Darker (40 page)

I’M WOKEN BY A
commotion. Ana is leaping over me and onto the floor and heading for the bathroom.

She’s leaving?

No.

I check the time.

Shit. It’s late. I think this is the latest I’ve ever slept. She’s going to work. Shaking my head, I call Taylor through the internal phone system.

“Good morning, Mr. Grey.”

“Taylor, good morning. Could you take Miss Steele to work today?”

“With pleasure, sir.”

“She’s rather late.”

“I’ll wait for her outside the front door.”

“Great.”

“Come back for me.”

“Will do, sir.”

I sit up, and Ana hurries out of the bathroom, drying herself and gathering her clothes at the same time. It’s quite the floor show, especially when she dons a pair of black lace panties and a matching lace bra.

Yes. I could watch this all day.

“You look good. You can call in sick, you know,” I offer.

“No, Christian, I can’t. I am not a megalomaniac CEO with a beautiful smile who can come and go as he pleases.”

Beautiful smile? Megalomaniac? I grin. “I like to come as I please.”

“Christian!” she sputters, and throws the towel at me.

I laugh. She’s still here and I don’t think she hates me. “Beautiful smile, huh?”

“Yes. You know the effect you have on me.” She wraps her watch strap around her wrist and stops to fasten it.

“Do I?”

“Yes, you do. The same effect you have on all women. Gets really tiresome, watching them all swoon.”

“Does it?” I can’t hide my amusement.

“Don’t play the innocent, Mr. Grey, it really doesn’t suit you.” She yanks her hair up into a ponytail and puts on a pair of high-heeled shoes.

Baby’s in black.
She looks sensational.

She bends down to kiss me good-bye and I can’t resist. I pull her down onto the bed.

Thank you for still being here, Ana.

“What can I do to tempt you to stay?” I whisper.

“You can’t,” she grumbles, and makes a feeble effort to fight me off. “Let me go.”

I pout and she grins. Outlining my lips with her finger, she smiles, leans up, and kisses me. I close my eyes and enjoy the feel of her lips on mine.

I release her. She needs to go. “Taylor will take you. Quicker than finding somewhere to park. He’s waiting outside the building.”

“Okay. Thank you,” she says. “Enjoy your lazy morning, Mr. Grey. I wish I could stay, but the man who owns the company I work for would not approve of his staff ditching just for hot sex.” She picks up her purse.

“Personally, Miss Steele, I have no doubt that he would approve. In fact, he might insist on it.”

“Why are you staying in bed? It’s not like you.”

Crossing my hands behind my head, I lean back and give her a broad smile. “Because I can, Miss Steele.”

She shakes her head in mock disgust. “Laters, baby.” She blows me a kiss and hurries out the door. I hear her footsteps clatter down the hallway and then all is quiet.

Ana’s left for the day.

And I miss her already.

I grab my phone with the intention of writing an e-mail to her. But what should I say? I told her so much last night—I don’t want to frighten her off with any more…revelations.

Keep it simple, Grey.

From:
Christian Grey

Subject:
Missing you

Date:
June 15 2011 09:05

To:
Anastasia Steele

Please use your BlackBerry.

x

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

I look around my bedroom and ponder how empty it feels without her. I type an e-mail to her personal account. I need to make sure she’s using her phone, because I don’t want anyone at SIP reading our e-mails.

From:
Christian Grey

Subject:
Missing you

Date:
June 15 2011 09:06

To:
Anastasia Steele

My bed is too big without you.

Looks like I’ll have to go to work after all.

Even megalomaniac CEOs need something to do.

x

Christian Grey

Twiddling His Thumbs CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

I hope that will elicit a smile. I press send, then call Flynn’s office. I leave a message. If Ana wants to see Flynn, she should see Flynn. With that done, I climb out of bed and head into the bathroom. After all, I do have a meeting with the mayor today.

I’M RAVENOUS AFTER YESTERDAY
evening’s events. I never ate dinner. Mrs. Jones has prepared a full breakfast for me—eggs, bacon, ham, hash browns, waffles, and toast. Gail has gone to town; she’s in her element. While I’m eating, I get a response from Ana. Her work e-mail!

From:
Anastasia Steele

Subject:
All Right for Some

Date:
June 15 2011 09:27

To:
Christian Grey

My boss is mad.

