“I thought you’d reply by email.” My voice is small, pathetic.
　　“Are you biting your lower lip deliberately?” he asks darkly.
　　I blink up at him, gasping, freeing my lip.
　　“I wasn’t aware I was biting my lip,” I murmur softly.
　　My heart is pounding. I can feel that pull, that delicious electricity between us charging, filling the space between us with static. He’s sitting so close to me, his eyes dark smoky gray, his elbows resting on his knees, his legs apart. Leaning forward, he slowly undoes one of my pigtails, his fingers freeing my hair. My breathing is shallow, and I cannot move. I watch hypnotized as his hand moves to my second pigtail, and pulling the hair tie, he loosens the braid with his long, skilled fingers.
　　“So you decided on some exercise,” he breathes, his voice soft and melodious. His fingers gently tuck my hair behind my ear. “Why, Anastasia?” His fingers circle my ear, and very softly, he tugs my earlobe, rhythmically. It’s so sexual.
　　“I needed time to think,” I whisper. I’m all rabbit/headlights, moth/flame, bird/snake… and he knows exactly what he’s doing to me.
　　“Think about what, Anastasia?”
　　“You.”
　　“And you decided that it was nice knowing me? Do you mean knowing me in the biblical sense?”
　　Oh shit. I flush.
　　“I didn’t think you were familiar with the Bible.”
　　“I went to Sunday School, Anastasia. It taught me a great deal.”
　　“I don’t remember reading about nipple clamps in the Bible. Perhaps you were taught from a modern translation.”
　　His lips arch with a trace of a smile, and my eyes are drawn to his beautiful sculptured mouth.
　　“Well, I thought I should come and remind you how nice it was knowing me.”
　　Holy crap. I stare at him open mouthed, and his fingers move from my ear to my chin.
　　“What do you say to that, Miss Steele?”
　　His gray eyes blaze at me, his challenge intrinsic in his stare. His lips are parted – he’s waiting, coiled to strike. Desire – acute, liquid and smoldering, combusts deep in my belly. I take pre-emptive action and launch myself at him. Somehow he moves, I have no idea how, and in the blink of an eye I’m on the bed pinned beneath him, my arms stretched out and held above my head, his free hand clutching my face, and his mouth finds mine.
　　His tongue is in my mouth, claiming and possessing me, and I revel in the force he uses. I feel him against the length of my body. He wants me, and this does strange, delicious things to my insides. Not Kate in her little bikinis, not one of the fifteen, not evil Mrs. Robinson. Me. This beautiful man wants me. My inner goddess glows so bright she could light up Portland. He stops kissing me, and opening my eyes, I find him gazing down at me.
　　“Trust me?” he breathes.
　　I nod, wide-eyed, my heart bouncing off my ribs, my blood thundering around my body.
　　He reaches down, and from his pants pocket, he takes out his silver grey silk tie… that silver grey woven tie that leaves small impressions of its weave on my skin. He moves so quickly, sitting astride me as he fastens my wrists together, but this time, he ties the other end of the tie to one of the spokes of my white iron headboard. He pulls at my binding checking it’s secure. I’m not going anywhere. I’m tied, literally, to my bed, and I’m so aroused.
　　He slides off me and stands beside the bed, staring down at me, his eyes dark with want. His look is triumphant, mixed with relief.
　　“That’s better,” he murmurs and smiles a wicked, knowing smile. He bends and starts undoing one of my sneakers. Oh no… no… my feet. No. I’ve just been running.
　　“No,” I protest, trying to kick him off.
　　He stops.
　　“If you struggle, I’ll tie your feet too. If you make a noise, Anastasia, I will gag you. Keep quiet. Katherine is probably outside listening right now.”
　　Gag me! Kate! I shut up.
　　He removes my shoes and my socks efficiently and slowly peels off my sweat pants. Oh – what panties am I wearing? He lifts me and pulls the quilt and my duvet out from underneath me and places me back down, this time on the sheets.
　　“Now then.” He licks his bottom lip slowly. “You’re biting that lip, Anastasia. You know the effect it has on me.” He places his long index finger over my mouth, a warning.
　　Oh my. I can barely contain myself, lying helpless, watching him move gracefully around my room, it’s a heady aphrodisiac. Slowly, almost leisurely, he removes his shoes and socks, undoes his pants, and lifts his shirt off over his head.
　　“I think you’ve seen too much,” he chuckles slyly. He sits astride me again, pulls my t-shirt up, and I think he’s going to take it off me, but he rolls it up to my neck and then pulls it up over my head so he can see my mouth and my nose, but it covers my eyes. And because it’s folded over – I cannot see a thing through it.
　　“Mmm,” he breathes appreciatively. “This just gets better and better. I’m going to get a drink.”
　　Leaning down, he kisses me, his lips tender against mine, and his weight shifts off the bed. I hear the quiet creak of the bedroom door. Get a drink. Where? Here? Portland? Seattle? I strain to hear him. I can make out low rumblings, and I know he’s talking to Kate – oh no… he’s practically naked. What’s she going to say? I hear a faint popping sound. What’s that? He returns, the door creaking once more, his feet padding across the bedroom floor, and ice tinkling against glass as it swirls in liquid. What kind of drink? He shuts the door and shuffles around removing his pants. They drop to the floor, and I know he’s naked. He sits astride me again.
　　“Are you thirsty, Anastasia?” he asks, his voice teasing
　　“Yes,” I breathe, because my mouth is suddenly parched. I hear the ice clink against the glass, and he puts it down again and leans down and kisses me, pouring a delicious crisp, liquid into my mouth as he does. It’s white wine. It’s so unexpected, hot, though it’s chilled, and Christian’s lips are cool.
