Feeling overly tired and physically fried... this is the last place I want to be...wearing a tux at yet another fund raiser. Sitting at a eight top round table. Mother and father are to my right and Elena to my left. Peering over at my parents, they look happy. Even after all these years they still make goofy eyes at each-other. Not to say they're perfect, as kids Elliot and I would overhear them argue on the occasion, usually about me, as they tried to figure out what actions should be taken to help me. Admittedly I was a loose cannon. Knowing it was the person sitting my left, who took control over me and not some miraculous transformation that my parents thought had occurred. Even though it's been years, it's only in recent months the unease of having Elena and Mother in the same space keeps bubbling to the surface.

I'll never forget the day that John Flynn verbally back me against the wall "Christian over the years I have asked you to be honest with yourself when it came to Elena and your Mother's friendship. I had hoped by now, you would have been able to speak the truth but you continue skirt around the issue painting Elena as your 'be all, end all'. You are a brilliant young man, yet your stubbornness and self-hatred is boundless. I'm coming to you as a friend, not your Doctor realizing this will have to be spoon-fed because it's due time that you to look in the mirror, acknowledging this fact.

If your relationship with Elena had such a positive influence as you claim it to be. Why have you hidden it from your family? This supposed friend of the family has over the years systemically violated Grace's trust and in no uncertain terms, was and continues abusing her. You can add yourself to this bit of information. I guarantee that Elena at given every opportunity relishes in that knowledge."

That's all it took. I damn-near destroyed his office before storming "Flynn you worthless piece of shit, you're fucking fired. I'll see you get a blank check for the damages." When leaving he had this mellow look across his face, calmly sitting in his chair. In hindsight he knew, maybe expected me to react this way.

God I wish Mia was in town, who's my usual 'date' to these sort of events. I really miss my bratty sister. Remembering when they brought her home. So little and helpless... Elliot less than happy where I was fascinated and thrilled. Immediately taking on the position as protector. Mia presence brought me out of my shell. I hoovered over her like an overbearing big brother. I remember one day she ran into the house wailing. Thinking someone hurt her, I was ready to kick ass. When she told me she fell off her tricycle, we walked to the backyard. Making sure she said on dry land I walked to the edge of the our dock and she watched while I launched her tricycle into Lake Washington. That made her giggle, clapping her hands. It made me happy that I found a way to make her pain go away, even if was just a scraped knee. My eyes closed I feel a little smile creeping over my lips when thinking back at how silly it was, yet at the time I felt like Hercules, enjoying how Mia called me her Hero. Dad was pissed when Mia told the story later that night over dinner I was grounded for a five, which was Mia's age at the time, but I didn't care. I hear my Mother's voice pulling me to the here-n-now asked what I'm smiling about, popping open my eyes

"Thinking about Mia and the Infamous Tricycle Incident" which makes my parents start laughing.

Hearing Dad pipe in "We all miss the baby of the family, soon she'll be home and the loud chatter can commence." laughing "Son you were surprisingly strong for your age. It took me a couple days to figure out using a grappler how far you managed to toss Mia's tricycle."

leaning over toward my parents "So Dad the auction is nearly completed and was hoping that Mom would have the first dance with me. Would that be okay with you?"

"Sure son, as long as it's alright with your Mother."

Looking over, I see her beaming ear to ear. "Though usually reserved for your Father, it would be my honor Christian."

Suddenly I feel Elena placing her hand on my knee, squeezing lightly. I may not be looking at her yet I know there is a tight smile crossing her glossy blood red lips. Snapping my leg away, she's like a jealous lover who was left out of the loop. In a flash, I feel my temperature and anger rise skimming across the surface of my body. Elena took an intimate moment that was being shared with my parents, injecting herself, dashing those memories by slyly making her presence known.

Suddenly I'm flooded with the thoughts of Ana's natural beauty contrasting Elena's almost hideous clown-like features and like a slingshot I'm back to the phone conversation I had with Ana earlier in the day. I was hesitant to take her call, thinking she was going to bitch me out, not that I wouldn't have deserved it. Instead she was calling to apologize.

We knew the real reason she left. My behaving like an insolent ass, yet she wanted to say she was sorry. Ana catching that I was trying to control the conversation by telling her there was no need to say anything she shut me down.

"Christian, please if you don't mind I have something to say, after all I called you. Please, just listen. I would like to be heard without further interruptions."staying silent "How I treated you was uncalled for. I know we didn't go into detail, all I know is that it took trust showing me your scars and I shit all over it. I shouldn't have walked away. I understand now this was your way of trying to level the field. I want to apologize for allowing myself to stay in the moment of anger rather than seeing the big picture and what you were trying to say to me."

"Ana... I want to..."

letting out a sigh "Christian, please."

