*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 just... W.O.W! I didn't really have time to thank you all personally through PM, so I'm thank you ALL here, now. THANK YOU SO MUCH! Even when I doubt myself, you all completely blow me away.

Wow!

A lot of you answered the questions from last chapter, and only a few hit the hammer on the nail ;) But the real question is, WHEN will all of that unfold? Some in this chapter, and so on.

I wanted to answer one question here because I feel that it is really important for ALL of my readers to know. I do not know if I will add BDSM into the story or not. I personally have not had any experiences involving that type of lifestyle so, I don't know how well I will be able to write a scene (if that is what you want?)

I don't know. I will say that I WILL keep an open mind about it, 'kay? ;)

This chapter has less Christian, and more Ana time because I didn't have a lot of time to write. If you read my Author's note at the bottom you will see why and also see why I will not be updating for a little while. Plus, I have poll news as well. I'm sorry if this chapter sucked, my mind is really blank for reasons mentioned below.

Also, this chapter is shorter and I'm sorry about that.

Anyways, may the drama begin...

-Chapter 10—Submission-

Ana POV

I can't breathe. My heart has become a frantic mess, and Christian is still staring at me, searching my eyes for answers that I'm not sure I can give him. I want this with him, whatever this is... believe me I do... But deep down I'm afraid. There, I said it! I am a-fucking-fraid of what comes with a package like Christian.

Danger is the first word to come to mind...

Christian Grey is dangerous. The way he looks at me; touches me; kisses me; and, most importantly, the way he fucked me in his office, it all comes down to two words—control freak. He even has this dominance persona about him and honestly, it scares me to death.

"I want you to be mine." he says, and our eyes locked. His tone is slightly demanding, yet soft.

"I'm not interested in hearts and flowers right now, Christian. I have too much going on to even consider." I murmur in response.

"Neither am I." he says, softly. He leans in towards my ear—like he has done so many times before—and begins whispering softly to me. "But I still want you, Anastasia. Just knowing that you exist causes delicious tremors to crawl underneath my skin."

I shiver, closing my eyes as he places a soft kiss against my neck which soon turns into wet open-mouthed kisses. "What? Like friends with benefits?" I choke out, distracted by his assault on my neck.

"No, Anastasia. We're hardly friends to even use the term, wouldn't you agree?" he says, raising back up to look into my eyes.

I laugh, wrapping my arms around his neck, playing with strands of hair along his hairline with my fingertips. "I suppose you're right."

He growls, spinning me around so that my back is flush against his front. One hand rests on my shoulder, the other laying flat on my belly with mine on top of his, pushing me into him. He moves all of my hair to one shoulder, tugging gently to tilt my head to the side which gives him full access to my neck. But he surprises me and pulls down the strap of my costume to the side of my arm before biting my bare shoulder. I gasp, yelping my approval as my eyes close to the delicious feeling of fire burning in between my legs. He soothes his bite with his tongue and I shiver at how wonderful it feels to be treading the line of pain and pleasure.

I moan, tilting my head back against his shoulder as he continues his assault up my neck. It isn't until he starts sucking the flesh that my eyes burst open and I spin around to face him once more. "Oh, no you don't, Grey. You've already left one hickey. I'm not welcoming another."

He chuckles. "Why not? Then everyone would know that you belong to me."

"Christian." I whisper, rolling my eyes as I tilt my head, surrendering to him. He sinks his teeth into the sensitive flesh once more and I whimper my satisfaction. "I still don't understand what you want from me." I add, my body imprisoned by his tender touch.

He gently presses his lips against mine for a soft kiss, then on my jaw, moving towards my ear. "What I want is your submission, Anastasia."

Christian POV

I knew that this subject would have been a touchy one with her considering what her stepbrother did to her.

Considering we're now on the topic of Derek Steele, I still have yet to hear anything more about his whereabouts from Welch.

