Bella placed her pen down, letting out a deep sigh.
She was done.
Finals were over with.
She was officially over with her exams.
A side grin bloomed across her lips as she stood up, her eyes catching Ana's across the room who had a Cheshire cat grin across her face.
Bella couldn't blame her.
Perhaps now, the baggage that seemed to settle in her heart all through the week would lessen.
After her… not so great last talk with Christian Grey, she'd been plagued with dreams she didn't want.
All because of what he'd said to her.
'I'm no good for you, Isabella.'
He had sounded so much like Edward at that moment.
The last thing Edward had said to her.
'I'm not good for you, Bella. My world is not for you.'
Her dreams all through the week had been… horrible.
She'd had throwbacks to things she didn't want.
It had felt like drowning in her own mind.
She glanced down at the teeth mark on her wrist and shivered slightly.
"Hey fellow graduate!"
Kate walked over with a similar grin to Ana who was next to her, and Bella smiled at the girls.
"Hey. How was it?"
Kate smirked.
"Aced it. As usual."
"I don't know why you asked her that, Bella."
Ana joked and Bella snorted as she placed her pen in her bag, a frown appearing on her face.
"Yeah, my bad."
She stared at a particular pen in her purse. It had 'Grey Enterprises' on it. Bella had no idea why she still kept that pen with her.
She should chuck it out a window or smash it beneath her foot.
She should.
"So! Drinks. At the bar. Commemorate this day."
Bella groaned and Kate groaned good-naturedly.
"Come now Isabella—"
"Bella."
"—Swan. I'm not going to take no for an answer. I've made plans. You, me, Ana, Angela and a bunch of us are going to celebrate the end of an era. So better be there by 7. You hear me?!"
Kate dragged Ana off without waiting for an answer and Bella knew that was the girl's way of having things go how she wanted.
Ana threw her a sorry shrug while Bella shook her head, backing her bag and walking out of the exam hall.
The cold weather chilled to the bones and Bella wrapped her arms around herself in a useless effort to ward off the cold, even as she rushed to the bus stop.
As Bella sat in the bus, sighing slightly, she rested her forehead on the window glass, looking outside as the streets sped her by and to her, everything just seemed to be moving fast now.
Ring*
Bella snapped out of her musings as she grabbed her phone and checked the ID.
Her father.
She picked it.
"Hey Dad."
"Bella. How was your last paper?"
Bella grinned softly.
"Good. All done."
He hummed.
"I'm proud of you. Sue says hi."
"Oh. Is she there?"
"Yeah. Wanna talk to her?"
Bella shook her head immediately, even though her father couldn't see.
"No dad. I'm at the bus stop right now. I can't talk for too long."
"Of course. Anyways, I just called to check up on you."
"Thanks dad. We'll talk later?"
"Of course. Bye kiddo."
Bella cut the call with a sigh of relief.
After graduation, she'd done her best to say goodbye to any and everything that would remind her of Forks. Except her father of course.
Now that her father was seeing Sue, things were getting too close to comfort.
Sue Clearwater lost her husband months to Bella's graduation from high school, and during her second year at college, she started seeing Bella's father.
They were still going strong, and it seemed they weren't interested in a second marriage either.
Bella was glad her father had found his happiness though.
That was good. Really good.
The only issue though, was the numerous Christmas holiday or thanksgiving invitations she got from her father.
Coming home would be like burying herself in things she didn't want. Things she had escaped from.
She wasn't interested in that.
"Bella, are you done?!"
Bella sighed, smacking her lips as she put a light glossy pink lip gloss across her lips and smiled in satisfaction before turning and shouting.
"Yes! Almost done!"
It was a little past 7pm and Bella and Angela's phone had been ringing every minute as Kate kept calling and asking where they were.
Angela was excited though.
Apparently her exams had been frustrating and nerve wracking, and she wanted to dance it all away.
Bella packed her hair into a high ponytail, letting two wisps fall down on both sides of her face. She'd put on some mascara as well so Angela wouldn't wine anymore.
She had on a simple light cream flowery romper and white high platform sneakers with a simple silver necklace and a couple of gold colored baby rings on her fingers.
"Bella!!"
"I'm coming!"
Bella grabbed a handbag.
"No, you've got a package out for you!"
Bella frowned slightly.
She hadn't been expecting any packages.
She walked out of her room as Angela signed and closed the door, holding a brown paper parcel as she read a card.
"Why didn't you tell me there was danger? Why didn't you warn me? Ladies know what to guard against, because—"
"--because they read novels that tell them of these tricks."
The two of them finished together and Bella frowned as she grabbed the parcel from a curious Angela and tore at it.
As soon as she saw what it was, her jaw dropped.
"What? What is it??"
An excited Angela peered at what her friend was looking at.
"I-it… these are first editions!"
Bella stuttered out in amusement as Angela grabbed one of the novel and checked the title.
"Wow. Tess of The D'Urbervilles. This is a mini fortune, Bella. Who sent it?"
Bella stared down at the card and she immediately knew who had sent it to her.
After all, who had the kind of money to spend on something like this. Someone who she knew??
"Christian Grey."
She said bluntly, her eyes going through a number of emotions as she held the novels and Angela stifled a gasp.
"No way. He sent these to you?"
"Yup."
"And with that quote?"
"…yup."
Bella struggled to understand why he would even send something to her.
He'd practically made it clear that he wasn't looking for anything from her.
'I don't do girlfriends.'
'I'm no good for you, Isabella.'
What was he playing at again?
Trying to make her feel worse?
She grabbed the other volume from Angela and placed them on the kitchen counter.
She would deal with it later.
Taking a deep breath, she turned to Angela.
"Don't we have a bar to be heading to?"
Angela looked like she wanted to say something, but the stubborn look on Bella's face stopped her as she shook her head, a look of amusement on her face.
"Very well! Let's go. Kate's ringing again."
"Chug! Chug! Chug!"
Bella's friends cheered as she downed her sixth glass of margaritas and she winced, shaking her head slightly as she heard whoops around her.
The bar was loud and hectic as a large number of soon to be graduates partied and celebrated their newly found freedom.
Jose was with them, and even though he wouldn't be graduating until the next year, Bella knew why he was there celebrating with them instead of hanging out with his friends.
"Try not to puke, Bella!"
Kate laughed and Bella ignored her, stumbling slightly.
Angela sat next to her, nursing her cup and sipping occasionally.
Bella would have been just like her, but there were a number of things on her mind she needed to forget. She needed to let go of, and right now it was working for her.
Jose looked at the table before standing up with a chuckle.
"I'll be right back. Lemme go order. This round's on me."
