Chapter Ten
My heart is pounding and blood thrums loudly in my eardrums; the alcohol
flowing through my system, amplifying the sound.
“Is he—” I gasp, unable to finish the sentence and gazing wideeyed and
terrified at Ryan. I can’t even look at the prone figure on the floor.
“No, ma’am. Just knocked out cold.”
Relief floods through me. Oh thank God.
“And you?” I ask, gazing at Ryan. I realize I don’t know his first name. He’s
panting as if he’s run a marathon. He wipes the corner of his mouth,
removing the trace of blood, and a faint bruise is forming on his cheek.
“He put up one hell of a fight, but I’m okay, Mrs. Grey.” He smiles
reassuringly. If I knew him better, I’d say he looked a little smug.
“And Gail? Mrs. Jones?” Oh no . . . is she okay? Has she been harmed?
“I’m here, Ana.” Glancing behind me, she’s in a nightdress and robe, her hair
loose, her face ashen and her eyes wide—like mine, I imagine.
“Ryan woke me. Insisted I come in here.” She points behind her into Taylor’s
office. “I’m fine. Are you okay?”
I nod briskly and realize she’s probably just come out of the panic room built
adjoining Taylor’s office. Who knew we’d need it so soon?
Christian had insisted on its installation shortly after our engagement—
and I had rolled my eyes. Now, seeing Gail standing in the doorway, I’m
grateful for his foresight.
A creak from the door to the foyer distracts me. It’s hanging off its hinges.
What the hell happened to that?
“Was he alone?” I ask Ryan.
“Yes, ma’am. You wouldn’t be standing here if he wasn’t, I can assure you.”
Ryan sounds vaguely affronted.
“How did he get in?” I ask, ignoring his tone.
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“Through the service elevator. He’s got quite a pair, ma’am.”
I stare down at Jack’s slumped figure. He’s wearing a uniform of sorts—
coveralls, I think.
“When?”
“About ten minutes ago. I caught him on the security monitor. He was
wearing gloves . . . kinda strange in August. I recognized him and decided to
give him access. That way I knew we’d ha一ve him. You weren’t here and Gail
was safe, so I figured it was now or never.” Ryan looks very pleased with
himself once more, and Sawyer scowls at him in disapproval.
Gloves? The thought distracts me, and I glance once more at Jack. Yes, he’s
wearing brown leather gloves. Creepy.
“What now?” I try to dismiss the ramifications from my mind.
“We need to secure him,” Ryan replies.
“Secure him?”
“In case he wakes.” Ryan glances at Sawyer.
“What do you need?” asks Mrs. Jones, stepping forward. She’s recovered
her composure.
“Something to restrain him—cord or rope,” Ryan replies. Cable ties. I flush
as memories of the previous night invade my mind. Reflexively, I rub my
wrists and glance quickly down at them. No, no bruising. Good.
“I ha一ve something. Cable ties. Will they do?”
All eyes turn to me.
“Yes, ma’am. Perfect,” Sawyer says, serious and straight-faced. I want the
floor to swallow me up, but I turn and head for our bedroom. Sometimes you
just ha一ve to brazen things out. Perhaps it’s the combination of fear and
alcohol making me audacious. When I return, Mrs. Jones is surveying the
mess in the foyer and Miss Prescott has joined the security team. I hand the
ties to Sawyer, who slowly, and with frankly unnecessary care, ties Hyde’s
hands behind his back. Mrs. Jones disappears into the kitchen and returns
with a first aid kit. She takes Ryan’s arm, leads him into the doorway of the
great room and starts tending to the cut above his eye. He flinches as she
dabs it with an antiseptic wipe. Then I notice the Glock on the floor with a
silencer attached. Holy shit! Jack was armed? Bile rises in my throat and I
fight it down.
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“Don’t touch, Mrs. Grey,” says Prescott when I bend to pick it up. Sawyer
emerges from Taylor’s office wearing latex gloves.
“I’ll take care of that, Mrs. Grey,” he says.
“It’s his?” I ask.
“Yes ma’am,” says Ryan, wincing once more from Mrs. Jones’s
ministrations. Holy crap. Ryan fought an armed man in my home. I shudder at
the thought. Sawyer bends and gingerly picks up the Glock.
“Should you be doing that?” I ask.
“Mr. Grey would expect it ma’am.” Sawyer slides the gun into a zip-lock bag
then squats to pat down Jack. He pauses and partially pulls a roll of duct tape
from the man’s pocket. Sawyer blanches, and pushes the tape back into
Hyde’s pocket.
