A/N:

Yes, I'm still alive and going strong. I had to change the chapters so many times that I've now decided to start uploading them just as they are. Hope you enjoy.

Good news, 11 chapters complete and I will update as I finish editing them.

Christian POV:

This is why I have staff. For the last two hours I've been working at the dining room table watching three women run around the apartment to try and figure out what goes where and what belongs to whom. Granted, I've only ever moved once and don't plan on moving soon, but if I to, the move will happen while I'm at the office and completely oblivious to the chaos at the new house.

Before I can stop myself, I'm imagining moving into a house with Ana. Now I understand why they call it a day dream. I've never been one to daydream. If I want something, I simply get it. A dream is something that you can't get and a house by the lake with Ana is definitely not going to be a reality.

"Are you bored yet?" I'm pulled out of my daydream by Ana standing in front of me in gym pants, tank top and bare feet. Her hair is all over the place and she's sipping on a bottle of water. Still beautiful and still a huge turn on.

"No, but if you are, I know what we can do." I tell her, wiggling my eyebrows while giving her my best smile.

"I'm sure you do, but unfortunately, I'm not bored. Just taking a break. My bedroom is finally finished so it's just the kitchen and living room left," she explains, pointing her hand holding onto the bottle towards the living room that seems fine to me.

"Your bedroom's finished already?"

"That's what I said," I know, but I just wanted to turn the conversation back to the bedroom, so much more interesting than the living room.

"Good, come show me." I get up and grab her by the hand before she has time to protest.

"Where are you guys off to?" Maya asks just as we pass them in the hallway.

"Ana's finished with her bedroom and wants to show me," I explain putting on my innocent face.

"I'm sure she does. Don't take too long, we are almost finished and Jackson will be here soon," and Ana says my innocent face doesn't work.

Last weekend there were only bare necessities, but now you can actually see that this is Ana's room. Instead of the white and blues in their old apartment, she went with natural stone colours and touches of red. I must say that I really like the colours. I close the door and pull Ana towards the bed, kicking off my shoes and pulling her with me onto the bed.

"Christian, I have to help them finish unpacking the boxes." She protests, but that won't stop me.

"Just five minutes. You said you needed a break."

When I lie down on the pillow and pull her to lie down with me, she starts to laugh. Not what I expected, but okay.

"You brought me in here to cuddle?" she says, turning to face me. To my surprise, this is actually nice… just lying here with her.

"Not cuddle… relax. You will need your strength for what I have planned."

"Oh, and what did you plan for us?"

"You will just have to wait and see. Now, why did you choose these colours for your room?" Usually this would be what I call a pointless conversation and a complete waste of time, but everything Ana does usually have a reason behind it and… well, she fascinates me.

"It's warm colours and makes me feel comfortable. Don't you like it?" She asks and I put an arm around her to pull her closer.

"I do. I simply wanted to know why you picked it." And then I realize what she said. She chose this to make her feel comfortable. Does she not feel comfortable at Escala? I'll admit it's a lot of white, probably why everyone calls it a museum instead of a home. Damn, seems I will have to talk to Elliot after all. "You didn't answer my question, Mr. Grey. What are your plans for us?"

"You will just have to wait and see, Ms. Steele. All you have to do is to pack an overnight bag. Don't worry about pyjamas, you won't need that." I forget about any thoughts regarding Escala when she raises her head above me.

"You should know that I don't like surprises." She says with her mouth close enough for me to reach if I just lift my head a little, but I don't.

"I think you've mentioned that before."

I expected her to come back with a clever remark, but she takes me completely by surprise by leaning down and kissing me. I turn on my back and pull her on top of me, loving her weight on me. When I reach for her top however, she grabs my hands and pins it to the bed beside me, never breaking the kiss. One would think that I would hate being pinned down by someone, but fuck me if this does not turn me the hell on.

After a couple of minutes I've had about all I could take and grab onto her, spinning her until she is under me. When I look down, she's looking up at me… biting that damn lip. I bet if I put my hand down her pants I will find her nearly ready for me, but I won't do that. I did not come in here to fuck her, I brought her in here to have some alone time.