Their table cheered as he walked off and Kate stood up.
"Okay! I'm up for dancing. Who's with me?!"
Another female friend of theirs stood up and Angela shrugged, standing as well.
"Let's go!"
The three danced their way across the floor and Bella watched them go, laughing slightly.
A tipsy looking Ana turned to Bella and let out a giggle.
"Wow. You look gone."
Bella snorted, grabbing Angela's had drank margarita and downing it, wrinkling her nose a bit, before standing up, placing her bag on the table.
"I gotta go pee. BRB."
"BRB?"
Ana snickered but Bella stumbled off, the urge to puke filling her as well as the need to pee.
Meanwhile, Ana bopped slightly, turning a bit and giggling as she saw Kate dance and shake her strawberry blonde hair around.
Just then, the sound of a phone ringing made her turn and stare at hers.
It wasn't ringing.
She glanced at Bella's bag and opened it, checking the caller ID.
MUM.
Oh.
The tipsy girl contemplated picking it but her fingers missed completely and she cut the call.
"Ugh."
She mumbled slightly, about to place a he phone down when an idea blossomed across her face.
She went through Bella's contact, scrolling down until she came across a number.
Christian Grey.
Anticipation filled her just looking at the name.
"Grey…"
She mumbled to herself, and for a second, did nothing.
But then the drink must have gotten to her head as the girl dialed the number and brought it to her ear.
He picked on the second ring.
"Isabella."
He sounded surprised, his voice slightly husky, and Ana's heartbeat picked up.
"Mr. Grey…"
She breathes out, a small hiccup escaping her, making her slap a hand over her mouth.
He said nothing for a second before he spoke up once more, a more professional tone in his voice.
"Who is this?"
He demanded, and Ana stuttered.
"A-Ana… Bella's friend. We're having fun in P-Portland."
She blurted out, her voice drawing a bit. Before she could say anything, she spotted Bella slowly walking back to the table, face looking a bit sick.
She let out a small help and cut the call, hiding the phone in her lap.
Bella slumped down on a seat, holding her head in her hands.
"Ugh. I feel so sick."
"No. No way."
Jose walked back with a tray of drinks, placing it on the table.
"There's still more to drink. Don't be a baby."
He teased her, placing a glass in front of Ana first and another in front of Bella, but Bella only frowned, pushing it away from herself.
"Nope."
"Come on… just one more! Are you a chicken?!"
He flapped his arms around and Ana let out a giggle which made Jose puff up a bit.
Bella knew he wouldn't let this go, and so she downed the drink and it almost came back out but she covered her mouth.
"Geez, are you good?"
Jose stepped back to be clear and Bella threw him a glare as she forced herself to stand up.
"I think I'm going to go get some fresh air."
She stumbled slightly out of the bar.
As soon as she left, Jose turned to Ana with a grin.
"I'll be back. I think I need to use the bathroom."
He walked towards his destination, and once he left, Ana let out a sigh of relief, glancing down at Bella's phone, and glancing at the number again.
Her vision blurred slightly and an idea played in her mind.
This was Christian Grey's number.
Perhaps she could…
No one would notice, right??
With shaky hands, she copied the number from Bella's phone into hers, her vision blurring slightly as she did, and then quickly putting Bella's phone back in her purse, a small giggle escaping her lips.
Oh Anastasia Steele, what a naughty girl you are. Who says you couldn't be forward??
Bella stumbled out of the bar and into the street, crouching down and ignoring the people around her.
Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath in and out, but it wasn't working.
Everything seemed so drowsy to her. And she really wanted to vomit.
She forced herself back on her feet and stumbled a bit.
"Woah…"
As she got closer to the ground, a pair of hands caught her, startling her a bit.
"Wh—"
She turned and her jaw dropped as she found herself in Christian Grey's arms… again!
His eyes were dark and he had a frown on his face.
"W-What are you… doing here?"
Bella breathed out slightly and he smiled with a grimace.
"Making sure you don't get in trouble."
Bella frowned, extricating herself from his arms.
What did he even mean by that?
"I'm fine. You can… you can leave."
She slowly placed a hand over her mouth, turning away from him as the urge to vomit got stronger.
She heard him sigh.
"Isabella—"
"Walk away, Christian."
She sighed, shaking her head and wincing. That was a bad idea.
"God…"
She mumbled, swaying a little and Christian wraps his hands around her shoulder and waist.
"If I walk away, what is the guarantee you wouldn't be easy prey to one of these bastards checking you out?"
Bella's eyes snapped open at that.
"W-What bastards?"
She turned slightly to see 3 guys smoking by the side of the bar. One stared at her almost leeringly for a second before turning away once his eyes met Christian's enraged ones.
Bella groaned.
"Oh, I'm going to be sick."
"Come on, then."
He helped move her towards a flower bush by the side of the bar and immediately, she vomited everything in her stomach out.
Bella should be embarrassed. She really should. But she felt no shame for herself in that moment. Not with her churning stomach and the nasty headache that seemed to be settling.
She was just glad the lights were t centered where she was.
Also, the way Christian held her hair up sort of distracted her, especially when his fingers grazed the back of her neck and shivers went through her spine.
Why was this happening to her??
Why couldn't he just go away!
She moaned quietly, hitting at her chest softly.
Damn him!
"Here."
A linen handkerchief was suddenly in front of her and she rose back up, taking it from his hand.
"Thanks."
She cleaned her lips, wiping away the lip-gloss that had fought to stay there all this while.
"Why are you here?"
He raised an eyebrow, looking down at her with intense eyes that made Bella swallow tightly.
"Making sure this doesn't happen?"
"I can take care of myself."
She replied firmly, turning to walk off, but perhaps she really was still drunk, as she swayed again, and Christian moved to help her.
"You're obviously not. Let me take you home."
"No. I can take the bus or—"
"My car's over there. Let me take you home, Isabella. Please."
Bella looked up at him, watching the emotions go through his eyes and she wondered what his problem was.
'I'm no good for you, Isabella.'
Wasn't he done trying to make a fool of her?
"Why are you doing this?"
She whispered softly and Christian's jaw tightened for a second.
"Because, as I explained earlier… I just can't seem to stay away from you."
He said it so self depreciatingly that the still drunk Bella didn't know what to say.
"Come on."
He motioned towards his car and this time, Bella didn't fight him, even as his hand settled on her waist and she practically rested her body weight on him.
As he helped her into the passengers seat, she could finally relax, and exhaustion filled her very soul as a yawn escaped her lips.
Christian closed the door and walked around the car, into the drivers seat even as Bella struggled with the seatbelt.
"Let me help you."