I blame you for keeping me up late with your…shenanigans.

You should be ashamed of yourself.

Anastasia Steele

Assistant to Jack Hyde, Editor, SIP

Oh, Ana, I’m more ashamed of myself than you will ever know.

From:
Christian Grey

Subject:
Shenaniwhatagans?

Date:
June 15 2011 09:32

To:
Anastasia Steele

You don’t have to work, Anastasia.

You have no idea how appalled I am at my shenanigans.

But I like keeping you up late ;)

Please use your BlackBerry.

Oh, and marry me, please.

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

Mrs. Jones is hovering about in the background while I eat my breakfast.

“More coffee, Mr. Grey?”

“Please.”

Ana’s response comes through on my phone.

From:
Anastasia Steele

Subject:
Living to make

Date:
June 15 2011 09:35

To:
Christian Grey

I know your natural inclination is toward nagging, but just stop.

I need to talk to your shrink.

Only then will I give you my answer.

I am not opposed to living in sin.

Anastasia Steele

Assistant to Jack Hyde, Editor, SIP

For fuck’s sake, Ana!

From:
Christian Grey

Subject:
BLACKBERRY

Date:
June 15 2011 09:40

To:
Anastasia Steele

Anastasia, if you are going to start discussing Dr. Flynn, then USE YOUR BLACKBERRY.

This is not a request.

Christian Grey

Now Pissed CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

My phone rings, and it’s Flynn’s PA. He can see me tomorrow evening at 7:00. I ask her to have Flynn call me; I’ll need to ask him about bringing Ana to the session.

“I’ll see if I can schedule a call later.”

“Thanks, Janet.”

I also want to know how Leila is this morning.

I send another e-mail to Ana’s account. This time my tone is a little softer.

From:
Christian Grey

Subject:
Discretion

Date:
June 15 2011 09:50

To:
Anastasia Steele

Is the better part of valor.

Please use discretion…your work e-mails are monitored.

HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU THIS?

Yes. Shouty capitals as you say. USE YOUR BLACKBERRY.

Dr. Flynn can see us tomorrow evening.

x

Christian Grey

Still Pissed CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

I hope that will please her.

“Two for dinner?” Gail asks.

“Yes. Mrs. Jones. Thanks.”

I take a last swig of coffee and set my cup down. I like bantering with Ana over breakfast. If she marries me, she could be here every morning.

Marriage. A wife.

Grey, what were you thinking?

What changes will I need to make if she agrees to marry me? I get up and stroll to the bathroom. I stop by the stairway to the upper floor. On impulse, I head up the stairs to the playroom. Unlocking the door, I step inside.

My recent memory of this room is not a good one.

Well, you are one fucked-up son of a bitch.

Ana’s words haunt me. A vision of her tearstained, anguished face comes to mind. I close my eyes. Suddenly I’m empty and aching, feeling a remorse so deep it cuts through sinew and bone. I never want to see her that unhappy again. Last night she was sobbing; she cried her heart out, but this time she let me comfort her. That’s a huge difference from last time.

Isn’t it?

I gaze around the room. What will become of it, I wonder?

I’ve had some amazing times in here…

Ana on the cross. Ana shackled to the bed. Ana on her knees.

I like your kinky fuckery.

I sigh and my phone buzzes. It’s a text from Taylor. He’s outside waiting for me. With a last lingering look at what was once my safe place, I shut the door.

MY MORNING IS UNEVENTFUL,
but there’s a certain excitement running through GEH. It’s not often that I host delegations to the company, but the mayor’s visit is causing a buzz throughout the building. I get through a few early meetings and all seems in place.

At 11:30, when I’m back in my office, Andrea puts Flynn through to me.

“John, thanks for calling me.”

“I assumed you wanted to talk about Leila Williams, but I noticed that you’re in my schedule and I’m seeing you tomorrow evening.”

“I asked Ana to marry me.”

John says nothing.

“You’re surprised?” I ask.

“Frankly, no.”

That’s not what I expect him to say. But I let it go.

He continues. “Christian, you’re impulsive. And you’re in love. What did she say?”

“She wants to talk to you.”

“She’s not my patient, Christian.”

“But I am, and I’m asking you.”

