Anastasia Steele, you are at work! I must be strong, but I want to go to José’s show, and deep down, the masochist in me wants to see Christian. Taking a deep breath, I head back to my desk.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Tomorrow
Date: June 8, 2011 14:25
To: Christian Grey
Hi Christian
Thank you for the flowers; they are lovely.
Yes, I would appreciate a lift.
Thank you.
Anastasia Steele
Assistant to Jack Hyde, Commissioning Editor, SIP
Checking my phone, I find that it is still switched to divert. Jack is in a meeting, so I quickly call José.
“Hi, José. It’s Ana.”
“Hello, stranger.” His tone is so warm and welcoming it’s almost enough to push me over the edge again.
“I can’t talk long. What time should I be there tomorrow for your show?”
“You’re still coming?” He sounds excited.
“Yes, of course.” I smile my first genuine smile in five days as I picture his broad grin.
“Seven thirty.”
“See you then. Good-bye, José.”
“Bye, Ana.”
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Tomorrow
Date: June 8, 2011 14:27
To: Anastasia Steele
Dear Anastasia
What time shall I collect you?
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Tomorrow
Date: June 8, 2011 14:32
To: Christian Grey
José’s show starts at 7:30. What time would you suggest?
Anastasia Steele
Assistant to Jack Hyde, Commissioning Editor, SIP
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Tomorrow
Date: June 8, 2011 14:34
To: Anastasia Steele
Dear Anastasia
Portland is some distance away. I shall collect you at 5:45.
I look forward to seeing you.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Tomorrow
Date: June 8, 2011 14:38
To: Christian Grey
See you then.
Anastasia Steele
Assistant to Jack Hyde, Commissioning Editor, SIP
Oh my. I’m going to see Christian, and for the first time in five days, my spirits lift a fraction and I allow myself to wonder how he’s been.
Has he missed me? Probably not like I’ve missed him. Has he found a new submissive from wherever they come from? The thought is so painful that I dismiss it immediately. I look at the pile of correspondence I need to sort for Jack and tackle it as I try to push Christian out of my mind once more.
That night in bed, I toss and turn, trying to sleep. It is the first time in a while I haven’t cried myself to sleep.
In my mind’s eye, I visualize Christian’s face the last time I saw him as I left his apartment. His tortured expression haunts me. I remember he didn’t want me to go, which was odd. Why would I stay when things had reached such an impasse? We were each skirting around our own issues—my fear of punishment, his fear of . . . what? Love?
Turning on my side, I hug my pillow, filled with an overwhelming sadness. He thinks he doesn’t deserve to be loved. Why does he feel that way? Is it something to do with his upbringing? His birth mom, the crack whore? My thoughts plague me into the early hours until eventually I fall into a fitful, exhausted sleep.
The day drags and drags and Jack is unusually attentive. I suspect it’s Kate’s plum dress and the black high-heeled boots I’ve stolen from her closet, but I don’t dwell on the thought. I resolve to go clothes shopping with my first paycheck. The dress is looser on me than it was, but I pretend not to notice.
Finally, it’s five thirty, and I collect my jacket and purse, trying to quell my nerves. I’m going to see him!
“Do you have a date tonight?” Jack asks as he strolls past my desk on his way out.
“Yes. No. Not really.”
He cocks an eyebrow at me, his interest clearly piqued. “Boyfriend?”
I flush. “No, a friend. An ex-boyfriend.”
“Maybe tomorrow you’d like to come for a drink after work. You’ve had a stellar first week, Ana. We should celebrate.” He smiles and some unknown emotion flits across his face, making me uneasy.
Putting his hands in his pockets, he saunters through the double doors. I frown at his retreating back. Drinks with the boss, is that a good idea?
I shake my head. I have an evening of Christian Grey to get through first. How am I going to do this? I hurry into the restroom to make last-minute adjustments.
In the large mirror on the wall, I take a long, hard look at my face. I am my usual pale self, dark circles round my too-large eyes. I look gaunt, haunted.
Jeez, I wish I knew how to use makeup. I apply some mascara and eyeliner and pinch my cheeks, hoping to bring some color their way. Tidying my hair so that it hangs artfully down my back, I take a deep breath. This will have to do.
