*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/N: Wow! Just... wow! You all are like truly amazing! Seven Chapters and I have received over 200 reviews, over 180 favorites, and over 380 follows. WOWZA! Seriously, y'all are amazing! I can't thank you all enough. I wanted to especially thank one of Guest Reviewers for actually getting me. Yes, I am totally an aggressive person BUT only when I have to be. Thank you so much for understanding! I appreciate it. :)

So a lot of you have been hoping for a little insight on Ana's past, so, there is a slight glimpse in this chapter of what happened. I hope that helps answer some of your questions.

I want to say that I truly have problems writing in Christian's POV because I do not have a penis, so I don't really know what goes through a man's mind. So if at anytime I confuse you with his POV, just tell me. I honestly know what I am trying to say in his POV, but it is sometimes hard to get out on the computer screen. So please excuse my weirdness. Lol!

This chapter was going to be like extremely long. So, I debated on it for a while on whether or not I should put a piece of the party in it and chose not to. I know I promised, but I needed to get this out there first because I wanted to give you all at least one hot moment before shit hits the fans.

(NOTE: I am not all that great with lemons or hot shit, so if it sucked I am truly sorry!)

I finally decided today (with the lovely help of my awesome side-kick, and partner in crime, GreyShadesofSteele) that I will be breaking this chapter up into two different chapters, and I will try updating tomorrow so you don't have to wait too long. I don't have school going on right now because we're on break (PRAISE JESUS!) lol.

Please, if I don't make the deadline, don't hate me. I DO NOT HAVE INTERNET AT HOME! If you must know where I get my Wi-Fi, then yes, I borrow off the McDonald's Wi-Fi (I know, LAME! LMAO!) But hey, that's how us country hicks here in Bum-Fucked-Egypt Virginia roll! HA!

Anyways, I hope you enjoy. Things are getting heated, so please feel free to grab an ice bucket (or maybe two... okay, three) and read with caution. (Well, it was that hot for me anyways, hehe!)

-Chapter 8—What Is It About Elevators?-

Ana POV

My eyes flutter as I begin to wake. Sight is a little blurry, my head is pounding with a splitting headache, and on instinct, I try to reach my hand for my forehead but soon realize that I can't move my arms at all.

Panic shoots through me. Suddenly, my vision becomes perfectly clear. This isn't my bed, nor is it my room.

My eyes widen and dart up to my bound wrists. I begin to pull, hoping that the rope I've been tied with will give in, but they only become tighter. I try to sit up, but I instantly realize that my ankles are also tied to the bed.

I am immobile.

I can't get free.

This is how my life will end.

My breathing starts to increase. Tears spring into my eyes as I take in my surroundings. I know where I am, but I have no idea how I got here.

The room is dark. Dark gray walls, black curtains, and deep blood red sheets. The wall to my right has been decorated with cut-up photos of me in a collage shaped like a huge heart. By the looks of some of the photos, he's been stocking me for nearly two years. My heart begins to literally beat nearly out of my chest. It's actually painful. And I can't do anything about it because I'm stuck in this bed. On the bright side, I'm clothed.

I look in the far corner, closest to the door, where a small beige colored desk with a pile of books on top of it sits. I strain my neck to look at the books, but I can't really tell what they are from here. I look over my left and notice that there is a dresser with a few framed photos on top of it. I blink a few times and strain both my neck and eyes to see if I can recognize who is in the photos. One is of my stepfather, Ray, holding a baby. I think the baby is me. It's an old photo because Ray looks so young.

Suddenly the door bursts open, and there he is. Derek Steele. Standing at the foot of the bed, staring at me with the look of hatred. He looks like a starving animal.

Oh God, what is he going to do to me?

I begin pulling and tugging with all four of my limbs, desperate to get free. I can't die like this. I can't die by his hand. He smiles as he walks all predatory-like towards me, then I feel the bed sink at my feet. He's crawling his way up the bed, up towards me and all I can think to do in this moment is start screaming for help.

