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ksweater.kMommykiskstillkasleep.kMommykwa ekup!kSheklieskstill.kShekiskcold.kIkf etchkmykblan ie,kandkIkcoverkMommy,kandkIkliekdownkonkthekstic ykgreenkrugkbesid ekher.kMommykiskstillkasleep.kIkhavektwoktoykcars.kTheykracekbykthekfloorkwherek Mommykisksleeping.kIkthin kMommykisksic .kIksearchkforksomethingktokeat.kInkthek freezerkIkfindkpeas.kTheykarekcold.kIkeatkthemkslowly.kTheykma ekmyktummykhurt.k IksleepkbesidekMommy.kThekpeaskarekgone.kInkthekfreezerkisksomething.kItksmellsk funny.kIklic kitkandkmyktonguekiskstuc ktokit.kIkeatkitkslowly.kItktastesknasty. kIkdrin ksomekwater.kIkplaykwithkmykcars,kandkIksleepkbesidekMommy.kMommykisksok cold,kandkshekwontkwa ekup.kThekdoorkcrasheskopen.kIkcoverkMommykwithkmykblan ie. kHeskhere.kFuc .kWhatkthekfuc khappenedkhere?kOh,kthekcrazykfuc edkupkbitch.kShit .kFuc .kGetkoutkofkmykway,kyouklittlekshit.kHek ic skme,kandkIkhitkmykheadkonkth ekfloor.kMykheadkhurts.kHekcallsksomebodykandkhekgoes.kHekloc skthekdoor.kIklayk downkbesidekMommy.kMykheadkhurts.kThekladykpolicemankiskhere.kNo.kNo.kNo.kDontkto uchkme.kDontktouchkme.kDontktouchkme.kIkstaykbykMommy.kNo.kStaykawaykfromkme.kThek ladykpolicemankhaskmykblan ie,kandkshekgrabskme.kIkscream.kMommy!kMommy!kIkwantk mykMommy.kThekwordskarekgone.kIkcantksaykthekwords.kMommykcantkhearkme.kIkhaveknok words. k Christian!kChristian!kHerkvoicekiskurgent,kpullingkhimkfromkthekdepthskofk hisknightmare,kthekdepthskofkhiskdespair.kImkhere.kImkhere. k Hekwa eskandksheskleaningkoverkhim,kgraspingkhiskshoulders,ksha ingkhim,k herkfaceketchedkwithkanguish,kbluekeyeskwidekandkbrimmingkwithktears. k Ana,kHiskvoicekiskakbreathlesskwhisper,kthektastekofkfearktarnishingkhiskm outh.kYourekhere. k OfkcoursekImkhere. k Ikhadkakdreamk.k.k. k Ik now.kImkhere,kImkhere. k Ana.kHekbreatheskherkname,kandkitskaktalismankagainstkthekblac kcho ingkpan ickcoursingkthroughkhiskbody. k Hush,kImkhere.kShekcurlskaroundkhim,kherklimbskcocooningkhim,kherkwarmthkle echingkintokhiskbody,kforcingkbac kthekshadows,kforcingkbac kthekfear.kShekisksu nshine,kshekisklightk.k.k.kshekiskhis. k Pleasekletsknotkfight.kHiskvoicekiskhoarsekaskhekwrapskhiskarmskaroundkher. k O ay. k Thekvows.kNokobeying.kIkcankdokthat.kWellkfindkakway.kThekwordskrushkoutkof khiskmouthkinkaktumblekofkemotionkandkconfusionkandkanxiety. k Yes.kWekwill.kWellkalwayskfindkakway,kshekwhisperskandkherklipskarekonkhis, ksilencingkhim,kbringingkhimkbac ktoktheknow. k k k k k

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kinktheklatekafternoonksun,kidlykrememberingkhiskproposal.kOhkhiskdreamykproposa lkinkthekboathousek.k.k.kIkcankalmostksmellkthekscentkofkthekmeadowkflowersk.k.k . k kkk k Cankwekmarryktomorrow?kChristiankmurmursksoftlykinkmykear.kIkamksprawledko nkhiskchestkinkthekflowerykbowerkinkthekboathouse,ksatedkfromkourkpassionateklov ema ing. k Hmm. k Iskthatkakyes?kIkhearkhiskhopefulksurprise. k Hmm. k Akno? k Hmm. k Iksensekhiskgrin.kMisskSteele,karekyoukincoherent? k Ikgrin.kHmm. k Heklaughskandkhugskmektightly,k issingkthektopkofkmykhead.kVegas,ktomorro w,kitkiskthen. k SleepilykIkraisekmykhead.kIkdontkthin kmykparentskwouldkbekverykhappykwith kthat. k Hekthrumskhiskfingertipskupkandkdownkmykna edkbac ,kcaressingkmekgently. k Whatkdokyoukwant,kAnastasia?kVegas?kAkbigkweddingkwithkallkthektrimmings? kTellkme. k Notkbigk.k.k.kJustkfriendskandkfamily.kIkgazekupkatkhimkmovedkbykthekquiet kentreatykinkhiskglowingkgraykeyes.kWhatkdoeskhekwant? k O ay.kHeknods.kWhere? k Ikshrug. k Couldkwekdokitkhere?khekas sktentatively. k Yourkfol skplace?kWouldktheykmind? k Heksnorts.kMykmotherkwouldkbekinkseventhkheaven. k O ay,khere.kImksurekmykmomkandkdadkwouldkpreferkthat. k Hekstro eskmykhair.kCouldkIkbekanykhappier? k So,kwevekestablishedkwhere,knowkthekwhen. k Surelykyoukshouldkas kyourkmother. k Hmm.kChristiansksmilekdips.kShekcankhavekakmonth,kthatskit.kIkwantkyouktookmu chktokwaitkanyklonger. k Christian,kyoukhavekme.kYouvekhadkmekforkakwhile.kButko ayakmonthkitkis.kIk isskhiskchest,kaksoftkchastek iss,kandksmilekupkatkhim. k kkk k Youllkburn.kChristiankwhisperskinkmykear,kstartlingkmekfromkmykdoze. k Onlykforkyou.kIkgivekhimkmyksweetestksmile.kTheklatekafternoonksunkhaskshi fted,kandkIkamkunderkitskfullkglare.kHeksmir skandkinkonekswiftkmovekpullskmyksu nkloungerkintokthekshadekofkthekparasol. k OutkofkthekMediterraneanksun,kMrs.kGrey. k Than kyoukforkyourkaltruism,kMr.kGrey. k Mykpleasure,kMrs.kGrey,kandkImknotkbeingkaltruistickatkall.kIfkyoukburn,kI kwontkbekablektoktouchkyou.kHekraiseskankeyebrow,khiskeyeskshiningkwithkmirth,kand kmykheartkexpands.kButkIksuspectkyouk nowkthatkandkyoureklaughingkatkme. k WouldkI?kIkgasp,kfeigningkinnocence. k Yeskyoukwouldkandkyoukdo.kOften.kItskonekofkthekmanykthingskIklovekaboutky ou.kHekleanskdownkandk isseskme,kplayfullykbitingkmyklowerklip. k Ikwaskhopingkyoudkrubkmekdownkwithkmoreksunscreen.kIkpoutkagainstkhisklips. k Mrs.kGrey,kitskakdirtykjobk.k.k.kbutkthatskankofferkIkcantkrefuse.kSitkup,khe korders,khiskvoicekhus y.kIkdokaskImktold,kandkwithkslowkmeticulouskstro eskfromk strongkandksupplekfingers,khekcoatskmekinksunscreen. k Youkreallykarekveryklovely.kImkakluc ykman,khekmurmurskaskhiskfingersks imk overkmykbreasts,kspreadingktheklotion. k Yes,kyoukare,kMr.kGrey.kIkgazekcoylykupkatkhimkthroughkmyklashes. k Modestykbecomeskyou,kMrs.kGrey.kTurnkover.kIkwantktokdokyourkbac . k Smiling,kIkrollkover,kandkhekundoeskthekbac kstrapkofkmykhideouslykexpen

sivekbi ini. k HowkwouldkyoukfeelkifkIkwentktopless,kli ekthekotherkwomenkonkthekbeach?kI kas . k Displeased,kheksayskwithoutkhesitation.kImknotkverykhappykaboutkyoukwearingk soklittlekrightknow.kHekleanskdownkandkwhisperskinkmykear.kDontkpushkyourkluc . k Iskthatkakchallenge,kMr.kGrey? k No.kItskakstatementkofkfact,kMrs.kGrey. k Iksighkandksha ekmykhead.kOh,kChristiank.k.k.kmykpossessive,kjealous,kco ntrolkfrea kChristian. k Whenkheskfinished,khekslapskmykbehind. k Youllkdo,kwench. k Hiskever-present,kever-activekBlac Berrykbuzzes.kIkfrownkandkheksmir s. k Mykeyeskonly,kMrs.kGrey.kHekraiseskhiskeyebrowkinkplayfulkwarning,kslapskm ykbac sidekoncekmore,kandksitskbac kdownkonkhiskloungerktokta ekthekcall. k Mykinnerkgoddesskpurrs.kMaybektonightkwekcouldkdoksomek indkofkfloorksho wkforkhiskeyeskonly.kSheksmir sk nowingly,karchingkakbrow.kIkgrinkatkthekthought kandkdriftkbac kintokmykafternoonksiesta. k Mamselle?kUnkPerrierkpourkmoi,kunkCoca-Colaklightkpourkmakfemme,ksilkvouskp lait.kEtkquelquekchosekakmangerk.k.k.klaissez-moikvoirklakcarte. k Hmmk.k.k.kChristiankspea ingkfluentkFrenchkwa eskme.kMykeyelasheskflutte rkinkthekglarekofktheksun,kandkIkfindkChristiankwatchingkmekwhilekakliveriedkyou ngkwomankwal skaway,kherktraykheldkaloft,kherkhighkblondkponytailkswingingkprovo catively. k Thirsty?khekas s. k Yes,kIkmutterksleepily. k Ikcouldkwatchkyoukallkday.kTired? k Ikflush.kIkdidntkgetkmuchksleepklastknight. k Mekneither.kHekgrins,kputskdownkhiskBlac Berry,kandkstands.kHiskshortskfal lkaklittlekandkhangk.k.k.kinkthatkwayksokhiskswimktrun skarekvisiblekbeneath.kCh ristiankta eskhiskshortskoff,ksteppingkoutkofkhiskflip-flops.kIklosekmyktrainkof kthought. k Comekforkakswimkwithkme.kHekholdskoutkhiskhandkwhilekIkloo kupkatkhim,kdaz ed.kSwim?kheksayskagain,kcoc ingkhiskheadktokonekside,kankamusedkexpressionkonkhis kface.kWhenkIkdontkrespond,kheksha eskhiskheadkslowly. k Ikthin kyoukneedkakwa e-upkcall.kSuddenlykhekpounceskandkliftskmekintokhis karmskwhilekIkshrie ,kmorekfromksurprisekthankalarm. k Christian!kPutkmekdown!kIksqueal. k Hekchuc les.kOnlykinktheksea,kbaby. k Severalksunbatherskonkthekbeachkwatchkwithkthatkbemusedkdisinterestksokt ypical,kIknowkrealize,kofkthekFrenchkaskChristiankcarrieskmektoktheksea,klaughin g,kandkwadeskin. k Ikclaspkmykarmskaroundkhisknec .kYoukwouldnt.kIksaykbreathlessly,ktryingkto kstiflekmykgiggling. k Hekgrins.kOh,kAna,kbaby,khavekyouklearnedknothingkinkthekshortktimekwevek nownkeachkother?kHek isseskme,kandkIkseizekmykopportunity,krunningkmykfingerskthr oughkhiskhair,kgraspingktwokhandfulskandk issingkhimkbac kwhilekinvadingkhiskmou thkwithkmyktongue.kHekinhalesksharplykandkleanskbac ,keyesksmo ykbutkwary. k Ik nowkyourkgame,khekwhisperskandkslowlyksin skintokthekcool,kclearkwater, kta ingkmekwithkhimkaskhisklipskfindkminekoncekmore.kThekchillkofkthekMediterran eankisksoonkforgottenkaskIkwrapkmyselfkaroundkmykhusband. k Ikthoughtkyoukwantedktokswim,kIkmurmurkagainstkhiskmouth. k Yourekverykdistracting.kChristiankgrazeskhiskteethkalongkmyklowerklip.kButkIm knotksurekIkwantkthekgoodkpeoplekofkMontekCarloktokseekmykwifekinkthekthroeskofk passion. k Ikrunkmykteethkalongkhiskjaw,khiskstubblektic lykagainstkmyktongue,knotk caringkakdimekforkthekgoodkpeoplekofkMontekCarlo. k Ana,khekgroans.kHekwrapskmykponytailkaroundkhiskwristkandktugskgently,ktil tingkmykheadkbac ,kexposingkmykthroat.kHektrailsk isseskfromkmykearkdownkmyknec . k ShallkIkta ekyoukinktheksea?khekbreathes.

k Yes,kIkwhisper. k Christiankpullskawaykandkgazeskdownkatkme,khiskeyeskwarm,kwanting,kandka mused.kMrs.kGrey,kyourekinsatiablekandksokbrazen.kWhatksortkofkmonsterkhavekIkcrea ted? k Akmonsterkfitkforkyou.kWouldkyoukhavekmekanykotherkway? k Illkta ekyoukanykwaykIkcankgetkyou,kyouk nowkthat.kButknotkrightknow.kNotk withkankaudience.kHekjer skhiskheadktowardkthekshore. k What? k Surekenough,kseveralksunbatherskonkthekbeachkhavekabandonedktheirkindiff erencekandknowkregardkuskwithkinterest.kSuddenly,kChristiankgrabskmekaroundkmykw aistkandklauncheskmekintokthekair,klettingkmekfallkintokthekwaterkandksin kbenea thkthekwavesktoktheksoftksandkbelow.kIksurface,kcoughing,ksplutteringkandkgiggli ng. k Christian!kIkscold,kglaringkatkhim.kIkthoughtkwekwerekgoingktokma ekloveki nkthekseak.k.k.kandkchal kupkyetkanotherkfirst.kHekbiteskhisklowerklipktokstifle khiskamusement.kIksplashkhim,kandkheksplasheskmekrightkbac . k Wekhavekallknight,kheksays,kgrinningkli ekakfool.kLaters,kbaby.kHekdiveskben eathkthekseakandksurfaceskthreekfeetkawaykfromkme,kthenkinkakfluid,kgracefulkcra wl,kswimskawaykfromkthekshore,kawaykfromkme. k Gah!kPlayful,ktantalizingkFifty!kIkshieldkmykeyeskfromktheksunkaskIkwatc hkhimkgo.kHesksuchkakteasek.k.k.kwhatkcankIkdoktokgetkhimkbac ?kWhilekIkswimkbac ktokthekshore,kIkcontemplatekmykoptions.kAtktheksunkloungerskourkdrin skhavekarr ived,kandkIkta ekakquic ksipkofkCo e.kChristiankiskakfaintkspec kinkthekdistance . k Hmmk.k.k.kIkliekdownkonkmykfrontkand,kfumblingkwithkthekstraps,kta ekmyk bi iniktopkoffkandktosskitkcasuallykontokChristiansksunklounger.kTherek.k.k.kseek howkbrazenkIkcankbe,kMr.kGrey.kPutkthiskinkyourkpipekandksmo ekit.kIkshutkmykeye skandkletktheksunkwarmkmyks ink.k.k.kwarmkmykbones,kandkIkdriftkawaykunderkitskh eat,kmykthoughtskturningktokmykweddingkday. k kkk k Youkmayk isskthekbride,kReverendkWalshkannounces. k Ikbeamkatkmykhusband. k Finally,kyourekmine,khekwhisperskandkpullskmekintokhiskarmskandk isseskmekc hastelykonktheklips. k Ikamkmarried.kIkamkMrs.kChristiankGrey.kIkamkgiddykwithkjoy. k Youkloo kbeautiful,kAna,khekmurmurskandksmiles,khiskeyeskglowingkwithklove k.k.k.kandksomethingkdar er,ksomethingkhot.kDontkletkanyonekta ekthatkdresskoffkbu tkme,kunderstand?kHisksmilekheatskakhundredkdegreeskaskhiskfingertipsktrailkdownk mykchee ,kignitingkmykblood. k Holykcrapk.k.k.kHowkdoeskhekdokthis,kevenkherekwithkallkthesekpeopleksta ringkatkus? k Iknodkmutely.kJeez,kIkhopeknokonekcankhearkus.kLuc ilykReverendkWalshkha skdiscreetlyksteppedkbac .kIkglancekatkthekthrongkgatheredkinktheirkweddingkfine ryk.k.k.kMykmom,kRay,kBob,kandkthekGreyskarekallkapplaudingevenkKate,kmykmaidkofk honor,kwhokloo skstunningkinkpalekpin kaskshekstandskbesidekChristianskbestkman,k hiskbrotherkElliot.kWhok newkthatkevenkElliotkcouldkscrubkupksokwell?kAllkwearkh uge,kbeamingksmilesexceptkGrace,kwhokweepskgraciouslykintokakdaintykwhitekhand er chief. k Readyktokparty,kMrs.kGrey?kChristiankmurmurs,kgivingkmekhiskshyksmile.kIkm elt.kHekloo skdivinekinkaksimplekblac ktuxkwithksilverkwaistcoatkandktie.kHesksok .k.k.kdashing. k ReadykaskIllkeverkbe.kIkgrin,kaktotallykgoofyksmilekonkmykface. k Laterkthekweddingkpartykiskinkfullkswingk.k.k.kCarric kandkGracekhavekgo nektoktown.kTheykhavekthekmarqueeksetkupkagainkandkbeautifullykdecoratedkinkpale kpin ,ksilver,kandkivorykwithkitsksideskopen,kfacingkthekbay.kWekhavekbeenkbless edkwithkfinekweather,kandktheklatekafternoonksunkshineskoverkthekwater.kThereskak dancekfloorkatkonekendkofkthekmarquee,kaklavishkbuffetkatkthekother. k Raykandkmykmotherkarekdancingkandklaughingkwithkeachkother.kIkfeelkbitte rsweetkwatchingkthemktogether.kIkhopekChristiankandkIklastklonger.kIkdontk nowkwh

atkIdkdokifkhekleftkme.kMarrykinkhaste,krepentkatkleisure.kTheksayingkhauntskme. k Katekiskbesidekme,kloo ingksokbeautifulkinkherklongksil kgown.kShekglanc eskatkmekandkfrowns.kHey,kthiskisksupposedktokbekthekhappiestkdaykofkyourklife,ksh ekscolds. k Itkis,kIkwhisper. k Oh,kAna,kwhatskwrong?kArekyoukwatchingkyourkmomkandkRay? k Iknodksadly. k Theyrekhappy. k Happierkapart. k Yourekhavingkdoubts?kKatekas s,kalarmed. k No,knotkatkall.kItskjustk.k.k.kIklovekhimksokmuch.kIkfreeze,kunablekorkunwi llingktokarticulatekmykfears. k Ana,kitskobviouskhekadoreskyou.kIk nowkyoukhadkankunconventionalkstartktok yourkrelationship,kbutkIkcankseekhowkhappykyouvekbothkbeenkoverkthekpastkmonth.kSh ekgraspskmykhands,ksqueezingkthem.kBesides,kitsktooklateknow,kshekaddskwithkakgrin. k Ikgiggle.kTrustkKatektokpointkoutkthekobvious.kShekpullskmekintokakKathe rinekKavanaghkSpecialkHug.kAna,kyoullkbekfine.kAndkifkhekhurtskonekhairkonkyourkhe ad,khellkhavekmektokanswerkto.kReleasingkme,kshekgrinskatkwhoeverkiskbehindkme. k Hi,kbaby.kChristiankputskhiskarmskaroundkme,ksurprisingkme,kandk isseskmyk temple.kKate,khekac nowledges.kHeskstillkcoolktowardkherkevenkafterksixkwee s. k Hellokagain,kChristian.kImkoffktokfindkyourkbestkman,kwhokhappensktokbekmy kbestkman,ktoo.kWithkaksmilektokuskboth,kshekheadskoverktokElliot,kwhokiskdrin in gkwithkherkbrotherkEthankandkourkfriendkJos. k Timektokgo,kChristiankmurmurs. k Already?kThiskiskthekfirstkpartykIvekbeenktokwherekIkdontkmindkbeingkthekce nterkofkattention.kIkturnkinkhiskarmsktokfacekhim. k Youkdeservektokbe.kYoukloo kstunning,kAnastasia. k Sokdokyou. k Heksmiles,khiskexpressionkheating.kThiskbeautifulkdresskbecomeskyou. k Thiskoldkthing?kIkblushkshylykandkpullkonkthekfineklacektrimkofktheksimple ,kfittedkweddingkdresskdesignedkforkmekbykKateskmother.kIklovekthatktheklacekiskj ustkoffkthekshoulderdemure,kyetkalluring,kIkhope. k Hekbendskandk isseskme.kLetskgo.kIkdontkwantktoksharekyoukwithkallkthesekpe oplekanymore. k Cankwekleavekourkownkwedding? k Baby,kitskourkparty,kandkwekcankdokwhateverkwekwant.kWevekcutkthekca e.kAnd krightknow,kIdkli ektokwhis kyoukawaykandkhavekyoukallktokmyself. k Ikgiggle.kYoukhavekmekforkaklifetime,kMr.kGrey. k Imkverykgladktokhearkthat,kMrs.kGrey. k Oh,ktherekyouktwokare!kSuchklovebirds. k Ikgroankinwardlyk.k.k.kGraceskmotherkhaskfoundkus. k Christian,kdarlingonekmorekdancekwithkyourkgrandma? k Christiankpurseskhisklips.kOfkcourse,kGrandmother. k Andkyou,kbeautifulkAnastasia,kgokandkma ekankoldkmankhappydancekwithkTheo. k Theo,kMrs.kTrevelyan? k GrandpakTrevelyan.kAndkIkthin kyoukcankcallkmekGrandma.kNow,kyouktwokseri ouslykneedktokgetkwor ingkonkmykgreat-grand ids.kIkwontklastktookmuchklonger.kShek giveskuskbothkaksimperingksmile. k Christiankblin skatkherkinkhorror.kCome,kGrandmother,kheksays,khurriedlykt a ingkherkhandkandkleadingkherktokthekdancekfloor.kHekglanceskbac katkme,kpracti callykpouting,kandkrollskhiskeyes.kLaters,kbaby. k AskIkwal ktowardkGrandpakTrevelyan,kJoskaccostskme. k Ikwontkas kyoukforkanotherkdance.kIkthin kIkmonopolizedktookmuchkofkyourkt imekonkthekdancekfloorkaskitkisk.k.k.kImkhappyktokseekyoukhappy,kbutkImkserious,kA na.kIllkbekherek.k.k.kIfkyoukneedkme. k Jos,kthan kyou.kYourekakgoodkfriend. k Ikmeankit.kHiskdar keyeskshinekwithksincerity. k Ik nowkyoukdo.kThan kyou,kJos.kNowkifkyoullkpleasekexcusekmeIkhavekakdatekwi thkankoldkman. k Hekfurrowskhiskbrowkinkconfusion.

k Christianskgrandfather,kIkclarify. k Hekgrins.kGoodkluc kwithkthat,kAnnie.kGoodkluc kwithkeverything. k Than s,kJos. k AfterkmykdancekwithkChristianskever-charmingkgrandfather,kIkstandkbykthek Frenchkdoors,kwatchingktheksunksin kslowlykoverkSeattle,kcastingkbrightkorangeka ndkaquamarinekshadowskacrosskthekbay. k Letskgo,kChristiankurges. k Ikhavektokchange.kIkgraspkhiskhand,kmeaningktokpullkhimkthroughkthekFrench kwindowskandkupstairskwithkme.kHekfrowns,knotkunderstanding,kandktugskgentlykonk mykhand,khaltingkme. k Ikthoughtkyoukwantedktokbekthekonektokta ekthiskdresskoff,kIkexplain.kHisk eyesklightkup. k Correct.kHekgiveskmekaklasciviouskgrin.kButkImknotkundressingkyoukhere.kWekw ouldntkleavekuntilk.k.k.kIkdontk nowk.k.k.kHekwaveskhisklong-fingeredkhand,kleaving khisksentencekunfinishedkbutkhiskmeaningkquitekclear. k Ikflushkandkletkgokofkhiskhand. k Andkdontkta ekyourkhairkdownkeither,khekmurmurskdar ly. k But k Nokbuts,kAnastasia.kYoukloo kbeautiful.kAndkIkwantktokbekthekonektokundre sskyou. k Oh.kIkfrown. k Pac kyourkgoing-awaykclothes,khekorders.kYoullkneedkthem.kTaylorkhaskyourkma inksuitcase. k O ay.kWhatkhaskhekgotkplanned?kHekhasntktoldkmekwherekwerekgoing.kInkfact,kI kdontkthin kanyonek nowskwherekwerekgoing.kNeitherkMiaknorkKatekhaskmanagedktokinv eiglekthekinformationkoutkofkhim.kIkturnktokwherekmykmotherkandkKatekarekhoverin gknearby. k Imknotkchanging. k What?kmykmotherksays. k Christiankdoesntkwantkmekto.kIkshrugkaskifkthiskshouldkexplainkeverything.k Herkbrowkfurrowskbriefly. k Youkdidntkpromisektokobey,kshekremindskmektactfully.kKatektriesktokdisguise kherksnortkaskakcough.kIknarrowkmykeyeskatkher.kNeitherksheknorkmykmotherkhaveka nykideakofkthekfightkChristiankandkIkhadkaboutkthat.kIkdontkwantktokrehashkthatka rgument.kJeez,kcankmykFiftykShadesksul k.k.k.kandkhaveknightmares.kThekmemorykis ksobering. k Ik now,kMom,kbutkhekli eskthiskdress,kandkIkwantktokpleasekhim. k Herkexpressionksoftens.kKatekrollskherkeyeskandktactfullykmoveskawayktok leavekuskalone. k Youkloo ksoklovely,kdarling.kCarlakgentlyktugskatkakloosektendrilkofkmykha irkandkstro eskmykchin.kIkamksokproudkofkyou,khoney.kYourekgoingktokma ekChristian kakverykhappykman.kShekpullskmekintokakhug. k Oh,kMom! k Ikcantkbelievekhowkgrown-upkyoukloo krightknow.kBeginningkaknewklifek.k.k. kJustkrememberkthatkmenkarekfromkakdifferentkplanet,kandkyoullkbekfine. k Ikgiggle.kChristiankiskfromkakdifferentkuniverse,kifkonlykshek new. k Than s,kMom. k Raykjoinskus,ksmilingksweetlykatkbothkMomkandkme. k Youkmadekakbeautifulkbabykgirl,kCarla,kheksays,khiskeyeskglowingkwithkprid e.kHekloo sksokdapperkinkhiskblac ktuxkandkpalekpin kwaistcoat.kTearskpric kthek bac kofkmykeyes.kOhknok.k.k.ksokfarkIkhavekmanagedknotktokcry. k Andkyoukwatchedkherkandkhelpedkherkgrowkup,kRay,kCarlaskvoicekiskwistful. k AndkIklovedkeveryksinglekminute.kYoukma ekonekhellkofkakbride,kAnnie.kRayk tuc sktheksamekloosekstrandkofkhairkbehindkmykear. k Oh,kDadk.k.k.kIkstiflekaksob,kandkhekhugskmekinkhiskbrief,kaw wardkway. k Youllkma ekonekhellkofkakwife,ktoo,khekwhispers,khiskvoicekhoarse. k Whenkhekreleaseskme,kChristiankiskbac katkmykside. k Rayksha eskhiskhandkwarmly.kLoo kafterkmykgirl,kChristian. k Ikfullykintendkto,kRay.kCarla.kHeknodskatkmykstepdadkandk isseskmykmom. k Thekrestkofkthekweddingkguestskhavekformedkaklongkhumankarchkforkusktokt

ravelkthrough,kleadingkroundktokthekfrontkofkthekhouse. k Ready?kChristianksays. k Yes. k Ta ingkmykhand,khekleadskmekunderktheirkoutstretchedkarmskwhilekourkgues tskshoutkgoodkluc kandkcongratulationskandkshowerkuskwithkrice.kWaitingkwithksmi leskandkhugskatkthekendkofkthekarchkarekGracekandkCarric .kInkturnktheykhugkandk isskuskboth.kGracekiskemotionalkagainkaskwekbidkthemkhastykgood-byes. k Taylorkiskwaitingktokwhis kuskawaykinkthekAudikSUV.kAskChristiankholdskt hekcarkdoorkopenkforkme,kIkturnkandktosskmykbouquetkofkwhitekandkpin kroseskinto kthekcrowdkofkyoungkwomenkthatkhaskgathered.kMiaktriumphantlykholdskitkaloft,kgr inningkfromkearktokear. k AskIkslidekintokthekSUVklaughingkatkMiaskaudaciouskcatch,kChristiankbends ktokgatherkthekhemkofkmykdress.kOncekImksafelykin,khekbidskthekwaitingkcrowdkakfa rewell. k Taylorkholdskthekcarkdoorkopenkforkhim.kCongratulations,ksir. k Than kyou,kTaylor,kChristiankreplieskaskhekseatskhimselfkbesidekme. k AskTaylorkpullskaway,kourkweddingkguestskshowerkthekvehiclekwithkrice.kC hristiankgraspskmykhandkandk isseskmyk nuc les. k Sokfarksokgood,kMrs.kGrey? k Sokfarksokwonderful,kMr.kGrey.kWherekarekwekgoing? k Sea-Tac,kheksaysksimplykandksmileskaksphinxli eksmile. k Hmmk.k.k.kwhatkiskhekplanning? k TaylorkdoesknotkheadkforkthekdeparturekterminalkaskIkexpectkbutkthroughk aksecuritykgatekandkdirectlykonktokthektarmac.kWhat?kAndkthenkIkseekherChristiansk jetk.k.k.kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc.kinklargekbluekletteringkacrosskherkfuse lage. k Dontktellkmekyourekmisusingkcompanykpropertykagain! k Oh,kIkhopekso,kAnastasia.kChristiankgrins. k Taylorkhaltskatkthekfootkofkthekstepskleadingkupktokthekplanekandkleapsk outkofkthekAudiktokopenkChristianskdoor.kTheykhavekakbriefkdiscussion,kthenkChris tiankopenskmykdoorandkratherkthanksteppingkbac ktokgivekmekroomktokclimbkout,khek leanskinkandkliftskme. k Whoa!kWhatkarekyoukdoing?kIksquea . k Carryingkyoukoverkthekthreshold,kheksays. k Oh.kIsntkthatksupposedktokbekatkhome? k Hekcarrieskmekeffortlesslykupktheksteps,kandkTaylorkfollowskwithkmyksmal lksuitcase.kHekleaveskitkonkthekthresholdkofkthekplanekbeforekreturningktokthekA udi.kInsidekthekcabin,kIkrecognizekStephan,kChristianskpilot,kinkhiskuniform. k Welcomekaboard,ksir,kMrs.kGrey.kHekgrins. k Christiankputskmekdownkandksha eskStephanskhand.kBesidekStephankstandskak dar -hairedkwomankinkherkwhat?kEarlykthirties?kSheskalsokinkuniform. k Congratulationsktokyoukboth,kStephankcontinues. k Than kyou,kStephan.kAnastasia,kyouk nowkStephan.kHeskourkcaptainktoday,kan dkthiskiskFirstkOfficerkBeighley. k ShekblusheskaskChristiankintroduceskherkandkblin skrapidly.kIkwantktokro llkmykeyes.kAnotherkfemalekcompletelykcaptivatedkbykmyktoo-handsome-for-his-owngoodkhusband. k Delightedktokmeetkyou,kgusheskBeighley.kIksmilek indlykatkher.kAfterkallhek iskmine. k Allkpreparationskcomplete?kChristiankas skthemkbothkaskIkglancekaroundkthe kcabin.kThekinteriorkiskallkpalekmaplekwoodkandkpalekcreamkleather.kItsklovely.kA notherkyoungkwomankinkuniformkstandskatkthekotherkendkofkthekcabinakverykprettykb runette. k Wekhavekthekallkclear.kWeatherkiskgoodkfromkherektokBoston. k Boston? k Turbulence? k NotkbeforekBoston.kThereskakweatherkfrontkoverkShannonkthatkmightkgivekusk akroughkride. k Shannon?kIreland? k Iksee.kWell,kIkhopektoksleepkthroughkitkall,ksayskChristiankmatter-of-fact

ly. k Sleep? k Wellkgetkunderway,ksir,kStephanksays.kWellkleavekyoukinkthekcapablekcarekofkN atalia,kyourkflightkattendant.kChristiankglanceskinkherkdirectionkandkfrowns,kbut kturnsktokStephankwithkaksmile. k Excellent,kheksays.kTa ingkmykhand,khekleadskmektokonekofktheksumptuouskle atherkseats.kTherekmustkbekaboutktwelvekofkthemkinktotal. k Sit,kheksayskaskhekremoveskhiskjac etkandkundoeskhiskfineksliverkbrocadekv est.kWeksitkinktwoksinglekseatskfacingkeachkotherkwithkaksmall,khighlykpolishedk tablekbetweenkus. k Welcomekaboard,ksir,kmaam,kandkcongratulations.kNataliakiskatkourkside,koff eringkuskbothkakglasskofkpin kchampagne. k Than kyou,kChristianksays,kandksheksmileskpolitelykatkuskandkretreatsktokt hekgalley. k Heresktokakhappykmarriedklife,kAnastasia.kChristiankraiseskhiskglassktokmin e,kandkwekchin .kThekchampagnekiskdelicious. k Bollinger?kIkas . k Theksame. k ThekfirstktimekIkdran kthiskitkwaskoutkofkteacups.kIkgrin. k Ikrememberkthatkdaykwell.kYourkgraduation. k Wherekarekwekgoing?kImkunablektokcontainkmykcuriositykanyklonger. k Shannon,kChristianksays,khiskeyeskalightkwithkexcitement.kHekloo skli ekak smallkboy. k InkIreland?kWerekgoingktokIreland! k Tokrefuel,khekadds,kteasing. k Then?kIkprompt. k Hiskgrinkbroadenskandkheksha eskhiskhead. k Christian! k London,kheksays,kgazingkintentlykatkme,ktryingktokgaugekmykreaction. k Ikgasp.kHolykcow.kIkthoughtkmaybekwedkbekgoingktokNewkYor korkAspenkorkma ybekthekCaribbean.kIkcankhardlykbelievekit.kMyklifetimekambitionkhaskbeenktokvis itkEngland.kImklitkupkfromkwithin,kincandescentkwithkhappiness. k ThenkParis. k What? k ThenkthekSouthkofkFrance. k Whoa! k Ik nowkyouvekalwayskdreamedkofkgoingktokEurope,kheksaysksoftly.kIkwantktokma ekyourkdreamskcomektrue,kAnastasia. k Youkarekmykdreamskcomektrue,kChristian. k Bac katkyou,kMrs.kGrey,khekwhispers. k Ohkmyk.k.k. k Buc lekup. k IkgrinkandkdokaskImktold. k Askthekplanektaxiskoutkonktokthekrunway,kweksipkourkchampagne,kgrinningk inanelykatkeachkother.kIkcantkbelievekit.kAtktwenty-twokyearskold,kImkfinallykleav ingkthekUnitedkStateskandkgoingktokEuropetokLondonkofkallkplaces. k Oncekwerekairborne,kNataliakserveskuskyetkmorekchampagnekandkprepareskour kweddingkfeast.kAndkwhatkakfeastkitkissmo edksalmon,kfollowedkbykroastkpartridgek withkakgreenkbeanksaladkandkdauphinoisekpotatoes,kallkcoo edkandkservedkbyktheke ver-efficientkNatalia. k Dessert,kMr.kGrey?kshekas s. k Heksha eskhiskheadkandkrunskhiskfingerkacrosskhiskbottomklipkaskhekloo s kquestioninglykatkme,khiskexpressionkdar kandkunreadable. k No,kthan kyou,kIkmurmur,kunablektokbrea keyekcontactkwithkhim.kHisklipskcu rlkupkinkaksmall,ksecretksmilekandkNataliakretreats. k Good,khekmurmurs.kIdkratherkplannedkonkhavingkyoukforkdessert. k Ohk.k.k.khere? k Come,kheksays,krisingkfromkthektablekandkofferingkmekhiskhand.kHekleadskme ktokthekbac kofkthekcabin. k Thereskakbathroomkhere.kHekpointsktokaksmallkdoorkthenkleadskmekonkdownkaks

hortkcorridorkandkthroughkakdoorkatkthekend. k Jeezk.k.k.kakbedroom.kThekcabinkiskcreamkandkmaplekwoodkandktheksmallkdo ublekbedkiskcoveredkinkgoldkandktaupekcushions.kItkloo skverykcomfortable. k Christiankturnskandkpullskmekintokhiskarms,kgazingkdownkatkme. k Ikthoughtkwedkspendkourkweddingknightkatkthirty-five-thousandkfeet.kItsksom ethingkIvekneverkdonekbefore. k Holykcowk.k.k.kanotherkfirst.kIkgapekatkhim,kmykheartkpoundingk.k.k.kthe kmilekhighkclub.kIvekheardkaboutkthis. k ButkfirstkIkhavektokgetkyoukoutkofkthiskfabulouskdress.kHiskeyeskglowkwith klovekandksomethingkdar er,ksomethingkIklovek.k.k.ksomethingkthatkcallsktokmykin nerkgoddess.kHekta eskmykbreathkaway. k Turnkaround.kHiskvoicekisklow,kauthoritative,kandksexykaskhell.kHowkcankhe kinfuseksokmuchkpromisekintokthosektwokwords?kWillinglykIkcomplykandkhiskhandskm ovektokmykhair.kGentlykhekpullskoutkeachkhairpinkonekatkaktime,khiskexpertkfinge rskma ingkshortkwor kofkthektas .kMykhairkfallskinkswatheskoverkmykshoulders,kon ekloc katkaktime,kcoveringkmykbac kandkdownktokmykbreasts.kIktryktokstandkstillk andknotksquirm,kbutkImkachingkforkhisktouch.kAfterkourklong,ktiringkbutkexcitingk day,kIkwantkhimallkofkhim. k Youkhaveksuchkbeautifulkhair,kAna.kHiskmouthkiskclosektokmykearkandkIkfeel khiskbreath,kthoughkhisklipskdontktouchkme.kWhenkmykhairkiskfreekofkpins,khekruns khiskfingerskthroughkit,kgentlykmassagingkmykscalpk.k.k.kohkmyk.k.k.kIkclosekmyk eyeskandksavorktheksensation.kHiskfingersktravelkonkdown,kandkhektugs,ktiltingkm ykheadkbac ktokexposekmykthroat. k Yourekmine,khekbreatheskandkhiskteethktugkmykearklobe. k Ikgroan. k Hushknow,khekadmonishes.kHeksweepskmykhairkoverkmykshoulderkandktrailskakf ingerkacrosskthektopkofkmykbac kfromkshoulderktokshoulderkfollowingktheklacekedg ekofkmykdress.kIkshiverkinkanticipation.kHekplantskaktenderk isskonkmykbac kabov ekthekfirstkbuttonkonkmykdress. k Sokbeautiful,kheksayskaskhekdeftlykundoeskthekfirstkbutton.kYoukhavekmadekm ekthekhappiestkmankalivektoday.kWithkinfinitekslowness,khekunfastenskeachkone,kal lkthekwaykdownkmykbac .kIklovekyouksokmuch.kTrailingk isseskfromktheknapekofkmykne c ktokthekedgekofkmykshoulder.kBetweenkeachk isskhekmurmurs,kI.kWant.kYou.kSo.kMu ch.kI.kWant.kTo.kBe.kInside.kYou.kYou.kAre.kMine. k Eachkwordkiskintoxicating.kIkclosekmykeyeskandktiltkmykhead,kgivingkhimk easierkaccessktokmyknec ,kandkIkfallkfurtherkunderkthekspellkthatkiskChristiankG rey,kmykhusband. k Mine,khekwhisperskoncekmore.kHekpeelskmykdresskdownkmykarmsksokthatkitkpoo lskatkmykfeetkinkakcloudkofkivoryksil kandklace. k Turnkaround,khekwhispers,khiskvoiceksuddenlykhoarse.kIkdoksokandkhekgasps. k Imkdressedkinkaktight,kblush-pin ksatinkcorsetkwithkgarterkstraps,kmatchi ngklacykbriefs,kandkwhiteksil kstoc ings.kChristianskeyesktravelkgreedilykdownkmy kbody,kbutkheksaysknothing.kHekjustkgazeskatkme,khiskeyeskwidekwithkwant. k Youkli e?kIkwhisperkawarekofkthekshykblushkcreepingkacrosskmykchee s. k Morekthankli e,kbaby.kYoukloo ksensational.kHere.kHekholdskoutkhiskhandkan dkta ingkit,kIkstepkoutkofkmykdress. k Keepkstill,khekmurmurskandkwithoutkta ingkhiskdar eningkeyeskoffkmine,khek runskhiskmiddlekfingerkoverkmykbreasts,kfollowingktheklinekofkmykcorset.kMykbrea thkshallows,kandkhekrepeatskthekjourneykoverkmykbreastskoncekmore,khisktantalizi ngkfingerksendingktingleskdownkmykspine.kHekstopskandktwirlskhiskindexkfingerkin kthekair,kindicatingkthatkhekwantskmektokturnkaround. k Forkhim,krightknow,kIdkdokanything. k Stop,kheksays.kImkfacingkthekbed,kawaykfromkhim.kHiskarmkencircleskmykwaist ,kpullingkmekagainstkhim,kandkheknuzzleskmyknec .kGentlykhekcupskmykbreasts,ktoy ingkwithkthem,kwhilekhiskthumbskcirclekoverkmyknipplesksokthatktheykstrainkagain stkthekfabrickofkmykcorset. k Mine,khekwhispers. k Yours,kIkbreathe. k Leavingkmykbreastskbereftkhekrunskhiskhandskdownkmykstomach,koverkmykbel ly,kandkdownktokmykthighs,khiskthumbsks immingkmyksex.kIkstiflekakmoan.kHiskfing

ersks atekdownkeachkgarter,kandkwithkhiskusualkdexterity,kheksimultaneouslykunho o skeachkonekfromkmykstoc ings.kHiskhandsktravelkaroundktokmykbehind. k Mine,khekbreatheskaskhiskhandskspreadkacrosskmykbac side,kthektipskofkhisk fingerskbrushingkmyksex. k Ah. k Hush.kHiskhandsktravelkdownkthekbac skofkmykthighs,kandkoncekmorekhekuncli pskmykgarters. k Leaningkdown,khekpullskbac kthekcoverkonkthekbed.kSitkdown. k IkdokaskImktoldkinkhiskthrall,kandkhek neelskatkmykfeetkandkgentlyktugsko ffkeachkofkmykwhitekbridalkJimmykChoos.kHekgraspskthektopkofkmykleftkstoc ingkan dkslowlykpeelskitkoff,krunningkhiskthumbskdownkmyklegk.k.k.kOhkmy.kHekrepeatskth ekprocesskwithkmykotherkstoc ing. k Thiskiskli ekunwrappingkmykChristmaskpresents.kHeksmileskupkatkmekthroughk hisklongkdar klashes. k Akpresentkyouvekhadkalreadyk.k.k. k Hekfrownskinkadmonishment.kOhkno,kbaby.kThisktimekitskreallykmine. k Christian,kIvekbeenkyoursksincekIksaidkyes.kIkscootkforward,kcuppingkhiskbe lovedkfacekinkmykhands.kImkyours.kIkwillkalwayskbekyours,khusbandkofkmine.kNow,kIk thin kyourekwearingktookmanykclothes.kIkbendktok isskhim,kandksuddenlykhekleanskup ,k isseskmyklips,kandkgraspskmykheadkwithkhiskhands,khiskfingerskthreadingkintok mykhair. k Ana,khekbreathes.kMykAna.kHisklipskclaimkminekoncekmore,khisktonguekinvasive lykpersuasive. k Clothes,kIkwhisper,kourkbreathkminglingkaskIkpushkbac khiskvestkandkhekstr uggleskoutkofkit,kreleasingkmekforkakmoment.kHekpauses,kgazingkatkme,keyeskwide, keyeskwanting. k Letkme,kplease.kMykvoicekisksoftkandkcajoling.kIkwantktokundresskmykhusban d,kmykFifty. k Heksitskbac konkhiskheels,kandkleaningkforwardkIkgraspkhisktiehiskslivergrayktie,kmykfavoritektieandkslowlykundokitkandkpullkitkfree.kHekraiseskhiskchink tokletkmektac lekthektopkbuttonkofkhiskwhitekshirt;kthenkoncekitskundone,kIkmovek onktokhiskcuffs.kHeskwearingkplatinumkcufflin sengravedkwithkankentwinedkAkandkCmyk weddingkpresentktokhim.kWhenkIvekremovedkthem,khekta eskthekcufflin skfromkmekand kfistskthemkinkhiskhand.kThenkhek isseskhiskfistkandkshoveskthemkintokhiskpantsk poc et. k Mr.kGrey,ksokromantic. k ForkyoukMrs.kGreyheartskandkflowers.kAlways. k Ikta ekhiskhand,kandkglancingkupkthroughkmyklashes,kIk isskhiskplainkpla tinumkweddingkring.kHekgroanskandkcloseskhiskeyes. k Ana,khekwhisperskandkmyknamekiskakprayer. k Reachingkupktokhisksecondkshirtkbuttonkandkmirroringkhimkfromkearlier,kI kplantkaksoftk isskonkhiskchestkaskIkundokeachkofkthemkandkwhisperkbetweenkeachk iss, k You.kMa e.kMe.kSo.kHappy.kI.kLove.kYou. k Hekgroans,kandkinkonekswiftkmove,khekclaspskmekaroundkthekwaistkandklift skmekonktokthekbed,kfollowingkmekdownkonktokit.kHisklipskfindkmine,khiskhandskcu rlingkaroundkmykhead,kholdingkme,kstillingkmekaskourktongueskglorykinkeachkother .kAbruptlykChristiank neelskup,kleavingkmekbreathlesskandkwantingkmore. k Youkareksokbeautifulk.k.k.kwife.kHekrunskhiskhandskdownkmyklegskthenkgrasp skmykleftkfoot.kYoukhaveksuchklovelyklegs.kIkwantktok isskeverykinchkofkthem.kSta rtingkhere.kHekpresseskhisklipskagainstkmykbigktoekandkthenkgrazeskthekpadkwithkh iskteeth.kEverythingksouthkofkmykwaistlinekconvulses.kHisktonguekglideskupkmykin stepkandkhiskteethks imkmykheelkandkupktokmykan le.kHektrailsk isseskupkthekinsi dekofkmykcalf;ksoftkwetk isses.kIkwrigglekbeneathkhim. k Still,kMrs.kGrey,khekwarns,kandksuddenlykhekflipskmekonktokmykstomachkandk continueskhiskleisurelykjourneykwithkhiskmouthkupkthekbac kofkmyklegs,ktokmykthi ghs,kmykbehind,kandkthenkhekstops.kIkgroan. k Pleasek.k.k. k Ikwantkyoukna ed,khekmurmurskandkslowlykunhoo skmykcorset,konekhoo katkakt ime.kWhenkitskflatkonkthekbedkbeneathkme,khekrunskhisktonguekupktheklengthkofkmyk

spine. k Christian,kplease. k Whatkdokyoukwant,kMrs.kGrey.kHiskwordskareksoftkandkclosektokmykear.kHeskal mostklyingkonktopkofkmek.k.k.kIkcankfeelkhimkhardkagainstkmykbehind. k You. k AndkIkyou,kmyklove,kmyklifek.k.k.k,khekwhispers,kandkbeforekIk nowkit,khesk flippedkmekonktokmykbac .kHekstandskswiftlykandkinkonekefficientkmovekdispensesk withkhiskpantskandkboxerkbriefsksokthatkheskgloriouslykna edkandkloomingklargekan dkreadykoverkme.kTheksmallkcabinkiskeclipsedkbykhiskdazzlingkbeautykandkhiskwant kandkneedkofkme.kHekleanskdownkandkpeelskoffkmykpantieskthenkgazeskdownkatkme. k Mine,khekmouths. k Please,kIkbegkandkhekgrinsk.k.k.kaksalacious,kwic ed,ktempting,kall-Fiftyk grin. k Hekcrawlskbac kontokthekbedkandktrailsk isseskupkmykrightklegkthisktimek .k.k.kuntilkhekreacheskthekapexkofkmykthighs.kHekpusheskmyklegskwiderkapart. k Ahk.k.k.kwifekofkmine,khekmurmurskandkthenkhiskmouthkiskonkme.kIkclosekmyk eyeskandksurrenderktokhiskoh-so-adroitktongue.kMykhandskfistkinkhiskhairkaskmykh ipskswingkandksway,kslavektokhiskrhythm,kthenkbuc koffktheksmallkbed.kHekgrabskm ykhipsktokstillkmek.k.k.kbutkdoesntkstopkthekdeliciousktorture.kImkclose,ksokclose . k Christian.kIkmoan. k Notkyet,khekbreatheskandkhekmoveskupkmykbody,khisktonguekdippingkintokmykn avel. k No!kDamn!kIksensekhisksmilekagainstkmykbellykaskhiskjourneykcontinuesknort h. k Sokimpatient,kMrs.kGrey.kWekhavekuntilkwektouchkdownkonkthekEmeraldkIsle.k Reverentiallykhek isseskmykbreastskandktugskmykleftknipplekbetweenkhisklips.kGaz ingkupkatkme,khiskeyeskarekdar kli ekaktropicalkstormkaskhekteaseskme. k Ohkmyk.k.k.kIdkforgotten.kEurope. k Husband,kIkwantkyou.kPlease. k Hekloomskupkoverkme,khiskbodykcoveringkmine,krestingkhiskweightkonkhiske lbows.kHekrunskhisknosekdownkmine,kandkIkrunkmykhandskdownkhiskstrong,ksupplekba c ktokhiskfine,kfinekbac side. k Mrs.kGreyk.k.k.kwife.kWekaimktokplease.kHisklipskbrush.kIklovekyou. k Iklovekyou,ktoo. k Eyeskopen.kIkwantktokseekyou. k Christiank.k.k.kahk.k.k.k,kIkcry,kaskhekslowlyksin skintokme. k Ana,kohkAna,khekbreatheskandkhekstartsktokmove. k k Whatkthekhellkdokyoukthin kyourekdoing?kChristiankshouts,kwa ingkmekfromkmy kverykpleasantkdream.kHeskstandingkallkwetkandkbeautifulkatkthekendkofkmyksunklou ngerkandkglaringkdownkatkme. k WhatkhavekIkdone?kOhknok.k.k.kImklyingkonkmykbac k.k.k.kCrap,kcrap,kcrapk andkheskmad.kShit.kHeskreallykmad. k k k kkk k Ikamksuddenlykverykawa e,kmykerotickdreamkforgotten. k Ikwaskonkmykfront.kIkmustkhavekturnedkoverkinkmyksleep.kIkwhisperkwea lyki nkmykdefense. k Hiskeyeskblazekwithkfury.kHekreacheskdown,kscoopskupkmykbi iniktopkfromk hisksunkloungerkandktosseskitkatkme. k Putkthiskon!khekhisses. k Christian,knokonekiskloo ing. k Trustkme.kTheyrekloo ing.kImksurekTaylorkandktheksecuritykcrewkarekenjoying kthekshow!kheksnarls. k Holykshit!kWhykdokIk eepkforgettingkaboutkthem?kIkgraspkmykbreastskinkpa nic,khidingkthem.kEverksincekCharliekTangosksabotagedkdemise,kwekarekconstantlyks hadowedkbykdamnedksecurity.

k Yes,kChristianksnarls.kAndksomeksleazykfuc ingkpaparazzikcouldkgetkakshotko fkyou,ktoo.kDokyoukwantktokbekallkoverkthekcoverkofkStarkmagazine?kNa edkthiskti me? k Shit!kThekpaparazzi!kFuc !kAskIkhurriedlykscramblekintokmyktop,kallkthum bs,kthekcolorkdrainskfromkmykface.kIkshudder.kThekunpleasantkmemorykofkbeingkbes iegedkbykthekpaparazzikoutsidekSIPkafterkourkengagementkwasklea edkcomeskunwelco mektokmindallkpartkofkthekChristiankGreykpac age. k Laddition!kChristianksnapskatkthekpassingkwaitress.kWerekgoing,kheksaysktokme. k Now? k Yes.kNow. k Ohkshit,khesknotktokbekarguedkwith. k Hekpullskonkhiskshorts,kevenkthoughkhisktrun skarekdrippingkwet,kthenkhi skgraykT-shirt.kThekwaitresskiskbac kinkakmomentkwithkhiskcreditkcardkandkthekch ec . k Reluctantly,kIkwrigglekintokmykturquoiseksundresskandkstepkintokmykflipflops.kOncekthekwaitresskhaskleft,kChristianksnatcheskupkhiskboo kandkBlac Berry kandkmas skhiskfurykbehindkmirroredkaviatorkglasses.kHeskbristlingkwithktensionka ndkanger.kMykheartksin s.kEverykotherkwomankonkthekbeachkisktoplessitsknotkthatkbi gkofkakcrime.kInkfactkIkloo koddkwithkmyktopkon.kIksighkinwardly,kmykspiritsksin ing.kIkthoughtkChristiankwouldkseekthekfunnyksidek.k.k.ksortkofk.k.k.kmaybekifk Idkstayedkonkmykfront,kbutkhisksensekofkhumorkhaskevaporated. k Pleasekdontkbekmadkatkme,kIkwhisper,kta ingkhiskboo kandkBlac Berrykfromkhi mkandkplacingkthemkinkmykbac pac . k Tooklatekforkthat,kheksayskquietlytookquietly.kCome.kTa ingkmykhand,kheksigna lskupktokTaylorkandkhisktwokside ic s,kthekFrenchksecuritykofficerskPhilippekand kGaston.kWeirdly,ktheykarekidenticalktwins.kTheykhavekbeenkpatientlykwatchingkus kandkeveryonekelsekonkthekbeachkfromkthekverandah.kWhykdokIk eepkforgettingkabou tkthem?kHow?kTaylorkiskstony-facedkbehindkhiskdar kglasses.kShit,kheskmadkatkme,k too.kImkstillknotkusedktokseeingkhimksokcasuallykdressedkinkshortskandkakblac kpo lokshirt. k Christiankleadskmekintokthekhotel,kthroughktheklobby,kandkoutkontoktheks treet.kHekremainsksilent,kbroodingkandkbad-tempered,kandkitskallkmykfault.kTaylor kandkhiskteamkshadowkus. k Wherekarekwekgoing?kIkas ktentatively,kgazingkupkatkhim. k Bac ktokthekboat.kHekdoesntkloo katkme. k Ikhaveknokideakofkthektime.kIkthin kitkmustkbekaboutkfivekorksixkinkthek afternoon.kWhenkwekreachkthekmarina,kChristiankleadskmekontokthekdoc kwherekthek motorboatkandkJetkS ikbelongingktokthekFairkLadykarekmoored.kAskChristiankunties kthekJetkS i,kIkhandkmykbac pac ktokTaylor.kIkglanceknervouslykupkatkhim,kbutkli ekChristian,khiskexpressionkgivesknothingkaway.kIkflush,kthin ingkaboutkwhatkhes kseenkonkthekbeach. k Herekyoukgo,kMrs.kGrey.kTaylorkpasseskmekaklifekvestkfromkthekmotorboat,ka ndkIkdutifullykputkitkon.kWhykamkIkthekonlykonekwhokhasktokwearkaklifekjac et?kC hristiankandkTaylorkexchangeksomek indkofkloo .kJeez,kiskhekangrykwithkTaylor,kt oo?kChristiankthenkchec skthekstrapskonkmyklifekjac et,kcinchingkthekmiddlekonek tightly. k Youllkdo,khekmuttersksullenly,kstillknotkturningktokloo katkme.kShit. k HekclimbskgracefullykonktokthekJetkS ikandkholdskoutkhiskhandkforkmektok joinkhim.kGraspingkitktightly,kIkmanagektokthrowkmyklegkoverkthekseatkbehindkhim kwithoutkfallingkintokthekwaterkwhilekTaylorkandkthektwinskclamberkintokthekmoto rboat.kChristiank ic skthekJetkS ikawaykfromkthekdoc ,kandkitkfloatskgentlykinto kthekmarina. k Holdkon,khekorders,kandkIkputkmykarmskaroundkhim.kThiskiskmykfavoritekpart kofktravelingkbykJetkS i.kIkhugkhimkclosely,kmyknoseknuzzlingkintokhiskbac ,kmar velingkthatktherekwaskaktimekwhenkhekwouldknotkhavektoleratedkmektouchingkhimkth iskway.kHeksmellskgoodk.k.k.kofkChristiankandktheksea.kForgivekme,kChristian,kpl ease? k Hekstiffens.kSteady,kheksays,khisktoneksofter.kIk isskhiskbac kandkrestkmy kchee kagainstkhim,kloo ingkbac ktowardkthekdoc kwherekakfewkholidayma erskhavek gatheredktokwatchkthekshow.

k Christiankturnskthek eykandkthekmotorkroarsktoklife.kWithkonektwistkofkt hekaccelerator,kthekJetkS ikbuc skforwardkandkspeedskacrosskthekcoolkdar kwater, kthroughkthekmarinakandkoutktokthekcenterkofkthekharborktowardkthekFairkLady.kIk holdkhimktighter.kIklovekthisitsksokexciting.kEverykmusclekinkChristianskleankframe kiskevidentkaskIkclingktokhim. k Taylorkpullskalongsidekinkthekmotorboat.kChristiankglanceskatkhimkthenka ccelerateskagain,kandkwekshootkforward,kwhippingkoverkthektopkofkthekwaterkli ek ankexpertlyktossedkpebble.kTaylorksha eskhiskheadkinkresignedkexasperationkandkh eadskstraightktokthekyacht,kwhilekChristiankshootskpastkthekFairkLadykandkheadsk outktowardkthekopenkwater. k Thekseakspraykisksplashingkus,kthekwarmkwindkbuffetingkmykfacekandkflayi ngkmykponytailkcrazilykaroundkme.kThiskisksokmuchkfun.kMaybekthekthrillkofkthisk ridekwillkdispelkChristianskbadkmood.kIkcantkseekhiskface,kbutkIk nowkheskenjoyingk himselfcarefree,kactingkhiskagekforkakchange. k HeksteerskinkakhugeksemicirclekandkIkstudykthekshorelinethekboatskinkthek marina,kthekmosaickofkyellow,kwhitekandksand-coloredkofficeskandkapartments,kand kthekcraggykmountainskbehind.kItkloo sksokdisorganizednotkthekregimentedkbloc skt hatkIkamkusedktobutksokpicturesque.kChristiankglanceskoverkhiskshoulderkatkme,kan dkthereskthekghostkofkaksmilekplayingkonkhisklips. k Again?khekshoutskoverktheknoisekofkthekengine. k Iknodkenthusiastically.kHiskansweringkgrinkiskdazzling,kandkhekopenskthe kthrottlekandkspeedskaroundkthekFairkLadykandkonkoutktokseakoncekmorek.k.k.kandk Ikthin kImkforgiven. k Youvekcaughtktheksun,kChristianksayskmildlykaskhekundoeskmyklifekvest.kIkan xiouslyktryktokassesskhiskmood.kWekarekonkdec kaboardkthekyacht,kandkonekofkthek stewardskiskstandingkquietlyknearby,kwaitingkforkmyklifekvest.kChristiankpassesk itktokhim. k Willkthatkbekall,ksir?kthekyoungkmankas s.kIklovekhiskFrenchkaccent.kChris tiankglanceskatkme,kta eskoffkhiskshades,kandkslipskthemkintokthekcollarkofkhisk T-shirt,klettingkthemkhang. k Wouldkyoukli ekakdrin ?khekas skme. k DokIkneedkone? k Hekcoc skhiskheadktokonekside.kWhykwouldkyouksaykthat?kHiskvoicekisksoft. k Youk nowkwhy. k Hekfrownskaskifkweighingksomethingkinkhiskmind. k Oh,kwhatkiskhekthin ing? k Twokginkandktonics,kplease.kAndksomeknutskandkolives,kheksaysktokthekstewa rd,kwhoknodskandkquic lykvanishes. k Youkthin kImkgoingktokpunishkyou?kChristianskvoicekisksil y. k Dokyoukwantkto? k Yes. k How? k Illkthin kofksomething.kMaybekwhenkyouvekhadkyourkdrin .kAndkitskaksensualkth reat.kIkswallow,kandkmykinnerkgoddessksquintskfromkherksunkloungerkwherekshesktry ingktokcatchkrayskwithkaksilverkreflectorkfannedkoutkatkherknec . k Christianskfrownskoncekmore. k Youkwantktokbe? k Howkdoeskhek now?kDepends,kIkmutter,kflushing. k Onkwhat?kHekhideskhisksmile. k Ifkyoukwantktokhurtkmekorknot. k Hiskmouthkpresseskintokakhardkline,khumorkforgotten.kHekleanskforwardkan dk isseskmykforehead. k Anastasia,kyourekmykwife,knotkmyksub.kIkdontkeverkwantktokhurtkyou.kYouksho uldk nowkthatkbyknow.kJustk.k.k.kjustkdontkta ekyourkclotheskoffkinkpublic.kIkdont kwantkyoukna edkallkoverkthektabloids.kYoukdontkwantkthat,kandkImksurekyourkmomkan dkRaykdontkwantkthatkeither. k Oh!kRay.kHolykshit,khedkhavekakcoronary.kWhatkwaskIkthin ing?kIkmentallyk castigatekmyself. k Thekstewardkappearskwithkourkdrin skandksnac skandkplaceskthemkonkthekte a ktable.

k Sit,kChristiankcommands.kIkdokaskheksayskandksettlekintokakdirectorskchair. kChristiankta eskakseatkbesidekmekandkpasseskmekakginkandktonic. k Cheers,kMrs.kGrey. k Cheers,kMr.kGrey.kIkta ekakwelcomeksip.kItskthirst-quenching,kcold,kandkdel icious.kWhenkIkgazekatkhim,kheskwatchingkmekcarefully,khiskmoodkunreadable.kItskve rykfrustratingk.k.k.kIkdontk nowkifkheskstillkmadkatkme.kIkdeploykmykpatentedkdist ractionktechnique. k Whokownskthiskboat?kIkas . k AkBritishk night.kSirkSomebody-or-Other.kHiskgreat-grandfatherkstartedkak grocerykstore.kHiskdaughterskmarriedktokonekofkthekCrownkPrinceskofkEurope. k Oh.kSuper-rich? k Christiankloo sksuddenlykwary.kYes. k Li ekyou,kIkmurmur. k Yes. k Oh. k Andkli ekyou,kChristiankwhisperskandkpopskankolivekintokhiskmouth.kIkblin krapidlyk.k.k.kakvisionkofkhimkinkhisktuxkandksilverkwaistcoatkcomesktokmindk.k. k.khiskeyeskburningkwithksinceritykaskhekgazeskdownkatkmekduringkourkweddingkcer emony. k Allkthatkiskminekisknowkyours,kheksays,khiskvoicekringingkoutkclearlykreci tingkhiskvowskfromkmemory. k Allkmine?kHolykcow.kItskodd.kGoingkfromknothingktoIkwavekmykhandktokindicate kourkopulentksurroundingstokeverything. k Youllkgetkusedktokit. k Ikdontkthin kIllkeverkgetkusedktokit. k Taylorkappearskonkdec .kSir,kyoukhavekakcall.kChristiankfrownskbutkta eskt hekprofferedkBlac Berry. k Grey,kheksnapskandkriseskfromkhiskseatktokstandkatkthekbowkofkthekyacht. k Ikgazekoutkatktheksea,ktuningkoutkhiskconversationkwithkRosIkthin hisknumb erktwo.kIkamkrichk.k.k.kstin ingkrich.kIkhavekdoneknothingktokearnkthiskmoneyk.k .k.kjustkmarriedkakrichkman.kIkshudderkaskmykmindkdriftskbac ktokourkconversatio nkaboutkprenups.kItkwaskthekSundaykafterkhiskbirthday,kandkwekwerekseatedkatkthe k itchenktablekenjoyingkakleisurelykbrea fastk.k.k.kallkofkus.kElliot,kKate,kGra ce,kandkIkwerekdebatingkthekmeritskofkbaconkversusksausage,kwhilekCarric kandkCh ristiankreadkthekSundaykpaperk.k.k. k kkk k Loo katkthis,ksquealskMiakasksheksetskherknetboo konkthek itchenktablekink frontkofkus.kThereskakgossipykitemkonkthekSeattlekNoozkwebsitekaboutkyoukbeingkeng aged,kChristian. k Already?kGraceksayskinksurprise.kThenkherkmouthkpurseskasksomekobviouslyku npleasantkthoughtkcrosseskherkmind.kChristiankfrowns. k Miakreadskthekcolumnkoutkloud.kWordkhaskreachedkuskherekatkThekNoozkthatk Seattleskmostkeligiblekbachelor,kthekChristiankGrey,khaskfinallykbeenksnappedkupk andkweddingkbellskarekinkthekair.kButkwhokiskthekluc y,kluc yklady?kThekNoozkisk onkthekhunt.kBetksheskreadingkonekhelluvakprenup. k MiakgiggleskthenkstopskabruptlykaskChristiankglareskatkher.kSilencekdesc ends,kandkthekatmospherekinkthekGreyk itchenkplungesktokbelowkzero. k Ohkno!kAkprenup?kThekthoughtkhaskneverkcrossedkmykmind.kIkswallow,kfeeli ngkallkthekbloodkdrainkfromkmykface.kPleasekground,kswallowkmekupknow!kChristian kshiftskuncomfortablykinkhiskchairkaskIkglancekapprehensivelykatkhim. k No,khekmouthskatkme. k Christian,kCarric ksayskgently. k Imknotkdiscussingkthiskagain,kheksnapskatkCarric kwhokglanceskatkmeknervous lykandkopenskhiskmouthktoksayksomething. k Nokprenup!kChristiankalmostkshoutskatkhimkandkbroodinglykgoeskbac ktokread ingkhiskpaper,kignoringkeveryonekelsekatkthektable.kTheykloo kalternatelykatkmek thenkhimk.k.k.kthenkanywherekbutkatkthektwokofkus. k Christian,kIkmurmur.kIllksignkanythingkyoukandkMr.kGreykwant.kJeez,kitkwouldnt kbekthekfirstktimekheskmadekmeksignksomething.kChristiankloo skupkandkglareskatkm

e. k No!kheksnaps.kIkblanchkoncekmore. k Itsktokprotectkyou. k Christian,kAnaIkthin kyoukshouldkdiscusskthiskinkprivate,kGracekadmonishesk us.kShekglareskatkCarric kandkMia.kOhkdear,kloo skli ektheyrekinktrouble,ktoo. k Ana,kthiskisknotkaboutkyou,kCarric kmurmurskreassuringly.kAndkpleasekcallkm ekCarric . k Christianknarrowskcoldkeyeskatkhiskfatherkandkmykheartksin s.kHellk.k.k. kHeskreallykmad. k Everyonekeruptskintokanimatedkconversation,kandkMiakandkKatekleapkupktok clearkthektable. k Ikdefinitelykpreferksausage,kexclaimskElliot. k Ikstarekdownkatkmyk nottedkfingers.kCrap.kIkhopekMr.kandkMrs.kGreykdontkt hin kImksomek indkofkgoldkdigger.kChristiankreacheskoverkandkgraspskbothkmykhands kgentlykinkonekofkhis. k Stopkit. k Howkdoeskhek nowkwhatkImkthin ing? k Ignorekmykdad,kChristianksaysksokonlykIkcankhearkhim.kHeskreallykpissedkabou tkElena.kThatkstuffkwaskallkaimedkatkme.kIkwishkmykmomkhadk eptkherkmouthkshut. k Ik nowkChristiankiskstillksmartingkfromkhisktal kwithkCarric kaboutkElenak lastknight. k Hekhaskakpoint,kChristian.kYourekverykwealthy,kandkImkbringingknothingktoko urkmarriagekbutkmykstudentkloans. k Christiankgazeskatkme,khiskeyeskblea .kAnastasia,kifkyoukleavekme,kyoukmi ghtkaskwellkta ekeverything.kYoukleftkmekoncekbefore.kIk nowkhowkthatkfeels. k HolykFuc !kThatkwaskdifferent,kIkwhisper,kmovedkbykhiskintensity.kButk.k.k. kyoukmightkwantktokleavekme.kThekthoughtkma eskmeksic . k Heksnortskandksha eskhiskheadkwithkmoc kdisgust. k Christian,kyouk nowkIkmightkdoksomethingkexceptionallykstupidandkyouk.k.k.k Ikglancekdownkatkmyk nottedkhands,kpainklancingkthroughkme,kandkImkunablektokfini shkmyksentence.kLosingkChristiank.k.k.kfuc . k Stop.kStopknow.kThisksubjectkiskclosed,kAna.kWereknotkdiscussingkitkanykmo re.kNokprenup.kNotknownotkever.kHekgiveskmekakpointedkgive-it-up-nowkloo ,kwhichks ilenceskme.kThenkhekturnsktokGrace.kMom,kheksays.kCankwekhavekthekweddingkhere? k kkk k Andkhesknotkmentionedkitkagain.kInkfactkatkeverykopportunitykhesktriedktok reassurekmekaboutkhiskwealthk.k.k.kthatskitkmine,ktoo.kIkshudderkaskIkrecallkthek crazykshoppingkfestkChristiankdemandedkIkgokonkwithkCarolinekActonthekpersonalksh opperkfromkNiemansinkpreparationkforkthiskhoneymoon.kMykbi inikalonekcostkfivekhu ndredkandkfortykdollars.kIkmean,kitsknice,kbutkreallythatskakridiculouskamountkofkm oneykforkfourktriangularkscrapskofkmaterial. k Youkwillkgetkusedktokit,kChristiankinterruptskmykreveriekaskhekresumeskhis kplacekatkthektable. k Usedktokit? k Thekmoney,kheksays,krollingkhiskeyes. k Oh,kFifty,kmaybekwithktime.kIkpushktheksmallkdishkofksaltedkalmondskandk cashewsktowardkhim. k Yourknuts,ksir,kIksaykwithkaskstraightkakfacekaskIkcankmanage,ktryingktokb ringksomekhumorktokourkconversationkafterkmykdar kthoughtskandkmykbi iniktopkfau xkpas. k Heksmir s.kImknutskaboutkyou.kHekta eskankalmond,khiskeyeskspar lingkwithkw ic edkhumorkaskhekenjoyskmyklittlekjo e.kHeklic skhisklips.kDrin kup.kWerekgoingkt okbed. k What? k Drin ,khekmouthskatkme,khiskeyeskdar ening. k Ohkmy,kthekloo khekgiveskmekcouldkbeksolelykresponsiblekforkglobalkwarmi ng.kIkpic kupkmykginkandkdrainkthekglass,knotkta ingkmykeyeskoffkhim.kHiskmouthk dropskopen,kandkIkglimpsekthektipkofkhisktonguekbetweenkhiskteeth.kHeksmilesklew dlykatkme.kInkonekfluidkmove,khekstandskandkbendskoverkme,krestingkhiskhandskonk

thekarmskofkmykchair. k Imkgoingktokma ekankexamplekofkyou.kCome.kDontkpee,khekwhisperskinkmykear. k Ikgasp.kDontkpee?kHowkrude.kMyksubconsciouskloo skupkfromkherkboo ThekComp letekwor skofkCharleskDic ens,kVol.k1withkalarm. k Itsknotkwhatkyoukthin .kChristianksmir s,kholdingkhiskhandkoutktokme.kTrustk me.kHekloo sksoksexykandkgenial.kHowkcankIkresist? k O ay.kIkplacekmykhandkinkhis,kbecausekquiteksimply,kIdktrustkhimkwithkmykli fe.kWhatkhaskhekgotkplanned?kMykheartkstartskpoundingkinkanticipation. k Hekleadskmekacrosskthekdec kandkthroughkthekdoorskintokthekplush,kbeauti fullykappointedkmainksalon,kalongkaknarrowkcorridor,kthroughkthekdiningkroom,kan dkdownkthekstairsktokthekmainkmasterkcabin. k Thekcabinkhaskbeenkcleanedksincekthiskmorningkandkthekbedkmade.kItskaklov elykroom.kWithktwokportholeskonkbothkthekstarboardkandkportksides,kitskelegantlyk decoratedkinkdar kwalnutkfurniturekwithkcreamkwallskandksoftkfurnishingskinkgold kandkred. k Christiankreleaseskmykhand,kpullskhiskT-shirtkoverkhiskhead,kandktossesk itkontokakchair.kHekstepskoutkofkhiskflip-flopskandkremoveskhiskshortskandktrun skinkonekgracefulkmove.kOhkmy.kWillkIkeverktirekofkloo ingkatkhimkna ed?kHekisku tterlykgorgeouskandkallkmine.kHisks inkglowsheskcaughtktheksun,ktoo,kandkhiskhairk isklonger,kfloppingkoverkhiskforehead.kIkamkonekluc y,kluc ykgirl. k Hekgraspskmykchin,kpullingkslightlyksokthatkIkstopkbitingkmyklipkandkrun skhiskthumbkalongkmyklowerklip. k Thatskbetter.kHekturnskandkstrideskoverktokthekimpressivekarmoirekthatkhous eskhiskclothes.kHekproducesktwokpairskofkmetalkhandcuffskandkankairlinekeyekmas kfromkthekbottomkdrawer. k Handcuffs!kWevekneverkusedkhandcuffs.kIkglancekquic lykandknervouslykatkt hekbed.kWherekthekhellkiskhekgoingktokattachkthose?kHekturnskandkgazesksteadilyk atkme,khiskeyeskdar kandkluminous. k Thesekcankbekquitekpainful.kTheykcankbitekintoktheks inkifkyoukpullktookh ard.kHekholdskupkonekpair.kButkIkreallykwantktokusekthemkonkyouknow. k Holykfuc .kMykmouthkgoeskdry. k Here.kHekstal skgracefullykforwardkandkhandskmekakset.kDokyoukwantktoktrykt hemkfirst? k Theykfeelksolid,kthekmetalkcold.kVaguely,kIkhopekIkneverkhavektokwearkak pairkofkthesekforkreal. k Christiankiskwatchingkmekintently. k Wherekarekthek eys?kMykvoicekwavering. k Hekholdskoutkhiskpalm,krevealingkaksmallkmetallick ey.kThiskdoeskbothkset s.kInkfact,kallksets. k Howkmanyksetskdoeskhekhave?kIkdontkrememberkseeingkanykinkthekmuseumkches t. k Hekstro eskmykchee kwithkhiskindexkfinger,ktrailingkitkdownktokmykmouth. kHekleanskinkaskifktok isskme. k Dokyoukwantktokplay?kheksays,khiskvoiceklow,kandkeverythingkinkmykbodykhea dsksouthkaskdesirekunfurlskdeepkinkmykbelly. k Yes,kIkbreathe. k Heksmiles.kGood.kHekplantskakfeatherlightk isskonkmykforehead.kWerekgoingkto kneedkaksafekword. k What?kkk k Stopkwontkbekenoughkbecausekyoukwillkprobablyksaykthat,kbutkyoukwontkmeanki t.kHekrunskhisknosekdownkminethekonlykcontactkbetweenkus. k Mykheartkstartskpounding.kShitk.k.k.kHowkcankhekdokthiskwithkjustkwords? k Thiskisknotkgoingktokhurt.kItkwillkbekintense.kVerykintense,kbecausekIkam knotkgoingktokletkyoukmove.kO ay? k Ohkmy.kThisksoundsksokhot.kMykbreathingkisktookloud.kFuc ,kIkamkpantingk already.kMykinnerkgoddesskhaskherksequinskonkandkiskwarmingkupktokdancekthekrumb a.kThan kheavenskImkmarriedktokthiskman,kotherwisekthiskwouldkbekembarrassing.kMy keyeskflic kdownktokhiskarousal. k O ay.kMykvoicekiskbarelykaudible. k Choosekakword,kAna.

k Ohk.k.k. k Aksafekword,kheksaysksoftly. k Popsicle.kIksay,kpanting. k Popsicle?kheksays,kamused. k Yes. k Hekgrinskaskhekleanskbac ktokgazekdownkatkme.kInterestingkchoice.kLiftkup kyourkarms. k Ikdo,kandkChristiankgraspskthekhemkofkmyksundress,kliftskitkoverkmykhead ,kandktosseskitkonkthekfloor.kHekholdskoutkhiskhand,kandkIkgivekhimkbac kthekhan dcuffs.kHekplaceskbothksetskonkthekbedsidektablekalongkwithkthekblindfoldkandkya n skthekquiltkoffkthekbed,klettingkitkfallktokthekfloor. k Turnkround. k Ikturn,kandkhekundoeskmykbi iniktopksokthatkitkfallsktokthekfloor. k Tomorrow,kIkwillkstaplekthisktokyou,khekmutterskandktugskonkmykhairktie,kf reeingkmykhair.kHekgatherskitkintokonekhandkandkyan skgentlyksokIkstepkbac kagai nstkhim.kAgainstkhiskchest.kAgainstkhiskerection.kIkgaspkaskhekpullskmykheadktok oneksidekandk isseskmyknec . k Youkwerekverykdisobedient,khekmurmurskinkmykear,ksendingkdeliciouskshivers kthroughkme. k Yes,kIkwhisper. k Hmm.kWhatkarekwekgoingktokdokaboutkthat? k Learnktoklivekwithkit,kIkbreathe.kHisksoftklanguidk isseskarekdrivingkmekw ild.kHekgrinskagainstkmyknec . k Ah,kMrs.kGrey.kYoukarekeverkthekoptimist. k Hekstraightens.kTa ingkmykhair,khekcarefullykpartskitkintokthreekstrands ,kbraidskitkslowly,kandkthenkfastenskmykhairktiektokthekend.kHektugskmykbraidkge ntlykandkleanskdownktokmykear.kIkamkgoingktokteachkyoukaklesson,khekmurmurs. k Movingksuddenly,khekgrabskmekbykthekwaist,ksitskdownkonkthekbed,kandkyan skmekacrosskhisk neeksokthatkIkfeelkhiskerectionkpressedkagainstkmykbelly.kHeks mac skmykbac sidekonce,khard.kIkyelp,kthenkImkonkmykbac konkthekbed,kandkheskgazin gkdownkatkme,khiskeyeskmoltenkgray.kImkgoingktokcombust. k Dokyouk nowkhowkbeautifulkyoukare?kHektrailskhiskfingertipskupkmykthighkso kthatkIktinglek.k.k.keverywhere.kWithoutkta ingkhiskeyeskoffkme,khekgetskupkfrom kthekbedkandkgatherskbothksetskofkhandcuffs.kHekgraspskmykleftklegkandksnapskone kcuffkaroundkmykan le. k Oh! k Liftingkmykrightkleg,khekrepeatskthekprocessksokIkhavekakpairkofkhandcuf fskattachedktokeachkan le.kIkstillkhaveknokideakwherekheskgoingktokattachkthem. k Sitkup,khekorderskandkIkcomplykimmediately. k Nowkhugkyourk nees. k Ikblin katkhimkthenkdrawkmyklegskupksoktheykarekbentkinkfrontkofkmekandk wrapkmykarmskaroundkthem.kHekreacheskdown,kliftskmykchin,kandkplantskaksoftkwetk isskonkmyklipskbeforekslippingkthekblindfoldkoverkmykeyes.kIkcankseeknothing,ka llkIkcankhearkiskmykrapidkbreathingkandktheksoundkofkthekwaterklappingkagainstkt heksideskofkthekyachtkaskshekbobskgentlykonktheksea. k Ohkmy.kIkamksokarousedk.k.k.kalready. k Whatsktheksafekword,kAnastasia? k Popsicle. k Good.kTa ingkmykleftkhand,kheksnapskakcuffkaroundkmykwristkthenkrepeatskth ekprocesskwithkmykright.kMykleftkhandkisktiedktokmykleftkan le,kmykrightkhandkto kthekrightkleg.kIkcannotkstraightenkmyklegs.kHolykfuc . k Now,kChristiankbreathes,kImkgoingktokfuc kyouktillkyoukscream. k What?kAndkallkthekairkleaveskmykbody. k Hekgraspskbothkofkmykheelskandktipskmekbac ksokthatkIkfallkbac wardkonkt okthekbed.kIkhaveknokchoicekbutktok eepkmyklegskbent.kThekcuffsktightenkaskIkpul lkagainstkthem.kHeskrightk.k.k.ktheykcutkintokmekalmostktokthekpointkofkpaink.k.k .kThiskfeelskweirdbeingktrussedkupkandkhelplessonkakboat.kHekpullskmykan leskapart ,kandkIkgroan. k Hek isseskmykinnerkthigh,kandkIkwantktoksquirmkbeneathkhim,kbutkIkcant.kI khaveknokpurchasektokmovekmykhips.kMykfeetkareksuspended.kIkcannotkmove.kHolyksh

it. k Yourekgoingktokhavektokabsorbkallkthekpleasure,kAnastasia.kNokmoving,khekmu rmurskaskhekcrawlskupkmykbody,k issingkmekalongkthekedgekofkmykbi inikbottoms.kH ekpullskthekstringskonkeachkside,kandkthekscrapskofkmaterialkfallkaway.kIkamknow kna edkandkatkhiskmercy.kHek isseskmykbelly,knippingkmyknavelkwithkhiskteeth. k Ah,kIksigh.kThiskiskgoingktokbektoughk.k.k.kIkhadknokidea.kHektracesksoftk isseskandklittlekbiteskupktokmykbreasts. k Shhhk.k.k.k,kheksoothes.kYoukareksokbeautiful,kAna. k Ikgroan,kfrustrated.kNormallykIdkbekgrindingkmykhips,krespondingktokhiskt ouchkwithkakrhythmkofkmykown,kbutkIkcannotkmove.kIkmoan,kpullingkonkmykrestraint s.kThekmetalkbiteskintokmyks in. k Argh!kIkcry.kButkIkreallykdontkcare. k Youkdrivekmekcrazy,khekwhispers.kSokIkamkgoingktokdrivekyoukcrazy.kHeskrestin gkonkmeknow,khiskweightkonkhiskelbows,kandkhekturnskhiskattentionktokmykbreasts. kBiting,ksuc ing,krollingkmyknippleskbetweenkhiskfingerskandkthumbs,kdrivingkmek wild.kHekdoesntkstop.kItskmaddening.kOh.kPlease.kHiskerectionkpusheskagainstkme. k Christian,kIkbegkandkfeelkhisktriumphantksmilekagainstkmyks in. k ShallkIkma ekyoukcomekthiskway?kHekmurmurskagainstkmyknipple,kcausingkitkt okhardenksomekmore.kYouk nowkIkcan.kHeksuc leskmekhardkandkIkcrykout,kpleasureklan cingkfromkmykchestkdirectlyktokmykgroin.kIkpullkhelplesslykonkthekcuffs,kswamped kbyktheksensation. k Yes,kIkwhimper. k Oh,kbaby,kthatkwouldkbektookeasy. k Ohk.k.k.kplease. k Shh.kHiskteethkscrapekmykchinkaskhektrailskhisklipsktokmykmouth,kandkIkgas p.kHek isseskme.kHisks illedktonguekinvadeskmykmouth,ktasting,kexploring,kdomina ting,kbutkmyktonguekmeetskhiskchallenge,kwrithingkagainstkhis.kHektasteskofkcool kginkandkChristiankGrey,kandkheksmellskofktheksea.kHekgraspskmykchin,kholdingkmy kheadkinkplace. k Still,kbaby.kIkwantkyoukstill,khekwhisperskagainstkmykmouth. k Ikwantktokseekyou. k Ohkno,kAna.kYoullkfeelkmorekthiskway.kAndkagonizinglykslowlykhekflexeskhisk hipskandkpusheskpartwaykintokme.kIkwouldknormallyktiltkmykpelviskupktokmeetkhimk butkIkcantkmove.kHekwithdraws. k Ah!kChristian,kplease! k Again?khekteases,khiskvoicekhoarse. k Christian! k Hekpusheskfractionallykintokmekagainkthenkwithdrawskwhilek issingkme,khi skfingersktuggingkatkmyknipple.kItskpleasurekoverload. k No! k Dokyoukwantkme,kAnastasia? k Yes,kIkbeg. k Tellkme,khekmurmurs,khiskbreathingkharsh,kandkhekteaseskmekoncekmoreink.k.k .kandkout. k Ikwantkyou,kIkwhimper.kPlease. k Ikhearkhisksoftksighkagainstkmykear. k Andkhavekmekyoukwill,kAnastasia. k Hekrearskupkandkslamskintokme.kIkscream,ktiltingkmykheadkbac ,kpullingko nkthekrestraintskaskhekhitskmyksweetkspot,kandkIkamkallksensation,keverywhereaksw eet,ksweetkagony,kandkIkcannotkmove.kHekstillskthenkcircleskhiskhips,kandkthekmo tionkradiateskdeepkinsidekme. k Whykdokyoukdefykme,kAna? k Christian,kstopk.k.k. k Hekcircleskdeepkinsidekmekagain,kignoringkmykplea,keasingkoutkslowlykand kthenkslammingkintokmekagain. k Tellkme.kWhy?khekhisses,kandkImkvaguelykawarekthatkitskthroughkgrittedkteeth . k Ikcrykoutkinkankincoherentkwailk.k.k.kthiskisktookmuch. k Tellkme. k Christiank.k.k.

k Ana,kIkneedktok now. k Hekslamskintokmekagain,kthrustingksokdeep,kandkImkbuildingk.k.k.kthekfeel ingkisksokintenseitkswampskme,kspiralingkoutkfromkdeepkwithinkmykbelly,ktokeachkl imb,ktokeachkbitingkmetalkrestraint. k Ikdontk now!kIkcrykout.kBecausekIkcan!kBecausekIklovekyou!kPlease,kChristian . k Hekgroanskloudlykandkthrustskdeep,kagainkandkagain,koverkandkover,kandkI kamklost,ktryingktokabsorbkthekpleasure.kItskmind-blowingk.k.k.kbodykblowingk.k.k .kIklongktokstraightenkmyklegs,ktokcontrolkmykimminentkorgasm,kbutkIkcantk.k.k.kIm khelpless.kImkhis,kjustkhis,ktokdokwithkaskhekwillsk.k.k.kTearskspringktokmykeyes .kThiskisktookintense.kIkcantkstopkhim.kIkdontkwantktokstopkhimk.k.k.kIkwantk.k.k. kIkwantk.k.k.kohkno,kohknok.k.k.kthiskisktook.k.k. k Thatskit,kChristiankgrowls.kFeelkit,kbaby! k Ikdetonatekaroundkhim,kagainkandkagain,kroundkandkround,kscreamingkloudl ykaskmykorgasmkripskmekapart,kscorchingkthroughkmekli ekakwildfire,kconsumingkev erything.kIkamkwrungkragged,ktearskstreamingkdownkmykfacemykbodykleftkpulsingkand ksha ing. k AndkImkawarekthatkChristiank neels,kstillkinsidekme,kpullingkmekuprightko ntokhisklap.kHekclutcheskmykheadkwithkonekhandkandkmykbac kwithkanother,kandkhek comeskviolentlykinsidekmekwhilekmykinsideskcontinuektoktremblekwithkaftershoc s. kItskdraining,kitskexhausting,kitskhellk.k.k.kitskheaven.kItskhedonismkgonekwild. k Christianktearskoffkthekblindfoldkandk isseskme.kHek isseskmykeyes,kmykn ose,kmykchee s.kHek isseskawaykthektears,kclutchingkmykfacekinkbetweenkhiskhands . k Iklovekyou,kMrs.kGrey,khekbreathes.kEvenkthoughkyoukma ekmeksokmadIkfeelksok alivekwithkyou.kIkdontkhavekthekenergyktokopenkeitherkmykeyeskorkmykmouthktokrespo nd.kVerykgently,kheklayskmekbac konkthekbedkandkeaseskoutkofkme. k Ikmouthksomekwordlesskprotest.kHekclimbskoffkthekbedkandkundoeskthekhand cuffs.kWhenkImkfree,khekgentlykrubskmykwristskandkan les,kthenklieskdownkbesidekm ekagain,kpullingkmekintokhiskarms.kIkstretchkoutkmyklegs.kOhkmy,kthatkfeelskgood .kIkfeelkgood.kThatkwas,kwithoutkdoubt,kthekmostkintensekclimaxkIkhavekeverkendu red.kHmmk.k.k.kakChristiankGreykFiftykShadeskpunishmentkfuc . k Ikreallykmustkmisbehavekmorekoften. k Akpressingkneedkfromkmykbladderkwa eskme.kWhenkIkopenkmykeyes,kImkdisorie ntated.kItskdar koutside.kWherekamkI?kLondon?kParis?kOhthekboat.kIkfeelkherkpitchk andkroll,kandkhearkthekquietkhumkofkthekengines.kWerekonkthekmove.kHowkodd.kChris tiankiskbesidekme,kwor ingkonkhisklaptop,kcasuallykdressedkinkakwhiteklinenkshir tkandkchinoktrousers,khiskfeetkbare.kHiskhairkiskstillkwet,kandkIkcanksmellkhisk bodykwashkfreshkfromkthekshowerkandkhiskChristianksmellk.k.k.kHmm. k Hi,khekmurmurs,kgazingkdownkatkme,khiskeyeskwarm. k Hi.kIksmile,kfeelingksuddenlykshy.kHowklongkhavekIkbeenkasleep? k Justkankhourkorkso. k Werekmoving? k IkfiguredksincekwekatekoutklastknightkandkwentktokthekballetkandkthekCasi nokthatkwedkdinekonkboardktonight.kAkquietknightkkdeux. k Ikgrinkatkhim.kWherekarekwekgoing? k Cannes. k O ay.kIkstretch,kfeelingkstiff.kNokamountkofktrainingkwithkClaudekcouldkha vekpreparedkmekforkthiskafternoon. k Ikrisekgingerly,kneedingkthekbathroom.kGrabbingkmyksil krobe,kIkhastilyk putkitkon.kWhykamkIksokshy?kIkfeelkChristianskeyeskonkme.kWhenkIkglancekatkhim,kh ekreturnsktokhisklaptop,khiskbrowkfurrowed. k AskIkabsentmindedlykwashkmykhandskatkthekvanitykunit,krecallingklastknig htkatkthekCasino,kmykrobekfallskopen.kIkstarekatkmyselfkinkthekmirror,kshoc ed. k Holykfuc !kWhatkhaskhekdonektokme? k k k k kkk

k Ikgazekinkhorrorkatkthekredkmar skallkoverkmykbreasts.kHic eys!kIkhavekh ic eys!kIkamkmarriedktokonekofkthekmostkrespectedkbusinessmenkinkthekUnitedkStat es,kandkheskgivenkmekgoddamnkhic eys.kHowkdidkIknotkfeelkhimkdoingkthisktokme?kIk flush.kThekfactkiskIk nowkexactlykwhyMr.kOrgasmickwaskusingkhiskfine-motorksexing ks illskonkme. k Myksubconsciouskpeerskoverkherkhalf-moonkspecskandktutskdisapprovingly,k whilekmykinnerkgoddesskslumberskonkherkchaiseklongue,koutkforkthekcount.kIkgapek atkmykreflection.kMykwristskhavekakredkweltkaroundkthemkfromkthekhandcuffs.kNokd oubtktheyllkbruise.kIkexaminekmykan lesmorekwelts.kHolykhell,kIkloo kli ekIvekbeenk inksomeksortkofkaccident.kIkgazekatkmyself,ktryingktokabsorbkhowkIkloo .kMykbody kisksokdifferentkthesekdays.kItskchangedksubtlyksincekIvek nownkhimk.k.k.kIvekbecom ekleanerkandkfitter,kandkmykhairkiskglossykandkwellkcut.kMyknailskarekmanicured, kmykfeetkpedicured,kmykeyebrowskthreadedkandkbeautifullykshaped.kForkthekfirstkt imekinkmyklife,kImkwellkgroomedexceptkforkthesekhideousklovekbites. k Ikdontkwantktokthin kaboutkgroomingkatkthekmoment.kImktookmad.kHowkdarekhe kmar kmekli ekthis,kli eksomekteenager.kInkthekshortktimekwevekbeenktogether,khesk neverkgivenkmekhic eys.kIkloo kli ekhell.kIk nowkwhykheskdonekthis.kDamnkcontrolk frea .kRight!kMyksubconsciouskfoldskherkarmskbeneathkherksmallkbosomheskgonektookf arkthisktime.kIkstal koutkofkthekenksuitekbathroomkandkintokthekwal -inkcloset,k carefullykavoidingkevenkakglancekinkhiskdirection.kSlippingkoutkofkmykrobe,kIkpu llkonkmyksweatpantskandkakcamisole.kIkundokthekbraid,kpic kupkakhairbrushkfromkt heksmallkvanitykunit,kandkbrushkoutkmyktangles. k Anastasia,kChristiankcallskandkIkhearkhiskanxiety.kArekyouko ay? k Ikignorekhim.kAmkIko ay?kNo,kIkamknotko ay.kAfterkwhatkheskdonektokme,kIk doubtkIllkbekablektokwearkakswimsuit,kletkalonekonekofkmykridiculouslykexpensivek bi inis,kforkthekrestkofkourkhoneymoon.kThekthoughtkisksuddenlyksokinfuriating.k Howkdarekhe?kIllkgivekhimkarekyouko ay.kIkseethekaskfurykspi eskthroughkme.kIkcan kbehavekli ekankadolescent,ktoo!kSteppingkbac kintokthekbedroom,kIkhurlkthekhair brushkatkhim,kturn,kandkleavethoughknotkbeforekIkseekhiskshoc edkexpressionkandkh isklightningkreactionkaskhekraiseskhiskarmktokprotectkhiskheadksokthatkthekbrush kbounceskineffectivelykoffkhiskforearmkandkontokthekbed. k Ikstormkoutkofkourkcabin,kboltkupstairskandkoutkonkdec ,kfleeingktowardk thekbow.kIkneedksomekspacektokcalmkdown.kItskdar kandkthekairkiskbalmy.kThekwarmk breezekcarriesktheksmellkofkthekMediterraneankandkthekscentkofkjasminekandkbouga invilleakfromkthekshore.kThekFairkLadykglideskeffortlesslykthroughkthekcalmkcoba ltkseakaskIkrestkmykelbowskonkthekwoodenkrailing,kgazingkatkthekdistantkshorekwh erektinyklightskwin kandktwin le.kIkta ekakdeep,khealingkbreathkandkslowlykbegin ktokcalm.kImkawarekofkhimkbehindkmekbeforekIkhearkhim. k Yourekmadkatkme,khekwhispers. k Nokshit,kSherloc ! k Howkmad? k Scalekofkonektokten,kIkthin kImkatkfifty.kApt,khuh? k Thatkmad.kHeksoundsksurprisedkandkimpressedkatkonce. k Yes.kPushedktokviolencekmad,kIksaykthroughkgrittedkteeth. k HekstaysksilentkaskIkturnkandkscowlkatkhim,kwatchingkmekwithkwidekandkwa rykeyes.kIk nowkfromkhiskexpressionkandkbecausekheskmadeknokmovektoktouchkmekthat kheskoutkofkhiskdepth. k Christian,kyoukhavektokstopkunilaterallyktryingktokbringkmektokheel.kYouk madekyourkpointkonkthekbeach.kVerykeffectively,kaskIkrecall. k Hekshrugskminutely.kWell,kyoukwontkta ekyourktopkoffkagain,khekmurmurskpetu lantly. k Andkthiskjustifieskwhatkheskdonektokme?kIkglarekatkhim.kIkdontkli ekyouklea vingkmar skonkme.kWell,knotkthiskmany,kanyway.kItskakhardklimit!kIkhisskatkhim. k Ikdontkli ekyoukta ingkyourkclotheskoffkinkpublic.kThatskakhardklimitkforkm e,khekgrowls. k Ikthin kwevekestablishedkthat,kIkhisskthroughkmykteeth.kLoo katkme!kIkpullkdo wnkmykcamisolektokrevealkthektopkofkmykbreasts.kChristiankgazeskatkme,khiskeyesk notkleavingkmykfacekhiskexpressionkwarykandkuncertain.kHesknotkusedktokseeingkmek thiskmad.kCantkhekseekwhatkheskdone?kCantkhekseekhowkridiculouskhekis?kIkwantktoksh outkatkhim,kbutkIkrefrainIkdontkwantktokpushkhimktookfar.kHeavenk nowskwhatkhedkdo.

kEventually,kheksighskandkholdskhiskpalmskupkinkakresigned,kconciliatorykgesture . k O ay,kheksayskhiskvoicekplacating.kIkgetkit. k Hallelujah! k Good! k Hekrunskhiskhandkthroughkhiskhair.kImksorry.kPleasekdontkbekmadkatkme.kFinal ly,khekloo skcontriteusingkmykownkwordskbac katkme. k Youkareksuchkankadolescentksometimes,kIkscoldkhim,kmulishly,kbutkthekfight khaskgonekoutkofkmykvoice,kandkhek nowskit.kHekstepskcloserkandktentativelykrais eskhiskhandktoktuc kmykhairkbehindkmykear. k Ik now,khekac nowledgesksoftly.kIkhavekaklotktoklearn. k Dr.kFlynnskwordskcomekbac ktokmek.k.k.kEmotionally,kChristiankiskankadole scent,kAna.kHekbypassedkthatkphasekinkhisklifektotally.kHeskchanneledkallkhiskene rgieskintoksucceedingkinkthekbusinesskworld,kandkhekhaskbeyondkallkexpectations. kHiskemotionalkworldkhasktokplaykcatch-up. k Mykheartkthawskaklittle. k Wekbothkdo.kIksighkandkcautiouslykraisekmykhand,kplacingkitkoverkhiskheart .kHekdoesntkflinchkli ekhekusedkto,kbutkhekstiffens.kHekrestskhiskhandkoverkminek andksmileskhiskshyksmile. k Ivekjustklearnedkthatkyouvekakgoodkarmkandkakgoodkaim,kMrs.kGrey.kIkwouldkn everkhavekfiguredkthat,kbutkthenkIkconstantlykunderestimatekyou.kYoukalwaysksurp risekme. k Ikarchkmykeyebrowkatkhim.kTargetkpracticekwithkRay.kIkcankthrowkandkshoot kstraight,kMr.kGrey,kandkyoudkdokwellktokrememberkthat. k Ikwillkendeavorktokdokthat,kMrs.kGrey,korkensurekthatkallkpotentialkproje ctilekobjectskareknailedkdownkandkthatkyoukdontkhavekaccessktokakgun.kHeksmir s. k Iksmir kbac ,knarrowingkmykeyes.kImkresourceful. k Thatkyoukare,khekwhisperskandkreleaseskmykhandktokcirclekhiskarmskaroundkm e.kPullingkmekintokankembrace,khekburieskhisknosekinkmykhair.kIkwrapkmykarmskaro undkhim,kholdingkhimkclose,kandkfeelkthektensionkleavekhiskbodykaskheknuzzleskme . k AmkIkforgiven? k AmkI? k Ikfeelkhisksmile.kYes,khekanswers. k Ditto. k Wekstandkholdingkeachkother,kmykpiquekforgotten.kHekdoesksmellkgood,kado lescentkorknot.kHowkcankIkresistkhim? k Hungry?kheksayskafterkakwhile.kIkhavekmykeyeskclosedkandkmykheadkagainstkh iskchest. k Yes.kFamished.kAllkthek.k.k.kerk.k.k.kactivitykhaskgivenkmekankappetite.k ButkImknotkdressedkforkdinner.kImksurekmyksweatpantskandkcamisolekwouldkbekfrownedk uponkinkthekdiningkroom. k Youkloo kgoodktokme,kAnastasia.kBesides,kitskourkboatkforkthekwee .kWekcan kdresskhowkwekli e.kThin kofkitkaskdresskdownkTuesdaykonkthekCotekDAzur.kAnyway,k Ikthoughtkwedkeatkonkdec . k Yes,kIdkli ekthat. k Hek isseskmeankearnestkforgive-mek issthenkwekwanderkhandkinkhandktowardkt hekbowkwherekourkgazpachoksoupkawaits. k Thekstewardkserveskourkcrmekbrulekandkdiscreetlykretires. k Whykdokyoukalwayskbraidkmykhair?kIkas kChristiankoutkofkcuriosity.kWereksit tingkadjacentktokeachkotherkatkthektable,kmyklowerklegkcurledkaroundkhis.kHekpau seskaskheskaboutktokpic kupkhiskdessertspoonkandkfrowns. k Ikdontkwantkyourkhairkcatchingkinkanything,kheksayskquietlykandkforkakmomen t,khesklostkinkthought.kHabit,kIkthin ,khekmuses.kSuddenlykhekfrownskandkhiskeyeskw iden,khiskpupilskdilatingkwithkalarm. k Holykshit!kWhatskhekremembered?kItsksomethingkpainful,ksomekearlykchildhoo dkmemory,kIkguess.kIkdontkwantktokremindkhimkofkthat.kLeaningkover,kIkputkmykinde xkfingerkoverkhisklips. k No,kitkdoesntkmatter.kIkdontkneedktok now.kIkwaskjustkcurious.kIkgivekhimkak warm,kreassuringksmile.kHiskloo kiskwary,kbutkafterkakmomentkhekvisiblykrelaxes,

khiskreliefkevident.kIkleankoverktok isskthekcornerkofkhiskmouth. k Iklovekyou,kIkmurmur,kandkheksmileskhiskheart-achinglykshyksmile,kandkIkme lt.kIkwillkalwaysklovekyou,kChristian. k AndkIkyou,kheksaysksoftly. k Inkspitekofkmykdisobedience?kIkraisekmykeyebrow. k Becausekofkyourkdisobedience,kAnastasia.kHekgrins. k Ikcrac kmykspoonkthroughkthekburntksugarkcrustkofkmykdessertkandksha ekm ykhead.kWillkIkeverkunderstandkthiskman?kHmmthiskcrmekbrulekiskdelicious. k Oncekthekstewardkhaskclearedkourkdessertkplates,kChristiankreacheskforkt hekbottlekofkroskandkrefillskmykglass.kIkchec kthatkwerekalonekandkas ,kWhatskwithkt heknokgoingktokthekbathroomkthing? k Youkreallykwantktok now?kHekhalfksmiles,khiskeyeskalightkwithkaksalaciousk gleam. k DokI?kIkgazekatkhimkthroughkmyklasheskaskIkta ekaksipkofkmykwine. k Thekfullerkyourkbladder,kthekmorekintensekyourkorgasm,kAna. k Ikblush.kOh.kIksee.kHolykcow,kthatkexplainskaklot. k Hekgrins,kloo ingkfarktook nowing.kWillkIkalwayskbekonkthekbac kfootkwit hkMr.kSexpertise? k Yes.kWellk.k.k.kIkdesperatelykhuntkaroundkforkakchangekofksubject.kHekta e skpitykonkme. k Whatkdokyoukwantktokdokforkthekrestkofkthekevening?kHekcoc skhiskheadktoko neksidekandkgiveskmekhisklopsidedkgrin. k Whateverkyoukwant,kChristian.kPutkyourktheoryktokthektestkagain?kIkshrug . k Ik nowkwhatkIkwantktokdo,khekmurmurs.kGrabbingkhiskglasskofkwine,khekrises kandkholdskhiskhandkoutktokme.kCome. k Ikta ekhiskhandkandkhekleadskmekintokthekmainksalon. k HiskiPodkiskinkthekspea erkdoc konkthekdresser.kHekswitcheskitkonkandkse lectskaksong. k Dancekwithkme.kHekpullskmekintokhiskarms. k Ifkyoukinsist. k Ikinsist,kMrs.kGrey. k Akslin y,kcheesykmelodykstarts.kIskthiskakLatinkrhythm?kChristiankgrinsk downkatkmekandkstartsktokmove,ksweepingkmekoffkmykfeetkandkta ingkmekwithkhimkro undktheksalon. k Akmankwithkakvoicekli ekwarmkmeltedkcaramelkcroons.kItskaksongkIk nowkbut kcantkplace.kChristiankdipskmeklow,kandkIkyelpkinksurprisekandkgiggle.kHeksmiles, khiskeyeskfilledkwithkhumor.kThenkhekscoopskmekupkandkspinskmekunderkhiskarm. k Youkdanceksokwell,kIksay.kItskli ekIkcankdance. k Hekgiveskmekaksphinxli eksmilekbutksaysknothing,kandkIkwonderkifkitskbeca usekheskthin ingkofkherk.k.k.kMrs.kRobinson,kthekwomankwhoktaughtkhimkhowktokdanc eandkhowktokfuc .kShekhasntkcrossedkmykmindkforkakwhile.kChristiankhasknotkmention edkherksincekhiskbirthday,kandkaskfarkaskImkaware,ktheirkbusinesskrelationshipkis kover.kReluctantlykthough,kIkhavektokadmitshekwasksomekteacher. k Hekdipskmeklowkagainkandkplantskakswiftk isskonkmyklips. k Idkmisskyourklove,kIkmurmur,kechoingktheklyrics. k Idkmorekthankmisskyourklove,kheksayskandkspinskmekoncekmore.kThenkheksingsk thekwordsksoftlykinkmykearkma ingkmekswoon. k Thektrac kendskandkChristiankgazeskdownkatkme,khiskeyeskdar kandkluminou s,kallkhumorkgone,kandkImksuddenlykbreathless. k Comektokbedkwithkme?khekwhisperskandkitskakheartfeltkpleakthatktugskatkmykh eart. k Christian,kyoukhadkmekatkIkdotwokandkhalfkwee skago.kButkIk nowkthiskiskh iskwaykofkapologizingkandkma ingksurekallkiskwellkbetweenkuskafterkourkspat. k WhenkIkwa e,ktheksunkiskshiningkthroughkthekportholeskandkthekwaterkrefl ectskshimmeringkpatternskontokthekcabinkceiling.kChristiankisknowherektokbekseen .kIkstretchkoutkandksmile.kHmmk.k.k.kIllkta ekakpunishmentkfuc kfollowedkbykma eu pksexkanykday.kIkmarvelkwhatkitkisktokgoktokbedkwithktwokdifferentkmenangrykChris tiankandksweetklet-me-ma e-it-up-to-you-in-any-way-I-cankChristian.kItsktric ykto kdecidekwhichkofkthemkIkli ekthekbest.

