she would 'be there for the start of the festivities' (understand: the first class of the year).
I opened the window to air the room, quickly washed my face, slipped on denim shorts, slicked my hair back with my Ray-Ban sunglasses and went out with my computer. I was determined to penetrate some of the secrets which haunted me while enjoying this beautiful day. The sun was already high in the sky, shinier than ever.

I decided to skip breakfast since my belly was still shaken because of my nightmare (well, the truth is that I also didn't want to be the only friendless girl who eats alone).
I walked a bit in the direction of the Art Museum and came upon a huge grass where lots of students were already hanging out, sleeping, tanning, playing 'beach tennis', reading and so on. Trees and rhododendrons in bloom made the area very pleasant and colorful. Perfect place to go unnoticed.
I sat down cross-legged against an apple tree and opened my laptop. I first logged in on Facebook and discovered two messages, ten notifications and six friend requests.

The notifications were principally game requests and it pissed me off. Do I look like someone who plays Candy Crush?!

The messages, as for them, were more interesting. They were from my brother and my friend José Rodriguez. The former informed me that he would always communicate by social networks because it cost too much to text me (good old Thibault!), whereas the latter wished me a great trip, saying that he would miss me.
José is one of the rare men with whom I can be me and despite his height, he doesn't intimidate me. It is probably because we have known each other since our childhood. As his name suggests it, he's of Spain origin, but his family moved to Belgium when he was four. We went to the same grade school and became best friends, but then lost touch when I went to Paris. Three years ago, I saw him in Brussels, he told me he was studying communication and we instantly felt close to each other again. It was like I never left.
I answered to him –promising him the exclusivity of scoops and pictures- without forgetting to add different smileys (otherwise it means that you're angry).

I then looked at the friend requests. They were from Kate, Chad, Paul, Olivia, Cheryl and… Christian Grey. My heart skipped a beat. Are we friends? I wonder if it's a part of his RGS (I mean: Resident Graduate Seducer) ritual. Since he has more than one thousand friends, probably. Anyway, I accepted his request as well as the five others, not without a retch for Paul. Stupid nightmare.

I skimmed through their profiles, let a few 'likes' and finished by Christian. His wall was uncluttered, with few group pictures and no post, except shared Princeton-related events and announcements. Furthermore, his cover picture was Rockefeller's emblem with the Greek letters θβΩ. However, he was distinctly visible –and scandalously sexy- on his profile picture. It was a head-and-shoulders portrait; he was wearing a green sweatshirt of the University and was looking far off, his hair in its perfect disorder. I could neither stop myself from checking his relationship status nor refrain my excitement when I saw the word 'single'. Oh please, it's not like you even had a tiny chance. I know, and if Facebook proposed that option, one would probably read 'with a different woman every night' because, indeed, it was not 'complicated'. Anyway, I knew I would've been disappointed if he had an official girlfriend. No, you would've been jealous. Well, you're right. But why?! I met him three days ago, we talked twice and his reputation doesn't work on his favor! … Human nature is really incomprehensible.

Now that I was a member of the Princeton's fitness complex, that my stomach was fed and that I found one library, I undertook to finish the reading of 'Start with Why' from Simon Sinek.
I had to write a report about it for my return in Belgium, and actually it didn't bother me since it was really interesting. I put my headphones on and began to flip pages.

I was absorbed in the book when someone suddenly sat on my left. Once again, the automatic reaction of my body told me it was Christian before I could say 'Oh!'.
Okay so he asked me once and because I accepted he thinks he can sit next to me whenever he wants? Hey, we're in 2014! Men and women develop in the same sphere. And don't do as if you didn't like that. No that's okay but he scared me! And even if I was genetically predisposed to fall into his clutches, something told me that if I wanted to survive, I had to stay away.
I slowly looked up to see him. As usual, he displayed a confident expression, and he was staring at me as if I was a prey. Indeed, you are.

"Hi, Anastasia," he whispered as we had to keep quiet.

Please, say it again.

"What are you reading?"

" 'Start with Why' from Simon Sinek."

He was disturbing me so much that I had to look at the cover to remember the title.

"Excellent book. Sinek's sentiments are true and concrete; very useful for politicians as well as businessmen. I guess you don't read it for your own pleasure?"

His tongue rolled on the word 'pleasure' and it sent a shiver down my spine. I glanced at him and his crooked smile proofed that he knew what he was doing. Asshole!
I tried to adopt an assured voice to answer but lamentably failed.

"I also find it really powerful. And no, indeed, I didn't decide to read it. I have to for my entrepreneurship class." I admitted. "But why that guess? Am I so not the kind of girl supposed to read that?"

Incredible! You aligned more than three words!

