by James, E L
“Anastasia, I despise guns. My mom has patched up too many victims of gun crime, and my dad is vehemently antigun. I grew up with their ethos. I support at least two gun-control initiatives here in Washington.”
“Oh. Does Taylor carry a gun?”
I glance at Taylor and hope that the utter disdain I feel for firearms doesn’t show on my face. “Sometimes.”
“You don’t approve?” Ana asks, as I usher her out of the elevator.
“No. Let’s just say that Taylor and I hold very different views with regard to gun control.”
In the car, Ana reaches over and grasps my hand. “Please,” she says.
“Please what?”
“Learn how to shoot.”
I roll my eyes. “No. End of discussion, Anastasia.”
She opens her mouth, but closes it again, and folds her arms and gazes out of the window. I suppose being an ex-soldier’s daughter will give you a different perspective on guns. Being a doctor’s son formed mine.
“Where is Leila?” Ana pipes up.
Why is she thinking about my ex-sub?
“I told you. She’s in Connecticut with her folks.”
“Did you check? After all, she does have long hair. It could have been her driving the Dodge.”
“Yes, I checked. She’s enrolled in an art school in Hamden. She started this week.”
“You’ve spoken to her?” Ana pales, her voice quietly ringing with shock.
“No. Flynn has.”
“I see,” she mutters.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
I sigh. This is the second time this morning she’s done this. “Ana. What is it?”
Communicate and compromise.
She shrugs, and I have no idea what she’s thinking. About Leila? Maybe Ana needs reassuring. “I’m keeping tabs on her,” I say, “checking that she stays on her side of the continent. She’s better, Ana. Flynn has referred her to a shrink in New Haven, and all the reports are very positive. She’s always been interested in art, so…” I stop, trying to find a clue in Ana’s face as to what she’s thinking. “Don’t sweat this, Anastasia.” I squeeze her hand, and I’m heartened when she returns the gesture.
“Nice haircut, Mr. Grey.” Barry is effusive as he opens the glass door to Grey House.
“Er, thank you, Barry.”
Well, that’s a first.
“How’s your boy?” I ask.
“He’s great, sir. Doing well at school.” Barry glows with paternal pride.
I can’t help my smile. “Good to hear it.”
Ros and Sam are in the elevator.
“Haircut?” Ros asks.
“Yes. Thanks.”
“Looks good.”
“Yes,” says Sam.
“Thanks.”
What the hell has gotten into my staff?
After my update with Barney on the tablet prototype, I send an e-mail to Ana. I take a gamble that she’s managed to have her e-mail name changed.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Flattery
Date: August 23 2011 09:54
To: Anastasia Grey
Mrs. Grey
I have received three compliments on my new haircut. Compliments from my staff are new. It must be the ridiculous smile I’m wearing whenever I think about last night. You are indeed a wonderful, talented, beautiful woman.
And all mine.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
I’m delighted when it doesn’t bounce, though I don’t get an immediate answer.
I’m between meetings when her response arrives.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Trying to Concentrate Here
Date: August 23 2011 10:48
To: Christian Grey
Mr. Grey
I am trying to work and don’t want to be distracted by delicious memories.
Is now the time to confess that I used to cut Ray’s hair regularly? I had no idea it would be such useful training.
And yes, I am yours and you, my dear, overbearing husband who refuses to exercise his constitutional right under the Second Amendment to bear arms, are mine. But don’t worry because I shall protect you. Always.
Anastasia Grey
Editor, SIP
She used to cut Ray’s hair. Well, damn it, that’s why she did such a good job. And she’s going to protect me.
Of course, she is. I turn to my computer and Google “gun phobia.”
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Annie Oakley
Date: August 23 2011 10:53
To: Anastasia Grey
Mrs. Grey
I am delighted to see you have spoken to the IT dept and changed your name. :D
I shall sleep safe in my bed knowing that my gun-toting wife sleeps beside me.
Christian Grey
CEO & Hoplophobe, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Long Words
Date: August 23 2011 10:58
To: Christian Grey
Mr. Grey
Once more you dazzle me with your linguistic prowess.
In fact, your prowess in general, and I think you know what I’m referring to.
Anastasia Grey
Editor, SIP
Her reply makes me grin.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Gasp!
Date: August 23 2011 11:01
To: Anastasia Grey
Mrs. Grey
Are you flirting with me?
Christian Grey
Shocked CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Would you rather…
Date: August 23 2011 11:04
To: Christian Grey
I flirted with someone else?
Anastasia Grey
Brave Editor, SIP
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Grrrrr
Date: August 23 2011 11:09
To: Anastasia Grey
NO!
