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.

12. Chapter 12

Just Breathe Chapter 12 – Cinderella Dreams
July 2, 2011
Ana's POV

Wow, I have scrubbed up nicely as Ray would say. My strapless, floor-length, silver satin gown flatters what little curves I have. My hair falls in soft waves around my face, spilling over my shoulders to my breasts. I tuck my hair behind my ears, revealing the drop earrings Christian gave me. Each has four diamonds, one at the base, one at the bottom and two perfectly spaced diamonds between. They're beautiful, simple and classic. I have kept my makeup to a minimum, a natural look. Eyeliner, mascara, a little blush and pale rose lipstick. I pull on the specially-made opera length gloves and am pleased at the stretchy material. It molds to my left arm, but expands for the cast on my right arm. I collect my satin wrap and silver clutch purse and go in search of my Prince Charming.

He greets me with a glass of Bollinger. I'm careful to take tiny sips, but it tastes very good. "Thank you for the champagne," I murmur.

"Bollinger Grande Année Rosé 1999," he says. "I sent a bottle to your apartment to welcome you to Seattle. I'm going to keep a case of it on hand because it matches your blush."

I blush on cue and he chuckles.

"Here, you need this for the ball," he says, handing me an intricate silver mask with black feathers in a plume crowning the top. The feathers are held in place by a marcasite clip. The mask is beautiful. A silver ribbon is threaded around the edges and exquisite silver filigree is etched around the eyes. "It coordinates with mine," He shows me a plain black, highly-polished mask.

"You look very handsome in your tux…but I think the mask may make you look like a rogue," I smile.

"Yours will bring out your beautiful eyes. I might have to go rogue if you get too much attention." He mocks me.

"I only have eyes for you, Mr. Grey…and that mask will bring out your beautiful eyes too. I might have to go rogue on all the women who stare at you." I quietly threaten him.

"It's just a pretty face, baby," he says, finishing his glass of champagne. "You don't know how much I wish I were an average Joe."

"Think of all the fun you would miss in the business world if you were just an average Joe," I tease him.

"Just so you know, Taylor will be driving, Sawyer will be riding shotgun. When we pull into the gate at my parent's house in Bellevue, Ryan, another security guard, will step up on the running board at Taylor's door. He drove there earlier tonight and will be waiting for us. We will stay in the vehicle until we reach the carpeted area entrance to the event. At the carpeted area, Taylor will stop the vehicle and exit. Ryan will enter the vehicle. Sawyer will exit the vehicle. Taylor will open my door and you and I will exit the vehicle. Ryan will take the vehicle and park it in the private parking area by my parents' garage so no one gets near it. He will stay with the vehicle for the night. Taylor will walk the carpet in front of us, Sawyer will walk behind. I will be on your left, holding your left hand. This puts the three of us between you and the press. Plus it keeps your right arm away from the crowd so you won't be jostled or injured. I'm sure the press will just take pictures, but if any of them start yelling questions, just ignore them."

There is a line of expensive cars heading up the driveway of the Grey mansion. Long, pale gold paper lanterns hang over the drive, casting an enchanted evening look across the grounds.

"Masks on," Christian grins and as he dons his simple black mask; my prince becomes something darker, more sensual.

All I can see of his face is his beautiful chiseled mouth and strong jaw. He is definitely what Elizabeth Bennett would call a rake. My heart lurches at the sight of him. I fasten my mask and wink at him, reveling in the catch in his breath when he looks at me.

"Ready for the masked ball, Miss Steele?" Christian asks. "Remember, cocktails, dinner, raffle, auction, dancing and fireworks. Your most important introductions tonight are to my grandfather Theo and my grandmother Frannie. If there are other important introductions, I will introduce you as my girlfriend, Anastasia."

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be." My nervous butterflies are about to carry me away.

A hunter green carpet runs along the lawn to one side of the house, leading to the impressive grounds at the rear. Christian holds my left hand, as we follow the carpet with a steady stream of Seattle's elite dressed in their finery and wearing all manner of masks. The lanterns light the way. Two photographers take pictures of guests as they walk under an ivy-strewn arbor.

"Mr. Grey!" one of the photographers calls. Christian nods in acknowledgement and pulls me close as we pose for a photo. They must recognize him by his trademark, unruly copper hair.

"This is my girlfriend, Anastasia Steele," he calls out to them, spelling my name.

"Two photographers?" I ask Christian as we continue walking.

"One is from the Seattle Times; the other takes souvenir pictures. We'll be able to buy a copy later. There will be a lot of pictures available for purchase later and all the proceeds go to the Coping Together coffers." He explains.

We approach a large white pergola hung with smaller versions of the gold paper lanterns. Beneath it shines a hunter green and white checkered dance floor surrounded by a low white fence with entrances on three sides. The fourth side of the pergola is occupied by a stage where a string quartet softly plays a haunting, ethereal song. The stage looks set for a big band but there's no sign of the musicians yet. The string quartet plays during cocktail hour. The big band probably plays during the dancing portion of the evening. Christian leads me onto the dance floor where the other guests congregate and chat over glasses of pale gold champagne.

Toward the shoreline stands an enormous marquee, open on the side nearest to us so I can glimpse the formally arranged tables and chairs. There are so many! At the entrance to the marquee stand two elaborate ice sculptures of the Coping Together logo in green, gold and white. Several people pause to pose by the ice sculptures for pictures.

"How many people are coming?" I ask Christian, thrown by the scale of the marquee.

"I think it's just over the 300 mark. Thirty two tables in five rows, with our table in the third row, middle table. Mom and Dad's table has always been in the middle so that people can approach us easier than at a head table." He smiles down at me.

I can see his smile light up his eyes and I swoon.

"Christian!" A young woman appears out of the throng and throws her arms around his neck. Immediately I know she is his sister, Mia. The tall, slender raven-haired beauty is dressed in a sleek, pale pink, full-length, strapless chiffon gown with a stunning, delicately detailed Venetian mask to match. The pale pink mask highlights her amethyst purple eyes and lush dark eyelashes. I will have to ask Christian some time if her eyes are that purple, or if they are accented by contacts. Her raven-colored hair is in a messy updo. Her makeup is perfect. She looks amazing. "I'm so glad to see you! Is this Anastasia?" She gives me a quick hug.

"Call me Ana, please," I hug her back.

"She's so pretty!" Mia announces to Christian. "You must come and meet my friends. None of them can believe Christian finally has a girlfriend."

"Sorry, Mia," Christian shakes his head. "I promised Ana to keep introductions to a minimum tonight. I know everyone is curious about her – but I don't want her fleeing from fright before I have a chance to dance with her." He leads me through the pergola toward the marquee; introducing me as we went along. To ninety percent of the people, I was "Miss Steele, my date for the evening." To ten percent, I was "my girlfriend, Anastasia Steele." He stayed by my side during the cocktail half-hour, not letting anyone steal me away from him and I was very grateful! I don't know if it was deliberate, but there were several crestfallen faces at the announcement Christian had a girlfriend.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" The Master of Ceremonies, wearing an impressive black and white harlequin mask, interrupts us. "Please take your seats. Dinner is served."