　　“More?” he whispers.
　　I nod. It tastes all the more pine because it’s been in his mouth. He leans down, and I drink another mouthful from his lips… oh my.
　　“Let’s not go too far, we know your capacity for alcohol is limited, Anastasia.”
　　I can’t help it. I grin, and he leans down to deliver another delicious mouthful. He shifts so he’s lying beside me, his erection at my hip. Oh, I want him inside me.
　　“Is this nice?” he asks, but I hear the edge in his voice.
　　I tense. He moves the glass again and leans down, kissing me and depositing a small shard of ice in my mouth with a little wine. He slowly and leisurely trails chilled kisses down the center of my body, from the base of my throat, between my breasts, down my torso, and to my belly. He pops a fragment of ice in my navel in a pool of cool, cold wine. It burns all the way down to the depths of my belly. Wow.
　　“Now you have to keep still,” he whispers. “If you move, Anastasia, you’ll get wine all over the bed.”
　　My hips flex automatically.
　　“Oh no. If you spill the wine, I will punish you, Miss Steele.”
　　I groan and desperately fight the urge to tilt my hips, pulling on my restraint. Oh no… please.
　　With one finger, he pulls down my bra cups in turn, my breasts pushed up, exposed and vulnerable. Leaning down, he kisses and tugs at each of my nipples in turn with cool, cold lips. I fight my body as it tries to arch in response.
　　“How nice is this?” he breathes, blowing on one of my nipples.
　　I hear another clink of ice, and then I can feel it round my right nipple as he tugs the left one with his lips. I moan, struggling not to move. It’s sweet, agonizing torture.
　　“If you spill the wine, I won’t let you come,”
　　“Oh… please… Christian… Sir… Please.” He’s driving me insane. I hear him smile.
　　The ice in my navel is melting. I am beyond warm – warm and chilled and wanting. Wanting him, inside me. Now.
　　His cool fingers trail languidly across my belly. My skin is oversensitive, my hips flex automatically, and the now warmer liquid from my navel seeps over my belly. Christian moves quickly, lapping it up with his tongue, kissing, biting me softly, sucking.
　　“Oh dear, Anastasia, you moved. What am I going to do to you?”
　　I’m panting loudly. All I can concentrate on is his voice and his touch. Nothing else is real. Nothing else matters, nothing else registers on my radar. His fingers slip into my panties, and I’m rewarded with his unguarded sharp intake of air.
　　“Oh, baby,” he murmurs and he pushes two fingers inside me.
　　I gasp.
　　“Ready for me so soon,” he says. He moves his fingers tantalizingly slowly, in, out, and I push against him, tilting my hips up.
　　“You are a greedy girl,” he scolds softly, and his thumb circles my clitoris and then presses down.
　　I groan loudly as my body bucks beneath his expert fingers. He reaches up and pushes the t-shirt over my head so I can see him as I blink in the soft light of my sidelight. I long to touch him.
　　“I want to touch you,” I breathe.
　　“I know,” he murmurs. He leans down and kisses me, his fingers still moving rhythmically inside me, his thumb circling and pressing. His other hand scoops my hair off my head and holds my head in place. His tongue mirrors the actions of his fingers, claiming me. My legs begin to stiffen as I push against his hand. He gentles his hand, so I’m brought back from the brink. He does this again and again. It’s so frustrating… Oh please Christian, I scream in my head.
　　“This is your punishment, so close and yet so far. Is this nice?” he breathes in my ear. I whimper, exhausted, pulling against my restraint. I’m helpless, lost in an erotic torment.
　　“Please,” I beg, and he finally takes pity on me.
　　“How shall I fuck you, Anastasia?”
　　Oh… my body starts to quiver. He stills again.
　　“Please.”
　　“What do you want, Anastasia?”
　　“You… now,” I cry.
　　“Shall I fuck you this way, or this way, or this way? There’s an endless choice,” he breathes against my lips. He withdraws his hand and reaches over to the bedside table for a foil packet. He kneels up between my legs, and very slowly he pulls my panties off, staring down at me, his eyes gleaming. He puts on the condom. I watch fascinated, mesmerized.
　　“How nice is this?” he says as he strokes himself.
　　“I meant it as a joke,” I whimper. Please fuck me, Christian.
　　He raises his eyebrows as his hand moves up and down his impressive length.
　　“A joke?” His voice is menacingly soft.
　　“Yes. Please, Christian,” I beseech him.
　　“Are you laughing now?”
　　“No,” I mewl.
　　I am just one ball of sexual, tense, need. He stares down at me for a moment, measuring my need, then he grabs me suddenly and flips me over. It takes me by surprise, and because my hands are tied, I have to support myself on my elbows. He pushes both my knees up the bed so my behind is in the air, and he slaps me hard. Before I can react, he plunges inside me. I cry out – from the slap and from his sudden assault, and I come instantly again and again, falling apart beneath him as he continues to slam deliciously into me. He doesn’t stop. I’m spent. I can’t take this… and he pounds on and on and on... then I’m building again… surely not… no…
　　“Come on, Anastasia, again,” he growls through clenched teeth, and unbelievably, my body responds, convulsing around him as I climax anew, calling out his name. I shatter again into tiny fragments, and Christian stills, finally letting go, silently finding his release. He collapses on top of me, breathing hard.
　　“How nice was that?” he asks through his gritted teeth.
