APOV
"Come on cutie pie, keep up."
"Kate behave. Ryan please excuse her, she doesn't get out much" Kate playfully pushed my shoulder as we continue on our way to meet Mia. Ryan just smiled, keeping a respectful distance.
I thought bringing Kate with me today would ease some of the butterflies about this ball but she's making it worse with her tails of the balls she has attended with her parents. By the time we were buzzed into Violet Fashions, I was a nervous wreck.
"Ana" Mia greeted me with a hug in reception.
"Hi Mia, how are you doing."
"I'm fine, busy. Christmas is party season so we're always busy, getting the designs into stores."
"Thank you for doing this, I really appreciate it. I don't know where to start with fashion."
We looked over hearing the clothes being moved on the racks, Kate being nosy on what was in season.
"Mia this is my best friend Kate. Kate, this is Mia, Christian's sister."
They shook hands before Mia said hello to Ryan, obviously knowing who he was.
"Come through" Mia gestured for us to follow her.
We passed offices, before coming out into a large room. For a small fashion house, there were a lot of people here.
From designers to machinist who made their image reality. Some of the clothes that were on display were truly beautiful. My eye catching a plum coloured dress. It was very understated and could be worn for the office but with a few accessory's would look elegant enough to be worn out to dinner. Similar in style to the vintage dresses of my grandmothers that I loved to wear.
"It's beautiful isn't it" I heard behind me as I turned to see a women who must be in her sixties.
"Beautiful, reminds me of my grandmothers dresses but with a modern touch."
"Violet I would like to introduce you to Anastasia Steele, my brother Christian's girlfriend. Ana this is my mentor and good friend Violet Harris."
"A pleasure to meet you dear."
"You too."
We shook hands before she explained that the dress before us had come from an original patten that she had made when she was younger.
"Ana this is the dress I told Christian about" Mia said holding up a garment bag.
I followed her through to the dressing room, leaving Kate talking fashion with Violet. That is more her forte than mine.
Mia hung the bag up and lowered the zip, revealing the dress within. I smiled as I gently ran my fingers over the fabric.
"Mia this is beautiful" I said, in barely a whisper.
"You will look beautiful in it Ana."
I quickly took my skirt and blouse off, sliding the dress over my head. It fit my body like a glove as if it had been made just for me. Falling to the floor, to rest on the tops of my feet. I knew heels would be needed, which Mia brought out next. I laughed kissing her cheek, I have no idea how she knew my sizes but looking into the large mirror in front of me, I wasn't going to complain.
"Do you like it" Mia asked nervously.
"I love it Mia" I smiled, lifting the bottom of the dress from the floor and twirling around.
"I made it for you. I was going to give it you for Christmas to thank you for saving my brother, but the ball will do."
I walked forward hugging Mia.
"You don't have to thank me Mia, I wouldn't have done anything different that night. I love Christian very much."
She squealed so loud that Ryan and Kate rushed into the changing room as she pulled me in for a hug.
"I have never seen my brother so happy before."
"He makes me happy too."
"You scared the crap out of us" Kate said as Violet arrived in the changing room just as Ryan was backing out, now he knew there was no threat. "Wow Steele, just wow"
I laughed twirling around for her as well.
"My brother is going to lose his head when he sees you in this" Mia said with a smile.
…
We left Violet fashions taking Mia with us to get some lunch. She was going to have my dress and shoes delivered to my apartment so that it would be a surprise when Christian picked me up. I wanted to get ready at my apartment, knowing Kate would help me. The only type of ball I have been to before was probably my prom and I certainly didn't wear a dress like the one I would be wearing on Saturday.
Mia had taken us to a small restaurant, obviously having eaten here before. We were quickly seated and although people were looking at me, obviously having seen the story now it was out. We ignored them.
"Are you coming to the ball" Mia asked Kate.
"No, I wish. If I wasn't busy I would have tried to sneak my name onto the guest list. It sounds a lot more fun than what I have planned."