k Ikrisekandkheadkforkthekbathroom.kOpeningkthekdoor,kIkfindkChristiankins idekshaving,kna edkexceptkforkaktowelkwrappedkaroundkhiskwaist.kHekturnskandkbea ms,knotkfazedkthatkIkamkinterruptingkhim.kIkhavekdiscoveredkthatkChristiankwillk neverkloc kthekdoorkifkhekiskthekonlykpersonkinkthekroomthekreasonkwhykisksoberin g,kandknotkonekIkwantktokdwellkon. k Goodkmorning,kMrs.kGrey,kheksays,kradiatingkhiskgoodkmood. k Goodkmorningkyourself.kIkgrinkbac kaskIkwatchkhimkshave.kIklovekwatchingkh imkshave.kHekpullskupkhiskchinkandkshaveskbeneathkit,kta ingklongkdeliberatekstr o es,kandkIkfindkmyselfkunconsciouslykmirroringkhiskactions.kPullingkmykupperkli pkdownkjustkaskhekdoes,ktokshavekhiskphiltrum.kHekturnskandksmir skatkme,konekha lfkofkhiskfacekstillkcoveredkinkshavingksoap. k Enjoyingkthekshow?khekas s. k Oh,kChristian,kIkcouldkwatchkyoukforkhours.kOnekofkmykall-timekfavorites,k Ikmurmur,kandkhekleanskdownkandk isseskmekquic ly,ksmearingkshavingksoapkonkmykf ace. k ShallkIkdokthisktokyoukagain?khekwhisperskwic edlykandkholdskupkthekrazor. k Ikpursekmyklipskatkhim.kNo,kIkmutter,kpretendingktoksul .kIllkwaxknextktime.k IkrememberkChristianskjoykinkLondonkwhenkhedkdiscoveredkthatkduringkhiskonekmeetin gkthere,kIdkshavedkoffkmykpubickhairkoutkofkcuriosity.kOfkcoursekIkhadntkdonekitkt okMr.kExactingskhighkstandardsk.k.k. k kkk k Whatkthekhellkhavekyoukdone?kChristiankexclaims.kHekcannotk eepkhiskhorrif iedkamusementktokhimself.kHeksitskupkinkbedkinkourksuitekatkBrownskHotelknearkPi ccadilly,kswitcheskonkthekbedsideklightkandkgazeskdownkatkme,khiskmouthkakstartl edkO.kItkmustkbekmidnight.kIkblushkthekcolorkofktheksheetskinkthekplayroomkandkt ryktokpullkdownkmyksatinknightdressksokhekcantksee.kHekgrabskmykhandktokstopkme. k Ana! k Ierrk.k.k.kshaved. k Ikcankseekthat.kWhy?kHeskgrinningkfromkearktokear. k Ikcoverkmykfacekwithkmykhands.kWhykamkIksokembarrassed? k Hey,kheksaysksoftlykandkpullskmykhandkaway.kDontkhide.kHeskbitingkhisklipksokt hatkhekwontklaugh.kTellkme.kWhy?kHiskeyeskdancekwithkmerriment.kWhykdoeskhekfindkth isksokfunny? k Stopklaughingkatkme. k Imknotklaughingkatkyou.kImksorry.kImk.k.k.kdelighted,kheksays. k Ohk.k.k. k Tellkme.kWhy? k Ikta ekakdeepkbreath.kThiskmorning,kafterkyoukleftkforkyourkmeeting,kIkto o kakshowerkandkwaskrememberingkallkyourkrules. k Hekblin s.kThekhumorkinkhiskexpressionkhaskvanished,kandkhekregardskmekc autiously. k AndkIkwasktic ingkthemkoffkonekbykonekandkhowkIkfeltkaboutkthem,kandkIkre memberedkthekbeautyksalon,kandkIkthoughtk.k.k.kthiskiskwhatkyoudkli e.kIkwasntkbra vekenoughktokgetkakwax.kMykvoicekdisappearskintokakwhisper. k Hekstareskatkme,khiskeyeskglowingthisktimeknotkwithkmirthkatkmykfolly,kbu tkwithklove. k Oh,kAna,khekbreathes.kHekleanskdownkandk isseskmektenderly.kYoukbeguilekme,k hekwhisperskagainstkmyklipskandk isseskmekoncekmore,kclaspingkmykfacekinkbothkhi skhands. k Afterkakbreathlesskmoment,khekpullskbac kandkleanskupkonkonekelbow.kThek humorkiskbac . k Ikthin kIkshouldkdokakthoroughkinspectionkofkyourkhandiwor ,kMrs.kGrey. k What?kNo.kHekhasktokbek idding!kIkcoverkmyself,kprotectingkmykrecentlykdef orestedkarea. k Oh,knokyoukdont,kAnastasia.kHekgraspskmykhandskandkprieskthemkaway,kmovingk nimblyksokheskbetweenkmyklegskandkpinningkmykhandsktokmyksides.kHekgiveskmekaksco rchingkloo kthatkcouldklightkdryktinder,kbutkbeforekIkcombust,khekbendskandks im skhisklipskdownkmykna edkbellykdirectlyktokmyksex.kIksquirmkbeneathkhim,krelucta ntlykresignedktokmykfate.

k Well,kwhatkhavekwekhere?kChristiankplantskak isskwhere,kuntilkthiskmorning ,kIkhadkpubickhairthenkscrapeskhiskbristlykchinkacrosskme. k Ah!kIkexclaim.kWowk.k.k.kthatsksensitive. k Christianskeyeskdartktokmine,kfullkofksalaciousklonging.kIkthin kyoukmisse dkakbit,khekmutterskandktugskgently,krightkunderneath. k Ohk.k.k.kDamn,kIkmutter,khopingkthiskwillkputkankendktokhiskfran lykintrus ivekscrutiny. k Ikhavekankidea.kHekleapskna edkoutkofkbedkandkheadsktokthekbathroom. k Whatkonkearthkiskhekdoing?kHekreturnskmomentsklater,kcarryingkakglasskof kwater,kakmug,kmykrazor,khiskshavingkbrush,ksoap,kandkaktowel.kHekputskthekwater ,kbrush,ksoap,kandkrazorkonkthekbedsidektablekandkgazeskdownkatkme,kholdingkthek towel. k Ohkno!kMyksubconsciouskslamskdownkherkCompletekWor skofkCharleskDic ens, kleapskupkfromkherkarmchair,kandkputskherkhandskonkherkhips. k No.kNo.kNo,kIksquea . k Mrs.kGrey,kifkakjobskworthkdoing,kitskworthkdoingkwell.kLiftkyourkhips.kHisk eyeskglowksummerkstormkgray. k Christian!kYoukareknotkshavingkme. k Hektiltskhiskheadktokonekside.kWhykeverknot? k Ikflushk.k.k.kisntkitkobvious?kBecausek.k.k.kItskjustktook.k.k. k Intimate?khekwhispers.kAna,kIkcravekintimacykwithkyouyouk nowkthat.kBesides, kafterksomekofkthekthingskwevekdone,kdontkgetkallksqueamishkonkmeknow.kAnd,kIk now kthiskpartkofkyourkbodykbetterkthankyoukdo. k Ikgapekatkhim.kOfkallkthekarrogantk.k.k.ktrue,khekdoesbutkstill.kItskjustkw rong!kMykvoicekiskprissykandkwhiney. k Thiskisntkwrongthiskiskhot. k Hot?kReally?kThiskturnskyoukon?kIkcantk eepkthekastonishmentkoutkofkmykvoic e. k Heksnorts.kCantkyouktell?kHekglanceskdownkatkhiskarousal.kIkwantktokshavekyo u,khekwhispers k Oh,kwhatkthekhell.kIkliekbac ,kthrowingkmykarmkoverkmykfaceksokIkdontkhav ektokwatch. k Ifkitkma eskyoukhappy,kChristian,kgokahead.kYoukareksok in y,kIkmutter,kas kIkliftkmykhips,kandkhekslipskthektowelkbeneathkme.kHek isseskmykinnerkthigh. k Oh,kbaby,khowkrightkyoukare. k Ikhearktheksloshkofkwaterkaskhekdipskthekshavingkbrushkinkthekglasskofkw ater,kthenktheksoftkswirlkofkthekbrushkinkthekmug.kHekgraspskmykleftkan lekandkp artskmyklegs,kandkthekbedkdipskaskheksitskbetweenkmyklegs.kIdkreallykli ektoktieky oukupkrightknow,khekmurmurs. k Ikpromisektok eepkstill. k Good. k Ikgaspkaskhekrunsktheklatheredkbrushkoverkmykpubickbone.kItskwarm.kThekwa terkinkthekglasskmustkbekhot.kIksquirmkaklittle.kItktic lesk.k.k.kbutkinkakgoodk way. k Dontkmove,kChristiankadmonisheskandkapplieskthekbrushkagain.kOrkIkwillktieky oukdown,khekaddskdar ly,kandkakdeliciouskshiverkrunskdownkmykspine. k Havekyoukdonekthiskbefore?kIkas ktentativelykwhenkhekreacheskforkthekrazor . k No. k Oh.kGood.kIkgrin. k Anotherkfirst,kMrs.kGrey. k Hmm.kIkli ekfirsts. k Me,ktoo.kHerekgoes.kAndkwithkakgentlenesskthatksurpriseskme,khekrunskthekr azorkoverkmyksensitivekflesh.kKeepkstill,kheksayskdistractedly,kandkIk nowkheskconc entratingkhard. k Itkonlykta eskakmatterkofkminuteskbeforekhekgrabskthektowelkandkwipeskal lkthekexcessklatherkoffkme. k Therethatskmorekli ekit,khekmuses,kandkIkfinallykliftkmykarmktokloo katkhimk askheksitskbac ktokadmirekhiskhandiwor . k Happy?kIkas ,kmykvoicekhoarse.

k Butkthatkwaskfun,kheksayskhiskeyeskgentlykmoc ing. k Forkyoukmaybe.kIktryktokpoutbutkheskrightk.k.k.kitkwask.k.k.karousing. k Ikseemktokrecallkthekaftermathkwaskveryksatisfying.kChristiankreturnsktokf inishingkhiskshave.kIkglancekquic lykdownkatkmykfingers.kYes,kitkwas.kIkhadknoki deakthatkthekabsencekofkpubickhairkcouldkma eksuchkakdifference. k Hey,kImkjustkteasing.kIsntkthatkwhatkhusbandskwhokarekhopelesslykinklovekwi thktheirkwiveskdo?kChristianktipskmykchinkupkandkgazeskatkme,khiskeyesksuddenlykf illedkwithkapprehensionkaskhekendeavorsktokreadkmykexpression. k Hmmk.k.k.kpaybac ktime. k Sit,kIkmutter. k Hekstares,knotkunderstanding.kIkpushkhimkgentlyktowardktheklonekwhitekst oolkinkthekbathroom.kPerplexed,kheksitskdown,kandkIkta ekthekrazorkfromkhim. k Ana,khekwarnskaskhekrealizeskmykintention.kIkleankdownkandk isskhim. k Headkbac ,kIkwhisper. k Hekhesitates. k Titkforktat,kMr.kGrey. k Hekstareskatkmekwithkwary,kamusedkdisbelief.kYouk nowkwhatkyourekdoing?khek as s,khiskvoiceklow.kIksha ekmykheadkslowly,kdeliberately,ktryingktokloo kaskser iouskaskpossible.kHekcloseskhiskeyeskandksha eskhiskheadkthenktiltskhiskheadkbac kinksurrender. k Holykshit,kheskgoingktokletkmekshavekhim.kMykinnerkgoddesskflexeskandkstr etcheskherkarmskoutward,kherkfingerskinterloc ed,kpalmskout,klimberingkup.kTenta tivelykIkslidekmykhandkintokthekdampkhairkatkhiskforehead,kgrippingktightlyktokh oldkhimkstill.kHekclencheskhiskeyeskclosedkandkpartskhisklipskaskhekinhales.kVer ykgently,kIkstro ekhiskrazorkupkfromkhisknec ktokhiskchin,krevealingkakpathkofks inkbeneathktheklather.kChristiankexhales. k Didkyoukthin kIkwaskgoingktokhurtkyou? k Ikneverk nowkwhatkyourekgoingktokdo,kAna,kbutknonotkintentionally. k Ikrunkthekrazorkupkhisknec kagain,kclearingkakwiderkpathkinktheklather. k Ikwouldkneverkintentionallykhurtkyou,kChristian. k HekopenskhiskeyeskandkcircleskhiskarmskaroundkmekaskIkgentlykdragkthekra zorkdownkhiskchee kfromkthekbottomkofkhisksideburn. k Ik now,kheksays,kanglingkhiskfaceksokIkcankshavekthekrestkofkhiskchee .kTw okmorekstro eskandkIvekfinished. k Allkdone,kandknotkakdropkofkbloodkspilled.kIkgrinkproudly. k Hekrunskhiskhandkupkmyklegksokthatkmyknightdresskrideskupkmykthighkandkp ullskmekonktokhisklapksokthatkImkastridekhim.kIksteadykmyselfkwithkmykhandskonkhi skupperkarms.kHeskreallykverykmuscular. k CankIkta ekyouksomewherektoday? k Noksunbathing?kIkarchkakcaustickbrowkatkhim. k Heklic skhisklipsknervously.kNo.kNoksunbathingktoday.kIkthoughtkyoukmight kpreferksomethingkelse. k Well,ksincekyouvekcoveredkmekinkhic eyskandkeffectivelykputkthek iboshkonk that,ksure,kwhyknot? k Wiselykhekchoosesktokignorekmyktone.kItskakdrive,kbutkitskworthkakvisitkfro mkwhatkIvekread.kMykdadkrecommendedkwekvisit.kItskakhilltopkvillagekcalledkSaintkP aulkdekVence.kTherekareksomekgallerieskthere.kIkthoughtkwekcouldkpic koutksomekp aintingskorksculptureskforktheknewkhouse,kifkwekfindkanythingkwekli e. k Holykcrap.kIkleankbac kandkgazekatkhim.kArtk.k.k.khekwantsktokbuykart.kH owkcankIkbuykart? k What?khekas s. k Ik nowknothingkaboutkart,kChristian. k Hekshrugskandksmileskatkmekindulgently.kWellkonlykbuykwhatkwekli e.kThiski sntkaboutkinvestment. k Investment?kJeez. k What?kheksayskagain. k Iksha ekmykhead.

k k

Very.kHekgrinskwic edlykandkslowlykeaseskakfingerkinsidekme. kkk

k Loo ,kIk nowkwekonlykgotkthekarchitectskdrawingskthekotherkdaybutktheresknok harmkinkloo ing,kandkthektownkiskankancient,kmedievalkplace. k Oh,kthekarchitect.kHekhadktokremindkmekofkherk.k.k.kGiakMatteo,kakfriend kofkElliotskwhokwor edkonkChristianskplacekinkAspen.kDuringkourkmeetings,kshedkbeen kallkoverkChristiankli ekakrash. k Whatknow?kChristiankexclaims.kIksha ekmykhead.kTellkme,khekurges. k HowkcankIktellkhimkthatkIkdontkli ekGia?kMykdisli ekiskirrational.kIkdontk wantktokcomekacrosskaskthekjealouskwife. k YoureknotkstillkmadkaboutkwhatkIkdidkyesterday?kHeksighskandknuzzleskhiskfa cekbetweenkmykbreasts. k No.kImkhungry,kIkmutter,k nowingkfullkwellkthatkthiskwillkdistractkhimkfrom kthisklinekofkquestioning. k Whykdidntkyouksay?kHekeaseskmekoffkhisklapkandkstands. k SaintkPaulkdekVencekiskakmedieval,kfortified,khilltopkvillage,konekofkth ekmostkpicturesquekplaceskIkhavekeverkseen.kIkstrollkarmkinkarmkwithkChristiankt hroughktheknarrowkcobblestonekstreetskwithkmykhandkinkthekbac kpoc etkofkhisksho rts.kTaylorkandkeitherkGastonkorkPhilippeIkcantktellkthekdifferencekbetweenkthemtra ilkbehindkus.kWekpasskaktree-coveredksquarekwherekthreekoldkmen,konekwearingkakt raditionalkberetkinkspitekofkthekheat,karekplayingkboules.kItskquitekcrowdedkwith ktourists,kbutkIkfeelkcomfortablektuc edkunderkChristianskarm.kTherekisksokmuchkt okseelittlekalleyskandkpassagewayskleadingktokcourtyardskwithkintricatekstonekfou ntains,kancientkandkmodernksculptures,kandkfascinatingklittlekboutiqueskandkshop s. k Inkthekfirstkgallery,kChristiankgazeskdistractedlykatkthekerotickphotogr aphskinkfrontkofkus,ksuc ingkgentlykonkthekarmkofkhiskaviatorkspecs.kTheykarekth ekwor kofkFlorencekDellena edkwomenkinkvariouskposes. k NotkquitekwhatkIkhadkinkmind,kIkmumblekdisapprovingly.kTheykma ekmekthin k ofkthekboxkofkphotographskIkfoundkinkhiskcloset,kourkcloset.kIkwonderkifkhekever kdidkdestroykthem. k Mekneither,kChristianksays,kgrinningkdownkatkme.kHekta eskmykhand,kandkwek strollktoktheknextkartist.kIdly,kIkwonderkifkIkshouldkletkhimkta ekphotoskofkme. kMykinnerkgoddessknodskfranticallykwithkapproval. k Theknextkdisplaykiskbykakfemalekpainterkwhokspecializeskinkfigurativekar tfruitkandkvegetablesksuperkclosekupkandkinkrich,kgloriouskcolor. k Ikli ekthose.kIkpointktokthreekpaintingskofkpeppers.kTheykremindkmekofkyouk choppingkvegetableskinkmykapartment.kIkgiggle.kChristianskmouthktwistskaskhektries kandkfailsktokhidekhiskamusement. k IkthoughtkIkmanagedkthatkquitekcompetently,khekmutters.kIkwaskjustkakbitksl ow,kandkanywayhekpullskmekintokankembraceyoukwerekdistractingkme.kWherekwouldkyoukpu tkthem? k What? k Christiankisknuzzlingkmykear.kThekpaintingswherekwouldkyoukputkthem?kHekbit eskmykearlobekandkIkfeelkitkinkmykgroin. k Kitchen,kIkmurmur. k Hmm.kNicekidea,kMrs.kGrey. k Iksquintkatkthekprice.kFivekthousandkeuroskeach.kHolykshit! k Theyrekreallykexpensive!kIkgasp. k So?kHeknuzzleskmekagain.kGetkusedktokit,kAna.kHekreleaseskmekandksaunterskov erktokthekdes kwherekakyoungkwomankdressedkentirelykinkwhitekiskgapingkatkhim.kI kwantktokrollkmykeyes,kbutkturnkmykattentionkbac ktokthekpaintings.kFivekthousan dkeurosk.k.k.kjeez. k k WekhavekfinishedklunchkandkarekrelaxingkoverkcoffeekatkthekHotelkLekSain tkPaul.kThekviewkofktheksurroundingkcountrysidekiskstunning.kVineyardskandkfield skofksunflowerskformkakpatchwor kacrosskthekplain,kinterspersedkherekandktherekw ithkneatklittlekFrenchkfarmhouses.kItsksuchkakclear,kbeautifulkdaykwekcankseekall kthekwayktoktheksea,kglintingkfaintlykonkthekhorizon.kChristiankinterruptskmykre verie. k Youkas edkmekwhykIkbraidkyourkhair,khekmurmurs.kHisktonekalarmskme.kHekloo sk.k.k.kguilty.

k Yes.kOh,kshit. k Thekcrac kwhorekusedktokletkmekplaykwithkherkhair,kIkthin .kIkdontk nowkif kitskakmemorykorkakdream. k Whoa!kHiskbirthkmom. k Hekgazeskatkme,khiskexpressionkunreadable.kMykheartkleapskintokmykmouth. kWhatkdokIksaykwhenkheksayskthingskli ekthis? k Ikli ekyoukplayingkwithkmykhair.kMykvoicekiskhesitant. k Hekregardskmekwithkuncertainty.kDokyou? k Yes.kItskthektruth.kIkgraspkhiskhand.kIkthin kyouklovedkyourkbirthkmother,kC hristian.kHiskeyeskwidenkandkhekstareskatkmekimpassively,ksayingknothing. k Holykshit.kHavekIkgonektookfar?kSayksomething,kFiftyplease.kButkhekremain skresolutelykmute,kgazingkatkmekwithkfathomlesskgraykeyeskwhilektheksilencekstre tcheskbetweenkus.kHekloo sklost. k Hekglanceskdownkatkmykhandkonkhiskandkhekfrowns. k Sayksomething,kIkwhisper,kbecausekIkcannotkbearktheksilencekanyklonger. k Heksha eskhiskhead,kexhalingkdeeply. k Letskgo.kHekreleaseskmykhandkandkstands.kHiskexpressionkguarded.kHavekIkove rsteppedkthekmar ?kIkhaveknokidea.kMykheartksin skandkIkdontk nowkwhetherktoksayk anythingkelsekorkjustkletkitkgo.kIkdecidekonktheklatterkandkfollowkhimkdutifully koutkofkthekrestaurant. k Inktheklovelyknarrowkstreet,khekta eskmykhand. k Wherekdokyoukwantktokgo? k Hekspea s!kAndkhesknotkmadkatkmethan kheavens.kIkexhale,krelieved,kandkshr ug.kIkamkjustkgladkyourekstillkspea ingktokme. k Youk nowkIkdontkli ektal ingkaboutkallkthatkshit.kItskdone.kFinished,kheksay skquietly. k No,kChristian,kitkisnt.kThekthoughtksaddenskme,kandkforkthekfirstktimekIk wonderkifkitkwillkeverkbekfinished.kHellkalwayskbekFiftykShadesk.k.k.kmykFiftykSh ades.kDokIkwantkhimktokchange?kNo,knotkreallyonlykinsofarkaskIkwantkhimktokfeelkl oved.kPee ingkupkatkhim,kIkta ekakmomentktokadmirekhiskcaptivatingkbeautyk.k.k.k andkheskmine.kAndkitsknotkjustkthekallurekofkhiskfine,kfinekfacekandkhiskbodykthat khaskmekspellbound.kItskwhatskbehindkthekperfectionkthatkdrawskme,kthatkcallsktokm ek.k.k.khiskfragile,kdamagedksoul. k Hekgiveskmekthatkloo ,kdownkhisknose,khalfkamused,khalfkwary,kwhollyksex ykthenktuc skmekunderkhiskarm,kandkwekma ekourkwaykthroughkthektouristsktowardkt hekspotkwherekPhilippe/Gastonkhaskpar edkthekroomykMercedes.kIkslipkmykhandkbac kintokthekbac kpoc etkofkChristianskshorts,kgratefulkthatkhekisntkmad.kBut,khonest ly,kwhatkfour-year-oldkchildkdoesntklovekhiskmom,knokmatterkhowkbadkakmomkshekis? kIksighkheavilykandkhugkhimkcloser.kIk nowkbehindkusktheksecuritykteamklur s,kan dkIkwonderkidlykifktheyvekeaten. k Christiankstopskoutsidekaksmallkboutiqueksellingkfinekjewelrykandkgazesk inkthekwindow,kthenkdownkatkme.kHekgraspskmykfreekhandkandkrunskhiskthumbkacross kthekfadedkredklinekofkthekhandcuffkmar ,kinspectingkit. k Itsknotksore.kIkreassurekhim.kHektwistsksokthatkmykotherkhandkiskfreedkfrom khiskpoc et.kHekclaspskthatkhand,ktoo,kturningkitkgentlykoverktokexaminekmykwris t.kThekplatinumkOmegakwatchkhekgavekmekatkbrea fastkonkourkfirstkmorningkinkLond onkobscureskthekredkline.kThekinscriptionkstillkma eskmekswoon. k Anastasia k k k YoukarekmykMore MykLove,kMykLife Christian

k Inkspitekofkeverything,kallkhiskFiftyness,kmykhusbandkcankbeksokromantic .kIkgazekdownkatkthekfaintkmar skonkmykwrist.kThenkagain,khekcankbeksavageksomet imes.kReleasingkmykleftkhand,khektiltskmykchinkupkwithkhiskfingerskandkscrutiniz eskmykexpression,khiskeyesktroubled. k Theykdontkhurt,kIkrepeat.kHekpullskmykhandktokhisklipskandkplantskaksoftkap

ologetick isskonkthekinsidekofkmykwrist. k Come,kheksayskandkleadskmekintokthekshop. k Here,kChristiankholdskopenkthekplatinumkbraceletkheskjustkpurchased.kItskexq uisite,ksokdelicatelykcrafted,kthekfiligreekinkthekshapekofksmallkabstractkflowe rskwithksmallkdiamondskatktheirkheart.kHekfastenskitkaroundkmykwrist.kItskwidekan dkcuff-li ekandkhideskthekredkmar s.kItkalsokcostkaroundkthirtykthousandkeuros,k Ikthin ,kthoughkIkcouldntkreallykfollowkthekconversationkinkFrenchkwithktheksales kassistant.kIkhavekneverkwornkanythingksokexpensive. k There,kthatskbetter,khekmurmurs. k Better?kIkwhisper,kgazingkintokluminouskgraykeyes,kconsciouskthatkthekstic -thinksaleskassistantkiskstaringkatkuskwithkakjealouskandkdisapprovingkloo . k Youk nowkwhy,kChristianksayskuncertainly. k Ikdontkneedkthis.kIksha ekmykwristkandkthekcuffkmoves.kItkcatcheskthekafter noonklightkstreamingkthroughkthekboutiquekwindowkandksmallkspar lingkrainbowskda ncekoffkthekdiamondskallkoverkthekwallskofkthekstore. k Ikdo,kheksayskwithkutterksincerity. k Why?kWhykdoeskhekneedkthis?kDoeskhekfeelkguilty?kAboutkwhat?kThekmar s?k Hiskbirthkmother?kNotkconfidingkinkme?kOh,kFifty. k No,kChristian,kyoukdont.kYouvekgivenkmeksokmuchkalready.kAkmagicalkhoneymoo n,kLondon,kParis,kthekCotekDAzurk.k.k.kandkyou.kImkakverykluc ykgirl,kIkwhisperkand khiskeyesksoften. k No,kAnastasia,kImkakverykluc ykman. k Than kyou.kStretchingkupkonktiptoes,kIkputkmykarmskaroundkhisknec kandk is skhimk.k.k.knotkforkgivingkmekthekbraceletkbutkforkbeingkmine. k Bac kinkthekcarkheskintrospective,kgazingkoutkatkthekfieldskofkbrightksun flowers,ktheirkheadskfollowingkandkbas ingkinkthekafternoonksun.kOnekofkthektwin sIkthin kitskGastoniskdrivingkandkTaylorkiskbesidekhimkupkfront.kChristiankiskbrood ingkaboutksomething.kIkclaspkhiskhand,kgivingkitkakreassuringksqueeze.kHekglance skatkmekbeforekreleasingkmykhandkandkcaressingkmyk nee.kImkwearingkakshort,kfull, kbluekandkwhiteks irt,kandkakblue,kfitted,ksleevelesskshirt.kChristiankhesitates ,kandkIkdontk nowkifkhiskhandkiskgoingktoktravelkupkmykthighkorkdownkmykleg.kIkte nsekwithkanticipationkatkthekgentlektouchkofkhiskfingerskandkmykbreathkcatches.k Whatskhekgoingktokdo?kHekchooseskdown,ksuddenlykgraspskmykan lekandkpullskmykfoot konktokhisklap.kIkswivelkmykbac sideksokIkamkfacingkhimkinkthekbac kofkthekcar. k Ikwantkthekotherkone,ktoo. k IkglanceknervouslyktowardkTaylorkandkGaston,kwhosekeyeskarekresolutelyko nkthekroadkahead,kandkplacekmykotherkfootkonkhisklap.kHiskeyeskcool,khekreachesk overkandkpresseskakbuttonklocatedkinkhiskdoor.kInkfrontkofkus,kaklightlyktintedk privacykscreenkslideskoutkofkakpanel,kandktenksecondsklaterkwekarekeffectivelyko nkourkown.kWowk.k.k.knokwonderkthekbac kofkthiskcarkhasksokmuchklegroom. k Ikwantktokloo katkyourkan les,kChristiankofferskhiskquietkexplanation.kHis kgazekiskanxious.kThekcuffkmar s?kJeezk.k.k.kIkthoughtkwedkdealtkwithkthis.kIfkth erekarekmar s,ktheykarekhiddenkbyktheksandalkstraps.kIkdontkrecallkseeingkanykthi skmorning.kGently,khekstro eskhiskthumbkupkmykrightkinstep,kma ingkmekwriggle.kA ksmilekplayskonkhisklipskandkdeftlykhekundoeskonekstrap,kandkhisksmilekfadeskask heskconfrontedkwithkthekdar erkredkmar s. k Doesntkhurt,kIkmurmur.kHekglanceskatkmekandkhiskexpressionkisksad,khiskmout hkakthinkline.kHeknodskoncekaskifkheskta ingkmekatkmykwordkwhilekIksha ekmyksanda lklooseksokitkfallsktokthekfloor,kbutkIk nowkIveklostkhim.kHeskdistractedkandkbroo dingkagain,kmechanicallykcaressingkmykfootkwhilekhekturnskawayktokgazekoutkthekc arkwindowkoncekmore. k Hey.kWhatkdidkyoukexpect?kIkas ksoftly.kHekglanceskatkmekandkshrugs. k Ikdidntkexpectktokfeelkli ekIkdokloo ingkatkthesekmar s,kheksays. k Oh!kReticentkonekminutekandkforthcomingktheknext?kHowk.k.k.kFifty!kHowkc ankIk eepkupkwithkhim? k Howkdokyoukfeel? k Blea keyeskgazekatkme.kUncomfortable,khekmurmurs. k Oh,kno.kIkunbuc lekmykseatbeltkandkscootkcloserktokhim,kleavingkmykfeetk inkhisklap.kIkwantktokcrawlkintokhisklapkandkholdkhim,kandkIkwould,kifkitkwerekj ustkTaylorkinkthekfront.kButk nowingkGastonkisktherekcrampskmykstylekdespitekthe

kglass.kIfkonlykitkwerekdar er.kIkclutchkhiskhands. k Itskthekhic eyskIkdontkli e,kIkwhisper.kEverythingkelsek.k.k.kwhatkyoukdidIklo erkmykvoicekevenkfurtherwithkthekhandcuffs,kIkenjoyedkthat.kWell,kmorekthankenjoye d.kItkwaskmind-blowing.kYoukcankdokthatktokmekagainkanytime. k Hekshiftskinkhiskseat.kMind-blowing?kMykinnerkgoddesskloo skupkstartledkfr omkherkJac iekCollins. k Yes.kIkgrin.kIkflexkmyktoeskintokhiskhardeningkcrotchkandkseekratherkthank hearkhisksharpkinta ekofkbreath,khisklipskparting. k Youkshouldkreallykbekwearingkyourkseatkbelt,kMrs.kGrey.kHiskvoicekisklow,k andkIkcurlkmyktoeskaroundkhimkoncekmore.kHekinhaleskandkhiskeyeskdar en,kandkhek claspskmykan lekinkwarning.kDoeskhekwantkmekstop?kContinue?kHekpauses,kscowlskth enkfisheskhiskever-presentkBlac Berrykoutkofkhiskpoc etktokta ekankincomingkcall kwhilekglancingkatkhiskwatch.kHiskfrownkdeepens. k Barney,kheksnaps. k Crap.kWor kinterruptingkuskagain.kIktryktokremovekmykfeet,kbutkhektighte nskhiskfingerskaroundkmykan le. k Inkthekserverkroom?kheksayskinkdisbelief.kDidkitkactivatekthekfireksuppress ionksystem? k Fire!kIkta ekmykfeetkoffkhisklapkandkthisktimekhekletskme.kIksitkbac kin kmykseat,kbuc lekmykseatkbelt,kandkfiddleknervouslykwithkthekfifteen-thousand-eu rokbracelet.kChristiankpresseskthekbuttonkinkhiskdoorkarmrestkagainkandkthekpriv acykglasskslideskdown. k Anyonekinjured?kDamage?kIkseek.k.k.kWhen?kChristiankglanceskatkhiskwatchka gainkthenkrunskhiskhandkthroughkhiskhair.kNo.kNotkthekfirekdepartmentkorkthekpoli ce.kNotkyetkanyway. k Holykcrap!kAkfire?kAtkChristianskoffice?kIkgapekatkhim,kmykmindkracing.kT aylorkshiftsksokhekcankhearkChristianskconversation. k Haskhe?kGoodk.k.k.kO ay.kIkwantkakdetailedkdamagekreport.kAndkakcompletek rundownkofkeveryonekwhokhadkaccesskoverktheklastkfivekdays,kincludingkthekcleani ngkstaffk.k.k.kGetkholdkofkAndreakandkgetkherktokcallkmek.k.k.kYeah,ksoundskli e kthekargonkiskjustkaskeffective,kworthkitskweightkinkgold. k Damagekreport?kArgon?kItkringskakdistantkbellkfromkchemistrykclassankelem ent,kIkthin . k Ikrealizekitskearlyk.k.k.kE-mailkmekinktwokhoursk.k.k.kNo,kIkneedktok now. kThan kyoukforkcallingkme.kChristiankhangskup,kthenkimmediatelykpuncheskaknumberk intokthekBlac Berry. k Welchk.k.k.kGoodk.k.k.kWhen?kChristiankglanceskatkhiskwatchkyetkagain.kAnkh ourkthenk.k.k.kyesk.k.k.kTwenty-four-sevenkatkthekoff-sitekdatakstorek.k.k.kgood .kHekhangskup. k Philippe,kIkneedktokbekonboardkwithinkthekhour. k Monsieur. k Shit,kitskPhilippe,knotkGaston.kThekcarksurgeskforward. k Christiankglanceskatkme,khiskexpressionkunreadable. k Anyonekhurt?kIkas kquietly. k Christianksha eskhiskhead.kVeryklittlekdamage.kHekreacheskoverkandkclaspsk mykhand,ksqueezingkitkreassuringly.kDontkworrykaboutkthis.kMykteamkiskonkit.kAndkth erekhekis,kthekCEO,kinkcommand,kinkcontrolkandknotkflusteredkatkall. k Wherekwaskthekfire? k Serverkroom. k GreykHouse? k Yes. k Hiskresponseskarekclipped,ksokIk nowkhekdoesntkwantktoktal kaboutkit. k Whyksoklittlekdamage? k Thekserverkroomkiskfittedkwithkakstate-of-the-artkfireksuppressionksystem . k Ofkcoursekitkis. k Ana,kpleasek.k.k.kdontkworry. k Imknotkworried,kIklie. k Wekdontk nowkforksurekthatkitkwaskarson,kheksays,kcuttingktokthekheartkofkm ykanxiety.kMykhandkclutcheskmykthroatkinkfear.kCharliekTangokandknowkthis?

k k k k

Whatknext? kkk

k Imkrestless.kChristiankhaskbeenkholedkupkinkthekonboardkstudykforkoverkan khour.kIkhavektriedkreading,kwatchingkTV,ksunbathingfullykdressedksunbathingbutkIk cantkrelax,kandkIkcantkridkmyselfkofkthiskedgykfeeling.kAfterkchangingkintokshorts kandkakT-shirt,kIkremovekthekludicrouslykexpensivekbanglekandkgoktokfindkTaylor. k Mrs.kGrey,kheksays,kstartledkfromkhiskAnthonykBurgessknovel.kHesksittingkin ktheksmallksalonkoutsidekChristianskstudy. k Idkli ektokgokshopping. k Yeskmaam.kHekstands. k Idkli ektokta ekthekJetkS i. k Hiskmouthkdropskopen.kErm.kHekfrowns,klostkforkwords. k IkdontkwantktokbotherkChristiankwithkthis. k Hekrepresseskaksigh.kMrs.kGreyk.k.k.kumk.k.k.kIkdontkthin kMr.kGreykwouldk bekverykcomfortablekwithkthat,kandkIdkli ektok eepkmykjob. k Oh,kforkheavensksa e!kIkwantktokrollkmykeyeskatkhim,kbutkIknarrowkthemkin stead,ksighingkheavilykandkexpressing,kIkthin ,kthekrightkamountkofkfrustratedki ndignationkthatkIkamknotkmistresskofkmykownkdestiny.kThenkagain,kIkdontkwantkChri stiankmadkatkTaylororkme,kforkthatkmatter.kStridingkconfidentlykpastkhim,kIk noc konkthekstudykdoorkandkenter. k ChristiankiskonkhiskBlac Berry,kleaningkagainstkthekmahoganykdes .kHekgl anceskup.kAndrea,kholdkplease,khekmutterskdownkthekphone,khiskexpressionkserious.k Hiskgazekiskpolitelykexpectant.kShit.kWhykdokIkfeelkli ekIvekenteredkthekprincipa lskoffice?kThiskmankhadkmekinkhandcuffskyesterday.kIkrefusektokbekintimidatedkbyk him,kheskmykhusbandkdamnkit.kIksquarekmykshoulderskandkgivekhimkakbroadksmile. k Imkgoingkshopping.kIllkta eksecuritykwithkme. k Sure,kta ekonekofkthektwinskandkTaylor,ktoo,kheksays,kandkIk nowkthatkwhat everskhappeningkiskseriouskbecausekhekdoesntkquestionkmekfurther.kIkstandkstaringk atkhim,kwonderingkifkIkcankhelp. k Anythingkelse?khekas s.kHekwantskmekgone.kCrap. k CankIkgetkyoukanything?kIkas .kHeksmileskhisksweetkshyksmile. k No,kbaby,kImkgood,kheksays.kThekcrewkwillkloo kafterkme. k O ay.kIkwantktok isskhim.kHell,kIkcanheskmykhusband.kStrollingkpurposefullyk forward,kIkplantkak isskonkhisklips,ksurprisingkhim. k Andrea,kIllkcallkyoukbac ,khekmutters.kHekputskthekBlac Berrykdownkonkthekd es kbehindkhim,kpullskmekintokhiskembrace,kandk isseskmekpassionately.kIkamkbrea thlesskwhenkhekreleaseskme.kHiskeyeskarekdar kandkneedy. k Yourekdistractingkme.kIkneedktoksortkthis,ksokIkcankgetkbac ktokmykhoneymo on.kHekrunskankindexkfingerkdownkmykfacekandkcaresseskmykchin,ktiltingkmykfacekup . k O ay.kImksorry. k Pleasekdontkapologize,kMrs.kGrey.kIklovekyourkdistractions.kHek isseskthekc ornerkofkmykmouth. k Gokspendksomekmoney.kHekreleaseskme. k Willkdo.kIksmir katkhimkaskIkexitkhiskstudy.kMyksubconsciousksha eskherkhe adkandkpurseskherklips.kYoukdidntktellkhimkyoukwerekgoingkonkthekJetkS i,kshekcha stiseskmekinkherksingsongkvoice.kIkignorekherk.k.k.kHarpy. k Taylorkiskpatientlykwaiting. k Thatskallkclearedkwithkhighkcommandk.k.k.kcankwekgo?kIksmile,ktryingktok ee pktheksarcasmkoutkofkmykvoice.kTaylorkdoesntkhidekhiskadmiringksmile. k Mrs.kGrey,kafterkyou. k Taylorkpatientlyktal skmekthroughkthekcontrolskonkthekJetkS ikandkhowkto kridekit.kHekhaskakcalm,kgentlekauthoritykaboutkhim;kheskakgoodkteacher.kWekareki nkthekmotorklaunch,kbobbingkandkweavingkonkthekcalmkwaterskofkthekharborkbesidek thekFairkLady.kGastonkloo skon,khiskexpressionkhiddenkbykhiskshades,kandkonekofk thekFairkLadyskcrewkiskatkthekcontrolskofkthekmotorklaunch.kJeezthreekpeoplekwithk me,kjustkbecausekIkwantktokgokshopping.kItskridiculous.

k Zippingkupkmyklifekjac et,kIkgivekTaylorkakbeamingkgrin.kHekholdskoutkhi skhandktokassistkmekaskIkclimbkontokthekJetkS i. k Fastenkthekstrapkofkthekignitionk eykaroundkyourkwrist,kMrs.kGrey.kIfkyou kfallkoff,kthekenginekwillkcutkoutkautomatically,khekexplains. k O ay. k Ready? k Iknodkenthusiastically. k Presskthekignitionkwhenkyouvekdriftedkaboutkfourkfeetkawaykfromkthekboat.k Wellkfollowkyou. k O ay. k HekpusheskthekJetkS ikawaykfromktheklaunch,kandkitkfloatskgentlykintokth ekmainkharbor.kWhenkhekgiveskmektheko ayksign,kIkpresskthekignitionkbuttonkandkt hekenginekroarskintoklife. k O ay,kMrs.kGrey,keasykdoeskit!kTaylorkshouts.kIksqueezekthekaccelerator.kT hekJetkS iklurcheskforwardkthenkstalls.kCrap!kHowkdoeskChristiankma ekitkloo kso keasy?kIktrykagain,kandkoncekagain,kIkstall.kDoublekcrap! k Justksteadykonkthekgas,kMrs.kGrey,kTaylorkcalls. k Yeah,kyeah,kyeah,kIkmutterkunderkmykbreath.kIktrykoncekmore,kverykgentlyks queezingktheklever,kandkthekJetkS iklurcheskforwardbutkthisktimekitk eepskgoing.k Yes!kItkgoesksomekmore.kHakha!kItkstillk eepskgoing!kIkwantktokshoutkandksquealk inkexcitement,kbutkIkresist.kIkcruisekgentlykawaykfromkthekyachtkintokthekmainkh arbor.kBehindkme,kIkhearkthekthroatykroarkofkthekmotorklaunch.kWhenkIksqueezekth ekgaskfurther,kthekJetkS ikleapskforward,ks atingkacrosskthekwater.kWithkthekwar mkbreezekinkmykhairkandkakfinekseakspraykonkeitherksidekofkme,kIkfeelkfree.kThis kroc s!kNokwonderkChristiankneverkletskmekdrive. k Ratherkthankheadkforkthekshorekandkcurtailkthekfun,kIkveerkaroundktokdok akcircuitkofkthekstatelykFairkLady.kWowthiskisksokmuchkfun.kIkignorekTaylorkandkt hekcrewkbehindkmekandkspeedkaroundkthekyachtkforkaksecondktime.kAskIkcompletekth ekcircuit,kIkspotkChristiankonkdec .kIkthin kheskgapingkatkme,kthoughkitskdifficul tktoktell.kBravely,kIkliftkonekhandkfromkthekhandlebarskandkwavekenthusiasticall ykatkhim.kHekloo skli ekheskmadekofkstone,kbutkfinallykhekraiseskhiskhandkinkthek semblancekofkakstiffkwave.kIkcantkwor koutkhiskexpression,kandksomethingktellskme kIkdontkwantkto,ksokIkheadktokthekmarina,kspeedingkacrosskthekbluekwaterkofkthekM editerraneankthatkshimmerskinktheklatekafternoonksun. k Atkthekdoc ,kIkwaitkandkletkTaylorkpullkupkaheadkofkme.kHiskexpressionki skblea ,kandkmykheartksin s,kthoughkGastonkloo skvaguelykamused.kIkwonderkbriefl ykifksomethingkhaskhappenedktokchillkGallic-Americankrelations,kbutkdeepkdownkIk suspectkthekproblemkiskprobablykme.kGastonkleapskoutkofkthekmotorboatkandktieski tktokthekmooringskwhilekTaylorkdirectskmektokcomekalongside.kVerykgentlykIkeasek thekJetkS ikintokpositionkbesidekthekboatkandklinekupkbesidekhim.kHiskexpression ksoftenskaklittle. k Justkswitchkoffkthekignition,kMrs.kGrey,kheksayskcalmly,kreachingkforkthek handlebarskandkholdingkoutkakhandktokhelpkmekintokthekmotorboat.kIknimblykclimbk aboard,kimpressedkthatkIkdontkfallkin. k Mrs.kGrey,kTaylorkblin sknervously,khiskchee skpin koncekmore.kMr.kGreykisk notkentirelykcomfortablekwithkyoukridingkonkthekJetkS i.kHeskpracticallyksquirming kwithkembarrassment,kandkIkrealizekheskhadkankiratekcallkfromkChristian.kOh,kmykp oor,kpathologicallykoverprotectivekhusband,kwhatkamkIkgoingktokdokwithkyou? k IksmilekserenelykatkTaylor.kIksee.kWell,kTaylor,kMr.kGreykisknotkhere,kan dkifkhesknotkentirelykcomfortable,kImksurekhellkgivekmekthekcourtesykofktellingkmek himselfkwhenkImkbac konkboard. k Taylorkwinces.kVerykgood,kMrs.kGrey,kheksayskquietly,khandingkmekmykpurse. k AskIkclimbkoutkofkthekboat,kIkcatchkakglimpsekofkhiskreluctantksmile,kan dkitkma eskmekwantktoksmile,ktoo.kIkcannotkbelievekhowkfondkIkamkofkTaylor,kbutk Ikreallykdontkappreciatekbeingkscoldedkbykhimhesknotkmykfatherkorkmykhusband. k Crap,kChristianskmadandkhekhaskenoughktokworrykaboutkatkthekmoment.kWhatkw askIkthin ing?kAskIkstandkonkthekdoc kwaitingkforkTaylorktokclimbkup,kIkfeelkmyk Blac Berrykvibratekinkmykpursekandkfishkitkout.kSadskYourkLovekiskKingkiskmykringkto nekforkChristianonlykforkChristian. k Hi,kIkmurmur.

k Hi,kheksays. k Illkcomekbac konkthekboat.kDontkbekmad. k Ikhearkhisksmallkgaspkofksurprise.kUmk.k.k. k Itkwaskfun,kthough,kIkwhisper. k Heksighs.kWell,kfarkbekitkforkmektokcurtailkyourkfun,kMrs.kGrey.kJustkbek careful.kPlease. k Ohkmy!kPermissionktokhavekfun!kIkwill.kAnythingkyoukwantkfromktown? k Justkyou,kbac kinkonekpiece. k Illkdokmykbestktokcomply,kMr.kGrey. k Imkgladktokhearkit,kMrs.kGrey. k Wekaimktokplease,kIkrespondkwithkakgiggle. k Ikhearkhisksmilekinkhiskvoice.kIkhavekanotherkcalllaters,kbaby. k Laters,kChristian. k Hekhangskup.kJetkS ikcrisiskaverted,kIkthin .kThekcarkiskwaiting,kandkTa ylorkholdskthekdoorkopenkforkme.kIkwin katkhimkaskIkclimbkin,kandkheksha eskhisk headkinkamusement. k Inkthekcar,kIkfirekupktheke-mailkonkmykBlac Berry. k k k k k k k k kxxx k k k k k kkk From:kAnastasiakGrey Subject:kThan kYou Date:kAugustk17,k2011k16:55 To:kChristiankGrey Forknotkbeingktookgrouchy. Yourklovingkwife kkk From:kChristiankGrey Subject:kTryingktokStaykCalm Date:kAugustk17,k2011k16:59 To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Yourekwelcome. kComekbac kinkonekpiece. kThiskisknotkakrequest. kx k ChristiankGrey kCEOk&kOverprotectivekHusband,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k Hiskresponsekma eskmeksmile.kMykcontrolkfrea . k WhykdidkIkwantktokcomekshopping?kIkhatekshopping.kButkdeepkdownkIk nowkw hy,kandkIkwal kdeterminedlykpastkChanel,kGucci,kDior,kandkthekotherkdesignerkbou tiqueskandkeventuallykfindkthekantidotektokwhatkailskmekinkaksmall,koverstoc ed, ktouristykstore.kItskaklittleksilverkan lekbraceletkwithksmallkheartskandklittlek bells.kItktin lesksweetlykandkitkcostskfivekeuros.kAsksoonkaskIvekboughtkit,kIkpu tkitkon.kThiskiskmethiskiskwhatkIkli e.kImmediatelykIkfeelkmorekcomfortable.kIkdo ntkwantktoklosektouchkwithkthekgirlkwhokli eskthis,kever.kDeepkdownkIk nowkthatkIm knotkonlykoverwhelmedkbykChristiankhimselfkbutkalsokbykhiskwealth.kWillkIkeverkg etkusedktokit? k TaylorkandkGastonkfollowkmekdutifullykthroughktheklatekafternoonkcrowds, kandkIksoonkforgetktheykarekthere.kIkwantktokbuyksomethingkforkChristian,ksometh ingktokta ekhiskmindkoffkwhatskhappeningkinkSeattle.kButkwhatkdokIkbuykforkthekma nkwhokhaskeverything?kIkpausekinkaksmallkmodernksquareksurroundedkbykstoreskandk

gazekatkeachkonekinkturn.kWhenkIkspykankelectronicskstore,kourkvisitktokthekgall erykearlierktodaykandkourkvisitktokthekLouvrekcomekbac ktokme.kWekwerekloo ingka tkthekVenuskdekMilokatkthektimek.k.k.kChristianskwordskechokinkmykhead,kWekcankall kappreciatekthekfemalekform.kWeklovektokloo kwhetherkinkmarblekorkoilskorksatink orkfilm. k Itkgiveskmekankidea,kakdaringkidea.kIkjustkneedkhelpkchoosingkthekrightk one,kandkthereskonlykonekpersonkwhokcankhelpkme.kIkwrestlekmykBlac Berrykoutkofkm ykpursekandkcallkJos. k Whok.k.k.k?khekmumblesksleepily. k Jos,kitskAna. k Ana,khi!kWherekarekyou?kYouko ay?kHeksoundskmorekalertknow,kconcerned. k ImkinkCanneskinkthekSouthkofkFrance,kandkImkfine. k SouthkofkFrance,khuh?kYoukinksomekfancykhotel? k Umk.k.k.kno.kWerekstayingkonkakboat. k Akboat? k Akbigkboat.kIkclarify,ksighing. k Iksee.kHisktonekchillsk.k.k.kShit,kIkshouldknotkhavekcalledkhim.kIkdontknee dkthiskrightknow. k Jos,kIkneedkyourkadvice. k Mykadvice?kHeksoundskstunned.kSure,kheksays,kandkthisktimekheskmuchkmorekfrie ndly.kIktellkhimkmykplan. k Twokhoursklater,kTaylorkhelpskmekoutkofkthekmotorklaunchkontokthekstepsk upktokthekdec .kGastonkiskhelpingkthekdec handkwithkthekJetkS i.kChristiankiskno wherektokbekseen,kandkIkscurrykdownktokourkcabinktokwrapkhiskpresent,kfeelingkak childishksensekofkdelight. k Youkwerekgoneksomektime.kChristiankstartleskmekjustkaskIkamkapplyingkthekl astkpiecekofktape.kIkturnktokfindkhimkstandingkinkthekdoorwayktokthekcabin,kwatc hingkmekintently.kHolykshit!kAmkIkstillkinktroublekoverkthekJetkS i?kOrkiskitkth ekfirekatkhiskoffice? k Everythingkinkcontrolkatkyourkoffice?kIkas ktentatively. k Morekorkless,kheksays,kankannoyedkfrownkflittingkacrosskhiskface. k Ikdidkaklittlekshopping,kIkmurmur,khopingktoklightenkhiskmood,kandkpraying khiskannoyancekisknotkdirectedkatkme.kHeksmileskwarmly,kandkIk nowkwereko ay. k Whatkdidkyoukbuy? k This,kIkputkmykfootkupkonkthekbedkandkshowkhimkmykan lekchain. k Veryknice,kheksays.kHekstepskoverktokmekandkfondleskthektinykbellsksokthat ktheykjingleksweetlykaroundkmykan le.kHekfrownskagainkandkrunskhiskfingersklight lykalongkthekmar ,ksendingktingleskupkmykleg. k Andkthis.kIkholdkoutkthekbox,khopingktokdistractkhim. k Forkme?khekas skinksurprise.kIknodkshyly.kHekta eskthekboxkandksha eskitkg ently.kHekgrinskhiskboyish,kdazzlingksmilekandksitskdownkbesidekmekonkthekbed.kL eaningkover,khekgraspskmykchinkandk isseskme. k Than kyou,kheksayskwithkshykdelight. k Youkhaventkopenedkitkyet. k Illklovekit,kwhateverkitkis.kHekgazeskdownkatkme,khiskeyeskglowing.kIkdontkge tkmanykpresents. k Itskhardktokbuykyoukthings.kYoukhavekeverything. k Ikhavekyou. k Youkdo.kIkgrinkatkhim.kOh,kyouksokdo,kChristian. k Hekma eskshortkwor kofkthekwrappingkpaper.kAkNi on?kHekglanceskupkatkme,kp uzzled. k Ik nowkyoukhavekyourkcompactkdigitalkcamerakbutkthiskiskfork.k.k.kumk.k.k .kportraitskandkthekli e.kItkcomeskwithktwoklenses. k Hekblin skatkme,kstillknotkunderstanding. k Todaykinkthekgallerykyoukli edkthekFlorencekDellekphotographs.kAndkIkremem berkwhatkyouksaidkinkthekLouvre.kAndkofkcourse,ktherekwerekthosekotherkphotograp hs.kIkswallow,ktryingkmykbestknotktokrecallkthekimageskIkfoundkinkhiskcloset. k Hekstopskbreathing,khiskeyeskwideningkaskrealizationkdawns,kandkIkcontin uekhurriedlykbeforekIklosekmyknerve. k Ikthoughtkyoukmight,kumk.k.k.kli ektokta ekpictureskofk.k.k.kme.

k Pictures.kOfkyou?kHekgapeskatkme,kignoringkthekboxkonkhisklap. k Iknod,kdesperatelyktryingktokgaugekhiskreaction.kFinallykhekgazeskbac kd ownkatkthekbox,khiskfingersktracingkoverkthekillustrationkofkthekcamerakonkthekf rontkwithkfascinatedkreverence. k Whatkiskhekthin ing?kOh,kthiskisknotkthekreactionkIkwaskexpecting,kandkm yksubconsciouskglareskatkmekli ekImkakdomesticatedkfarmkanimal.kChristiankneverkr eactskthekwaykIkexpect.kHekloo skbac kup,khiskeyeskfilledkwithkwhat,kpain? k Whykdokyoukthin kIkwantkthis?khekas s,kbemused. k No,kno,kno!kYouksaidkyoudklovekitk.k.k. k Dontkyou?kIkas ,krefusingktokac nowledgekmyksubconsciouskwhokiskquestioning kwhykanyonekwouldkwantkerotickphotographskofkme.kChristiankswallowskandkrunskakh andkthroughkhiskhair,kandkhekloo sksoklost,ksokconfused.kHekta eskakdeepkbreath. k Forkme,kphotoskli ekthosekhavekusuallykbeenkankinsurancekpolicy,kAna.kIk nowkIvekobjectifiedkwomenkforksoklong,kheksayskandkpauseskaw wardly. k Andkyoukthin kta ingkpictureskofkmekisk.k.k.kum,kobjectifyingkme?kAllkthek airkleaveskmykbody,kandkthekbloodkdrainskfromkmykface. k Hekscruncheskupkhiskeyes.kIkamksokconfused,khekwhispers.kWhenkhekopenskhis keyeskagain,ktheykarekwidekandkwary,kfullkofksomekrawkemotion. k Shit.kIskitkme?kMykquestionskearlierkaboutkhiskbirthkmom?kThekfirekatkhi skoffice? k Whykdokyouksaykthat?kIkwhisper,kpanickrisingkinkmykthroat.kIkthoughtkhekwa skhappy.kIkthoughtkwekwerekhappy.kIkthoughtkIkmadekhimkhappy.kIkdontkwantktokconf usekhim.kDokI?kMykmindkstartskracing.kHekhasntkseenkFlynnkinknearlykthreekwee s.k Iskthatkit?kIskthatkthekreasonkheskunraveling?kShit,kshouldkIkcallkFlynn?kAndkink akpossiblykuniquekmomentkofkextraordinarykdepthkandkclarity,kitkcomesktokmethekfi re,kCharliekTango,kthekJetkS ik.k.k.kHeskscared,kheskscaredkforkme,kandkseeingkthe sekmar skonkmyks inkmustkbringkthatkhome.kHeskbeenkfussingkaboutkthemkallkday,kco nfusingkhimselfkbecausekhesknotkusedktokfeelingkuncomfortablekaboutkinflictingkpa in.kThekthoughtkchillskme. k Hekshrugskandkoncekmorekhiskeyeskmovekdownktokmykwristkwherekthekbanglek hekboughtkmekthiskafternoonkusedktokbe.kBingo! k Christian,kthesekdontkmatter.kIkholdkupkmykwrist,krevealingkthekfadingkwelt .kYoukgavekmekaksafekword.kShityesterdaykwaskfun.kIkenjoyedkit.kStopkbroodingkabou tkitIkli ekroughksex,kIvektoldkyoukthatkbefore.kIkblushkscarletkaskIktryktokquashkm ykrisingkpanic. k Hekgazeskatkmekintently,kandkIkhaveknokideakwhatkheskthin ing.kMaybekheskm easuringkmykwords.kIkstumblekon. k Iskthiskaboutkthekfire?kDokyoukthin kitskconnectedksomehowktokCharliekTang o?kIskthiskwhykyourekworried?kTal ktokme,kChristianplease. k Hekstareskatkme,ksayingknothingkandktheksilencekexpandskbetweenkuskagain kaskitkdidkthiskafternoon.kHolykfuc ingkcrap!kHesknotkgoingktoktal ktokme,kIk now . k Dontkoverthin kthiskChristian,kIkscoldkquietly,kandkthekwordskecho,kdisturb ingkakmemorykfromkthekrecentkpasthiskwordsktokmekaboutkhiskstupidkcontract.kIkrea chkover,kta ekthekboxkfromkhisklap,kandkopenkit.kHekwatcheskmekpassivelykaskifkIm kakfascinatingkalienkcreature.kKnowingkthatkthekcamerakiskpreppedkbykthekoverlyk helpfulksalesmankinkthekstore,kandkreadyktokgo,kIkfishkitkoutkofkthekboxkandkrem ovektheklenskcap.kIkpointkthekcamerakatkhimksokhiskbeautifulkanxiouskfacekfillsk thekframe.kIkpresskthekbuttonkandk eepkitkpressed,kandktenkpictureskofkChristians kalarmedkexpressionkarekcapturedkdigitallykforkposterity. k Illkobjectifykyoukthen,kIkmurmur,kpressingkthekshutterkagain.kOnkthekfinalk stillkhisklipsktwitchkalmostkimperceptibly.kIkpresskagain,kandkthisktimekheksmil esk.k.k.kaksmallksmile,kbutkaksmileknevertheless.kIkholdkdownkthekbuttonkoncekmo rekandkseekhimkphysicallykrelaxkinkfrontkofkmekandkpoutakfull-on,kposed,kridiculo us,kBluekSteelkpout,kandkitkma eskmekgiggle.kOh,kthan kheavens.kMr.kMercurialkiskb ac andkIvekneverkbeenksokpleasedktokseekhim. k Ikthoughtkitkwaskmykpresent,khekmuttersksul ily,kbutkIkthin kheskteasing. k Well,kitkwasksupposedktokbekfun,kbutkapparentlykitskaksymbolkofkwomenskoppr ession.kIksnapkaway,kta ingkmorekpictureskofkhim,kandkwatchkthekamusementkgrowkon khiskfacekinksuperkclose-up.kThenkhiskeyeskdar en,kandkhiskexpressionkchangeskto

kpredatory. k Youkwantktokbekoppressed?khekmurmursksil ily. k Notkoppressed.kNo,kIkmurmurkbac ,ksnappingkagain. k Ikcouldkoppresskyoukbigktime,kMrs.kGrey,khekthreatens,khiskvoicekhus y. k Ik nowkyoukcan,kMr.kGrey.kAndkyoukdo,kfrequently. k Hiskfacekfalls.kShit.kIklowerkthekcamerakandkstarekatkhim. k Whatskwrong,kChristian?kMykvoicekoozeskfrustration.kTellkme! k Heksaysknothing.kGah!kHesksokinfuriating.kIkliftkthekcameraktokmykeyekaga in. k Tellkme,kIkinsist. k Nothing,kheksayskandkabruptlykdisappearskfromkthekviewfinder.kInkonekswift ,ksmoothkmove,kheksweepskthekcamerakboxkontokthekcabinkfloor,kgrabskmekandkpushe skmekdownkontokthekbed.kHeksitskastridekme. k Hey!kIkexclaimkandkta ekmorekphotographskofkhim,ksmilingkdownkatkmekwithkd ar kintent.kHekgrabskthekcamerakbyktheklens,kandkthekphotographerkbecomesktheksu bjectkaskhekpointskthekNi onkatkmekandkpresseskthekshutterkdown. k So,kyoukwantkmektokta ekpictureskofkyou,kMrs.kGrey?kheksays,kamused.kAllkI kcankseekofkhiskfacekiskhiskunrulykhairkandkakbroadkgrinkonkhisksculpturedkmouth .kWell,kforkakstart,kIkthin kyoukshouldkbeklaughing,kheksays,kandkhektic leskmekru thlesslykunderkmykribs,kma ingkmeksquealkandkgigglekandksquirmkbeneathkhimkuntil kIkgraspkhiskwristkinkakvainkattemptktokma ekhimkstop.kHiskgrinkwidens,kandkhekr enewskhiskeffortskwhileksnappingkpictures. k No!kStop!kIkscream. k Arekyouk idding?khekgrowlskandkputskthekcamerakdownkbesidekusksokthatkhekc anktorturekmekwithkbothkhands. k Christian!kIksplutterkandkgaspkmyklaughingkprotest.kHekhaskneverkeverktic ledkmekbefore.kFuc stop!kIkthrashkmykheadkfromksidektokside,ktryingktokwigglekout kfromkunderkhim,kgigglingkandkpushingkbothkofkhiskhandskaway,kbutkheskunrelentingg rinningkdownkatkme,kenjoyingkmyktorment. k Christian,kstop!kIkpleadkandkhekstopsksuddenly.kGrabbingkbothkofkmykhands, khekholdskthemkdownkonkeitherksidekofkmykheadkwhilekloomingkoverkme.kIkamkpantin gkandkbreathlesskwithklaughter.kHiskbreathingkmirrorskmine,kandkhekgazeskdownkat kmekwithk.k.k.kwhat?kMyklungskstopkfunctioning.kWonder?kLove?kReverence?kHolykco w.kThatkloo ! k You.kAre.kSo.kBeautiful,khekbreathes. k Ikstarekupkatkhiskdear,kdearkfacekbathedkinkthekintensitykofkhiskgaze,ka ndkitskaskifkheskseeingkmekforkthekfirstktime.kLeaningkdown,khekcloseskhiskeyeskan dk isseskme,kenraptured.kHiskresponsekiskakwa e-upkcallktokmyklibidok.k.k.kseein gkhimkli ekthis,kundone,kbykme.kOhkmy.kHekreleaseskmykhandskandkcurlskhiskfinger skaroundkmykheadkandkintokmykhair,kholdingkmekgentlykinkplace,kandkmykbodykrises kandkfillskwithkmykarousal,krespondingktokhisk iss.kAndksuddenlyktheknaturekofkh isk isskalters,knoklongerksweet,kreverentialkandkadmiring,kbutkcarnal,kdeepkandk devouringhisktonguekinvadingkmykmouth,kta ingknotkgiving,khisk isskpossessingkakd esperatekneedykedge.kAskdesirekcourseskthroughkmykblood,kawa eningkeverykmusclek andksinewkinkitskwa e,kIkfeelkakfrissonkofkalarm. k Oh,kFifty,kwhatskwrong? k Hekinhalesksharplykandkgroans.kOh,kwhatkyoukdoktokme,khekmurmurs,klostkand kraw.kHekmovesksuddenly,klyingkdownkonktopkofkme,kpressingkmekintokthekmattresson ekhandkcuppingkmykchin,kthekotherks immingkoverkmykbody,kmykbreast,kmykwaist,kmy khip,kandkaroundkmykbehind.kHek isseskmekagain,kpushingkhisklegkbetweenkmine,kra isingkmyk nee,kandkgrindingkagainstkme,khiskerectionkstrainingkagainstkourkcloth eskandkmyksex.kIkgaspkandkmoankagainstkhisklips,klosingkmyselfktokhiskferventkpa ssion.kIkdismisskthekdistantkalarmkbellskinkthekbac kofkmykmind,k nowingkthatkhe kwantskme,kthatkhekneedskme,kandkthatkwhenkitkcomesktokcommunicatingkwithkme,kth iskiskhiskfavoritekformkofkself-expression.kIk isskhimkwithkrenewedkabandon,krun ningkmykfingerskthroughkhiskhair,kfistingkmykhands,kholdingktight.kHektastesksok goodkandksmellskofkChristian,kmykChristian. k Abruptly,khekstops,kstandskup,kandkpullskmekoffkthekbedksokthatkIkamksta ndingkinkfrontkofkhim,kdazed.kHekundoeskthekbuttonkonkmykshortskandk neelskquic ly,kyan ingkthemkandkmykpantieskdown,kandkbeforekIkcankbreathekagain,kIkamkbac k

onkthekbedkbeneathkhimkandkheskunbuttoningkhiskfly.kHolykcow,khesknotkta ingkoffkh iskclotheskorkmykT-shirt.kHekholdskmykheadkandkwithknokpreamblekwhatsoeverkhekth rustskhimselfkinsidekme,kma ingkmekcrykoutmorekinksurprisekthankanythingkelsebutkI kcankstillkhearkthekhisskofkhiskbreathkforcedkthroughkhiskclenchedkteeth. k Yessss,khekhisseskclosektokmykear.kHekstills,kthenkswivelskhiskhipskonce,k pushingkdeeper,kma ingkmekgroan. k Ikneedkyou,khekgrowls,khiskvoiceklowkandkhus y.kHekrunskhiskteethkalongkmy kjaw,knippingkandksuc ing,kandkthenkhesk issingkmekagain,khard.kIkwrapkmyklegskan dkarmskaroundkhim,kcradlingkandkholdingkhimkhardkagainstkme,kdeterminedktokwipek outkwhateverskworryingkhim,kandkhekstartsktokmovek.k.k.kmovekli ekhesktryingktokcl imbkinsidekme.kOverkandkover,kfrantic,kprimal,kdesperate,kandkbeforekIklosekmyse lfkinkthekinsanekrhythmkandkpacekhesksetting,kIkbrieflykwonderkoncekmorekwhatskdri vingkhim,kworryingkhim.kButkmykbodykta eskover,kobliteratingkthekthought,kclimbi ngkandkbuildingksokIkamkawashkwithksensation,kmeetingkhimkthrustkforkthrust.kLis teningktokhiskharshkbreathing,klaboredkandkfiercekatkmykear.kKnowingkthatkhesklos tkinkmek.k.k.kIkgroankloudly,kpanting.kItsksokerotichiskneedkforkme.kIkamkreaching k.k.k.kreachingk.k.k.kandkheskdrivingkmekhigher,koverwhelmingkme,kta ingkme,kandk Ikwantkthis.kIkwantkthisksokmuchk.k.k.kforkhimkandkforkme. k Comekwithkme,khekgasps,kandkhekrearskupkoverkmeksokIkhavektokbrea kmykhold karoundkhim. k Openkyourkeyes,khekorders.kIkneedktokseekyou.kHiskvoicekiskurgent,kimplacabl e.kMykeyeskflic erkopenkmomentarily,kandktheksightkofkhimkabovekmehiskfacektautkw ithkardor,khiskeyeskrawkandkglowing.kHiskpassionkandkhisklovekiskmykundoing,kand konkcuekIkcome,kthrowingkmykheadkbac kaskmykbodykpulseskaroundkhim. k Oh,kAna,khekcrieskandkhekjoinskmykclimax,kdrivingkintokme,kthenkstillingka ndkcollapsingkontokme.kHekrollskoverksokthatkImksprawledkonktopkofkhim,kandkheskst illkinsidekme.kAskIksurfacekfromkmykorgasmkandkmykbodyksteadieskandkcalms,kIkwan tktokma eksomekquipkaboutkbeingkobjectifiedkandkoppressed,kbutkholdkmyktongue,ku ncertainkofkhiskmood.kIkglancekupkfromkChristianskchestktokexaminekhiskface.kHisk eyeskarekclosedkandkhiskarmskarekwrappedkaroundkme,kclingingktight.kIk isskhiskc hestkthroughkthekthinkfabrickofkhisklinenkshirt. k Tellkme,kChristian,kwhatskwrong?kIkas ksoftlykandkwaitkanxiouslyktokseekifk evenknow,ksatedkbyksex,khellktellkme.kIkfeelkhiskarmsktightenkaroundkmekfurther,k butkitskhiskonlykresponse.kHesknotkgoingktoktal .kInspirationkhitskme. k Ikgivekyoukmyksolemnkvowktokbekyourkfaithfulkpartnerkinksic nesskandkinkh ealth,ktokstandkbykyourksidekinkgoodktimeskandkinkbad,ktoksharekyourkjoykaskwell kaskyourksorrow,kIkmurmur. k Hekfreezes.kHiskonlykmovementkisktokopenkwidekhiskfathomlesskeyeskandkga zekatkmekaskIkcontinuekmykweddingkvows. k Ikpromisektoklovekyoukunconditionally,ktoksupportkyoukinkyourkgoalskandkd reams,ktokhonorkandkrespectkyou,ktoklaughkwithkyoukandkcrykwithkyou,ktoksharekmy khopeskandkdreamskwithkyou,kandkbringkyouksolacekinktimeskofkneed.kIkpause,kwilli ngkhimktoktal ktokme.kHekwatcheskme,khisklipskparted,kbutksaysknothing. k Andktokcherishkyoukforkasklongkaskwekbothkshallklive.kIksigh. k Oh,kAna,khekwhisperskandkmoveskagain,kbrea ingkourkpreciouskcontactksoktha tkwereklyingksidekbykside.kHekstro eskmykfacekwithkthekbac kofkhisk nuc les. k IksolemnlykvowkthatkIkwillksafeguardkandkholdkdearkandkdeepkinkmykheartko urkunionkandkyou,khekwhispers,khiskvoicekhoarse.kIkpromisektoklovekyoukfaithfully, kforsa ingkallkothers,kthroughkthekgoodktimeskandkthekbad,kinksic nesskorkinkhea lth,kregardlesskofkwhereklifekta eskus.kIkwillkprotectkyou,ktrustkyou,kandkrespe ctkyou.kIkwillksharekyourkjoyskandksorrowskandkcomfortkyoukinktimeskofkneed.kIkp romisektokcherishkyoukandkupholdkyourkhopeskandkdreamskandk eepkyouksafekatkmyks ide.kAllkthatkiskminekisknowkyours.kIkgivekyoukmykhand,kmykheart,kandkmyklovekfr omkthiskmomentkonkforkasklongkaskwekbothkshallklive. k Tearskspringktokmykeyes.kHiskfaceksoftenskaskhekgazeskatkme. k Dontkcry,khekmurmurs,khiskthumbkcatchingkandkdispatchingkakstrayktear. k Whykwontkyouktal ktokme?kPlease,kChristian. k Hekcloseskhiskeyeskaskifkinkpain. k IkvowedkIkwouldkbringkyouksolacekinktimeskofkneed.kPleasekdontkma ekmekbre a kmykvows.

k Heksighskandkopenskhiskeyes,khiskexpressionkblea .kItskarson,kheksaysksimpl y,kandkhekloo sksuddenlyksokyoungkandkvulnerable. k Ohkfuc . k Andkmykbiggestkworrykiskthatktheykarekafterkme.kAndkifktheykarekafterkmekHe kstops,kunablektokcontinue. k .k.k.kTheykmightkgetkme,kIkwhisper.kHekblanches,kandkIk nowkthatkIkhavekfi nallykuncoveredkthekrootkofkhiskanxiety.kIkcaresskhiskface. k Than kyou,kIkmurmur. k Hekfrowns.kWhatkfor? k Forktellingkme. k Heksha eskhiskheadkandkakghostkofkaksmilektoucheskhisklips.kYoukcankbekve rykpersuasive,kMrs.kGrey. k Andkyoukcankbroodkandkinternalizekallkyourkfeelingskandkworrykyourselfkto kdeath.kYoullkprobablykdiekofkakheartkattac kbeforekyourekforty,kandkIkwantkyoukar oundkfarklongerkthankthat. k Mrs.kGrey,kyoullkbekthekdeathkofkme.kTheksightkofkyoukonkthekJetkS iIknearl ykhadkakcoronary.kHekflopskbac konkthekbedkandkputskhiskhandkoverkhiskeyes,kandkI kfeelkhimkshudder. k Christian,kitskakJetkS i.kEvenk idskridekJetkS is.kCankyoukimaginekwhatkyo ullkbekli ekwhenkwekvisitkyourkplacekinkAspenkandkIkgoks iingkforkthekfirstktime? k Hekgaspskandkturnsktokfacekme,kandkIkwantktoklaughkatkthekhorrorkonkhisk face. k Ourkplace,kheksayskeventually. k Ikignorekhim.kImkakgrown-up,kChristian,kandkmuchktougherkthankIkloo .kWhen karekyoukgoingktoklearnkthis? k Hekshrugskandkhiskmouthkthins.kIkdecidektokchangektheksubject. k So,kthekfire.kDokthekpolicek nowkaboutkthekarson? k Yes.kHiskexpressionkiskserious. k Good. k Securitykiskgoingktokgetktighter,kheksayskmatter-of-factly. k Ikunderstand.kIkglancekdownkhiskbody.kHeskstillkwearingkhiskshortskandkhisk shirt,kandkIkstillkhavekmykT-shirtkon.kJeeztal kaboutkwham,kbam,kthan kyoukmaam.kT hekthoughtkma eskmekgiggle. k What?kChristiankas s,kbemused. k You. k Me? k Yes.kYou.kStillkdressed. k Oh.kHekglanceskdownkatkhimself,kthenkbac katkme,kandkhiskfacekeruptskintok ankenormousksmile. k Well,kyouk nowkhowkhardkitkiskforkmektok eepkmykhandskoffkyou,kMrs.kGreyes peciallykwhenkyourekgigglingkli ekakschoolgirl. k Ohkyesthektic ling.kGah!kThektic ling.kIkmovekquic lyksokthatkImkstraddlin gkhim,kbutkimmediatelykunderstandingkmykevilkintent,khekgrabskbothkofkmykwrists. k No,kheksayskandkhekmeanskit. k Ikpoutkatkhimkbutkdecidekthatkhesknotkreadykforkthis. k Pleasekdont,khekwhispers.kIkcouldntkbearkit.kIkwaskneverktic ledkaskakchild.kH ekpauseskandkIkrelaxkmykhandsksokhekdoesntkhavektokrestrainkme. k IkusedktokwatchkCarric kwithkElliotkandkMia,ktic lingkthem,kandkitkloo ed kli eksuchkfun,kbutkIk.k.k.kIk.k.k. k Ikplacekmykindexkfingerkonkhisklips. k Hush,kIk now,kIkmurmurkandkplantkaksoftk isskonkhisklipskwherekmykfingerkh askjustkbeen,kthenkcurlkupkonkhiskchest.kThekfamiliarkpainfulkachekswellskinside kme,kandkthekprofoundksadnesskthatkIkholdkinkmykheartkforkChristiankaskaklittlek boykseizeskmekoncekmore.kIk nowkIkwouldkdokanythingkforkthiskmankbecausekIklovek himkso. k Hekputskhiskarmskaroundkmekandkpresseskhisknosekintokmykhair,kinhalingkd eeplykaskhekgentlykstro eskmykbac .kIkdontk nowkhowklongkwekliekthere,kbutkeventu allykIkbrea kthekcomfortableksilencekbetweenkus. k WhatkisktheklongestkyouvekgonekwithoutkseeingkDr.kFlynn? k Twokwee s.kWhy?kDokyoukhavekankincorrigiblekurgektoktic lekme?

k No.kIkchuc le.kIkthin khekhelpskyou. k Christianksnorts.kHekshould;kIkpaykhimkenough.kHekpullskmykhairkgently,ktu rningkmykfacektokloo kupkatkhim.kIkliftkmykheadkandkmeetkhiskgaze. k Arekyoukconcernedkforkmykwell-being,kMrs.kGrey?khekas sksoftly. k Everykgoodkwifekiskconcernedkforkherkbelovedkhusbandskwell-being,kMr.kGrey ,kIkadmonishkhimkteasingly. k Beloved?khekwhispers,kandkitskakpoignantkquestionkhangingkbetweenkus. k Verykmuchkbeloved.kIkscootkupktok isskhim,kandkheksmileskhiskshyksmile. k Dokyoukwantktokgokashorektokeat,kMrs.kGrey? k Ikwantktokeatkwhereverkyourekhappiest. k Good.kHekgrins.kAboardkitkiskwherekIkcank eepkyouksafe.kThan kyoukforkmykpr esent.kHekreacheskoverkandkgrabskthekcamera,kandkholdingkitkatkarmsklength,kheksna pskthektwokofkuskinkourkpostktic ling,kpostcoital,kpostkconfessionalkembrace. k Thekpleasurekiskallkmine,kIksmilekandkhiskeyesklightkup. k kkk k Wekwanderkthroughkthekopulent,kgiltksplendorkofkthekeighteenthkcenturykP alacekofkVersailles.kOncekakhumblekhuntingklodge,kitkwasktransformedkbykthekRoik Soleilkintokakmagnificent,klavishkseatkofkpower,kbutkevenkbeforekthekeighteenthk centurykendedkitksawktheklastkofkthosekabsolutekmonarchs. k ThekmostkstunningkroomkbykfarkiskthekHallkofkMirrors.kThekearlykafternoo nklightkfloodskthroughkwindowsktokthekwest,klightingkupkthekmirrorskthatklinekth ekeastkwallkandkilluminatingkthekgoldkleafkdcorkandkthekenormouskcrystalkchandeli ers.kItskbreathta ing. k Interestingktokseekwhatkbecomeskofkakdespotickmegalomaniackwhokisolateskh imselfkinksuchksplendor,kIkmurmurktokChristiankaskhekstandskatkmykside.kHekgazesk downkandkcoc skhiskheadktokonekside,kregardingkmekwithkhumor. k Yourkpoint,kMrs.kGrey? k Oh,kmerelykankobservation,kMr.kGrey.kIkwavekmykhandkairilykatktheksurround ings.kSmir ing,khekfollowskmektokthekcenterkofkthekroomkwherekIkstandkandkgaw ka tkthekviewthekspectacularkgardenskreflectedkinkthekloo ingkglasskandkthekspectacu larkChristiankGrey,kmykhusband,kreflectedkbac katkme,khiskgazekbrightkandkbold. k Ikwouldkbuildkthiskforkyou,khekwhispers.kJustktokseekthekwayktheklightkburn isheskyourkhair,krightkhere,krightknow.kHektuc skakstrandkofkhairkbehindkmykear.kY oukloo kli ekankangel.kHek isseskmekjustkbelowkmykearlobe,kta eskmykhandkinkhis,k andkmurmurs,kWekdespotskdokthatkforkthekwomenkweklove. k Ikflushkatkhiskcompliment,ksmilingkshyly,kandkfollowkhimkthroughkthekvas tkroom. k kkk k Whatkarekyoukthin ingkabout?kChristiankas sksoftly,kta ingkaksipkofkhiskaf ter-dinnerkcoffee. k Versailles. k Ostentatious,kwasntkit?kHekgrins.kIkglancekaroundkthekmorekunderstatedkgran deurkofkthekFairkLadyskdiningkroomkandkpursekmyklips. k Thiskiskhardlykostentatious,kChristianksays,kaktadkdefensively. k Ik now.kItsklovely.kThekbestkhoneymoonkakgirlkcouldkwant. k Really?kheksays,kgenuinelyksurprised.kAndkheksmileskhiskshyksmile. k Ofkcoursekitkis. k Wevekonlykgotktwokmorekdays.kIsktherekanythingkyoudkli ektokseekorkdo? k Justkbekwithkyou,kIkmurmur.kHekriseskfromkthektable,kcomeskaround,kandk is seskmekonkthekforehead. k Well,kcankyoukdokwithoutkmekforkaboutkankhour?kIkneedktokchec kmyke-mails ,kfindkoutkwhatskhappeningkatkhome. k Sure,kIksaykbrightly,ktryingktokhidekmykdisappointmentkthatkIllkbekwithoutk himkforkankhour.kIskitkfrea ykthatkIkwantktokbekwithkhimkallkthektime?kMyksubcon sciouskpresseskherklipskintokaknarrow,kunattractiveklinekandknodskvigorously. k Than kyoukforkthekcamera,khekmurmurskandkheadskforkthekstudy. k Bac kinkourkcabinkIkdecidektokcatchkupkonkmykcorrespondencekandkopenkmyk laptop.kTherekareke-mailskfromkmykmomkandkfromkKate,kgivingkmektheklatestkgossip

kfromkhomekandkas ingkhowkthekhoneymoonkiskgoing.kWell,kgreat,kuntilksomeonekdec idedktokburnkdownkGEHkInc.k.k.k.kAskIkfinishkmykresponsektokmykmom,kanke-mailkfr omkKatekhitskmykinbox. k kkk k From:kKatherinekL.kKavanagh k k k Date:kAugustk17,k2011k11:45kPST To:kAnastasiakGrey Subject:kOMG!!!!

k Ana,kjustkheardkaboutkthekfirekatkChristianskoffice. kDokyoukthin kitskarson? kKkxox k Katekiskonline!kIkjumpkonktokmyknewfoundktoyS ypekmessagingandkseekthatksh eskavailable.kIkquic lyktypekakmessage. k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k OhknoImksurekChristiankdoesntkwantkthiskbroadcastkallkoverkSeattle.kIktrykm ykpatentedkdistract-tenacious-Kavanaghktechnique. k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k kkk k TrustkKatektokbekonkthektrailkofkthiskstory.kIkrollkmykeyeskandkshutkS y pekdownkbeforekChristiankseeskthekchat.kHekwouldntkappreciatekthekex-Domkcomment, kandkImknotksurekheskentirelykexk.k.k. k Iksighkloudly.kKatek nowskeverything,ksincekourktipsykeveningkthreekwee skbeforekthekweddingkwhenkIkfinallyksuccumbedktokthekKavanaghkinquisition.kItkwa skakreliefktokfinallyktal ktoksomeone. k Ikglancekatkmykwatch.kItskbeenkaboutkankhourksincekdinner,kandkIkamkmissi ngkmykhusband.kIkheadkbac konkdec ktokseekifkheskfinishedkhiskwor . k kkk k IkamkinkthekHallkofkMirrorskandkChristiankiskstandingkbesidekme,ksmiling

kdownkatkmekwithklovekandkaffection.kYoukloo kli ekankangel.kIkbeamkbac katkhim, kbutkwhenkIkglancekintokthekloo ingkglass,kImkstandingkonkmykownkandkthekroomkisk graykandkdrab.kNo!kMykheadkwhipskbac ktokhiskface,ktokfindkhisksmilekisksadkandk wistful.kHektuc skmykhairkbehindkmykear.kThenkhekturnskwordlesslykandkwal skaway kslowly,ktheksoundkofkhiskfootstepskechoingkoffkthekmirrorskaskhekpaceskthekenor mouskroomktokthekornatekdoublekdoorskatkthekendk.k.k.kakmankonkhiskown,kakmankwi thknokreflectionk.k.k.kandkIkwa e,kgaspingkforkair,kaskpanickseizeskme. k Hey,khekwhisperskfromkbesidekmekinkthekdar ness,khiskvoicekfilledkwithkcon cern. k Oh,kheskhere.kHesksafe.kReliefkcourseskthroughkme. k Oh,kChristian,kIkmumble,ktryingktokbringkmykpoundingkheartbeatkunderkcontr ol.kHekwrapskmekinkhiskarms,kandkitskonlykthenkthatkIkrealizekIkhavektearskstream ingkdownkmykface. k Ana,kwhatkiskit?kHekstro eskmykchee ,kwipingkawaykmyktears,kandkIkcankhear khiskanguish. k Nothing.kAksillyknightmare. k Hek isseskmykforeheadkandkmyktearstainedkchee s,kcomfortingkme.kJustkakba dkdream,kbaby,khekmurmurs.kIvekgotkyou.kIllk eepkyouksafe. k Drin ingkinkhiskscent,kIkcurlkaroundkhim,ktryingktokignorektheklosskandk devastationkIkfeltkinkmykdream,kandkinkthatkmoment,kIk nowkthatkmykdeepest,kdar estkfearkwouldkbeklosingkhim. k k k kkk k Ikstir,kinstinctivelykreachingkforkChristiankonlyktokfeelkhiskabsence.kS hit!kIkwa ekinstantlykandkloo kanxiouslykaroundkthekcabin.kChristiankiskwatching kmekfromktheksmall,kupholsteredkarmchairkbykthekbed.kStoopingkdown,khekplaceskso methingkonkthekfloor,kthenkmoveskandkstretcheskoutkonkthekbedkbesidekme.kHeskdres sedkinkhiskcut-offskandkakgraykT-shirt. k Hey,kdontkpanic.kEverythingskfine,kheksays,khiskvoicekgentlekandksoothingli e khesktal ingktokakcorneredkwildkanimal.kTenderly,kheksmoothskthekhairkbac kfromkm ykfacekandkIkcalmkimmediately.kIkseekhimktryingkandkfailingktokhidekhiskownkconc ern. k Youvekbeenksokjumpyktheseklastkcouplekofkdays,khekmurmurs,khiskeyeskwidekan dkserious. k Imko ay,kChristian.kIkgivekhimkmykbrightestksmilekbecausekIkdontkwantkhimkto k nowkhowkworriedkIkamkaboutkthekarsonkincident.kThekpainfulkrecollectionkofkhow kIkfeltkwhenkCharliekTangokwasksabotagedkandkChristiankwentkmissingthekhollowkemp tiness,kthekindescribablekpain eepskresurfacing;kthekmemoryknaggingkmekandkgnawin gkatkmykheart.kKeepingktheksmilekfixedkonkmykface,kIktryktokrepresskit. k Werekyoukwatchingkmeksleep? k Yes,kheksayskgazingkatkmeksteadily,kstudyingkme.kYoukwerektal ing. k Oh?kShit!kWhatkwaskIksaying? k Yourekworried,khekadds,khiskeyeskfilledkwithkconcern.kIskthereknothingkIkca nk eepkfromkthiskman?kHekleanskforwardkandk isseskmekbetweenkmykbrows. k Whenkyoukfrown,kaklittlekVkformskjustkhere.kItsksoftktok iss.kDontkworrykba by,kIllkloo kafterkyou. k ItsknotkmekImkworriedkabout,kitskyou,kIkgrumble.kWhoskloo ingkafterkyou? k Heksmileskindulgentlykatkmyktone.kImkbigkenoughkandkuglykenoughktokloo kaf terkmyself.kCome.kGetkup.kThereskonekthingkIdkli ektokdokbeforekwekheadkhome.kHekgr inskatkme,kakbigkboyishkyes-Im-really-only-twenty-eightkgrin,kandkswatskmykbehind .kIkyelp,kstartled,kandkrealizekthatktodaykwerekgoingkbac ktokSeattlekandkmykmela ncholykblossoms.kIkdontkwantktokleave.kIvekrelishedkbeingkwithkhimk24-7,kandkImknot kreadyktoksharekhimkwithkhiskcompanykandkhiskfamily.kWevekhadkakblissfulkhoneymoo n.kWithkakfewkupskandkdowns,kIkadmit,kbutkthatsknormalkforkaknewlykmarriedkcouple ,ksurely? k ButkChristiankcannotkcontainkhiskboyishkexcitement,kandkdespitekmykdar k thoughts,kitskinfectious.kWhenkhekriseskgracefullykoffkthekbed,kIkfollow,kintrigu ed.kWhatkhaskhekgotkinkmind?

k Christiankstrapskthek eyktokmykwrist. k Youkwantkmektokdrive? k Yes.kChristiankgrins.kThatsknotktooktight? k Itskfine.kIskthatkwhykyourekwearingkaklifekjac et?kIkarchkmykeyebrow. k Yes. k Ikcantkhelpkmykgiggle.kSuchkconfidencekinkmykdrivingkcapabilities,kMr.kGre y. k Askever,kMrs.kGrey. k Well,kdontklecturekme. k Christiankholdskhiskhandskupkinkakdefensivekgesture,kbutkhesksmiling.kWoul dkIkdare? k Yeskyoukwould,kandkyeskyoukdo,kandkwekcantkpullkoverkandkarguekonkthekside wal khere. k Fairkpointkwellkmade,kMrs.kGrey.kArekwekgoingktokstandkonkthiskplatformka llkdaykdebatingkyourkdrivingks illskorkarekwekgoingktokhaveksomekfun? k Fairkpointkwellkmade,kMr.kGrey.kIkgraspkthekhandlebarskofkthekJetkS ikandk clamberkon.kChristiankclimbskonkbehindkmekandk ic skuskawaykfromkthekyacht.kTayl orkandktwokofkthekdec handskloo konkinkamusement.kSlidingkforward,kChristiankwra pskhiskarmskaroundkmekandksnuggleskhiskthighskagainstkmine.kYes,kthiskiskwhatkIk li ekaboutkthiskformkofktransport.kIkinsertkinkthekignitionk eykandkpushktheksta rtkbutton,kandkthekenginekroarskintoklife. k Ready?kIkshoutktokChristiankoverktheknoise. k AskIllkeverkbe,kheksays,khiskmouthkclosektokmykear. k Gently,kIkpullkonkthekleverkandkthekJetkS ikmoveskawaykfromkthekFairkLad y,kfarktooksedatelykforkmykli ing.kChristianktightenskhiskembrace.kIkpullkonkthe kgasksomekmore,kandkwekshootkforwardkandkImkdelightedkwhenkwekdontkstall. k Whoa!kChristiankcallskfromkbehind,kbutkthekexhilarationkinkhiskvoicekiskpa lpable.kIkspeedkpastkthekFairkLadyktowardkthekopenksea.kWerekanchoredkoutsidekthe kPortkdekPlaisancekdekSaint-Claude-du-Var,kandkNicekCtekdAzurkAirportkisknestledki nkthekdistance,kbuiltkintokthekMediterranean,korksokitkseems.kIvekheardkthekoddkp laneklandingksincekwekarrivedklastknight.kIkdecidekwekneedktokta ekakcloserkloo . k Wekshootktowardkit,ks ippingkrapidlykoverkthekwaves.kIklovekthis,kandkImk thrilledkChristiansklettingkmekdrive.kAllkthekworrykIvekfeltkoverkthekpastktwokday skmeltskawaykaskweks imktowardkthekairport. k NextktimekwekdokthiskwellkhavektwokJetkS is,kChristiankshouts.kIkgrinkbecau sekthekthoughtkofkracingkhimkiskthrilling. k Askwekzoomkoverkthekcoolkbluekseaktowardkwhatkloo skli ekthekendkofkthek runway,kthekthunderingkroarkofkakjetkoverheadksuddenlykstartleskmekaskitkcomeski nktokland.kItsksokloudkIkpanic,kswervingkandkhittingkthekthrottlekatktheksamektim e,kmista ingkitkforkakbra e. k Ana!kChristiankshouts,kbutkitsktooklate.kImkcatapultedkoffktheksidekofkthekJ etkS i,karmskandklegskflailing,kta ingkChristiankwithkmekinkakspectacularksplash . k Screaming,kIkplungekintokthekcrystalkbluekseakandkswallowkaknastykmouthf ulkofkthekMediterranean.kThekwaterkiskcoldkthiskfarkfromkthekshore,kbutkIksurfac ekwithinkaksplitksecond,kcourtesykofkmyklifekjac et.kCoughingkandkspluttering,kI kwipekthekseawaterkfromkmykeyeskandkloo karoundkforkChristian.kHeskalreadykswimmi ngktowardkme.kThekJetkS ikfloatskinoffensivelykakfewkfeetkawaykfromkus,kitskengi neksilent. k Youko ay?kHiskeyeskarekfullkofkpanic,kaskhekreacheskme. k Yes,kIkcroa ,kbutkIkcannotkcontainkmykelation.kSee,kChristian?kThatskthekwo rstkthatkcankhappenkonkakJetkS i!kHekpullskmekintokhiskembrace,kthenkgrabskmykhe adkbetweenkhiskhands,kexaminingkmykfacekclosely. k See,kthatkwasntksokbad!kIkgrinkaskwektreadkwater. k Eventuallykheksmir skatkme,kobviouslykrelieved.kNo,kIkguesskitkwasnt.kExce ptkImkwet,khekgrumbles,kbutkhisktonekiskplayful. k Imkwet,ktoo. k Ikli ekyoukwet.kHekleers. k Christian!kIkscold,ktryingkforkfauxkrighteouskindignation.kHekgrins,kloo i

ngkgorgeous,kthenkleanskinkandk isseskmekhard.kWhenkhekpullskaway,kImkbreathless. kHiskeyeskarekdar er,khoodedkandkheated,kandkImkwarmkinkspitekofkthekcoldkwater. k Come.kLetskheadkbac .kNowkwekhavektokshower.kIllkdrive. k kkk k WeklazekinkthekBritishkAirwayskfirstkclasskloungekatkHeathrowkinkLondon, kwaitingkforkourkconnectingkflightktokSeattle.kChristiankiskengrossedkinkthekFin ancialkTimes.kIkpullkoutkhiskcamera,kwantingktokta eksomekphotographskofkhim.kHe kloo sksoksexykinkhisktrademar kwhiteklinenkshirtkandkjeans,kandkhiskaviatorkspe csktuc edkintokthekVkofkhiskopenkshirt.kThekflashkdisturbskhim.kHekblin skupkatk mekandksmileskhiskshyksmile. k Howkarekyou,kMrs.kGrey?khekas s. k Sadktokbekgoingkhome,kIkmurmur.kIkli ekhavingkyouktokmyself. k Hekclaspskmykhandkandkliftingkitktokhisklips,kgrazeskmyk nuc leskwithkak sweetk iss.kMektoo. k But?kIkas ,khearingkthatksmallkwordkunsaidkatkthekendkofkhisksimplekstatem ent. k Hekfrowns.kBut?khekrepeatskdisingenuously.kIktiltkmykheadktokonekside,kgaz ingkatkhimkwithkthektellkmekexpressionkIkhavekbeenkperfectingkoverktheklastkcoup lekofkdays.kHeksighs,kputtingkhisknewspaperkdown.kIkwantkthiskarsonistkcaughtkand koutkofkourklives. k Oh.kThatkseemskfairkenough,kbutkImksurprisedkbykhiskbluntness. k IllkhavekWelchskballskonkakplatterkifkhekletskanythingkli ekthatkhappenkaga in.kAkshiverkrunskdownkmykspinekatkhiskmenacingktone.kHekgazeskatkmekimpassively, kandkIkdontk nowkifkheskdaringkmektokbekflippantkorkwhat.kIkdokthekonlykthingkIkca nkthin kofktokeasektheksuddenktensionkbetweenkuskandkraisekthekcamerakandksnapka notherkphotograph. k kkk k Hey,ksleepyhead,kwerekhome,kChristiankmurmurs. k Hmm,kIkmumble,kreluctantktokleavekmyktantalizingkdreamkofkChristiankandkme konkakpicnickblan etkatkKewkGardens.kIkamksoktired.kTravellingkiskexhausting,kev enkinkfirstkclass.kWevekbeenkupkforkmorekthankeighteenkhourskstraight,kIkthin inkm ykfatiguekIveklostktrac .kIkhearkmykdoorkopen,kandkChristiankiskleaningkoverkme.k Hekunbuc leskmykseatkbeltkandkliftskmekintokhiskarms,kwa ingkme. k Hey,kIkcankwal ,kIkprotestksleepily. k Heksnorts.kIkneedktokcarrykyoukoverkthekthreshold. k Ikputkmykarmskaroundkhisknec .kUpkallkthirtykfloors?kIkgivekhimkakchalleng ingksmile. k Mrs.kGrey,kIkamkverykpleasedktokannouncekthatkyouvekputkonksomekweight. k What? k Hekgrins.kSokifkyoukdontkmind,kwellkusekthekelevator.kHeknarrowskhiskeyeskat kme,kthoughkIk nowkheskteasing. k TaylorkopenskthekdoorsktokthekEscalaklobbykandksmiles.kWelcomekhomekMr.kG rey,kMrs.kGrey. k Than s,kTaylor,ksayskChristian. k IkgivekTaylorkthekbriefestkofksmileskandkwatchkhimkheadkbac ktokthekAudi kwherekSawyerkwaitskatkthekwheel. k WhatkdokyoukmeankIvekputkonkweight?kIkglarekatkChristian.kHiskgrinkbroadens ,kandkhekclaspskmekcloserktokhiskchestkaskhekcarrieskmekacrossktheklobby. k Notkmuch,khekassureskmekbutkhiskfacekdar ensksuddenly. k Whatkiskit?kIktryktok eepkthekalarmkinkmykvoicekunderkcontrol. k Youvekputkonksomekofkthekweightkyouklostkwhenkyoukleftkme,kheksayskquietlyk askheksummonskthekelevator.kAkblea kexpressionkcrosseskhiskface. k Hisksudden,ksurprisingkanguishktugskatkmykheart.kHey.kIkcurlkmykfingerskar oundkhiskfacekandkintokhiskhair,kpullingkhimktowardkme.kIfkIkhadntkgone,kwouldkyou kbekstandingkhere,kli ekthis,know? k Hiskeyeskmelt,kthekcolorkofkakstormkcloud,kandkheksmileskhiskshyksmile,k mykfavoriteksmile.kNo,kheksayskandkstepskintokthekelevatorkstillkholdingkme.kHekle anskdownkandk isseskmekgently.kNo,kMrs.kGrey,kIkwouldnt.kButkIkwouldk nowkIkcouldk

eepkyouksafe,kbecausekyoukwouldntkdefykme. k Heksoundskvaguelykregretfulk.k.k.kShit. k Ikli ekdefyingkyou.kIktestkthekwaters. k Ik now.kAndkitskmadekmeksok.k.k.khappy.kHeksmileskdownkatkmekthroughkhiskbe musement. k Oh,kthan kheavens.kEvenkthoughkImkfat?kIkwhisper. k Heklaughs.kEvenkthoughkyourekfat.kHek isseskmekagain,kmorekheatedkthisktime ,kandkIkfistkmykfingerskinkhiskhair,kholdingkhimkagainstkme,kourktonguesktwistin gkinkakslowksensualkdancekwithkeachkother.kWhenkthekelevatorkpingsktokakhaltkatk thekpenthouse,kwekarekbothkbreathless. k Verykhappy,khekmurmurs.kHisksmilekiskdar erknow,khiskeyeskhoodedkandkfullk ofksalaciouskpromise.kHeksha eskhiskheadkaskifktokrecoverkhimselfkandkcarrieskme kintokthekfoyer. k Welcomekhome,kMrs.kGrey.kHek isseskmekagain,kmorekchastelykthisktime,kandk giveskmekthekpatented-Christian-Grey-full-gigawattksmile,khiskeyeskdancingkwithk joy. k Welcomekhome,kMr.kGrey.kIkbeam,kmykheartkansweringkhiskcall,kbrimmingkwith kmykownkjoy. k Ikthin kChristianskgoingktokputkmekdown,kbutkhekdoesnt.kHekcarrieskmekthro ughkthekfoyer,kacrosskthekcorridor,kintokthekgreatkroom,kandkdepositskmekonkthek itchenkislandkwherekIksitkwithkmyklegskdangling.kHekretrievesktwokchampagnekflu teskfromkthek itchenkcupboardkandkakbottlekofkchilledkchampagnekfromkthekfridgeou rkfavoritekBollinger.kHekdeftlykopenskthekbottle,knotkspillingkakdrop,kpourskthe kpalekpin kchampagnekintokeachkglass,kandkhandskonektokme.kTa ingkupkthekother,k hekgentlykpartskmyklegskandkmoveskforwardktokstandkbetweenkthem. k Heresktokus,kMrs.kGrey. k Tokus,kMr.kGrey,kIkwhisperkconsciouskofkmykshyksmile.kWekclin kglasseskand kta ekaksip. k Ik nowkyourektired,khekwhispers,krubbingkhisknosekagainstkmine.kButkIdkreally kli ektokgoktokbedk.k.k.kandknotktoksleep.kHek isseskthekcornerkofkmykmouth.kItskou rkfirstknightkbac khere,kandkyourekreallykmine.kHiskvoicekdriftskoffkaskhekplantsk softk isseskdownkmykthroat.kItskearlykeveningkinkSeattle,kandkIkamkdog-tired,kbut kdesirekbloomskdeepkinkmykbellykandkmykinnerkgoddesskpurrs. k ChristiankiskslumberingkpeacefullykbesidekmekaskIkstarekatkthekpin kandk goldenkstrea skofktheknewkdawnkthroughkthekvastkwindows.kHiskarmkiskdrapedkloose lykoverkmykbreasts,kandkIktryktokmatchkhiskbreathingkinkankeffortktokgetkbac kto ksleep,kbutkitskhopeless.kImkwide-awa e,kmykbodykcloc konkGreenwichkmeanktime,kmyk mindkracing. k Sokmuchkhaskhappenedkinktheklastkthreekwee swhokamkIk idding,ktheklastkth reekmonthsthatkIkfeelkthatkmykfeetkhaventktouchedkthekground.kAndknowkherekIkam,kM rs.kAnastasiakGrey,kmarriedktokthekmostkdelicious,ksexy,kphilanthropic,kabsurdly kwealthykmogulkakwomankcouldkmeet.kHowkdidkthiskallkhappenksokfast? k Ikshiftkontokmyksidektokgazekatkhim,kappraisingkhiskbeauty.kIk nowkhekwa tcheskmeksleep,kbutkIkrarelykgetkthekopportunityktokrepaykthekcompliment.kHekloo sksokyoungkandkcarefreekinkhisksleep,khisklongklasheskfannedkagainstkhiskchee , kaklightksmatteringkofkstubblekcoveringkhiskjaw,kandkhisksculpturedklipskslightl ykparted,krelaxedkaskhekbreatheskdeeply.kIkwantktok isskhim,ktokpushkmyktonguekb etweenkhisklips,krunkmykfingerskoverkhisksoftkyetkpric lykstubble.kIkreallykhave ktokfightkthekurgeknotktoktouchkhim,knotktokdisturbkhim.kHmmk.k.k.kIkcouldkjustk teasekhiskearlobekwithkmykteethkandksuc .kMyksubconsciouskglareskupkatkmekoverkh erkhalf-moonkspectacles,kdistractedkfromkvolumektwokofkthekCompletekWor skofkCha rleskDic ens,kandkmentallykchastiseskme.kLeavekthekpoorkmankalone,kAna. k Ikamkbac ktokwor konkMonday.kWekhavektodayktokreacclimatize,kthenkwerekba c kintokourkroutine.kItkwillkbekoddknotkseeingkChristiankforkakwholekdaykafterks pendingkalmostkeverykminutektogetherkforktheklastkthreekwee s.kIkliekbac kandkst arekatkthekceiling.kOnekwouldkthin kthatkspendingksokmuchktimektogetherkwouldkbe ksuffocating,kbutkthatskjustknotkthekcase.kIveklovedkeachkandkeverykminute,kevenko urkfighting.kEverykminutek.k.k.kexceptktheknewskofkthekfirekatkGreykHouse. k Mykbloodkchills.kWhokcouldkwantktokharmkChristian?kMykmindkgnawskatkthis kmysterykagain.kSomeonekinkhiskbusiness?kAnkex?kAkdisgruntledkemployee?kIkhavekn

okidea,kandkChristiankremainsktight-lippedkaboutkitkall,kdripkfeedingkmekthekmin imumkinformationkhekcankgetkawaykwithkinkakbidktokprotectkme.kIksigh.kMykshining kwhite-and-dar k nightkalwaysktryingktokprotectkme.kHowkamkIkgoingktokma ekhimko penkupkmore? k HekstirskandkIkstill,knotkwantingktokwa ekhim,kbutkitkhaskthekoppositeke ffect.kDamn!kTwokbrightkeyeskgazekatkme. k Whatskwrong? k Nothing.kGokbac ktoksleep.kIktrykmykreassuringksmile.kHekstretches,krubskh iskface,kandkthenkgrinskatkme. k Jetklag?khekas s. k Iskthatkwhatkthiskis?kIkcantksleep. k Ikhavekthekuniversalkpanaceakrightkhere,kjustkforkyou,kbaby.kHekgrinskli e kakschoolboy,kma ingkmekrollkmykeyeskandkgigglekatktheksamektime.kAndkjustkli ek thatkmykdar kthoughtskareksweptkasidekandkmykteethkfindkhiskearlobe. k ChristiankandkIkcruiseknorthkonkthekI-5ktowardkthek520kbridgekinkthekAud ikR8.kWekarekgoingktokhaveklunchkatkhiskparents,kakwelcome-homekSundayklunch.kAll kthekfamilykwillkbekthere,kpluskKatekandkEthan.kItkwillkbekstrangektokbekinksokm uchkcompanykwhenkwevekbeenkonkourkownkallkthisktime.kIkhaventkhadkankopportunitykt oktal ktokChristiankmostkofkthekmorning.kHekwaskholedkupkinkhiskstudykwhilekIkun pac ed.kHeksaidkIkdidntkhavekto,kthatkMrs.kJoneskwouldkdokit.kButkthatsksomethingk elsekIkneedktokgetkusedktohavingkdomestickhelp.kIkrunkmykfingerskabsentmindedlyko verkthekleatherkupholsterykofkthekdoorktokdistractkmykwanderingkthoughts.kIkfeel koutkofksorts.kIskitkthekjetklag?kThekarson? k Wouldkyoukletkmekdrivekthis?kIkas ,ksurprisedkthatkIksaykthekwordskoutklou d. k Ofkcourse,kChristiankreplies,ksmiling.kWhatskminekiskyours.kIfkyoukdentkit,k though,kIkwillkta ekyoukintokthekRedkRoomkofkPain.kHekglanceskswiftlykatkmekwithk akmaliciouskgrin. k Shit!kIkgapekatkhim.kIskthiskakjo e? k Yourek idding.kYoudkpunishkmekforkdentingkyourkcar?kYouklovekyourkcarkmorek thankyouklovekme?kIktease. k Itskclose,kheksayskandkreacheskacrossktoksqueezekmyk nee.kButkshekdoesntk eep kmekwarmkatknight. k Imksurekitkcouldkbekarranged.kYoukcouldksleepkinkher,kIksnap. k Christianklaughs.kWekhaventkbeenkhomekonekdaykandkyourek ic ingkmekoutkalre ady?kHekseemskdelighted.kIkgazekatkhimkandkhekgiveskmekakface-splittingkgrin,kand kalthoughkIkwantktokbekmadkatkhim,kitskimpossiblekwhenkheskinkthisk indkofkmood.kN owkthatkIkthin kaboutkit,kheskbeenkinkakbetterkframekofkmindkeverksincekhekleftkh iskstudykthiskmorning.kAndkitkdawnskonkmekthatkImkbeingkpetulantkbecausekwekhavek tokgokbac ktokreality,kandkIkdontk nowkifkheskgoingktokrevertktokthekmorekclosedkp re-honeymoonkChristian,korkifkIllkgetktok eepktheknewkimprovedkversion. k Whykarekyouksokpleased?kIkas . k Hekflasheskyetkanotherkgrinkatkme.kBecausekthiskconversationkisksok.k.k.k normal. k Normal!kIksnort.kNotkafterkthreekwee skofkmarriage!kSurely. k Hisksmilekslips. k Imk idding,kChristian,kIkmutterkquic ly,knotkwantingktok illkhiskmood.kItks tri eskmekhowkunsurekhekiskofkhimselfksometimes.kIksuspectkthatkheskalwayskbeenkl i ekthis,kbutkhaskjustkhiddenkhiskuncertaintykbeneathkankintimidatingkexterior.k Heskverykeasyktoktease,kprobablykbecausekhesknotkusedktokit.kItskakrevelation,kandk Ikmarvelkagainkthatkwekstillkhaveksokmuchktoklearnkaboutkeachkother. k Dontkworry,kIllkstic ktokthekSaab,kIkmutterkandkturnktokstarekoutkofkthekwin dow,ktryingktoksha ekoffkmykbadkmood. k Hey.kWhatskwrong? k Nothing. k Youreksokfrustratingksometimes,kAna.kTellkme. k Ikturnkandksmir katkhim.kBac katkyou,kGrey. k Hekfrowns.kImktrying,kheksaysksoftly. k Ik now.kMektoo.kIksmilekandkmykmoodkbrightenskaklittle. k Carric kloo skridiculouskinkhiskchefskhatkandkLicensedktokGrillkapronkask

hekstandskatkthekbarbecue.kEveryktimekIkloo katkhim,kitkma eskmeksmile.kInkfact, kmykspiritskhavekliftedkconsiderably.kWekarekallksittingkaroundkthektablekonkthe kterracekofkthekGreykfamilykhome,kenjoyingktheklateksummerksun.kGracekandkMiakar eksettingkvariousksaladskoutkonkthektable,kwhilekElliotkandkChristianktradekfrie ndlykinsultskandkdiscusskplanskforktheknewkhouse,kandkEthankandkKatekgrillkmekab outkourkhoneymoon.kChristiank eepskholdkofkmykhand,khiskfingersktoyingkwithkmykw eddingkandkengagementkrings. k SokifkyoukcankgetkthekplanskfinalizedkwithkGia,kIkhavekakwindowkSeptember kthroughktokmid-Novemberkandkcankgetkthekwholekcrewkonkit,kElliotksayskaskhekstre tcheskandkdropskankarmkaroundkKateskshoulder,kma ingkherksmile. k Giakiskduektokcomekoverktokdiscusskthekplansktomorrowkevening,kreplieskChr istian.kIkhopekwekcankfinalizekeverythingkthen.kHekturnskandkloo skexpectantlykatk me. k Ohk.k.k.kthiskisknews. k Sure.kIksmilekatkhim,kmostlykforkthekbenefitkofkhiskfamily,kbutkmykspirits kta ekaknosedivekagain.kWhykdoeskhekma ekthesekdecisionskwithoutktellingkme?kOrk iskitkthekthoughtkofkGiaallklushkhips,kfullkbreasts,kexpensivekdesignerkclothes,k andkperfumesmilingktookprovocativelykatkmykhusband?kMyksubconsciouskglareskatkme. kHeskgivenkyouknokreasonktokbekjealous.kShit,kIkamkupkandkdownktoday.kWhatskwrongk withkme? k Ana,kKatekexclaims,ksnappingkmekoutkofkmykreverie.kYoukstillkinkthekSouthko fkFrance? k Yes,kIkreplykwithkaksmile. k Youkloo ksokwell,ksheksays,kthoughkshekfrownskasksheksayskit. k Youkbothkdo.kGracekbeamskwhilekElliotkrefillskourkglasses. k Tokthekhappykcouple.kCarric kgrinskandkraiseskhiskglass,kandkeveryonekarou ndkthektablekechoesktheksentiment. k AndkcongratulationsktokEthankforkgettingkintokthekpsychkprogramkatkSeattl e,kchipskinkMiakproudly.kShekgiveskhimkankadoringksmile,kandkEthanksmir skatkher. kIkwonderkidlykifksheskmadekanykheadwaykwithkhim.kItskdifficultktoktell. k Iklistenktokthekbanterkaroundkthektable.kChristiankiskrunningkthroughkou rkextensivekitinerarykoverktheklastkthreekwee s,kembellishingkherekandkthere.kHe ksoundskrelaxedkandkinkcontrol,kthekworrykofkthekarsonistkforgotten.kI,konktheko therkhand,kdontkseemktokbekablektoksha ekmykmood.kIkpic katkmykfood.kChristianksa idkIkwaskfatkyesterday.kHekwaskjo ing!kMyksubconsciouskglareskatkmekagain.kEllio tkaccidentallyk noc skhiskglasskontokthekterrace,kstartlingkeveryone,kandktheresk aksuddenkflurrykofkactivityktokgetkitkcleanedkup. k Ikamkgoingktokta ekyouktokthekboathousekandkfinallykspan kyoukinktherekif kyoukdontksnapkoutkofkthiskmood,kChristiankwhispersktokme. k Ikgaspkwithkshoc ,kturn,kandkgapekatkhim.kWhat?kIskhekteasingkme? k Youkwouldntkdare!kIkgrowlkatkhimkandkfromkdeepkinsidekIkfeelkakfamiliar,kwe lcomekexcitement.kHekcoc skankeyebrowkatkme.kOfkcoursekhekwould.kIkglancekquic l ykatkKatekacrosskthektable.kSheskwatchingkuskwithkinterest.kIkturnkbac ktokChrist ian,knarrowingkmykeyeskatkhim. k YoudkhavektokcatchkmekfirstandkImkwearingkflats,kIkhiss. k Idkhavekfunktrying,khekwhisperskwithkaklicentiouskgrin,kandkIkthin kheskjo i ng.Ikblush.kConfusingly,kIkfeelkbetter. k Askwekfinishkourkdessertkofkstrawberrieskandkcream,kthekheavenskopenkand kunexpectedlyksoa kus.kWekallkleapkupktokclearkthekplateskandkglasseskfromkthekt able,kdepositingkthemkinkthek itchen. k Goodkthingkthekweatherkheldkoffktillkwekfinished,kGraceksayskpleased,kaskw ekdriftkintokthekbac kroomkden.kChristianksitskdownkatkthekshinykblac kuprightkp iano,kpresseskthekquietkpedal,kandkstartsktokplaykakfamiliarktunekthatkIkcantkimm ediatelykplace. k Gracekas skmekforkmykimpressionskofkSaintkPaulkdekVence.kShekandkCarric kwentkyearskagokduringktheirkhoneymoon,kandkitkoccursktokmekthatkthiskiskakgoodk omen,kseeingkhowkhappyktheykarektogetherknow.kKatekandkElliotkarekcuddlingkonkon ekofktheklargekoverstuffedkcouches,kwhilekEthan,kMia,kandkCarric karekdeepkinkak conversationkaboutkpsychology,kIkthin . k Suddenly,kaskone,kallkthekGreyskstopktal ingkandkgapekatkChristian.

