*Disclaimer: Although I own the rights to this fanfiction, I do not own the characters (even though I truly wished I owned Christian Grey lol) and I do not own the books, etc.
*Synopsis: (AU) – Anastasia Steele (24) is swamped in student loans and college costs and is at the verge of being dropped out of her classes, nearly graduating. Her long time friend, Jose Rodriguez (27) suggests his aunt Elena's exotic BDSM themed night club and helps Ana to get the job as a bartender. When one of the main show girls, Leila Williams (25) gets fired, Christian Grey (26), is left without a partner. Elena is then forced to approach Ana to take the slot. Will Ana take Elena's offer? Or will she run for the hills? OOC/HEA.
A/U: Hellur my lovelies! So now that Leila has been fired, it is time for the motion of the story to go at it full force. I will try to pick up the pace with Ana and Christian, BADLY, but then all of my plans for this story will not go as I want them to.
I know a lot of you are thinking "Ana you idiot, the man wants you!" but she has issues in her life pulling her back. Yes, she wants him just as much as he wants her, but she will not pursue him...yet ;)
To the Guest reviewer whom thinks my story is amazing but doesn't like my Author's Notes because they are (And I quote) "Unbelievably annoying, sound bratty, and are simply unnecessary. Like people who should not read your story if they don't like it, you shouldn't react to reviews you don't like."
Well, here is my "reaction" to YOUR review:
First of all, thank you for enjoying my story. I appreciate it. Secondly, YOU. CRACK. ME. THE. FUCK. UP! When I read your review, I literally laughed my effin ass off! I honestly don't care what YOU think about my Author's Notes, I'm going to CONTINUE to post them regardless of what anybody says. If no one wants to read them, then skip them. Simple. As. Pie!
(And people wonder why I sound so bitchy in them...)
Well, allow me to enlighten you, lovely Guest Reviewer,
I am a HUMAN BEING. It is MY right to respond to MY reviews, good or bad, just like it is YOUR right to post how YOU feel about a chapter. But if YOU disrespect ME in any effin way, I will call YOU out on it, RIGHT HERE, in my Bratty, Unnecessary, Unbelievably Annoying Author Notes. 'Kay?! And another thing, when people tell me they don't like something, that's okay too. But when they tell me they don't like, why they don't like it, then tell me HOW to fucking write it so that they WILL like it, THEN I WILL GLADLY LET THEM KNOW TO STOP READING IT IF YOU HATE MY IDEAS SO BADLY! I mean seriously, if I don't like a particular story, I DON'T EFFIN READ IT!
And to the reviewer that said it was stupid for Christian to take Leila back... I have nothing more to say about it. Christian is known for making stupid choices sometimes (OBVIOUSLY) because he sure as hell kept Elena around in the books for QUITE SOME TIME after everything she did to him! That was pretty stupid of him, but hey, it worked out in the end, right?
Look readers, I'm not really a bitch at heart, but my inner bitch will come out when necessary. Just saying.
This chapter is a little shorter than the norm, and I'm sorry about that. Anyways, Thanks! & as always, my lovely readers, enjoy! ;)
-Chapter 7—Hump Day-
Christian POV
Mistake...
Nobody has ever said that to me before. I mean, sure I knew that people had felt that way about me many times, but nobody has ever openly said the word, in a full sentence, directed towards me.
This was a mistake...
Her haunting words echo in my head.I can't help but feel like the wind was completely knocked out of me the moment the words slipped out of her mouth. In the hollow of my chest, I can feel it aching where my heart is supposed to be.
So here I am, sitting in a chair in the middle of my playroom at Escala, still in the clothes I wore to the club, drinking straight from a Vodka bottle while pondering about my life before Anastasia elegantly walked into it.
You're a monster!
Yes, that is nothing new. I knew that I was a monster because I never really cared about the pain I inflicted on women.
You don't have a heart!
Up until tonight, I didn't know that I had one either. I have no idea what is happening to me, or why, but I must admit, it feels pretty damn good.
This was a mistake...
No! I can't believe that. I won't!
