A/N: If Christian is the way he is because of abuse and Elena, why is Elena the way she is? What happened to Elena? This story is not about Elena, but Ana meets Elena first and then saves both of them. Different circumstances, different events, but the same couple.

Hope you like it.

Important: I do not own the Fifty Shades Trilogy or the characters. They belong to the very talented E.L. James.

Christian POV:

I open my eyes after the most peaceful sleep I've ever had just to find the bed next to me empty. I quickly get up to take a shower and get dressed. I have to explain what happened as I can just imagine what she must be thinking.

When I get to the living room to see Anastasia and Elliot sitting all cosy discussing the events of last night, I'm immediately pissed off. I remind her of probably the most embarrassing part that Elliot seemed to have left out and immediate regret it when she buries her head in her hands. She must be feeling like shit and I just made her feel worse. After I get a cup of coffee, I go to apologize and see that she has left the room. Great… I chased her out of the room.

Reynolds arrived just before the girls got out of the showers and I go to put Anastasia's clothes on the bed with a short note that breakfast is ready. Several minutes later she walks into the room looking beautiful, but clearly not feeling well. I'm lost in my own thoughts, trying to figure out what to do. I cannot let her get close to me, but as I said to Elliot, I can't stand the thought of her getting close to someone else. I've confirmed last night that she is in fact single, and that surely makes her available to me… right?

"Morning Christian, did you sleep well?" she asks and I look up.

"I did, and you?" I answer politely, but that is just one more thing that is going through my mind. For the first time in… well, ever… I got a peaceful night's sleep. Not even a nightmare. I would write it off as a coincidence, but deep down, I know that's a lie. It's Anastasia and she brought as much chaos to my life yesterday as she brought peace to it.

"All things considered, actually good, thank you." Why can't I just be more like Elliot? He seems happy with his life and I know for a fact that order is one thing he certainly doesn't have. I wish I can be the kind of man that this woman deserves, but I just can't. I can't change my life and she does not look like the type that would go for a proposal like mine. John is going to be very busy this weekend.

"I would like to apologize for my behaviour last night and for being an inconvenience. You have no responsibility towards either of us, yet you came to our rescue at three in the morning." She says to us before turning to face me, "I'm sorry for insulting you and… the other stuff. I can assure you it's not my normal behaviour. I don't know what got into me." I look at her while thinking of everything that happened to me since I arrived in Portland, but the thing that pisses me off the most is her complete and utter disregard for her own safety. How she got to this age on her own in Portland is a mystery to me.

Oh, I know exactly what got into you… twenty seven shots between the two of you. What you did was very irresponsible, Anastasia. You put yourself in danger and by getting behind the wheel; you also put Kate in danger. I don't care about insulting me, although I have to admit that I've never been treated so disrespectfully. Do you make a habit of drinking well above your limit?" I would expect her to look remorseful or look down, but the insolent woman looks me straight in the eye. It does not slip my notice that we are suddenly alone in the room.

"Actually, apart from a couple of cocktails or a glass of wine, I never really drink." She answers, trying to control that temper of hers, which is good as I'm trying my best to control mine and she does not want me to lose my temper while she has a hangover.

"That's good to know." I'm pleased that she normally don't drink as much as last night and since it was a celebration, I'm sure it is allowed, "I'm all for pushing limits, Anastasia, but what you did compromised your safety and you can't let that happen again. I can't even think about what would have happened is we didn't find you. For such a smart girl, that was a really stupid move. I have never been as angry as I was last night. I had to remind myself you are not mine to keep from giving you a proper spanking and believe me, you definitely need one." That actually makes my chest feel tight for some reason. I want her to me mine, but I have no idea how to make that happen. "No one has ever made me that angry before and I've also never slept as well as I did last night… or at least this morning." If she heard the last part, she doesn't show it. I pull myself together turn to face her again, "You should eat, Anastasia."

"I'm not hungry. I'll get something to eat later." She answers and that is just unacceptable. She will not leave here until I know that she has at least eaten properly.