"No one can hear you, Anastasia." he says devilishly.

Derek sits on my legs, straddling me. He smiles again as he leans down towards me to—what I assume—kiss me. I scream even louder, if that's even possible, and he grabs my shoulders and starts shaking me.

"Stop screaming!" he yells, concern written all over his face. Tears fall down my face uncontrollably and I don't stop screaming. "You're having a bad dream, Anastasia. Wake up!" he yells. Only this time, he sounds a bit like... Christian?

Derek suddenly disappears and it is now Christian hovered over my body while shaking me. "It's okay, Ana, I'm here. Nothing and no one is going to hurt you." Christian says as he continues to shake me. "Anastasia! Wake. Up!" he demands.

"Ana! Stop. STOP! It was only a dream!"

I finally look up, realizing that I am beating the hell out of... "Christian?" I whisper.

I jump up out of the bed and look down at my nearly nude form. Oh, God! Please tell me I didn't! I look back up to Christian. "Where is my dress?" I ask, embarrassed that I'm standing in front of my boss with nothing but a shirt, bra and panties on. He doesn't respond. Instead he continues to stare at me.

I roll my eyes as I begin searching the room for my dress so that I can leave. This is extremely weird considering the circumstances.

"I sent Taylor to buy you some clothing if you would like to change." he says. Praise Jesus! He speaks! Pointing over at a desk that sits in the far corner of the room, I see a paper bag sitting on top of it. "Thank you." I murmur, walking over to grab the bag.

Forgetting where I'm at, I pull off the white shirt, leaving me in just my black and teal lace bra and panties. I hear a sharp intake of breath from behind me and I instantly freeze; my eyes now wide and my mouth is gaped open in shock. Oh, Jesus... what the hell is wrong with you, Steele?!

I quickly grab the sheet off the bed and run for what I assume is the bathroom. Shit! It's the closet. I'm sure that Christian is having a field day with the fact that I'm making a complete ass of myself right now. And I'm in my underwear for Christ's sake!

I guess I can take a shower later when I go back home. I drop the sheet and grab the contents out of the bag. Hmm, nice! There are a pair of dark-blue jeans, black Converse shoes and a plain dark gray T-shirt inside. Wait, how did he know the size of my clothes? I shrug, putting on the clothing before exiting the rather large walk-in closet.

Christian is now nowhere to be seen once I'm back in the bedroom. I guess I embarrassed him with my awkward actions. Hell, I embarrassed myself to the point of wanting to throw myself out of the floor-to-ceiling window across the room right about now. Good going, Anastasia! You've just earned your Undress-In-Front-Of-Your-Boss badge! Yipee!

I head downstairs and boy is this place amazing. It's like walking through a palace. Beautiful art from various artists hanging on the wall; all different shapes and sizes. A crystal clear, rain shaped chandelier hanging from the ceiling in the middle of the staircase. The walls are pearly white, with black trim along the tops and bottoms of the walls.

When I make it downstairs into what looks like the living room, I notice that the floor is made of salt n' pepper marble. There is a beautiful black grand piano to my left. It sits facing the floor to ceiling windows that has a spectacular view of Seattle. There is a black leather L-shaped sofa to my right with mahogany end and coffee tables with black marble tops. There are white lamps with black shades sitting on each end table.

I make my way over to the window to take in the beautiful scenery before me. Seattle is truly a sight to behold from up here. Up here in the castle of the sky. I'm sure if I stood on the rooftop of the building, I would literally be able to touch a cloud, we're so high.

I laugh at the ridiculousness of it all, then frown when I see a shadow appear in my peripheral. I turn to see Christian holding out a glass of orange juice for me. I take it, thanking him quietly because I honestly don't know what else to say, plus, I'm still pretty embarrassed from my earlier strip-show I performed in front of him. I know I probably have turned into several shades of crimson by the thought of my actions, because my face seems to be on fire now.