The look in her eyes told me the complete opposite of her words. Despite what her mind was voicing for her, her delectable body was inflamed with want and desire. And now I find myself wanting her even more. So why won't she admit it?
Because you're my boss, and it's unprofessional.
That was her own words. She'd said it. But quite honestly, I don't give a flying fuck, I want her—all of her—and at this point, I think I'll take her any way I can have her, although, I'd prefer to have her tied up to my bed while I pound into her, screaming my name at the top of her lungs while she begs for more.
I shake my head of the thought, sitting up in the chair as I take a long, large swig of Scotch. I look at the high priced bottle in my hand, and suddenly, I burst into gut-cramping laughter. What the fuck is wrong with you, Grey?
Looks like I'm getting drunk over a fucking woman... whom doesn't want me.
She wants you...
….yet she won't pursue me, because, I'm her boss.
I snort another laugh at how ridiculous it is for me to talk to myself. Damn, you're really losing it, man... and I must admit, I'm pretty drunk right about now, too. Yet another first. I frown. Never before have I ever consumed alcohol to get wasted.
Suddenly, my phone begins to ring. Who the hell would be calling at four in the morning?!
"Grey!" I snap, not looking at my phone to see who it is.
"Err, Mr. Grey, sir. It's Welch."
"And you're calling me at four in the morning, why?" I snarl.
"Well, you told me to keep tabs on Derek Steele because of your suspicions of him possibly being Miss Steele's attacker in her assault back in 2008."
Well that grabbed attention. "And?"
"Sir, it seems that Mr. Steele was released from prison yesterday on parole. I have no idea why our system didn't pick this up as soon as it happened, but I'm definitely going to look into it, just in case."
I'm officially sober. Did I hear him right? Is the alcohol making me hallucinate now, too? Does this mean that Mr. Steele will be looking for Anastasia?
"Anastasia." I whisper in shock.
"Sir?"
"Sorry. Uhm, thank you, Welch. Let me know if you find anything else." I murmur, pinching the bridge of my nose. I end the call and head out of my playroom, locking it behind me, then head towards the staff quarters to find Taylor.
But luckily for me, he's already up and in the kitchen making coffee.
"Taylor, I need you get three men over to Violett Apartments on Melrose to keep a close watch on Anastasia Steele, Apartment B5."
"Yes, sir, Mr. Grey."
"And I don't want a bunch of amateurs, Taylor, I need the best you've got. I have a feeling that Miss Steele may be in some type of danger and I want to make sure that I'm one-hundred steps ahead."
"Yes, sir. I'll get on it right away, Mr. Grey."
Ana POV
I'm beginning to think that Christian is forever more going to haunt me. Throughout the week I have found myself thinking non-stop about him and our brief encounters during my first weekend at Floggers. Very interesting weekend, I may add. His piercing gray eyes follow me in my sleep, his soft beautiful lips touching mine imposes my thoughts during my classes, and his rather large erection pressing against my backside during our dance causes delicious shivers to run through my body while I work at The Grill.
There is no escaping Christian Grey, no matter what I do. I promised myself that I wouldn't allow a man to distract me from receiving a degree, and here I am over-killing that promise. I keep asking myself why I don't just fuck the man's brains out to get it out of my system, but that could become quite a stain if I do, and I can't afford to lose my title at Floggers for fucking the boss.
On Wednesday, since my classes were canceled, Kate, Jose and I go to Party City over in Northgate to shop for costumes for the party this weekend, and I must admit, I'm actually excited.
"What about this one, Ana?" Kate holds up a women's blood red knee length devil costume with a v-shaped slit in between the breasts. I raise a brow and succumb to a fit of giggles.
"No way, it's too plain Jane for me. Maybe you could wear it, Kate. I'm sure Elliot would appreciate the attire." I smile, innocently batting my eyes before bursting into laughter again.
She rolls her eyes and giggles briefly before putting it back onto the rack. "Elliot has already seen me in a similar one, thank you very much."
"Like I'm supposed to know that?" I laugh. "I'm still learning to get to know all of you, and your personal bedroom experiences is not on that list, or any list for that matter."