I fetch my iPad and start reading my e-mails. I might as well get some work done while we wait. "That will be fine as I have some work to catch up on; we will just wait here until later then." In the corner of my eye I can see that she is fuming, but I will win… I always do. Even hung over, she is sexy when she gets upset. She bites on that full lip of hers, probably to keep the angry words from spilling out of her mouth. Her cheeks are flushed just a bit and it makes me wonder what her cheeks will look like flushed after sex. I adjust slightly and even with her narrow eyes, I can see the fire burning in them.

When I get to the thirteenth e-mail, she takes some toast and yoghurt and I smile. I'm glad to see that she has it in her to give up every once in a while.

"You better be reading an amusing e-mail, Mr. Grey." She says and I give her my best smile. Seems she can show some respect too. There might be hope for us yet. Us… what the hell am I thinking?

"Actually, I'm reviewing a very boring spreadsheet. Why?" I ask innocently and she looks like she could slap me now if she had the liquid courage she had last night.

"Oh, just forget it. Tell me what you do for a living?" At first I thought she was joking, but when she sat there waiting for me to answer, I realized that she is actually serious. I think this is the second time in my entire life I had to answer that question.

"You really don't know who I am, do you?" I ask just to make sure.

"I know that your name is Christian Grey. You have a bother, Elliot , and a sister named Mia. Your mother, Grace, is a paediatrician, and your father, Carrick, is an attorney. Elliot is in construction and Mia is the Assistant Manager at a restaurant you own. You are business partners with Elena in the salons and Kate mentioned something about Grey Enterprises Holdings last night. Oh, and Jason Taylor is your CPO." She says as if that was the answer I was looking for. Funny thing is, if I think about it, that is exactly who I am. CEO of GEH is what I do, not who I am. Funny that I never looked at it that way and yet, this woman who has met me for the second time yesterday, sees me exactly like she is supposed to. When I don't respond, she shifts slightly, "Did I leave something out or get something wrong?"

"No, no, you remembered all the important details. It's just that when people are normally asked 'Who is Christian Grey?', that's not the answer they give. It's refreshing and also…" alarming that I gave her all the information. Not to mention comforting to know that she will spend time with me without expecting anything from me. "Well, let's just say that I normally don't give out any information about myself to anyone. I can't believe that I told you all that after only seeing you for a second time yesterday."

"What do people normally say when they are asked who you are?" Now there is a question that I never had to answer before and I actually had to try and think how other people really see me. It makes me sad as it is just another reminder that I should leave this girl alone.

"It's the first time anyone has ever asked me a question like that. They would say that I'm ruthless in business, that I'm a control freak with an obsession for information. Most will include billionaire businessmen and others will say that I'm heartless." And I would say unworthy… especially of someone like you.

"Why would they say that you're heartless?"

"Because they know me well," I respond coldly and pull myself together, "Are you finished with your breakfast?"

"Yes, thank you for breakfast and thank you again for last night… err, and this morning. We really should get going as we are planning on leaving for Seattle later. As we will only be living here for another week, we might as well pack as much as we can in the cars today. I would like to apologize again, especially for slapping you. That must have been something new for you?" Oh Ms. Steele, I could actually make a very long list of all the firsts I had in the last twenty four hours. It was obviously the first time I was slapped by a furious woman. The first time I shared a bed with anyone, let alone a woman. The first time I had a casual dinner with a girl and her friends. The first time I danced in a club with a girl. The first time to get puked on. Oh, let's not forget the first time a woman told me to go fuck myself. If Anastasia knew what I could do to her body, she would be offering to fuck me instead of telling me to fuck myself. There are some more, but these seem to stand out the most.

"Yes, this trip to Portland was certainly filled with a lot of firsts for me. You should drive safely and I hope to see you again soon." Elliot and Kate come in as Kate is ready to go. I really want to tell this girl that I have an attitude of my own and don't need hers, but in order to come across as nice, I just keep my mouth shut.

"Ana, we have to go. Are you done?" Kate asks.

"Yes, I was just getting ready to leave. Enjoy your weekend and thank you again for last night." Ana says as she starts to get up.

"Ana, I invited Kate to my parent's house for dinner on Sunday. Please would you join us? We won't eat too late and Kate mentioned that you only need to be back before twelve on Monday to hand in your paper." I should just leave him here. What the hell is he thinking? I haven't decided if I should just stay away and he invites her to a family dinner.