Nervously I walk through the foyer with a smile and a wave to Claire at reception. I think she and I could become friends. Jack is talking to Elizabeth as I head for the doors. Smiling broadly, he hurries over to open them for me.
“After you, Ana,” he murmurs.
“Thank you.” I smile, embarrassed.
Outside on the curb, Taylor is waiting. He opens the rear door of the car. I glance hesitantly at Jack who has followed me out. He’s looking toward the Audi SUV in dismay.
I turn and climb into the back, and there he sits—Christian Grey—wearing his gray suit, no tie, his white shirt open at the collar. His gray eyes are glowing.
My mouth dries. He looks glorious except he’s scowling at me. Oh no!
“When did you last eat?” he snaps as Taylor closes the door behind me.
Crap. “Hello, Christian. Yes, it’s nice to see you, too.”
“I don’t want your smart mouth now. Answer me.” His eyes blaze.
Holy shit. “Um . . . I had a yogurt at lunchtime. Oh—and a banana.”
“When did you last have a proper meal?” he asks acidly.
Taylor slips into the driver’s seat, starts the car, and pulls out into the traffic.
I glance up and Jack is waving at me, though how he can see me through the dark glass, I don’t know. I wave back.
“Who’s that?” Christian snaps.
“My boss.” I peek up at the beautiful man beside me, and his mouth is pressed into a hard line.
“Well? Your last meal?”
“Christian, that really is none of your concern,” I murmur, feeling extraordinarily brave.
“Whatever you do concerns me. Tell me.”
No, it doesn’t. I groan in frustration, rolling my eyes heavenward, and Christian narrows his eyes. And for the first time in a long time, I want to laugh. I try hard to stifle the giggle that threatens to bubble up. Christian’s face softens as I struggle to keep a straight face, and I see a trace of a smile kiss his beautifully sculptured lips.
“Well?” he asks, his voice softer.
“Pasta alla vongole, last Friday,” I whisper.
He closes his eyes as fury and possibly regret, sweeps across his face. “I see,” he says, his voice expressionless. “You look like you’ve lost at least five pounds, possibly more since then. Please eat, Anastasia,” he scolds.
I stare down at the knotted fingers in my lap. Why does he always make me feel like an errant child?
He shifts and turns toward me. “How are you?” he asks, his voice still soft.
Well, I’m shit really . . . I swallow. “If I told you I was fine, I’d be lying.”
He inhales sharply. “Me, too,” he murmurs and reaches over and clasps my hand. “I miss you,” he adds.
Oh no. Skin against skin.
“Christian, I—”
“Ana, please. We need to talk.”
I’m going to cry. No. “Christian, I . . . please . . . I’ve cried so much,” I whisper, trying to keep my emotions in check
“Oh, baby, no.” He tugs my hand, and before I know it I’m on his lap. He has his arms around me, and his nose is in my hair. “I’ve missed you so much, Anastasia,” he breathes.
I want to struggle out of his hold, to maintain some distance, but his arms are wrapped around me. He’s pressing me to his chest. I melt. Oh, this is where I want to be.
I rest my head against him, and he kisses my hair repeatedly. This is home. He smells of linen, fabric softener, body wash, and my favorite smell—Christian. For a moment, I allow myself the illusion that all will be well, and it soothes my ravaged soul.
A few minutes later Taylor pulls to a stop at the curb, even though we’re still in the city.
“Come”—Christian shifts me off his lap—“we’re here.”
What?
“Helipad—on the top of this building.” Christian glances toward the building by way of explanation.
Of course. Charlie Tango. Taylor opens the door and I slide out. He gives me a warm, avuncular smile that makes me feel safe. I smile back.
“I should give you back your handkerchief.”
“Keep it, Miss Steele, with my best wishes.”
I flush as Christian comes around the car and takes my hand. He looks quizzically at Taylor who stares impassively back at him, revealing nothing.
“Nine?” Christian says to him.
“Yes, sir.”
Christian nods as he turns and leads me through the double doors into the grandiose foyer. I revel in the feel of his large hand and his long, skilled fingers curled around mine. I feel the familiar pull—I am drawn, Icarus to his sun. I have been burned already, and yet here I am again.
