Chapter 1: Tell Me You Love Me

Point of View: Tiara Alexandria Green

I come in from my lunch break with a peach tea in hand. Janice greets me as usual, as I walk into my office. I sit down and take a deep breath trying to gather my thoughts. I get up, walk into Ian's office, and sit down.

"Hi."

"Hey I thought I would never see you again."

"I would never do that."

I feel my heartbeat speed up and Ian notices, giving me a sympathetic smile. "Just open up to me."

"I… um… I just… I'm confused."

"About?"

"My feelings for you I want you but I'm not sure how."

"Are you choosing between boyfriend, friend, and fuck buddy?"

I smile a little, "Just boyfriend and friend."

"Which one are you leaning more towards?"

"I'm teetering one moment I'm saying okay boyfriend then I think some more and then I'm like we can only be friends."

"Tell me some of those reasons."

"Well there's only two really. You don't allow people to love you, which is why we should be friends. A reason for us to date is because after all this time I think already love you."

Ian looks as if I have slapped him slightly opening his mouth but closes it. He quickly recovers putting on the mask that hides all his emotions and thoughts from the world. I hear the door open finally allowing me to look away to my hands.

"Sorry to interrupt Mr. Somerhalder but your meeting is about to start in exactly three minutes."

"Thank you Janice."

I glance up to see him rise out of his seat and run his fingers through his hair. He looks pained looking for something to say. "Tiara we can't...I don't love you I will never be able to." Ian clears his throat and walks out his office fooling everyone outside that everything is perfectly fine.

I sit there for a moment with my hand over my mouth unable to believe what happened. I get up and go into my office to grab my stuff and head out straight to my car. I continue to take deep breaths driving to my apartment to avoid balling my eyes out. Right when I walk in Cheynne sees the slow trickle of tears.

"What happened?"

"He doesn't love me." I murmur and that's when it finally sets in all the pain of the rejection from probably the most eligible bachelor on the East Coast. I fall hard and it has to be Ian damn Somerhalder of all the men in the world it has to be him.

A Week Later

I stare blankly at the wall as I lay on my side in bed. It seems as if every second lasts a millennium slowly torturing my heart. I knew I should've never opened myself up the night he came over claiming to have feelings for me for a year in half. That was obviously a lie. What happened in only a week to make him think differently of me? Ian only wanted in your panties stop being so damn naïve!

As much as I don't want to believe that he would ever use me and go to great lengths to make me trust him it makes sense. That's right he didn't give two shits about you you're only to be a one night stand. Get over it now and move on with your life! I finally roll out of bed right as my phone rings again with the same Seattle area code. I finally decide to answer, "Hello?"

"Good afternoon I'm Andrea assistant to Christian Grey of Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc. We recently received your résumé I'm calling to set up a time and date for an interview."

"Oh um any time or day would be fine."

"Great how does tomorrow at two o'clock sound?"

"Uh perfect."

"Wonderful when you arrive here come up to the top floor and I will give you further instruction."

"Will do."

"Have a nice day Ms. Green."

"You too."

I hang up and toss my phone on the bed then run out to the living room, "What the hell did you do?"

"You quit your job here so why not broaden your horizons?"

"All the way in Washington? I shouldn't run away from my problems."

"You won't stay there forever look just go check it out then if you don't like it you can look in Louisiana. My cousin Kate can help you get around and stuff."

"Fine I'll go I'm leaving tonight."

"What?"

"Yeah my interview is at two so I figured it was better to go tonight."

"Wow well let me buy your plane ticket I know it's going to be very expensive."

"No it's fine I need to make my own way. I'll be in my room I need to go pack."

She nods her head and I head back down the hall. My mind is all over the place unsure of how to dress, what to bring, how much I should bring, or even what bags to use. I eventually settle on bringing practically everything it's better to over pack than under pack.