"Uhm… I… that would be great. Thank you for the invitation." I look at her with a blank face, but inside I really can't wait. Like I said, John will be busy this weekend helping me figure out what the hell is going on with me.

After they leave, we grab our stuff to head back to Seattle ourselves. When we land in Seattle, I take out my wallet to get the access card to the roof access. When I open it a piece of paper falls out and I pick it up.

Christian,

Thank you for everything.

Ana.

It's a short note, but it means so much that she took the time to write it for me. I fold it up carefully and put it back into my wallet. In the penthouse, Taylor is waiting for me, but Elliot decides to come in for a coffee first.

"Taylor, you missed the best trip ever. And I mean EVER. Best day of my life, man." Elliot says as he walks past Taylor while I'm looking for something to throw against his head.

"Shut up, Elliot. Go get us some coffee." I say and turn to Taylor.

"Anything I should know about, Sir?" He asks.

"Yes, your boss was assaulted by a hundred and ten pound, five foot one, pissed little girl. Then insulted. Then…" Elliot starts and I close my eyes to count to ten.

"Elliot! Shut. The. Fuck. Up." I spit out before taking turning back to Taylor.

"Nothing I couldn't handle, Taylor. Have you made arrangements yet for tomorrow night?" I'm still trying to figure out how to get to see her tomorrow as Sunday seems too far away.

"Not yet, Sir. I received the location from Ray a couple of minutes ago and will try to get hold of Ms. Steele as soon as possible." He is being very evasive, but maybe it is because Elliot is in hearing distance.

"What is the location?" I ask and if I didn't know any better, I would swear he is trying not to smile.

"One you are familiar with, Sir. Just past the market place." He says quickly while looking over my shoulder.

"I see. I think that I might join you. It is after all a member's only club. That woman has no regard for her own safety and not that I don't trust you, you know that I do, but I would like to ensure she gets the information what she needs without anyone bothering her." I say and this time he does smile.

"How was the trip, Sir? Did everything go as planned?" The swift change in topic tells me that he wants confirmation for whatever he was told.

"Elliot did what he needed to do. The rest was… different, but nothing that put me in danger and thank you for sending Reynolds to meet us at the hotel." I say and turn to go hit Elliot, effectively dismissing Taylor.

I know that he knows exactly what I did and I wouldn't expect anything less. That is the reason why he is employed as head of my personal security. He would know about a security risk without being present. For that reason, I know that he knows that Ms. Steele was with me last night and probably this morning too, but neither will openly discuss it which is just fine by me.

"Elliot, can you please try and keep the events of the past 24 hours to yourself? It was an unusual night and I don't want anyone to know what happened. Not even my staff, Elliot." I say as I take my coffee and stand on the other side of the breakfast bar. I'm anxious to get to the office and get some control back. Nothing makes me feel as powerful and in control as stepping through the doors of Grey House. I should have at least thirty hours of normal until tomorrow night. When Anastasia is around, nothing seems normal.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk… has anyone ever told you that you have a short temper?" Elliot tries to lighten the mood.

"No one would dare and I don't have a short temper, Elliot, I have a low tolerance for bullshit." I grumble and he seems to be in full-on Elliot mode.

"Yes, low tolerance for bullshit with an attitude problem," I'm praying for patience.

"I don't have an attitude problem. If anyone has a problem with my attitude, that's not my problem. Now, stop messing around and promise that you will keep your mouth shut."

"Christian, you don't have to worry about a thing. I will not tell anyone a thing about what happened last night. I have to run though as I'm meeting a client to sign off his office complex. Thank you again for going with me." He says and walks to the door. Before he leaves, he just had to piss me off, "Last night was anyway boring compared to the early hours of this morning." And with that he is gone.

Ana POV:

We arrived in Seattle late last night, for which I'm glad. There was no time to talk to Kate yet about what happened. Between the packing and driving down in separate cars, it gave me time to think, but no time to talk either. Apart from a slight possibility of a friendship with Christian, there will definitely not be anything else. As Kate and Elliot seem quite taken with each other, the chances of us seeing each other from time to time are good. Now I just had to get him out of my mind and out of my dreams, but ever since Thursday night, I find myself thinking about him constantly.