I can't help smiling "Ana, please continue"

"I don't what happened between us to be an example how I normally conduct myself. I'm usually a pretty even tempered person." chuckling yet sounding self-deprecating "As I mentioned my reaction was poor handled and I feel I abandoned you. I realize you don't entrust yourself to others. I just don't want you to lose faith in people."

I know she feels awful. Hearing those words I pinch the bridge of my nose, I feel like shit. I'm really liking that Ana. She may be tiny in stature, she's huge in personality. Listening to her, she didn't place blame on me, only asking if I would forgive her her actions. Her tone; sincere. And that only made me feel worthless.

Having tracked her phone for hours I knew she was still in Seattle and hoped against hope that by calling she was looking for an opening so that I would ask her out. Playing ignorant: asking if she was in town, offering up plans to meet her where ever she was for dinner (I would have been more than happy to blow-off the fundraiser, after all they already had my money and at this point it's strictly my pretty face doing PR for GEH) and not entirely surprised when she refused saying she was busy. Feeling dejected I didn't press further, we said our good-byes.

Again my mother brings me to the here-and-now "Christian honey, are you okay? All evening you've seemed distracted."

looking over my eyes meet hers and I see it's filled with maternal love and genuine concern for my well being. "A bit overworked is all, I'm fine Mother."

taking my hand. I know what's coming at me is serious so I scoot my chair turning it against Elena, inching closer to Mom

"Son you need to come home. It was such a treat for us when Elliot, as you said 'dragged' you home last weekend" dropping her eyes, I see dad put his arm around her shoulder "Over the past 6 months you've pulled away from us. You're Father and I see this and neither one of us know what to say to bring you closer to us, nor understand if it was something we may have done."

not sure what to say other than "Mother, shall we dance?" walking her to the ballroom floor I receive a text from Eli.

***Chris I'm n luv. Cum 2 Tiki Lounge, Belltown. There's a girl here who will knock ur socks off. Hurry b4 some dude claims her. Hee hee***

*** U've done ur duty. Cum out n play. ***

Sliding the phone into my breast pocket, I roll my eyes ignoring the next few texts that hit me. My focus is on Mother and none of the shit Elliott has to say. Dancing with Mom I see that Dad with Elena talking about something. The expression on his face clearly indicates his disinterest with the conversation. Making our way to the table, taking my seat I decide to check the other texts Elliot sent.

***Bro ub ignoring me?***

***Hanging w/Ana, Ben & crazy bunch of Actor/Musicians***

*** Clearly not in2 Ana anymore, fickle prick. UR loss***

attached is a pic of Elliot, Ben and Ana sitting between them. Damn she's looking good, what a great smile.

hearing Elena voice "Christian, be a gentleman and escort me to the dance floor."

Ignoring her I start typing

***Eli hold your horses was dancing with Mom. On my way***

almost instantly I get another buzz

***Hurry Bro. Get a couple Lemon Drops n Ana & she'll sing bossa nova***

without looking over I say "Elena you're going to have to accept a rain-check."

Elena trying to sound playful in front of my parents... I know better."What could possibly be so important that it supersedes showing respect to a lady who is also one of your mother's closest friends?"

that bitch is grinding against my last nerve... your mother's closest friend. sounding flat, I face Elena directly, speaking low so that no one else can hear "Elena, you of all people know what I do is my own fucking business and that supersedes YOU." wanting to add and you are NOT a lady.

the expression on her face is nothing short of anger. Hissing like a serpent "You forget Christian daaaarling it is me who created the man you are today."

ignoring her comment I look at her, giving her a smile while staring her down with ice cold gray eyes. I can visibly see her back down from our little stand-off.

Rising from my chair "Mom, Dad something came up and need to leave." nodding over to Taylor he knows I'm ready to go.

Grace grabs my hand "Christian, honey please don't be a stranger. Please come home more."

bending down I kiss the top of her head "I'll work on that Mother."

shaking my father's hand I turn walking towards Taylor while sending another text

***You're a smart man Elliot, type in English and not this bullshit shorthand! I'll be there by 10:45. It's COME not CUM.*** grinning cause Elliot always has sex on the mind. I have to wonder how much of a perv Eli might be, sliding the phone back into my pocket.

Elena POV

I will not idly stand by while Christian plays this game. These last months, things have not been going to plan. I thought once my manipulation and Christian dumping Flynn, my control over him and his loyalty would be unquestionable. Instead he's not only pulling away from me but also his sappy, fucking sickly sweet parents.

My beautiful Golden Goose, who has over the years turned me into a very wealthy woman and a pillar of the community is drifting away.

Thinking back to when I realized he was brilliant when it came to business. He couldn't afford to gift me with with tokens of goddess worship knowing my expensive tastes and him being so young had no real money of his own. Instead would leave stock market tips. At first I dismissed him, after all he wasn't quite 17 and what the hell did he know. After tracking the last three companies he named that were headed for an uptick, to my surprise, Christian doing his homework knew. It's only then I heeded his advice. By the time he dropped out of Harvard he made me nearly $250,000.00, which I hid from Linc.