Reaching the elevators, he presses the call button. I peek up at him, and he’s wearing his enigmatic half smile. As the doors open, he releases my hand and ushers me in.
The doors close and I risk a second peek. He glances down at me, gray eyes alive, and it’s there in the air between us, that electricity. It’s palpable. I can almost taste it, pulsing between us, drawing us together.
“Oh my,” I gasp as I bask briefly in the intensity of this visceral, primal attraction.
“I feel it, too,” he says, his eyes clouded and intense.
Desire pools dark and deadly in my groin. He clasps my hand and grazes my knuckles with his thumb, and all my muscles clench tightly, deliciously, deep inside me.
Holy cow. How can he still do this to me?
“Please don’t bite your lip, Anastasia,” he whispers.
I gaze up at him, releasing my lip. I want him. Here, now, in the elevator. How could I not?
“You know what it does to me,” he murmurs.
Oh, I still affect him. My inner goddess stirs from her five-day sulk.
Abruptly the doors open, breaking the spell, and we’re on the roof. It’s windy, and despite my
อนาสตาเซีย Steele คุณอยู่ที่ทำงาน ฉันต้องแข็งแกร่ง แต่อยากไปดูของ José และลึก masochist ในผมอยากให้คริสเตียน การหายใจลึก ๆ ฉันใหญ่กลับมาโต๊ะของฉันจาก: อนาสตาเซีย Steeleหัวข้อ: พรุ่งนี้วัน: 8 june, 2011 14:25ถึง: คริสเตียนสีเทาสวัสดี คริสเตียนขอบคุณสำหรับดอกไม้ พวกเขาจะน่ารักใช่ ฉันจะขอบคุณลิฟท์ขอบคุณอนาสตาเซีย Steeleผู้ช่วยสิบแจ็คไฮด์ แก้ไข Commissioningตรวจสอบโทรศัพท์ของฉัน ฉันค้นหาว่า มันเป็นยังสลับสำราญ แจ็คคือการประชุม เพื่อรวดเร็วโทร José"สวัสดี José มันคืออานา""มึน " เสียงของเขาจะอบอุ่นมาก และต้อนรับมันเป็นเกือบเพียงพอที่จะผลักดันฉันเหนือขอบอีกครั้ง"ฉันไม่สามารถพูดคุยยาว เวลาฉันควรจะมีวันพรุ่งนี้สำหรับการแสดงของคุณ""คุณจะยังมา" เสียงเขาตื่นเต้น"ใช่ หลักสูตรการ" ฉันยิ้มยิ้มของแท้ของฉันแรกในห้าวันฉันรูปรอบ ๆ ไร้ของเขากว้าง"สามสิบเจ็ด""ดูคุณแล้ว ลา José ""ลาก่อน Ana"จาก: คริสเตียนสีเทาหัวข้อ: พรุ่งนี้วัน: 8 june, 2011 14:27ถึง: อนาสตาเซีย Steeleอนาสตาเซียรักเวลาจะฉันเก็บคุณหรือไม่สีเทาของคริสเตียนCEO เทาวิสาหกิจโฮลดิ้ง อิงค์จาก: อนาสตาเซีย Steeleหัวข้อ: พรุ่งนี้วัน: 8 june, 2011 14:32ถึง: คริสเตียนสีเทาดูของ José เริ่มเวลา 7:30 เวลาคุณแนะนำอนาสตาเซีย Steeleผู้ช่วยสิบแจ็คไฮด์ แก้ไข Commissioningจาก: คริสเตียนสีเทาหัวข้อ: พรุ่งนี้วัน: 8 june, 2011 14:34ถึง: อนาสตาเซีย Steeleอนาสตาเซียรักพอร์ตแลนด์เป็นบางห่าง ฉันจะเก็บคุณที่ 5:45ฉันหวังว่าจะเห็นคุณสีเทาของคริสเตียนCEO เทาวิสาหกิจโฮลดิ้ง อิงค์จาก: อนาสตาเซีย Steeleหัวข้อ: พรุ่งนี้วัน: 8 june, 2011 14:38ถึง: คริสเตียนสีเทาเจอแล้วอนาสตาเซีย Steeleผู้ช่วยสิบแจ็คไฮด์ แก้ไข Commissioningโอ้ ของฉัน ฉันจะดูคริสเตียน และเป็นครั้งแรกในวันที่ห้า วิญญาณของฉันยกเศษ และอนุญาตให้ตัวเองคิดว่าเขาได้รับเขาได้พลาดฉัน คงไม่ต้องฉันได้พลาดเขา เขาได้พบใหม่ยอมจากที่ใดก็ตามพวกเขามาจาก คิดได้ดังนั้นความเจ็บปวดที่ฉันบอกเลิกได้ทันที ฉันมองไปที่กองของการสื่อสารที่ต้องการเรียงลำดับสำหรับแจ็ค และเล่นงานพยายามผลักดันคริสเตียนออกจากใจฉันอีกครั้งคืนเตียง ฉันโยน และ เปิด พยายามนอนหลับ ครั้งแรกในขณะยังไม่ข้าเองนอนหลับได้ในตาของฉันจิตใจ ฉันเห็นภาพของคริสเตียนหน้าครั้งสุดท้ายที่ผมเห็นเขาทันทีอพาร์ทเมนท์ของเขา นิพจน์ของเขาทรมานสู่ haunts ฉัน จำเขาไม่ได้ต้องให้ฉันไป ซึ่งเป็นคี่ ทำไมจะเข้าพักเมื่อสิ่งที่มาถึงตาจน เราได้แต่ละรอบรอบปัญหาของเราเองคือฉันกลัวการลงโทษ ความกลัวของเขา...