"I'm sorry for leaving you in the lurch but I'm so glad to get out of it" I laughed, receiving a scowl from my best friend.
"It the Christmas party at my dads company this weekend. My dad owns Kavanagh Media and it's expected of us to attend."
"How does that work now with Ana dating my brother. Do you find yourselves fighting off questions about your best friend" Mia asked her.
"No, dad knows not to ask. Ana knows my family well so they wouldn't ever write anything bad about her. Also I work for The Seattle Times and they have learnt not to ask either."
"Have you had trouble with them."
"No I told them if they pushed me when it came to you that I would rather quit first. That Lily Meyer is just a bitch. She can blame the company for putting her up to those questions all she likes but it would have been her who put the questions forward in the first place."
"It's over Kate, let it go" she nodded, probably not happy about leaving it alone. I know she had an argument with Lily but she didn't go into detail about what was said. I love my best friend because no matter what, she will always have my back.
Lunch was lovely, but I was due back at work having taken the morning off to go dress shopping. I had a lot of work to catch up on this afternoon.
…
Heading back into SIP the place was buzzing. Did they pump happy gas through this system as well.
"Ok we were all miserable yesterday, what are you all on" I asked Hannah and Jess one of our younger interns.
"On your desk and you will find out."
I walked in to see a vase of blush pink roses. Smiling, I opening the card attached.
Anastasia
A rose for my beautiful rose.
Or two dozen of them anyway
I love you
Yours always
Christian
xxx
I took my phone from my purse, texting my amazing boyfriend
Thank you for the beautiful flowers. I love you too xx – Ana
While I waited for his reply. I picked the memo up, that had been placed on my desk from Jerry Roach.
Company Announcement
To all staff at Seattle Independent Publishing.
This morning I have been in meetings with a company based here in Seattle that are very interested in purchasing Seattle Independent Publishing.
The meeting was very productive and I'm hopeful a deal can be met.
I know some have already started looking for other employment. I implore you to wait until I have more information to give you as I would hate to split up the amazing team we have built together here at SIP.
Thank you.
Jerry Roach.
"It came through about 30 minutes ago and everyone is buzzing" Hannah told me as she placed a tea on my desk.
"It's very good news. Now we wait" I said as she nodded, leaving my office.
Thank you Christian.
Sorry it's taken me time to get back to you. I forgot to charge my phone last night so left it with Andrea while in my meeting. You were very distracting last night although you won't find me complaining. I'm glad you like the flowers. Love you baby xx – Christian
It's ok, I know you're busy. The atmosphere in the office when I arrived, acknowledges that xx – Ana
I'm glad, everything is on course for our takeover. Roach is eager for the sale xx – Christian
He didn't look too good when he was in yesterday xx – Ana
I looked to the door when I heard a knock.
"Stanley Bruce is on the line for you" Hannah told me rolling her eyes.
"Take a seat" I told her.
She smiled before going to close the door, I will leave him on hold until I have finished texting my boyfriend.
Gotta go, have to deal with a pest. Love you xx – Ana
Any problems call me or Ryan. Love you x – Christian
It's ok the pest is on the line. xx – Ana
"Mr Bruce what can I do for you today" I said putting him on speaker.
"I wanted to speak to you about the covers for my new book, they're not right."
"What's wrong with them."
"Designed by a woman" Hannah mumbled as I tried to stifle a laugh.
"Well Anastasia" he said in a patronising tone. "I have looked at them again and the colouring isn't right."
"Mr Bruce you were the one who chose the cover, you even commented on the colour yourself, saying how you loved it. The books have already been sent to be printed so unless you give me a genuine reason on why I should stop the print, they continue."
This man annoys the hell out of me, no wonder no other publishing house would touch his book.
"I would like to speak to someone further up, get this mess sorted" he said, I'm sure if he was here, he would be stamping his foot.
"I will see if Kay my boss is available to take your call."
"Kay, I'm sure a male boss would be more suited for my type of book."