　　Oh my.
　　I lie panting and spent on the bed, eyes closed as he slowly pulls out of me. He rises immediately and dresses. When he’s fully clothed, he climbs back on the bed and gently undoes his tie and pulls my t-shirt off. I flex my fingers and rub my wrists, smiling at the woven pattern imprinted on my wrists from the tie. I re-adjust my bra as he pulls the duvet and quilt over me. I stare up at him completely dazed, and he smirks down at me.

　　“That was really nice,” I whisper, smiling coyly.
　　“There’s that word again.”
　　“You don’t like that word?”
　　“No. It doesn’t do it for me at all.”
　　“Oh – I don’t know… it seems to have a very beneficial effect on you.”
　　“I’m a beneficial effect, now am I? Could you wound my ego any further, Miss Steele?”
　　“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with your ego.” But even as I say it, I don’t feel the conviction of my words - something elusive crosses my mind, a fleeting thought, but it’s lost before I can grasp it.
　　“You think?” His voice is soft. He’s lying beside me, fully clothed, his head propped up on his elbow, and I am only wearing my bra.
　　“Why don’t you like to be touched?”
　　“I just don’t.” He reaches over and plants a soft kiss on my forehead. “So, that email was your idea of a joke.”
　　I smile apologetically at him and shrug.
　　“I see. So you are still considering my proposition?”
　　“Your indecent proposal… yes I am. I have issues though.”
　　He grins down at me as if relieved.
　　“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”
　　“I was going to email them to you, but you kind of interrupted me.”
　　“Coitus Interruptus.”
　　“See, I knew you had a sense of humor somewhere in there.” I smile.
　　“Only certain things are funny, Anastasia. I thought you were saying no, no discussion at all.” His voice drops.
　　“I don’t know yet. I haven’t made up my mind. Will you collar me?”
　　He raises his eyebrows.
　　“You have been doing your research. I don’t know, Anastasia. I’ve never collared anyone.”
　　Oh… should I be surprised by this? I know so little about the scene… I don’t know.
　　“Were you collared?” I whisper.
　　“Yes.”
　　“By Mrs. Robinson?”
　　“Mrs. Robinson!” he laughs loudly, freely, and he looks so young and carefree, his head thrown back, his laughter infectious.
　　I grin back at him.
　　“I’ll tell her you said that, she’ll love it.”
　　“You still talk to her regularly?” I can’t keep the shock out of my voice.
　　“Yes.” He’s serious now.
　　Oh… and part of me is suddenly insanely jealous – I’m disturbed by the depth of my feeling.
　　“I see.” My voice is tight. “So you have someone you can discuss your alternative lifestyle with, but I’m not allowed.”
　　He frowns.
　　“I don’t think I’ve ever thought about it like that. Mrs. Robinson was part of that lifestyle. I told you, she’s a good friend now. If you’d like, I can introduce you to one of my former subs, you could talk to her.”
　　What? Is he deliberately trying to upset me?
　　“Is this your idea of a joke?
　　“No, Anastasia.” He’s bemused as he shakes his head earnestly.
　　“No – I’ll do this on my own, thank you very much,” I snap at him, pulling the duvet up to my chin.
　　He stares at me, at sea, surprised.
　　“Anastasia, I… ” He’s lost for words. A first, I think. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”
　　“I’m not offended. I’m appalled.”
　　“Appalled?”
　　“I don’t want to talk to one of your ex-girlfriends… slave… sub… whatever you call them.”
　　“Anastasia Steele – are you jealous?”
　　I flush, crimson.
　　“Are you staying?”
　　“I have a breakfast meeting tomorrow at the Heathman. Besides, I told you, I don’t sleep with girlfriends, slaves, subs, or anyone. Friday and Saturday night were exceptions. It won’t happen again.” I can hear the resolve behind his soft, husky voice.
　　I purse my lips at him.
　　“Well I’m tired now.”
　　“Are you kicking me out?” He raises his eyebrows at me, amused and a little dismayed.
　　“Yes.”
　　“Well that’s another first.” He eyes me speculatively. “So nothing you want to discuss now? About the contract.”
　　“No.” I reply petulantly.
　　“God, I’d like to give you a good hiding. You’d feel a lot better, and so would I.”
　　“You can’t say things like that… I haven’t signed anything yet.”
　　“A man can dream, Anastasia.” He leans over me and grasps my chin. “Wednesday?” he murmurs, and he kisses me lightly on my lips.
　　“Wednesday,” I agree. “I’ll see you out. If you give me a minute.” I sit up and grab my t-shirt, pushing him out of the way. Amused and reluctant, he gets up off the bed.
　　“Please pass me my sweat pants.”
　　He collects them from the floor and hands them to me.
　　“Yes, ma’am.” He’s trying unsuccessfully to hide his smile.
　　I narrow my eyes at him as I slip the pants on. My hair is a state, and I know I’ll have to face the Katherine Kavanagh Inquisition after he’s gone. Grabbing a hair tie, I walk to my bedroom door, opening it slightly checking for Kate. She is not in the living area. I think I can hear her on the phone in her room. Christian follows me out. During the short walk from bedroom to front door, my thoughts and feelings ebb and flow, transforming. I’m no longer angry with him, I feel suddenly unbearably shy. I don’t want him to go. For the first time, I’m wishing he was – normal – wanting a normal relationship that doesn’t need a ten-page agreement, a flogger, and karabiners in his playroom ceiling.
