Lelliot's Intervention

Christians POV:

I return to the penthouse and rip my grey workout singlet off, throwing it on the floor where my blazer and tie still remain. When I returned home from dinner, I needed to run off and try to forget the world record disaster that this evening proved. As a result, I ran for over two hours and I still don't feel any relief. The fucker Rowe still took Ana home, at least, according to Sawyer, he didn't go into her apartment. I wasn't looking where I was running to and ended up in the Pike Market district. I found myself on the opposite side of the road of Ana's Apartment. The light was on in the apartment and my desire to run up those stairs and possess her grew every second that I looked at that damn light. Sawyer, who is still on duty, approaches me, but I tell him that I want to be left alone. I looked up toward the apartment once more, but the light had been switched off. I shake my head at my self-wallowing and start to run again. I wanted to run until it no longer hurts, but that isn't possible, so I headed back home. Alone.

I head toward the kitchen and grab a glass and a bottle of bourbon. I detest drunken people and therefore limit my hard liquor but right now, it may be the only remedy on hand. After one drink, I finally notice I am not alone.

"When did you get up here?" I ask

"I am going to do the one thing you need Christian. Trust me; this is the best thing for you," Elliot says pulling out his cell phone but I can't see who the hell he is ringing at this hour.

"Who are you calling and what the fuck do you mean the best thing for me?" I ask, aggravated already.

"Hi Gretchen. It is Elliot Grey. I apologize for calling so late, but can you tell me if my parents are home?" I narrow my eyes and walk toward him so there is little space between us. Instinct tells me that I am not going to like my brother's plan.

"Why the hell are you ringing our parent's house at eleven o'clock at night?" I demand to know, but he ignores me.

"No, it's okay Gretchen. I actually would prefer to speak with Mia, then my parents. Can you go upstairs and see if she is home… yes I will wait" Elliot then gives me his most-arrogant grin and I all I can think about is wiping it off his face with my fist.

"For fucks sake Elliot, what are you doing?"

"I have already told you. I am doing the best thing for you!"

"You have exactly two seconds to explain yourself before you become fair game and I knock you out," I warn but cause Elliot scoff angrily.

"I am the one who should be knocking you out. I should be balls deep inside of Kate right now, but No! I am here trying to sort you out. Kate has spent the last ninety minutes talking to Ana, who is upset over your action and inaction's. You know if you don't want people to know that you are obsessed then you are going to have to be more tactful!"

"Why are you ringing Mia?" I ask again, starting to piece together my brother's plan.

"Because regardless of how much of a bastard you were tonight, we promised not to squeal to our parents about any girls that we are or were interested in, or doing,"

"Elliot! Who are you talking about?"

"Don't act stupid, it doesn't suit you. You know exactly who I'm talking about. You couldn't keep your eyes off Ana during dinner and you practically roasted her date alive. You invited her on your yacht and you somehow came to the rescue when Kate's brother got that offer from the university. Fuck, I even had to make up that dumb lame ass excuse about how you were just questioning that guy, Ben, to make sure that Kate and I were going to be indirectly affected." I try to grab Elliot's phone, but he dodges me and walks backwards slightly.

"Elliot give me your phone!" I demand.

"No chance. I don't know what your issue is, but I want you to talk to me and let me help you. I am your brother and I will do whatever you need. Even so, this 'Ana problem' of yours needs immediate remedy and the best solution is our motor mouth little sister."

Shit, he is going to tell Mia about my interest in Ana, which is going to delight her to no end! Forget worrying about my parents knowing and getting excited that I am with a girl, the whole west coast of America will know by morning the way our sister talks.

"Look, I will make this easier on you Christian and I will put my phone on loudspeaker," Elliot is gloating and is moving quicker to get away from me. I will chase him all around my penthouse until the end of time if need be, but he is not going to say anything! Not to our sister, no one!

"Mr, Grey are you still there?" Gretchen asks, forcing Elliot and I to suddenly stop our chase.

"Yes. Is my sister home?"

"I am afraid your sister is asleep," Gretchen informs us.

"Wake her up! It is very important. Trust me she is going to want to hear what I have to tell her," Elliot declares.

"Don't wake her Gretchen!" I call out.

"Umm… is that Mr. Christian Grey?" Gretchen inquires confused.