"Mr Bruce, Kay it the manager of this publishing house. There is no male boss here, you knew that when you came in for our meeting and that hasn't changed. If you have a problems with females publishing your manuscript then maybe you need to take it some place else."
He was stuttering as I heard the door opening and Kay stood there with a smirk on her face.
"Carry on" she said clapping before she left the office, Hannah following behind her laughing.
"Now Mr Bruce, should I halt the first print or are we going ahead as planned."
"Go ahead as planned" he said in a meek voice. "Please."
The call ended as I put my head back on my chair.
"Remind me never to piss you off" Mike said stopping at my office door.
"Mike I don't think there is anything you could do to piss me off but if you do, I'm sending Stanley Bruce your way."
"There you go oh magnificent one, I'm not worthy" Hannah chanted putting my drink on my desk, my other going cold while I was dealing with a pest.
It's a good job that Ryan wasn't sat nearby as he would have come running with the raised voices, well mine anyway.
Thankfully the rest of the day went fine, I had messaged Christian to tell him I survived the call. I would tell him later as I had work to do with no more interruptions from a pest.
"Drinks tonight Ana" Claire asked me.
"Not sure yet." I called to her.
I had forgotten all about going to the bar, with having a hectic week. I was due to meet Christian and grab a bite to eat. I wonder how he would feel in a bar with my friends. I will soon find out.
Hi Christian, what time are you finishing x – Ana
Six. It couldn't come soon enough after today xx – Christian.
Problems with here xx – Ana
No that is all signed now. Another company that is haemorrhaging money. Nothing for you to worry your beautiful head about. Here heads are going to roll if they don't sort it out xx – Christian.
When you have finished cracking the whip there. Would you like to come for drinks with some of my colleagues from SIP xx – Ana
Love to meet your friends baby, just tell me when and where xx – Christian.
5o's bar. Its just around the corner from SIP. We are going from here when we leave at five xx – Ana
Ok, I will be there just after six unless I can get away earlier. Keep Ryan close. Love you xx Christian
Will do. Love you too xx – Ana
I walked out into the main office to tell Claire and the girls that I would be coming out for drinks. Next Friday, we are leaving early to drive home so I will miss it then.
"My boyfriend will be meeting us there" I told them.
Walking back into my office, I could hear the catcalls behind me.
…
Putting my jacket on and making sure everything was put away until Monday. I took my phone from my purse, texting Ryan I was ready to leave. I had messaged him earlier to tell him about
tonight's plans so he was waiting out in reception when I arrived.
The press were down to two who came forward, probably surprised to see me as I usually go out through the garage.
I immediately had Hannah on one side, Shelly on the other with Ryan coming up front. Jess was laughing at us all as we made our way to the bar. I was laughing as well at the way my friends had come into formation around me and my CPO with Claire coming up close behind.
"Miss Steele, will you be attending the Children's hospital ball with Christian Grey tomorrow. It's the one event of the year when they all attend together."
"Yes Christian and I will be there" I said giving them something but that is all they will get.
Reaching 50's Claire opened the door as Ryan ushered us all inside. I know they could have followed us in, it's a public bar but by the way the manager was looking at them, they would be kicked out.
"What was the last thing they called out" I asked, only getting half of what was said.
"He said thank you for putting that bitch in her place" Jess laughed
"Another bitch, Ana has already put one winy bitch in his place today" Shelly told Ryan.
Finding a couple of tables, we pulled them together. I know with Christian coming that Taylor would too.
Shelly and I made our way to the bar, weaving through patrons all ready to start the weekend.
"What can I get you" the manager asked.
"A jug of beer and four glasses please. Ana" Shelly turned to me to order, knowing I would prefer wine not beer. I don't mind it, just not the second I finish work.
"Do you have Sancerre" I asked. If Christian was coming I may as well order something he likes and I have taken a liking to it too.
"We do, but only sell it by the bottle."
"Bottle is fine and two glasses please."
