Chapters of Trust
by
Ava LeBeau
Six
Christian Grey burst through the café door, a torrent of raindrops cascading off him as he stepped inside, seeking refuge from the sudden downpour. His tailored charcoal suit, usually sharp and immaculate, now clung to him, accentuating his athletic frame beneath the fabric. The rain had plastered his coppery hair to his forehead, making it seem darker, giving him an effortlessly rugged look that would have been charming under different circumstances.
He scanned the room quickly, noticing how plain it was, his gray gaze searching for a familiar face amidst the chaos of patrons seeking shelter from the storm. The warm aroma of dark roasted coffee and baked goods enveloped him, but it was the sight of Anastasia Steele, sitting at a corner table, that drew him in. He initially considered playing it cool and ignoring her but ultimately decided against it.
As he approached her, he could feel her gaze appraising him with a mix of amusement and disdain. She sat back in her chair, arms crossed, an eyebrow raised in that infuriatingly sarcastic way she had. "Well, look who decided to take a swim," she quipped, her lips curling into a smirk.
Christian couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Guess what? I didn't plan on it, Ms. Steele," he replied dryly, trying to maintain his composure even as water dripped from his chin onto the floor.
With a flourish, Anastasia reached for a napkin and tossed it across the table toward him. "Here. You might want to dry off before you start leaving puddles everywhere."
He caught the napkin mid-air and held it up with mock seriousness. "Well, thank you for your concern," he said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice. Anastasia watched as he wriggled out of his drenched jacket and draped it over the back of a nearby chair, revealing more of his toned chest—a fact that did not escape Ana's notice.
"Just doing my part," she shot back, unimpressed yet unable to hide the hint of amusement in her voice.
As Grey dabbed at his face with the napkin, he felt an unexpected warmth spread through him—he couldn't deny that Steele's spirit intrigued him. Even soaked to the bone and looking less than polished, there was something about this moment that felt oddly significant.
Meanwhile, Ana thought that—despite his current state—he exuded an air of confidence that was both charming and intimidating and those chiseled features: high cheekbones, a strong jawline, and his ever so piercing gray eyes seemed to hold secrets of their own.
And then he flashed his trademark smile—a perfectly shiny blend of charm and allure—but Ana remained unfazed.
"Is this seat taken?" he asked smoothly, glancing at the empty chair across from her.
Anastasia looked up from her laptop again, raising an eyebrow as she assessed him with a bored expression on her face. "Actually, it is," she replied, enjoying the sudden surprise flickering across his handsome face. She felt a thrill at having caught him off guard; it was refreshing to see someone like Christian Grey momentarily flustered.
Christian chuckled softly, concealing his surprise at her defiance while still unwilling to back down. "I'm sure I could convince you otherwise."
"And how would you do that? By ordering me a coffee?" Anastasia tried hard to sound beyond bored.
Grey shrugged nonchalantly. "I could order you something stronger if you'd prefer."
"I'm afraid I'm a die-hard tea lover. So, no coffee for me," she insisted and glanced up at him, giving a half-shrug.
His expression shifted slightly as he processed this unexpected twist, his brow creased in thought. "Tea? You're not like most people I know," he admitted, masking his surprise with casual charm.
"Good thing too," she replied confidently, meeting his gaze without flinching. "I prefer my tea over your usual crowd."
Christian leaned back in his chair, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Well, I must say, you're quite the enigma, Miss Steele. Most people would jump at the chance for a free coffee with Seattle's whizz kid."
Ana raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "And here I thought you were just another charming businessman trying to win over the locals with your good looks and fancy suits."
"Touché," he replied, feigning a look of mock offense. "But I assure you, there's more to me than just my dapper attire." He gestured to himself with a flourish. "I have impeccable taste in tea as well."
"Oh really?" Ana leaned forward, intrigued. "What's your favorite?"
"Earl Grey," he said smoothly. "It's classic—just like me."
Ana chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Classic? More like predictable. You should try something exotic for once."
"Exotic?" he echoed, leaning in closer as if sharing a secret. "Well, I'm all about adventure. Just last week, I took a spontaneous trip to Paris."
"Spontaneous? Or was it just another business meeting disguised as a getaway?" she shot back.
He laughed, clearly enjoying their back-and-forth. "A little bit of both, perhaps. But I promise you, I know how to have fun when the opportunity arises." His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary, an unspoken challenge hanging in the air.