He took it from her hands, helping her buckle up and she turned away, resting her head against the seat as he turned on the ignition.
Before they reached the end of the street, exhaustion won over Bella as she fell asleep without giving Christian an address.
Bella groaned slightly as slight sun rays filtered through the closed curtains.
She turned slightly, moaning a bit as she enjoyed the feel of the soft bed.
The soft and large bed. Large enough for Bella to wake up almost spread eagled.
Wait…
She snapped her eyes open immediately, and then cursed herself for doing so as she groaned, covering her eyes with her hand.
She breathed in and out, slight headache forming as she cleaned her eyes and slowly opened them, adjusting to the slight brightness of the room.
Where was she?
It looked like a suite. Similar to the one they'd had Christian Grey's photoshoot in.
Wait…
Christian Grey…
Oh God…
Pieces of last night flashed in her mind. Bella practically running into him in a bar. How he'd helped her at her seeming low as she puked her guts out.
A groan escaped her lips as she sat up, resting against the headboard.
If her father could see her right now. He'd probably have a heart attack.
This was Christian Grey's room, wasn't it?
God. This was just a mess.
She turned to the bedside table on her right and saw a glass of orange juice and two tablets on a small paper plate. Advil.
Bella wasted no time making a grab for it as she threw the pill into her mouth with a grimace and practically gulped down the whole glass, her parched throat finally getting some reprieve.
And then, as she dropped the glass, momentary panic filled her as she realized she wasn't in her clothes anymore.
She had on a Large white shirt that probably pooled to her thighs.
It smelled of a nice scenting cologne. One she knew immediately.
This was Christian's shirt. What did… how did he…
She hastily grabbed at her chest and then down her leg, a small feeling of relief as she felt her bra and panties still on.
It didn't mean much though… God… what was going on here?!
As she moved to get off the bed, the door to the room opened, and in came Christian.
He had on grey sweatpants and a white round neck top similar to the one on her. His fit him well though, slightly hugging around his chest.
His eyes immediately sort her out as he entered the room, a shopping bag in hand which he drops on a table.
"Good morning, Isabella."
Bella swallowed down a sigh.
"Good morning, Christian."
Better to be polite first of all.
She watched as he grabbed a towel and cleaned his slightly sweaty face and neck.
He's been working out.
Her eyes lingered on his muscles and then up his neck and then, into his intense grey eyes which stared back at her.
Why did he keep doing this to her?
"You remember last night?"
He spoke up and Bella nodded softly, looking down at her… peculiar outfit.
"Did we… I mean, did…"
The chocolate haired girl wasn't sure how to put it, and she knew her cheeks were red as she noticed the slight upturn of Christian's lips.
"Did we… what?"
Bella's eyes narrowed for a second.
He was playing with her.
"Did we have sex?"
She blurted out. And while she felt a bit mortified… she still stared at him head on and he watched her appraisingly for a second.
"Trust me, the moment I drove you off, you were dead to the world. Somnophilia is not my type of kink."
Bella ignored that for the moment.
"Then why am I here? Not at my home?"
He raised an elegant eyebrow.
"I didn't exactly have the time to get your address out of you. Maybe try not drinking too much next time? What do you think would have happened if I didn't get there at that time?"
Bella's eyes narrowed at his attitude.
What right did he have to scold her?!
"Maybe nothing would have happened?! Or, I don't know, maybe I'd have ended up having quite the memorable night."
Bella tsked and Christian Grey's eyes narrowed at that and Bella swallowed as he practically sauntered to the edge of the bed, his eyes on her for a second, and then… he slowly but surely pulls his shirt over his head and wow… does Bella feel lightheaded for a second.
His toned skin, his well muscled abs and pecs. His chest was slightly hairy but not too much that Bella didn't like it and some odd scars, almost unnoticeable on his chest, his sweatpants hung too low that his v-line practically robbed her of her senses.
"If you wanted a… memorable night Isabella, all you had to do was ask."
He smirked slightly and Bella breathed out at that, crossing her leg slightly as she felt a slight tingle between her legs and a contemplative look appeared in her eyes for a second.
He must have seen it, what with the way he looked at her almost surprised, but then looked away, walking towards another door on the side.
"I'm going to take a shower now. Breakfast should arrive in 20 minutes."
And he was gone.
Bella leaned back on the bed, a small groan escaping her lips.
She should not be here.
A quick look at the exit, and she pondered whether to do so or not.
Just wear her clothes and run out of the room like the hounds of hell were after her… but it was Christian Grey behind her this time and not hounds.
Which would she take at the moment?
Was she even still angry with him?
After her final exams and all the madness that was last night, she was still struggling with an high that hadn't seemed to leave yet. Perhaps after everything, she could maybe… punch him and run off screaming?
Spit in his face for being so callous with his words and making her feel some type of way?
Desire… yes, desire…
Wait… was he even interested in women?
He probably was.
'If you wanted a… memorable night Isabella, all you had to do was ask.'
Bella shivered at that again.
All she had to do was ask??
Was it that easy?... Her virgin brain thought about it for a second before pushing it deep into her mind.
It wasn't like she was a virgin for any true reason. There had only been one person she'd wanted to lose her virginity too… but he'd been… prudish, about it.
And then college came, with rowdy college boys, and the more Bella thought about it, the more she didn't see herself getting with anyone.
Perhaps she should have done a one nightstand then! She'd probably have moved on with her life after!
Ah well… it's too late to think about that now… her college days were practically over.
Still though… it's not over until it's over… so…
She jumped slightly as the bathroom door opened again and out came a slightly wet Christian… in only a towel, wrapped around his waist.
Bella's throat was dry.
"You can take a shower now."
He said as he walked into the room, using another towel to dry his hair.
"Oh… hm! Yeah, thanks."
She cleared her throat and got out of the bed, ignoring the fact that her laps were out for him to see.
If Bella counted the number of times her clumsiness had gotten to her, she'd be horribly embarrassed. This… was tame, compared to some other situations.
Besides… the way his eyes went to hers… it excited her a bit.
"My clothes?"
"Taylor took them for dry cleaning. I sent him to get you something else, if you don't mind?"
He pointed at a paper bag and Bella took it, peeking in to see a similar romper, just in light yellow… and designer made.
Of course.
"Thanks."
She said in appreciation and he nodded.
After shower and dressing, as well as making herself as presentable as she could, she walked out of the bathroom to see Christian having breakfast at a table by the window.
He looked up at her, his eyes giving her a once over before nodding approvingly.
"Come. Have breakfast with me."
"Are you used to bossing everyone around you?"
Bella blurted out as she walked over and he paused from taking a bite of hash browns, his head tilting slightly and Bella stifled a snort.