I arrive at Sea-Tac in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. I step foot outside as the rain begins to fall harder luckily I came prepared with an umbrella. I soon begin to Google cab services when a Mercedes CLK pulls up honking. They roll down the passenger window, "You're Tiara right? I'm Kate Kavanagh hop in!"

I listen to the strawberry blonde who speaks her words with conviction in every syllable. Must run through the family.

"Your picture doesn't do you justice we will work on that while you're here."

"Um thanks?"

Her green eyes take my outfit in consisting of skinny jeans, black Run DMC t-shirt, and black Nikes. "We will have to go shopping too. Sorry if you haven't noticed I speak my mind."

"No it's fine you and Cheynne are very alike." An awkward silence falls over us until I think of something to say, "What do you know about Christian Grey? Isn't he some billionaire or something?"

"He's twenty-seven; really uptight when it comes to his privacy, and honestly I think he could be gay no one has ever seen him with a woman. He runs his own company along with some other various businesses. One off the top of my head is the Heathman Hotel. Why do you ask?"

"He could possibly be my boss. Cheynne sent my résumé in for a job there. She also told me to book the Heathman."

"Seems as if my cousin is hoping you run into him. In my opinion, I don't see what all the fuss is about. Sure he's attractive I'll give him that but something feels off to me."

"You've met him?"

"My dad does business with him plus I interviewed him a year or two ago for college."

"Oh okay. Does it always rain like this here?"

Kate laughs, "Its Seattle hon it's always gloomy but if you have a hunk to snuggle up with it can set the mood."

I can't help but laugh, "I'll have to test that theory."

She drops me off at the door telling me to call her in the morning for a ride. I walk into the lobby and everyone instantly straightens up then relaxes a bit.

The staff seems extra nice at the desk and when I'm walking away, their eyes widen. What the Sam Hill is going on? I brush off the feeling and head to the elevator waiting for it to come down.

I feel a presence next to me waiting as well. From my peripheral vision, I see a tall guy in a dark blue suit looking at me. Before I can turn my head, the doors open and we both step in. I glance up to see copper hair and mysterious grey eyes focused on me.

"Hi," I mumble making his lips twitch up a tad.

"Hello."

His voice is like silk encasing me in a cocoon. His eyes dance over my body making me feel as if he can see right through them, which is quite uncomfortable. He finally makes it up to my eyes and my body goes weak causing me to drop my purse.

"I got it." He picks it up and hands it to me.

"Thank you I'm so clumsy it's ridiculous."

"We all have our days."

I send up praise for the doors finally opening on the top floor. I step out and so does he.

"Oh where are my manners? Let me help you with that." He takes the giant duffle bag over his shoulder as if it's a feather.

"Thank you chivalry isn't dead." I give a small smile that he reciprocates.

"What's your name?"

"Tiara you?"

"Grey."

"A name to match your eyes I like it." I open my room door and he follows me in.

"You should upgrade your room."

I laugh, "I think not. I don't have the extra cash to splurge on bigger hotel rooms being fresh out of college. Plus I have no clue how long I will be here."

He places my bag down near the closet, "What are you here for?"

"Business opportunities."

Grey raises his eyebrows slightly, "A businesswoman you don't hear that as much as you should." He looks as if he wants to say something else but stops.

Silence consumes us, "Thanks for helping me... twice."

"No problem I should get back downstairs. It was very nice to meet you Tiara."

He puts out his hand and I shake it, "You too Grey. Maybe our paths will cross again."

"Maybe."

I keep looking into his eyes getting lost in the deep grey pools. He glances down at his hand still with mine. I let go and look down at the floor feeling like a complete idiot.

"Until next time Tiara… maybe." He turns on his heel heading out the door.

Well that was interesting.

I lounge around the hotel room watching movies to kill time until I get ready to leave. I put on a black Davina tulip shape dress with a thin gold belt around my waist and black and gold pumps to match. As I'm looking at myself in the mirror there's a knock on my door. When I open it, I see a man in a maybe his mid-thirties in a black suit.

"Good morning ma'am I was sent by my superior to drive you anywhere that you please for the duration of your trip."