Ana felt her heart race slightly under his intense scrutiny but maintained her composure while she took a sip of her tea. "Well then, Mr. Grey," she said with a hint of defiance in her voice, looking at him over the rim of her mug, "if you're so adventurous, why don't you join me for some tea instead of trying to charm me over coffee?"
Christian paused for a moment, genuinely taken aback by her boldness but impressed nonetheless. After a long time he said, "You drive a hard bargain," looking somewhat amused. "But I suppose I could be persuaded to step out of my comfort zone… for today only."
"Don't worry; I won't tell anyone that Seattle's most eligible bachelor is sipping tea," Ana teased.
"Just this once," he agreed with mock seriousness before his gaze flickered to the laptop resting on the table, its screen illuminated with a flurry of words. "So, what's a captivating woman like you doing with a laptop in a café?" he asked, genuine curiosity lacing his tone.
"Oh, just writing," Ana replied casually, as if it were the most mundane thing in the world.
"Writing? What's your masterpiece about?" Christian pressed, leaning forward, trying to catch another glimpse.
She hesitated for a moment, watching as another raindrop trickled from his sideburn down the side of his square jaw, then decided to have a little fun. "It's about a businessman who sacrifices his soul on the altar of capitalism," she said dramatically, she pursed her lips a little, pausing for mere effect. "You know, the classic tale of ambition and moral decay."
Christian raised a perfectly manicured eyebrow, clearly intrigued but also amused. "Sounds thrilling. I can't imagine where you got such inspiration." His voice was light, but there was an underlying seriousness in his stormy gray gaze that suggested he was genuinely interested.
Ana shrugged nonchalantly, trying to mask her amusement. "Just observing the world around me. You'd be surprised at how many people are willing to sell their souls for success, Mr. Grey."
"Interesting perspective," he replied thoughtfully. "But I'd argue that not everyone is so easily swayed by ambition." He leaned back again, crossing his arms as he studied her intently, his gaze lingering on her lips when she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth for a moment. "What about you? Would you ever sacrifice your principles for success?"
"Not a chance," she said firmly. "I prefer my soul intact, thank you very much." She paused again for emphasis before adding, "Besides, I'm not sure I could handle the pressure of being as successful as someone like you."
"You might be surprised at what you're capable of if you put your mind to it."
"Or maybe I'd just end up like that fictional businessman—lost and soulless," Ana shot back with a teasing smile.
He leaned closer again, his expression earnest now as he rested his stubbly chin on his hand and studied her. "I doubt that would happen to you. You seem too grounded for that kind of fate."
Ana felt a flutter of warmth at his compliment but quickly masked it with playful sarcasm. "Flattery won't get you anywhere with me, Mr. Grey."
"Who said anything about flattery, Ms. Steele?" he replied smoothly, his gray eyes sparkling with mischief once more. "I'm merely stating the obvious."
A thoughtful pause ensued and Christian's smile widened before he broke the silence. "Well, if you're not interested in flattery, how about I take you out to dinner instead? I promise it'll be an experience worth writing about."
Ana quirked an eyebrow, her expression shifting to mock disbelief. "Dinner? With you? How generous," she replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "You won't believe this, but I think I'll pass. I have a strict," she made air-quotes with her fingers, "'no dining with arrogant businessmen' policy."
Grey feigned shock, placing a hand over his heart as if wounded, his slender fingers curling into the damp fabric of his shirt. "Arrogant? Me? I'm just a humble entrepreneur trying to expand my social circle."
"Right," Anastasia said, rolling her eyes playfully. "And I'm sure your idea of 'humble' involves private jets and five-star restaurants."
"Touché again," he admitted with a chuckle. "But you might find that I can be quite charming when the mood strikes me."
"Charming?" Ana echoed, her voice laced with disbelief. "Is that what we're calling it now? Because from where I'm sitting, it looks more like relentless persistence mixed with a dash of cockiness."
Her gaze drifted back to his hand, still resting against his heart, the wet shirt was still clinging to his deliciously sculpted chest. Anastasia bit her bottom lip once more.
Christian leaned forward slightly, undeterred by her teasing jabs, his gray eyes darting to her plump pout. "I prefer to think of it as confidence. But hey, if you're not interested in dinner, how about lunch? Or maybe brunch? Surely there's a meal you'd consider tolerable in my company?"
Ana couldn't help but laugh at his persistence. "You really don't take no for an answer, do you?"
