Just Breathe

by Mother of Pearl Fetish

What happens when Christian and Ana don't meet at the interview? What steps will he take when he first sees her at graduation? What will change when he inadvertently injures her before he can introduce her to the Red Room of Pain? 2015 Nominee - Fanatic Fanfics Multifandom Awards.

4. Chapter 4

Thank you for the reviews and viewers; thank you for the messages and questions; thank you for the favorites and follows!

I am final proofing all thirty chapters of Just Breathe and reloading them in the next few weeks. The outline for Just Breathe II is laid out; it needs research and writing. I will not upload it until spring. Sorry.

I do not own Fifty Shades Trilogy or the characters. They belong to E. L. James. My story is the interpretation of my thoughts about how the characters could have, should have, would have acted.

Just Breathe – Chapter 4: SIP Week Two, Part A

XXXXX
Monday after accident, early morning
Escala
Taylor's POV

Grey and I are in the elevator after a run. He wanted to run toward Miss Steele's condo and 'check up on her'. I recommend a different route because he has used the Pike Place Market route too much lately. He's supposed to change up routes every day to keep the paparazzi at bay. We have ten routes laid out. I shuffle the routes and announce where we will run. My recommendation displeases Grey, but I'm his chief of security. It's my job to keep him safe, not happy.

"Taylor," Grey finally articulates the thoughts that obviously ran rampant in his mind while his body ran our usual five-mile trek. "As my chief of security – I need you to be honest with me."

"Always, boss," I refreshed my poker face. Hell, if I were completely honest with this man, I would have quit because of his attitude years ago. I would have decked him for being such a cold bastard to his wonderful mother. Additionally, I would have taken a belt to his ass for talking to that nasty snatch Elena Lincoln.

"I feel Miss Steele's accident has left her vulnerable." He paused. "Should I order more surveillance for her? Keaton Kavanagh said there were HR issues with SIP when I talked to him. You saw the bruises her boss left on her arm. You know he's one of the reasons she reacted so badly in the park."

"I can put 24/7 surveillance on Miss Steele, but once she disappears behind SIP's doors where we don't have coverage; it's a crap shoot about her being safe."

"Someone inside SIP, then?" Grey asked.

"That's a touchy situation because you are in the midst of acquiring the company. Any new faces may be treated with distrust. You can't put a CPO on Miss Steele, but suggest they are there to audit the finances. They would be housed in a completely different area of the building, which would negate the reason for a CPO. I'm sure she's the kind of lady who doesn't want a man in the bathroom when she's answering the call of nature or powdering her nose." I explain.

"As much as I would like to; I can't take Miss Steele to GEH and suggest she help with the merger paperwork because she doesn't know the business." Grey admitted.

"We need more intel on her boss. We need more intel on previous HR issues. HR issues could be anything from insurance irregularities to unreported sexual harassment. Welch should do military-level background checks on the upper management of SIP who make the transition to Grey Publishing." I say with conviction.

"There's more," Grey says, watching my face.

"I know the last time I had a concussion, I had a headache for five days; and was nauseous for the first 48 hours. My ears rang for two weeks which made it hard to concentrate. I believe Miss Steele needs to stay home today and rest. If she needs to take a pain pill today for her head or her arm, she won't do it if she's working. She will try to work through the pain, which will make her less aware of her surroundings. Personally, I think she should take a couple days off, but that's my opinion and I'm not her doctor. I believe Dr. T. should call Mr. Roach before the work day begins and let him know Miss Steele was injured. She can request he call her and tell her to stay home today. Dr. T. can fax him a doctor's excuse if necessary."

"You've spent considerable time thinking about this," Grey says, like he's reading my mind. "Tell me the rest of it."

"I don't know what logistics have been included in Roz and your discussions with SIP. However, before SIP becomes Grey Publishing; Welch and Barney need to complete a threat assessment. Are you vulnerable there? Is Grey House vulnerable there? Can their servers be hacked? Can you trust the upper level management? Nothing personal, Boss, but I wouldn't renovate the SIP building to leave Grey Publishing there. The parking is inadequate and the building's security is a joke. Since your reason to acquire SIP was to facilitate publishing needs for Grey House, you should consider moving the business to the Grey House Annex. It already has a security force, secure underground parking and CCTV. Once the universe knows SIP became Grey Publishing; there are logistics issues. After you move SIP/GP over to empty offices at the Grey House Annex; have Grey Construction renovate the SIP building with the purpose to sell the building or rent it out. Have Roz check on the nonprofit agencies you support. If one of them is looking to relocate, she can check to see how much of a tax credit you would get for providing cheap rent to them."