"Well considering that I need to make my way to an interview I'll accept your gracious offer."

The man nods and steps aside to let me walk past him, "Who's your 'superior'?" I ask stepping into the elevator.

"The man who helped you yesterday with your bags."

"Oh okay." Who is that guy? He must have some serious power to be sending his minions around. Walking through the lobby, I begin to make out the Audi Quattro SUV waiting for me. He opens the back door for me and I slide in.

"Where to?"

"Um Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc." I see the man's eyes widen slightly but he soon covers it up. "So what's your name?"

"Sawyer."

"Thank you for taking me Sawyer."

"My pleasure ma'am."

"Call me Tiara please."

He nods continuing to look at the road. I begin to look out the window when I get a phone call. "Hello?"

"Good afternoon Ms. Green this is Andrea I wanted to inform you that your interview has been moved up to one forty-five because it is now with Mr. Grey."

"Wow okay I'm already on my way."

"Great sorry for the last minute change see you momentarily."

I hang up as a thought enters my mind but I push it to the side, "Sawyer can you drive a little faster I have to be there sooner than I thought."

"Sure Tiara."

Soon enough we are there at a twenty story steel curved glass building. Sawyer follows behind me as I walk towards the doors that say Grey House in steel. I step into the very clean, white, steel, glass, and sandstone lobby. I go over to a model like blonde behind the desk looking at me as if I surely don't belong.

"Tiara Green here to see Mr. Grey."

Her eyebrow arches slightly, "Excuse me for one moment Miss Green."

I look around at all the people dressed to perfection in their simplistic dark colors. I'll have to make a mental note of that.

"Please sign in here, Miss Green. Take the last elevator on the right and press for the twentieth floor."

She gives me a tight-lipped smile as I sign my name I'm sure among other people that could fit in here. She hands me a security pass that says visitor plain as day. I return her tight-lipped smile and walk towards the elevators.

Somehow, Sawyer disappears and I ride up to the top floor with other immaculately dressed people. The elevator doors open to reveal an identical lobby. I make my way over to the sandstone desk where another model like blonde awaits me.

"It's nice to finally meet you Miss Green. Can you please take a seat over there? I will let you know when Mr. Grey is ready."

I nod and head over to the area of white leather chairs. I watch the way people move around obviously with a goal in mind. Occasionally people will look me up and down as if I'm the new kid searching for a seat in the cafeteria. Another blonde passes me and that's when I realize I'm the only brunette woman in a five-mile radius. What's this guy's deal is he prejudice against brunette women? I roll my eyes at the possibility just as whom I assume to be Andrea walks over.

"Mr. Grey will see you now. No need to knock just close the door behind you." She gestures over to a door with a more genuine smile than the chick downstairs.

I get up then stop, "Andrea did everyone's interview get moved up with Mr. Grey?"

"I think only yours don't hold me to it though."

I nod and walk off to my directed destination. I open the door and close it behind me not even looking up to see who sits on the 'Iron Throne'.

"Have a seat Miss Green."

That voice sounds familiar. I turn around to see the copper hair of a man focused on something on his desk.

Gosh, I'm so stupid! Grey is not short for Greyson, not even a middle but last name of Christian Grey! What in the hell is wrong with me? I roll my eyes and sit down right in front of his desk looking down at my hands.

"Our paths have crossed again. Nice to see you Miss Green. I'm Christian Grey." He says with a slight hint of amusement in his voice.

"Same to you Mr. Grey." I finally look up to see a smirk on his face as he runs his index finger on his bottom lip. What's up with all these CEOs smirking? Is that in the young entrepreneur handbook?

"What made you leave so abruptly from Horizon Publications?"

"I realized that it wasn't the right environment for me."

Christian's eyebrow rises, "Why was that?"

"Without breaching a previous contract all I can say is that the way certain people did certain things didn't sit right with me."

"Hmm I guess we will leave it at that then since your previous boss gave you a spectacular review."