Why duct tape? My mind idly registers as I watch the proceedings with
fascination and an odd detachment. Then bile rises to my throat again as I
realize the implications. Rapidly, I dismiss them from my head. Don’t go
there, Ana!
“Should we call the police?” I mutter, trying to hide my fear. I want Hyde out of
my home, sooner rather than later.
Ryan and Sawyer glance at each other.
“I think we should call the police,” I say rather more forcefully, wondering
what’s going on between Ryan and Sawyer.
“I’ve just tried Taylor and he’s not answering his cell. Maybe he’s asleep.”
Sawyer checks his watch. “It’s one forty-five in the morning on the East
Coast.”
Oh no.
“Ha一ve you called Christian?” I whisper.
“No, ma’am.”
“Were you calling Taylor for instructions?”
Sawyer looks momentarily embarrassed. “Yes, ma’am.”
Part of me bristles. This man—I glance down at Hyde again—has invaded
my home, and he needs to be removed by the police. But looking at the four
of them, into their anxious eyes, I decide I must be missing something so I
decide to call Christian. My scalp prickles. I know he’s mad at me—really,
really mad at me—and I falter at the thought of what he’ll say. And how he’ll
stress because he’s not here and can’t be here until tomorrow evening. I
know I’ve worried him enough this evening. Perhaps I shouldn’t call him. And
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me. Shit . What if I’d been here? I pale at the thought. Thank hea一vens I was
out. Maybe I won’t be in so much trouble after all.
“Is he okay?” I ask, pointing at Jack.
“He’ll ha一ve an aching skull when he wakes,” Ryan says, gazing down at Jack
with contempt. “But we need paramedics here to make sure.”
I reach into my purse and pull out my BlackBerry, and before I can give too
much thought to the extent of Christian’s anger, I dial his number. It goes
straight to voice mail. He must ha一ve switched it off because he’s so mad. I
cannot think what to say. Turning away, I walk down the hallway a little, away
from everyone.
“Hi. It’s me. Please don’t be mad. We’ve had an incident at the apartment.
But it’s under control, so don’t worry. No one is hurt. Call me.” I hang up.
“Call the police.” I tell Sawyer. He nods, takes out his cell, and makes the call.
Officer Skinner is deep in conversation with Ryan at the dining room table.
Officer Walker is with Sawyer in Taylor’s office. I don’t know where Prescott
is, perhaps in Taylor’s office. Detective Clark is barking questions at me as
we sit on the couch in the great room. He’s tall, dark and would be good
looking if it wasn’t for his permanent scowl. I suspect he’s been woken and
dragged from his warm bed because the home of one of Seattle’s most
influential and wealthy businessmen has been breached.
“He used to be your boss?” Clark asks tersely.
“Yes.”
I am tired—beyond tired—and I want to go to bed. I still ha一ven’t heard from
Christian. On the plus side, Hyde has been removed by the paramedics.
Mrs. Jones hands me and Detective Clark each a cup of tea.
“Thanks,” grunts Clark and turns back to me. “And where is Mr. Grey?”
“New York. On business. He’ll be back tomorrow evening, I mean this
evening.” It’s after midnight.
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“Hyde is known to us,” Detective Clark murmurs. “I’ll need you to come down
to the station to make a statement. But that can wait. It’s late and there are a
couple of reporters camped out on the sidewalk. Do you mind if I look
around?”
“Of course not,” I offer, relieved his questioning is finished. I shudder at the
thought of the photographers outside. Well, they won’t be a problem until
tomorrow. I remind myself to call my mom and Ray just in case they hear
anything and worry.
“Mrs. Grey, may I suggest you go to bed?” Mrs. Jones says, her voice warm
and full of concern.
Looking into her warm, kind eyes I suddenly feel an overwhelming need to
cry. She reaches over and rubs my shoulder.
“We’re safe now,” she murmurs. “This will all look better in the morning once
you’ve had some sleep. And Mr. Grey will be back tomorrow evening.”
I glance nervously up at her, keeping my tears at bay. Christian is going to be
so mad.
“Can I get you anything before you go to bed?” she asks. What? And in that
moment, I realize how hungry I am. “I’d love something to eat.”
She smiles broadly. “Sandwich and some milk?”
I nod with gratitude, and she heads into the kitchen. Ryan is still with Officer
Skinner. In the foyer Detective Clark is examining the mess outside the
elevator. He looks thoughtful, in spite of his scowl. And suddenly I feel
homesick—homesick for Christian. Holding my head in my hands, I wish
fervently that he were here. He’d know what to do. What an evening. I want to
crawl into his lap, ha一ve him hold me and tell me that he loves me, even
though I don’t do as I’m told—but that won’t be possible until this evening.