k What? k Christiankisksingingksoftlyktokhimselfkatkthekpiano.kSilencekdescendskon kuskallkaskwekstrainktokhearkhisksoft,klyricalkvoice.kIvekheardkhimksingkbefore,k haventkthey?kHekstops,ksuddenlykconsciouskofkthekdeathlykhushkthatskfallenkoverkth ekroom.kKatekglanceskquestioninglykatkmekandkIkshrug.kChristiankturnskonktheksto olkandkfrowns,kembarrassedktokrealizekheskbecomekthekcenterkofkattention. k Gokon,kGracekurgesksoftly.kIvekneverkheardkyouksing,kChristian.kEver.kSheksta reskatkhimkinkwonder.kHeksitskonkthekpianokstool,kloo ingkabsentlykatkher,kandka fterkakbeat,khekshrugs.kHiskeyeskflic erknervouslyktokme,kthenkoverktokthekFrenc hkwindows.kThekrestkofkthekroomksuddenlykeruptskinkself-consciouskchatter,kandkIm kleftkwatchingkmykdearkhusband. k Gracekdistractskme,kgraspingkmykhandskthenksuddenlykfoldingkmekinkherkar ms. k Oh,kdarlingkgirl!kThan kyou,kthan kyou,kshekwhispers,ksokonlykIkcankhear.k Itkbringskaklumpktokmykthroat. k Umk.k.k.kIkhugkherkbac ,knotkreallyksurekwhykIkamkbeingkthan ed.kGraceksmi les,kherkeyeskshining,kandk isseskmykchee .kOhkmyk.k.k.kWhatkhavekIkdone? k Ikamkgoingktokma eksomektea,ksheksays,kherkvoicekhoarsekwithkunshedktears. k IkamblekoverktokChristiankwhokisknowkstanding,kstaringkoutkthroughkthekF renchkwindows. k Hi,kIkmurmur. k Hi.kHekputskhiskarmkaroundkmykwaist,kpullingkmektokhim,kandkIkslipkmykhand kintokthekbac kpoc etkofkhiskjeans.kWekgazekoutkatkthekrain. k Feelingkbetter? k Iknod. k Good. k Youkcertainlyk nowkhowktoksilencekakroom. k Ikdokitkallkthektime,kheksayskandkhekgrinskatkme. k Atkwor ,kyes,kbutknotkhere. k True,knotkhere. k Nokoneskeverkheardkyouksing?kEver? k Itkappearsknot,kheksayskdryly.kShallkwekgo? k Ikgazekupkatkhim,ktryingktokgaugekhiskmood.kHiskeyeskareksoftkandkwarmka ndkslightlykbemused.kIkdecidektokchangektheksubject. k Youkgoingktokspan kme?kIkwhisper,kandksuddenlyktherekarekbutterflieskinkmy kstomach.kPerhapskthiskiskwhatkIkneedk.k.k.kthiskiskwhatkIkhavekbeenkmissing. k Hekgazeskdownkatkme,khiskeyeskdar ening. k Ikdontkwantktokhurtkyou,kbutkImkmorekthankhappyktokplay. k Ikglanceknervouslykaroundktheklargekroom,kbutkwekarekoutkofkearshot. k Onlykifkyoukmisbehave,kMrs.kGrey.kHekbendskandkmurmurskinkmykear. k Howkcankhekputksokmuchksensualkpromisekintoksixkwords? k IllkseekwhatkIkcankdo.kIkgrin. k Oncekweveksaidkourkgood-byes,kwekwal koverktokthekcar. k Here.kChristiankthrowskmekthek eysktokthekR8.kDontkbendkithekaddskinkallkserio usnessorkIkwillkbekfuc ingkpissed. k Mykmouthkgoeskdry.kHesklettingkmekdrivekhiskcar?kMykinnerkgoddesskwhipsko nkherkleatherkdrivingkgloveskandkflatkshoes.kOhkyes!kshekcries. k Arekyouksure?kIkmouth,kstunned. k Yes,kbeforekIkchangekmykmind. k Ikdontkthin kIkhavekeverkgrinnedksokhard.kHekrollskhiskeyeskandkopenskthe kdriverskdoorksokthatkIkcankclimbkin.kIkstartkthekenginekbeforekheskevenkreachedkt hekpassengerkside,kandkhekjumpskinkquic ly. k Eager,kMrs.kGrey?khekas skwithkakwryksmile. k Very. k Slowly,kIkeasekthekcarkbac wardkandkturnkitkinkthekdriveway.kIkmanagekno tktokstallkit,ksurprisingkmyself.kBoy,kiskthekclutchksensitive.kCarefullyknaviga tingkthekdriveway,kIkglancekinkmykrearviewkmirrorkandkseekSawyerkandkRyankclimbk intokthekAudikSUV.kIkhadknokideakourksecuritykhadkfollowedkuskhere.kIkpausekbefo rekIksetkoutkontokthekmainkroad. k Youreksurekaboutkthis?

k Yes,kChristianksaysktightly,ktellingkmekhesknotksurekaboutkthiskatkall.kOh, kmykpoor,kpoorkFifty.kIkwantktoklaughkatkbothkhimkandkmyselfkbecausekImknervouska ndkexcited.kAksmallkpartkofkmekwantsktoklosekSawyerkandkRyankjustkforkthek ic s. kIkchec kforktraffickthenkinchkthekR8koutkontokthekroad.kChristiankcurlskupkwith ktensionkandkIkcantkresist.kThekroadkiskclear.kIkputkmykfootkdownkonkthekgaskandk wekshootkforward. k Whoa!kAna!kChristiankshouts.kSlowkdownyoullk illkuskboth. k Ikimmediatelykeasekoffkthekgas.kWow,kcankthiskcarkmove! k Sorry,kIkmutter,ktryingktoksoundkcontritekandkfailingkmiserably.kChristian ksmir skatkme,ktokhidekhiskrelief,kIkthin . k Well,kthatkcountskaskmisbehaving,kheksayskcasuallykandkIkslowkrightkdown. k Ikglancekinkthekrearviewkmirror.kNoksignkofkthekAudi,kjustkaksolitarykda r kcarkwithktintedkwindowskbehindkus.kIkimaginekSawyerkandkRyankflustered,kfrant icktokcatchkup,kandkforksomekreasonkthiskgiveskmekakthrill.kButknotkwantingktokg ivekmykdearkhusbandkakcoronary,kIkdecidektokbehavekandkdriveksteadilykwithkgrowi ngkconfidencektowardkthek520kbridge. k Suddenly,kChristiankswearskandkstrugglesktokpullkhiskBlac Berrykfromkthe kpoc etkofkhiskjeans. k What?kheksnapskangrilykatkwhoeverkitkiskonkthekotherkendkofkthekline.kNo.khe ksayskandkglanceskbehindkus.kYes.kShekis. k Ikbrieflykchec kthekrearviewkmirror,kbutkIkdontkseekanythingkodd,kjustkak fewkcarskbehindkus.kThekSUVkiskaboutkfourkcarskbac ,kandkwerekallkcruisingkatkank evenkpace. k Iksee.kChristianksighsklongkandkhardkandkrubskhiskforeheadkwithkhiskfinger s,ktensionkradiateskoffkhim.kSomethingskwrong. k Yesk.k.k.kIkdontk now.kHekglanceskatkmekandklowerskthekphonekfromkhiskear.kW erekfine.kKeepkgoing,kheksayskcalmly,ksmilingkatkme,kbutktheksmilekdoesntktouchkhis keyes.kShit!kAdrenalinekspi eskthroughkmyksystem.kHekpic skthekphonekupkagain. k O aykonkthek520.kAsksoonkaskwekhitkitk.k.k.kYesk.k.k.kIkwill. k Hekslotskthekphonekintokthekspea erkcradle,kputtingkitkonkhands-free. k Whatskwrong,kChristian? k Justkloo kwherekyourekgoing,kbaby,kheksaysksoftly. k Imkheadingkforkthekon-rampkofkthek520kinkthekdirectionkofkSeattle.kWhenkI kglancekatkChristian,kheskstaringkstraightkahead. k Ikdontkwantkyouktokpanic,kheksayskcalmly.kButkasksoonkaskwerekonkthek520kprop er,kIkwantkyouktokstepkonkthekgas.kWerekbeingkfollowed. k Followed!kHolykshit.kMykheartklurcheskintokmykmouth,kpounding,kmykscalpk pric leskandkmykthroatkconstrictskwithkpanic.kFollowedkbykwhom?kMykeyeskdartktok thekrearviewkmirrorkand,ksurekenough,kthekdar kcarkIksawkearlierkiskstillkbehind kus.kFuc !kIskthatkit?kIksquintkthroughkthektintedkwindshieldktokseekwhoskdriving ,kbutkIkseeknothing. k Keepkyourkeyeskonkthekroad,kbaby,kChristianksayskgently,knotkinkthektrucul entktonekheknormallykuseskwherekmykdrivingkiskconcerned. k Getkakgrip!kIkmentallykslapkmyselfktoksubduekthekdreadkthatskthreateningk tokswampkme.kSupposekwhoeverskfollowingkuskiskarmed?kArmedkandkafterkChristian!kS hit!kImkhitkbykakwavekofknausea. k Howkdokwek nowkwerekbeingkfollowed?kMykvoicekiskakbreathy,ksquea y,kwhisper . k ThekDodgekbehindkuskhaskfalseklicensekplates. k Howkdoeskhek nowkthat? k Iksignalkaskwekapproachkthek520kfromkthekon-ramp.kItsklatekafternoon,kand kalthoughkthekrainkhaskstopped,kthekroadwaykiskwet.kFortunately,kthektraffickisk reasonablyklight. k Rayskvoicekechoeskinkmykheadkfromkonekofkhiskmanykself-defenseklectures.kI tskthekpanickthatskgonnak illkyoukorkgetkyoukseriouslykhurt,kAnnie.kIkta ekakdeepkb reath,ktryingktokbringkmykbreathingkunderkcontrol.kWhoeverkiskfollowingkuskiskaf terkChristian.kAskIkta ekanotherkdeepksteadyingkbreath,kmykmindkbeginsktokcleark andkmykstomachksettles.kIkhavektok eepkChristianksafe.kIkwantedktokdrivekthiskca r,kandkIkwantedktokdrivekitkfast.kWell,khereskmykchance.kIkgripktheksteeringkwhee lkandkta ekakfinalkglancekinkmykrearviewkmirror.kThekDodgekiskclosingkonkus.

k Ikslowkrightkdown,kignoringkChristiansksuddenkpanic edkglancekatkme,kandk timekmykentrancekonktokthek520ksokthatkthekDodgekhasktokslowkandkstopktokwaitkfo rkakgapkinkthektraffic.kIkdropkakgearkandkfloorkit.kThekR8kshootskforward,kslamm ingkuskbothkintokthekbac skofkourkseats.kThekspeedometerkwhipskupktokseventy-fiv ekmileskperkhour. k Steady,kbaby,kChristianksayskcalmly,kthoughkImksurekheskanythingkbutkcalm. k Ikweavekbetweenkthektwoklineskofktraffickli ekakblac kcounterkinkakgamek ofkchec ers,keffectivelykjumpingkthekcarskandktruc s.kWereksokclosektokthekla eko nkthiskbridge,kitskaskifkwerekdrivingkonkthekwater.kIkstudiouslykignorekthekangry, kdisapprovingkloo skfromkotherkdrivers.kChristiankclutcheskhiskhandsktogetherkin khisklap,k eepingkaskstillkaskpossible,kandkinkspitekofkmykfeveredkthoughts,kIkw onderkvaguelykifkheskdoingkitksokhekdoesntkdistractkme. k Goodkgirl,khekbreatheskinkencouragement.kHekglanceskbehindkhim.kIkcantkseekt hekDodge. k Werekrightkbehindkthekunsub,kMr.kGrey.kSawyerskvoicekcomeskthroughkthekhands -free.kHesktryingktokcatchkupkwithkyou,ksir.kWerekgoingktoktrykandkcomekalongside,k putkourselveskbetweenkyourkcarkandkthekDodge. k Unsub?kWhatkdoeskthatkmean? k Good.kMrs.kGreykiskdoingkwell.kAtkthiskrate,kprovidedkthektraffickremains klightandkfromkwhatkIkcankseekitkiswellkbekoffkthekbridgekinkakfewkminutes. k Sir. k Wekflashkpastkthekbridgekcontrolktower,kandkIk nowkwerekhalfkwaykacrosskL a ekWashington.kWhenkIkchec kmykspeed,kImkstillkdoingkseventy-five. k Yourekdoingkreallykwell,kAna,kChristiankmurmurskagainkaskhekgazeskoutkthekb ac kofkthekR8.kForkakfleetingkmoment,khisktonekremindskmekofkourkfirstkencounter kinkhiskplayroomkwhenkhekpatientlykencouragedkmekthroughkourkfirstkscene.kThekth oughtkiskdistracting,kandkIkdismisskitkimmediately. k WherekamkIkheaded?kIkas ,kmoderatelykcalmer.kIkhavekthekfeelkofkthekcarkno w.kItskakjoyktokdrive,ksokquietkandkeasyktokhandlekitskhardktokbelievekhowkfastkwe karekgoing.kDrivingkatkthiskspeedkinkthiskcarkiskeasy. k Mrs.kGrey,kheadkforkI-5kandkthenksouth.kWekwantktokseekifkthekDodgekfollo wskyoukallkthekway,kSawyerksayskoverkthekhands-free.kThektrafficklightskonkthekbr idgekarekgreenthan kheavensandkIkracekonward. k IkglanceknervouslykatkChristian,kandkheksmileskreassuringly.kThenkhiskfa cekfalls. k Shit!khekswearsksoftly. k Therekiskaklinekofktraffickaheadkaskwekcomekoffkthekbridge,kandkIkhavekt okslow.kGlancingkanxiouslykinkthekmirrorkoncekmore,kIkthin kIkspotkthekDodge. k Tenkorksokcarskbac ? k Yeah,kIkseekit,kChristianksays,kpeeringkthroughktheknarrowkrearkwindow.kIkw onderkwhokthekfuc kitkis? k Mektoo.kDokwek nowkifkitskakmankdriving?kIkblurtkoutktowardkthekcradledkBla c Berry. k No,kMrs.kGrey.kCouldkbekakmankorkwoman.kThektintkisktookdar . k Akwoman?kChristianksays. k Ikshrug.kYourkMrs.kRobinson?kIksuggest,knotkta ingkmykeyeskoffkthekroad. k ChristiankstiffenskandkliftskthekBlac Berrykoutkofkitskcradle.kShesknotkmy kMrs.kRobinson,khekgrowls.kIkhaventkspo enktokherksincekmykbirthday.kAndkElenakwoul dntkdokthis.kItsknotkherkstyle. k Leila? k SheskinkConnecticutkwithkherkparents.kIktoldkyou. k Arekyouksure? k Hekpauses.kNo.kButkifkshedkabsconded,kImksurekherkfol skwouldkhavekletkFlyn nk now.kLetskdiscusskthiskwhenkwerekhome.kConcentratekonkwhatkyourekdoing. k Butkitkmightkjustkbeksomekrandomkcar. k Imknotkta ingkanykris s.kNotkwherekyourekconcerned,kheksnaps.kHekreplaceskth ekBlac Berrykinkitskcradleksokwerekbac kinkcontactkwithkourksecuritykteam. k Ohkshit.kIkdontkwantktokrattlekChristiankrightknowk.k.k.klaterkmaybe.kIkh oldkmyktongue.kFortunately,kthektraffickiskthinningkaklittle.kIkamkablektokspeed koverkthekMountla ekintersectionktowardkthekI-5,kweavingkthroughkthekcarskagain.

k Whatkifkwekgetkstoppedkbykthekcops?kIkas . k Thatkwouldkbekakgoodkthing. k Notkforkmyklicense. k Dontkworrykaboutkthat,kheksays.kUnexpectedly,kIkhearkhumorkinkhiskvoice. k Ikputkmykfootkdownkagain,kandkhitkseventy-five.kBoy,kthiskcarkcankmove.k Iklovekitshesksokeasy.kIktouchkeighty-five.kIkdontkthin kIkhavekeverkdrivenkthiskfa st.kIkwaskluc ykifkmykBeetlekeverkhitkfiftykmileskankhour. k Heskclearedkthektraffickandkpic edkupkspeed.kSawyerskdisembodiedkvoicekiskca lmkandkinformative.kHeskdoingkninety. k Shit!kFaster!kIkpresskdownkonkthekgaskandkthekcarkpurrsktokninety-fivekm ileskperkhourkaskwekapproachkthekI-5kintersection. k Keepkitkup,kAna,kChristiankmurmurs. k IkslowkmomentarilykaskwekglidekontokthekI-5.kThekinterstatekiskfairlykqu iet,kandkImkablektokcrosskstraightkoverktokthekfastklanekinkaksplitksecond.kAskIk putkmykfootkdown,kthekgloriouskR8kzoomskforward,kandkwektearkdownkthekleftklane, klesserkmortalskpullingkoverktokletkuskpass.kIfkIkwasntksokfrightened,kIkmightkre allykenjoykthis. k Heskhitkonekhundredkmileskperkhour,ksir. k Staykwithkhim,kLu e,kChristiankbar skatkSawyer. k Lu e? k Aktruc klurcheskintokthekfastklaneShit!andkIkhavektokslamkonkthekbra es. k Fuc ingkidiot!kChristiankcurseskthekdriverkaskweklurchkforwardkinkourkseat s.kIkamkgratefulkforkourkseatbelts. k Gokaroundkhim,kbaby,kChristianksayskthroughkclenchedkteeth.kIkchec kmykmir rorskandkcutkrightkacrosskthreeklanes.kWekspeedkpastkthekslowerkvehicleskandkthe nkcutkbac ktokthekfastklane. k Nicekmove,kMrs.kGrey,kChristiankmurmurskappreciatively.kWherekarekthekcopsk whenkyoukneedkthem? k Ikdontkwantkaktic et,kChristian,kIkmutter,kconcentratingkonkthekhighwaykahe ad.kHavekyoukhadkakspeedingktic etkdrivingkthis? k No,kheksays,kbutkglancingkquic lykatkhim,kIkcankseekhisksmir . k Havekyoukbeenkstopped? k Yes. k Oh. k Charm,kMrs.kGrey.kItkallkcomeskdownktokcharm.kNowkconcentrate.kWhereskthek Dodge,kSawyer? k Heskjustkhitkonekhundredkandkten,ksir.kSawyerksays. k Holykfuc !kMykheartkleapskoncekmorekintokmykmouth.kCankIkdrivekanykfaste r?kIkpushkmykfootkdownkoncekmorekandkstrea kpastkthektraffic. k Flashkthekheadlights,kChristiankorderskwhenkakFordkMustangkwontkmove. k Butkthatkwouldkma ekmekankasshole. k Sokbekankasshole!kheksnaps. k Jeez.kO ay!kUm,kwherekarekthekheadlights? k Thekindicator.kPullkitktowardkyou. k Ikdokit,kandkthekMustangkmoveskasidekthoughknotkbeforekthekdriverkwavesk hiskfingerkatkmekinkaknone-too-complimentarykmanner.kIkzoomkpastkhim. k Heskthekasshole,kChristianksayskunderkhiskbreath,kthenkbar skatkme,kgetkoffk onkStewart. k Yesksir! k Werekta ingkthekStewartkStreetkexit,kChristianksaysktokSawyer. k HeadkstraightktokEscala,ksir. k Ikslow,kchec kmykmirrors,ksignal,kthenkmovekwithksurprisingkeasekacrossk fourklaneskofkthekhighwaykandkdownkthekoff-ramp.kMergingkontokStewartkStreet,kwe kheadksouth.kThekstreetkiskquiet,kwithkfewkvehicles.kWherekiskeveryone? k Wevekbeenkdamnedkluc ykwithkthektraffic.kButkthatkmeanskthekDodgekhas,ktoo .kDontkslowkdown,kAna.kGetkuskhome. k Ikcantkrememberkthekway,kIkmutter,kpanic edkbykthekfactkthekDodgekiskstillk onkourktail. k HeadksouthkonkStewart.kKeepkgoingkuntilkIktellkyoukwhen.kChristianksoundsk anxiouskagain.kIkzoomkpastkthreekbloc skbutktheklightskchangektokyellowkonkYalek

Avenue. k Runkthem,kAna,kChristiankshouts.kIkjumpksokhardkIkfloorkthekgaskpedal,kthr owingkuskbothkbac kinkourkseats,kspeedingkthroughktheknowkredklight. k Heskta ingkStewart,kSawyerksays. k Staykwithkhim,kLu e. k Lu e? k Thatskhiskname. k Akquic kglancekandkIkcankseekChristiankglaringkatkmekaskifkImkcrazy.kEyesk onkthekroad!kheksnaps. k Ikignorekhisktone.kLu ekSawyer. k Yes!kHeksoundskexasperated. k Ah.kHowkdidkIknotk nowkthis?kThekmankhaskbeenkfollowingkmektokwor kforkthe klastksixkwee s,kandkIkdidntkevenk nowkhiskfirstkname. k Thatskme,kmaam,kSawyerksays,kstartlingkme,kthoughkheskspea ingkinkthekcalm,km onotonekvoicekhekalwayskuses.kThekunsubkiskheadingkdownkStewart,ksir.kHeskreallykp ic ingkupkspeed. k Go,kAna.kLesskofkthekfuc ingkchitchat,kChristiankgrowls. k WerekstoppedkatkthekfirstklightkonkStewart.kSawyerkinformskus. k Anaquic inkhere,kChristiankshouts,kpointingktokakpar ingklotkonktheksouthksi dekofkBorenkAvenue.kIkturn,kthektireskscreechingkinkprotestkaskIkswervekintokthe kcrowdedklot. k Drivekaround.kQuic ,kChristiankorders.kIkdrivekaskfastkaskIkcanktokthekbac ,koutkofksightkofkthekstreet.kInkthere.kChristiankpointsktokakspace.kShit!kHekwan tskmektokpar kit.kCrap! k Justkfuc ingkdokit,kheksays.kSokIkdok.k.k.kperfectly.kProbablykthekonlykti mekIkhavekeverkpar edkperfectly. k Werekhiddenkinkthekpar ingklotkbetweenkStewartkandkBoren,kChristianksayskin tokthekBlac Berry. k O ay,ksir.kSawyerksoundskirritated.kStaykwherekyoukare;kwellkfollowkthekunsu b. k Christiankturnsktokme,khiskeyesksearchingkmykface.kYouko ay? k Sure,kIkwhisper. k Christianksmir s.kWhoeverskdrivingkthatkDodgekcantkhearkus,kyouk now. k AndkIklaugh. k WerekpassingkStewartkandkBorenknow,ksir.kIkseektheklot.kHeskgonekstraightkp astkyou,ksir. k Bothkofkusksagksimultaneouslykwithkrelief. k Wellkdone,kMrs.kGrey.kGoodkdriving.kChristiankgentlykstro eskmykfacekwithk hiskfingertips,kandkIkjumpkatkthekcontact,kinhalingkdeeply.kIkhadknokideakIkwask holdingkmykbreath. k Doeskthiskmeankyoullkstopkcomplainingkaboutkmykdriving?kIkas .kHeklaughsaklo udkcatharticklaugh. k Ikwouldntkgoksokfarkasktoksaykthat. k Than kyoukforklettingkmekdrivekyourkcar.kUnderksuchkexcitingkcircumstance s,ktoo.kIktrykdesperatelyktok eepkmykvoiceklight. k MaybekIkshouldkdriveknow. k Tokbekhonest,kIkdontkthin kIkcankclimbkoutkrightknowktokletkyouksitkhere.k Myklegskfeelkli ekJell-O.kSuddenlykImkshudderingkandksha ing. k Itskthekadrenaline,kbaby,kheksays.kYoukdidkamazinglykwell,kaskusual.kYoukblo wkmekaway,kAna.kYoukneverkletkmekdown.kHektoucheskmykchee ktenderlykwithkthekbac kofkhiskhand,khiskfacekfullkofklove,kfear,kregretsokmanykemotionskatkonceandkhiskw ordskarekmykundoing.kOverwhelmed,kakstrangledksobkescapeskfromkmykconstrictedkth roat,kandkIkstartktokcry. k No,kbaby,kno.kPleasekdontkcry.kHekreacheskoverkand,kdespitektheklimitedkspa cekwekhave,kpullskmekoverkthekhandbra ekconsolektokcradlekmekinkhisklap.kSmoothi ngkmykhairkoffkmykface,khek isseskmykeyes,kthenkmykchee s,kandkIkcurlkmykarmskar oundkhimkandksobkquietlykintokhisknec .kHekburieskhisknosekinkmykhairkandkwrapsk mekinkhiskarms,kholdingkmektightkandkweksit,kneitherkofkusksayingkanything,kjust kholdingkeachkother. k Sawyerskvoicekstartleskus.kThekunsubkhaskslowedkoutsidekEscala.kHeskcasingk

thekjoint. k Followkhim,kChristianksnaps. k Ikwipekmyknosekonkthekbac kofkmykhandkandkta ekakdeepksteadyingkbreath. k Usekmykshirt.kChristiank isseskmyktemple. k Sorry,kIkmutter,kembarrassedkbykmykcrying. k Whatkfor?kDontkbe. k Ikwipekmyknosekagain.kHektipskmykchinkupkandkplantskakgentlek isskonkmyk lips.kYourklipskareksoksoftkwhenkyoukcry,kmykbeautiful,kbravekgirl,khekwhispers. k Kisskmekagain. k Christiankstills,konekhandkonkmykbac ,kthekotherkonkmykbehind. k Kisskme,kIkbreathe,kandkIkwatchkhisklipskpartkaskhekinhalesksharply.kLeani ngkacrosskme,khekta eskthekBlac Berrykoutkofkitskcradle,kandktosseskitkontokthek driverskseatkbesidekmyksandaledkfeet.kThenkhiskmouthkiskonkmekaskhekmoveskhiskrig htkhandkintokmykhair,kholdingkmekinkplace,kandkliftskhiskleftktokcradlekmykface. kHisktonguekinvadeskmykmouth,kandkIkwelcomekit.kAdrenalinekturnsktoklustkstrea i ngkthroughkmykbody.kIkclaspkhiskface,krunningkmykfingerskoverkhisksideburns,krel ishingkthektastekofkhim.kHekgroanskatkmykfeveredkresponse,klowkandkdeepkinkhiskt hroat,kandkmykbellyktightenskswiftkandkhardkwithkcarnalkdesire.kHiskhandkmoveskd ownkmykbody,kbrushingkmykbreast,kmykwaist,kandkdownktokmykbac side.kIkshiftkfrac tionally. k Ah!kheksayskandkbrea skawaykfromkme,kbreathless. k What?kIkmutterkagainstkhisklips. k Ana,kwerekinkakcarklotkinkSeattle. k So? k Well,krightknowkIkwantktokfuc kyou,kandkyourekshiftingkaroundkonkmek.k.k.k itskuncomfortable. k Mykcravingkspiralskoutkofkcontrolkatkhiskwords,ktighteningkallkmykmuscle skbelowkmykwaistkoncekmore. k Fuc kmekthen.kIk isskthekcornerkofkhiskmouth.kIkwantkhim.kNow.kThatkcarkch asekwaskexciting.kTookexciting.kTerrifyingk.k.k.kandkthekfearkhaskjump-startedkm yklibido.kHekleanskbac ktokgazekatkme,khiskeyeskdar kandkhooded. k Here?kHiskvoicekiskhus y. k Mykmouthkgoeskdry.kHowkcankhekturnkmekonkwithkonekword?kYes.kIkwantkyou.k Now. k Hektiltskhiskheadktokoneksidekandkstareskatkmekforkakfewkmoments.kMrs.kGr ey,khowkverykbrazen,khekwhispers,kafterkwhatkfeelskli ekanketernity.kHiskhandktig htenskaroundkmykhairkatkmyknape,kholdingkmekfirmlykinkplace,kandkhiskmouthkiskon kminekagain,kmorekforcefullykthisktime.kHiskotherkhandks imskdownkmykbody,kdownk overkmykbehindkandklowerkstillktokmykmid-thigh.kMykfingerskcurlkintokhiskoverlon gkhair. k Imksokgladkyourekwearingkaks irt,khekmurmurskaskhekslipskhiskhandkbeneathkmy kbluekandkwhitekpatternedks irtktokcaresskmykthigh.kIksquirmkoncekmorekonkhiskla pkandkthekairkhisseskbetweenkhiskteeth. k Keepkstill,khekgrowls.kHekcupskmyksexkwithkhiskhand,kandkIkstillkimmediate ly.kHiskthumbkbrusheskoverkmykclitoris,kandkmykbreathkcatcheskinkmykthroatkaskpl easurekjoltskli ekelectricitykdeep,kdeep,kdeepkinsidekme. k Still,khekwhispers.kHek isseskmekoncekmorekaskhiskthumbkcircleskgentlykaro undkmekthroughktheksheerkfineklacekofkmykdesignerkunderwear.kSlowlykhekeasesktwo kfingerskpassedkmykpantieskandkinsidekme.kIkgroankandkflexkmykhipsktowardkhiskha nd. k Please,kIkwhisper. k Oh,kMrs.kGrey.kYoureksokready,kheksays,kslidingkhiskfingerskinkandkout,ktor tuouslykslowly.kDokcarkchaseskturnkyoukon? k Youkturnkmekon. k Heksmileskakwolfishkgrinkandkwithdrawskhiskfingersksuddenly,kleavingkmek wanting.kHekscoopskhiskarmkunderkmyk neeskand,kta ingkmekbyksurprise,khekliftskm ekandkswingskmekaroundktokfacekthekwindshield. k Placekyourklegskeitherksidekofkmine,khekorders,kputtingkhisklegsktogetherk inkthekmiddlekofkthekfootwell.kIkdokaskImktold,kplacingkmykfeetkonkthekfloorkonke itherksidekofkhis.kHekrunskhiskhandskdownkmykthighs,kthenkbac ,kpullingkupkmyks

irt. k Handskonkmyk nees,kbaby.kLeankforward.kLiftkthatkgloriouskasskinkthekair. kMindkyourkhead. k Shit!kWekreallykarekgoingktokdokthis,kinkakpublickpar ingklot.kIkquic ly kscankthekareakinkfrontkofkuskandkseeknokone,kbutkfeelkakthrillkcoursingkthrough kme.kImkinkakpublicklot!kThiskisksokhot!kChristiankshiftskbeneathkme,kandkIkheark thektelltaleksoundkofkhiskzipper.kPuttingkonekarmkaroundkmykwaistkandkwithkhisko therkhandktuggingkmyklacykpantiesksideways,khekimpaleskmekinkonekswiftkmove. k Ah!kIkcrykout,kgrindingkdownkonkhim,kandkhiskbreathkhisseskthroughkhisktee th.kHiskarmksna eskaroundkmekupktokmyknec kandkhekgraspskmekunderkmykchin.kHiskh andkspreadskacrosskmyknec ,kpullingkmekbac kandktiltingkmykheadktokoneksideksokh ekcank isskmykthroat.kHiskotherkhandkgripskmykhipkandktogetherkwekstartktokmove. k Ikpushkupkwithkmykfeet,kandkhektiltskhimselfkintokmeinkandkout.kTheksensa tionkisk.k.k.kIkgroankloudly.kItsksokdeepkthiskway.kMykleftkhandkcurlskaroundkthe khandkbra e,kmykrightkhandkbracedkagainstkmykdoor.kHiskteethkgrazekmykearlobekan dkhektugsitskalmostkpainful.kHekbuc skagainkandkagainkintokme.kIkrisekandkfall,kan dkaskwekestablishkakrhythm,khekmoveskhiskhandkaroundkbeneathkmyks irtktokthekape xkofkmykthighs,kandkhiskfingerskgentlykteasekmykclitoriskthroughktheksheerkfiner ykofkmykpanties. k Ah! k Be.kQuic ,khekbreatheskintokmykearkthroughkgrittedkteeth,khiskhandkstillkc urledkaroundkmyknec kbeneathkmykchin.kWekneedktokdokthiskquic ,kAna.kAndkhekincrea seskthekpressurekofkhiskfingerskagainstkmyksex. k Ah!kIkfeelkthekfamiliarkbuildkofkpleasure,kbunchingkdeepkandkthic kinsidek me. k Comekon,kbaby,khekraspskatkmykear.kIkwantktokhearkyou. k Ikmoankagain,kandkIkamkallksensation,kmykeyesktightlykclosed.kHiskvoicek atkmykear,khiskbreathkonkmyknec ,kpleasurekradiatingkoutkfromkwherekhiskfingersk teasekmykbodykandkwherekhekslamskdeepkinsidekme,kandkIkamklost.kMykbodykta eskco ntrol,kcravingkrelease. k Yes,kChristiankhisseskinkmykearkandkIkopenkmykeyeskbriefly,kstaringkwildly katkthekclothkroofkofkthekR8,kandkIkscrunchkthemkclosedkagainkaskIkcomekaroundkh im. k Oh,kAna,khekmurmurskinkwonder,kandkhekwrapskhiskarmskaroundkmekandkramskin tokmekoneklastktimekandkstillskaskhekclimaxeskdeepkinside. k Hekrunskhisknosekalongkmykjawkandksoftlyk isseskmykthroat,kmykchee ,kmyk templekaskakliekonkhim,kmykheadklollingkagainstkhisknec . k Tensionkrelieved,kMrs.kGrey?kChristiankcloseskhiskteethkaroundkmykearlobek againkandktugs.kMykbodykiskdrained,ktotallykexhausted,kandkIkmewl.kIkfeelkhisksm ilekagainstkme. k Certainlykhelpedkwithkmine,khekadds,kshiftingkmekoffkhim.kLostkyourkvoice? k Yes,kIkmurmur. k Wellkarentkyoukthekwantonkcreature?kIkhadknokideakyoukwereksuchkankexhibit ionist. k Iksitkupkimmediately,kalarmed.kHektenses.kNokoneskwatchingkarekthey?kIkglan cekanxiouslykaroundkthekcarklot. k Dokyoukthin kIdkletkanyonekwatchkmykwifekcome?kHekstro eskhiskhandkdownkmyk bac kreassuringly,kbutkthektonekofkhiskvoiceksendskshiverskdownkmykspine.kIkturn ktokgazekatkhimkandkgrinkimpishly. k Carksex!kIkexclaim. k Hekgrinskandktuc skakstrandkofkhairkbehindkmykear.kLetskheadkbac .kIllkdriv e. k Hekopenskthekdoorktokletkmekclimbkoffkhisklapkandkoutkintokthekpar ingkl ot.kWhenkIkglancekdownkheskquic lykdoingkupkhiskfly.kHekfollowskmekoutkandkthenkh oldskthekdoorkopenkforkmektokclimbkbac kin.kStrollingkquic lykaroundktokthekdriv erskside,khekclimbskinkbesidekme,kretrieveskthekBlac Berry,kandkma eskakcall. k WhereskSawyer?kheksnaps.kAndkthekDodge?kHowkcomekSawyersknotkwithkyou? k HeklistenskintentlyktokRyan,kIkassume. k Her?khekgasps.kStic kwithkher.kChristiankhangskupkandkgazeskatkme. k Her!kThekdriverkofkthekcar?kWhokcouldkthatkbeElena?kLeila?

k ThekdriverkofkthekDodgekiskfemale? k Sokitkwouldkappear,kheksayskquietly.kHiskmouthkpresseskintokakthinkangrykl ine.kLetskgetkyoukhome,khekmutters.kHekstartskupkthekR8kwithkakroarkandkreversesksm oothlykoutkofkthekspace. k Whereskthe,kerk.k.k.kunsub?kWhatkdoeskthatkmeankbykthekway?kSoundskverykBD SM. k Christianksmileskbrieflykaskhekeaseskthekcarkoutkofktheklotkandkbac kont okStewartkStreet. k ItkstandskforkUn nownkSubject.kRyankiskex-FBI. k Ex-FBI? k Dontkas .kChristianksha eskhiskhead.kItskobviouskheskdeepkinkcontemplation. k Well,kwherekiskthiskfemalekunsub? k OnkthekI-5,kheadingksouth.kHekglanceskatkme,khiskeyeskgrim. k Jeezfromkpassionatektokcalmktokanxiouskinkthekspacekofkakfewkmoments.kIkr eachkoverkandkcaresskhiskthigh,krunningkmykfingerskleisurelykupkthekinsidekseamk ofkhiskjeans,khopingktokimprovekhiskmood.kHekta eskhiskhandkoffktheksteeringkwhe elkandkstopskthekslowkascentkofkmykhand. k No,kheksays.kWevekmadekitkthiskfar.kYoukdontkwantkmektokhavekankaccidentkthre ekbloc skfromkhome.kHekraiseskmykhandktokhisklipskandkplantskakcoolk isskonkmykin dexkfingerktokta ekthekstingkoutkofkhiskrebu e.kCool,kcalm,kauthoritativek.k.k.k MykFifty.kAndkforkthekfirstktimekinkakwhilekhekma eskmekfeelkli ekakwaywardkchil d.kIkwithdrawkmykhandkandksitkquietlykforkakmoment. k Female? k Apparentlykso.kHeksighs,kturnskintokthekundergroundkgaragekatkEscala,kandk puncheskthekaccesskcodekintoktheksecurityk eypad.kThekgatekswingskopenkandkhekdr iveskon,ksmoothlykpar ingkthekR8kinkitskdesignatedkspace. k Ikreallykli ekthiskcar,kIkmurmur. k Mektoo.kAndkIkli ekhowkyoukhandledkitandkhowkyoukmanagedknotktokbrea kit. k Youkcankbuykmekonekforkmykbirthday,kIksmir katkhim. k ChristianskmouthkdropskopenkaskIkclimbkoutkofkthekcar. k Akwhitekone,kIkthin ,kIkadd,kleaningkdownkandksmir ingkatkhim. k Heksmiles.kAnastasiakGrey,kyoukneverkceasektokamazekme. k Ikshutkthekdoorkandkwal ktokthekendkofkthekcarktokwaitkforkhim.kGraceful lykhekclimbskout,kwatchingkmekwithkthatkloo k.k.k.kthatkloo kthatkcallsktoksomet hingkdeepkinsidekme.kIk nowkthiskloo kwell.kOncekheskinkfrontkofkme,khekleanskdow nkandkwhispers,kYoukli ekthekcar.kIkli ekthekcar.kIvekfuc edkyoukinkitk.k.k.kperha pskIkshouldkfuc kyoukonkit. k Ikgasp.kAndkakslee ksilverkBMWkpullskintokthekgarage.kChristiankglancesk atkitkanxiously,kthenkwithkannoyancekandksmir skdownkatkme. k Butkitkloo skli ekwekhavekcompany.kCome.kHekgrabskmykhandkandkheadskforkth ekgaragekelevator.kHekpusheskthekcallkbuttonkandkaskwekwait,kthekdriverkofkthekB MWkjoinskus.kHeskyoung,kcasuallykdressed,kwithklong,klayered,kdar khair.kHekloo s kli ekhekwor skinkthekmedia. k Hi,kheksays,ksmilingkwarmlykatkus. k Christiankputskhiskarmkaroundkmekandknodskpolitely. k Ivekjustkmovedkin.kApartmentksixteen. k Hello.kIkreturnkhisksmile.kHekhask ind,ksoftkbrownkeyes. k Thekelevatorkarriveskandkwekallkwal kin.kChristiankglanceskdownkatkme,kh iskexpressionkunreadable. k YourekChristiankGrey,kthekyoungkmanksays. k Christiankgiveskhimkaktightksmile. k NoahkLogan.kHekholdskoutkhiskhand.kReluctantly,kChristiankta eskit.kWhichkf loor?kNoahkas s. k Ikhavektokinputkakcode. k Oh. k Penthouse. k Oh.kNoahksmileskbroadly.kOfkcourse.kHekpresseskthekbuttonkforkthekeighthkflo orkandkthekdoorskclose.kMrs.kGrey,kIkpresume. k Yes.kIkgivekhimkakpoliteksmilekandkweksha ekhands.kNoahkflusheskaklittleka skhekgazeskatkmekakfractionktooklong.kIkmirrorkhiskflushkandkChristianskarmktight

enskaroundkme. k Whenkdidkyoukmovekin?kIkas . k Lastkwee end.kIklovekthekplace. k Thereskankaw wardkpausekbeforekthekelevatorkstopskatkNoahskfloor. k Greatktokmeetkyoukboth,kheksaysksoundingkrelievedkandkstepskout.kThekdoors kcloseksilentlykbehindkhim.kChristianktapskinkthekentrykcodekandkthekelevatorkas cendskagain. k Hekseemedknice,kIkmurmur.kIvekneverkmetkanykofkthekneighborskbefore. k Christiankscowls.kIkpreferkitkthatkway. k Thatskbecausekyourekakhermit.kIkthoughtkhekwaskpleasantkenough. k Akhermit? k Hermit.kStuc kinkyourkivoryktower,kIkstatekmatter-of-factly.kChristiansklip sktwitchkwithkamusement. k Ourkivoryktower.kAndkIkthin kyoukhavekanotherknamektokaddktoktheklistkofk yourkadmirers,kMrs.kGrey. k Ikrollkmykeyes.kChristian,kyoukthin keveryonekiskankadmirer. k Didkyoukjustkrollkyourkeyeskatkme? k Mykpulsekquic ens.kIksurekdid,kIkwhisper,kmykbreathkcatchingkinkmykthroat. k Hekcoc skhiskheadktokonekside,kwearingkhisksmoldering,karrogant,kamusedk expression.kWhatkshallkwekdokaboutkthat? k Somethingkrough. k Hekblin sktokhidekhisksurprise.kRough? k Please. k Youkwantkmore? k Iknodkslowly.kThekdoorsktokthekelevatorkopenkandkwerekhome. k Howkrough?khekbreathes,khiskeyeskdar ening. k Ikgazekatkhim,ksayingknothing.kHekcloseskhiskeyeskforkakmoment,kandkthen kgrabskmykhandkandkhaulskmekintokthekfoyer. k Whenkwekburstkthroughkthekdoublekdoors,kSawyerkiskstandingkinkthekhallwa y,kloo ingkexpectantlykatkthektwokofkus. k Sawyer,kIdkli ektokbekdebriefedkinkankhour,kChristianksays. k Yes,ksir.kTurning,kSawyerkheadskbac kintokTaylorskoffice. k Wekhavekankhour! k Christiankglanceskdownkatkme.kRough? k Iknod. k Well,kMrs.kGrey,kyourekinkluc .kImkta ingkrequestsktoday. k k k kkk k Dokyoukhavekanythingkinkmind?kChristiankmurmurs,kpinningkmekwithkhiskboldk gaze.kIkshrug,ksuddenlykbreathlesskandkagitated.kIkdontk nowkifkitskthekchase,kthe kadrenaline,kmykearlierkbadkmoodIkdontkunderstand,kbutkIkwantkthis,kandkIkwantkitk badly.kAkpuzzledkexpressionkflitskacrosskChristianskface.kKin ykfuc ery?khekas s,kh iskwordskaksoftkcaress. k Iknod,kfeelingkmykfacekflame.kWhykamkIkembarrassedkbykthis?kIkhavekdonek allkmannerkofk in ykfuc erykwithkthiskman.kHeskmykhusband,kdamnkit!kAmkIkembarras sedkbecausekIkwantkthiskandkImkashamedktokadmitkit?kMyksubconsciouskglareskatkme. kStopkoverthin ing. k Cartekblanche?kHekwhisperskthekquestion,keyeingkmekspeculativelykaskifkhesk tryingktokreadkmykmind. k Cartekblanche?kHolykfuc whatkwillkthatkentail?kYes,kIkmurmurknervously,kask excitementkbloomskdeepkinsidekme.kHeksmileskakslowksexyksmile. k Come,kheksayskandktugskmektowardkthekstairs.kHiskintentionkiskclear.kPlayr oom!kMykinnerkgoddesskwa eskfromkherkpost-R8-sexkslumber,kwide-eyedkandkraringkt okgo. k Atkthektopkofkthekstairs,khekreleaseskmykhandkandkunloc skthekplayroomkd oor.kThek eykiskonkthekYeskSeattlek eychainkthatkIkgavekhimknotksoklongkago. k Afterkyou,kMrs.kGrey,kheksayskandkswingskthekdoorkopen. k Thekplayroomksmellskreassuringlykfamiliar,kofkleatherkandkwoodkandkfresh

kpolish.kIkblush,k nowingkthatkMrs.kJoneskmustkhavekbeenkinkherekcleaningkwhilek wekwerekawaykonkourkhoneymoon.kAskwekenter,kChristiankswitcheskonktheklightskand kthekdar kredkwallskarekilluminatedkwithksoft,kdiffusedklight.kIkstandkgazingkat khim,kanticipationkrunningkthic kandkheavykthroughkmykveins.kWhatkwillkhekdo?kHe kloc skthekdoorkandkturns.kIncliningkhiskheadktokonekside,khekregardskmekthought fullykandkthenksha eskhiskhead,kamused. k Whatkdokyoukwant,kAnastasia?khekas skgently. k You.kMykresponsekiskbreathy. k Heksmir s.kYouvekgotkme.kYouvekhadkmeksincekyoukfellkintokmykoffice. k Surprisekmekthen,kMr.kGrey. k Hiskmouthktwistskwithkrepressedkhumorkandkcarnalkpromise.kAskyoukwish,kMr s.kGrey.kHekfoldskhiskarmskandkraiseskoneklongkindexkfingerktokhisklipskwhilekhek appraiseskme.kIkthin kwellkstartkbykriddingkyoukofkyourkclothes.kHekstepskforward.k Graspingkthekfrontkofkmykshortkdenimkjac et,khekopenskitkandkpusheskitkoverkmyks houldersksokitkfallsktokthekfloor.kHekclaspskthekhemkofkmykblac kcamisole. k Liftkyourkarms. k Ikobey,kandkhekpeelskitkoffkoverkmykhead.kLeaningkdown,khekplantskaksoft k isskonkmyklips,khiskeyeskglowingkwithkankalluringkmixkofklustkandklove.kThekca misolekjoinskmykjac etkonkthekfloor. k Here,kIkwhisperkgazingknervouslykatkhimkaskIkremovekthekhairktiekfromkarou ndkmykwristkandkholdkitkupkforkhim.kHekstills,kandkhiskeyeskwidenkbrieflykbutkgi veknothingkaway.kFinally,khekta esktheksmallkband. k Turnkaround,khekorders. k Relieved,kIksmilektokmyselfkandkobligekimmediately.kLoo skli ekwevekoverc omekthatklittlekhurdle.kHekgatherskmykhairkandkbraidskitkquic lykandkefficiently kbeforekfasteningkitkwithkthektie.kHektugskthekbraid,kpullingkmykheadkbac . k Goodkthin ing,kMrs.kGrey,khekwhisperskinkmykear,kthenknipskmykearlobe.kNowk turnkaroundkandkta ekyourks irtkoff.kLetkitkfallktokthekfloor.kHekreleaseskmekand kstepskbac kaskIkturnktokfacekhim.kNotkta ingkmykeyeskoffkhis,kIkunbuttonkthekwa istbandkofkmyks irtkandkeasekthekzipperkdown.kThekfullks irtkfanskoutkandkfallsk tokthekfloor,kpoolingkatkmykfeet. k Stepkoutkfromkyourks irt,khekorders.kAskIkstepktowardkhim,khek neelskswift lykdownkinkfrontkofkmekandkgraspskmykrightkan le.kDeftly,khekunbuc leskmyksandal skonekatkaktimekwhilekIkleankforward,kbalancingkmyselfkwithkakhandkonkthekwallku nderkthekpegskthatkusedktokholdkallkhiskwhips,kcropskandkpaddles.kThekfloggerkan dkthekridingkcropkarekthekonlykimplementskthatkremain.kIkeyekthemkwithkcuriosity .kWillkhekusekthose? k HavingkremovedkmykshoesksokImkjustkinkmyklacykbrakandkpanties,kChristiank sitskbac konkhiskheels,kgazingkupkatkme.kYourekakfineksight,kMrs.kGrey.kSuddenlykhe k neelskup,kgrabskmykhipskandkpullskmekforward,kburyingkhisknosekinkthekapexkofk mykthighs.kAndkyouksmellkofkyoukandkmekandksex,kheksayskinhalingksharply.kItskintoxi cating.kHek isseskmekthroughkmyklacekpanties,kwhilekIkgaspkatkhiskwordsmykinsidesk liquefying.kHeskjustksok.k.k.knaughty.kGatheringkupkmykclotheskandksandals,khekst andskinkonekswift,kgracefulkmove,kli ekankathlete. k Gokandkstandkbesidekthektable,kheksayskcalmly,kpointingkwithkhiskchin.kTur ning,khekstrideskoverktokthekmuseumkchestkofkwonder. k Hekglanceskbac kandksmir skatkme.kFacekthekwall,khekcommands.kThatkwaykyouk wontk nowkwhatkImkplanning.kWekaimktokplease,kMrs.kGrey,kandkyoukwantedkaksurprise . k Ikturnkawaykfromkhimklisteningkacutelymykearsksuddenlyksensitivektoktheks lightestksound.kHeskgoodkatkthisbuildingkmykexpectations,ksto ingkmykdesirek.k.k.k ma ingkmekwait.kIkhearkhimkputkmykshoeskdownkand,kIkthin ,kmykclotheskonkthekche st,kfollowedkbykthektelltalekclatterkofkhiskshoeskasktheykdropktokthekfloor,kone katkaktime.kHmmk.k.k.klovekbarefootkChristian.kAkmomentklater,kIkhearkhimkpullko penkakdrawer. k Toys!kOh,kIklove,klove,klovekthiskanticipation.kThekdrawerkcloseskandkmy kbreathingkspi es.kHowkcanktheksoundkofkakdrawerkrenderkmekakquiveringkmess?kItk ma esknoksense.kTheksubtlekhisskofktheksoundksystemkcomingktoklifektellskmekitskg oingktokbekakmusicalkinterlude.kAklonekpianokstarts,kmutedkandksoft,kandkmournfu lkchordskfillkthekroom.kItsknotkaktunekIk now.kThekpianokiskjoinedkbykankelectric

kguitar.kWhatkiskthis?kAkmanskvoicekspea skandkIkcankjustkma ekoutkthekwords,ksom ethingkaboutknotkbeingkfrightenedkofkdying. k Christiankpadskleisurelyktowardkme,khiskbarekfeetkslappingkonkthekwooden kfloor.kIksensekhimkbehindkmekaskakwomankstartsktoksingk.k.k.kwailk.k.k.ksing? k Rough,kyouksay,kMrs.kGrey?khekbreatheskinkmykleftkear. k Hmm. k Youkmustktellkmektokstopkifkitsktookmuch.kIfkyouksaykstop,kIkwillkstopkimm ediately.kDokyoukunderstand? k Yes. k Ikneedkyourkpromise. k Ikinhaleksharply.kShit,kwhatkiskhekgoingktokdo?kIkpromise,kIkmurmurkbreath less,krecallingkhiskwordskfromkearlier:kIkdontkwantktokhurtkyou,kbutkImkmorekthank happyktokplay. k Goodkgirl.kLeaningkdown,khekplantskak isskonkmykna edkshoulderkthenkhoo sk akfingerkbeneathkmykbrakstrapkandktraceskaklinekacrosskmykbac kbeneathkthekstrap .kIkwantktokmoan.kHowkdoeskhekma ekthekslightestktouchksokerotic? k Ta ekitkoff,khekwhisperskatkmykear,kandkhurriedlykIkobligekandkletkmykbrak fallktokthekfloor. k Hiskhandsks imkdownkmykbac ,kandkhekhoo skbothkofkhiskthumbskintokmykpan tieskandkslideskthemkdownkmyklegs. k Step,khekorders.kOncekmorekIkdokaskImktold,ksteppingkoutkofkmykpanties.kHek plantskak isskonkmykbac sidekandkstands. k Ikamkgoingktokblindfoldkyouksokthatkeverythingkwillkbekmorekintense.kHeksl ipskankairlinekeyekmas koverkmykeyes,kandkmykworldkiskplungedkintokthekdar ness. kThekwomanksingingkmoanskincoherentlyk.k.k.kakhaunting,kheartfeltkmelody. k Bendkdownkandkliekflatkonkthektable.kHiskwordskareksoftlykspo en.kNow. k Withoutkhesitation,kIkbendkoverktheksidekofkthektablekandkrestkmyktorsok onkthekhighlykpolishedkwood,kmykfacekflushkagainstkthekhardksurface.kItskcoolkaga instkmyks inkandkitksmellskvaguelykofkbeeswaxkwithkakcitrusktang. k Stretchkyourkarmskupkandkholdkonktokthekedge. k O ayk.k.k.kReachingkforward,kIkclutchkthekfarkedgekofkthektable.kItskquit ekwide,ksokmykarmskarekfullykextended. k Ifkyoukletkgo,kIkwillkspan kyou.kDokyoukunderstand? k Yes. k Dokyoukwantkmektokspan kyou,kAnastasia? k Everythingksouthkofkmykwaistktightenskdeliciously.kIkrealizekIvekwantedkt hisksincekhekthreatenedkmekduringklunch,kandkneitherkthekcarkchaseknorkourksubse quentkintimatekencounterkhasksatedkthiskneed. k Yes.kMykvoicekiskakhoarsekwhisper. k Why? k Ohk.k.k.kdokIkhavektokhavekakreason?kJeez.kIkshrug. k Tellkme,khekcoaxes. k Umk.k.k. k Andkfromkoutkofknowherekheksmac skmekhard. k Ah!kIkcrykout. k Hushknow. k Hekgentlykrubskmykbehindkwherekheskhitkme.kThenkhekleanskoverkme,khiskhip skdiggingkintokmykbac side,kplantskak isskbetweenkmykshoulderkbladeskandktrailsk isseskacrosskmykbac .kHeskta enkhiskshirtkoff,ksokhiskchestkhairktic leskmykbac ,kandkhiskerectionkpresseskagainstkmekthroughkthekroughkfabrickofkhiskjeans. k Openkyourklegs,khekorders. k Ikmovekmyklegskapart. k Wider. k Ikgroankandkspreadkmyklegskwider. k Goodkgirl,khekbreathes.kHektraceskhiskfingerkdownkmykbac ,kalongkthekcrac kbetweenkmykbuttoc s,kandkoverkmykanus,kwhichkshrin skatkhisktouch. k Werekgoingktokhavekwithksomekfunkwithkthis,khekwhispers. k Fuc ! k Hiskfingerkcontinueskdownkoverkmykperineumkandkslowlykslideskintokme. k Ikseekyourekverykwet,kAnastasia.kFromkearlierkorkfromknow?

k Ikgroankandkhekeaseskhiskfingerkinkandkoutkofkme,koverkandkover.kIkpushk bac konkhiskhand,krelishingkthekintrusion. k Oh,kAna,kIkthin kitskboth.kIkthin kyouklovekbeingkhere,kli ekthis.kMine. k Ikdooh,kIkdo.kHekwithdrawskhiskfingerkandksmac skmekhardkoncekmore. k Tellkme,khekwhispers,khiskvoicekhoarsekandkurgent. k Yes,kIkdo,kIkwhimper. k Heksmac skmekhardkoncekmoreksokIkcrykout,kthenkstic sktwokfingerskinside kme.kHekwithdrawskthemkimmediately,kspreadingkthekmoisturekupkoverkandkaroundkmy kanus. k Whatkarekyoukgoingktokdo?kIkas ,kbreathless.kOhkmyk.k.k.kiskhekgoingktokfu c kmykass? k Itsknotkwhatkyoukthin ,khekmurmurskreassuringly.kIktoldkyou,konekstepkatktim ekwithkthis,kbaby.kIkhearkthekquietkspurtkofksomekliquid,kpresumablykfromkaktube, kthenkhiskfingerskarekmassagingkmektherekagain.kLubricatingkmek.k.k.kthere!kIksq uirmkaskmykfearkcollideskwithkmykexcitementkofkthekun nown.kHeksmac skmekoncekmo re,klower,ksokhekhitskmyksex.kIkgroan.kItkfeelsk.k.k.ksokgood. k Keepkstill,kheksays.kAndkdontkletkgo. k Ah. k Thiskisklube.kHekspreadsksomekmorekonkme.kIktryknotktokwrigglekbeneathkhim ,kbutkmykheartkiskpounding,kmykpulsekhaywire,kaskdesirekandkanxietykpumpkthrough kme. k Ikhavekwantedktokdokthisktokyoukforksomektimeknow,kAna. k Ikgroan.kAndkIkfeelksomethingkcool,kmetallicallykcool,krunkdownkmykspine . k Ikhavekaksmallkpresentkforkyoukhere,kChristiankwhispers. k Ankimagekfromkourkshow-and-tellkspringsktokmind.kHolykcow.kAkbuttkplug.k Christiankrunskitkdownkthekpartingkbetweenkmykbuttoc s. k Ohkmy. k Ikamkgoingktokpushkthiskinsidekyou,kverykslowly. k Ikgasp,kanticipationkandkanxietykchargingkthroughkme. k Willkitkhurt? k No,kbaby.kItsksmall.kOncekitskinsidekyou,kImkgoingktokfuc kyoukrealkhard. k Ikpracticallykconvulse.kBendingkoverkme,khek isseskmekoncekmorekbetweenk mykshoulderkblades. k Ready?khekwhispers. k Ready?kAmkIkreadykforkthis? k Yes,kIkmutterkquietly,kmykmouthkdry.kHekrunskanotherkfingerkdownkpastkmyka sskandkperineumkandkslipskitkinsidekme.kFuc ,kitskhiskthumb.kHekcupskmyksexkandkh iskfingerskgentlykcaresskmykclitoris.kIkmoank.k.k.kitkfeelsk.k.k.kgood.kAndkgent ly,kwhilekhiskfingerskandkthumbkwor ktheirkmagic,khekpusheskthekcoldkplugkslowly kintokme. k Ah!kIkgroankloudlykatkthekunfamiliarksensation,kmykmuscleskprotestingkatkt hekintrusion.kHekcircleskhiskthumbkinsidekmekandkpusheskthekplugkharder,kandkitk slipskinkeasily,kandkIkdontk nowkifkitskbecausekImksokturnedkonkorkifkheskdistracted kmekwithkhiskexpertkfingers,kbutkmykbodykseemsktokacceptkit.kItskheavyk.k.k.kandk strangek.k.k.kthere! k Oh,kbaby. k AndkIkcankfeelkitk.k.k.kwherekhiskthumbkswirlskinsidekmek.k.k.kandkthekp lugkpresseskagainstk.k.k.koh,kahk.k.k.kHekslowlyktwistskthekplug,kelicitingkaklo ngkdrawn-outkmoankfromkme. k Christian,kIkmumble,khisknamekakgarbledkmantra,kaskIkadjustktoktheksensati on. k Goodkgirl,khekmurmurs.kHekrunskhiskfreekhandkdownkmyksidekuntilkitkreaches kmykhip.kSlowlykhekwithdrawskhiskthumb,kandkIkhearkthektelltaleksoundkofkhiskzip perkopening.kGraspingkmykotherkhip,khekpullskmekbac kandkpartskmyklegskfurther,k hiskfootkpushingkagainstkmine.kDontkletkgokofkthektable,kAna,khekwarns. k No,kIkgasp. k Somethingkrough?kTellkmekifkImktookrough.kUnderstand? k Yes,kIkwhisper,kandkhekslamskintokmekandkpullskmekontokhimkatktheksamektim e,kjoltingkthekplugkforward,kdeeperk.k.k.

k Fuc !kIkcrykout. k Hekstills,khiskbreathingkharsherkandkmykpantingkmatcheskhis.kIktryktokas similatekallktheksensations:kthekdeliciouskfullness,kthektantalizingkfeelingktha tkIkamkdoingksomethingkforbidden,kthekerotickpleasurekthatkspiralskoutwardkfromk deepkwithinkme.kHekpullskgentlykonkthekplug. k Ohkjeezk.k.k.kIkmoan,kandkIkhearkhisksharpkinta ekofkbreathakgaspkofkpure ,kunadulteratedkpleasure.kItkheatskmykblood.kHavekIkeverkfeltksokwantonk.k.k.kso k Again?khekwhispers. k Yes. k Staykflat,khekorders.kHekeaseskoutkofkmekandkramskintokmekagain. k Ohk.k.k.kIkwantedkthis.kYes,kIkhiss. k Andkhekpic skupkthekpace,khiskbreathingkmoreklabored,kmatchingkmykownkas khekthrasheskintokme. k Oh,kAna,khekgasps.kHekmoveskonekofkhiskhandskfromkmykhipskandktwistskthekp lugkagain,ktuggingkitkslowly,kpullingkitkoutkandkpushingkitkbac kin.kThekfeeling kiskindescribable,kandkIkthin kImkgoingktokpasskoutkonkthektable.kHekneverkmisses kakbeatkaskhekta eskme,kagainkandkagain,kmovingkstrongkandkhardkinsidekme,kmykin sidesktighteningkandkquivering. k Ohkfuc ,kIkmoan.kThiskiskgoingktokripkmekapart. k Yes,kbaby,khekhisses. k Please,kIkbegkhimkandkIkdontk nowkwhatkfortokstop,ktokneverkstop,ktoktwistkt hekplugkagain.kMykinsideskarektighteningkaroundkhimkandkthekplug. k Thatskright,khekbreathes,kandkhekslapskmekhardkonkmykrightkbuttoc ,kandkIkc omeagainkandkagain,kfalling,kfalling,kspinning,kpulsingkaroundkandkaroundandkChris tiankgentlykpullskthekplugkout. k Fuc !kIkscreamkandkChristiankgrabskmykhipskandkclimaxeskloudly,kholdingkme kstill. k Thekwomankiskstillksinging.kChristiankalwayskputsksongskonkrepeatkinkher e.kStrange.kIkamkcurledkinkhiskarmskonkhisklapkourklegsktangledktogether,kwithkm ykheadkrestingkagainstkhiskchest.kWerekonkthekfloorkofkthekplayroomkbykthektable. k Welcomekbac ,kheksays,kpeelingkthekblindfoldkoffkme.kIkblin kaskmykeyeskad justktokthekmutedklight.kTippingkmykchinkbac ,khekplantskaksoftk isskonkmyklips, khiskeyeskfocusedkonkandkanxiouslyksearchingkmine.kIkreachkupktokcaresskhiskface .kHeksmiles. k Well,kdidkIkfulfillkthekbrief?khekas s,kamused. k Ikfrown.kBrief? k Youkwantedkrough,kheksayskgently. k Ikgrin,kbecausekIkjustkcantkhelpkit.kYes.kIkthin kyoukdidk.k.k. k Hekraiseskhiskeyebrowskandkgrinskbac katkme.kImkverykgladktokhearkitkMrs.k Grey.kYoukloo kthoroughlykwellkfuc edkandkbeautifulkatkthiskmoment.kHekcaresseskm ykface,khisklongkfingerskstro ingkmykchee . k Ikfeelkit,kIkpurr. k Hekreacheskdownkandk isseskmektenderly,khisklipsksoftkandkwarmkandkgivin gkagainstkmine.kYoukneverkdisappoint.kHekleanskbac ktokgazekdownkatkme.kHowkdokyouk feel?kHiskvoicekisksoftkwithkconcern. k Good,kIkmurmur,kfeelingkakflushkcreepkacrosskmykface.kThoroughlykwellkfuc e d.kIksmilekshyly. k Why,kMrs.kGrey,kyoukhavekakdirty,kdirtykmouth.kChristiankfeignskankoffende dkexpression,kbutkIkcankhearkhiskamusement. k ThatskbecausekImkmarriedktokakdirty,kdirtykboy,kMr.kGrey. k Hekgrinskakridiculouslykstupidkgrinkandkitskinfectious.kImkgladkyourekmarrie dktokhim.kHekgentlykta eskholdkofkmykbraid,kliftskitktokhisklips,kandk isseskthek endkwithkreverence,khiskeyeskglowingkwithklove.kOhkmyk.k.k.kdidkIkeverkhavekakch ancekofkresistingkthiskman? k Ikreachkforkhiskleftkhandkandkplantkak isskonkhiskweddingkring,kakplaink platinumkbandkmatchingkmykown.kMine,kIkwhisper. k Yours,khekresponds.kHekcurlskhiskarmskaroundkmekandkpresseskhisknosekintok mykhair.kShallkIkrunkyoukakbath? k Hmm.kOnlykifkyoukjoinkmekinkit. k O ay,kheksays.kHeksetskmekontokmykfeetkandkstandskupkbesidekme.kHeskstillkw

earingkhiskjeans. k Willkyoukwearkyourk.k.k.kerk.k.k.kotherkjeans? k Hekfrownskdownkatkme.kOtherkjeans? k Thekoneskyoukusedktokwearkinkhere. k Thosekjeans?khekmurmurskblin ingkwithkperplexedksurprise. k Youkloo kverykhotkinkthem. k DokI? k Yeahk.k.k.kIkmean,kreallykhot. k Heksmiles,kshyly.kWellkforkyou,kMrs.kGrey,kmaybekIkwill.kHekbendsktok issk mekthenkgrabsktheksmallkbowlkonkthektablekthatkcontainskthekbuttkplug,kthektubek ofklubricant,kthekblindfold,kandkmykpanties. k Whokcleanskthesektoys?kIkas kaskIkfollowkhimkoverktokthekchest. k Hekfrownskatkme,kaskifknotkunderstandingkthekquestion.kMe.kMrs.kJones. k What? k Heknods,kamusedkandkembarrassed,kIkthin .kHekswitcheskoffkthekmusic.kWellu mk.k.k. k Yourksubskusedktokdokit?kIkfinishkhisksentence.kHekgiveskmekankapologetick shrug. k Here.kHekhandskmekhiskshirtkandkIkputkitkon,kwrappingkitkaroundkmyself.kHi skscentkstillkclingsktoktheklinen,kandkmykchagrinkaboutkbuttkplugkwashingkiskfor gotten.kHekleaveskthekitemskonkthekchest.kTa ingkmykhand,khekunloc skthekplayroo mkdoorkthenkleadskmekoutkandkdownstairs.kIkfollowkhimkmee ly. k Thekanxiety,kthekbadkmood,kthekthrill,kfear,kandkexcitementkofkthekcarkc hasekhavekallkgone.kImkrelaxedfinallyksatedkandkcalm.kAskwekenterkourkbathroom,kIk yawnkloudlykandkstretchk.k.k.katkeasekwithkmyselfkforkakchange. k Whatkiskit?kChristiankas skaskhekturnskonkthekfaucet. k Iksha ekmykhead. k Tellkme,khekas sksoftly.kHekspillskjasminekbathkoilkintokthekrunningkwater ,kfillingkthekroomkwithkitsksweet,ksensualkscent. k Ikflush.kIkjustkfeelkbetter. k Heksmiles.kYes,kyouvekbeenkinkakstrangekmoodktoday,kMrs.kGrey.kStanding,khe kpullskmekintokhiskarms.kIk nowkyourekworryingkaboutkthesekrecentkevents.kImksorryk yourekcaughtkupkinkthem.kIkdontk nowkifkitskakvendetta,kankex-employee,korkakbusine sskrival.kIfkanythingkwerektokhappenktokyoukbecausekofkmekHiskvoicekdropsktokakpai nedkwhisper.kIkcurlkmykarmskaroundkhim. k Whatkifksomethingkhappensktokyou,kChristian?kIkvoicekmykfear. k Hekgazeskdownkatkme.kWellkfigurekthiskout.kNowkletskgetkyoukoutkofkthiskshi rtkandkintokthiskbath. k Shouldntkyouktal ktokSawyer? k Hekcankwait.kHiskmouthkhardens,kandkIkfeelkaksuddenkpangkofkpitykforkSawye r.kWhatskhekdonektokupsetkChristian? k ChristiankhelpskmekoutkofkhiskshirtkthenkfrownskaskIkturnktokhim.kMykbre astskstillkbearkfadedkbruiseskfromktheklovekbiteskhekgavekmekduringkourkhoneymoo n,kbutkIkdecideknotktokteasekhimkaboutkthem. k IkwonderkifkRyankhaskcaughtkupkwithkthekDodge? k Wellksee,kafterkthiskbath.kGetkin.kHekholdskhiskhandkoutkforkme.kIkclimbkin tokthekhot,kfragrantkwaterkandksitktentatively. k Ow.kMykasskisktender,kandkthekhotkwaterkma eskmekwince. k Easy,kbaby,kChristiankwarns,kbutkaskheksayskit,kthekuncomfortableksensatio nkmeltskaway. k Christiankstripskandkclimbskinkbehindkme,kpullingkmekagainstkhiskchest.k Iknestlekbetweenkhisklegs,kandkwekliekidlekandkcontentkinkthekhotkwater.kIkrunkm ykfingerskdownkhisklegs,kandkgatheringkmykbraidkinkonekhand,khektwirlskitkgently kbetweenkhiskfingers. k Wekneedktokgokoverkthekplanskforktheknewkhouse.kLaterkthiskevening? k Sure.kThatkwomankiskcomingkbac kagain.kMyksubconsciouskgazeskupkfromkvolum ek3kofkThekCompletekWor skofkCharleskDic enskandkglowers.kImkwithkmyksubconscious .kIksigh.kUnfortunately,kGiakMatteoskdesignskarekbreathta ing. k Ikmustkgetkmykthingskreadykforkwor ,kIkwhisper. k Hekstills.kYouk nowkyoukdontkhavektokgokbac ktokwor ,khekmurmurs.

k Ohknok.k.k.knotkthiskagain.kChristian,kwevekbeenkthroughkthis.kPleasekdontk resurrectkthatkargument. k Hektugskmykbraidksokmykfacektiltskupkandkbac .kJustksayingk.k.k.kHekplants kaksoftk isskonkmyklips. k Ikpullkonksweatkpantskandkakcamisolekandkdecidektokfetchkmykclotheskfrom kthekplayroom.kAskIkma ekmykwaykacrosskthekhallway,kIkhearkChristianskraisedkvoic ekfromkhiskstudy.kIkfreeze. k Wherekthekfuc kwerekyou? k Ohkshit.kHeskshoutingkatkSawyer.kCringing,kIkdashkupstairsktokthekplayroo m.kIkreallykdontkwantktokhearkwhatkhekhasktoksayktokhimIkstillkfindkshoutykChristi ankintimidating.kPoorkSawyer.kAtkleastkIkgetktokshoutkbac . k IkgatherkupkmykclotheskandkChristianskshoes,kthenknoticektheksmallkporcel ainkbowlkwithkthekbuttkplugkstillkonktopkofkthekmuseumkchest.kWellk.k.k.kIksuppo sekIkshouldkcleankit.kIkaddkitktokthekpilekandkma ekmykwaykbac kdownstairs.kIkgl anceknervouslykthroughkthekgreatkroom,kbutkallkiskquiet.kThan kheavens. k Taylorkwillkbekbac ktomorrowkevening,kandkChristiankiskgenerallykcalmerk whenkheskaround.kTaylorkiskspendingksomekqualityktimektodaykandktomorrowkwithkhis kdaughter.kIkwonderkidlykifkIllkeverkgetktokmeetkher. k Mrs.kJoneskcomeskoutkofkthekutilitykroom.kWekstartlekeachkother. k Mrs.kGreyIkdidntkseekyoukthere.kOh,kImkMrs.kGreyknow!Hello,kMrs.kJones. k Welcomekhomekandkcongratulations.kSheksmiles. k PleasekcallkmekAna. k Mrs.kGrey,kIkwouldntkfeelkcomfortablekdoingkthat. k Oh!kWhykmustkeverythingkchangekjustkbecausekIkhavekakringkonkmykfinger? k Wouldkyoukli ektokrunkthroughkthekmenuskforkthekwee ?kshekas s,kloo ingkat kmekexpectantly. k Menus? k Umk.k.k.kThiskisknotkakquestionkIkhavekeverkanticipatedkbeingkas ed. k Sheksmiles.kWhenkIkfirstkwor edkforkMr.kGrey,keverykSundaykeveningkIkwoul dkrunkthroughkthekmenuskforkthekupcomingkwee kwithkhimkandklistkanythingkhekmigh tkneedkfromkthekgrocerykstore. k Iksee. k ShallkIkta ekthosekforkyou? k Shekholdskoutkherkhandskforkmykclothes. k Ohk.k.k.kum.kActuallykIkhaventkfinishedkwithkthese.kAndktheykarekhidingkthe kbowlkwithkthekbuttkplugkin!kIkturnkcrimson.kItskakwonderkIkcankloo kMrs.kJoneski nkthekeye.kShek nowskwhatkwekdoshekcleanskthekroom.kJeez,kitskjustkweirdkhavingkno kprivacy. k Whenkyourekready,kMrs.kGrey.kIdkbekmorekthankhappyktokrunkthroughkthingskwi thkyou. k Than kyou.kWekarekinterruptedkbykankashen-facedkSawyerkwhokstal skoutkofkC hristianskstudykandkbris lykcrosseskthekgreatkroom.kHekgiveskuskbothkakbriefknod, knotkloo ingkeitherkofkuskinkthekeye,kandkslin skintokTaylorskstudy.kImkgratefulkf orkhiskinterventionkaskIkdontkwishktokdiscusskmenuskorkbuttkplugskwithkMrs.kJones krightknow.kOfferingkherkakbriefksmile,kIkscurrykbac ktokthekbedroom.kWillkIkeve rkgetkusedktokhavingkdomestickstaffkatkmykbec kandkcall?kIksha ekmykheadk.k.k.ko nekday,kmaybe. k IkdumpkChristianskshoeskonkthekfloorkandkmykclotheskonkthekbed,kandkta ek thekbowlkwithkthekbuttkplugkintokthekbathroom.kIkeyekitksuspiciously.kItkloo ski nnocuouskenough,kandksurprisinglykclean.kIkdontkwantktokdwellkonkthat,kandkIkwash kitkquic lykwithksoapkandkwater.kWillkthatkbekenough?kIllkhavektokas kMr.kSexpert kifkitkshouldkbeksterilizedkorksomething.kIkshudderkatkthekthought. k Ikli ekthatkChristiankhaskturnedktheklibrarykoverktokme.kItknowkhouseska nkattractivekwhitekwoodenkdes kIkcankwor kat.kIkta ekoutkmyklaptopkandkchec kmyk noteskonkthekfivekmanuscriptskIkreadkonkhoneymoon. k Yep,kIkhavekeverythingkIkneed.kPartkofkmekdreadskgoingkbac ktokwor ,kbut kIkcankneverktellkChristiankthat.kHedkseizekonkthekopportunityktokma ekmekquit.kI krememberkRoachskapoplectickreactionkwhenkIktoldkhimkIkwaskgettingkmarriedkandkto kwhom,kandkhow,kshortlykafterward,kmykpositionkwaskconfirmed.kIkrealizeknowkitkw askbecausekIkwaskmarryingkthekboss.kThekthoughtkiskunwelcome.kIkamknoklongerkact

ingkcommissioningkeditorIkamkAnastasiakSteele,kCommissioningkEditor. k Ikhaventkyetkpluc edkupkthekcouragektoktellkChristiankthatkIkamknotkgoing ktokchangekmyknamekatkwor .kIkthin kmykreasonskareksolid.kIkneedksomekdistancekf romkhim,kbutkIk nowktherekwillkbekakfightkwhenkhekfinallykrealizeskthat.kPerhaps kIkshouldkdiscusskthiskwithkhimktonight. k Sittingkbac kinkmykchair,kIkstartkmykfinalkchorekofkthekday.kIkglancekat kthekdigitalkcloc konkmyklaptop,kwhichktellskmekitsksevenkinkthekevening.kChristi ankstillkhasntkemergedkfromkhiskstudy,ksokIkhavektime.kTa ingkthekmemorykcardkout kofkthekNi onkcamera,kIkloadkitkintoktheklaptopktoktransferkthekphotographs.kAsk thekpictureskupload,kIkreflectkonkthekday.kIskRyankbac ?kOrkiskhekstillkonkhiskw ayktokPortland?kHaskhekcaughtkupkwithkthekmysterykwoman?kHaskChristiankheardkfro mkhim?kIkwantksomekanswers.kIkdontkcarekthatkheskbusy;kIkwantktok nowkwhatskgoingko n,kandkIksuddenlykfeelkaktadkresentfulkthatkhesk eepingkmekinkthekdar .kIkrise,ki ntendingktokgokandkconfrontkhimkinkhiskstudy,kbutkaskIkdokthekphotoskfromkthekla stkfewkdayskofkourkhoneymoonkpopkupkonscreen. k Holykcrap! k Picturekafterkpicturekofkme.kAsleep,ksokmanykofkmekasleep,kmykhairkoverk mykfacekorkfannedkoutkacrosskthekpillow,klipskpartedk.k.k.kshitsuc ingkmykthumb.k Ikhaventksuc edkmykthumbkforkyears!kSokmanykphotos.kIkhadknokideakhedkta enkthese. kTherekarekakfewkcandidklongkshots,kincludingkonekofkmekleaningkoverkthekrailkof kthekyacht,kstaringkmoodilykintokthekdistance.kHowkdidkIknotknoticekhimkta ingkt his?kIksmilekatkthekphotoskofkmekcurledkupkbeneathkhimkandklaughingmykhairkflying kaskIkstruggle,kfightingkhisktic ling,ktormentingkfingers.kAndkthereskthekonekofk himkandkmekonkthekbedkinkthekmasterkcabinkthatkhektoo katkarmsklength.kIkamkcuddl edkonkhiskchestkandkhekgazeskatkthekcamera,kyoung,kwide-eyedk.k.k.kinklove.kHisk otherkhandkcupskmykhead,kandkIkamksmilingkli ekaklove-struc kfool,kbutkIkcannotk ta ekmykeyeskoffkChristian.kOh,kmykbeautifulkman,khiskruffledkjust-fuc edkhair,k hiskgraykeyeskglowing,khisklipskpartedkandksmiling.kMykbeautifulkmankwhokcannotk bearktokbektic led,kwhokcouldknotkbearktokbektouchedkjustkakshortkwhilekago,kyet knowkhektolerateskmyktouch.kIkmustkas khimkifkhekli eskit,korkwhetherkhekletskme ktouchkhimkforkmykpleasurekratherkthankhis. k Ikfrown,kgazingkdownkatkhiskimage,ksuddenlykoverwhelmedkbykmykfeelingskf orkhim.kSomeonekoutktherekwantsktokharmkhimfirstkCharliekTango,kthenkthekfirekatk GEH,kandkthatkdamnedkcarkchase.kIkgasp,kputtingkmykhandktokmykmouthkaskankinvolu ntaryksobkescapes.kAbandoningkmykcomputer,kIkleapkupktokfindkhimnotktokconfrontkh imknowjustktokchec kthatkhesksafe. k Notkbotheringktok noc ,kIkbargekintokhiskstudy.kChristiankisksittingkatk hiskdes kandktal ingkonkthekphone.kHekloo skupkinksurprisedkannoyance,kbutktheki rritationkonkhiskfacekdisappearskwhenkhekseeskitskme. k Sokyoukcantkenhancekitkfurther?kheksays,kcontinuingkhiskphonekconversation, kthoughkhekdoesntkta ekhiskeyeskoffkme.kWithoutkhesitation,kIkwal karoundkhiskdes ,kandkhekturnskinkhiskchairktokfacekme,kfrowning.kIkcanktellkheskthin ingkwhatkd oeskshekwant?kWhenkIkcrawlkontokhisklap,khiskeyebrowskshootkupkinksurprise.kIkpu tkmykarmskaroundkhisknec kandkcuddlekintokhim.kGingerly,khekputskhiskarmkaroundk me. k Umk.k.k.kyes,kBarney.kCouldkyoukholdkonekmoment?kHekcupskthekphonekagainst khiskshoulder. k Ana,kwhatskwrong? k Iksha ekmykhead.kTippingkmykchinkup,khekgazeskintokmykeyes.kIkpullkmykhe adkfreekfromkhiskhold,ktuc kitkbeneathkhiskchin,kandkcurlkupksmallerkonkhisklap. kBemused,khekwrapskhiskfreekarmkmorektightlykaroundkmekandk isseskthektopkofkmyk head. k O ay,kBarney,kwhatkwerekyouksaying?kHekcontinues,kwedgingkthekphonekbetwee nkhiskearkandkhiskshoulder,kandktapskak eykonkhisklaptop.kAkgrainykblac kandkwhi tekCCTVkimagekappearskonkthekscreen.kAkmankwithkdar khairkwearingkpalekcoveralls kcomeskonkthekscreen.kChristiankpresseskanotherk ey,kandkthekmankwal sktowardkth ekcamera,kbutkwithkhiskheadkbowed.kWhenkthekmankiskcloserktokthekcamera,kChristi ankfreezeskthekframe.kHeskstandingkinkakbrightkwhitekroomkwithkwhatkloo skli ekak longklinekofktallkblac kcabinetsktokhiskleft.kThiskmustkbekGEHskserverkroom. k O aykBarney,konekmorektime.

k Thekscreenkspringsktoklife.kAkboxkappearskaroundkthekheadkofkthekmankink thekCCTVkfootagekandksuddenlykwekzoomkin.kIksitkup,kfascinated. k IskBarneykdoingkthis?kIkas kquietly. k Yes,kChristiankanswers.kCankyouksharpenkthekpicturekatkall?kheksaysktokBarne y. k Thekpicturekblurs,kthenkrefocuseskmoderatelyksharperkofkthekmankconsciou slykgazingkdownkandkavoidingkthekCCTVkcamera.kAskIkstarekatkhim,kakchillkofkreco gnitionksweepskupkmykspine.kTherekisksomethingkfamiliarkinktheklinekofkhiskjaw.k Hekhaskscruffykshortkblac khairkthatkloo skoddkandkun emptk.k.k.kandkinktheknewl yksharpenedkpicture,kIkseekankearring,kaksmallkhoop. k Holykcrap!kIk nowkwhokitkis. k Christian,kIkwhisper.kThatskJac kHyde. k k k kkk k Youkthin ?kChristiankas s,ksurprised. k Itsktheklinekofkhiskjaw.kIkpointkatkthekscreen.kAndkthekearringskandktheksha pekofkhiskshoulders.kHeskthekrightkbuild,ktoo.kHekmustkbekwearingkakwigorkheskcutka ndkdyedkhiskhair. k Barney,karekyoukgettingkthis?kChristiankputskthekphonekdownkonkhiskdes kan dkswitchesktokhands-free.kYoukseemktokhavekstudiedkyourkex-bosskinksomekdetail,kM rs.kGrey,khekmurmurs,ksoundingknonektookpleased.kIkscowlkatkhim,kbutkImksavedkbykB arney. k Yes,ksir.kIkheardkMrs.kGrey.kImkrunningkfacekrecognitionksoftwarekonkallkt hekdigitizedkCCTVkfootagekrightknow.kSeekwherekelsekthiskassholeImksorrykmaamthiskma nkhaskbeenkwithinkthekorganization. k IkglancekanxiouslykatkChristian,kwhokignoreskBarneyskexpletive.kHeskstudyi ngkthekCCTVkpicturekclosely. k Whykwouldkhekdokthis?kIkas kChristian. k Hekshrugs.kRevenge,kperhaps.kIkdontk now.kYoukcantkfathomkwhyksomekpeoplekb ehavekthekwayktheykdo.kImkjustkangrykthatkyoukeverkwor edksokcloselykwithkhim.kChr istianskmouthkpresseskintokakhard,kthinklinekandkhekencircleskmykwaistkwithkhiska rm. k Wekhavekthekcontentskofkhiskhardkdrive,ktoo,ksir,kBarneykadds. k Yes,kIkremember.kDokyoukhavekankaddresskforkMr.kHyde?kChristianksaysksharp ly. k Yes,ksir,kIkdo. k AlertkWelch. k Surekwill.kImkalsokgoingktokscankthekcitykCCTVkandkseekifkIkcanktrac khisk movements. k Chec kwhatkvehiclekhekowns. k Sir. k Barneykcankdokallkthis?kIkwhisper. k Christianknodskandkgiveskmekaksmugksmile. k Whatkwaskonkhiskhardkdrive?kIkwhisper. k Christianskfacekhardenskandkheksha eskhiskhead.kNothingkmuch,kheksays,ktigh t-lipped,khisksmilekforgotten. k Tellkme. k No. k Waskitkaboutkyou,korkme? k Me.kHeksighs. k Whatksortkofkthings?kAboutkyourklifestyle? k Christianksha eskhiskheadkandkputskhiskindexkfingerkagainstkmyklipsktoks ilencekme.kIkscowlkatkhim.kButkheknarrowskhiskeyes,kandkitskakclearkwarningkthatk Ikshouldkholdkmyktongue. k Itskak2006kCamaro.kIllksendktheklicensekdetailsktokWelch,ktoo,kBarneyksayske xcitedlykfromkthekphone. k Good.kLetkmek nowkwherekelsekthatkfuc erkhaskbeenkinkmykbuilding.kAndkche c kthiskimagekagainstkthekonekfromkhiskSIPkpersonnelkfile.kChristiankgazeskatkmek

s eptically.kIkwantktokbeksurekwekhavekakmatch. k Alreadykdone,ksir,kandkMrs.kGreykiskcorrect.kThiskiskJac kHyde. k Ikgrin.kSee?kIkcankbekuseful.kChristiankrubskhiskhandkdownkmykbac . k Wellkdone,kMrs.kGrey.kHeksmileskandkhiskearlierkrancorkforgotten.kTokBarne ykheksays,kLetkmek nowkwhenkyouvektrac edkallkhiskmovementskatkHQ.kAlsokchec koutk anykotherkGEHkpropertykhekmaykhavekhadkaccesskto,kandkletktheksecuritykteamsk no wksoktheykcankma ekanotherksweepkofkallkthosekbuildings. k Sir. k Than s,kBarney.kChristiankhangskup. k Well,kMrs.kGrey,kitkseemskthatkyoukareknotkonlykdecorative,kbutkuseful,kt oo.kChristianskeyesklightkupkwithkwic edkamusement.kIk nowkheskteasing. k Decorative?kIkscoff,kteasingkhimkbac . k Very,kheksayskquietly,kpressingkaksoft,ksweetk isskonkmyklips. k YourekmuchkmorekdecorativekthankIkam,kMr.kGrey. k Hekgrinskandk isseskmekmorekforcefully,kwindingkmykbraidkaroundkhiskwris tkandkwrappingkhiskarmskaroundkme.kWhenkwekcomekupkforkair,kmykheartkiskracing. k Hungry?khekas s. k No. k Ikam. k Whatkfor? k Wellfoodkactually,kMrs.kGrey. k Illkma ekyouksomething.kIkgiggle. k Iklovekthatksound. k Ofkmekofferingkyoukfood? k Youkgiggling.kHek isseskmykhairkthenkIkstand. k Sokwhatkwouldkyoukli ektokeat,kSir?kIkas ksweetly. k Heknarrowskhiskeyes.kArekyoukbeingkcute,kMrs.kGrey? k Always,kMr.kGreyk.k.k.kSir. k Heksmileskaksphinxli eksmile.kIkcankstillkputkyoukoverkmyk nee,khekmurmurs kseductively. k Ik now.kIkgrin.kPlacingkmykhandskonkthekarmskofkhiskofficekchair,kIkleankd ownkandk isskhim.kThatskonekofkthekthingskIklovekaboutkyou.kButkstowkyourktwitchin gkpalmyourekhungry. k Heksmileskhiskshyksmilekandkmykheartkclenches.kOh,kMrs.kGrey,kwhatkamkIkg oingktokdokwithkyou? k Yourekgoingktokanswerkmykquestion.kWhatkwouldkyoukli ektokeat? k Somethingklight.kSurprisekme,kheksays,kmirroringkmykwordskfromkthekplayroo mkearlier. k IllkseekwhatkIkcankdo.kIksashaykoutkofkhiskstudykandkintokthek itchen.kMykh eartksin skwhenkIkseekMrs.kJoneskiskthere. k Hello,kMrs.kJones. k Mrs.kGrey.kArekyoukreadykforksomethingktokeat? k Umk.k.k. k Shekiskstirringksomethingkinkakpotkonkthekstovekthatksmellskdelicious. k Ikwaskgoingktokma eksubskforkMr.kGreykandkme. k Shekpauseskforkakheartbeat.kSure,ksheksays.kMr.kGreykli eskFrenchkbreadthere kisksomekinkthekfreezerkcutktoksubklength.kIdkbekhappyktokma ekitkforkyou,kmaam. k Ik now.kButkIdkli ektokdokthis. k Ikunderstand.kIllkgivekyouksomekroom. k Whatkarekyoukcoo ing? k Thiskiskakbolognaiseksauce.kItkcankbekeatenkanytime.kIllkfreezekit.kSheksmi leskwarmlykandkturnskthekheatkrightkdown. k UmsokwhatkdoeskChristiankli ekinka,kumk.k.k.ksub?kIkfrown,kstruc kbykwhatkIv ekjustksaid.kDoeskMrs.kJoneskunderstandkthekinference? k Mrs.kGrey,kyoukcouldkputkjustkaboutkanythingkinkaksandwich,kandkasklongka skitskonkFrenchkbread,khellkeatkit.kWekgrinkatkeachkother. k O ay,kthan kyou.kIks ipktokthekfreezerkandkfindkthekFrenchkbreadkcutktoksi zekinkZiploc kbags.kIkplacektwokofkthemkonkakplate,kpopkthemkintokthekmicrowave, kandksetkitktokdefrost. k Mrs.kJoneskhaskdisappeared.kIkfrownkaskIkreturnktokthekfridgektoksearchk

forkingredients.kIksupposekitkwillkbekupktokmektoksetkthekparameterskbykwhichkMr s.kJoneskandkIkwillkwor ktogether.kIkli ekthekideakofkcoo ingkforkChristiankonkt hekwee ends.kMrs.kJoneskiskmorekthankwelcomektokdokitkduringkthekwee theklastkthi ngkIllkwantktokdokwhenkIkcomekhomekfromkwor kiskcoo .kHmmk.k.k.kakbitkli ekChrist ianskroutinekwithkhisksubmissives.kIksha ekmykhead.kIkmustntkoverthin kthis.kIkfin dksomekhamkinkthekfridge,kandkinkthekcrisperkakperfectlykripekavocado. k AskIkamkaddingkaktouchkofksaltkandklemonktokthekmashedkavocado,kChristia nkemergeskfromkhiskstudykwithkthekplanskforktheknewkhousekinkhiskhands.kHekputsk themkonkthekbrea fastkbar,ksauntersktowardkme,kandkwrapskhiskarmskaroundkme,k is singkmyknec . k Barefootkandkinkthek itchen,khekmurmurs. k Shouldntkthatkbekbarefootkandkpregnantkinkthek itchen?kIksmir . k Hekstills,khiskwholekbodyktensingkagainstkme.kNotkyet,khekdeclares,kappreh ensionkclearkinkhiskvoice. k No!kNotkyet! k Hekrelaxes.kOnkthatkwekcankagree,kMrs.kGrey. k Youkdokwantk idskthough,kdontkyou? k Sure,kyes.kEventually.kButkImknotkreadyktoksharekyoukyet.kHek isseskmyknec kagain. k Ohk.k.k.kshare? k Whatkarekyoukma ing?kLoo skgood.kHek isseskmekbehindkmykear,kandkIk nowkits ktokdistractkme.kAkdeliciousktinglektravelskdownkmykspine. k Subs.kIksmir ,krecoveringkmyksensekofkhumor. k Heksmileskagainstkmyknec kandknipskmykearlobe.kMykfavorite. k Ikpo ekhimkwithkmykelbow. k Mrs.kGrey,kyoukwoundkme.kHekclutcheskhisksidekaskifkinkpain. k Wimp,kIkmutterkdisapprovingly. k Wimp?khekutterskinkdisbelief.kHekslapskmykbehind,kma ingkmekyelp.kHurrykupk withkmykfood,kwench.kAndklaterkIllkshowkyoukhowkwimpykIkcankbe.kHekslapskmekplayfu llykoncekmorekandkgoesktokthekfridge. k Wouldkyoukli ekakglasskofkwine?khekas s. k Please. k ChristiankspreadskGiaskplanskoutkoverkthekbrea fastkbar.kShekreallykhasks omekspectacularkideas. k Iklovekherkproposalktokma ekthekentirekdownstairskbac kwallkglass,kbutk.k .k. k But?kChristiankprompts. k Iksigh.kIkdontkwantktokta ekallkthekcharacterkoutkofkthekhouse. k Character? k Yes.kWhatkGiakiskproposingkiskquitekradical,kbutk.k.k.kwellk.k.k.kIkfellk inklovekwithkthekhousekaskitkisk.k.k.kwartskandkall. k Christianskbrowkfurrowskaskifkthiskiskanathemaktokhim. k Ik indkofkli ekitkthekwaykitkis,kIkwhisper.kIskthiskgoingktokma ekhimkmad? k Hekregardskmeksteadily.kIkwantkthiskhousektokbekthekwaykyoukwant.kWhateve rkyoukwant.kItskyours. k Ikwantkyouktokli ekit,ktoo.kTokbekhappykinkit,ktoo. k Illkbekhappykwhereverkyoukare.kItskthatksimple,kAna.kHiskgazekholdskmine.kHe kiskutterly,kutterlyksincere.kIkblin katkhimkaskmykheartkexpands.kHolykcow,khekr eallykdoesklovekme. k WellIkswallow,kfightingktheksmallk notkofkemotionkthatkcatcheskinkmykthroatIk li ekthekglasskwall.kMaybekwekcouldkas kherktokincorporatekitkintokthekhousekakl ittlekmoreksympathetically. k Christiankgrins.kSure.kWhateverkyoukwant.kWhatkaboutkthekplanskforkupstai rskandkthekbasement? k Imkcoolkwithkthose. k Good. k O ayk.k.k.kIksteelkmyselfktokas kthekmillion-dollarkquestion.kDokyoukwant ktokputkinkakplayroom?kIkfeelkthekoh-so-familiarkflushkcreepkupkmykfacekaskIkas . kChristianskeyebrowskshootkup. k Dokyou?khekreplies,ksurprisedkandkamusedkatkonce.

