Authors Note: I took this chapter down, before I went on holiday. I admit that I needed to edit the chapter better. But at the same time, unless you also write and know how long it takes, you are in the dark. so here is the chapter.. again.. I have just got back from my Asian holiday and I am unwell, hopefully I will get a chance to write the next chapter soon.
You're What?
Ana's POV:
"Don't worry about where, think about what we are going to be doing," Christian smirks, ever so confidently. My lips part and I exhale. Why is he able to affect me so easily? I don't know if I hate him, respect him or if I am starting to fall under his spell. Wait till Kate finds out that Christian Grey, one of America's most eligible and enigmatic bachelors, kissed me twice and I responded in kind. I watch as he competently goes through the pre-flight check. How did he find the time to learn to fly?
"Put these on," Christian mandates handing me a pair of headphones. "We can talk to each other through these." We start to lift off and I marvel at the sight of Seattle below us. "Enjoying the view?"
"Yes!" I tell him excitedly. "I have never seen Seattle from the sky." Actually I have seen only a small portion of Seattle from the ground.
"This is nothing! Next time I will take you up at night. The lights of Seattle are something to behold." Next time? We begin to fly in an easterly direction, where I find myself alternating looking at the view around us and at Christian. There is something about him up here. Christian looks at ease and youthful, nothing like the arrogant man I met at graduation, and the one that was interviewed by Kate. Could I actually consider entering a relationship with him? I just wish I had more experience with men to compare him to.
"Are these the Cascade Mountains?" I inquire.
"Yes and this is our destination actually." I quickly turn my head to face him, surprised and excited. As we descend Christian points out a small winery. There is a charming Tuscany styled home. He shuts down the helicopter and gets out quickly to help me.
"Hold my hand! You hurt your ankle on my yacht, almost hurt yourself walking up the stairs in my apartment, and I would hate to see you hurt yourself getting out of Charlie Tango."
"I know I'm clumsy, but I am not cursed." I refuse his hand and start to get out myself. As fate would have it, I misjudge the height and start to fall. Christian moves quickly and catches me. His arms tightly wrap around me and my hands land around his neck. Thankfully he doesn't look as if I hurt him with my touch. I wonder why? My eyes are at the same level of his, and I can feel the intensity of his grey eyes. I am lost in them. The voice in my head tells me to kiss him, but I am not brave enough as our bodies are pressed against each other, and for a minute the world disappears.
"I am going to put you down now," Christian advises me. I nod and find he is sliding me down his long and very toned body. Thankfully my legs don't fail me this time. He takes my hand and walks me toward the estate, but let's go of me, the second we notice someone approaching us.
"Good Morning Mr Grey, it's good to see you again," an elegant middle-aged man says to us along with his wife I assume.
"Morning. Thank you for accommodating me at short notice. This is Miss Anastasia Steele," he says as the politeness pours of him.
"Lovely to meet you," I say and they both look surprised to see me.
"Here are the keys to the suite. Max is in the cellar all day and is available for your usual tasting. We have released some good and aged wines. All the arrangements are in order and we have conferred with Taylor." Christian nods politely, but doesn't say anything further. He just takes my hand and leads me toward the Tuscan style building.
"You come here often?" I inquire.
"A few times a year, I usually go to Aspen when I can, but this place is closer and it is private enough. There is only one suite so I don't have to worry about other guests and they produce some excellent wines here. They use old world techniques when producing their product and they don't produce a lot," Christian informs me.
The suite is rather large and quite beautiful. There is enough room to house up to five people. I wonder idly if Taylor or Sawyer will be joining us, or if we will be completely alone. I am not sure which option I prefer. The furniture complements the exterior of the house, with its Tuscan-style antique décor beamed cathedral ceiling and propane fireplaces. Thought there is every modern amenity one could ask for, including a Jacuzzi. How I wish I bought a bathing suit.
Christian is in the den, making a couple of quick calls, I believe, whilst I freshen up. Idly I wonder what I am doing and how on earth I got to this point. My cell phone beeps and it's a message from Kate. I tried to ring her at Escala, but she didn't answer her phone. I forgot that she would have been at work. I long for Monday to come and then I can finally start work in my dream industry. Rather I sent her a text message detailing where I was and who I was with.
Kate: Staying the night with Christian Grey? My, My Steele! We need to talk! I finish work at five. Elliot is going to spend the night at our apartment so I won't be lonely ;-)
Ana: Kate we do not need to talk as nothing is going on. Unlike you and your blonde and curly haired Grey. I will see you tomorrow and talk to you then. Have fun with Elliot. But safe fun!
