Fifty Shades Trilogy Bundle: Fifty Shades of Grey; Fifty Shades Darker; Fifty Shades Freed (170 page)
Authors: E L James
Tags: #Romance, #Adult, #Contemporary
It’s been a revelation to see him out of his normal environment, outside this apartment, relaxed and happy with his family. I wonder vaguely if it’s because we’re here in this apartment with all its memories and associations that he gets wound up. Maybe we should move.
I snort.
We are moving—
we’re having a huge house refurbished on the coast. Gia’s plans are complete and approved, and Elliot’s team starts building next week. I chuckle as I recall Gia’s shocked expression when I told her that I’d seen her in Aspen. Turns out it was nothing but coincidence. She’d camped out at her holiday place to work solely on our plans. For one awful moment I’d thought she’d had a hand in choosing the ring, but apparently not. But I still don’t trust Gia. I want to hear the same story from Elliot. At least she kept her distance from Christian this time.
I look out at the night sky. I will miss this view. This panoramic vista … Seattle at our feet, so full of possibilities, yet so far removed. Maybe that’s Christian’s problem—he’s been too isolated from real life for too long, thanks to his self-imposed exile. Yet with his family around him, he is less controlling, less anxious—freer, happier. I wonder what Flynn would make of all that. Holy crap! Maybe that’s the answer. Maybe he needs his own family. I shake my head in denial—we’re too young, too new to all this. Christian strides into the room, looking his usual gorgeous but pensive self.
“Everything okay?” I ask.
He nods distractedly as he climbs into bed.
“I’m not looking forward to going back to reality,” I murmur.
“No?”
I shake my head and caress his lovely face. “I had a wonderful weekend. Thank you.”
He smiles softly. “You’re my reality, Ana,” he murmurs and kisses me.
“Do you miss it?”
“Miss what?” he asks, perplexed.
“You know. The caning … and stuff,” I whisper, embarrassed.
He stares at me, his gaze impassive. Then doubt crosses his face, his where-is-she-going-with-this look.
“No Anastasia, I don’t.” His voice is steady and quiet. He caresses my cheek. “Dr. Flynn said something to me when you left, something that’s stayed with me. He said I couldn’t be that
way if you weren’t so inclined. It was a revelation.” He stops and frowns. “I didn’t know any other way, Ana. Now I do. It’s been educational.”
“Me, educate you?” I scoff.
His eyes soften. “Do you miss it?” he asks.
Oh!
“I don’t want you to hurt me, but I like to play, Christian. You know that. If you wanted to do something …” I shrug, gazing at him.
“Something?”
“You know, with a flogger or your crop—” I stop, blushing.
He raises his brow, surprised. “Well … we’ll see. Right now, I’d like some good old-fashioned vanilla.” His thumb skirts my bottom lip, and he kisses me once more.
From:
Anastasia Grey
Subject:
Good Morning
Date:
August 29 2011 09:14
To:
Christian Grey
Mr. Grey
I just wanted to tell you that I love you.
That is all. Yours Always
A x
Anastasia Grey
Editor, SIP
From:
Christian Grey
Subject:
Banishing Monday Blues
Date:
August 29 2011 09:18
To:
Anastasia Grey
Mrs. Grey
What gratifying words to hear from one’s wife (errant or not) on a Monday morning.
Let me assure you that I feel exactly the same way.
Sorry about the dinner this evening. I hope it won’t be too tedious for you.
x
Christian Grey,
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
Oh yes. The American Shipbuilding Association dinner. I roll my eyes … More stuffed shirts. Christian really does take me to the most fascinating functions.
From:
Anastasia Grey
Subject:
Ships That Pass in the Night
Date:
August 29 2011 09:26
To:
Christian Grey
Dear Mr. Grey
I am sure you can think of a way to spice up the dinner …
Yours in anticipation
Mrs. G. x
Anastasia (nonerrant) Grey
Editor, SIP
From:
Christian Grey
Subject:
Variety Is the Spice of Life
Date:
August 29 2011 09:35
To:
Anastasia Grey
Mrs. Grey
I have a few ideas …
x
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc. Now Impatient for the ASA Dinner, Inc.