Then he came back to Seattle during his Summer Break, not quite 20 years old and terribly excited, there was an business opportunity that he knew would be his moment to shine. He wanted to talk with her Father about getting a personal loan. I shut that idea down.

"Christian there is no way your father would ever loan you money."

"Mistress, I acquired a small nest egg towards my start-up. I may be young but I know what I'm doing and my proposal is solid. It makes complete sense. He might need a little finessing because it would mean leaving Harvard yet I know he'll see the potential and perhaps finally be aware of my talent and be proud of me."

Those two having a tense relationship for years, there was absolutely no way I was going to help foster, much less support Christian's view.

Thinking quickly. "Christian, you know how Carrick is. The moment you tell him you've been playing the market to make money, he'll see as you as a white-collar Grifter. He may even accuse you of illegally obtaining your money." I know saying that would make him think about his mother/her pimp making him feel worthless and ashamed. "He has never understood you. I see how brilliant you are and the potential within you. You are to be his Ivy League token son since Elliot wasn't smart enough to get in Harvard."

sounding upset. "Mistress, I won't have you talking about Elliot that way. Leave him out of this conversation."

Noticing he wasn't defending his father, trusting me above all others and now I need to close the deal. "Christian why don't you let me loan you the rest of the seed money needed."

"Mistress you would do that, really? For me?"

"Of course Pet, I understand you and know your many talents. Plus you wouldn't steer your Mistress to ruin."

Yes, I was more than willing to loan him the money, the only catch which he never learned... all the money belonged to Linc. I wasn't going to use one red cent that Christian earned for me. Later when Linc found out, he beat me so badly I was hospitalized and I let Christian believe it was due to Linc finding out about our BDSM lifestyle. I hadn't known how deeply Christian's loyalty was towards me until that moment, it played out better than I could have ever imagined.

In truth, Linc never gave a shit who I fucked as long as I kept it on the down-low, maintaining the perfect trophy wife image. He actually rather enjoyed that I was beating and fucking the Grey's youngest son.

But when it came to Linc and his money, his greed is unbound. He made sure I left the marriage with only the shirt on my back. I was still in the hospital when Linc announced his plans towards the divorce "Elena you get NOTHING and if you want to fight me I'll make sure you go to jail for the rape of the Grey's youngest boy and embezzlement. You forged my signature on that check. Did you honestly think I don't know how much I give my girlfriends and payments in hush money? Believe me Elena you are known in Seattle as a gold-digging whore who married a prominent and successful man. I would play the part of the loyal, hood-winked husband. It'd be quite scandalous but in the end, I will come out on top and you jail. If I don't get my money within 30 days you will be arrested and your monkey boy will be charged as an accessory regarding the money theft." Asshole had me backed into a corner, knowing that at every angle, arguing any point would still lead to my arrest. Wanting my freedom above all else I used most of my hidden money to pay off Linc.

Glancing over to Carrick. I see a handsome man, far too handsome for Grace who is plain-jane. I tried years ago, making a subtle passes at him. This man only has eyes for his mousey doctor wife. That man is too fucking wrapped up in being a father, husband and top-notched attorney to see past himself. And let's not forget Linc hates Carrick with a passion and why? Because Carrick refused to do Pro-Bono work for Lincoln Timber. I'll never forget when he came home that night. "Fucking Grey, holier than thou had the goddamn audacity to tell me that Pro-Bono handled through Grey & Associates are for people that need good attorneys and had very little or no money." Fucker telling me "Linc, if you need legal expertise, make an appointment like the other people who can afford our services." Letting out a little sigh thinking of Christian while looking at his fucking stupid, naïve, gullible so called parents. I know how to play the trust card and I know stupidity and both have the wool pulled over their eyes. Fuck the Grey's, they have always served a purpose and a means to the end.

My mind goes back to my Pet. I start doing the math and the way I see it, he's headed for a meltdown of epic proportions then all will be lost.

Wendy, his last submissive didn't work out. She was perfect. Hell, they all were. Wendy wasn't around long enough for the Depo shot to take effect and knowing Christian like I know the back hand, this man loves fucking bareback and nothing turns him on more than after giving a good beating is fucking with no barriers, he loves flesh on flesh. Before Wendy, Jenna lasted three weeks and it took me months to vet her.

One thing I taught him is that, it must be precisely understood where and how to deliver the whips and beating when it came to his subs, yet the greatest tool in his arsenal is his cock. That was one thing that no other sub I had had was an innate talent for fucking and he did it with such ease. He's a natural, knowing his way around a woman's body, making her scream all the while fucking hard, rough and raw. Even after all years and the many young cocks I've had, Christian and his method of fucking is unparallelled.

I can't botch this up, as it stands I need to reconfigure my strategy because there is one thing I'm refusing to do and that is relinquishing my control and power over Christian.