Chapter 2

APOV

My name is Anastasia Steele, but I prefer Ana, and I work at GEH. I am the executive assistant to the CEO, Christian Grey. I honestly love my job, and working with Christian is amazing. He has allowed me to be a vital part of his life and company, allowing me to run wild with my creative side.
I know what everyone thinks when I tell them who I work for. They think I'm involved in the kinky lifestyle too, and they all give me weird looks.
It has been a year since his life choices were made public. I always knew that Mrs. Robinson bitch was trouble. Every time she came into the office, I would get the chills, and I could feel the bile rise in my throat. I was in the room that day when the bitch took to the stage, grabbed a microphone, and told the world about Christian's lifestyle. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I always knew he had a very dominating personality, but I thought that's what made him a great CEO, so I could not believe it when she revealed he was into the whole BDSM thing. I didn't even know what it was when Mrs. Robinson was ranting about it. I had to do a Google search later to find out what it was, not that I would tell anybody. The first week after that was awful. Christian didn't come to work all week, and I couldn't contact him. The calls, the emails, the paps, they all got to be too much for him. Since I couldn't reach him, and I didn't see him for a week, I decided it was time to do a house call. I was beginning to worry, and I wasn't going to let him sulk his life away.I remember screaming and shouting at him, which was brave on my part since I could have lost my job. No one speaks to him like that. No one. But I saw how broken he was, and it pained me deeply, so I had to do something. He is not just my boss, he's my friend, well best friend. We have been together for 6 years now, and I wouldn't know what to do without him.

In the beginning, our relationship was very professional, but after god knows how many hours spent together, many late nights at the office, flying back and forth to meetings all around the world, we became close. Not that close, just friends. I know he doesn't have any friends, so I feel privileged to be known as one.
I am so proud he turned the negatives of being outed into a positive. He always thanks my smart mouth and sarcasm for the brilliant idea. My idea was a joke, to try to break the tension, but he ran with it. He even put me in charge of designs when he caught me doodling.
Working for Christian has so many advantages; like my closet. Woman all over the world would be envious of me if they knew I have Christian Louboutin on speed dial. It's an amazing perk. I also drive an Audi. Christian wouldn't hear of me driving anything else, so he paid for it, calling it a 'company car'. I can also gain access to the hottest nightclubs and restaurants within a moments notice. The company credit card, however, stays in my purse. I never use it for personal use, as I feel I would be taking advantage of Christian's giving nature.

There are some disadvantages to working for Christian, though, like some employees believe that I let him whip and fuck me. They think I got my promotion and I am one of the highest paid senior staff because of it. I hate that people think our relationship is like that. I earned everything I have because I have been there before GEH even existed and have worked my ass off. I know I should tell Christian, about what people are saying behind my back, but the last time an employee said something bad about me and he found out, Christian went on a rampage, firing people left and right. It was very unpleasant, to say the least, and now, no one will talk to me.
This week is what I am calling HELL week. I have so much going on and Christian's schedule is crazy.
I have to find a model to do a photo shoot at the end of the week, for our GreyAna line, but Christian is making it beyond difficult.
No girl looks right, according to him.

I am having lunch this afternoon with his sister Mia. She's a friend, but today it's a business lunch. Mia is in the catering business, and I
want to make her the official GEH caterer for all our events. I think business should stay within the family. Christian is unsure at the moment, since Mia can sometimes be a bit of a flake, but I know she is the best fit for what's needed.
The Coping Together event is coming up soon and I finally have an actual date. Ever year I'm forced to attend with Christian. We go as friends. I never really understood why he takes me, since he can have any girl he wants on his arm, but I guess he's not into dating.

"Anastasia, can you come in here!" Christian calls me from his office. "I am ready to sign off on those designs."

"Sure, Christian." I reply using the intercom so I'm not shouting. "You want me to bring drinks and snacks?"

"The usual stuff, please," He finally uses the intercom to communicate with me. "And tell Sawyer to quit flirting."

I look over at Sawyer and see him talking to a female employee.
I feel so bad for him. He has no social life at all since he is constantly by my side.
These days I don't go anywhere alone.
Luke Sawyer is now my CPO, also known as; glorified babysitter. Christian forced the CPO thing, since things at work and in my personal life kinda got out of control, because I am known as the woman close the kinky devil. Gossip rags quotes, not mine.
It caused a five-hour showdown between Christian and I.
His dominant persona has no effect on me, but I caved in, since I know he was right, however, I wont admit that to him.
Maybe I should piss Christian off and play match maker?