Fifty Shades Trilogy 01 - Fifty Shades of Grey

and lets go, staring out of the window again.
    His world, indeed, and I want to belong in it, but on his terms? I just don’t know. He hasn’t mentioned that damned contract. My inner musings do nothing to cheer me. I stare out of the window and the landscape has changed. We’re crossing one of the bridges, surrounded by inky darkness. The somber night reflects my introspective mood, closing in, suffocating.
    I glance briefly at Christian, and he’s staring at me.
    “Penny for your thoughts?” he asks.
    I sigh and frown.
    “That bad, huh?”
    “I wish I knew what you were thinking.”
    He smirks at me.
    “Ditto, baby,” he says softly as Taylor speeds into the night toward Bellevue.
    It is just before eight when the Audi draws into the driveway of a colonial-style mansion. It’s breathtaking, even down to the roses around the door. Picture-book perfect.
    “Are you ready for this?” Christian asks as Taylor pulls up outside the impressive front door.
    I nod, and he gives my hand another reassuring squeeze.
    “First for me, too,” he whispers, then smiles wickedly. “Bet you wish you were wearing your underwear right now,” he teases.
    I flush. I’d forgotten my missing panties. Fortunately, Taylor has climbed out of the car and is opening my door so he can’t hear our exchange. I scowl at Christian who grins broadly as I turn and climb out of the car.
    Dr. Grace Trevelyan-Grey is on the doorstep waiting for us. She looks elegantly sophisticated in a pale blue silk dress. Behind her stands Mr. Grey, I presume, tall, blond, and as handsome in his own way as Christian.
    “Anastasia, you’ve met my mother, Grace. This is my dad, Carrick.”
    “Mr. Grey, what a pleasure to meet you.” I smile and shake his outstretched hand.
    “The pleasure is all mine, Anastasia.”
    “Please, call me Ana.”
    His blue eyes are soft and gentle.
    “Ana, how lovely to see you again.” Grace wraps me in a warm hug. “Come in, my dear.”
    “Is she here?” I hear a screech from within the house. I glance nervously at Christian.
    “That would be Mia, my little sister,” he says almost irritably, but not quite.
    There’s an undercurrent of affection in his words, the way his voice grows softer and his eyes crinkle as he mentions her name. Christian obviously adores her. It’s a revelation. And she comes barreling down the hall, raven haired, tall, and curvaceous. She’s about my age.
    “Anastasia! I’ve heard so much about you.” She hugs me hard.
    Holy cow. I can’t help but smile at her boundless enthusiasm.
    “Ana, please,” I murmur as she drags me into the large vestibule. It’s all dark wood floors and antique rugs with a sweeping staircase to the second floor.
    “He’s never brought a girl home before,” says Mia, dark eyes bright with excitement.
    I glimpse Christian rolling his eyes, and I raise an eyebrow at him. He narrows his eyes at me.
    “Mia, calm down,” Grace admonishes softly. “Hello, darling,” she says as she kisses Christian on both cheeks. He smiles down at her warmly, and then shakes hands with his father.
    We all turn and head into the living room. Mia has not let go of my hand. The room is spacious, tastefully furnished in creams, browns, and pale blue, comfortable, understated, and very stylish. Kate and Elliot are cuddled together on a couch, clutching champagne flutes. Kate bounces up to embrace me, and Mia finally releases my hand.
    “Hi, Ana!” She beams. “Christian.” She nods curtly to him.
    “Kate.” He is equally formal with her.
    I frown at their exchange. Elliot grasps me in an all-embracing hug. What is this, Hug Ana Week? This dazzling display of affection – I’m just not used to it. Christian stands at my side, wrapping his arm around me. Placing his hand on my hip, he spreads out his fingers and pulls me close. Everyone is staring at us. It’s unnerving.
    “Drinks?” Mr. Grey seems to recover himself. “Prosecco?”
    “Please,” Christian and I speak in unison.
    Oh… this is beyond weird. Mia claps her hands.
    “You’re even saying the same things. I’ll get them.” She scoots out of the room.
    I flush scarlet, and seeing Kate sitting with Elliot, it occurs to me suddenly that the only reason Christian invited me was because Kate is here. Elliot probably freely and happily asked Kate to meet his parents. Christian was trapped – knowing that I would have found out via Kate. I frown at the thought. He’s been forced into the