He’s silent for a moment. “Okay,” he says eventually.

“Please, tell her whatever she wants to know.”

“If that’s what you wish.”

“I do. How’s Leila?”

“She had a comfortable night and was forthcoming this morning. I think I can help her.”

“Good.”

“Christian.” He pauses. “Marriage is a serious commitment.”

“I know.”

“Are you sure that’s what you want?”

It’s my turn to pause. Spend the rest of my life with Ana…“Yes.”

“It’s not all rainbows and unicorns,” John says. “It’s hard work.”

Rainbows? Unicorns? What the hell!

“I’ve never shied away from hard work, John.”

John laughs. “That’s true. I’ll see you both tomorrow.”

“Thanks.”

MY PHONE BUZZES, AND
it’s another text from Elena.

ELENA

Can we do dinner?

Not at the moment, Elena. I just can’t deal with her at this time. I press delete. It’s after midday and I realize I’ve heard nothing more from Ana. I type a quick e-mail.

From:
Christian Grey

Subject:
Crickets

Date:
June 15 2011 12:15

To:
Anastasia Steele

I haven’t heard from you.

Please tell me you are okay.

You know how I worry.

I will send Taylor to check!

x

Christian Grey

Overanxious CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

My next meeting is lunch with the mayor and his delegation. They want a tour of the building, and my PR guy is beside himself. Sam’s all about raising the profile of the company, though sometimes I think it’s about elevating his own profile.

Andrea knocks and opens the door. “Sam’s here, Mr. Grey,” she says.

“Show him in. Oh, can you update the contacts on my phone?”

“Sure.” I hand her my phone and she stands aside to let Sam enter. He gives me a supercilious smile and starts a run-through of the various photo opportunities he’s planned for the tour. Sam is a pretentious man and a recent hire I’m beginning to regret.

There’s a knock on the door and Andrea pokes her head around. “I have Anastasia Steele on your phone. But I can’t bring it to you—it’s downloading your contacts, and I’m not brave enough to stop it mid-sync.”

I leap up, ignoring Sam, and follow her to her desk. She hands me the phone, which is on such a short cable I have to bend over her computer.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

“Yes, I’m fine,” Ana replies.
Thank goodness.

“Christian, why wouldn’t I be okay?”

“You’re normally so quick at responding to my e-mails. After what I told you yesterday, I was worried.” I keep my voice low. I don’t want Andrea or the new girl to hear me.

“Mr. Grey.” Andrea is holding her phone to her neck and trying to get my attention. “The mayor and his delegation are in reception downstairs. Shall I ask them to come up?

“No, Andrea. Tell them to wait.”

She looks stricken. “I think it’s too late; they’re on their way.”

“No. I said wait.”

Shit.

“Christian, you’re obviously busy. I only called to let you know that I’m okay, and I mean that, just very busy today. Jack has been cracking the whip. Er…I mean—” She stops.

What an interesting choice of words.

“Cracking the whip, eh? Well, there was a time when I would have called him a lucky man. Don’t let him get on top of you, baby.”

“Christian!” she scolds.

And I grin. I like shocking her. “Just watch him, that’s all. Look, I’m glad you’re okay. What time should I pick you up?”

“I’ll e-mail you.”

“From your BlackBerry,” I emphasize.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Laters, baby.”

“Bye.”

I glance up and see the elevator is climbing to the executive floor. The mayor is on his way.

“Hang up,” she says, and I hear the smile in her voice.

“I wish you’d never gone to work this morning.”

“Me, too. But I am busy. Hang up.”

“You hang up.” I grin.

“We’ve been here before,” she says in that teasing tone she has.

“You’re biting your lip.”

She inhales, quickly.

“You see, you think I don’t know you, Anastasia. But I know you better than you think.”

“Christian, I’ll talk to you later. Right now, I really wish I hadn’t left this morning, too.”

“I’ll wait for your e-mail, Miss Steele.”

“Good day, Mr. Grey.”

She hangs up as the elevator doors open.

BY 3:45 I’M BACK
in my office. The mayor’s visit was a success and a PR windfall for GEH. Andrea buzzes me.

“Yes?”

“I have Mia Grey on the line for you.”

“Put her through.”

“Christian?”

“Hi.”