　　I open the door for him and stare down at my hands. This is the first time I have ever had sex in my home, and as sex goes, I think it was pretty damn fine. But now I feel like a receptacle – an empty vessel to be filled at his whim. My subconscious shakes her head. You wanted to run to the Heathman for sex – you had it express-delivered. She crosses her arms and taps her foot with a what-are-you-complaining-about-look on her face. Christian stops in the doorway and clasps my chin, forcing my eyes to meet his. His brow creases slightly.
　　“You okay?” he asks tenderly as his thumb lightly caresses my bottom lip.
　　“Yes.” I reply, though in all honesty I’m just not sure. I feel a paradigm shift. I know that if I do this thing with him, I will get hurt. He’s not capable, interested, or willing to offer me any more… and I want more. Much more. The surge of jealousy I felt only moments ago tells me that I have deeper feelings for him than I have admitted to myself.
　　“Wednesday,” he confirms, and he leans forward and kisses me softly. Something changes while he’s kissing me, his lips grow more urgent against mine, his hand moves up from my chin and he’s holding the side of my head, his other hand on the other side. His breathing accelerates. He deepens the kiss, leaning into me. I put my hands on his arms. I want to run them through his hair, but I resist, knowing that he won’t like it. He leans his forehead against mine, his eyes closed, his voice strained.
　　“Anastasia,” he whispers. “What are you doing to me?”
　　“I could say the same to you,” I whisper back.
　　Taking a deep breath, he kisses my forehead and leaves. He strolls purposefully down the path towards his car as he runs his hand through his hair. Glancing up as he opens
　　his car door, he smiles his breathtaking smile. My answering smile is weak, completely dazzled by him, and I’m reminded once more of Icarus soaring too close to the Sun. I close the front door as he climbs into his sporty car. I have an overwhelming urge to cry, a sad and lonely melancholy grips and tightens round my heart. Dashing back to my bedroom, I close the door and lean against it trying to rationalize my feelings. I can’t. Sliding to the floor, I put my head in my hands as my tears begin to flow.
　　Kate knocks gently.
　　“Ana?” she whispers. I open the door. She takes one look at me and throws her arms around me.
　　“What’s wrong? What did that creepy good-looking bastard do?”
　　“Oh Kate, nothing I didn’t want him to.”
　　She pulls me to my bed and we sit.
　　“You have dreadful sex hair.”
　　In spite of my poignant sadness, I laugh.
　　“It was good sex, not dreadful at all.”
　　Kate smiles.
　　“That’s better. Why are you crying? You never cry.” She retrieves my brush from the side table, and sitting behind me, very slowly starts brushing out the knots.
　　“I just don’t think our relationship is going to go anywhere.” I stare down at my fingers.
　　“I thought you said you were going to see him on Wednesday?”
　　“I am, that was our original plan.”
　　“So, why did he turn up here today?”
　　“I sent him an email.”
　　“Asking him to drop by?”
　　“No, saying I didn’t want to see him anymore.”
　　“And he turns up? Ana, that’s genius.”
　　“Actually it was a joke.”
　　“Oh. Now I’m really confused.”
　　Patiently, I explain the essence of my email without giving anything away.
　　“So you thought he’d reply by email.”
　　“Yes.”
　　“But instead he turns up here.”
　　“Yes.”
　　“I’d say he’s completely smitten with you.”
　　I frown. Christian, smitten with me? Hardly. He’s just looking for a new toy – a convenient new toy that he can bed and do unspeakable things to. My heart tightens painfully. This is the reality.
　　“He came here to fuck me, that’s all.”
　　“Who said romance was dead?” she whispers horrified. I’ve shocked Kate. I didn’t think that was possible. I shrug apologetically.
　　“He uses sex as a weapon.”
　　“Fuck you into submission?” She shakes her head disapprovingly. I blink rapidly at her, and I can feel the blush as it spreads across my face. Oh… spot on, Katherine Kavanagh, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist.
　　“Ana, I don’t understand, you just let him make love to you?”
　　“No, Kate, we don’t make love – we fuck – Christian’s terminology. He doesn’t do the love thing.”
　　“I knew there was something weird about him. He has commitment issues.”
　　I nod, as if in agreement. Inwardly, I pine. Oh Kate... I wish I could tell you everything, everything about this strange, sad, kinky guy, and you could tell me to forget about him. Stop me from being a fool.
　　“I guess it’s all a little overwhelming,” I murmur. That’s the understatement of the year.
　　Because I don’t want to talk about Christian any more, I ask her about Elliot. Katherine’s whole demeanor changes at the mere mention of his name, she lights up from within, beaming at me.
　　“He’s coming over early Saturday to help load up.” She hugs the hairbrush, boy has she got it bad, and I feel a familiar faint stab of envy. Kate has found herself a normal man, and she looks so happy.
　　I turn and hug her.
　　“Oh, I meant to say. Your dad called while you were… err, occupied. Apparently Bob has sustained some injury, so your mom and he can’t make graduation. But your dad will be here Thursday. He wants you to call.”
　　“Oh... my mom never called me. Is Bob okay?”
　　“Yes. Call her in the morning. It’s late now.”
　　“Thanks, Kate. I’m okay now. I’ll call Ray in the morning too. I think I’ll just turn in.”
　　She smiles, but her eyes crinkle at the corners with concern.
　　After she’s gone, I sit and read the contract again, making more notes as I go. When I’ve finished, I fire up the laptop, ready to respond.

　　There’s an email from Christian in my inbox.
　　From: Christian Grey
　　Subject: This evening
　　Date: May 23 2011 23:16
　　To: Anastasia Steele
　　Miss SteeleI look forward to receiving your notes on the contract.