He seemed surprised by my question, but recovered in the blink of an eye. Maybe I was a bit too aggressive at the end. I'm sorry, it's just that I hate men who consider that business is reserved for them.

"Absolutely not. It is just that we are still on vacation, so most of the people do not care about college."

That's it, he thinks I only live to study.

"Well, I wanna have enough time from September 10th to focus on the courses here, so I'm working on this now."

"And it's all to your credit," he smiled as he probably noticed I was embarrassed.

I shyly smiled back.

When Lady Gaga's song 'Do What You Want' rang out in my ears, I immediately began to blush. Not this one, not now. I bit my lower lip deeply and seized my iPod. Or at least, tried. I was about to touch the device when he pulled at my chin to release my trapped lip. My brain instantly stop to function.

"Don't!" he reprimanded me, raising his tone.

He was terrifying and his eyes were now threatening but I could see a burning flame of desire dancing in his dark pupils. This is it! The cause of his mood swings! Obviously, yes, but why?!
He seemingly noticed that he was scaring me because his voice softened when he continued.

"You have beautiful lips, don't damage them."

"S…sorry," I stuttered.

I gave up the idea of reaching my iPod because his touch had let me paralyzed. I was usually an active girl who could do many things simultaneously but his presence inhibited all my abilities. Never mind, Ana. Be strong and focus neither on him nor on the song. That was almost impossible; I could feel my body ready to do whatever he would've asked it to.
His sexual radar probably detected an opportunity –or at least my attitude intrigued him- because he tilted his head to one side and cautiously took one of my headphones to put it in his right ear. NO! Shit!

He raised his eyebrows.

"Interesting music choice," he said as a predatory smile was taking shape on his face.

The lyrics visible in his grey eyes were definitely 'do what I want with your body' while he could surely read 'help me now' in mine.
He slowly replaced my earphone and let his fingers glide along my neck, still giving me an incandescent look. At that very instant, I was dying to touch him.
As the rest of me was absorbed in contemplation, my survival instinct reacted as a last resort and activated my tongue.

"I… Sorry, I… I have to go." I said as I rapidly stood up and gathered my things together.

He copied me as a perfect gentleman but fiercely caught my elbow, preventing me from going away. Hey, what's wrong with you Christian? I grimaced under his grip and he promptly released me. When he began to speak, he seemed confused and during two tiny seconds, he struggled to find his words (yeah, incredible).

"Ana… I… hm… There's a party next week to welcome new students. It takes place on Friday 7th in Nassau Hall. You should come, it will be great."

Okay, so it wasn't a 'sorry'. Does he look like a guy who apologizes? No, but then I hope he doesn't expect me to be a girl who follows his orders without flinching. Because this is what it was. An order. Again. And I was decided not to respect it.

"I don't know yet…" I said, ill-at-ease.

It was the most convincing refusal I had been able to offer because actually, my body was stirred by anticipation at the thought of being at Christian's mercy. My gut decision would inevitably be to do everything he wanted me to but, fortunately, my reason was there to protect me. Just because he had asked me to come made me crave to come –just to see him once again-, but I had to pretend he had no effect on me… or I'd be on the road to ruin. Furthermore, I wanted to talk to Kate about it before because I wasn't willing to go to the party alone.

He frowned and seemed disconcerted by my hesitation but when he spoke again, his usual self-confidence was well and truly there.

"Kate Kavanagh takes part in that party every year, she will come."

How the hell does he know I was thinking about her?! Am I so easy to read through? He was slowly getting on my nerves.

"Well, just because she goes out doesn't mean I also will. So saying, enjoy the rest of your day," I replied drily before leaving the library.

This is what anger does to me: it gives me the courage to overcome my submissiveness. However, it wasn't the only thing. Indeed, after twenty years spent with me, myself and I, I've noticed that a much younger, smaller or introverted interlocutor does the same. (Useless observation in the present case since Christian was the complete opposite.)

Once in my bedroom, I noticed, horrified, that I had forgotten my book in the library. Shit! I'll have to go back tomorrow because it is closed now… I just hope it will still be there.
A little voice in my head told me Christian might have taken it but it wasn't much help since I didn't know how to contact him. Witherspoon, 5. Oh no, I am not going to his office.
I was quarreling with my(other)self about me knocking at his door or not when my phone vibrated. It was a text message from an unknown number that said:

I have your book. I'll be in my office tomorrow between 10 and 11am. Have a sweet night.
Christian.

Would you go to Christian's office? Let me know :D
Lemon will take some time to come because... what do you think? That I'm an easy lay who would write sex to get reviews?! Bitch, please. Hahahaha :p
See you soooooon ! xoxo