Begrudgingly, Ana gets up and notices her dress and bra hanging over a chair. Her panties, however, are unaccounted for. She realises in the shower that he took them hostage on purpose to make her ask for them, so she just decides not to wear them. Inevitably, she regrets her decision when it's too late to change her mind.
"I peek up at him in the elevator. He's enjoying a private joke, a trace of a smile flirting with his lovely mouth. I fear that it may be at my expense. What was I thinking? I'm going to see his parents, and I'm not wearing any underwear. ... Now, I'm almost outside with no panties! He peers down at me, and it's there, the charge building between us. The amused look disappears from his face and his expression clouds, his eyes dark . . . oh my."
The two climb into the Audi and Ana contemplates Christian's relationship with Elena, now known as Mrs. Robinson.
"And then there's the Red Room of Pain. I rub my wrists reflexively - thin strips of plastic will do that to a girl." -- do what, exactly?
"She taught him all that, too, or ruined him, depending on one's point of view. Or perhaps he would have found his way there anyway in spite of Mrs. R. I realize, in that moment, that I hate her. I hope that I never meet her because I will not be responsible for my actions." -- The thing is, you're an adult, and you're absolutely responsible for your actions. And what do you actually think you're going to do to her? Also, don't cry all the time about needing to stay with Christian because there's some elemental force pulling you two together and then bitch about him being 'ruined.' You either take him as he is - horrible, abusive, and petulant - or you leave. You can't have it both ways.
She asks him why he used cable ties, and he explains that they're quick, easy, and most importantly, painful.
"'All part of my world, Anastasia.' He squeezes my hand and lets go, staring out the window again.
His world, indeed, and I want to belong in it, but on his terms? I just don't know. He hasn't mentioned that damned contract." -- You've been fighting this same inner battle for 330 pages now. And for the record, you had lots of input to the contract, AND you get to decide if you actually sign it or even want to stay, so it's not really on his terms any more than it's on yours.
They arrive at the house, and Ana is overwhelmed with affectionate greetings from Christian's family. Christian's sister, Mia, is the most excited, as Christian has never brought a girl home before (and also she's modeled after Alice from Twilight but whatevs). Kate and Elliot are in the living room, and as Ana watches them (creepy), she realises something.
"I flush scarlet, and seeing Kate sitting with Elliot, it occurs to me suddenly that the only reason Christian invited me was because Kate is here. Elliot probably freely and happily asked Kate to meet his parents. Christian was trapped - knowing that I would have found out via Kate. I frown at the thought. He's been forced into the invitation. The realization is bleak and depressing." -- Careful, Ana. Your Bella is showing.
They sit for dinner, and Christian's parents ask Ana a little about herself.
"'Are you taking a break now that you've finished your degree?' Mr. Grey asks.
'I'm thinking about going to Georgia for a few days,' I reply.
Christian gapes at me, blinking a couple of times, his expression unreadable. Oh, shit. I haven't mentioned this to him.
'Georgia?' he murmurs.
'My mother lives there, and I haven't seen her for a while.'
'When were you thinking of going?' His voice is low.
'Tomorrow, late evening.'" -- really? Are you sure you're only thinking about going? Isn't tomorrow kind of short notice? Don't you complain about not having money all the time because you're in college and broke as fuck? How small does ELJ think America is? It's not like flying in Europe where you can just get anywhere for fuck all. My best friend lives in Florida and it would cost her almost $500 and SHE'S RIGHT NEXT DOOR. As part of my due dilligence to this blog, I checked out 3 major US airlines to see how much it would cost to fly from Seattle to Savannah tomorrow (the 6th) and to come back on the 9th. I know, it's February right now, but that technically means it should be cheaper because it's the off-season for both cities. Wanna know how much a round trip ticket would cost? AT LEAST $1500. And before you say "oh but there are so many discount airline websites out there, surely you're exaggerating," allow me to squash your speculation. The lowest round trip airfare on Expedia is $900. Travelocity's lowest price is $870. This doesn't include potential baggage fees. My point is, flying across America takes a hell of a lot more planning than just "Oh, I think I'll leave tomorrow" for most people, but especially for college students.
Christian is angry, but not "palm-twitchingly mad", which is a thing in this book. Then, Kate (always the greatest best friend) decides to make Christian jealous.
"'How was Jose when you went to the bar with him on Friday?'
Holy fuck, Kate. I widen my eyes at her. What is she doing? She widens her eyes back at me, and I realize she's trying to make Christian jealous. How little she knows. I thought I'd got away with this.
'He was fine,' I murmur.
Christian leans over.
'Palm-twitchingly mad,' he whispers. 'Especially now.' His tone is quiet and deadly.
Oh no. I squirm." -- this is such a healthy relationship.
Talk at the table turns to sports, and Ana tries to focus on her food instead of her impending lashings. Naturally, her mind wanders.
"Damn Kate, what game is she playing? Will he punish me? I quail at the thought. I haven't signed that contract yet. Perhaps I won't. Perhaps I'll stay in Georgia where he can't reach me." -- Can't.... reach.... you? You're fucking kidding right? I know Ana is supposed to be kind of innocent and naive but Christian has made it perfectly clear that she can't fucking run from him ever ("I can track your phone, remember?"). Somehow she thinks that putting a country between the two of them will keep the one with his own fucking plane away from her????
As dinner winds down, it appears Christian's good humour has returned. Ana catches herself watching Kate and Elliot oogle at each other (again, creepy), and Christian asks if she'd like a tour of the grounds. They leave the house and head out to the backyard. As they're walking, Ana's heels begin to sink into the grass, so she asks Christian to stop so she can take them off. He tells her not to bother and picks her up and puts her over his shoulder and tells her they're going to the boathouse.
"I hang on to his hips as I'm tipped upside down, and he strides purposefully in the moonlight across the lawn.
'Why?' I sound breathless, bouncing on his shoulder.
'I need to be alone with you.'
'What for?'
'Because I'm going to spank and then fuck you.'
'Why?' I whimper softly.
'You know why,' he hisses.
'I thought you were an in-the-moment guy?' I plead breathlessly.
'Anastasia, I'm in the moment, trust me.'
Holy fuck."
Annnnd that's where the chapter ends. More sex to come at the beginning of the next chapter. You're welcome.
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