"If you were further along in your negotiations, you could house Miss Steele along with two or three other young women at the new SIP/GP offices in the Grey House Annex. You could say they are keeping the new office open and functional while the move takes place. As I see it, everything is in transit until the final papers are signed. Once they are signed, logistics takes over, assigns office space and Grey Publishing moves into the annex. Staff won't be able to walk across the street to drink on Fridays. Miss Steele's boss won't be able to interfere with her once she is in a secure environment." I shrug. The elevator stopped at the penthouse. Grey goes off to his bedroom. I go off to shower and get ready for the day. He'll let me know if I'm providing transportation for Miss Steele.

XX
Monday morning – Ana's work week 2
Ana's POV

Elizabeth called this morning and requested I take the day off work to rest. Bless Dr. Trevelyan for looking out for me. She contacted Mr. Roach and told him about my accident. She recommended I rest for another day and offered to fax a doctor's excuse for me. Mr. Roach approved my absence and asked Elizabeth to call me. I thank Elizabeth for her concern and for the extra day to heal. I apologize for taking a sick day my second week in the office. I assure her I will be at work on time tomorrow morning. I call the contact number Christian left on my cast.

"Good morning Ana," Christian answers the phone.

"How did you know it was me?" I'm surprised.

"Caller ID," he responds. "What time will you be ready for Taylor to take you to work?"

I laugh aloud at his audacity. "Thank you for asking Dr. Trevelyan to call Mr. Roach and get me released from work for the day." I hear him chuckle in the background.

"My mother is quite persuasive," he said.

"Hum, I would have thought you learned your persuasiveness from your father, the lawyer." I said. "Needless to say; I'm home for the day."

"Promise you won't unpack the rest of the crates in your condo? Rest, read, eat healthy and no overdoing of any kind." He demands.

"I promise not to unpack crates. I'm going to eat breakfast and take a pain pill. Then I'm going back to bed. I have a lovely set of first edition Tess books to keep me company," I tease.

"Sleep well, Ana," Christian laughs. "Call me if you need Taylor to deliver lunch, dinner, ginger ale – or my calming bedside manner."

XXXXX
Tuesday after Accident; Ana's work week 2
Ana's POV

Taylor called from the car. I was ready. I put my running time into getting ready for work. I wore a lined cobalt blue and black chevron dress paired with a short sleeve cobalt blue cashmere sweater. The sweater covers the bruises Jack left. A lined dress meant not having to mess with a slip. The dress zipped on the side so I didn't have to worry about messing with a zipper. I put on black thigh high stockings. It meant not having to fight with pantyhose when it was time to go to the bathroom. It's tough to get dressed with one hand. Christian was right; I'm not good at brushing my hair left-handed. I finally brushed it into a left side ponytail, with a black ruffle hair tie to hold it. I fired up Kate's curling iron and made tendrils out of the parts escaping from the hair tie. Black pumps, black tote with essentials, breakfast and book; black Lucite hoop earrings and light makeup; I was ready to go.

It seemed odd to have Taylor drive me to work. Especially since he wouldn't let me ride in the front passenger seat. He asked me to sit on the back passenger side of the vehicle and not depart it until he opened the door for me. He was quite the gentleman, helping me out of the Audi SUV at work. He watched me walk to the front door of SIP; but I felt a cold shiver run down my spine. Who else was watching me...and why? I didn't have time to think about it because Jack stood in front of the double doors to SIP.

"So where did you run off to on Friday night?" Jack glared at Taylor and the SUV which delivered me to work. Then he glared at me as he opened the door.

"My roommate called while I was in the powder room. She needed help finding things for her trip to Barbados. We've been unpacking for a week and still have moving crates to empty. I probably should have said goodbye or told someone where I was headed, but she was in crisis mode and I had to get home."

"Claire called your cell three times looking for you!" His voice grated on my nerves.

"Oh, sorry, again, battery died, new place, took me two days to find the charger." I reply nonchalantly.

"How did you do that?" He glared at my cast.

"Fell while running Saturday morning; broke my arm. I'll be in a cast for six weeks, but I'm not incapacitated. The cast shouldn't affect my typing. What's on our agenda this morning?" I tried to deter the conversation away from me.

"Roach notified me you would be out yesterday, but he didn't elaborate why. I have a stack of mail to be sorted. There are author letters to be printed and mailed. There are manuscripts needing analyzed. It's all the same kind of work you did last week." Jack hovers by my desk. He finally departs when he realizes I'm fine and don't need help doing or getting anything.

XX
11:50 a.m. Same Day
SIP
Ana's POV

"Delivery for Miss Anastasia Steele," The delivery man set a lovely basket bouquet of baby white roses on my desk and a carton emblazed with Fairmont Olympic on the side of the black carton. I reached for my pen to sign for the delivery, but we are interrupted by Jack.