"Ooh, Anabelle, what about this? It's sexy, it has feather's and it is totally screaming your name right now. With a beautiful body like yours, I'm sure you could work it." Jose says excitedly while holding up an erotic angel costume.
I sigh, rolling my eyes. "Why don't you buy it for yourself, Jose? I'm sure that you would find plenty of ways to work it."
"Well, unfortunately my dear little Anabelle, it doesn't come in my size. Oh, damn." he responds in his best irritated tone, but it's short lived as he begins laughing with Kate and I.
I look through rack after rack after rack of different costumes, some being quite scary as fuck—not literally—and others are of no interest to me. I look for a few minutes when one particular costume just seems to pop out unlike the rest. It's not something you normally see a woman wear, but it's hot and not too revealing and I just absolutely love it!
I grab the lovely female Swat Team ensemble off of the rack and look at the size to make sure it will fit me, and to my lucky stars, it's my size. Just to be sure, I take it to the back and try it on. The costume comes in 5 pieces, the first being the black fish net stockings. Secondly, is the white and black dress with the word SWAT written in big, bold black letters across the white breast potion of the dress. The skirt comes down to about mid thigh. Third is the plain black thigh garter and matching arm band. Fourth, is this soft black leather overhaul vest that pushes my boobs up a little and has three fasteners down the stomach. And lastly, a pair of thin black soft leather gloves with the fingers cut out of them.
Now I'm not one to act all conceided about myself, but damn, do I look effin' hot right now! All I need is my hair fixed up nicely and a pair of black knee-high, high heeled boots to finish it off.
I walk out to where Kate and Jose are still looking through different racks of costumes and when their eyes dart in my direction, I do a little spin. "So... what do y'all think?"
"Ooh, it's perfect! Now all you need is a pair of cuffs and a baton and you're complete. Oh, well, besides a pair of some really nice boots. I think I may have some at my apartment if ya wanna look, Ana?" Kate says.
"I agree, Anabelle. You look fucking hot, girl!" Jose chimes in with a smile.
I giggle, running to the dressing room to change back into my clothes so that I can pay for my costume. Then it hits me. How much is this going to cost me? I never even looked at the price tag. I've neve done that before, so I guess this new job has given me some what a little confidence. But what if I become a snob? I look back down at the costume in my hands and sigh, rolling my eyes. "It's just a costume." I whisper to myself. "Jeez!"
By the end of our costume shopping, Kate picked out a beautiful women's pirate costume; white cotton leotard with a dark brown corset, white lace elbow slips, three different colored belts down the torso (brown, tan, and gray), with an off-white ruffled cape skirt, and Jose picked out some kind of orange thin cotton convict leotard that shows off his amazing body; only covering his manhood and ass, GUILTY written in black bold letters across his backside, then he grabbed a pair of plastic cuffs to go with it.
After grabbing lunch at a nearby diner, we all ride over to Kate's to get ready for a shorter shift at Floggers. I mean, seriously, who doesn't go to a sex club on Hump Day? From What Jose and Kate told me, that's actually their busiest night.
I know that I'll more than likely see Christian there, but I have already coached my mind to try to keep myself together instead of falling into a big pile of goo by his feet.
Yes, tonight I'm going to be strictly professional; which means no dancing with boss, no kissing the boss, etc. I have a boss to do... I mean, err...uhm, I have a job to do, sorry about that. Dammit! I can't even keep my mind clean of the bastard. Ugh! This is going to be harder than thought.
The club is booming with techno-style music when we arrive, and like Jose always says, I'm working it tonight. Kate loaned me a black lace and dark red dress with black Pumps. She helped me curl my hair into loose waves, and applied a dark shadow with liner, mascara, and light peach lipstick with a touch of lipgloss.
I must admit that since I've worked at Floggers, I feel prettier and more confident in myself than I ever did before. I didn't even know that I had self-esteem issues before until now. But I have to add that I honestly feel great, and I love how I look and feel every single time I walk through Floggers' doors.