"Yes, and if you dare wake my sister I will make sure you are fired by the morning!" I threaten in my most sinister tone. I know that I have no power to make such a decision when it comes to one of my parents' employees or their house, but I can make her doubtful.

"Gretchen ignore my brother. Trust me, my parents will not fire you over this situation and considering the news that they are about to receive they are likely to give you a bonus! If they don't then, I will."

What little patience I had dissipates. Elliot, who knows my body language too well, starts to run off whilst I chase him. Hell we must look like we did when I was five and Elliot was seven and we would take something from each other and chase each other around the house.

"Mr. Grey, I don't know. Miss Mia gets a little grumpy when woken up," Gretchen states. Her voice gives away how apprehensive she is.

"She will love this news. Wake her up NOW!" Elliot now sternly demands. I haven't ever heard him speak to anyone in such a manner before. Elliot runs into the main room where the large couch now divides us.

"Okay," replies a resigned Gretchen. Panic and anger hits me. I can't let Mia know!

"Elliot, stop. Disconnect the call now or I am going to make that pretty face of yours a thing of the past."

"Christian, I love you. I have no idea why we were brought together as brothers, but maybe this is the one thing I can do for you that will make you just that little more human," Elliot evaluates. I cock my head to the side and then slump my shoulders, making it seem that I have given up. My brother smiles as if he has won the super bowl single-handedly.

"Elliot, it is past eleven and I'm exhausted from my first week at work. What is this all about?" Mia answers, yawning.

"Trust me Mia you are going to love this!" Elliot gloats. Quickly I jump over the couch and knock him down. Thank god the rug in this room is thick and softens our fall at least a little, though we both landed hard enough. The side of Elliot's mouth is already bright red and starting to swell. He is going to get a fat lip. I can feel my left arm start to throb. We are both going to bruise.

"Fuck Christian!" Elliot calls out, as I practically pin him to the floor.

"Christian? Are you with Elliot? Have you both been drinking?" Mia asks, now annoyed. "I bet you both have! Seriously! You two and our parents also think I am the handful and the one that doesn't think, but I am not the one drunk calling my siblings at night! Actually our parents have just pulled up and I am going to give them the phone!" Elliot and I look at each other shocked. Our twenty one year old sister is going to tattle-tale on us?

"Mia, wait for a second. Don't go and see our parents!" I grab the phone that is now on the phone and put it on mute. "Look Elliot, don't tell Mia anything and I promise to do something about Ana."

"Finally, you admit it and I accept your deal. Just let me get up," I move away and watch as Elliot takes his phone off mute. No matter what, Elliot is no liar so I know he won't divulge anything now.

"Mia are you still there?" He checks.

"Yes, but I shouldn't be" Both Elliot and I look at each other and sigh. Poor Mia has had to deal with a lot of shit from us both over the years. "So what is so important that it couldn't wait till the morning to tell me and had Gretchen wake me? It better be good or... I am going to go down stairs and inform our parents that you both rang to tell me that you want to restart going to the club with them on Sundays."

Elliot and I look at each other horrified. Our parents are part of the Seattle country club, where my father plays golf and my mother meets up with some of her friends. Nothing is more painful than having to play golf with a bunch of old men who complain that it must be the golf ball or a faulty club that is causing them unable to play like they use to. Actually the only other thing worse is then meeting up with our mother to have her friends show us pictures of their 'no-thank you' daughters in an attempt to set us up.

"Shopping," I spit out. Yes, that's the ticket. Mia loves shopping and I know a way to get back at Elliot for all this. "Elliot wants to take you shopping for some new work clothes tomorrow. Choose anything you want." I smirk at my brother. He may have won the battle, but I am going to win the war. Elliot's look at me disgusted. He hates shopping and having to do so alone with our shopaholic sister is going to be poetic justice!

"Oh Yes! I love shopping. Pick me up at ten in the morning and keep the whole day free until about five," Mia's tone of voice gives away just how excited she is.

"We will see you then Mia. Christian has offered to bring his black Amex card and pay for every piece of clothing and shoes that you want." Elliot thinks that he has backed me into a corner but in fact, he has done the oppositions. Rather than forcing me to act immediately with Ana, he has bought me some time to think about what to do.

"Good night Mia. Sleep well," I state wishing to end this sibling phone call.