“We’re having a party for your birthday on Saturday and I want to invite Anastasia.”

“Whatever happened to ‘Hello? How are you?’ ”

Mia makes a dismissive noise. “Spare me one of your lectures, big brother.”

“I’m busy on Saturday.”

“Cancel it. It’s happening.”

“Mia!”

“No ifs or buts. What’s Ana’s number?”

I sigh and stay silent.

“Christian!” she shouts down the phone.

Jesus.
“I’ll text it to you.”

“No bailing. You’ll disappoint Mom and Dad and me and Elliot!”

I sigh. “Whatever, Mia.”

“Great! See you then. Bye.” She hangs up and I stare at the phone with frustrated amusement. My sister is a pain in the ass. I hate birthdays. Well, my birthday. Reluctantly, I text Mia Ana’s number, knowing that I’m unleashing the force that is my little sister on an unsuspecting victim.

I go back to reading a report.

When I finish, I check my e-mail and there’s one from Ana.

From:
Anastasia Steele

Subject:
Antediluvian

Date:
June 15 2011 16:11

To:
Christian Grey

Dear Mr. Grey

When, exactly, were you going to tell me?

What shall I get my old man for his birthday?

Perhaps some new batteries for his hearing aid?

A x

Anastasia Steele

Assistant to Jack Hyde, Editor, SIP

Mia is as good as her word. She hasn’t wasted any time. I have some fun with my response.

From:
Christian Grey

Subject:
Prehistoric

Date:
June 15 2011 16:20

To:
Anastasia Steele

Don’t mock the elderly.

Glad you are alive and kicking.

And that Mia has been in touch.

Batteries are always useful.

I don’t like celebrating my birthday.

x

Christian Grey

Deaf as a Post CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

From:
Anastasia Steele

Subject:
Hmmm.

Date:
June 15 2011 16:24

To:
Christian Grey

Dear Mr. Grey

I can imagine you pouting as you wrote that last sentence.

That does things to me.

A xox

Anastasia Steele

Assistant to Jack Hyde, Editor, SIP

Her reply makes me laugh out loud, but what do I have to do to make her use her phone?

From:
Christian Grey

Subject:
Rolling Eyes

Date:
June 15 2011 16:29

To:
Anastasia Steele

Miss Steele

WILL YOU USE YOUR BLACKBERRY!!!

x

Christian Grey

Twitchy Palmed CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

I await her answer. It does not disappoint.

From:
Anastasia Steele

Subject:
Inspiration

Date:
June 15 2011 16:33

To:
Christian Grey

Dear Mr. Grey

Ah…your twitchy palms can’t stay still for long, can they?

I wonder what Dr. Flynn would say about that?

But now I know what to give you for your birthday—and I hope it makes me sore…

;)

A x

Finally, she’s using her phone. And she wants to be sore.
My mind goes into overdrive imagining the possibilities this presents.

I shift in my seat as I type my response.

From:
Christian Grey

Subject:
Angina

Date:
June 15 2011 16:38

To:
Anastasia Steele

Miss Steele

I don’t think my heart could stand the strain of another e-mail like that, or my pants for that matter.

Behave.

x

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

From:
Anastasia Steele

Subject:
Trying

Date:
June 15 2011 16:42

To:
Christian Grey

Christian

I am trying to work for my very trying boss.

Please stop bothering me and being trying yourself.

Your last e-mail nearly made me combust.

x

P.S.: Can you pick me up at 6:30?

From:
Christian Grey

Subject:
I’ll Be There

Date:
June 15 2011 16:47

To:
Anastasia Steele

Nothing would give me greater pleasure.

Actually, I can think of any number of things that would give me greater pleasure, and they all involve you.

x

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

TAYLOR AND I PULL
up outside her office at 6:27. I should only have a few minutes to wait.

I wonder if she’s had any thoughts about my proposal. Of course, she needs to talk to Flynn first. Perhaps he’ll tell her not to be a fool. The thought depresses me. I wonder if our days are numbered. But she knows the worst and she’s still here. I think there’s room for hope. I check my watch—6:38—and stare at the door of her office building.

Where is she?

Suddenly she’s in the street, the door swinging behind her. But she doesn’t head toward the car.

What gives?

She stops, looks around, and slowly sinks to the ground.