Giving up on trying to get some more sleep, I go to the kitchen to see if coffee is at all a possibility. Luckily Kate thought to bring everything we need to at least get some coffee. When the coffee smell fills the room, Kate comes out looking much better than yesterday. A hangover definitely does not suit either of us.

"Good Morning. How did you sleep?" she asks while removing the plastic from a couch to sit on. It's a good thing the flat we're renting in Portland was furnished and we had to buy new furniture for our new apartment. Maya is moving in with us, but will only be here later today with Jose as both of them had plans for last night.

"Good, but it will take some time getting used to the new bed. Did you sleep well?" I ask.

"With dreams filled with Elliot Grey, who would not be able to sleep? I should actually thank you for introducing me to him. If you had not met Christian last weekend, which you kept from me, I wouldn't have met Elliot. Speaking of which," she takes her coffee from me and I didn't think that she would get distracted with that, but at least I tried, "Elliot tells me that Christian is quite infatuated with you. In fact, he said that he has never seen his brother act like this at all, never mind with a girl. He also thought that Christian might be gay, but as I said last night, we all know now that that is definitely not true. When you slapped him last night I thought he was going to kill you, and I mean it. He looked absolutely murderous. I was glad to see you survived the night alone with him. Pity you were passed out really… with a body like that sleeping right next to you. Oh my god, and the two of you looked hot together on the dance floor. With the look he gave you, I swear he would have fucked you right there if you were alone. Everybody was staring, even Elliot. He likes you, Steele." I open my mouth to tell her that I think she is wrong, but she puts up her hand, "Argue all you want, but Christian Grey likes you." When she finally shuts up, I feel like going right back to sleep.

"Kate, we are from two very different worlds. I'm a twenty two year old virgin and he is… well, probably the sexiest man on the planet. And let's not forget that he is a billionaire. There are hundreds of sexy, experienced woman panting after him. Apart from that, he has very high walls built around him and I think it would be next to impossible to break them down, much like Elena…" And suddenly everything clicks into place. Holy freaking cow! Why did I not see this before?

"Ana, is something wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost. Ana?" I hear Kate, but all the puzzle pieces are starting to fall into place. Strong, confident, rich, isolated, controlling to name but a few. That is all Christian Grey. "Ana, you are starting to scare me."

"Uhm… no… everything's fine. I was just thinking about something." I need some time to think and Kate will not leave me alone. I glance at the clock and it's still too early for a store to be open, but I try it anyway. "I think I will get dressed and go for a run. I'll get some breakfast on my way back." I leave the room before she can say anything and when I walk towards the front door minutes later, she is already in the shower. Perfect.

When I get down to the street, I realise that a run is exactly what I needed. I take my iPod out of my pocket and put the earplugs in my ears. I select the first song, one that reminds me so much of Kate that I named it Kate's song, Sexy Bitch by David Guetta with Akon. As I run, I try to forget everything and just clear my head, but the voices in my head telling me that I'm right, is not going away.

"The dominant like to exercise control over the submissive."

"He feels in control and powerful to have a woman submit to him. During sessions or scenes, he is in control of her body, her pleasure and her pain."

"…hard limits and soft limits…"

"… if a rule is broken, the submissive is punished."

"The lightest form of punishment is spanking and the most severe is being beaten with a cane."

"I'm all for pushing limits, Anastasia,"

"I had to remind myself you are not mine to keep from giving you a proper spanking."

I stop dead in my tracks as I realize what was before me all this time. He fits the profile I have in my head perfectly and it should have been obvious to me.

Christian Grey is a Dominant.

Ironic actually if you think about it. Twenty two year old virgin falls for twenty eight year old Dominant with a possible string of Submissives. He is not only out of my league; I'm not even his type and we definitely have very different lifestyles.

After about two miles, I had more than enough exercise for the day and am ready to go home now. When I turn, I come face to face to the last two men I want to see right now. One, because I'm pissed that he is in a lifestyle I have no interest in and the other one because he will be my protection when I visit a club of the lifestyle I have interest in. Nonetheless, I take out my earphones and look them straight in the eye.

"Good morning, gentlemen."

"Good morning, Anastasia. Running this early in the morning?" Christian asks.