k Ikshrug.kUmk.k.k.kifkyoukwant. k Hekregardskmekforkakmoment.kLetskleavekourkoptionskopenkforkthekmoment.kAf terkall,kthiskwillkbekakfamilykhome. k ImksurprisedkbykthekstabkofkdisappointmentkIkfeel.kIkguesskheskrightk.k.k. kalthoughkwhenkarekwekgoingktokhavekakfamily?kItkcouldkbekyears. k Besides,kwekcankimprovise.kHeksmir s. k Ikli ekimprovising,kIkwhisper. k Hekgrins.kTheresksomethingkIkwantktokdiscuss.kChristiankpointsktokthekmaste rkbedroom,kandkwekstartkakdetailedkdiscussionkonkbathroomskandkseparatekwal -ink closets. k Whenkwekfinish,kitskninekthirtykinkthekevening. k Arekyoukgoingkbac ktokwor ?kIkas kaskChristiankrollskupkthekplans. k Notkifkyoukdontkwantkmekto.kHeksmiles.kWhatkwouldkyoukli ektokdo? k WekcouldkwatchkTV.kIkdontkwantktokread,kandkIkdontkwantktokgoktokbedk.k.k.ky et. k O ay,kChristiankagreeskwillingly,kandkIkfollowkhimkintokthekTVkroom. k Wekhaveksatkherekthree,kmaybekfourktimesktotal,kandkChristiankusuallykre adskakboo .kHesknotkinterestedkinktelevisionkatkall.kIkcurlkupkbesidekhimkonkthek couch,ktuc ingkmyklegskbeneathkmekandkrestingkmykheadkagainstkhiskshoulder.kHeks witcheskonkthekflat-screenktelevisionkwithkthekremotekandkflic skmindlesslykthro ughkthekchannels. k Anykspecifickdrivelkyoukwantktoksee? k Youkdontkli ekTVkmuch,kdokyou?kIkmutterksardonically. k Heksha eskhiskhead.kWastekofktime.kButkIllkwatchksomethingkwithkyou. k Ikthoughtkwekcouldkma ekout. k Hekwhipskhiskfacektokmine.kMa ekout?kHekgazeskatkmekaskifkIvekgrownktwokhea ds.kHekstopskthekendlesskflic ing,kleavingkthekTVkonkankoverklitkSpanishksoapkop era. k Yes.kWhykiskheksokhorrified? k Wekcouldkgoktokbedkandkma ekout. k Wekdokthatkallkthektime.kWhenkwasktheklastktimekyoukmadekoutkinkfrontkofk thekTV?kIkas ,kshykandkteasingkatktheksamektime. k Hekshrugskandksha eskhiskhead.kPressingkthekremotekagain,khekflic skthro ughkanotherkfewkchannelskbeforeksettlingkonkankoldkepisodekofkThekX-Files. k Christian? k Ivekneverkdonekthat,kheksayskquietly. k Never? k No. k NotkevenkwithkMrs.kRobinson? k Heksnorts.kBaby,kIkdidkaklotkofkthingskwithkMrs.kRobinson.kMa ingkoutkwas knotkonekofkthem.kHeksmir skatkmekandkthenknarrowskhiskeyeskwithkamusedkcuriosity .kHavekyou? k Ikflush.kOfkcourse.kWellk indkofk.k.k. k What!kWhokwith? k Ohkno.kIkdoknotkwantktokhavekthiskdiscussion. k Tellkme,khekpersists. k Ikgazekdownkatkmyk nottedkfingers.kHekgentlykcoverskmykhandskwithkonekof khis.kWhenkIkglancekupkatkhim,khesksmilingkatkme. k Ikwantktok now.kSokIkcankbeatkwhoeverkitkwasktokakpulp. k Ikgiggle.kWell,kthekfirstktimek.k.k. k Thekfirstktime!kThereskmorekthankonekfuc er?kHekgrowls. k Ikgigglekagain.kWhyksoksurprised,kMr.kGrey? k Hekfrownskbriefly,krunskakhandkthroughkhiskhair,kandkloo skatkmekaskifks eeingkmekinkakcompletelykdifferentklight.kHekshrugs.kIkjustkam.kIkmeangivenkyourkl ac kofkexperience. k Ikflush.kIvekcertainlykmadekupkforkthatksincekIkmetkyou. k Youkhave.kHekgrins.kTellkme.kIkwantktok now. k Ikgazekintokpatientkgraykeyes,ktryingktokgaugekhiskmood.kIskthiskgoingkt okma ekhimkmad,korkdoeskhekgenuinelykwantktok now?kIkdontkwantkhimksul ingk.k.k.k heskimpossiblekwhenkhesksul ing.

k Youkreallykwantkmektoktellkyou? k Heknodskslowlykonce,kandkhisklipsktwitchkwithkankamused,karrogantksmile. k IkwaskbrieflykinkVegaskwithkMomkandkHusbandkNumberkThree.kIkwaskinktenthk grade.kHisknamekwaskBradley,kandkhekwaskmyklabkpartnerkinkphysics. k Howkoldkwerekyou? k Fifteen. k Andkwhatskhekdoingknow? k Ikdontk now. k Whatkbasekdidkhekgetkto? k Christian!kIkscoldandksuddenlykhekgrabskmyk nees,kthenkmykan les,kandktipsk mekupksokIkfallkbac konktokthekcouch.kHekslidesksmoothlykonktopkofkme,ktrappingk mekbeneathkhim,koneklegkbetweenkmine.kItsksoksuddenkthatkIkcrykoutkinksurprise.kH ekgrabskmykhandskandkraiseskthemkabovekmykhead. k So,kthiskBradleydidkhekgetktokfirstkbase?khekmurmurs,krunningkhisknosekdown ktheklengthkofkmine.kHekplantsksoftk isseskatkthekcornerkofkmykmouth. k Yes,kIkmurmurkagainstkhisklips.kHekreleaseskonekofkhiskhandsksokthatkhekca nkclaspkmykchinkandkholdkmekstillkwhilekhisktonguekinvadeskmykmouth,kandkIksurre nderktokhiskardentk issing. k Li ekthis?kChristiankbreatheskwhenkhekcomeskupkforkair. k Nok.k.k.knothingkli ekthat,kIkmanagekaskallkthekbloodkinkmykbodykheadsksou th. k Releasingkmykchin,khekrunskhiskhandkdownkoverkmykbodykandkbac kupktokmyk breast. k Didkhekdokthis?kTouchkyoukli ekthis?kHiskthumbks imskoverkmyknipple,kthrou ghkmykcamisole,ksoftly,krepeatedly,kandkitkhardenskunderkhiskexpertktouch. k No.kIkwrithekbeneathkhim. k Didkhekgetktoksecondkbase?khekmurmurskinkmykear.kHiskhandkmoveskdownkacros skmykribs,kpastkmykwaistktokmykhip.kHekta eskmykearlobekbetweenkhiskteethkandkge ntlyktugs. k No,kIkbreathe. k MulderkblurtskfromkthektelevisionksomethingkaboutkthekFBIskmostkunwanted. k Christiankpauses,kleanskup,kandkpresseskmutekonkthekremote.kHekgazeskdow nkatkme. k WhatkaboutkJoekSchmoknumberktwo?kDidkhekma ekitkpastksecondkbase? k Hiskeyeskareksmolderingkhotk.k.k.kangry?kTurnedkon?kItskdifficultktoksayk which.kHekshiftsktokmyksidekandkslideskhiskhandkbeneathkmyksweatpants. k No,kIkwhisper,ktrappedkinkhiskcarnalkgaze.kChristianksmileskwic edly. k Good.kHiskhandkcupskmyksex.kNokunderwear,kMrs.kGrey.kIkapprove.kHek isseskme kagainkaskhiskfingerskweavekmorekmagic,khiskthumbks immingkoverkmykclitoris,ktan talizingkme,kaskhekpusheskhiskindexkfingerkinsidekmekwithkexquisitekslowness. k Wereksupposedktokbekma ingkout.kIkgroan. k Christiankstills.kIkthoughtkwekwere? k No.kNoksex. k What? k Noksexk.k.k. k Noksex,khuh?kHekwithdrawskhiskhandkfromkmyksweatpants.kHere.kHektraceskmykli pskwithkhiskindexkfinger,kandkIktastekmykslic ksaltiness.kHekpusheskhiskfingerki ntokmykmouth,kmirroringkwhatkhekwaskdoingkakmomentkearlier.kThenkshiftsksokheskbe tweenkmyklegs,kandkhiskerectionkpusheskagainstkme.kHekthrusts,konce,ktwice,kandk again.kIkgaspkaskthekmaterialkofkmyksweatpantskrubskinkjustkthekrightkway.kHekpu sheskoncekmore,kgrindingkintokme. k Thiskwhatkyoukwant?khekmurmurskandkmoveskhiskhipskrhythmically,kroc ingkag ainstkme. k Yes.kIkmoan. k Hiskhandkmoveskbac ktokconcentratekonkmyknipplekoncekmorekandkhiskteethk scrapekalongkmykjaw.kDokyouk nowkhowkhotkyoukare,kAna?kHiskvoicekiskhoarsekaskhekr oc skharderkagainstkme.kIkopenkmykmouthktokarticulatekakresponsekandkfailkmisera bly,kgroaningkloudly.kHekcaptureskmykmouthkoncekmore,ktuggingkatkmykbottomklipkw ithkhiskteethkbeforekplungingkhisktonguekintokmykmouthkagain.kHekreleaseskmykoth erkwristkandkmykhandsktravelkgreedilykupkhiskshoulderskandkintokhiskhairkaskhek

isseskme.kWhenkIkpullkonkhiskhair,khekgroanskandkraiseskhiskeyesktokmine. k Ahk.k.k. k Dokyoukli ekmektouchingkyou?kIkwhisper. k Hiskbrowkfurrowskbrieflykaskifkhekdoesntkunderstandkthekquestion.kHekstop skgrindingkagainstkme.kOfkcoursekIkdo.kIklovekyouktouchingkme,kAna.kImkli ekakstar vingkmankatkakbanquetkwhenkitkcomesktokyourktouch.kHiskvoicekhumskwithkpassionate ksincerity. k Holykcowk.k.k. k Hek neelskbetweenkmyklegskandkdragskmekupktokhaulkoffkmyktop.kImkna edkbe neath.kGrabbingkthekhemkofkhiskshirt,khekyan skitkoverkhiskheadkandktosseskitkon kthekfloor,kthenkpullskmekontokhisk neelingklap,khiskarmskclaspedkjustkabovekmyk behind. k Touchkme,khekbreathes. k Ohkmyk.k.k.kTentativelykIkreachkupkandkbrushkthektipskofkmykfingerskthro ughktheksmatteringkofkchestkhairkoverkhisksternum,koverkhiskburnkscars.kHekinhal esksharplykandkhiskpupilskdilate,kbutkitsknotkwithkfear.kItskaksensualkresponsekto kmyktouch.kHekwatcheskmekintentlykaskmykfingerskfloatkdelicatelykoverkhisks in,k firstktokoneknipplekandkthenkthekother.kTheykpuc erkbeneathkmykcaress.kLeaningkf orward,kIkplantksoftk isseskonkhiskchest,kandkmykhandskmovektokhiskshoulders,kfe elingkthekhard,ksculpturedklineskofksinewkandkmuscle.kJeezk.k.k.kheskinkgoodkshap e. k Ikwantkyou,khekmurmurskandkitskakgreenklightktokmyklibido.kMykfingerskmovek intokhiskhair,kpullingkhiskheadkbac ksokIkcankclaimkhiskmouth,kfireklic ingkhotk andkhighkinkmykbelly.kHekgroanskandkpusheskmekbac kontokthekcouch.kHeksitskupkan dkripskoffkmyksweatpants,kundoingkhiskflykatktheksamektime. k Homekrun,khekwhispers,kandkswiftlykhekfillskme. k Ahk.k.k.kIkgroankandkhekstills,kgrabbingkmykfacekbetweenkhiskhands. k Iklovekyou,kMrs.kGrey,khekmurmurskandkverykslowly,kverykgently,khekma eskl ovektokmekuntilkIkcomekapartkatkthekseams,kcallingkhisknamekandkwrappingkmyselfk aroundkhim,kneverkwantingktokletkhimkgo. k Iklayksprawledkonkhiskchest.kWerekonkthekfloorkofkthekTVkroom. k Youk now,kwekcompletelykbypassedkthirdkbase.kMykfingersktracektheklinekofk hiskpectoralkmuscles. k Heklaughs.kNextktime,kMrs.kGrey.kHek isseskthektopkofkmykhead. k Ikloo kupktokstarekatkthektelevisionkscreenkwherekthekendkcreditskforkTh ekX-Fileskplay.kChristiankreacheskforkthekremotekandkswitchesktheksoundkbac kon. k Youkli edkthatkshow?kIkas . k WhenkIkwaskak id. k Ohk.k.k.kChristiankaskak idk.k.k.k ic boxingkandkXkFileskandknoktouching . k You?khekas s. k Beforekmyktime. k Youreksokyoung.kChristianksmileskfondly.kIkli ekma ingkoutkwithkyou,kMrs.kGr ey. k Li ewise,kMr.kGrey.kIk isskhiskchest,kandkweklieksilentlykwatchingkaskThek X-Fileskfinishkandkthekcommercialskcomekon. k Itskbeenkakheavenlykthreekwee s.kCarkchaseskandkfireskandkpsychokex-bosses knotwithstanding.kLi ekbeingkinkourkownkprivatekbubble,kIkmutterkdreamily. k Hmm,kChristiankhumskdeepkinkhiskthroat.kImknotksurekImkreadyktoksharekyoukwit hkthekrestkofkthekworldkyet. k Bac ktokrealityktomorrow,kIkmurmur,ktryingktok eepkthekmelancholykfromkmyk voice. k Christianksighskandkrunskhiskotherkhandkthroughkhiskhair.kSecuritykwillkb ektightkIkputkmykfingerkoverkhisklips.kIkdontkwantktokhearkthisklecturekagain. k Ik now.kIllkbekgood.kIkpromise.kWhichkremindskmek.k.k.kIkshift,kproppingkmy selfkupkonkmykelbowsktokseekhimkbetter.kWhykwerekyoukshoutingkatkSawyer? k Hekstiffenskimmediately.kOhkshit. k Becausekwekwerekfollowed. k ThatkwasntkSawyerskfault. k Hekgazeskatkmeklevelly.kTheykshouldkneverkhavekletkyoukgetksokfarkinkfron

t.kTheyk nowkthat. k Ikblushkguiltilykandkresumekmykposition,krestingkonkhiskchest.kItkwaskmy kfault.kIkwantedktokgetkawaykfromkthem. k Thatkwasnt k Enough!kChristiankisksuddenlykcurt.kThiskisknotkupkforkdiscussion,kAnastasi a.kItskakfact,kandktheykwontkletkitkhappenkagain. k Anastasia!kIkamkAnastasiakwhenkIkamkinktroublekjustkli ekatkhomekwithkmy kmother. k O ay,kIkmutter,kplacatingkhim.kIkdontkwantktokfight.kDidkRyankcatchkupkwithk thekwomankinkthekDodge? k No.kAndkImknotkconvincedkitkwaskakwoman. k Oh?kIkloo kupkagain. k Sawyerksawksomeonekwithktheirkhairktiedkbac ,kbutkitkwaskakbriefkloo .kHe kassumedkitkwaskakwoman.kNow,kgivenkthatkyouvekidentifiedkthatkfuc er,kmaybekitkw askhim.kHekworekhiskhairkli ekthat.kThekdisgustkinkChristianskvoicekiskpalpable. k Ikdontk nowkwhatktokma ekofkthisknews.kChristiankrunskhiskhandkdownkmykna edkbac ,kdistractingkme. k Ifkanythingkhappenedktokyouk.k.k.k,khekmurmurs,khiskeyeskwidekandkserious. k Ik now,kIkwhisper.kIkfeelktheksamekaboutkyou.kIkshiverkatkthekthought. k Come.kYourekgettingkcold,kheksays,ksittingkup.kLetskgoktokbed.kWekcankcoverkt hirdkbasekthere.kHeksmileskaklasciviousksmile,kaskmercurialkaskever,kpassionate,k angry,kanxious,ksexymykFiftykShades.kIkta ekhiskhandkandkhekpullskmektokmykfeet,k andkwithoutkakstitchkon,kIkfollowkhimkthroughkthekgreatkroomktokthekbedroom. k Thekfollowingkmorning,kChristianksqueezeskmykhandkaskwekpullkupkoutsidek SIP.kHekloo skverykmuchkthekpowerfulkexecutivekinkhiskdar knavyksuitkandkmatchin gktie,kandkIksmile.kHesknotkbeenkthisksmartksincekthekballetkinkMonaco. k Youk nowkyoukdontkhavektokdokthis?kChristiankmurmurs.kIkamktemptedktokrollk mykeyeskatkhim. k Ik now,kIkwhisper,knotkwantingkSawyerkandkRyanktokoverhearkmekfromkthekfro ntkofkthekAudi.kHekfrownskandkIksmile. k ButkIkwantkto,kIkcontinue.kYouk nowkthis.kIkleankupkandk isskhim.kHiskfrownk doesntkdisappear.kWhatskwrong?HekglanceskuncertainlykatkRyankaskSawyerkclimbskoutkof kthekcar.kIllkmisskhavingkyouktokmyself. k Ikreachkupktokcaresskhiskface.kMe,ktoo.kIk isskhim.kItkwaskakwonderfulkhone ymoon.kThan kyou. k Goktokwor ,kMrs.kGrey. k You,ktoo,kMr.kGrey. k Sawyerkopenskthekdoor.kIksqueezekChristianskhandkoncekmorekbeforekIkclimb koutkontoktheksidewal .kAskIkheadkintokthekbuilding,kIkgivekhimkaklittlekwave.kS awyerkholdskopenkthekdoorkandkfollowskmekin. k Hi,kAna.kClaireksmileskfromkbehindkthekreceptionkdes . k Claire,khello.kIksmilekbac . k Youkloo kwonderful.kGoodkhoneymoon? k Thekbest,kthan kyou.kHowskitkbeenkhere? k OldkmankRoachkisktheksame,kbutksecuritykhaskbeenksteppedkupkandkourkserve rkroomkiskbeingkoverhauled.kButkHannahkwillktellkyou. k Surekshekwill.kIkgivekClairekakfriendlyksmilekandkheadktokmykoffice. k Hannahkiskmykassistant.kShekisktall,kslim,kandkruthlesslykefficientktokt hekpointkthatksometimeskIkfindkherkaklittlekintimidating.kButkshesksweetktokme,ki nkspitekofkthekfactkthatksheskakcouplekofkyearskolder.kShekhaskmyklattekwaitingthe konlykcoffeekIkletkherkgetkforkme. k Hi,kHannah,kIksaykwarmly. k Ana,khowkwaskyourkhoneymoon? k Fantastic.kHereforkyou.kIkpopktheksmallkbottlekofkperfumekIkboughtkforkherk ontokherkdes ,kandkshekclapskherkhandskwithkglee. k Oh,kthan kyou!ksheksayskenthusiastically.kYourkurgentkcorrespondencekiskonk yourkdes ,kandkRoachkwouldkli ektokseekyoukatkten.kThatskallkIkhavektokreportkfor know. k Good.kThan kyou.kAndkthan skforkthekcoffee.kWanderingkintokmykoffice,kIkre stkmykbriefcasekonkmykdes kandkgazekatkthekpiledkupkletters.kJeez,kIkhavekaklotk

tokdo. k Justkbeforektenkthereskaktimidktapkonkmykdoor. k Comekin. k Elizabethkloo skaroundkthekdoor.kHi,kAna.kIkjustkwantedktoksaykwelcomekba c . k Hey.kIkhavektoksay,kreadingkthroughkallkthiskcorrespondence,kIkwishkIkwas kbac kinkthekSouthkofkFrance. k Elizabethklaughs,kbutkherklaughterkiskoff,kforced,kandkIkcoc kmykheadkto koneksidekandkgazekatkherkli ekChristiankdoesktokme. k Gladkyourekbac ksafely,ksheksays.kIllkseekyoukinkakfewkminuteskatkthekmeeting kwithkRoach. k O ay,kIkmurmur,kandkshekshutskthekdoorkbehindkher.kIkfrownkatkthekclosedkd oor.kWhatkwaskthatkabout?kIkshrugkitkoff.kMyke-mailkpingsitskakmessagekfromkChrist ian. k kkk k From:kChristiankGrey k k k Subject:kErrantkWives Date:kAugustk22,k2011k09:56 To:kAnastasiakSteele

k Wife kIksentktheke-mailkbelowkandkitkbounced. kAndkitskbecausekyoukhaventkchangedkyourkname. kSomethingkyoukwantktoktellkme? k ChristiankGrey kCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k k k k k k Attachment: kkk From:kChristiankGrey FWkSubject:kBubble Date:kAugustk22,k2011k09:32 To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Mrs.kGrey kLovekcoveringkallkthekbaseskwithkyou. kHavekakgreatkfirstkdaykbac . kMisskourkbubblekalready. kx kChristiankGrey kBac kinkthekRealkWorldkCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k k k k k k Shit.kIkhitkreplykimmediately. kkk From:kAnastasiakSteele Subject:kDontkBurstkthekBubble Date:kAugustk22,k2011k09:58 To:kChristiankGrey

k Husband kIkamkallkforkakbaseballkmetaphorkwithkyou,kMr.kGrey. kIkwantktok eepkmyknamekhere. kIllkexplainkthiskevening. kIkamkgoingkinktokakmeetingknow. kMisskourkbubble,ktook.k.k. kPS:kThoughtkIkhadktokusekmykBlac Berry? k AnastasiakSteele kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k Thiskiskgoingktokbeksuchkakfight.kIkcankfeelkit.kSighing,kIkgatherkupkmy kpaperskforkthekmeeting. k Thekmeetingklastskforktwokhours.kAllkthekcommissioningkeditorskarekthere ,kpluskRoachkandkElizabeth.kWekdiscusskpersonnel,kstrategy,kmar eting,ksecurity, kandkyear-end.kAskthekmeetingkprogresses,kIkgrowkmorekandkmorekuncomfortable.kTh ereskaksubtlekchangekinkhowkmykcolleagueskarektreatingkmeakdistancekandkdeferencek thatkwasntktherekbeforekIkleftkforkmykhoneymoon.kAndkfromkCourtney,kwhokheadskupk theknon-fictionkdivision,kthereskdownrightkhostility.kMaybekImkjustkbeingkparanoid kbutkitkgoesksomekwayktokexplainingkElizabethskoddkgreetingkthiskmorning. k Mykmindkdriftskbac ktokthekyacht,kthenktokthekplayroom,kthenktokthekR8ks peedingkawaykfromkthekmysterykDodgekonkI-5.kPerhapskChristianskrightk.k.k.kperhap skIkcantkdokthiskanymore.kThekthoughtkiskdepressingthiskiskallkIvekeverkwantedktokd o.kIfkIkcantkdokthis,kwhatkwillkIkdo?kAskIkwal kbac ktokmykoffice,kIktryktokdismi sskthesekdar kthoughts. k WhenkIksitkdownkatkmykdes ,kIkquic lykchec kmyke-mails.kNothingkfromkChr istian.kIkchec kmykBlac Berryk.k.k.kStillknothing.kGood.kAtkleastkthereskbeenknok adversekreactionktokmyke-mail.kPerhapskwellkdiscusskthisktonightkaskperkmykreques t.kIkfindkthatkhardktokbelieve,kbutkignoringkmykuneasykfeeling,kIkopenkthekmar e tingkplankIkwaskgivenkatkthekmeeting. k AskiskourkritualkonkakMonday,kHannahkcomeskintokmykofficekwithkakplatekf orkmykpac edklunchkcourtesykofkMrs.kJones,kandkweksitkandkeatkourklunchesktogeth er,kdiscussingkwhatkwekwantktokachievekduringkthekwee .kShekbringskmekupktokdate kwithkthekofficekgossip,ktoo,kwhichconsideringkIvekbeenkawaykforkthreekwee siskpret tykthinkonkthekground.kAskwerekchatting,kthereskak noc konkthekdoor. k Comekin. k Roachkopenskthekdoor,kandkstandingkbesidekhimkiskChristian.kImkmomentaril ykstruc kdumb.kChristiankshootskmekakblazingkloo kandkstal skin,kbeforeksmilingk politelykatkHannah. k Hello,kyoukmustkbekHannah.kImkChristiankGrey,kheksays.kHannahkscramblesktok herkfeetkandkholdskoutkherkhand. k Mr.kGrey.kH-howknicektokmeetkyou,kshekstutterskasktheyksha ekhands.kCankIkf etchkyoukakcoffee? k Please,kheksayskwarmly.kWithkakquic kpuzzledkglancekatkme,kshekscuttleskou tkofkthekofficekpastkRoach,kwhokstandskaskdumbstruc kaskmekonkthekthresholdkofkm ykoffice. k Ifkyoullkexcusekme,kRoach,kIdkli ekakwordkwithkMs.kSteele.kChristiankhissesk thekSksibilantlyk.k.k.ksarcastically. k Thiskiskwhykheskherek.k.k.kOhkshit. k Ofkcourse,kMr.kGrey.kAna,kRoachkmutters,kshuttingkthekdoorktokmykofficekas khekdeparts.kIkrecoverkmykpowerkofkspeech. k Mr.kGrey,khowknicektokseekyou.kIksmile,kfarktooksweetly. k Ms.kSteele,kmaykIksitkdown? k Itskyourkcompany.kIkwavekatkthekchairkHannahkvacated. k Yes,kitkis.kHeksmileskwolfishlykatkme,ktheksmileknotkreachingkhiskeyes.kHi sktonekiskclipped.kHeskbristlingkwithktensionIkcankfeelkitkallkaroundkme.kFuc .kMy kheartksin s. k Yourkofficekiskveryksmall,kheksayskaskheksitskdownkfacingkmykdes . k Itksuitskme. k Hekregardskmekneutrally,kbutkIk nowkheskmad.kIkta ekakdeepkbreath.kThiski

sknotkgoingktokbekfun. k SokwhatkcankIkdokforkyou,kChristian? k Imkjustkloo ingkoverkmykassets. k Yourkassets?kAllkofkthem? k Allkofkthem.kSomekofkthemkneedkrebranding. k Rebranding?kInkwhatkway? k Ikthin kyouk now.kHiskvoicekiskmenacinglykquiet. k Pleasedontktellkmekyoukhavekinterruptedkyourkdaykafterkthreekwee skawayktok comekoverkherekandkfightkwithkmekaboutkmykname.kIkamknotkakfrea ingkasset! k Hekshiftskandkcrosseskhisklegs.kNotkexactlykfight.kNo. k Christian,kImkwor ing. k Loo edkli ekyoukwerekgossipingkwithkyourkassistantktokme. k Mykchee skheat.kWekwerekgoingkthroughkourkschedules,kIksnap.kAndkyoukhaventk answeredkmykquestion. k Thereskak noc konkthekdoor.kComekin!kIkshout,ktookloudly. k Hannahkopenskthekdoorkandkbringskinkaksmallktray.kMil kjug,ksugarkbowl,k coffeekinkakFrenchkpresssheskgonekallkout.kShekplaceskthektraykonkmykdes . k Than kyou,kHannah,kIkmutter,kembarrassedkthatkIkhavekjustkshoutedksokloudl y. k Dokyoukneedkanythingkelse,kMr.kGrey?kshekas skallkbreathless.kIkwantktokro llkmykeyeskatkher. k No,kthan kyou.kThatskall.kHeksmileskhiskdazzling,kpanty-droppingksmilekatkh er.kShekflusheskandkexitsksimpering.kChristiankturnskhiskattentionkbac ktokme. k Now,kMs.kSteele,kwherekwerekwe? k Youkwerekrudelykinterruptingkmykwor kdayktokfightkwithkmekaboutkmykname. k Christiankblin skoncesurprised,kIkthin ,kbykthekvehemencekinkmykvoice.kDe ftly,khekpic skatkankinvisiblekpiecekofklintkonkhisk neekwithklongks illedkfinge rs.kItskdistracting.kHeskdoingkitkonkpurpose.kIknarrowkmykeyeskatkhim. k Ikli ektokma ekthekoddkimpromptukvisit.kItk eepskmanagementkonktheirktoes ,kwiveskinktheirkplace.kYouk now.kHekshrugs,khiskmouthksetkinkankarrogantkline. k Wiveskinktheirkplace!kIkhadknokideakyoukcouldksparekthektime,kIksnap. k Hiskeyeskfrost.kWhykdontkyoukwantktokchangekyourknamekhere?khekas s,khiskvo icekdeathlykquiet. k Christian,kdokwekhavektokdiscusskthisknow? k Imkhere.kIkdontkseekwhyknot. k Ikhavekaktonkofkwor ktokdo,khavingkbeenkawaykforktheklastkthreekwee s. k Hekgazeskatkme,khiskeyeskcoolkandkassessingdistantkeven.kIkmarvelkthatkhe kcankappearksokcoldkafterklastknight,kafterktheklastkthreekwee s.kShit.kHekmustk beksokmadreallykmad.kWhenkwillkheklearnknotktokoverreact? k Arekyoukashamedkofkme?khekas s,khiskvoicekdeceptivelyksoft. k No!kChristian,kofkcourseknot.kIkscowlkatkhim.kThiskiskaboutkmenotkyou.kJeez,k heskexasperatingksometimes.kSillykoverbearingkmegalomaniac. k Howkiskthisknotkaboutkme?kHekcoc skhiskheadktokonekside,kgenuinelykperplex ed,ksomekofkhiskdetachmentkslippingkaskhekstareskatkmekwithkwidekeyes,kandkIkrea lizekthatkheskhurt.kHolykfuc .kIvekhurtkhiskfeelings.kOhknok.k.k.khesktheklastkpers onkIkwantktokhurt.kIkhavektokma ekhimkseekmyklogic.kIkhavektokexplainkmykreasoni ngkforkmykdecision. k Christian,kwhenkIktoo kthiskjob,kIdkonlykjustkmetkyou,kIksaykpatiently,kstr ugglingktokfindkthekrightkwords.kIkdidntk nowkyoukwerekgoingktokbuykthekcompany k WhatkcankIksaykaboutkthatkeventkinkourkbriefkhistory?kHiskderangedkreaso nskforkdoingksohiskcontrolkfrea ery,khiskstal erktendencieskgonekmad,kgivenkcompl etelykfreekreinkbecausekhekisksokwealthy.kIk nowkhekwantsktok eepkmeksafe,kbutki tskhiskownershipkofkSIPkthatkiskthekfundamentalkproblemkhere.kIfkhedkneverkinterfe red,kIkcouldkcontinuekasknormalkandknotkhavektokfacekthekdisgruntledkandkwhisper edkrecriminationskofkmykcolleagues.kIkputkmykheadkinkmykhandskjustktokbrea keyek contactkwithkhim. k Whykiskitksokimportantktokyou?kIkas ,kdesperatelyktryingktokholdkonktokmyk frayingktemper.kIkloo kupkatkhiskimpassivekstare,khiskeyeskluminous,kgivingknoth ingkaway,khiskearlierkhurtknowkhidden.kButkevenkaskIkas kthekquestion,kdeepkdown kIk nowkthekanswerkbeforekheksayskit.

k Ikwantkeveryonektok nowkthatkyourekmine. k Ikamkyoursloo .kIkholdkupkmykleftkhand,kshowingkmykweddingkandkengagementkr ings. k Itsknotkenough. k NotkenoughkthatkIkmarriedkyou?kMykvoicekiskbarelykakwhisper. k Hekblin s,kregisteringkthekhorrorkonkmykface.kWherekcankIkgokfromkhere?k WhatkelsekcankIkdo? k ThatsknotkwhatkIkmean,kheksnapskandkrunskakhandkthroughkhiskoverlongkhairks okthatkitkflopskontokhiskforehead. k Whatkdokyoukmean? k Hekswallows.kIkwantkyourkworldktokbeginkandkendkwithkme,kheksays,khiskexpr essionkraw.kHiskcommentkcompletelykderailskme.kItskli ekheskpunchedkmekhardkinkthe kstomach,kwindingkandkwoundingkme.kAndkthekvisionkcomesktokmindkofkaksmall,kfrig htened,kcopper-hairedkgray-eyedkboykinkdirty,kmismatched,kill-fittingkclothes. k Itkdoes,kIksaykwithoutkguile,kbecausekitskthektruth.kImkjustktryingktokestabl ishkakcareer,kandkIkdontkwantktoktradekonkyourkname.kIkhavektokdoksomething,kChri stian.kIkcantkstaykimprisonedkatkEscalakorktheknewkhousekwithknothingktokdo.kIllkg okcrazy.kIllksuffocate.kIvekalwayskwor ed,kandkIkenjoykthis.kThiskiskmykdreamkjob; kitskallkIvekeverkwanted.kButkdoingkthiskdoesntkmeankIklovekyoukless.kYoukarekthekw orldktokme.kMykthroatkswellskandktearskpric kthekbac kofkmykeyes.kIkmustknotkcry, knotkhere.kIkrepeatkitkoverkandkoverkinkmykhead.kIkmustknotkcry.kIkmustknotkcry. k Hekstareskatkme,ksayingknothing.kThenkakfrownkcrosseskhiskfacekaskifkhesk consideringkwhatkIveksaid. k Iksuffocatekyou?kHiskvoicekiskblea ,kandkitskankechokofkakquestionkheskas ed kmekbefore. k Nok.k.k.kyesk.k.k.kno.kThiskisksuchkankexasperatingkconversationnotkonektha tkIkwantktokhaveknow,khere.kIkclosekmykeyeskandkrubkmykforehead,ktryingktokfatho mkhowkwekgotktokthis. k Loo ,kwekwerektal ingkaboutkmykname.kIkwantktok eepkmyknamekherekbecausek Ikwantktokputksomekdistancekbetweenkyoukandkmek.k.k.kbutkonlykhere,kthatskall.kYo uk nowkeveryonekthin skIkgotkthekjobkbecausekofkyou,kwhenkthekrealitykiskIkstop,kw henkhiskeyeskwiden.kOhknok.k.k.kitkiskbecausekofkhim? k Dokyoukwantktok nowkwhykyoukgotkthekjob,kAnastasia? k Anastasia?kShit.kWhat?kWhatkdokyoukmean? k Hekshiftskinkhiskchairkaskifksteelingkhimself.kDokIkwantktok now? k ThekmanagementkherekgavekyoukHydeskjobktokbabysit.kTheykdidntkwantkthekexpe nsekofkhiringkakseniorkexecutivekwhenkthekcompanykwaskmid-sale.kTheykhadknokidea kwhatktheknewkownerkwouldkdokwithkitkoncekitkpassedkintokhiskownership,kandkwise ly,ktheykdidntkwantkankexpensivekredundancy.kSoktheykgavekyoukHydeskjobktokcareta ekuntilktheknewkownerkhekpauses,kandkhisklipsktwitchkinkankironicksmilenamelykme,kto o kover. k Holykcrap!kWhatkarekyouksaying?kSokitkwaskbecausekofkhim.kFuc !kImkhorrifie d. k Heksmileskandksha eskhiskheadkatkmykalarm.kRelax.kYouvekmorekthankrisenkto kthekchallenge.kYouvekdonekverykwell.kThereskthektiniestkhintkofkpridekinkhiskvoice ,kandkitskalmostkmykundoing. k Oh,kIkmurmurkincoherently,kreelingkfromkthisknews.kIksitkrightkbac kinkmyk chair,kopen-mouthed,kstaringkatkhim.kHekshiftskagain. k Ikdontkwantktoksuffocatekyou,kAna.kIkdontkwantktokputkyoukinkakgildedkcage. kWellk.k.k.kHekpauses,khiskfacekdar ening.kWell,kthekrationalkpartkofkmekdoesnt.kHek stro eskhiskchinkthoughtfullykaskhiskmindkconcoctsksomekplan. k Oh,kwherekiskhekgoingkwithkthis?kChristiankloo skupksuddenly,kaskifkheskh adkakeure akmoment.kSokonekofkthekreasonskImkhereapartkfromkdealingkwithkmykerrantk wife,kheksays,knarrowingkhiskeyes,kisktokdiscusskwhatkIkamkgoingktokdokwithkthiskc ompany. k Errantkwife!kIkamknotkerrant,kandkImknotkankasset!kIkscowlkatkChristianka gainkandkthekthreatkofktearsksubsides. k Sokwhatkarekyourkplans?kIkinclinekmykheadktokonekside,kmirroringkhim,kandk Ikcantkhelpkmyksarcasticktone.kHisklipsktwitchkwithkthekhintkofkaksmile.kJeezchang ekofkmood,kagain!kHowkcankIkeverk eepkupkwithkMr.kMercurial?

k ImkrenamingkthekcompanytokGreykPublishing. k Holykshit. k Andkinkakyearsktime,kitkwillkbekyours. k Mykmouthkdropskopenkoncekmorewiderkthisktime. k Thiskiskmykweddingkpresentktokyou. k Ikshutkmykmouthkthenkopenkit,ktryingktokarticulateksomethingbutktheresknot hingkthere.kMykmindkiskblan . k So,kdokIkneedktokchangektheknamektokSteelekPublishing? k Heskserious.kHolykfuc . k Christian,kIkwhisperkwhenkmykbrainkfinallykreconnectskwithkmykmouth.kYoukga vekmekakwatchk.k.k.kIkcantkrunkakbusiness. k Hektiltskhiskheadktokoneksidekagainkandkgiveskmekakcensoriouskfrown.kIkra nkmykownkbusinesskfromkthekagekofktwenty-one. k Butkyourek.k.k.kyou.kControlkfrea kandkwhiz- idkextraordinaire.kJeezkChris tian,kyoukmajoredkinkeconomicskatkHarvardkbeforekyoukdroppedkout.kAtkleastkyoukh aveksomekidea.kIksoldkpaintkandkcablektieskforkthreekyearskonkakpart-timekbasis, kforkheavensksa e.kIvekseenksoklittlekofkthekworld,kandkIk nowknextktoknothing!kMyk voicekrises,kgrowingklouderkandkhigher,kaskIkcompletekmyktirade. k Yourekalsokthekmostkwell-readkpersonkIk now,khekcounterskearnestly.kYouklove kakgoodkboo .kYoukcouldntkleavekyourkjobkwhilekwekwerekonkourkhoneymoon.kYoukread khowkmanykmanuscripts?kFour? k Five,kIkwhisper. k Andkyoukwrotekfullkreportskonkallkofkthem.kYourekakverykbrightkwoman,kAnas tasia.kImksurekyoullkmanage. k Arekyoukcrazy? k Crazykforkyou,khekwhispers. k AndkIksnortkbecausekitskthekonlykexpressionkmykbodykcankma e.kHeknarrowsk hiskeyes. k Youllkbekaklaughingkstoc .kBuyingkakcompanykforktheklittlekwoman,kwhokhask onlykhadkakfullktimekjobkforkakfewkmonthskofkherkadultklife. k Dokyoukthin kIkgivekakfuc kwhatkpeoplekthin ?kBesides,kyoukwontkbekonkyour kown. k Ikgapekatkhim.kHekreallykhasklostkhiskmarbleskthisktime.kChristian,kIk.k. k.kIkputkmykheadkinkmykhandsmykemotionskhavekbeenkthroughkakwringer.kIskhekcrazy?k Andkfromksomewherekdar kandkdeepkinsidekIkhavektheksudden,kinappropriatekneedkto klaugh.kWhenkIkloo kupkatkhimkagain,khiskeyeskwiden. k Somethingkamusingkyou,kMs.kSteele? k Yes.kYou. k Hiskeyeskwidenkfurther,kshoc edkbutkalsokamused.kLaughingkatkyourkhusband ?kThatkwillkneverkdo.kAndkyourekbitingkyourklip.kHiskeyeskdar enk.k.k.kinkthatkway .kOhknoIk nowkthatkloo .kSultry,kseductive,ksalaciousk.k.k.kNo,kno,kno!kNotkhere. k Dontkevenkthin kaboutkit,kIkwarn,kalarmkclearkinkmykvoice. k Thin kaboutkwhat,kAnastasia? k Ik nowkthatkloo .kWerekatkwor . k Hekleanskforward,khiskeyeskgluedktokmine,kmoltenkgraykandkhungry.kHolyks hit!kIkswallowkinstinctively.kWerekinkaksmall,kreasonablyksound-proofedkofficekwit hkakloc ablekdoor. k Grosskmoralkturpitude.kIkenunciatekeachkwordkcarefully. k Notkwithkyourkhusband. k Withkmykbossskbossskboss,kIkhiss. k Yourekmykwife. k Christian,kno.kIkmeankit.kYoukcankfuc kmeksevenkshadeskofkSundaykthiskeve ning.kButknotknow.kNotkhere! k Hekblin skandknarrowskhiskeyeskoncekmore.kThenkunexpectedlykheklaughs. k SevenkshadeskofkSunday?kHekarcheskankeyebrow,kintrigued.kIkmaykholdkyouktok that,kMs.kSteele. k Oh,kstopkwithkthekMs.kSteele!kIksnapkandkthumpkthekdes ,kstartlingkuskboth .kForkheavensksa e,kChristian.kIfkitkmeansksokmuchktokyou,kIllkchangekmykname! k Hiskmouthkpopskopenkaskhekinhalesksharply.kAndkthenkhekgrins,kakradiant, kall-teeth-showing,kjoyouskgrin.kWowk.k.k.

k Good.kHekclapskhiskhands,kandkallkofkaksuddenkhekstands. k Whatknow? k Missionkaccomplished.kNow,kIkhavekwor ktokdo.kIfkyoullkexcusekme,kMrs.kGre y. k Gahthiskmankisksokmaddening!kBut k Butkwhat,kMrs.kGrey? k Iksag.kJustkgo. k Ikintendkto.kIllkseekyoukthiskevening.kImkloo ingkforwardktoksevenkshadesko fkSunday. k Ikscowl. k Oh,kandkIkhavekakstac kofkbusiness-relatedksocialkengagementskcomingkup,k andkIdkli ekyouktokaccompanykme. k Ikgapekatkhim.kWillkyoukjustkgo? k IllkhavekAndreakcallkHannahktokputkthekdateskinkyourkcalendar.kTherekareks omekpeoplekyoukneedktokmeet.kYoukshouldkgetkHannahktokhandlekyourkschedulekfromk nowkon. k O ay,kIkmumble,kcompletelykbemused,kbewilderedkandkshell-shoc ed. k Hekleanskoverkmykdes .kWhatknow?kIkamkcaughtkinkhiskhypnotickgaze. k Lovekdoingkbusinesskwithkyou,kMrs.kGrey.kHekleanskinkcloserkaskIksitkparal yzed,kandkhekplantskaksoftktenderk isskonkmyklips.kLaters,kbaby,khekmurmurs.kHekst andskabruptly,kwin skatkme,kandkleaves. k Iklaykmykheadkonkmykdes ,kfeelingkli ekIvekbeenkrunkoverkbykakfreightktra inthekfreightktrainkthatkiskmykbelovedkhusband.kHekhasktokbekthekmostkfrustrating ,kannoying,kcontrarykmankonkthekplanet.kIksitkupkandkfranticallykrubkmykeyes.kWh atkhavekIkjustkagreedkto?kO ay,kAnakGreykrunningkSIPIkmean,kGreykPublishing.kThek mankiskinsane.kThereskak noc konkthekdoor,kandkHannahkpo eskherkheadkaround. k Youko ay?kshekas s. k Ikjustkstarekatkher.kShekfrowns. k Ik nowkyoukdontkli ekmekdoingkthisbutkcankIkma ekyouksomektea? k Iknod. k TwiningskEnglishkBrea fast,kwea kandkblac ? k Iknod. k Comingkrightkup,kAna. k Ikstarekblan lykatkmykcomputerkscreen,kstillkinkshoc .kHowkcankIkma ekhi mkunderstand?kE-mail! k kkk k From:kAnastasiakSteele k k k Subject:kNOTkANkASSET! Date:kAugustk22,k2011k14:23 To:kChristiankGrey

k Mr.kGrey kNextktimekyoukcomekandkseekme,kma ekankappointment,ksokIkcankatkleastkhaveksome kpriorkwarningkofkyourkadolescentkoverbearingkmegalomania. kYours k AnastasiakGreyk<-----pleaseknotekname. kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k k k k k kkk From:kChristiankGrey Subject:kSevenkShadeskofkSunday Date:kAugustk22,k2011k14:34 To:kAnastasiakSteele

k MykDearkMrs.kGreyk(emphasiskonkMy) kWhatkcankIksaykinkmykdefense?kIkwaskinkthekneighborhood. kAndkno,kyoukareknotkankasset,kyoukarekmykbelovedkwife. kAskever,kyoukma ekmykday. k ChristiankGrey kCEOk&kOverbearingkMegalomaniac,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k Hesktryingktokbekfunny,kbutkIkamkinknokmoodktoklaugh.kIkta ekakdeepkbreat hkandkgokbac ktokmykcorrespondence. k ChristiankiskquietkwhenkIkclimbkintokthekcarkthatkevening. k Hi,kIkmurmur. k Hi,khekresponds,kwarilyaskhekshould. k Disruptkanyonekelseskwor ktoday?kIkas ktooksweetly. k Akghostkofkaksmilekcrosseskhiskface.kOnlykFlynns. k Oh. k Nextktimekyoukgoktokseekhim,kIllkgivekyoukaklistkofktopicskIkwantkcovered,k Ikhisskatkhim. k Youkseemkoutkofksorts,kMrs.kGrey. k Ikglareksteadilykatkthekbac skofkRyankandkSawyerskheadskinkfrontkofkme.kC hristiankshiftskbesidekme. k Hey,kheksaysksoftlykandkreacheskforkmykhand.kAllkafternoon,kwhenkIkshouldk havekbeenkconcentratingkonkwor ,kIkwasktryingktokfigurekoutkwhatktoksayktokhim.k ButkIkbecamekangrierkandkangrierkwithkeachkpassingkhour.kIvekhadkenoughkofkhiskca valier,kpetulant,kandkfran lykchildishkbehavior.kIksnatchkmykhandkoutkofkhisinkak cavalier,kpetulant,kandkchildishkmanner. k Yourekmadkatkme?khekwhispers. k Yes,kIkhiss.kFoldingkmykarmskprotectivelykacrosskmykbody,kIkgazekoutkmykwi ndow.kHekshiftskbesidekmekoncekmore,kbutkIkwillkmyselfknotktokloo katkhim.kIkdont kunderstandkwhykImksokmadkatkhimbutkIkam.kReallykfuc ingkmad. k AsksoonkaskwekpullkupkoutsidekEscala,kIkbrea kprotocolkandkleapkoutkofkt hekcarkwithkmykbriefcase.kIkstompkintokthekbuilding,knotkchec ingktokseekwhokisk following.kRyankscuttleskintokthekfoyerkbehindkmekandkdashesktokthekelevatorktok presskthekcallkbutton. k What?kIksnapkwhenkImkalongsidekhim.kHiskchee skredden. k Apologies,kmaam,khekmutters. k Christiankcomeskandkstandskbesidekmektokwaitkforkthekelevator,kandkRyank retreats. k Sokitsknotkjustkmekyourekmadkat?kChristiankmurmurskdryly.kIkglarekupkatkhimk andkseekaktracekofkaksmilekonkhiskface. k Arekyouklaughingkatkme?kIknarrowkmykeyes. k Ikwouldntkdare,kheksays,kholdingkhiskhandskupkli ekImkthreateningkhimkatkgun point.kHeskinkhisknavyksuit,kloo ingkcrispkandkcleankwithkfloppyksex-hairkandkakg uilelesskexpression. k Youkneedkakhaircut,kIkmutter.kTurningkawaykfromkhim,kIkstepkintokthekeleva tor. k DokI?kheksayskwhilekbrushingkhiskhairkoffkhiskforehead.kHekfollowskmekin. k Yes.kIktapkthekcodekforkourkapartmentkintokthek eypad. k Sokyourektal ingktokmeknow? k Just. k Whatkexactlykarekyoukmadkabout?kIkneedkankindication,khekas skcautiously. k Ikturnkandkgapekatkhim. k Dokyoukreallykhaveknokidea?kSurely,kforksomeoneksokbright,kyoukmustkhavek ankin ling?kIkcantkbelievekyourekthatkobtuse. k Hekta eskankalarmedkstepkbac .kYoukreallykarekmad.kIkthoughtkwekhadksorte dkallkthiskinkyourkoffice,khekmurmurs,kperplexed. k Christian,kIkjustkcapitulatedktokyourkpetulantkdemands.kThatskall. k ThekelevatorkdoorskopenkandkIkstormkout.kTaylorkiskstandingkinkthekhallw ay.kHekta eskakstepkbac kandkquic lykshutskhiskmouthkaskIksteamkpastkhim.

k Hi,kTaylor,kIkmutter. k Mrs.kGrey,khekmurmurs. k Droppingkmykbriefcasekinkthekhallway,kIkheadkintokthekgreatkroom.kMrs.kJ oneskiskatkthekstove. k Goodkevening,kMrs.kGrey. k Hi,kMrs.kJones,kIkmutterkoncekmore.kIkheadkstraightktokthekfridgekandkpull koutkakbottlekofkwhitekwine.kChristiankfollowskmekintokthek itchenkandkwatcheskm ekli ekakhaw kaskIkta ekakglasskdownkfromkthekcupboard.kHekremoveskhiskjac etkan dkcasuallykplaceskitkonkthekcountertop. k Dokyoukwantkakdrin ?kIkas ksuperksweetly. k Nokthan s,kheksays,knotkta ingkhiskeyeskoffkme,kandkIk nowkthatkheskhelples s.kHekdoesknotk nowkwhatktokdokwithkme.kItskcomicalkonkoneklevelkandktragickonkan other.kWell,kscrewkhim!kIkamkhavingktroubleklocatingkmykcompassionatekselfksince kourkmeetingkthiskafternoon.kSlowly,khekremoveskhisktiekthenkopenskthektopkbutto nkofkhiskshirt.kIkpourkmyselfkaklargekglasskofksauvignonkblanc,kandkChristiankru nskakhandkthroughkhiskhair.kWhenkIkturnkaround,kMrs.kJoneskhaskdisappeared.kShit !kSheskmykhumankshield.kIkta ekakslugkofkwine.kHmm.kItktasteskgood. k Stopkthis,kChristiankwhispers.kHekta eskthektwokstepskbetweenkusksokhesksta ndingkinkfrontkofkme.kGentlykhektuc skmykhairkbehindkmykearkandkcaresseskmykearl obekwithkhiskfingertips,ksendingkakshiverkthroughkme.kIskthiskwhatkIvekmissedkall kday?kHisktouch?kIksha ekmykhead,kcausingkhimktokreleasekmykearkandkgazekupkatkh im. k Tal ktokme,khekmurmurs. k Whatskthekpoint?kYoukdontklistenktokme. k YeskIkdo.kYourekonekofkthekfewkpeoplekIkdoklistenkto. k Ikta ekanotherkswigkofkwine. k Iskthiskaboutkyourkname? k Yeskandkno.kItskhowkyoukdealtkwithkthekfactkthatkIkdisagreedkwithkyou.kIkgl arekupkatkhim,kexpectingkhimktokbekangered. k Hiskbrowkfurrows.kAna,kyouk nowkIkhavek.k.k.kissues.kItskhardkforkmektokle tkgokwherekyourekconcerned.kYouk nowkthat. k ButkImknotkakchild,kandkImknotkankasset. k Ik now.kHeksighs. k ThenkstopktreatingkmekaskthoughkIkam,kIkwhisper,kimploringkhim. k Hekbrusheskthekbac kofkhiskfingerskdownkmykchee kandkrunskthektipkofkhis kthumbkacrosskmykbottomklip. k Dontkbekmad.kYoureksokpreciousktokme.kLi ekakpricelesskasset,kli ekakchild,k hekwhispers,kaksomberkreverentkexpressionkonkhiskface.kHiskwordskdistractkme.kLi ekakchild.kPreciouskli ekakchildk.k.k.kakchildkwouldkbekpreciousktokhim! k Imkneitherkofkthosekthings,kChristian.kImkyourkwife.kIfkyoukwerekhurtkthatk Ikwasntkgoingktokta ekyourkname,kyoukshouldkhaveksaid. k Hurt?kHekfrownskdeeply,kandkIk nowkthatkheskexploringkthekpossibilitykinkhi skmind.kHekstraightensksuddenly,kstillkfrowning,kandkglanceskquic lykatkhiskwris twatch.kThekarchitectkwillkbekherekinkjustkunderkankhour.kWekshouldkeat. k Ohkno.kIkgroankinwardly.kHekhasntkansweredkme,kandknowkIkhavektokdealkwit hkGiakMatteo.kMykshittykdaykjustkgotkshittier.kIkscowlkatkChristian. k Thiskdiscussionkisntkfinished,kIkmutter. k Whatkelsekisktherektokdiscuss? k Youkcouldksellkthekcompany. k Christianksnorts.kSellkit? k Yes. k Youkthin kIdkfindkakbuyerkinktodayskmar et? k Howkmuchkdidkitkcostkyou? k Itkwaskrelativelykcheap.kHisktonekiskguarded. k Sokifkitkfolds? k Heksmir s.kWellksurvive.kButkIkwontkletkitkfold,kAnastasia.kNotkwhilekyourek there. k AndkifkIkleave? k Andkdokwhat? k Ikdontk now.kSomethingkelse.

k Youvekalreadyksaidkthiskiskyourkdreamkjob.kAndkforgivekmekifkImkwrong,kbutk IkpromisedkbeforekGod,kReverendkWalsh,kandkakcongregationkofkourknearestkandkdea restktokcherishkyou,kupholdkyourkhopeskandkdreams,kandk eepkyouksafekatkmykside. k Quotingkyourkweddingkvowsktokmekisknotkplayingkfair. k Ivekneverkpromisedktokplaykfairkwherekyourekconcerned.kBesides,khekadds,kyouve kwieldedkyourkvowskatkmekli ekakweaponkbefore. k Ikscowlkatkhim.kThiskisktrue. k Anastasia,kifkyourekstillkangrykwithkme,kta ekitkoutkonkmekinkbedklater.kHi skvoicekisksuddenlyklowkandkfullkofksensualklonging,khiskeyeskheated. k What?kBed?kHow? k Heksmileskindulgentlykdownkatkmykexpression.kIskhekexpectingkmektoktiekh imkup?kHolykcrap!kMykinnerkgoddesskremoveskherkiPodkearbudskandkstartsklistening kwithkraptkattention. k SevenkshadeskofkSunday,khekwhispers.kLoo ingkforwardktokit. k Whoa! k Gail!khekshoutskabruptly,kandkfourksecondsklater,kMrs.kJoneskappears.kWher ekwaskshe?kTaylorskoffice?kListening?kOhkjeez. k Mr.kGrey? k Wedkli ektokeatknow,kplease. k Verykgood,ksir. k Christiankdoesntkta ekhiskeyeskoffkme.kHekwatcheskmekvigilantlykaskifkImks omekexotickcreaturekaboutktokbolt.kIkta ekaksipkofkmykwine. k Ikthin kIllkjoinkyoukinkakglass,kheksays,ksighing,kandkrunskakhandkthroughk hiskhairkagain. k Youreknotkgoingktokfinish? k No.kIkgazekdownkatkmykbarelyktouchedkplatekofkfettucciniktokavoidkChristia nskdar eningkexpression.kBeforekhekcanksaykanything,kIkstandkandkclearkourkplates kfromkthekdiningktable. k Giakwillkbekwithkuskshortly,kIkmutter.kChristianskmouthktwistskinkankunhapp ykscowl,kbutkheksaysknothing. k Illkta ekthose,kMrs.kGrey,ksayskMrs.kJoneskaskIkwal kintokthek itchen. k Than kyou. k Youkdidntkli ekit?kshekas s,kconcerned. k Itkwaskfine.kImkjustknotkhungry. k Givingkmekaksmallksympatheticksmile,kshekturnsktokclearkmykplatekandkput keverythingkinkthekdishwasher. k Imkgoingktokma ekakcouplekofkcalls,kChristiankannounces,kgivingkmekankasses singkloo kbeforekhekdisappearskintokhiskstudy. k Ikletkoutkaksighkofkreliefkandkheadktokourkbedroom.kDinnerkwaskaw ward.k ImkstillkmadkatkChristian,kandkhekdoesntkseemktokthin kheskdonekanythingkwrong.kHas khe?kMyksubconsciouskcoc skankeyebrowkatkmekandkgazeskbenignlykoverkherkhalf-moo nkglasses.kYes,khekhas.kHeskmadekitkevenkmorekaw wardkforkmekatkwor .kHekdidntkwai tktokdiscusskthiskissuekwithkmekwhenkwekwerekinkthekrelativekprivacykofkourkownk home.kHowkwouldkhekfeelkifkIkcamekbargingkintokhiskoffice,klayingkdownktheklaw?k Andktokcapkitkall,khekwantsktokgivekmekSIP!kHowkthekhellkcouldkIkrunkakcompany?k Ik nowknextktoknothingkaboutkbusiness. k IkgazekoutkatkthekSeattleks ylinekbathedkinkthekpearlykpin klightkofkdus .kAndkaskusual,khekwantsktoksolvekourkdifferenceskinkthekbedroomk.k.k.kumk.k.k. kfoyerk.k.k.kplayroomk.k.k.kTVkroomk.k.k.k itchenkcountertopk.k.k.kStop!kItkalwa yskcomeskbac ktoksexkwithkhim.kSexkiskhiskcopingkmechanism. k Ikwanderkintokthekbathroomkandkscowlkatkmykreflectionkinkthekmirror.kCom ingkbac ktokthekrealkworldkiskhard.kWekmanagedktoks atekoverkallkourkdifferences kwhilekwekwerekinkourkbubblekbecausekwekwereksokwrappedkupkinkeachkother.kButkno w?kBrieflykIkamkdraggedkbac ktokmykwedding,krememberingkmykconcernskthatkdaymarry kinkhastek.k.k.kNo,kIkmustntkthin kli ekthis.kIk newkhekwaskFiftykShadeskwhenkIkm arriedkhim.kIkjustkhavektokhangkinktherekandktryktoktal kthiskthroughkwithkhim. k Iksquintkatkmyselfkinkthekmirror.kIkloo kpale,kandknowkIkhavekthatkwoman ktokdealkwith. k Imkwearingkmykgraykpencilks irtkandkaksleevelesskblouse.kRight!kMykinnerk goddesskgetskoutkherkharlot-redknailkpolish.kIkundoktwokbuttons,kexposingkaklitt

lekcleavage.kIkwashkmykfacekthenkcarefullykredokmykma eup,kapplyingkmorekmascara kthankusualkandkputtingkextrakglosskonkmyklips.kBendingkdown,kIkthenkbrushkmykha irkvigorouslykfromkrootktoktip.kWhenkIkstand,kmykhairkiskakchestnutkhazekaroundk mekthatktumblesktokmykbreasts.kIktuc kitkartfullykbehindkmykearskandkgokinksearc hkofkmykpumps,kratherkthankmykflats. k WhenkIkreemergekintokthekgreatkroom,kChristiankhaskthekhousekplansksprea dkoutkonkthekdiningktable.kHekhaskmusickplayingkthroughktheksoundksystem.kItksto pskmekinkmyktrac s. k Mrs.kGrey,kheksayskwarmlykthenkloo skquizzicallykatkme. k Whatskthis?kIkas .kThekmusickiskstunning. k FaurskRequiem.kYoukloo kdifferent,kheksays,kdistracted. k Oh.kIveknotkheardkitkbefore. k Itskverykcalming,krelaxing,kheksayskandkraiseskankeyebrow.kHavekyoukdoneksom ethingktokyourkhair? k Brushedkit,kIkmutter.kImktransportedkbykthekhauntingkvoices.kAbandoningkthe kplanskonkthektable,khekwal sktowardkme,kakslowksaunterkinktimektokthekmusic. k Dancekwithkme?khekmurmurs. k Tokthis?kItskakrequiem.kIksquea ,kshoc ed. k Yes.kHekpullskmekintokhiskarmskandkholdskme,kburyingkhisknosekinkmykhairka ndkswayingkgentlykfromksidektokside.kHeksmellskhiskheavenlykself. k Ohk.k.k.kIvekmissedkhim.kIkwrapkmykarmskaroundkhimkandkfightkthekurgektok cry.kWhykarekyouksokinfuriating? k Ikhatekfightingkwithkyou,khekwhispers. k Well,kstopkbeingksuchkankarse. k Hekchuc leskandkthekcaptivatingksoundkreverberateskthroughkhiskchest.kHe ktightenskhiskholdkonkme.kArse? k Ass. k Ikpreferkarse. k Youkshould.kItksuitskyou. k Heklaughskoncekmorekandk isseskthektopkofkmykhead. k Akrequiem?kIkmurmurkaklittlekshoc edkthatkwekarekdancingktokit. k Hekshrugs.kItskjustkaklovelykpiecekofkmusic,kAna. k Taylorkcoughskdiscreetlykatkthekentranceway,kandkChristiankreleaseskme. k MisskMatteokiskhere,kheksays. k Ohkjoy! k Showkherkin,kChristianksays.kHekreacheskoverkandkclaspskmykhandkaskMisskGi akMatteokenterskthekroom. k k k kkk k GiakMatteokiskakgood-loo ingkwomanaktall,kgood-loo ingkwoman.kShekwearskh erkshort,ksalon-blond,kperfectlyklayeredkandkcoiffedkhairkli ekaksophisticatedkc rown.kSheskdressedkinkakpalekgraykpantsuit;kthekslac skandkfittedkjac etkhugkherk lushkcurves.kHerkclotheskloo kexpensive.kAtkthekbasekofkherkthroat,kaksolitarykd iamondkglints,kmatchingktheksingle-caratkstudskinkherkears.kShekiskwellkgroomedon ekofkthosekwomenkwhokgrewkupkwithkmoneykandkbreeding,kthoughkherkbreedingkseemsk tokbeklac ingkthiskevening;kherkpalekbluekblousekiskundonektookfar.kLi ekmine.kI kflush. k Christian.kAna.kShekbeams,kshowingkperfectkwhitekteeth,kandkholdskoutkakma nicuredkhandktoksha ekfirstkChristians,kthenkmykhand.kItkmeanskIkhavektokreleasek Christianskhandktokreciprocate.kSheskakfractionkshorterkthankChristian,kbutkthenks heskink illerkheels. k Gia,kChristianksayskpolitely.kIksmilekcoolly. k Youkbothkloo ksokwellkafterkyourkhoneymoon,ksheksaysksmoothly,kherkbrownke yeskgazingkatkChristiankthroughklongkmascaraedklashes.kChristiankputskhiskarmkar oundkme,kholdingkmekclose. k Wekhadkakwonderfulktime,kthan kyou.kHekbrusheskhisklipskagainstkmyktemple, kta ingkmekbyksurprise. k Seek.k.k.kheskmine.kAnnoyinginfuriating,kevenbutkmine.kIkgrin.kRightknowkIk

reallyklovekyou,kChristiankGrey.kIkslipkmykhandkaroundkhiskwaistkthenkintokhiskr earkpoc etkofkhiskpantskandksqueezekhiskbehind.kGiakgiveskuskakthinksmile. k Havekyoukmanagedktokloo koverkthekplans? k Wekhave,kIkmurmur.kIkgazekupkatkChristian,kwhokgrinskdownkatkme,konekeyebr owkraisedkinkwrykamusement.kAmusedkatkwhat?kMykreactionktokGiakorkmeksqueezingkh iskbutt? k Please,kChristianksays.kThekplanskarekhere.kHekgesturesktowardkthekdiningkta ble.kTa ingkmykhand,khekleadskmektokit,kGiakfollowingkinkourkwa e.kIkfinallykrem emberkmykmanners. k Wouldkyoukli eksomethingktokdrin ?kIkas .kAkglasskofkwine? k Thatkwouldkbeklovely,kGiaksays.kDrykwhitekifkyoukhavekit. k Shit!kSauvignonkblancthatskakdrykwhite,kisntkit?kReluctantlykleavingkmykhus bandskside,kIkheadkoverktokthek itchen.kIkhearkthekiPodkhisskaskChristiankswitche skoffkthekmusic. k Wouldkyoukli eksomekmorekwine,kChristian?kIkcall. k Please,kbaby,khekcroons,kgrinningkatkme.kWow,khekcankbeksokswoonworthykatk timeskyetksokaggravatingkatkothers. k Reachingkupktokopenkthekcupboard,kImkawarekhiskeyeskarekonkme,kandkImkgrip pedkbykthekuncannykfeelingkthatkChristiankandkIkarekputtingkonkakshow,kplayingka kgamektogetherbutkthisktimekwerekonktheksameksidekpittedkagainstkMs.kMatteo.kDoesk hek nowkthatksheskattractedktokhimkandkiskbeingktookobviouskaboutkit?kItkgiveskme kaksmallkrushkofkpleasurekwhenkIkrealizekmaybekhesktryingktokreassurekme.kOrkmayb ekheskjustksendingkakmessagekloudkandkclearktokthiskwomankthatkheskta en. k Mine.kYeah,kbitchmine.kMykinnerkgoddesskiskwearingkherkgladiatrixkoutfit, kandksheskta ingknokprisoners.kSmilingktokmyselfkIkcollectkthreekglasseskfromkthe kcupboard,kta ekthekopenedkbottlekofksauvignonkblanckfromkthekfridge,kandkplacek themkallkonkthekbrea fastkbar.kGiakiskleaningkoverkthektablekwhilekChristianksta ndskbesidekherkandkpointskatksomethingkonkthekplans. k Ikthin kAnakhasksomekopinionskonkthekglasskwall,kbutkgenerallykwerekbothkp leasedkwithkthekideaskyouvekcomekupkwith. k Oh,kImkglad,kGiakgushes,kobviouslykrelieved,kandkasksheksayskit,kshekbriefl yktoucheskhiskarmkinkaksmall,kflirtykgesture.kChristiankstiffenskimmediatelykbut ksubtly.kShekdoesntkevenkseemktoknotice. k Leavekhimkthekfuc kalone,klady.kHekdoesntkli ektokbektouched. k Steppingkcasuallykasideksokheskoutkofkherkreach,kChristiankturnsktokme.kTh irstykhere,kheksays. k Comingkrightkup.kHekiskplayingkthekgame.kShekma eskhimkuncomfortable.kWhyk didntkIkseekthatkbefore?kThatskwhykIkdontkli ekher.kHeskusedktokhowkwomenkreactktokh im.kIvekseenkitkoftenkenough,kandkusuallykhekthin sknothingkofkit.kTouchingkiskso methingkelse.kWell,kMrs.kGreyktokthekrescue. k Ikhastilykpourkthekwine,kgatherkallkthreekglasseskinkmykhands,kandkhurry kbac ktokmyk nightkinkdistress.kOfferingkakglassktokGia,kIkdeliberatelykposition kmyselfkbetweenkthem.kSheksmileskcourteouslykaskshekacceptskit.kIkhandktheksecon dktokChristian,kwhokta eskitkeagerly,khiskexpressionkonekofkamusedkgratitude. k Cheers,kChristianksaysktokuskboth,kbutkloo ingkatkme.kGiakandkIkraisekourk glasseskandkanswerkinkunison.kIkta ekakwelcomeksipkofkwine. k Ana,kyoukhaveksomekissueskwithkthekglasskwall?kGiakas s. k Yes.kIklovekitdontkgetkmekwrong.kButkIkwaskhopingkthatkwekcouldkincorporate kitkmorekorganicallykintokthekhouse.kAfterkall,kIkfellkinklovekwithkthekhousekas kitkwas,kandkIkdontkwantktokma ekanykradicalkchanges. k Iksee. k Ikjustkwantkthekdesignktokbeksympathetic,kyouk nowk.k.k.kmorekink eepingk withkthekoriginalkhouse.kIkglancekupkatkChristian,kwhokiskgazingkatkmekthoughtful ly. k Nokmajorkrenovations?khekmurmurs. k No.kIksha ekmykheadktokemphasizekmykpoint. k Youkli ekitkaskitkis? k Mostly,kyes.kIkalwaysk newkitkjustkneededksomekTLC. k Christianskeyeskglowkwarmly. k Giakglanceskatkthekpairkofkus,kandkherkchee skpin .kO ay,ksheksays.kIkthin

kIkgetkwherekyourekcomingkfrom,kAna.kHowkaboutkifkwekretainkthekglasskwall,kbutkh avekitkopenkoutkontokaklargerkdec kthatskink eepingkwithkthekMediterraneankstyle. kWekhavekthekstonekterracektherekalready.kWekcankputkinkpillarskinkmatchingkston e,kwidelykspacedksokyoullkstillkhavekthekview.kAddkakglasskroof,korktilekitkaskpe rkthekrestkofkthekhouse.kItllkalsokma ekakshelteredkalkfrescokdiningkandkseatedka rea. k Gotktokgivekthekwomankherkduek.k.k.ksheskgood. k Orkinsteadkofkthekdec ,kwekcouldkincorporatekakwoodkcolorkofkyourkchoicek intokthekglasskdoorsthatkmightkhelpktok eepkthekMediterraneankspirit,kshekcontinue s. k Li ekthekbrightkbluekshutterskinkthekSouthkofkFrance,kIkmurmurktokChristia n,kwhokiskwatchingkmekintently.kHekta eskaksipkofkwinekandkshrugs,kveryknoncommi ttal.kHmm.kHekdoesntkli ekthatkideakbutkhekdoesntkoverrulekme,kshootkmekdown,korkm a ekmekfeelkstupid.kGod,kthiskmankiskakmasskofkcontradictions.kHiskwordskfromkye sterdaykcomektokmind:kIkwantkthiskhousektokbekthekwaykyoukwant.kWhateverkyoukwant .kItskyours.kHekwantskmektokbekhappyhappykinkeverythingkIkdo.kDeepkdownkIkthin kIk nowkthis.kItskjustIkstopkmyself.kDontkthin kaboutkourkargumentknow.kMyksubconscious kglareskatkme. k Giakiskloo ingkatkChristian,kwaitingkforkhimktokma ekthekdecision.kIkwat chkaskherkpupilskdilatekandkherkglossedklipskpart.kHerktonguekdartskquic lykover kherktopklipkbeforekshekta eskaksipkofkherkwine.kWhenkIkturnktokChristian,kheskst illkloo ingkatkmenotkatkherkatkall.kYes!kMykinnerkgoddesskfistkpumpskthekair.kIka mkgoingktokhavekwordskwithkMs.kMatteo. k Ana,kwhatkdokyoukwantktokdo?kChristiankmurmurs,kverykclearlykdeferringktok me. k Ikli ekthekdec kidea. k Me,ktoo. k Ikturnkbac ktokGia.kHey,klady,kloo katkme,knotkhim.kImkthekonekma ingkthe kdecisionskonkthis.kIkthin kIdkli ektokseekrevisedkdrawingskshowingkthekbiggerkdec kandkpillarskthatkarekink eepingkwithkthekhouse. k Reluctantly,kGiakdragskherkgreedykeyeskawaykfromkmykhusbandkandksmileskd ownkatkme.kDoeskshekthin kImknotkgoingktoknotice? k Sure,kshekacquiesceskpleasantly.kAnykotherkissues? k Otherkthankyoukeye-fuc ingkmykhusband?kChristiankwantsktokremodelkthekmas terksuite,kIkmurmur. k Thereskakdiscreetkcoughkfromkthekentrancektokthekgreatkroom.kWekthreektur nkaskonektokfindkTaylorkstandingkthere. k Taylor?kChristiankas s. k Ikneedktokconferkwithkyoukonkankurgentkmatter,kMr.kGrey. k ChristiankclaspskmykshoulderskfromkbehindkandkaddresseskGia. k Mrs.kGreykiskinkchargekofkthiskproject.kShekhaskabsolutekcartekblanche.kW hateverkshekwants,kitskhers.kIkcompletelyktrustkherkinstincts.kSheskverykshrewd.kHi skvoicekaltersksubtly.kInkitkIkhearkpridekandkakveiledkwarningakwarningktokGia? k Hektrustskmykinstincts?kOh,kthiskmanskexasperating.kMykinstinctskletkhimk runkroughshodkoverkmykfeelingskthiskafternoon.kIksha ekmykheadkinkfrustrationkbu tkImkgratefulkthatkhesktellingkMisskProvocative-And-Unfortunately-Good-At-Her-Jobk justkwhoskinkcharge.kIkcaresskhiskhandkaskitkrestskonkmykshoulder. k Ifkyoullkexcusekme.kChristianksqueezeskmykshoulderskbeforekfollowingkTaylor .kIkwonderkidlykwhatskgoingkon. k Sok.k.k.kthekmasterksuite?kGiakas sknervously. k Ikgazekupkatkher,kpausingkforkakmomentktokensurekthatkChristiankandkTayl orkarekoutkofkearshot.kThenkcallingkonkallkmykinnerkstrengthkandkthekfactkthatkIv ekbeenkseriouslykpiquedkforktheklastkfivekhours,kIkletkherkhavekit. k Yourekrightktokbeknervous,kGia,kbecausekrightknowkyourkwor konkthiskprojec tkhangskinkthekbalance.kButkImksurekwellkbekfinekasklongkaskyouk eepkyourkhandskof fkmykhusband. k Shekgasps. k Otherwise,kyourekfired.kUnderstand?kIkenunciatekeachkwordkclearly. k Shekblin skrapidly,kutterlykstunned.kShekcannotkbelievekwhatkIveksaid.kIk cannotkbelievekwhatkIvekjustksaid.kButkIkholdkmykground,kgazingkimpassivelykintok

herkwideningkbrownkeyes. k Dontkbac kdown.kDontkbac kdown!kIveklearnedkthiskmaddeningkimpassivekexpres sionkfromkChristiankwhokdoeskimpassivekli eknokonekelse.kIk nowkthatkrenovatingk thekGreyskmainkresidencekiskakprestigiouskprojectkforkGiaskarchitecturalkfirmakresp lendentkfeatherkinkherkcap.kShekcantklosekthiskcommission.kAndkrightknowkIkdontkgi vekakhootkthatksheskElliotskfriend. k AnaMrs.kGreyk.k.k.kI-Imksoksorry.kIkneverkShekflushes,kunsurekwhatkelsekshekc anksay. k Letkmekbekclear.kMykhusbandkisknotkinterestedkinkyou. k Ofkcourse,kshekmurmurs,kthekbloodkdrainingkfromkherkface. k AskIksaid,kIkjustkwantedktokbekclear. k Mrs.kGrey,kIksincerelykapologizekifkyoukthin k.k.k.kIkhavekShekstops,kstill kflounderingkforksomethingktoksay. k Good.kAsklongkaskwekunderstandkeachkother,kwellkbekfine.kNow,kIllkletkyouk nowkwhatkwekhavekinkmindkforkthekmasterksuite,kthenkIdkli ekakrunkdownkonkallkthe kmaterialskyoukintendktokuse.kAskyouk now,kChristiankandkIkarekdeterminedkthatkt hiskhousekshouldkbekecologicallyksustainable,kandkIdkli ektokreassurekhimkasktokw herekallkthekmaterialskarekcomingkfromkandkwhatktheykare. k Ofkc-course,kshekstutters,kwide-eyedkandkfran lykaklittlekintimidatedkbykm e.kThiskiskakfirst.kMykinnerkgoddesskrunskaroundkthekarena,kwavingktokthekfrenzi edkcrowd. k Giakpatskherkhairkintokplace,kandkIkrealizekthiskiskaknervouskgesture. k Thekmasterksuite?kshekpromptskanxiously,kherkvoicekakbreathlesskwhisper.kN owkthatkIkhavekthekupperkhand,kIkfeelkmyselfkrelaxkforkthekfirstktimeksincekmykm eetingkwithkChristiankthiskafternoon.kIkcankdokthis.kMykinnerkgoddesskiskcelebra tingkherkinnerkbitch. k Christiankjoinskuskjustkaskwerekfinishingkup. k Allkdone?khekas s.kHekputskhiskarmkaroundkmykwaistkandkturnsktokGia. k Yes,kMr.kGrey,kGiaksmileskbrightly,kthoughkherksmilekloo skbrittle.kIllkhave kthekrevisedkplansktokyoukinkakcouplekofkdays. k Excellent.kYourekhappy?khekas skmekdirectly,khiskeyeskwarmkandkprobing.kIkn odkandkblushkforksomekreasonkthatkIkdontkunderstand. k Idkbetterkbekgoing,kGiaksayskagainktookbrightly.kShekofferskherkhandktokmek firstkthisktime,kthenktokChristian. k Untilknextktime,kGia,kIkmurmur. k Yes,kMrs.kGrey.kMr.kGrey. k Taylorkappearskatkthekentrancekofkthekgreatkroom. k Taylorkwillkseekyoukout.kMykvoicekiskloudkenoughkforkhimktokhear.kPattingk herkhairkoncekmore,kshekturnskonkherkhighkheelskandkleaveskthekgreatkroom,kfollo wedkcloselykbykTaylor. k Shekwasknoticeablykcooler,kChristianksays,kloo ingkquizzicallykatkme. k Waskshe?kIkdidntknotice.kIkshrug,ktryingktokremainkneutral.kWhatkdidkTaylork want?kIkas kpartlykbecausekImkcuriouskandkpartlykbecausekIkwantktokchangektheksubj ect. k Frowning,kChristiankreleaseskmekandkbeginsktokrollkupkthekplanskonkthekt able.kItkwaskaboutkHyde. k WhatkaboutkHyde?kIkwhisper. k Itsknothingktokworrykabout,kAna.kAbandoningkthekplans,kChristiankdrawskmeki ntokhiskarms.kItkturnskoutkhekhasntkbeenkinkhiskapartmentkforkwee s,kthatskall.kHek isseskmykhair,kthenkreleaseskmekandkfinisheskhisktas . k Sokwhatkdidkyoukdecidekon?khekas s,kandkIk nowkitskbecausekhekdoesntkwantkme ktokpursuekthekHydeklinekofkinquiry. k OnlykwhatkyoukandkIkdiscussed.kIkthin kshekli eskyou,kIksaykquietly. k Heksnorts.kDidkyouksayksomethingktokher?khekas skandkIkflush.kHowkdoeskhek now?kAtkaklosskwhatktoksay,kIkstarekdownkatkmykfingers. k WekwerekChristiankandkAnakwhenkshekarrived,kandkMr.kandkMrs.kGreykwhenksh ekleft.kHisktonekiskdry. k Ikmaykhaveksaidksomething,kIkmumble.kWhenkIkpee kupkatkhim,kheskregardingkm ekwarmly,kandkforkankunguardedkmomentkhekloo sk.k.k.kpleased.kHekdropskhiskgaze, ksha ingkhiskhead,kandkhiskexpressionkchanges.

k Sheskonlykreactingktokthiskface.kHeksoundskvaguelykbitter,kdisgustedkeven. k Oh,kFifty,kno! k What?kHeskbemusedkbykmykperplexedkexpression.kHiskeyeskgrowkwidekinkalarm.kY oureknotkjealous,karekyou?khekas s,khorrified. k Ikblushkandkswallow,kthenkstarekdownkatkmyk nottedkfingers.kAmkI? k Ana,ksheskaksexualkpredator.kNotkmyktypekatkall.kHowkcankyoukbekjealouskof kher?kOfkanyone?kNothingkaboutkherkinterestskme.kWhenkIkglancekup,kheskgapingkatkm ekaskifkIvekgrownkankadditionalklimb.kHekrunskakhandkthroughkhiskhair.kItskonlykyou ,kAna,kheksayskquietly.kItkwillkonlykeverkbekyou. k Ohkmy.kAbandoningkthekplanskoncekmore,kChristiankmovesktowardkmekandkcla spskmykchinkbetweenkhiskthumbkandkforefinger. k Howkcankyoukthin kotherwise?kHavekIkeverkgivenkyoukanykindicationkthatkIk couldkbekremotelykinterestedkinkanyonekelse?kHiskeyeskblazekaskhekstareskintokmin e. k No,kIkwhisper.kImkbeingksilly.kItskjustktodayk.k.k.kyouk.k.k.kAllkmykconflicti ngkemotionskfromkearlierkresurfaces.kHowkcankIktellkhimkhowkconfusedkIkam?kIvekbe enkconfoundedkandkfrustratedkbykhiskbehaviorkthiskafternoonkinkmykoffice.kOnekmi nutekhekwantskmektokstaykatkhome,ktheknextkheskgiftingkmekakcompany.kHowkamkIksup posedktok eepkup? k Whatkaboutkme? k Oh,kChristianmykbottomklipktremblesImktryingktokadaptktokthisknewklifekthatkIk hadkneverkimaginedkforkmyself.kEverythingkiskbeingkhandedktokmekonkakplatethekjob ,kyou,kmykbeautifulkhusband,kwhokIkneverk.k.k.kIkneverk newkIdklovekthiskway,kthi skhard,kthiskfast,kthisk.k.k.kindelibly.kIkta ekakdeepksteadyingkbreath,kaskhiskm outhkdropskopen. k Butkyourekli ekakfreightktrain,kandkIkdontkwantktokgetkrailroadedkbecausekt hekgirlkyoukfellkinklovekwithkwillkbekcrushed.kAndkwhatllkbekleft?kAllkthatkwould kbekleftkiskakvacuousksocialkx-ray,kflittingkfromkcharitykfunctionktokcharitykfu nction.kIkpausekoncekmore,kstrugglingktokfindkthekwordsktokconveykhowkIkfeel.kAndk nowkyoukwantkmektokbekakcompanykCEO,kwhichkhaskneverkevenkbeenkonkmykradar.kImkbo uncingkbetweenkallkthesekideas,kstruggling.kYoukwantkmekatkhome.kYoukwantkmektok runkakcompany.kItsksokconfusing.kIkstop,ktearskthreatening,kandkIkforcekbac kaksob . k Youvekgotktokletkmekma ekmykownkdecisions,kta ekmykownkris s,kandkma ekmyk ownkmista es,kandkletkmeklearnkfromkthem.kIkneedktokwal kbeforekIkcankrun,kChris tian,kdontkyouksee.kIkwantksomekindependence.kThatskwhatkmyknamekmeansktokme.kThere ,kthatskwhatkIkwantedktoksaykthiskafternoon. k Youkfeelkrailroaded?khekwhispers. k Iknod. k Hekcloseskhiskeyeskandkrunskhiskhandkthroughkhiskhairkinkagitation.kIkjus tkwantktokgivekyoukthekworld,kAna,keverythingkandkanythingkyoukwant.kAndksavekyo ukfromkit,ktoo.kKeepkyouksafe.kButkIkalsokwantkeveryonektok nowkyourekmine.kIkpan ic edktodaykwhenkIkgotkyourke-mail.kWhykdidntkyouktellkmekaboutkyourkname? k Ikflush.kHekhaskakpoint. k Ikonlykthoughtkaboutkitkwhilekwekwerekonkourkhoneymoon,kandkwell,kIkdidntk wantktokburstkthekbubble,kandkIkforgotkaboutkit.kIkonlykrememberedkyesterdaykeve ning.kAndkthenkJac k.k.k.kyouk now,kitkwaskdistracting.kImksorry,kIkshouldkhavekt oldkyoukorkdiscussedkitkwithkyou,kbutkIkcouldkneverkseemktokfindkthekrightktime. k Christianskintensekgazekiskunnerving.kItskaskifkhesktryingktokwillkhiskwayk intokmyks ull,kbutkheksaysknothing. k Whykdidkyoukpanic?kIkas . k Ikjustkdontkwantkyouktokslipkthroughkmykfingers. k Forkheavensksa e,kImknotkgoingkanywhere.kWhenkarekyoukgoingktokgetkthatkthr oughkyourkincrediblykthic ks ull?kI.kLove.kYou.kIkwavekmykhandkinkthekairkli ekhe kdoesksometimesktokemphasizekmykpoint.kMorekthank.k.k.keyesight,kspace,korklibert y.1 k Hiskeyeskwiden.kAkdaughtersklove?kHekgiveskmekankironicksmile. k No,kIklaugh,kdespitekmyself.kItskthekonlykquotekthatkcamektokmind. k MadkKingkLear? k Dear,kdearkMadkKingkLear.kIkcaresskhiskface,kandkhekleanskintokmyktouch,kc

losingkhiskeyes.kWouldkyoukchangekyourknamektokChristiankSteeleksokeveryonekwould k nowkthatkyoukbelongktokme? k Christianskeyeskflykopen,kandkhekgazeskatkmekaskifkIvekjustksaidkthekworld kiskflat.kHekfrowns.kBelongktokyou?khekmurmurs,ktestingkthekwords. k Mine. k Yours,kheksays,krepeatingkthekwordskwekspo ekinkthekplayroomkonlykyesterda y.kYes,kIkwould.kIfkitkmeantkthatkmuchktokyou. k Ohkmy. k Doeskitkmeankthatkmuchktokyou? k Yes.kHekiskunequivocal. k O ay.kIkwillkdokthiskforkhim.kGivekhimkthekreassurancekhekstillkneeds. k Ikthoughtkyoudkalreadykagreedktokthis. k YeskIkhave,kbutknowkwevekdiscussedkitkfurther,kImkhappierkwithkmykdecision. k Oh,khekmutters,ksurprised.kThenkheksmileskhiskbeautiful,kboyishkyes-I-am-r eally- inda-youngksmile,kandkhekta eskmykbreathkaway.kGrabbingkmekbykmykwaist,kh ekswingskmekaround.kIksquealkandkstartktokgiggle,kandkIkdontk nowkifkheskjustkhapp ykorkrelievedkork.k.k.kwhat? k Mrs.kGrey,kdokyouk nowkwhatkthiskmeansktokme? k Ikdoknow. k Hekleanskdownkandk isseskme,khiskfingerskmovingkintokmykhair,kholdingkme kinkplace. k ItkmeansksevenkshadeskofkSunday,khekmurmurskagainstkmyklips,kandkhekrunskh isknosekalongkmine. k Youkthin ?kIkleankbac ktokgazekatkhim. k Certainkpromiseskwerekmade.kAnkofferkextended,kakdealkbro ered,khekwhisper s,khiskeyeskspar lingkwithkwic edkdelight. k Umk.k.k.kIkamkstillkreeling,ktryingktokfollowkhiskmood. k Youkrenegingkonkme?khekas skuncertainly,kandkakspeculativekloo kcrosseskhi skface.kIkhavekankidea,khekadds. k Oh,kwhatk in ykfuc erykiskthis? k Akreallykimportantkmatterktokattendkto,khekcontinues,ksuddenlykallkserious koncekmore.kYes,kMrs.kGrey.kAkmatterkofkthekgravestkimportance. k Hangkonhesklaughingkatkme. k What?kIkbreathe. k Ikneedkyouktokcutkmykhair.kApparentlykitskoverlong,kandkmykwifekdoesntkli e kit. k Ikcantkcutkyourkhair! k Yeskyoukcan.kChristiankgrinskandksha eskhiskheadksokhiskoverlongkhairkcove rskhiskeyes. k Well,kifkMrs.kJoneskhaskakpuddingkbowl.kIkgiggle. k Heklaughs.kO ay,kgoodkpointkwellkmade.kIllkgetkFrancoktokdokit. k No!kFrancokwor skforkher?kMaybekIkcouldkgivekhimkaktrim.kAfterkall,kIkcu tkRayskhairkforkyears,kandkhekneverkcomplained. k Come.kIkgrabkhiskhand.kHiskeyeskwiden.kIkleadkhimkallkthekwayktokourkbathr oomkwherekIkreleasekhimkandkgrabkthekwhitekwoodenkchairkthatkstandskinkthekcorne r.kIkplacekitkinkfrontkofktheksin .kWhenkIkloo katkChristian,kheskgazingkatkmekwi thkill-disguisedkamusement,kthumbsktuc edkinkthekfrontkbeltkloopskofkhiskpantskb utkhiskeyeskareksmo ingkhot. k Sit.kIkgesturektokthekemptykchair,ktryingktokmaintainkthekupperkhand. k Arekyoukgoingktokwashkmykhair? k Iknod.kHekarcheskonekbrowkinksurprise,kandkforkakmomentkIkthin kheskgoing ktokbac kdown.kO ay.kSlowlykhekbeginsktokundokeachkbuttonkofkhiskwhitekshirt,kstar tingkwithkthekonekbeneathkhiskthroat.kNimble,kdeftkfingerskmovektokeachkbuttonki nkturnkuntilkhiskshirtkhangskopen. k Ohkmyk.k.k.kMykinnerkgoddesskpauseskinkherkcelebratorykjauntkaroundkthek arena. k Christiankholdskoutkakcuffkwithkankundokthisknowkgesture,kandkhiskmouthktw itcheskinkthatkchallenging,ksexykwaykhekhas. k Oh,kcufflin s.kIkta ekhiskprofferedkwristkandkremovekthekfirstkone,kakpl atinumkdisckwithkhiskinitialskengravedkinkaksimplekitalickscriptandkthenkremoveki

tskmatchingktwin.kAskIkfinishkIkglancekatkhim,kandkhiskamusedkexpressionkiskgone ,kreplacedkbyksomethingkhotterk.k.k.kmuchkhotter.kIkreachkupkandkpushkhiskshirtk offkhiskshoulders,klettingkitkfallktokthekfloor. k Ready?kIkwhisper. k Forkwhateverkyoukwant,kAna. k Mykeyeskstraykfromkhiskeyesktokhisklips.kPartedksokthatkhekcankinhalekmo rekdeeply.kSculptured,kchiseled,kwhatever,kitkiskakbeautifulkmouthkandkhek nowsk exactlykwhatktokdokwithkit.kIkfindkmyselfkleaningkupktok isskhim. k No,kheksayskandkplaceskbothkofkhiskhandskonkmykshoulders.kDont.kIfkyoukdokth at,kIllkneverkgetkmykhairkcut. k Oh!Ikwantkthis,khekcontinues.kAndkhiskeyeskarekroundkandkrawkforksomekinex plicablekreason.kItskdisarming. k Why?kIkwhisper. k Hekstareskatkmekforkakbeat,kandkhiskeyeskgrowkwider.kBecausekitllkma ekmek feelkcherished. k Mykheartkpracticallyklurchesktokakhalt.kOh,kChristiank.k.k.kmykFifty.kAn dkbeforekIk nowkitkIvekcircledkhimkinkmykarms,kandkIk isskhiskchestkbeforeknuzzli ngkmykchee kintokhisktic lykchestkhair. k Ana.kMykAna,khekwhispers.kHekwrapskhiskarmskaroundkmekandkwekstandkimmobil e,kholdingkeachkotherkinkourkbathroom.kOh,khowkIklovektokbekinkhiskarms.kEvenkif khekiskankoverbearing,kmegalomaniackarse,kheskmykoverbearingkmegalomaniackarsekin kneedkofkaklifetimekdosekofkTLC.kIkleankbac kwithoutkreleasingkhim. k Youkreallykwantkmektokdokthis? k Heknodskandkgiveskmekhiskshyksmile.kIkgrinkbac katkhimkandkstepkoutkofkh iskembrace. k Thenksit,kIkrepeat. k Hekdutifullykdoes,ksittingkwithkhiskbac ktoktheksin .kIkta ekoffkmykshoe skandk ic kthemkoverktokwherekhiskshirtklieskcrumpledkonkthekbathroomkfloor.kFro mkthekshowerkIkretrievekhiskChanelkshampoo.kWekboughtkitkinkFrance. k Wouldksirkli ekthis?kIkholdkitkupkinkbothkhandskli ekImksellingkitkonkQVC.kH and-deliveredkfromkthekSouthkofkFrance.kIkli ektheksmellkofkthisk.k.k.kitksmells kofkyou,kIkaddkinkakwhisper,kslippingkoutkofkmyktelevisionkpresenterkmode. k Please.kHekgrins. k Ikgrabkaksmallktowelkoffkthektowelkwarmer.kMrs.kJonesksurek nowskhowktok eepkthektowelsksuper-soft. k Leankforward,kIkorderkandkChristiankcomplies.kDrapingkthektowelkaroundkhis kshoulders,kIkthenkturnkonkthektapskandkfillktheksin kwithkakmixkofkwarmkwater. k Leankbac .kOh,kIkli ekbeingkinkcharge.kChristiankleanskbac ,kbutkhesktookta ll.kHekshiftskthekseatkforwardkthenktiltskbac kthekentirekchairkuntilkthektopkre stskagainstktheksin .kPerfectkdistance.kHektipskbac khiskhead.kBoldkeyeskgazekup katkme,kandkIksmile.kTa ingkonekofkthekdrin ingkglasseskwek eepkonkthekvanity,kI kdipkitkintokthekwaterkandktipkitkoverkChristianskhead,ksoa ingkhiskhair.kIkrepea tkthekprocess,kleaningkoverkhim. k Youksmellksokgood,kMrs.kGrey,khekmurmurskandkcloseskhiskeyes. k AskIkmethodicallykwetkhiskhair,kIkfreelykgazekatkhim.kHolykcow.kWillkIke verktirekofkthis?kLongkdar klasheskfankacrosskhiskchee s;khisklipskpartkaklittle ,kcreatingkaksmall,kdar kdiamondkshape,kandkhekinhalesksoftly.kHmmk.k.k.khowkIkl ongktokpo ekmyktongue k Iksplashkwaterkintokhiskeyes.kShit!kSorry! k Hekgrabskthekcornerkofkthektowelkandklaughskaskhekwipeskthekwaterkoutkof khiskeyes. k Hey,kIk nowkImkankarse,kbutkdontkdrownkme. k Ikleankdownkandk isskhiskforehead,kgiggling.kDontktemptkme. k Hekcurlskhiskhandkbehindkmykheadkandkshiftsksokthatkhekcaptureskmyklipsk withkhis.kHek isseskmekbriefly,kma ingkaklowkcontentedksoundkinkhiskthroat.kThek noisekconnectsktokthekmuscleskdeepkinkmykbelly.kItskakverykseductiveksound.kHekre leaseskmekandklieskbac kobediently,kgazingkupkatkmekwithkexpectation.kForkakmome ntkhekloo skvulnerable,kli ekakchild.kItktugskatkmykheart. k Iksquirtksomekshampookintokmykpalmkandkmassagekitkintokhiskscalp,kbeginn ingkatkhisktempleskandkwor ingkoverkthektopkofkhiskheadkandkdownktheksides,kcirc

lingkmykfingerskrhythmically.kHekcloseskhiskeyeskagainkandkma eskthatklowkhummin gksoundkagain. k Thatkfeelskgood,kheksayskafterkakmomentkandkrelaxeskbeneathkthekfirmktouch kofkmykfingers. k Yeskitkdoes.kIk isskhiskforeheadkoncekmore. k Ikli ekitkwhenkyoukscratchkmykscalpkwithkyourkfingernails.kHiskeyeskarekst illkclosed,kbutkhiskexpressionkonekofkblissfulkcontentmentnoktracekofkhiskvulnera bilitykremains.kJeez,khowkmuchkhiskmoodkhaskchanged,kandkIkta ekcomfortk nowingk itskmekthatskdonekthis. k Headkup,kIkcommandkandkhekobeys.kHmmakgirlkcouldkgetkusedktokthis.kIkrubkth eksudskintokthekbac kofkhiskhair,kscrapingkmyknailskintokhiskscalp. k Bac . k Hekleanskbac ,kandkIkrinsekoffktheklather,kusingkthekglass.kThisktimekIk manageknotktoksplashkhim. k Oncekmore?kIkas . k Please.kHiskeyeskflutterkopenkandkhiskserenekgazekfindskmine.kIkgrinkdownk atkhim. k Comingkrightkup,kMr.kGrey. k Ikturnktoktheksin kthatkChristianknormallykuseskandkfillkitkwithkwarmkwa ter. k Forkrinsing,kIksaykwhenkhiskloo kturnskquizzical. k Ikrepeatkthekprocesskwithkthekshampoo,klisteningktokhiskevenkdeepkbreath s.kOncekheskallklatheredkup,kIkta ekanotherkmomentktokappreciatekthekfinekfacekof kmykhusband.kIkcannotkresistkhim.kTenderly,kIkcaresskhiskchee ,kandkhekopenskhis keyes,kwatchingkmekalmostksleepilykthroughkhisklongklashes.kLeaningkforwardkIkpl antkaksoft,kchastek isskonkhisklips.kHeksmiles,kcloseskhiskeyes,kandkbreatheskou tkaksighkofkutterkcontentment. k Jeez.kWhokwouldkhavekthoughtkafterkourkargumentkthiskafternoonkhekcouldk bekthiskrelaxed?kWithoutksex?kIkleankrightkoverkhim. k Hmm,khekmurmurskappreciativelykaskmykbreastskbrushkhiskface.kResistingkthe kurgektokshimmy,kIkpullkthekplugksoktheksudsykwaterkdrainskaway.kHiskhandskmovek tokmykhipskandkaroundktokmykbehind. k Nokfondlingkthekhelp,kIkmurmur,kfeigningkdisapproval. k DontkforgetkImkdeaf,kheksays,k eepingkhiskeyeskclosed,kaskhekrunskhiskhandsk downkpastkmykbehindkandkstartsktokhitchkupkmyks irt.kIkswatkhiskarm.kImkenjoyingk playingkhairdresser.kHekgrins,kbigkandkboyish,kli ekIvekcaughtkhimkdoingksomethin gkillicitkthatkhesksecretlykproudkof. k Ikreachkforkthekglasskagain,kbutkthisktimekusekthekwaterkfromkthekneighb oringksin ktokcarefullykrinsekallkthekshampookfromkhiskhair.kIkcontinuektokleank overkhim,kandkhek eepskhiskhandskonkmykbac side,kthrummingkhiskfingerskbac kandk forward,kupkandkdownk.k.k.kbac kandkforthk.k.k.khmm.kIkwiggle.kHekgrowlsklowkink hiskthroat. k There.kAllkrinsed. k Good,khekdeclares.kHiskfingersktightenkonkmykbehind,kandkallkatkoncekheksi tskup,khisksoa edkhairkdrippingkallkoverkhim.kHekpullskmekdownkontokhisklap,khis khandskmovingkfromkmykbehindkupktoktheknapekofkmyknec ,kthenktokmykchin,kholding kmekinkplace.kIkgaspkwithksurprisekandkhisklipskarekonkmine,khisktonguekhotkandk hardkinkmykmouth.kMykfingerskcurlkaroundkhiskwetkhair,kandkdropskofkwaterkrunkdo wnkmykarms;kandkaskhekdeepenskthek iss,khiskhairkbatheskmykface.kHiskhandkmovesk fromkmykchinkdownktokthektopkbuttonkofkmykblouse. k Enoughkofkthiskprimping.kIkwantktokfuc kyouksevenkshadeskofkSunday,kandkw ekcankdokitkinkherekorkinkthekbedroom.kYoukdecide. k Christianskeyeskblaze,khotkandkfullkofkpromise,khiskhairkdrippingkwaterko ntokuskboth.kMykmouthkgoeskdry. k Whatskitktokbe,kAnastasia?khekas skaskhekholdskinkhisklap. k Yourekwet,kIkrespond. k Hekbendskhiskheadksuddenly,krunningkhiskdrippingkhairkallkdownkthekfront kofkmykblouse.kIksquealkandktryktokwrigglekoffkhim.kHektightenskhiskgripkaroundk me. k Oh,knokyoukdont,kbaby,khekmurmurs.kWhenkhekraiseskhiskheadkheskgrinningksala

ciouslykatkme,kandkIkamkMisskWetkBlousek2011.kMyktopkisksoa edkandktotallyksee-t hrough.kImkwetk.k.k.keverywhere. k Lovekthekview,khekmurmurskandkleanskdownktokrunkhisknosekaroundkandkaround konekwetknipple.kIksquirm. k Answerkme,kAna.kHerekorkthekbedroom? k Here,kIkwhisperkfrantically.kTokhellkwithkthekhaircutIllkdokitklater.kHeksmi leskslowly,khisklipskcurlingkintokaksensuousksmilekfullkofklicentiouskpromise. k Goodkchoice,kMrs.kGrey,khekmurmurskagainstkmyklips.kHekreleaseskmykchinkan dkhiskhandkmovesktokmyk nee.kItkglidesksmoothlykupkmykleg,kliftingkmyks irtkandk s atingkoverkmyks in,kma ingkmektingle.kHisklipsktrailksoftk isseskfromkthekbase kofkmykearkalongkmykjaw. k Oh,kwhatkshallkIkdoktokyou?khekwhispers.kHiskfingerskhaltkatkmykstoc ingkt ops.kIkli ekthese,kheksays.kHekrunskakfingerkunderneathkthektopkandks imskitkaroun dktokmykinnerkthigh.kIkgaspkandksquirmkoncekmorekinkhisklap. k Hekgroans,klowkinkhiskthroat.kIfkImkgoingktokfuc kyouksevenkshadeskofkSund ay,kIkwantkyouktok eepkstill. k Ma ekme,kIkchallenge,kmykvoiceksoftkandkbreathy. k Christiankinhalesksharply.kHeknarrowskhiskeyeskandkregardskmekwithkakhot ,khoodedkexpression. k Oh,kMrs.kGrey.kYoukhavekonlyktokas .kHiskhandkmoveskfromkmykstoc ingktopsk upktokmykpanties.kLetskdivestkyoukofkthese.kHektugskgentlykandkIkshiftktokhelpkhim. kHiskbreathkhisseskthroughkhiskteethkaskIkdo. k Keepkstill,khekgrumbles. k Imkhelping,kIkpout,kandkhekseizeskmyklowerklipkgentlykbetweenkhiskteeth. k Still,khekgrowls.kHekslideskmykpantieskdownkmyklegskandkoff.kTuggingkmyks irtkupksokthatkitskbunchedkaroundkmykhips,khekmoveskbothkhandsktokmykwaistkandkli ftskme.kHekstillkhaskmykpantieskinkhiskhand. k Sit.kAstridekme,khekorderskstaringkintentlykintokmykeyes.kIkshift,kstraddl ingkhim,kandkregardkhimkprovocatively.kBringkitkon,kFifty! k Mrs.kGrey,khekwarnskArekyoukgoadingkme?kHekgazeskatkme,kamusedkbutkaroused.k Itskakseductivekcombination. k Yes.kWhatkarekyoukgoingktokdokaboutkit? k Hiskeyesklightkupkwithksalaciouskdelightkatkmykchallenge,kandkIkfeelkhis karousalkbeneathkme.kClaspkyourkhandsktogetherkbehindkyourkbac . k Oh!kIkcomplykobedientlykand,khekdeftlykbindskmykwristsktogetherkwithkmyk panties. k Mykpanties?kMr.kGrey,kyoukhaveknokshame,kIkadmonish. k Notkwherekyourekconcerned,kMrs.kGrey,kbutkyouk nowkthat.kHiskloo kiskintens ekandkhot.kPuttingkhiskhandskaroundkmykwaist,khekshiftskmeksokIkamksittingkaklit tlekfurtherkbac konkhisklap.kWaterkstillkdripskdownkhisknec kandkoverkhiskchest. kIkwantktokbendkforwardkandklic kthekdripskoff,kbutkitsktric ierknowkthatkIkamkre strained. k Christiankcaresseskbothkofkmykthighskandks imskhiskhandskdownktokmyk nee s.kGentlykhekpusheskthemkfurtherkapartkandkwidenskhiskownklegs,kholdingkmekinkth atkposition.kHiskfingerskmovektokthekbuttonskofkmykblouse. k Ikdontkthin kwekneedkthis,kheksays.kHekstartskmethodicallykundoingkeachkbut tonkonkmykclingingkwetkblouse,khiskeyeskneverkleavingkmine.kTheykgetkdar erkandk dar erkaskhekfinisheskthektas ,kta ingkhiskownksweetktimekaboutkit.kMykpulsekqui c enskandkmykbreathingkshallows.kIkcantkbelievekitheskhardlyktouchedkme,kandkIkfeel kli ekthishot,kbotheredk.k.k.kready.kIkwantktoksquirm.kHekleaveskmykdampkblousekh angingkopenkandkusingkbothkhands,khekcaresseskmykfacekwithkhiskfingers,khiskthum bks immingkacrosskmykbottomklip.kSuddenly,khekthrustskhiskthumbkintokmykmouth. k Suc ,khekorderskinkakwhisper,kstressingkthekS.kIkclosekmykmouthkaroundkhim kandkdokexactlykthat.kOhk.k.k.kIkli ekthiskgame.kHektasteskgood.kWhatkelsekwould kIkli ektoksuc ?kThekmuscleskinkmykbellykclenchkatkthekthought.kHisklipskpartkwh enkIkscrapekmykteethkandkbitektheksoftkpadkofkhiskthumb. k Hekgroanskandkslowlykextractskhiskwetkthumbkfromkmykmouthkandktrailskitk downkmykchin,kdownkmykthroat,koverkmyksternum.kHekhoo skitkintokthekcupkofkmykbr akandkyan skthekcupkdown,kfreeingkmykbreast. k Christianskgazekneverkleaveskmine.kHeskwatchingkeachkreactionkthatkhisktou

chkelicitskfromkme,kandkImkwatchingkhim.kItskhot.kConsuming.kPossessive.kIklovekit .kHekmirrorskhiskactionskwithkhiskotherkhandksokbothkmykbreastskarekfreekand,kcu ppingkthemkgently,kheks imskeachkthumbkoverkaknipple,kcirclingkslowly,kteasingka ndktauntingkeachkoneksokthatktheykhardenkandkdistendkbeneathkhisks illfulktouch. kIktry,kIkreallyktryknotktokmove,kbutkmyknippleskarekhotwiredktokmykgroin,ksokIk moankandkthrowkmykheadkbac ,kclosingkmykeyeskandksurrenderingktoktheksweet,kswee tktorture. k Shh.kChristiansksoothingkvoicekiskatkoddskwithkthekteasing,keven-tempokrhyt hmkofkhiskwic edkfingers.kStill,kbaby,kstill.kReleasingkonekbreast,khekreacheskupk behindkmekandksplayskhiskhandkaroundktheknapekofkmyknec .kLeaningkforward,khekta eskmyknowkbereftknipplekintokhiskmouthkandksuc skhard,khiskwetkhairktic lingkme .kAtktheksamektime,khiskthumbkstopsks immingkacrosskmykotherkelongatedknipple.kI nstead,khekta eskitkbetweenkhiskthumbkandkforefingerkandktugskandktwistskitkgent ly. k Ah!kChristian!kIkgroankandkbuc kforwardkonkhisklap.kButkhekdoesntkstop.kHek continueskthekslow,kleisurely,kagonizingktease.kAndkmykbodykiskburningkaskthekpl easurekta eskakdar erkturn. k Christian,kplease,kIkwhimper. k Hmm,khekhumsklowkinkhiskchest.kIkwantkyouktokcomekli ekthis.kMyknipplekgetsk akbriefkrespitekaskhiskwordskcaresskmyks in,kandkitskli ekheskcallingktokakdeep,kd ar kpartkofkmykpsychekthatkonlykhek nows.kWhenkhekresumeskwithkhiskteethkthiskti me,kthekpleasurekiskalmostkintolerable.kMoaningkloudly,kIkwrithekonkhisklap,ktry ingktokfindksomekpreciouskfrictionkagainstkhiskpants.kIkpullkuselesslykagainstkm ykrestrainingkpanties,kitchingktoktouchkhim,kbutkImklostlostkinkthisktreacherousks ensation. k Please,kIkwhisper,kpleading,kandkpleasurekflieskthroughkmykbody,kfromkmykn ec ,krightkdownktokmyklegs,ktokmyktoes,ktighteningkallkinkitskwa e. k Youkhaveksuchkbeautifulkbreasts,kAna.kHekgroans.kOnekdaykIllkfuc kthem. k Whatkthekhellkdoeskthatkmean?kOpeningkmykeyes,kIkgapekdownkatkhimkaskhek suc leskme,kmyks inksingingkunderkhisktouch.kIknoklongerkfeelkmyksoddenkblouse,k hiskwetkhairk.k.k.knothingkexceptkthekburn.kAndkitkburnskdeliciouslykhotkandklow ,kdeepkinsidekme,kandkallkthoughtkevaporateskaskmykbodyktightenskandkclenchesk.k .k.kready,kreachingk.k.k.kpiningkforkrelease.kAndkhekdoesntkstopteasing,kpulling,k drivingkmekwild.kIkwantk.k.k.kIkwantk.k.k. k Letkgo,khekbreathesandkIkdo,kloudly,kmykorgasmkconvulsingkthroughkmykbody,k andkhekstopskhisksweetktorturekandkwrapskhiskarmskaroundkme,kclutchingkmektokhim kaskmykbodykspiralskdownkfromkmykclimax.kWhenkIkopenkmykeyes,khekiskgazingkdownk atkmekwherekIkrestkagainstkhiskchest. k God,kIklovektokwatchkyoukcome,kAna.kHiskvoicekiskfullkofkwonder. k Thatkwask.k.k.kWordskfailkme. k Ik now.kHekleanskforwardkandk isseskme,khiskhandkstillkatktheknapekofkmykn ec ,kholdingkmekjustkso,kanglingkmykheadksokhekcank isskmekdeeplywithklove,kwithk reverence. k Ikamklostkinkhisk iss. k Hekpullskawayktokdrawkbreath,khiskeyeskthekcolorkofkaktropicalkstorm. k NowkImkgoingktokfuc kyou,khard,khekmurmurs. k Holykcow.kGrabbingkmekaroundkthekwaist,khekliftskmekfromkhiskthighskdown ktokthekedgekofkhisk neeskandkreacheskwithkhiskrightkhandkforkthekbuttonkonkthek waistbandkofkhisknavykpants.kHekrunskthekfingerskofkhiskleftkhandkupkandkdownkmy kthigh,kstoppingkatkmykstoc ingktopskeachktime.kHeskwatchingkmekintently.kWerekfac ektokfacekandkImkhelpless,ktrussedkupkinkmykbrakandkbykmykpanties,kandkthiskhaskt okbekonekofkthekmostkintimatektimeskwevekhadmeksittingkonkhisklap,kstaringkintokhi skbeautifulkgraykeyes.kItkma eskmekfeelkwanton,kbutkalsoksokconnectedktokhimIkamk notkembarrassedkorkshy.kThiskiskChristian,kmykhusband,kmyklover,kmykoverbearingk megalomaniac,kmykFiftytheklovekofkmyklife.kHekreacheskforkhiskzipper,kandkmykmout hkgoeskdrykaskhiskerectionkspringskfree. k Heksmir s.kYoukli e?khekwhispers. k Hmm,kIkmurmurkappreciatively.kHekwrapskhiskhandkaroundkhimselfkandkmoveski tkupkandkdownk.k.k.kOhkmy.kIkgazekupkatkhimkthroughkmyklashes.kFuc ,khesksoksexy. k Yourekbitingkyourklip,kMrs.kGrey.