"You fainted at the club." he breaks the silence, causing me to jump from being startled by his sudden appearance. And damn, does he look good. You can tell he's cleaned up and he's wearing a dark gray suit with a dark blue silk tie. "Nobody really knew what to do, so Elena suggested that you sleep it off." he says, unbuttoning his suit and taking a seat on the couch.

I look down, unable to form words even though I have played this out several times in my head since I ran into his closet. I sigh, taking a drink of the juice he gave me. "So, you brought me here?" I ask.

"Yes."

"Why didn't you just take me to my apartment?" I say a little more angry than I wanted to. He stares at me for a moment, shock evident in his expression by my tone and I sit back onto the couch, glaring at him.

"Because I had no way in, otherwise, I would have. You were passed out, and Jose was still at the club. I didn't want to disturb you, nor him over the matter. So, here you are." he says. Oh...

"Where is here exactly anyways?" I ask more calmly, unable to look him in the eye.

"Escala. This is my apartment." Wow...nice digs!

I become mute. I'm not sure what to say. Did we have sex last night? Did he change my clothes? Where is my purse?

"To answer your questions, Anastasia..." he sits up, sitting his glass down onto the table. Did I ask those questions out loud? Oh, God... just let the bowels of hell open up and swallow me whole already! Jeez! I turn crimson again as I squirm in my seat.

"No, we did not have sex last night. I would never take advantage of you, especially since you were passed out and slept all night." he says. Wow. So he can be a gentleman after all.

"Yes, I took your dress off..." oh Jesus! That sounded so hot coming from him... "and yes, I put one of my shirts on you. As beautiful as that dress looks on you, Anastasia, you looked pretty uncomfortable, and since none of this was planned, I had nothing for you to wear, hence why you were wearing one of my shirts." Is it possible that he could have said that any hotter? I squeeze my legs together as my core begins to throb.

"And as far as your purse goes, Jose brought it by here after his shift. It's in the foyer if you would like to go get it."

"I've never been here before, so how would I know where your foyer is?" I say exasperated by his choice of words.

"Touche, Miss Steele. I'll go get it then." he smirks, standing and heading out of the room. I can't help but stare at his glorious ass. Oh, my! Is it firm. Hmmm...

I get up and walk around his apartment until I make into the kitchen. Damn! The kitchen is bigger than my apartment! I walk over to the wooden, dark gray marble-top kitchen island, tracing my fingers along the smooth surface as I go by it. There is a fruit-bowl sitting in the middle of it with a variety of different fruits. I grab a banana, peeling it half way and take a bite. Mmm, so good.

Large cherry-wood cabinets hang high and low, framing the kitchen. A huge solid steel refrigerator sits next to a matching stove and stackable ovens. A large cherry-wood table sits over near the floor-to-ceiling windows that lead into the living room that could sit at least twelve people. Nice! It's quite obvious that this man is a billionaire.

"There you are." he says, causing me to jump from being startled by his sudden presence. "Sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you. I see that you've made yourself comfortable while I was away." he adds, nodding his head towards the banana in my hand. Whoops...

"Oh, uhm... yeah, sorry. I was feeling a little hungry." I whisper. He smiles.

"No need to apologize, Miss Steele. You can have whatever you'd like."

"Thank you." I mumble, taking another bite of the banana. Suddenly, I realize what today is. "Shit!" I whisper to myself.

"Are you okay?" he asks.

"What time is it?" I ask, panicked.

He narrows his eyes at me, then looks down at his wrist. "It's a quarter past seven. Why?"

I'm going to be late for class! SHIT!

"I have to go home. I have to get ready for class. Oh God, I'm going to be late!" I ramble, tossing the banana into the trash bin next to me, and running around the apartment searching for the way out.

"Anastasia, wait."

I stop dead in my tracks, crossing my arms. Now I'm starting to feel even more panicky, and honestly, I don't know why. I spin around, facing him. "I really need to get going, Christian. Not everyone can sit around and do nothing for the hell of it because they are stinking rich, because not all of us are multi-billionaires like yourself. Yes, I may struggle to pay for my tuition and all that great stuff, but I have worked hard to get where I am at now, and I can't afford any distractions to keep me from receiving my goal." and with that I walk towards a set of elevators, hitting the call button, even though I have no idea where the hell to go or where this elevator leads to.