Christian and I follow the chattering crowd into the large marquee. The interior is stunning. Three enormous, shallow gold chandeliers throw rainbow-colored sparkles over the white silk lining of the ceiling and walls. The tables are set with crystal glasses and gold place settings; crisp white linens cover the tables. The chairs are also covered in white and tied with sumptuous gold ribbons. In the center is an exquisite display of champagne-colored roses gathered around gold candelabra. Beside it is a basket of goodies wrapped in hunter green tulle with a flamboyant gold ribbon.

Christian leads me to a table in the center. Mia and Grace are already seated, deep in conversation with a young man I don't know. Grace wears a shimmering mint green gown with a Venetian mask to match. She looks radiant, not stressed at all and she rises to greet me warmly.

"Ana, how delightful to see you again! Mia is right; you look beautiful my dear!" She hugs me enthusiastically also.

"Mom," Christian greets her warmly, kissing her cheek.

"Christian," she smiles happily up at him.

Grace's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Trevelyan, join us at our table. They seem exuberant and youthful, though it's difficult to tell beneath their matching bronze masks. They are delighted to see Christian. Theo wears a black tuxedo with a burgundy tie which coordinates with Frannie's flowing burgundy gown.

"Grandmother, Grandfather, may I introduce Anastasia Steele? Anastasia this is my grandfather, Theodore, Theo, Trevelyan and my grandmother, Frances, Frannie, Trevelyan."

"You must be special, Anastasia," she gushes, shaking my hand and looking me over from head to toe several times. "Christian never brings a date to these events. It's wonderful to meet you."

"Christian's going to have to stay close to you all night," Mr. Trevelyan shakes my hand. "You really are the belle of the ball, my dear."

"Beauty and the Beast, Grandfather," Elliott's voice sounded over my shoulder.

"Hello, Ana!" He gave me a huge hug, ignoring Christian clearing his throat a couple times.

"You look gorgeous!" Kate whispered in my ear while Elliott hugged me.

"Kate!" Elliott finally let me go so I could admire and hug my roommate. "That dress is divine!" Kate wore an emerald green, one-shoulder empire-styled gown, with her strawberry blonde hair in a Grecian updo. Her emerald mask matched her emerald eyes and earrings.

"If Christian and Anastasia are Beauty and the Beast… then you must be Aphrodite," Mr. Trevelyan kissed Kate's cheek, beaming at her and Elliott. "…and her escort, Apollo." He shook his head. "How did you two roughnecks get these gorgeous girls to give you the time of day?"

"Fate, Theo. It was Fate." Elliott slapped Christian on the back as he and Kate greeted Grace and Frannie.

"Ana, this is my date, Sean." Mia shyly introduces her young man. He gives me a wicked grin and his brown eyes dance with amusement as we are introduced, while Christian glowers.

"Pleased to meet you, Sean," I say, shaking his hand briefly.

Christian regards him shrewdly while shaking his hand, noting he was slated to sit next to me. "Mia, do your brother a favor and sit next to Ana. You helped Mom on the committee. You know I rarely stay past cocktail hour at these things – help me out here. Explain the series of events to us as we go along, all right?"

Mia was thrilled at the thought of being seated next to me. I could already guess I would be interrogated by her. I give Christian the evil eye. Inflicting Mia on me instead of seating me next to her very quiet, reserved date was not fair! Jealous much? My inner goddess preens.

We are finally seated at our table, Grandfather T (Theo) , Grandmother T (Frannie), empty seat for Carrick, Grace, Elliott, Kate, Christian, me, Mia and Sean. I admire the small white place card with fine gold calligraphy that bears my name, Anastasia Steele, as a waiter lights the candelabra with a long taper. Can I acquire that place card and take it home to put away in my memory box? My inner goddess wonders.

Abruptly, there's the hiss of a microphone and Carrick's voice booms over the PA system, causing the babble of voices to die down. Carrick stands on a small stage at one end of the marquee, wearing an impressive, gold, Punchinello mask.

"Welcome, ladies and gentleman, to our annual charity ball. Grace and I welcome you and thank you for coming. We hope you enjoy tonight's activities. Please dig deep into your pockets to support the fantastic work our team does with Coping Together. As you know, it's a cause that is very close to my wife's heart and mine. I'll hand you over now to our Master of Ceremonies. Please be seated and enjoy your evening," Carrick finishes.

Polite applause follows and then the babble in the tent starts again. Christian rises as Carrick approaches. He shakes his dad's hand and announces, "Dad, I brought Ana."

"Good to see you again, Ana," Carrick murmurs; kissing me on both cheeks. His hazel eyes are enhanced by his extraordinary gold mask.

Elliott stands and gives Carrick a hug, "Not to be outdone by my baby brother," he snarks, "Dad, this is my girlfriend, Katherine Kavanagh. Kate, this is my father, Carrick Grey." He pulled Kate up out of her chair.

"Katie," Carrick gives her a hug. "Grace and Mia told me you ladies had a fun spa day."

"We did indeed," Kate said. "Frannie was quite fun after a few mimosas…I couldn't keep up."

Everyone laughed.

"Ladies and gentlemen; please nominate a table head," the MC calls out.

"Ooooh—me, me!" says Mia immediately, bouncing enthusiastically in her seat.

"In the center of the table you will find an envelope," the MC continues. "Would everyone find, beg, borrow, or steal a bill of the highest denomination you can manage, write your name on it and place it inside the envelope. Table heads, please guard these envelopes carefully. We will need them later."

Fishing out his wallet, Christian produces two hundred-dollar bills.

"Here," he says. "You are my date, I am paying." His tone is final.

I just smile and roll my eyes at him, eliciting a hiss from him. I sign my name using his fountain pen—it's a finely crafted sterling silver pen with brushed silver bands. As I sign my name, I wonder how many business contracts have been signed with it. Then Mia passes the envelope around.

I smile when Kate and Elliott get in a semi-argument with one another over him paying for the raffle for her. "Fine, but if I win, I'm giving the prize to Frannie." Kate insists. I ignore their friendly banter and concentrate on our menu card inscribed with gold calligraphy.

Elena's POV

What fresh shade of hell is this? Not only is there no space for me to sit with Grace this year and receive accolades due me for helping to plan this event – but we've been inflicted with a 'family' table. All my previous efforts to reinforce Christian's need to keep his family at arm's length so they wouldn't discover the truth of his private life is destroyed. Destroyed because Christian had to support the farms at WSUV because of his food issues. Destroyed because he had to say yes when they asked him to hand out diplomas. Destroyed because he laid eyes on Anastasia Steele. Additionally, her damned roommate is dating Elliott. When Miss Steele introduces a blue collar male friend to Mia; then my hell would be complete.