Inwardly I roll my eyes . . . Why didn’t he tell me about the increased security
for everyone? What exactly is on Jack’s computer? He’s so frustrating but
right now, I just don’t care. I want my husband. I miss him.
“Here you are, Ana dear.” Mrs. Jones interrupts my inner turmoil. When I
glance up at her, she hands me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, her eyes
twinkling. I ha一ven’t had one of these for years. I smile shyly and dig in.
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When I finally crawl into bed, I curl up on Christian’s side, dressed in his Tshirt.
Both his pillow and his T-shirt smell of him, and as I drift off I silently
wish him safe passage home . . . and a good mood.
I wake with a start. It’s light and my head is aching, throbbing at my temples.
Oh no. I hope I don’t ha一ve a hangover. Cautiously, I open my eyes, and as
they flutter open I notice the bedroom chair has moved, and Christian is
seated in it. He’s wearing his tux, and the end of his bowtie is peeping out of
the breast pocket. I wonder if I’m dreaming. His left arm is draped over the
chair, and in his hand he holds a cut glass tumbler of amber liquid. Brandy?
Whiskey? I ha一ve no idea. One long leg is crossed at the ankle over his knee.
He’s wearing black socks and dress shoes. His right elbow rests on the arm
of the chair, his hand at his chin, and he’s slowly running his index finger
rhythmically back and forth over his lower lip. In the early morning light, his
eyes burn with gra一ve intensity but his general expression is completely
unreadable.
My heart almost stops. He’s here. How did he get here? He must ha一ve left
New York last night. How long has he been here watching me sleep?
“Hi,” I whisper.
He regards me coolly, and my heart stutters once more. Oh no. He moves
his long fingers away from his mouth, tosses the remainder of his drink down
his throat, reaches over and places the glass on the bedside table. I half
expect him to kiss me, but he doesn’t. He sits back, continuing to regard me,
his expression impassive.
“Hello,” he says finally, his voice hushed. And I know he’s still mad. Really
mad.
“You’re back.”
“It would appear so.”
Slowly I pull myself up into a sitting position, not taking my eyes off him. My
mouth is dry. “How long ha一ve you been sitting there watching me sleep?”
“Long enough.”
“You’re still mad.” I can hardly speak the words.
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He gazes at me, as if considering his response. “Mad,” he says as if testing
the word, weighing up its nuances, its meaning. “No, Ana. I am far, far
beyond mad.”
Holy crap. I try to swallow, but it’s hard with a dry mouth.
“Far beyond mad . . . that doesn’t sound good.” Shit!
He gazes at me, completely impassive, and doesn’t respond. A stark silence
stretches between us. I reach over to my glass of no-longerquite-so-sparkling
water and take a welcome sip, trying to bring my erratic heart rate under
control.
“Ryan caught Jack.” I try a different tack, and I place my glass beside his on
the bedside table.
“I know,” he says icily.
Of course he knows. “Are you going to be monosyllabic for long?”
His eyebrows move fractionally registering his surprise as if he hadn’t
expected this question. “Yes,” he says finally. Oh . . . okay. What to do?
Defense—the best form of attack. “I’m sorry I stayed out.”
“Are you?”
“No,” I mutter after a pause, because it’s true.
“Why say it then?”
“Because I don’t want you to be mad at me.”
He sighs hea一vily as if he’s been holding this tension for a thousand hours and
runs his hand through his hair. He looks beautiful. Mad, but beautiful. I drink
him in—Christian’s back—angry, but in one piece.
“I think Detective Clark wants to talk to you.”
“I’m sure he does.”
“Christian, please . . .”
“Please what?”
“Don’t be so cold.”
His eyebrows rise in surprise once more. “Anastasia, cold is not what I’m
feeling at the moment. I’m burning. Burning with rage. I don’t know how to
deal with these”—he wa一ves his hand searching for the word—“feelings.” His
tone is bitter.
Oh shit. His honesty disarms me. All I want to do is crawl into his lap. It’s all
I’ve wanted to do since I came home last night. But right now, I don’t think it’s
a good idea. Is it? To hell with this. I move, taking him by surprise and
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curl up. He doesn’t push me away, which is what I’d feared. After a beat, he
folds his arms around me and buries his nose in my hair. He smells of
whiskey. Jeez, how much did he drink? He smells of bodywash, too . . . he
smells of Christian. I wrap my arms around his neck and nuzzle his throat,
and he sighs once more, deeply this time.
