fifty-shades-of-grey

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 myhalf-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. Hisexpression softens as I carefully make my way through my breakfast. I note that he cleanshis 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 myreverie. 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 damnedagreement.“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 wantsto 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 gracefullyaround 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. “AndI’d like to ask Kate.”