k ThatskbecausekImkhungry. k Hungry?kHiskmouthkopenskinksurprise,kandkhiskeyeskwidenkakfraction. k Hmmk.k.k.kIkagreekandklic kmyklips. k Hekgiveskmekhiskenigmaticksmilekandkbiteskhisklowerklipkaskhekcontinuesk tokstro ekhimself.kWhykisktheksightkofkmykhusbandkpleasuringkhimselfksuchkakturn -on? k Iksee.kYoukshouldkhavekeatenkyourkdinner.kHisktonekiskmoc ingkandkcensorio uskatkonce.kButkmaybekIkcankoblige.kHekputskhiskhandskonkmykwaist.kStand,kheksayskso ftly,kandkIk nowkwhatkheskgoingktokdo.kIkgetktokmykfeet,kmyklegsknoklongerksha in g. k Kneel. k IkdokaskImktoldkandk neelkdownkonkthekcoolktiledkfloorkofkthekbathroom.kH ekslideskforwardkonkthekseatkofkthekchair. k Kisskme,khekutterskholdingkhiskerection.kIkglancekupkatkhim,kandkhekrunskh isktonguekoverkhisktopkteeth.kItskarousing,kverykarousing,ktokseekhiskdesire,khis kna edkdesirekforkmekandkmykmouth.kLeaningkforward,kmykeyeskonkhis,kIk isskthekt ipkofkhiskerection.kIkwatchkhimkinhaleksharplykandkclenchkhiskteeth.kChristiankc upsktheksidekofkmykhead,kandkIkrunkmyktonguekoverkthektip,ktastingktheksmallkbea dkofkdewkonkthekend.kHmmk.k.k.khektasteskgood.kHiskmouthkdropskopenkfurtherkaskh ekgaspskandkIkpounce,kpullingkhimkintokmykmouthkandksuc ingkhard. k AhkThekairkhisseskthroughkhiskteeth,kandkhekflexeskhiskhipskforward,kthrust ingkintokmykmouth.kButkIkdontkstop.kSheathingkmykteethkbehindkmyklips,kIkpushkdow nkandkthenkpullkupkonkhim.kHekmoveskbothkhandsksokthatkhekfullykcupskmykhead,kbu ryingkhiskfingerskinkmykhairkandkslowlykeaseskhimselfkinkandkoutkofkmykmouth,khi skbreathingkquic ening,kgrowingkharsher.kIktwirlkmyktonguekaroundkhisktipkandkpu shkdownkagainkinkperfectkcounterpointktokhim. k Jesus,kAna.kHeksighskandkscrewskhiskeyesktightly.kHesklostkandkitskheady,khi skresponsektokme.kMe.kMykinnerkgoddesskcouldklightkupkEscala,kshesksokthrilled.kA ndkverykslowlykIkdrawkmyklipskbac ,ksokitskjustkmykteeth. k Ah!kChristiankstopskmoving.kLeaningkforwardkhekgrabskmekandkpullskmekupkon tokhisklap. k Enough!khekgrowls.kReachingkbehindkme,khekfreeskmykhandskwithkonektugkonkm ykpanties.kIkflexkmykwristskandkstarekfromkunderkmyklasheskintokscorchingkeyeskt hatkgazekbac katkmekwithklovekandklongingkandklust.kAndkIkrealizekitskmekthatkwan tsktokfuc khimksevenkshadeskofkSunday.kIkwantkhimkbadly.kIkwantktokwatchkhimkcom ekapartkbeneathkme.kIkgrabkhiskerectionkandkscootkoverkhim.kPlacingkmykotherkhan dkonkhiskshoulder,kverykgentlykandkslowly,kIkeasekmyselfkontokhim.kHekma eskakgu ttural,kferalknoisekdeepkinkhiskthroatkand,kreachingkup,kpullskoffkmykblouseklet tingkitkfallktokthekfloor.kHiskhandskmovektokmykhips. k Still,khekrasps,khiskhandskdiggingkintokmykflesh.kPlease,kletkmeksavorkthis .kSavorkyou. k Ikstop.kOhkmyk.k.k.khekfeelsksokgoodkinsidekme.kHekcaresseskmykface,khis keyeskwidekandkwild,khisklipskpartedkaskhekbreathes.kHekflexeskbeneathkmekandkIk moan,kclosingkmykeyes. k Thiskiskmykfavoritekplace,khekwhispers.kInsidekyou.kInsidekmykwife. k Ohkfuc .kChristian.kIkcannotkholdkbac .kMykfingerskglidekintokhiskwetkha ir,kmyklipsksee khis,kandkIkstartktokmove.kUpkandkdownkonkmyktoes,ksavoringkhim, ksavoringkme.kHekgroanskloudly,kandkhiskhandskarekinkmykhairkandkaroundkmykbac , kandkhisktonguekinvadeskmykmouthkgreedily,kta ingkallkthatkIkwillinglykgive.kAft erkallkourkarguingktoday,kmykfrustrationkwithkhim,khiskwithkmewekstillkhavekthis. kWekwillkalwayskhavekthis.kIklovekhimksokmuch,kitskalmostkoverwhelming.kHiskhands kmovektokmykbac sidekandkhekcontrolskme,kmovingkmekupkandkdown,kagainkandkagain, katkhiskpacehiskhot,kslic ktempo. k Ah,kIkgroankhelplesslykintokhiskmouthkaskImkcarriedkaway. k Yes.kYes,kAna,khekhisses,kandkIkraink isseskonkhiskface,khiskchin,khiskjaw ,khisknec .kBaby,khekbreathes,kcapturingkmykmouthkoncekmore. k Oh,kChristian,kIklovekyou.kIkwillkalwaysklovekyou.kImkbreathless,kwantingkh imktok now,kwantingkhimktokbeksurekofkmekafterkourkbattlekofkwillsktoday. k Hekmoanskloudlykandkwrapskhiskarmskaroundkmektightlykaskhekclimaxeskwith kakmournfulksob,kandkitskenoughenoughktokpushkmekoverkthekbrin koncekmore.kIkclutc

hkmykarmskaroundkhiskheadkandkletkgo,kandkIkcomekaroundkhim,ktearskspringingktok mykeyeskbecausekIklovekhimkso. k Hey,khekwhispers,ktippingkmykchinkbac kandkgazingkatkmekwithkquietkconcern .kWhykarekyoukcrying?kDidkIkhurtkyou? k No,kIkmutterkreassuringly.kHeksmootheskmykhairkoffkmykface,kwipeskawaykakl onektearkwithkthiskthumbkandktenderlyk isseskmyklips.kHekiskstillkinsidekme.kHek shifts,kandkIkwincekaskhekpullskoutkofkme. k Whatskwrong,kAna?kTellkme. k Iksniff.kItskjustk.k.k.kitskjustksometimeskImkoverwhelmedkbykhowkmuchkIklove kyou,kIkwhisper. k Afterkakbeat,kheksmileskhiskspecialkshyksmilereservedkforkme,kIkthin .kYou khavektheksamekeffectkonkme,khekwhispers,kandk isseskmekoncekmore.kIksmile,kandki nsidekmykjoykunfurlskandkstretchesklazily. k DokI? k Heksmir s.kYouk nowkyoukdo. k SometimeskIk now.kNotkallkthektime. k Bac katkyou,kMrs.kGrey,khekwhispers. k Ikgrinkandkgentlykplacekfeather-lightk isseskoverkhiskchest.kIknuzzlekhi skchestkhair.kChristiankcaresseskmykhairkandkrunskakhandkdownkmykbac .kHekunclas pskmykbrakandkpullskthekstrapkdownkonekarm.kIkshift,kandkhektugskthekstrapkdownk thekotherkarmkandkdropskmykbrakonkthekfloor. k Hmm.kS inkonks in,khekmurmurskappreciativelykandkfoldskmekinkhiskarmskagai n.kHek isseskmykshoulderkandkrunskhisknosekupktokmykear.kYouksmellkli ekheaven,kM rs.kGrey. k Sokdokyou,kMr.kGrey.kIknuzzlekhimkagainkandkinhalekhiskChristianksmell,kwh ichkisknowkmixedkwithkthekheadykscentkofksex.kIkcouldkstaykwrappedkinkhiskarmskl i ekthis,ksatedkandkhappy,kforever.kItskjustkwhatkIkneedkafterkakfullkdaykofkbac -to-wor ,karguing,kandkbitchkslapping.kThiskiskwherekIkwantktokbe,kandkinkspitek ofkhiskcontrolkfrea ery,khiskmegalomania,kthiskiskwherekIkbelong.kChristiankburi eskhisknosekinkmykhairkandkinhaleskdeeply.kIkletkoutkakcontentedksigh,kandkIkfee lkhisksmile.kAndkweksit,karmskclaspedkaroundkeachkother,ksayingknothing. k Eventuallykrealitykintrudes. k Itsklate,kChristianksays,khiskfingerskmethodicallykstro ingkmykbac . k Yourkhairkstillkneedskcutting. k Hekchuc les.kThatkitkdoes,kMrs.kGrey.kDokyoukhavekthekenergyktokfinishkth ekjobkyoukstarted? k Forkyou,kMr.kGrey,kanything.kIk isskhiskchestkoncekmorekandkreluctantlykst and. k Dontkgo.kGrabbingkmykhips,khekturnskmekaround.kHekstraightenskthenkundoeskm yks irt,klettingkitkdropktokthekfloor.kHekholdskhiskhandkoutktokme.kIkta ekitkan dkstepkoutkofkmyks irt.kNowkIkamkdressedksolelykinkstoc ingskandkgarterkbelt. k Youkarekakmightykfineksight,kMrs.kGrey.kHeksitskbac kinkthekchairkandkcros seskhiskarms,kgivingkmekakfullkandkfran kappraisal. k Ikholdkoutkmykhandskandktwirlkforkhim. k God,kImkakluc yksonkofkakbitch,kheksayskadmiringly. k Yes,kyoukare. k Hekgrins.kPutkmykshirtkonkandkyoukcankcutkmykhair.kLi ekthis,kyoullkdistra ctkme,kandkwellkneverkgetktokbed. k Ikcantkhelpkmykansweringksmile.kKnowingkthatkheskwatchingkmykeverykmove,kI ksashaykoverktokwherekwekleftkmykshoeskandkhiskshirt.kBendingkslowly,kIkreachkdo wn,kpic kupkhiskshirt,ksmellkithmmthenkshrugkitkon. k Christianskeyeskarekround.kHeskredonekhiskflykandkiskwatchingkmekintently. k Thatskquitekakfloorkshow,kMrs.kGrey. k Dokwekhavekanykscissors?kIkas kinnocently,kbattingkmykeyelashes. k Mykstudy,khekcroa s. k Illkgoksearch.kLeavingkhim,kIkwal kintokourkbedroomkandkgrabkmykcombkfromkt hekdressingktablekbeforekheadingktokhiskstudy.kAskIkenterkthekmainkcorridor,kIkn oticekthekdoorktokTaylorskofficekiskopen.kMrs.kJoneskiskstandingkjustkbeyondkthek door.kIkstop,krootedktokthekspot. k Taylorkiskrunningkhiskfingerskdownkherkfacekandksmilingksweetlykatkher.k

Thenkhekleanskdownkandk isseskher. k Holykshit!kTaylorkandkMrs.kJones?kIkgapekinkastonishmentIkmean,kIkthought k.k.k.kwell,kIk indkofksuspected.kButkobviouslyktheykarektogether!kIkflush,kfeel ingkli ekakvoyeur,kandkmanagektokgetkmykfeetktokmove.kIkscamperkacrosskthekgreat kroomkandkintokChristianskstudy.kSwitchingkonktheklight,kIkwal ktokhiskdes .kTayl orkandkMrs.kJonesk.k.k.kWow!kImkreeling.kIkalwayskthoughtkMrs.kJoneskwaskolderkth ankTaylor.kOh,kIkhavektokgetkmykheadkaroundkthis.kIkopenkthektopkdrawerkandkamki mmediatelykdistractedkwhenkIkfindkakgun.kChristiankhaskakgun! k Akrevolver.kHolykfuc !kIkhadknokideakChristiankownedkakgun.kIkta ekitkou t,kslipkthekreleasekandkchec kthekcylinder.kItskfullykloaded,kbutklightk.k.k.ktoo klight.kItkmustkbekcarbonkfiber.kWhatkdoeskChristiankwantkwithkakgun?kJeez,kIkho pekhek nowskhowktokusekit.kRayskperpetualkwarningskaboutkhandgunskrunkquic lykthr oughkmykmind.kHiskarmyktrainingkwaskneverklost.kThesekwillk illkyou,kAna.kYoukne edktok nowkwhatkyourekdoingkwhenkyourekhandlingkakfirearm.kIkputkthekgunkbac kandk findkthekscissors.kRetrievingkthemkquic ly,kIkboltkbac ktokChristian,kmykheadkbu zzing.kTaylorkandkMrs.kJonesk.k.k.kthekrevolverk.k.k. k Atkthekentrancektokthekgreatkroom,kIkrunkintokTaylor. k Mrs.kGrey,kexcusekme.kHiskfacekreddenskaskhekquic lykta eskinkmykattire. k Um,kTaylor,khik.k.k.kum.kImkcuttingkChristianskhair!kIkblurtkout,kembarrasse d.kTaylorkiskaskmortifiedkaskIkam.kHekopenskhiskmouthktoksayksomethingkthenkclos eskitkquic lykandkstandskaside. k Afterkyou,kmaam,kheksayskformally.kIkthin kImkthekcolorkofkmykoldkAudi,kthek submissivekspecial.kJeez.kCouldkthiskbekmorekembarrassing? k Than kyou,kIkmutterkandkdashkdownkthekhallway.kCrap!kWillkIkeverkgetkusedk tokthekfactkthatkwereknotkalone?kIkdashkintokthekbathroom,kbreathless. k Whatskwrong?kChristiankiskstandingkinkfrontkofkthekmirror,kholdingkmykshoes .kAllkofkmykscatteredkclotheskareknowkneatlykpiledkbesidektheksin . k IkjustkrankintokTaylor. k Oh.kChristiankfrowns.kDressedkli ekthat. k Ohkshit!kThatsknotkTaylorskfault. k Christianskfrownkdeepens.kNo.kButkstill. k Imkdressed. k Barely. k Ikdontk nowkwhokwaskmorekembarrassed,kmekorkhim.kIktrykmykdistractionktechn ique.kDidkyouk nowkhekandkGailkarek.k.k.kwell,ktogether? k Christianklaughs.kYes,kofkcoursekIk new. k Andkyoukneverktoldkme? k Ikthoughtkyouk new,ktoo. k No. k Ana,ktheyrekadults.kTheyklivekunderktheksamekroof.kBothkunattached.kBothka ttractive. k Ikflush,kfeelingkfoolishkforknotkhavingknoticed. k Well,kifkyoukputkitkli ekthatk.k.k.kIkjustkthoughtkGailkwaskolderkthankTa ylor. k Shekis,kbutknotkbykmuch.kHekgazeskatkme,kperplexed.kSomekmenkli ekolderkwom enkHekstopskabruptlykandkhiskeyeskwiden. k Ikscowlkatkhim.kIk nowkthat,kIksnap. k Christiankloo skcontrite.kHeksmileskfondlykatkme.kYes!kMykdistractionkte chniqueksuccessful!kMyksubconsciouskrollskherkeyeskatkmebutkatkwhatkcost?kNowkthe kunmentionablekMrs.kRobinsonkiskloomingkoverkus. k Thatkremindskme,kheksays,kbrightly. k What?kIkmutterkpetulantly.kGrabbingkthekchair,kIkturnkitktokfacekthekmirro rkabovektheksin s.kSit,kIkorder.kChristiankregardskmekwithkindulgentkamusement,kbu tkdoeskaskhesktoldkandksitskbac kdownkinkthekchair.kIkstartktokcombkthroughkhiskn owkmerelykdampkhair. k Ikwaskthin ingkwekcouldkconvertkthekroomskoverkthekgarageskforkthemkatkth eknewkplace,kChristiankcontinues.kMa ekitkakhome.kThenkmaybekTaylorskdaughterkcould kstaykwithkhimkmorekoften.kHekwatcheskmekcarefullykinkthekmirror. k Whykdoesntkshekstaykhere? k Taylorskneverkas edkme.

k Perhapskyoukshouldkoffer.kButkwedkhavektokbehavekourselves. k Christianskbrowkfurrows.kIkhadntkthoughtkofkthat. k PerhapskthatskwhykTaylorkhasntkas ed.kHavekyoukmetkher? k Yes.kSheskaksweetkthing.kShy.kVerykpretty.kIkpaykforkherkschooling. k Oh!kIkstopkcombingkandkstarekatkhimkinkthekmirror. k Ikhadknokidea. k Hekshrugs.kSeemedkthekleastkIkcouldkdo.kAlso,kitkmeanskhekwontkquit. k Imksurekhekli eskwor ingkforkyou. k Christiankstareskatkmekblan lykthenkshrugs.kIkdontk now. k Ikthin kheskverykfondkofkyou,kChristian.kIkresumekcombingkandkglancekatkhim .kHiskeyeskdontkleavekmine. k Youkthin ? k Yes.kIkdo. k Heksnortskakdismissivekyetkcontentksoundkaskifkhesksecretlykpleasedkthatk hiskstaffkmaykli ekhim. k Good.kWillkyouktal ktokGiakaboutkthekroomskoverkthekgarage? k Yes,kofkcourse.kIkdontkfeelktheksamekirritationkIkdidkbeforekatkthekmention kofkherkname.kMyksubconsciousknodsksagelykatkme.kYesk.k.k.kwekdonekgoodktoday.kM ykinnerkgoddesskgloats.kNowkshellkleavekmykhusbandkalonekandknotkma ekhimkuncomfo rtable. k IkamkreadyktokcutkChristianskhair.kYouksurekaboutkthis?kYourklastkchancekt okbail. k Dokyourkworst,kMrs.kGrey.kIkdontkhavektokloo katkme,kyoukdo. k Ikgrin.kChristian,kIkcouldkloo katkyoukallkday. k Heksha eskhiskheadkexasperated.kItskjustkakprettykface,kbaby. k Andkbehindkitkiskakverykprettykman.kIk isskhisktemple.kMykman. k Hekgrinskshyly. k Liftingkthekfirstkloc ,kIkcombkitkupwardkandksnarekitkbetweenkmykindexka ndkmiddlekfinger.kIkputkthekcombkinkmykmouth,kta ekthekscissorskandkma ekthekfir stksnip,kcuttingkankinchkoffktheklength.kChristiankcloseskhiskeyeskandksitskli e kakstatue,ksighingkcontentedlykaskIkcontinue.kOccasionallykhekopenskhiskeyes,kan dkIkcatchkhimkwatchingkmekintently.kHekdoesntktouchkmekwhilekIkwor ,kandkImkgratef ul.kHisktouchkisk.k.k.kdistracting. k Fifteenkminutesklater,kImkdone. k Finished.kImkpleasedkwithkthekresult.kHekloo skaskhotkaskever,khiskhairksti llkfloppykandksexyk.k.k.kjustkakbitkshorter. k Christiankgazeskatkhimselfkinkthekmirror,kloo ingkpleasantlyksurprised.k Hekgrins.kGreatkjob,kMrs.kGrey.kHekturnskhiskheadkfromksidektoksidekandksna eskhis karmkaroundkme.kPullingkmektokhim,khek isseskandknuzzleskmykbelly. k Than kyou,kheksays. k Mykpleasure.kIkbendkandk isskhimkbriefly. k Itsklate.kBed.kHekgiveskmykbehindkakplayfulkslap. k Ah!kIkshouldkcleankupkinkhere.kTherekiskhairkallkoverkthekfloor. k Christiankfrowns,kaskifkthekthoughtkwouldkneverkhavekoccurredktokhim.kO a y,kIllkgetkthekbroom,kheksayskwryly.kIkdontkwantkyoukembarrassingkthekstaffkwithkyou rklac kofkappropriatekattire. k Dokyouk nowkwherekthekbroomkis?kIkas kinnocently. k ThiskstopskChristiankinkhisktrac s.kUmk.k.k.kno. k Iklaugh.kIllkgo. k AskIkclimbkintokbedkandkwaitkforkChristianktokjoinkme,kIkreflectkonkhowk differentlykthiskdaykcouldkhavekended.kIkwasksokmadkatkhimkearlier,kandkhekwithk me.kHowkamkIkgoingktokdealkwithkthiskrunning-a-companyknonsense?kIkhaveknokdesir ektokrunkmykownkcompany.kIkamknotkhim.kIkneedktokheadkthiskoffkatkthekpass.kPerh apskIkshouldkhavekaksafekwordkforkwhenkheskbeingkoverbearingkandkdomineering,kfor kwhenkheskbeingkankarse.kIkgiggle.kPerhapsktheksafekwordkshouldkbekarse.kIkfindkt hekthoughtkverykappealing. k What?kheksayskaskhekclimbskintokbedkbesidekmekwearingkonlykhiskpajamakpant s. k Nothing.kJustkankidea. k Whatkidea?kHekstretcheskoutkbesidekme.

k Herekgoesknothing.kChristian,kIkdontkthin kIkwantktokrunkakcompany. k Hekpropskhimselfkupkonkhiskelbowkandkgazeskdownkatkme.kWhykdokyouksayktha t? k Becausekitsknotksomethingkthatkhaskeverkappealedktokme. k Yourekmorekthankcapable,kAnastasia. k Ikli ektokreadkboo s,kChristian.kRunningkakcompanykwillkta ekmekawaykfrom kthat. k Youkcouldkbekthekcreativekhead. k Ikfrown. k Youksee,khekcontinues,krunningkaksuccessfulkcompanykiskallkaboutkembracingk thektalentkofkthekindividualskyoukhavekatkyourkdisposal.kIfkthatskwherekyourktale ntskandkyourkinterestsklie,kthenkyoukstructurekthekcompanyktokenablekthat.kDontkd ismisskitkoutkofkhand,kAnastasia.kYourekakverykcapablekwoman.kIkthin kyoukcouldkd okanythingkyoukwantedkifkyoukputkyourkmindktokit. k Whoa!kHowkcankhekpossiblyk nowkthatkIdkbekanykgoodkatkthis? k Imkalsokworriedkitkwillkta ekupktookmuchkofkmyktime. k Christiankfrowns. k TimekIkcouldkdevotektokyou.kIkdeploykmyksecretkweapon. k Hiskgazekdar ens.kIk nowkwhatkyourekdoing,khekmurmurs,kamused. k Damnkit! k What?kIkfeignkinnocence. k Yourektryingktokdistractkmekfromkthekissuekatkhand.kYoukalwayskdokthat.kJu stkdontkdismisskthekidea,kAna.kThin kaboutkit.kThatskallkIkas .kHekleanskdownkandk isseskmekchastely,kthenks imskhiskthumbkdownkmykchee .kThiskargumentkiskgoingkto krunkandkrun.kIksmilekupkatkhimandksomethingkheksaidkearlierktodaykpopskunbiddenk intokmykmind. k CankIkas kyouksomething?kMykvoicekisksoft,ktentative. k Ofkcourse. k EarlierktodaykyouksaidkifkIkwaskangrykwithkyou,kIkshouldkta ekitkoutkonky oukinkbed.kWhatkdidkyoukmean? k Hekstills.kWhatkdidkyoukthin kIkmeant? k Holykshit!kIkshouldkjustksaykit.kThatkyoukwantedkmektoktiekyoukup. k Hiskeyebrowskshootkupkinksurprise.kUmk.k.k.kno.kThatsknotkwhatkIkmeantkatk all. k Oh.kImksurprisedkbykmykslightktwingekofkdisappointment. k Youkwantktoktiekmekup?khekas s,kobviouslykreadingkmykexpressionkcorrectly. kHeksoundskshoc ed.kIkblush. k Wellk.k.k. k Ana,kIkhekstops,kandksomethingkdar kcrosseskhiskface. k Christian,kIkwhisper,kalarmed.kIkmoveksokthatkIkamklyingkonkmykside,kpropp edkupkonkmykelbowkli ekhim.kIkcaresskhiskface.kHiskeyeskareklargekandkfearful.kH eksha eskhiskheadksadly. k Shit!kChristian,kstop.kItkdoesntkmatter.kIkthoughtkthatskwhatkyoukmeant. k Hekta eskmykhandkandkplaceskitkonkhiskpoundingkheart.kFuc !kWhatkiskit? k Ana,kIkdontk nowkhowkIdkfeelkaboutkyouktouchingkmekifkIkwerekrestrained. k Mykscalpkpric les.kItskli ekheskconfessingksomethingkdeepkandkdar . k Thiskiskstillktooknew.kHiskvoicekisklowkandkraw. k Fuc .kItkwaskjustkakquestion,kandkIkrealizekthatkheskcomekaklongkway,kbut khekstillkhaskaklongkwayktokgo.kOh,kFifty,kFifty,kFifty.kAnxietykgripskmykheart. kIkleankoverkandkhekfreezes,kbutkIkplantkaksoftk isskatkthekcornerkofkhiskmouth. k Christian,kIkgotkthekwrongkidea.kPleasekdontkworrykaboutkit.kPleasekdontkth in kaboutkit.kIk isskhim.kHekcloseskhiskeyes,kgroanskandkreciprocates,kpushingkme kdownkintokthekmattress,khiskhandskclaspingkmykchin.kAndksoonkwereklostk.k.k.klos tkinkeachkotherkagain. k 1kWilliamkSha espeare,kKingkLear,k(3rdkeditionkofkSha espeareskFirstkFoli o,kEtextk#2266,kProjectkGutenburg,kJulyk2000),kActk1,kScenek1,khttp://www.gutenb erg.org/catalog/world/readfile?pageno=9&f _files=1448414. k k

kkk

k WhenkIkwa ekbeforekthekalarmkthekfollowingkmorning,kChristiankiskwrapped karoundkmekli ekivy,khiskheadkonkmykchest,khiskarmkaroundkmykwaist,kandkhisklegk betweenkmine.kAndkheskonkmyksidekofkthekbed.kItskalwaysktheksame,kifkwekarguekthek nightkbefore,kthiskiskhowkhekendskup,kcoiledkaroundkme,kma ingkmekhotkandkbother ed. k Oh,kFifty.kHekisksokneedykonksomeklevel.kWhokwouldkhavekthought?kThekfam iliarkvisionkofkChristiankaskakdirty,kwretchedklittlekboykhauntskme.kGently,kIks tro ekhiskshorterkhairkandkmykmelancholykrecedes.kHekstirs,kandkhisksleepykeyesk meetkmine.kHekblin skakcouplekofktimeskaskhekwa es. k Hi,khekmurmurskandksmiles. k Hi.kIklovekwa ingktokthatksmile. k Heknuzzleskmykbreastskandkhumskappreciativelykdeepkinkhiskthroat.kHiskha ndktravelskdownkfromkmykwaist,ks immingkoverkthekcoolksatinkofkmyknightgown. k Whatkaktemptingkmorselkyoukare,khekmutters.kBut,ktemptingkthoughkyoukare,khe kglanceskatkthekalarm,kIkhavektokgetkup.kHekstretcheskout,kuntangleskhimselfkfromk me,kandkrises. k Ikliekbac ,kputkmykhandskbehindkmykhead,kandkenjoykthekshowChristiankstri ppingkforkhiskshower.kHekiskperfect.kIkwouldntkchangekakhairkonkhiskhead. k Admiringkthekview,kMrs.kGrey?kChristiankarcheskaksardonickbrowkatkme. k Itskakmightykfinekview,kMr.kGrey. k Hekgrinskandkthrowskhiskpajamakpantskatkmeksoktheykalmostklandkonkmykfac e,kbutkIkcatchkthemkinktime,kgigglingkli ekakschoolgirl.kWithkakwic edkgrin,khek pullskthekduvetkoff,kputskonek neekonkthekbed,kgrabskmykan les,kandkdragskmektow ardkhimksokthatkmyknightdresskrideskup.kIksqueal,kandkhekcrawlskupkmykbody,ktrai lingklittlek isseskonkmyk nee,kmykthighk.k.k.kmyk.k.k.kohk.k.k.kChristian! k Goodkmorning,kMrs.kGrey,kMrs.kJoneskgreetskme.kIkflush,kembarrassedkrememb eringkherktrystkwithkTaylorktheknightkbefore. k Goodkmorning,kIkrespondkaskshekhandskmekakcupkofktea.kIksitkonkthekbarksto olkbesidekmykhusband,kwhokjustkloo skradiant:kfreshlykshowered,khiskhairkdamp,kw earingkakcrispkwhitekshirtkandkthatksilver-grayktie.kMykfavoritektie.kIkhavekfon dkmemorieskofkthatktie. k Howkarekyou,kMrs.kGrey?khekas s,khiskeyeskwarm. k Ikthin kyouk now,kMr.kGrey.kIkgazekupkatkhimkthroughkmyklashes. k Heksmir s.kEat,khekorders.kYoukdidntkeatkyesterday. k Oh,kbossykFifty! k Thatskbecausekyoukwerekbeingkankarse. k Mrs.kJoneskdropsksomethingkthatkclatterskintoktheksin ,kma ingkmekjump.k Christiankseemskobliviousktoktheknoise.kIgnoringkher,khekstareskatkmekimpassivel y. k Arsekorknoteat.kHisktonekiskserious.kNokarguingkwithkhim. k O ay!kPic ingkupkspoon,keatingkgranola,kIkmutterkli ekakpetulantkteenager. kIkreachkforkthekGree kyoghurtkandkspoonksomekontokmykcereal,kfollowedkbykakhand fulkofkblueberries.kIkglancekatkMrs.kJoneskandkshekcatcheskmykeye.kIksmile,kandk shekrespondskwithkakwarmksmilekofkherkown.kShekhaskprovidedkmekwithkmykbrea fast kofkchoicekintroducedktokmekonkourkhoneymoon. k IkmaykhavektokgoktokNewkYor klaterkinkthekwee .kChristianskannouncementkint erruptskmykreverie. k Oh. k Itllkmeankankovernight.kIkwantkyouktokcomekwithkme. k Christian,kIkwontkgetkthektimekoff. k Hekgiveskmekhiskoh-really-but-Im-the-boss-stare. k Iksigh.kIk nowkyoukownkthekcompany,kbutkIvekbeenkawaykforkthreekwee s.kPle ase.kHowkcankyoukexpectkmektokrunkthekbusinesskifkImkneverkthere?kIllkbekfinekhere .kImkassumingkyoullkta ekTaylorkwithkyou,kbutkSawyerkandkRyankwillkbekherekIkstop,kb ecausekChristiankiskgrinningkatkme.kWhat?kIksnap. k Nothing.kJustkyou,kheksays. k Ikfrown.kIskheklaughingkatkme?kThenkaknastykthoughtkpopskintokmykmind.kHo wkarekyoukgettingktokNewkYor ?

k Thekcompanykjet,kwhy? k Ikjustkwantedktokchec kifkyoukwerekta ingkCharliekTango.kMykvoicekiskquiet ,kandkakshiverkrunskdownkmykspine.kIkrememberktheklastktimekhekflewkhiskhelicopt er.kAkwavekofknauseakhitskmekaskIkrecallkthekanxiouskhourskIkspentkwaitingkforkn ews.kThatkwaskpossiblyktheklowestkpointkinkmyklife.kIknoticekMrs.kJoneskhaskstil led,ktoo.kIktryktokdismisskthekidea. k IkwouldntkflyktokNewkYor kinkCharliekTango.kShekdoesntkhavekthatk indkofkra nge.kBesides,kshekwontkbekbac kfromkthekengineerskforkanotherktwokwee s. k Than kheavens.kMyksmilekiskpartlykfromkrelief,kbutkalsokthek nowledgekth atkthekdemisekofkCharliekTangokhaskoccupiedkakgreatkdealkofkChristianskthoughtska ndktimekoverktheklastkfewkwee s. k WellkImkgladkshesknearlykfixed,kbutkIkstop.kCankIktellkhimkhowknervouskIllkbek whenkhekfliesknextktime? k What?khekas skaskhekfinisheskhiskomelet. k Ikshrug. k Ana?kheksays,kmoreksternly. k Ikjustk.k.k.kyouk now.kLastktimekyoukflewkinkherk.k.k.kIkthought,kwekthou ght,kyoudkIkcantkfinishktheksentence,kandkChristianskexpressionksoftens. k Hey.kHekcaresseskmykfacekwithkthekbac kofkhisk nuc les.kThatkwasksabotage.kA kdar kexpressionkcrosseskhiskface,kandkforkakmomentkIkwonderkifkhek nowskwhokwas kresponsible. k Ikcouldntkbearktoklosekyou,kIkmurmur. k Fivekpeoplekhavekbeenkfiredkbecausekofkthat,kAna.kItkwontkhappenkagain. k Five? k Heknods,khiskfacekserious. k Holykcrap! k Thatkremindskme.kThereskakgunkinkyourkdes . k Hekfrownskatkmyknonksequiturkandkprobablykatkmykaccusatoryktone,kthoughk Ikdontkmeankitkthatkway.kItskLeilas,kheksayskfinally. k Itskfullykloaded. k Howkdokyouk now?kHiskfrownkdeepens. k Ikchec edkitkyesterday. k Hekscowlskatkme.kIkdontkwantkyoukmessingkwithkguns.kIkhopekyoukputktheksaf etykbac kon. k Ikblin katkhim,kmomentarilykstupefied.kChristian,ktheresknoksafetykonkthat krevolver.kDontkyouk nowkanythingkaboutkguns? k Hiskeyeskwiden.kUmk.k.k.kno. k Taylorkcoughskdiscreetlykfromkthekentrance.kChristianknodskatkhim. k Wekhavektokgo,kChristianksays.kHekstands,kdistracted,kandkslipskonkhiskgra ykjac et.kIkfollowkhimkintokthekhallway. k HekhaskLeilaskgun.kIkamkstunnedkbykthisknewskandkbrieflykwonderkwhatskhapp enedktokher.kIskshekstillkinwherekiskit?kEastksomewhere.kNewkHampshire?kIkcantkrem ember. k Goodkmorning,kTaylor,kChristianksays. k Goodkmorning,kMr.kGrey,kMrs.kGrey.kHeknodskatkuskboth,kbutkheskcarefulknotk tokloo kmekinkthekeye.kImkgrateful,krecallingkmykstatekofkundresskwhenkwekbumpedk intokeachkotherklastknight. k Ikamkjustkgoingktokbrushkmykteeth,kIkmutter.kChristiankalwayskbrusheskhisk teethkbeforekbrea fast.kIkdontkunderstandkwhy. k Youkshouldkas kTaylorktokteachkyoukhowktokshoot,kIksaykaskwektravelkdownki nkthekelevator.kChristiankgazeskdownkatkme,kamused. k ShouldkIknow?kheksayskdryly. k Yes. k Anastasia,kIkdespisekguns.kMykmomkhaskpatchedkupktookmanykvictimskofkgunk crime,kandkmykdadkiskvehementlykantigun.kIkgrewkupkwithktheirkethos.kIksupportka tkleastktwokgunkcontrolkinitiativeskherekinkWashington. k Oh.kDoeskTaylorkcarrykakgun? k Christianskmouthkthins. k Sometimes. k Youkdontkapprove?kIkas ,kaskChristiankusherskmekoutkofkthekelevatorkonkthek

groundkfloor. k No,kheksays,ktight-lipped.kLetskjustksaykthatkTaylorkandkIkholdkverykdiffere ntkviewskwithkregardktokgunkcontrol.kImkwithkTaylorkonkthis. k ChristiankholdskthekfoyerkdoorkopenkforkmekandkIkheadkoutktokthekcar.kHe khasknotkletkmekdrivekalonektokSIPksincekhekfoundkoutkthatkCharliekTangokwasksab otaged.kSawyerksmileskpleasantly,kholdingkthekdoorkopenkforkmekaskChristiankandk Ikclimbkintokthekcar. k Please.kIkreachkacrosskandkgraspkChristianskhand. k Pleasekwhat? k Learnkhowktokshoot. k Hekrollskhiskeyeskatkme.kNo.kEndkofkdiscussion,kAnastasia. k AndkIkamkakchildkagainktokbekscolded.kIkopenkmykmouthktoksayksomethingkc utting,kbutkdecidekIkdontkwantktokstartkmykwor daykinkakbadkmood.kIkfoldkmykarmsk insteadkandkglimpsekTaylorkregardingkmekinkthekrearviewkmirror.kHekloo skaway,kc oncentratingkonkthekroadkinkfront,kbutksha eskhiskheadkaklittle,kinkobviouskfrus tration. k Hmmk.k.k.kChristiankdriveskhimkcrazy,ktoo,ksometimes.kThekthoughtkma esk meksmile,kandkmykmoodkisksaved. k WherekiskLeila?kIkas kaskChristiankgazeskoutkofkhiskwindow. k Iktoldkyou.kSheskinkConnecticutkwithkherkfol s.kHekglanceskatkme. k Didkyoukchec ?kAfterkall,kshekdoeskhaveklongkhair.kItkcouldkhavekbeenkher kdrivingkthekDodge. k Yes,kIkchec ed.kSheskenrolledkinkankartkschoolkinkHamden.kShekstartedkthis kwee . k Youvekspo enktokher?kIkwhisper,kallkthekbloodkdrainingkfromkmykface. k Christiankwhipskhiskheadkaroundkatkthektonekofkmykvoice. k No.kFlynnkhas.kHeksearcheskmykfacekforkakcluektokmykthoughts. k Iksee,kIkmurmur,krelieved. k What? k Nothing. k Christianksighs.kAna.kWhatkiskit? k Ikshrug,knotkwantingktokadmitktokmykirrationalkjealousy. k Christiankcontinues,kImk eepingktabskonkher,kchec ingkthatkshekstayskonkhe rksidekofkthekcontinent.kSheskbetter,kAna.kFlynnkhaskreferredkherktokakshrin kink NewkHaven,kandkallkthekreportskarekverykpositive.kSheskalwayskbeenkinterestedkink art,ksok.k.k.kHekstops,khiskfacekstillksearchingkmine.kAndkinkthatkmomentkIksuspe ctkthatkhekiskpayingkforkherkartkclasses.kDokIkwantktok now?kShouldkIkas khim?kI kmeankitsknotkaskifkhekcantkaffordkit,kbutkwhykdoeskhekfeelkthekobligation?kIksigh .kChristianskbaggagekhardlykcomparesktokBradleykKentkfromkbiologykclasskandkhiskh alf-assedkattemptsktok isskme.kChristiankreacheskforkmykhand. k Dontksweatkthis,kAnastasia,khekmurmurs,kandkIkreturnkhiskreassuringksqueeze .kIk nowkheskdoingkwhatkhekthin skiskright. k MidmorningkIkhavekakbrea kinkmeetings.kAskIkpic kupkthekphonektokcallkKa te,kIknoticekanke-mailkfromkChristian. k kkk k From:kChristiankGrey k k k Subject:kFlattery Date:kAugustk23,k2011k09:54 To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Mrs.kGrey kIkhavekreceivedkthreekcomplimentskonkmyknewkhaircut.kComplimentskfromkmykstaffk areknew.kItkmustkbekthekridiculousksmilekImkwearingkwheneverkIkthin kaboutklastkn ight.kYoukarekindeedkakwonderful,ktalented,kbeautifulkwoman. kAndkallkmine. k ChristiankGrey

kCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k k k k k k Ikmeltkreadingkit. kkk From:kAnastasiakGrey Subject:kTryingktokconcentratekhere. Date:kAugustk23,k2011k10:48 To:kChristiankGrey

k Mr.kGrey kIkamktryingktokwor kandkdontkwantktokbekdistractedkbykdeliciouskmemories. kIsknowkthektimektokconfesskthatkIkusedktokcutkRayskhairkregularly?kIkhadknokidea kitkwouldkbeksuchkusefulktraining. kAndkyes,kIkamkyourskandkyou,kmykdearkoverbearingkhusbandkwhokrefusesktokexercis ekhiskconstitutionalkrightkunderktheksecondkamendmentktokbearkarms,karekmine.kBu tkdontkworrykbecausekIkshallkprotectkyou.kAlways. k AnastasiakGrey kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k k k k k kkk From:kChristiankGrey Subject:kAnniekOa ley Date:kAugustk23,k2011k10:53 To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Mrs.kGrey kIkamkdelightedktokseekyoukhavekspo enktokthekITkdeptkandkchangedkyourkname.k:D kIkshallksleepksafekinkmykbedk nowingkthatkmykgun-totingkwifeksleepskbesidekme. k ChristiankGrey kCEOk&kHoplophobe,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k k k k k k Hoplophobe?kWhatkthekhellkiskthat? kkk From:kAnastasiakGrey Subject:kLongkwords Date:kAugustk23,k2011k10:58 To:kChristiankGrey

k Mr.kGrey kOncekmorekyoukdazzlekmekwithkyourklinguistickprowess. kInkfact,kyourkprowesskinkgeneral,kandkIkthin kyouk nowkwhatkImkreferringkto. k AnastasiakGrey kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k k k kkk From:kChristiankGrey Subject:kGasp!

k k

Date:kAugustk23,k2011k11:01 To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Mrs.kGrey kArekyoukflirtingkwithkme? k ChristiankGrey kShoc edkCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k k k k k k

k AnastasiakGrey kBravekCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k k k k k k kkk From:kChristiankGrey Subject:kGrrrrr Date:kAugustk23,k2011k11:09 To:kAnastasiakGrey NO!

k ChristiankGrey kPossessivekCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k k k k k k kkk From:kAnastasiakGrey Subject:kWowk.k.k. Date:kAugustk23,k2011k11:14 To:kChristiankGrey Arekyoukgrowlingkatkme?kCausekthatsk indakhot.

k AnastasiakGrey kSquirmingk(inkakgoodkway)kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k k k k kkk From:kChristiankGrey Subject:kBeware Date:kAugustk23,k2011k11:16

kkk From:kAnastasiakGrey Subject:kWouldkyoukratherk.k.k. Date:kAugustk23,k2011k11:04 To:kChristiankGrey Ikflirtedkwithksomeonekelse?

To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Flirtingkandktoyingkwithkme,kMrs.kGrey? kIkmaykpaykyoukakvisitkthiskafternoon. k ChristiankGrey kPriapickCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k k k k k kkk From:kAnastasiakGrey Subject:kOhkNo! Date:kAugustk23,k2011k11:20 To:kChristiankGrey

k Illkbehave.kIkwouldntkwantkmykbossskbossskbosskgettingkonktopkofkmekatkwor . k;) kNowkletkmekgetkonkwithkmykjob.kMykbossskbossskbosskmaykfirekmykass. k AnastasiakGrey kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k k k k k kkk From:kChristiankGrey Subject:k&*%$&*&* Date:kAugustk23,k2011k11:23 To:kAnastasiakGrey

k BelievekmekwhenkIksayktherekarekakgreatkmanykthingskhedkli ektokdoktokyou rkasskrightknow.kFiringkyoukisknotkonekofkthem. k ChristiankGrey kCEOk&kAsskman,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc.

k k k

Subject:kGokAway! Date:kAugustk23,k2011k11:26 To:kChristiankGrey

k Dontkyoukhavekankempirektokrun? kStopkbotheringkme. kMyknextkappointmentkiskhere. kIkthoughtkyoukwerekakbreastkmank.k.k. kThin kaboutkmykass,kandkIllkthin kaboutkyoursk.k.k. kILYkx k AnastasiakGrey kNowkMoistkCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k kkk

k k k

Hiskresponsekma eskmekgiggle. kkk From:kAnastasiakGrey

k IkcannotkhelpkmykdespondentkmoodkaskSawyerkdriveskmektokthekofficekonkTh ursday.kChristianskthreatenedkbusinessktripktokNewkYor khaskhappened,kandkthoughk heskonlykbeenkgonekakfewkhours,kIkmisskhimkalready.kIkfirekupkmykcomputer,kandkth ereskankemailkwaitingkforkme.kMykmoodkliftskimmediately. k kkk k From:kChristiankGrey k k k Subject:kMisskyoukalready Date:kAugustk25,k2011k04:32 To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Mrs.kGrey kYoukwerekadorablekthiskmorning. kBehavekwhilekImkaway. kIklovekyou. k ChristiankGrey kCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k Thiskwillkbekthekfirstknightkweveksleptkapartksincekourkwedding.kIkintend ktokhavekakfewkcoc tailskwithkKatethatkshouldkhelpkmeksleep.kImpulsively,kIke-mai lkhimkbac ,kalthoughkIk nowkthatkheskstillkflying. k kkk k From:kAnastasiakGrey k k k Subject:kBehavekYourself! Date:kAugustk25,k2011k09:03 To:kChristiankGrey

k Letkmek nowkwhenkyouklandIllkworrykuntilkyoukdo. kAndkIkshallkbehave.kIkmeankhowkmuchktroublekcankIkgetkintokwithkKate? k AnastasiakGrey kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k Ikhitksendkandksipkmyklatte,kcourtesykofkHannah.kWhok newkIdkgrowktoklove kcoffee?kDespitekthekfactkthatkImkgoingkoutkthiskeveningkwithkKate,kIkfeelkli eka kchun kofkmekiskmissing.kAtkthekmoment,kitskthirty-fivekthousandkfeetksomewhereka bovekthekMidwestkenkroutektokNewkYor .kIkdidntk nowkIkwouldkfeelkthiskunsettledka ndkanxiouskjustkbecausekChristianskaway.kSurelykoverktimekIkwontkfeelkthisklosskan dkuncertainty,kwillkI?kIkletkoutkakheavyksighkandkcontinuekwithkmykwor . k Aroundklunchtime,kIkstartkmanicallykchec ingkmyke-mailkandkmykBlac Berry kforkaktext.kWherekiskhe?kHaskheklandedksafely?kHannahkas skifkIkwantklunch,kbut kImktookapprehensivekandkwavekherkaway.kIk nowkitskirrational,kbutkIkneedktokbeksu rekheskarrivedksafely. k Mykofficekphonekrings,kstartlingkme.kAnakStGrey. k Hi.kChristianskvoicekiskwarmkwithkaktracekofkamusement.kReliefkfloodskthrou ghkme. k Hi.kImkgrinningkfromkearktokear.kHowkwaskyourkflight? k Long.kWhatkarekyoukdoingkwithkKate? k Ohkno.kWerekjustkgoingkoutkforkakquietkdrin . k Christianksaysknothing. k SawyerkandktheknewkwomanPrescottarekcomingktokwatchkoverkus,kIkoffer,ktrying ktokplacatekhim. k IkthoughtkKatekwaskcomingktokthekapartment.

k Shekiskafterkakquic kdrin .kPleasekletkmekgokout! k Christianksighskheavily.kWhykdidntkyouktellkme?kheksayskquietly.kTookquietl y. k Ikmentallyk ic kmyself.kChristian,kwellkbekfine.kIkhavekRyan,kSawyer,kandk Prescottkhere.kItskonlykakquic kdrin . k Christiankremainskresolutelyksilent,kandkIk nowkhesknotkhappy.kIvekonlyksee nkherkakfewktimesksincekyoukandkIkmet.kPlease.kSheskmykbestkfriend. k Ana,kIkdontkwantktok eepkyoukfromkyourkfriends.kButkIkthoughtkshekwaskcomi ngkbac ktokthekapartment. k O ay,kIkacquiesce.kWellkstaykin. k Onlykwhilekthisklunatickiskoutkthere.kPlease. k Iveksaidko ay,kIkmutterkinkexasperation,krollingkmykeyes. k Christianksnortsksoftlykdownkthekphone.kIkalwaysk nowkwhenkyourekrollingky ourkeyeskatkme. k Ikscowlkatkthekreceiver.kLoo ,kImksorry.kIkdidntkmeanktokworrykyou.kIllktell kKate. k Good,khekbreathes,khiskreliefkevident.kIkfeelkguiltykforkworryingkhim. k Wherekarekyou? k OnkthektarmackatkJFK. k Oh,ksokyoukjustklanded. k Yes.kYoukas edkmektokcallkthekmomentkIklanded. k Iksmile.kMyksubconsciouskglareskatkme.kSee?kHekdoeskwhatkheksayskheskgoin gktokdo. k Well,kMr.kGrey,kImkgladkonekofkuskiskpunctilious. k Heklaughs.kMrs.kGrey,kyourkgiftkforkhyperbolek nowsknokbounds.kWhatkamkIk goingktokdokwithkyou? k Ikamksurekyoullkthin kofksomethingkimaginative.kYoukusuallykdo. k Arekyoukflirtingkwithkme? k Yes. k Iksensekhiskgrin.kIdkbetterkgo.kAna,kdokaskyourektold,kplease.kTheksecurity kteamk nowskwhatktheyrekdoing. k Yes,kChristian,kIkwill.kIksoundkexasperatedkagain.kJeez,kIkgetkthekmessage . k Illkseekyouktomorrowkevening.kIllkcallkyouklater. k Tokchec kupkonkme? k Yes. k Oh,kChristian!kIkscoldkhim. k Aukrevoir,kMrs.kGrey. k Aukrevoir,kChristian.kIklovekyou. k Hekinhalesksharply.kAndkIkyou,kAna. k Neitherkofkuskhangskup. k Hangkup,kChristian,kIkwhisper. k Yourekakbossyklittlekthing,karentkyou? k Yourkbossyklittlekthing. k Mine,khekbreathes.kDokaskyourektold.kHangkup. k Yes,kSir.kIkhangkupkandkgrinkstupidlykatkthekphone. k Akfewkmomentsklater,kanke-mailkappearskinkmykinbox. k kkk k From:kChristiankGrey k k k Subject:kTwitchingkPalms Date:kAugustk25,k2011k13:42kEDT To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Mrs.kGrey kYoukarekaskentertainingkaskeverkonkthekphone. kIkmeankit.kDokaskyourektold. kIkneedktok nowkyoureksafe.

kIklovekyou. k ChristiankGrey kCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k Honestly,kheskthekbossykone.kButkonekphonekcallkandkallkmykanxietykhaskdi sappeared.kHeskarrivedksafelykandkheskfussingkaboutkmekaskusual.kIkhugkmyselfkmome ntarily.kGod,kIklovekthatkman.kHannahk noc skonkmykdoor,kdistractingkme,kandkbri ngskmekbac ktoktheknow. k Katekloo skgorgeous.kInkherktightkwhitekjeanskandkredkcamisole,ksheskread yktokroc kthektown.kSheskchattingkanimatedlykwithkClairekinkreceptionkwhenkIkma e kmykentrance. k Ana!kshekcries,kscoopingkmekupkinkakKatekhug.kShekholdskmekatkarmsklength. k Dontkyoukloo kthekmogulskwife?kWhokwouldkhavekthought,klittlekAnakSteele?kY oukloo ksok.k.k.ksophisticated!kShekgrins.kIkrollkmykeyeskatkher.kImkwearingkakpal ekcreamkshiftkdresskwithkaknavykbeltkandknavykpumps. k Itskgoodktokseekyou,kKate.kIkhugkherkbac . k So,kwherekarekwekgoing? k Christiankwantskusktokgokbac ktokthekapartment. k Aw,kreally?kCantkweksnea kakquic kcoc tailkatkthekZigkZagkCafe?kIvekboo edk uskaktable. k Ikopenkmykmouthktokprotest. k Please?kshekwhineskandkpoutskprettily.kShekmustkbekpic ingkthiskupkfromkMi a.kShekneverkpoutsknormally.kIdkreallykli ekakcoc tailkatkthekZigkZag.kWekhadksuc hkfunktheklastktimekwekwentkthere,kandkitskclosektokKateskapartment. k Ikholdkupkmykindexkfinger.kOne. k Shekgrins.kOnekSheklin skherkarmkinkmine,kandkwekstrollkoutktokthekcar,kwh ichkiskpar edkatkthekcurbkwithkSawyerkatkthekwheel.kWerekfollowedkbykMisskSamanth akPrescottkwhosknewktoktheksecuritykteamaktallkAfrican-Americankwithkakno-nonsense kattitude.kIvekyetktokwarmktokher,kmaybekbecausekshesktookcoolkandkprofessional.kT hekjuryskdefinitelykout,kbutkli ekthekrestkofkthekteam,ksheskbeenkhand-pic edkbykT aylor.kSheskdressedkli ekSawyerkinkakdar ksomberkpantsuit. k Cankyoukta ekusktokthekZigkZag,kplease,kSawyer? k Sawyerkturnsktokloo katkme,kandkIk nowkhekwantsktoksayksomething.kHeskobv iouslykbeenkgivenkhiskorders.kHekhesitates. k ThekZigkZagkCaf.kWellkonlykhavekone. k IkgivekKatekaksidewayskglance,kandksheskglaringkatkSawyer.kPoorkman. k Yes,kmaam. k Mr.kGreykrequestedkyoukgokbac ktokthekapartment,kPrescottkpipeskup. k Mr.kGreykisntkhere,kIksnap.kThekZigkZag,kplease. k Maam,kSawyerkreplieskwithkaksidewayskglancekatkPrescott,kwhokwiselykholdskh erktongue. k Katekgapeskatkmekaskifkshekcantkbelievekherkeyeskandkears.kIkpursekmyklip skandkshrug.kO ay,ksokImkaklittlekmorekassertivekthankIkusedktokbe.kKateknodskask Sawyerkpullskoutkintokthekearlykeveningktraffic. k Youk nowkthekadditionalksecuritykiskdrivingkGracekandkMiakcrazy,kKateksays kcasually. k Ikgaw katkher,kbaffled. k Youkdidntk now?kShekseemskincredulous. k Knowkwhat? k SecuritykforkallkofkthekGreyskhaskbeenktripled.kGazillioned,keven. k Really? k Hekhasntktoldkyou? k Ikflush.kNo.kDamnkit,kChristian!kDokyouk nowkwhy? k Jac kHyde. k WhatkaboutkJac ?kIkthoughtkhekwaskjustkafterkChristian.kIkgasp.kJeez.kWhyk hasntkhektoldkme? k SincekMonday,kKateksays. k LastkMonday?kHmmk.k.k.kwekidentifiedkJac konkSunday.kButkwhykallkthekGre ys?

k Howkdokyouk nowkallkthis? k Elliot. k Ofkcourse. k Christiankhasntktoldkyoukanykofkthis,khaskhe? k Ikflushkoncekmore.kNo. k Oh,kAna,khowkannoying. k Iksigh.kAskever,kKatekhaskhitktheknailksquarelykonkthekheadkinkherkusual ksledgehammerkstyle.kDokyouk nowkwhy?kIfkChristiansknotkgoingktoktellkme,kthenkmayb ekKatekwill. k ElliotksaidkitsksomethingktokdokwithkinformationkstoredkonkJac kHydeskcompu terkwhenkhekwaskatkSIP. k Holykcrap.kYourek idding.kAksurgekofkangerkpulseskthroughkme.kHowkdoeskKate k nowkaboutkthiskwhenkIkdont? k IkglancekupktokseekSawyerkeyeingkmekfromkthekrearviewkmirror.kThekredkli ghtkturnsktokgreenkandkheksurgeskforward,kfocusingkonkthekroadkahead.kIkholdkmyk fingerkupktokmyklipskandkKateknods.kIkbetkSawyerk nows,ktoo,kandkIkdont. k HowskElliot?kIkas ktokchangektheksubject. k Katekgrinskstupidly,ktellingkmekallkIkneedktok now. k SawyerkpullskupkatkthekendkofkthekpassagewaykthatkleadskdownktokthekZigk ZagkCaf,kandkPrescottkopenskmykdoor.kIkscootkoutkandkKatekslideskoutkafterkme.kWe klin karmskandkmeanderkdownkthekpassage,kfollowedkbykPrescott,kwhoskwearingkakthu nderouskexpressionkonkherkface.kOh,kforkheavensksa e,kitskjustkakdrin .kSawyerkdri veskoffktokpar kthekcar. k SokhowkdoeskElliotk nowkGia?kIkas ,kta ingkaksipkofkmyksecondkstrawberrykm ojito.kThekbarkiskintimatekandkcozy,kandkIkdontkwantktokleave.kKatekandkIkhavekno tkstoppedktal ing.kIkhadkforgottenkhowkmuchkIkli ekhangingkwithkher.kItskliberati ngktokbekout,krelaxing,kenjoyingkKateskcompany.kIkcontemplatektextingkChristiankt henkdismisskthekidea.kHellkjustkbekmadkandkma ekmekgokhomekli ekankerrantkchild. k Dontktal ktokmekaboutkthatkbitch!kKateksplutters. k Kateskreactionkma eskmeklaugh. k Whatsksokfunny,kSteele?ksheksnaps,kbutknotkseriously. k Ikfeelktheksamekway. k Youkdo? k Yes.kShekwaskallkoverkChristian. k ShekhadkakflingkwithkElliot.kKatekpouts. k No! k Sheknods,kherklipskpressedktogetherkinkthekpatentedkKatherinekKavanaghks cowl. k Itkwaskbrief.kLastkyear,kIkthin .kSheskaksocialkclimber.kNokwonderkshekhas kherksightsksetkonkChristian. k Christiankiskta en.kIktoldkherktokleavekhimkalonekorkIkwouldkfirekher. k Katekgapeskatkmekoncekmore,kstunned.kIknodkproudly,kandkshekliftskherkgl assktoksalutekme,kimpressedkandkbeaming. k Mrs.kAnastasiakGrey!kWayktokgo!kWekclin . k DoeskElliotkownkakgun? k No.kHeskverykantigun.kKatekstirskherkthirdkdrin . k Christian,ktoo.kIkthin kitkwaskGracekandkCarric skinfluence,kIkmutter.kImkfe elingkaklittlektipsy. k Carric skakgoodkman.kKateknods. k Hekwantedkakprenup,kIkmutterksadly. k Oh,kAna.kShekreacheskacrosskandkgraspskmykarm.kHekwaskonlykloo ingkoutkfork hiskboy.kAskwekbothk now,kyoukhavekgold-diggerktattooedkonkyourkforehead.kSheksmi leskatkme,kandkIkpo ekmyktonguekoutkatkherkthenkgiggle. k Mature,kMrs.kGrey,ksheksayskgrinning.kSheksoundskli ekChristian.kYoullkdokth eksamekforkyourksonkonekday. k Mykson?kIkgapekatkher.kItkhadntkevenkcrossedkmykmindkthatkmyk idskwillkbekr ich.kHolykcrap.kTheyllkwantkforknothing.kIkmeank.k.k.knothing.kThiskneedskfurther kthoughtbutknotkrightknow.kIkglancekatkPrescottkandkSawyerkseatedknearby,kwatchin gkuskandkthekeveningkcrowdkfromkaksidektablekwhilektheykeachknursekakglasskofksp ar lingkmineralkwater.

k Dokyoukthin kwekshouldkeat?kIkas . k No.kWekshouldkdrin ,kKateksays. k Whykarekyoukinksuchkakdrin ingkmood? k BecausekIkdontkseekenoughkofkyoukanymore.kIkdidntk nowkyoudkupkandkmarrykthe kfirstkguykwhokturnedkyourkhead.kShekpoutskagain.kHonestly,kyoukmarriedksokquic ly kthatkIkthoughtkyoukwerekpregnant. k Ikgiggle.kEveryonekthoughtkIkwaskpregnant,kIkmutter.kLetsknotkrehashkthatkco nversationkagain.kPlease!kAndkIkhavektokusekthekrestroom. k Prescottkaccompanieskme.kSheksaysknothing.kShekdoesntkhavekto.kDisapprova lkradiateskoffkherkli ekaklethalkisotope. k IkhaventkbeenkoutkonkmykownksincekIkgotkmarried,kIkmutterkwordlesslykatkthe kclosedktoiletkdoor.kIkma ekakface,k nowingkthatksheskstandingkonkthekotherksidek ofkthekdoor,kwaitingkwhilekIkpee.kWhatkpreciselykiskHydekgoingktokdokinkakbarkan yway?kChristiankiskjustkoverreactingkaskusual. k Kate,kitsklate.kWekshouldkgo. k Itsktenkfifteen,kandkIkhavekdownedkmykfourthkstrawberrykmojito.kIkamkdefi nitelykfeelingkthekeffectskofkthekalcohol,kwarmkandkfuzzy.kChristiankwillkbekfin e.kEventually. k Sure,kAna.kItskbeenksokgoodktokseekyou.kYoukjustkseemksokmuchkmore,kIkdontk nowk.k.k.kconfident.kMarriagekobviouslykagreeskwithkyou. k Mykfacekwarms.kComingkfromkMisskKatherinekKavanagh,kthiskiskindeedkakcom pliment. k Itkdoes,kIkwhisper,kandkbecausekIvekprobablykhadktookmuchktokdrin ,ktearskp ric kthekbac kofkmykeyes.kCouldkIkbekanykhappier?kInkspitekofkallkhiskbaggage,kh isknature,khiskFiftyness,kIkhavekmetkandkmarriedkthekmankofkmykdreams.kIkquic ly kchangektheksubjectktokstemkmyksentimentalkthoughts,kbecausekIk nowkIkwillkcryko therwise. k Ikhavekreallykenjoyedkthiskevening.kIkgraspkKateskhand.kThan kyoukforkdraggi ngkmekout!kWekhug.kAskshekreleaseskme,kIknodkatkSawyerkandkhekhandskPrescottkthek eysktokthekcar. k ImksurekMisskGoody-Two-ShoeskPrescottkhasktoldkChristiankImknotkatkhome.kHel lkbekmad,kIkmutterktokKate.kAndkmaybekhellkthin kofksomekdeliciouskwayktokpunishkm ek.k.k.khopefully. k Whykarekyoukgrinningkli ekakloon,kAna?kYoukli ekma ingkChristiankmad? k No.kNotkreally.kButkitskeasilykdone.kHeskverykcontrollingksometimes.kMostkof kthektime. k Iveknoticed,kKateksayskwryly. k WekpullkupkoutsidekKateskapartment.kShekhugskmekhard. k Dontkbekakstranger,kshekwhisperskandk isseskmykchee .kThenksheskoutkofkthekc ar.kIkwave,kfeelingkstrangelykhomesic .kIkhavekmissedkgirlktal .kItskfunkandkrela xing,kandkremindskmekthatkImkstillkyoung.kIkmustkma ekmorekofkankeffortktokseekKa te,kbutkthektruthkis,kIklovekbeingkinkmykbubblekwithkChristian.kLastknightkwekat tendedkakcharitykdinnerktogether.kTherekwereksokmanykmenkinksuitskandkwell-groom edkelegantkwomenktal ingkaboutkrealkestatekpriceskandkthekfailingkeconomykandkth ekplungingkstoc kmar ets.kIkmean,kitkwaskdull,kreallykdull.kSokitskrefreshingktok letkmykhairkdownkwithksomeonekmykownkage. k Mykstomachkrumbles.kJeez,kIkstillkhaventkeaten.kShitChristian!kIkscramblek throughkmykpursekandkfishkoutkmykBlac Berry.kHolykcrapfivekmissedkcalls!kOnektext k.k.k. k *WHEREkTHEkHELLkAREkYOU?* k k k k k k Andkoneke-mail. kkk From:kChristiankGrey Subject:kAngry.kYouveknotkseenkangry Date:kAugustk26,k2011k00:42kEST To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Anastasia kSawyerktellskmekthatkyoukarekdrin ingkcoc tailskinkakbarkwhenkyouksaidkyoukwoul dnt. kDokyoukhavekanykideakhowkmadkIkamkatkthekmoment? kIllkseekyouktomorrow. k ChristiankGrey kCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k Mykheartksin s.kOhkshit!kIkreallykamkinktrouble.kMyksubconsciouskglaresk atkme,kthenkshrugs,kwearingkherkyou-made-your-bed-you-lie-in-itkface.kWhatkdidkI kexpect?kIkcontemplatekcallingkhim,kbutkitsklatekandkheskprobablykasleepk.k.k.kork pacing.kIkdecidekakquic ktextkmaykbekenough. k *IMkSTILLkINkONEkPIECE.kIkHADkAkNICEkTIME.kMISSINGkYOUPLEASEkDONTkBEkMAD* k IkgazekatkmykBlac Berry,kwillingkhimktokrespond,kbutkitskominouslyksilent .kIksigh. k PrescottkpullskupkoutsidekEscalakandkSawyerkgetskoutktokholdkthekdoorkop enkforkme.kAskwekstandkwaitingkforkthekelevator,kIkta ekthekopportunityktokquizk him. k WhatktimekdidkChristiankcallkyou? k Sawyerkflushes.kAboutkninekthirty,kmaam. k WhykdidntkyoukinterruptkmykconversationkwithkKateksokIkcouldkspea kwithkhi m? k Mr.kGreyktoldkmeknotkto. k Ikpursekmyklips.kThekelevatorkarrives,kandkwekridekupkinksilence.kImksudd enlykgratefulkthatkChristiankhaskakwholeknightktokrecoverkfromkhisksnit-fit,kand kthatkheskonkthekotherksidekofkthekcountry.kItkgiveskmeksomektime.kOnkthekotherkh andk.k.k.kIkmisskhim. k Thekdoorsktokthekelevatorkopen,kandkforkaksplitksecondkIkstarekatkthekfo yerktable. k Whatkiskwrongkwithkthiskpicture? k Thekvasekofkflowerskliesksmashedkintokfragmentskallkoverkthekfloorkofkth ekfoyer,kwaterkandkflowerskandkchun skofkchinakarekstrewnkeverywhere,kandkthekta blekiskoverturned.kMykscalpkpric leskandkSawyerkgrabskmykarmkandkpullskmekbac ki ntokthekelevator. k Staykthere,khekhisses,kdrawingkakgun.kHekstepskintokthekfoyerkandkdisappea rskfromkmykfieldkofkvision. k Ikcowerkinkthekbac kofkthekelevator. k Lu e!kIkhearkRyankcallkfromkinsidekthekgreatkroom.kCodekblue! k Codekblue? k Youkhavekthekperp?kSawyerkcallskbac .kJesuskH.kChrist! k Ikflattenkmyselfkagainstkthekelevatorkwall.kWhatkthekhellkiskgoingkon?kA drenalinekspi eskthroughkmykbody,kandkmykheartkleapskintokmykthroat.kIkhearksoft kvoices,kandkakmomentklaterkSawyerkreappearskinkthekfoyer,kstandingkinkthekpuddl ekofkwater.kHekholsterskhiskgun. k Youkcankcomekin,kMrs.kGrey,kheksayskgently. k Whatskhappened,kLu e?kMykvoicekiskbarelykakwhisper. k Wevekhadkakvisitor.kHekta eskmykelbow,kandkImkgratefulkforktheksupportmyklegs khavekturnedktokjelly.kIkwal kwithkhimkthroughkthekopenkdoublekdoors. k Ryankiskstandingkatkthekentrancekofkthekgreatkroom.kAkcutkabovekhiskeyek iskbleeding,kandkthereskanotherkonkhiskmouth.kHekloo skroughedkup,khiskclotheskdi sheveled.kButkwhatskmorekshoc ingkiskJac kHydekslumpedkatkhiskfeet. k k k kkk k Mykheartkiskpoundingkandkbloodkthrumskloudlykinkmykeardrums;kthekalcohol kflowingkthroughkmyksystem,kamplifyingktheksound.

k IskhekIkgasp,kunablektokfinishktheksentencekandkgazingkwide-eyedkandkterrif iedkatkRyan.kIkcantkevenkloo katkthekpronekfigurekonkthekfloor. k No,kmaam.kJustk noc edkoutkcold. k Reliefkfloodskthroughkme.kOh,kthan kGod. k Andkyou?kIkas ,kgazingkatkRyan.kIkrealizekIkdontk nowkhiskfirstkname.kHeskpa ntingkaskifkheskrunkakmarathon.kHekwipeskthekcornerkofkhiskmouth,kremovingkthektr acekofkblood,kandkakfaintkbruisekiskformingkonkhiskchee . k Hekputkupkonekhellkofkakfight,kbutkImko ay,kMrs.kGrey.kHeksmileskreassuring ly.kIfkIk newkhimkbetter,kIdksaykhekloo edkaklittleksmug. k AndkGail?kMrs.kJones?kOhknok.k.k.kisksheko ay?kHaskshekbeenkharmed? k Imkhere,kAna.kGlancingkbehindkme,ksheskinkaknightdresskandkrobe,kherkhairklo ose,kherkfacekashenkandkherkeyeskwideli ekmine,kIkimagine. k Ryankwo ekme.kInsistedkIkcomekinkhere.kShekpointskbehindkherkintokTaylorsko ffice.kImkfine.kArekyouko ay? k Iknodkbris lykandkrealizeksheskprobablykjustkcomekoutkofkthekpanickroomkb uiltkadjoiningkTaylorskoffice.kWhok newkwedkneedkitksoksoon?kChristiankhadkinsiste dkonkitskinstallationkshortlykafterkourkengagementandkIkhadkrolledkmykeyes.kNow,k seeingkGailkstandingkinkthekdoorway,kImkgratefulkforkhiskforesight. k Akcrea kfromkthekdoorktokthekfoyerkdistractskme.kItskhangingkoffkitskhing es.kWhatkthekhellkhappenedktokthat? k Waskhekalone?kIkas kRyan. k Yes,kmaam.kYoukwouldntkbekstandingkherekifkhekwasnt,kIkcankassurekyou.kRyanks oundskvaguelykaffronted. k Howkdidkhekgetkin?kIkas ,kignoringkhisktone. k Throughkthekservicekelevator.kHeskgotkquitekakpair,kmaam. k IkstarekdownkatkJac skslumpedkfigure.kHeskwearingkakuniformkofksortscoveral ls,kIkthin . k When? k Aboutktenkminuteskago.kIkcaughtkhimkonktheksecuritykmonitor.kHekwaskweari ngkglovesk.k.k.k indakstrangekinkAugust.kIkrecognizedkhimkandkdecidedktokgivekhi mkaccess.kThatkwaykIk newkwedkhavekhim.kYoukwerentkherekandkGailkwasksafe,ksokIkfi guredkitkwasknowkorknever.kRyankloo skverykpleasedkwithkhimselfkoncekmore,kandkSa wyerkscowlskatkhimkinkdisapproval. k Gloves?kThekthoughtkdistractskme,kandkIkglancekoncekmorekatkJac .kYes,kh eskwearingkbrownkleatherkgloves.kCreepy. k Whatknow?kIktryktokdismisskthekramificationskfromkmykmind. k Wekneedktoksecurekhim,kRyankreplies. k Securekhim? k Inkcasekhekwa es.kRyankglanceskatkSawyer. k Whatkdokyoukneed?kas skMrs.kJones,ksteppingkforward.kSheskrecoveredkherkcom posure. k Somethingktokrestrainkhimcordkorkrope,kRyankreplies. k Cablekties.kIkflushkaskmemorieskofkthekpreviousknightkinvadekmykmind.kRe flexively,kIkrubkmykwristskandkglancekquic lykdownkatkthem.kNo,knokbruising.kGoo d. k Ikhaveksomething.kCablekties.kWillktheykdo? k Allkeyeskturnktokme. k Yes,kmaam.kPerfect,kSawyerksays,kseriouskandkstraight-faced.kIkwantkthekflo orktokswallowkmekup,kbutkIkturnkandkheadkforkourkbedroom.kSometimeskyoukjustkhav ektokbrazenkthingskout.kPerhapskitskthekcombinationkofkfearkandkalcoholkma ingkme kaudacious. k WhenkIkreturn,kMrs.kJoneskisksurveyingkthekmesskinkthekfoyerkandkMisskPr escottkhaskjoinedktheksecuritykteam.kIkhandkthektiesktokSawyer,kwhokslowly,kandk withkunnecessarykcare,ktieskHydeskhandskbehindkhiskbac .kMrs.kJoneskdisappearskin tokthek itchenkandkreturnskwithkakfirstkaidk it.kShekta eskRyanskarm,kleadskhimki ntokthekdoorwaykofkthekgreatkroom,kandkstartsktendingktokthekcutkabovekhiskeye.k Hekflincheskaskshekdabskitkwithkankantiseptickwipe.kThenkIknoticekthekGloc konkt hekfloorkwithkaksilencerkattached.kHolykshit!kJac kwaskarmed?kBilekriseskinkmykt hroatkandkIkfightkitkdown. k Dontktouch,kMrs.kGrey,ksayskPrescottkwhenkIkbendktokpic kitkup.kSawyerkemer

geskfromkTaylorskofficekwearingklatexkgloves. k Illkta ekcarekofkthat,kMrs.kGrey,kheksays. k Itskhis?kIkas . k Yeskmaam,ksayskRyan,kwincingkoncekmorekfromkMrs.kJonesskministrations.kHolyk crap.kRyankfoughtkankarmedkmankinkmykhome.kIkshudderkatkthekthought.kSawyerkbend skandkgingerlykpic skupkthekGloc . k Shouldkyoukbekdoingkthat?kIkas . k Mr.kGreykwouldkexpectkitkmaam.kSawyerkslideskthekgunkintokakzip-loc kbagkth enksquatsktokpatkdownkJac .kHekpauseskandkpartiallykpullskakrollkofkductktapekfr omkthekmanskpoc et.kSawyerkblancheskandkpusheskthektapekbac kintokHydeskpoc et. k Ductktape?kMykmindkidlykregisterskaskIkwatchkthekproceedingskwithkfascin ationkandkankoddkdetachment.kThenkbilekrisesktokmykthroatkagainkaskIkrealizekthe kimplications.kRapidly,kIkdismisskthemkfromkmykhead.kDontkgokthere,kAna! k Shouldkwekcallkthekpolice?kIkmutter,ktryingktokhidekmykfear.kIkwantkHydeko utkofkmykhome,ksoonerkratherkthanklater. k RyankandkSawyerkglancekatkeachkother. k Ikthin kwekshouldkcallkthekpolice,kIksaykratherkmorekforcefully,kwondering kwhatskgoingkonkbetweenkRyankandkSawyer. k IvekjustktriedkTaylor,kandkhesknotkansweringkhiskcell.kMaybekheskasleep.kSawy erkchec skhiskwatch.kItskonekforty-fivekinkthekmorningkonkthekEastkCoast. k Ohkno. k HavekyoukcalledkChristian?kIkwhisper. k No,kmaam. k WerekyoukcallingkTaylorkforkinstructions? k Sawyerkloo skmomentarilykembarrassed.kYes,kmaam. k Partkofkmekbristles.kThiskmanIkglancekdownkatkHydekagainhaskinvadedkmykhom e,kandkhekneedsktokbekremovedkbykthekpolice.kButkloo ingkatkthekfourkofkthem,kin toktheirkanxiouskeyes,kIkdecidekIkmustkbekmissingksomethingksokIkdecidektokcallk Christian.kMykscalpkpric les.kIk nowkheskmadkatkmereally,kreallykmadkatkmeandkIkfal terkatkthekthoughtkofkwhatkhellksay.kAndkhowkhellkstresskbecausekhesknotkherekandkc antkbekherekuntilktomorrowkevening.kIk nowkIvekworriedkhimkenoughkthiskevening.kPe rhapskIkshouldntkcallkhim.kAndkthenkitkoccursktokme.kShit.kWhatkifkIdkbeenkhere?kI kpalekatkthekthought.kThan kheavenskIkwaskout.kMaybekIkwontkbekinksokmuchktrouble kafterkall. k Iskheko ay?kIkas ,kpointingkatkJac . k Hellkhavekankachingks ullkwhenkhekwa es,kRyanksays,kgazingkdownkatkJac kwit hkcontempt.kButkwekneedkparamedicskherektokma eksure. k IkreachkintokmykpursekandkpullkoutkmykBlac Berry,kandkbeforekIkcankgivek tookmuchkthoughtktokthekextentkofkChristianskanger,kIkdialkhisknumber.kItkgoeskst raightktokvoicekmail.kHekmustkhavekswitchedkitkoffkbecausekhesksokmad.kIkcannotkt hin kwhatktoksay.kTurningkaway,kIkwal kdownkthekhallwaykaklittle,kawaykfromkever yone. k Hi.kItskme.kPleasekdontkbekmad.kWevekhadkankincidentkatkthekapartment.kButki tskunderkcontrol,ksokdontkworry.kNokonekiskhurt.kCallkme.kIkhangkup. k Callkthekpolice.kIktellkSawyer.kHeknods,kta eskoutkhiskcell,kandkma eskthe kcall. k OfficerkS innerkiskdeepkinkconversationkwithkRyankatkthekdiningkroomktab le.kOfficerkWal erkiskwithkSawyerkinkTaylorskoffice.kIkdontk nowkwherekPrescottkis ,kperhapskinkTaylorskoffice.kDetectivekClar kiskbar ingkquestionskatkmekaskweksit konkthekcouchkinkthekgreatkroom.kHesktall,kdar kandkwouldkbekgoodkloo ingkifkitkw asntkforkhiskpermanentkscowl.kIksuspectkheskbeenkwo enkandkdraggedkfromkhiskwarmkb edkbecausekthekhomekofkonekofkSeattleskmostkinfluentialkandkwealthykbusinessmenkh askbeenkbreached. k Hekusedktokbekyourkboss?kClar kas sktersely. k Yes. k IkamktiredbeyondktiredandkIkwantktokgoktokbed.kIkstillkhaventkheardkfromkCh ristian.kOnkthekpluskside,kthekparamedicskhavekremovedkHyde.kMrs.kJoneskhandskDe tectivekClar kandkmekeachkakcupkofktea. k Than s.kClar kturnsktokme.kAndkwherekiskMr.kGrey? k NewkYor .kOnkbusiness.kHellkbekbac ktomorrowkevening,kIkmeankthiskevening.k

Itskafterkmidnight. k Hydekisk nownktokus,kDetectivekClar kmurmurs.kIllkneedkyouktokcomekdownktokt hekstationktokma ekakstatement.kButkthatkcankwait.kItsklatekandktherekarekakcoupl ekofkreporterskcampedkoutkonktheksidewal .kDokyoukmindkifkIkloo karound? k Ofkcourseknot,kIkoffer,krelievedkhiskquestioningkiskfinished.kIkshudderkat kthekthoughtkofkthekphotographerskoutside.kWell,ktheykwontkbekakproblemkuntilktom orrow.kIkremindkmyselfktokcallkMomkandkRaykjustkinkcasektheykhearkanythingkandkw orry. k Mrs.kGrey,kmaykIksuggestkyoukgoktokbed?kMrs.kJonesksays,kherkvoicekwarmkan dkfullkofkconcern. k Loo ingkintokherkwarm,k indkeyes,kIksuddenlykfeelkankoverwhelmingkneedkt okcry.kShekreacheskoverkandkrubskmykshoulder. k Wereksafeknow,kshekmurmurs.kThiskwillkallkloo kbetterkinkthekmorningkoncekyo uvekhadksomeksleep.kAndkMr.kGreykwillkbekbac ktomorrowkevening. k Ikglanceknervouslykupkatkher,k eepingkmyktearskatkbay.kChristiankiskgoin gktokbeksokmad. k CankIkgetkyoukanythingkbeforekyoukgoktokbed?kshekas s. k IkrealizekhowkhungrykIkam.kIdkloveksomethingktokeat. k Sheksmileskbroadly.kSandwichkandksomekmil ? k Iknodkwithkgratitude,kandkshekheadskintokthek itchen.kRyankiskstillkwith kOfficerkS inner.kInkthekfoyerkDetectivekClar kiskexaminingkthekmesskoutsidekthe kelevator.kHekloo skthoughtful,kdespitekhiskscowl.kAndksuddenlykIkfeelkhomesic ho mesic kforkChristian.kHoldingkmykheadkinkmykhands,kIkwishkferventlykthatkhekwere khere.kHedk nowkwhatktokdo.kWhatkankevening.kIkwantktokcrawlkintokhisklap,khavekh imkholdkmekandktellkmekthatkhekloveskme,kevenkthoughkIkdontkdokaskImktoldbutkthatkw ontkbekpossiblekuntilkthiskevening.kInwardlykIkrollkmykeyesk.k.k.kWhykdidntkhektel lkmekaboutkthekincreasedksecuritykforkeveryone?kWhatkexactlykiskonkJac skcomputer ?kHesksokfrustratingkbutkrightknow,kIkjustkdontkcare.kIkwantkmykhusband.kIkmisskhi m. k Herekyoukare,kAnakdear.kMrs.kJoneskinterruptskmykinnerkturmoil.kWhenkIkgla ncekupkatkher,kshekhandskmekakpeanutkbutterkandkjellyksandwich,kherkeyesktwin li ng.kIkhaventkhadkonekofkthesekforkyears.kIksmilekshylykandkdigkin. k WhenkIkfinallykcrawlkintokbed,kIkcurlkupkonkChristianskside,kdressedkinkh iskT-shirt.kBothkhiskpillowkandkhiskT-shirtksmellkofkhim,kandkaskIkdriftkoffkIks ilentlykwishkhimksafekpassagekhomek.k.k.kandkakgoodkmood. k Ikwa ekwithkakstart.kItsklightkandkmykheadkiskaching,kthrobbingkatkmyktem ples.kOhkno.kIkhopekIkdontkhavekakhangover.kCautiously,kIkopenkmykeyeskandknotice kthekbedroomkchairkhaskmoved,kandkChristiankisksittingkinkit.kHeskwearingkhisktux ,kandkthekendkofkhiskbowtiekiskpeepingkoutkofkthekbreastkpoc et.kIkwonderkifkImkd reaming.kHiskleftkarmkiskdrapedkoverkthekchair,kandkinkhiskhandkhekholdskakcutkg lassktumblerkofkamberkliquid.kBrandy?kWhis ey?kIkhaveknokidea.kOneklongklegkiskc rossedkatkthekan lekoverkhisk nee.kHeskwearingkblac ksoc skandkdresskshoes.kHiskr ightkelbowkrestskonkthekarmkofkthekchair,khiskhandkupktokhiskchin,kandkheskslowly krunningkhiskindexkfingerkrhythmicallykbac kandkforthkoverkhisklowerklip.kInkthe kearlykmorningklight,khiskeyeskburnkwithkgravekintensitykbutkhiskgeneralkexpress ionkiskcompletelykunreadable. k Mykheartkalmostkstops.kHeskhere.kHowkdidkhekgetkhere?kHekmustkhavekleftkN ewkYor klastknight.kHowklongkhaskhekbeenkherekwatchingkmeksleep? k Hi,kIkwhisper. k Hekregardskmekcoolly,kandkmykheartkstutterskoncekmore.kOhkno.kHekmoveskh isklongkfingerskawaykfromkhiskmouth,ktosseskbac kthekremainderkofkhiskdrin ,kand kplaceskthekglasskonkthekbedsidektable.kIkhalfkexpectkhimktok isskme,kbutkhekdoe snt.kHeksitskbac ,kcontinuingktokregardkme,khiskexpressionkimpassive. k Hello,kheksayskfinally,khiskvoicekhushed.kAndkIk nowkheskstillkmad.kReallyk mad. k Yourekbac . k Itkwouldkappearkso. k SlowlykIkpullkmyselfkupkintokaksittingkposition,knotkta ingkmykeyeskoffk him.kMykmouthkiskdry.kHowklongkhavekyoukbeenksittingktherekwatchingkmeksleep? k Longkenough.

k Yourekstillkmad.kIkcankhardlykspea kthekwords. k Hekgazeskatkme,kaskifkconsideringkhiskresponse.kMad,kheksayskaskifktesting kthekword,kweighingkupkitsknuances,kitskmeaning.kNo,kAna.kIkamkway,kwaykbeyondkma d. k Holykcrap.kIktryktokswallow,kbutkitskhardkwithkakdrykmouth. k Farkbeyondkmadk.k.k.kthatkdoesntksoundkgood. k Hekgazeskatkme,kcompletelykimpassive,kandkdoesntkrespond.kAkstar ksilence kstretcheskbetweenkus.kIkreachkoverktokmykglasskofkwaterkandkta ekakwelcomeksip, ktryingktokbringkmykerratickheartkratekunderkcontrol. k RyankcaughtkJac .kIktrykakdifferentktac ,kandkIkplacekmykglasskbesidekhisk onkthekbedsidektable. k Ik now,kheksayskicily. k Ofkcourse,khek nows.kArekyoukgoingktokbekmonosyllabickforklong? k Hiskeyebrowskmovekfractionallykregisteringkhisksurprisekaskifkhekhadntkex pectedkthiskquestion.kYes,kheksayskfinally. k Ohk.k.k.ko ay.kWhatktokdo?kDefensethekbestkformkofkattac .kImksorrykIkstaye dkout. k Arekyou? k No,kIkmutterkafterkakpause,kbecausekitsktrue. k Whyksaykitkthen? k BecausekIkdontkwantkyouktokbekmadkatkme. k Heksighskheavilykaskifkheskbeenkholdingkthisktensionkforkakthousandkhours kandkrunskhiskhandkthroughkhiskhair.kHekloo skbeautiful.kMad,kbutkbeautiful.kIkd rin khimkinChristianskbac angry,kbutkinkonekpiece. k Ikthin kDetectivekClar kwantsktoktal ktokyou. k Imksurekhekdoes. k Christian,kpleasek.k.k. k Pleasekwhat? k Dontkbeksokcold. k Hiskeyebrowskrisekinksurprisekoncekmore.kAnastasia,kcoldkisknotkwhatkImkfe elingkatkthekmoment.kImkburning.kBurningkwithkrage.kIkdontk nowkhowktokdealkwithkt hesehekwaveskhiskhandksearchingkforkthekwordfeelings.kHisktonekiskbitter. k Ohkshit.kHiskhonestykdisarmskme.kAllkIkwantktokdokiskcrawlkintokhisklap. kItskallkIvekwantedktokdoksincekIkcamekhomeklastknight.kTokhellkwithkthis.kIkmove, kta ingkhimkbyksurprisekandkclimbingkaw wardlykintokhisklap,kwherekIkcurlkup.kHe kdoesntkpushkmekaway,kwhichkiskwhatkIdkfeared.kAfterkakbeat,khekfoldskhiskarmskaro undkmekandkburieskhisknosekinkmykhair.kHeksmellskofkwhis ey.kJeez,khowkmuchkdidk hekdrin ?kHeksmellskofkbodywash,ktoo.kHeksmellskofkChristian.kIkwrapkmykarmskaro undkhisknec kandknuzzlekhiskthroat,kandkheksighskoncekmore,kdeeplykthisktime. k Oh,kMrs.kGrey.kWhatkamkIkgoingktokdokwithkyou?kHek isseskthektopkofkmykhea d.kIkclosekmykeyes,krelishingkthekcontactkwithkhim. k Howkmuchkhavekyoukhadktokdrin ? k Hekstills.kWhy? k Youkdontknormallykdrin khardkliquor. k Thiskiskmyksecondkglass.kIvekhadkaktryingknight,kAnastasia.kGivekakmankakb rea . k Iksmile.kIfkyoukinsist,kMr.kGrey,kIkbreathekintokhisknec .kYouksmellkheaven ly.kIksleptkonkyourksidekofkthekbedkbecausekyourkpillowksmellskofkyou. k Heknuzzleskmykhair.kDidkyouknow?kIkwonderedkwhykyoukwerekonkthiskside.kImk stillkmadkatkyou. k Ik now. k Hiskhandkrhythmicallykstro eskmykbac . k AndkImkmadkatkyou,kIkwhisper. k Hekpauses.kAndkwhat,kpray,khavekIkdonektokdeservekyourkire? k Illktellkyouklaterkwhenkyoureknoklongerkburningkwithkrage.kIk isskhiskthroat .kHekcloseskhiskeyeskandkleanskintokmyk isskbutkma esknokmovektok isskmekbac .kH iskarmsktightenkaroundkme,ksqueezingkme. k WhenkIkthin kofkwhatkmightkhavekhappenedk.k.k.kHiskvoicekiskbarelykakwhisp er.kBro en,kraw. k Imko ay.

k Oh,kAna.kItskalmostkaksob. k Imko ay.kWerekallko ay.kAkbitksha en.kButkGailkiskfine.kRyankiskfine.kAndkJ ac kiskgone. k Heksha eskhiskhead.kNokthan sktokyou,khekmutters. k What?kIkleankbac ,kandkglarekatkhim.kWhatkdokyoukmean? k Ikdontkwantktokarguekaboutkitkrightknow,kAna. k Ikblin .kWell,kmaybekIkdo,kbutkIkdecidekagainstkit.kAtkleastkhesktal ingk tokme.kIknestlekintokhimkoncekmore.kHiskfingerskmovektokmykhairkandkstartkplayin gkwithkit. k Ikwantktokpunishkyou,khekwhispers.kReallykbeatkthekshitkoutkofkyou,khekadds. k Mykheartkleapskintokmykmouth.kFuc .kIk now,kIkwhisperkaskmykscalpkpric les . k MaybekIkwill. k Ikhopeknot. k Hekhugskmektighter.kAna,kAna,kAna.kYoudktrykthekpatiencekofkaksaint. k Ikcouldkaccusekyoukofkmanykthings,kMr.kGrey,kbutkbeingkaksaintkisntkonekof kthem. k FinallykIkamkblessedkwithkhiskreluctantkchuc le.kFairkpointkwellkmadekask ever,kMrs.kGrey.kHek isseskmykforeheadkandkshifts. k Bac ktokbed.kYoukhadkaklateknight,ktoo.kHekmoveskquic ly,kpic ingkmekupkan dkdepositingkmekbac konkthekbed. k Liekdownkwithkme? k No.kIkhavekthingsktokdo.kHekreacheskdownkandkcollectskthekglass.kGokbac kto ksleep.kIllkwa ekyoukinkakcouplekofkhours. k Arekyoukstillkmadkatkme? k Yes. k Illkgokbac ktoksleep,kthen. k Good.kHekpullskthekduvetkoverkmekandk isseskmykforeheadkoncekmore.kSleep. k AndkbecausekImksokgroggykfromktheknightkbefore,krelievedkthatkheskbac ,kan dkemotionallykfatiguedkbykourkearly-morningkencounter,kIkdokexactlykaskImktold.kA skIkdriftkoff,kImkcuriouskthoughkgrateful,kgivenktheknastyktastekinkmykmouth,ktok nowkwhykhekhasntkdeployedkhiskusualkcopingkmechanismkandkleaptkonkmektokhavekhis kwic edkway. k Theresksomekorangekjuicekforkyoukhere,kChristianksays,kandkmykeyeskflutterk openkagain.kIkhavekhadkthekmostkrestfulktwokhourskofksleepkIkcankremember,kandkI kwa ekrefreshed,kmykheadknoklongerkthrobbing.kThekorangekjuicekiskakwelcomeksigh taskiskmykhusband.kHeskinkhisksweats.kAndkImkmomentarilykzappedkbac ktokthekHeathma nkHotelkandkthekfirstktimekIkeverkwo ekupkwithkhim.kHiskgrayktan ktopkiskdampkwi thkhisksweat.kEitherkheskbeenkwor ingkoutkinkthekbasementkgymkorkheskbeenkforkakru n,kbutkhekshouldntkloo kthiskgoodkafterkakwor out. k Imkgoingktokta ekakshower,khekmurmurskandkdisappearsktokthekbathroom.kIkfro wn.kHeskstillkdistant.kHeskeitherkdistractedkbykallkthatskhappened,korkstillkmad,ko rk.k.k.kwhat?kIksitkupkandkreachkforkthekorangekjuice,kdrin ingkitkdownktookquic ly.kItskdelicious,kicekcold,kandkitkma eskmykmouthkakmuchkbetterkplace.kIkclambe rkoutkofkbed,kanxiousktokclosekthekdistancerealkandkmetaphysicalbetweenkmykhusband kandkme.kIkglancekquic lykatkthekalarm.kItskeightkocloc .kIkstripkoffkChristianskTshirtkandkfollowkhimkintokthekbathroom.kHeskinkthekshower,kwashingkhiskhair,kandk Ikdontkhesitate.kIkslipkinkbehindkhim,kandkhekstiffenskthekmomentkIkwrapkmykarmsk aroundkhimmykfrontktokhiskwet,kmuscularkbac .kIkignorekhiskreaction,kholdingkhimk tightly,kandkpresskmykchee kflatkagainstkhim,kclosingkmykeyes.kAfterkakmoment,kh ekshiftsksokwekarekbothkunderkthekcascadekofkhotkwaterkandkcarrieskonkwashingkhi skhair.kIkletkthekwaterkwashkoverkmekaskIkcradlekthekmankIklove.kIkthin kofkallk thektimeskheskfuc edkmekandkallkthektimeskheskmadeklovektokmekinkhere.kIkfrown.kHes kneverkbeenkthiskquiet.kTurningkmykhead,kIkstartktoktrailk isseskacrosskhiskbac .kHiskbodykstiffenskagain. k Ana,khekwarns. k Hmm. k Mykhandsktravelkslowlykdownkoverkhisktautkstomachktokhiskbelly.kHekplace skbothkhiskhandskonkminekandkbringskthemktokankabruptkhalt.kHeksha eskhiskhead. k Dont,khekwarns.