"Bye. Now don't either of you be late." Mia I-am-never-on-time-for-anything-unless-it-is-for-shopping Grey, scolds sounding more like our mother than herself.

"Good night Mia." Elliot ends the phone call and places his hand on his lip.

"Shit Christian, I am going to have a fat lip in the morning. Did you have to tackle me like that?"

"Yes I did. You are lucky that's all you got! I have yet to decide if I am satisfied with such a soft retribution," I warn him.

"Hey, you just got more than your own back! Shopping? Seriously? And with Mia of all people!" Elliot groans and clenches his hands.

"Do you have someone who can drive me home tonight?" Elliot inquires changing his tone.

"Yeah, I got an additional security guy, Ryan. He can drive you home. Did you take a cab over here?"

"No, I drove, but we need to have a long overdue brotherly conversation, and it calls for a six pack of beer, at least. Plus I doubt I will be able to have a beer tomorrow since my mouth is already starting to hurt and Kate will be asleep by now at my place. I guess my night of getting off inside her is going to become a morning glory." Elliot and I get up and walk to the kitchen where he pulls out a couple of beer from the drink fridge. I don't usually drink beer, but I always stock several good boutique brews.

"Why did you get a new guy? You have Taylor with you 24/7 and Sawyer is stationed here at Escala. Have there been any serious threats or anything?" Elliot looks worried at the thought as he opens up a couple of beers.

"Nah, just the usual lame threats. I had Sawyer reallocated to watch and keep Ana safe," I admit.

"Shit, you allocate one of your best guys to a girl you have known for a couple of weeks…damn you have it worst than I thought! You really care about Ana don't you?"

"Care about Ana? Yes. More than I could ever imagine," I confess.

"About fucking time you admitted it asshole. Now drink with me." Elliot clinks his bottle against mine and reluctantly I commence drinking. We have finished the six pack and are on our fourth bottle when Elliot finally stops and commences discussing Ana.

"Christian, I have come to the conclusion that you need my help. You have spent the past seven year's celibate, solely focused building up your company. I am proud of everything you have accomplished, but it would make everyone happy, to see you happy. I am going to bless you now with part of my extensive and exceptional knowledge on how to get women, or Ana, which seems to be your desire" I keep a straight face when Elliot exclaims that I have been celibate. Little does he know!

"Extensive knowledge of women? I would agree with your statement considering how many girls you have been with, but I would disagree with the use of 'exceptional'. Your relationship with Kate has been your longest and it has lasted only just over a week." I assess.

"Little bro, right now you should shut up and listen because at this moment in time, I'm the only person who can give you advice." I groan out loud since Elliot is right.

"Enlighten me then Lelliot. What do I need to do to get Ana?" Oh hell this is going to be good for a laugh.

"It's simple, just be the guy that I know you are. Leave asshole Mr. Christian Grey, CEO at the office and be the actual caring and generous human you hide away, except on rare occasions. Put your billion dollar mind to work, though you should be warned that you screw up one more time and I doubt that you will get another chance with Ana. You're a decent guy and you should let Ana see that side of you!" Elliot smiles lightly at me. This must be one of the nicest things my brother has ever said to me. Maybe it is because my brother is drunk or that he loves me, but he is looking at me through rose colored glasses.

"I was expecting more from the self-proclaimed god's gift to the women of Seattle," I state. Mocking him.

"I can't give away all my secrets, but try apologizing. Girls like that type of thing. Send her flowers, ever day if need be. Damn Ana was pissed when she got back to her apartment," Elliot stresses. "Instead of Kate wrapping her mouth around my manhood, her mouth was yapping to Ana on the phone, making sure she was okay. Kate told me that Ana was mad at how you had behaved and that is when I put two and two together. You couldn't keep your eyes off her, but you were beyond obnoxious, even more than usual. I finally realised that you want her, but for some reason you seem to want to keep it undisclosed." Elliot takes the last drink of his beer and then looks at me seriously.

"So all that shit about you not being interested in Ana last Wednesday at our parents was a lie?" Elliot inquires and I feel ashamed. It is a strange feeling as I haven't felt it in a long time.

"Yes," I state but don't explain why.

"Wish I had known. I told Kate you weren't interested in Ana so she wouldn't get her hopes up of us becoming a foursome, double dates and stuff!"

"What?" I snap. I want to knock Elliot out more than ever right now! Why the hell did he tell Kate?