I watch as the conversation flows freely around that table. Frannie and Grace have a glimpse of what family holidays could be – so they won't do anything to stop this train wreck. She's sly that one…she obviously learned well from Katherine Kavanagh and is using her education to attempt to twist Christian around her little finger.

If Christian thinks he can ignore me like a discarded submissive; he's better reconsider who he's dealing with. I knew he was brilliant when I began "mentoring" him. The boy went from dismal grades and a future road to prison to being an A student and being accepted at Harvard. He has seriously underestimated me if he thinks he's going to put that little bookworm in the position of honor that belongs to me! He will talk to me tonight and I will make him understand his path to destruction if he continues with that girl. I smile and superficially chat with the other donors at my table. My plan to tell Christian I was not coming will help me separate Miss Steele from her determined companion. Once she knows the truth about Christian…his sadistic need to punish petite brunette submissives since he can't punish his crack whore mother…she'll run home as fast as possible to distance herself from him.

Ana's POV

Throughout dinner a steady stream of men in smartly tailored dinner jackets and dark masks stop by the table, keen to greet or meet Christian, shake his hand and exchange pleasantries. He introduces me to some but not others. I'm intrigued to know how and why he makes the distinction. Several of them attempt to talk business with him; while giving me a critical glance. He must sense that they make me uncomfortable because he reaches for my hand and holds it, rubbing his thumb across my knuckles. "We're just here for the fun," he tells the ones who press him to take a stroll, have a drink, or smoke a cigar and talk business.

During one such conversation where I'm not introduced, Mia leans across and addresses Kate and me.

"Kate and Ana, will you help in the auction?"

"Of course," we respond only too willing.

By the time dessert is served, the MC appears at our table and with him a masked blonde who spends her time staring at Christian. Mia doesn't miss a beat when I start rotating my head, glancing between the blonde and Christian. She is obviously so desperate for him to look in her direction, but he's talking to Elliott. I look over at Mia and shrug my shoulders in a WTF fashion.

"Sorry about that," Mia mumbles. "Gretchen, our housemaid, this is Anastasia, Christian's girlfriend. Anastasia, this is Gretchen." Then she lowers her voice and whispers to me, "Ignore Gretchen; she's as bad as all my friends swooning over Christian for years. He never pays any attention to any of them."

Gretchen nods, I nod and no words are exchanged. Mia gives the MC our envelope. With a very practiced and eloquent flourish, the MC asks Grace to pull out the winning bill. It's Sean's and the hunter green tulle-wrapped basket of goodies is awarded to him.

I applaud politely, but I'm finding it impossible to concentrate on any more of the proceedings. "If you'll excuse me," I murmur to Christian. "I need to find the powder room."

"I'll show you," he says, with a twinkle in his eye.

When I stand, all the other men round the table stand with me. Oh, such manners. My inner goddess swoons.

"No, Christian! You're not taking Ana to the powder room – I will. Kate, join us?" Mia asks. She is on her feet before Christian can protest.

"Sawyer will follow you," he warns me.

Kate grabs her evening bag, gives Elliott a kiss and joins us. I regret not kissing Christian goodbye, but I will kiss him when I return to the table. Mia shows us to bathrooms in the house, rather than the portable bathrooms set up out in the lawn for the rest of the guests.

XX

"Anastasia?" A soft voice startles me as I exit the downstairs powder room. I turn to see a woman dressed in a long, tight, black velvet gown. It hugs the amazing curves and lines of her figure like a second skin. Her mask is unique. It covers her face to her nose but also covers her hair. It's stunning with elaborate gold filigree. "I'm so glad you're on your own," she says softly. "I've wanted to talk to Christian for days. Only; he's not answering my calls, emails, nor am I allowed up to his penthouse or office. What is so new in his life that he doesn't have time to talk to an old friend?" She snapped her fingers. "Oh, that's right; you're the new factor in his life. Well, Anastasia, I've been his friend, his only friend for a long time. I've outlasted a lot of petite brunettes like you. I just need to bide my time. You'll fuck up and then you'll be gone. Christian will be back in my life; telling me his woes; waiting for me to give him advice on how to fix things."

"If Christian isn't speaking to you…that's Christian's choice. I have not issued any ultimatums to him about old friends. If you want to know anything about me…ask me. You don't need to hire another private investigator." I watch as her face turns a sickly pale color. "Yes, he told me how desperate you are for information about me. Trust me; there is nothing extraordinary in my background that will make us instant friends or provide you with blackmail materials. I'm not one of the brunettes you vetted in the past for Christian. If you don't leave me alone, I'll give you a taste of your own medicine on behalf of the fifteen-year-old child you molested and probably fucked-up even more than he already was."

Her mouth falls open.

"What?" I'm angry now, seeing the shocked look on her face. "You didn't think he told me his about his past? It's called pillow talk and that's one of the reasons I share his bed. HIS BED…not the bed in the submissive suite. Now if you'll excuse me, I have better things to do than waste my time with you. I'd much prefer to sit next to Christian, hold his hand, laugh at Elliott's jokes, and endure Grandmother T's questions than deal with you." I turn on my heel, adrenaline and anger coursing through my body and stalk toward the door of the house where Sawyer waits to escort me back to the marquee. "Sawyer, please keep that bitch from attacking me while my back is turned." I nod in the direction of Elena.

Sawyer smiles a really evil smile and it chills me. He escorts me back to the marquee and delivers me to Christian.

"Why did you come back with Sawyer and not Mia?" Christian said darkly, pulling out my chair.

"Elena." I snapped quietly. He gives me a "spill" look and I continue. "She accosted me outside the bathroom and wanted to know if I'm the reason you don't answer her calls or emails and don't allow her access to your penthouse or office. I told her to leave me alone."

He blinks at me, surprised by my vehemence. "I'll talk to her." He promises.

"Not here, not tonight. Look, I know you're tied up with her financially," forgive the pun my inner goddess pleads. "So you must have contact with her, but this is my night. Our date, our time; and she's not going to interfere with that." I say strongly; hoping he gets the message 'no I won't share you with her tonight.'

"Please don't be mad. I didn't know she was here. The note she messengered to Escala said she wasn't coming tonight." His tone is placating as if he's talking to a child. Reaching up he runs his thumb along my v-crease frown, trying to smooth it out. "Don't let Elena ruin our evening, please, Ana. She's really old news."

Old being the operative word, I think uncharitably, as he tips my chin up and gently grazes his lips against mine. I return his kiss, gazing up at him through my eyelashes.

He straightens – noticing the looks of amazement we are getting for our PDA from his family and surrounding tables. "Next time, I'll accompany you to the powder room so you don't get interrupted." He whispers in my ear.