k Ikreleasekhim,kimmediately.kHesksayingkno?kMykmindkgoeskintokfreekfallhask thiskeverkhappenedkbefore?kMyksubconsciousksha eskherkhead,kherklipskpursed.kShe kglareskatkmekoverkherkhalf-moonkglasses,kwearingkherkyouve-really-fuc ed-up-this -timekloo .kIkfeelkli ekIvekbeenkslapped,khard.kRejected.kAndkaklifetimekofkinsec uritykspawnskthekuglykthoughtkhekdoesntkwantkmekanymore.kIkgaspkaskthekpainksears kthroughkme.kChristiankturns,kandkImkrelievedktokseekhesknotkcompletelykobliviousk tokmykcharms.kGraspingkmykchin,khektiltskmykheadkbac ,kandkIkfindkmyselfkgazingk intokhiskwary,kbeautifulkeyes. k Imkstillkfuc ingkmadkatkyou,kheksays,khiskvoicekquietkandkserious.kShit!kLe aningkdown,khekrestskhiskforeheadkagainstkmine,kclosingkhiskeyes.kIkreachkupkand kcaresskhiskface. k Dontkbekmadkatkme,kplease.kIkthin kyourekoverreacting,kIkwhisper. k Hekstraightens,kblanching.kMykhandkfallskfreektokmykside. k Overreacting?kheksnarls.kSomekfuc ingklunatickgetskintokmykapartmentktok id napkmykwife,kandkyoukthin kImkoverreacting!kThekrestrainedkmenacekinkhiskvoicekisk frightening,kandkhiskeyeskblazekaskhekstareskatkmekaskifkImkthekfuc ingklunatic. k Nok.k.k.kum,kthatsknotkwhatkIkwaskreferringkto.kIkthoughtkthiskwaskaboutkm ekstayingkout. k Hekcloseskhiskeyeskoncekmorekaskifkinkpainkandksha eskhiskhead. k Christian,kIkwasntkhere.kIktryktokappeasekandkreassurekhim. k Ik now,khekwhisperskopeningkhiskeyes.kAndkallkbecausekyoukcantkfollowkaksimp le,kfuc ingkrequest.kHisktonekiskbitterkandkitskmykturnktokblanch.kIkdontkwantktokdi scusskthisknow,kinkthekshower.kIkamkstillkfuc ingkmadkatkyou,kAnastasia.kYourekma ingkmekquestionkmykjudgment.kHekturnskandkpromptlykleaveskthekshower,kgrabbingka ktowelkonkthekwaykandkstal ingkoutkofkthekbathroom,kleavingkmekbereftkandkchille dkunderkthekhotkwater. k Crap.kCrap.kCrap. k Thenktheksignificancekofkwhatkheskjustksaidkdawnskonkme.kKidnap?kFuc .kJa c kwantedktok idnapkme?kIkrecallkthekductktapekandknotkwantingktokthin ktookdeep lykaboutkwhykJac khadkthat.kDoeskChristiankhavekmorekinformation?kHurriedlykIkwa shkmyself,kthenkshampookandkrinsekmykhair.kIkwantktok now.kIkneedktok now.kIkamk notkgoingktokletkhimk eepkmekinkthekdar kaboutkthis. k ChristiansknotkinkthekbedroomkwhenkIkcomekout.kJeez,khekdresseskquic ly.k Ikdoktheksame,kthrowingkonkmykfavoritekplumkdresskandkblac ksandals,kandkImkconsc iouskthatkIvekchosenkthiskoutfitkbecausekChristiankli eskit.kIkvigorouslyktowel-d rykmykhair,kthenkbraidkitkandkwindkitkintokakbun.kFittingkdiamondkstudskintokmyk ears,kIkdashktokthekbathroomktokapplykaklittlekmascarakandkglancekatkmyselfkinkt hekmirror.kImkpale.kJeez,kImkalwayskpale.kIkta ekakdeepksteadyingkbreath.kIkneedkt okfacekthekconsequenceskofkmykrashkdecisionktokactuallykenjoykmyselfkwithkmykfri end.kIksigh,k nowingkthatkChristiankwontkseekitkthatkway. k Christiankisknowherektokbekseenkinkthekgreatkroom.kMrs.kJoneskiskbusying kherselfkinkthek itchen. k Goodkmorning,kAna,ksheksaysksweetly. k Morning,kIksmilekbroadlykatkher.kIkamkAnakagain! k Tea? k Please. k Anythingktokeat? k Please.kIdkli ekankomeletkthiskmorning. k Withkmushroomskandkspinach? k Andkcheese. k Comingkup. k WhereskChristian? k Mr.kGreyskinkhiskstudy. k Haskhekhadkbrea fast?kIkglancekatkthektwokplacesksetkonkthekbrea fastkbar. k No,kmaam. k Than s. k Christiankiskonkthekphone,kdressedkinkakwhitekshirtkwithknoktie,kloo ing kli ekeverykpartkthekrelaxedkCEO.kHowkdeceptivekappearanceskcankbe.kPerhapskheskn otkgoingkintokthekofficekafterkall.kHekglanceskupkwhenkIkappearkinkthekdoorwaykb utksha eskhiskheadkatkme,kindicatingkthatkIkamknotkwelcome.kShitk.k.k.kIkturnkan

dkwanderkdejectedlykbac ktokthekbrea fastkbar.kTaylorkappears,ksnappilykdressedk inkaksomberksuit,kloo ingkli ekheskhadkeightkhourskofkuninterruptedksleep. k Morning,kTaylor,kIkmurmur,ktryingktokgaugekhiskmoodkandkseekifkhellkofferkm ekanykvisualkcueskaboutkwhatkhaskbeenkgoingkon. k Goodkmorning,kMrs.kGrey,khekreplies,kandkIkhearktheksympathykinkthosekfour kwords.kIksmilekcompassionatelykbac katkhim,k nowingkhekhadktokendurekankangry,k frustratedkChristiankreturningktokSeattlekwaykaheadkofkschedule. k Howkwaskthekflight?kIkdarektokas . k Long,kMrs.kGrey.kHiskbrevitykspea skvolumes.kMaykIkas khowkyoukare?khekadds, khisktoneksoftening. k Imkgood. k Heknods.kIfkyoullkexcusekme.kHekheadsktowardkChristianskstudy.kHmm.kTaylorska llowedkin,kbutknotkme. k Herekyoukgo.kMrs.kJoneskplaceskmykbrea fastkinkfrontkofkme.kMykappetitekha skvanished,kbutkIkeatkanyway,knotkwishingktokoffendkher. k BykthektimekIvekfinishedkwhatkIkcankofkmykbrea fast,kChristiankhaskstillk notkemergedkfromkhiskstudy.kIskhekavoidingkme? k Than s,kMrs.kJones,kIkmurmur,kslidingkoffkthekbarkstoolkandkma ingkmykwayk tokthekbathroomktokcleankmykteeth.kAskIkbrushkthem,kImkremindedkofkChristiansksul koverkthekweddingkvows.kHekholedkupkinkhiskstudykthen,ktoo.kIskthatkwhatkthiskis ?kHimksul ing?kIkshudderkaskIkrecallkhisksubsequentknightmare.kWillkthatkhappenk again?kWekreallykneedktoktal .kIkneedktok nowkaboutkJac kandkaboutkthekincreased ksecuritykforkthekGreysallkthekdetailskthatkhavekbeenk eptkfromkme,kbutknotkfromk Kate.kObviouslykElliotktal sktokher. k Ikglancekatkmykwatch.kItskeightkfiftyImklatekforkwor .kIkfinishkbrushingkmy kteeth,kapplykaklittleklipkgloss,kgrabkmyklightweightkblac kjac et,kandkheadkbac ktokthekgreatkroom.kIkamkrelievedktokseekChristiankthere,keatingkhiskbrea fast. k Yourekgoing?kheksayskwhenkhekseeskme. k Tokwor ?kYes,kofkcourse.kBravely,kIkwal ktowardkhimkandkrestkmykhandskonkt hekedgekofkthekbrea fastkbar.kHekgazeskatkmekblan ly. k Christian,kwevekhardlykbeenkbac kakwee .kIkhavektokgoktokwor . k ButkHekstops,kandkra eskhiskhandkthroughkhiskhair.kMrs.kJoneskwal skquietly koutkofkthekroom.kDiscreet,kGail,kdiscreet. k Ik nowkwekhavekakgreatkdealktoktal kabout.kPerhapskifkyouvekcalmedkdown,kw ekcankdokitkthiskevening. k Hiskmouthkpopskopenkwithkdismay.kCalmedkdown?kHiskvoicekiskeerilyksoft. k Ikflush.kYouk nowkwhatkIkmean. k No,kAnastasia,kIkdontk nowkwhatkyoukmean. k Ikdontkwantkakfight.kIkwaskcomingktokas kyoukifkIkcouldkta ekmykcar. k No.kYoukcant,kheksnaps. k O ay.kIkacquiescekimmediately. k Hekblin s.kHekwaskobviouslykexpectingkakfight.kPrescottkwillkaccompanykyo u.kHisktonekiskslightlyklesskbelligerent. k Dammit,knotkPrescott.kIkwantktokpoutkandkprotestkbutkdecidekagainstkit.k SurelyknowkJac khaskbeenkcaughtkwekcankcutkbac konkourksecurity. k Ikrememberkmykmomskwordskofkwisdomktal kthekdaykbeforekmykwedding.kAna,khon ey,kyoukreallykhavektokchoosekyourkbattles.kItllkbektheksamekwithkyourk idskwhenk youkhavekthem.kWell,katkleastkhesklettingkmekgoktokwor . k O ay,kIkmutter.kAndkbecausekIkdontkwantktokleavekhimkli ekthiskwithksokmuch kunresolvedkandksokmuchktensionkbetweenkus,kIkstepktentativelyktowardkhim.kHekst iffens,khiskeyeskwidening,kandkforkakmomentkhekloo sksokvulnerablekitkpullskatks omekdeep,kdar kplacekinkmykheart.kOh,kChristian,kImksoksorry.kIk isskhimkchastely konktheksidekofkhiskmouth.kHekcloseskhiskeyeskaskifkrelishingkmyktouch. k Dontkhatekme,kIkwhisper. k Hekgrabskmykhand.kIkdontkhatekyou. k Youkhaventk issedkme,kIkwhisper. k Hekeyeskmeksuspiciously.kIk now,khekmutters. k Imkdesperatektokas khimkwhy,kbutkImknotksurekIkwantktok nowkthekanswer.kAb ruptlykhekstandskandkgrabskmykfacekbetweenkhiskhands,kandkinkakflashkhisklipskar ekhardkonkmine.kIkgaspkwithksurprise,kinadvertentlykgrantingkhisktonguekaccess.k

Hekta eskfullkadvantage,kinvadingkmykmouth,kclaimingkme,kandkjustkaskImkbeginning ktokrespondkhekreleaseskme,khiskbreathingkquic ening. k Taylorkwillkta ekyoukandkPrescottktokSIP,kheksays,khiskeyeskflaringkwithkn eed.kTaylor!khekcalls.kIkflush,ktryingktokrecoverksomekcomposure. k Sir.kTaylorkiskstandingkinkthekdoorway. k TellkPrescottkMrs.kGreykiskgoingktokwor .kCankyoukdrivekthem,kplease? k Certainly.kTurningkonkhiskheel,kTaylorkdisappears. k Ifkyoukcouldktryktokstaykoutkofktroublektoday,kIkwouldkappreciatekit,kChri stiankmutters. k IllkseekwhatkIkcankdo.kIksmileksweetly.kAkreluctantkhalfksmilektugskatkChri stiansklips,kbutkhekdoesntkgivekinktokit. k Illkseekyouklater,kthen,kheksayskcoolly. k Laters,kIkwhisper. k PrescottkandkIkta ekthekservicekelevatorkdownktokthekbasementkgaragekink orderktokavoidkthekmediakoutside.kJac skarrestkandkthekfactkhekwaskapprehendedkin kourkapartmentkareknowkpublick nowledge.kAskIksettlekintokthekAudi,kIkwonderkifk therekwillkbekmorekpaparazzikwaitingkatkSIPkli ekthekdaykourkengagementkwaskanno unced. k WekdrivekakwhilekinksilencekuntilkIkrememberktokcallkfirstkRaykandkthenk mykmomktokreassurekthemkthatkChristiankandkIkareksafe.kMercifully,kbothkcallskar ekshort,kandkIkhangkupkjustkaskwekarrivekoutsidekSIP.kAskIkfeared,kthereskaksmall kcrowdkofkreporterskandkphotographersklyingkinkwait.kTheykturnkaskone,kloo ingke xpectantlykatkthekAudi. k Arekyouksurekyoukwantktokdokthis,kMrs.kGrey?kTaylorkas s.kPartkofkmekjustk wantsktokgokhome,kbutkthatkmeanskspendingkthekdaykwithkMr.kBurningkRage.kIkhopek thatkwithkaklittlektime,khekwillkgainksomekperspective.kJac kiskinkpolicekcustod y,ksokFiftykshouldkbekhappy,kbutkhesknot.kPartkofkmekunderstandskwhy;ktookmuchkof kthiskiskoutkofkhiskcontrolkincludingkme,kbutkIkdontkhavektimektokthin kaboutkthi sknow. k Ta ekmekaroundktokthekdeliverykentrance,kplease,kTaylor. k Yes,kmaam. k Itskonekocloc kandkIvekmanagedktokimmersekmyselfkinkwor kallkmorning.kTheres kak noc kandkElizabethkpopskherkheadkaroundkthekdoor. k CankIkhavekakmoment?kshekas skbrightly. k Sure,kIkmutter,ksurprisedkatkherkunscheduledkvisit. k Shekenterskandksitskdown,ktossingkherklongkblac khairkoverkherkshoulder. kIkjustkwantedktokchec kyoureko ay.kRoachkas edkmektokpaykyoukakvisit,kshekaddskhur riedlykaskherkfacekreddens.kIkmeankwithkallkthatkwentkonklastknight. k Jac kHydeskarrestkiskallkoverktheknewspapers,kbutknokonekseemsktokhavekma dekthekconnectionkyetkwithkthekfirekatkGEH. k Imkfine,kIkanswer,ktryingknotktokthin ktookdeeplykaboutkhowkIkfeel.kJac kwa ntedktokharmkme.kWell,kthatsknotknews.kHesktriedkbefore.kItskChristiankImkmorekconce rnedkabout. k Ikglancekquic lykatkmyke-mail.kThereskstillknothingkfromkhim.kIkdontk nowk ifkIkwerektoksendkhimkanke-mail,kwhetherkIdkjustkbekprovo ingkMr.kBurningkRagekfu rther. k Good,kElizabethkanswers,kandkherksmilekactuallyktoucheskherkeyeskforkakcha nge.kIfkthereskanythingkIkcankdoanythingkyoukneedletkmek now. k Willkdo. k Elizabethkstands.kIk nowkhowkbusykyoukare,kAna.kIllkletkyoukgetkbac ktokit . k Umk.k.k.kthan s. k ThatkhasktokhavekbeenkthekbriefestkmostkpointlesskmeetingkinkthekWestern kHemispherektoday.kWhykdidkRoachksendkherkhere?kPerhapskheskworried,kgivenkImkhisk bossskwife.kIksha ekoffkthekdar kthoughtskandkreachkforkmykBlac Berrykinkthekhope kthatktherekmightkbekakmessagekfromkChristian.kAskIkdo,kmykwor ke-mailkpings. k kkk k From:kChristiankGrey k Subject:kStatement

k k

Date:kAugustk26,k2011k13:04 To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Anastasia kDetectivekClar kwillkbekvisitingkyourkofficektodaykatk3kpmktokta ekyourkstateme nt. kIkhavekinsistedkthatkhekshouldkcomektokyou,kaskIkdontkwantkyoukgoingktokthekpoli cekstation. k ChristiankGrey kCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k Ikgazekatkhiske-mailkforkakfullkfivekminutes,ktryingktokthin kofkaklight kandkwittykresponsektokliftkhiskmood.kIkdrawkakcompletekblan ,kandkoptkforkbrevi tykinstead. k kkk k From:kAnastasiakGrey k k k k kAkx Subject:kStatement Date:kAugustk26,k2011k13:12 To:kChristiankGrey O ay.

k AnastasiakGrey kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k Ikstarekatkthekscreenkforkanotherkfivekminutes,kanxiouskforkhiskresponse kbutktheresknothing.kChristiankisknotkinkthekmoodktokplayktoday. k Iksitkbac .kCankIkblamekhim?kMykpoorkFiftykwaskprobablykfrantic,kbac kin kthekearlykhourskofkthiskmorning.kThenkakthoughtkoccursktokme.kHekwaskinkhisktux kwhenkIkwo ekthiskmorning.kWhatktimekdidkhekdecidektokcomekbac kfromkNewkYor ?kH eknormallykleaveskfunctionskbetweenktenkandkeleven.kLastknightkatkthatkhour,kIkw askstillkatklargekwithkKate. k DidkChristiankcomekhomekbecausekIkwaskoutkorkbecausekofkthekJac kinciden t?kIfkhekleftkbecausekIkwaskoutkhavingkakgoodktime,khekwouldkhavekhadknokideakab outkJac ,kaboutkthekpolice,knothinguntilkheklandedkinkSeattle.kItsksuddenlykveryki mportantktokmektokfindkout.kIfkChristiankcamekbac kmerelykbecausekIkwaskout,kthe nkhekwaskoverreacting.kMyksubconsciousksuc skherkteeth,kwearingkherkharpykface.k O ay,kImkgladkheskbac ,ksokmaybekitskirrelevant.kButkstillChristiankmustkhavekhadkon ekhellkofkakshoc kwhenkheklanded.kNokwonderkhesksokconfusedktoday.kHiskearlierkwo rdskcomekbac ktokme.kIkamkstillkfuc ingkmadkatkyou,kAnastasia.kYourekma ingkmekque stionkmykjudgment. k Ikhavektok nowdidkhekcomekbac kbecausekofkCoc tailgatekorkbecausekofkthek fuc ingklunatic? k kkk k From:kAnastasiakGrey k k k k Subject:kYourkFlight Date:kAugustk26,k2011k13:24 To:kChristiankGrey Whatktimekdidkyoukdecidektokcomekbac ktokSeattlekyesterday?

k AnastasiakGrey kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k k k k k k kkk From:kChristiankGrey Subject:kYourkflight Date:kAugustk26,k2011k13:26 To:kAnastasiakGrey Why?

k ChristiankGrey kCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k k k k k k kkk From:kAnastasiakGrey Subject:kYourkFlight Date:kAugustk26,k2011k13:29 To:kChristiankGrey Callkitkcuriosity.

k AnastasiakGrey kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k k k k k k kkk From:kChristiankGrey Subject:kYourkflight Date:kAugustk26,k2011k13:32 To:kAnastasiakGrey Curiosityk illedkthekcat.

k ChristiankGrey kCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k k k k k kkk From:kAnastasiakGrey Subject:kHuh? Date:kAugustk26,k2011k13:35 To:kChristiankGrey

k Whatkiskthatkobliquekreferencekto?kAnotherkthreat? kYouk nowkwherekIkamkgoingkwithkthis,kdontkyou? kDidkyoukdecidektokreturnkbecausekIkwentkoutkforkakdrin kwithkmykfriendkafterkyo ukas edkmeknotkto,korkdidkyoukreturnkbecausekakmadmankwaskinkyourkapartment?

k AnastasiakGrey kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k Ikstarekatkmykscreen.kTheresknokresponse.kIkglancekatkthekcloc konkmykcom puter.kOnekforty-fivekandkstillknokresponse. k kkk k From:kAnastasiakGrey k k k Subject:kHereskthekthingk.k.k. Date:kAugustk26,k2011k13:56 To:kChristiankGrey

k Ikwillkta ekyourksilencekaskankadmissionkthatkyoukdidkindeedkreturnktokS eattlekbecausekIkCHANGEDkMYkMIND.kIkamkankadultkfemalekandkwentkforkakdrin kwith kmykfriend.kIkdidknotkunderstandktheksecuritykramificationskofkCHANGINGkMYkMINDk becausekYOUkNEVERkTELLkMEkANYTHING.kIkfoundkoutkfromkKatekthatksecuritykhas,kink fact,kbeenksteppedkupkforkallkthekGreys,knotkjustkus.kIkthin kyoukgenerallykover reactkwherekmyksafetykiskconcerned,kandkIkunderstandkwhy,kbutkyourekli ekthekboyk cryingkwolf. kIkneverkhavekakcluekaboutkwhatkiskakrealkconcernkorkmerelyksomethingkthatkiskpe rceivedkaskakconcernkbykyou.kIkhadktwokofktheksecuritykdetailkwithkme.kIkthought kbothkKatekandkIkwouldkbeksafe.kFactkis,kwekwereksaferkinkthatkbarkthankatktheka partment.kHadkIkbeenkFULLYkINFORMEDkofktheksituation,kIkwouldkhavekta enkakdiffe rentkcoursekofkaction. kIkunderstandkyourkconcernskareksomethingktokdokwithkmaterialkthatkwaskonkJac skc omputerkhereorksokKatekbelieves.kDokyouk nowkhowkannoyingkitkisktokfindkoutkmykbe stkfriendk nowskmorekaboutkwhatskgoingkonkwithkyoukthankIkdo?kAndkIkamkyourkWIFE. kSokarekyoukgoingktoktellkme?kOrkwillkyoukcontinuektoktreatkmekli ekakchild,kgua ranteeingkthatkIkcontinuektokbehavekli ekone? kYoukareknotkthekonlykonekwhokiskfuc ingkpissed.kO ay? kAna k AnastasiakGrey kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k Ikhitksend.kTherestic kthatkinkyourkpipekandksmo ekit,kGrey.kIkta ekakdee pkbreath.kIkhavekwor edkmyselfkupkintokquitekakrage.kHerekwaskIkfeelingksorrykan dkguiltykforkbehavingkbadly.kWell,knoklonger. k kkk k From:kChristiankGrey k k k Subject:kHereskthekthingk.k.k. Date:kAugustk26,k2011k13:59 To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Askever,kMrs.kGrey,kyoukarekforthrightkandkchallengingkinke-mail. kPerhapskwekcankdiscusskthiskwhenkyoukgetkhomektokOURkapartment. kYoukshouldkwatchkyourklanguage.kIkamkstillkfuc ingkpissed,ktoo. k ChristiankGrey kCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k Watchkmyklanguage!kIkscowlkatkmykcomputer,krealizingkthiskiskgettingkmek nowhere.kIkdontkrespond,kbutkpic kupkakmanuscriptkrecentlykreceivedkfromkakpromis ingknewkauthorkandkbeginktokread. k MykmeetingkwithkDetectivekClar kiskuneventful.kHekisklesskgrowlykthankth

eknightkbefore,kmaybekbecausekheskmanagedksomeksleep.kOrkmaybekhekjustkpreferskwo r ingkduringkthekday. k Than kyoukforkyourkstatement,kMrs.kGrey. k Yourekwelcome,kdetective.kIskHydekinkpolicekcustodykyet? k Yeskmaam.kHekwaskreleasedkfromkhospitalkearlierkthiskmorning.kWithkwhatkhes kchargedkwith,khekshouldkbekwithkuskforkakwhile.kHeksmiles,khiskdar keyeskcrin li ngkinkthekcorner. k Good.kThiskhaskbeenkankanxiousktimekforkmykhusbandkandkme. k Ikspo ekatklengthkwithkMr.kGreykthiskmorning.kHeskverykrelieved.kInteresti ngkman,kyourkhusband. k Youkhaveknokidea. k Yes,kIkthin kso.kIkofferkhimkakpoliteksmile,kandkhek nowskheskbeingkdismiss ed. k Ifkyoukthin kofkanything,kyoukcankcallkme.kHereskmykcard.kHekwrestleskakcar dkoutkofkhiskwalletkandkhandskitktokme. k Than kyou,kdetective.kIllkdokthat. k Goodkdayktokyou,kMrs.kGrey. k Goodkday. k Askhekleaves,kIkwonderkexactlykwhatkHydekhaskbeenkchargedkwith.kNokdoubt kChristiankwontktellkme.kIkpursekmyklips. k WekridekinksilencektokEscala.kSawyerkiskdrivingkthisktime,kPrescottkatkh iskside,kandkmykheartkgrowskheavierkandkheavierkaskwekheadkbac .kIk nowkChristia nkandkIkarekgoingktokhavekankalmightykfight,kandkIkdontk nowkifkIkhavekthekenergy . k AskIkridekinkthekelevatorkfromkthekgaragekwithkPrescottkbesidekme,kIktry ktokmarshalkmykthoughts.kWhatkdokIkwantktoksay?kIkthin kIksaidkitkallkinkmyke-ma il.kPerhapskhellkgivekmeksomekanswers.kIkhopekso.kIkcantkhelpkmyknerves.kMykheartk iskpounding,kmykmouthkiskdry,kandkmykpalmskareksweaty.kIkdontkwantktokfight.kButk sometimeskhesksokdifficult,kandkIkneedktokstandkmykground. k Thekelevatorkdoorskslidekopen,krevealingkthekfoyer,kandkitskoncekmoreknea tkandktidy.kThektablekiskuprightkandkaknewkvasekiskinkplacekwithkakgorgeouskarra ykofkpalekpin kandkwhitekpeonies.kIkquic lykchec kthekpaintingskaskwekwanderkthr oughthekMadonnaskallkloo ktokbekintact.kThekbro enkfoyerkdoorkiskfixedkandkoperat ionalkoncekmore,kandkPrescottk indlykopenskitkforkme.kSheskbeenksokquietktoday.kI kthin kIkpreferkherkthiskway. k Ikdropkmykbriefcasekinkthekhallkandkheadkintokthekgreatkroom.kIkstop.kHo lykfuc . k Goodkevening,kMrs.kGrey,kChristianksaysksoftly.kHeskstandingkbykthekpiano,k dressedkinkaktightkblac kT-shirt,kandkjeansk.k.k.kthosekjeansthekoneskhekworekink thekplayroom.kOhkmy.kTheykarekoverkwashedkpale-bluekdenim,ksnug,krippedkatkthek neekandkhot.kHeksaunterskoverktokme,khiskfeetkbare,kthektopkbuttonkofkthekjeansk undone,khisksmolderingkeyeskneverkleavingkmine. k Goodktokhavekyoukhome.kIvekbeenkwaitingkforkyou. k k k kkk k Havekyouknow?kIkwhisper.kMykmouthkgoeskdrierkstill,kmykheartkpoundingkinkm ykchest.kWhyskhekdressedkli ekthis?kWhatkdoeskitkmean?kIskhekstillksul ing? k Ikhave.kHiskvoicekisk ittenksoft,kbutkhesksmir ingkaskhekstrollskcloserktok me. k Holykcrapkhekloo skhothiskjeanskhangingkthatkwaykfromkhiskhips.kOhkno,kImk notkgoingktokbekdistractedkbykMr.kSex-on-Legs.kIktryktokgaugekhiskmoodkaskheksta l sktowardkme.kAngry?kPlayful?kLustful?kGah!kItskimpossiblektoktell. k Ikli ekyourkjeans,kIkmurmur.kHekgrinskakdisarmingkwolfishkgrinkthatkdoesntk reachkhiskeyes.kShitheskstillkmad.kHeskwearingkthesektokdistractkme.kHekhaltskinkfr ontkofkme,kandkImksearedkbykhiskintensity.kHekgazeskdown,kwidekunreadablekeyeskbu rningkintokmine.kIkswallow. k Ikunderstandkyoukhavekissues,kMrs.kGrey,kheksaysksil ily,kandkhekpullsksom ethingkfromkthekbac kpoc etkofkhiskjeans.kIkcantktearkmykgazekfromkhis,kbutkheark

himkunfoldkakpiecekofkpaper.kHekholdskitkup,kandkglancingkbrieflykinkitskdirecti on,kIkrecognizekmyke-mail.kMykgazekreturnsktokhis,kaskhiskeyeskblazekbrightkwith kanger. k Yes,kIkhavekissues,kIkwhisper,kfeelingkbreathless.kIkneedkdistancekifkwerek goingktokdiscusskthis.kButkbeforekIkcankstepkbac ,khekleanskdownkandkrunskhiskno sekalongkmine.kMykeyeskflutterktokakclosekaskIkwelcomekhiskunexpected,kgentlekto uch. k SokdokI,khekwhisperskagainstkmyks in,kandkIkopenkmykeyeskatkhiskwords.kHek straightenskandkgazeskintentlykatkmekoncekmore. k Ikthin kImkfamiliarkwithkyourkissues,kChristian.kMykvoicekiskwry,kandkhekna rrowskhiskeyes,ksuppressingkthekamusementkthatkspar sktherekmomentarily.kArekwek goingktokfight?kIkta ekakprecautionarykstepkbac .kIkmustkphysicallykdistancekmys elfkfromkhimfromkhisksmell,khiskloo ,khiskdistractingkbodykinkthosekhotkjeans.kHe kfrownskaskIkmovekaway. k Whykdidkyoukflykbac kfromkNewkYor ?kIkwhisper.kLetskgetkthiskoverkandkdonek with. k Youk nowkwhy.kHisktonekcarrieskakwarningkring. k BecausekIkwentkoutkwithkKate? k Becausekyoukwentkbac konkyourkword,kandkyoukdefiedkme,kputtingkyourselfka tkunnecessarykris . k Wentkbac konkmykword?kIskthatkhowkyoukseekit?kIkgasp,kignoringkthekrestkof khisksentence. k Yes. k Holykcrap.kTal kaboutkoverreaction!kIkstartktokrollkmykeyeskbutkstopkwhe nkhekscowlskatkme.kChristian,kIkchangedkmykmind,kIkexplainkslowly,kpatientlykaskif kheskakchild.kImkakwoman.kWerekrenownedkforkit.kThatskwhatkwekdo. k Hekblin skatkmekaskifkhekdoesntkcomprehendkthis. k IfkIkhadkthoughtkforkonekminutekthatkyoukwouldkcancelkyourkbusinessktripk .k.k.kWordskfailkme.kIkrealizekIkdontk nowkwhatktoksay.kIkamkmomentarilykcatapulte dkbac ktokthekargumentkoverkourkvows.kIkneverkpromisedktokobeykyou,kChristian.kB utkIkholdkmyktongue,kbecausekdeepkdownkImkgladkhekcamekbac .kInkspitekofkhiskfury ,kImkgladkheskherekinkonekpiece,kangrykandksmolderingkinkfrontkofkme. k Youkchangedkyourkmind?kHekcantkhidekhiskcontemptuouskdisbelief. k Yes. k Andkyoukdidntkthin ktokcallkme?kHekglareskatkme,kincredulous,kbeforekcontin uing.kWhatskmore,kyoukleftktheksecuritykdetailkshortkherekandkputkRyankatkris . k Oh.kIkhadntkthoughtkaboutkthat. k Ikshouldkhavekcalled,kbutkIkdidntkwantktokworrykyou.kIfkIkhad,kImksurekyouk wouldkhavekforbiddenkmektokgokandkIvekmissedkKate.kIkwantedktokseekher.kBesides,k itk eptkmekoutkofkthekwaykwhenkJac kwaskhere.kRyankshouldntkhavekletkhimkin.kThisk isksokconfusing.kIfkRyankhadnt,kJac kwouldkstillkbekatklarge. k Christianskeyeskgleamkwildly,kthenkshut,khiskfacektighteningkaskifkinkpai n.kOh,kno.kHeksha eskhiskhead,kandkbeforekIk nowkitkhekhaskfoldedkmekinkhiskarms ,kpullingkmekhardkagainstkhim. k OhkAna,khekwhisperskaskhektightenskhiskholdkonkmeksokthatkIkcankbarelykbre athe.kIfksomethingkwerektokhappenktokyoukHiskvoicekiskbarelykakwhisper. k Itkdidnt,kIkmanagektoksay. k Butkitkcouldkhave.kIvekdiedkakthousandkdeathsktodaykthin ingkaboutkwhatkmi ghtkhavekhappened.kIkwasksokmad,kAna.kMadkatkyou.kMadkatkmyself.kMadkatkeveryone .kIkcantkrememberkbeingkthiskangryk.k.k.kexceptkHekstopskagain. k Except?kIkprompt. k Oncekinkyourkoldkapartment.kWhenkLeilakwaskthere. k Oh.kIkdontkwantktokthin kaboutkthat. k Youkwereksokcoldkthiskmorning,kIkmurmur.kMykvoicekcrac skonktheklastkwordk askIkrememberkthekhideouskfeelingkofkrejectionkinkthekshower.kHiskhandskmovektok theknapekofkmyknec ,klooseningktheirkgripkonkme,kandkIkta ekakdeepkbreath.kHekpu llskmykheadkbac . k Ikdontk nowkhowktokdealkwithkthiskanger.kIkdontkthin kIkwantktokhurtkyou,khe ksays,khiskeyeskwidekandkwary.kThiskmorning,kIkwantedktokpunishkyou,kbadlykandkHeks tops,klostkforkwordskIkthin ,korktookafraidktoksaykthem.

k Youkwerekworriedkyoudkhurtkme?kIkfinishkhisksentencekforkhim,knotkbelieving kthatkhedkhurtkmekforkakminute,kbutkrelieved,ktoo.kAksmallkviciouskpartkofkmekfea redkitkwaskbecausekhekdidntkwantkmekanymore. k Ikdidntktrustkmyself,kheksayskquietly. k Christian,kIk nowkyoudkneverkhurtkme.kNotkphysically,kanyway.kIkclaspkhiskh eadkbetweenkmykhands. k Dokyou?khekas s,kandktheresks epticismkinkhiskvoice. k Yes.kIk newkwhatkyouksaidkwaskankempty,kidlekthreat.kIk nowkyoureknotkgoin gktokbeatkthekshitkoutkofkme. k Ikwantedkto. k Nokyoukdidnt.kYoukjustkthoughtkyoukdid. k Ikdontk nowkifkthatsktrue,khekmurmurs. k Thin kaboutkit,kIkurge,kwrappingkmykarmskaroundkhimkoncekmorekandknuzzling khiskchestkthroughkthekblac kT-shirt.kAboutkhowkyoukfeltkwhenkIkleft.kYouvektoldkm ekoftenkenoughkwhatkthatkdidktokyou.kHowkitkalteredkyourkviewkofkthekworld,kofkm e.kIk nowkwhatkyouvekgivenkupkforkme.kThin kaboutkhowkyoukfeltkaboutkthekcuffkmar skonkourkhoneymoon. k Hekstills,kandkIk nowkheskprocessingkthiskinformation.kIktightenkmykarmsk aroundkhim,kmykhandskonkhiskbac ,kfeelingkhisktautktonedkmuscleskbeneathkhiskT-s hirt.kGradually,khekrelaxeskaskthektensionkslowlykebbskaway. k Iskthiskwhatskbeenkworryingkhim?kThatkhellkhurtkme?kWhykdokIkhavekmorekfai thkinkhimkthankhekhaskinkhimself?kIkdontkunderstand,ksurelykwevekmovedkon.kHesknorm allyksokstrong,ksokinkcontrol,kbutkwithoutkthat,khesklost.kOh,kFifty,kFifty,kFift yImksorry.kHek isseskmykhair,kIkturnkmykfacekupktokhis,kandkhisklipskfindkmine,kse arching,kta ing,kgiving,kbeggingforkwhat,kIkdontk now.kIkjustkwantktokfeelkhiskmou thkonkmine,kandkIkreturnkhisk isskpassionately. k Youkhaveksuchkfaithkinkme,khekwhisperskafterkhekbrea skaway. k Ikdo.kHekstro eskmykfacekwithkthekbac kofkhisk nuc leskandkthektipkofkhisk thumb,kgazingkintentlykintokmykeyes.kHiskangerkhaskgone.kMykFiftykiskbac kfromkw hereverkheskbeen.kItskgoodktokseekhim.kIkglancekshylykupkandksmir . k Besides,kIkwhisper,kyoukdontkhavekthekpaperwor . k Hiskmouthkdropskopenkinkamusedkshoc ,kandkhekclutcheskmektokhiskchestkag ain. k Yourekright.kIkdont.kHeklaughs. k Wekstandkinkthekmiddlekofkthekgreatkroom,kloc edkinkourkembrace,kjustkho ldingkeachkother. k Comektokbed,khekwhispers,kafterkheavenk nowskhowklong. k Ohkmyk.k.k. k Christian,kwekneedktoktal . k Later,khekurgesksoftly. k Christian,kplease.kTal ktokme. k Heksighs.kAboutkwhat? k Youk now.kYouk eepkmekinkthekdar . k Ikwantktokprotectkyou. k Imknotkakchild. k Ikamkfullykawarekofkthat,kMrs.kGrey.kHekrunskhiskhandskdownkmykbodykandkcu pskmykbac side.kFlexingkhiskhips,khekpresseskhiskgrowingkerectionkintokme. k Christian!kIkscold.kTal ktokme. k Heksighskoncekmorekwithkexasperation.kWhatkdokyoukwantktok now?kHiskvoicek iskresignedkaskhekreleaseskme.kIkbaul Ikdidntkmeankyoukhadktokletkmekgo.kTa ingkmy khand,khekreacheskdownktokpic kupkmyke-mailkfromkthekfloor. k Lotskofkthings,kIkmutter,kaskIkletkhimkleadkmektokthekcouch. k Sit,khekorders.kSomekthingskneverkchange,kIkmuse,kdoingkaskImktold.kChristi anksitskbesidekme,kandkleaningkforward,kputskhiskheadkinkhiskhands. k Ohkno.kIskthisktookhardkforkhim?kThenkheksitskup,kra eskbothkhandskthrou ghkhiskhair,kandkturnsktokme,katkoncekexpectantkandkreconciledktokhiskfate. k As kme,kheksaysksimply. k Oh.kWell,kthatkwaskeasierkthankIkthought.kWhykthekadditionalksecuritykfor kyourkfamily? k Hydekwaskakthreatktokthem.

k Howkdokyouk now? k Fromkhiskcomputer.kItkheldkpersonalkdetailskaboutkmekandkthekrestkofkmykf amily.kEspeciallykCarric . k Carric ?kWhykhim? k Ikdontk nowkyet.kLetskgoktokbed. k Christian,ktellkme! k Tellkyoukwhat? k Youkareksok.k.k.kexasperating. k Sokarekyou.kHekglareskatkme. k Youkdidntkrampkupktheksecuritykwhenkyoukfirstkfoundkoutktherekwaskinformat ionkaboutkyourkfamilykonkthekcomputer.kSokwhatkhappened?kWhyknow? k Christianknarrowskhiskeyeskatkme. k Ikdidntk nowkhekwaskgoingktokattemptktokburnkdownkmykbuilding,korkHekstops.kW ekthoughtkitkwaskankunwelcomekobsession,kbutkyouk nowhekshrugswhenkyourekinkthekpubli ckeye,kpeoplekarekinterested.kItkwaskrandomkstuff:knewskreportskonkmekfromkwhenk IkwaskatkHarvardmykrowing,kmykcareer.kReportskonkCarric followingkhiskcareer,kfoll owingkmykmomskcareerandktoksomekextent,kElliotkandkMia. k Howkstrange. k Youksaidkor,kIkprompt. k Orkwhat? k Youksaid,kattemptktokburnkdownkmykbuilding,kork.k.k.kli ekyoukwerekgoingkto ksayksomethingkelse. k Arekyoukhungry? k What?kIkfrownkatkhim,kandkmykstomachkrumbles. k Didkyoukeatktoday?kHiskvoicekisksternerkandkhiskeyeskfrost. k Imkbetrayedkbykmykflush. k AskIkthought.kHiskvoicekiskclipped.kYouk nowkhowkIkfeelkaboutkyouknotkeatin g.kCome,kheksays.kHekstandskandkholdskoutkhiskhand.kLetkmekfeedkyou.kAndkhekshiftsk againk.k.k.kthisktimekhiskvoicekfullkofksensualkpromise. k Feedkme?kIkwhisperkaskeverythingksouthkofkmyknavelkliquefies.kHell.kThiski sksuchkaktypicallykmercurialkdiversionkfromkwhatkwevekbeenkdiscussing.kIskthatkit ?kIskthatkallkImkgettingkoutkofkhimkforknow?kLeadingkmekoverktokthek itchen,kChri stiankgrabskakbarkstoolkandkheftskitkaroundktokthekotherksidekofkthekisland. k Sit,kheksays. k WhereskMrs.kJones?kIkas ,knoticingkherkabsencekforkthekfirstktimekaskIkperc hkonkthekstool. k IvekgivenkherkandkTaylorktheknightkoff. k Oh. k Why? k Hekgazeskatkmekforkakbeat,kandkhiskarrogantkamusementkiskbac .kBecausekIk can. k Sokyourekgoingktokcoo ?kIkgivekhimkankincredulousksmir . k Oh,kyekofklittlekfaith,kMrs.kGrey.kClosekyourkeyes. k Wow.kIkthoughtkwekwerekgoingktokhavekakfull-onkfight,kandkherekwekare,kp layingkinkthek itchen. k Closekthem,khekorders. k Ikrollkthemkfirst,kthenkoblige. k Hmm.kNotkgoodkenough,khekmutters.kIkopenkonekeyekandkseekhimkta ekakplum-c oloredksil kscarfkoutkofkthekbac kpoc etkofkhiskjeans.kItkmatcheskmykdress.kHoly kcow.kIkloo kquizzicallykatkhim.kWhenkdidkhekgetkthat? k Close,khekorderskagain.kNokpee ing. k Yourekgoingktokblindfoldkme?kIkmutter,kshoc ed.kAllkofkaksuddenkImkbreathles s. k Yes. k ChristiankHekplaceskakfingerkuponkmyklips,ksilencingkme. k Ikwantktoktal . k Wellktal klater.kIkwantkyouktokeatknow.kYouksaidkyoukwerekhungry.kHeklightl yk isseskmyklips.kTheksil kofkthekscarfkisksoftkagainstkmykeyelidskaskhektieskit ksecurelykatkthekbac kofkmykhead. k Cankyouksee?khekas s.

k No,kIkmutter,kfigurativelykrollingkmykeyes.kHekchuc lesksoftly. k Ikcanktellkwhenkyourekrollingkyourkeyes,k.k.k.kandkyouk nowkhowkthatkma es kmekfeel. k Ikpursekmyklips.kCankwekjustkgetkthiskoverkandkdonekwith?kIksnap. k Suchkimpatience,kMrs.kGrey.kSokeagerktoktal .kHisktonekiskplayful. k Yes! k Ikmustkfeedkyoukfirst,kheksayskandkbrusheskhisklipskoverkmyktemple,kcalmin gkmekinstantly. k O ayk.k.k.khavekitkyourkway.kIkresignkmyselfktokmykfatekandklistenktokhi skmovementskaroundkthek itchen.kThekfridgekdoorkopens,kandkChristiankplaceskvari ouskdisheskonkthekcountertopkbehindkme.kHekpadskoverktokthekmicrowave,kpopsksome thingkin,kandkturnskitkon.kMykcuriositykiskpiqued.kIkhearkthektoasterkleverkdrop ,kthekturnkofkthekcontrol,kandkthekquietktic kofkthektimer.kHmmtoast? k Yes.kIkamkeagerktoktal ,kIkmurmur,kdistracted.kAnkassortmentkofkexotic,ksp icykaromaskfillskthek itchen,kandkIkshiftkinkmykchair. k Bekstill,kAnastasia,khekmurmurs,kandkheskclosektokmekagain.kIkwantkyouktokbe havek.k.k.k,khekwhispers. k Ohkmy.kMykinnerkgoddesskfreezes,knotkevenkblin ing. k Andkdontkbitekyourklip.kGentlykhektugskmykbottomklipkfreekofkmykteeth,kandk Ikcantkhelpkmyksmile. k Next,kIkhearktheksharpkpopkofkakcor kbeingkdrawnkfromkakbottlekandkthekg entlekglugkofkwinekbeingkpouredkintokakglass.kThenkakmomentkofksilencekfollowedk bykakquietkclic kandktheksoftkhisskofkwhiteknoisekfromktheksurround-soundkspea e rskasktheykcomektoklife.kAkloudktwangkofkakguitarkbeginskaksongkIkdontk now.kChri stiankturnskthekvolumekdownktokbac groundklevel.kAkmankstartsktoksing,khiskvoice kdeep,klow,kandksexy. k Akdrin kfirst,kIkthin ,kChristiankwhispers,kdivertingkmekfromktheksong.kHea dkbac .kIktipkmykheadkbac .kFurther,khekprompts. k Ikoblige,kandkhisklipskarekonkmine.kCoolkcrispkwinekflowskintokmykmouth. kIkswallowkreflexively.kOhkmy.kMemorieskfloodkbac kofknotksoklongkagomektrussedku pkonkmykbedkinkVancouverkbeforekIkgraduatedkwithkakhot,kangrykChristianknotkappr eciatingkmyke-mail.kHmmk.k.k.khavektimeskchanged?kNotkmuch.kExceptknowkIkrecogni zekthekwine,kChristianskfavoriteakSancerre. k Hmm,kIkmurmurkinkappreciation. k Youkli ekthekwine?khekwhispers,khiskbreathkwarmkonkmykchee .kImkbathedkinkh iskproximity,khiskvitality,kthekheatkradiatingkfromkhiskbody,kevenkthoughkhekdoe sntktouchkme. k Yes,kIkbreathe. k More? k Ikalwayskwantkmore,kwithkyou. k Ikalmostkhearkhiskgrin.kItkma eskmekgrin,ktoo.kMrs.kGrey,karekyoukflirtin gkwithkme? k Yes. k Hiskweddingkringkclin skagainstkthekglasskaskhekta eskanotherksipkofkwin e.kNowkthatkiskaksexyksound.kThisktimekhekpullskmykheadkrightkbac ,kcradlingkme. kHek isseskmekoncekmore,kandkgreedilykIkswallowkthekwinekhekgiveskme.kHeksmilesk askhek isseskmekagain. k Hungry? k Ikthin kwevekalreadykestablishedkthat,kMr.kGrey. k ThektroubadourkonkthekiPodkisksingingkaboutkwic edkgames.kHmmk.k.k.kHowk apt. k Thekmicrowavekpings,kandkChristiankreleaseskme.kIksitkupright.kThekfoodk smellskspicy:kgarlic,kmint,koregano,krosemary,kandklamb,kIkthin .kThekdoorktokth ekmicrowavekopens,kandkthekappetizingksmellkgrowskstronger. k Shit!kChrist!kChristiankcurses,kandkakdishkclatterskontokthekcountertop. k OhkFifty!kYouko ay? k Yes!kheksnaps,khiskvoicektight.kAkmomentklater,kheskstandingkbesidekmekonce kmore. k Ikjustkburnedkmyself.kHere.kHekeaseskhiskindexkfingerkintokmykmouth.kMaybek youkcouldksuc kitkbetter.

k Oh.kClaspingkhiskhand,kIkdrawkhiskfingerkslowlykfromkmykmouth.kThere,kthere ,kIksoothe,kandkleaningkforwardkIkblow,kcoolingkhiskfinger,kthenk isskitkgentlykt wice.kHekstopskbreathing.kIkreinsertkitkintokmykmouthkandksuc kgently.kHekinhale sksharply,kandktheksoundktravelskstraightktokmykgroin.kHektasteskaskdeliciouskas kever,kandkIkrealizekthatkthiskiskhiskgamethekslowkseductionkofkhiskwife.kIkthoug htkhekwaskmad,kandknowk.k.k.k?kThiskman,kmykhusband,kisksokconfusing.kButkthiski skhowkIkli ekhim.kPlayful.kFun.kSexykaskhell.kHeskgivenkmeksomekanswers,kbutkImkgr eedy.kIkwantkmore,kbutkIkwantktokplay,ktoo.kAfterkthekanxietykandktensionkofktod ay,kandktheknightmarekofklastknightkwithkJac ,kthiskiskakwelcomekdiversion. k Whatkarekyoukthin ing?kChristiankmurmurs,kstoppingkmykthoughtskinktheirktr ac skaskhekpullskhiskfingerkoutkofkmykmouth. k Howkmercurialkyoukare. k Hekstillskbesidekme.kFiftykShades,kbaby,kheksayskeventuallykandkplantskakt enderk isskatkthekcornerkofkmykmouth. k MykFiftykShades,kIkwhisper.kGrabbingkhiskT-shirt,kIkpullkhimkbac ktokme. k Ohknokyoukdont,kMrs.kGrey.kNoktouchingk.k.k.knotkyet.kHekta eskmykhand,kpri eskitkoffkhiskT-shirt,kandk isseskeachkfingerkinkturn. k Sitkup,khekcommands. k Ikpout. k Ikwillkspan kyoukifkyoukpout.kNowkopenkwide. k Ohkshit.kIkopenkmykmouth,kandkhekpopskinkakfor fulkofkspicykhotklambkcov eredkinkakcool,kminty,kyogurtksauce.kMmm.kIkchew. k Youkli e? k Yes. k Hekma eskankappreciativeknoise,kandkIk nowkheskeatingkandkenjoying,ktoo. k More? k Iknod.kHekgiveskmekanotherkfor ful,kandkIkchewkitkenthusiastically.kHekp utskthekfor kdownkandkhektearsk.k.k.kbread,kIkthin . k Open,khekorders. k Thisktimekitskpitakbreadkandkhummus.kIkrealizekMrs.kJonesorkmaybekevenkChr istianhaskbeenkshoppingkatkthekdelicatessenkIkdiscoveredkaboutkfivekwee skagokonl yktwokbloc skfromkEscala.kIkchewkgratefully.kChristiankinkakplayfulkmoodkincreas eskmykappetite. k More?khekas s. k Iknod.kMorekofkeverything.kPlease.kImkstarving. k Ikhearkhiskdelightedkgrin.kSlowlykandkpatientlykhekfeedskme,koccasionall yk issingkakmorselkofkfoodkfromkthekcornerkofkmykmouthkorkwipingkitkoffkwithkhis kfingers.kIntermittently,khekofferskmekaksipkofkwinekinkhiskuniquekway. k Openkwide,kthenkbite,khekmurmurs.kIkfollowkhiskcommand.kHmmonekofkmykfavori tes,kstuffedkvinekleaves.kEvenkcoldktheykarekdelicious,kthoughkIkpreferkthemkhea tedkup,kbutkIkdontkwantktokris kChristiankburningkhimselfkagain.kHekfeedskitktokm ekslowly,kandkwhenkIvekfinishedkIklic khiskfingerskclean. k More?khekas s,khiskvoiceklowkandkhus y. k Iksha ekmykhead.kImkfull. k Good,khekwhisperskagainstkmykear,kbecausekitsktimekforkmykfavoritekcourse.kY ou.kHekscoopskmekupkinkhiskarms,ksurprisingkmeksokmuchkIksqueal. k CankIkta ekthekblindfoldkoff? k No. k Ikalmostkpout,kthenkrememberkhiskthreatkandkthin kbetterkofkit. k Playroom,khekmurmurs. k OhIkdontk nowkifkthatskakgoodkidea. k Youkupkforkthekchallenge?khekas s.kAndkbecausekheskusedkthekwordkchallenge, kIkcantksaykno. k Bringkitkon,kIkmurmur,kdesirekandksomethingkthatkIkdontkwantktoknamekthrumk throughkmykbody.kHekcarrieskmekthroughkthekdoor,kthenkupkthekstairsktoktheksecon dkfloor. k Ikthin kyouveklostkweight,khekmutterskdisapprovingly.kIkhave?kGood.kIkremem berkhiskcommentkwhenkwekarrivedkbac kfromkourkhoneymoon,kandkhowkmuchkitksmarted .kJeezwaskthatkjustkakwee kago? k Outsidekthekplayroom,khekslideskmekdownkhiskbodykandksetskmekonkmykfeet,

kbutk eepskhiskarmkwrappedkaroundkmykwaist.kBris lykhekunloc skthekdoor. k Itkalwaysksmellsktheksame:kpolishedkwoodkandkcitrus.kItskactuallykbecomek akcomfortingksmell.kReleasingkme,kChristiankturnskmekaroundkuntilkImkfacingkawayk fromkhim.kHekundoeskthekscarf,kandkIkblin kinktheksoftklight.kGently,khekpullskt hekhairpinskfromkmykupdo,kandkmykbraidkfallskfree.kHekgraspskitkandktugskgentlyk sokIkhavektokstepkbac kagainstkhim. k Ikhavekakplan,khekwhisperskinkmykear,ksendingkdeliciouskshiverskdownkmyksp ine. k Ikthoughtkyoukmight,kIkanswer.kHek isseskmekbeneathkmykear. k Oh,kMrs.kGrey,kIkdo.kHisktonekisksoft,kmesmerizing.kHektugskmykbraidktokth eksidekandkplantskaktrailkofksoftk isseskdownkmykthroat. k Firstkwekhavektokgetkyoukna ed.kHiskvoicekhumsklowkinkhiskthroatkandkreson ateskthroughkmykbody.kIkwantkthiswhateverkhekhaskplanned.kIkwantktokconnectkthekw aykwek nowkhow.kHekturnskmekaroundktokfacekhim.kIkglancekdownkatkhiskjeans,kthek topkbuttonkstillkundone,kandkIkcantkhelpkmyself.kIkbrushkmykindexkfingerkaroundkt hekwaistband,kavoidingkhiskT-shirt,kfeelingkthekhairskofkhiskhappyktrailktic lek myk nuc le.kHekinhalesksharply,kandkIkloo kupktokmeetkhiskeyes.kIkstopkatkthekun fastenedkbutton.kHiskeyeskdar enktokakdeeperkgrayk.k.k.kohkmy. k Youkshouldk eepkthesekon,kIkwhisper. k Ikfullykintendkto,kAnastasia. k Andkhekmoves,kgrabbingkmekwithkonekhandktokthekbac kofkmyknec kandktheko therkaroundkmykbac side.kHekpullskmekagainstkhim,kthenkhiskmouthkiskonkmine,kand khesk issingkmekli ekhisklifekdependskonkit. k Whoa! k Hekwal skmekbac ward,kourktongueskentwined,kuntilkIkfeelkthekwoodenkcros skbehindkme.kHekleanskintokme,kthekcontourskofkhiskbodykpressingkintokmine. k Letskgetkridkofkthiskdress,kheksays,kpeelingkmykdresskupkmykthighs,kmykhips ,kmykbellyk.k.k.kdeliciouslykslowly,kthekmaterialks immingkoverkmyks in,ks immin gkoverkmykbreasts. k Leankforward,kheksays. k Ikcomply,kandkhekpullskmykdresskoverkmykheadkandkdiscardskitkonkthekfloo r,kleavingkmekinkmyksandals,kpanties,kandkbra.kHiskeyeskblazekaskhekgraspskbothk mykhandskandkraiseskthemkoverkmykhead.kHekblin skoncekandktiltskhiskheadktokonek side,kandkIk nowkheskas ingkforkmykpermission.kWhatkiskhekgoingktokdoktokme?kIksw allow,kthenknod,kandkaktracekofkankadmiring,kalmostkproud,ksmilektoucheskhisklip s.kHekclipskmykwristskintokthekleatherkcuffskonkthekbarkabovekandkproducesktheks carfkoncekmore. k Thin kyouvekseenkenough,khekmurmurs.kHekwrapskitkaroundkmykhead,kblindfoldi ngkmekagain,kandkIkfeelkakfrissonkrunkthroughkmekaskallkmykotherksenseskheighten ;ktheksoundkofkhisksoftkbreathing,kmykownkexcitedkresponse,kthekbloodkpulsingkin kmykears,kChristianskscentkmixedkwithkthekcitruskandkpolishkinkthekroomallkarekbou ghtkintoksharperkfocuskbecausekIkcantksee.kHisknosektoucheskmine. k Imkgoingktokdrivekyoukwild,khekwhispers.kHiskhandskgraspkmykhips,kandkhekmo veskdown,kremovingkmykpantieskaskhiskhandskglidekdownkmyklegs.kDrivekmekwildk.k. k.kwow. k Liftkyourkfeet,konekatkaktime.kIkobligekandkhekremoveskfirstkmykpanties,kt henkeachksandalkinkturn.kGentlykgraspingkmykan le,khektugskmyklegkgentlyktokthek right. k Step,kheksays.kHekcuffskmykrightkan lektokthekcrosskthenkproceedsktokdokth eksamekwithkmykleft.kIkamkhelpless,kspread-eagledkonkthekcross.kStanding,kChrist iankstepsktowardkme,kandkmykbodykiskbathedkinkhiskwarmthkoncekmorekthoughkhekdoe sntktouchkme.kAfterkakmomentkhekgraspskmykchin,ktiltskmykheadkup,kandk isseskmekc hastely. k Somekmusickandktoys,kIkthin .kYoukloo kbeautifulkli ekthis,kMrs.kGrey.kIk maykta ekakmomentktokadmirekthekview.kHiskvoicekisksoft.kEverythingkclencheskdeep kinside. k Afterkakmoment,kmaybektwo,kIkhearkhimkpadkquietlyktokthekmuseumkchestkan dkopenkonekofkthekdrawers.kThekbuttkdrawer?kIkhaveknokidea.kHekta esksomethingko utkandkplaceskitkonkthektop,kfollowedkbyksomethingkelse.kThekspea erskspringktok life,kandkafterkakmomentkthekstrainskofkaksinglekpianokplayingkaksoft,kliltingkm

elodykfillkthekroom.kItskfamiliarBach,kIkthin butkIkdontk nowkwhatkpiecekitkis.kSome thingkaboutkthekmusickma eskmekapprehensive.kPerhapskbecausekthekmusickisktookco ol,ktookdetached.kIkfrown,ktryingktokgraspkwhykitkunsettleskme,kbutkChristiankgr aspskmykchin,kstartlingkme,kandktugskgentlyksokthatkIkreleasekmykbottomklip.kIks mile,ktryingktokreassurekmyself.kWhykdokfeelkuneasy?kIskitkthekmusic? k Christiankrunskhiskhandkfromkmykchin,kalongkmykthroat,kandkdownkmykchest ktokmykbreast.kUsingkhiskthumbkhekpullskonkthekcup,kfreeingkmykbreastkfromkthekr estraintkofkmykbra.kHekma eskaklow,kappreciativekhummingknoisekinkhiskthroatkand k isseskmyknec .kHisklipskfollowkthekpathkofkhiskfingersktokmykbreast,k issingka ndksuc ingkallkthekway.kHiskfingerskmovektokmykleftkbreast,kreleasingkitkfromkmy kbra.kIkmoankaskheks ateskhiskthumbkacrosskmykleftknipple,kandkhisklipskclosekar oundkmykright,ktuggingkandkteasingkgentlykuntilkbothknippleskareklongkandkhard. k Ah. k Hekdoesntkstop.kWithkexquisitekcare,khekslowlykincreaseskthekintensitykon keach.kIkpullkfruitlesslykagainstkmykrestraintskasksharpkpleasurekspi eskfromkmy knipplesktokmykgroin.kIktryktoksquirmkbutkIkcankhardlykmove,kandkitkma eskthekto rturekallkthekmorekintense. k Christian,kIkplead. k Ik now,khekmurmurskhiskvoicekhoarse.kThiskiskwhatkyoukma ekmekfeel. k What?kIkgroan,kandkhekbeginskagain,ksubjectingkmyknipplesktokhisksweetka gonizingktouchkoverkandkoverta ingkmekcloser. k Please,kIkmewl. k Hekma eskaklowkprimalksoundkinkhiskthroat,kthenkstands,kleavingkmekberef t,kbreathless,kandksquirmingkagainstkmykrestraints.kHekrunskhiskhandskdownkmyksi des,konekpausingkonkmykhipkwhilekthekotherktravelskdownkmykbelly. k Letskseekhowkyourekdoing,khekcroonsksoftly.kGently,khekcupskmyksex,kbrushing khiskthumbkacrosskmykclitoriskandkma ingkmekcrykout.kSlowly,khekinsertskone,kthe nktwokfingerskinsidekme.kIkgroankandkthrustkmykhipskforward,keagerktokmeetkhiskf ingerskandkthekpalmkofkhiskhand. k Oh,kAnastasia,kyoureksokready,kheksays. k Hekcircleskhiskfingerskinsidekme,karoundkandkaround,kwhilekhiskthumbkstr o eskmykclitoris,kbac kandkforth,koncekmore.kItskthekonlykpointkonkmykbodykwherek hesktouchingkme,kandkallkthektension,kallkthekanxietykofkthekday,kiskconcentrated konkthiskonekpartkofkmykanatomy. k Holykshitk.k.k.kitskintensek.k.k.kandkstrangek.k.k.kthekmusick.k.k.kIkbeg inktokbuildk.k.k.kChristiankshifts,khiskhandkstillkmovingkagainstkandkinkme,kand kIkhearkaklowkbuzzingknoise. k What?kIkgasp. k Hush,kheksoothes,kandkhisklipskarekonkmine,keffectivelyksilencingkme.kIkwe lcomekthekwarmer,kmorekintimatekcontact,k issingkhimkvoraciously.kHekbrea skthek contactkandkthekbuzzingknoisekgetsknearer. k Thiskiskakwand,kbaby.kItkvibrates. k Hekholdskitkagainstkmykchest,kandkitkfeelskli ekaklargekball-li ekobject kvibratingkagainstkme.kIkshiverkaskitkmoveskacrosskmyks in,kdownkbetweenkmykbrea sts,kacrossktokfirstkone,kthenkthekotherknipple,kandkImkawashkwithksensation,ktin glingkeverywhere,ksynapseskfiringkaskdar ,kdar kneedkpoolskatkthekbasekofkmykbel ly. k Ah,kIkgroankwhilekChristianskfingerskcontinuektokmovekinsidekme.kImkclosek.k .k.kallkthiskstimulationk.k.k.kTiltingkmykheadkbac ,kIkmoankloudlykandkChristian kstillskhiskfingers.kAllksensationkstops. k No!kChristian,kIkplead,ktryingktokthrustkmykhipskforwardkforksomekfriction . k Still,kbaby,kheksayskwhilekmykimpendingkorgasmkmeltskaway.kHekleanskforwar dkoncekmorekandk isseskme. k Frustrating,kisntkit?khekmurmurs. k Ohkno!kSuddenlykIkunderstandkhiskgame. k Christian,kplease. k Hush,kheksayskandk isseskme.kAndkhekstartsktokmovekagainwand,kfingers,kthum baklethalkcombinationkofksensualktorture.kHekshiftsksokhiskbodykbrusheskagainstkm ine.kHeskstillkdressed,kandktheksoftkdenimkofkhiskjeanskbrusheskagainstkmykleg,kh

iskerectionkatkmykhip.kSoktantalizinglykclose.kHekbringskmektokthekbrin kagain,k mykbodyksingingkwithkneed,kandkstops. k No,kIkmewlkloudly. k Hekplantsksoftkwetk isseskonkmykshoulderkaskhekwithdrawskhiskfingerskfro mkme,kandkmoveskthekwandkdown.kItkoscillateskoverkmykstomach,kmykbelly,kontokmyk sex,kagainstkmykclitoris.kFuc ,kitskintense. k Ah!kIkcrykout,kpullingkhardkonkthekrestraints. k MykbodykisksoksensitizedkIkfeelkIkamkgoingktokexplode,kandkjustkaskIkam, kChristiankstopskagain. k Christian!kIkcrykout. k Frustrating,kyes?khekmurmurskagainstkmykthroat.kJustkli ekyou.kPromisingkon ekthingkandkthenk.k.k.kHiskvoicektrailskoff. k Christian,kplease!kIkbeg. k Hekpusheskthekwandkagainstkmekagainkandkagain,kstoppingkjustkatkthekvita lkmomentkeachktime.kAh! k EachktimekIkstop,kitkfeelskmorekintensekwhenkIkstartkagain.kRight? k Please,kIkwhimper.kMyknervekendingskarekscreamingkforkrelease. k ThekbuzzingkstopskandkChristiank isseskme.kHekrunskhisknosekdownkmine.kYo ukarekthekmostkfrustratingkwomankIkhavekeverkmet. k No,kNo,kNo. k Christian,kIkneverkpromisedktokobeykyou.kPlease,kplease k Hekmoveskinkfrontkofkme,kgrabskmykbehindkandkpusheskhiskhipskagainstkme, kma ingkmekgasphiskgroinkrubbingkintokmine,kthekbuttonskofkhiskjeanskpressingkint okme,kbarelykcontainingkhiskerection.kWithkonekhandkhekpullskoffkthekblindfoldka ndkgraspskmykchin,kandkIkblin kupkintokhiskscorchingkeyes. k Youkdrivekmekcrazy,khekwhispers,kflexingkhiskhipskagainstkmekonce,ktwice,k threektimeskmore,kcausingkmykbodyktokspar readyktokburn.kAndkagainkhekdenieskme.k Ikwantkhimksokbadly.kIkneedkhimksokbadly.kIkclosekmykeyeskandkmutterkakprayer.kI kcantkhelpkbutkfeelkImkbeingkpunished.kImkhelplesskandkheskruthless.kTearskspringkto kmykeyes.kIkdontk nowkhowkfarkheskgoingktokta ekthis. k Please,kIkwhisperkoncekmore. k Butkhekgazeskdownkatkme,kimplacable.kHeskjustkgoingktokcontinue.kForkhowk long?kCankIkplaykthiskgame?kNo.kNo.kNoIkcantkdokthis.kIk nowkhesknotkgoingktokstop. kHeskgoingktokcontinuektoktorturekme.kHiskhandktravelskdownkmykbodykoncekmore.kNo k.k.k.kAndkthekdamkburstsallkthekapprehension,kthekanxiety,kandkthekfearkfromkthe klastkcouplekofkdayskoverwhelmingkmekanewkasktearskspringktokmykeyes.kIkturnkawa ykfromkhim.kThiskisknotklove.kItskrevenge. k Red,kIkwhimper.kRed.kRed.kThektearskcoursekdownkmykface. k Hekstills.kNo!kHekgasps,kstunned.kJesuskChrist,kno. k Hekmoveskquic ly,kunclippingkmykhands,kclaspingkmekaroundkmykwaistkandkl eaningkdownktokunclipkmykan les,kwhilekIkputkmykheadkinkmykhandskandkweep. k No,kno,kno.kAna,kplease.kNo. k Pic ingkmekup,khekmovesktokthekbed,ksittingkdownkandkcradlingkmekinkhisk lapkwhilekIksobkinconsolably.kImkoverwhelmedk.k.k.kmykbodykwoundkupktokbrea ingkp oint,kmykmindkakblan ,kandkmykemotionskscatteredktokthekwind.kHekreacheskbehindk him,kdragsktheksatinksheetkoffkthekfour-posterkbed,kandkdrapeskitkaroundkme.kThe kcoolksheetskfeelkalienkandkunwelcomekagainstkmyksensitizedks in.kHekwrapskhiska rmskaroundkme,khuggingkmekclose,kroc ingkmekgentlykbac wardkandkforward. k Imksorry.kImksorry,kChristiankmurmurs,khiskvoicekraw.kHek isseskmykhairkover kandkoverkagain.kAna,kforgivekme,kplease. k Turningkmykfacekintokhisknec ,kIkcontinuektokcry,kandkitskakcathartickrel ease.kSokmuchkhaskhappenedkoverktheklastkfewkdaysfireskinkcomputerkrooms,kcarkcha ses,kcareerskplannedkoutkforkme,ksluttykarchitects,karmedklunaticskinkthekapartm ent,karguments,khiskangerandkChristiankhaskbeenkaway.kIkhatekChristiankgoingkaway k.k.k.kIkusekthekcornerkofktheksheetktokwipekmyknosekandkgraduallykbecomekawarek thatkthekclinicalktoneskofkBachkarekstillkechoingkaroundkthekroom. k Pleasekswitchkthekmusickoff.kIksniff. k Yes,kofkcourse.kChristiankshifts,knotklettingkmekgo,kandkpullskthekremotek outkofkhiskbac kpoc et.kHekpresseskakbuttonkandkthekpianokmusickceases,ktokbekre placedkbykmykshudderingkbreaths.kBetter?khekas s.

k Iknod,kmyksobskeasing.kChristiankwipeskmyktearskawaykgentlykwithkhiskthu mb. k NotkakfankofkBachskGoldbergkVariations?khekas s. k Notkthatkpiece. k Hekgazeskdownkatkme,ktryingkandkfailingktokhidekthekshamekinkhiskeyes. k Imksorry,kheksayskagain. k Whykdidkyoukdokthat?kMykvoicekiskbarelykaudiblekaskIktryktokprocesskmykscr ambledkthoughtskandkfeelings. k Heksha eskhiskheadksadlykandkcloseskhiskeyes.kIkgotklostkinkthekmoment,khe ksayskunconvincingly. k Ikfrownkatkhim,kandkheksighs.kAna,korgasmkdenialkiskakstandardktoolkinYouk neverkHekstops.kIkshiftkinkhisklap,kandkhekwinces. k Oh.kIkflush.kSorry,kIkmutter. k Hekrollskhiskeyes,kthenkleanskbac ksuddenly,kta ingkmekwithkhim,ksokthat kwerekbothklyingkonkthekbed,kmekinkhiskarms.kMykbrakiskuncomfortable,kandkIkadjus tkit. k Needkakhand?khekas skquietly. k Iksha ekmykhead.kIkdontkwantkhimktoktouchkmykbreasts.kHekshiftsksokheskloo ingkdownkatkme,kandktentativelykraisingkhiskhand,khekstro eskhiskfingerskgently kdownkmykface.kTearskpoolkinkmykeyeskagain.kHowkcankhekbeksokcallouskonekminutek andksoktenderktheknext? k Pleasekdontkcry,khekwhispers. k Imkdazedkandkconfusedkbykthiskman.kMykangerkhaskdesertedkmekinkmykhourkof kneedk.k.k.kIkfeelknumb.kIkwantktokcurlkupkinkakballkandkwithdraw.kIkblin ,ktryi ngktokholdkbac kmyktearskaskIkgazekintokhiskharrowedkeyes.kIkta ekakshudderingkb reath,kmykeyesknotkleavingkhis.kWhatkamkIkgoingktokdokwithkthiskcontrollingkman? kLearnktokbekcontrolled?kIkdontkthin ksok.k.k. k Ikneverkwhat?kIkas k Dokaskyourektold.kYoukchangedkyourkmind;kyoukdidntktellkmekwherekyoukwere.k Ana,kIkwaskinkNewkYor ,kpowerlesskandklivid.kIfkIdkbeenkinkSeattlekIdkhavekbrought kyoukhome. k Sokyoukarekpunishingkme? k Hekswallows,kthenkcloseskhiskeyes.kHekdoesntkhavektokanswer,kandkIk nowkt hatkpunishingkmekwaskhiskexactkintention. k Youkhavektokstopkdoingkthis,kIkmurmur. k Hiskbrowkfurrows. k Forkakstart,kyoukonlykendkupkfeelingkshittierkaboutkyourself. k Heksnorts.kThatsktrue,khekmutters.kIkdontkli ektokseekyoukli ekthis. k AndkIkdontkli ekfeelingkli ekthis.kYouksaidkonkthekFairkLadykthatkyoukhadnt kmarriedkaksubmissive. k Ik now.kIk now.kHiskvoicekisksoftkandkraw. k Wellkstopktreatingkmekli ekone.kImksorrykIkdidntkcallkyou.kIkwontkbeksokself ishkagain.kIk nowkyoukworrykaboutkme. k Hekgazeskatkme,kscrutinizingkmekclosely,khiskeyeskblea kandkanxious.kO ay .kGood,kheksayskeventually.kHekleanskdown,kbutkpauseskbeforekhisklipsktouchkmine, ksilentlykas ingkifkitskallowed.kIkraisekmykfacektokhis,kandkhek isseskmektenderl y. k Yourklipskarekalwaysksoksoftkwhenkyouvekbeenkcrying,khekmurmurs. k Ikneverkpromisedktokobeykyou,kChristian,kIkwhisper. k Ik now. k Dealkwithkit,kplease.kForkbothkourksa es.kAndkIkwillktrykandkbekmorekcons ideratekofkyourk.k.k.kcontrollingktendencies. k Hekloo sklostkandkvulnerable,kcompletelykatksea. k Illktry,khekmurmurs,khiskvoicekburningkwithksincerity. k Iksigh,kaklongkshudderingksigh.kPleasekdo.kBesides,kifkIkhadkbeenkherek.k .k. k Ik now,kheksayskandkblanches.kLyingkbac ,khekputskhiskfreekarmkoverkhiskfa ce.kIkcurlkaroundkhimkandklaykmykheadkonkhiskchest.kWekbothklieksilentkforkakfew kmoments.kHiskhandkmovesktokthekendkofkmykbraid.kHekpullskthektiekfromkit,kfreei ngkmykhair,kandkgently,krhythmicallykcombskhiskfingerskthroughkit.kThiskiskwhatk

thiskiskreallykabouthiskfeark.k.k.khiskirrationalkfearkforkmyksafety.kAnkimagekof kJac kHydekslumpedkonkthekfloorkinkmykapartmentkwithkakGloc kcomesktokmindk.k.k. kwell,kmaybeknotksokirrational,kwhichkremindskmek.k.k. k Whatkdidkyoukmeankearlier,kwhenkyouksaidkor?kIkas . k Or? k SomethingkaboutkJac . k Hekpeerskdownkatkme.kYoukdontkgivekup,kdokyou? k Ikrestkmykchinkonkhisksternum,kenjoyingktheksoothingkcaresskofkhiskfinge rskinkmykhair. k Givekup?kNever.kTellkme.kIkdontkli ekbeingk eptkinkthekdar .kYoukseemktokh aveksomekoverblownkideakthatkIkneedkprotecting.kYoukdontkevenk nowkhowktokshootIkd o.kDokyoukthin kIkcantkhandlekwhateverkitkiskyoukwontktellkme,kChristian?kIvekhadky ourkstal erkex-subkpullkakgunkonkme,kyourkpedophilekex-loverkharasskmeandkdontkloo katkmekli ekthat,kIksnapkwhenkhekscowlskatkme.kYourkmotherkfeelsktheksamekwaykabo utkher. k Youktal edktokmykmotherkaboutkElena?kChristianskvoicekraiseskakfewkoctaves. k Yes,kGracekandkIktal edkaboutkher. k Hekgapeskatkme. k Sheskverykupsetkaboutkit.kBlameskherself. k Ikcantkbelievekyoukspo ektokmykmother.kShit!kHeklieskdownkandkputskhiskarmk overkhiskfacekagain. k Ikdidntkgokintokanykspecifics. k Ikshouldkhopeknot.kGracekdoesntkneedkallkthekgorykdetails.kChrist,kAna.kMy kdad,ktoo? k No!kIksha ekmykheadkvehemently.kIkdontkhavekthatk indkofkrelationshipkwithk Carric .kHiskcommentskaboutkthekprenupkstillksting.kAnyway,kyourektryingktokdistra ctkmeagain.kJac .kWhatkaboutkhim? k Christiankliftskhiskarmkbrieflykandkgazeskatkme,khiskexpressionkunreadab le.kSighing,khekputskhiskarmkbac koverkhiskface. k HydekiskimplicatedkinkCharliekTangosksabotage.kThekinvestigatorskfoundkakp artialkprintjustkpartial,ksoktheykcouldntkma ekakmatch.kButkthenkyoukrecognizedkHy dekinkthekserverkroom.kHekhaskconvictionskaskakminorkinkDetroit,kandkthekprintsk matchedkhis. k MykmindkreelskaskIktryktokabsorbkthiskinformation.kJac kbroughtkdownkCha rliekTango?kButkChristiankiskonkakroll.kThiskmorning,kakcargokvankwaskfoundkinkth ekgaragekhere.kHydekwaskthekdriver.kYesterday,khekdeliveredksomekshitktokthatkne wkguykwhoskmovedkin.kThekguykwekmetkinkthekelevator. k Ikdontkrememberkhiskname. k Mekneither.kChristianksays.kButkthatskhowkHydekmanagedktokgetkintokthekbuild ingklegitimately.kHekwaskwor ingkforkakdeliverykcompany k And?kWhatsksokimportantkaboutkthekvan? k Christianksaysknothing. k Christian,ktellkme. k Thekcopskfoundk.k.k.kthingskinkthekvan.kHekstopskagainkandktightenskhiskho ldkaroundkme. k Whatkthings? k Heskquietkforkseveralkmoments,kandkIkopenkmykmouthktokpromptkhimkagain,kb utkhekspea s.kAkmattress,kenoughkhorsektranquilizerktokta ekdownkakdozenkhorses,k andkaknote.kHiskvoicekhasksoftenedktokbarelykakwhisperkwhilekhorrorkandkrevulsion krollkoffkhim. k Holykfuc . k Note?kMykvoicekmirrorskhis. k Addressedktokme. k Whatkdidkitksay? k Christianksha eskhiskhead,kindicatingkhekdoesntk nowkorkthatkhekwontkdivul gekitskcontents. k Oh. k Hydekcamekhereklastknightkwithkthekintentionkofk idnappingkyou.kChristiank freezes,khiskfacektautkwithktension.kAskheksayskthosekwords,kIkrecallkthekductkt ape,kandkakshudderkrunskthroughkme,kthoughkdeepkdownkthiskisknotknewsktokme.

k Shit,kIkmutter. k Quite,kChristianksaysktightly. k IktryktokrememberkJac kinkthekoffice.kWaskhekalwayskinsane?kHowkdidkhekt hin khekcouldkgetkawaykwithkthis?kIkmeankhekwaskprettykcreepy,kbutkthiskunhinged ? k Ikdontkunderstandkwhy,kIkmurmur.kItkdoesntkma eksensektokme. k Ik now.kThekpolicekarekdiggingkfurther,kandksokiskWelch.kButkwekthin kDet roitkiskthekconnection. k Detroit?kIkgazekatkhim,kconfused. k Yeah.kTheresksomethingkthere. k Ikstillkdontkunderstand. k Christiankliftskhiskfacekandkgazeskatkme,khiskexpressionkunreadable.kAna, kIkwaskbornkinkDetroit. k k k k kkk k IkthoughtkyoukwerekbornkherekinkSeattle,kIkmurmur.kMykmindkraces.kWhatkdoe skthiskhavektokdokwithkJac ?kChristiankraiseskthekarmkcoveringkhiskface,kreaches kbehindkhim,kandkgrabskonekofkthekpillows.kPlacingkitkunderkhiskhead,kheksettles kbac kandkgazeskatkmekwithkakwarykexpression.kAfterkakmomentkheksha eskhiskhead. k No.kElliotkandkIkwerekbothkadoptedkinkDetroit.kWekmovedkherekshortlykafte rkmykadoption.kGracekwantedktokbekonkthekwestkcoast,kawaykfromkthekurbanksprawl, kandkshekgotkakjobkatkNorthwestkHospital.kIkhavekveryklittlekmemorykofkthatktime .kMiakwaskadoptedkhere. k SokJac kiskfromkDetroit? k Yes. k Ohk.k.k.kHowkdokyouk now? k Ikrankakbac groundkchec kwhenkyoukwentktokwor kforkhim. k Ofkcoursekhekdid.kDokyoukhavekakmanilakfilekonkhim,ktoo?kIksmir . k Christianskmouthktwistskaskhekhideskhiskamusement.kIkthin kitskpalekblue.kHi skfingerskcontinuektokrunkthroughkmykhair.kItsksoothing. k Whatkdoeskitksaykinkhiskfile? k Christiankblin s.kReachingkdownkhekstro eskmykchee .kYoukreallykwantktok now? k Iskitkthatkbad? k Hekshrugs.kIvek nownkworse,khekwhispers. k No!kIskhekreferringktokhimself?kAndkthekimagekIkhavekofkChristiankaskaks mall,kdirty,kfearful,klostkboykcomesktokmind.kIkcurlkaroundkhim,kholdingkhimktig hter,kpullingktheksheetkoverkhim,kandkIklaykmykchee kagainstkhiskchest. k What?khekas s,kpuzzledkbykmykreaction. k Nothing,kIkmurmur. k No,kno.kThiskwor skbothkways,kAna.kWhatkiskit? k Ikglancekupkassessingkhiskapprehensivekexpression.kRestingkmykchee kupon khiskchestkoncekmore,kIkdecidektoktellkhim.kSometimeskIkpicturekyoukaskakchildk.k .k.kbeforekyoukcamektoklivekwithkthekGreys. k Christiankstiffens.kIkwasntktal ingkaboutkme.kIkdontkwantkyourkpity,kAnasta sia.kThatkpartkofkmyklifekiskdone.kGone. k Itsknotkpity,kIkwhisper,kappalled.kItsksympathykandksorrowsorrowkthatkanyonekc ouldkdokthatktokakchild.kIkta ekakdeepksteadyingkbreathkaskmykstomachktwistskandk tearskpric kmykeyeskanew.kThatkpartkofkyourklifekisknotkdone,kChristianhowkcankyou ksaykthat?kYouklivekeverykdaykwithkyourkpast.kYouktoldkmekyourselfFiftykShades,kr emember?kMykvoicekiskbarelykaudible. k Christianksnortskandkrunskhiskfreekhandkthroughkhiskhair,kthoughkhekrema insksilentkandktensekbeneathkme. k Ik nowkitskwhykyoukfeelkthekneedktokcontrolkme.kKeepkmeksafe. k Andkyetkyoukchoosektokdefykme,khekmurmurskbaffled,khiskhandkstillingkinkmy khair. k Ikfrown.kHolykcow!kDokIkdokthatkdeliberately?kMyksubconsciouskremoveskhe

rkhalf-moonkglasseskandkchewskthekend,kpursingkherklipskandknodding.kIkignorekhe r.kThiskiskconfusingImkhiskwife,knotkhisksubmissive,knotksomekcompanykheskacquired. kImknotkthekcrac kwhorekwhokwaskhiskmotherk.k.k.kFuc .kThekthoughtkisksic ening.k Dr.kFlynnskwordskcomekbac ktokme: k Justk eepkdoingkwhatkyourekdoing.kChristiankiskheadkoverkheelsk.k.k.kItskak delightktoksee. k Thatskit.kImkjustkdoingkwhatkIvekalwayskdone.kIsntkthatkwhatkChristiankfound kattractivekinkthekfirstkplace? k Oh,kthiskmankisksokconfusing. k Dr.kFlynnksaidkIkshouldkgivekyoukthekbenefitkofkthekdoubt.kIkthin kIkdoImkn otksure.kPerhapskitskmykwaykofkbringingkyoukintokthekherekandknowawaykfromkyourkpa st,kIkwhisper.kIkdontk now.kIkjustkcantkseemktokgetkakhandlekonkhowkfarkyoullkoverrea ct. k Hesksilentkforkakmoment.kFuc ingkFlynn,khekmuttersktokhimself. k HeksaidkIkshouldkcontinuektokbehavekthekwaykIvekalwayskbehavedkwithkyou. k Didkheknow?kChristianksayskdryly. k O ay.kHerekgoesknothing.kChristian,kIk nowkyouklovedkyourkmom,kandkyoukco uldntksavekher.kItkwasntkyourkjobktokdokthat.kButkImknotkher. k Hekfreezeskagain.kDont,khekwhispers. k No,klisten.kPlease.kIkraisekmykheadktokstarekintokgraykeyeskthatkarekparal yzedkwithkfear.kHeskholdingkhiskbreath.kOh,kChristiank.k.k.kMykheartkconstricts.kIm knotkher.kImkmuchkstrongerkthankshekwas.kIkhavekyou,kandkyoureksokmuchkstrongerkno w,kandkIk nowkyouklovekme.kIklovekyou,ktoo,kIkwhisper. k Hiskbrowkcreaseskaskifkmykwordskwereknotkwhatkhekexpected.kDokyoukstillkl ovekme?khekas s. k OfkcoursekIkdo.kChristian,kIkwillkalwaysklovekyou.kNokmatterkwhatkyoukdok tokme.kIskthiskthekreassurancekhekwants? k Hekexhaleskandkcloseskhiskeyes,kplacingkhiskarmkoverkhiskfacekagain,kbut khuggingkmekcloser,ktoo. k Dontkhidekfromkme.kReachingkup,kIkgraspkhiskhandkandkpullkhiskarmkawaykfrom khiskface.kYouvekspentkyourklifekhiding.kPleasekdont,knotkfromkme. k Hekloo skatkmekwithkincredulitykandkfrowns.kHiding? k Yes. k Hekshiftsksuddenly,krollingkoverkontokhisksidekandkmovingkmeksokthatkIka mklyingkbesidekhimkonkthekbed.kHekreacheskup,ksmootheskmykhairkoffkmykfacekandkt uc skitkbehindkmykear. k Youkas edkmekearlierktodaykifkIkhatedkyou.kIkdidntkunderstandkwhy,kandknowkH ekstops,kstaringkdownkatkmekaskifkImkakcompletekconundrum. k Youkstillkthin kIkhatekyou?kNowkmykvoicekiskincredulous. k No.kHeksha eskhiskhead.kNotknow.kHekloo skrelieved.kButkIkneedktok nowk.k.k.k whykdidkyouksafekword,kAna? k Ikblanch.kWhatkcankIktellkhim?kThatkhekfrightenedkme.kThatkIkdidntk nowki fkhedkstop.kThatkIkbeggedkhimandkhekdidntkstop.kThatkIkdidntkwantkthingsktokescalate k.k.k.kli eli ekthatkonektimekinkhere.kIkshudderkaskIkrecallkhimkwhippingkmekwith khiskbelt. k Ikswallow.kBecausek.k.k.kbecausekyoukwereksokangrykandkdistantkandk.k.k.k cold.kIkdidntk nowkhowkfarkyoudkgo. k Hiskexpressionkiskunreadable. k Werekyoukgoingktokletkmekcome?kMykvoicekiskbarelykakwhisper,kandkIkfeelkak blushkstealkoverkmykchee s,kbutkIkholdkhiskgaze. k No,kheksayskeventually. k Holykcrap.kThatsk.k.k.kharsh. k Hisk nuc lekgentlykgrazeskmykchee .kButkeffective,khekmurmurs.kHekgazeskdo wnkatkmekaskifkhesktryingktokseekintokmyksoul,khiskeyeskdar ening.kAfterkanketern ity,khekmurmurs,kImkgladkyoukdid. k Really?kIkdontkunderstand. k Hisklipsktwistkinkaksadksmile.kYes.kIkdontkwantktokhurtkyou.kIkgotkcarried kaway.kHekreacheskdownkandk isseskme.kLostkinkthekmoment.kHek isseskmekagain.kHappen skaklotkwithkyou. k Oh?kAndkforksomekbizarrekreasonkthekthoughtkpleaseskmek.k.k.kIkgrin.kWhy

kdoeskthatkma ekmekhappy?kHekgrins,ktoo. k Ikdontk nowkwhykyourekgrinning,kMrs.kGrey. k Mekneither. k Hekwrapskhimselfkaroundkmekandkplaceskhiskheadkonkmykchest.kWekarekaktan glekofkna edkandkdenim-cladklimbs,kandksatinkredksheets.kIkstro ekhiskbac kwithk onekhandkandkrunkthekfingerskofkmykotherkhandkthroughkhiskhair.kHeksighskandkrel axeskinkmykarms. k ItkmeanskIkcanktrustkyouk.k.k.ktokstopkme.kIkneverkwantktokhurtkyou,khekmu rmurs.kIkneedkHekhalts. k Youkneedkwhat? k Ikneedkcontrol,kAna.kLi ekIkneedkyou.kItskthekonlykwaykIkcankfunction.kIkc antkletkgokofkit.kIkcant.kIvektriedk.k.k.kAndkyet,kwithkyouk.k.k.kHeksha eskhiskhead kinkexasperation. k Ikswallow.kThiskiskthekheartkofkourkdilemmahiskneedkforkcontrolkandkhiskn eedkforkme.kIkrefusektokbelievekthesekarekmutuallykexclusive. k Ikneedkyou,ktoo,kIkwhisper,khuggingkhimktighter.kIllktry,kChristian.kIllktryk tokbekmorekconsiderate. k Ikwantkyouktokneedkme,khekmurmurs. k Holykcow! k Ikdo!kMykvoicekiskimpassioned.kIkneedkhimksokmuch.kIklovekhimksokmuch. k Ikwantktokloo kafterkyou. k Youkdo.kAllkthektime.kIkmissedkyouksokmuchkwhilekyoukwerekaway. k Youkdid?kHeksoundsksoksurprised. k Yes,kofkcourse.kIkhatekyoukgoingkaway. k Iksensekhisksmile.kYoukcouldkhavekcomekwithkme. k Christian,kplease.kLetsknotkrehashkthatkargument.kIkwantktokwor . k HeksighskaskIkwor kmykfingerskgentlykthroughkhiskhair. k Iklovekyou,kAna. k Iklovekyou,ktoo,kChristian.kIkwillkalwaysklovekyou. k Wekbothkliekstillkinkthekcalm,kquietkafterkourkstorm.kListeningktoktheks teadykbeatkofkhiskheart,kIkdriftkexhaustedkintoksleep. k Ikwa ekwithkakstart,kdisorientated.kWherekamkI?kThekplayroom.kTheklights karekstillkon,ksoftlykilluminatingkthekbloodredkwalls.kChristiankmoanskagain,kan dkIkrealizekthiskiskwhatkwo ekme. k No,khekgroans.kHesksprawledkoutkbesidekme,khiskheadkbac ,khiskeyeskscrewedk shut,khiskfacekcontortedkinkanguish. k Holykshit.kHeskhavingkaknightmare. k No!khekcrieskoutkagain. k Christian,kwa ekup.kIkstrugglektoksitkup,k ic ingkoffktheksheet.kKneelingk besidekhim,kIkgrabkhiskshoulderskandksha ekhimkasktearskspringktokmykeyes. k Christian,kplease.kWa ekup! k Hiskeyeskspringkopen,kgraykandkwild,khiskpupilskenlargedkwithkfear.kHeks tareskvacantlykupkatkme. k Christian,kyourekhavingkaknightmare.kYourekhome.kYoureksafe. k Hekblin s,kloo skaroundkfrantically,kandkfrownskaskhekta eskinkourksurro undings.kThenkhiskeyeskarekbac konkmine.kAna,khekbreathes,kandkwithknokpreamblekwh atsoeverkhekgrabskmykfacekwithkbothkhands,kpullskmekdownkontokhiskchest,kandk is seskme.kHard.kHisktonguekinvadeskmykmouth,kandkhektasteskofkdesperationkandkneed .kBarelykgivingkmekakchancektokbreathe,khekrollskover,khisklipskloc edktokmineks okthatkheskpressingkmekintokthekhardkmattresskofkthekfour-poster.kOnekofkhiskhand skclaspskmykjaw,kthekotherkspreadskoutkonktopkofkmykhead,k eepingkmekstillkaskhi sk neekpartskmyklegskandkheknestles,kstillkclothedkinkhiskjeans,kbetweenkmykthig hs. k Ana,khekgaspskaskifkhekcantkbelievekImktherekwithkhim.kHekgazeskdownkatkmekf orkaksplitksecond,kallowingkmekakmomentktokbreathe.kThenkhisklipskarekonkminekag ain,kplunderingkmykmouth,kta ingkallkIkhavektokgive.kHekgroanskloudly,kflexingkh iskhipskintokme.kHiskerectionksheathedkinkdenimkpusheskintokmyksoftkflesh.kOhk.k .k.kIkmoan,kandkallkthekpent-upksexualktensionkofkearlierkerupts,kresurfacingkwi thkakvengeance,kflushingkmyksystemkwithkdesirekandkneed.kDrivenkbykhiskdemons,kh ekurgentlyk isseskmykface,kmykeyes,kmykchee s,kalongkmykjaw.

k Imkhere,kIkwhisper,ktryingktokcalmkhim,kourkheated,kpantingkbreathkmingling .kIkwrapkmykarmskaroundkhiskshoulders,kaskIkgrindkmykpelviskagainstkhiskinkwelco me. k Oh,kAna,khekpants,khiskvoicekroughkandklow.kIkneedkyou. k Me,ktoo,kIkwhisperkurgently,kmykbodykdesperatekforkhisktouch.kIkwantkhim.k Ikwantkhimknow.kIkwantktokhealkhim.kIkwantktokhealkmek.k.k.kIkneedkthis.kHiskhan dkreacheskdownkandktugskonkthekbuttonkofkhiskfly,kfumblingkmomentarily,kthenkfre eingkhiskerection. k Holykshit.kIkwaskasleepklesskthankakminutekago. k Hekshifts,kstaringkdownkatkmekforkaksplitksecond,ksuspendedkabovekme. k Yes.kPlease,kIkbreathe,kmykvoicekhoarsekandkneedy. k Andkinkonekswiftkmovekhekburieskhimselfkinsidekme. k Ah!kIkcrykout,knotkfromkanykpain,kbutkfromksurprisekatkhiskalacrity. k Hekgroans,kandkhisklipskfindkminekagainkaskhekpusheskintokme,koverkandko ver,khisktonguekpossessingkme,ktoo.kHekmoveskfrantically,kcompelledkbykhiskfear, khisklust,khiskdesire,khislove?kIkdontk now,kbutkIkmeetkhimkthrustkforkthrust,kwel comingkhim. k Ana,khekgrowlskalmostkinarticulately,kandkhekcomeskpowerfully,kpouringkhim selfkintokme,khiskfacekstrained,khiskbodykrigid,kbeforekhekcollapseskwithkhiskfu llkweightkontokme,kpanting,kandkhekleaveskmekhangingk.k.k.kagain. k Holykshit.kThiskisknotkmyknight.kMykinnerkgoddesskiskpreparingktokdisemb owelkherself.kIkholdkhim,kdrawingkinkaklungfulkofkairkandkpracticallykwrithingkw ithkneedkbeneathkhim.kHekeaseskoutkofkmekandkholdskmekforkminutesk.k.k.kmanykmin utes.kFinallykheksha eskhiskheadkandkleanskupkonkhiskelbows,kta ingksomekofkhisk weight.kHekgazeskdownkatkmekaskifkseeingkmekforkthekfirstktime. k Oh,kAna.kSweetkJesus.kHekbendskandk isseskmektenderly. k Youko ay?kIkbreathe,kcaressingkhisklovelykface.kHeknods,kbutkhekloo sksha enkandkmostkdefinitelykstirred.kMykownklostkboy.kHekfrownskandkstareskintentlyki ntokmykeyeskaskifkfinallykregisteringkwherekhekis. k You?khekas s,kconcernkinkhiskvoice. k Umk.k.k.kIkwrigglekbeneathkhim,kandkafterkakmomentkheksmiles,kakslowkcarna lksmile. k Mrs.kGrey,kyoukhavekneeds,khekmurmurs.kHek isseskmekswiftly,kthenkscootsko ffkthekbed. k Kneelingkonkthekfloorkatkthekendkofkthekbed,khekreacheskup,kgrabskmekjus tkabovekthek neeskandkpullskmektowardkhimksokmykbehindkiskonkthekedgekofkthekbed . k Sitkup,khekmurmurs.kIkstrugglekintokaksittingkposition,kmykhairkfallingkli ekakveilkaroundkme,kdownktokmykbreasts.kHiskgraykgazekholdskminekaskhekgentlykp usheskmyklegskapartkaskfarkasktheyllkgo.kIkleankbac konkmykhands nowingkfullkwellk whatkheskgoingktokdo.kButk.k.k.kheskjustk.k.k.kumk.k.k. k Youkareksokfuc ingkbeautiful,kAna,khekbreathes,kandkIkwatchkhiskcopper-hai redkheadkdipkandkplantkaktrailkofk isseskupkmykrightkthigh,kheadingknorth.kMykwh olekbodykclencheskinkanticipation.kHekglanceskupkatkme,khiskeyeskdar eningkthrou ghklongklashes. k Watch,khekraspskthenkhiskmouthkiskonkme. k Ohkmy.kIkcrykoutkaskthekworldkiskconcentratedkatkthekapexkofkmykthighs,k andkitsksokeroticFuc watchingkhim.kWatchingkhisktonguekagainstkwhatkfeelskli ekthek mostksensitivekpartkofkmykbody.kAndkhekshowsknokmercy,kteasingkandktaunting,kwor shippingkme.kMykbodyktenseskandkmykarmskstartktoktremblekfromkthekstrainkofkstay ingkupright. k Nok.k.k.kah,kIkmurmur.kGently,khekeaseskoneklongkfingerkinsidekme,kandkIkc ankbearkitknokmore,kcollapsingkbac kontokthekbed,krelishingkthiskmouthkandkfinge rskonkandkinkme.kSlowlykandkgently,khekmassageskthatksweet,ksweetkspotkdeepkinsi dekme.kAndkthatskitImkgone.kIkexplodekaroundkhim,kcryingkoutkankincoherentkrenditio nkofkhisknamekaskmykintensekorgasmkarcheskmykbac koffkthekbed.kIkthin kIkseeksta rskitsksuchkakvisceralkprimalkfeelingk.k.k.kVaguelykImkawarekthatkhesknuzzlingkmykb elly,kgivingkmeksoft,ksweetk isses.kReachingkdown,kIkcaresskhiskhair. k Imknotkfinishedkwithkyoukyet,khekmurmurs.kAndkbeforekIvekfullykcomekbac ktok Seattle,kPlanetkEarth,kheskreachingkforkme,kgraspingkmykhipskandkpullingkmekoffkt

hekbedktokwhereskhesk neeling,kandkintokhiskwaitingklapkandkontokhiskwaitingkerect ion. k Ikgaspkaskhekfillskme.kHolykcowk.k.k. k Oh,kbaby,khekbreatheskaskhekwrapskhiskarmskaroundkmekandkstills,kcradlingk mykheadkandk issingkmykface.kHekflexeskhiskhips,kandkpleasurekspi eskhotkandkhar dkfromkdeepkwithinkme.kHekreacheskforkmykbehindkandkliftskme,kroc ingkhiskgroink upward. k Ah,kIkmoan,kandkhisklipskarekonkminekagainkaskhekslowly,kohksokslowly,klif tskandkroc sk.k.k.kliftskandkroc s.kIkthrowkmykarmskaroundkhisknec ,ksurrenderin gktokhiskgentlekrhythmkandktokwhereverkhellkta ekme.kIkflexkmykthighs,kridingkhim k.k.k.khekfeelsksokgood.kLeaningkbac ward,kIktiltkmykheadkbac ,kmykmouthkopenkwi dekinkaksilentkexpressionkofkmykpleasure,krevelingkinkhisksweetklovema ing. k Ana,khekbreathes,kandkhekleanskdown,k issingkmykthroat.kHoldingkmektight,k slowlykeasingkinkandkout,kpushingkmek.k.k.khigherkandkhigherk.k.k.ksokexquisitel yktimedakfluidkcarnalkforce.kBlissfulkpleasurekradiateskoutwardkfromkdeep,kdeepki nsidekmekaskhekholdskmeksokintimately. k Iklovekyou,kAna,khekwhisperskclosektokmykear,khiskvoiceklowkandkharsh,kand khekliftskmekagainup,kdown,kup,kdown.kIkcurlkmykhandskbac karoundkhisknec kintokh iskhair. k Iklovekyou,ktoo,kChristian.kOpeningkmykeyes,kIkfindkheskgazingkatkme,kandka llkIkseekiskhisklove,kshiningkbrightkandkboldkinktheksoftkglowkofkthekplayroomkl ight,khisknightmarekseeminglykforgotten.kAndkaskIkfeelkmykbodykbuildktowardkmykr elease,kIkrealizekthiskiskwhatkIkwantedthiskconnection,kthiskdemonstrationkofkour klove. k Comekforkme,kbaby,khekwhispers,khiskvoiceklow.kIkscrewkmykeyeskshutkaskmyk bodyktightenskatktheklowksoundkofkhiskvoice,kandkIkcomekloudly,kspiralingkintoka nkintensekclimax.kHekstills,khiskforeheadkagainstkmine,kaskheksoftlykwhisperskmy kname,kwrapskhiskarmskaroundkme,kandkfindskhiskownkrelease. k Hekliftskmekgentlykandklayskmekonkthekbed.kIkliekinkhiskarms,kwrungkoutk andkfinallyksated.kHeknuzzleskmyknec . k Betterknow?khekwhispers. k Hmm. k Shallkwekgoktokbed,korkdokyoukwantktoksleepkhere? k Hmm. k Mrs.kGrey,ktal ktokme.kHeksoundskamused. k Hmm. k Iskthatkthekbestkyoukcankdo? k Hmm. k Come.kLetkmekputkyouktokbed.kIkdontkli eksleepingkhere. k Reluctantly,kIkshiftkandkturnktokfacekhim.kWait,kIkwhisper.kHekblin skatkm e,kloo ingkallkwide-eyedkandkinnocent,kandkatktheksamektimekthoroughlykfuc edkan dkpleasedkwithkhimself. k Arekyouko ay?kIkas . k Heknods,ksmilingksmuglykli ekankadolescentkboy.kIkamknow. k Oh,kChristian,kIkscoldkandkgentlykstro ekhisklovelykface.kIkwasktal ingkabo utkyourknightmare. k Hiskexpressionkfreezeskmomentarily,kthenkhekcloseskhiskeyeskandktightens khiskarmskaroundkme,kburyingkhiskfacekinkmyknec . k Dont,khekwhispers,khiskvoicekhoarsekandkraw.kMykheartklurcheskandktwistskon cekmorekinkmykchest,kandkIkclutchkhimktightly,krunningkmykhandskdownkhiskbac kan dkthroughkhiskhair. k Imksorry,kIkwhisper,kalarmedkbykhiskreaction.kHolykfuc howkcankIk eepkupkwit hkthesekmoodkswings?kWhatkthekhellkwaskhisknightmarekabout?kIkdontkwantktokcausek himkanykmorekpainkbykma ingkhimkrelivekthekdetails.kItsko ay,kIkmurmurksoftly,kdesp eratektokbringkhimkbac ktokthekplayfulkboykofkakmomentkago.kItsko ay,kIkrepeatkover kandkoverksoothingly. k Letskgoktokbed,kheksayskquietlykafterkakwhile,kandkhekpullskawaykfromkme,kl eavingkmekemptykandkachingkaskhekriseskfromkthekbed.kIkscramblekafterkhim,k eepi ngktheksatinksheetkwrappedkaroundkme,kandkbendktokpic kupkmykclothes. k Leavekthose,kheksays,kandkbeforekIk nowkit,khekscoopskmekupkinkhiskarms.kIk

dontkwantkyouktoktripkoverkthisksheetkandkbrea kyourknec .kIkputkmykarmskaroundkhi mkmarvelingkthatkheskrecoveredkhiskcomposure,kandknuzzlekhimkaskhekcarrieskmekdow nstairsktokourkbedroom. k Mykeyeskspringkopen.kSomethingkiskwrong.kChristiankisknotkinkbed,kthough kitskstillkdar .kGlancingkatkthekradiokalarm,kIkseekitskthreektwentykinkthekmornin g.kWhereskChristian?kThenkIkhearkthekpiano. k Quic lykslippingkoutkofkbed,kIkgrabkmykrobekandkrunkdownkthekhallwayktok thekgreatkroom.kThektunekheskplayingkisksoksadakmournfulklamentkthatkIvekheardkhimk playkbefore.kIkpausekinkthekdoorwaykandkwatchkhimkinkakpoolkofklightkwhilektheka chinglyksorrowfulkmusickfillskthekroom.kHekfinisheskthenkstartskthekpiecekagain. kWhyksuchkakplaintivektune?kIkwrapkmykarmskaroundkmyselfkandklistenkspellboundka skhekplays.kButkmykheartkaches.kChristian,kwhyksoksad?kIskitkbecausekofkme?kDidk Ikdokthis?kWhenkhekfinishes,konlyktokstartkakthirdktime,kIkcankbearkitknoklonger .kHekdoesntkloo kupkaskIknearkthekpiano,kbutkshiftsktokoneksideksokIkcanksitkbesi dekhimkonkthekpianokbench.kHekcontinuesktokplay,kandkIkputkmykheadkonkhiskshould er.kHek isseskmykhairkbutkdoesntkstopkplayingkuntilkheskfinishedkthekpiece.kIkpee kupkatkhimkandkheskstaringkdownkatkme,kwarily. k DidkIkwa ekyou?khekas s. k Onlykbecausekyoukwerekgone.kWhatskthatkpiecekcalled? k ItskChopin.kItskonekofkhiskpreludeskinkEkminor.kChristiankpauses.kItskcalledkS uffocationk.k.k. k ReachingkoverkIkta ekhiskhand.kYourekreallyksha enkbykallkthis,karentkyou? k Heksnorts.kAkderangedkassholekgetskintokmykapartmentktok idnapkmykwife.kS hekwontkdokaskshesktold.kShekdriveskmekcrazy.kSheksafekwordskonkme.kHekcloseskhiske yeskbriefly,kandkwhenkhekopenskthemkagain,ktheykarekstar kandkraw.kYeah,kImkpretty ksha enkup. k Iksqueezekhiskhand.kImksorry. k Hekpresseskhiskforeheadkagainstkmine.kIkdreamedkyoukwerekdead,khekwhispers . k What? k Lyingkonkthekfloorsokcoldandkyoukwouldntkwa ekup. k Oh,kFifty. k Heyitkwaskjustkakbadkdream.kReachingkup,kIkclaspkhiskheadkinkmykhands.kHisk eyeskburnkintokminekandkthekanguishkinkthemkisksobering.kImkherekandkImkcoldkwithou tkyoukinkthekbed.kComekbac ktokbed,kplease.kIkta ekhiskhandkandkstand,kwaitingkto kseekifkhellkfollowkme.kFinallykhekstands,ktoo.kHeskwearingkhiskpajamakbottoms,kan dktheykhangkinkthatkwaykhekhas,kandkIkwantktokrunkmykfingerskalongkthekinsidekof khiskwaistband,kbutkIkresistkandkleadkhimkbac ktokthekbedroom. k WhenkIkwa ekheskcurledkaroundkme,ksleepingkpeacefully.kIkrelaxkandkenjoyk hiskenvelopingkheat,khisks inkonkmyks in.kIkliekverykstill,knotkwantingktokdistu rbkhim. k Boy,kwhatkankevening.kIkfeelkli ekIvekbeenkrunkoverkbykaktrainthekfreightk trainkthatkiskmykhusband.kHardktokbelievekthatkthekmanklyingkbesidekme,kloo ingk sokserenekandkyoungkinkhisksleep,kwasksoktorturedklastknightk.k.k.kandksoktortur edkmeklastknight.kIkgazekupkatkthekceiling,kandkitkoccursktokmekthatkIkalwayskth in kofkChristiankaskstrongkandkdominatingyetkthekrealitykiskhesksokfragile,kmyklos tkboy.kAndkthekironykiskthatkhekloo skuponkmekaskfragileandkIkdontkthin kIkam.kCom paredktokhimkImkstrong. k ButkamkIkstrongkenoughkforkbothkofkus?kStrongkenoughktokdokwhatkImktoldka ndkgivekhimksomekpeacekofkmind?kIksigh.kHesknotkas ingkthatkmuchkofkme.kIkflitkth roughkourkconversationkofklastknight.kDidkwekdecidekanythingkotherkthanktokbothk trykharder?kThekbottomklinekiskthatkIklovekthiskman,kandkIkneedktokchartkakcours ekforkbothkofkus.kOnekthatkletskmek eepkmykintegritykandkindependencekbutkstillk bekmorekforkhim.kIkamkhiskmore,kandkhekiskmine.kIkresolvektokma ekakspecialkeffo rtkthiskwee endknotktokgivekhimkcausekforkconcern.Christiankstirskandkliftskhisk headkoffkmykchest,kloo ingksleepilykatkme. k Goodkmorning,kMr.kGrey.kIksmile. k Goodkmorning,kMrs.kGrey.kDidkyouksleepkwell?kHekstretcheskoutkbesidekme. k Oncekmykhusbandkstoppedkma ingkthatkterriblekrac etkonkthekpiano,kyes,kIk did.