He reads aloud from a conference brochure as he approaches my desk. He's oblivious to the presence of the delivery man. "Ana, I need you to book flights and rooms for us at the publishing conference to be held in New York next weekend. I waited to register until my new assistant came on board. I planned for you to do it yesterday; oh well. As long as we are registered before three this afternoon, there won't be an issue."

"Us...as in you and me?" I stammer. Great. Wonderful. I ran out of Fifty's to get away from you and now I have a broken arm. I want to go to NY, but not alone with you! I wonder if Dr. Trevelyan would write me a doctor's excuse saying I could not fly because of the accident.

"Yes, it's a great conference. I've been asked to participate in a panel. We'll need to layout the presentation today. Despite your broken arm, I need you to work late every night this week to make up for the time you missed yesterday. There's a printing company we use in New York. You can email them the presentation brochure next Monday. They will print and deliver the order to the hotel on Friday. I'm presenting at a panel on Sunday morning. We can leave a week from this Thursday on the red-eye, get some sleep on the plane, attend preconference panels on Friday, conference Saturday and Sunday and conclusion before noon on Monday. We're back on the plane Monday afternoon. You'll be home late on Monday. Be sure to book nonstop flights for us." He looked up from the conference brochure. "It will be a great opportunity for you to network and meet our counterparts at various publishing houses in the U.S." He finally stopped talking long enough to hand me the conference brochure and looked at the bouquet. "Am I interrupting personal time? Boyfriend?"

His smug attitude infuriated me."It's probably from my roommate. She feels guilty about having abandoned me for rum runners and Barbados." I have an idea they are from Christian and not Kate! "I haven't signed for the delivery yet or read the card." I tapped the pen in my hand on the clipboard for emphasis.

"Hum," he said disapprovingly and walked away. "I want our itinerary confirmed before three today so don't waste your time mooning over those roses." He barked over his shoulder.

"I am sorry about the interruption and delay. Please wait just one more minute so I can tip you," I said while signing, handing him back his clipboard. Before I could reach for my wallet; he assured me the tip had been generously paid by the sender to ensure delivery right before my lunch time. "Thank you for waiting for me to sign." I gave him a sincere smile; but waited to open the card until I was alone. I suspected the delivery was from Christian; it was the same stationery as the card with my Tess books.

"Ana...Chicken soup for lunch because you should eat and I worry about you going out for lunch with a broken arm. I'm looking forward to hearing from you tonight (?) about how you are coping at work. Sincerely, CG, CEO, GEH...the place you didn't choose to apply for an internship."

I can't keep the loopy grin off my face looking at my flowers and lunch provided by Christian Grey…and I'm giddy at the possibility of talking to him tonight.

"Girl! Flowers and lunch? You obviously have a man wrapped around your little finger!" Claire, the receptionist, detoured by my desk at lunch time before hitting the break room. "Come on; bring your lunch and your smiling face to the break room with me. I have no man in my life right now, so you have to let me live vicariously."

"I don't talk about my personal life," I smiled back, slipping Christian's card into my tote. I didn't want to be tempted to pull it out at lunch time and read it in front of everyone. I didn't want anyone catching a glimpse of his comments, especially the one about an internship at GEH. I picked up my purse and lunch.

"Well, I'm into tawdry levels of details. That was a hottie delivery man!" She prattled on and on about the roses and the delivery man. "Alright, give me the cast. Any man you don't want; give him my phone number!" She signed her name in hot pink with her phone number. "Hey," she said, "whose phone number is this?" She pointed at Christian's initials and phone number, hidden on the cast when my hand faces palm down while resting or typing.

"Concerned citizen who saw me fall in the park and took me to the hospital," I reply before realizing Jack has entered the break room and is getting coffee. He's too interested in Claire and my conversation. I divert Claire's interest in my life by asking about the rest of her weekend. Jack has no reason to hover, other than eavesdropping, so I'm relieved when he walks away.

XX
Taylor's POV

"Taylor – it's Sawyer – Ryan made the delivery as ordered. His cap had a web cam. Miss Steele has been ordered to go to New York. Departing late a week from Thursday and returning late the following Monday. It's with that man she avoided on Friday night at the bar. He told her they are working late every night this week."

"Sawyer, what's your assessment of the situation?" I asked evenly.