When the doors open, I walk inside, Christian right behind me. "I was actually going to offer you a ride over to the university, Miss Steele. No speech about the importance of a college education was really necessary. But, thank you. You sure do have a way with words." he smirks.

I roll my eyes, crossing my arms. Bastard!

Once the doors close, and the elevator begins to go down, I notice that the atmosphere has changed around us dramatically. Even though it's just us in the elevator, it feels like there are twenty more passengers inside with us. I'm finding it harder to breathe. That familiar electric feeling travels through my body, all the way down to my...well, down there. I look up at him from under my lashes, and I'll be damned if he doesn't feel it too.

He's staring at me, his mouth slightly open. His breathing has increased and his eyes are three shades darker. I bite my lip and he groans, looking away from me as he clears his throat. My heart is racing and I'm beginning to feel wet between my thighs. I shift my legs, trying to find some sort of relief, but fail miserably.

He looks down at me as I look up at him. I gasp. The tension is highly evident between us. He takes a step closer to me, and I take one back. He takes another, and another, and I follow suit, taking steps back until my back is flush against the elevator wall. He takes two more steps closer. He's merely centimeters away from me.

I can feel the heat radiating off his body, followed by a spark of electricity as his hands grasp my hips. Oh, Dear God! The feeling is mind-blowing, and all I can think about in this moment is how I don't want him to stop. His dark gaze travels down to my lips then back up into my ocean blues. I think he's going to kiss me. Part of me wants this, but the other half is screaming at the top of her lungs, saying how wrong this truly is.

Oh, fuck!

His hands move to cup my face as he slowly leans in towards me, and oddly I find myself leaning towards him, too. Our lips are almost touching now. I can literally taste his breath. My eyes close and I wait for his lips to finally touch mine, but the elevator pings, and the doors open to the lobby.

"Fuck!" he breathes as he backs away from me. Suddenly I feel embarrassed because deep down I know this is wrong. So why does it feel so right?

Swallowing hard, I push past him to leave, when I feel that familiar spark shoot from my hand to my groin as he pulls me back into the elevator. He pushes the parking lot button, then pushes the stop button when we are in between the 1st and parking lot floors. Slowly, he turns to face me, and within seconds, he shoves me up against the wall and crashes his lips against mine.

Holy Mother of God!

On instinct, I reach up and fist my hands into his hair, and his arms wrap around my waist. His tongue darts out, seeking entrance into my mouth. I open my mouth, granting him access and our tongues begin dancing together in sweet passion. Oh, this feels so good... but you need to stop this, NOW!

I can't! I just can't help myself!

A moan escapes me, echoing in his mouth, and I'm instantly rewarded with a groan from deep within his throat in return. The kiss becomes more frantic, more needing and wild, all to the point that I just can't find my self control to stop him. Honestly, I don't know if I want to stop him. No! I don't want him to stop at all.

He pulls away from my lips, only briefly to squeeze my backside, and I gasp as he lifts me up against him, sitting me onto the rail. Naturally, I wrap my legs around his torso. He bites my lower lip, sliding his hands up and down my thighs which is rewarded by another moan from me. He presses his lips against mine once again and thrusts up against my sex, causing me to whimper into his mouth.

But as the saying goes, 'All Good Things Must Come To An End'. The elevator pings and he breaks the kiss, placing me back onto my feet. When did the elevator start moving again? Wait... what am I doing? What have I done? What happened to being professional?

Obviously, everything I have told myself about Christian went straight out the damn window... and straight to my vagina.

I suppose it isn't just men who think with their sex. Women obviously do, too. Well, at least Anastasia Steele does...

I sigh. Oh God, what am I going to do now?