I don't waist any time, check in with Elena—rather than Christian—and get behind the bar. I'm instantly slammed with alcohol-hungry patrons, pouring in from left and right. Shit, Kate and Jose wasn't kidding.
"Need some help?" I hear from behind me. When I turn my head to look over my shoulder briefly, I'm relieved to see Elliot.
"Hey, El. Yeah, I could really use some extra hands over here." I sigh heavily as I sit 10 shot glasses down, side-by-side and grab the Vodka bottle with the spout and pour a line of shots.
"Who ordered a shot of Vodka?" Elliot yells over the banging sound of Muse's Madness as he grabs a few of the glass and starts handing them out.
I preoccupy myself with a couple of Scotch's when a shadow of a man appears to my left in my peripheral. Suddenly the air feels broodingly tight, and my stomach flips as nausea strikes me. My eyes widen when I recognize the scent of cologne. My body shivers in fear, and I screw my eyes tightly closed as I raise my head.
I know that I shouldn't have looked up at him. My mind was screaming at me to ignore his presence. But I open my eyes and I nearly faint when I see Derek, my step-brother, standing not even three feet away from me. My body freezes. All of the color has literally drained from my face. It is so hard to explain the emotions that I'm feeling right now because I'm not sure if I'm hallucinating or not.
Then the wave of questions crash down on me. When did he get out? How long has he been here? Why is he here? How did he know that I worked here? Has he been following me? Am I safe? Is he going to try to kill me for revenge? Then suddenly, I hear Elliot's voice from beside me.
"Ana? Are you okay? Do you need to go sit down?" Elliot says, grasping my shoulder, forcing me to look at him.
I turn around to see if Derek is still standing there, but he is long gone. Am I that fucking crazy that I am seeing him everywhere when he's not even there?! WTF IS WRONG WITH ME?! "I uhm..." I pant, trying to find words to say. I place my palm onto my forehead as my breathing increases.
Oh no! Not another one! "Elliot? I think I need... I think I-I-I..." And everything goes dark.
Christian POV
"Knock, knock." Elena sings before entering my office, striding over to one of the seats in front of my desk.
"And what brings Her Majesty into my office on such a busy night?" I say, sarcasm evident in my tone.
She laughs. "Oh, cut it out, Christian. I'm here because I was wondering if you had found a new dance partner yet?"
In all honesty, I haven't even thought about it since I fired Leila. "Not yet, I haven't. Why? Have you?" I say as I begin checking my email's as a distraction.
"Well, there is one that brings interest to me, but, I'm not sure how you would feel about it."
Hmm, interesting... I look up, waiting for her to continue.
"What do you think about the bartender? Anastasia Steele?" she asks and my heart slams to a complete stop. Is that supposed to be a trick question? Have I been that obvious with my feelings involving Anastasia?
"And what exactly do you mean, Elena?" I say cooly with a sarcastic smile.
She sits onto the corner of my desk as she clasps her hands on top of her lap. "I mean, how do you feel about having her as your new partner? You know, that thing that the vile little snake, Leila, used to do?"
I sigh. I'm really thinking about this. Even if I wanted Ana to, she would just turn the offer down. She doesn't want me to touch her in any sexual way period. But oh, does it sound tempting. I could touch her in ways that I've wanted to since I first laid eyes on her. Maybe not to a full extent, but this way she might just want more with me. But could I do that to her? Could I really be so cold to take advantage of the situation with Anastasia?
"I highly doubt a woman like Miss Steele would be interested in being a dancer, Elena. Besides, I don't think that she could keep up, nor do I believe that anyone could teach her what it takes to have a place on that stage. It would take a lot of work, and time is what we're lacking here. Wouldn't you agree?"
"No. Not in the slightest." she hisses as she stands, walking over to the mini bar. "You know, Christian, I watched you two Saturday night on the dance floor. You both seemed mighty comfortable together, not to mention she dances with ease, nowhere near as stiff as those girls we watched last night."
She pauses, taking a drink of Scotch before sitting back down onto my desk, directly in front of me this time. "Christian, I believe Anastasia has more potential than any woman I have ever interviewed, scouted out, or even worked with in my entire career here at Floggers. I think you and I both can agree on that."