k Heksmileskhiskshyksmile,kandkIkmelt.kTerriblekrac et?kIllkbeksurektoke-mai lkMisskKathiekandkletkherk now. k MisskKathie? k Mykpianokteacher. k Ikgiggle. k Thatskaklovelyksound,kheksays.kShallkwekhavekakbetterkdayktoday? k O ay,kIkagree.kWhatkdokyoukwantktokdo? k AfterkIkhavekmadeklovektokmykwife,kandksheskcoo edkmekbrea fast,kIdkli ekto kta ekherktokAspen. k Ikgapekatkhim.kAspen? k Yes. k Aspen,kColorado? k Thekveryksame.kUnlessktheyvekmovedkit.kAfterkall,kyoukdidkpayktwenty-fourk thousandkdollarskforkthekexperience. k Ikgrinkatkhim.kThatkwaskyourkmoney. k Ourkmoney. k ItkwaskyourkmoneykwhenkIkmadekthekbid.kIkrollkmykeyes. k Oh,kMrs.kGrey,kyoukandkyourkeyekrolling,khekwhisperskaskhekrunskhiskhandku pkmykthigh. k Wontkitkta ekhoursktokgetktokColorado?kIkas ktokdistractkhim. k Notkbykjet,kheksaysksil ilykaskhiskhandkreacheskmykbehind. k Ofkcourse,kmykhusbandkhaskakjet.kHowkcouldkIkforget?kHiskhandkcontinuesk toks imkupkmykbody,kliftingkmyknightdresskaskitkgoes,kandksoonkIvekforgottenkever ything. k TaylorkdriveskuskontokthektarmackatkSea-TackandkaroundktokwherekthekGEHk jetkiskwaiting.kItskakgraykdaykinkSeattle,kbutkIkrefusektokletkthekweatherkdampen kmyksoaringkspirits.kChristiankiskinkakmuchkbetterkmood.kHeskexcitedkaboutksometh inglitkupkli ekChristmaskandktwitchingkli ekaksmallkboykwithkakbigksecret.kIkwond erkwhatkschemekheskdreamedkup.kHekloo skdreamy,kallktousledkhair,kwhitekT-shirtka ndkblac kjeans.kNotkCEO-li ekatkallktoday.kHekta eskmykhandkaskTaylorkglidesktok akstopkatkthekfootkofkthekjetksteps. k Ikhavekaksurprisekforkyou,khekmurmurskandk isseskmyk nuc les. k Ikgrinkatkhim.kGoodksurprise? k Ikhopekso.kHeksmileskwarmly. k Hmmk.k.k.kwhatkcankitkbe? k Sawyerkleapskoutkfromkthekfrontkandkopenskmykdoor.kTaylorkopenskChristia nskthenkretrieveskourkcaseskfromkthektrun .kStephankiskwaitingkatkthektopkofkthek stairskwhenkwekenterkthekaircraft.kIkglancekintokthekcoc pitkandkseekFirstkOffic erkBeighleykflippingkswitcheskonkthekimposingkinstrumentkpanel. k ChristiankandkStephanksha ekhands.kGoodkmorning,ksir.kStephanksmiles. k Than skforkdoingkthiskatksuchkshortknotice.kChristiankgrinskbac katkhim.kOu rkguestskhere? k Yesksir. k Guests?kIkturnkandkgasp.kKate,kElliot,kMia,kandkEthankarekallksmilingkan dksittingkinkthekcream-coloredkleatherkseats.kWow!kIkspinkaroundktokChristian. k Surprise!kheksays. k How?kWhen?kWho?kIkmumblekinarticulately,ktryingktokcontainkmykdelightkandk elation. k Youksaidkyoukdidntkseekenoughkofkyourkfriends.kHekshrugskandkgiveskmekaklop sided,kapologeticksmile. k Oh,kChristian,kthan kyou.kIkthrowkmykarmskaroundkhisknec kandk isskhimkhar dkinkfrontkofkeveryone.kHekputskhiskhandskonkmykhips,khoo ingkhiskthumbskthrough kthekbeltkloopskofkmykjeans,kandkdeepenskthek iss. k Ohkmy. k KeepkthiskupkandkIllkdragkyoukintokthekbedroom,khekmurmurs. k Youkwouldntkdare,kIkwhisperkagainstkhisklips. k Oh,kAnastasia.kHekgrins,ksha ingkhiskhead.kHekreleaseskmekandkwithoutkfurt herkpreamble,kstoopskdown,kgrabskmykthighs,kandkliftskmekoverkhiskshoulder. k Christian,kputkmekdown!kIksmac khiskbehind. k IkbrieflykcatchkStephansksmilekaskhekturnskandkheadskintokthekcoc pit.kTa

ylorkiskstandingkatkthekdoorwayktryingktokstiflekhiskgrin.kIgnoringkmykpleaskand kmykfutilekstruggles,kChristiankstrideskthroughktheknarrowkcabinkpastkMiakandkEt hankwhokarekfacingkeachkotherkinktheksinglekseats,kpastkKatekandkElliot,kwhokisk whoopingkli ekakdementedkgibbon. k Ifkyoullkexcusekme,kheksaysktokourkfourkguests.kIkneedktokhavekakwordkwithkm ykwifekinkprivate. k Christian!kIkshout.kPutkmekdown! k Allkinkgoodktime,kbaby. k IkhavekakbriefkviewkofkMia,kKate,kandkElliotklaughing.kDamnkit!kThiskisk notkfunny,kitskembarrassing.kEthankgaw skatkus,kmouthkopenkandkutterlykshoc ed,ka skwekdisappearkintokthekcabin. k Christiankcloseskthekcabinkdoorkbehindkhimkandkreleaseskme,klettingkmeks lidekdownkhiskbodykslowly,ksokthatkIkfeelkeverykhardksinewkandkmuscle.kHekgivesk mekhiskboyishkgrin,kthoroughlykpleasedkwithkhimself. k Thatkwaskquitekakshow,kMr.kGrey,kIkmurmur,kcrossingkmykarmskandkregardingk himkwithkfauxkindignation. k Thatkwaskfun,kMrs.kGrey.kAndkhiskgrinkwidens.kOhkboy.kHekloo sksokyoung. k Arekyoukgoingktokfollowkthrough?kIkarchkakbrow,kunsurekhowkIkfeelkaboutkth is.kIkmean,kthekotherskwillkhearkus,kforkheavensksa e.kSuddenly,kIkfeelkshy.kGlan cingkanxiouslykatkthekbed,kIkfeelkakblushkstealkacrosskmykchee skaskIkrecallkour kweddingknight.kWektal edksokmuchkyesterday,kdidksokmuchkyesterday.kIkfeelkaskif kwekleapedksomekun nownkhurdlebutkthatskthekproblem.kItskun nown.kMykeyeskfindkChri stianskintensekbutkamusedkgaze,kandkImkunablektok eepkakstraightkface.kHiskgrinkis ktookinfectious. k Ikthin kitkmightkbekrudektok eepkourkguestskwaiting,kheksaysksil ilykaskhe kstepsktowardkme.kWhenkdidkhekstartktokcarekwhatkpeoplekthin ?kIkstepkbac kagain stkthekcabinkwallkandkhekimprisonskme,kthekheatkfromkhiskbodykholdingkmekinkplac e.kHekleanskdownkandkrunskhisknosekalongkmine. k Goodksurprise?khekwhispers,kandkthereskakhintkofkanxietykinkhiskvoice. k Oh,kChristian,kfantasticksurprise.kIkrunkmykhandskupkhiskchest,kcurlkthemk aroundkhisknec ,kandk isskhim. k Whenkdidkyoukorganizekthis?kIkas kwhenkIkpullkawaykfromkhim,kstro ingkhisk hair. k Lastknight,kwhenkIkcouldntksleep.kIke-mailedkElliotkandkMia,kandkherekthey kare. k Itskverykthoughtful.kThan kyou.kImksurekwellkhavekakgreatktime. k Ikhopekso.kIkthoughtkitkwouldkbekeasierktokavoidkthekpresskinkAspenkthank atkhome. k Thekpaparazzi!kHeskright.kIfkwedkstayedkinkEscala,kwedkhavekbeenkimprisoned .kAkshiverkrunskdownkmykspinekaskIkrecollectktheksnappingkcameraskandkdazzlingkf lasheskofkthekfewkphotographerskTaylorkspedkthroughkthiskmorning. k Come.kWedkbetterkta ekourkseatsStephankwillkbekta ingkoffkshortly.kHekoffers kmekhiskhandkandktogetherkwekwal kbac kintokthekcabin. k Elliotkcheerskaskwekenter.kThatksurekwaskspeedykin-flightkservice!khekcall skmoc ingly. k Christiankignoreskhim. k Pleasekbekseated,kladieskandkgentlemenkaskwellkshortlykbeginktaxiingkforkt a eoff.kStephanskvoicekechoeskcalmlykandkauthoritativelykaroundkthekcabin.kThekbru nettekwomanumk.k.k.kNatalie?whokwaskonkthekflightkforkourkweddingknightkappearskfr omkthekgalleykandkgatherskupkthekdiscardedkcoffeekcups.kNataliak.k.k.kHerknameskN atalia. k GoodkmorningkMr.kGrey,kMrs.kGrey,ksheksayskwithkakpurr.kWhykdoeskshekma ek mekuncomfortable?kMaybekitskthatksheskakbrunette.kBykhiskownkadmission,kChristiank doesntkusuallykemploykbrunetteskbecausekhekfindskthemkattractive.kHekgiveskNatali akakpoliteksmilekaskhekslideskinkbehindkthektablekandksitskdownkfacingkElliotkan dkKate.kIkswiftlykhugkKatekandkMiakandkgivekEthankandkElliotkakwavekbeforeksitti ngkdownkandkbuc lingkupkbesidekChristian.kHekputskhiskhandkonkmyk neekandkgivesk itkankaffectionateksqueeze.kHekseemskrelaxedkandkhappykevenkthoughkwerekwithkcomp any.kIdly,kIkwonderkwhykhekcantkalwayskbekli ekthisnotkcontrollingkatkall. k Hopekyoukpac edkyourkhi ingkboots,kheksays,khiskvoicekwarm.

k Wereknotkgoingks iing? k Thatkwouldkbekakchallenge,kinkAugust,kheksays,kamused. k Oh,kofkcourse. k Dokyouks i,kAna?kElliotkinterruptskus. k No. k Christiankmoveskhiskhandkfromkmyk neektokclaspkmykhand. k Imksurekmyklittlekbrotherkcankteachkyou.kElliotkwin skatkme.kHeskprettykfastk onkthekslopes,ktoo. k AndkIkcantkhelpkmykblush.kWhenkIkglancekupkatkChristian,kheskgazingkimpass ivelykatkElliot,kbutkIkthin khesktryingktoksuppresskhiskmirth.kThekplaneksurgeskf orwardkandkstartsktaxiingktowardkthekrunway. k Nataliakrunskthroughkthekplanesksafetykprocedureskinkakclear,kringingkvoi ce.kSheskdressedkinkakneatknavykshort-sleevedkshirtkandkmatchingkpencilks irt.kHe rkma eupkiskimmaculateshekreallykiskquitekpretty.kMyksubconsciouskraiseskakpluc e d-to-within-an-inch-of-its-lifekeyebrowkatkme. k Youko ay?kKatekas skmekpointedly.kIkmean,kfollowingkthekHydekbusiness? k Iknod.kIkdontkwantktokthin korktal kaboutkHyde,kbutkKatekseemsktokhavekot herkplans. k Sokwhykdidkhekgokpostal?kshekas s,kcuttingktokthekheartkofkthekmatterkinkh erkinimitablekstyle.kShektosseskherkhairkbehindkherkaskshekpreparesktokinvestiga tekthekmatter. k Eyeingkherkcoolly,kChristiankshrugs.kIkfiredkhiskass,kheksayskbluntly. k Oh?kWhy?kKatektiltskherkheadktokonekside,kandkIk nowksheskinkfullkNancykDre wkmode. k Hekmadekatkpasskatkme,kIkmutter.kIktryktok ic kKateskan lekbeneathkthektabl e,kandkmiss.kShit! k When?kKatekglareskatkme. k Ageskago. k Youkneverktoldkmekhekmadekakpasskatkyou!ksheksplutters. k Ikshrug,kapologetically. k Itkcantkjustkbekakgrudgekaboutkthat,ksurely.kIkmeankhiskreactionkiskwaykto okextreme,kKatekcontinues,kbutknowkshekdirectskherkquestionskatkChristian.kIskhekm entallykunstable?kWhatkaboutkallkthekinformationkhekhaskonkyoukGreys?kHerkgrillin gkChristiankthiskwaykma eskmykhac leskrise,kbutksheskalreadykestablishedkIk nowkn othingksokshekcantkas kme.kThekthoughtkiskannoying. k Wekthin kthereskakconnectionkwithkDetroit,kChristianksayskmildly.kTookmildl y.kOhkno,kKate,kpleasekgivekitkupkforknow. k HydekiskfromkDetroit,ktoo? k Christianknods. k Thekplanekaccelerates,kandkIktightenkmykgripkonkChristianskhand.kHekglanc eskatkmekreassuringly.kHek nowskIkhatekta eoffskandklandings.kHeksqueezeskmykhan dkandkhiskthumbkstro eskmyk nuc les,kcalmingkme. k Whatkdokyouk nowkaboutkhim?kElliotkas s,kobliviousktokthekfactkwekarekhurt lingkdownkthekrunwaykinkaksmallkjetkaboutktoklaunchkitselfkintoktheks y,kandkequ allykobliviousktokChristianskgrowingkexasperationkwithkKate.kKatekleanskforward,k listeningkattentively. k Thiskiskoffkthekrecord,kChristianksayskdirectlyktokher.kKateskmouthksetskin kaksubtlekbutkthinkline.kIkswallow.kOhkshit. k Wek nowkaklittlekaboutkhim,kChristiankcontinues.kHiskdadkdiedkinkakbrawlkin kakbar.kHiskmotherkdran kherselfkintokoblivion.kHekwaskinkandkoutkofkfosterkhome skaskak idk.k.k.kinkandkoutkofktrouble,ktoo.kMainlykboostingkcars.kSpentktimekin kjuvie.kHiskmomkgotkbac konktrac kthroughksomekoutreachkprogram,kandkHydekturned khimselfkaround.kWonkakscholarshipktokPrinceton. k Princeton?kKateskcuriositykiskpiqued. k Yep.kHeskakbrightkboy.kChristiankshrugs. k Notkthatkbright.kHekgotkcaught,kElliotkmutters. k Butksurelykhekcantkhavekpulledkthiskstuntkalone?kKatekas s. k Christiankstiffenskbesidekme.kWekdontk nowkyet.kHiskvoicekiskverykquiet.kHo lykcrap.kTherekcouldkbeksomeonekwor ingkwithkhim?kIkturnkandkgapekinkhorrorkatkC hristian.kHeksqueezeskmykhandkoncekmorekbutkdoesntkloo kmekinkthekeye.kThekplanek

liftsksmoothlykintokthekair,kandkIkgetkthatkhorribleksin ingkfeelingkinkmykstoma ch. k Howkoldkiskhe?kIkas kChristian,kleaningkcloseksokonlykhekcankhear.kMuchkas kIdkli ektok nowkwhatskgoingkon,kIkdontkwantktokencouragekKateskquestions.kIk nowkth eyrekirritatingkChristian,kandkImksureksheskonkhiskshitklistksincekCoc tailgate. k Thirty-two.kWhy? k Curious,kthatskall. k Christianskjawktightens.kDontkbekcuriouskaboutkHyde.kImkjustkgladkthekfuc ers kloc edkup.kItskalmostkakreprimand,kbutkIkchoosektokignorekhisktone. k Dokyoukthin kheskwor ingkwithksomeone?kThekthoughtkthatksomeonekelsekmightk bekinvolvedkma eskmeksic .kItkwouldkmeankthiskisntkover. k Ikdontk now,kChristiankanswers,kandkhiskjawktightenskoncekmore. k Maybeksomeonekwhokhaskakgrudgekagainstkyou?kIksuggest.kHolykshit.kIkhopeki tsknotkthekbitchktroll.kLi ekElena?kIkwhisper.kIkrealizekIvekmutteredkherknamekoutkl oud,kbutkonlykhekcankhear.kIkglancekanxiouslykatkKate,kbutksheskdeepkinkconversat ionkwithkElliotkwhokloo skpissedkatkher.kHmm. k Youkdokli ektokdemonizekher,kdontkyou?kChristiankrollskhiskeyeskandksha esk hiskheadkinkdisgust.kShekmaykholdkakgrudge,kbutkshekwouldntkdokthisk indkofkthing.k Hekpinskmekwithkaksteadykgraykgaze.kLetsknotkdiscusskher.kIk nowkshesknotkyourkfavo ritektopickofkconversation. k Havekyoukconfrontedkher?kIkwhisper,knotksurekifkIkreallykwantktok now. k Ana,kIkhaventkspo enktokherksincekmykbirthdaykparty.kPlease,kdropkit.kIkdo ntkwantktoktal kaboutkher.kHekraiseskmykhandkandkbrusheskmyk nuc leskwithkhisklips .kHiskeyeskburnkintokmine,kandkIk nowkIkshouldntkpursuekthisklinekofkquestioningk rightknow. k Getkakroom,kElliotkteases.kOhkrightyoukalreadykhave,kbutkyoukdidntkneedkitkfo rklong.kHeksmir s. k ChristiankglanceskupkandkpinskElliotkwithkakcoolkglare.kFuc koff,kElliot,k heksayskwithoutkmalice. k Dude,kjustktellingkyoukhowkitkis.kElliotskeyesklightkupkwithkmirth. k Li ekyoudk now,kChristiankmurmursksardonically,kraisingkankeyebrow. k Elliotkgrins,kenjoyingkthekbanter.kYoukmarriedkyourkfirstkgirlfriend.kElli otkgestureskatkme. k Ohkshit.kWherekiskthiskgoing?kIkflush. k Cankyoukblamekme?kChristiank isseskmykhandkagain. k No.kElliotklaughskandksha eskhiskhead. k Ikflush,kandkKatekslapskElliotskthigh. k Stopkbeingkankass,kshekscoldskhim. k Listenktokyourkgirlfriend,kChristianksaysktokElliot,kgrinning,kandkhiskear lierkconcernkseemsktokhavekdisappeared.kMykearskpopkaskwekgainkaltitude,kandkthe ktensionkinkthekcabinkdissipateskaskthekplaneklevelskout.kKatekscowlskatkElliot. kHmmk.k.k.kisksomethingkupkbetweenkthem?kImknotksure. k Elliotkiskright.kIksnortkatkthekirony.kIkamwasChristianskfirstkgirlfriend,k andknowkImkhiskwife.kThekfifteenkandkthekevilkMrs.kRobinsontheykdontkcount.kButkthe nkElliotkdoesntk nowkaboutkthem,kandkclearlykKatekhasntktoldkhim.kIksmilekatkher,k andkshekgiveskmekakconspiratorialkwin .kMyksecretskareksafekwithkKate. k O ay,kladieskandkgentlemen,kwellkbekcruisingkatkankaltitudekofkapproximate lykthirty-twokthousandkfeet,kandkourkestimatedkflightktimekiskonekhourkandkfifty -sixkminutes,kStephankannounces.kYoukareknowkfreektokmovekaroundkthekcabin. k Nataliakappearskabruptlykfromkthekgalley. k MaykIkofferkanyonekcoffee?kshekas s. k k k kkk k WeklandksmoothlykatkSardykFieldkatk12:25kp.m.k(MST).kStephankbringskthek planektokakhaltkaklittlekwaykfromkthekmainkterminal,kandkthroughkthekwindowskIks potkaklargekVWkminivankwaitingkforkus. k Goodklanding.kChristiankgrinskandksha eskStephanskhandkaskwekgetkreadyktokf ilekoutkofkthekjet.

k Itskallkaboutkthekdensitykaltitude,ksir.kStephanksmileskbac .kBeighleykherek iskgoodkatkmath. k ChristianknodskatkStephanskfirstkofficer.kYouknailedkit,kBeighley.kSmoothk landing. k Than kyou,ksir.kShekgrinsksmugly. k Enjoykyourkwee end,kMr.kGrey,kMrs.kGrey.kWellkseekyouktomorrow.kStephankste pskasidektokletkuskdisembar kandkta ingkmykhand,kChristiankleadskmekdownkthekair craftkstepsktokwherekTaylorkiskwaitingkbykthekvehicle. k Minivan?ksayskChristiankinksurprisekaskTaylorkslideskopenkthekdoor. k Taylorkgiveskhimkaktight,kcontriteksmilekandkakslightkshrug. k Lastkminute,kIk now,kChristianksays,kimmediatelykplacated.kTaylorkreturnsk tokthekplanektokretrievekourkluggage. k Wantktokma ekoutkinkthekbac kofkthekvan?kChristiankmurmursktokme,kakmischi evouskgleamkinkhiskeye. k Ikgiggle.kWhokiskthiskman,kandkwhatkhaskhekdonekwithkMr.kUnbelievablykAn grykofktheklastkcouplekofkdays? k Comekon,kyouktwo.kGetkin,kMiaksayskfromkbehindkus,koozingkimpatiencekbesid ekEthan.kWekclimbkin,kstaggerktokthekdoublekseatkatkthekbac ,kandksitkdown.kIksn ugglekagainstkChristian,kandkhekputskhiskarmkaroundkthekbac kofkmykseat.kComforta ble?khekmurmurskaskMiakandkEthankta ekthekseatkinkfrontkofkus. k Yes.kIksmilekandkhek isseskmykforehead.kAndkforksomekunfathomablekreasonkI kfeelkshykwithkhimktoday.kWhy?kLastknight?kBeingkwithkcompany?kIkcantkputkmykfing erkonkit. k ElliotkandkKatekjoinkusklastkaskTaylorkopenskthekliftgatektokloadktheklu ggage.kFivekminutesklater,kwekarekonkourkway. k IkgazekoutkthekwindowkaskwekheadktowardkAspen.kThektreeskarekgreen,kbutk akwhisperkofkthekcomingkfallkiskevidentkherekandktherekinkthekyellowingktipskofk thekleaves.kTheks ykiskakclearkcrystalkblue,kthoughktherekarekdar eningkcloudskt okthekwest.kAllkaroundkuskinkthekdistancekloomkthekRoc ies,kthekhighestkpea kdir ectlykahead.kTheyreklushkandkgreen,kandkthekhighestkarekcappedkwithksnowkandkloo kli ekakchildskdrawingkofkmountains. k Werekinkthekwinterkplaygroundkofkthekrichkandkfamous.kAndkIkownkakhousekh ere.kIkcankbarelykbelievekit.kAndkfromkdeepkwithinkmykpsyche,kthekfamiliarkuneas ekthatskalwayskpresentkwhenkIktryktokwrapkmykheadkaroundkChristianskwealthkloomska ndktauntskme,kma ingkmekfeelkguilty.kWhatkhavekIkdonektokdeservekthisklifestyle? kIvekdoneknothing,knothingkexceptkfallkinklove. k HavekyoukbeenktokAspenkbefore,kAna?kEthankturnskandkas s,kdraggingkmekoutk ofkmykreverie. k No,kfirstktime.kYou? k KatekandkIkusedktokcomekherekaklotkwhenkwekwerekteens.kDadskak eenks ier.k Momklesskso. k Imkhopingkmykhusbandkwillkteachkmekhowktoks i.kIkglancekupkatkmykman. k Dontkbetkonkit,kChristiankmutters. k Ikwontkbekthatkbad! k Youkmightkbrea kyourknec .kHiskgrinkgone. k Oh.kIkdontkwantktokarguekandksourkhiskgoodkmood,ksokIkchangektheksubject. kHowklongkhavekyoukhadkthiskplace? k Nearlyktwokyears.kItskyoursknow,ktoo,kMrs.kGrey,kheksaysksoftly. k Ik now,kIkwhisper.kButksomehowkIkdontkfeelkthekcouragekofkmykconvictions.kL eaningkin,kIk isskhiskjawkandknestlekoncekmorekatkhisksideklisteningktokhimklaug hkandkjo ekwithkEthankandkElliot.kMiakchimeskinkoccasionally,kbutkKatekiskquiet, kandkIkwonderkifksheskbroodingkaboutkJac kHydekorksomethingkelse.kThenkIkremember .kAspenk.k.k.kChristianskhousekherekwaskredesignedkbykGiakMatteokandkrebuiltkbykE lliot.kIkwonderkifkthatskwhatskpreoccupyingkKate.kIkcantkas kherkinkfrontkofkElliot ,kgivenkhiskhistorykwithkGia.kDoeskKatekevenk nowkaboutkGiaskconnectionktokthekho use?kIkfrownkwonderingkwhatkcouldkbekbotheringkherkandkresolvektokas kherkwhenkw erekonkourkown. k WekdrivekthroughkthekcenterkofkAspenkandkmykmoodkbrightenskaskIkta ekink thektown.kTherekareksquatkbuildingskofkmostlykredkbric ,kSwiss-stylekchalets,kan dknumerousklittlekturnkofkthekcenturykhouseskpaintedkinkfunkcolors.kPlentykofkba

n skandkdesignerkshops,ktoo,kbetrayingkthekaffluencekofktheklocalkpopulace.kOfkc oursekChristiankfitskinkhere. k WhykdidkyoukchoosekAspen?kIkas khim. k What?kHekregardskmekquizzically. k Tokbuykakplace. k MomkandkDadkusedktokbringkuskherekwhenkwekwerek ids.kIklearnedktoks ikher e,kandkIkli ekthekplace.kIkhopekyoukdo,ktoootherwisekwellksellkthekhousekandkchoos eksomewherekelse. k Simplekaskthat! k Hektuc skakloosekstrandkofkmykhairkbehindkmykear.kYoukloo klovelyktoday,kh ekmurmurs. k Mykchee skheat.kImkjustkwearingkmyktravellingkgear:kjeanskandkakT-shirtkw ithkaklightweightknavykbluekjac et.kDamnkit.kWhykdoeskhekma ekmekfeelkshy? k Hek isseskme,kaktender,ksweet,klovingk iss. k Taylorkdriveskuskonkoutkofktown,kandkwekstartktokclimbkthekotherksidekof kthekvalley,ktwistingkalongkakmountainkroad.kThekhigherkwekgo,kthekmorekexcitedk Ikget,kandkChristianktenseskbesidekme. k Whatskwrong?kIkas kaskwekroundkakbend. k Ikhopekyoukli ekit,kheksayskquietly.kWerekhere. k Taylorkslowskandkturnskthroughkakgatewaykmadekofkgray,kbeige,kandkredkst ones.kHekheadskdownkthekdrivewaykandkfinallykpullskupkoutsidekthekimpressivekhou se.kDoublekfrontedkwithkhigh-pitchedkroofskandkbuiltkofkdar kwoodkandktheksamekm ixedkstonekaskthekgateway.kItskstunningmodernkandkstar ,kverykmuchkChristianskstyle . k Home,khekmouthskatkmekaskourkguestskstartkpilingkoutkofkthekvan. k Loo skgood. k Come.kSee,kheksays,kankexcited,kthoughkanxious,kgleamkinkhiskeyeskaskifkhes kaboutktokshowkmekhisksciencekprojectkorksomething. k Miakrunskupkthekstepsktokwherekakwomankstandskinkthekdoorway.kShesktinyka ndkherkraven-coloredkhairkiskdustedkwithkgray.kMiakflingskherkarmskaroundkherkne c kandkhugskherktightly. k Whoskthat?kIkas kaskChristiankhelpskmekoutkofkthekvan. k Mrs.kBentley.kShekliveskherekwithkherkhusband.kTheykloo kafterkthekplace. k Holykcowk.k.k.kmorekstaff? k Miakiskma ingkintroductionsEthan,kthenkKate.kElliotkhugskMrs.kBentley,kto o.kAskTaylorkunloadskthekvan,kChristiankta eskmykhandkandkleadskmektokthekfrontk door. k Welcomekbac ,kMr.kGrey.kMrs.kBentleyksmiles. k Carmella,kthiskiskmykwife,kAnastasia,kChristianksayskproudly.kHisktonguekc aresseskmykname,kma ingkmykheartkstutter. k Mrs.kGrey,kMrs.kBentleyknodskakrespectfulkgreeting.kIkholdkoutkmykhandkand kweksha e.kItsknoksurprisektokmekthatksheskmuchkmorekformalkwithkChristiankthankth ekrestkofkthekfamily. k Ikhopekyouvekhadkakpleasantkflight.kThekweatherkisksupposedktokbekfinekall kwee end,kthoughkImknotksure.kShekeyeskthekdar eningkgraykcloudskbehindkus.kLunchki skreadykwheneverkyoukwant.kSheksmileskagain,kherkdar keyesktwin ling,kandkIkwarmk tokherkimmediately. k Here.kChristiankgrabskmekandkliftskmekoffkmykfeet. k Whatkarekyoukdoing?kIksqueal. k Carryingkyoukoverkyetkanotherkthreshold,kMrs.kGrey. k Ikgrinkaskhekcarrieskmekintokthekwidekhallway,kandkafterkakbriefk iss,kh eksetskmekgentlykdownkontokthekhardwoodkfloor.kThekinteriorkdcorkiskstar kandkrem indskmekofkthekgreatkroomkatkEscalaallkwhitekwalls,kdar kwood,kandkcontemporaryka bstractkart.kThekhallwaykopenskupkintokaklargeksittingkareakwherekthreekoff-whit ekleatherkcouchesksurroundkakstonekfireplacekthatkdominateskthekroom.kThekonlykc olorkiskfromktheksoftkcushionskscatteredkonkthekcouches.kMiakgrabskEthanskhandkan dkdragskhimkfartherkintokthekhouse.kChristianknarrowskhiskeyeskatktheirkdepartin gkfigures,khiskmouthkthinning.kHeksha eskhiskheadkthenkturnsktokme. k Katekwhistleskloudly.kNicekplace. k IkglancekaroundktokseekElliotkhelpingkTaylorkwithkourkluggage.kIkwonderk

againkifkshek nowskthatkGiakhadkakhandkinkthiskplace. k Tour?kChristiankas skme,kandkwhateverkwaskgoingkthroughkhiskmindkaboutkMia kandkEthankhaskgone.kHeskradiatingkexcitementorkiskitkanxiety?kItskdifficultktoktel l. k Sure.kOncekagainkImkoverwhelmedkbykthekwealth.kHowkmuchkdidkthiskplacekcost ?kAndkIkhavekcontributedknothingktokit.kBrieflykImktransportedkbac ktokthekfirstk timekChristianktoo kmektokEscala.kIkwaskoverwhelmedkthen.kYoukgotkusedktokit,kmy ksubconsciouskhisseskatkme. k Christiankfrownskbutkta eskmykhand,kleadingkmekthroughkthekvariouskrooms .kThekstate-of-the-artk itchenkiskallkpalekmarblekcountertopskandkblac kcupboard s.kThereskankimpressivekwinekcellar,kandkankexpansivekdenkdownstairs,kcompletekwi thklargekplasmakscreen,ksoftkcouchesk.k.k.kandkakbilliardktable.kIkgapekatkitkan dkblushkwhenkChristiankcatcheskme. k Fancykakgame?khekas s,kakwic edkgleamkinkhiskeye.kIksha ekmykhead,kandkhis kbrowkfurrowskoncekmore.kTa ingkmykhandkagain,khekleadskmekupktokthekfirstkfloor .kTherekarekfourkbedroomskupstairs,keachkwithkankenksuitekbathroom. k Thekmasterksuitekisksomethingkelse.kThekbedkiskhuge,kbiggerkthankthekbed katkhome,kandkfaceskankenormouskpicturekwindowkloo ingkoutkoverkAspenkandktoward kthekverdantkmountains. k ThatskAjaxkMountaink.k.k.korkAspenkMountain,kifkyoukli e,kChristianksays,ke yeingkmekwarily.kHeskstandingkinkthekdoorway,khiskthumbskhoo edkthroughkthekbeltk loopskonkhiskblac kjeans. k Iknod. k Yourekverykquiet,khekmurmurs. k Itsklovely,kChristian.kAndksuddenlykImkachingktokbekbac katkEscala. k Inkfiveklongkstrideskheskstandingkinkfrontkofkme,ktuggingkatkmykchin,kand kreleasingkmyklowerklipkfromkthekgripkofkmykteeth. k Whatkiskit?khekas s,khiskeyesksearchingkmine. k Yourekverykrich. k Yes. k Sometimes,kitkjustkta eskmekbyksurprisekhowkwealthykyoukare. k Wekare. k Wekare,kIkmutterkautomatically. k Dontkstresskaboutkthis,kAna,kplease.kItskjustkakhouse. k AndkwhatkdidkGiakdokhere,kexactly? k Gia?kHekraiseskhiskeyebrowskinksurprise. k Yes.kShekremodeledkthiskplace? k Shekdid.kShekdesignedkthekdenkdownstairs.kElliotkdidkthekbuild.kHekra eskh iskhandkthroughkhiskhairkandkfrownskatkme.kWhykarekwektal ingkaboutkGia? k Didkyouk nowkshekhadkakflingkwithkElliot? k Christiankgazeskatkmekforkakmoment,kgraykeyeskunreadable.kElliotskfuc edkm ostkofkSeattle,kAna. k Ikgasp. k Mainlykwomen,kIkunderstand,kChristiankjo es.kIkthin kheskamusedkbykmykexpre ssion. k No! k Christianknods.kItsknonekofkmykbusiness.kHekholdskhiskpalmskup. k Ikdontkthin kKatek nows. k Imknotksurekhekbroadcastskthatkinformation.kKatekseemsktokbekholdingkherko wn. k Imkshoc ed.kSweet,kunassuming,kblond,kblue-eyedkElliot?kIkstarekinkdisbel ief. k Christianktiltskhiskheadktokonekside,kscrutinizingkme.kThiskcantkjustkbeka boutkGiakorkElliotskpromiscuity. k Ik now.kImksorry.kAfterkallkthatskhappenedkthiskwee ,kitskjustk.k.k.kIkshrug, kfeelingktearfulkallkofkaksudden.kChristiankseemsktoksagkwithkrelief.kPullingkme kintokhiskarms,khekholdskmektightly,khisknosekinkmykhair. k Ik now.kImksorry,ktoo.kLetskrelaxkandkenjoykourselves,ko ay?kYoukcankstaykh erekandkread,kwatchkgod-awfulkTV,kshop,kgokhi ingfishingkeven.kWhateverkyoukwantk tokdo.kAndkforgetkwhatkIksaidkaboutkElliot.kThatkwaskindiscreetkofkme.

k Goesksomekwayktokexplainkwhykheskalwayskteasingkyou,kIkmurmur,knuzzlingkhis kchest. k Hekreallykhasknokideakaboutkmykpast.kIktoldkyou,kmykfamilykassumedkIkwask gay.kCelibate,kbutkgay. k Ikgigglekandkbeginktokrelaxkinkhiskarms.kIkthoughtkyoukwerekcelibate.kHow kwrongkIkwas.kIkwrapkmykarmskaroundkhim,kmarvelingkatkthekridiculousnesskofkChris tiankbeingkgay. k Mrs.kGrey,karekyouksmir ingkatkme? k Maybekaklittle.kIkacquiesce.kYouk now,kwhatkIkdontkunderstandkiskwhykyoukhav ekthiskplace? k Whatkdokyoukmean?kHek isseskmykhair. k Youkhavekthekboat,kwhichkIkget,kyoukhavekthekplacekinkNewkYor kforkbusine ssbutkwhykhere?kItsknotkli ekyouksharedkitkwithkanyone. k Christiankstillskandkisksilentkforkseveralkbeats.kIkwaskwaitingkforkyou,kh eksaysksoftly,khiskeyeskdar kgraykandkluminous. k Thatsk.k.k.kthatsksuchkaklovelykthingktoksay. k Itsktrue.kIkdidntk nowkitkatkthektime.kHeksmileskhiskshyksmile. k Imkgladkyoukwaited. k Youkarekworthkwaitingkfor,kMrs.kGrey.kHektipskmykchinkupkwithkhiskfinger,k leanskdown,kandk isseskmektenderly. k Sokarekyou.kIksmile.kThoughkIkfeelkIkli ekIkcheated.kIkdidntkhavektokwaitklo ngkforkyoukatkall. k Hekgrins.kAmkIkthatkmuchkofkakprize? k Christian,kyoukarekthekstateklottery,kthekcurekforkcancer,kandkthekthreek wisheskfromkAladdinsklampkallkrolledkintokone. k Hekraiseskakbrow. k Whenkwillkyoukrealizekthis?kIkscoldkhim.kYoukwerekakverykeligiblekbachelor. kAndkIkdontkmeankallkthis.kIkwavekdismissinglykatkourkplushksurroundings.kIkmeankin khere.kIkplacekmykhandkoverkhiskheart,kandkhiskeyeskwiden.kMykconfident,ksexykhus bandkhaskgone,kandkImkfacingkmyklostkboy.kBelievekme,kChristian,kplease,kIkwhisperk andkclaspkhiskface,kpullingkhisklipsktokmine.kHekgroans,kandkIkdontk nowkifkitskhe aringkwhatkIveksaidkorkhiskusualkprimalkresponse.kIkclaimkhim,kmyklipskmovingkaga instkhis,kmyktonguekinvadingkhiskmouth. k Whenkwerekbothkbreathless,khekpullskaway,keyeingkmekdoubtfully. k Whenkarekyoukgoingktokgetkitkthroughkyourkexceptionallykthic ks ullkthatk Iklovekyou?kIkas ,kexasperated. k Hekswallows.kOnekday,kheksays. k Thiskiskprogress.kIksmilekandkamkrewardedkwithkhiskansweringkshyksmile. k Come.kLetskhaveksomeklunchthekotherskwillkbekwonderingkwherekwekare.kWekcan kdiscusskwhatkwekallkwantktokdo. k Ohkno!kKateksaysksuddenly. k Allkeyeskturnktokher. k Loo ,ksheksays,kpointingktokthekpicturekwindow.kOutside,krainkhaskstartedk pouringkdown.kWekareksittingkaroundkthekdar kwoodktablekinkthek itchenkhavingkco nsumedkankItaliankfeastkofkakmixedkantipasto,kpreparedkbykMrs.kBentley,kandkakbo ttlekorktwokofkFrascati.kImkrepletekandkaklittlekbuzzedkfromkthekalcohol. k Therekgoeskourkhi e,kElliotkmutters,ksoundingkvaguelykrelieved.kKatekscowl skatkhim.kSomethingkiskdefinitelykupkwithkthem.kTheykhavekbeenkrelaxedkwithkallk ofkuskbutknotkwithkeachkother. k Wekcouldkgokintoktown,kMiakpipeskup.kEthanksmir skatkher. k Perfectkweatherkforkfishing,kChristianksuggests. k Illkgokfish,kEthanksays. k Letsksplitkup.kMiakclapskherkhands.kGirls,kshoppingboys,koutdoorkboringkstuff . k IkglancekatkKate,kwhokregardskMiakindulgently.kFishingkorkshopping?kJeez ,kwhatkakchoice. k Ana,kwhatkdokyoukwantktokdo?kChristiankas s. k Ikdontkmind,kIklie. k Katekcatcheskmykeyekandkmouthskshopping.kPerhapskshekwantsktoktal . k ButkImkmorekthankhappyktokgokshopping.kIksmilekwrylykatkKatekandkMia.kChris

tianksmir s.kHek nowskIkhatekshopping. k Ikcankstaykherekwithkyou,kifkyoudkli e,khekmurmurs,kandksomethingkdar kunfu rlskinkmykbellykatkhisktone. k No,kyoukgokfish,kIkanswer.kChristiankneedskboyktime. k Soundskli ekakplan,kKateksays,krisingkfromkthektable. k Taylorkwillkaccompanykyou,kChristianksays,kandkitskakgivennotkupkforkdiscuss ion. k Wekdontkneedkbabysitting,kKatekretortskbluntly,kdirectkaskever. k IkputkmykhandkonkKateskarm.kKate,kTaylorkshouldkcome. k Shekfrowns,kthenkshrugs,kandkforkoncekinkherklifekholdskherktongue. k IksmilektimidlykatkChristian.kHiskexpressionkremainskimpassive.kOh,kIkho pekhesknotkmadkatkKate. k Elliotkfrowns.kIkneedktokpic kupkakbatterykforkmykwatchkinktown.kHekglance skquic lykatkKate,kandkIkspotkhiskslightkblush.kShekdoesntknoticekbecausekshekisk pointedlykignoringkhim. k Ta ekthekAudi,kElliot.kWhenkyoukcomekbac kwekcankgokfishing,kChristianksay s. k Yeah,kElliotkmutters,kbutkhekseemskdistracted.kGoodkplan. k Inkhere.kGrabbingkmykhand,kMiakhaulskmekintokakdesignerkboutiquekthatskallk pin ksil kandkfaux-Frenchkdistressedkrustickfurniture.kKatekfollowskuskwhilekTay lorkwaitskoutside,kshelteringkunderkthekawningkfromkthekrain.kArethakiskbeltingk outkSaykAkLittlekPrayerkoverkthekstoreskhi-fiksystem.kIklovekthisksong.kIkshouldkpu tkitkonkChristianskiPod. k Thiskwillkloo kwonderfulkonkyou,kAna.kMiakholdskupkakscrapkofksilverkmater ial.kHere,ktrykitkon. k Umk.k.k.kitskakbitkshort. k Youllkloo kfantastickinkit.kChristiankwillklovekit. k Youkthin ? k Miakbeamskatkme.kAna,kyoukhaveklegsktokdiekfor,kandkifkwekgokclubbingkton ightsheksmiles,ksensingkankeasyk illyoullkloo khotkforkyourkhusband. k Ikblin katkher,kslightlykshoc ed.kWerekgoingkclubbing?kIkdontkdokclubbing. k Kateklaughskatkmykexpression.kShekseemskmorekrelaxedknowkthatksheskawaykf romkElliot.kWekshouldkthrowksomekshapeskthiskevening,ksheksays. k Goktrykitkon,kMiakorders,kandkreluctantlykIkheadkforkthekchangingkroom. k WhilekIkwaitkforkKatekandkMiaktokemergekfromkthekdressingkroom,kIkstroll ktokthekshopkwindowkandkloo kout,kunseeing,kacrosskthekmainkstreet.kTheksoulkcom pilationkcontinues:kDionnekWarwic kisksingingkWal kOnkBy.kAnotherkgreatksongonekofk mykmotherskfavorites.kIkglancekdownkatkThekDresskinkmykhand.kDresskiskperhapskank overstatement.kItskbac lesskandkverykshort,kbutkMiakhaskdeclaredkitkakwinner,kper fectkforkdancingktheknightkaway.kApparently,kIkneedkshoes,ktoo,kandkaklargekchun yknec lace,kwhichkwellksourceknext.kRollingkmykeyes,kIkreflectkoncekmorekonkhowk luc ykIkamktokhavekCarolinekActon,kmykownkpersonalkshopper. k ThroughkthekboutiquekwindowkImkdistractedkbyktheksightkofkElliot.kHekhask appearedkonkthekotherksidekofkthekleafykmainkstreet,kclimbingkoutkofkaklargekAud i.kHekdiveskintokakstorekaskifktokduc koutkofkthekrain.kLoo skli ekakjewelryksto rek.k.k.kmaybekheskloo ingkforkthatkwatchkbattery.kHekemergeskakfewkminutesklater kandknotkalonewithkakwoman. k Fuc !kHesktal ingktokGia!kWhatkthekhellkiskshekdoingkhere? k AskIkwatch,ktheykhugkbrieflykandkshekholdskherkheadkbac ,klaughingkanima tedlykatksomethingkheksays.kHek isseskherkchee kthenkrunsktokthekwaitingkcar.kSh ekturnskandkheadskdownkthekstreet,kandkIkgapekafterkher.kWhatkwaskthatkabout?kIk turnkanxiouslyktowardkthekdressingkrooms,kbutkthereskstillknoksignkofkKatekorkMia . k IkglancekatkTaylor,kwherekheskwaitingkoutsidekthekstore.kHekcatcheskmykey ekthenkshrugs.kHeskwitnessedkElliotsklittlekencounter,ktoo.kIkblush,kembarrassedkt okhavekbeenkcaughtksnooping.kTurningkbac ,kMiakandkKatekemerge,kbothkofkthemklau ghing.kKatekloo skatkmekquizzically. k Whatskwrong,kAna?kshekas s.kYoukgonekcoldkonkthekdress?kYoukloo ksensational kinkit. k Um,kno.

k Arekyouko ay?kKateskeyeskwiden. k Imkfine.kShallkwekpay?kIkheadktokthekcashierkjoiningkMiakwhokhaskchosenktwo ks irts. k Goodkafternoon,kmaam.kThekyoungksaleskassistantwhokhaskmorekglosskcoatingkhe rklipskthankIkhavekeverkseenkinkonekplacesmileskatkme.kThatllkbekeightkhundredkandk fiftykdollars. k What?kForkthiskscrapkofkmaterial!kIkblin katkherkandkmee lykhandkoverkmy kblac kAmex. k Mrs.kGrey,kMs.kLipkGlosskpurrs. k IkfollowkKatekandkMiakinkakdazekforktheknextktwokhours,kwarringkwithkmys elf.kShouldkIktellkKate?kMyksubconsciouskfirmlyksha eskherkhead.kYes,kIkshouldkt ellkher.kNo,kIkshouldnt.kItkcouldkjustkhavekbeenkankinnocentkmeeting.kShit.kWhatk shouldkIkdo? k Well,kdokyoukli ekthekshoes,kAna?kMiakhaskherkfistskonkherkhips. k Umk.k.k.kyeah,ksure. k IkendkupkwithkakpairkofkunfeasiblykhighkManolokBlahni skwithkstrapskthat kloo kli ektheykarekmadekfromkmirrors.kTheykmatchkthekdresskperfectlykandksetkCh ristiankbac kjustkoverkakthousandkdollars.kImkluc ierkwithktheklongksilverkchaink thatkKatekinsistskIkbuy;kitskakbargainkatkeighty-fourkdollars. k Gettingkusedktokhavingkmoney?kKatekas sknotkun indlykaskwekwal kbac ktokth ekcar.kMiakhasks ippedkahead. k Youk nowkthiskisntkme,kKate.kImk indkofkuncomfortablekaboutkallkthis.kButkIm kreliablykinformedkitskpartkofkthekpac age.kIkpursekmyklipskatkher,kandkshekputskh erkarmkaroundkme. k Youllkgetkusedktokit,kAna,ksheksaysksympathetically.kYoullkloo kgreat. k Kate,khowkarekyoukandkElliotkgettingkalong?kIkas . k Herkwidekbluekeyeskdartktokmine. k Ohkno. k Sheksha eskherkhead.kIkdontkwantktoktal kaboutkitknow.kSheknodsktowardkMia. kButkthingskarekShekdoesntkfinishkherksentence. k Thiskiskunli ekmyktenaciouskKate.kShit.kIk newksomethingkwaskup.kDokIkte llkherkwhatkIksaw?kWhatkdidkIksee?kElliotkandkMisskWell-Groomed-Sexual-Predatork tal ing,khugging,kandkthatk isskonkthekchee .kSurelyktheykarekjustkoldkfriends?k No,kIkwontktellkher.kNotkrightknow.kIkgivekherkmykI-completely-understand-and-wil l-respect-your-privacyknod.kShekreacheskforkmykhandkandkgiveskitkakgratefulksque eze,kandktherekitkisakswiftkglimpsekofkpainkandkhurtkinkherkeyeskthatkshekquic ly kstifleskwithkakblin .kIkfeelkaksuddenksurgekofkprotectivenesskforkmykdearkfrien d.kWhatkthekhellkiskElliotkManwhorekGreykplayingkat? k Oncekbac katkthekhouse,kKatekdecideskwekdeservekcoc tailskafterkourkshop pingkextravaganzakandkwhipskupksomekstrawberrykdaiquiriskforkus.kWekcurlkupkonkt heksittingkroomkcoucheskinkfrontkofkthekblazingklogkfire. k Elliotkhaskjustkbeenkaklittlekdistantklately,kKatekmurmurs,kgazingkintokth ekflames.kKatekandkIkfinallykhavekakmomentktokourselveskaskMiakputskawaykherkpur chases.Oh? k AndkIkthin kImkinktroublekforkgettingkyoukintoktrouble. k Youkheardkaboutkthat? k Yes.kChristiankcalledkElliot;kElliotkcalledkme. k Ikrollkmykeyes.kOh,kFifty,kFifty,kFifty. k Imksorry.kChristiankisk.k.k.kprotective.kYoukhaventkseenkElliotksincekcoc t ailgate? k No. k Oh. k Ikreallykli ekhim,kAna,kshekwhispers.kAndkforkonekdreadfulkminutekIkthin k sheskgoingktokcry.kThiskisknotkli ekKate.kDoeskthiskmeankthekreturnkofkthekpin kp ajamas?kShekturnsktokme. k Ivekfallenkinklovekwithkhim.kAtkfirstkIkthoughtkitkwaskjustkthekgreatksex. kButkheskcharmingkandk indkandkwarmkandkfunny.kIkcouldkseekuskgrowingkoldktogethe ryouk nowk.k.k.k ids,kgrand idsthekwor s. k Yourkhappilykeverkafter,kIkwhisper. k Sheknodsksadly.

k Maybekyoukshouldktal ktokhim.kTryktokfindksomekalonektimekhere.kFindkoutk whatskeatingkhim. k Whoskeatingkhim,kmyksubconsciousksnarls.kIkslapkherkdown,kshoc edkatkthek waywardnesskofkmykownkthoughts. k Perhapskyoukguyskcouldkgokforkakwal ktomorrowkmorning? k Wellksee. k Kate,kIkhatekseeingkyoukli ekthis. k Sheksmileskwea ly,kandkIkleankoverktokhugkher.kIkresolveknotktokmentionk Gia,kthoughkIkmightkmentionkitktokthekmanwhorekhimself.kHowkcankhekmesskwithkmyk friendskaffectionskli ekthis? k Miakreturns,kandkwekmovekonktoksaferkterritory. k Thekfirekhisseskandkspitskspar skonktokthekhearthkaskIkfeedkitktheklastk log.kWerekalmostkoutkofkwood.kEvenkthoughkitsksummer,kthekfirekiskverykwelcomekonk thiskwetkday. k Mia,kdokyouk nowkwherekthekwoodkforkthekfirekisk ept?kIkas kasksheksipskhe rkdaiquiri. k Ikthin kitskinkthekgarage. k Illkgokfindksome.kItllkgivekmekankopportunityktokexplore. k ThekrainkhaskeasedkoffkwhenkIkventurekoutsidekandkheadktokthekthree-cark garagekadjoiningkthekhouse.kTheksidekdoorkiskunloc edkandkIkenter,kswitchingkonk theklightktokfightkthekgloom.kThekfluorescentkstripskpingknoisilyktoklife. k Thereskakcarkinkthekgarage,kandkIkrealizekitskthekAudikIksawkElliotkinkthi skafternoon.kTherekarekalsoktwoksnowmobiles.kButkwhatkreallykgrabskmykattentionk arekthektwoktrailkbi es,kbothk125cc.kMemorieskofkEthankbravelykendeavoringktokte achkmekhowktokrideklastksummerkflashkthroughkmykmind.kUnconsciously,kIkrubkmykar mkwherekIkbadlykbruisedkitkinkakfall. k Youkride?kElliotkas skfromkbehindkme. k Ikwhirlkaround.kYourekbac . k Itkwouldkappearkso.kHekgrins,kandkIkrealizekthatkChristiankmightksayktheks amekthingktokmebutkwithoutkthekhuge,kheart-meltingkgrin.kWell?khekas s. k Manwhore!kSortkof. k Dokyoukwantkakgo? k Iksnort.kUm,knok.k.k.kIkdontkthin kChristiankwouldkbekverykhappykifkIkdid. k Christiansknotkhere.kElliotksmir soh,kitskakfamilyktraitandkwaveskhiskarmktoki ndicatekwerekalone.kHekstrollsktowardktheknearestkbi ekandkswingskaklongkdenim-cl adklegkoverktheksaddle,ksittingkastridekandkgrabbingkthekhandlebars. k Christiankhas,kumk.k.k.kissueskaboutkmyksafety.kIkshouldnt. k Youkalwayskdokwhatkheksays?kElliotkhaskakwic edkspar lekinkhiskbaby-blueke yes,kandkIkseekakglimmerkofkthekbadkboyk.k.k.kthekbadkboykKatekhaskfallenkinklov ekwith.kThekbadkboykfromkDetroit. k No.kIkarchkankadmonishingkbrowkatkhim.kButkImktryingktokputkthatkright.kHekh askenoughktokworrykaboutkwithoutkaddingkmektokthekmix.kIskhekbac ? k Ikdontk now. k Youkdidntkgokfishing? k Elliotksha eskhiskhead.kIkhadksomekbusinessktokdealkwithkinktown. k Business!kHolykshitgroomedkblondekbusiness!kIkinhaleksharplykandkgapekatk him. k Ifkyoukdontkwantktokride,kwhatkarekyoukdoingkinkthekgarage?kElliotkiskintri gued. k Imkloo ingkforkwoodkforkthekfire. k Therekyoukare.kOh,kElliotyourekbac .kKatekinterruptskus. k Hey,kbaby.kHeksmileskbroadly. k Catchkanything? k IkscrutinizekElliotskreaction.kNo.kIkhadkakfewkthingsktokta ekcarekofkinkt own.kAndkforkonekbriefkmoment,kIkseekakflashkofkuncertaintykcrosskhiskface. k Ohkshit. k Ikcamekoutktokseekwhatkwask eepingkAna.kKatekloo skatkus,kconfused. k Wekwerekjustkshootingkthekbreeze,kElliotksays,kandkthektensionkcrac leskbe tweenkthem. k Wekallkpausekaskwekhearkakcarkpullkupkoutside.kOh!kChristianskbac .kThan

kheavens.kThekgaragekdoorkopenerkwhirrskloudlykintokaction,kstartlingkuskall,kan dkthekdoorkslowlykliftsktokrevealkChristiankandkEthankunloadingkakblac kflatbedk truc .kChristiankstopskwhenkhekseeskuskstandingkinkthekgarage. k Garagekband?khekas sksardonicallykaskhekwanderskin,kheadingkstraightkforkm e. k Ikgrin.kIkamkrelievedktokseekhim.kBeneathkhiskwadingkjac et,kheskwearingk thekcoverallskIksoldkhimkatkClaytons. k Hi,kheksayskloo ingkquizzicallykatkme,kignoringkbothkKatekandkElliot. k Hi.kNicekcoveralls. k Lotskofkpoc ets.kVerykhandykforkfishing.kHiskvoicekisksoftkandkseductive,k forkmykearskonly,kandkwhenkhekgazeskdownkatkme,khiskexpressionkiskhot. k Ikflush,kandkheksmileskakhuge,kno-holds-barred,kall-for-meksmile. k Yourekwet,kIkmurmur. k Itkwaskraining.kWhatkarekyoukguyskdoingkinkthekgarage?kFinallykhekac nowle dgeskthatkwekareknotkalone. k Anakcamektokfetchksomekwood,kElliotksmir s.kSomehowkhekmanagesktokma ektha tksentenceksoundksmutty.kIktriedktoktemptkherktokta ekakride.kHekiskmasterkofkthek doublekentendre. k Christianskfacekfalls,kandkmykheartkstills. k Sheksaidkno.kThatkyoukwouldntkli ekit,kElliotksaysk indlyandkinnuendo-free. k Christianskgraykgazekswingskbac ktokme.kDidkshe,know?khekmurmurs. k Listen,kImkallkforkstandingkaroundkdiscussingkwhatkAnakdidknext,kbutkshall kwekgokbac kinside?kKateksnaps.kShekstoopskdown,ksnatcheskupktwoklogs,kandkturnsk onkherkheel,kstompingktowardkthekdoor.kOhkshit.kKatekiskmadbutkIk nowkitsknotkatkm e.kElliotksighskand,kwithoutkakword,kfollowskherkout.kIkgazekafterkthem,kbutkChr istiankdistractskme. k Youkcankridekakmotorcycle?khekas s,khiskvoiceklacedkwithkdisbelief. k Notkverykwell.kEthanktaughtkme. k Hiskeyeskfrostkimmediately.kYoukmadekthekrightkdecision,kheksays,khiskvoic ekmuchkcooler.kThekgroundskverykhardkatkthekmoment,kandkthekrainskmadekitktreachero uskandkslippery. k Wherekdokyoukwantkthekfishingkgear?kEthankcallskfromkoutside. k Leavekit,kEthanTaylorkwillkta ekcarekofkit. k Whatkaboutkthekfish?kEthankcontinues,khiskvoicekvaguelyktaunting. k Youkcaughtkakfish?kIkas ,ksurprised. k Notkme.kKavanaghkdid.kAndkChristiankpoutsk.k.k.kprettily. k Ikburstkoutklaughing. k Mrs.kBentleykwillkdealkwithkthat,khekcallskbac .kEthankgrinskandkheadskint okthekhouse. k AmkIkamusingkyou,kMrs.kGrey? k Verykmuchkso.kYourekwetk.k.k.kLetkmekrunkyoukakbath. k Asklongkaskyoukjoinkme.kHekleanskdownkandk isseskme. k Ikfillktheklargekegg-shapedktubkinkthekenksuitekbathroomkandkpourkinksom ekexpensivekbathkoil,kwhichkstartsktokfoamkimmediately.kThekaromakiskheavenlyk.k .k.kjasmine,kIkthin .kBac kinkthekbedroom,kIkstartktokhangkThekDresskwhilekthekb athkfills. k Didkyoukhavekakgoodktime?kChristiankas skaskhekenterskthekroom.kHeskjustkin kakT-shirtkandksweatkpants,khiskfeetkbare.kHekcloseskthekdoorkbehindkhim. k Yes,kIkmurmur,kdrin ingkhimkin.kIkhavekmissedkhim.kRidiculousitskonlykbeenkw hat,kakfewkhours? k Hekcoc skhiskheadktokoneksidekandkgazeskatkme.kWhatkiskit? k Ikwaskthin ingkhowkmuchkIvekmissedkyou. k Youksoundkli ekyoukhavekitkbad,kMrs.kGrey. k Ikhave,kMr.kGrey. k Hekstrollsktowardkmekuntilkheskstandingkinkfrontkofkme.kWhatkdidkyoukbuy?kh ekwhispers,kandkIk nowkitsktokchangekthektopickofkconversation. k Akdress,ksomekshoes,kaknec lace.kIkspentkakgreatkdealkofkyourkmoney.kIkgla ncekupkatkhim,kguiltily. k Heskamused.kGood,khekmurmurskandktuc skakstraykloc kofkmykhairkbehindkmykea r.kAndkforkthekbillionthktime,kourkmoney.kHektugskmykchin,kreleasingkmyklipkfromkm

ykteethkandkrunskhiskindexkfingerkdownkthekfrontkofkmykT-shirt,kdownkmyksternum, kbetweenkmykbreasts,kdownkmykstomach,kandkoverkmykbellyktokthekhem. k Youkwontkbekneedingkthiskinkthekbath,khekwhispers,kandkgrippingkthekhemkofk mykT-shirtkinkbothkhands,kslowlykpullskitkup.kLiftkyourkarms. k Ikcomply,knotkta ingkmykeyeskoffkhis,kandkhekdropskmykT-shirtkonkthekflo or. k Ikthoughtkwekwerekjustkhavingkakbath.kMykpulsekquic ens. k Ikwantktokma ekyoukgoodkandkdirtykfirst.kIvekmissedkyou,ktoo.kHekleanskdown kandk isseskme. k Shit,kthekwater!kIkstrugglektoksitkup,kallkpost-orgasmickandkdazed. k Christiankdoesntkreleasekme. k Christian,kthekbath!kIkgazekdownkatkhimkfromkmykpronekpositionkacrosskhisk chest. k Heklaughs.kRelaxitskakwetkroom.kHekrollskoverkandk isseskmekquic ly.kIllkswitc hkoffkthekfaucet. k Hekclimbskgracefullykoffkthekbedkandkstrollskintokthekbathroom.kMykeyesk greedilykfollowkhimkallkthekway.kHmmk.k.k.kmykhusband,kna edkandksoonktokbekwet. kMykinnerkgoddessklic skherklipsksalaciouslykandkgiveskmekherkwell-fuc edkgrin.k Ikboundkoutkofkbed. k Weksitkatkoppositekendskofkthekbath,kwhichkiskverykfullsokfullkthatkwhene verkwekmove,kwaterklapskoverktheksidekandksplashesktokthekfloor.kItskverykdecaden t.kEvenkmorekdecadentkiskChristiankwashingkmykfeet,kmassagingktheksoles,kpulling kgentlykonkmyktoes.kHek isseskeachkonekandkgentlykbiteskmyklittlektoe. k Aaah!kIkfeelkitthere,kinkmykgroin. k Li ekthat?khekbreathes. k Hmm,kIkmumblekincoherently. k Hekstartskmassagingkagain.kOh,kthiskfeelskgood.kIkclosekmykeyes. k IksawkGiakinktown,kIkmurmur. k Really?kIkthin kshekhaskakplacekhere,kheksayskdismissively.kHesknotkinteres tedkinkthekslightest. k ShekwaskwithkElliot. k Christiankstopskmassaging.kThatkgotkhiskattention.kWhenkIkopenkmykeyeskh iskheadkiskinclinedktokonekside,kli ekhekdoesntkunderstand. k WhatkdokyoukmeankwithkElliot?khekas s,kperplexedkratherkthankconcerned. k IkexplainkwhatkIksaw. k Ana,ktheyrekjustkfriends.kIkthin kElliotkiskprettykstuc konkKate.kHekpauses kthenkaddskmorekquietly.kInkfactkIk nowkheskprettykstuc konkher.kAndkhekgiveskmekhi skI-have-no-idea-whykloo . k Katekiskgorgeous.kIkbristle,kchampioningkmykfriend. k Heksnorts.kStillkgladkitkwaskyoukthatkfellkintokmykoffice.kHek isseskmykbi gktoe,kreleaseskmykleftkfoot,kandkpic skupkmykrightkbeforekbeginningkthekmassage kprocesskagain.kHiskfingerskareksokstrongkandksupple,kIkrelaxkagain.kIkdoknotkwa ntktokfightkaboutkKate.kIkclosekmykeyeskandkletkhiskfingerskwor ktheirkmagickonk mykfeet. k Ikgapekatkmyselfkinkthekfull-lengthkmirror,knotkrecognizingkthekvixenkth atkstareskbac katkme.kKatekhaskgonekallkoutkandkplayedkBarbiekwithkmekthiskeveni ng,kstylingkmykhairkandkma eup.kMykhairkiskfullkandkstraight,kmykeyeskringedkwit hk ohl,kmyklipskscarletkred.kIkloo k.k.k.khot.kImkallklegs,kespeciallykinkthekhig h-heeledkManoloskandkmykindecentlykshortkdress.kIkneedkChristianktokapprove,ktho ughkIkhavekakhorriblekfeelingkhekwontkli eksokmuchkofkmykfleshkexposed.kInkviewko fkourkententekcordiale,kIkdecidekIkshouldkas khim.kIkpic kupkmykBlac Berry. k kkk k From:kAnastasiakGrey

k k

Date:kAugustk27,k2011k18:53kMST To:kChristiankGrey

Subject:kDoeskMykButtkLoo kBigkInkThis?

k Mr.kGrey kIkneedkyourksartorialkadvice. kYours kMrs.kGkx k k k k k kkk From:kChristiankGrey Subject:kPeachy Date:kAugustk27,k2011k18:55kMST To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Mrs.kGrey kIkseriouslykdoubtkit. kButkIkwillkcomekandkgivekyourkbuttkakthoroughkexaminationkjustktokma eksure. kYourskinkanticipation kMr.kGkx k ChristiankGrey, kCEOkGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskandkButtkInspectoratekInc. k AskIkreadkhiske-mail,kthekbedroomkdoorkopens,kandkChristiankfreezeskonkt hekthreshold.kHiskmouthkpopskopenkandkhiskeyeskwiden. k Holykcrapk.k.k.kthiskcouldkgokeitherkway. k Well?kIkwhisper. k Ana,kyoukloo k.k.k.kWow. k Youkli ekit? k Yes,kIkguesskso.kHeskaklittlekhoarse.kSlowlykhekstepskintokthekroomkandkclo seskthekdoor.kHeskwearingkblac kjeanskandkakwhitekshirt,kbutkwithkakblac kjac et. kHekloo skdivine.kHekstal skslowlyktowardkme,kbutkasksoonkaskhekreacheskme,khekp utskhiskhandskonkmykshoulderskandkturnskmekaroundktokfacekthekfull-lengthkmirror ,kwhilekhekstandskbehindkme.kMykgazekfindskhiskinkthekglass,kthenkhekglanceskdow n,kfascinatedkbykmykna edkbac .kHiskfingerkglideskdownkmykspinekandkreacheskthek edgekofkmykdresskatktheksmallkofkmykbac ,kwherekpalekfleshkmeetsksilverkcloth. k Thiskiskverykrevealing,khekmurmurs. k Hiskhandks imsklower,koverkmykbac sidekandkdownktokmykna edkthigh.kHekpa uses,kgraykeyeskburningkintentlykintokblue.kThenkslowlykhektrailskhiskfingerskba c kupktokthekhemkofkmyks irt. k Watchingkhisklongkfingerskmoveklightly,kteasinglykacrosskmyks in,kfeelin gkthektinglesktheykleavekinktheirkwa e,kmykmouthkformskakperfectkO. k Itsknotkfarkfromkhere.kHektoucheskthekhem,kthenkmoveskhiskfingerskhigher.kTo khere,khekwhispers.kIkgaspkaskhiskfingerskstro ekmyksex,kmovingktantalizinglykove rkmykpanties,kfeelingkme,kteasingkme. k Andkyourkpointkis?kIkwhisper. k Mykpointkisk.k.k.kitsknotkfarkfromkherehiskfingerskglidekoverkmykpanties,kth enkonekiskinside,kagainstkmyksoftkdampenedkfleshtokhere.kAndkthenk.k.k.ktokhere.kHe kslipskakfingerkinsidekme. k Ikgaspkandkma ekaksoftkmewlingksound. k Thiskiskmine,khekmurmurskinkmykear.kClosingkhiskeyes,khekmoveskhiskfingerk slowlykinkandkoutkofkme.kIkdontkwantkanyonekelsektokseekthis. k Mykbreathkstutters,kmykpantingkmatchingkthekrhythmkofkhiskfinger.kWatchi ngkhimkinkthekmirror,kdoingkthisk.k.k.kitskbeyondkerotic. k Sokbekakgoodkgirlkandkdontkbendkdown,kandkyoukshouldkbekfine. k Youkapprove?kIkwhisper. k No,kbutkImknotkgoingktokstopkyoukwearingkit.kYoukloo kstunning,kAnastasia.k Abruptlykhekwithdrawskhiskfinger,kleavingkmekwantingkmore,kandkhekmoveskaroundkt okfacekme.kHekplaceskthektipkofkhiskinvadingkfingerkonkmyklowerklip.kInstinctive ly,kIkpuc erkmyklipskandk isskit,kandkImkrewardedkwithkakwic edkgrin.kHekputskhis

kfingerkinkhiskmouthkandkhiskexpressionkinformskmekthatkIktastekgoodk.k.k.krealk good.kIkflush.kWillkitkalwayskshoc kmekwhenkhekdoeskthat? k Hekgraspskmykhand. k Come,khekordersksoftly.kIkwantktokretortkthatkIkwaskaboutkto,kbutkinklight kofkwhatkhappenedkinkthekplayroomkyesterday,kIkdecidekagainstkit. k Wekarekwaitingkforkdessertkinkakplush,kexclusivekrestaurantkinktown.kItsk beenkaklivelykeveningksokfar,kandkMiakiskdeterminedkitkshouldkcontinuekandkthatk wekmustkgokclubbing.kRightknowkshesksittingksilentlykforkonce,khangingkonkEthanske verykwordkaskhekandkChristianktal .kMiakiskobviouslykinfatuatedkwithkEthan,kandk Ethankisk.k.k.kwellkitskdifficultktoktell.kIkdontk nowkifktheykarekjustkfriendskor kifktheresksomethingkmore. k Christiankseemskatkease.kHeskbeenktal ingkanimatedlykwithkEthan.kTheykobv iouslykbondedkoverkthekfly-fishing.kTheyrektal ingkaboutkpsychology,kmainly.kIron ically,kChristianksoundskthekmorek nowledgeable.kIksnortksoftlykaskIkhalfklisten ktoktheirkconversation,ksadlykac nowledgingkthatkhiskexpertisekiskthekresultkofk hiskexperiencekwithksokmanykshrin s. k Yourekthekbestktherapy.kHiskwords,kwhisperedkwhilekwekwerekma ingklovekon ce,kechokinkmykhead.kAmkI?kOh,kChristian,kIkhopekso. k IkglancekoverkatkKate.kShekloo skbeautiful,kbutkthenkshekalwayskdoes.kSh ekandkElliotkareklessklively.kHekseemsknervous,khiskjo eskaklittlektookloud,kand khisklaughkaklittlekoff.kHavektheykhadkakfight?kWhatskeatingkhim?kIskitkthatkwoma n?kMykheartksin skatkthekthoughtkthatkhekmightkhurtkmykbestkfriend.kIkglancekatk thekentrance,khalfkexpectingktokseekGiakcalmlyksaunterkherkwell-groomedkasskacro sskthekrestaurantktokus.kMykmindkiskplayingktric s,kIksuspectkitskthekamountkofka lcoholkIvekhad.kMykheadkiskbeginningktokache. k Abruptly,kElliotkstartleskuskallkbykstandingkandkpullingkhiskchairkbac k sokitkscrapeskacrosskthektilekfloor.kAllkeyeskturnktokhim.kHekgazeskdownkatkKate kforkonekmomentkthenkdropsktokonek neekbesidekher. k Oh.kMy.kGod. k Hekreacheskforkherkhand,kandksilenceksettleskli ekakblan etkoverkthekent irekrestaurantkaskeveryonekstopskeating,kstopsktal ing,kstopskwal ing,kandkstare s. k MykbeautifulkKate,kIklovekyou.kYourkgrace,kyourkbeauty,kandkyourkfieryksp iritkhaveknokequal,kandkyoukhavekcapturedkmykheart.kSpendkyourklifekwithkme.kMar rykme. k Holykshit! k k k k k k

kkk

k ThekattentionkofkthekentirekrestaurantkisktrainedkonkKatekandkElliot,kwa itingkwithkbatedkbreathkaskone.kThekanticipationkiskunbearable.kSilencekstretche skli ekaktautkrubberkband.kThekatmospherekiskoppressive,kapprehensive,kandkyetkh opeful. k Katekstareskblan lykatkElliotkaskhekgazeskupkatkher,khiskeyeskwidekwithk longingfearkeven.kHolykcrap,kKate!kPutkhimkoutkofkhiskmisery.kPlease.kJeezhekcould khavekas edkherkprivately. k Aksinglektearktric leskdownkherkchee kthoughkshekremainskexpressionless. kShit!kKatekcrying?kThenksheksmiles,kakslowkdisbelievingkIve-found-Nirvanaksmile. k Yes,kshekwhispers,kakbreathy,ksweetkacceptancenotkKate-li ekatkall.kForkone knanosecondkthereskakpausekaskthekentirekrestaurantkexhaleskakcollectiveksighkofk relief,kandkthenktheknoisekiskdeafening.kSpontaneouskapplause,kcheering,kcatcall s,kwhooping,kandksuddenlykIkhavektearskrollingkdownkmykface,ksmudgingkmykBarbiemeets-Joan-Jettkma eup. k Obliviousktokthekcommotionkaroundkthem,kthektwokarekloc edkinktheirkownk

littlekworld.kFromkhiskpoc etkElliotkproduceskaksmallkbox,kopenskit,kandkpresent skitktokKate.kAkring.kAndkfromkwhatkIkcanksee,kankexquisitekring,kbutkIkneedkakc loserkloo .kIskthatkwhatkhekwaskdoingkwithkGia?kChoosingkakring?kShit!kOh,kImksok gladkIkdidntktellkKate. k Katekloo skfromkthekringktokElliotkthenkthrowskherkarmskaroundkhisknec . kTheyk iss,kremar ablykchastekforkthem,kandkthekcrowdkgoeskwild.kElliotkstandska ndkac nowledgeskthekapprobationkwithkaksurprisinglykgracefulkbowkthen,kwearingka khugekself-satisfiedkgrin,ksitskbac kdown.kIkcantkta ekmykeyeskoffkthem.kTa ingkt hekringkoutkofkitskbox,kElliotkgentlykslideskitkontokKateskfinger,kandktheyk issk oncekmore. k Christianksqueezeskmykhand.kIkdidntkrealizekIdkbeenkgrippingkhisksoktightl y.kIkreleasekhim,kaklittlekembarrassed,kandkheksha eskhiskhand,kmouthing,kOw. k Sorry.kDidkyouk nowkaboutkthis?kIkwhisper. k Christianksmiles,kandkIk nowkthatkhekdid.kHeksummonskthekwaiter.kTwokbott leskofkthekCristalkplease.kThek2002kifkyoukhavekit. k Iksmir katkhim. k What?khekas s. k Becausekthek2002kisksokmuchkbetterkthankthek2003,kIktease. k Heklaughs.kTokthekdiscerningkpalate,kAnastasia. k Youkhavekakverykdiscerningkpalate,kMr.kGrey,kandksingularktastes.kIksmile. k ThatkIkdo,kMrs.kGrey.kHekleanskinkclose.kYouktastekbest,khekwhispers,kandkhe k isseskakcertainkspotkbehindkmykear,ksendingklittlekshiverskdownkmykspine.kIkbl ushkscarletkandkfondlykrememberkhiskearlierkdemonstrationkofkthekquitekliteralks hortcomingskofkmykdress. k MiakiskthekfirstkupktokhugkKatekandkElliot,kandkwekallkta ekturnskcongra tulatingkthekhappykcouple.kIkclutchkKatekinkakfiercekhug. k See?kHekwaskjustkworriedkaboutkhiskproposal,kIkwhisper. k Oh,kAna.kShekgiggle-sobs. k Kate,kIkamksokhappykforkyou.kCongratulations. k Christiankiskbehindkme.kHeksha eskElliotskhand,kthensurprisingkbothkElliot kandkmepullskhimkintokakhug.kIkcankonlykjustkcatchkwhatkheksays. k Wayktokgo,kLelliot,khekmurmurs.kElliotksaysknothing,kforkoncekstunnedkinto ksilence,kthenkcautiouslykreturnskhiskbrotherskhug. k Lelliot? k Than s,kChristian,kElliotkcho eskout. k ChristiankgiveskKatekakbrief,kifkaw ward,kalmostkarms-lengthkhug.kIk nowk thatkChristianskattitudektokKatekisktolerant,katkbest,kandkambivalentkmostkofkthe ktime,ksokthiskiskprogress.kReleasingkher,kheksaysksokquietlykonlykshekandkIkcan khear,kIkhopekyoukarekaskhappykinkyourkmarriagekaskIkamkinkmine. k Than kyou,kChristian.kIkhopekso,ktoo,ksheksayskgraciously. k Thekwaiterkhaskreturnedkwithkthekchampagne,kwhichkhekproceedsktokopenkwi thkankunderstatedkflourish. k Christiankholdskhiskchampagnekflutekaloft. k TokKatekandkmykdearkbrother,kElliotcongratulations. k Wekallksip,kwell,kIkglug.kHmm,kCristalktastesksokgood,kandkImkremindedkof kthekfirstktimekIkdran kitkatkChristianskclubkandklater,kourkeventfulkelevatorkjo urneyktokthekfirstkfloor. k Christiankfrownskatkme.kWhatkarekyoukthin ingkabout?khekwhispers. k ThekfirstktimekIkdran kthiskchampagne. k Hiskfrownkbecomeskmorekquizzical. k Wekwerekatkyourkclub.kIkprompt. k Hekgrins.kOhkyes.kIkremember.kHekwin skatkme. k Elliot,khavekyouksetkakdate?kMiakpipeskup. k Elliotkgiveskhisksisterkankexasperatedkstare.kIvekonlykjustkas edkKate,kso kwellkgetkbac ktokyoukonkthat,k ay? k Oh,kma ekitkakChristmaskwedding.kThatkwouldkbeksokromantic,kandkyoudkhavek noktroublekrememberingkyourkanniversary.kMiakclapskherkhands. k Illkta ekthatkunderkadvisement.kElliotksmir skatkher. k Afterkthekchampagne,kcankwekpleasekgokclubbing?kMiakturnskandkgiveskChrist iankherkbiggest,kbrown-eyedkloo .

k Ikthin kwekshouldkas kElliotkandkKatekwhatktheydkli ektokdo. k Askone,kwekturnkexpectantlyktokthem.kElliotkshrugskandkKatekturnskpuce.k HerkcarnalkintentktowardkherkfianckisksokclearkIknearlykspitkfour-hundred-dollark champagnekallkoverkthektable. k ZaxkiskthekmostkexclusiveknightclubkinkAspenorksoksayskMia.kChristiankstr ollsktokthekfrontkofkthekshortklinekwithkhiskarmkwrappedkaroundkmykwaistkandkisk immediatelykgrantedkaccess.kIkwonderkbrieflykifkhekownskthekplace.kIkglancekatkm ykwatchelevenkthirtykinkthekevening,kandkImkfeelingkfuzzy.kThektwokglasseskofkcham pagnekandkseveralkglasseskofkPouilly-Fumkduringkourkmealkarekstartingktokhavekank effect,kandkImkgratefulkChristiankhaskhiskarmkaroundkme. k Mr.kGrey,kwelcomekbac ,ksayskakverykattractive,kleggykblondekinkblac ksati n,khotkpants,kmatchingksleevelesskshirt,kandkaklittlekredkbowtie.kSheksmileskbro adly,krevealingkperfectkall-Americankteethkbetweenkscarletklipskthatkmatchkherkb owtie.kMaxkwillkta ekyourkcoat. k Akyoungkmankdressedkentirelykinkblac ,kfortunatelyknotksatin,ksmileskask hekoffersktokta ekmykcoat.kHiskdar keyeskarekwarmkandkinviting.kIkamkthekonlykon ekwearingkakcoatChristiankinsistedkIkta ekMiasktrenchkcoatktokcoverkmykbehindsokMax konlykhasktokdealkwithkme. k Nicekcoat,kheksays,kgazingkatkmekintently. k BesidekmekChristiankbristleskandkfixeskMaxkwithkakbac -off-nowkglare.kHe kreddenskandkquic lykhandskChristiankmykcoatkchec ktic et. k Letkmekshowkyouktokyourktable.kMisskSatinkHotkPantskflutterskherkeyelashes katkmykhusband,kflic skherklongkblondkhair,kandksashayskthroughkthekentryway.kIk tightenkmykgripkaroundkChristian,kandkhekgazeskdownkatkmekquestioninglykforkakmo ment,kthenksmir skaskwekfollowkMisskSatinkHotkPantskintokthekbar. k Theklightingkiskmuted,kthekwallskarekblac ,kandkthekfurnishingskdeepkred .kTherekarekboothskflan ingktwoksideskofkthekwallskandkaklargekU-shapedkbarkinkt hekmiddle.kItskbusy,kgivenkthatkwerekherekoff-season,kbutknotktookcrowdedkwithkthe kwell-heeledkofkAspenkoutkforkakgoodktimekonkakSaturdayknight.kThekdresskcodekis krelaxed,kandkforkthekfirstktimekIkfeelkaklittlekoverk.k.k.kum,kunderdressed.kImk notksurekwhich.kThekfloorkandkwallskvibratekwithkthekmusickpulsingkfromkthekdanc ekfloorkbehindkthekbar,kandklightskarekwhirlingkandkflashingkonkandkoff.kInkmykh eadykstate,kIkidlykthin kitskankepilepticsknightmare. k SatinkHotkPantskleadskusktokakcornerkboothkthatskbeenkropedkoff.kItskneark thekbarkwithkaccessktokthekdancekfloor.kClearlykthekbestkseatskinkthekhouse. k Therellkbeksomeonekalongktokta ekyourkorderkshortly.kShekgiveskuskherkfullk megawattksmilekand,kwithkakfinalkflutterkofkeyelasheskatkmykhusband,ksashayskbac kfromkwherekshekcame.kMiakiskalreadykjiggingkfromkfootktokfoot,kitchingktokgetk ontokthekdancekfloor,kandkEthankta eskpitykonkher. k Champagne?kChristiankas skasktheykheadkoffkholdingkhandsktowardkthekdancek floor.kEthankgiveskhimkakthumbs-upkandkMiaknodskenthusiastically. k KatekandkElliotksitkbac konktheksoftkvelvetkseating,khandkinkhand.kTheyk loo ksokhappy,ktheirkfeaturesksoftkandkradiantkinkthekglowkfromkthekteaklightskf lic eringkinkcrystalkholderskonktheklowktable.kChristiankgestureskforkmektoksit, kandkIkscootkinkbesidekKate.kHekta eskakseatkbesidekmekandkanxiouslykscanskthekr oom. k Showkmekyourkring.kIkraisekmykvoicekoverkthekmusic.kIkwillkbekhoarsekbykth ektimekwekleave.kKatekbeamskatkmekandkholdskupkherkhand.kThekringkiskexquisite,k aksingleksolitairekinkakfinekelaboratekclawkwithktinykdiamondskonkeitherkside.kI tkhaskakretrokVictoriankloo ktokit. k Itskbeautiful. k Sheknodskinkdelightkand,kreachingkover,ksqueezeskElliotskthigh.kHekleansk downkandk isseskher. k Getkakroom,kIkcallkout. k Elliotkgrins. k Akyoungkwomankwithkshortkdar khairkandkakmischievousksmile,kwearingkregu lation,kblac ksatin,khotkpants,kcomesktokta ekourkorder. k Whatkdokyoukwantktokdrin ?kChristiankas s. k Youreknotkpic ingkupkthektabkforkthis,ktoo,kElliotkgrumbles. k Dontkstartkthatkshit,kElliot,kChristianksayskmildly.

k DespitekthekobjectionskofkKate,kElliotkandkEthan,kChristiankhaskpaidkfor kthekmealkwekjustkconsumed.kHeksimplykwavedkthemkasidekandkwouldknotkhearkofkany onekelsekpaying.kIkgazekatkhimklovingly.kMykFiftykShadesk.k.k.kalwayskinkcontrol . k Elliotkopenskhiskmouthktoksayksomethingkbut,kwiselykperhaps,kcloseskitka gain. k Illkhavekakbeer,kheksays. k Kate?kChristiankas s. k Morekchampagne,kplease.kThekCristalkiskdelicious.kButkImksurekEthankwouldk preferkakbeer.kSheksmilesksweetlyyes,ksweetlyatkChristian.kShekiskincandescentkwith khappiness.kIkfeelkitkradiatingkoffkher,kandkitskakpleasurektokbas kinkherkjoy. k Ana? k Champagne,kplease. k BottlekofkCristal,kthreekPeronis,kandkakbottlekofkicedkmineralkwater,ksix kglasses,kheksayskinkhiskusualkauthoritative,kno-nonsensekmanner. k Itsk indakhot. k Than kyou,ksir.kComingkrightkup.kMisskHotkPantskNumberkTwokgiveskhimkakgra ciousksmile,kbutkhesksparedkthekflutteringkofkeyelasheskthoughkherkchee skreddenk aklittle. k Iksha ekmykheadkinkresignation.kHeskmine,kgirlfriend. k What?khekas skme. k Shekdidntkflutterkherkeyelasheskatkyou.kIksmir . k Oh.kWasksheksupposedkto?khekas s,kfailingktokhidekhiskmirth. k Womenkusuallykdo.kMyktonekiskironic. k Hekgrins.kMrs.kGrey,karekyoukjealous? k Notkinkthekslightest.kIkpoutkatkhim.kAndkIkrealizekinkthatkmomentkthatkIka mkbeginningktoktoleratekwomenkoglingkmykhusband.kAlmost.kChristiankclaspskmykhan dkandk isseskmyk nuc les. k Youkhaveknothingktokbekjealouskof,kMrs.kGrey,khekmurmurskclosektokmykear,k hiskbreathktic lingkme. k Ik now. k Good. k Thekwaitresskreturns,kandkmomentsklaterkImksippingkanotherkglasskofkchamp agne. k Here.kChristiankhandskmekakglasskofkwater.kDrin kthis. k Ikfrownkatkhimkandksee,kratherkthankhear,khisksigh. k Threekglasseskofkwhitekwinekatkdinnerkandktwokofkchampagne,kafterkakstraw berrykdaiquirikandktwokglasseskofkFrascatikatklunchtime.kDrin .kNow,kAna. k Howkdoeskhek nowkaboutkthekcoc tailskthiskafternoon?kIkscowlkatkhim.kBut kactuallykhekdoeskhavekakpoint.kTa ingkthekglasskofkwater,kIkdownkitkinkakmostku nladyli ekmannerktokregisterkmykprotestkatkbeingktoldkwhatktokdok.k.k.kagain.kIk wipekmykhandkacrosskthekbac kofkmykmouth. k Goodkgirl,kheksays,ksmir ing.kYouvekvomitedkonkmekoncekalready.kIkdontkwishkt okexperiencekthatkagainkinkakhurry. k Ikdontk nowkwhatkyourekcomplainingkabout.kYoukgotktoksleepkwithkme. k Heksmileskandkhiskeyesksoften.kYeah,kIkdid. k EthankandkMiakarekbac . k Ethanskhadkenough,kforknow.kComekon,kgirls.kLetskhitkthekfloor.kStri ekakpo se,kthrowksomekshapes,kwor koffkthekcalorieskfromkthekchocolatekmousse. k Katekstandskimmediately.kComing?kshekas skElliot. k Letkmekwatchkyou,kheksays.kAndkIkhavektokloo kawaykquic ly,kblushingkatkth ekloo khekgiveskher.kShekgrinskaskIkstand. k Imkgoingktokburnksomekcalories,kIksay,kandkleaningkdownkIkwhisperkinkChrist ianskear,kYoukcankwatchkme. k Dontkbendkover,khekgrowls. k O ay.kIkstandkabruptly.kWhoa!kHeadkrush,kandkIkclutchkChristianskshoulderka skthekroomkshiftskandktiltskaklittle. k Perhapskyoukshouldkhaveksomekmorekwater,kChristiankmurmurs,kakwarningkclea rkinkhiskvoice. k Imkfine.kThesekseatskareklowkandkmykheelskarekhigh.

k Katekta eskmykhand,kandkta ingkakdeepkbreathkIkfollowkherkandkMia,kperfe ctlykpoised,kontokthekdancekfloor. k Thekmusickiskpulsing,kaktechnokbeatkwithkakthumpingkbasskline.kThekdance kfloorkisntkcrowded,kwhichkmeanskwekhaveksomekspace.kThekmixkiskeclecticyoungkandk oldkali ekdancingktheknightkaway.kIkhavekneverkbeenkakgoodkdancer.kInkfact,kitsko nlyksincekIvekbeenkwithkChristiankthatkIkdancekatkall.kKatekhugskme. k Imksokhappy,kshekshoutskoverkthekmusic,kandkshekstartsktokdance.kMiakiskdoi ngkwhatkMiakdoes,kgrinningkatkthekpairkofkus,kthrowingkherselfkaround.kJeez,kshes kta ingkupkaklotkofkroomkonkthekdancekfloor.kIkglancekbac ktowardkthektable.kOur kmenkarekwatchingkus.kIkstartktokmove.kItskakpulsingkrhythm.kIkclosekmykeyeskandk surrenderktokit. k Ikopenkmykeyesktokfindkthekdancekfloorkfillingkup.kKate,kMiakandkIkarekf orcedkcloserktogether.kAndktokmyksurprisekIkfindkImkactuallykenjoyingkmyself.kIkb eginktokmovekaklittlekmorek.k.k.kbravely.kKatekgiveskmektwokthumbskup,kandkIkbea mkbac katkher. k Ikclosekmykeyes.kWhykdidkIkspendkthekfirstktwentykyearskofkmyklifeknotkd oingkthis?kIkchosekreadingkoverkdancing.kJanekAustenkdidntkhavekgreatkmusicktokmo vektokandkThomaskHardyk.k.k.kjeez,khedkhavekfeltkguiltykasksinkthatkhekwasntkdanci ngkwithkhiskfirstkwife.kIkgigglekatkthekthought. k ItskChristian.kHekhaskgivenkmekthiskconfidencekinkmykbodykandkhowkIkcankm ovekit. k Suddenly,ktherekarektwokhandskonkmykhips.kIkgrin.kChristiankhaskjoinedkm e.kIkwiggle,kandkhiskhandskmovektokmykbehindkandksqueeze,kthenkbac ktokmykhips. k Ikopenkmykeyes.kAndkMiakiskgapingkatkmekinkhorror.kShitk.k.k.kAmkIkthatk bad?kIkreachkdownktokholdkChristianskhands.kTheyrekhairy.kFuc !kTheyreknotkhis.kIkw hirlkaround,kandktoweringkoverkmekiskakblondkgiantkwithkmorekteethkthankisknatur alkandkakleeringksmilektokshowcasekthem. k Getkyourkhandskoffkme!kIkscreamkoverkthekpoundingkmusic,kapoplectickwithkr age. k Comekon,ksugar,kitskjustksomekfun.kHeksmiles,kholdingkhiskapeli ekhandskup, khiskbluekeyeskgleamingkunderkthekpulsingkultravioletklights. k BeforekIk nowkwhatkImkdoing,kIkslapkhimkhardkacrosskthekface. k Ow!kShitk.k.k.kmykhand.kItkstings.kGetkawaykfromkme!kIkshout.kHekgazeskdow nkatkme,kcuppingkhiskredkchee .kIkthrustkmykuninjuredkhandkinkfrontkofkhiskface, kspreadingkmykfingersktokshowkhimkmykrings. k Imkmarried,kyoukasshole! k Hekshrugskratherkarrogantlykandkgiveskmekakhalfhearted,kapologeticksmile . k Ikglancekaroundkfrantically.kMiakiskatkmykright,kglaringkatkBlondkGiant. kKatekisklostkinkthekmomentkdoingkherkthing.kChristiankisknotkatkthektable.kOh,k Ikhopekheskgonektokthekrestroom.kIkstepkbac kintokakfrontkIk nowkwell.kOhkshit.kC hristiankputskhiskarmkaroundkmykwaistkandkmoveskmektokhiskside. k Keepkyourkfuc ingkhandskoffkmykwife,kheksays.kHesknotkshouting,kbutksomehow khekcankbekheardkoverkthekmusic. k Holykshit! k Shekcankta ekcarekofkherself,kBlondkGiantkshouts.kHiskhandkmoveskfromkhisk chee kwherekIvekslappedkhim,kandkChristiankhitskhim.kItskli ekImkwatchingkitkinkslo wkmotion.kAkperfectlyktimedkpunchktokthekchinkthatkmoveskatksuchkspeed,kbutkwith ksoklittlekwastedkenergy,kBlondkGiantkdoesntkseekitkcoming.kHekcrumplesktokthekfl oorkli ekthekscumbagkhekis. k Fuc . k Christian,kno!kIkgaspkinkpanic,kstandingkinkfrontkofkhimktokholdkhimkbac . kShit,khellk illkhim.kIkalreadykhitkhim,kIkshoutkoverkthekmusic.kChristiankdoesntklo o katkme.kHeskglaringkatkmykassailantkwithkakmalevolencekIveknotkseenkbeforekflari ngkinkhiskeyes.kWell,kmaybekoncekbeforekafterkJac kHydekmadekakpasskatkme. k Thekotherkdancerskmovekoutwardkli ekakripplekinkakpond,kclearingkspaceka roundkus,k eepingkaksafekdistance.kBlondkGiantkscramblesktokhiskfeetkaskElliotkj oinskus. k Ohkno!kKatekiskwithkme,kgapingkatkallkofkus.kElliotkgraspskChristianskarm kaskEthankappears,ktoo.

k Ta ekitkeasy,ko ay?kDidntkmeankanykharm.kBlondkGiantkholdskhiskhandskupkink defeat,kbeatingkakhastykretreat.kChristianskeyeskfollowkhimkoffkthekdancekfloor.k Hekdoesknotkloo katkme. k TheksongkchangeskfromkthekexplicitklyricskofkSexykBitchktokakpulsingktechn okdanceknumberkwherekakwomanksingskwithkankimpassionedkvoice.kElliotkloo skdownk atkme,kthenkacrosskatkChristian,kandkreleasingkChristian,kpullskKatekintokakdanc e.kIkputkmykarmskaroundkChristiansknec kuntilkhekfinallykma eskeyekcontact,khiske yeskstillkblazingprimalkandkferal.kAkglimpsekofkakbrawlingkadolescent.kHolykshit. k Hekscrutinizeskmykface.kArekyouko ay?khekas skfinally. k Yes.kIkrubkmykpalm,ktryingktokdispelktheksting,kandkbringkmykhandskdownkto khiskchest.kMykhandkiskthrobbing.kIkhavekneverkslappedkanyonekbefore.kWhatkposse ssedkme?kTouchingkmekwasntkthekworstkcrimekagainstkhumanity.kWaskit? k YetkdeepkdownkIk nowkwhykIkhitkhim.kItskbecausekIkinstinctivelyk newkhowk Christiankwouldkreactkseeingksomekstrangerkpawingkme.kIk newkhedklosekhiskpreciou skself-control.kAndkthekthoughtkthatksomekstupidknobodykcouldkderailkmykhusband, kmyklove,kwell,kitkma eskmekmad.kReallykmad. k Dokyoukwantktoksitkdown?kChristiankas skoverkthekpulsingkbeat. k Oh,kcomekbac ktokme,kplease. k No.kDancekwithkme. k Hekloo skatkmekimpassively,ksayingknothing. k Touchkmek.k.k.kthekwomanksings. k Dancekwithkme.kHeskstillkmad.kDance.kChristian,kplease.kIkta ekhiskhands.kChr istiankglareskafterkthekguy,kbutkIkstartktokmovekagainstkhim,kweavingkmyselfkaro undkhim. k Thekthrongkofkdancerskhaskcircledkuskoncekmore,kalthoughktheresknowkaktwo -footkexclusionkzonekaroundkus. k Youkhitkhim?kChristiankas s,kstandingkstoc -still.kIkta ekhiskfistedkhands . k OfkcoursekIkdid.kIkthoughtkitkwaskyou,kbutkhiskhandskwerekhairier.kPlease kdancekwithkme. k AskChristiankgazeskatkme,kthekfirekinkhiskeyeskslowlykchanges,kevolveski ntoksomethingkelse,ksomethingkdar er,ksomethingkhotter.kSuddenly,khekgrabskmykwr istskandkpullskmekflushkagainstkhim,kpinningkmykhandskbehindkmykbac . k Youkwannakdance?kLetskdance,khekgrowlskclosektokmykear,kandkaskhekrollskhis khipskaroundkintokme,kIkcankdoknothingkbutkfollow,khiskhandskholdingkminekagains tkmykbac side. k Ohk.k.k.kChristiankcankmove,kreallykmove.kHek eepskmekclose,knotkletting kmekgo,kbutkhiskhandskgraduallykrelaxkonkmine,kfreeingkme.kMykhandskcreepkaround ,kupkhiskarms,kfeelingkhiskbunchedkmuscleskthroughkhiskjac et,kupktokhiskshoulde rs.kHekpresseskmekagainstkhim,kandkIkfollowkhiskmoveskaskhekslowly,ksensuallykda nceskwithkmekinktimektokthekpulsingkbeatkofkthekclubkmusic. k Thekmomentkhekgrabskmykhandkandkspinskmekfirstkonekway,kthenkthekother,k Ik nowkheskbac kwithkme.kIkgrin.kHekgrins. k Wekdancektogetherkandkitskliberatingfun.kHiskangerkforgotten,korksuppresse d,khekwhirlskmekaroundkwithkconsummateks illkinkourksmallkspacekonkthekdancekflo or,kneverklettingkgo.kHekma eskmekgraceful,kthatskhisks ill.kHekma eskmeksexy,kbe causekthatskwhatkhekis.kHekma eskmekfeelkloved,kbecausekinkspitekofkhiskfiftyksha des,khekhaskakwealthkofklovektokgive.kWatchingkhimknow,kenjoyingkhimselfk.k.k.ko nekcouldkbekforgivenkforkthin ingkhekdoesntkhavekakcarekinkthekworld.kButkIk nowk hisklovekiskcloudedkwithkissueskofkoverprotectivenesskandkcontrol,kbutkitkdoesntk ma ekmeklovekhimkanykless. k Ikamkbreathlesskwhenktheksongkmorphsktokanother. k Cankweksit?kIkgasp. k Sure.kHekleadskmekoffkthekdancekfloor. k Youvekmadekmekratherkhotkandksweaty,kIkwhisperkaskwekreturnktokthektable. k Hekpullskmekintokhiskarms.kIkli ekyoukhotkandksweaty.kThoughkIkpreferktok ma ekyoukhotkandksweatykinkprivate,khekpurrs,kandkaklasciviousksmilektugskatkhisk lips. k AskIksit,kitskaskifkthekincidentkonkthekdancekfloorkneverkhappened.kImkvag uelyksurprisedkwekhaventkbeenkthrownkout.kIkglancekaroundkthekbar.kNokonekiskloo

ingkatkus,kandkIkcantkseekBlondkGiant.kMaybekhekleft,korkmaybekheskbeenkthrownkout .kKatekandkElliotkarekbeingkindecentkonkthekdancekfloor,kEthankandkMiaklesskso.k Ikta ekanotherksipkofkchampagne. k Here.kChristiankputskanotherkglasskofkwaterkbeforekmekandkregardskmekinten tly.kHiskexpressionkiskexpectantdrin kit.kDrin kitknow. k IkdokaskImktold.kBesides,kImkthirsty. k HekliftskakbottlekofkPeronikfromkthekicekbuc etkonkthektablekandkta eska klongkdrin . k Whatkifktherekhadkbeenkpresskhere?kIkas . k Christiank nowskimmediatelykthatkImkreferringktokhimk noc ingkBlondkGiant konkhiskass. k Ikhavekexpensiveklawyers,kheksayskcoolly,kallkatkoncekarrogancekpersonifie d. k Ikfrownkatkhim.kButkyoureknotkabovektheklaw,kChristian.kIkdidkhavektheksit uationkunderkcontrol. k Hiskeyeskfrost.kNokonektoucheskwhatskmine,kheksayskwithkchillingkfinality,k askifkImkmissingkthekobvious. k Ohk.k.k.kIkta ekanotherksipkofkmykchampagne.kAllkofkaksuddenkIkfeelkover whelmed.kThekmusickiskloud,kpounding,kmykheadkandkfeetkarekaching,kandkIkfeelkwo ozy.Hekgraspskmykhand.kCome,kletskgo.kIkwantktokgetkyoukhome,kheksays.kKatekandkEll iotkjoinkus. k Youkgoing?kKatekas skandkherkvoicekiskhopeful. k Yes,kChristianksays. k Good,kwellkcomekwithkyou. k Askwekwaitkatkthekcoatkchec kforkChristianktokretrievekmyktrenchkcoat,kK atekquizzeskme. k Whatkhappenedkwithkthatkguykonkthekdancekfloor? k Hekwaskfeelingkmekup. k Ikopenedkmykeyeskandkyoudkhitkhim. k Ikshrug.kWell,kIk newkChristiankwouldkgokthermonuclear,kandkthatkcouldkpo tentiallykruinkyourkevening.kIkhaventkreallykprocessedkhowkIkfeelkaboutkChristiansk behavior.kIkwaskworriedkthatkitkwouldkbekworse. k Ourkevening,kshekclarifies.kHekiskratherkhot-headed,kisntkhe?kKatekaddskdryly ,kstaringkatkChristiankaskhekcollectskmykcoat. k Iksnortkandksmile.kYoukcouldksaykthat. k Ikthin kyoukhandlekhimkwell. k Handle?kIkfrown.kDokIkhandlekChristian? k Here.kChristiankholdskmykcoatkopenkforkmeksokthatkIkcankputkitkon. k Wa ekup,kAna.kChristiankisksha ingkmekgently.kWevekarrivedkbac katkthekhous e.kReluctantlykIkopenkmykeyeskandkstaggerkfromkthekminivan.kKatekandkElliotkhave kdisappeared,kandkTaylorkiskstandingkpatientlykbesidekthekvehicle. k DokIkneedktokcarrykyou?kChristiankas s. k Iksha ekmykhead. k IllkfetchkMisskGreykandkMr.kKavanagh,kTaylorksays. k Christianknodskthenkleadskmektokthekfrontkdoor.kMykfeetkarekthrobbing,ka ndkIkstumblekafterkhim.kAtkthekfrontkdoorkhekbendskdown,kgraspskmykan le,kandkge ntlykprieskoffkfirstkonekshoe,kthenkthekother.kOh,kthekrelief.kHekstraightenskan dkgazeskdownkatkme,kholdingkmykManolos. k Better?khekas s,kamused. k Iknod. k Ikhadkdelightfulkvisionskofkthesekaroundkmykears,khekmurmurs,kstaringkdown kwistfullykatkmykshoes.kHeksha eskhiskheadkand,kta ingkmykhandkoncekmore,kleadsk mekthroughkthekdar enedkhouse,kandkupkthekstairsktokourkbedroom. k Yourekwrec ed,karentkyou?kheksaysksoftly,kstaringkdownkatkme. k Iknod.kHekstartsktokunbuc lekthekbeltkonkmyktrenchkcoat. k Illkdokit,kIkmutter,kma ingkakhalfheartedkattemptktokbrushkhimkoff. k Letkme. k Iksigh.kIkhadknokideakIkwaskthisktired. k Itskthekaltitude.kYoureknotkusedktokit.kAndkthekdrin ing,kofkcourse.kHeksmir s,kdivestskmekofkmykcoat,kandkthrowskitkonkonekofkthekbedroomkchairs.kTa ingkmy

khand,khekleadskmekintokthekbathroom.kWhykarekwekgoingkinkhere? k Sit,kheksays. k Iksitkonkthekchairkandkclosekmykeyes.kIkhearkhimkaskhekmesseskaroundkwit hkbottleskonkthekvanitykunit.kIkamktooktiredktokopenkmykeyesktokfindkoutkwhatkhes kdoing.kAkmomentklaterkhektipskmykheadkbac ,kandkIkopenkmykeyeskinksurprise. k Eyeskclosed,kChristianksays.kHolykcrap,kheskholdingkakcottonkball!kGently,k hekwipeskitkoverkmykrightkeye.kIksitkstunnedkaskhekmethodicallykremoveskmykma eu p. k Ah.kThereskthekwomankIkmarried,kheksayskafterkakfewkwipes. k Youkdontkli ekma eup? k Ikli ekitkwellkenough,kbutkIkpreferkwhatskbeneathkit.kHek isseskmykforehead .kHere.kTa ekthese.kHekputsksomekAdvilkintokmykpalmkandkhandskmekakglasskofkwater. k Ikloo kandkpout. k Ta ekthem,khekorders. k Ikrollkmykeyes,kbutkdokaskImktold. k Good.kDokyoukneedkakprivatekmoment?khekas sksardonically. k Iksnort.kSokcoy,kMr.kGrey.kYes,kIkneedktokpee. k Heklaughs.kYoukexpectkmektokleave? k Ikgiggle.kYoukwantktokstay? k Hekcoc skhiskheadktokonekside,khiskexpressionkamused. k Youkarekonek in yksonkofkakbitch.kOut.kIkdontkwantkyouktokwatchkmekpee.kTh atskakstepktookfar.kIkstandkandkwavekhimkoutkofkthekbathroom. k WhenkIkemergekfromkthekbathroom,kheskchangedkintokhiskpajamakbottoms.kHmm k.k.k.kChristiankinkPJs.kMesmerized,kIkgazekatkhiskabdomen,khiskmuscles,khiskhap pyktrail.kItskdistracting.kHekstrideskoverktokme. k Enjoyingkthekview?khekas skwryly. k Always. k Ikthin kyourekslightlykdrun ,kMrs.kGrey. k Ikthin ,kforkonce,kIkhavektokagreekwithkyou,kMr.kGrey. k Letkmekhelpkyoukoutkofkwhatklittlektherekiskofkthiskdress.kItkreallykshou ldkcomekwithkakhealthkwarning.kHekturnskmekaroundkandkundoesktheksinglekbuttonkat ktheknec . k Youkwereksokmad,kIkmurmur. k Yes.kIkwas. k Atkme? k No.kNotkatkyou.kHek isseskmykshoulder.kForkonce. k Iksmile.kNotkmadkatkme.kThiskiskprogress.kMa eskaknicekchange. k Yes.kItkdoes.kHek isseskmykotherkshoulderkthenktugskmykdresskdownkoverkmyk bac sidekandkontokthekfloor.kHekremoveskmykpantieskatktheksamektime,kleavingkmek na ed.kReachingkup,khekta eskmykhand. k Step,khekcommands,kandkIkstepkoutkofkthekdress,kholdingkhiskhandkforkbalan ce. k HekstandskandktosseskmykdresskandkpantieskontokthekchairkwithkMiasktrench kcoat. k Armskup,kheksaysksoftly.kHekslipskhiskT-shirtkoverkmekandkpullskitkdown,kc overingkmekup.kIkamkreadykforkbed. k Hekpullskmekintokhiskarmskandk isseskme,kmykmintykbreathkminglingkwithkh is. k AskmuchkaskIdklovektokburykmyselfkinkyou,kMrs.kGreyyouvekhadktookmuchktokdri n ,kyourekatknearlykeightkthousandkfeet,kandkyoukdidntksleepkwellklastknight.kCome .kGetkintokbed.kHekpullskbac kthekduvetkandkIkclimbkin.kHekcoverskmekupkandk isse skmykforeheadkoncekmore. k Closekyourkeyes.kWhenkIkcomekbac ktokbed,kIllkexpectkyouktokbekasleep.kItska kthreat,kakcommandk.k.k.kitskChristian. k Dontkgo,kIkplead. k Ikhaveksomekcallsktokma e,kAna. k ItskSaturday.kItsklate.kPlease. k Hekrunskhiskhandskthroughkhiskhair.kAna,kifkIkcomektokbedkwithkyouknow,ky oukwontkgetkanykrest.kSleep.kHeskadamant.kIkclosekmykeyeskandkhisklipskbrushkmykfor eheadkoncekmore.