"Hey, you're the one that lied. I didn't know that you were all hot for her!" Elliot explains. Now that explains why Ana mentioned that she knew I didn't want to be with her. Fuck! This is going to take a lot of damage control. I watch as Elliot stands up and it becomes obvious just how drunk he is.

"Do you want to sleep in one of the spare rooms here?" I offer.

"No way! I have a hot piece of ass in my bed waiting for me. Don't ring me until the afternoon. I am going to take Kate every way possible tomorrow," Elliot grins stretching.

"Don't forget about Mia," I remind him.

"Ah... yeah. Pick me up at half past nine, you're not getting out of this shopping trip," Elliot moans.

After Elliot, who is being driven home by Ryan, leaves my penthouse, I head up to my study and turn on my laptop. I click on the pictures directory and open up the one picture I have of Ana. I took it when she and I were in bed at the winery and she was asleep. I wish I had a picture of her blue eyes.

I pick up my cell phone and without any second thoughts I call Ana's phone.

Ana: Hello?

Her voice is broken and it is obvious she was asleep.

Christian: Ana it's Christian. Please don't hang up, just listen to me. If it is the only thing you ever do for me, please promise you will listen.

Ana: You have one minute.

Christian: I am sorry. I won't behave in the same manner that I did tonight and recently. I understand now why you thought I wasn't interested in you, but it's not true. I lied to Elliot. You are the only woman I have ever met that I can't get enough of. I know you probably don't believe me but….

I stop and start to take deep breaths. I have never said this to any girl before….

Ana: but…..? You have ten seconds left before I disconnect this call.

Christian: I am…Ana I…

Ana true to her word end our call, causing me to throw my cell phone against the wall. I never got to tell her, she doesn't know.

Ana's POV:

Just after twelve in the afternoon, I start to head out of the SIP office for lunch when Claire, our receptionist calls out to me.

"Ana, wait this arrived for you ten minutes ago" I turn around and on the reception desk is one the most beautiful bunch of pink and white roses that I have ever seen. Every rose is long-stemmed and each petal is perfect. This time they are housed in a simple round vase. Their beauty only matched by the two other arrangements I have received each day since Friday evening.

"Thank you," I reply without emotion. I don't need to read the card attached, I know who sent these. Oh Christian, I so wish I could understand you. If only one of us could be what the other one wanted. I gently touch one of the roses and in my mind I create the most perfect scenes that we both could have had together. First we are laying on the sand at the beach, talking and laughing, then both of us sitting on the couch with our legs entertained whilst I read a book and Christian is reading the paper or watching a movie. Maybe even getting to watch Christian as he is completely relaxed as he flies Charlie Tango. However, these are only fantasies.

"Boyfriend?" Claire asks, ending my day dream.

"No, not really," I smile but it doesn't reach my eyes. I have no idea what Christian Grey is to me these days. I carry the flowers back, with the intention to leave them next to my desk and take them home tonight. I walk past the office of Jack Hyde and see Ben for the first time since the catastrophe of Friday night. I got into work early today and I was yet to venture downstairs.

"Hi Ana," Ben looks at me friendly and I immediately relax. The last thing I want is to face any conflict at work.

"Hi Ben, how are you?" I smile politely.

"Good. Nice flowers, are they from Christian Grey?"

"I am not sure. I haven't read the card yet" I reply. Ben looks at me confused and shakes his head. He reaches over and pulls the card out of the little holder.

"Hey!" I call out and try to pull the card out of his hand but fail. I don't want anyone else to read it.

"Ben give that back!" He holds the card up above my head where he knows I won't be able to reach. I refuse to play this game, and hold my hand out for him to put in my hand for me.

"Are you going to read it?"

"I can't when it is in your possession." Ben then places the card in my hand. I open it but make sure that he can't see what is written. I read the card and then put it in into my pocket. The past two bunches of flowers have had the same message 'I am sorry. Christian Grey.' But this card has a different message. It is telling whilst challenging. Christian Grey is basically forcing me to make a move.

Ben is looking at me, waiting for me to share its contents, but I am not ready to be so open. "Yes, the flowers were from Christian," I confirm. This bit of information I am okay with releasing. It was an obvious fact anyway.

"Good," He replies.

"Ben, I am sorry about Friday evening." I apologize one more time.