Dammit! I sit up in my chair, taking the glass of Scotch away from Elena and downing the rest of the amber liquid in one gulp. "Even if I thought that it was okay, Elena, I can promise you that she will not go for it, at all."
"And why do you say that?"
I laugh. "Because she wanted the bartender spot, that's why."
"So?"
"So?! The answer is no, Elena." I snarl.
She sighs, standing, placing a hand down onto my shoulder. "All I'm asking is that you think about it. I don't know what has got you so worked up about the subject, but I hope that you get over whatever it is and reconsider—"
"Elena! Thank God I found you!" Elliot bursts through the door with Jose and Kate behind him, and he's carrying a lifeless Anastasia in his arms. What the fuck?! I jump up from my chair and Elena turns to face them. "I don't know what happened. She just... fainted." he adds, carrying her over to the chaise couch in the corner of the room. Kate kneels beside her and blots a white rag on her forehead.
Shit! "What was she doing before she fainted?" I ask, running over to the mini bar to grab a bottle of water.
"She made shots, which I helped her get them out because the workload was piling up on her, then she made a couple of Scotch's and then it was like she zoned out or something. I shook her a couple of times before she responded and then, boom, she fainted right into my arms." Elliot says, and I can't help but feel jealous that he was there to catch her and I wasn't.
"Does she have a history of this happening, Jose?" Elena asks Jose and he shakes his head, covering his mouth in shock. She kneels in front of Ana, touching her neck, forehead, and right behind the ear, I assume to check for a fever. "She doesn't have a fever, so, if it was me, I would let her just sleep it off."
"Well, she can't stay there all night. I'll get the car up front and El and can bring her out so I can take her home." Jose says.
"No." I murmur, and I nearly regret it when everyone begins staring at me. "I'll take her to Escala with me. It's not like I have to be here, honestly."
"Are you sure? 'Cause I can take her—"
"I'm sure, Jose. Just pick up where she left off at the bar. If she gets worse, which I highly doubt, then I'll call you, alright?" I take a cleansing breath, pulling my phone out of my pocket hitting a number and the send button before pulling my phone up to my ear. "Taylor, pull the car out back. I'll meet you there in a minute." and with that I hang up.
I pinch the bridge of my nose, then look up at all the eyes that are focused on me. "What?!" I snap. "Everyone needs to get back to work."
I walk over to Anastasia's sleeping form and lift her up into my arms. Her head rolls onto my chest, right where my heart is located, and I can't help but just look down at her. She's so beautiful when she's sleeping. Hell, she's beautiful all the time, actually. When I look back up, everyone has left and so I make my way for the back door exit.
Each step I take with her in my arms, I feel somewhat closer to her. I can't really explain it, but I do know that every step I take—my eyes locked onto her beautiful face and her soft skin that brushes against my fingertips—I can feel my heart racing like a bullet train, beating against my chest as if it were desperate to escape the icy prison that it resided in for so long.
Finally, I'm sitting in the back of the Audi SUV, looking down at Anastasia's lifeless body in my arms whilst stroking her hair, heading to Escala. In this moment, there is nothing more that I want other than to take care of her, protect her, and hold onto the tingling warmth that her body brings me.
I realize that for the first time in a long time that I don't just want her tied to my bed; I don't just want her to be down on her knees in front of me, giving me head; I don't just want her riding me like there is no tomorrow. No, what I feel that I want is something I've not considered for years.
I know for a fact that I want Anastasia Rose Steele to be mine... and I honestly don't care what it takes to have her be a part of my life because I know that I'll take her in any God given way that I can have her.
**Song used in this chapter was "Madness" by Muse (2012 Version). Sorry for the long wait. I've got too much going on right now to do much writing, but hopefully I can update sooner than I have been. Excuse any errors, please, i will go back when i can. I'm already working on chapter 8, which is also the beginning of the costume party as well. The party will probably be in two or three chapters, depending on how much I wanna write ;) Anyways, you know what to do! But remember, be respectful if you want a respectful response!**