“Oh, Mrs. Grey. What am I going to do with you?” He kisses the top of my
head. I close my eyes, relishing the contact with him.
“How much ha一ve you had to drink?”
He stills. “Why?”
“You don’t normally drink hard liquor.”
“This is my second glass. I’ve had a trying night, Anastasia. Give a man a
break.”
I smile. “If you insist, Mr. Grey,” I breathe into his neck. “You smell hea一venly. I
slept on your side of the bed because your pillow smells of you.”
He nuzzles my hair. “Did you now? I wondered why you were on this side. I’m
still mad at you.”
“I know.”
His hand rhythmically strokes my back.
“And I’m mad at you,” I whisper.
He pauses. “And what, pray, ha一ve I done to deserve your ire?”
“I’ll tell you later when you’re no longer burning with rage.” I kiss his throat. He
closes his eyes and leans into my kiss but makes no move to kiss me back.
His arms tighten around me, squeezing me.
“When I think of what might ha一ve happened . . .” His voice is barely a
whisper. Broken, raw.
“I’m okay.”
“Oh, Ana.” It’s almost a sob.
“I’m okay. We’re all okay. A bit shaken. But Gail is fine. Ryan is fine. And
Jack is gone.”
He shakes his head. “No thanks to you,” he mutters. What? I lean back, and
glare at him. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t want to argue about it right now, Ana.”
I blink. Well, maybe I do, but I decide against it. At least he’s talking to me. I
nestle into him once more. His fingers move to my hair and start playing with
it.
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“I want to punish you,” he whispers. “Really beat the shit out of you,” he adds.
My heart leaps into my mouth. Fuck. “I know,” I whisper as my scalp prickles.
“Maybe I will.”
“I hope not.”
He hugs me tighter. “Ana, Ana, Ana. You’d try the patience of a saint.”
“I could accuse you of many things, Mr. Grey, but being a saint isn’t one of
them.”
Finally I am blessed with his reluctant chuckle. “Fair point well made as ever,
Mrs. Grey.” He kisses my forehead and shifts.
“Back to bed. You had a late night, too.” He moves quickly, picking me up
and depositing me back on the bed.
“Lie down with me?”
“No. I ha一ve things to do.” He reaches down and collects the glass.
“Go back to sleep. I’ll wake you in a couple of hours.”
“Are you still mad at me?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll go back to sleep, then.”
“Good.” He pulls the duvet over me and kisses my forehead once more.
“Sleep.”
And because I’m so groggy from the night before, relieved that he’s back,
and emotionally fatigued by our early-morning encounter, I do exactly as I’m
told. As I drift off I’m curious though grateful, given the nasty taste in my
mouth, to know why he hasn’t deployed his usual coping mechanism and
leapt on me to ha一ve his wicked way.
“There’s some orange juice for you here,” Christian says, and my eyes flutter
open again. I ha一ve had the most restful two hours of sleep I can remember,
and I wake refreshed, my head no longer throbbing. The orange juice is a
welcome sight—as is my husband. He’s in his sweats. And I’m momentarily
zapped back to the Heathman Hotel and the first time I ever woke up with
him. His gray tank top is damp with his sweat. Either he’s been working out
in the basement gym or he’s been for a run, but he shouldn’t look this good
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“I’m going to take a shower,” he murmurs and disappears to the bathroom. I
frown. He’s still distant. He’s either distracted by all that’s happened, or still
mad, or . . . what? I sit up and reach for the orange juice, drinking it down too
quickly. It’s delicious, ice cold, and it makes my mouth a much better place. I
clamber out of bed, anxious to close the distance—real and metaphysical—
between my husband and me. I glance quickly at the alarm. It’s eight o’clock.
I strip off Christian’s Tshirt and follow him into the bathroom. He’s in the
shower, washing his hair, and I don’t hesitate. I slip in behind him and he
stiffens the moment I wrap my arms around him—my front to his wet,
muscular back. I ignore his reaction, holding him tightly, and press my cheek
flat against him, closing my eyes. After a moment, he shifts so we are both
under the cascade of hot water and carries on washing his hair. I let the
water wash over me as I cradle the man I love. I think of all the times he’s
fucked me and all the times he’s made love to me in here. I frown. He’s never
been this quiet. Turning my head, I start to trail kisses across his back. His
body stiffens again.