"Not when the stakes are this high," he replied smoothly, his gaze unwavering.
She shook her head in mock exasperation. "Look, Mr. Grey, while I appreciate your enthusiasm for rejection—"
"Rejection is just another form of motivation," he interrupted playfully and there was that grin again.
"—I really must insist on declining your offer," she finished with a flourish. "I have plans to save my soul from the clutches of capitalism tonight."
Christian chuckled again, clearly unwilling to accept her refusal. "Fair enough. But just know that the offer stands—dinner or otherwise." He waited a beat to enhance the moment before adding with a teasing glint in his eye, "And who knows? You might even enjoy yourself."
Ana met his gaze defiantly but couldn't suppress the smile tugging at her lips. "I guess I'll believe it when I see it."
Christian relaxed back into his chair, toying with the tea bag's string, a confident grin still plastered on his face when he glanced up at her. "You know, I'm starting to think you're just playing hard to get."
Ana raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms in mock contemplation. "Hard to get? Or just hard to impress, Mr. Grey? There's a difference, you know."
"You've got me there," he replied, clearly enjoying the challenge. "But I have to admit, it's refreshing to meet someone who doesn't fall at my feet."
"Don't worry; I'll save that for your fan club," she shot back with a smirk. "I hear they have matching T-shirts and everything." All of a sudden she returned her attention to her laptop when the screen flashed for a second. Her fingers danced across the keyboard while Grey blatantly stared at her.
"Now that sounds like a fun group," he said casually, pretending seriousness in an attempt to win back her attention while he raked his fingers through his damp hair. "But I'd rather have you as my plus one than any of those fans."
Ana laughed, shaking her head, his confession sending a sudden heat up into her cheeks. Yes, he had her full attention now. "Oh please, I can only imagine the kind of dinner conversation with you that would entail 'So tell me about your latest acquisition while I try not to roll my eyes.'" She made a fake gagging sound.
Christian lowered his voice as if he were to share a secret, his expression playful yet sincere. "Alright, I promise I'm more than just business talk. I can be quite fascinating when I want to be."
"Fascinating?" she echoed skeptically. "You sure? 'Cause, last time I checked, 'fascinating' didn't involve power suits and boardroom jargon."
He chuckled softly before he insisted. "You might be surprised at what lies beneath the surface. There's a whole world of intrigue waiting for you if you'd just give me a chance."
Ana pretended to ponder this for a moment before responding with exaggerated seriousness. "Well, to me it seems more like an elaborate game of 'who can out-earn the other.' Hm?" She tilted her head slightly, holding his gaze.
"Ah, but isn't that part of the fun?" he countered smoothly. "A little competition never hurt anyone." Christian lifted the tea cup to his lips and took a smug, satisfied sip, his gaze never leaving hers.
"Except maybe the poor souls who have to listen to your endless tales of corporate conquests," Anastasia quipped with a playful roll of her eyes.
Christian chuckled again as he set down the mug in front of him, absently tracing the handle of it with the pad of his index. "You know, if you keep this up, I might just have to recruit you as my personal PR manager."
"Oh great! Just what I need—more work," Ana replied sarcastically. "I can see it now: 'Ana Steele: The Woman Who Tried and Failed to Save Christian Grey from Himself.'"
"It has a nice ring to it."
"Right? I can already picture the book cover," Ana said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "A dramatic portrait of you looking broodingly out a window overlooking the city, while I stand in the background, arms crossed, frantically shaking my head in disbelief."
"Now that's a bestseller waiting to happen," he said, sitting back with an exaggerated sigh. "But let's be honest—who wouldn't want to read about my tragic downfall?"
"Tragic? More like predictable," she shot back, unable to resist. "You're practically a walking cliché at this point. The wealthy businessman who thinks he can charm his way into anyone's heart? Please."
Christian feigned offense, placing a hand over his chest again. "Cliché? I prefer to think of it as classic, Ms. Steele. Besides, I'm not just any businessman; I'm the businessman."
Ana rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh yes, how could I forget? The one and only Christian Grey—savior of capitalism and all-around charming guy." She leaned forward conspiratorially, her voice barely above a whisper while she glanced around as if she were to check if they were spied on. "Tell me, do you have a cape hidden under that tailored suit, huh?" She nodded her chin up toward his chest.
"Only for special occasions," he replied with a straight face before breaking into a grin. "But seriously, I might just have to take you on as my sidekick, Ms. Steele."