　　Until then, sleep well baby.
　　Christian Grey
　　CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
　　From: Anastasia Steele
　　Subject: Issues
　　Date: May 24 2011 00:02
　　To: Christian Grey
　　Dear Mr. GreyHere is my list of issues. I look forward to discussing them more fully at dinner on Wednesday.
　　The numbers refer to clauses:
　　2: Not sure why this is solely for MY benefit – ie to explore MY sensuality and limits. I’m sure I wouldn’t need a ten-page contract to do that! Surely this is for YOUR benefit.
　　4: As you are aware you are my only sexual partner. I don’t take drugs, and I’ve not had any blood transfusions. I’m probably safe. What about you?
　　8: I can terminate at any time if I don’t think you’re sticking to the agreed limits. Okay – I like this.
　　9: Obey you in all things? Accept without hesitation your discipline? We need to talk about this.
　　11: One month trial period. Not three.
　　12: I cannot commit every weekend. I do have a life, or will have. Perhaps three out of four?
　　15.2: Using my body as you see fit sexually or otherwise – please define “or otherwise.”
　　15.5: This whole discipline clause. I’m not sure I want to be whipped, flogged, or corporally punished. I am sure this would be in breach of clauses 2-5. And also “for any other reason”. That’s just mean – and you told me you weren’t a sadist.
　　15.10: Like loaning me out to someone else would ever be an option. But I’m glad it’s here in black and white.
　　15.14: The Rules. More on those later.
　　15.19: Touching myself without your permission. What’s the problem with this? You know I don’t do it anyway.
　　15.21: Discipline – Please see clause 15.5 above.
　　15.22: I can’t look into your eyes? Why?
　　15.24: Why can’t I touch you?
　　Rules:
　　Sleep – I’ll agree to 6 hours. Food – I am not eating food from a prescribed list. The food list goes or I do – Deal breaker. Clothes – as long as I only have to wear your clothes when I’m with you... okay. Exercise – We agreed 3 hours, this still says 4.
　　Soft Limits:
　　Can we go through all of these? No Fisting of any kind. What is suspension? Genital Clamps – you have got to be kidding me.
　　Can you please let me know the arrangements for Wednesday? I am working until 5pm that day.
　　Good night.
　　Ana
　　From: Christian Grey
　　Subject: This evening
　　Date: May 24 2011 00:07
　　To: Anastasia Steele
　　Miss Steele
　　That’s a long list. Why are you still up?
　　Christian Grey
　　CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
　　From: Anastasia Steele
　　Subject: Burning the midnight oil
　　Date: May 24 2011 00:10
　　To: Christian Grey
　　Sir
　　If you recall I was going through this list, when I was distracted and bedded by a passing control freak.
　　Goodnight.
　　Ana
　　From: Christian Grey
　　Subject: Stop Burning the midnight oil
　　Date: May 24 2011 00:12
　　To: Anastasia Steele
　　GO TO BED ANASTASIA.
　　Christian Grey
　　CEO & Control Freak, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
　　Oh… shouty capitals! I switch off. How can he intimidate me when he’s six miles away? I shake my head. My heart still heavy, I climb into bed and fall instantly into a deep but troubled sleep.
　　The following day, I call my mom when I’m home from work. It’s been a relatively peaceful day at the Clayton’s, allowing me far too much time to think. I’m restless, nervous about my showdown with Mr. Control Freak tomorrow, and at the back of my mind, I’m worried that perhaps I’ve been too negative in my response to the contract. Perhaps he’ll call the whole thing off.
　　My mom is oozing contrition, desperately sorry not to make my graduation. Bob has twisted some ligament which means he’s hobbling all over the place. Honestly, he’s as accident-prone as I am. He’s expected to make a full recovery, but it means he’s resting up, and my mother has to wait on him hand and sore foot.
　　“Ana honey, I’m so sorry,” my mom whines down the phone.
　　“Mom, it’s fine. Ray will be there.”
　　“Ana, you sound distracted – are you okay, baby?”
　　“Yes, Mom,” Oh if only you knew. There’s an obscenely rich guy I’ve met and he wants some kind of strange kinky sexual relationship, in which I don’t get a say in things.
　　“Have you met someone?”
　　“No, Mom.” I am so not going there right now.
　　“Well, darling, I’ll be thinking of you on Thursday. I love you… you know that honey?”
　　I close my eyes, her precious words give me a warm glow inside.
　　“Love you too, Mom. Say hi to Bob, and I hope he gets better fast.”
　　“Will do, honey. Bye.”
　　“Bye.”
　　I have strayed into my bedroom with the phone. Idly, I switch the mean machine on and fire up the email program. There’s an email from Christian from late last night or very early this morning, depending on your point of view. My heart rate spikes instantly, and I hear the blood pumping in my ears. Holy crap… perhaps he’s said no – that’s it – maybe he’s canceling dinner. The thought is so painful. I dismiss it quickly and open the email.
　　From: Christian Grey
　　Subject: Your Issues
　　Date: May 24 2011 01:27
　　To: Anastasia Steele
　　Dear Miss Steele
　　Following my more thorough examination of your issues, may I bring to your attention the definition of submissive.
　　submissive [suhb-mis-iv] – adjective1. inclined or ready to submit; unresistingly or humbly obedient: submissive servants.2. marked by or indicating submission: a submissive reply.Origin: 1580–90; submiss + -iveSynonyms: 1. tractable, compliant, pliant, amenable. 2. passive, resigned, patient, docile, tame, subdued. Antonyms: 1. rebellious, disobedient.Please bear this in mind for our meeting on Wednesday.