Since yesterday morning, Derek has managed to slip out of my security's reach. He's practically fell off the face of this Earth. I've been forced to fire a couple of my best men because of it. Clearly if they were doing their jobs right, he wouldn't have went missing in the first place.

Her body tenses and she pushes back away from me. The look in her eyes forces my breath to hitch into my throat; wide and full of caution. I search her eyes questioningly, hoping she will put me out of my misery and put words to her fear-trembling body. She blinks rapidly, swallowing so hard it's audible. She's terrified, I can tell.

Her heart is racing, her breathing has increased, and her eyes have dilated. Christ, Christian... what the fuck is wrong with you?

I'm a selfish bastard, that's what...and I want Anastasia in every way possible.

But suddenly, an unknown emotion fills my icy heart... Regret.

I regret bringing up the subject. Yes, I know. It's not like me to fucking care. But oddly, I do. I truly do regret it.

"A subject to be discussed at another time, Mr. Grey." she whispers, her voice is shaky and hoarse; fear evident in her tone and honestly—as the saying goes—it hits me where it hurts.

I'm stunned. Absolutely stunned. And honestly, I have no idea why. Thinking of the things she's been through, I kind of expected her to refuse being my sub. In fact, I played it over and over in my head the many ways she would reject me, but... wow, this was a complete shocker.

She turned to leave but I caught her wrist, pulling her flush against me. Our eyes lock. Her brows furrow, causing a cute V to form between them. Wait... cute, Grey?

I believe I was right. I've become softer than I thought.

I shake my head, looking down, and my eyes are screwed shut. This isn't me. At least not the real me. I need to pull myself together for the sake of my sanity. I can't allow this one individual to walk into my life and take away years of practiced control away from me. This is the most I've ever felt out of control, but at the same time, I feel... normal.

You're not normal though, Grey. You're a Dom. Snap out of this trance she's put you under and open your damn eyes to the reality of what you do.

"Give me one night. Just... one." I plead. I can't just stand there and take no for an answer. I won't. I want her. No, I need her. I kiss her jaw, trailing my tongue up to her lips. Our eyes locked once again. "I can show you things you've never imagined, Ana. I can make your body feel things that you've only ever dreamed of."

I cup her face when she doesn't respond. Her mouth is gaped open as if she is trying to say something, but I cut her off. "I know that you went through hell, Anastasia, and I only hope that one day you enlighten me of the subject, but if you do this with me, I promise that you will be safe with me at all times. I will protect you, take care of you, and worship you. I would never do anything to hurt you." I whisper that last part because I know that it's a lie. I would end up hurting her. I just know I would. I can't give her more than what's on the table. If she asked for more, I would disappoint her greatly, which would later turn into her suffering with a broken heart.

But I have to try. Now that I've gotten a taste of one Anastasia Rose Steele, I need the whole package. I know that I've said many times that I'd take her in any way I can have her, but the Dom in me is too selfish to let such an opportunity slip by. I'm too comfortable with the life I live now. I tried hearts anf flowers once, and look at where it got me. I'm not too sure how long I want this with Anastasia yet, but I'm sure we can discuss that at a later time.

"I will think about it. But in all honesty, Mr. Grey, I'm not sure if I'm the right woman for what it is you want." she sighs, shaking her head, and pulling away from me. "And you're right, I've been through hell involving my stepbrother, which I still have issues with. But," she pauses and my heart races in anticipation, "my gut tells me that you would never hurt me, and so far it has never lied to me, yet." she smiles, running one of her hands through my hair before sliding it down my cheek. "I have to get back to work, Christian, before Elena comes searching for me and finds us in the broom closet like teenagers." she adds, giggling nervously. She reaches up onto her tip-toes kissing my cheek before walking back out to the main floor, opening the doors to allow entrance, leaving me stunned beyond belief once again.

Ana POV

Submission...

He wants my submission. Of all the things... He could have asked me out to dinner. A movie. Possibly even to play laser tag. Hell, he could have asked me to go to a stripper joint and I would have complied as long as I received an unlimited amount of beer drafts. But he asked for me to be something—someone—that I am not, and possibly that I will never be.