"Yes, I came to realize some things this morning that was right in front of me the entire time and it was… upsetting." He frowns and I rub my forehead with my hand, "Something that seemed out of my reach was confirmed this morning as definitely impossible. I thought a run would help to clear my head." I say as I look Christian in the eye.

"I'm sure it's not as bad as you imagine it to be. You should maybe get a second opinion and not upset yourself unnecessarily." Really, if I didn't know any better, I would think this man is a mind reader.

"Thank you, but I think I have enough information on the subject to come to an informed conclusion on my own. Who knows, maybe today will prove to support my findings." If he suspects what I'm talking about, this will hit a nerve. Sure enough, I see a small flicker of, what I think is anger before he pulls himself together.

"If you need another opinion, feel free to call me. I'll be happy to assist by trying to clear things up for you. Heading back home?"

"Not just yet. I need to stop for breakfast first. The apartment is still empty and we need to eat. Last night we arrived too late to do anything other than sleep." When his eyes narrow and grow hard, I quickly change the topic. What is it with him and food? "I do have another appointment with Elena today before my hair appointment. My paper is due on Monday and I still need a couple of things."

"Oh yes, your paper. You never did tell me what subject it is on." He wants me to say it and between Taylor and Elena, I'm sure he already knows so I might as well say it.

"BDSM and the reasons people get into that lifestyle, but nothing about the actual… activities and… implements." I almost whisper and even though I have nothing to be ashamed about, I'm sure my cheeks are red right now. It's not like I'm the one with something to hide. "It's for a paper on severe human behaviour." He looks totally unfazed, of course he knew.

"Very interesting topic." He says and looks to Taylor before looking back to me.

"There is a problem with the arrangements for tonight, Ms. Steele," Taylor says with his impassive expression. "It seems that you need to be accompanied by a member to gain entrance to the club. There are no exceptions and unless you are accompanied by a member, you will not be allowed to enter. Mrs. Lincoln unfortunately has plans which she can't cancel and won't be able to accompany you."

"Oh, I didn't think about that. I don't really need to go, I just thought it would be interesting." I say, but I'm really disappointed. I wanted to see what the people in this lifestyle dress like and what places they go to. I couldn't care less about what they actually do there. Christian is running his hands through his hair. He seems to do that a lot.

"Anastasia," oh my, I've not seen him this uncomfortable yet and at this rate he will be bold before he is thirty, "if you really want to go… uhm… I guess I can take you." He offers reluctantly and he looks sort of ashamed to have to admit this to me. I actually like this look on him. Somehow it makes him look younger.

"Of course you are a member." My voice is dripping with sarcasm as I honestly did not expect this twist today. Even though I'm trying not to, I'm also getting upset when I think of the things he does to women, not that it's any of my business. "Thank you, I would like to go, if you don't already have plans." At least I'll be spending time with him, even if it is out of curiosity.

"Good, I'll pick you up at eight. Would you mind wearing a dress that is… not too short? Better yet, don't wear a dress." I glare at him as I'm not one of his submissives that he gets to control, but he explains quickly, "You would not want to be too… revealing in a club like that." Oh, well, that makes sense.

"Since you put it like that, no problem. I will see you tonight, but I really need to get some breakfast now. I think the last time we ate was at the Heathman yesterday with everything going on. Bye guys." Since I'm leaving pissed with my suspicions now confirmed and unwanted visions filling my head, I might as well leave him angry too and as he seems to have an issue with not eating properly, that worked like a charm and he is well and truly fuming when I casually jog away.

Right on time, I arrive at Esclava. Elena is busy assisting one of the hair dressers and I wait in reception. She does not look too happy about something. My phone signals a text and I take it out, expecting it to be from Kate since she has been hounding me all day about joining them tonight.

'Anastasia, would you like to get dinner tonight before we visit the club? At least I will be sure you have eaten properly. Christian'

Dinner… alone… at night.

'Christian, I don't think that's a good idea. What about lunch later? Ana'

At least it wasn't a refusal, just a change in proposed time.

'Unfortunately I already have a lunch appointment, but I really need to talk to you, Ana. Please.'

'Pick me up at 6pm. Ana'

I press send and slip my phone back in my bag.

A/N: I know everyone thought they would only see each other at the dinner, but there is going to be a lot of things happening before then.