fifty-shades-of-grey

He frowns at me, bewildered. I continue.“She took advantage of a vulnerable fifteen-year-old boy. If you had been a fifteenyear-oldgirl and Mrs. Robinson was a Mr. Robinson, tempting you into a BDSM lifestyle,that would have been okay? If it was Mia, say?”He gasps and scowls at me.“Ana, it wasn’t like that.”I glare at him.“Okay, it didn’t feel like that to me,” he continues quietly. “She was a force for good.What I needed.”“I don’t understand.” It’s my turn to look bewildered.“Anastasia, your mother will be back shortly. I’m not comfortable talking about thisnow. Later maybe. If you don’t want me here, I have a plane on stand-by at Hilton Head.I can go.”He’s angry with me… no.“No – don’t go. Please. I’m thrilled you’re here. I’m just trying to make you understand.I’m angry that as soon as I left, you had dinner with her. Think about how you arewhen I get anywhere near José. José is a good friend. I have never had a sexual relationshipwith him. Whereas you and her,” I trail off, unwilling to take that thought further.“You’re jealous?” He stares at me, dumbfounded, and his eyes soften slightly, warming.“Yes, and angry about what she did to you.”“Anastasia, she helped me, that’s all I’ll say about that. And as for your jealousy, putyourself in my shoes. I haven’t had to justify my actions to anyone in the last seven years.Not one person. I do as I wish, Anastasia. I like my autonomy. I didn’t go and see Mrs.Robinson to upset you. I went because every now and then we have dinner. She’s a friendand a business partner.”Business partner? Holy crap. This is news.He gazes at me, assessing my expression.“Yes, we’re business partners. The sex is over between us. It has been for years.”“Why did your relationship finish?”His mouth narrows, and his eyes gleam.“Her husband found out.”Holy shit!“Can we talk about this some other time – somewhere more private?” he growls.“I don’t think you’ll ever convince me that she’s not some kind of paedophile.”“I don’t think of her that way. I never have. Now that’s enough!” he snaps.“Did you love her?”“How are you two getting on?” My mother has returned, unseen by either of us.I plaster a fake smile on my face as both Christian and I lean back hastily… guiltily.She gazes at me.“Fine, Mom.”Christian sips his drink, watching me closely, his expression guarded. What is hethinking? Did he love her? I think if he did, I will lose it, big time.“Well ladies, I shall leave you to your evening.”