fifty-shades-of-grey

“I’ve never met anyone like you, Anastasia.”“What does that mean? Anyone who just didn’t automatically sign your paperwork,no questions asked?”He shakes his head.“I need advice.”“And you take advice from Mrs. Paedo?” I snap. The hold on my temper is more tentativethan I thought.“Anastasia – enough,” he snaps back sternly, his eyes narrowing.I’m skating on thin ice, and I’m heading into danger. “Or I’ll put you across my knee.I have no sexual or romantic interest in her whatsoever. She’s a dear, valued friend and abusiness partner. That’s all. We have a past, a shared history, which was monumentallybeneficial for me, though it fucked up her marriage – but that side of our relationship isover.”Jeez – another part I just can’t understand. She was married as well. How did they getaway with it for so long?“And your parents never found out?”“No,” he growls. “I’ve told you this.”And I know that’s it. I cannot ask him any further questions about her because he willlose it with me.“Are you done?” he snaps.“For now.”He takes a deep breath and visibly relaxes in front of me, like a great weight is liftedfrom his shoulders or something.“Right – my turn,” he mutters, and his glare turns steely, speculative. “You haven’tresponded to my email.”I flush. Oh, I hate the spotlight on me, and it seems he’s going to get angry every timewe have a discussion. I shake my head. Perhaps that’s how he feels about my questions,he’s not used to being challenged. The thought is revelatory, distracting, and unnerving.“I was going to respond. But now you’re here.”“You’d rather I wasn’t?” he breathes, his expression impassive again.“No, I’m pleased,” I murmur.“Good.” He gives me a genuine, relieved smile. “I’m pleased I’m here too – in spite ofyour interrogation. So, while it’s acceptable to grill me, you think you can claim some kindof diplomatic immunity just because I’ve flown all this way to see you? I’m not buying it,Miss Steele. I want to know how you feel.”Oh no…“I told you. I am pleased you’re here. Thank you for coming all this way,” I say feebly.“It’s my pleasure, Miss Steele.” His eyes shine as he leans down and kisses me gently.I feel myself responding automatically. The water is still warm, the bathroom still steamy.He stops and pulls back, gazing down at me.“No. I think I want some answers first before we do any more.”More? There’s that word again. And he wants answers… answers to what? I don’thave a secret past – I don’t have a harrowing childhood. What could he possibly want toknow about me that he doesn’t already know?