If I'm lucky, you'll fuck me senseless in the bathroom and I won't have to try to dance in these shoes, my inner goddess moans. Walking to and from the house just about sapped all the grace and decorum I possess. Christian squeezes my hand and we both listen attentively to Carrick, who is onstage talking about Coping Together. Christian passes me a list of the auction prizes. I scan them quickly.

Elena's spa day, Christian's Aspen retreat, Carrick and Grace's Jackson Hole retreat…oh man. I wish I had the money; I'd buy that Mariner's half-season package for Ray. Season tickets to 25 home games for four people in a Home Plate Box, with VIP parking, four new jackets and caps, a team-signed bat, glove and ball. Holy shit.

"I'd kill to have you look at me the way you are looking at that auction list." Christian whispered.

"I just learned the definition of the word covets." I whispered back.

"Do you want something on the list?" He asked. "The first edition books? I'll buy them for you. I don't have a set in my library at Escala."

"Tempting, but…no," I sighed. I will pay attention to the Mariners' auction and how much funds it raises; I have to tell Ray about it.

The whole room erupts with cheering and applause; one of the prizes has gone for twelve thousand dollars. The donor is honored with a spotlight shining on the donor table, He gets up to take a bow and sitting beside him is Mrs. Robinson. He stands next to the auction winner for a picture. I look away and spot Kate's face as she returns to the table with Mia. She gives me a questioning look but I shake my head.

The bidding moves to Christian's place in Aspen and reaches twenty thousand dollars.

"Going once, going twice," the MC calls.

"Twenty-five thousand dollars!" Mrs. Robinson calls out her bid.

"OH FUCK ME," Elliott moaned. "That bitch had better not plan to crash our Thanksgiving and Christmas ski trips."

"Not happening…" Christian said in a terse voice back to him.

"Twenty-seven thousand," Kate yells out.

"Thirty-thousand," Elena counters.

"Thirty-three thousand," Kate counters with enthusiastic support from Elliott.

"Thirty-five thousand," Elena counters.

"Bro…" Elliott moaned. "Fix this!"

"Elliott!" Grace reprimanded him. "Don't be rude!"

Elliott rolled his eyes at Christian in warning one last time.

"Forty thousand," Carrick sternly announces, glaring at Kate, Elliott and Christian. He stands and glares at Elena who visibly sinks down in her chair.

"Forty thousand dollars, once, twice, sold, to the gentleman in the gold mask!" The MC shouts very quickly before additional bids can be made.

"You will explain this," he says quietly to Elliott, Kate and Christian; shaking their hands and posing for a picture next to Christian and me; as if it was a group decision to purchase the vacation.

"I'll pay for the bid, Dad," Christian says quietly. "It's my issue to resolve with Elena."

"I suggest you do so, quietly and soon," Carrick warns him and sits.

The Mariners package was up next and bidding was fast and furious. Christian, Elliott, Carrick and Theo agreed to pool their money and buy it. Once it was down to two bidders, Theo made his move. "One-hundred-seventy-five thousand," he sat back and waited for the bidding to slow again. "Two-hundred thousand." He called out as bidding faltered.

Kate looked at Elliott with an expression of shock, mirrored by Frannie, Grace and Mia.

"You're all right with this?" Christian looked at me.

"I'm praying Theo wins the auction. I'm hoping if one of you can't make it to a game that you take Ray. I'll be fine with it if the female contingency doesn't arrange spa days at Esclava while you are eating hot dogs and drinking beer." I outline my tentative support.

"Works for me," Christian grinned and high-fived Elliott when Theo won the bid.

"Cheap at half the price to have 25 man dates with my son and grandsons to make a memory." Theo smiled. A photographer moved quickly to snap a picture of Theo and Carrick with one of the managers from the Mariners.

Christian and I hold hands and talk quietly through the rest of the auction. We talk about ski vacations at Aspen. It took two years to find the land he wanted and then another year for Elliott to build an ecologically sustainable home. He explained about the solar panels, wind turbine and water recycling units which lowered the carbon footprint of the home. The last item up for bids is the vacation at his parents' ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It goes for a whopping $110K. Everyone enthusiastically applauds at the end of the auction.

XX

"Ana, Kate – it's time." Mia stands and holds out her hands.

"For what?" Kate asks.

"The First Dance Auction, come on!" She shakes her hands impatiently at us. Kate shrugs and stands.

Oh no. I blush from head to toe. I hadn't realized what helping with an auction meant. How humiliating!

"The first dance will be with me, okay? And it won't be on the dance floor." Christian murmurs lasciviously in my ear. He stands and pulls out my chair for me.

"I look forward to it." I stand on my tiptoes and plant a soft, chaste kiss on his mouth while he leans down to capture my lips. For a chaste kiss, it goes on a little long and Carrick loudly clears his throat to break our PDA. Glancing around, I blush while Frannie and Theo beam at us. Grace silently toasts us with her champagne glass.

Christian smiles broadly at me. And he looks…happy. Wow. Can't I just stand here and enjoy this perfect moment, my inner goddess whines.

"Come on, Ana," Mia nags. Taking her outstretched hands, Kate and I follow her onto the stage where twelve more young women have assembled. I note Mia's friends I wasn't introduced to earlier are there…staring at me as I approach. Mia leads us toward the head of the line.

"Gentlemen, the highlight of the evening!" the MC booms over the babble of voices. "The moment you've all been waiting for! These fifteen lovely ladies have all agreed to auction their first dance to the highest bidder!"

"It's for a good cause," Mia hisses at me, sensing my discomfort. "Besides, Christian will win." She rolls her eyes. "I can't imagine him letting anyone outbid him. He hasn't taken his eyes off you all evening." She confers with someone who takes down a list of our names to give to the MC.

"Now, gentlemen, pray gather round and take a good look at what could be yours for the first dance. Fifteen comely and compliant wenches. Blondes, brunettes, redheads – tall, petite, slim, athletic or curvy!"

Jeez! I feel like I'm in a meat market. I watch, horrified, as at least thirty men make their way to the stage, Christian moves with easy grace between the tables and pauses to say a few hellos on the way. Once the bidders are assembled, the MC begins.

"Ladies and gentlemen, in the tradition of the masquerade we shall maintain the mystery behind the masks and stick to first names only. First up we have the lovely Jade."

Jade giggles like a schoolgirl. She's dressed head to foot in navy taffeta with a matching mask. She wears opulent aquamarine jewelry which coordinates well with her coloring. Two young men step forward expectantly. Lucky Jade.

"Jade speaks fluent Japanese, is a qualified fighter pilot and an Olympic gymnast… hmm." The MC winks. "Gentleman, what am I bid for the first dance with this intriguing young woman?"

Jade gapes, astounded at the MC who talks complete garbage. She follows his eyes to the bidders and then grins shyly back at two contenders.