We got Ryan a cola because he said he was on duty and couldn't drink. Poor man has been on duty all day. I have no idea if Christian only had two guards, Taylor and Ryan. There have to be more as what happens when they're on a day off, do they have a day off. Personal security is not something I ever thought I would have, so I'm still in the dark to how much of it works.
Just after six pm Christian walked into the bar, we had all been laughing at Shelly's latest blind date or shambolic blind date when they all stopped. I smiled to my boyfriend as he walked towards us and kissed my lips.
"Does he have a brother" Shelly asked with her head on her hands looking dreamy eyed at my boyfriend. A swift kick under the table had her soon paying attention.
"Christian this is Shelly, Hannah, Jess and Claire. Girls this is my boyfriend, Christian Grey."
They all said hello as Christian took the seat next to me.
"Wine" I said pulling the bottle from the ice bucket and receiving his gorgeous smile.
"Please baby."
I poured his glass before he took the bottle from me and topped my own up. Clinking it together, we took a sip.
The girls asked Christian a number of questions to what car does he drive to how large his company was. He was very gracious and answered them all. There was no talk about his taking over SIP, there would be an announcement when the ink had dried and all paperwork had been filed. Until then, no one would know.
Getting my jacket on to leave, I still had a clear head. Christian and I had finished the bottle off but I drank water in-between the glasses I had.
"Where are we going" I asked seeing at it was nearing eight and the only thing we had eaten were a few snacks at the bar.
"I thought we could have a walk around the marina" he smiled.
"In winter" I laughed as he nodded.
The jacket I was wearing wasn't exactly winter proof, especially for a walk around the marina but I know Christian would keep me warm if needed.
Taylor drove us, with Ryan in the passenger seat, parking up in front of all the boats.
"I used to go jogging around here when I first moved to Seattle, I lived a lot closer then" I told him as he wrapped his arm around me.
"It's a nice place to run, especially in the morning before the crowds."
He led me into a little seafood restaurant called SP's. Leading us over to a small table, he removed the reserved sign.
"Did you have plans to come here and I derailed them with going out with the girls."
"No Ana, you didn't change anything. I called when you were in the bathroom to get a table."
"What would you recommend" I asked seeing the array of dishes listed in front of me.
"The seafood chowder is amazing, my favourite" he told me.
"Count me in then."
We ordered the chowder and while Christian ordered beer, I stuck to water having reached my limit for the evening.
"I take it from your text that everything went well with SIP."
"If only all purchases were that easy. He wanted to sell and keep the company together so Ros made him an offer he couldn't refuse. Now who was this pest."
I told him about my call with Mr Bruce, he was laughing when I told him that if he was the boss and he wanted a man they I was putting him through to Christian.
"Put him though baby, although I don't think you need any help when It comes to this man."
…
Kissing Christian at the door, I didn't want to let him go. We both knew if he came into my apartment, our clothes would be quickly shed. Scaring Kate in the process.
He had been talked into attending an early morning golf game with his dad, and brother. I don't know who else would be there but he said he couldn't get out of it.
It will give me time to have a day relaxing before my anxiety kicks in tomorrow night.
…
Relaxing day, I forgot there is no relaxing when Kate was around. She had to get dressed up too for this evening so of course best friends have to do things together whether I wanted to do it or not. I had my hair done, which included a trim. He hardly cut anything off, just got rid of the dead end. I'm sure Christian will notice thought as he is always running his fingers through it.
I had a pedicure and manicure, ignoring Kate when she suggested a full wax. Christian has never said anything about not loving my body the way it is so I'm not changing it. Even if he did ask for me go wax, he can go first and if waxing his pubes didn't hurt then I would follow.
I looked at my reflection seeing Kate by my side.
"We scrub up well Ana" Kate said handing me a glass. "To best friends."
Clinking our glasses together, I would drink to that.
Hearing the buzzer go, Kate was nearest so she went to answer it.
"Come up Christian" she said before turning to me. "Ready to go to the ball with your prince."
"Ready" I said before finishing off my drink.
Hearing a knock, I walked forward and opened the door. Christian was so handsome in his tux as I looked from his feet to his face. I laughed seeing him do the same to me.