"One; he's a rude asshole and interrupted her conversation with Ryan in a feeble attempt to find out who sent her flowers. Two, I think he's trying to wear her down during the week. If Friday night is company drinking night at Fifty's – he may try to take advantage of her since he knows her roommate is out of town. Three, if she is still taking pain pills; she shouldn't be drinking. Four, I think if he doesn't try anything this upcoming weekend; he may try to take advantage of her in New York. Her attitude changed when he approached her desk. I don't think she wants to work late every night this week. I don't think she wants to go to New York with him either. She was really happy with the flowers and lunch and was very apologetic about her boss interrupting. I can send over the video feed."

"Thanks, I'll be sure to show it to the boss." I terminated the conversation. Shit; he's going to yell. He's going to throw things. He might even go break Hyde's neck. Some days, I hate my job. I punched in a speed dial number on my cell. "Andrea, I need to talk to Mr. Grey right now."

XX
Jack's POV

While Ana is at lunch with Clare, I check her desk and her tote for the card that came with the flowers. Confirmation of Christian Grey's involvement with Anastasia Steele has been confirmed. He's making jokes about her not applying to GEH for an internship? I leave everything where it was when I came to the desk. A photographic memory is a wonderful thing to have. When I heard she wouldn't be at work yesterday because of the accident; I made Elizabeth look up her address. I offered the explanation that I could offer transportation for her in the future since we live close to one another. I drove past there at lunch time and after work yesterday. I didn't catch sight of her. I will have to watch for the black SUV that dropped her off this morning. It wasn't Christian Grey dropping her off; so is it someone who works for Grey or another entity altogether? I will spend the night fleshing out my plan to get even with the Grey family; and they won't even suspect me.

XX
Ana POV

"Ana, did you start on the reservations and itinerary for us for New York?" Jack was back in front of my desk.

"Sorry, no, I just came back from lunch. I'm ready to start." I tucked my lunch box and purse under the desk.

"Well, wait a few minutes. Roach called a meeting with executive staff about travel costs before the new reorganization takes place." He stormed out of my work area and up the stairs to executive offices on the third floor.

I called Claire. "Reorganization?"

"You didn't hear about it because you were gone yesterday, but SIP is being bought out. No one knows if it's Puget Publishing or if it is Kavanagh Media. Both of them announced expansion plans. There have been a lot of nervous nights around here because both Puget and Kavanagh have established teams working for them. Reorganization could mean staff cuts. Anyhow, there's a big staff meeting on Friday with the new owner's management team."

"So, I probably won't be going to New York next week for the conference?" I asked, crossing my fingers under my desk where no one can see.

"Girl, keep a large piece of furniture between you and Jack Hyde at all times. When you went to the powder room on Friday night and never came back; Hyde searched for you. He sent me into the bathroom to make sure you were alright before he ordered me to call you."

"I'm not much of a drinker. I'm always the designated driver when I go out. I told him one beer was fine, but he would not listen. He insisted he'd give me a ride home. However, he had three drinks and was on his fourth when I left. I don't ride with drunk drivers either. Besides I needed to get back, my roommate was leaving for Barbados. I promised to help her pack and get ready. We still have unopened crates at the condo. I worked a little on them yesterday; but mostly I rested. I won't be able to finish unpacking if I'm working late every night this week."

"Make sure security knows that you are in the building after hours," Claire advised. She went back to work and I finished analyzing a manuscript from this morning before starting on another manuscript.

Hyde made an appearance within the hour. "Have you been complaining about your work load?" he asked gruffly.

"No." His question startled me. "Everyone's been pretty easy on me since I walked in with a broken arm this morning. Last week flew by, it was interesting work. I know there is work to catch up on since I missed yesterday; but I don't feel overwhelmed."

"Well, I've been given marching orders to have you work mornings on manuscripts and afternoons on my presentation. No late nights; no overtime. Plus, New York is off for you. However, I still need flight, hotel and itinerary before three so stop mooning over those roses and snap to it!" He barked and marched away from my desk.

The wonderful chicken soup I ate for lunch is threatening to reappear. I don't need Jack pissed off at me. What's the reorganization going to do to my internship? I confirmed hotel and plane for Jack, arranging for a driver to take him to the airport next Thursday evening. I printed out his itinerary and conference registration confirmation, slipped it into a SIP travel portfolio and took it to his office.

"Sorry about New York," he said. "I wanted to take you; have you meet our counterparts. You could have learned a lot from the conference. This damn reorganization has everyone on pins and needles. I just don't understand management's mode of thinking right now. I don't appreciate being micromanaged. Why did management establish a work schedule for you?" He stares at my cast in an accusatory manner.

"Well, I can start work on your presentation when you are ready." I hoped my tone of voice was calming and reassuring.

"It's just a rough draft right now. Finish the first chapter synopsis for the manuscripts on your desk. I haven't decided which manuscripts to take to New York, so there may be a lot of them landing on your desk this week." His morose tone fills his office.