Fuck.

I open the car door and notice out of the corner of my eye that Taylor is doing the same.

We both rush to Ana, who is sitting on the sidewalk, looking faint. I sink down beside her. “Ana, Ana! What’s wrong?” I pull her into my lap to check what’s wrong, holding her head between my hands. She closes her eyes and sags against me as if in relief. “Ana.” I grasp her arms and shake her. “What’s wrong? Are you sick?”

“Jack,” she whispers.

“Fuck.” Adrenaline sweeps through my body, leaving a murderous fury in its wake. I glance up at Taylor. He nods and disappears into the building. “What did that sleazeball do to you?”

Ana giggles. “It’s what I did to him.” And she doesn’t stop laughing. She’s hysterical. I’m going to kill him.

“Ana!” I give her a shake. “Did he touch you?”

“Only once,” she whispers, and her giggling stops.

Rage fuels my muscles as I stand holding her in my arms. “Where is that fucker?” From inside the building we can hear muffled shouts. I set Ana on her feet. “Can you stand?”

She nods. “Don’t go in. Don’t, Christian.”

“Get in the car.”

“Christian, no.” She clasps my arm.

“Get in the goddamned car, Ana.”

I’m going to kill him.

“No! Please!” she begs. “Stay. Don’t leave me on my own.”

I drag my hand through my hair, trying and failing to hang on to my temper while the muffled shouting inside SIP intensifies. Abruptly it stops.

I pull out my phone.

“Christian, he has my e-mails,” Ana says in a whisper.

“What?”

“My e-mails to you. He wanted to know where your e-mails to me were. He was trying to blackmail me.”

I think I’m going to have a coronary.

That motherfucking asshole.

“Fuck!” I growl, as I call Barney.

“Hello—”

“Barney. Grey. I need you to access the SIP main server and wipe all Anastasia Steele’s e-mails to me. Then access the personal data files of Jack Hyde and check they aren’t stored there. If they are, wipe them.”

“Hyde? H.Y.D.E.”

“Yes.”

“All of them?”

“All of them. Now. Let me know when it’s done.”

“Will do.”

I hang up and dial Roach’s number.

“Jerry Roach.”

“Roach. Grey.”

“Good evening—”

“Hyde. I want him out. Now.”

“But—” Roach blusters.

“This minute. Call security. Get him to clear his desk immediately or I will liquidate this company first thing in the morning.”

“Is there a reason—” Roach tries again.

“You already have all the justification you need to give him his pink slip.”

“You’ve read his confidential file?”

I ignore his question. “Do you understand?”

“Mr. Grey, I completely understand. Our HR director is always defending him. I’ll see to it. Good evening.”

I hang up, feeling somewhat mollified, and turn to Ana. “BlackBerry!”

“Please don’t be mad at me.”

“I am so mad at you right now,” I snap. “Get in the car.”

“Christian, please—”

“Get in the fucking car, Anastasia, or so help me I’ll put you in there myself.”

“Don’t do anything stupid, please,” she says.

“Stupid!” I see red. “I told you to use your fucking BlackBerry. Don’t talk to me about stupid. Get in the motherfucking car, Anastasia—now!”

“Okay.” She holds up her hands. “But, please, be careful.”

Stop shouting at her, Grey.

I point to the car.

“Please be careful,” she whispers, again. “I don’t want anything to happen to you. It would kill me.”

And there it is. She cares. Her affection for me is plain in her words and in her kind, concerned expression.

Calm down, Grey.
I take a deep breath.

“I’ll be careful,” I say, and I watch her walk to the Audi and climb in. Once she’s in the car, I turn on my heel and stride into the building.

I have no idea where to go, but I follow Hyde’s voice.

His irritating, whiny voice.

Taylor is standing outside an executive office, beside what must be Ana’s desk. Inside, Hyde is on the phone and a security guard stands over him with his arms crossed.

“I don’t give a fuck, Jerry.” Hyde is protesting into the phone. “The woman is a pricktease.”

I’ve heard enough.

I storm into his office.

“What the—” Hyde says, shocked to see me. He has a cut over his left eye and a purplish bruise is forming on his cheek. I suspect Taylor has been administering his own brand of discipline. I reach down to the phone cradle and press the hook, ending his call.