"You're so beautiful Ana" he said coming closer before tipping his head from side to side "I love your hair" I knew he would notice and I'm glad he liked it.
He had one hand behind his back but my giggles started when he produced mistletoe, holding it over our heads.
On my tiptoes I kissed his lips, wrapping my arms around his neck. He swiped his tongue along my lips, no doubt tasting the gloss as I opened my mouth to his.
Deepening the kiss as our tongues moved together, Christian's hands cradled my face as my own moved to his waist, fingers gently in my hair as our kiss continued.
"Love you" he whispered against my lips as we broke apart to breathe.
Kissing his lips once more, I told him I loved him too.
Christian came inside my apartment for a few minutes. Both of us laughing when we realised with our kiss, we hadn't even gotten past the front door.
"Ana I'm off" Kate said, coming into my bedroom where I had gone to pick my purse up and reapply my lipstick.
"Have fun."
"Yeah so much fun, mum will probably try and fix me up with someone" she said rolling her eyes.
"Make them work for it then, if they want you."
"Now that, will be fun."
I heard her say goodbye to Christian as I walked back out into the living room.
"Do I really have to share you with everyone" he sighed.
I could feel his eyes looking me up and down again.
"Yes. I don't think your sister will be happy if we don't attend, especially with all the trouble she went to, to make my dress."
Taking his hand, we locked up my apartment and headed for the car.
…
The line of cars waiting to drop off its occupants was long. We were at The Fairmont and by the look of it, the press were in full force tonight.
"You will be fine Ana, you look absolutely stunning."
Christian kissed my hand before stepping out when the door was open. Standing in front of me so I could not so gracefully get out of the car in my long dress. I was soon stood by his side, fingers entwined together.
The flashes were blinding, calls for us to look this way or that as we slowly made our way down the red carpet towards the door. The only question that was answered from either of us was who made my dress.
"Mia Grey at Violet Fashions" I smiled before we were through the door and into the hotel foyer.
"Are you ok" Christian asked me.
"I'm fine, don't worry."
Walking into the ballroom, the noise was loud. There were hundreds of people in this one room, although it was large enough to hold them comfortably.
"Christian, Ana" Grace greeted us, both with a hug before Carrick did the same.
"How are you doing Ana" he asked me.
"Very well, work is busy."
"Tell me about it, I'm beginning to wish we had stayed in your small town."
I smiled as Christian held my chair for me before taking the seat by my side.
"No date Elliot" Christian asked him.
"Yes Sue is with me, couldn't turn up here alone. She said yes so she could annoy me all night" Christian laughed as I looked to him.
"Sue is his secretary and doesn't take any crap from him. The press must think she's his girlfriend as any black tie event he has to attend, he drags the poor woman along so he doesn't have to come alone."
"I didn't want to seem a loser like you used to be."
"That title has moved to you brother, as Christian will never be alone again" Mia teased him.
"Thank god for that" he whispered before kissing my forehead.
Everyone was told to take a seat as the evening was about to start.
"Oh shit, lock up your valuables. The thief is in the house" Mia said. I had no idea what she meant.
Christian wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me closer into his side.
"Are you ok" I asked.
"Yes just old news has arrived. Sorry baby, I had no idea they would be here. They never have before."
We looked up as two women approached, stopping on the other side of the table from where Christian and I were sat.
I kissed Christian's cheek, knowing now who was stood before me as I relaxed against him and faced these two women.
They were both dripping in gold and jewels, if they were real that was. They were making a show of their wealth, as if they were better than anyone else who was around them.
"Excuse me ladies could you please take your seats, we are just about to start" a man told them.
"One moment, we were just greeting our old friends" the elder of the women said.
"Someone call the 80's, Mr T wants his gold back" I said quietly to Christian.
He barked out a laugh and Mia who was sat on the other side of me must have heard as well, as her laughter joined her brother's.
"I love you" He said kissing my lips.
"Love you too."