　　Christian Grey
　　CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
　　My initial feeling is one of relief. He’s willing to discuss my issues at least, and he still wants to meet tomorrow. After some thought, I reply.
　　From: Anastasia Steele
　　Subject: My Issues… What about Your Issues?
　　Date: May 24 2011 18:29
　　To: Christian Grey
　　SirPlease note the date of origin: 1580-90. I would respectfully remind Sir that the year is 2011. We have come a long way since then.
　　May I offer a definition for you to consider for our meeting:
　　compromise [kom-pruh-mahyz] - noun1. a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of demands. 2. the result of such a settlement. 3. something intermediate between different things: The split-level is a compromise between a ranch house and a multistoried house. 4. an endangering, esp. of reputation; exposure to danger, suspicion, etc.: a compromise
　　of one’s integrity.Ana
　　From: Christian Grey
　　Subject: What about My Issues?
　　Date: May 24 2011 18:32
　　To: Anastasia Steele
　　Good point, well made, as ever, Miss Steele. I will collect you from your apartment at 7:00 tomorrow.
　　Christian Grey
　　CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
　　From: Anastasia Steele
　　Subject: 2011 – Women can drive
　　Date: May 24 2011 18:40
　　To: Christian Grey
　　Sir
　　I have a car. I can drive.
　　I would prefer to meet you somewhere.
　　Where shall I meet you?
　　At your hotel at 7:00?
　　Ana
　　From: Christian Grey
　　Subject: Stubborn Young Women
　　Date: May 24 2011 18:43
　　To: Anastasia Steele
　　Dear Miss Steele
　　I refer to my email dated May 24, 2011 sent at 1:27 and the definition contained therein.
　　Do you ever think you’ll be able to do what you’re told?
　　Christian Grey
　　CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
　　From: Anastasia Steele
　　Subject: Intractable Men
　　Date: May 24 2011 18:49
　　To: Christian Grey
　　Mr. Grey
　　I would like to drive.
　　Please.
　　Ana
　　From: Christian Grey
　　Subject: Exasperated Men
　　Date: May 24 2011 18:52
　　To: Anastasia Steele
　　Fine.
　　My hotel at 7:00.
　　I’ll meet you in the Marble Bar.
　　Christian Grey
　　CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
　　He’s even grumpy by email. Doesn’t he understand that I may need to make a quick getaway? Not that my Beetle is quick… but still – I need a means of escape.
　　From: Anastasia Steele
　　Subject: Not So Intractable Men
　　Date: May 24 2011 18:55
　　To: Christian Grey
　　Thank you.
　　Ana x
　　From: Christian Grey
　　Subject: Exasperating Women
　　Date: May 24 2011 18:59
　　To: Anastasia Steele
　　You’re welcome.
　　Christian Grey
　　CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
　　I call Ray, who is just about to watch the Sounders play some soccer team from Salt Lake City, so our conversation is mercifully brief. He’s driving down on Thursday for graduation. He wants to take me out afterward for a meal. My heart swells talking to Ray, and a huge lump knots in my throat. He has been my constant through all mom’s romantic ups and downs. We have a special bond that I treasure. Even though he’s my stepdad, he’s always treated me as his own, and I can’t wait to see him. It’s been too long. His quiet fortitude is what I need now, what I miss. Maybe I can channel my inner Ray for my meeting tomorrow.
　　Kate and I concentrate on packing, sharing a bottle of cheap red wine as we do. When I finally go to bed, having almost finished packing my room, I feel calmer. The physical activity of boxing everything up has been a welcome distraction, and I’m tired. I want a good night’s sleep. I snuggle into my bed and am soon asleep.
　　Paul is back from Princeton before he sets off for New York to start an internship with a financing company. He follows me round the store all day asking me for a date. It’s annoying.
　　“Paul, for the hundredth time, I have a date this evening.”
　　“No, you don’t, you’re just saying that to avoid me. You’re always avoiding me.”
　　Yes… you’d think you’d take the hint.
　　“Paul, I never thought it was a good idea to date the boss’s brother.”
　　“You’re finishing here on Friday. You’re not working tomorrow.”
　　“And I’ll be in Seattle as of Saturday and you’ll be in New York soon. We couldn’t get much further apart if we tried. Besides, I do have a date this evening.”
　　“With José?”
　　“No.”
　　“Who then?”
　　“Paul… oh.” My sigh is exasperated. He’s not going to let this go. “Christian Grey.” I cannot help the annoyance in my voice. But it does the trick. Paul’s mouth falls open, and he gapes at me, struck dumb. Humph – even his name renders people speechless.
　　“You have a date with Christian Grey,” he says finally, once he’s over the shock. Disbelief is evident in his voice.
　　“Yes.”
　　“I see.” Paul looks positively crestfallen, stunned even, and a very small part resents that he should find this a surprise. My inner goddess does too. She makes a very vulgar and unattractive gesture at him with her fingers.
　　After that, he ignores me, and at five I am out of the door, pronto.
　　Kate has lent me two dresses and two pairs of shoes for tonight and for graduation tomorrow. I wish I could feel more enthused about clothes and make an extra effort, but clothes are just not my thing. What is your thing, Anastasia? Christian’s softly spoken question haunts me. Shaking my head and endeavoring to quell my nerves, I decide on the plum-colored sheath dress for this evening. It’s demure and vaguely business-like – after all, I am negotiating a contract.