He looked so much like a puppy, and not the usual predator watching his prey. It was certainly… endearing.
"Is that what I'm doing to you?"
She shrugged as she sat opposite him.
"I just… it sounds like that."
He hummed for a second, putting down his fork as he helped Bella with her breakfast and coffee.
Hands-on too, it seemed.
"You should eat. Your little vomit session last night probably emptied your stomach of everything. That's not healthy."
"I can hear the disapproval."
Bella sarcastically said as she but into her pancakes and a low moan unintentionally escaped her lips, even as she dragged her tongue over it.
It was definitely delicious. Her compliments to the chef.
A slight intake of breath opposite her, and she looked up to see Christian staring at her with his Grey eyes.
She crossed her legs again, clearing her throat and changing conversations.
"I should pay you… for this clothes."
She didn't look up this time, focusing on her food, but she could feel the disapproval from even a mile away.
"You don't need to."
"I feel obligated, though."
She looked up, taking a sip of her coffee and watched his intense eyes follow her every move.
God, who knew intimidating could be sexy.
"Isabella—"
"And those books you sent last night."
She tried not to sound accusing.
"You really didn't need to send them."
"I can afford it."
"I could care less about the amount of money in your secret vault, Christian."
Bella cut in, slightly ruffled and he smirked outright, relaxing into his seat and Bella had the urge to throw herself at him.
In what way, she hadn't decided yet.
"Why did you send me this books? After… after what you said, I thought you just weren't interested. Why would you…"
Bella struggled to search for the right word, and Christian's eyes darkened, emotions seemingly swimming in them.
"Well, when I was holding you and you were looking up at me…"
He paused, shrugging slightly.
"I felt I owed you an apology and a warning."
He runs his hand through his hair.
"Isabella, I'm not a hearts and flowers kind of man, I don't do romance. My tastes are very singular. You should steer clear from me."
He then sighs, closing his eyes as if in defeat.
"There's just… something about you, though, and I'm finding it impossible to stay away. But I think you've figured that out already."
Bella's jaw dropped at that.
There was something about her that kept him coming back?!
Her?!
Isabella Swan?!
Her heartbeat quickened and she almost perked up at that.
"Then don't."
She boldly told him, shoulders stiff, and he stared at her with his eyes wide, as if he hadn't seen her before.
"You don't know what you're saying… where you're headed."
"Enlighten me, then. Maybe I'm all up for it."
They sit gazing at each other, neither of them touching their food. Like two predators waiting for the other to give up.
Bella kept pushing though, not willing to give him any chance to escape.
She'd already had someone like that in her life, someone who she'd found it difficult to get a answers out of.
Not anymore.
"So does this mean you're not just into blondes?"
She questioned and he raised an eyebrow.
"Blondes?"
Bella shrugged.
"Your place of work. It just has… so many blondes. I thought it was your thing."
A smirk grew on his lips, and then into a full blown smile and a chuckle.
Bella thought it looked beautiful. He should do it more often.
He shook his head for a second, looking at her as he leaned forward, hands on the table, and Bella subconsciously found herself reciprocating.
"Isabella, I don't have a thing for blondes."
She looked at him disbelieving and he stared at her, almost confused.
"Is that why you rejected my idea of you coming to work at my company?"
Bella forced away a sheepish grin, biting down on her lip. An action that drew his eyes down and he hummed.
"I'd love to bite that lip."
Bella's mouth popped open slightly.
Seriously, if he kept saying that…
"Then do it!"
She practically forced out, slightly irritated and he looked at her in surprise.
"I'd rather not. Not until I have your written consent, that is."
Written consent—
What was be even talking about?!
Was it Bella who'd have to take initiative here?!
Also… where was all this bravado coming from?!
She was probably frustrated by the male opposite her.
"What… written consent?"
"Exactly what I said, Isabella."
He then sighed, almost exasperatedly, looking like he was battling with himself to make a decision…
A decision that would change their lives forever.
"I've never done this but… I need to show you, because I can't just get you out of my head anymore. When will you be free?"
A confused Bella thought about it.
"Well… I have a shift later this afternoon…"
"Then I'll pick you up by 8 and take you to Seattle."
"Wait, Seattle? Why? Can't you show me here?"
He smirked slightly, shaking his head.
"No. I can't. It's more complicated, and perhaps you'll understand me better after."
Bella kept silent, pondering what he'd said.
He had a secret too.
Of course the other man she practically welcomes into her life ends up with a secret.
After Vampires… Shifters… his own secret couldn't be worse than theirs anyways.
It just couldn't.
But one thing Bella knew about herself, something she'd never deny… she was obsessed with finding out the truth of things… no matter how much it puts her in danger. She just couldn't help herself.
"Okay."
He raised an eyebrow.
"Okay?"
"Okay. Tonight. 8pm. Seattle."
He stared at her for a second.
"So much like Eve… willing to eat from the tree of knowledge."
"So much like Adam… ready to give me what I want."
Which were answers, mind you… but Bella said nothing, and Christian watched her almost approvingly for a second, before grabbing his IPhone and dialing a number that picked immediately.
"Taylor. I'm going to need Charlie Tango."
Charlie Tango? Who's that?
"From Portland at say twenty-thirty... No, standby at Escala… All night."
Wait… all night?!
"Yes. On call tomorrow morning. I'll pilot from Portland to Seattle."
Pilot?
"Standby pilot from twenty-two-thirty."
He then cuts the call. No please or thank you.
"Do people always do what you tell them?"
"Usually, if they want to keep their jobs."
He says, deadpan and Bella stared at him almost incredulously
"And if they don't work for you?"
"Oh, I can be very persuasive, Isabella. You should finish your breakfast. And then I'll drop you home. I'll pick you up at your work place at eight when you finish. We'll fly up to Seattle."
"Fly."
Was all she said, almost drily, and he nodded.
"Yes. I have a helicopter."
Of course, he has a helicopter… Bella mumbles quietly.
Her second date, sort-of-date with Christian oh-so-mysterious Grey. From coffee to helicopter rides.
A more harebrained girl would be hyperventilating at the moment.
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why go that way?"
He grins wickedly.
"Because I can. Finish your breakfast."
Bella looked down at her half eaten food. She wasn't even that hungry anymore.
"Isabella, I have an issue with wasted food… eat."
He says more sharply, his voice almost grim, and Bella frowned, grabbing onto her now cold coffee… ew.
But she took a sip, setting it down and biting on her hash browns, and his sullen look was gone.
Was there another story behind that too?
"Good girl. I'll take you home when you've dried your hair. I don't want you getting ill."
There's some kind of unspoken promise in his words. What does he mean?