I escaped his office as quickly as I could. Somehow his words, "I wanted to take you" sounded sleazy and made me uncomfortable.

XX

Tuesday, 3:05 p.m.
From Ana Steele
To Christian Grey
RE: The office is curious...
Thank you for the lovely flowers. White roses are my favorite flower. Lunch was excellent and you will be pleased to know I ate everything. Thank you! Please don't be concerned about my eating lunch. If I don't remember to bring lunch from home, there is a deli just down the block and a sports bar across the street. You know all that research I did before I graduated? I would love to tell you about my day in person, but I don't want to interfere with any meetings or dinner plans you have.
Thank you again.
Ana Steele
Assistant to Jack Hyde, Editor
Seattle Independent Publishing

Tuesday, 3:10 p.m.
From Christian Grey
To Ana Steel
RE: Curiosity killed the cat...
Why are white roses your favorite? You are welcome for the flowers and for the soup. Yes, I remember your research for your new adventure. Are you allergic to anything? Mrs. Jones is making a spinach-basil-garlic stuffed flank steak with Italian herbs, grilled portabella mushroom slices, pasta tortellini and a caprese salad for dinner with garlic bread and a lemon gelato for dessert. Pinot Noir to drink. When are you off work? Please come to dinner and see the view of Seattle from Escala.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings

Tuesday, 3:15p.m.
From Ana Steele
To Christian Grey
RE: Dinner sounds lovely...
I have no food allergies. Thank you for the dinner invitation, but I will go easy on the Pinot Noir, especially if we are viewing Seattle from any kind of height. I'll be off at 5:30 every day from now until further notice. Claire, the receptionist, tells me SIP is in play. The two names she mentioned are Puget Publishing and Kavanagh Media. No one knows what is going on. White roses are my favorite because of literature. A gentleman in Victorian times would send white rose bouquets. Speaking of Victorian times; thank you for the Tess books, but I am unable to keep them. You've already paid the hospital bills, cared for me and are providing transportation for two weeks. The books are over the top.
Ana Steele
Assistant to Jack Hyde, Editor
Seattle Independent Publishing for now

Tuesday, 3:15 p.m.
From Christian Grey
To Ana Steel
RE: You didn't tell the rest of the story...
White roses from a Victorian suitor meant he was worthy to court the young lady in question. I'm worth it when you are ready. Think about that. I know how much you like books. Please don't return the Tess books. It would please me if you kept them. I will see you at 5:30 outside SIP. Bring your Fairmont Olympic box with you. I'll see the dishes, etc. are returned. I promise I'll work on that heights thing.
Christian Grey
Not a Victorian gentleman CEO
Grey Enterprises Holdings
P.S. What did I tell you at your graduation lunch? Your emails are being monitored, especially now that SIP is in financial play. Text me from your phone – use the wifi at the sports bar across the street when you go on break.

XX

The end of the day is another fiasco. Captain Space Invader planted his ass on my desk, boxing me in. "So, Ana, how are you getting home? You're not driving your Beetle with a broken arm. There's no reason to take the bus. I live close to Pike Place Market; I'll give you a ride."

"Thank you, but I have transportation arranged." I say as I finish clearing my desk of the day's work, shutting down my computer.

"Nonsense, let me take you out to dinner and then home. I imagine it's tough cooking with a broken arm. You can't eat takeout until your roommate gets back from Barbados," he argues. "Of course; she might return sooner if her father is buying out SIP."

"Thank you, but I have transportation and dinner plans," I roll my chair three feet back; away from the desk so I have room to stand without touching him. I smooth the skirt of my dress in an attempt to get his eyes off my breasts and look at my knees or legs. He gets the hint he's in the way and moves off. I grab my things and roll my chair under my desk. "Kate and I don't discuss Kavanagh Media business."

"Thanking the boyfriend for the flowers over dinner?" His question sounded smarmy as he's checking the flowers for a card.

"The flowers are not from a boyfriend," I walk to the elevator. "The ride is with a concerned citizen who saw me fall in the park."

Unfortunately, Jack follows me. His cologne is a little pungent in the stuffy elevator. I can't stop him from following me. He insists on opening the door for me. I thank him; wondering if he'll move off before I get in Christian's SUV. Jack stands outside the building and watches as Taylor holds the SUV door for me. Taylor takes my armload of items and helps me into the back of the SUV. I slide into the seat and buckle up. I think Taylor observes Jack after I get in the SUV because he silently stands for a few minutes after closing the SUV door.

Christian flashes me a huge, megawatt grin. He is nicely dressed in a dark grey suit with white shirt. "Nice to see you, Miss Steele."