"You will need your strength for tonight, baby." I say, kissing her on her nose and getting up as quick as possible. When I reach the hallway, Ana still has not caught up. That was just plain mean, but now she knows how I feel almost all of the time when I can't be buried inside her.

"We are ordering lu… Where's Ana?" Kate asks, cutting her sentence short and looking over my shoulder.

"Still in her room. You were saying?" I say innocently and pulling it off perfectly.

"Oh, we are ordering lunch. Can we get something for you? Elliot is on his way and he asked for anything but pizza, so what about Chinese?" I'm sure now is not a good time to point out that I'm actually not a fan of take out, so I keep quiet and just go with the flow.

"Chinese will be fine, thank you." I say as Ana walks into the kitchen and she definitely does not look happy.

"Ana, Chinese for you?" Kate asks her with a frown.

"Yes, please." She answers quickly and walks over to me, still smiling. "That was not nice, Christian. I'll be sure to repay the favour at a later stage." She whispers and I'm sure that the smile visibly disappeared from my face.

Having lunch on the floor… this is definitely another first for me, not to mention sweet and sour pork and chicken chow mein. I will have to get used to this if I want Ana in my life. Give and take… this is me giving and I'm actually enjoying it.

"Okay, time for fortune cookies," Maya squeals, apparently this is the only reason why she buys Chinese food. Giving us each a fortune cookie, she sits down on Jackson's lap and points to Elliot.

"Guests first. You have to read it out loud though." She explains and Elliot opens his cookie first.

"Good things come to those who wait, Screw that, I have a good thing right here," he says, pulling on Kate's hair.

"Yeah, yeah, we know. Now you Christian." Fuck, I hope I don't get one of those 'patience is a virtue' crap. I read the fortune a couple of times, but with everyone staring at me, I'm starting to get uncomfortable.

"Only a man who can be truly angry can be truly good." What the hell?

"Fuck, bro. Then you must be very close to sainthood." Eliot laughs, but Ana gives me that 'told you so' look. I should be ashamed that she thinks that much of me knowing that I've yet to tell her my biggest secrets.

"Whatever. What does your fortune say, baby?" I ask Ana, diverting attention away from me.

"If you have something worth fighting for, then fight for it." She reads the fortune and looks at me, trying to be inconspicuous, but everyone is watching us closely.

"What does yours say, Jackson?" Maya wisely turn the attention ways from us, but I continue to stare at Ana. I honestly hope that she has it in her to fight for us when the time comes.

"You will become great if you believe in yourself. Why are all these cookies filled with sappy, girly things? What happened to all the funny cookies?" He complains, but I think it suits him well as he has everything he needs to be great.

"My turn, my turn. Okay, mine says 'if you feel you are right, stand firmly by your convictions'. Well, that's true and I'm always right. Aren't I, baby?" She asks Elliot who chokes on his beer.

"Kate, feeling that you are right and being right is not the same thing. Asking your boyfriend is unfair as he will say whatever you want to hear. We on the other hand," Maya says pointing between her and Ana, "will always be honest with you. Now, mine says 'You will be called in to fulfil a position of high responsibility'" She reads and Elliot chokes on his beer again. I swear at times I want to punch him in the damn face.

"Shit, ain't that the truth. I almost feel sorry for you. I would not want to be the one to do PR for Christian." He goes on and my fist is actually tingling.

"Okay, I hate to love and leave you, but I have plans for the rest of the day and they unfortunately do not include any of you, not that I don't like spending time with you." I turn to Ana and she's upset again about my rudeness. I've been extremely patient all day, she can't be surprised that my patience is running a little thin. "Are you ready to go, Ana?"

"Yes, I am. Just give me a minute to get my bag."

Ana POV:

When Christian stopped at the marina, I realized that we would probably be going out with a boat for the rest of the day. What I did not expect however, is this huge monstrosity in front of me. Sure, she is beautiful, but damn, it's like a house drifting on water.

"Her name is The Grace." Christian says beside me and I blink twice before I turn towards him.

"You named your boat after your mother?" I ask, not sure if she is the only person he knows whose name is Grace.