She eats her food dutifully. Bella had never exactly been the type to waste her food anyways. Back when she'd been dating… Edward, because of his lack of need to eat, Bella always found herself more hungry than usual, seeing as she spent most of her time in his company and hadn't wanted to be too far away from him… at the time.
A foolish thing, she was almost underweight by the time she graduated. What with her zombie era days not having been too far off at the time.
After eating, she leaves the table, wondering for a moment ignoring his eyes on her. It still made her feel some type of way, but… she liked it… very much.
"Where did you sleep last night?"
She turned her gaze towards him, a curious look in her eyes.
"In my bed."
He simply said, his gaze impassive.
"Oh."
"Yes, it was quite a novelty for me too."
He smiles and Bella looked at him, knowing what he probably meant.
"Not having sex?"
He scoffed, amused.
"No. Sleeping with someone."
Sleeping with—
Why we're his words always so contradicting?!
Why did he never answer with straight answer?!
And God help her, but why did she always attract men like home around her?!
She stifled a sigh as he grabbed his phone, and she headed into the bathroom, going through so drawers and finally finding an hair dryer.
After getting it dried up, she walked back into the room, going straight for her paper bag that now contained her clothes from the previous night.
He's staring at her again.
This time, as she tied her hair behind her, into a high ponytail, exposing her long and pale neck, his expression unreadable.
She feel his eyes follow her as she sits down and waits for him to finish his call.
"They want two?… How much will that cost?... Okay, and what safety measures do we have in place?… And they'll go via Suez?… How safe is Ben Sudan?... And when do they arrive in Darfur?... Okay, let's do it. Keep me abreast of progress."
He hangs up.
"Ready to go?"
Bella nods, standing up and watching as he throws a black leather jacket over his wide shoulders.
He's dressed almost as casually as when he'd wondered into 'The Hungry Hippo'. Fitted grey shirt and black dress pants with leather boots.
He looks like a model off of the cover of a magazine. And he does it so effortlessly too.
"Did I come here with my bag?"
Bella suddenly asked, a guilty feeling rising in her chest at the thought of Angela being worried all night about her whereabouts.
How could she forget?!
She was an abysmal friend! Ugh!
Christian must have seen the look in her eyes as he spoke up, walking towards the exit.
"I arrived at the bar with my brother, Elliot. I told him to keep Miss Weber company and inform her of your whereabouts… but apparently, someone else caught his eyes."
A look of irritation appeared on his face and it was gone.
"But he managed to get in touch with her before she got too worried."
"Oh… that's good."
She sighed with relief and he smirked as he opened the door.
"After you."
They walk in silence down the corridor towards the elevator.
As they wait, Bella peeked up at him through her lashes, and he looks out of the corner of his eyes down at her. She looked away with a small smile, and his lips twitch.
The elevator arrives, and they step into the empty lift.
Suddenly, for some inexplicable reason, possibly their proximity in such an enclosed space, the atmosphere between them changes, charging with an electric, exhilarating anticipation.
Bella's breathing alters as her heart races. Nervousness, desire, need. It shakes her up.
Christian's head turns towards her in that moment, his gaze darker than usual and she couldn't stop herself from wetting her slightly dry lips.
He takes in a deep breath, closing his eyes for a second and when he opened it, he growled.
"Oh, fuck the paperwork."
He lunges at her, pushing her against the wall, both of her hands in one of his in a vice-like grip above her head as he pins her to the wall using his hips, and then he grabs her ponytail and yanks down, bringing her face up, and his lips are on Bella's.
His grip on her hair had been rather painful, and yet as he tongue explored her mouth, she moaned at the pleasure and slight pain mixed together.
Her tongue strokes his back and moves in a slow almost erotic dance as he grinds down on her… his hardness pressed on her belly.
Bella felt lightheaded for a second, before she felt she needed more. Wanted more.
But he was doing things at his own pace. She wanted more.
His hips pinned her against the wall, but he hadn't expected her to whip her leg around and hook one around his waist, the other doing the same, and then she grinded down and it was oh so delicious as they both moaned into the others' mouth, Bella in satisfaction and Christian in welcomed surprise.
"You. Are. So. Sweet."
He murmurs, each word a staccato.
Before they could go any further though, the elevator stops, the doors open, and he pushes away from Bella in the blink of an eye, leaving her hanging. Three men in business suits look at both of them like the horny youth they were, and smirk as they enter.
Her heart rate is through the roof. She feels like she'd just run an uphill race. Her knees shook slightly, and she felt herself wet between her legs.
There was no denying it. She'd loved every moment.
She glanced up at him. He looked so cool and calm, like he's been doing the Seattle Times crossword, and yet, she could see the slight breathlessness he had, and his Grey eyes were still hooded.
Oh, he's just as affected all right.
A small part of Bella feels pride at that. She affected him just as much as he did her.
The businessmen exit on the second floor, and Bella let out a small sigh of relief even as Christian turns towards her, an almost exasperated smile on his face.
"Oh, Isabella Swan, what am I going to do with you?"
The doors open at the first floor, and he takes her hand and pulls her out.
"What is it about elevators?"
He mutters, more to himself than to her as he strides across the lobby and out of the Heathman Hotel, and a small smile plays on Bella's lips.
It's quiet for a few seconds as Christian turns on the ignition and drives off, that is until he plays a series of music that attracts Bella's attention, and it leads to then both discussing their love of Classical music.
Bella was just glad he didn't play Debussy.
Her day was seemingly going great. No need to ruin it in anyway.
He'd already taken 3 calls over the loud speaker of the car, from investors as they talked about a number of issues and Bella struggled slightly to keep up.
That was the end of it… she thought.
And then his brother called.
"Christian! I've got to thank you, bro!"
The bright and easy going voice sounded so different from Christian's that it surprised her for a moment.
"Elliot."
He sighed and his brother chuckled.
"Don't look so down, brother. Didn't you get lucky last night? Isn't that why you were acting all cave troll on me?"
Christian stifled a growl as Bella's eyes widened at how easily someone spoke to Christian Grey.
Then again, this was his older brother, right?
"Elliot. Shut up for a moment. I'm not alone at the moment."
And he was quiet… that is, until he whistled.
"Is it the elusive girl from last night?"
Bella could hear the teasing and Christian breathed in through his nose as he turned down a familiar street.
"Isabella Swan, meet my… brother. Elliot Grey."
"Hey now! I heard the hesitation there bro, not cool."
Bella stifled a smile, covering her mouth with a hand, but Christian saw it as he rolled his eyes.
"Hi Elliot."
"Hey Bella. Glad to see someone can handle my prissy brother. Try not to let him go all dark on you, yeah?"