“Ana,” he warns.
“Hmm.”
My hands tra一vel slowly down over his taut stomach to his belly. He places
both his hands on mine and brings them to an abrupt halt. He shakes his
head.
“Don’t,” he warns.
Oh. I release him, immediately. He’s saying no? My mind goes into free fall
—has this ever happened before? My subconscious shakes her head, her
lips pursed. She glares at me over her half-moon glasses, wearing her
you’ve-really-fucked-up-this-time look. I feel like I’ve been slapped, hard.
Rejected. And a lifetime of insecurity spawns the ugly thought he doesn’t
want me anymore. I gasp as the pain sears through me. Christian turns, and
I’m relieved to see he’s not completely oblivious to my charms. Grasping my
chin, he tilts my head back, and I find myself gazing into his wary, beautiful
eyes.
“I’m still fucking mad at you,” he says, his voice quiet and serious. Shit!
Leaning down, he rests his forehead against mine, closing his eyes. I reach
up and caress his face.
“Don’t be mad at me, please. I think you’re overreacting,” I whisper.
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He straightens, blanching. My hand falls free to my side.
“Overreacting?” he snarls. “Some fucking lunatic gets into my apartment to
kidnap my wife, and you think I’m overreacting!” The restrained menace in
his voice is frightening, and his eyes blaze as he stares at me like I’m the
fucking lunatic.
“No . . . um, that’s not what I was referring to. I thought this was about me
staying out.”
He closes his eyes once more as if in pain and shakes his head.
“Christian, I wasn’t here.” I try to appease and reassure him.
“I know,” he whispers opening his eyes. “And all because you can’t follow a
simple, fucking request.” His tone is bitter and it’s my turn to blanch. “I don’t
want to discuss this now, in the shower. I am still fucking mad at you,
Anastasia. You’re making me question my judgment.” He turns and promptly
lea一ves the shower, grabbing a towel on the way and stalking out of the
bathroom, lea一ving me bereft and chilled under the hot water.
Crap. Crap. Crap.
Then the significance of what he’s just said dawns on me. Kidnap?
Fuck. Jack wanted to kidnap me? I recall the duct tape and not wanting to
think too deeply about why Jack had that. Does Christian ha一ve more
information? Hurriedly I wash myself, then shampoo and rinse my hair. I want
to know. I need to know. I am not going to let him keep me in the dark about
this.
Christian’s not in the bedroom when I come out. Jeez, he dresses quickly. I
do the same, throwing on my fa一vorite plum dress and black sandals, and I’m
conscious that I’ve chosen this outfit because Christian likes it. I vigorously
towel-dry my hair, then braid it and wind it into a bun. Fitting diamond studs
into my ears, I dash to the bathroom to apply a little mascara. Glancing at
myself in the mirror— I’m pale. Jeez, I’m always pale— I take a deep
steadying breath. I need to face the consequences of my rash decision to
actually enjoy myself with my friend. I sigh, knowing that Christian won’t see it
that way. Christian is nowhere to be seen in the great room. Mrs. Jones is
busying herself in the kitchen.
“Good morning, Ana,” she says sweetly.
“Morning,” I smile broadly at her. I am Ana again!
“Tea?”
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“Please.”
“Anything to eat?”
“Please. I’d like an omelet this morning.”
“With mushrooms and spinach?”
“And cheese.”
“Coming up.”
“Where’s Christian?”
“Mr. Grey’s in his study.”
“Has he had breakfast?” I glance at the two places set on the breakfast bar.
“No, ma’am.”
“Thanks.”
Christian is on the phone, dressed in a white shirt with no tie, looking like
every part the relaxed CEO. How deceptive appearances can be. Perhaps
he’s not going into the office after all. He glances up when I appear in the
doorway but shakes his head at me, indicating that I am not welcome. Shit . .
. I turn and wander dejectedly back to the breakfast bar. Taylor appears,
snappily dressed in a somber suit, looking like he’s had eight hours of
uninterrupted sleep.
“Morning, Taylor,” I murmur, trying to gauge his mood and see if he’ll offer me
any visual cues about what has been going on.
“Good morning, Mrs. Grey,” he replies, and I hear the sympathy in those four
words. I smile compassionately back at him, knowing he had to endure an
angry, frustrated Christian returning to Seattle way ahead of schedule.
“How was the flight?” I dare to ask.
“Long, Mrs. Grey.” His brevity speaks volumes. “May I ask how you are?” he
adds, his tone softening.
“I’m good.”