"Thank you for picking me up, Mr. Grey," I tease. "You saved me from overly concerned co-workers coming to my aide and rescue." I smile back at him.

He reaches over and I think he's going to take my hand, but he double checks the seatbelt. Concerned much? My subconscious snarls and then feels guilty. The man has apologized a few dozen times for breaking my arm. He is over-the-top concerned about my safety.

The ride to Escala is pleasant. However, we don't get out of the elevator at the penthouse. The elevator doors open to a large flat roof of the building. Sitting there is a white helicopter with Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc. written in blue with the company logo on the side. Christian reaches for my hand and leads me to a small office. A man steps out of the office and hands Christian paperwork. "Here's your flight plan, Mr. Grey. External checks are done; Charlie Tango is ready and waiting, sir. You are cleared to depart within the next ten minutes."

Christian thanks him and realizes I'm shivering. "Here, this will fit over your cast. I can't wear it when I'm flying." He takes off his jacket and helps me put it on. He rolls the sleeves back so my hands are free.

"You're flying?" I gape at him in astonishment. He opens the door to reveal several seats and directs me to the front of the helicopter. "Sit, but don't touch anything," he orders as he follows me into the helicopter. He's busy latching the door while I am less than graceful getting settled in my assigned seat. Christian crouches beside me, strapping me into four-point harness which connects to a central buckle. He tightens the straps so I am immobile. He glances up at me and smiles an enigmatic smile. I blush, feeling warmth from his jacket and his presence. I am Larunda…gazing at Mercury, the patron god of financial gain, commerce and eloquence; and the god of flight. I love the way Christian looks and the way his jacket smells. I'd squirm in my seat if I wasn't immobilized. He hands headphones to me.

Christian buckles himself into his seat. I watch with awe as he begins a protracted procedure of checking gauges, flipping switches, pressing buttons on the dashboard in front of him. Lights wink and flicker before the whole instrument panel lights up. He puts on headphones and the rotor blades start up. They are amazingly loud. "I'm conducting the pre-flight checks. Joe did the external checks for me. We'll be taking off within a minute or two."

"You sure you know what you are doing?" I ask cautiously.

"Trust me, Ana; I've been a qualified pilot for four years. You're safe; at least while we're flying." He smiles enigmatically.

My breath catches and I bite my lip. What the hell does that mean? Mercury is an excellent descriptor for Christian; his mercurial moods confuse me.

Christian reaches over and pulls my lip from my teeth. His hand brushes against my cheek. "It's going to be a breath-taking view. Just breathe and enjoy! Sea-Tac Tower, this is Charlie Tango Golf—Golf Echo Hotel, cleared for takeoff. Flight plan in place from Escala for a sight-seeing tour of Seattle. Please confirm, over."

"Charlie Tango - you are clear to proceed." Sea-Tac Tower responds.

"Roger tower, Charlie Tango set, over and out." The helicopter rises slowly and smoothly into the air. "Off to adventure," he says to me; chuckling at my look of awe as Escala slips away from us and we rise in the air.

Wow! I sighed. "May I say you are quite surprising Mr. Grey?" My inner goddess wears a slutty version of a flight attendant uniform with shirt unbuttoned showing cleavage and side slit skirt showing more leg than common sense. She's panting to do mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on Captain Grey.

"You are quite unexpected also, Miss Steele." He smiled. "I wanted to show you Whidbey, Bainbridge and Vashon Island in Puget Sound. I also wanted to show you the Cascade Mountains and all their falls. However, they are better left for a long afternoon tour where we could land by Salish Lodge and Spa and have dinner. I'm going to show you downtown Seattle, the Seahawks Stadium, the Space Needle, Lake Union, University of Washington, Lake Washington, downtown Bellevue, Green Lake, Golden Gardens, Ballard Locks and Ship Canal, Fisherman's Terminal, Elliott Bay Marina, Redmond and the Microsoft Campus. I'll point out everything as we get close to it."

The entire trip has been amazing. How far are you willing to go to thank this man for this amazing experience? My subconscious asks. My inner goddess strips, revealing Agent Provocateur harlot red lacy lingerie under the flight attendant garb. All the way, she moans. I want to be in that man's bed. If he makes an offer to take you to bed…jump for joy, jump at the chance, jump his bones! I blush and am thankful it's getting dark and Christian can't see my face. He seems so adept at reading my thoughts. I need to develop a poker face.

"That's the Space Needle. Have you ever been?" He asks.

"No, it's amazing...but aren't we flying awfully close?" I ask.

"I'm a firm believer in established parameters." He says enigmatically again. "I'm flying close enough to let you see some of the sights of Seattle up close and personal. Some Sunday afternoon when I'm not working and after you are healed, I can take you on a tour of the Space Needle. We can get dinner and watch the helicopters fly by."