Christian POV

The ride over to the university was a quiet one. I assume it was all because of the intense, raw kiss that we shared in the elevator. I honestly don't know what came over me. I really thought that I had more control over myself than that. But with the sudden atmosphere change, I just couldn't resist her anymore, and once our lips touched, I couldn't bring myself to stop. What was that anyways? Why is it every time we touch, or are close to each other, there is an electric charge between us? Honestly, I don't know. I've never felt that way before with anyone. Not even Leila.

Egh, Leila...

The thought of that bitch makes me feel physically sick. I honestly don't know what I was thinking bringing her back into my life—even as my sub—when I did. I cringe thinking about it. I'm so fucked up it's not even funny. Here I am, a smart, well-educated, CEO billionaire, getting into a relationship with a crazed lunatic of a woman named Leila Williams, find her in bed with my first—and last—female security members, then take the bitch back as my sub. What the hell was I thinking?! I guess at the time, I wasn't thinking. At least not about anyone but my selfish self.

See? That's why you can't have Anastasia! I'm incapable of caring. Love is for fools, remember?!

Last night was another sleepless night for me. I couldn't get Anastasia out of my head, nor the fact that she was lying in my bed with only a dress shirt and underwear on. I wanted to leave her alone in what she was wearing, but the truth of the matter was, she looked completely uncomfortable.

So, I grabbed one of my white dress shirts and changed her. I prayed that she wouldn't wake up the whole time, thankfully she didn't. That would have been an awkward situation to explain myself over. At the same time, I had imagined her waking up and fucking me senseless. But that is the monster in me talking.

Yes, I played several songs on the piano that night, trying desperately to get her out of my mind. I made a promise that even though I want Anastasia in my life, the feelings are not mutual. She doesn't want me. Hell, she doesn't need a man like me. I'm too dark, cold, cruel and heartless. Or am I? I think back to when she was in my arms in the SUV and I smile at how good it felt to hold her.

Feel... I actually felt something?

This is all so very confusing for me. One minute I picture her chained up to the cross in my playroom, the next I... I actually picture myself having her in my life forever.

But if truth be told of the whole situation, it would be in her best interest that I stay away from her. I'm just no good for a wonderful yet innocent human being like Anastasia Steele. But something deep inside of me wants her. Craves her. And needs her.

I just want to take care of her in some way. But how? She's a difficult woman to pursue. Suddenly, an idea pops into my head, and I smile at the thought.

I drivel my Audi R8 Spyder to a halt in front of the university, shutting off the engine. And I must admit that I'm not too happy she's leaving. I sigh, getting out of the car, and walking around the car to open the door for her. She hops out and stands, staring at the ground for a moment before looking back up to me.

"Uhm... Thanks for the ride, Christian. Oh, and for the clothes." she murmurs, biting her lip.

"Laters, Ana." I smile and I lean in and kiss her cheek good-bye. She smiles, then takes off towards the university and I notice that people are staring. Fuck it. I'm used to it... I honestly don't care right now. My eyes dart back to Anastasia, whose ass looks glorious in the jeans Taylor purchased for her. I need to give the man a raise! I continue to stand there, watching Ana until she disappears into the building.

Soon after, I walk inside myself, heading straight for the dean's office to have a chat with good ol' Mr. Zilanski.

Ana POV

Christian Grey this... Christian Grey that! I wish that I had come here on my own without him. Jesus H. Christ! I swear if one more person asks me what my role is with The Great Christian Grey again, I'm going to scream.

Is he your boyfriend?—nope. Is he really as intimidating as he acts?—oh boy, is he ever! Is he good in bed?—what the fuck?! Is he gay—seriously? NO! He fucking kissed me for God's sake! But I never voice that last sentence. Ugh! All day I have been asked question after question after question. People I didn't even talk to before asked me questions.

It's really annoying because everyone that knows me here, knows that I don't do distractions. And Christian Grey has been the biggest distraction so far... Which reminds me that I have to avoid Christian by any means necessary now because I have finals coming up soon.

I still haven't figured out how exactly to pay off the rest of my school expenses. I still have a ways to go and the deadline is set for Spring Break, which is in a little over a week.