"It was memorable," Ben grins. "Also I think I owe you an explanation about what happened with me and my past girlfriend."

"No, you don't," I stress.

"I would rather I did and I am keen to go out for lunch away from grouchy-Hyde. Why don't I meet you in five minutes at the front, and we can go grab something together."

"Alright, but it is my treat and no arguments. Consider it an official apology," I state.

"Accepted as long as you stop apologizing"

After dropping off my flowers, I return to the front of the SIP building, where Ben is rubbing his forehead like he had a headache.

"Are you doing okay?" I inquire. Ben holds the door open for me and it isn't until we are out of the building that he answers my questions.

"Yeah, it's just my boss, Jack. He is a nightmare. I am starting to work out why his assistants never last more than a few months. Plus he has a horrible reputation. I'm surprised that human resources or management haven't terminated him already. It is taking more effort to be his assistant than I thought," Ben mutters.

"It seems like I am causing you all sorts of bother lately."

"Yes and no, but it's all good. Maybe it was divine intervention or someone intervened, ensuring you didn't end up as Hyde's assistant. He has been trying to convince Elizabeth from human resources and management to switch us back, but for some reason they are refusing. Jack and Elizabeth were arguing this morning in his office about why he can't have a different assistant, and that he wants a female. Elizabeth just told him that she can't do anything, supposedly this is a directive straight from the top."

"Oh," This new information about my would-have- been boss unsettles me and whilst I would like to think that it is divine intervention, I start to wonder if 'someone intervened.'

"Don't concern yourself about Hyde or myself. The ways things are going, it won't be an issue too much longer," Ben remarks thought not freely elaborating on his statement.

"What do you mean?" I probe.

"I will tell you after we have ordered. I'm starving. Let's eat here," Ben suggests and we walk into a diner that is buzzing with the lunch time rush. Luckily we manage to find a booth. A waitress quickly comes over, looking eager for us to order quickly.

"What can I get ya?" She asks in the strongest southern accent I have heard since I have lived in Seattle. I place my order first and while Ben is ordering I swiftly glance behind me. Christian confessed to me that he had a CPO on me still, and now my occasional instinct of being watched has been replaced by paranoia. The diner is full of people that if someone were still watching me, I wouldn't be able to distinguish them from the other patrons. I regret not having told him to cease the goon squad, but I was so annoyed and frustrated at dinner that I wasn't thinking straight.

"So now that we have ordered tell me what you meant by 'The ways things are going, it won't be an issue too much longer,'" I restate reminding him of his promise to explain himself.

"I shouldn't say anything as I am not even supposed to aware of the truth, but I have a buddy in accounting who has confirmed that SIP has been running at a loss for some years and the Lockridge Corporation isn't all that keen to keep the company going. It is likely that they will let the company fold and claim it as a tax ride off or sell it off" Oh! I finally get a job in the industry that I want to work in, and the company is headed toward collapse. Great! Just my luck.

"That's horrible news," I reply.

"We don't know for certain if SIP will fold, and even if it does there are other opportunities and jobs," Ben states casually.

"What would you do if SIP closed?" I ask curiously

"I would go back to medical school."

"Medical school?" I ask surprised.

"Yep. I had just completed my first year when I met a girl and then moved over here to Seattle and got a job at SIP, as you were educated on Friday night. My parents were livid. Every month when I ring them, they always remind me that I can go back to school."

"This girl that you restructured your whole life for, what caused you both to break up, was it bad?" I find the courage to ask. Ben leans back in his chair and nods.

"Ana, I regret my actions, but I know that I can't change them now. I got drunk one night with a bunch of guys and they were picking up some girls in a pub. I was stupid enough to follow suit and my girlfriend found out. She was livid, emotional and didn't want to see me anymore. That was the end of our relationship."

"Oh," I reply

"Yeah. Also, there is something else you need to know, as to why Christian Grey knew to ask me those questions on Friday night. My ex girlfriend, Olivia, works for him. She is an intern and often helps his assistant, Andrea. Olivia was a mess at work and Christian Grey even sent her home for few days to get herself together." This information appeases me actually. At least he hasn't been stalking or doing background checks on Ben just because I was going out with him Friday night.

"Are you still interested in Olivia?"

"Maybe, but that ship has sailed and don't worry about me. You need to start considering your own relationship more than mine." I nod and know what I need to do.