"Elena, Susanna please take your seats. We have nothing to say to each other and you are just causing a scene. I know you have not attended this event before but this is a ball for the children's hospital so take your seats and remember that."
I don't think I have ever heard Grace so assertive before to these women or so angry. My boyfriends ex hadn't taken her eyes off Christian, off us but we have ignored her.
Finally they moved off to their own table as Elliot turned to me.
"What did you say, that had these two laughing."
Christian told him what I had said, before our whole table was full of laughter, only stopping when the Hospital Administrator came onto the stage.
"Welcome to Seattle Children's Hospital's Christmas charity ball. So many children have benefited from the money raised every year on this night. From much needed equipment, to a simple present for a child, too sick to go home on Christmas. Dig deep please and enjoy your night."
He handed over to the master of ceremonies who told everyone that dinner would arrive shortly.
"Both short and sweet but to the point" Grace said.
Dinner was delicious. We had roast beef, more than I think I have ever eaten before. Roasted potatoes and vegetables. A proper meal, not the finger food that I would have expected from what Kate had told me. She's going to the wrong balls and needs to come to this one.
Sue was hilarious, telling us what Elliot gets up to at work. I would think he regrets bringing her but was laughing along as well.
"Dance with me" Christian asked taking my hand.
I followed him onto the dance floor where other couples swayed to the music.
"Enjoying yourself."
"I am, I'm a lot more relaxed than I thought I would be this morning."
"You're amazing Ana" he twirled me around as I giggled before being pulled back into his arms.
"As are you."
We danced to the next song before taking our seats back at the table. The auction was about to start and they all had their paddles handy.
I had only glanced quickly at the card, not really seeing anything I would bid on.
There were a few jewellery lots that went, before a spa day was auctioned. It was a last minute addition to the list, and had not been printed on there. I thought it would be something that Kate and I could do. That was until I found out who owned the salon where it would take place, so my paddle stayed on the table.
"The next lot has been generously donated by Christian Grey. A weeks stay at his home in Aspen Colorado. What do you say for this."
Elliot bid first against a man on the opposite side of the room. Carrick came in next and took over the bid from his son. The hammer was just about to go down when we heard a shrill voice say fifteen thousand.
"Bitch" Mia said as Carrick was about to put his hand up again.
"Allow me" I said raising my paddle for sixteen thousand.
Yes I had money in the bank, money I had worked for, saved and money my grandparents had left me which I hadn't touched. I think they would be happy if I gave a little to the children's hospital.
"Seventeen thousand."
"Eighteen thousand" I countered.
"Nineteen thousand."
"Twenty five thousand" I said hearing gasps from around the room. No lot had gone higher than twenty which was Carrick and Grace's home in Montana. There was no way I would let this bitch win.
She slammed her paddle down on the table, like a two year old having a tantrum.
"Twenty five thousand dollar, going once, twice, sold to the lady in red."
Applause went up around the room, non more loudly than at my table.
"When are we going to aspen" I laughed.
"Any time Ana, any time."
"I will write you a check" I told Grace and Carrick.
"You don't have to, it's something we always do so we don't have strangers in our property."
"I want to. I was brought up to give back if you can afford it, this is me giving back."
I relaxed in Christian's arms as everyone got up from the table to dance, Mia was dancing with Carrick while Elliot was dancing with his mother.
"Where are the bathrooms" I asked Christian.
"Come, I'll take you."
We walked around the dance floor and to the other side, dodging dancers who have already had too much to drink.
"I'll wait here."
"I won't be long" kissing his lips, I made my way into the bathroom and into one of the stalls.
I could hear movement in some of the others but ignored it, just getting down to my business.
Walking away from the door and over to the sinks, I washed my hands before looking into the mirror. It wasn't my reflection that startled me, it was the angry face of the woman who had come out of the stall behind me.
"Well if it isn't mountain girl" she snarled.
"If that is meant as an insult then you need to try harder because I class that as a complement. I'm very proud to live on my mountain."