"Sidekick?" she echoed incredulously. "I think you've got that backwards. You'd be lucky to have me as your sidekick! Just imagine the adventures we could have—saving souls from the clutches of corporate greed."
"Now that sounds like a plot twist," Grey said, leaning even closer. "But let's be real: you'd probably end up saving me from myself more than anything else."
Smiling softly, enjoying their banter far too much, Anastasia suddenly sounded contemplative. "And here I thought you were invincible. What happened to that confident businessman who doesn't take no for an answer?"
"I'm still here," Christian replied smoothly, his gaze a tad darker now and unwavering. "Just trying to figure out how someone like you fits into my world."
"Oh please," Ana scoffed playfully, steepling her fingers in front of her. "You're not going to win me over with your existential musings about my place in your life. I'm not some puzzle piece you can just slot into your carefully curated picture."
A hint of a smile played on his lips before he said. "Maybe not, but I find puzzles intriguing, especially the ones that seem impossible to solve."
Anastasia let out an exaggerated sigh, trying to maintain her composure despite the flutter of intrigue his words stirred within her. "Well, good luck with that. I'm not exactly an open book."
"Perhaps not," he conceded, his tone shifting to something more serious. "But I have a feeling there's more to you than meets the eye. And I'm curious enough to want to find out."
Ana met his gaze, feeling the weight of his words settle between them. "Curiosity can be dangerous, Mr. Grey," she warned, her voice steady.
"I thrive on danger," he replied, his voice deep and calm, but a glint of mischief in his eyes.
Ana couldn't help but smirk at his audacity. "Then you're in for quite the challenge."
"Bring it on," he said confidently, and for a moment, the air crackled with unspoken possibilities.
For a second they just sat there, locked in this playful yet charged exchange, and Ana felt a shift within herself—a reluctant intrigue that she couldn't quite ignore. Maybe this wasn't just banter after all; maybe it was the beginning of something unexpected.
And as she turned away from him with a teasing smile to check her emails again, she knew one thing for certain: whatever happened next would be anything but ordinary.
Meanwhile, Christian leaned back, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "Anyway, you'd be surprised how often I win people over with my existential musings. It's practically my secret weapon."
Ana raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms defiantly. "Your secret weapon? More like your last resort. Well, here's a shocker: If you have to resort to philosophy to charm someone, maybe you should rethink your strategy."
"Ah, but that's where you're wrong," he countered, leaning forward as he shifted in his seat. "I'm not trying to charm you; I'm just trying to understand the enigma that is Anastasia Steele."
"Enigma? Please," she scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. "I'm about as mysterious as a children's book. You want intrigue? Try reading between the lines of my grocery list."
"Now that sounds riveting," he replied with mock seriousness. "But I think I'll stick with the real thing—like figuring out why someone as sharp as you would turn down a perfectly good dinner invitation."
"Here we go again," she groaned. "Well, as I said… because I really, really value my sanity," she shot back, her tone playful yet firm. "And let's be honest: dinner with you sounds just like a one-way ticket to a corporate lecture on how to take over the world."
Christian chuckled, clearly amused by her stubbornness. "You make it sound so dull! What if I promise not to talk business? Just two people getting to know each other over some delicious food?"
Anastasia chewed her bottom lip, pretending to ponder while Grey's gaze flicked to her mouth, a muscle in his jaw twitching.
"Hmm…," she stalled, brow furrowed as if she were contemplating, "... tempting offer, but I think I'll pass. In case you've missed it, I have that ironclad 'no dinner dates with smug trust-fund guys' rule for a reason."
"Well, I'd like to think of it as 'confidently charming', not smug."
"Confidently charming?" Ana repeated with a smirk. "To me it looks more like 'desperately trying too hard.'"
He laughed huskily, clearly only spurred on by her jabs. "Desperate? Hardly! But I do admire your tenacity, Ms. Steele; it's refreshing in a world full of sycophants."
"Oh please," Ana said, rolling her eyes dramatically. "You're just saying that because no one else has the guts to call you out on your nonsense."
"Maybe so," Grey admitted with a grin. "There's no denying... You challenge me in ways no one else does."
Anastasia smirked, relaxing back into her chair with a satisfied look. "Well, I'm glad I could provide you with some entertainment, Mr. Grey. Just remember, it's not my fault if you can't handle the heat."