He nods. “If you’ll excuse me.” He heads toward Christian’s study. Hmm.
Taylor’s allowed in, but not me.
“Here you go.” Mrs. Jones places my breakfast in front of me. My appetite
has vanished, but I eat anyway, not wishing to offend her. By the time I’ve
finished what I can of my breakfast, Christian has still not emerged from his
study. Is he a一voiding me?
“Thanks, Mrs. Jones,” I murmur, sliding off the bar stool and making my way
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I’m reminded of Christian’s sulk over the wedding vows. He holed up in his
study then, too. Is that what this is? Him sulking? I shudder as I recall his
subsequent nightmare. Will that happen again? We really need to talk. I need
to know about Jack, and about the increased security for the Greys—all the
details that ha一ve been kept from me, but not from Kate. Obviously Elliot talks
to her.
I glance at my watch. It’s eight fifty—I’m late for work. I finish brushing my
teeth, apply a little lip gloss, grab my lightweight black jacket and head back
to the great room. I am relieved to see Christian there, eating his breakfast.
“You’re going?” he says when he sees me.
“To work? Yes, of course.” Bra一vely, I walk toward him and rest my hands on
the edge of the breakfast bar. He gazes at me blankly.
“Christian, we’ve hardly been back a week. I ha一ve to go to work.”
“But—” He stops, and rakes his hand through his hair. Mrs. Jones walks
quietly out of the room. Discreet, Gail, discreet.
“I know we ha一ve a great deal to talk about. Perhaps if you’ve calmed down,
we can do it this evening.”
His mouth pops open with dismay. “Calmed down?” His voice is eerily soft.
I flush. “You know what I mean.”
“No, Anastasia, I don’t know what you mean.”
“I don’t want a fight. I was coming to ask you if I could take my car.”
“No. You can’t,” he snaps.
“Okay.” I acquiesce immediately.
He blinks. He was obviously expecting a fight. “Prescott will accompany you.”
His tone is slightly less belligerent. Dammit, not Prescott. I want to pout and
protest but decide against it. Surely now Jack has been caught we can cut
back on our security. I remember my mom’s “words of wisdom” talk the day
before my wedding. Ana, honey, you really ha一ve to choose your battles. It’ll
be the same with your kids when you ha一ve them. Well, at least he’s letting
me go to work.
“Okay,” I mutter. And because I don’t want to lea一ve him like this with so much
unresolved and so much tension between us, I step tentatively toward him.
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moment he looks so vulnerable it pulls at some deep, dark place in my heart.
Oh, Christian, I’m so sorry. I kiss him chastely on the side of his mouth. He
closes his eyes as if relishing my touch.
“Don’t hate me,” I whisper.
He grabs my hand. “I don’t hate you.”.
“You ha一ven’t kissed me,” I whisper.
He eyes me suspiciously. “I know,” he mutters.
I’m desperate to ask him why, but I’m not sure I want to know the answer.
Abruptly he stands and grabs my face between his hands, and in a flash his
lips are hard on mine. I gasp with surprise, inadvertently granting his tongue
access. He takes full advantage, invading my mouth, claiming me . . . and
just as I’m beginning to respond he releases me, his breathing quickening.
“Taylor will take you and Prescott to SIP,” he says, his eyes flaring with need.
“Taylor!” he calls. I flush, trying to recover some composure.
“Sir.” Taylor is standing in the doorway.
“Tell Prescott Mrs. Grey is going to work. Can you drive them, please?”
“Certainly.” Turning on his heel, Taylor disappears.
“If you could try to stay out of trouble today, I would appreciate it,”
Christian mutters.
“I’ll see what I can do.” I smile sweetly. A reluctant half smile tugs at
Christian’s lips, but he doesn’t give in to it.
“I’ll see you later, then,” he says coolly.
“Laters,” I whisper.
Prescott and I take the service elevator down to the basement garage in
order to a一void the media outside. Jack’s arrest, and the fact he was
apprehended in our apartment, is now public knowledge. As I settle into the
Audi, I wonder if there will be more paparazzi waiting at SIP
like the day our engagement was announced.
We drive a while in silence until I remember to call first Ray and then my mom
to reassure them Christian and I are safe. Mercifully, both calls are short and I
hang up just as we arrive outside SIP. As I feared, there’s a small crowd of
reporters and photographers lying in wait. They turn as one, looking
expectantly at the Audi. 208 | P a g e
E L JAMES
“Are you sure you want to do this, Mrs. Grey?” Taylor asks. Part of me just
wants to go home, but that means spending the day with Mr. Burning Rage.