By noon, I finish my last class of the day and receive a note from my teacher that the dean wants to see me after class. I'm a little worried to be honest. I really don't know what he's going to say.

I sigh as I walk into the office, letting the secretary know that I'm there and take a seat to wait. I close my eyes as thoughts of Christian invade my mind. I haven't been able to get him off my mind since our last kiss. I mean, yeah, we've kissed before, but that also lead to me slapping him, and breakfast and me running away from him like a damn idiot when the man clearly wants something to do with me.

But people like Christian Grey are dangerous. He doesn't seem the hearts and flowers type of guy. And that is exactly what I hope for in a man. I want to be able to go to the movies and eat popcorn and make-out. I want a guy to go ice skating with me, even though I can't skate. I want a guy to look at me and tell me I'm beautiful everyday, whether I believe him or not, because he wants to make me feel special. I just want a guy to love me for me.

But oh, God, the way he kissed me in the elevator. I felt wanted for the first time. My legs literally turned into jello and I was actually grateful that he sat me on the rail so that I didn't fall into the floor. God only knows what would have happened if we ended up in the floor. His kiss was so thrilling. So soft, yet hard and passionate at the same time. So controlling... so hot... so... Oh, I wish he hadn't stopped! I can only imagine what it would be like to make love with someone like Christian if the man can kiss like that. Having him inside me, thrusting into me until I reach sweet oblivion and...

"Miss Steele."

I jump as if I had been caught with my hand in the cookie jar, resting my palm onto my chest. Jesus!

"Sorry to startle you." he says. Oh, no problem, Mr. Zilanski. I was just secretly having wet daydreams of my boss, so apology excepted!

I walk inside of the conference room, and take a seat at the table. I bounce my leg out of nervousness. I guess some habits die hard. It's extremely quiet for what seems likes an eternity. I can't really take it. I'm so nervous I feel sick. Is he dropping me out of my classes? Is he keeping me from graduating?

"Miss Steele. I've called you in here today because I wanted to talk to you about your past du—"

"Mr. Zilanski." I interrupt him. "I'm doing my best here. I know that I haven't paid all that much, trust me, I do. But I took your advice and I got a second job. I promise that I'll have the rest of the—"

"Anastasia." he says, putting his hand up to stop me. Whoa! He never calls me by my given name. "I called you in here specifically to give you this." he pauses to hand me a folded piece of paper. I open it and gasp as tears threaten my eyes. What the... "I also want to let you know that Mr. Grey—"

I jump up from my chair, sending it backwards. "Mr. Grey?!" I hiss. I am literally pissed off. What in God's name does he think he's doing? Buying his way into my heart? I don't fucking think so! That's not how it works! "He did this? H-he... paid my past due balance and you let him?"

"Miss Steele..."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Zilanski. It's just... I don't know. I mean, I wanted to be able to do all of this on my own. So if you will, please excuse me, for I have an arrogant boss that I should be thanking." I lie through grit teeth. Oh, buddy... do I plan on thanking him. I'm going to floor him! How dare he inade my personal life like this! How could he?

Christian Grey better be sitting alone in his office if he doesn't want a scene. Because the moment I walk through the doors of Grey Enterprises, I plan on ripping him a brand spanking new one.

Pins are up, and updated to go along with the chapters. I didn't post many for this chapter, but i will when i get time.

**O.O Okay, please don't kill me! I promise the party is in the next chapter FOR SURE! It really isn't what it looks like. Things are not even going to be all that bad between them. If it helps, there is a lemon coming soon. I have it mapped out in my fucked up head as we speak MUAHAHAHA! Lol. Oops, sorry, I actually like drama, although I do not plan on keeping them apart for long AT ALL! I thought that this chapter was well, meh. Lol. Forgive me for any mistakes, my laptop is having spasms lately (as well as my hands) hehe-hoho-haha-waha! Okay, let me know what you think, but of course, AS ALWAYS, be respectful! XOXO! Peace!