She opened her mouth to reply but Christian beat her to it.
"Okay, that's it. I'm dropping Isabella off, why don't we see at the hotel, if you can find your way. And keep my business to yourself while you're at it."
She heard him huff over the phone.
"I don't know who you think you're talking to baby bro. But yeah, I'll see you there. Nice talking to you, Bella!"
"You too."
Bella softly called out as Christian cut the call, cursing underneath his breath, probably at Elliot.
Bella decided that she liked him. He sounded nice and funny and rather boisterous.
A good kind of brother for the kind of person Christian was.
Something played on her mind though.
"Why do you insist on calling me Isabella? I do prefer Bella."
"I see."
Was all he said as he parked at her apartment duplex and turned off the ignition.
Well, this was it… for now anyways.
Bella slowly moved to open the door when he spoke up again.
"Isabella."
Of course he still calls her that. Not that she minded anyways.
"What happened in the elevator… it won't happen again. Well, not unless it's premeditated."
Bella frowned at that.
Premeditated?
She'd had premeditated kisses before. What she got from Christian though, she liked it better.
She didn't think she'd be in agreement with what he'd just said.
As she opened the door, she made sure to have the last word.
"I like what happened in the elevator."
She got out, ignoring his slight intake of air as she closed the door and walked off, head held high.
Kate/Ana's Residence.
Ana groaned slightly as she sat up in her bed, still in her outfit from the previous night.
She felt slight icky and her breath smelt of vomit. God, what had she been up to last night?!
Clearing her throat, she winced at how dry it was.
Standing up, she stumbled out of her room, headed for the kitchen cabinets where she knew some anvil would be.
But as she walked into the open room, she saw two slightly naked bodies tangled on the couch and a moan escaping her roommate… and she let out a startled shriek, turning away from them.
"Oh my God!!"
She forced out, her cheeks going red.
"Ana!"
She hears Kate sheepishly giggle and then a little movement.
"You can turn back now."
Her strawberry blonde friend amusingly spoke up, and Ana slowly turned to see Kate in a simple lingerie gown to her thighs, her hair as unruly as could be and a couple of hickeys on her neck as well as a smug smile.
And then, the man next to her… okay… he was absolutely gorgeous. He had curly blonde hair and blue eyes, tall, muscular, and wide-shouldered. An easy going look on his face as he shrugged on his shirt over his well muscled body.
Ana felt jealous for a second.
"Sorry about that. You must be Ana."
The stranger held out a hand and Kate grinned.
"Ana, this is Elliot Grey."
Ana perked up at that as she shook his hand.
Grey??
"Grey?"
Elliot smirked.
"Yeah, you might have heard about my more stuck up baby brother, Christian"
"Oh, um… y-yeah. I didn't know he had one."
Elliot playfully winked.
"Well now you know. He's the reason I met your friend actually. By accident, anyways."
He turned to Kate with a grin and the strawberry blonde smirked.
"Oh?"
"Yeah. Had some business to do around there as well as pass along a message to someone. Speaking of… I should go find him now before he leaves me here. Christian is not above being an asshole when he wants to."
He turned to Kate and practically lifted her in his arms much to her Kate's amusement, and then they kissed so deeply that Ana blushed and looked away.
He dropped her back on her feet, dragging a hand through her hair and winking.
"Laters, baby."
And with a small smile at Ana, he was out the door.
Ana walked towards the kitchen cabinet, rummaging for anvil as an excited Kate bounded over to her roommate.
"…So?!"
Ana gave her an amused look.
"So… what?"
Kate scoffed.
"He's handsome isn't he?!"
Ana shrugged.
"Yeah… I—I guess…"
Not as much as Christian Grey though…
Ana swore she said that in her mind… but apparently not, as Kate stared at her in surprise… and then her grin widened.
"Oh my God… you DO have a crush on him. I knew it!"
"Kate!"
"I mean, I saw how you were staring at him the day of the shoot. Wow… Miss Steele actually finds someone attractive."
Ana's face burned red as she swallowed the pill and drank some water down, trying to ignore her friend.
"Why don't you get his number from Bella?"
Ana stared at her friend incredulously.
"And what, just call him? The owner of Grey Enterprise?! A busy man?!"
Kate shrugged unconcerned.
"It's no issue. I could even tell Elliot to introduce you."
"Oh, so you're seeing him again?"
Kate huffed with a grin.
"Oh no… this isn't about me. This is about you right now."
Ana blushed, rushing towards her room.
"Just… go take a shower or something Kate!"
"Are you saying I smell?!"
She ignored her friend's offended question as she slammed her door shut, resting against her door and letting out a small sigh.
Okay… so maybe she did have a crush. Who wouldn't have a crush on Christian Grey?!
Not only was he rich, but he was totally handsome… so domineering in how he looked and spoke… and there was just something about him… something that made her want to fall to her knees for him.
She felt like she'd do anything to be in his arms.
God!
Maybe she should let Elliott Grey introduce them?
But that would just be too forward.
He'd know… wouldn't he?
She walked over to her bed, grabbing her phone and toying with it, and then flashes from last night came to her mind, and then her jaw dropped.
Fuck!
She'd called Christian Grey with Bella's phone!
Oh God! She'd TALKED to Christian Grey!
She'd actually—
A concerned feeling pooled in her as she wondered if he'd called Bella after to ask about the call….
But…
Would he ask of her too?
The thought made her go haywire…
Maybe he'd asked for her number?!
Wasn't that how love stories started?
He seemed like a cold and jaded knight… perhaps that wasn't true and he was sweet and kind on the inside…
He probably never had someone be true to him.
'I could be…'
A part of her said… and them she remembered she actually took his number from Bella's phone.
A guilty feeling resonated in her… but she shrugged it off.
It was too late to feel that way.
She scrolled through her phone, stopping at the ID.
Mr. Grey.
She clicked on it, her thumb hovering over the call button for a second.
Should she or should she not??
Should she—
She snapped the phone shut, throwing it on the bed, brushing her hand through her hair and slowly, a small giggle escaped her lips.
What was she doing?!
She felt like a school girl having a crush for the very first time!
Which was kind of true… her crushes were usually from novels, or TV stars… this one just felt… different.
Glancing at the phone, she shook her head with a small smile…
She'd have to build up some courage before actually calling.
But that day was not today.
For now.
Angela/Bella's Residence.
"Oh my God, tell me everything!"
Was the first thing Bella heard as soon as she walked into her apartment as Angela bounded over to her with a happy squeal.
"Angela, I'm so sorry about not telling you—"
"It's okay. Christian's equally hot brother explained the basics for me. Too bad he seemed to only have eyes for Kate."