"Ben, I will be back in a second. I just need to step out a make a call." I rush out and let the cool air hit me. I pull out my phone and wonder if I really want to do this? Do I want to ring Christian Grey?

Slowly I find Christian's number in the address book of my phone and press call. I hope I know what I am doing. I don't even hear the first ring when I hear a voice behind me.

"Miss Steele," I turn around and there is Sawyer.

"I guess your boss didn't listen when I asked him to remove the security detail," I sigh.

"Mr. Grey values security. I have been requested to inform you that your presence is requested at SIP." Sawyer almost looks uncomfortable.

"I am on my lunch break and I am with Ben," I state.

"Tell Mr Rowe that you need to go," Sawyer advises me making me apprehensive.

"Christian Grey is at my office, isn't he?" I ask, voicing my suspicions.

"Yes. He is eager to talk to you and... now." Sawyer informs me. Interesting timing?

"Eager you say?" I repeat rolling my eyes

"To be honest with you Miss Steele, Mr. Grey is more insistent than eager."

"And what if I decide not to go back right now? I might just prefer to stay here and have lunch with Ben," I challenge Sawyer but then start to feel remorseful. He is only doing his job. Sawyer looks embarrassed as he looks down and then looks at me uneasily at first, but then regains his composure..

"Mr. Grey has been instructed me to ensure that you return to SIP immediately." Sawyer looks away and I know that he just censored himself from elaborating on Christian's instructions.

"Enlighten me then Sawyer, how did Christian Grey suggest you return me to SIP, should I object?"

"Mr. Grey gave me no further instructions."

"That's a lie. Christian Grey does not leave loose ends and he would have considered that I would likely protest," I conclude.

"I am sorry Miss Steele, I really am." Sawyer groans almost inaudibly and then looks at me. "If you are to refuse to return to SIP with me, then I am to pick you up, throw you over my shoulder and carry you back even if you're kicking and screaming."

What? I wouldn't believe him except he has looked me straight in my eyes and he is getting his directives from Christian.

"As I said Miss Steele, I am sorry but I do have my instructions to follow. Please come with me," Sawyer requests. "I don't want to throw you over my shoulder, but if I have to, I will."

"Christian Grey doesn't deserve to have you as an employee," I mutter. Why me? Why is this all happening to me?

"I will return to SIP, though not because Christian Grey demands it, but because I would prefer you didn't get in trouble. Plus I think it is time someone told your boss that he was not the center of the universe. Just let me tell Ben that I have to go. I will make up some excuse."

I head back into the diner and find our lunch has just arrived. "Ben I am sorry, but I have to go. Please enjoy your lunch and I will see you back at the office" I try to say softly.

"You're angry."

"Yes. But do not worry about me. I am a tough girl. I can hold my own."

"I believe that but you don't always have to be that tough and feisty girl you seem to feel the need to be. Just be open to anything!" Ben stresses. He sounds a little like Kate actually.

"Okay," I reply softly and wearily. I walk out slowly and am met by Sawyer. He remains close behind me as we walk the short distance back. I really don't know what I will say to Christian. I am irritated at his behavior today and on Friday evening, though I was just about to ring him when I walked out of the diner before.

"Mr. Grey is in the conference room waiting for you," Sawyer advises me as we enter the main reception area and find Taylor waiting for us.

"Thank you," I reply, at least not forgetting my manners.

"No, thank you for making my job easier today," Sawyer nods at Taylor and it is as if they can read each others minds.

"Miss Steele?" Taylor gestures for me to follow him.

"I guess we can't leave the Master of the Universe waiting any more than he has already," I gripe and with more than a hint of sarcasm. Taylor let's go of what I suspect is a rare laugh.

"Don't judge Mr. Grey too quickly. He is a very generous man and though he has some vices, like us all, he is a very good man. Just give him a chance." I look at Taylor shocked that he would talk openly. "Okay, you may have to have him a million chances but I am sure it will be worth it."

Taylor then resumes his straight-faced 'I am giving nothing away,' expression when we reach the door of the conference room. I open the door and then let it shut behind me. The door slams shut loudly and make me jump. Christian seems unaffected by the sound and continues to drink his glass of water and is deeply focused on his laptop. Does nothing scare him? I study him once more, his strong jaw line, his perfect skin, strong cheek bones all made even more perfect by his copper hair. Why does he get to look so good always? The thing that really gets my attention is the fact that he probably has never been here at SIP before, but he looks comfortable and as if he belonged here. It is his presence that commands attention. In front of Christian is a feast including several kinds of breads and a series of salads, cold meats and condiments laid out. He organized lunch?

