Hi! Short chapter and just Ana's POV. I am setting it up for this dinner. Fair warning guys, it's going to get real heavy, real fast. I will explain more before you read the next chapter. And thank you guys for your kind words!

I know I shouldn't have walked out. I know I should have heard him out. But he literally is everything I hate in men. He finds pleasure in physically abusing women. How can I ever accept that is who he is? And furthermore, if this is all he knows, how is he sure that he can give that up? We all have secrets; I have yet to divulge any of mine. Sure he has seen the scars but this doesn't even come close to even touch the surface. But he hits women for pleasure. But my demons are horrible too. But yours were necessary. You made the decisions you did to survive. My subconscious reminds me. I wince at the thought of what he has done in his past. But that's not what he wants anymore, and I have to trust that is true. As I leave to head out to the office, I don't want to leave him full of anxiety. I can only imagine how he is feeling in this moment. I decide to send him a text.

-I am sorry I ran out like that. I just wasn't anticipating that. I needed a moment to myself to process. And I am ready to hear more, if you are willing. At dinner we can talk more. I am here Christian. I am not going anywhere.

-I thought you were gone Ana. I thought you were done. Yes, dinner. I will tell you whatever you want. I will pick you up from your room at 7.

-That's perfect. I can't wait to see you.

-Thank you for not giving up on me. Till then, Miss Steele.

The day drags on. Meeting after meeting. Call after call. I have the team in line for Christian's benefit tomorrow. We have confirmed all major media outlets will be in attendance and given the team their designations and responsibilities to ensure this goes off without a hitch. After the last few days, it feels good to be back in my element. I finally feel the control I was so desperately lacking. I missed this.

"Ana, how's it going down there? You have everything situated for Christian McGorgeous' little dinner?" Lauren says with a laugh.

"Yes boss, we are all squared away down here. The build out for his company's personal system is a bit more challenging. But I have our IT working closely with his team and I trust we will have it sorted out in the next day or so."

"What would we do without you? Seriously though, that is not why I called. How did you get out there yesterday? I did not have anything come across my desk for the rescheduled flight?"

Oh, shit.

"Well, Christian actually got a ticket for me on his flight once he realized I had missed mine."

"He did, did he? And how did that go?"

"So, for the sake of full disclosure and you know I trust you with everything. Um…We are going on a date tonight."

"ANASTASIA STEELE! What in the fuck are you thinking?!Wait, Jose is okay with this?"

I now have removed the phone from my ear, unsure if my hearing is still intact. I half expected this.

"Lauren, I know. Trust me, I know. But I am doing this. And if it goes beyond this first date, I will report it to human resources. Jose and I…We…We broke up yesterday."

"Ana you know what is at stake here. I get it he's a billionaire gorgeous perfect specimen. But this is your career. You have worked so hard for this. You have earned this. Are you really willing to throw it away for a few dates?"

"I don't know Lauren; I guess I will let you know after tonight. But I need to head out. I will not be at the benefit, but I will be available by cell to assist. Have a good night, and we will talk tomorrow. Oh, and have a drink or 6. You need it."

Making my way back to my room, I decide to take a bit of a detour. I know I will see Christian in a few hours. But I need to see him now. I need to reassure him that after this morning, we will be okay. As patient as he has been with my neurosis, he deserves that.

After knocking a couple times, I realize that he must not be back from handling his business for the benefit. Bummed a bit, I make my way back to the elevator. You'll see him in a few hours. Calm down. My subconscious chides.

"Ana!"

I turn around, and there he is. He's still dripping wet wearing nothing but a crisp white towel. Damn, he's a god. Walking back to him, those butterflies are present as ever. I can really get used to this feeling. But I notice something; his beautiful body is riddled with tiny little scars. If I am not mistaken, they may be cigarette burns. Where did those come from? Is this why he moved my hands this morning?

"Hi," I say shyly. Worried he may be upset with my impromptu visit. "Hi," He says with a smile. "I'm sorry for just coming up here unannounced. After this morning, I thought about you all day. And I just needed to see you," I tell him. He takes me hand and guides me into his room. My eyes immediately fixate on the table where the envelopes were this morning. "They are gone Ana. We have no use for them. However, if you want to see them and explore them further I will get your copies," he says. "No, I think I am crystal clear on what those are and what they represent. I don't think I need to see them again. But seriously, sit down please," I tell him.

Once he Christian is seated. I make my way to his lap. Because right now, I need to be as close to him as humanly possible. I feel him relax as he wraps his arms around me. I take his face in my hands. "Christian, I saw your face when I opened those envelopes. You were disgusted, with yourself. I know that look. But please hear me when I say, you are a good man. You are an amazing man. Look at me, I am a wreck. But you continue to be patient with me and I am so grateful for that, and you. Do not be ashamed of how you found your happiness, or pleasure. Your submissive's were willing participants, fully aware of what they were doing and the basis of your relationship. I know I said it, but I am sorry I ran off. I just wasn't expecting that. But you deserved so much more than for me to run. I am not, nor would I ever judge you," I tell him. Before he has a chance to respond, I kiss him.

"The thought of you leaving me Ana, even after this short time seemed like a nightmare. I would have deserved it."

"But you don't. You deserved for me to allow you to explain. I know that. But we are done with this. But just so we are clear; I am no submissive and you have not lost me. Now I need to go and get ready. I happen to have a hot date tonight," I say with a wink.

"Is that so Miss Steele? Well I would hate to make you late for said date. And thank you for explaining this morning. Now hurry up, your suitor is a rather impatient man."

While I shower, I recount the events from this morning. I realize what a limb he went out on in divulging his proclivity to that lifestyle. He trusts me and that means everything to me. But the question is, do I trust him in the same way? Sure, he has some different sexual desires. But what will he think about me when he knows the truth? He will really know how damaged and fucked I am, inside and out. Am I ready to let someone else in? Sure Jose knew, because we shared a bed. And Kate knew, because she was my roommate. But am I ready to let a man I barely know in like that?

Realizing I have taken far longer in the shower than anticipated I get ready in record time. Tonight I have chosen a long sleeved black jersey midi and some booties. I am not sure exactly where we are going, so this seemed like a happy medium. I hope. Before I get a minute to pick apart my outfit, there is a knock on the door.

"Miss Steele, are you ready for you last first date?"

"Mr. Grey...I don't think I have ever been more ready."