She sighed ruefully, before getting over it as a smile appeared on her face.
"But that is besides the point! What happened?! Did anything happen between you guys?"
Bella sighed as she sat down on a sofa, a small smile playing on her lips which Angela noticed.
"Okay, that smile says something."
"No. It's not like that. We only kissed… once… a bit long… and yeah…"
Angela raised an eyebrow, a small smile on her face.
"Just a kiss? That's a bit surprising."
"Yes well, I kind of was drunk last night and then vomited into a bush and before I knew it, I was out like a light bulb in his car."
Angela giggled.
"Yikes. Bad luck hm?"
"Tell me about it."
Bella grumbled and Angela's eyes widened in surprise.
"Oh wow… you actually wanted to… Bella?"
Bella blushed red, looking away from her friend for a second.
"I mean… he's just… different? I don't know but there's something… and I really want to know what it is, or I'd just regret it, you know?"
Angela nodded slightly.
"True. You haven't been in a relationship since… well… but still, I'm happy you're happy."
She then looked closely.
"You are happy, right?"
Bella stifled a smile.
"I guess?... I mean, he's inviting me to his house at Seattle… on a sort-of-date…"
Angela's squeal was everything.
Bella spent her shift at The Hungry Hippo eagerly awaiting the end of it.
Angela had taken the term 'sort-of-date' quite literally, and practically tried to doll up her roommate as much as she could.
Bella obviously fought back.
No, she wasn't going to use bubblegum pink lipstick!
She wasn't going to wear that ultra short skirt Kate had presented her on her 21st birthday either!
And no, she wasn't wearing lingerie underneath her—okay, Angela won on that side.
She'd gotten Bella to wear a pair of black lingerie bra and panties set. Bella was slightly embarrassed, but she wondered if Christian would even end up seeing it.
Maybe he just wanted a normal evening?
Hadn't he said he wouldn't kiss her anymore?
It was all so confusing, but Bella was still looking forward to their time together.
She had on dark blue skinny jeans that accentuated her curves really well and a pastel pink strappy top that showed some skin at her waist. She threw on a brown crop short leather long sleeved jacket, her hair let down in curly waves with some glittery make up.
She got appreciative looks from her coworkers and customers alike and she liked to think Christian would appreciate it.
He is punctual, of course, and waiting for her when she walks out of The Hungry Hippo. He climbs out of the back of his Audi to open the door and smiles warmly at Bella who practically melts at his smile.
"Good evening, Isabella."
"Christian."
She stops in front of him as his eyes goes over her, an appreciative look on his face and Bella feels her inner fire brighten up even more.
He widens the door for her and she climbs into the backseat of the car. Taylor is sitting in the driver's seat.
"Hello, Taylor,"
"Good evening, Miss Swan."
His voice is polite and professional. Christian climbs in the other side and clasps her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze that she feels all the way though her body.
Seriously, he wanted everything premeditated and then he goes around and does this?
"How was work?" he asks.
"Very long."
Bella admitted and Christian hummed slightly as he rubs his thumb over her knuckles and Bella had to stop herself from throwing herself on him.
"Me too."
"What did you do?"
"Hiking. With Elliot. All he could talk about was Miss Kavanagh."
Bella stifled a smile. Of course. What else could be expected of Katherine Kavanagh. Even Elliot Grey wasn't immune to her.
The drive was soon over and they were at an heliport. Taylor stopped the car and with her hand in his, Christian directed Bella towards a building.
They went up an elevator, and oh if that didn't bring up memories. Sadly, it was just three floors. After getting the flight plans, they make their way towards an helicopter.
It was bigger than Bella thought, as Christian opened it.
She climbed inside.
"Hold on."
Was all he said as he clambers in behind her.
He shuts the door with a slam and then he crouched beside her to strap her into the harness.
He tightens both of the upper straps, and Bell finds that she can hardly move.
He's so close and intent on what he's doing. She plays with the thought of leaning closer and inhaling his scent, but she's fastened securely into her seat and effectively immobile.
He glances up and smiles, like he's enjoying his usual private joke, and then he smirks and then leans closer, his gaze dark and heated.
"And now, no escaping."
His breath lingers on her face and Bella gasps slightly almost willing him to kiss her. And he does, placing a chaste kiss on her lips before pulling back before Bella could initiate anything longer.
"Premeditated my ass…"
She mutters and his grin widens.
Portland looked so small from high up. Christian flew the plane, and of course he has a pilot license. Whatever was Bella thinking?
She was in awe though.
Everything looked so beautiful… peaceful, from high up. The lights, how everything looked tiny. Bella felt… on cloud nine… but maybe that also had to do with the handsome pilot next to her.
"Look, over there."
He points to a small pin-point of light in the far distance.
"That's Seattle."
"Do you always impress women this way? Come and fly in my helicopter."
Bella suddenly asked, genuinely interested.
"I've never bought a girl up here, Isabella. It's another first for me."
His voice is quiet, serious.
Oh, that was an unexpected answer. Another first? Oh the sleeping thing, perhaps?
"Are you impressed?"
"I'm awed, Christian."
He smiles.
"Awed?"
And for a brief moment, he's his age.
Bella nods.
"You're just so… competent."
"Why, thank you, Miss Swan,"
H says politely, but Bella thinks he's pleased.
They soon get to Seattle fully and in a few minutes, the helicopter is heading towards the Escala.
Bella notices how much he loves flying, and he admitted he loved being in control. Gliders and Helicopters.
Such expensive hobbies.
In less than 5 minutes, they landed on the Escala, and Bella let out a small sigh of relief?
He turned to her as he helped her unbuckle, an unknown feature across his face.
"You don't have to do this, you know?"
He sounded so earnest, and yet he didn't look at her.
For a second, Bella feared what made him like this and for a second, she pondered the thought of turning back. He was giving her a chance… and yet, she couldn't make that move. It felt like it'd be the stupidest thing ever.
So no.
"You're not chasing me away, Christian. If I want to leave, it'll be on my own accord."
He looked up at that, slightly surprised and yet mollified as he nodded once, unbuckling the seatbelt.
He stepped out and held a hand out for her, and rather than feeling like the hand of the devil… it felt like the hand of an angel. Her salvation and future.
The elevator door slid open and Bella found herself in an all-white foyer. In the middle was a round, dark wood table, and on it was an unbelievably huge bunch of white flowers.
On the walls there are paintings, everywhere. He opens two double doors, and the white theme continues through the wide corridor and directly opposite where a palatial room opens up. It's the main living area, double height.
Huge is too small a word for it. The far wall is glass and leads on to a balcony that overlooks Seattle.