Christian opened his mouth to respond, but just then, his phone buzzed on the table, breaking the moment. Frowning, he glanced down at the screen and felt a twinge of disappointment as he read the message. "Looks like my time is up," he said reluctantly, looking back at Ana.
"Ah, the mighty Christian Grey has to leave?" she teased, feigning sadness. "What a shame. I was just starting to enjoy myself."
"Don't act too surprised," he replied with a playful grin. "You've been keeping me on my toes this whole time."
"Just doing my part to keep your overinflated ego in check," she shot back, unable to hide her smile.
He stood up slowly, still reluctant to leave. "Listen, I really did enjoy this… whatever this was." His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary. "You're not as easy to forget as I thought you'd be."
Anastasia arched an eyebrow, her expression softening slightly despite her stubborn demeanor. "And you, sir, are not as insufferable as I expected either. But don't let that go to your head."
Christian chuckled softly, grabbing his still soaking wet jacket. "I'll try not to. But seriously—can we do this again? Maybe without the sarcasm next time?"
"Where's the fun in that?" she replied, biting back a smirk.
"Fair point," he conceded, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "But I'll hold you to that dinner invitation one day."
"Well, good luck with that," Ana said playfully as she stood up, feeling an unexpected flutter of anticipation at the thought of seeing him again.
"And next time, I'll skip the tea and go for coffee instead."
"Too exotic?" She grinned.
"Way too classic." His gray gaze searched hers.
"Hate to break it to you," Anastasia bit her lower lip, "but I told you so."
Christian just laughed.
As he turned to leave, he paused and looked over his shoulder. "You know where to find me if you change your mind about that dinner."
"I'll keep it in mind," Ana replied nonchalantly, though inside she felt a strange mix of intrigue and defiance.
With one last lingering glance, Christian walked away, leaving Ana standing there with a bemused smile on her face. As she watched him go, she couldn't shake off the feeling that their banter was only just beginning—and maybe there was more beneath the surface than either of them wanted to admit.
And as Grey stepped out of the café, the door chiming softly behind him, Anastasia felt a strange emptiness settle in the space he left behind. She shook her head slightly, trying to dispel the unexpected warmth that lingered from their conversation.
"Get a grip, Ana," she muttered to herself, taking a sip of her now lukewarm tea. The taste was bitter, much like the reality of their situation. She had no intention of getting swept up in whatever whirlwind Christian Grey represented all of a sudden.
But as she glanced out the window, watching him, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of curiosity. What was it about him that made her want to engage despite her better judgment?
Seemingly out of nowhere Grey's bodyguard appeared at his side, holding out a black coat that contrasted sharply with Christian's soaked jacket. With practiced efficiency, the bodyguard helped him into the coat, that was now enveloping him like a shield against the chill. Christian barely acknowledged the gesture; his attention was already glued to his phone, thumbs flying over the screen as if the world around him had faded into insignificance, likely speaking in low tones, clearly deep in conversation.
The burly bodyguard deftly took Christian's wet jacket and held a large umbrella over Grey, ensuring not a single drop fell on his boss. Adjusting the umbrella to keep it perfectly positioned while maintaining a respectful distance, the man moved alongside Christian while the latter remained engrossed in his call, oblivious to the storm swirling around him or the careful choreography of Taylor.
As the men made their way toward the waiting Audi, Christian's eyes remained fixed on his phone, lips moving slightly as he continued to speak. Taylor walked closely beside him, ever vigilant yet unobtrusive, ensuring that Christian's comfort was prioritized without interrupting his flow. Grey seemed unshakeable—an enigmatic figure navigating life on his own terms while others catered to his every need.
With a sigh, Anastasia turned back to her table and gathered her things. The café was bustling with life around her, but all she could think about was their playful banter and the way he challenged her at every turn. It was infuriating yet exhilarating. But Ana was resolved to keep her distance. After all, she had a life to lead—one that didn't involve getting tangled up with someone like Christian Grey. But deep down, a small part of her wondered if maybe—just maybe—she could allow herself to explore this unexpected connection.
A/N:
Just a heads-up: this isn't a sequel; it's a whole new story. If you have any questions, always feel free to ask.
Also, thank you so much for all your lovely and encouraging comments and feedback. I always appreciate hearing from you, and I'm grateful for the time you take to share your thoughts.
So, what do you think of this chapter? Is Christian just toying with her like he does with everyone else, or is there something more going on? I guess we'll have to wait and see! Take care! x