All the muscles in my belly clench. Hmm … I wonder what he’ll dream up. Hannah knocks on the door, interrupting my reverie.
“Ready to go through your schedule for this week, Ana?”
“Sure. Sit.” I smile, recovering my equilibrium, and minimize my e-mail program. “I’ve had to move a couple of appointments. Mr. Fox next week and Dr.—”
My phone rings, interrupting her. It’s Roach. He asks me up to his office.
“Can we pick this up in twenty minutes?”
“Of course.”
From:
Christian Grey
Subject:
Last Night
Date:
August 30 2011 09:24
To:
Anastasia Grey
Was … fun.
Who would have thought the ASA annual dinner could be so stimulating?
As ever, you never disappoint, Mrs. Grey.
I love you.
x
Christian Grey
In awe, CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From:
Anastasia Grey
Subject:
I Love a Good Ball Game …
Date:
August 30 2011 09:33
To:
Christian Grey
Dear Mr. Grey
I have missed the silver balls.
You
never disappoint.
That is all.
Mrs. G. x
Anastasia Grey
Editor, SIP
Hannah taps on my door, interrupting my erotic thoughts of the previous evening.
Christian’s hands … his mouth
.
“Come in.”
“Ana, Mr. Roach’s PA just called. He’d like you to attend a meeting this morning. It means I have to move some of your appointments again. Is that okay?”
His tongue
.
“Sure. Yes,” I mutter, trying to halt my wayward thoughts. She grins and ducks out of my office … leaving me with my delicious memory of last night.
From:
Christian Grey
Subject:
Hyde
Date:
September 1 2011 15:24
To:
Anastasia Grey
Anastasia
For your information, Hyde has been refused bail and remanded in custody. He’s charged with attempted kidnapping and arson. As yet no date has been set for the trial.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From:
Anastasia Grey
Subject:
Hyde
Date:
September 1 2011 15:53
To:
Christian Grey
That’s good news.
Does this mean you’ll lighten up on security?
I really don’t see eye to eye with Prescott.
Ana x
Anastasia Grey
Editor, SIP
From:
Christian Grey
Subject:
Hyde
Date:
September 1 2011 15:59
To:
Anastasia Grey
No. Security will remain in place. No arguments.
What’s wrong with Prescott? If you don’t like her, we’ll replace her.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
I scowl at his high-handed e-mail. Prescott isn’t that bad.
From:
Anastasia Grey
Subject:
Keep Your Hair On!
Date:
September 1 2011 16:03
To:
Christian Grey
I was just asking (rolls eyes). And I’ll think about Prescott.
Stow that twitchy palm!
Ana x
Anastasia Grey
Editor, SIP
From:
Christian Grey
Subject:
Don’t Tempt Me
Date:
September 1 2011 16:11
To:
Anastasia Grey
I can assure you, Mrs. Grey, that my hair is very firmly attached—has this not been demonstrated often enough by your good self?
My palm, however, is twitching.
I might do something about that tonight.
x
Christian Grey
Not bald yet CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From:
Anastasia Grey
Subject:
Squirm
Date:
September 1 2011 16:20
To:
Christian Grey
Promises, promises …
Now stop pestering me. I am trying to work; I have an impromptu meeting with an author. Will try not to be distracted by thoughts of you during the meeting.
A x
Anastasia Grey
Editor, SIP
From:
Anastasia Grey
Subject:
Sailing & Soaring & Spanking
Date:
September 5 2011 09:18
To:
Christian Grey
Husband
You sure know how to show a girl a good time.
I shall of course be expecting this kind of treatment every weekend.
You are spoiling me. I love it.
Your wife
xox
Anastasia Grey
Editor, SIP
From:
Christian Grey
Subject:
My Life’s Mission …
Date:
September 5 2011 09:25
To:
Anastasia Grey
Is to spoil you, Mrs. Grey.
And keep you safe because I love you.
Christian Grey
Smitten CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
Oh my. Could he be any more romantic?
From:
Anastasia Grey
Subject:
My Life’s Mission …
Date:
September 5 2011 09:33
To:
Christian Grey
Is to let you—because I love you, too.
Now stop being so sappy.
You are making me cry.
Anastasia Grey
Equally Smitten Editor, SIP