"A thousand bucks!" one calls out.

Very quickly the bidding escalates to five thousand dollars.

"Going once…going twice…sold!" the MC declares loudly, "to the gentleman in the mask!" Of course all the men are wearing masks so there are hoots of laughter, applause and cheering. Jade beams at her purchaser and quickly exits the stage, on his arm.

"See? This is fun!" whispers Mia. "I hope Christian wins you, though. We don't want a brawl," she adds.

"Brawl?" I answer horrified.

"Oh yes. He was very hot-headed when he was younger." She shudders.

"Not a stretch from the Christian we know and love…" Kate drawls.

"Hush," I say to her and turn to question Mia. "How long ago was Christian brawling?"

"Early teens; he drove my parents crazy, coming home with cut lips and black eyes. He was expelled from two schools. He inflicted some serious damage on his opponents."

I stare at her in astonishment.

"Hasn't he told you?" She sighs. "He was quite the bad boy. Every one of my girlfriends wanted to be Christian Grey's girlfriend; knowing it would make their parents crazy. The fighting stopped when he was about fifteen or sixteen." She shrugs. "Of course," she whispers, "we all thought he was gay because he never looked at any of the girls who came around. Elliott was bringing home a new blonde every week. Opps, sorry Kate," Mia apologized.

"It's all right, Mia," Kate laughed. "Especially since I know I'm going to be the last blonde he brings home."

"Really?" Mia looks at her with shock and then sobers when she considers me.

"It's all right Mia," I say. "I know I am the first girlfriend. He's my first real boyfriend. I know the statistics aren't great for firsts…but we're going to have fun while it lasts!" I smile at her to ease her discomfort.

Will the real Christian Grey please stand up? I stop paying attention to the auction. So Christian was in trouble at school and fighting. I wonder if that's part of his touch phobia. I gaze at him and I'm not the only one. Mia's friends eye-fuck him; but he ignores them. I wish he were as adept at tuning out Elena Lincoln's intentions as he is with ignoring Gretchen or Mia's friends. The auction continues; it is Mia's turn.

"Allow me to introduce the beautiful Mia." The MC reaches his hand out to Mia to bring her to the center stage. "Mia is an Olympic archer, plays concert-level cello, speaks Yupik fluently and collects anime figurines. How much am I bid for the lovely Mia?"

"Five thousand," rings out a voice I know.

"Ethan?" I mouth at Kate.

She nods. "He's here with my parents tonight."

"I haven't seen them," I apologize.

"Well, you've only had eyes for Gorgeous Grey." She smiles.

"Don't let me leave without saying hello to them." I whisper.

We pay attention to Mia's auction and the bid is now closing in on $10K. "Ten thousand," Ethan calls out in a strong voice.

"Going once, going twice…sold to the eager young gentleman in the mask!" The MC announces. Mia exits the stage and takes Ethan's arm. They chat as Ethan leads her back to his table to introduce her to his parents. I watch the direction he's headed so I remember to say hello to Kate's parents.

The MC reaches for my hand and pulls me to the center of the stage. "Next we have the lovely Anastasia….a Russian princess, who speaks three Slavic languages, studied dance at the Imperial School of Ballet and plays the balalaika. How much am I bid for the undercover Russian spy, Anastasia?"

"Ten thousand," Christian calls out his bid.

"Fifteen," a cultured English voice calls a bid. A tall, impeccably dressed man steps from the crowd toward the stage. He wears an intricate black crocodile leather mask.

I hear gasps of disbelief from the audience. A couple of "what the fuck" stage whispers come from the ladies assembled behind me. I try not to stare at Christian in despair. Shit, what will he make of this? But he's scratching his chin and giving the stranger an ironic smile. It's obvious Christian knows him. The stranger nods politely at Christian.

"Well, gentlemen! We have high rollers in the house this evening." The MC's excitement emanates through his harlequin mask as he turns to beam at Christian.

"You go girl!" Kate supports me!

This is a great show, but it's at my expense. I blush and keep blushing. I can't help it, I bite my lip.

"Twenty," counters Christian quietly.

The babble of the crowd has died. Everyone stares at me, Christian and Mr. Mysterious by the stage.

"Twenty-five," the stranger says.

Christian stares at him impassively, but he's amused. "One hundred thousand dollars," he says his voice ringing clear and loud through the marquee. "My dad taught me you always dance with the girl you brought."

"You mean the girl you bought?" Elena hisses audibly from the donor table and a general gasp of dismay ripples through the crowd. The stranger holds his hands up in defeat, laughing and Christian smirks at him.

From the corner of my eye, I can see Mia bouncing up and down with glee, holding hands with Grace and Frannie who are both excited by this audacious turn of events.

"One-hundred thousand dollars for the lovely Anastasia! Going once … going twice…" The MC stares at the stranger who shakes his head with mock regret. He bows chivalrously at me; making me smile and curtsy at him to Christian's raised eyebrows.

"Sold!" the MC cries out triumphantly.

In a deafening round of applause and cheering, Christian steps forward to take my hand and help me from the stage. He gazes at me with an amused grin as I make my way down, kisses the back of my hand then tucks it into the crook of his arm and leads me toward the marquee's exit. "Stop biting your lip," he murmurs, "not unless you are prepared for me to bite it too."

"Who was that?" I ask.

He gazes down at me. "Someone you can meet later. Right now, I want to show you something. We have about thirty minutes until the First Dance Auction finishes. Then everyone gets a bathroom break and the dance band gets settled. Then we have to be back on the dance floor so that I can enjoy that first dance I've won."

XX

Christian leads me to the rear of the house and opens an arched French door leading into a large comfortable sitting room. He walks through the deserted hall toward a sweeping staircase with an elegant, polished wooden balustrade. Taking my hand from the crook of his arm, he leads me up to the third floor. Opening a white door, he ushers me into a suite.

"This was my room," he says quietly, standing by the door and locking it behind him. "I've never brought a girl in here," he murmurs.

"Never?" I whisper.

He shakes his head. "It's a first for me, bringing a young woman into the house with the intention of bedding her without my parents catching me."

Seeing him standing there in that mask …it's beyond erotic. I want him. Now. I want him any way I can get him. I have to resist launching myself at him and ripping his clothes off. He stalks toward me, undoing his bow tie so it hangs from either side of his neck, then undoing the top three buttons of his shirt. He smiles and licks his lips. "Shall I try for first base in my bedroom, Miss Steele?"

"Please…" I whisper.

Christian kisses me over and over again. "Turn round. Let me get you out of that dress." He grasps the top of my dress, his fingers sliding against my skin and the touch reverberates through my body. In one swift move, he opens the zipper. Holding my dress, he helps me to step out of it, then turns and drapes it artfully over the back of a chair. Removing his jacket, he places it over my dress. He pauses and stares at me for a moment, drinking me in. I'm in a silver satin basque and matching panties and I revel in his sensuous gaze.