"Do you work a lot of weekends?" I asked.

"I work some. I play some. Depends on how my life is going at the time." His answer seemed evasive, but I could not bring myself to question him. I can't articulate what I want to know and I can't distract him from flying.

"Sea Tac, this is Charlie Tango Golf – Golf Echo Hotel, returning from Space Needle to Escala. Request landing in less than ten minutes."

XX

When we are back on the helipad, Christian throttles down the motor and releases me from the harness. He helps me out of the helicopter and holds my hand across the tarmac to the elevator. "She's all yours, Joe. Please take Charlie Tango back to Boeing Field." He instructs the older man coming out of the office.

"Will do. Have a pleasant evening Mr. Grey." Joe smiles at us and goes out to Charlie Tango while we head for the elevator.

We enter the elevator to go to down to Christian's penthouse. He's still holding my hand. I look up at him through my lashes and he looks down at me. The atmosphere changes; charged with electricity. My breathing alters as my heart races. I bite my lip when he gazes at me with slate dark eyes. I look down at the floor. I can't breathe when I look at him.

The elevator opens to a large foyer. He pulls me off the elevator and pushes me up against the wall. Before I know it, he's got both my hands in a in a vice-like grip behind my back and he's pinned me to the wall using his hips. Holy shit. His other hand slides around the back of my head, his thumb under my chin, tilting my face up. His lips crush mine. It's so hot and a little painful. I moan into his mouth, giving his tongue an opening. He takes full advantage, his tongue expertly exploring my mouth. I have never been kissed like this. My tongue tentatively strokes and joins his in a slow erotic dance that's all about touch and sensation. He kisses me until we have to stop and catch our breath. My heart rate is through the roof. I feel like I've been running at high altitudes. I am helpless, my hands pinned, my face held and his hips restraining me. Oh my… oh my… oh my… Christian Grey stopped rejecting me; stopped warning me off. Christian Grey kissed me! My inner goddess swoons from the kiss. She is prostrate on a Victorian chaise lounge, fanning herself in between smelling the bouquet of white roses he sent me today.

"You. Are. So. Sweet," he murmurs – each word a staccato. He plants a chaste kiss on my lips and peels himself off me, letting go of my face, releasing my hands. "Are you hungry?" He asks softly, leading me by the left hand into the condo. "Dinner now, dancing later?" He asks and I nod. He helps me off with his jacket and up onto a chair at the breakfast bar. He introduces me to Mrs. Jones, his housekeeper and arranges place settings for us.

XX

Dinner is delicious, but I take very small sips of the delicious wine he pours for me. When we finish, Christian disappears for a minute through a wide doorway on the far end of the great room. We came through double doors into this palatial room. We ate at the breakfast bar near the kitchen just inside the entry way. Near the kitchen is a dining room table that seats sixteen. The art on the walls and the full-size shiny black grand piano would be imposing, but for some reason, it makes a statement – like a well-staged and coordinated room in an art gallery. I look around at the twinkling lights of Seattle through the far glass wall that leads to a balcony. The U-shaped sofa, which would take up the entire living room of Kate and my condo, faces a stainless steel fireplace where a lit fire dances gently. My inner goddess lies before the fire, fanning herself, moaning with lust. I bitch slap her wanton ass until she shuts up. I won't let her embarrass me.

Christian returns with a document and takes me by the hand, leading me to the large white sofa. "This is a non-disclosure agreement," he shrugs and looks ruefully at me. "My lawyer insists on it."

"What does this agreement mean?"

"It you cannot disclose anything about us. Anything, to anyone."

"Because…?" I just need to know why.

"Because of who I am, Anastasia. Although our ride to Escala and dinner tonight were quiet, there may be nights where I have to conduct business and you may overhear things. Such conversations may contain proprietary information for my company. If you don't sign, our contact has to come to an end." His voice was sad. "The picture of us at WSUV is the first published picture of me with a woman who is not family. My communications department receives hundreds of questions from the tabloids about who you are and about our relationship." He offers me a pen. "I think the paparazzi have left you alone up until now because they don't know where to find you. I cannot guarantee you won't be found. I cannot guarantee you won't be followed in the future. I can't guarantee they won't harass you. My company will do the best we can to limit the invasion of your privacy."

"The picture was nice; but don't stress about it, I'll sign." I stop and read the NDA. "I understand about the proprietary information, but…"

"What don't you understand?" Christian asked.