That was obviously out of pity. I roll my eyes again not wanting to waste another thought on Ian.

"Is there something interesting on the ceiling?"

"Excuse me?"

"Is there something interesting on the ceiling? I know you didn't just roll your eyes at me."

His whole persona changes he becomes even more dominating. "It wasn't at you I-"

He nods his head slowly as if he is waiting for a pleasing excuse. "I don't tolerate eye-rolling. In my opinion, that is an action that deserves a consequence. Since you don't start working until tomorrow I can't for lack of better word punish you."

I'm sure he can hear me swallow as I look back down at my hands, "Sorry sir." I hear Christian clear his throat making me realize what he said, "Wait I g-"

"Yes you did. I don't waste my time on those that aren't worthy advisories. Your record speaks volumes for you Tiara but there's nothing wrong with making sure."

"Oh thank you Mr. Grey."

"No need to thank me you deserve the position."

I give him a small smile before getting up, "I'm sure you have many other important things to deal with."

He stands up making me feel even tinier in height, "I left a sufficient amount of time for you. In addition, it would be nice to know where everything is. Come let me show you around."

I let him take the lead practically giving the blondes at the front desk a heart attack. They relax a little when he keeps walking past them and down a short way from his office. I couldn't help but let my eyes wander down to his behind.

Wow, he has nice ass I bet it's very nice to squeeze. What are you doing? Stop thinking about your boss like that Jesus Christ! It's been five minutes and you already want in his pants! Do you not have boundaries? He could be gay! Yeah he does look way too perfect to be straight but I can't imagine him with a man. Doesn't matter you do not need to be getting involved with your boss... again! Pfft as if he would give you the time of day!

I'm just about to enter an eye roll at my subconscious when we come to a stop.

"This is your office." Christian opens the door for me allowing me to step in first.

"Whoa this is big. I thought my last office was big but this is... big."

"I'm glad you approve Miss Green. You can bring in whatever you please to make it your own."

I nod my head walking to the floor to ceiling glass wall behind my glass desk. "Am I the only brunette in this building? Well brunette woman?"

After a moment I get an answer, "Off the top of my head yes."

I turn around, "Why? Do you not like brunettes?"

He carries his fingers through his hair, "Quite the contrary."

I narrow my eyes at him but that's no match for the dark grey stare looking all over me.

"I should've asked you this earlier but do you plan on moving here permanently?"

Way to change the subject. "I haven't given it much thought but now that seems like the logical thing to do. I'll probably start looking when I get to my laptop."

Christian looks at his watch then slides his hands into his pockets, "Let's start looking now."

My eyes practically pop out of my head, "Us and now?"

"Yes do you have a problem with that?"

"No but I-"

"Great let us go now." He says smiling a little.

I walk past him to the door but when I open it, he pushes it shut.

"About this," I feel his fingers graze down from my hip to the exposed skin of my thigh, "Be careful with the length of your clothing. I've heard through the grapevine that men are quite fond of you and now I see why." He removes his hand from the door and I open it as if nothing just happened. Maybe he isn't gay.

Point of View: Ian Somerhalder

It's been the worst week of my life so far. I thought it would get better entering a new week but that obviously couldn't happen. Nothing I try to focus on works because what I need is a big distraction. My office door opens pulling me out of my thoughts.

"What do you want?"

"Is that any way to speak to your cousin?"

"Cody I'm not in the mood what do you want?"

"What I want is for you to pull the stick out of your ass, push your ego out the way, and go get Tiara back."

"She quit."

"So what? Like she wouldn't come back if you told her you wanted her."

"That would be hard to do since I don't want her."

"Oh get a fucking grip man! Is it really that hard for you to admit that you need Tiara in your life?"

"Yes because I would be lying."

"Would you just talk to her?"

"And say what?"

"The truth. If not that then take her out to dinner or something apologize for the way you left things."

"Fine just so you will stop badgering the hell out of me. I'll be back."