I throw my cell phone to the side, deciding not to reply any further to her emails or texts. The last thing I need is the famous Kavanagh inquisition, when I'm not really sure what I am doing. I feel so out of my league here, regardless of my so called fierce attitude. I grab my hairbrush, fix my hair and apply a little lip gloss. Stepping back I look back at myself, but before I can judge, I am startled by the creaking of the door in my room opening. I turn around suddenly and standing there is Christian. He looks awfully young in jeans, converse and a white v-neck shirt.
"Mr Grey, yes please, do come on in," I sass him.
"I already did. I was wondering if you would like to go for a walk. The grounds are spectacular, as are the surrounding mountains. Have you ever been to this region of Washington?"
"No."
"Then let's not waste any time." Christian holds out his hand and I take his. We walk around the estate, the vineyards and then to some of the mountains. When we start to head back nearly three hours later, I spy Taylor. He gives a knowing nod to Christian who briefly grins.
"I have made plans for dinner for us in the dining room. I hope you don't mind," Christian states once we enter the suite.
"That's fine, except I didn't bring anything dressy. Are jeans acceptable?"
"No, not here; however, it's not a concern. Promise you won't be upset?" Christian looks at me cautiously.
"What is it?" I reply.
"You will find everything you need in your room. Please do not argue with me on this one." There is an aura of authority around Christian right now. "Dinner is at six, but we have a private wine tasting at half past five," I nod feeling thrown off balance. I start to move off toward my room when I run into an obstacle. I am yet to let go of Christians hand and he is yet to let go of mine. Have we held hands for the entire time?
"You are going to have to let go of my hand," I announce. Christian narrows his eyes and looks at our joined hands. I don't think he realised that we have been holding hands. He quickly releases me and becomes unreadable again.
"I will see you soon." Christian walks away quickly, to the den I presume. He isn't confusing. He is the epitome of mercurial. Are all men like this? Surely not.
I walk into my room and on the bed are one large and small box, and a white bag. 'You will find what you need in your room.' Warily I look inside the new packages. Inside the large box is a beautiful and elegant pale blue silk, cocktail dress. It is sleeveless with a pleated bodice. It is definitely going to hug my waist. I discover that the small box is actually a shoe box that houses a pair of silver high heels that I fall in love with instantly, but know that I shouldn't accept. Christian has organized clothes for me? If I weren't dazed enough by the dress and shoes, then the last package would be my downfall. In there are the most beautiful bra and panty set with silk stockings that I have ever seen. I can't accept these, hell I don't think I can even bring myself to wear them, even if it is just for tonight.
My phone beeps and I check it immediately thinking it must be Kate. I contemplate ignoring it, but I need a distraction from the clothes in front of me. I am wrong of course. It wasn't Kate, it is Christian.
Christian: Please wear the clothes. This is not a request. Christian
I sigh loudly. I don't know what to do. Should I decline? But then I will likely break the dress code here and stand out. Then again, I don't like to be ordered around. I grin, knowing exactly how to respond.
Ana: I will only wear these clothes so not to insult the owners of this establishment and respect their codes. NOT because of your insistence
Good work Ana! Don't let him railroad you! I tell myself proudly. I stand over my phone waiting for Ana reply text, but instead my phone rings.
Ana: Hello?
Christian: You know Anastasia no matter how you argue your point over the clothes, I still get what I want.
I inwardly groan, knowing that I have probably fallen into his little plan.
Ana: You like to get what you want, don't you?
Christian: I always do Anastasia. You should learn that now.
Ana: Tell me something then...
Christian: Yes?
Ana: What is it you want from me?
Christian: You. All of you. I will discuss all of this tonight. I also ordered some makeup for you. It is in your bathroom. I believe they are your colors.
With this last comment, Christian hangs up. OMG! What is happening? Am I dreaming? He wants me? All of me? But he told me he doesn't really do relationships. If I want answers then I have no choice, but to get ready for dinner. I inspect the makeup and of course it all expensive brands. To my delight I find a gorgeous perfume bottle. It is one of my weaknesses. I never could afford expensive brands and would often borrow Kate's.
After showering, I decide to wear my hair down, allowing the curls to frame my shoulders, chest and back. I apply the makeup provided but do not want to go overboard. I want to keep a partially natural look. I put on the underwear and then put on the dress. As I expected, it fits me perfectly and hangs my waist. It actually makes me look like I have curves. I finish the look with the shoes and stand in front of the mirror, wondering who is looking back at me.
"Beautiful. So beautiful" A now familiar voice says at the door. I thought I closed it. Didn't I? I look at Christian and he is dressed in a fitted suite and a striking grey silk tie. His unruly copper hair strongly finishes the outfit, making him look so desirable.
"Thank you. You look… handsome" Christian grins at my compliment. "Did you let yourself in again? Personal space is something I value."