To the right is an imposing 'U' shaped sofa that could sit ten adults comfortably. It faces a state-of-the-art stainless steel – or maybe platinum for all Bella knew - modern fireplace.
The fire is lit and flaming gently. On the left beside them, by the entryway, is the kitchen area.
All white with dark wood worktops and a large breakfast bar which seats six.
Near the kitchen area, in front of the glass wall, is a dining table surrounded by sixteen chairs. And tucked in the corner is a full size, shiny black grand piano.
An unwanted memory filtered across her mind at that.
There are arts of all shapes and sizes on all the walls. In fact, this apartment looks more like a gallery than a place to live.
"Can I take your jacket?"
Christian asks and she shook her head.
"No, thanks."
"A drink, then?"
Bella paused for a second. After last night, the next thing she wanted was to be near cheap booze.
But Christian didn't seem the type to be anywhere near 'cheap'.
"If it's wine, then I wouldn't mind."
He nodded.
"I'll pour us a glass of white wine, if you're up for it?"
With Bella's nod, he walked towards the kitchen area and Bella is left standing in the enormous room.
Her eyes are drawn towards the glass wall and she slowly walked over it, staring out into Seattle.
It looked beautiful and with quite the colors.
This was where Bella would be moving not too long now. In fact, she found that she didn't live too far off from Christian.
Bella and Angela had been planning this for years now, if they were being honest… not to talk about the birthday cash their parents were basically throwing their way as some sort of 'welcome to adulthood' present.
"Pouilly Fumé okay with you?"
She turned, walking back as she peered into the kitchen to see Christian with an open bottle.
She hums. She's heard of it before.
She might not be a wine connoisseur, but she knows a thing or two about it.
"Sure."
She might be a bit nervous. A little intimidated also, after all… this was a huge change from her own apartment… from her own life in general! But… things like this… she'd be honest saying this wasn't her first time being exposed to such… fanciness.
Also, Bella wasn't here to gawk at Christian and his father obscene taste in… everything. She was here for something else… and her cheeks burned for a second at the thought.
"Here."
He handed her a glass and Bella thanks him before taking a sip, and the wine is light, crisp, and delicious.
He definitely has good taste.
"Are you hungry?"
He asked, standing in front of her and Bella swallowed softly.
Not for food, she wasn't.
She shook her head.
"You have a... nice place."
He smiled, amused.
"Just nice?"
Bella shrugged.
"Just nice."
He shook his head as if amused for a second, before pointing at the piano.
"I saw you staring at it earlier."
Bella turned, staring at it with a million emotions as she slowly walked towards it.
"Yes… do you… play?"
Please say no.
"Yes."
Bella's breath caught for a second as she stopped in front of it, placing her glass on it.
It looked so sleek and clearly expensive.
Christian smiles softly at her as she brushed her fingers on the sleek surface.
"If I didn't, what else would it be here for?"
"I could think of another use…"
She mumbled mostly to herself… biting her lip and Christian's gaze followed the movement of her lips before he frowned.
"Stop biting your lip, please. It's very distracting. You don't know what you're saying."
"That's why I'm here."
He frowns.
"Yes. Would you excuse me a moment?"
He then disappears through a wide doorway on the far side of the room. He's gone for a couple of minutes and returns with a document.
"This is a non-disclosure agreement."
He shrugs and has the grace to look a little embarrassed.
"My lawyer insists on it."
He hands it to a slightly surprised Bella.
"If you're up for what I think you are, then you should probably sign it."
"And if I don't want to sign anything?"
Bella challenged and he shrugged.
"Then it's Angel Clare high ideals, well, for most of the book anyway."
"What does this agreement mean?"
"It means you cannot disclose anything about us. Anything, to anyone."
Bella raised both of her eyebrows at him in disbelief.
Why exactly was be going this far?
"Okay. I'll sign."
He hands Bella a pen, but she doesn't make a move, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"But… first, I want to know exactly why you're going this far, Christian? Is there… is there something I'm missing? Because it certainly looks that way."
"It's more of a precautionary thing. I'm a businessman, Isabella. I have to be this way."
He wasn't wrong about that.
Bella lightly brushed through it, not seeing any issue with it. Besides, it's not like she'd run around screaming about her relationship to the world or whatever happened between them. The only person she'd probably talk to was Angela, and even then… only basic things.
Bella was a generally private person, and that wasn't about to change.
She lavishly signs on the dotted line of both copies and hand one back to him. Folding the other, which she immediately placed in her purse, and then gulped down wine, much to the billionaire's amusement.
"So, now what Christian Grey?"
She sounded almost challenging, and his eyes narrowed for a second.
"Now… before we go any further, there's something I have to show you."
Bella breathed in through her nose, irritation slowly taking her over.
"Show me?"
He walked over to her, grabbing hold of her hand and leading her back out to the corridor.
"Now, I show you my playroom?"
Bella immediately felt some type of way, what with how he pronounced the word.
Playroom…??
On the right of the double doors, where they came in, another door leads to a staircase and they went up to the second floor and turned right.
Producing a key from his pocket, Christian unlocks yet another door and takes a deep breath , turning towards Bella, a calculating look in his eyes.
"You can still run for the hills, Bella."
Bella blinked once at the use of her nickname.
"I wouldn't blame you—"
"Open the damn door, Christian."
She commanded out and he paused for a second, watching her closely… and then he opened it wider.
Bella nervously took a step into the room… and the only word that leaves her mouth, was…
"Oh…"
In a rushed breath.
Another chapter!
Wow, I'm proud of myself. Didn't see this one coming out anytime soon, and yet here we are.
It was a little bit hard putting out this one. A lot of perspectives and characters to add. Trying not to make them feel too OOC. I think I managed it quite well.
Bella is quite pushy in the books… inquisitive and curious regardless of danger. I think she'd be more open to finding out Christian's secret.
And she's definitely not a prude either. Bella wanted to take things further with Edward, but Edward didn't want to 'hurt' her. So Bella's definitely not a prude. She did try to seduce Edward during their honeymoon after all, lol.
I think Elliot as a character will be fun to write up. He honestly sounds like a fun guy, and I haven't even brought Mia into the scene yet!
Wonder what Charlie would think about Christian, lol.
Anyways, I think we all know what comes next. I'm still wondering how to put it, seeing as I don't want blocking my account if I write anything too erotic, lol.
Anyways, hope you liked this chapter, and tell me what you think about Ana and her rather Lavender Brown like personality, lol. I quite like writing her little scenes after all. And just what is Kate doing encouraging her crush on the elusive billionaire?? Would it get her anywhere?
Please comment what you think!!