"Shall I try for second base, Miss Steele?" His voice is husky and carnal.

"Please try to steal a home run, SIR," I say wantonly. "I'll do my best to cheer you to victory."

"Sir?" He gives me a look.

I held my hands together. Christian kisses my fingers as he uses his bow tie to restrain me.

"We don't have long, Anastasia and the way I'm feeling right this moment, we won't need long."

I turn and stare at the door, grateful that he's locked it.

Bending down he whispers softly in my ear, "Try not to scream – we don't want the world to know what we're doing in here."

"Fine…yes…hurry." I'm panting. I want his hands on me.

"You really want this, Anastasia?" He removes my panties and his fingers ease in me, teasing me, taunting me.

I close my eyes. This is the first time since I met him that I really want him hard and hot and fast. I need it. "Yes," I whisper. "I need you…"

He eases my knees on to the floor so that now I'm leaning over the bed. My torso lies flat on the bed, my arms reach above my head. I can fist the comforter if I need it for balance. He kneels on the floor behind me and undoes his zipper. He slides his fingers out of me and I hear him open a condom wrapper.

"A condom?" I whisper to him.

"Ribbed, to give you maximum pleasure in all places." He eases into me and stills for a minute. "This is going to be quick, baby, I want you so much," he murmurs and grabbing my hips, he eases out then slams into me.

"Ah!" I cry out but the fullness is heavenly.

"Shhh, baby," he whispers to me. The condom strokes my sweet spot with each sharp, full thrust. The feeling is mind-blowing, just what I need. I push back to meet him. We set a brutal pace with one another; matching thrust for thrust; our desires building more and more until I grind against him.

"Ana, no," he grunts, trying to still me. But I want him too much and I grind against him again, my insides turning hot, convulsing around him, seeking hedonistic pleasure from his erection hitting all the right spots.

"Ana, shit," he hisses as he thrusts three more times before he comes. His moan of pleasure sets me off again, spiraling into a rolling orgasm that goes on and on and wrings me out and leaves me spent and breathless. He holds himself still inside me until my body stops reacting to his touch.

Christian bends and kisses my shoulder. He places his arms around me. He rests his head in the middle of my back and we lie like this, both kneeling at the bedside, for what? Seconds? Minutes? We don't move until our breathing calms. My raging lust has disappeared and all I feel is a soothing, satisfying serenity.

Christian stirs and kisses my back. "I believe you owe me a dance, Miss Steele," he murmurs as he slides out of me.

"Hmm," I respond, savoring the absence of needy heat in my core and basking in the afterglow of hot sex with my boyfriend.

He sits back on his heels and I can hear him remove the condom. He stands and reaches for my hips. "We don't have long. We don't want my mother or father to come looking for us." He forces me to stand and kisses my hair and unties my hands.

I grumble because we can't just crawl under the covers and sleep until dawn. I collect my panties from the floor and put them on. I'm pleased and surprised that he didn't shred them. Languidly, I walk to the chair to retrieve my dress. Christian adjusts his bow tie, having finished straightening himself and the bed.

As I slip my dress back on, I check out the photographs on the pin board. Christian as a sullen teen, who was gorgeous even then: with Elliot and Mia on the ski slopes; on his own in Paris, the Arc de Triomphe serving as a giveaway background; in London; New York; the Grand Canyon; Sydney Opera House; even the Great Wall of China. Master Grey was well traveled at a young age.

There are ticket stubs to various concerts: U2, Metallica, The Verve, Sheryl Crow, the New York Philharmonic performing Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet—what an eclectic mix! And in the corner, there's a passport-size photograph of a young woman. It's in black and white. She looks familiar, but for the life of me, I can't place her.

"Who's this?" I ask.

"Ella, my biological mother," he says as he slips on his jacket. "I've told you about her. She died of a drug overdose. Grace saved me. Somehow I understand Jack Hyde's obsession with being adopted by Grace. She's an angel. Ella is one of the reasons for the good deeds Carrick and Grace do for Coping Together."

"Someday I'm going to have to ask my mother for a picture of my biological father, Frank Lambert. Do you ever think you will try to find Ella's family?" I ask.

"No, not interested. Shall I zip you up?" He asked.

"Please. Is this the only picture you have of Ella?" I asked.

"Yes, I keep it there because Mia and Elliott have no pictures of their biological mothers. It didn't seem fair that I had one. I consider Grace my mother; so I've never moved it. How's my tie?" He raises his chin like a small boy and I grin and straighten it for him.

"Now it's perfect." I smiled.

"Like you," he murmurs and grabs me, kissing me passionately. "Feeling better?"

"Much, thank you, Mr. Grey."

"The pleasure was all mine, Miss Steele."

"I believe the pleasure was ours, Mr. Grey." I kissed him again.

"What are you thinking? Have you lost your fucking mind?" Elena hissed at Christian as he and I walked down the stairs holding hands. She waits for us at the bottom of the stairs.

"Well, good evening again, Mrs. Robinson," I murmured.

She ignored me and concentrated on Christian. "She's standing there in clothes you bought, dripping in diamonds you bought and you don't have enough brains to not have vanilla sex with her in your bedroom at your parents' home during a charity event! You just proved she's a trashy little whore like the rest of your brunettes. She's playing you for your money! Good god…she got her hooks into Katherine Kavanagh of Kavanagh Media and she learned over the last four years how to use her brains and looks to get what she wants! Her father's a carpenter for god's sake."

"My father was a Marine who gave his life in service to his country," I said slowly. "My stepfather retired from military service and is now the owner of a successful restoration and woodworking business. I'm wearing what I'm wearing because it pleased Christian to have me dressed appropriately to attend his parents' charity event with him tonight. I've never asked him for anything and I've turned down a great deal of what he's tried to give me. The only thing I want from Christian is the one thing you cannot control. I want his heart. I want his love."

"Love is for fools!" Elena snapped. "He doesn't know how to love!"

"Then call me a fool," I said. "Call me anything you want…but be prepared for me to return the favor Mrs. Robinson!"

"You don't understand our lifestyle! You don't know anything! I made him. I'm the reason he's the success he is. I'm the reason he's a god in the business world, and in the playroom!" She snapped. "I won't let him be ruined by a little bookworm who is beneath him! The sooner he realizes who and what you are…the sooner he will go back to his controlled life."

"His controlled life?" I asked and paused for a moment. "Controlled by who? You?" I said with sudden clarity. "There's something so WRONG in your head. You don't see what you've done; the damage you've inflicted on him? Instead of dealing with teenage angst and learning to deal with the fairer sex…you seduced him, and made him think it was alright to tie women up so they could not touch him, could not look at him, could not talk to him! I understand the attraction, honest to god I do. Christian is gorgeous. He's funny. He's kind. He's generous. But he does not belong to you or to your lifestyle. You've picked the wrong woman to try to warn off. I've survived assholes worse than you. Be prepared… for the fight…of your life." I enunciated every word.