"Your door was ajar. I caught a glimpse of you dressed, and I wanted to get a better view" Christian comments unemotionally, his CEO mode.
"You lie well. Now tell me the truth about one thing. How did you know my size? Everything fits perfectly; from my shoes, to my dress and underwear," I tell him raising my eyebrows.
"Let's just say I have some experience in determining a woman's figures." I shake my head at his comment. Again he is talking in riddles.
"And there I thought the only figures you had experience interest in, was company profit and loss figures," I sass him.
"Miss Steele, you will find that I have experience in many, many things in life." His voice is salacious and seductive, causing the muscles that I didn't even know I had, to react.
"Like what?"
"Are you requesting a sample?" Christian runs his thumb over his lip in reaction to my question. His grey eyes are practically burning. Once more I am lost for words. I don't know how to respond. "Maybe later," Christian murmurs after I fail to respond. For a brief moment, I register that he is a little disappointed.
"Are you ready for our wine tasting and dinner?" Christian asks, having recomposed himself.
"Yes," Christian offers me his hand, and I have to tell myself that it is only polite that I accept it willingly. He escorts me to a rustic looking room with walls covered in wine barrels. There is a friendly and young looking man who is working very intently. He only stops when he sees us.
"Mr Grey, I thought you had decided not to come today. I was about to close the cellar doors."
"Max, how are you? Christian extends his hand out, exerting his impeccable manners. "I had some business to deal with first." I note that he actually doesn't apologize for our poor timing, nor does it seem to be requested. Does he get everything he wants?
"You will just have to give me a minute. I do have this wine that we just released. Help yourself, I will go and get a couple of the other wines that you have to try. There are glasses on the bench." Max presents Christian the bottle, and then walks off. I notice though that he failed to introduce me, though he has done so every other time. He passes me a glass and presents me with an even larger glass of water. I watch as he gracefully commences to pour the wine with precision and then passes me the glass.
He takes a few sips of the wine and looks engrossed. "Do you like the wine? Christian asks me.
"Yes, but I don't know a lot about wine. Do you think it is a good wine?" I confess.
"I do. I have been waiting for this wine to become available."
"How long did you have to wait?"
"Two years"
What? For a bottle of wine? "Two years?" Christian nods in confirmation. "That is a long time to wait"
"Yes, but some things are worth waiting for. Nonetheless, there are some things that a person desires so intensely that even if they are good enough to wait for, one couldn't cope waiting. They need it. Now." Christian is now silently studying me, pinching his chin. I look up at him, trying to work him out, but I am lost in his eyes and the aura of his presence.
"Most people are often mistaken over what they want." I utter.
"Anastasia you should learn now that I am not most people." He then turns to face Max. "Two crates of the reserve label. You have my details. Contact my housekeeper to organize delivery"
Christian takes my hand one more time and leads me up the stairs, through what appears to be a dining room and finally on to a balcony where an impeccably arranged table has been prepared. Displaying his excellent manner, he pulls my chair out for me and then pushes it in for me. I glance around the table, but can't find the one thing I need.
"There is no menu. I have already ordered for us." What he can read minds also? Before I can object, a waiter comes out, with our entree of a small warm chicken salad, and then pours us both a glass of water and wine. Christina gives me a dictating look that causes me to immediately start to eat.
"Why did you order for me? I am more than capable of making my own choices," I admonish him.
"Is your food, so far, not up to your preferences?"
"No, but…" I am about to inform him of my ability to order for myself when he interrupts me, not allowing me to finish.
"Then there is no issue," he scolds me as if I am a child.
"You are so dominating at times," frustration takes over me, especially when I notice Christian grin and suppress his laughter.
"Anastasia, you have no idea," Christian's voice is playful, but then becomes serious. "But you will."
"What do you mean, I will?" I ask.
"I will tell you after dinner. I don't want to discuss it right now." And with that statement the conversation topic ends, for now.
"Then what do you want to discuss?" I question.
"You."
"Me? There is little to tell." I shake my head.
"I doubt that. However, for the sake of it, talk to me about something that interests you," Christian proposes. I look at him confused, and then say the first thing that comes to my mind.
"Literature."
"What is your favorite book?" I am oddly aware that Christian's question isn't one of curiosities or small talk. He is looking at me trying to work me out.
"I can never decide between Charlotte Bronte's, Jane Eyre and Elizabeth Gaskells, Mary Barton."
"Interesting. Two books that I believe were probably published in the same period of time…"
"Actually one year apart. Jane Eyre was published in 1847 and Mary Barton was published in 1848," I add for good measure.