"Yes. She saved me from a life in foster homes and gave me a real family. Now, are we going to stand all day looking at her or are we taking her out on the water?" He asks, holding his hand out for me to take.

Sometimes I forget how horrible his first four years must have been and how big the impact is that Grace must have made to his life. Yet, I find it strange that someone with such a wonderful family and success beyond most people's dreams, turn towards the life of BDSM. I know there are different reasons why people are in that lifestyle, but I still think it's a dark world. Sure, some elements are fun and pleasurable, but when I think of the beatings, it's still scary as hell.

A person could live on this boat as it's got everything you could possibly need, but that is to be expected of a boat owned by Christian Grey. As with everything he owns, it's stylish, spacious and modern… and let's not forget a lot of white. Here however, it seems to fit and doesn't make you think of a museum like his penthouse. I'm sure even his office is all white.

The only thing that is not like Christian Grey is the fact that I'm yet to see anyone else. I find it difficult to believe that we might actually be completely alone.

"This is very impressive, Mr. Grey. I've never been on a boat like this before, but I'm sure there aren't a lot quite like this one." I tell him, walking back to where he is carefully watching me take it all in.

"She was built by my company. She was designed from the ground up by the very best naval architects in the world and constructed here in Seattle at my yard. She has hybrid electric drives, asymmetric dagger boards, a square-topped mainsail…"

"Okay… I'm not even sure what all that stuff means. It sure is a very effective way to impress women."

"There is only one woman that I want to impress and she also happens to be the only woman to ever be on this boat, with the exception of my family." He tells me, pulling me into his embrace and damn if that does not make me feel all warm and tingly inside.

"The only one?"

"Yes. I would show you the master bedroom, but I'm very certain that if I do that, we might not go anywhere for a long time."

"Mr. Grey, I didn't hear you come on board." A tall blond man, tanned from many long days in the sun, curly hair and brown eyes, walks into the cabin, obviously surprised to find the two of us in here.

"Mac, good to see you. This is Anastasia Steele. Anastasia, this is Liam McConnell." They shake hands and Christian puts his hand on the small of my back, sending that tingly feeling all the way down to my toes. I hope Liam is not going out with us, I would love to actually spend an entire night alone with Christian without the fear that someone will overhear us.

"How do you do, Ms. Steele?" Liam smiles at me and offers his hand. It takes me a moment to respond. When Christian frowns, I think he totally got the wrong idea, but I ignore the frown and smiles at Liam.

"Nice to meet you. Please call me Ana." The moment I release his hand, Christian grabs my hand and practically stomps out of the cabin on to the deck. Liam follows quickly behind us, grabbing a back pack on his way out.

"She's ready to go, Mr. Grey. I will see you tomorrow morning around nine." He says, shaking Christian's hand one last time before leaving down the gangplank to release the boat.

"Take a seat, Anastasia. I'm going to take her out." He sounds pissed, totally in contrast with his mood earlier. Maybe he needs some alone time? I should take this time alone to Google personality disorders as I'm starting to believe that he might be suffering from one. Who am I kidding, Christian is an overachiever, he probably has more than one.

As I sit in the afternoon sun on the soft pale blue leather banquette, I wonder if we are ever really going to get along for a full day without one of us getting pissed or annoyed. I know that people in the beginning of a relationship fight as they are still getting to know each other, but this is seriously ridiculous. It takes a small thing like hesitation to send him over the edge. What the hell? Does he seriously think that I was flirting with Liam? He's attractive, yes, but not quite my taste. I don't even think I have a certain taste, with the exception of Christian.

When the sun starts to set, the view is magnificent. It is however not the type of view one should be watching by yourself. Pulling together all my inner strength, I go up the steps where Christian went up earlier. When I get on top, he is watching the horizon in front of him. He seems to be deep in thought and with the frown on his face, the thoughts cannot be good.

I walk up to him, but he seems to be unaware of my approach. It's a first as he usually turns to look for me the minute we get close to each other. What I wouldn't give to be in his head for just a minute?

When I reach him, I put my hands on his shoulder. I would have liked to wrap my arms around him and the knowledge that I will never get that privilege is sending a pain through my heart. He startles, but only takes a split second to regain his composure. He doesn't turn his head. He doesn't speak. He continues to stare at the sunset, but I will not be ignored.