"Well, you are a stupid little girl if you don't understand I have influence with Grace and Carrick. They will never accept you. His social circle will never accept you. Everyone will ban him from their lives until he gets rid of you!" Elena shouted at me.

"What's going on in here?" Grace entered the hall. "I heard shouting."

"Mrs. Lincoln was telling Christian I'm a gold-digging whore; in case he missed her announcement about the girl he bought in the marquee earlier. She just announced how she's going to use her relationship with you, Carrick and Christian's social circle to have me shunned and banned from Christian's life," I said. "I'm done with this situation Christian. I'm not giving you an ultimatum like Mrs. Lincoln just did. I'm here as your guest. If you've changed your mind about dancing the first dance with me; please ask Sawyer to give me a ride home to my condo." I left the house, heading for the marquee.

XX

"This is NOT over!" Elena shouted at Christian as he turned to bolt after Ana.

"Oh yes it is." He snapped at her.

Elena reached out to grab him, only he grabbed her forearm before she could touch him. His hand grasped her so hard she winced.

"Don't TOUCH ME!" Christian roared at her. "I don't know who you think you are … but you stay away from Anastasia. I bought and destroyed your private investigator's information about Anastasia and her family and friends. I relocated him so you couldn't pump him for information. Anastasia is not a gold-digging whore and you will not be disrespectful to her again. Do you understand? Don't come near her or me again unless you are prepared to apologize and mean it. Speaking of gold-digging whores, I paid for that dress you're wearing. You've spent the last of my money that you are going to spend. Tuesday, I will begin the process of separating Grey House from your businesses. Don't email, don't call, don't message and don't show up at Escala or Grey House thinking you are going to talk to me. This ends…TONIGHT. Our friendship is ended. Our business relationship is ended!" Christian stormed from the house.

"A private investigator?" Grace's voice froze, hanging sharp daggers of icicles above Elena's head.

"I told you, the girl is too young and inexperienced for someone with Christian's background. Look at the press from the last ten days. Christian bought the company where she worked. It's all over the news! One man in jail, one woman dead and another one committed for psychiatric evaluation. The one common denominator in this disaster…Anastasia Steele." Elena smiled smugly. "I hired a private investigator to find all the dirt of her life because Christian's too blind to see the truth about her right now!"

"Elena Lincoln…if you attempt to undermine my son's happiness with Anastasia Steele, I will ruin you socially. I will encourage Christian to ruin you financially. Christian is happy for the first time in his life and it's because of Anastasia. He laughs. He talks. He's acting his age for the first time in his life. He's here; spending time with his family like he's never done before! I won't let you destroy that for him. I will not allow your paranoid theories to force him back into his closed life! I will have Carrick obtain a no contact order keeping you away from my family if that's what I have to do. You are cordially invited to leave…now. I will not allow you to remain and spoil the rest of this evening for Christian and Anastasia. I'm going back to the marquee and while Christian and Anastasia are on the dance floor; I'm sending security to escort you off my property! Do we understand one another?"

Ana's POV

"Anastasia, this is my wife Rhiann," John Flynn introduced me to a very pretty lady who was talking to Grace. "Rhiann, this is Anastasia Steele, Christian's girlfriend."

"Pleased to meet you," she smiled sincerely and shook my hand. "I was just telling Grace about the boys. Both of them are down with Chicken Pox. Our oldest, Liam, had the chicken pox vaccination, but it obviously didn't work – he has dozens of spots. Laird, our youngest, also had the vaccination but he has two spots." She laughed.

"It was the same thing with our children. Elliott had spots everywhere – his back, scalp, in his ears – he was a miserable mess. We just kept the tub filled with cool water, fed him frozen juice bars and dosed him with Benadryl liquid. I kept Benadryl cream on hand for the spots. Christian and Mia had chicken pox at the same time and barely had a spot to share between them."

Rhiann laughed, "I'm going to fill the pool and let Liam live in it for the duration of the spots."

We all laughed and by then Christian had finished his conversation with a business associate and returned to my side. "Dance, pretty girl?" he held out his hand to me and led me back to the dance floor. Elliott and Kate were there also and we four stopped to pose for a picture, only to hear a shout from Carrick and Grace who joined us. The photographer put the men in the back, the ladies to the front with the guys arms wrapped around us. I hoped it would be in tomorrow's paper. It would piss off a certain peroxide bitch. Maybe I would buy an 8x10 and have it framed for Grace to put somewhere Elena would see it every time she came to their house.

XX

"The fireworks start in five minutes." Christian murmured. "Shall I have Taylor order the SUV brought around?"

"I love fireworks." I say.

"We'll stay and watch them, then." He puts his arm around me and pulls me back to the dance floor. The band is still in full swing.

"Ana."

I turn to find Carrick and Grace standing behind us.

"I wondered if you'd do me the honor of the next dance." Carrick holds his hand out to me. Christian shrugs and smiles, releasing me. I let Carrick lead me onto the dance floor. Christian follows shortly after with Grace. I see Elliott dancing with Frannie and Kate dancing with Theo. Mia and Ethan are dancing with Mr. Kavanagh and Mrs. Kavanagh. Sam the bandleader launches into Come Fly with Me and Carrick puts his arm around my waist and gently whirls me into the throng.

"I wanted to thank you for being a good sport about the First Dance Auction, Ana."

"I didn't know that was what I volunteered for; but I'm glad it worked out in the end. Especially since it's such a worthy cause." I smiled.

Carrick smiles down at me and I seize the opportunity for some innocent inquiries. Carpe diem, my subconscious hisses from behind her hand.

"Christian told me a little about his past, so I think it's appropriate to support your work," I add, hoping that this might encourage Carrick to give me a small insight into the mystery that is his son.

Carrick is surprised. "Did he? That's unusual. You certainly have had a very positive effect on him, Ana. I don't think I've ever seen him so, so … buoyant."

I blush.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you." Carrick smiled down at me.

"Well, in my limited experience, he's a very unusual man," I murmur.

"He is," Carrick agrees quietly.

"Christian's early childhood sounds hideously traumatic, from what he's told me." I try to breach to security field around Christian's life again.

Carrick frowns and I worry if I've overstepped the mark.

"Grace was the doctor on duty when the police brought him in. He was skin and bones and badly dehydrated. He wouldn't speak." Carrick frowns again, lost in the awful memory, despite the up-tempo music surrounding us. "In fact, he didn't speak for nearly two years. It was playing the piano that eventually brought him out of himself. And Mia's arrival, of course," He smiles down at me fondly. "His first word was Mia."