　　I shower, shave my legs and underarms, wash my hair, and then spend a good half-hour drying it so that it falls in soft waves to my breasts and down my back. I slip a comb in to keep one side off my face and apply mascara and some lip-gloss. I rarely wear make-up – it intimidates me. None of my literary heroines had to deal with make-up – maybe I’d know more about it if they had. I slip on the plum-colored stilettos that match the dress, and I’m ready by six-thirty.

　　“Well?” I ask Kate.
　　She grins.
　　“Boy, you scrub up well, Ana.” She nods with approval. “You look hot.”
　　“Hot! I’m aiming for demure and business-like.”
　　“That too, but most of all, hot. The dress really suits you and your coloring. The way it clings.” She smirks.
　　“Kate!” I scold.
　　“Just keeping it real, Ana. The whole package – looks good. Keep the dress. You’ll have him eating out of your hand.”
　　My mouth presses in a hard line. Oh, you so have that the wrong way round.
　　“Wish me luck.”
　　“You need luck for a date?” Her brow furrows, puzzled.
　　“Yes, Kate.”
　　“Well then – good luck.” She hugs me, and I am out the front door.
　　I have to drive in my bare feet – Wanda, my sea-blue Beetle, wasn’t built to be driven by stiletto-wearers. I pull up outside the Heathman at six-fifty-eight precisely and hand my car keys to the valet for parking. He looks askance at my Beetle, but I ignore him. Taking a deep breath and mentally girding my loins, I head into the hotel.
　　Christian is leaning casually against the bar, drinking a glass of white wine. He’s dressed in his customary white linen shirt, black jeans, black tie, and black jacket. His hair is as tousled as ever. I sigh. Of course he looks gorgeous. I stand for a few seconds in the entrance of the bar, gazing at him, admiring the view. He is beyond beautiful. He glances, nervously I think, toward the entrance and stills when he sees me. Blinking a couple of times, he then smiles a slow, lazy, sexy smile that renders me speechless and all molten inside. Making a supreme effort not to bite my lip, I move forward aware that I, Anastasia Steele of Clumsyville, am in high stilettos. He walks gracefully over to meet me.
　　“You look stunning,” he murmurs as he leans down to briefly kiss my cheek. “A dress, Miss Steele. I approve.” Taking my arm, he leads me to a secluded booth and signals for the waiter.
　　“What would you like to drink?”
　　My lips quirk up in a quick, sly smile as I sit and slide into the booth – well, at least he’s asking me.
　　“I’ll have what you’re having, please.” See! I can play nice and behave myself. Amused, he orders another glass of Sancerre and slides in opposite me.
　　“They have an excellent wine cellar here,” he says, cocking his head to one side.
　　Putting his elbows on the table, he steeples his fingers in front of his beautiful mouth, his gray eyes alive with some unreadable emotion. And there it is… that familiar pull and charge from him, it connects somewhere deep inside me. I shift uncomfortably under his scrutiny, my heart palpitating. I must keep my cool.
　　“Are you nervous?” he asks softly.
　　“Yes.”
　　He leans forward.
　　“Me too,” he whispers conspiratorially. My eyes shoot up to meet his. Him. Nervous. Never. I blink at him, and he smiles his adorable lopsided smile at me. The waiter arrives with my wine, a small dish of mixed nuts, and another of olives.
　　“So, how are we going to do this?” I ask. “Run through my points one by one?”
　　“Impatient as ever, Miss Steele.”
　　“Well, I could ask you what you thought of the weather today?”
　　He smiles, and his long fingers reach down to collect an olive. He pops it in his mouth, and my eyes linger on his mouth, that mouth, that’s been on me… all parts of me. I flush.
　　“I thought the weather was particularly unexceptional today,” he smirks.
　　“Are you smirking at me, Mr. Grey?”
　　“I am, Miss Steele.”
　　“You know this contract is legally unenforceable.”
　　“I am fully aware of that, Miss Steele.”
　　“Were you going to tell me that at any point?”
　　He frowns at me.
　　“You’d think I’d coerce you into something you don’t want to do, and then pretend that I have a legal hold over you?”
　　“Well… yes.”
　　“You don’t think very highly of me at all, do you?”
　　“You haven’t answered my question.”
　　“Anastasia, it doesn’t matter if it’s legal or not. It represents an arrangement that I would like to make with you – what I would like from you and what you can expect from me. If you don’t like it, then don’t sign. If you do sign, and then decide you don’t like it, there are enough get-out clauses so you can walk away. Even if it were legally binding, do you think I’d drag you through the courts if you did decide to run?”
　　I take a long draft of my wine. My subconscious taps me hard on the shoulder. You must keep your wits about you. Don’t drink too much.
　　“Relationships like this are built on honesty and trust,” he continues. “If you don’t trust me – trust me to know how I’m affecting you, how far I can go with you, how far I can take you – if you can’t be honest with me, then we really can’t do this.”
　　Oh my, we’ve cut to the chase quickly. How far he can take me. Holy shit. What does that mean?
　　“So it’s quite simple, Anastasia. Do you trust me or not?” His eyes are burning, fervent.
　　“Did you have similar discussions with um… the fifteen?”
　　“No.”
　　“Why not?”
　　“Because they were all established submissives. They knew what they wanted out of a relationship with me and generally what I expected. With them, it was just a question of fine-tuning the soft limits, details like that.”
　　“Is there a store you go to? Submissives R Us?”
　　He laughs.
　　“Not exactly.”