Hopefully with a little time he will gain some perspective. Jack is in police
custody, so Fifty should be happy, but he’s not. Part of me understands why;
too much of this is out of his control including me, but I don’t ha一ve time to
think about this now.
“Take me around to the delivery entrance, please, Taylor.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
It’s one o’clock and I’ve managed to immerse myself in work all morning.
There’s a knock and Elizabeth pops her head around the door.
“Can I ha一ve a moment?” she asks brightly.
“Sure,” I mutter, surprised at her unscheduled visit. She enters and sits down,
tossing her long black hair over her shoulder. “I just wanted to check you’re
okay. Roach asked me to pay you a visit,” she adds hurriedly as her face
reddens. “I mean with all that went on last night.”
Jack Hyde’s arrest is all over the newspapers, but no one seems to ha一ve
made the connection yet with the fire at GEH.
“I’m fine,” I answer, trying not to think too deeply about how I feel. Jack
wanted to harm me. Well, that’s not news. He’s tried before. It’s Christian I’m
more concerned about.
I glance quickly at my e-mail. There’s still nothing from him. I don’t know if I
were to send him an e-mail, whether I’d just be provoking Mr. Burning Rage
further.
“Good,” Elizabeth answers, and her smile actually touches her eyes for a
change. “If there’s anything I can do—anything you need—let me know.”
“Will do.”
Elizabeth stands. “I know how busy you are, Ana. I’ll let you get back to it”
“Um . . . thanks.”
That has to ha一ve been the briefest most pointless meeting in the Western
Hemisphere today. Perhaps Roach sent her in here. Perhaps he’s worried,
given I’m his boss’s wife. I shake off the dark thoughts 209 | P a g e
Fifty Shades Freed
and reach for my BlackBerry in the hope that there might be a message from
Christian. As I do, my work e-mail pings.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Statement
Date: August 26, 2011 13:04
To: Anastasia Grey
Anastasia
Detective Clark will be visiting your office today at 3 pm to take your
statement.
I ha一ve insisted that he should come to you, as I don’t want you going to the
police station.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
I gaze at his e-mail for a full five minutes, trying to think of a light and witty
response to lift his mood. I draw a complete blank, and opt for brevity
instead.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Statement
Date: August 26, 2011 13:12
To: Christian Grey
Okay.
A x
Anastasia Grey
Commissioning Editor, SIP
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E L JAMES
I stare at the screen for another five minutes, anxious for his response but
there’s nothing. Christian is not in the mood to play today. I sit back. Can I
blame him? My poor Fifty was probably frantic, back in the early hours of this
morning. Then a thought occurs to me. He was in his tux when I woke this
morning. What time did he decide to come back from New York? He
normally lea一ves functions between ten and eleven. Last night at that hour I
was still at large with Kate. Did Christian come home because I was out or
because of the Jack incident? If he left because I was out ha一ving a good
time, he would ha一ve had no idea about Jack, about the police, nothing—until
he landed in Seattle. It’s suddenly very important to me to find out. If Christian
came back merely because I was out, then he was overreacting. My
subconscious sucks her teeth, wearing her harpy face. Okay, I’m glad he’s
back, so maybe it’s irrelevant. But still—Christian must ha一ve had one hell of a
shock when he landed. No wonder he’s so confused today. His earlier words
come back to me. “I am still fucking mad at you, Anastasia. You’re making
me question my judgment.”
I ha一ve to know—did he come back because of Cocktailgate or because of
the fucking lunatic?
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Your Flight
Date: August 26, 2011 13:24
To: Christian Grey
What time did you decide to come back to Seattle yesterday?
Anastasia Grey
Commissioning Editor, SIP
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Your flight
Date: August 26, 2011 13:26
To: Anastasia Grey
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Fifty Shades Freed
Why?
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Your Flight
Date: August 26, 2011 13:29
To: Christian Grey
Call it curiosity.
Anastasia Grey
Commissioning Editor, SIP
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Your flight
Date: August 26, 2011 13:32
To: Anastasia Grey
Curiosity killed the cat.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Huh?
Date: August 26, 2011 13:35
To: Christian Grey
What is that oblique reference to? Another threat?
You know where I am going with this, don’t you?
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E L JAMES
Did you decide to return because I went out for a drink with my friend after
you asked me not to, or did you return because a madman was in your
apartment?
Anastasia Grey
Commissioning Editor, SIP
I stare at my screen. There’s no response. I glance at the clock on my
computer. One forty-five and still no response.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Here’s the thing . . .