Christian Grey
Possessive CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Wow…
Date: August 23 2011 11:14
To: Christian Grey
Are you growling at me? ’Cause that’s kinda hot.
Anastasia Grey
Squirming (in a good way) Editor, SIP
I love making her squirm via e-mail.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Beware
Date: August 23 2011 11:16
To: Anastasia Grey
Flirting and toying with me, Mrs. Grey?
I may pay you a visit this afternoon.
Christian Grey
Priapic CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Oh No!
Date: August 23 2011 11:20
To: Christian Grey
I’ll behave. I wouldn’t want my boss’s boss’s boss getting on top of me at work. ;)
Now let me get on with my job. My boss’s boss’s boss may fire my ass.
Anastasia Grey
Editor, SIP
From: Christian Grey
Subject: &*%$&*&*
Date: August 23 2011 11:23
To: Anastasia Grey
Believe me when I say there are a great many things he’d like to do to your ass right now. Firing you is not one of them.
Christian Grey
CEO & Ass man, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Go Away!
Date: August 23 2011 11:26
To: Christian Grey
Don’t you have an empire to run?
Stop bothering me.
My next appointment is here.
I thought you were a breast man…
Think about my ass, and I’ll think about yours…
ILY x
Anastasia Grey
Now Moist Editor, SIP
Moist? There’s that word again. I shake my head. I like her wet. Moist doesn’t do it for me, at all. But sadly, I must cease, as my meeting with Marco and his team starts in four minutes.
It’s a great meeting. Marco has gone aggressively after Geolumara and our bid has been successful. This acquisition will take us into a new area of green energy, via a cheaper and easier-to-manufacture solar panel.
It’s also looking likely that either I’ll have to go to Taiwan or the shipyard owners will come to us. But first they want a phone conference. Ros is arranging a time.
When we finish up, she asks for a word. We wait for the others to leave.
“Hassan would like you to go to New York,” she says. “Morale is low because of how Woods left. He wasn’t well liked, and because he kicked up a fuss in the press, the tech team is skittish. We don’t want to lose any of them. They’re all good people.”
“Hassan can’t reassure them?”
“He can only do so much, Christian. Your visit would signal real support. You’re good at rallying the troops.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll let him know you’ll be there Thursday.”
“Thanks.”
“Oh, and Gwen is pregnant.”
“Wow. Congratulations!”
I wonder how all that works, but I don’t want to pry.
“Yes. She’s at twelve weeks, so we’re telling people.”
“Three kids! Wow!”
“Yes. We’ll probably stop there.”
I grin. “Well, congratulations once more.”
When I get back to my desk, I call Welch for an update. He’s viewed the footage from outside Escala. “Mr. Grey, I’d like to talk to Hyde’s former assistants again. See if they’ll talk this time.”
“Couldn’t do any harm.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
“Let me know how you get on.”
“Will do.”
I hang up and let Ana know I’m off to New York.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: The Big Apple
Date: August 23 2011 12:59
To: Anastasia Grey
Dearest Wife
My empire requires that I go to NYC on Thursday.
I’ll be back on Friday evening.
Are you sure I can’t persuade you to come with me?
Your boss’s boss’s boss needs you.
Christian Grey
CEO, Breast & Ass man, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: NYC NoNo
Date: August 23 2011 13:02
To: Christian Grey
I think my boss’s boss’s boss can manage a night without me
and my breasts and ass!
As they say, absence makes the…heart grow fonder.
I’ll behave. I promise.
Anastasia Grey
Editor, SIP
Thursday, August 25, 2011
It’s pre-dawn, and my wife is curled up beneath the covers. Beside her on the floor is the remains of a cable tie. I pick it up, smirking, remembering last night, and slip it into my pants pocket.
Fun times.
Leaning over her, I catch a hint of her scent. Ana and sex; the most seductive perfume in the world. I plant a gentle kiss on her forehead.
“Too early,” she grumbles.
Damn. I’ve woken her, and I know from experience that Ana is not a fan of the early morning. “I’ll see you tomorrow night,” I whisper.
“Don’t go,” she says sleepily, and she’s so tempting.
“I have to.” I stroke her cheek. “Miss me.”
“I will.” She gives me a sleepy smile and puckers her lips.
I grin. An early morning good-bye kiss from my girl. “Bye,” I whisper against her lips, and reluctantly, I leave her to sleep.
From the back of the car I send Ana an e-mail while Ryan drives Taylor and me to Boeing Field.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Miss You Already
Date: August 25 2011 04:32
To: Anastasia Grey
Mrs. Grey
You were adorable this morning.
Behave while I’m away.