　　“Then how?”
　　“Is that what you want to discuss? Or shall we get down to the nitty-gritty? Your issues, as you say.”
　　I swallow. Do I trust him? Is that what this all comes down to – trust? Surely that should be a two-way thing. I remember his snit when I phoned José.
　　“Are you hungry?” he asks, distracting me from my thoughts.
　　Oh no… food.
　　“No.”
　　“Have you eaten today?”
　　I stare at him. Honesty… Holy crap, he’s not going to like my answer.
　　“No.” My voice is small.
　　He narrows his eyes.
　　“You have to eat, Anastasia. We can eat down here or in my suite. What would you prefer?”
　　“I think we should stay in public, on neutral ground.”
　　He smiles sardonically.
　　“Do you think that would stop me?” he says softly, a sensual warning.
　　My eyes widen, and I swallow again.
　　“I hope so.”
　　“Come, I have a private dining room booked. No public.” He smiles at me enigmatically and climbs out of the booth, holding his hand out to me.
　　“Bring your wine,” he murmurs.
　　Placing my hand in his, I slide out and stand up beside him. He releases me, and his hand reaches for my elbow. He leads me back through the bar and up the grand stairs to a mezzanine floor. A young man in full Heathman livery approaches us.
　　“Mr. Grey, this way sir.”
　　We follow him through a plush seating area to an intimate dining room. Just one secluded table. The room is small but sumptuous. Beneath a shimmering chandelier, the table is all starched linen, crystal glasses, silver cutlery, and white rose bouquet. An old-world, sophisticated charm pervades the wood-paneled room. The waiter pulls out my chair, and I sit. He places my napkin in my lap. Christian sits opposite me. I peek up at him.
　　“Don’t bite your lip,” he whispers.
　　I frown. Damn it. I don’t even know that I’m doing it.
　　“I’ve ordered already. I hope you don’t mind.”
　　Frankly, I’m relieved, I’m not sure I can make any further decisions.
　　“No, that’s fine,” I acquiesce.
　　“It’s good to know that you can be amenable. Now, where were we?”
　　“The nitty-gritty.” I take another large sip of wine. It really is delicious. Christian Grey does wine well. I remember the last sip of wine he gave me, in my bed. I blush at the intrusive thought.
　　“Yes, your issues.” He fishes into his inside jacket pocket and pulls out a piece of paper. My email.
　　“Clause 2. Agreed. This is for the benefit of us both. I shall redraft.”
　　I blink at him. Holy shit… we are going to go through each of these points one at a time. I just don’t feel so brave face to face. He looks so earnest. I steel myself with another sip of my wine. Christian continues.
　　“My sexual health. Well, all of my previous partners have had blood tests, and I have regular tests every six months for all the health risks you mention. All my recent tests are
　　clear. I have never taken drugs. In fact, I’m vehemently anti-drugs. I have a strict no-tolerance policy with regards to drugs for all my employees, and I insist on random drug testing.”
　　Wow… control freakery gone mad. I blink at him shocked.
　　“I have never had any blood transfusions. Does that answer your question?”
　　I nod, impassive.
　　“Your next point I mentioned earlier. You can walk away any time, Anastasia. I won’t stop you. If you go, however – that’s it. Just so you know.”
　　“Okay,” I answer softly. If I go, that’s it. The thought is surprisingly painful.
　　The waiter arrives with our first course. How can I possibly eat? Holy Moses – he’s ordered oysters on a bed of ice.
　　“I hope you like oysters,” Christian’s voice is soft.
　　“I’ve never had one.” Ever.
　　“Really? Well.” He reaches for one. “All you do is tip and swallow. I think you can manage that.” He gazes at me, and I know what he’s referring to. I blush scarlet. He grins at me, squirts some lemon juice onto his oyster, and then tips it into his mouth.
　　“Hmm, delicious. Tastes of the sea,” he grins at me. “Go on,” he encourages.
　　“So, I don’t chew it?”
　　“No, Anastasia, you don’t.” His eyes are alight with humor. He looks so young like this.
　　I bite my lip, and his expression changes instantly. He looks sternly at me. I reach across and pick up my first ever oyster. Okay… here goes nothing. I squirt some lemon juice on it and tip it up. It slips down my throat, all seawater, salt, the sharp tang of citrus, and fleshiness… ooh. I lick my lips, and he’s watching me intently, his eyes hooded.
　　“Well?”
　　“I’ll have another,” I say dryly.
　　“Good girl,” he says proudly.
　　“Did you choose these deliberately? Aren’t they known for their aphrodisiac qualities?”
　　“No, they are the first item on the menu. I don’t need an aphrodisiac near you. I think you know that, and I think you react the same way near me,” he says simply. “So where were we?” He glances at my email as I reach for another oyster.
　　He reacts the same way. I affect him… wow.
　　“Obey me in all things. Yes, I want you to do that. I need you to do that. Think of it as role-play Anastasia.”
　　“But I’m worried you’ll hurt me.”
　　“Hurt you how?”
　　“Physically.” And emotionally.
　　“Do you really think I would do that? Go beyond any limit you can’t take?”
　　“You’ve said you’ve hurt someone before.”
　　“Yes, I have. It was a long time ago.”
　　“How did you hurt them?”
　　“I suspended them from my playroom ceiling. In fact, that’s one of your questions. Suspension – that’s what the karabiners are for in the playroom. Rope play. One of the ropes was tied too tightly.”
　　I hold my hand up begging him to stop.
　　“I don’t need to know any more. So you won’t suspend me then?”