The moment the word fell out of his mouth, my mind gave way to flashes of the pain and torture Derek fucking Steele had put me through in his one bedroom shitty apartment. My stepbrother's words were the same as Christian's that horrid night. I want your submission...

I shiver at the memory, screwing my eyes shut as I make my way back to the bar. I know what I need to shake the previous events. I need a fucking drink. I scan the shelf for something strong, turning around only briefly to see if he had followed me to the bar. He hasn't—thank God!

Tonight, I think I need something stronger than Vodka. Johnny Walker Black? Or will it be Johnny Walker Red? Hmmm... There's really no difference if you ask me. Johnny Walker Black it is...

I pour myself a shot, slinging it back immediately. I pour another one, and then another until I've consumed nine shots... I think?

I actually lost count after the fourth, but who's counting? Sure as hell isn't this girl. I'd rather just drink until my memory banks have fully erased the mental scars of Derek Steele.

"Rough night?" I hear a deep, dark voice from behind me. I turn around to see Ethan and honestly, I'm relieved.

"I guess you could say that." I smile nervously, putting the bottle back onto the shelf before cleaning off the bar considering I made a slight mess. Oops...

"Well, I sure hope that you can handle your alcohol. Elena wouldn't be too happy if you're drinking the clubs products, much less getting drunk on the job while consuming the clubs products." he murmurs, raising a brow with a half smile.

It isn't until now that I realize what he's wearing. Damn, he looks pretty hot. But he's definitely not Christian 's got on faded blue denim jeans with cuts around the knees. No shirt. A yellow and black caution vest and he even has a white hard hat and a tool belt with actual tools in it. "Construction worker?" I giggle, changing the subject.

He looks down at himself chuckling, then back up to me. Is he really just realizing himself what he's wearing? And here he is telling me that I shouldn't get drunk. Hmph! Well, look who's talking, buddy!

"Yep. I guess so."

"You guess?" I question as a women comes to the bar. "What can I get 'ya?" I say, turning my attention to her.

She plops down onto the bar stool next to Ethan where he tips his hard hat like a cowboy would in one of many westerns I used to watch with Ray. Speaking of Ray, I need to call him on my break. I snort a laugh at Ethan's gesture before bringing my sights back in the woman's direction.

"Any chance that you make Berryoska Blackberry Cocktails?" she sighs, looking out towards the dance floor.

"Sure do. I'll have it ready in a jiffy." I smile, turning to grab the Russian Standard Vodka from the shelf. I kneel down to grab the rest of my ingredients. Blackberries, a lime, sugar, and I scoop out a cup of ice along with a tumbler, sitting all of the contents down in front of me.

I look up and notice Ethan is still sitting in front of me, staring and I must admit, it's making me feel slightly uncomfortable. "So, Ethan." I begin, breaking the awkward silence between us. "Tell me, because I'm curious, but do you love what you do here? The exotic dancing I mean." I yell over Beyonce singing about her haunted love.

Cutting a lime in half and squeezing the juices into the tumbler with the sugar, I toss in three blackberries. I muddle them together then add ice and the Vodka before stirring them all together. I decorate it with another blackberry.

"It all depends." he says as I place down a napkin, grabbing another stir straw and stick it down into the drink, sitting the full tumbler onto the napkin and sliding it towards the woman. She thanks me, lays down a ten, then walks off.

"On what exactly? It's a yes or no question." I giggle, leaning on the bar.

"Well, honestly, it's all a matter of opinion. Some of us like what we do. Others don't. Me personally? Well, I'm really not a huge fan of it. But it pays all of my bills and my car payment, so, can't really complain." he says, looking towards the stage. The bed seems to be missing now and is replaced by a ruby dark red chaise lounge. What happened to the bed?

"You never feel weird about being semi-naked in front of crazed control freaks allowing them to drool over you or go upstairs to fuck their loved one while fantasizing about your body?" I ask, curiously.

