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"Ethan, Mom and Dad wanted a word." Kate drags Ethan away.
"So how long have you kids known each other?" Ray looks impassively from Christian to me.
The power of speech has deserted me. I want the ground to swallow me up. Christian puts his arm around me, his thumb skimming my naked back in a caress, before his hand clasps my shoulder.
"Couple of weeks or so now," he says smoothly. "We met when Anastasia came to interview me for the student magazine."
"Didn't know you worked on the student magazine, Ana." Ray's voice is a quiet admonishment, revealing his irritation. Shit.
"Kate was ill," I murmur. It's all I can manage.
"Fine speech you gave, Mr. Grey."
"Thank you, sir. I understand that you're a keen fisherman."
Ray raises his eyebrows and smiles - a rare, genuine, bona fide Ray Steele smile - and off they go, talking fish. In fact, I soon feel surplus to requirements. He's charming the pants off my dad... like he did you, my subconscious snaps at me. His power knows no bounds. I excuse myself to go and find Kate.
She's talking to her parents, who are delightful as ever and greet me warmly. We exchange brief pleasantries, mostly about their up and coming holiday to Barbados and about our move.
"Kate, how could you out me to Ray?" I hiss at the first opportunity we won't be over-heard.
"Because I knew you never would, and I want to help with Christian's commitment issues." Kate smiles at me sweetly.
I scowl. It's me that won't commit to him, silly!
"He seems tres cool about it, Ana. Don't sweat it. Look at him now - Christian cannot take his eyes off you." I glance up, and both Ray and Christian are looking at me. "He's been watching you like a hawk."
"I'd better go rescue Ray or Christian. I don't know which. You haven't heard the last of this, Katherine Kavanagh!" I glare at her.
"Ana, I did you a favor," she calls after me.
"Hi." I smile at both of them on my return.
They seem okay. Christian is enjoying some private joke, and my dad looks unbelievably relaxed given he's in a social situation. What have they been discussing apart from fish"Ana, where are the restrooms?"
"Back out front of the marquee and to the left."
"See you in a moment. You kids enjoy yourselves."
Ray heads out. I glance nervously up at Christian. We pause briefly as a photographer takes a picture of both of us.
"Thank you, Mr. Grey." The photographer scurries off. I blink from the flash.
"So you've charmed my father as well?"
"As well?" Christian's gray eyes burn, and he raises a questioning eyebrow. I flush.
He lifts his hand and traces my cheek with his fingers.
"Oh, I wish I knew what you were thinking, Anastasia," he whispers darkly, cupping my chin and raising my head so that we gaze intently into each other's eyes.
My breath hitches. How can he have this effect on me, even in this crowded tent?
"Right now, I'm thinking, nice tie," I breathe.
He chuckles.
"It's recently become my favorite."
I blush scarlet.
"You look lovely, Anastasia, this halter-neck dress suits you, and I get to stroke your back, feel your beautiful skin."
Suddenly, it's like we're on our own in the room. Just the two of us, my whole body has come alive, every nerve ending singing softly, that electricity pulling me to him, charging between us.
"You know it's going to be good, don't you, baby?" he whispers. I close my eyes as my insides uncoil and melt.
"But I want more," I whisper.
"More?" he looks down at me puzzled, his eyes darkening. I nod and swallow. Now he knows.
"More," he says again softly. Testing the word - a small, simple word, but so full of promise. His thumb traces my lower lip. "You want hearts and flowers."
I nod again. He blinks down at me, and I watch his internal struggle played out in his eyes."Anastasia." His voice is soft. "It's not something I know."
"Me neither."
He smiles slightly.
"You don't know much," he murmurs.
"You know all the wrong things."
"WrongNot to me." He shakes his head. He looks so sincere. "Try it," he whispers.
A challenge, daring me, and he cocks his head to one side and smiles his crooked, dazzling smile.
I gasp, and I'm Eve in the Garden of Eden, and he's the serpent, and I cannot resist.
"Okay," I whisper.
"What?" I have his full, undivided attention. I swallow.
"Okay. I'll try."
"You're agreeing?" His disbelief is evident.
"Subject to the soft limits, yes. I'll try." My voice is so small. Christian closes his eyes and pulls me into an embrace.
"Jesus, Ana, you're so unexpected. You take my breath away."
He steps back, and suddenly Ray's returned, and the volume in the marquee gradually rises and fills my ears. We are not alone. Holy shit, I've just agreed to be his sub. Christian smiles at Ray, and his eyes are dancing with joy.
"Annie, should we get some lunch?"
"Okay." I blink up at Ray, trying to find my equilibrium. What have you done My subconscious screams at me. My inner goddess is doing back flips in a routine worthy of a Russian Olympic gymnast.
"Would you like to join us, Christian?" Ray asks.
Christian! I stare up at him, imploring him to refuse. I need space to think... what the f**k have I done?
"Thank you, Mr. Steele, but I have plans. It's been great to meet you, sir."
"Likewise," Ray responds. "Look after my baby girl."