"As I said, published around the same time, but both distinct in their own right. Jane Eyre deals with the emotions and experiences of its main character, including her growth to adulthood and her love for a man. It explored classism, sexuality, religion and proto-feminism. Whilst Mary Barton looks at the relationship of the main character, who is underprivileged, to a wealthy man and to a poor man. Though it is the way it discusses with the difficulties faced by the Victorian lower class in Manchester that makes the book, for me." I gape at his synopsis.
"You have read those books?" My shock in his knowledge of these two books surprises me. When would he have found the time to read such novels? He doesn't seem like one to read classical books. It must have been at school. Yes, that's it! Some old literature teacher probably threatened to fail him if he didn't read some English Literature. These are probably the only two he has read and now just got lucky.
"Anastasia, just because I am a focused with business affairs doesn't mean I haven't read a wide range of books" He replies with the same tone and expression that I gave him when he questioned me about being interested in politics.
"Touché," I reply. Christian looks at me with a large grin. Even I have to admit he got me. Damn it!
The waiter collects our entrée plates, and then quickly brings in our main meal. It smells delicious. Salmon, with a creamy mushroom sauce, on a bed of mash potatoes and steam vegetables. My taste buds are dancing with my first bite.
"Wow, this is delicious. Maybe I should have you order for me, every time we have dinner," I practically fall off my chair when I realize that I have said this stray thought out loud.
"Since you have brought it up, that is exactly what I want to do" Christian's voice is extremely businesslike now, as if he is going to negotiate a deal.
"You want to order every meal that I eat in a restaurant?" I inquire confused.
"Kind of. Though I probably won't ever take you out in public."
"You're confusing me again. You are not making any sense" I tell him shaking my head.
"Okay let me spell this out. Anastasia I am seeking a relationship with you." Seeking? What a strange choice of words. "You know this already. After the way you kissed me back, I suspect that you are not against this proposition. Am I correct?"
"That was the most unemotional and peculiar offer I have ever heard" I don't add the fact that I have never really had a proper offer before.
"You haven't answered my question," He states sternly.
"All right. When I first met you I never would have entered a relationship with you; however, maybe now, that I have realized that you are not just a power-hungry mogul; yes a relationship might just be possible."
"Good. I should warn you though that a relationship with me isn't like what you would expect. I don't do hearts and flowers."
"Then what do you do?" I question
"Domination," He replies simply.
"Huh?" I scrunch my face not following.
"I only engage in dominant and submissive relationships. I would expect you to be my submissive. Do you have any knowledge of what this would entail?" Christian inquires after he gets up and pulls out some sort of document from a briefcase that I never realized was by his chair.
"I …. I think so," I struggle to state.
"This contract stipulates the conditions of our relationship. You should couple it with the NDA you have signed. You need to read all the condition and terms" I have read the first three sections of the contract and then take my full glass of wine and drink it straight down. I need it to regain some confidence.
"Do not drink your wine like that. You will find that you will breach the safety component of the contract, where you are not allowed to drink irresponsibly, Christian warns.
"I… this... I don't know…. I don't understand…. If we were in a relationship, this is how we would be together? Would we have…?" I start to blush but regain my nerve. "Would we go to bed together and be together?"
"We would fuck, if that is what you mean. It wouldn't be love," Christian warns.
"This is ridiculous. I have never heard of anyone engaging in this," I state horrified, holding up the contract.
"Trust me when I say that a lot of people engage in this type of activity. Anastasia, you need to understand that most relationships fail with a lot of heartache. I am sure you have faced such an issue in your past relationships. Examine your experiences and you will agree that this way we can get our sexual fill, without any of that Bull. I am sure you will agree," Christian states so confidently.
"I don't think I will be able to," I reply honestly.
"And Miss Steele, why would that be?" Christian seems irate now at the mere thought.
"Because I am a virgin. I haven't had any relationships," I admit. Christian looks shocked and horrified. For a second, I wonder if he is having a stroke as he doesn't utter a single word or move for a long period of time. Slowly he gets up and runs his hand through his hair.
"What do you mean? You're a virgin?" He scolds loudly.
"Yes. I did just say that!"
"I can't believe this… No! This is not what I wanted. WHY. DIDN'T. YOU. TELL. ME?" I have never seen anyone as angry as he is now, but he isn't the only one.
"WELL, MR. HIGH AND MIGHTY! YOU. NEVER. TOLD. ME. ABOUT. YOU'RE SEXUAL OR FUCKING PREFERENCES!" I yell back. We are both so angry at the point that the temperature of the room increases and we are stalemated.
"So what do we do now?" Christian argues.
"We? I think the issue is with you," I state.
"Well, do you now Miss Steele?" Christian narrows his eyes at me, but I stand my ground. This state mate is his doing.