"He plays beautifully. He's accomplished so much, you must be very proud of him." I sound distracted. Holy Shit. Didn't speak for two years.

"He may not believe it; since we argued about him dropping out of Harvard. But, he's a very determined, very capable, very bright young man. It's seeing him like he is this evening - carefree, acting his age for the first time in his life - that's the real thrill for Grace and me. We believe we have you to thank for that."

I think I blush to my roots. What am I supposed to say to this?

"He's always been such a loner. We never thought we'd see him with anyone. Whatever you're doing, please don't stop. We'd like to see him happy." Carrick stops suddenly as if he's overstepped the mark. "I'm sorry; I don't mean to make you uncomfortable."

I shake my head. "I'd like to see him happy, too," I said, unsure of what else to say.

"Well, I'm very glad you came this evening. It's been a real pleasure seeing the two of you together." He clears his throat a little. "Grace told me you and Elena had words tonight."

"She doesn't think I'm worthy of Christian." I know my sadness is evident on my face.

"Grace and I think it's none of her business. We plan to tell her so." Carrick said.

"Please do not let me cause a rift in your friendship," I said.

"Family first and always. Friends who think they can tell you what to do… that's not a friend." Carrick says. "We can't understand how she doesn't see what a positive influence you've been on Christian."

As the final strains of Come Fly with Me fade away, Carrick releases me and bows and I curtsey, mirroring his civility.

"That's enough dancing with old men." Christian is at my side again. Carrick laughs.

"Less of the 'old,' son. I've been known to have my moments." Carrick winks at me playfully. Suddenly we are in the midst of a crowd. I get to shake hands with Mr. and Mrs. Kavanagh and Ethan. Kate, Elliott and Mia are there with Christian, Grace, Frannie and Theo. I'm aware of photographers but not much else. After we all say hellos, we go our separate ways.

"I think my dad likes you," Christian mutters as he watches his father mingle with the Kavanaghs.

"What's not to like?" I peek coquettishly up at him through my lashes.

"Good point well made, Miss Steele." He pulls me into an embrace as the band starts to play It Had to Be You.

"Dance with me," he whispers seductively. "I want you in my arms one last time before we leave."

"With pleasure, Mr. Grey," I smile in response and he sweeps me across the dance floor once more.

At midnight, we stroll down toward the shore between the marquee and the boathouse where the other partygoers are gathered to watch the fireworks. The MC, back in charge, has permitted the removal of masks, the better to see the display. Christian has his arm around me, but I'm aware that Taylor and Sawyer are close by, probably because we're in the crowd now. They are looking anywhere but at the dockside where two pyro technicians dressed in black are making their final preparations. Seeing their black clothes reminds me of Elena. I haven't seen her since our confrontation. The thought chills my blood and I shiver. Christian gazes down at me as he pulls me closer.

"You okay, baby? Cold? Is your arm tired?"

"I'm fine." I feel like someone walked on my grave; my inner goddess channels my mother.

Moving me in front of him, Christian puts both his arms around me and pulls me back into his chest; caressing my hair with his cheek.

Suddenly, a stirring classical soundtrack booms over the dock and two rockets soar into the air, exploding with a deafening bang over the bay, lighting it all in a dazzling canopy of sparkling gold and white that's reflected in a glittering shower over the still calm water of the bay. My jaw drops as several more rockets fire into the air and explode in a kaleidoscope of color.

I can't recall ever seeing a display this impressive, except perhaps on television and it never looks this good. The explosions are perfectly timed to the music. Volley after volley, bang after bang and light after light as the crowd answers with gasps and ooohs and ahhs. It is out of this world. On a pontoon in the bay several gold fountains of light shoot up twenty feet in the air, changing color through green, white and back to gold—and yet more fireworks explode as the music reaches its crescendo.

My face is beginning to ache from the ridiculous grin of wonder plastered across it. I glance up at Christian and he's the same, marveling like a child at the sensational show. For the finale a volley of six rockets shoot into the dark and explode simultaneously, bathing us in a glorious golden light as the crowd erupts into frantic, enthusiastic applause.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the MC calls out as the cheers and whistles fade. "Just one note to add at the end of this wonderful evening; your generosity has raised a total of two million, one hundred eight thousand dollars!"

Spontaneous applause erupts again and out on the pontoon, a message lights up in gold streams of sparks forming the words Thank You from Coping Together, sparkling and shimmering over the water.

"Oh, Christian…that was wonderful." I grin up at him and he bends down to kiss me.

"Time to go," he murmurs, a broad smile on his beautiful face and his words hold so much promise.

Suddenly, I feel very tired…my inner goddess is ready to lose the stilettos.

He glances up again and Taylor is close, the crowd dispersing around us. They don't speak but something passes between them.

"Stay with me a moment. Taylor wants us to wait while the crowd disperses." He pauses. "I think that firework display probably aged him a hundred years," he adds.

"Doesn't he like fireworks?" I asked.

Christian gazes down at me fondly and shakes his head but doesn't elaborate.

"Ray doesn't either; it's their military service," I explain. "Ray likes the colors and the display, but he wears shooting ear muffs to block the sound of the explosions. If you are going to keep doing things like this; you might want to buy Taylor a set."

"I don't know if he would wear them, as it might impede his close protection duties." Christian noted.

We stand there, just holding one another for five minutes when Taylor gives us a nod. Sawyer walks in front of us, Taylor walks behind.

I turned to him as we stand waiting for the SUV to arrive.

"Thank you for your service, Marine," I say to him, hand over my heart.

"Thank you for your support, Miss Steele." Taylor replies softly.

XX

"Can I ask you something about Elena?" We are tucked in bed for the night.

He props himself up on his elbow and gazes at me warily. "If you must," he mutters sullenly, but I don't let his irritability deter me.

"You told me she touched you in a way you found acceptable. What did that mean?"

"Isn't it obvious?" he asks.

"Not to me." I shrug.

"I was out of control. I couldn't bear to be touched. I can hardly bear it now. For a fifteen-year-old adolescent boy with raging hormones, it was a difficult time. Elena used sex to teach me a way to let off steam."

"Do you miss it…the playroom?" I asked.

"I thought it gave me control…and I thought I needed control." Christian says.

"Do you miss it?" I asked.

"Why are you asking?" Christian stared at me.

"Because I don't know why…" I said.

"Why what?" Christian is confused now.

"Why are you with me? I'm just a literature major, who knows very little about the world." I say.

"You know two things…and those two things are the only reasons that count. Number one…I want to be with you, Anastasia Rose Steele. Number two…I know you want to be with me. Those are the only things that matter." He kisses me until I'm begging him to make love to me. Which he does so sweetly and completely that I'm sated and senseless when he tucks me into his arms and we fall asleep.

A/N:

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

A shout out to Evynraeward for her FSOG fanfiction story Fifty Shades of the Moon. I love those crazy sisters!

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.