"I'm not used to this, Christian. I'm not a mind reader and I'm sure even mind readers will have difficulty inside your mind." I joke, but get nothing. I know this is the wrong thing to do. I know I should stay and try and get him to talk to me. But I don't. Instead, I give him a taste of his own medicine. I will not be ignored and if he wants to ignore me, I will give it right back to him. You know… the whole "do on to other's" thing.

I turn around and walk back down and I don't stop until I reach the master bedroom. Tired after a day of unpacking and not in the mood for silent treatment when there is nowhere to go, I get undressed and walk into the bathroom to take a shower. I turn on the hot water and wait a couple of seconds for the water to get warm enough. The motion of the boat seems to be a lot less in here.

He should give me a damn list or, better yet, a spider graph. The graph can be called 'When you do this, Anastasia, I will react like this'. That way, I would always know which Christian to expect and when he gets like this, I can analyze my own behaviour to determine what I did wrong. I would even know which one of his multiple personalities I'm dealing with at that moment.

"You should know by now that I'm extremely possessive, Anastasia. Couple that with jealousy that I've never experienced before you and you get quite an explosion. I'm also not used to this."

"Now that we've established that we are both in unfamiliar territory, can you take a minute and tell me what the hell I did to get pissed off Christian and where happy Christian went to?" I continue to stand under the hot shower, enjoying the look in his eyes even though he is trying to come across as unaffected by me standing naked before him under the hot shower.

"You were checking Mac out with me standing next to you." He sounds like a sulky toddler.

"Yes I were. I noticed he had tanned skin from long hours in the sun. He has a kind smile and friendly brown eyes. But that's it. I didn't imagine him without clothes and yes, I would have responded quicker if you didn't touch my back and distract me." I turn and take the soap in my hand, rubbing it slowly over my shoulders and arms. "I'm sure you have other things to do. I won't be long." Even as the words leave my mouth I feel a pinch of regret. I would rather he come in here…

My thoughts are cut off by a naked Christian pressed against my back. I should really take the time to check his clothes. Maybe he wears that stripper clothes that can be ripped off in seconds. My hands freeze when his hands cover mine.

"I'm sorry." He says with his mouth pressed against my shoulder.

"Oh, Christian. I wonder sometimes what is going on in that head of yours and why you feel so insecure. I'm certain that I haven't done anything to provoke these feelings in you." I tell him honestly.

"Honestly, I would prefer you leave me over something I did and not over another man. You are mine and I'm scared that someone is going to take you from me. I like who I am with you in my life." Good, seems we both feel the need to be honest.

I turn to face him and he pull me into him with my head pressed against his bare chest. I'm sure this must be painful for him, but right now, I need this so I will be selfish for once and just enjoy the moment. Naturally the moment quickly turned into a passionate love making with the earlier row now a distant memory. We both have so much to learn. I just hope we have time to do it.

The rest of the day flew by. We spent the night on board the boat and left late on Sunday morning. I would have liked to spend more time on the boat, but I'm meeting Ray for brunch and did not want to cancel on him. Christian dropped me at my apartment and we very reluctantly parted ways. Naturally, by the time I reach the restaurant, I see Luke behind me. I would rather not want to know how he knew where to find me. I slightly nod as I enter the restaurant but stop dead in my tracks when I see Ray sitting with a very upset Elena. Actually, she looks…defeated. Out of sheer curiosity over what could have made Elena Lincoln drop her natural, cold demeanour, I walk closer.

"It doesn't matter, Ray. Nothing will bring him back. It's over. I must except what is and move on." I hear Elena say just as I reach their table.

"Elena, it's not always…" Ray begins, but stops when he sees me behind Elena.

"Hello. I hope I'm not interrupting." I know I sound like an awful person, but I would have liked to hear the rest of their conversation.

"No, not at all. Take a seat. We were just about to order lunch."

I sit down next to Elena and she truly does look horrible. Whatever is going on must have been very upsetting to let her emotionless mask drop in public.

"Elena, are you okay?" I ask, putting my hand on hers. When she turns to face me, she is visibly trying to look like the Elena I know, but failing.