อะไร ความรักTurning on my side, I hug my pillow, filled with an overwhelming sadness. He thinks he doesn’t deserve to be loved. Why does he feel that way? Is it something to do with his upbringing? His birth mom, the crack whore? My thoughts plague me into the early hours until eventually I fall into a fitful, exhausted sleep.The day drags and drags and Jack is unusually attentive. I suspect it’s Kate’s plum dress and the black high-heeled boots I’ve stolen from her closet, but I don’t dwell on the thought. I resolve to go clothes shopping with my first paycheck. The dress is looser on me than it was, but I pretend not to notice.Finally, it’s five thirty, and I collect my jacket and purse, trying to quell my nerves. I’m going to see him!“Do you have a date tonight?” Jack asks as he strolls past my desk on his way out.“Yes. No. Not really.”He cocks an eyebrow at me, his interest clearly piqued. “Boyfriend?”I flush. “No, a friend. An ex-boyfriend.”“Maybe tomorrow you’d like to come for a drink after work. You’ve had a stellar first week, Ana. We should celebrate.” He smiles and some unknown emotion flits across his face, making me uneasy.Putting his hands in his pockets, he saunters through the double doors. I frown at his retreating back. Drinks with the boss, is that a good idea?I shake my head. I have an evening of Christian Grey to get through first. How am I going to do this? I hurry into the restroom to make last-minute adjustments.In the large mirror on the wall, I take a long, hard look at my face. I am my usual pale self, dark circles round my too-large eyes. I look gaunt, haunted.Jeez, I wish I knew how to use makeup. I apply some mascara and eyeliner and pinch my cheeks, hoping to bring some color their way. Tidying my hair so that it hangs artfully down my back, I take a deep breath. This will have to do.Nervously I walk through the foyer with a smile and a wave to Claire at reception. I think she and I could become friends. Jack is talking to Elizabeth as I head for the doors. Smiling broadly, he hurries over to open them for me.“After you, Ana,” he murmurs.“Thank you.” I smile, embarrassed.Outside on the curb, Taylor is waiting. He opens the rear door of the car. I glance hesitantly at Jack who has followed me out. He’s looking toward the Audi SUV in dismay.I turn and climb into the back, and there he sits—Christian Grey—wearing his gray suit, no tie, his white shirt open at the collar. His gray eyes are glowing.My mouth dries. He looks glorious except he’s scowling at me. Oh no!“When did you last eat?” he snaps as Taylor closes the door behind me.Crap. “Hello, Christian. Yes, it’s nice to see you, too.”“I don’t want your smart mouth now. Answer me.” His eyes blaze.Holy shit. “Um . . . I had a yogurt at lunchtime. Oh—and a banana.”“When did you last have a proper meal?” he asks acidly.Taylor slips into the driver’s seat, starts the car, and pulls out into the traffic.I glance up and Jack is waving at me, though how he can see me through the dark glass, I don’t know. I wave back.“Who’s that?” Christian snaps.“My boss.” I peek up at the beautiful man beside me, and his mouth is pressed into a hard line.“Well? Your last meal?”“Christian, that really is none of your concern,” I murmur, feeling extraordinarily brave.“Whatever you do concerns me. Tell me.”No, it doesn’t. I groan in frustration, rolling my eyes heavenward, and Christian narrows his eyes. And for the first time in a long time, I want to laugh. I try hard to stifle the giggle that threatens to bubble up. Christian’s face softens as I struggle to keep a straight face, and I see a trace of a smile kiss his beautifully sculptured lips.“Well?” he asks, his voice softer.