Date: August 26, 2011 13:56
To: Christian Grey
I will take your silence as an admission that you did indeed return to Seattle
because I CHANGED MY MIND. I am an adult female and went for a drink
with my friend. I did not understand the security ramifications of CHANGING
MY MIND because YOU NEVER TELL ME ANYTHING. I found out from Kate
that security has, in fact, been stepped up for all the Greys, not just us. I think
you generally overreact where my safety is concerned, and I understand why,
but you’re like the boy crying wolf. I never ha一ve a clue about what is a real
concern or merely something that is perceived as a concern by you. I had two
of the security detail with me. I thought both Kate and I would be safe. Fact is,
we were safer in that bar than at the apartment. Had I been FULLY
INFORMED of the situation, I would ha一ve taken a different course of action.
I understand your concerns are something to do with material that was on
Jack’s computer here—or so Kate believes. Do you know how annoying it is
to find out my best friend knows more about what’s going on with you than I
do? And I am your WIFE. So are you going to tell me? Or will you continue to
treat me like a child, guaranteeing that I continue to beha一ve like one?
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Fifty Shades Freed
You are not the only one who is fucking pissed. Okay?
Ana
Anastasia Grey
Commissioning Editor, SIP
I hit send. There—stick that in your pipe and smoke it, Grey. I take a deep
breath. I ha一ve worked myself up into quite a rage. Here was I feeling sorry
and guilty for beha一ving badly. Well, no longer.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Here’s the thing . . .
Date: August 26, 2011 13:59
To: Anastasia Grey
As ever, Mrs. Grey, you are forthright and challenging in e-mail. Perhaps we
can discuss this when you get home to OUR
apartment.
You should watch your language. I am still fucking pissed, too. Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
Watch my language! I scowl at my computer, realizing this is getting me
nowhere. I don’t respond, but pick up a manuscript recently received from a
promising new author and begin to read.
My meeting with Detective Clark is uneventful. He is less growly than the
night before, maybe because he’s managed some sleep. Or maybe he just
prefers working during the day.
“Thank you for your statement, Mrs. Grey.”
“You’re welcome, detective. Is Hyde in police custody yet?”
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E L JAMES
“Yes ma’am. He was released from hospital earlier this morning. With what
he’s charged with, he should be with us for a while.” He smiles, his dark eyes
crinkling in the corner.
“Good. This has been an anxious time for my husband and me.”
“I spoke at length with Mr. Grey this morning. He’s very relieved. Interesting
man, your husband.”
You ha一ve no idea.
“Yes, I think so.” I offer him a polite smile, and he knows he’s being
dismissed.
“If you think of anything, you can call me. Here’s my card.”
He wrestles a card out of his wallet and hands it to me.
“Thank you, detective. I’ll do that.”
“Good day to you, Mrs. Grey.”
“Good day.”
As he lea一ves I wonder exactly what Hyde has been charged with. No doub一t
Christian won’t tell me. I purse my lips.
We ride in silence to Escala. Sawyer is driving this time, Prescott at his side,
and my heart grows hea一vier and hea一vier as we head back. I know Christian
and I are going to ha一ve an almighty fight, and I don’t know if I ha一ve the energy.
As I ride in the elevator from the garage with Prescott beside me, I try to
marshal my thoughts. What do I want to say? I think I said it all in my e-mail.
Perhaps he’ll give me some answers. I hope so. I can’t help my nerves. My
heart is pounding, my mouth is dry, and my palms are sweaty. I don’t want to
fight. But sometimes he’s so difficult, and I need to stand my ground.
The elevator doors slide open, revealing the foyer, and it’s once more neat
and tidy. The table is upright and a new vase is in place with a gorgeous
array of pale pink and white peonies. I quickly check the paintings as we
wander through—the Madonnas all look to be intact. The broken foyer door
is fixed and operational once more, and Prescott kindly opens it for me.
She’s been so quiet today. I think I prefer her this way.
I drop my briefcase in the hall and head into the great room. I stop. Holy fuck.
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Fifty Shades Freed
“Good evening, Mrs. Grey,” Christian says softly. He’s standing by the piano,
dressed in a tight black T-shirt, and jeans . . . those jeans—
the ones he wore in the playroom. Oh my. They are over washed pale blue
denim, snug, ripped at the knee and hot. He saunters over to me, his feet
bare, the top button of the jeans undone, his smoldering eyes never lea一ving
mine.
“Good to ha一ve you home. I’ve been waiting for you.”
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