"Shut up, you turn up on Christian's arm like you own the place. Have everyone eating out of your hand, you're fake. I know people like you."
"No there is only one me and I certainly don't know or answer to you. I actually turned up with Christian's fingers entwined with mine, not on his arm so you could do with getting your facts straight. You call me fake, really. I think you need to take a good look at yourself in the mirror or did you steal all this gold like you tried to steal off Christian."
"Your just a small town girl, you will never be as rich as me" she said ignoring what I had said.
"Yet another compliment, thank you. I love my small town and as for being rich. I'm rich in every way that matters. I'm rich is life, in my health and I'm rich in love."
"Christian was mine first."
"And he will be mine last, he just settled until he found who he was really looking for."
"It won't be long before he realises he can have a classy girl like me, someone of the same class as him who can look good on his arm" she spat at me.
"Class" I laughed "Really. You want to be a trophy wife you mean. You obviously don't know Christian at all. He likes a woman with brains, someone who shares his interest not his wallet and who isn't going to rob him blind the second he is out of the room. As for looking good, Christian loves me just as much in my sweatpants as he does with me wearing his sisters creation tonight" I said walking away from the sinks and towards the door, having heard enough of this woman's pathetic voice for one night.
If steam could come out of her ears it would. She has obviously never had the privilege of wearing anything that Mia had created before.
We both turned when the door opened to see Christian standing there. I hadn't realise that our voices had raised so much but they obviously had as we had approached the exit to the bathroom.
"Ana" he said as I walked into his arms, feeling his lips on my forehead.
"Christian" she said.
"No. Don't even talk to me Susanna, you're disgusting. You turn up at a children charity just to cause trouble with my girlfriend. There is no other reason you would be here."
She was stuttering, trying to defend herself but she couldn't. She knew Christian was right.
Ryan and Taylor were by the door but they didn't come in, assessing that it was just us in the room.
"It wasn't my idea, it was my mothers" she said trying to shift the blame.
"Really, you hardly seemed dragged in when you walked though the ballroom. Grow up Susanna, get a job instead of trying to see who you can get money off next and find some self respect" Christian told her before turning his back, to show her their conversation was over.
"I think it's time for you to leave" Grace said stepping into the bathroom. "your mother is waiting for you."
Grace squeezed my hand as we stood before her. Christian's arms wrapped around me as I stood my ground. She had tried to step closer to Christian but there was no way in hell, I would let her touch him. Slowly, realising she wasn't going to get anywhere, she made her way towards the door before my words stopped her.
"Just for your information, my mountain and I are worth more than you could ever dream of. We all don't have to wear our wealth, some of us live it everyday."
I relaxed into Christian's body as I turned to him.
"Exactly how much is that mountain worth" he said smiling to me.
"Millions upon millions, to me it's priceless."
He kissed my lips before we walked back out into the main room. Music was still playing and the dance floor was filling up.
"Dance with me Mr Grey" I said pulling his hand towards the dance floor.
I saw Grace smiling as Christian spun me around.
"When I heard her voice, I was ready to barge into the room and get her away from you. Hearing you speak to her, You're an amazing woman Anastasia Steele and I'm very lucky that you are all mine."
"Always."
The music slowed and so did our movements. I placed my hand on his face as he brought his lips down to mine. I loved this man with all my heart and I wouldn't hesitate to defend him or myself.
We stayed on the dance floor for what felt like hours. I danced with Elliot to which my poor feet will pay for in the morning. Sue could dance, especially when she got poor Carrick up. I don't think he knew what dance they were doing so must have though if you can't beat them join them and copied her. The annoyance from earlier in the evening was quickly forgotten as we all enjoyed ourselves.
Making love in Christian's bed when we arrived back at Escala was the perfect end to the perfect day.
Thank you for reading.
Susanna won't be a big part in this story it was just fun for Ana to put her in her place
I am terrible with fashion and couldn't find a dress I liked so I went with a red version of the silver satin gown she wore in Darker.
until next time
Caroline.