“Pasta alla vongole, last Friday,” I whisper.He closes his eyes as fury and possibly regret, sweeps across his face. “I see,” he says, his voice expressionless. “You look like you’ve lost at least five pounds, possibly more since then. Please eat, Anastasia,” he scolds.I stare down at the knotted fingers in my lap. Why does he always make me feel like an errant child?He shifts and turns toward me. “How are you?” he asks, his voice still soft.Well, I’m shit really . . . I swallow. “If I told you I was fine, I’d be lying.”He inhales sharply. “Me, too,” he murmurs and reaches over and clasps my hand. “I miss you,” he adds.Oh no. Skin against skin.“Christian, I—”“Ana, please. We need to talk.”I’m going to cry. No. “Christian, I . . . please . . . I’ve cried so much,” I whisper, trying to keep my emotions in check“Oh, baby, no.” He tugs my hand, and before I know it I’m on his lap. He has his arms around me, and his nose is in my hair. “I’ve missed you so much, Anastasia,” he breathes.I want to struggle out of his hold, to maintain some distance, but his arms are wrapped around me. He’s pressing me to his chest. I melt. Oh, this is where I want to be.I rest my head against him, and he kisses my hair repeatedly. This is home. He smells of linen, fabric softener, body wash, and my favorite smell—Christian. For a moment, I allow myself the illusion that all will be well, and it soothes my ravaged soul.A few minutes later Taylor pulls to a stop at the curb, even though we’re still in the city.“Come”—Christian shifts me off his lap—“we’re here.”What?“Helipad—on the top of this building.” Christian glances toward the building by way of explanation.Of course. Charlie Tango. Taylor opens the door and I slide out. He gives me a warm, avuncular smile that makes me feel safe. I smile back.“I should give you back your handkerchief.”“Keep it, Miss Steele, with my best wishes.”I flush as Christian comes around the car and takes my hand. He looks quizzically at Taylor who stares impassively back at him, revealing nothing.
“Nine?” Christian says to him.
“Yes, sir.”
Christian nods as he turns and leads me through the double doors into the grandiose foyer. I revel in the feel of his large hand and his long, skilled fingers curled around mine. I feel the familiar pull—I am drawn, Icarus to his sun. I have been burned already, and yet here I am again.
Reaching the elevators, he presses the call button. I peek up at him, and he’s wearing his enigmatic half smile. As the doors open, he releases my hand and ushers me in.
The doors close and I risk a second peek. He glances down at me, gray eyes alive, and it’s there in the air between us, that electricity. It’s palpable. I can almost taste it, pulsing between us, drawing us together.
“Oh my,” I gasp as I bask briefly in the intensity of this visceral, primal attraction.
“I feel it, too,” he says, his eyes clouded and intense.
Desire pools dark and deadly in my groin. He clasps my hand and grazes my knuckles with his thumb, and all my muscles clench tightly, deliciously, deep inside me.
Holy cow. How can he still do this to me?
“Please don’t bite your lip, Anastasia,” he whispers.
I gaze up at him, releasing my lip. I want him. Here, now, in the elevator. How could I not?
“You know what it does to me,” he murmurs.
Oh, I still affect him. My inner goddess stirs from her five-day sulk.
Abruptly the doors open, breaking the spell, and we’re on the roof. It’s windy, and despite my
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