Fifty Shades Trilogy 01 - Fifty Shades of Grey

sort of basic training did you have in mind?” I ask, my voice slightly too high, betraying my wish to sound as natural, disinterested, and calm as I can with my hormones wreaking havoc through my body.
    “Well, as you’re sore, I thought we could stick to oral skills.”
    I choke on my tea, and I stare at him, eyes wide and gaping. He pats me gently on the back and passes me some orange juice. I cannot tell what he’s thinking.
    “That’s if you want to stay,” he adds. I glance up at him, trying to recover my equilibrium. His expression is unreadable. It’s so frustrating.
    “I’d like to stay for today. If that’s okay. I have to work tomorrow.”
    “What time do you have to be at work tomorrow?”
    “Nine.”
    “I’ll get you to work by nine tomorrow.”
    I frown. Does he want me to stay another night?
    “I’ll need to go home tonight – I need clean clothes.”
    “We can get you some here.”
    I don’t have spare cash to spend on clothes. His hand comes up, and he grasps my chin, tugging it so my lip is released from the grip of my teeth. I’m not even aware I’ve been biting my lip.
    “What is it?” he asks.
    “I need to be home this evening.”
    His mouth is a hard line.
    “Okay, this evening,” he acquiesces. “Now eat your breakfast.”
    My thoughts and my stomach are in turmoil. My appetite has vanished. I stare at my half-eaten breakfast. I’m just not hungry.
    “Eat, Anastasia. You didn’t eat last night.”
    “I’m really not hungry,” I whisper.
    His eyes narrow.
    “I would really like you to finish your breakfast.”
    “What is it with you and food?” I blurt. His brow knits.
    “I told you, I have issues with wasted food. Eat,” he snaps. His eyes are dark, pained.
    Holy crap. What is that all about? I pick up my fork and eat slowly, trying to chew. I must remember not to put so much on my plate if he’s going to be weird about food. His expression softens as I carefully make my way through my breakfast. I note that he cleans his plate. He waits for me to finish, and then he clears my plate.
    “You cooked, I’ll clear.”
    “That’s very democratic.”
    “Yes.” He frowns. “Not my usual style. After I’ve done this, we’ll take a bath.”
    “Oh, okay.” Oh my… I’d much rather have a shower. My cell rings, interrupting my reverie. It’s Kate.
    “Hi.” I wander over to the glass doors of the balcony, away from him.
    “Ana, why didn’t you text last night?” She’s angry.
    “I’m sorry, I was overtaken by events.”
    “You’re okay?”
    “Yes, I’m fine.”
    “Did you?” She’s fishing for information. I roll my eyes at the expectation in her voice.
    “Kate, I don’t want to talk over the phone.” Christian glances up at me.
    “You did… I can tell.”
    How can she tell? She’s bluffing, and I can’t talk about this. I’ve signed a damned agreement.
    “Kate, please.”
    “What was it like? Are you okay?”
    “I’ve told you I’m okay.”
    “Was he gentle?”
    “Kate, please!” I can’t hide my exasperation.
    “Ana, don’t hold out on me, I’ve been waiting for this day for nearly four years.”
    “I’ll see you this evening.” I hang up.
    That is going to be one difficult square to circle. She’s so tenacious, and she wants to know – in detail, and I can’t tell her because I’ve signed a – what was it called? NDA. She’ll freak and rightly so. I need a plan. I head back to watch Christian move gracefully around his kitchen.
    “The NDA, does it cover everything?” I ask tentatively.
    “Why?” he turns and gazes at me while putting the Twinings away. I flush.
    “Well, I have a few questions, you know, about sex.” I stare down at my fingers. “And I’d like to ask Kate.”
    “You can ask me.”
    “Christian, with all due respect…” My voice fades. I can’t ask you. I’ll get your biased, kinky-as-hell, distorted world view regarding sex. I want an impartial opinion. “It’s just about mechanics. I won’t mention the Red Room of Pain.”
    He raises his eyebrows.
    “Red Room of Pain? It’s mostly about pleasure, Anastasia. Believe me,” he says. “Besides,” his tone is harsher. “Your roommate is making the beast with two backs with my brother. I’d really rather you didn’t.”
    “Does your family know about your… um, predilection?”
    “No. It’s none of their business.” He saunters toward me until he’s standing in front of me.
    “What do you want to know?” he asks,