I find myself rushing down to my car as if I have an actual chance with Tiara. After what I said, I wouldn't be surprised if she never talked to me again but I don't think I can let that happen. I'm sure I was speeding based on the amount of time it took me to get to Tiara's shared apartment.

I knock in a way that shows I'm here with a goal in mind and I'm going to get my way. It's a damn knock shut the hell up! I take a deep breath just as the door flings open.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

"Very nice to see you as well Miss Young. May I come in?"

"Whatever make it snappy." She steps aside letting me walk into the basic sized apartment much better than most people fresh out of college. "What do you want?"

"Is Tiara here?"

"Nope," Cheynne flops down on the couch and crosses her legs.

"Where is she then?"

"None of your damn business! It's your fault that she isn't here."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that you are a fucking prick that hurt my best friend!"

"I didn't know that I hurt her." You used to be a better liar.

"Yes you did and you didn't care! Her heart was broken and you just stroll in as if you can throw a couple fancy dinners and shopping sprees to make it all better. Well sorry jackass that isn't happening!"

"Look will you just tell me where she is? I need to talk to her not you."

"No I will not because as I said before it's none of your damn business."

"I'm trying to fix the situation but I need to know where Tiara is."

"She isn't here and she isn't coming back she called me a little while ago saying she found a place."

"Where is this place?"

"Hmm in the United States of Fuck You, in the state of Fuck Off, and in a little city called Kiss My Ass." Cheynne finishes with a smile looking me dead in the eye.

I clench my jaw trying to keep my boiling temper in check, "Thank you for your time Cheynne." I walk out realizing that I'm not getting anywhere with her. I sit in my car for a little bit debating what to do.

I don't understand why I'm angry why I feel like punching through the windshield. Because you drove away the only woman you ever truly loved wholeheartedly. I tell myself that I'm wrong that I don't love Tiara that I'm incapable of love only pain. Somewhere deep inside I know that I would try for her I would try to be a better man a man worthy of her love. Wherever the fuck she is I will find her and I will make her mine.

Point of View: Tiara Green

"Could you unzip me?"

"Uh sure." He pulls me closer by my hips then brushes my hair over my shoulder gracing my skin with his touch. Agonizingly slow, he pulls down the zipper torturing me the whole time.

He is gay what is your problem! Even if he is straight, he damn sure doesn't want you!

I hold the dress up making sure that I don't reveal everything to my boss, "Thank you Mr. Grey."

"You're very welcome Miss Green," He replies as I walk into the closet to find something to wear. "Man in your life?"

"No I'm single. I don't think I want a relationship of any kind but… never mind."

"Are you afraid to tell me?"

"No um thank you for buying me this place you really didn't have to."

"It's no big deal I have the money to spend."

"I have no clue how to repay you."

"If you must repay me do it by finishing what you were saying earlier."

I come out wearing a tank top and shorts but soon regret it when Christian's eyes notice every inch.

"I just don't want to be tied down but I want to… no strings attached."

"Ah that's understandable anyone around your age would want that."

"I'm only twenty-four and you're only twenty-seven I think so are you saying that is the kind of relationship that interests you?"

He chuckles, "I should call it a night I have work to finish sadly. I'll have Sawyer pick you up tomorrow."

"I don't need that my friend Kate can drive me."

"Kavanagh?"

"Mhm she is my best friend Cheynne's cousin."

"Oh wow Sawyer is definitely picking you up and tomorrow we're going car shopping."

"I-"

"End of discussion Tiara."

I huff giving up on his need to buy me things barely knowing me, "Let me walk you out." I take the lead heading towards the door then open it for him.

"Goodnight Miss Green can't wait to see you in action tomorrow." Christian finishes with a panty-melting smirk before leaving.

I close the door and lock it before taking a giant deep breath. No boss loving! No boss fucking! I repeat this mantra in my head gladly getting into bed to only dream of grey eyes, copper hair, and my hands all over a gorgeous body.

Review and all that good stuff please and thank you! Sorry if it sucked!