Christian gazes up at me and his eyes practically glow, though there is something dark about them also. Maybe it was because he is aware that I was with Ben.

"Anastasia you went to lunch early!" How does he know what time I go to lunch? Oh wait, Sawyer. I decide not to respond as I don't see the point. He probably knows everything about my day to day movements. "You usually have lunch at 12:30," Christian reiterates.

"Yes, I know." I roll my eyes at him, which strongly increases the tension in the room. "I was hungry so I asked my boss if I do go early and she agreed."

"I have been told that you are yet to eat so I took the liberty to arrange lunch for you. You must be hungry, take a seat," Christian gestures to the chair opposite him, ordering me to sit rather than requesting.

"I wouldn't be hungry if it weren't for your interference and stipulation that I returned. I would be eating lunch right," I accuse him.

"I accept that, but the fact of the matter is that you are hungry, I have lunch prepared for you and there is a place set for you. Problem solved." My jaw practically hits the floor at the level of his arrogance.

"Did you organize all of this because I was with Ben?" I inquire casually and confident in my voice.

"Anastasia, sit down. We need to talk." I fold my arms and do not move.

"Please Anastasia, I have issues with food as you know and I hate knowing that you are hungry and not eating. Please sit and start to eat," Christian looks and sounds pained and almost vulnerable. Before I even realize it I have walked towards the conference room table, sat down and commence eating.

"Thank you," Christian's commends after a long sigh of relief. We both eat for several minutes before he recommences to speak.

"Are you interested in Rowe?" Christian blurts out.

"Ben? Ben Rowe?"

"Yes, the boy that you were having dinner with on Friday night and lunch today," Christian reminds me as if I am a fool.

"Oh and I thought I was with the Dali Lama," I reply sarcastically.

"Anastasia, just answer my questions. Are you interested in Benjamin Rowe?" Christian is angry again. I must be the only female to ever challenge him before.

"No, I am not," I tell him honestly.

"Good." A small smile forms on his face and his previous temperament gone faster than the speed of light. "Did you receive my flowers?"

"Yes, they were beautiful," I reply. I focus on my lunch rather than look at Christian. I know where he is going with this.

"So I would presume you read the cards?"

"Yes." I choose not to elaborate. I am going to make him work for any information.

"Do you accept my apology?" Christian asks and then stops eating his lunch. I can feel his glare on me. The card on flowers he sent me on Saturday and Sunday both had a very simple message. "I am sorry. Christian"

"I don't know. It seems very easy to write those words as opposed to actually verbalizing them." I shrug, challenging him. Let's see if he actually means it!

"Ana, look at me," Christian requests. I roll my eyes, sigh and then finally look at him. The look in his eyes startle me, there is a genuine softness about them, like nothing I have seen before and definitely not what I was expecting.

"I am sorry." I study the look in his eyes and his lips as he articulates those three simple but difficult words.

"Promise me you won't interfere in my life like that again"

"I can't," Christian states definitely.

"Why not?" I beg him to answer me!

"Did you read the card that came with the flowers I sent today?" Damn it, he is changing the topic. I am going to have to play his game if I ever want an answer. I nod letting him know that I have read the card.

"I thought it was going to say that you were sorry again," I shrug.

"Trust me Ana when I declare that I will apologize every day if need be, but today's message was one that had to be said. Have you thought about what I wrote?" Christian inquires.

"Christian, you told me that I need to learn to give people more time to speak. I understand you are referring to our phone call but what else is there that you need to tell me that you haven't said," I rub my forehead feeling a headache come on.

"It is why I can't promise to stop interfering in your life….." Christian stops and runs both his hands through his hair and quietly says something on the lines of; 'never before, I didn't know.'

"Christian explain yourself!"

"Ana, I am falling for you. I am falling in love with you." All the air leaves my lungs and I feel light headed. This is not what I thought at all.

Authors Note: Sorry it has taken me two weeks to complete this chapter, but you know... Real life!. At least this was a decent length chapter! I hope it was entertaining for you. Please review.