He chuckles. "Not one bit. Look, why are you even curious?"

"Because Elena has offered me Leila's spot and I am sort of curious now on how it all works, I guess." I shrug. Kate walks over with Rose and Gwen. Ethan salutes sarcastically at me before taking off. "Hey." I smile in their direction.

Rose sighs, rolling her eyes as she falls down onto a stool, banging her head silently on the bar. "Ugh!"

"Don't worry about her. She's just not really fond of Elena's new routine." Gwen giggles, taking a seat next to her.

"It requires movements that not even she is capable of!" Rose whines, finally raising her head. "Ana, I think I'll have some whiskey, please, doll. Hopefully it will help loosen me up before showtime." she smiles.

Kate and I laugh. "So, Ana. What mischief was you and my lovely brother into?" she asks, batting her eyes at me.

"Whoa! Stop there. I was only trying to get advice is all."

"Advice?" Gwen asks, raising a brow as I sit the tumbler with her drink down in front of her.

"Yeah, like... Well, Elena offered me Leila's spot and... I don't know. How do you all feel about being exotic dancers in front of all of these people? I mean, it has to be pretty intense, right?" I ask, coming around the bar and sitting next to them.

"Mmm... yeah. Like big time." Rose says swallowing a big gulp of whiskey. "But I love it! And Gwen has agreed with me. It's loads of fun turning on prowling men of darkness then later when they hit on us, we give them the big shocker of a lifetime by making out with each other."

"Hmm, yeah. But Rose, dear, that just makes matters worse because what man doesn't get hard by the sight of girl-on-girl action?" Gwen laughs. "Ohh, how I love my job." she sighs with a smile.

"Look, Ana, in my experience, I've learned to not allow the type of audience we have to discourage me." Kate says. "Don't think about it, just do it. Kind of like an acting gig or something. Christian will be your partner, right?"

I nod. "Yep. If I even take the offer, that is."

"Well, my best advice for you is, pretend that you and Christian are the only one's who exist. If you ever decide to take the promotion, just act like you're practicing the routine with him on stage. Then once you're used to it, the jitters will disappear. It's not like you're having sex on stage, but are doing sexual acts." she adds and I laugh.

"I agree with Katie." Jose chimes in. "I believe it all comes down to how well you can act. Look at me for example. I'm not too keen on the opposite sex, and neither are Rose and Gwen, but we don't allow the audience to know that fact about us. I mean, sure, Gwen and Rose can put on a big show with Make-out 101, but none of the people who watch us know that they are really together in real life. It's all just an act once you cross the threshold of Floggers. And that truly is the best part about it. Being in a world that you can just be and have fun doing it."

"Thanks guys, for everything. I think this helps me with my decision too." I say a little relieved.

Jose pats my back. "Of course, we've got your back. Especially me, but you already know that. Whatever your decision is, we will back you up all of the way, Annabelle. But it's all up to you."

All up to me... Right.

A couple of hours pass and it's finally time for my break. I haven't seen Christian since our encounter in the broom closet. He's probably been busy in his office or something. A CEO billionaire like him probably has to constantly deal with the life of mergers and acquisitions. I still can't seem to get what he said to me earlier out of my head. It's been nagging at me all night.

I make my way outside into the cool night air and breathe in a large intake of breath before sitting on a bench and pulling my phone out of my purse. For a moment, I stare into my purse at what I like to refer to as my best friend and protector. I trace my fingers over the smooth metal surface of my .38 Snub Nose Smith & Wesson. I remember the day I went to buy it and, of course, why. It seemed like it took forever to finally get Derek behind bars and considering at the time that he was out on bail, I wasn't about to take a risk of him possibly finishing what he started or worse... kill me.