I love you.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
Captain Stephan and First Officer Beighley are on hand, and we’re soon airborne for NYC. I strip down in the small bedroom, hoping to catch an hour or so of sleep. As I lay down, I recall our evening. Ana and I went to the Seattle Assistance Union Gala; she looked elegant in her pale pink dress and second-chance earrings. She looked even more elegant when I undressed her last night.
She should be with me now. I close my eyes and my mind drifts to our honeymoon night, on board this Gulfstream.
Hmm…I hope to dream of my wife.
I wake when we’re about an hour out of New York and, feeling refreshed, dress quickly. Taylor is in the main cabin, eating what looks like a ham-and-cheese croissant.
“Good morning, sir.”
“Hi. Breakfast. Great. Did you get some sleep?”
Taylor nods, looking his usual, immaculate self. “I did, thank you.”
I take my seat as the captain joins us.
“Sleep well, sir?” Stephan asks.
“Yes. Thanks. Everything okay?” I ask.
“We’re being rerouted to JFK. There’s been an incident at Teterboro.”
“An incident?”
“As far as I know, it’s nothing major, it’s just hit our landing time.”
“This will give me less time at GEH Fiber Optics,” I say to Taylor.
“I’ve been in touch with the ground crew at Sheltair, and we’re rerouting your car from Teterboro,” Stephan says.
“Good. Will you get the Gulfstream to Teterboro after we land? It’s more convenient to leave from there.”
“I’ll see what we can do.” Stephan smiles and heads back into the cockpit.
Forty minutes later we land at JFK. As we taxi to the terminal, I check my e-mails. There’s one from Ana.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Behave Yourself!
Date: August 25 2011 09:03
To: Christian Grey
Let me know when you land—I’ll worry until you do.
And I shall behave. I mean, how much trouble can I get into with Kate?
Anastasia Grey
Editor, SIP
Kate? I imagine she could get into a lot of trouble with Kate. The second time I met Miss Kavanagh, Ana was inebriated. That’s how we spent our first night together. Shit! I press call.
“Ana St—Grey.”
It’s such a pleasure to hear her voice. “Hi.”
“Hi! How was your flight?”
“Long. What are you doing with Kate?”
“We’re just going out for a quiet drink.”
Out? With Hyde at large? Fuck!
“Sawyer and the new woman—Prescott—are coming to watch over us,” she says sweetly.
Then I remember. “I thought Kate was coming to the apartment.”
“She is, after a quick drink.”
I sigh. “Why didn’t you tell me?” I’m not in Seattle. If something happens to them…to her, and I’m not there, I’ll never forgive myself.
“Christian,
we’ll be fine. I have Ryan, Sawyer, and Prescott here. It’s a quick drink. I’ve seen her only a few times since you and I met. Please. She’s my best friend.”
“Ana, I don’t want to keep you from your friends. But I thought she was coming back to the apartment.”
She sighs. “Okay. We’ll stay in.”
“Only while this lunatic is out there. Please.”
“I’ve said okay,” she mutters, and I know by the tone of her voice she’s exasperated.
I chuckle, relieved that she’s reverting to type. “I always know when you’re rolling your eyes at me.”
“Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. I’ll tell Kate.”
“Good.” I blow out a breath. I can go about the rest of my day and not worry about her.
“Where are you?”
“On the tarmac at JFK.”
“Oh, so you just landed?”
“Yes. You asked me to call the moment I landed.”
“Well, Mr. Grey, I’m glad one of us is punctilious.”
“Mrs. Grey, your gift for hyperbole knows no bounds. What am I going to do with you?”
“I am sure you’ll think of something imaginative. You usually do,” she whispers.
“Are you flirting with me?”
“Yes.” She sounds breathless and even from this far away, and over the phone her voice is arousing.
I grin. “I’d better go. Ana, do as you’re told, please. The security team knows what they’re doing.”
“Yes, Christian, I will.” I sense more eye rolling.
“I’ll see you tomorrow evening. I’ll call you later.”
“To check up on me?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, Christian!” she chides me.
“Au revoir, Mrs. Grey.”
“Au revoir, Christian. I love you.”
Hearing her say those three words will never get old. “And I you, Ana.”
Neither of us hangs up.
“Hang up, Christian,” she murmurs.
“You’re a bossy little thing, aren’t you?”
“Your bossy little thing.”
“Mine,” I whisper. “Do as you’re told. Hang up.”
“Yes, Sir,” she purrs, and hangs up.
And the disappointment is real.
Ana.
I type a quick e-mail.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Twitching Palms
Date: August 25 2011 13:42 EDT
To: Anastasia Grey
Mrs. Grey
You are as entertaining as ever on the phone.
I mean it. Do as you’re told.
I need to know you’re safe.