"I will be," is all she says with a smile before picking up the menu to avoid further questions I'm sure.

After we all order a light lunch, Ray looks at me with narrowed eyes and a half smile. That look that normally signals the invasion of my privacy, so I take a deep breath and give him a smile back.

"What do you want to know, dad?" I ask and he gives me a full on smile.

"You know me too well. Okay, how is everything going with you and Christian? Since there was no article announcing his untimely demise, I take it that he survived the blow out that I'm sure followed your unwanted graduation gift." He says and Elena's head snaps up, probably curious as to what Ray is referring to.

"We're good. There was a bit of an altercation, but we sorted it out. He won't surprise me like that again…I hope." When Elena looks at me with eyes filled with questions, I decide to give her the run down. "Christian couldn't get hold of me on Monday and started to panic. I promised not to let him worry like that again and well…the promise lasted all but two days. On Wednesday we went for a photo shoot with Jose and I didn't realise that there would not be any reception. By the time we got back to our apartment in Portland, we came face to face with two furious Grey brothers. That made Christian appoint a CPO for me and he neglected to discuss it with me in advance. It did not go down well for him, but we're good and all sorted."

For a minute Elena and my dad is speechless. Ray cocks his head to the side and looks past my shoulder.

"Everything might be sorted, but I see he still got his way. Not that I blame the man. Can you imagine what your life will be like when news breaks properly that you are in a relationship with him and not "just friends"? I for one am perfectly happy with this new development. One less thing to worry about and let me tell you, if I got paid to worry about you, I would be the wealthiest man on the planet."

"Wait, Christian went to Portland just because he could not get hold of you?" Elena asks, pointing one of her perfectly manicured nails in the air and looking like she's solving a puzzle.

"Yes. See he had to go to New York the previous day and I tried to get hold of him a couple of times. He immediately thought something was wrong when he got back to Seattle and got Elliot to jump on the worry wagon with him." I explain again and she frowns.

"He came back from New York and then went to Portland to find you?" She asks again and now it's my turn to frown.

"Yes," I say slowly, trying to figure out where she is going with this.

"Well I never… seem miracles never seize to exist."

While we eat, I try to figure out what she was referring to, but gave up by the time we finish our lunch. Shortly after we finished, Ray excuse himself, telling me to look after myself and to remember to let him know when I arrive safely in Georgia. Before he is even out the door, Elena and I turn to face each other at the same time.

"He cares very deeply for you. You do know that, don't you? He would never, and I do mean never, do something like that for anyone else." Elena starts and effectively shuts me up.

I nod, not wanting to admit that, I too, care deeply for him… more than I should… more than what is good for me. Eventually he will break my heart. I know it, Elena knows it and I'm sure he knows it too. But even with that knowledge, I refuse to let him go until he tells me to.

"What is going on with you, Elena? I could see you were upset when I arrived and don't tell me you will be okay." I go for a change in topic to get the melancholy thoughts out of my head. If I say that we are good enough times, my head will start to follow my heart and stop waiting for the inevitable heartbreak.

"Anastasia, it is a long, sad story and I'm sure…" Oh no, I don't go away that easy.

"Well, it's a good thing that I've got nothing but time. Christian is out playing golf with Elliot before he leaves with Kate tomorrow. Maya is getting ready for her first day at Grey House and I can pack tomorrow for my visit to my mom. Now, what is going on?" I say, making myself comfortable with a glass of wine in my hand.

She looks down, probably thinking of where to start and for some reason, I get a chill down my spine. One thing I'm absolutely certain of, is that this will not be good.

"I was sixteen. Dating the most popular boy in school. He was two years older and could get any girl he wanted, but I fooled myself into thinking that he wanted to be with me. The weekend after his eighteenth birthday, he had this party at his parents' house while they were away. I went there with two of my friends and everything was going well. He treated me like I was a princess. He made me feel special and constantly asked if I was okay. When most of the kids started to go home, he wanted to show me something. Like an idiot I followed him to their shed." She stops and I'm holding my breath, knowing where this is going.

A/N: I will update again tomorrow. Please review.