Ray insisted that I buy it and he went with me the day I made the purchase. I've only shot it a few times while visiting Ray, but I've never had to actually use it. Don't get me wrong, Ray loves Derek because he is his first and only birth child, but he despises him greatly for all of the things he's done to me. But in the end, I know Ray better than most people, he still loves him deeply, and I wouldn't expect anything else from such a wonderful man like Raymond Steele.

Ray has been the only man I've ever been close to out of all of the men my mother wedded. He treated me like his own, gave me his name even, and raised me into the sarcastic, friendly, warm hearted and independent woman I am today. It wasn't until my fourteenth birthday that Derek came and shook our lives forever.

I can still remember Ray's facial expression when Derek arrived. He had no idea that he fathered a son because Maria Blackwell, one of Ray's summer affairs never told him that she was pregnant. But Derek sure knew about him.

"Hey Annie. How's my favorite girl?"

I sigh. "Doing good, Daddy. Just thinking about you. How's things going your way?"

"Well, since Derek was released fro—"

"Wait. What?" I come to a complete standing position. My body is on fire with rage. How did this happen?

"I thought that you knew?" he says, worry evident in his tone.

Oh my God. This isn't happening. Why has my life suddenly turned upside down? Why can't everything go back to the way it was? Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. The color has more than likely drained completely from my face. I feel despair deep within my heart and anger boiling through my veins. "So I wasn't imagining him." I whisper more to myself, but apparently Ray had heard me.

"Annie?"

"Uhm... Er... Yeah. I'm here. Are you sure, dad?" I'm totally shocked and confused.

"I wish that it wasn't. Hell, I was even shocked when I received the call to pick him up, which of course, I declined. Seems Derek used me as a contact."

"B-But how? They guaranteed he wouldn't get out." I say, exasperated. "Dammit!" I mumble to myself.

"I wouldnt worry too much about it, kitten. You have protection now, and i highly doubt that he would bother you after all of these years. But, as much as I love talking to you, I'll call you back tomorrow. Maybe you can come give your ol' Pops a visit soon. You know, catch up some. But my game is on and this is the last one of the season, so we'll talk more about it tomorrow."

I sigh, giggling a little as I do. "Alright, daddy. Love you."

"Love you, Annie."

I habg up and continue to sit on the bench outside of the club, my mind racing a million miles per minute. I have so much to think about now. Elena's offer. Then there is Christian, and now, of course, my dad wants me to visit. I have finals creeping around the corner now, then spring break. And to add the cherry on top of a fine sundae, Derek is out of prison which skyrockets my worry-o-meter.

"Just perfect." I muble to myself sarcastically. How did my life end up so fucked up?

Finally, I get off the bench and walk back inside to my duties at the bar, only to find things just became even wilder. I completely freeze at the sight in front of me and I'm not too sure of what to do. Standing before me is Leila and all of her fakeness as she smiles as if she's won the Nobel Prize. Beside her though, is the last person I wanted to see again. So its true... And what's worse is that he's standing right in front of me in the place of where I work.

"Anastasia."

"Derek."

**Okay, so this was a little harder for me to write because my mind has been super slow due to some devastating events that happened over the weekend. My aunt has been taken to the hospital where she is fighting for her life on a ventilator. Everything happened so fast that I seriously believe I have whiplash from it all. Ugh... Just let me know what you think and I will try and update as soon as I can. But right now, I'm going on a break until things clear up with my aunt. I hope you all understand. Also, to my Beauty and the Beast fans, I have not forgotten you. I will update Ryders soon, but again, it will be a while before I get the chance. Love you all for your undying support. It truly amazes me!

Also, the pins are up on Pinterest, including Derek's costume. Looks as though you all were right about who Leila's guest was lol. I have a new poll up as well which will close by Sunday. If you are a guest reviewer, it will only allow you to vote if you are signed in. If you are on a mobile device instead of computer/tablet, then you can scroll down the bottom and click Desktop/Tablet Mode, go to my profile and vote, then once you've voted, if you will look above the poll on my page you will see a cell phone icon. Clivk on it and it will put you back on mobile mode. Thanks again for everything!**