"Christian, I don't discuss my personal life. I don't gossip about other people's personal lives. I don't read tabloids or gossip magazines. I don't watch entertainment news. I was horrified when I heard Levi asked you the gay question. I think everyone deserves privacy. However, I have excellent reading comprehension skills. Does this mean I cannot discuss you…even with Kate?"

"As Kate is a public relations major, the daughter of Kavanagh Media, and a future intern for Seattle Times - yes, I would prefer you didn't discuss me with her. It also means that if some tabloid snaps a shot of us running together; you will not give them an interview."

"What am I supposed to say to my father when he asks about you?" I inquire.

"Your father is a taciturn man; I doubt he develops a sudden urge to interrogate you about your personal life." Christian pauses. "Should someone get inquisitive about you, about me, about your accident and about my providing transportation for you – I need to know you won't sell information to the tabloids."

"The rumors could get ugly…" I understand his need for privacy.

He nodded.

I unrestrainedly sign on the signature line of both copies. He folds one and places it near my tote. He takes the other back to his office and returns. "Dance with me," he holds out his hand. We dance around the room. He is an excellent dancer; I don't feel like I have two left feet when I'm in his arms. By the third dance, we end by the windows overlooking Seattle. "Do you want more wine?" He asks gently.

"No, but thank you for offering. I need to call it a night, Christian. I have to work tomorrow and I have a very demanding boss." I know my smile slips a little when I think of Captain Space Invader.

We walk to the elevator and go to the parking level. There is still a current between us in the elevator. It did not disappear with dinner and dancing. Taylor waits at the SUV, but Christian waves him off. He opens the door for me and gets me settled. When he enters on the other side, he double checks my seatbelt. "Tell me about your boss," his voice is cool.

I tell him about Jack and the New York trip. I tell him fate intervened with the pending sale of SIP. I don't have to work late every night this week, which my arm and my head appreciate. I also express appreciation I will not be in New York when Kate returns from Barbados. "Thank you for the flowers. They are so lovely; they are raising questions."

"You didn't say they were from me?" He asks, but I notice Taylor frowns.

"I told you, I don't reveal personal details about my life. I tucked the card away instead of leaving it in the bouquet." We pull up at Kate and my condo too soon. Christian gets out and escorts me into the building. He's standing close behind me when I unlock the door. I wonder if he's going to kiss me goodnight. However, Christian follows me in, ensuring the lights are on and I'm safe.

XX
Christian's POV

I ensure her condo is safe before I think about departing. I need to get Taylor up here to do a threat assessment on the place. "Will you come to dinner on Friday at my condo? Your roommate is out of town. Your weekend is free – unless you plan to overdo and unpack the rest of the crates by yourself?" We could…spend the weekend in my playroom! God, I can't say that. I pause awkwardly for a minute. "We could spend some time together this weekend?"

She looks down at her hands and bites her lip. I reach out, pulling her lip from her teeth. I lean down to kiss her, but pause. I cannot kiss her like in the foyer; I might be tempted to kiss her all night long. I don't understand the depth of my desire. I've kissed subs before, but it was oral domination or testing their skills. Kissing Anastasia is addictive.

Her eyes drop from my face, half closed in anticipation of a kiss. If she were a sub, I would beat her for such liberties…but her open anticipation of my touch affects me differently than a sub kneeling in anticipation. She is hot and my indecision about her is scary and…I kiss her. It's not the searing kiss from the foyer, but it is more than a chaste goodnight kiss. Her hands clutch my biceps reminding me I should step away so she won't be hurt again; but I can't stop myself. My free hand slides down to the small of her back, pressing her against me. When she melts into my embrace; my hand grasps the nape of her neck, deepening the kiss. Eventually the need for oxygen separates us. I press my forehead against hers. It is an acceptable touch which will not hurt either of us. "This week is busy for me, but can you have dinner with me on Friday? There are details we have to share with one another." I say.

"Yes," she says quietly. "There are details to share." She kisses me chastely. "You have to go. I have to get to bed. It's an early day tomorrow."

I pull back and give her a questioning look.

"I'm getting up early for a run." she explains.

"You're running alone?" I frown.

"I ran daily in college. Now I try to run three days a week. I haven't run since Saturday. I have a sling to hold my arm next to my body so it doesn't flail around."

"What time?" I pull out my Blackberry to check my schedule.

"What time am I running? Why?" She asks with confusion in her voice.

"I'll join you. I run every morning I can schedule time. I'll come here. You put clothes and things for tomorrow in the SUV with Taylor to take back to Escala. We can run from here to Escala. I know the route. Taylor will follow us in the SUV. Then you can shower, dress, eat breakfast at Escala and Taylor can take you to work before he takes me."

"I'd like that," she says shyly.

I kiss her again, chastely and I exit. I depart after I hear her lock the door behind me.