k Goodnight,kbaby,khekbreathes. k Imageskofkthekdaykflashkthroughkmykmindk.k.k.kChristiankhaulingkmekoverk hiskshoulderkinkthekplane.kHiskanxietykasktokwhetherkorknotkIdkli ekthekhouse.kMa ingklovekthiskafternoon.kThekbath.kHiskreactionktokmykdress.kDec ingkBlondkGian tmykpalmktingleskatkthekmemory.kAndkthenkChristiankputtingkmektokbed. k Whokwouldkhavekthought?kIkgrinkwidely,kthekwordkprogresskrunningkaroundk mykbrainkaskIkdrift. k k k kkk

k Ikamktookwarm.kChristiankwarm.kHiskheadkiskonkmykshoulder,kandkheskbreath ingksoftlykonkmyknec kwhilekheksleeps,khisklegskthreadedkthroughkmine,khiskarmka roundkmykwaist.kIklingerkonkthekedgekofkconsciousness,kawarekthatkifkIkwa ekfull ykIllkwa ekhim,ktoo,kandkhekdoesntksleepkenough.kHazilykmykmindkwanderskthroughkth ekeventskofkyesterdaykevening.kIkdran ktookmuchboykdidkIkdrin ktookmuch.kImkamazed kChristiankletkme.kIksmilekaskIkrememberkhimkputtingkmektokbed.kThatkwasksweet,k realksweet,kandkunexpected.kIkconductkakquic kmentalkinventorykofkhowkImkfeeling. kStomach?kFine.kHead?kSurprisingly,kfine,kbutkfuzzy.kMykpalmkiskstillkredkfromkl astknight.kSheesh.kIdlykIkthin kaboutkChristianskpalmskwhenkheskspan edkme.kIksqui rmkandkhekwa es. k Whatskwrong?kSleepykgraykeyesksearchkmine. k Nothing.kGoodkmorning.kIkrunkthekfingerskofkmykuninjuredkhandkthroughkhisk hair. k Mrs.kGrey,kyoukloo klovelykthiskmorning,kheksays,k issingkmykchee ,kandkIk lightkupkfromkwithin. k Than kyoukforkta ingkcarekofkmeklastknight. k Ikli ekta ingkcarekofkyou.kItskwhatkIkwantktokdo,kheksayskquietly,kbutkhisk eyeskbetraykhimkasktriumphkflareskinktheirkgraykdepths.kItskli ekheskwonkthekWorld kSerieskorkthekSuperkBowl. k Oh,kmykFifty. k Youkma ekmekfeelkcherished. k Thatskbecausekyoukare,khekmurmurskandkmykheartkclenches. k HekclaspskmykhandkandkIkwince.kHekreleaseskmekimmediately,kalarmed.kThekp unch?khekas s.kHiskeyeskfrostkaskhekscrutinizeskmine,kandkhiskvoicekisklacedkwith ksuddenkanger. k Ikslappedkhim.kIkdidntkpunchkhim. k Thatkfuc er! k Ikthoughtkwedkdealtkwithkthisklastknight. k Ikcantkbearkthatkhektouchedkyou. k Hekdidntkhurtkme,khekwaskjustkinappropriate.kChristian,kImko ay.kMykhandskak littlekred,kthatskall.kSurelykyouk nowkwhatkthatskli e?kIksmir ,kandkhiskexpression kchangesktokonekofkamusedksurprise. k Why,kMrs.kGrey,kIkamkverykfamiliarkwithkthat.kHisklipsktwistkinkamusement. kIkcouldkreacquaintkmyselfkwithkthatkfeelingkthiskminute,kshouldkyouksokwish. k Oh,kstowkyourktwitchingkpalm,kMr.kGrey.kIkstro ekhiskfacekwithkmykinjuredk hand,kmykfingerskcaressingkhisksideburn.kGentlykIktugktheklittlekhairs.kItkdistr actskhim,kandkhekta eskmykhandkandkplantskaktenderk isskinkmykpalm.kMiraculously ,kthekpainkdisappears. k Whykdidntkyouktellkmekthiskhurtklastknight? k Umk.k.k.kIkdidntkreallykfeelkitklastknight.kItsko ayknow. k Hiskeyesksoftenkandkhiskmouthktwists.kHowkarekyoukfeeling? k BetterkthankIkdeserve. k Thatskquitekakrightkarmkyoukhavekthere,kMrs.kGrey. k Youdkdokwellktokrememberkthat,kMr.kGrey. k Ohkreally?kHekrollsksuddenlyksokthatkheskfullykonktopkofkme,kpressingkmekin tokthekmattress,kholdingkmykwristskabovekmykhead.kHekgazeskdownkatkme. k Idkfightkyoukanykday,kMrs.kGrey.kInkfact,ksubduingkyoukinkbedkiskakfantasy kofkmine.kHek isseskmykthroat. k What?

k Ikthoughtkyouksubduedkmekallkthektime.kIkgaspkaskheknibbleskmykearlobe. k Hmmk.k.k.kbutkIdkli eksomekresistance,khekmurmurs,khisknoseks irtingkmykjaw . k Resistance?kIkstill.kHekstops,kreleasingkmykhands,kandkleanskupkonkhiske lbows. k Youkwantkmektokfightkyou?kHere?kIkwhisper,ktryingktokcontainkmyksurprise.k O aymykshoc .kHeknods,khiskeyeskhoodedkbutkwarykaskhekgaugeskmykreaction. k Now? k Hekshrugs,kandkIkseekthekideakflitkthroughkhiskmind.kHekgiveskmekhiskshy ksmilekandknodskagain,kslowly. k Ohkmyk.k.k.kHesktense,klyingkonktopkofkme,kandkhiskgrowingkerectionkiskdi ggingktantalizinglykintokmyksoft,kwillingkflesh,kdistractingkme.kWhatskthiskabout ?kBrawling?kFantasy?kWillkhekhurtkme?kMykinnerkgoddessksha eskherkheadNever.kShesk gotkherk arateksuitkon,kandkshesklimberingkup.kClaudekwouldkbekpleased. k Iskthiskwhatkyoukmeantkaboutkcomingktokbedkangry? k Heknodskoncekmore,khiskeyeskstillkwary. k Hmmk.k.k.kmykFiftykwantsktokrumble. k Dontkbitekyourklip,khekwarns. k Compliantly,kIkreleasekmyklip.kIkthin kyoukhavekmekatkakdisadvantage,kMr. kGrey.kIkbatkmyklasheskandksquirmkprovocativelykbeneathkhim.kThiskcouldkbekfun. k Disadvantage? k Surelykyouvekalreadykgotkmekwherekyoukwantkme? k Heksmir skandkpresseskhiskgroinkintokminekoncekmore. k Goodkpointkwellkmade,kMrs.kGrey,khekwhisperskandkquic lyk isseskmyklips.kA bruptlykhekshiftskandkta eskmekwithkhim,krollingkoverksokImkstraddlingkhim.kIkgra bkhiskhands,kpinningkthemktoktheksidekofkhiskhead,kandkignorekthekprotestingkach ekfromkmykhand.kMykhairkfallskinkakchestnutkveilkaroundkus,kandkIkmovekmykheadks okthatkthekstrandsktic lekhiskface.kHekjer skhiskfacekawaykbutkdoesntktryktokstop kme. k So,kyoukwantktokplaykrough?kIkas ,ks immingkmykcrotchkoverkhis. k Hiskmouthkopenskandkhekinhalesksharply. k Yes.kHekhisses,kandkIkreleasekhim. k Wait.kIkreachkoverkforkthekglasskofkwaterkbesidekthekbed.kChristiankmustkh avekleftkitkhere.kItskcoolkandkspar lingtookcoolktokhavekbeenksittingkherekforklon gandkIkwonderkwhenkhekcamektokbed. k AskIkta ekaklongkdraught,kChristianktrailskhiskfingerskinksmallkcirclesk upkmykthighs,kleavingktinglingks inkinktheirkwa ekbeforekhekcupskandksqueezeskmy kna edkbehind.kHmm. k Ta ingkakleafkfromkhiskimpressivekrepertoire,kIkleankforwardkandk isskhi m,kpouringkclearkcoolkwaterkintokhiskmouth. k Hekdrin s.kVeryktasty,kMrs.kGrey,khekmurmurs,ksportingkakboyishkandkplayfu lkgrin. k Afterkplacingkthekglasskbac konkthekbedsidektable,kIkremovekhiskhandskfr omkmykbac sidekandkpinkthemkbykhiskheadkoncekmore. k SokImksupposedktokbekunwilling?kIksmir . k Yes. k Imknotkmuchkofkankactress. k Hekgrins.kTry. k Ikleankdownkandk isskhimkchastely.kO ay,kIllkplay,kIkwhisper,ktrailingkmykt eethkalongkhiskjaw,kfeelingkhiskpric lykstubblekbeneathkmykteethkandkmyktongue. k Christiankma eskaklow,ksexyksoundkinkhiskthroatkandkmoves,ktossingkmekon tokthekbedkbesidekhim.kIkcrykoutkinksurprise,kthenkheskonktopkofkme,kandkIkstartk tokstrugglekaskhekma eskakgrabkforkmykhands.kRoughly,kIkplacekmykhandskonkhiskch est,kpushingkwithkallkmykmight,ktryingktokmovekhim,kwhilekhekendeavorsktokprykmy klegskapartkwithkhisk nee. k IkcontinuekpushingkatkhiskchestJeezkheskheavybutkhekdoesntkflinch,kdoesntkfre ezekaskhekoncekmightkhave.kHeskenjoyingkthis!kHekattemptsktokgrabkmykwrists,kandk finallykcaptureskone,kdespitekmykvaliantkattemptsktoktwistkitkfree.kItskmyksorekh and,ksokIksurrenderkitktokhim,kbutkgrabkhiskhairkwithkmykotherkhandkandkpullkhar d.

k Ah!kHekyan skhiskheadkfreekandkgazeskdownkatkme,khiskeyeskwildkandkcarnal. k Savage,khekwhispers,khiskvoiceklacedkwithksalaciouskdelight. k Inkresponsektokthiskonekwhisperedkword,kmyklibidokexplodes,kandkIkstopka cting.kAgainkIkstrugglekinkvainktokwrestkmykhandkoutkofkhiskhold.kAtktheksamekti mekIktryktokhoo kmykan lesktogether,kandkattemptktokbuc khimkoffkme.kHesktookheav y.kGah!kItskfrustratingkandkhot. k Withkakgroan,kChristiankcaptureskmykotherkhand.kHekholdskbothkmykwristsk inkhiskleftkhand,kandkhiskrightktravelskleisurelyinsolently,kalmostdownkmykbody,kf ondlingkandkfeelingkaskitkgoes,ktwea ingkmyknipplekonkthekway. k Ikyelpkinkresponse,kpleasurekspi ingkshort,ksharp,kandkhotkfromkmyknippl ektokmykgroin.kIkma ekanotherkfruitlesskattemptktokbuc khimkoff,kbutkheskjustktoo konkme. k Whenkhektriesktok isskmekIkjer kmykheadktoktheksideksokhekcant.kPromptlyk hiskinsolentkhandkmoveskfromkthekhemkofkmykT-shirtkupktokmykchin,kholdingkmekink placekaskhekrunskhiskteethkalongkmykjaw,kmirroringkwhatkIkdidktokhimkearlier. k Oh,kbaby,kfightkme,khekmurmurs. k Iktwistkandkwrithe,ktryingktokfreekmyselfkfromkhiskmercilesskhold,kbutki tskhopeless.kHeskmuchkstrongerkthankme.kHeskgentlykbitingkatkmyklowerklipkaskhiskto nguektriesktokinvadekmykmouth.kAndkIkrealizekIkdontkwantktokresistkhim.kIkwantkhi mnow,kli ekIkalwayskdo.kIkstopkfightingkandkferventlykreturnkhisk iss.kIkdontkcare kthatkIkhaventkbrushedkmykteeth.kIkdontkcarekthatkwereksupposedktokbekplayingksomek game.kDesire,khotkandkhard,ksurgeskthroughkmykbloodstream,kandkImklost.kUnhoo ing kmykan les,kIkwrapkmyklegskaroundkhiskhipskandkusekmykheelsktokpushkhiskpajamask downkoverkhiskbehind. k Ana,khekbreathes,kandkhek isseskmekeverywhere.kAndkwereknoklongerkwrestling ,kbutkallkhandskandktongueskandktouchkandktaste,kquic kandkurgent. k S in,khekmurmurskhoarsely,khiskbreathingklabored.kHekdragskmekupkandktugsk offkmykT-shirtkinkonekswiftkmove. k You,kIkwhisperkwhilekImkupright,kbecausekitskallkIkcankthin kofktoksay.kIkse izekthekfrontkhiskpajamaskandkyan kthemkdown,kfreeingkhiskerection.kIkgrabkandks queezekhim.kHeskhard.kThekairkwhistleskthroughkhiskteethkaskhekinhalesksharply,ka ndkIkrevelkinkhiskresponse. k Fuc ,khekmurmurs.kHekleanskbac ,kliftingkmykthighs,ktippingkmekdownkontokt hekbedkaskIkpullkandksqueezekhimktightly,krunningkmykhandkupkandkdownkhim.kFeeli ngkakbeadkofkmoisturekonkhisktip,kIkswirlkitkaroundkwithkmykthumb.kAskheklowersk mektokthekmattress,kIkslipkmykthumbkinkmykmouthktoktastekhimkwhilekhiskhandsktra velkupkmykbody,kcaressingkmykhips,kmykstomach,kmykbreasts. k Tastekgood?khekas skaskhekhoverskoverkme,keyeskblazing. k Yes.kHere.kIkpushkmykthumbkintokhiskmouth,kandkheksuc skandkbiteskthekpad. kIkgroan,kgraspkhiskhead,kandkpullkhimkdownktokmeksokIkcank isskhim.kWrappingkmy klegskaroundkhim,kIkpushkhiskpajamaskoffkhisklegskwithkmykfeet,kthenkcradlekhimk withkmyklegskaroundkhiskwaist.kHisklipsktrailkfromkacrosskmykjawktokmykchin,knip pingksoftly. k Youreksokbeautiful.kHekdipskhiskheadklowerktokthekbasekofkmykthroat.kSuchkbe autifulks in.kHiskbreathkisksoftkaskhisklipskglidekdownktokmykbreasts. k What?kIkamkpanting,kconfusedwanting,knowkwaiting.kIkthoughtkthiskwaskgoin gktokbekquic . k Christian.kIkhearkthekquietkpleakinkmykvoicekandkreachkdown,kfistingkmykha ndskinkhiskhair. k Hush,khekwhisperskandkcircleskmyknipplekwithkhisktonguekbeforekpullingkitk intokhiskmouthkandktuggingkhard. k Ah!kIkmoankandksquirm,ktiltingkmykpelviskupktoktemptkhim.kHekgrinskagainst kmyks inkandkturnskhiskattentionktokmykotherkbreast. k Impatient,kMrs.kGrey?kHekthenksuc skhardkonkmyknipple.kIktugkhiskhair.kHek groanskandkpeerskup.kIllkrestrainkyou,khekwarns. k Ta ekme,kIkbeg. k Allkinkgoodktime,khekmurmurskagainstkmyks in.kHiskhandktravelskdownkatkank infuriatinglykslowkspeedktokmykhipkaskhekworshipskmyknipplekwithkhiskmouth.kIkmo ankloudly,kmykbreathkshortkandkshallow,kandkIktrykoncekmorektokenticekhimkintokm e,kroc ingkagainstkhim.kHeskthic kandkheavykandkclose,kbutkheskta ingkhiskownkswee

tkleisurelyktimekwithkme. k Fuc kthis.kIkstrugglekandktwist,kdeterminedktokbuc khimkoffkmekagain. k Whatkthe k Grabbingkmykhands,kChristiankpinskthemkdownkonkthekbed,kmykarmskspreadkw ide,kandkrestskhiskfullkbodyweightkonkme,kcompletelyksubduingkme.kIkamkbreathles s,kwild. k Youkwantedkresistance,kIksay,kpanting.kHekrearskupkoverkmekandkgazeskdown, khiskhandskstillkloc edkaroundkmykwrists.kIkplacekmykheelskunderkhiskbehindkandk push.kHekdoesntkmove.kGah! k Youkdontkwantktokplayknice?khekas skastonished,khiskeyeskalightkwithkexcite ment. k Ikjustkwantkyouktokma eklovektokme,kChristian.kCouldkhekbekanykmorekobtuse ?kFirstkwerekfightingkandkwrestlingkthenkheskallktenderkandksweet.kItskconfusing.kIm kinkbedkwithkMr.kMercurial. k Please.kIkpresskmykheelskagainstkhiskbac sidekoncekmore.kBurningkgraykeyes ksearchkmine.kOh,kwhatkiskhekthin ing?kHekloo skmomentarilykbewilderedkandkconfu sed.kHekreleaseskmykhandskandksitskbac konkhiskheels,kpullingkmekintokhisklap. k O ay,kMrs.kGrey,kwellkdokthiskyourkway.kHekliftskmekupkandkslowlyklowerskme konktokhimksokImkstraddlingkhim. k Ah!kThiskiskit.kThiskiskwhatkIkwant.kThiskiskwhatkIkneed.kCurlingkmykarmsk aroundkhisknec ,kIktwistkmykfingerskinkhiskhair,kgloryingkinkthekfeelingkofkhimk insidekme.kIkstartktokmove.kTa ingkcontrol,kta ingkhimkatkmykpace,katkmykspeed.k Hekmoans,kandkhisklipskfindkmine,kandkwereklost. k IktrailkmykfingerskthroughkthekhairkonkChristianskchest.kHeklieskonkhiskb ac ,kstillkandkquietkbesidekmekaskwekbothkcatchkourkbreath.kHiskhandkthrumskrhyt hmicallykdownkmykbac . k Yourekquiet,kIkwhisperkandk isskhiskshoulder.kHekturnskandkloo skatkme,khis kexpressionkgivingknothingkaway.kThatkwaskfun.kShit,kisksomethingkwrong? k Youkconfoundkme,kMrs.kGrey. k Confoundkyou? k Hekshiftsksokthatkwerekfacektokface.kYes.kYou.kCallingkthekshots.kItsk.k.k. kdifferent. k Goodkdifferentkorkbadkdifferent?kIktrailkakfingerkoverkhisklips.kHiskbrowk furrows,kaskifkhekdoesntkquitekunderstandkthekquestion.kAbsentmindedly,khek isses kmykfinger. k Goodkdifferent,kheksays,kbutkhekdoesntksoundkconvinced. k Youvekneverkindulgedkthisklittlekfantasykbefore?kIkblushkaskIksaykit.kDokIk reallykwantktok nowkanykmorekaboutkmykhusbandskcolorfulk.k.k.kum,k aleidoscopicks exklifekbeforekme?kMyksubconsciouskeyeskmekwarilykoverkherktortoiseshellkhalf-mo onkspecs.kDokyoukreallykwantktokgokthere? k No,kAnastasia.kYoukcanktouchkme.kItskaksimplekexplanationkthatkspea skvolum es.kOfkcourse,kthekfifteenkcouldnt. k Mrs.kRobinsonkcouldktouchkyou.kIkmurmurkthekwordskbeforekmykbrainkregister skwhatkIveksaid.kShit.kWhykdidkIkmentionkher? k Hekstills.kHiskeyeskwidenkwithkhiskoh-no-wheres-she-going-with-thiskexpre ssion.kThatkwaskdifferent,khekwhispers. k SuddenlykIkwantktok now.kGoodkdifferentkorkbadkdifferent? k Hekgazeskatkme.kDoubtkandkpossiblykpainkflitkacrosskhiskface,kandkfleeti nglykhekloo skli ekakmankdrowning. k Bad,kIkthin .kHiskwordskarekbarelykaudible. k Holykshit! k Ikthoughtkyoukli edkit. k Ikdid.kAtkthektime. k Notknow? k Hekgazeskatkme,keyeskwide,kthenkslowlyksha eskhiskhead. k Ohkmyk.k.k.kOh,kChristian.kImkoverwhelmedkbykthekfeelingskthatkswampkme.kMy klostkboy.kIklaunchkmyselfkatkhimkandk isskhiskface,khiskthroat,khiskchest,khisk littlekroundkscars.kHekgroans,kpullskmektokhim,kandk isseskmekpassionately.kAndk verykslowly,kandktenderly,katkhiskpace,khekma esklovektokmekoncekmore. k AnakTyson.kPunchingkabovekyourkweight!kEthankapplaudskaskIkheadkintokthek

itchenkforkbrea fast.kHesksittingkwithkMia,kandkKatekatkthekbrea fastkbarkwhilekM rs.kBentleykcoo skwaffles.kChristiankisknowherektokbekseen. k Goodkmorning,kMrs.kGrey.kMrs.kBentleyksmiles.kWhatkwouldkyoukli ekforkbrea fast? k GoodkMorning.kWhateverskgoing,kthan kyou.kWhereskChristian? k Outside.kKatekgestureskwithkherkheadktowardkthekbac yard.kIkwanderkoverkto kthekwindowkthatkloo skoutkoverkthekyardkandkthekmountainskbeyond.kItskakclear,kp owder-blueksummerkday,kandkmykbeautifulkhusbandkiskaboutktwentykfeetkawaykinkdee pkdiscussionkwithksomekguy. k ThatskMr.kBentleykhesktal ingkto,kcallskMiakfromkthekbrea fastkbar.kIkturnkt okloo katkher,kdistractedkbykherksul yktone.kShekloo skvenomouslykatkEthan.kOhkd ear.kIkwonderkoncekmorekwhatskgoingkonkbetweenkthem.kFrowning,kIkturnkmykattentio nkbac ktokmykhusbandkandkMr.kBentley. k Mrs.kBentleyskhusbandkiskfair-haired,kdar keyedkandkwiry,kdressedkinkwor kpantskandkankAspenkFirekDepartmentkT-shirt.kChristiankiskdressedkinkhiskblac kj eanskandkT-shirt.kAskthektwokmenkamblekacrossktheklawnktowardkthekhouseklostkink theirkconversation,kChristiankcasuallykbendsktokpic kupkwhatkloo skli ekakbamboo kcanekthatkmustkhavekbeenkblownkoverkorkdiscardedkinkthekflowerbed.kPausing,kChr istiankabsentmindedlykholdskoutkthekcanekatkarmsklengthkaskifkweighingkitkcareful lykandkswipeskitkthroughkthekair,kjustkonce. k Ohk.k.k. k Mr.kBentleykappearsktokseeknothingkoddkinkhiskbehavior.kTheykcontinuekth eirkdiscussion,knearerktokthekhousekthisktime,kthenkpausekoncekmore,kandkChristi ankrepeatskthekgesture.kThektipkofkthekcanekhitskthekground.kGlancingkup,kChrist iankseeskmekstandingkatkthekwindow.kSuddenlykIkfeelkaskifkImkspyingkonkhim.kHekst ops.kIkgivekhimkankembarrassedkwavekthenkturnkandkwal kbac ktokthekbrea fastkbar . k Whatkwerekyoukdoing?kas skKate. k JustkwatchingkChristian. k Youkhavekgotkitkbad.kSheksnorts. k Andkyoukdont,kohksoon-to-beksister-in-law?kIkreply,kgrinningkandktryingktok burykthekdisquietingkvisualkofkChristiankwieldingkakcane.kIkamkstartledkwhenkKat ekleapskupkandkhugskme. k Sister!kshekexclaims,kandkitskhardknotktokbeksweptkupkinkherkjoy. k kkk k Hey,ksleepyhead.kChristiankwa eskme.kWerekaboutktokland.kBuc lekup. k Ikfumbleksleepilykforkmykseatkbelt,kbutkChristiankfastenskitkforkme.kHek isseskmykforeheadkbeforeksettlingkbac kintokhiskseat.kIkleankmykheadkonkhisksho ulderkagainkandkclosekmykeyes. k Ankimpossiblyklongkhi ekandkakpicnicklunchkonktopkofkakspectacularkmount ainkhavekexhaustedkme.kThekrestkofkourkpartykiskquiet,ktooevenkMia.kShekloo skdes pondent,kaskshekhaskallkday.kIkwonderkhowkherkcampaignkwithkEthankiskgoing.kIkdo ntkevenk nowkwherektheyksleptklastknight.kMykeyeskcatchkhers,kandkIkgivekaksmallk are-you-o ayksmile.kShekgiveskmekakbriefksadksmilekinkreturnkandkgoeskbac ktokhe rkboo .kIkpee kupkatkChristiankthroughkmyklashes.kHeskwor ingkonkakcontractkorkso mething,kreadingkitkthroughkandkannotatingkthekmargins.kButkhekseemskrelaxed.kEl liotkisksnoringksoftlykbesidekKate. k IkhavekyetktokcornerkElliotkandkquizkhimkaboutkGia,kbutkitskbeenkimpossib lektokprykhimkawaykfromkKate.kChristiankisntkinterestedkenoughktokas ,kwhichkiski rritating,kbutkIkhaventkpressedkhim.kWevekbeenkenjoyingkourselvesktookmuch.kElliot krestskhiskhandkpossessivelykonkKatesk nee.kShekloo skradiant,kandktokthin kthatk onlykyesterdaykafternoonkshekwasksokunsurekofkhim.kWhatkdidkChristiankcallkhim?k Lelliot.kPerhapskthatskakfamilyknic name?kItkwasksweet,kbetterkthankmanwhore.kAbr uptly,kElliotkopenskhiskeyeskandkgazeskstraightkatkme.kIkblush,kcaughtkstaring. k Hekgrins.kIksureklovekyourkblush,kAna,khekteases,kstretching.kKatekgiveskm ekherkself-satisfied,kcat-ate-the-canaryksmile. k OfficerkBeighleykannounceskourkapproachktokSea-Tac,kandkChristiankclasps kmykhand.

kkk

k Howkwaskyourkwee end,kMrs.kGrey?kChristiankas skoncekwerekinkthekAudikheadi ngkbac ktokEscala.kTaylorkandkRyankarekupkfront. k Good,kthan kyou.kIksmile,kfeelingkshykallkofkaksudden. k Wekcankgokanytime.kTa ekanyonekyoukwishktokta e. k Wekshouldkta ekRay.kHedkli ekthekfishing. k Thatskakgoodkidea. k Howkwaskitkforkyou?kIkas . k Good,kheksayskafterkakmoment,ksurprisedkbykmykquestion,kIkthin .kRealkgood. k Youkseemedktokrelax. k Hekshrugs.kIk newkyoukwereksafe. k Ikfrown.kChristian,kImksafekmostkofkthektime.kIvektoldkyoukbefore,kyoullk ee lkoverkatkfortykifkyouk eepkupkthisklevelkofkanxiety.kAndkIkwantktokgrowkoldkand kgraykwithkyou.kIkgraspkhiskhand.kHekloo skatkmekaskifkhekcantkcomprehendkwhatkImks aying.kHekgentlyk isseskmyk nuc leskandkchangesktheksubject. k Howskyourkhand? k Itskbetter,kthan kyou. k Heksmiles.kVerykgood,kMrs.kGrey.kYoukreadyktokfacekGiakagain? k Ohkcrap.kIdkforgottenkwekwerekseeingkherkthiskeveningktokgokoverkthekfina lkplans.kIkrollkmykeyes.kIkmightkwantktok eepkyoukoutkofkthekway,k eepkyouksafe.kI ksmir . k Protectingkme?kChristiankisklaughingkatkme. k Askever,kMr.kGrey.kFromkallksexualkpredators,kIkwhisper. k kkk k ChristiankiskbrushingkhiskteethkwhenkIkcrawlkintokbed.kTomorrowkwekgokba c ktokrealitybac ktokwor ,kthekpaparazzi,kandktokJac kinkcustodykbutkwithkthekpos sibilitykthatkhekhaskankaccomplice.kHmmk.k.k.kChristiankwaskvaguekaboutkthat.kDo eskhek now?kAndkifkhekdidk now,kwouldkhektellkme?kIksigh.kGettingkinformationkou tkofkChristiankiskli ekpullingkteeth,kandkwevekhadksuchkaklovelykwee end.kDokIkwa ntktokruinkthekfeel-goodkmomentkbyktryingktokdragkthekinformationkoutkofkhim? k Itskbeenkakrevelationktokseekhimkoutkofkhisknormalkenvironment,koutsidekt hiskapartment,krelaxedkandkhappykwithkhiskfamily.kIkwonderkvaguelykifkitskbecause kwerekherekinkthiskapartmentkwithkallkitskmemorieskandkassociationskthatkhekgetsk woundkup.kMaybekwekshouldkmove. k Iksnort.kWekarekmovingwerekhavingkakhugekhousekrefurbishedkonkthekcoast.kG iaskplanskarekcompletekandkapproved,kandkElliotskteamkstartskbuildingknextkwee .kI kchuc lekaskIkrecallkGiaskshoc edkexpressionkwhenkIktoldkherkthatkIdkseenkherkinkA spen.kTurnskoutkitkwasknothingkbutkco-incidence.kShedkcampedkoutkatkherkholidaykp lacektokwor ksolelykonkourkplans.kForkonekawfulkmomentkIdkthoughtkshedkhadkakhandk inkchoosingkthekring,kbutkapparentlyknot.kButkIkstillkdontktrustkGia.kIkwantktokh earktheksamekstorykfromkElliot.kAtkleastkshek eptkherkdistancekfromkChristiankth isktime. k Ikloo koutkatktheknightks y.kIkwillkmisskthiskview.kThiskpanoramickvista k.k.k.kSeattlekatkourkfeet,ksokfullkofkpossibilities,kyetksokfarkremoved.kMaybek thatskChristianskproblemheskbeenktookisolatedkfromkrealklifekforktooklong,kthan skto khiskself-imposedkexile.kYetkwithkhiskfamilykaroundkhim,khekisklesskcontrolling, klesskanxiousfreer,khappier.kIkwonderkwhatkFlynnkwouldkma ekofkallkthat.kHolykcra p!kMaybekthatskthekanswer.kMaybekhekneedskhiskownkfamily.kIksha ekmykheadkinkdeni alwerektookyoung,ktooknewktokallkthis.kChristiankstrideskintokthekroom,kloo ingkhi skusualkgorgeouskbutkpensivekself. k Everythingko ay?kIkas Heknodskdistractedlykaskhekclimbskintokbed. k Imknotkloo ingkforwardktokgoingkbac ktokreality,kIkmurmur. k No? k Iksha ekmykheadkandkcaresskhisklovelykface.kIkhadkakwonderfulkwee end.kTh an kyou. k Heksmilesksoftly.kYourekmykreality,kAna,khekmurmurskandk isseskme. k Dokyoukmisskit? k Misskwhat?khekas s,kperplexed.

k Youk now.kThekcaningk.k.k.kandkstuff,kIkwhisper,kembarrassed. k Hekstareskatkme,khiskgazekimpassive.kThenkdoubtkcrosseskhiskface,khiskwh ere-is-she-going-with-thiskloo . k NokAnastasia,kIkdont.kHiskvoicekisksteadykandkquiet.kHekcaresseskmykchee .kD r.kFlynnksaidksomethingktokmekwhenkyoukleft,ksomethingkthatskstayedkwithkme.kHeks aidkIkcouldntkbekthatkwaykifkyoukwerentksokinclined.kItkwaskakrevelation.kHekstops, kandkfrowns.kIkdidntk nowkanykotherkway,kAna.kNowkIkdo.kItskbeenkeducational. k Me,keducatekyou?kIkscoff. k Hiskeyesksoften.kDokyoukmisskit?khekas s. k Oh!kIkdontkwantkyouktokhurtkme,kbutkIkli ektokplay,kChristian.kYouk nowkth at.kIfkyoukwantedktokdoksomethingk.k.k.kIkshrug,kgazingkatkhim. k Something? k Youk now,kwithkakfloggerkorkyourkcropkIkstop,kblushing. k Hekraiseskhiskbrow,ksurprised.kWellk.k.k.kwellksee.kRightknow,kIdkli eksome kgoodkold-fashionedkvanilla.kHiskthumbks irtskmykbottomklip,kandkhek isseskmekonc ekmore. k kkk k k k k k kkk From:kAnastasiakGrey Subject:kGoodkMorning Date:kAugustk29,k2011k09:14 To:kChristiankGrey

k Mr.kGrey kIkjustkwantedktoktellkyoukthatkIklovekyou. kThatkiskall. kYourskAlways kAkx k AnastasiakGrey kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k k k k k kkk From:kChristiankGrey Subject:kBanishingkMondaykBlues Date:kAugustk29,k2011k09:18 To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Mrs.kGrey kWhatkgratifyingkwordsktokhearkfromkoneskwifek(errantkorknot)konkakMondaykmorning . kLetkmekassurekyoukthatkIkfeelkexactlyktheksamekway. kSorrykaboutkthekdinnerkthiskevening.kIkhopekitkwontkbektooktediouskforkyou. kx k ChristiankGrey, kCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k Ohkyes.kThekAmericankShipbuildingkAssociationkdinner.kIkrollkmykeyesk.k. k.kMorekstuffedkshirts.kChristiankreallykdoeskta ekmektokthekmostkfascinatingkfu nctions. k kkk k From:kAnastasiakGrey

k k k

Subject:kShipskthatkpasskinktheknight Date:kAugustk29,k2011k09:26 To:kChristiankGrey

k DearkMr.kGrey kIkamksurekyoukcankthin kofkakwayktokspicekupkthekdinnerk.k.k. kYourskinkanticipation kMrs.kG.kx k Anastasiak(non-errant)kGrey kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k k k k k kkk From:kChristiankGrey Subject:kVarietykiskthekSpicekofkLife Date:kAugustk29,k2011k09:35 To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Mrs.kGrey kIkhavekakfewkideask.k.k. kx k ChristiankGrey kCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskNowkImpatientkforkthekASAkDinnerkInc. k Allkthekmuscleskinkmykbellykclench.kHmmk.k.k.kIkwonderkwhatkhellkdreamkup .kHannahk noc skonkthekdoor,kinterruptingkmykreverie. k Readyktokgokthroughkyourkschedulekforkthiskwee ,kAna? k Sure.kSit.kIksmile,krecoveringkmykequilibrium,kandkminimizekmyke-mailkprog ram.kIvekhadktokmovekakcouplekofkappointments.kMr.kFoxknextkwee kandkDr. k Mykphonekrings,kinterruptingkher.kItskRoach.kHekas skmekupktokhiskoffice. k Cankwekpic kthiskupkinktwentykminutes? k Ofkcourse. k kkk k k k k k kkk From:kChristiankGrey Subject:kLastknight Date:kAugustk30,k2011k09:24 To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Wask.k.k.kfun. kWhokwouldkhavekthoughtkthekASAkannualkdinnerkcouldkbeksokstimulating? kAskever,kyoukneverkdisappoint,kMrs.kGrey. kIklovekyou. kx k ChristiankGrey Inkawe,kCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k kkk

k k k k

From:kAnastasiakGrey Subject:kIklovekakgoodkballkgamek.k.k. Date:kAugustk30,k2011k09:33 To:kChristiankGrey

k DearkMr.kGrey kIkhavekmissedktheksilverkballs. Youkneverkdisappoint. kThatkiskall. kMrs.kG.kx k AnastasiakGrey kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k Hannahktapskonkmykdoor,kinterruptingkmykerotickthoughtskofkthekpreviousk evening.kChristianskhandsk.k.k.khiskmouth. k Comekin. k Ana,kMr.kRoachskPAkjustkcalled.kHedkli ekyouktokattendkakmeetingkthiskmorni ng.kItkmeanskIkhavektokmoveksomekofkyourkappointmentskagain.kIskthatko ay. k Hisktongue. k Sure.kYes,kIkmutterktryingktokhaltkmykwaywardkthoughts.kShekgrinskandkduc skoutkofkmykofficek.k.k.kleavingkmekwithkmykdeliciouskmemorykofklastknight. k kkk k k k k k kkk From:kChristiankGrey Subject:kHyde Date:kSeptemberk1,k2011k15:24 To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Anastasia kForkyourkinformation,kHydekhaskbeenkrefusedkbailkandkremandedkinkcustody.kHeskch argedkwithkattemptedk idnapkandkarson.kAskyetknokdatekhaskbeenksetkforkthektrial . k ChristiankGrey kCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k k k k k kkk From:kAnastasiakGrey Subject:kHyde Date:kSeptemberk1,k2011k15:53 To:kChristiankGrey

k Thatskgoodknews. kDoeskthiskmeankyoullklightenkupkonksecurity? kIkreallykdontkseekeyektokeyekwithkPrescott. kAnakx k AnastasiakGrey kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP

k k k k k

kkk From:kChristiankGrey Subject:kHyde Date:kSeptemberk1,k2011k15:59 To:kAnastasiakGrey

k No.kSecuritykwillkremainkinkplace.kNokarguments. kWhatskwrongkwithkPrescott?kIfkyoukdontkli ekher,kwellkreplacekher. k ChristiankGrey kCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k k k k k k Ikscowlkatkhiskhigh-handedke-mail.kPrescottkisntkthatkbad. kkk From:kAnastasiakGrey Subject:kKeepkyourkhairkon! Date:kSeptemberk1,k2011k16:03 To:kChristiankGrey

k Ikwaskjustkas ingk(rollskeyes).kAndkIllkthin kaboutkPrescott. kStowkthatktwitchykpalm! kAnakx k AnastasiakGrey kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k k k k k kkk From:kChristiankGrey Subject:kDontktemptkme. Date:kSeptemberk1,k2011k16:11 To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Ikcankassurekyou,kMrs.kGrey,kthatkmykhairkiskverykfirmlykattachedhaskthis knotkbeenkdemonstratedkoftenkenoughkbykyourkgoodkself? kMykpalm,khowever,kisktwitching. kIkmightkdoksomethingkaboutkthatktonight. kx k ChristiankGrey kNotkbaldkyetkCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k k k k k kkk From:kAnastasiakGrey Subject:kSquirm Date:kSeptemberk1,k2011k16:20 To:kChristiankGrey

k Promises,kpromisesk.k.k. kNowkstopkpesteringkme.kIkamktryingktokwor ;kIkhavekankimpromptukmeetingkwithkan kauthor.kWillktryknotktokbekdistractedkbykthoughtskofkyoukduringkthekmeeting. kAkx k AnastasiakGrey kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k k k k k k kkk kkk From:kAnastasiakGrey Subject:kSailingk&kSoaringk&kSpan ing Date:kSeptemberk5,k2011k09:18 To:kChristiankGrey

k Husband kYouksurek nowkhowktokshowkakgirlkakgoodktime. kIkshallkofkcoursekbekexpectingkthisk indkofktreatmentkeverykwee end. kYoukarekspoilingkme.kIklovekit. kYourkwife kxox k AnastasiakGrey CommissioningkEditor,kSIP k k k k k kkk From:kChristiankGrey Subject:kMykLifeskMissionk.k.k. Date:kSeptemberk5,k2011k09:25 To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Isktokspoilkyou,kMrs.kGrey. kAndk eepkyouksafekbecausekIklovekyou. k ChristiankGrey kSmittenkCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k k k k k k Ohkmy.kCouldkhekbekanykmorekromantic? kkk From:kAnastasiakGrey Subject:kMykLifeskMissionk.k.k. Date:kSeptemberk5,k2011k09:33 To:kChristiankGrey

k IsktokletkyoubecausekIklovekyou,ktoo. kNowkstopkbeingksoksappy. kYoukarekma ingkmekcry. k AnastasiakGrey kEquallykSmittenkCommissioningkEditor,kSIP

kkk

k Thekfollowingkday,kIkgazekatkthekcalendarkonkmykdes .kOnlykfivekdayskunt ilkSeptemberk10mykbirthday.kIk nowkwekarekdrivingkoutktokthekhousektokseekhowkEll iotkandkhiskcrewkarekprogressing.kHmmk.k.k.kIkwonderkifkChristiankhaskanykotherk plans?kIksmilekatkthekthought.kHannahktapskonkmykdoor. k Comekin. k Prescottkiskhoveringkoutside.kOddk.k.k. k Hi,kAna,ksayskHannah.kThereskakLeilakWilliamskherektokseekyou?kSheksayskitskp ersonal. k LeilakWilliams?kIkdontk nowkak.k.k.kMykmouthkgoeskdry,kandkHannahskeyeskwide nkatkmykexpression. k Leila?kFuc .kWhatkdoeskshekwant? k k k kkk k Dokyoukwantkmektoksendkherkaway?kHannahkas s,kalarmedkatkmykexpression. k Um,kno.kWherekiskshe? k Inkreception.kShesknotkalone.kSheskaccompaniedkbykanotherkyoungkwoman. k Oh! k AndkMisskPrescottkwantsktoktal ktokyou,kHannahkadds. k Imksurekshekdoes.kSendkherkin. k Hannahkstandskaside,kandkPrescottkenterskmykoffice.kSheskonkakmission,kbr istlingkwithkprofessionalkefficiency. k Givekmekakmoment,kHannah.kPrescott,kta ekakseat. k Hannahkcloseskthekdoor,kleavingkPrescottkandkmekalone. k Mrs.kGrey,kLeilakWilliamskiskonkyourkproscribedklistkofkvisitors. k What?kIkhavekakproscribedklist? k Onkourkwatchklist,kmaam.kTaylorkandkWelchkhavekbeenkquitekspecifickaboutkn otklettingkherkcomekintokcontactkwithkyou. k Ikfrown,knotkunderstanding.kIskshekdangerous? k Ikcantksay,kmaam. k WhykdokIkevenk nowkthatksheskhere? k Prescottkswallowskandkforkakmomentkloo skaw ward.kIkwaskonkakrestroomkbre a .kShekcamekin,kspo ekdirectlyktokClaire,kandkClairekcalledkHannah. k Oh.kIksee.kIkrealizekthatkevenkPrescottkhasktokpee,kandkIklaugh.kOhkdear. k Yeskmaam.kPrescottkgiveskmekankembarrassedkgrin,kandkitskthekfirstktimekIveks eenkakchin kinkherkarmor.kShekhaskaklovelyksmile. k Ikneedktoktal ktokClairekaboutkprotocol,kagain,ksheksays,kherktonekweary. k Sure.kDoeskTaylork nowksheskhere?kIkcrosskmykfingerskunconsciously,khopingk shekhasntktoldkChristian. k Ikleftkakbriefkvoicekmessagekforkhim. k Oh.kThenkIkonlykhavekakshortktime.kIdkli ektok nowkwhatkshekwants. k Prescottkgazeskatkmekforkakmoment.kIkmustkadvisekagainstkit,kmaam. k Sheskherektokseekmekforkakreason. k Imksupposedktokpreventkthat,kmaam.kHerkvoicekisksoftkbutkresigned. k Ikreallykwantktokhearkwhatkshekhasktoksay.kMyktonekiskmorekforcefulkthankI kintend. k Prescottkstifleskherksigh.kIdkli ektoksearchkthemkbothkbeforekyoukdo. k O ay.kCankyoukdokthat? k Imkherektokprotectkyou,kMrs.kGrey,ksokyes,kIkcan.kIdkalsokli ektokstaykwith kyoukwhilekyouktal . k O ay.kIllkgrantkherkthiskconcession.kBesides,klastktimekIkmetkLeila,kshekwa skarmed.kGokahead. k Prescottkrises. k Hannah,kIkcall. k Hannahkopenskthekdoorktookquic ly.kShekmustkhavekbeenkhoveringkoutside. k Cankyoukchec ktokseekifkthekmeetingkroomkiskfree,kplease?

k Ikalreadykhave,kandkitskgoodktokgo. k Prescott,kcankyouksearchkthemkinkthere?kIskitkprivatekenough? k Yes,kmaam. k Illkbektherekinkfivekminutes,kthen.kHannah,kshowkLeilakWilliamskandkwhomev erksheskwithkintokthekmeetingkroom. k Willkdo.kHannahkloo skanxiouslykfromkPrescottktokme.kShallkIkcancelkyourkne xtkmeeting?kItskatkfour,kbutkitskacrossktown. k Yes,kIkmurmur,kdistracted.kHannahknodskthenkleaves. k WhatkthekhellkdoeskLeilakwant?kIkdontkthin ksheskherektokdokmekanykharm.kS hekdidntkinkthekpastkwhenkshekhadkthekopportunity.kChristiankiskgoingktokgoknuts. kMyksubconsciouskpurseskherklips,kprimlykcrosseskherklegs,kandknods.kIkneedktokt ellkhimkthatkIkamkdoingkthis.kIktypekakquic ke-mail,kthenkpause,kchec ingkthekti me.kIkfeelkakmomentarykpangkofkregret.kWevekbeenkgettingkalongksokwellksincekAspe n.kIkpressksend. k kkk k From:kAnastasiakGrey k k k Subject:kVisitors Date:kSeptemberk6,k2011k15:27 To:kChristiankGrey

k Christian kLeilakiskherektokseekme.kIkwillkseekherkwithkPrescott. kIllkusekmyknewlykacquiredkslappingks illskwithkmyknowkhealedkhand,kshouldkIkneed kto. kTry,kandkIkmeanktry,knotktokworry. kIkamkakbigkgirl. kWillkcallkoncekwevekspo en. kAkx k AnastasiakGrey kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k Hurriedly,kIkhidekmykBlac Berrykinkmykdes kdrawer.kIkstand,ksmoothingkmy kgraykpencilks irtkoverkmykhips,kpinchkmykchee sktokgivekthemksomekcolor,kandkun doktheknextkbuttonkonkmykgrayksil kblouse.kO ay,kImkready.kAfterkta ingkakdeepkbr eath,kIkheadkoutkofkmykofficektokmeetkthekinfamouskLeilakignoringkYourkLovekiskKi ngkhummingkgentlykfromkinsidekmykdes . k Leilakloo skmuchkbetter.kMorekthankbettersheskverykattractive.kThereskakros ykbloomktokherkchee s,kandkherkbrownkeyeskarekbright,kherkhairkcleankandkshiny.k Sheskdressedkinkakpalekpin kblousekandkwhitekpants.kShekstandskasksoonkaskIkenter kthekmeetingkroom,kaskdoeskherkfriendanotherkdar -hairedkyoungkwomankwithksoftkbr ownkeyes,kthekcolorkofkbrandy.kPrescottkhoverskinkthekcorner,knotkta ingkherkeye skoffkLeila. k Mrs.kGrey,kthan kyouksokmuchkforkseeingkme.kLeilaskvoicekisksoftkbutkclear. k Umk.k.k.kSorrykaboutktheksecurity,kIkmutterkbecausekIkcannotkthin kwhatkel sektoksay.kIkwavekakhandkdistractedlykatkPrescott. k Thiskiskmykfriend,kSusi. k Hi.kIknodkatkSusi.kShekloo skli ekLeila.kShekloo skli ekme.kOh,kno.kAnothe rkone. k Yes,kLeilaksays,kaskifkreadingkmykthoughts.kSusik nowskMr.kGrey,ktoo. k WhatkthekhellkamkIksupposedktoksayktokthat?kIkgivekherkakpoliteksmile. k Please,ksit,kIkmurmur. k Thereskak noc konkthekdoor.kItskHannah.kIkmotionkherkin,k nowingkfullkwell kwhyksheskdisturbingkus. k Sorryktokinterrupt,kAna.kIkhavekMr.kGreykonkthekline? k TellkhimkImkbusy. k Hekwaskquitekinsistent,ksheksayskfearfully.

k Ikamksurekhekwas.kWouldkyoukapologizektokhim,kandksaykIllkcallkhimkbac kve rykshortly? k Hannahkhesitates. k Hannah,kplease. k Sheknodskandkscurrieskoutkofkthekroom.kIkturnkbac ktokthektwokwomenksitt ingkinkfrontkofkme.kTheykarekbothkstaringkatkmekinkawe.kItskuncomfortable. k WhatkcankIkdokforkyou?kIkas . k Susikspea s.kIk nowkthiskiskallk indskofkweird,kbutkIkwantedktokmeetkyou, ktoo.kThekwomankwhokcapturedkChris k Ikholdkupkmykhand,kstoppingkherkinkmid-sentence.kIkdoknotkwantktokhearkt his.kUmk.k.k.kIkgetkthekpicture,kIkmutter. k Wekcallkourselvesktheksubkclub.kShekgrinskatkme,kherkeyeskshiningkwithkmir th. k OhkmykGod. k LeilakgaspskandkgapeskatkSusi,katkoncekamusedkandkappalled.kSusikwinces. kIksuspectkLeilask ic edkherkunderkthektable. k WhatkthekhellkamkIksupposedktoksayktokthat?kIkglanceknervouslykatkPresco tt,kwhokremainskimpassive,kherkeyeskneverkleavingkLeila. k Susikseemsktokrememberkherself.kShekblushes,kthenknodskandkstands.kIllkwai tkinkreception.kThiskiskLuluskshow.kIkcanktellksheskembarrassed. k Lulu? k Youllkbeko ay?kshekas skLeila,kwhoksmileskupkatkher.kSusikgiveskmekaklarge, kopen,kgenuineksmilekandkexitskthekroom. k SusikandkChristiank.k.k.kitsknotkakthoughtkIkwishktokdwellkon.kPrescottkt a eskherkphonekoutkofkherkpoc etkandkanswerskit.kIkdidntkhearkitkring. k Mr.kGrey,ksheksays.kLeilakandkIkturnktokloo katkher.kPrescottkcloseskherke yeskaskifkinkpain. k Yes,ksir,ksheksays,ksteppingkforward,kandkhandskmekthekphone. k Ikrollkmykeyes.kChristian,kIkmurmur,ktryingktokcontainkmykexasperation.kIk standkandkstridekbris lykoutkofkthekroom. k Whatkthekfuc karekyoukplayingkat?khekshouts.kHeskseething. k Dontkshoutkatkme. k Whatkdokyoukmeankdontkshoutkatkyou?khekshouts,klouderkthisktime.kIkgavekspec ifickinstructionskwhichkyoukhavekcompletelykdisregardedagain.kHell,kAna,kIkamkfuc ingkfurious. k Whenkyoukarekcalmer,kwekwillktal kaboutkthis. k Dontkyoukhangkupkonkme,khekhisses. k Good-bye,kChristian.kIkhangkupkandkswitchkoffkPrescottskphone. k Holykshit.kIkdontkhaveklongkwithkLeila.kTa ingkakdeepkbreath,kIkreenterkt hekmeetingkroom.kBothkLeilakandkPrescottkloo kupkatkmekexpectantly,kandkIkhandkP rescottkherkphone. k Wherekwerekwe?kIkas kLeilakaskIksitkbac kdownkoppositekher.kHerkeyeskwiden kslightly. k Yes.kApparently,kIkhandlekhim,kIkwantktoksayktokher.kButkIkdontkthin kshe kwantsktokhearkthat. k Leilakfiddlesknervouslykwithkthekendskofkherkhair.kFirst,kIkwantedktokapo logize,ksheksaysksoftly. k Ohk.k.k. k Shekglanceskupkandkregisterskmyksurprise.kYes,ksheksayskquic ly.kAndktoktha n kyoukforknotkpressingkcharges.kYouk nowforkyourkcarkandkinkyourkapartment. k Ik nowkyoukwerentk.k.k.kum,kwell,kIkmurmur,kreeling.kIkhadntkexpectedkankapo logy. k No,kIkwasnt. k Yourekfeelingkbetterknow?kIkas kgently. k Much.kThan kyou. k Doeskyourkdoctork nowkyourekhere? k Sheksha eskherkhead. k Oh. k Shekloo sksuitablykguilty.kIk nowkIllkhavektokdealkwithkthekfalloutkforkth isklater.kButkIkhadktokgetksomekthings,kandkIkwantedktokseekSusi,kandkyou,kandk.

k.k.kMr.kGrey. k YoukwantktokseekChristian?kMykstomachkfree-fallsktokthekfloor.kThatskwhyksh eskhere. k Yes.kIkwantedktokas kyoukifkthatkwouldkbeko ay. k Holykfuc .kIkgapekatkher,kandkIkwantktoktellkherkthatkitsknotko ay.kIkdont kwantkherkanywhereknearkmykhusband.kWhykiskshekhere?kTokassesskthekopposition?kT okunsettlekme?kOrkperhapskshekneedskthiskasksomeksortkofkclosure? k Leila.kIkflounder,kexasperated.kItsknotkupktokme,kitskupktokChristian.kYoullkn eedktokas khim.kHekdoesntkneedkmykpermission.kHeskakgrownkmank.k.k.kmostkofkthekti me. k Shekgazeskatkmekforkakfractionkofkakbeatkaskifksurprisedkbykmykreactionk thenklaughsksoftly,knervouslyktwiddlingkthekendkofkherkhair. k Heskrepeatedlykrefusedkallkmykrequestsktokseekhim,ksheksayskquietly. k Ohkshit.kImkinkmorektroublekthankIkthought. k Whykiskitksokimportantkforkyouktokseekhim?kIkas kgently. k Tokthan khim.kIdkbekrottingkinkakstin ingkprisonkpsychiatrickfacilitykifki tkwasntkforkhim.kIk nowkthat.kShekglanceskdownkandkrunskherkfingerkalongkthekedgek ofkthektable.kIksufferedkakseriouskpsychotickepisode,kandkwithoutkMr.kGreykandkJo hnDr.kFlynnk.k.k.kShekshrugskandkgazeskatkmekoncekmore,kherkfacekfullkofkgratitude . k OncekagainkImkspeechless.kWhatkdoeskshekexpectkmektoksay?kSurelykshekshou ldkbeksayingkthesekthingsktokChristian,knotkme. k Andkforkartkschool.kIkcantkthan khimkenoughkforkthat. k Ik newkit!kChristiankiskfundingkherkclasses.kIkremainkexpressionless,kte ntativelykexploringkmykfeelingskforkthiskwomanknowkthatksheskconfirmedkmyksuspici onskaboutkChristianskgenerosity.kTokmyksurprise,kIkfeelknokillkwillktowardkher.kI tskakrevelation,kandkImkgladksheskbetter.kNow,khopefully,kshekcankmovekonkwithkherk lifekandkoutkofkours. k Arekyoukmissingkclasseskrightknow?kIkas ,kbecausekImkinterested. k Onlyktwo.kIkheadkhomektomorrow. k Ohkgood.kWhatkarekyourkplans,kwhilekyourekhere? k Pic kupkmykbelongingskfromkSusi,kreturnktokHamden.kContinuekpaintingkandk learning.kMr.kGreykalreadykhaskakcouplekofkmykpaintings. k Whatkthekhell!kMykstomachkplungeskintokthekbasementkoncekmore.kArektheyk hangingkinkmyklivingkroom?kIkbridlekatkthekthought. k Whatksortkofkpaintingkdokyoukdo? k Abstracts,kmainly. k Iksee.kMykmindkflitskthroughktheknow-familiarkpaintingskinkthekgreatkroom. kTwokbykhiskex-subk.k.k.kpossibly.kJeez. k Mrs.kGrey,kcankIkspea kfran ly?kshekas s,kcompletelykobliviousktokmykwarri ngkemotions. k Bykallkmeans,kIkmutter,kglancingkatkPrescott,kwhokloo skli eksheskrelaxedka klittle.kLeilakleanskforwardkaskifktokimpartkaklong-heldksecret. k IklovedkGeoff,kmykboyfriendkwhokdiedkearlierkthiskyear.kHerkvoicekdropskto kaksadkwhisper. k Holykshit,ksheskgettingkpersonal. k Imksoksorry,kIkmutterkautomatically,kbutkshekcontinueskaskifkshekhasntkheard kme. k Iklovedkmykhusbandk.k.k.kandkonekother,kshekmurmurs. k Mykhusband.kThekwordskarekoutkofkmykmouthkbeforekIkcankstopkthem. k Yes.kShekmouthskthekword. k Thiskisknotknewsktokme.kWhenkshekliftskherkbrownkeyesktokmine,ktheykarek widekwithkconflictingkemotions,kandkthekoverridingkonekseemsktokbekapprehensionk .k.k.kofkmykreaction,kperhaps?kButkmykoverwhelmingkresponsektokthiskpoorkyoungkw omankiskcompassion.kMentallykIkrunkthroughkallkthekclassicalkliteraturekIkcankth in kofkthatkdealskwithkunrequitedklove.kSwallowingkhard,kIkclutchkthekmoralkhigh kground. k Ik now.kHeskverykeasyktoklove,kIkwhisper. k Herkwidekeyeskwidenkfurtherkinksurprise,kandksheksmiles.kYes.kHekiswas.kShe kcorrectskherselfkquic lykandkblushes.kThenkshekgigglesksoksweetlykthatkIkcantkhe

lpkmyself.kIkgiggle,ktoo.kYes,kChristiankGreykma eskuskgiggly.kMyksubconsciouskr ollskherkeyeskatkmekinkdespairkandkgoeskbac ktokreadingkherkdog-earedkcopykofkJa nekEyre.kIkglancekatkmykwatch.kDeepkdownkIk nowkChristiankwillkbekhereksoon. k YoullkgetkyourkchancektokseekChristian. k IkthoughtkIkwould.kIk nowkhowkprotectivekhekcankbe.kSheksmiles. k Sokthiskiskherkscheme.kSheskverykshrewd.kOrkmanipulative,kwhisperskmyksub conscious.kThiskiskwhykyourekherektokseekme? k Yes. k Iksee.kAndkChristiankiskplayingkrightkintokherkhands.kReluctantly,kIkhavek tokac nowledgekthatkshek nowskhimkwell. k Hekseemedkverykhappy.kWithkyou,ksheksays. k What?kHowkwouldkyouk now? k FromkwhenkIkwaskinkthekapartment.kShekaddskcautiously. k Ohkhellk.k.k.khowkcouldkIkforgetkthat? k Werekyouktherekoften? k No.kButkhekwaskverykdifferentkwithkyou. k DokIkwantktokhearkthis?kAkshudderkrunskthroughkme.kMykscalpkpric leskask Ikrecallkmykfearkwhenkshekwaskthekunseenkshadowkinkourkapartment. k Youk nowkitskagainstktheklaw.kTrespassing. k Sheknods,kgazingkdownkatkthektable.kShekrunskakfingernailkalongkthekedge .kItkwaskonlykakfewktimes,kandkIkwaskluc yknotktokgetkcaught.kAgain,kIkneedktokth an kMr.kGreykforkthat.kHekcouldkhavekhadkmekthrownkinkjail. k Ikdontkthin khedkdokthat,kIkmurmur. k Suddenlyktherekiskakflurrykofkactivitykoutsidekthekmeetingkroom,kandkins tinctivelykIk nowkthatkChristiankiskinkthekbuilding.kAkmomentklaterkhekburstskth roughkthekdoor,kandkbeforekhekcloseskit,kIkcatchkTaylorskeyekaskhekstandskpatient lykoutside.kTaylorskmouthkisksetkinkakgrimkline,kandkhekdoesntkreturnkmyktightksmi le.kOhkhell,kevenkheskmadkatkme. k ChristianskburningkgraykgazekpinskfirstkmekthenkLeilaktokourkchairs.kHisk demeanorkiskquietlykdetermined,kbutkIk nowkbetter,kandkIksuspectkLeilakdoes,ktoo .kThekmenacingkcoolkglintkinkhiskeyeskrevealskthektruthheskemanatingkrage,kthoughk hekhideskitkwell.kInkhiskgrayksuit,kwithkhiskdar ktiekloosenedkandkthektopkbutto nkofkhiskwhitekshirtkundone,khekloo skatkoncekbusinessli ekandkcasualk.k.k.kandk hot.kHiskhairkiskinkdisarraynokdoubtkbecausekheskbeenkrunningkhiskhandskthroughkit kinkexasperation. k Leilakloo sknervouslykdownkatkthekedgekofkthektable,krunningkherkindexkf ingerkalongkthekedgekagainkaskChristiankloo skfromkmektokherkandkthenktokPrescot t. k You,kheksaysktokPrescottkinkaksoftktone.kYourekfired.kGetkoutknow. k Ikblanch.kOhknothiskisntkfair. k ChristiankIkma ektokstandkup. k Hekholdskhiskindexkfingerkupkatkmekinkwarning.kDont,kheksays.kHiskvoiceksok ominouslykquietkthatkImkimmediatelyksilencedkandkrootedktokmykseat.kBowingkherkhe ad,kPrescottkwal skbris lykoutkofkthekroomktokjoinkTaylor.kChristiankshutskthekd oorkbehindkherkandkwal sktokthekedgekofkthektable.kCrap!kCrap!kCrap!kThatkwaskmy kfault.kChristiankstandskoppositekLeila,kandkplacingkbothkhandskonkthekwoodenksu rface,khekleanskforward. k Whatkthekfuc karekyoukdoingkhere?khekgrowlskatkher. k Christian!kIkgasp.kHekignoreskme. k Well?khekdemands. k Leilakpee skupkatkhimkthroughklongklashes,kherkeyeskwide,kherkfacekashen ,kherkrosykglowkgone. k Ikwantedktokseekyou,kandkyoukwouldntkletkme,kshekwhispers. k Sokyoukcamekherektokharasskmykwife?kHiskvoicekiskquiet.kTookquiet. k Leilakloo skdownkatkthektablekagain. k Hekstands,kgloweringkatkher.kLeila,kifkyoukcomekanywhereknearkmykwifekaga in,kIkwillkcutkoffkallksupport.kDoctors,kartkschool,kmedicalkinsuranceallkofkitgon e.kDokyoukunderstand? k ChristiankIktrykagain.kButkheksilenceskmekwithkakchillingkloo .kWhykiskhekb eingksokunreasonable?kMykcompassionkforkthisksadkwomankblooms.

k Yes,ksheksays,kherkvoicekjustkaudible. k WhatskSusannahkdoingkinkreception? k Shekcamekwithkme. k Hekrunskakhandkthroughkhiskhair,kglaringkatkher. k Christian,kplease,kIkbegkhim.kLeilakjustkwantsktoksaykthan kyou.kThatskall. k Hekignoreskme,kconcentratingkhiskwrathkonkLeila.kDidkyoukstaykwithkSusann ahkwhilekyoukwereksic ? k Yes. k Didkshek nowkwhatkyoukwerekdoingkwhilekyoukwerekstayingkwithkher? k No.kShekwaskawaykonkvacation. k Hekstro eskhiskindexkfingerkoverkhisklowerklip.kWhykdokyoukneedktokseekme ?kYouk nowkyoukshouldksendkanykrequestskthroughkFlynn.kDokyoukneedksomething?kHis ktonekhasksoftened,kmaybekbykakfraction. k Leilakrunskherkfingerkalongkthekedgekofkthektablekagain. k Stopkbullyingkher,kChristian! k Ikhadktok now.kAndkforkthekfirstktimekshekloo skupkdirectlykatkhim. k Hadktok nowkwhat?kheksnaps. k Thatkyoureko ay. k Hekgapeskatkher.kThatkImko ay?khekscoffs,kdisbelieving. k Yes. k Imkfine.kThere,kquestionkanswered.kNowkTaylorkwillkrunkyouktokSea-Tacksoky oukcankgokbac ktokthekEastkCoast.kAndkifkyoukta ekonekstepkwestkofkthekMississip pi,kitskallkgone.kUnderstand? k Holykfuc k.k.k.kChristian!kIkgapekatkhim.kWhatkthekfuc kiskeatingkhim?kH ekcannotkconfinekherktokoneksidekofkthekcountry. k Yes.kIkunderstand,kLeilaksayskquietly. k Good.kChristiansktonekiskmorekconciliatory. k ItkmightknotkbekconvenientkforkLeilaktokgokbac know.kShekhaskplans,kIkobje ct,koutragedkonkherkbehalf. k Christiankglareskatkme.kAnastasia,khekwarns,khiskvoicekicy,kthiskdoesknotkc oncernkyou. k Ikscowlkatkhim.kOfkcoursekitkconcernskme.kSheskinkmykoffice.kTherekmustkb ekmorektokthiskthankIk now.kHesknotkbeingkrational. k FiftykShades,kmyksubconsciouskhisseskatkme. k Leilakcamektokseekme,knotkyou,kIkmurmurkpetulantly. k Leilakturnsktokme,kherkeyeskimpossiblykwide. k Ikhadkmykinstructions,kMrs.kGrey.kIkdisobeyedkthem.kShekglancesknervouslyk atkmykhusband,kthenkbac katkme. k ThiskiskthekChristiankGreykIk now,ksheksays,kherktoneksadkandkwistful.kChr istiankfrownskatkher,kwhilekallkthekbreathkevaporateskfromkmyklungs.kIkcantkbreat he.kWaskChristiankli ekthiskwithkherkallkthektime?kWaskhekli ekthiskwithkme,katk first?kIkfindkitkhardktokremember.kGivingkmekakforlornksmile,kLeilakriseskfromkt hektable. k Idkli ektokstaykuntilktomorrow.kMykflightkiskatknoon,ksheksayskquietlyktokC hristian. k Illkhaveksomeonekcollectkyoukatktenktokta ekyouktokthekairport. k Than kyou. k YourekatkSusannahs? k Yes. k O ay. k IkglarekatkChristian.kHekcantkdictatektokherkli ekthisk.k.k.kandkhowkdoes khek nowkwherekSusannahklives? k Good-bye,kMrs.kGrey.kThan kyoukforkseeingkme. k Ikstandkandkholdkoutkmykhand.kShekta eskitkgratefullykandkweksha e. k Umk.k.k.kgood-bye.kGoodkluc ,kIkmutter,kbecausekImknotksurekwhatkthekprotoc olkiskforksayingkfarewellktokmykhusbandskex-submissive. k Sheknodskandkturnsktokhim.kGood-bye,kChristian. k Christianskeyesksoftenkaklittle.kGood-bye,kLeila.kHiskiskvoiceklow.kDr.kFlyn n,kremember. k Yes,kSir.

k Hekopenskthekdoorktokusherkherkout,kbutkshekhaltskinkfrontkofkhimkandklo o skup.kHekstills,kwatchingkherkwarily. k Imkgladkyourekhappy.kYoukdeservektokbe,ksheksayskandkleaveskbeforekhekcankre ply.kHekfrownskafterkher,kthenknodsktokTaylor,kwhokfollowskLeilaktowardkthekrece ptionkarea.kClosingkthekdoor,kChristiankgazeskuncertainlykatkme. k Dontkevenkthin kaboutkbeingkangrykwithkme,kIkhiss.kCallkClaudekBastillekandk ic kthekshitkoutkofkhimkorkgokseekFlynn. k Hiskmouthkdropskopen;khesksoksurprisedkbykmykoutburst,kandkhiskbrowkcreas eskoncekmore. k Youkpromisedkyoukwouldntkdokthis.kNowkhisktonekiskaccusatory. k Dokwhat? k Defykme. k NokIkdidnt.kIksaidkIdkbekmorekconsiderate.kIktoldkyoukshekwaskhere.kIkhadkP rescottksearchkher,kandkyourkotherklittlekfriend,ktoo.kPrescottkwaskwithkmekthek entirektime.kNowkyouvekfiredkthekpoorkwoman,kwhenkshekwaskonlykdoingkwhatkIkas ed .kIktoldkyouknotktokworry,kyetkherekyoukare.kIkdontkrememberkreceivingkyourkpapal kbullkdecreeingkthatkIkcouldntkseekLeila.kIkdidntk nowkthatkmykvisitorskwereksubje ctktokakproscribedklist.kMykvoicekriseskwithkindignationkaskIkwarmktokmykcause.kC hristiankregardskme,khiskexpressionkunreadable.kAfterkakmomentkhiskmouthktwists. k Papalkbull?kheksays,kamused,kandkhekvisiblykrelaxes.kIkwasntkaimingktokligh tenkourkconversation,kyetkherekhekisksmir ingkatkme,kandkthatkma eskmekmadder.kT hekexchangekbetweenkhimkandkhiskexkwaskpainfulktokwitness.kHowkcouldkhekbeksokco ldkwithkher? k What?khekas s,kexasperated,kaskmykfacekremainskresolutelykstraight. k You.kWhykwerekyouksokcallousktowardkher? k Heksighskandkshifts,ksteppingktowardkmekandkperchingkonkthektable. k Anastasia,kheksayskaskifktokakchild.kYoukdontkunderstand.kLeila,kSusannahallk ofkthemtheykwerekakpleasant,kdivertingkpastime.kButkthatskall.kYoukarekthekcenterk ofkmykuniverse.kAndktheklastktimekyouktwokwerekinkakroomktogether,kshekhadkyouka tkgunpoint.kIkdontkwantkherkanywhereknearkyou. k But,kChristian,kshekwaskill. k Ik nowkthat,kandkIk nowksheskbetterknow,kbutkImknotkgivingkherkthekbenefitk ofkthekdoubtkanymore.kWhatkshekdidkwaskunforgivable. k Butkyouvekjustkplayedkrightkintokherkhands.kShekwantedktokseekyoukagain,ka ndkshek newkyoudkcomekrunningkifkshekcamektokseekme. k Christiankshrugskaskifkhekdoesntkcare.kIkdontkwantkyouktaintedkwithkmykoldk life. k What? k Christiank.k.k.kyoukarekwhokyoukarekbecausekofkyourkoldklife,kyourknewkli fe,kwhatever.kWhatktoucheskyou,ktoucheskme.kIkacceptedkthatkwhenkIkagreedktokmar rykyou,kbecausekIklovekyou. k Hekstills.kIk nowkhekfindskitkhardktokhearkthis. k Shekdidntkhurtkme.kShekloveskyou,ktoo. k Ikdontkgivekakfuc . k Ikgapekatkhim,kshoc ed.kAndkImkshoc edkthatkhekstillkhaskthekcapacityktok shoc kme.kThiskiskthekChristiankGreykIk now.kLeilaskwordskrattlekaroundkmykhead.k Hiskreactionktokherkwasksokcold,ksokmuchkatkoddskwithkthekmankIvekcomektok nowkan dklove.kIkfrown,krecallingkthekremorsekhekfeltkwhenkshekhadkherkbrea down,kwhenk hekthoughtkhekmightkinksomekwaykbekresponsiblekforkherkpain.kIkswallow,kremember ing,ktoo,kthatkhekbathedkher.kMykstomachktwistskpainfullykatkthekthought,kandkbi lekriseskinkmykthroat.kHowkcankheksaykhekdoesntkcarekaboutkher?kHekdidkbac kthen. kWhatskchanged?kSometimes,kli eknow,kIkjustkdontkunderstandkhim.kHekoperateskonkak levelkfar,kfarkremovedkfromkmine. k Whykarekyoukchampioningkherkcausekallkofkaksudden?khekas s,kmystifiedkandk irritable. k Loo ,kChristian,kIkdontkthin kLeilakandkIkwillkbekswappingkrecipeskandk ni ttingkpatternskanytimeksoon.kButkIkdidntkthin kyoudkbeksokheartlessktokher. k Hiskeyeskfrost.kIktoldkyoukonce,kIkdontkhavekakheart,khekmutters. k Ikrollkmykeyesoh,knowkhekiskbeingkadolescent. k Thatskjustknotktrue,kChristian.kYourekbeingkridiculous.kYoukdokcarekaboutkh

er.kYoukwouldntkbekpayingkforkartkclasseskandkthekrestkofkthatkstuffkifkyoukdidnt. k Suddenly,kitskmyklifetimekambitionktokma ekhimkrealizekthis.kItskpainsta i nglykobviouskthatkhekcares.kWhykdoeskhekdenykit?kItskli ekhiskfeelingskforkhiskbi rthkmother.kOhkshitofkcourse.kHiskfeelingskforkLeilakandkhiskotherksubmissiveskar ektangledkupkwithkhiskfeelingskforkhiskmother.kIkli ektokwhipklittlekbrown-haire dkgirlskli ekyoukbecausekyoukallkloo kli ekthekcrac kwhore.kNokwonderkhesksokmad. kIksighkandksha ekmykhead.kPagingkDr.kFlynn,kplease.kHowkcankheknotkseekthis? k Mykheartkswellskforkhimkmomentarily.kMyklostkboyk.k.k.kWhykiskitksokhard kforkhimktokgetkbac kinktouchkwithkthekhumanity,kthekcompassionkhekshowedkLeilak whenkshekhadkherkbrea down? k Hekglareskatkme,khiskeyeskglitteringkwithkanger.kThiskdiscussionkiskover. kLetskgokhome. k Ikglancekatkmykwatch.kItskfourktwenty-three.kIkhavekwor ktokdo.kItsktookear ly,kIkmutter. k Home,khekinsists. k Christian.kMykvoicekiskweary.kImktiredkofkhavingktheksamekargumentkwithkyou. k Hekfrownskaskifkhekdoesntkunderstand. k Youk now,kIkelucidate,kIkdoksomethingkyoukdontkli e,kandkyoukthin kofksomekw ayktokgetkbac katkme.kUsuallykinvolvingksomekofkyourk in ykfuc ery,kwhichkiskeit herkmind-blowingkorkcruel.kIkshrug,kresigned.kThiskiskexhaustingkandkconfusing. k Mind-blowing?khekas s. k What? k Usually,kyes. k Whatkwaskmind-blowing?khekas s,khiskeyesknowkshimmeringkwithkamusedksensua lkcuriosity.kAndkIk nowkhesktryingktokdistractkme. k Crap!kIkdoknotkwantktokdiscusskthiskinkSIPskmeetingkroom.kMyksubconscious kexamineskherkfinelykmanicuredknailskwithkdisdain.kShouldntkhavekbroughtktheksubj ectkup,kthen. k Youk now.kIkblush,kirritatedkwithkbothkhimkandkmyself. k Ikcankguess,khekwhispers. k Holykcrap.kImktryingktokcastigatekhimkandkheskconfoundingkme.kChristian,kI k Ikli ektokpleasekyou.kHekdelicatelyktraceskhiskthumbkoverkmykbottomklip. k Youkdo,kIkac nowledge,kmykvoicekakwhisper. k Ik now,kheksaysksoftly.kHekleanskforwardkandkwhisperskinkmykear,kItskthekone kthingkIkdok now.kOh,kheksmellskgood.kHekleanskbac kandkgazeskdownkatkme,khisklip skcurledkinkankarrogant,kI-so-own-youksmile. k Pursingkmyklips,kIkstrivektokappearkunaffectedkbykhisktouch.kHekisksokar tfulkatkdivertingkmekfromkanythingkpainful,korkanythingkhekdoesntkwantktokaddress .kAndkyoukletkhim,kmyksubconsciouskpipeskupkunhelpfully,kgazingkoverkherkcopykof kJanekEyre. k Whatkwaskmind-blowing,kAnastasia?khekprompts,kakwic edkgleamkinkhiskeye. k Youkwantktheklist?kIkas . k Thereskaklist?kHeskpleased. k Oh,kthiskmankiskexhausting.kWell,kthekhandcuffs,kIkmumble,kmykmindkcatapul tedkbac ktokourkhoneymoon. k Hekfurrowskhiskbrowkandkgraspskmykhand,ktracingkthekpulsekpointkonkmykwr istkwithkhiskthumb. k Ikdontkwantktokmar kyou. k Ohk.k.k. k Hisklipskcurlkinkakslowkcarnalksmile.kComekhome.kHisktonekiskseductive. k Ikhavekwor ktokdo. k Home,kheksays,kmorekinsistent. k Wekgazekatkeachkother,kmoltenkgraykintokbewilderedkblue,ktestingkeachkot her,ktestingkourkboundarieskandkourkwills.kIksearchkhiskeyeskforksomekunderstand ing,ktryingktokfathomkhowkthiskmankcankgokfromkragingkcontrolkfrea ktokseductive kloverkinkonekbreath.kHiskeyeskgrowklargerkandkdar er,khiskintentionkclear.kSoft ly,khekcaresseskmykchee . k Wekcouldkstaykhere.kHiskiskvoiceklowkandkhus y. k Ohkno.kMykinnerkgoddesskgazesklonginglykdownkatkthekwoodenktable.kNo.kNo .kNo.kNotkinkthekoffice.kChristian,kIkdontkwantktokhaveksexkhere.kYourkmistresskha

skjustkbeenkinkthiskroom. k Shekwaskneverkmykmistress,khekgrowls,khiskmouthkflatteningkintokakgrimklin e. k Thatskjustksemantics,kChristian. k Hekfrowns,khiskexpressionkpuzzled.kThekseductivekloverkhaskgone.kDontkover thin kthis,kAna.kSheskhistory,kheksayskdismissively. k Iksighk.k.k.kmaybekheskright.kIkjustkwantkhimktokadmitktokhimselfkthatkhe kcareskforkher.kAkchillkgripskmykheart.kOhkno.kThiskiskwhykitskimportantktokme.kS upposekIkdoksomethingkunforgivable.kSupposekIkdontkconform.kWillkIkbekhistory,kto o?kIfkhekcankturnkli ekthis,kwhenkhekwasksokconcernedkandkupsetkwhenkLeilakwaski llk.k.k.kcouldkhekturnkagainstkme?kIkgasp,krecallingkthekfragmentskofkakdream:kg iltkmirrorskandktheksoundkofkhiskheelskclic ingkonkthekmarbledkfloorkaskhekleave skmekstandingkalonekinkopulentksplendor. k Nok.k.k.kThekwordskarekoutkofkmykmouthkinkwhisperedkhorrorkbeforekIkcankst opkthem. k Yes,kheksays,kandkgraspingkmykchin,khekleanskdownkandkplantskaktenderk iss konkmyklips. k Oh,kChristian,kyoukscarekmeksometimes.kIkgraspkhiskheadkinkmykhands,ktwist kmykfingerskintokhiskhair,kandkpullkhisklipsktokmine.kHekstillskforkakmomentkask hiskarmskfoldkaroundkme. k Why? k Youkcouldkturnkawaykfromkherksokeasilyk.k.k. k Hekfrowns.kAndkyoukthin kIkmightkturnkawaykfromkyou,kAna?kWhykthekhellkwo uldkyoukthin kthat?kWhatskbroughtkthiskon? k Nothing.kKisskme.kTa ekmekhome,kIkplead.kAndkaskhisklipsktouchkmine,kIkamk lost. k kkk k Ohkplease,kIkbeg,kaskChristiankblowskgentlykonkmyksex. k Allkinkgoodktime,khekmurmurs. k Ikpullkonkmykrestraintskandkgroankloudlykinkprotestkfromkhiskcarnalkassa ult.kImktrussedkupkinksoftkleatherkcuffs,keachkelbowkboundktokeachk nee,kandkChri stianskheadkbobskandkweaveskbetweenkmyklegs,khiskmasterfulktonguekteasingkme,krel entless.kIkopenkmykeyeskandkgazekunseeingkatkourkbedroomkceilingkbathedkinktheks oftklatekafternoonklight.kHisktonguekmoveskroundkandkround,kswirlingkandkcurling koverkandkaroundkthekcenterkofkmykuniverse.kIkwantktokstraightenkmyklegskandkstr ugglekinkakvainkattemptktokcontrolkthekpleasure.kButkIkcant.kMykfingerskfistkinkh iskhairkandkIktugkhardktokfightkhisksublimektorture. k Dontkcome,khekmurmurskinkwarningkagainstkme,khisksoftkbreathkonkmykwarm,kwe tkfleshkaskhekresistskmykfingers.kIkwillkspan kyoukifkyoukcome. k Ikmoan. k Control,kAna.kItskallkaboutkcontrol.kHisktonguekrenewskitskerotickincursion . k Oh,khek nowskwhatkheskdoing.kIkamkhelplessktokresistkorkstopkmykslavishkr eaction,kandkIktryreallyktrybutkmykbodykdetonateskunderkhiskmercilesskministration s,kandkhisktonguekdoesntkstopkaskhekwringskeveryklastkouncekofkdebilitatingkpleas urekfromkme. k Oh,kAna,khekscolds.kYoukcame.kHiskvoicekisksoftkwithkhisktriumphantkrepriman d.kHekflipskmekontokmykfront,kandkIksha ilyksupportkmyselfkonkmykforearms.kHeksm ac skmekhardkonkmykbehind. k Ah!kIkcrykout. k Control,khekadmonishes,kandkgrabbingkmykhipskhekthrustskhimselfkintokme.kI kcrykoutkagain,kmykfleshkstillkquiveringkfromkthekaftershoc skofkmykorgasm.kHeks tillskwhilekdeepkinsidekmekand,kleaningkover,kunclipskfirstkone,kthenktheksecond kcuff.kHekwrapskhiskarmkaroundkmekandkpullskmekintokhisklap,khiskfrontktokmykbac ,kandkhiskhandkcurlskbeneathkmykchinkaroundkmykthroat.kIkrevelkinkthekfeelingko fkfullness. k Move,khekorders. k Ikmoankandkrisekupkandkdownkonkhisklap. k Faster,khekwhispers.

k AndkIkmovekfasterkandkfaster.kHekgroanskandkhiskhandktipskmykheadkbac ka skheknibbleskmyknec .kHiskotherkhandktravelskleisurelykacrosskmykbody,kfromkmykh ip,kdownktokmyksex,kdownktokmykclitorisk.k.k.kstillksensitivekfromkhiskearlierkl avishkattention.kIkwhimperkaskhiskfingerskclosekaroundkme,kteasingkmekoncekmore. k Yes,kAna,khekraspsksoftlykinkmykear.kYoukarekmine.kOnlykyou. k Yes,kIkbreathekaskmykbodyktightenskagain,kclosingkaroundkhim,kcradlingkhim kinkthekmostkintimatekway. k Comekforkme,khekdemands. k AndkIkletkgo,kmykbodykobedientlykfollowingkhiskcommand.kHekholdskmekstil lkaskmykclimaxkripskthroughkmekandkIkcallkoutkhiskname. k Oh,kAna,kIklovekyou,khekgroanskandkfollowskmykleadkaskhekbuc skintokme,kfi ndingkhiskownkrelease. k Hek isseskmykshoulderkandksmootheskmykhairkfromkmykface.kDoeskthatkma ekt heklist,kMrs.kGrey?khekmurmurs.kIkamklying,kbarelykconscious,kflatkonkmykbellykon kourkbed.kChristiankgentlyk neadskmykbac side.kHeskproppedkupkbesidekmekonkonekel bow. k Hmm. k Iskthatkakyes? k Hmm.kIksmile. k Hekgrinskandk isseskmekagain,kandkreluctantlykIkrollkonkmyksidektokfacek him. k Well?khekas s. k Yes.kItkma esktheklist.kButkitskaklongklist. k Hiskfaceknearlyksplitskinktwo,kandkhekleanskforwardktok isskmekgently.kGo od.kShallkwekhavekdinner?kHiskeyeskglowkwithklovekandkhumor. k Iknod.kIkamkfamished.kIkreachkoverktokgentlykpullktheklittlekhairskonkhi skchest.kIkwantkyouktoktellkmeksomething,kIkwhisper. k What? k Dontkgetkmad. k Whatkiskit,kAna? k Youkdokcare. k Hiskeyeskwiden,kandkallktracekofkhiskgoodkhumorkvanishes. k Ikwantkyouktokadmitkthatkyoukcare.kBecausekthekChristiankIk nowkandklovek wouldkcare. k Hekstills,khiskeyesknotkleavingkmine,kandkImkwitnessktokhiskinternalkstru gglekaskifkheskaboutktokma ekthekjudgmentkofkSolomon.kHekopenskhiskmouthktoksayks omethingkthenkcloseskitkagainkasksomekfleetingkemotionkcrosseskhiskfacek.k.k.kpa in,kmaybe. k Saykit,kIkwillkhim. k Yes.kYes,kIkcare.kHappy?kHiskvoicekiskbarelykakwhisper. k Oh,kthan kfuc kforkthat.kItskakrelief.kYes.kVery. k Hekfrowns.kIkcantkbelievekImktal ingktokyouknow,kherekinkourkbed,kabout k Ikputkmykfingerktokhisklips.kWereknot.kLetskeat.kImkhungry. k Heksighskandksha eskhiskhead.kYoukbeguilekandkbewilderkme,kMrs.kGrey. k Good.kIkleankupkandk isskhim. k kkk k k k k k k k:D kAkx kkk From:kAnastasiakGrey Subject:kThekList Date:kSeptemberk9,k2011k09:33 To:kChristiankGrey Thatskdefinitelykatkthektop.

k AnastasiakGrey kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k k k k k kkk From:kChristiankGrey Subject:kTellkMekSomethingkNew Date:kSeptemberk9,k2011k09:42 To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Youveksaidkthatkforktheklastkthreekdays. kMa ekyourkmindkup.Ork.k.k.kwekcouldktryksomethingkelse. k;) k ChristiankGrey kCEO,kEnjoyingkthiskGame,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k Ikgrinkatkmykscreen.kTheklastkfewkeveningskhavekbeenk.k.k.kentertaining. kWekhavekrelaxedkagain,kLeilaskbriefkinterruptionkforgotten.kIkhaventkquitekwor ed kupkthekcouragektokas kifkanykofkherkpaintingskhangkonkthekwallsandkfran ly,kIkdo ntkreallykcare.kMykBlac BerrykbuzzeskandkIkanswer,kexpectingkChristian. k Ana? k Yes? k Ana,khoney.kItskJoskSenior. k Mr.kRodriguez!kHi!kMykscalpkpric les.kWhatkdoeskJosskdadkwantkwithkme? k Honey,kImksorryktokcallkyoukatkwor .kItskRay.kHiskvoicekfalters. k Whatkiskit?kWhatskhappened?kMykheartkleapskintokmykthroat. k Rayskbeenkinkankaccident. k Oh,kno.kDaddy.kIkstopkbreathing. k Heskinkthekhospital.kYoudkbetterkgetkherekquic . k k k k k k

kkk

k Mr.kRodriguez,kwhatskhappened?kMykvoicekiskhoarsekandkthic kwithkunshedktea rs.kRay.kSweetkRay.kMykdad. k Heskbeenkinkakcarkaccident. k O ay,kIllkcomek.k.k.kIllkcomeknow.kAdrenalinekhaskfloodedkmykbloodstream,kle avingkpanickinkitskwa e.kImkfindingkitkdifficultktokbreathe. k TheyvektransferredkhimktokPortland. k Portland?kWhatkthekhellkiskhekdoingkinkPortland? k Theykairliftedkhim,kAna.kImkheadingkthereknow.kOHSU.kOh,kAna,kIkdidntkseekt hekcar.kIkjustkdidntkseekitk.k.k.kHiskvoicekcrac s. k Mr.kRodriguezno! k Illkseekyoukthere.kMr.kRodriguezkcho eskandktheklinekgoeskdead. k Akdar kdreadkseizeskmekbykthekthroat,koverwhelmingkme.kRay.kNo.kNo.kIkta ekakdeepksteadyingkbreath,kpic kupkthekphonekandkcallkRoach.kHekanswerskonkthek secondkring. k Ana? k Jerry.kItskmykfather. k Ana,kwhatkhappened? k Ikexplain,kbarelykpausingktokbreathe. k Go.kOfkcourse,kyoukmustkgo.kIkhopekyourkfathersko ay.

k Than kyou.kIllk eepkyoukinformed.kInadvertentlykIkslamkthekphonekdown,kbutk rightknowkcouldntkcarekless. k Hannah!kIkcall,kawarekofkthekanxietykinkmykvoice.kMomentsklaterkshekpo esk herkheadkaroundkthekdoorktokfindkmekpac ingkmykpursekandkgrabbingkpapersktokstuf fkintokmykbriefcase. k Yes,kAna?kShekfrowns. k Mykfatherkhaskbeenkinkankaccident.kIkhavektokgo. k Ohkdear k Cancelkallkmykappointmentsktoday.kAndkMonday.kYoullkhavektokfinishkpreppin gktheke-boo kpresentationnoteskarekinktheksharedkfile.kGetkCourtneyktokhelpkifkyo ukhavekto. k Yes,kHannahkwhispers.kIkhopekhesko ay.kDontkworrykaboutkanythingkhere.kWellkmu ddlekthrough. k IkhavekmykBlac Berry. k Thekconcernketchedkonkherkpinched,kpalekfacekiskalmostkmykundoing. k Daddy. k Ikgrabkmykjac et,kpurse,kandkbriefcase.kIllkcallkyoukifkIkneedkanything. k Do,kplease.kGoodkluc ,kAna.kHopekhesko ay. k Ikgivekherkaksmallktightksmile,kfightingktokmaintainkmykcomposure,kandke xitkmykoffice.kIktrykhardknotktokrunkallkthekwayktokreception.kSawyerkleapsktokh iskfeetkwhenkIkarrive. k Mrs.kGrey?khekas s,kconfusedkbykmyksuddenkappearance. k WerekgoingktokPortlandnow. k O ay,kmaam,kheksays,kfrowning,kbutkopenskthekdoor. k Movingkiskgood. k Mrs.kGrey,kSawyerkas skaskwekracektowardkthekpar ingklot.kCankIkas kwhykwere kma ingkthiskunscheduledktrip? k Itskmykdad.kHeskbeenkinkankaccident. k Iksee.kDoeskMr.kGreyk now? k Illkcallkhimkfromkthekcar. k SawyerknodskandkopenskthekrearkdoorktokthekAudikSUV,kandkIkclimbkin.kWit hksha ingkfingers,kIkreachkforkmykBlac Berry,kandkIkdialkChristianskcell. k Mrs.kGrey.kAndreaskvoicekiskcrispkandkbusinessli e. k IskChristiankthere?kIkbreathe. k Umk.k.k.khesksomewherekinkthekbuilding,kmaam.kHeskleftkhiskBlac Berrykchargi ngkwithkme. k Ikgroanksilentlykwithkfrustration. k CankyouktellkhimkIkcalled,kandkthatkIkneedktokspea kwithkhim?kItskurgent. k Ikcouldktrykandktrac khimkdown.kHekdoeskhavekakhabitkofkwanderingkoffksom etimes. k Justkgetkhimktokcallkme,kplease,kIkbeg,kfightingkbac ktears. k Certainly,kMrs.kGrey.kShekhesitates.kIskeverythingkallkright? k No,kIkwhisper,knotktrustingkmykvoice.kPlease,kjustkgetkhimktokcallkme. k Yes,kmaam. k Ikhangkup.kIkcannotkcontainkmykanguishkanyklonger.kPullingkmyk neeskupkt okmykchest,kIkcurlkupkonkthekrearkseat,kandktearskooze,kunwelcome,kdownkmykchee s. k WherekinkPortland,kMrs.kGrey?kSawyerkas skgently. k OHSU,kIkcho ekout.kThekbigkhospital. k SawyerkpullskoutkintokthekstreetkandkheadskforkthekI-5,kwhilekIk eenksof tlykinkthekbac kofkthekcar,kmutteringkwordlesskprayers.kPleasekletkhimkbeko ay.k Pleasekletkhimkbeko ay. k Mykphonekrings,kYourkLovekIskKingkstartlingkmekfromkmykmantra. k Christian,kIkgasp. k Christ,kAna.kWhatskwrong? k ItskRayheskbeenkinkankaccident. k Shit! k Yes.kIkamkonkmykwayktokPortland. k Portland?kPleasektellkmekSawyerkiskwithkyou. k Yes,kheskdriving.

k WherekiskRay? k AtkOHSU. k Ikhearkakmuffledkvoicekinkthekbac ground.kYes,kRos,kChristianksnapskangril y.kIk now!kSorry,kbabyIkcankbektherekinkaboutkthreekhours.kIkhavekbusinesskIkneedk tokfinishkhere.kIllkflykdown. k Ohkshit.kCharliekTangokiskbac kinkcommissionkandklastktimekChristiankfle wkherk.k.k. k IkhavekakmeetingkwithksomekguyskoverkfromkTaiwan.kIkcantkblowkthemkoff.kIts kakdealkwevekbeenkhammeringkoutkforkmonths. k WhykdokIk nowknothingkaboutkthis? k IllkleavekasksoonkaskIkcan. k O ay,kIkwhisper.kAndkIkwantktoksaykthatkitsko ay,kstaykinkSeattle,kandksort koutkyourkbusiness,kbutkthektruthkiskIkwantkhimkwithkme. k Oh,kbaby,khekwhispers. k Illkbeko ay,kChristian.kTa ekyourktime.kDontkrush.kIkdontkwantktokworrykabou tkyou,ktoo.kFlyksafely. k Ikwill. k Lovekyou. k Iklovekyou,ktoo,kbaby.kIllkbekwithkyoukasksoonkaskIkcan.kKeepkLu ekclose. k Yes,kIkwill. k Illkseekyouklater. k Bye.kAfterkhangingkup,kIkhugkmyk neeskoncekmore.kIk nowknothingkaboutkChri stianskbusiness.kWhatkthekhellkiskhekdoingkwithkthekTaiwanese?kIkgazekoutkthekwin dowkaskwekpasskBoeingkField-KingkCountykAirport.kHekmustkflyksafely.kMykstomachk notskanewkandknauseakthreatens.kRaykandkChristian.kIkdontkthin kmykheartkcouldkt a ekthat.kLeaningkbac ,kIkstartkmykmantrakagain:kPleasekletkhimkbeko ay.kPleasek letkhimkbeko ay. k Mrs.kGrey.kSawyerskvoicekrouseskme.kWerekonkthekhospitalkgrounds.kIkjustkhave ktokfindkthekER. k Ik nowkwherekitkis.kMykmindkflitskbac ktokmyklastkvisitktokOHSUkwhen,konkm yksecondkday,kIkfellkoffkakstepladderkatkClaytons,ktwistingkmykan le.kIkrecallkPa ulkClaytonkhoveringkoverkmekandkshudderkatkthekmemory. k Sawyerkpullskupktokthekdrop-offkpointkandkleapskoutktokopenkmykdoor. k Illkgokpar ,kmaam,kandkcomekfindkyou.kLeavekyourkbriefcase,kIllkbringkit. k Than kyou,kLu e. k Heknods,kandkIkwal kbris lykintokthekbuzzingkERkreceptionkarea.kThekrece ptionistkatkthekdes kgiveskmekakpoliteksmile,kandkwithinkakfewkmoments,ksheskloca tedkRaykandkisksendingkmektokthekORkonkthekthirdkfloor. k OR?kFuc !kThan kyou,kIkmutter,ktryingktokfocuskonkherkdirectionsktokthekel evators.kMykstomachklurcheskaskIkalmostkrunktowardkthem. k Letkhimkbeko ay.kPleasekletkhimkbeko ay. k Thekelevatorkiskagonizinglykslow,kstoppingkonkeachkfloor.kComekonk.k.k.k Comekon!kIkwillkitktokmovekfaster,kscowlingkatkthekpeoplekstrollingkinkandkoutka ndkpreventingkmekfromkgettingktokmykdad. k Finally,kthekdoorskopenkonkthekthirdkfloor,kandkIkrushktokanotherkrecept ionkdes ,kthiskonekstaffedkbyknurseskinknavykuniforms. k CankIkhelpkyou?kas skonekofficiousknursekwithkakmyopickstare. k Mykfather,kRaymondkSteele.kHeskjustkbeenkadmitted.kHeskinkOR-4,kIkthin .kEve nkaskIksaykthekwords,kIkamkwillingkthemknotktokbektrue. k Letkmekchec ,kMisskSteele. k Iknod,knotkbotheringktokcorrectkherkaskshekgazeskintentlykatkherkcompute rkscreen. k Yes.kHeskbeenkinkforkakcouplekofkhours.kIfkyoudkli ektokwait,kIllkletkthemk nowkthatkyourekhere.kThekwaitingkroomskthere.kShekpointsktowardkaklargekwhitekdoork helpfullyklabeledkwaitingkroomkinkboldkblueklettering. k Iskheko ay?kIkas ,ktryingktok eepkmykvoiceksteady. k Youllkhavektokwaitkforkonekofkthekattendingkdoctorktokbriefkyou,kmaam. k Than kyou,kIkmutterbutkinsidekIkamkscreaming,kIkwantktok nowknow! k Ikopenkthekdoorktokrevealkakfunctional,kausterekwaitingkroomkwherekMr.kR odriguezkandkJoskarekseated.

k Ana!kMr.kRodriguezkgasps.kHiskarmkiskinkakcast,kandkhiskchee kiskbruisedko nkonekside.kHeskinkakwheelchairkwithkonekofkhisklegskinkakcastktoo.kIkgingerlykwr apkmykarmskaroundkhim. k Oh,kMr.kRodriguez,kIksob. k Ana,khoney.kHekpatskmykbac kwithkhiskuninjuredkarm.kImksoksorry,khekmumbles,k hiskhoarsekvoicekcrac ing. k Ohkno. k No,kPapa,kJosksaysksoftlykinkadmonishmentkaskhekhoverskbehindkme.kWhenkIktu rn,khekpullskmekintokhiskarmskandkholdskme. k Jos,kIkmutter.kAndkImklosttearskfallingkaskallkthektension,kfear,kandkheartac hekofktheklastkthreekhoursksurface. k Hey,kAna,kdontkcry.kJoskgentlykstro eskmykhair.kIkwrapkmykarmskaroundkhiskne c kandksoftlykweep.kWekstandkli ekthiskforkages,kandkImksokgratefulkthatkmykfrien dkiskhere.kWekpullkapartkwhenkSawyerkjoinskuskinkthekwaitingkroom.kMr.kRodriguez khandskmekaktissuekfromkakconvenientlykplacedkbox,kandkIkdrykmyktears. k ThiskiskMr.kSawyer.kSecurity,kIkmurmur.kSawyerknodskpolitelyktokJoskandkMr. kRodriguezkthenkmovesktokta ekakseatkinkthekcorner. k Sitkdown,kAna.kJoskusherskmektokonekofkthekvinyl-coveredkarmchairs. k Whatkhappened?kDokwek nowkhowkhekis?kWhatkarektheykdoing? k Joskholdskupkhiskhandsktokhaltkmykbarragekofkquestionskandksitskdownkbesi dekme.kWekdontkhavekanyknews.kRay,kDad,kandkIkwerekonkakfishingktripktokAstoria.kW ekwerekhitkbyksomekstupidkfuc ingkdrun k Mr.kRodriguezktriesktokinterrupt,kstammeringkankapology. k Clmate,kPapa!kJosksnaps.kIkdontkhavekakmar konkme,kjustkakcouplekofkbruisedkri bskandkak noc konkthekhead.kDadk.k.k.kwell,kDadkbro ekhiskwristkandkan le.kButkt hekcarkhitkthekpassengerksidekandkRay. k Ohkno,knok.k.k.kPanickswampskmyklimbicksystemkagain.kNo,kno,kno.kMykbody kshudderskandkchillskaskIkimaginekwhatskhappeningktokRaykinkthekOR. k Heskinksurgery.kWekwerekta enktokthekcommunitykhospitalkinkAstoria,kbutkth eykairliftedkRaykhere.kWekdontk nowkwhatktheyrekdoing.kWerekwaitingkforknews. k Ikstartktoksha e. k Hey,kAna,kyoukcold? k Iknod.kImkinkmykwhiteksleevelesskshirtkandkblac ksummerkjac et,kandkneith erkprovideskwarmth.kGingerly,kJoskpullskoffkhiskleatherkjac etkandkwrapskitkaroun dkmykshoulders. k ShallkIkgetkyouksomektea,kmaam?kSawyerkiskbykmykside.kIknodkgratefully,kand khekdisappearskfromkthekroom. k WhykwerekyoukfishingkinkAstoria?kIkas . k Joskshrugs.kThekfishingsksupposedktokbekgoodkthere.kWekwerekhavingkakboyskge t-together.kSomekbondingktimekwithkmykoldkmankbeforekacademiakheatskupkforkmykfi nalkyear.kJosskdar keyeskareklargekandkluminouskwithkfearkandkregret. k Youkcouldkhavekbeenkhurt,ktoo.kAndkMr.kRodriguezk.k.k.kworse.kIkgulpkatkth ekthought.kMykbodyktemperaturekdropskfurther,kandkIkshiverkoncekmore.kJoskta eskm ykhand. k Hell,kAna,kyourekfreezing. k Mr.kRodriguezkincheskforwardkandkta eskmykotherkhandkinkhiskgoodkone. k Ana,kIkamksoksorry. k Mr.kRodriguez,kplease.kItkwaskankaccidentk.k.k.kMykvoicekfadesktokakwhispe r. k CallkmekJos,khekcorrectskme.kIkgivekhimkakwea ksmile,kbecausekthatskallkIkca nkmanage.kIkshiverkoncekmore. k Thekpolicektoo kthekassholekintokcustody.kSevenkinkthekmorningkandkthekgu ykwaskoutkofkhisks ull,kJoskhisseskinkdisgust. k Sawyerkreenters,kbearingkakpaperkcupkofkhotkwaterkandkakseparatekteabag. kHek nowskhowkIkta ekmyktea!kImksurprised,kandkgladkforkthekdistraction.kMr.kRodr iguezkandkJoskreleasekmykhandskaskIkgratefullykta ekthekcupkfromkSawyer. k Dokeitherkofkyoukwantkanything?kSawyerkas skMr.kRodriguezkandkJos.kTheykbot hksha ektheirkheads,kandkSawyerkresumeskhiskseatkinkthekcorner.kIkdun kmykteabag kinkthekwaterkand,krisingksha ily,kdisposekofkthekusedkbagkinkaksmallktrashcan. k Whatskta ingkthemksoklong?kIkmutterktoknokonekinkparticularkaskIkta ekaksip

. k Daddyk.k.k.kPleasekletkhimkbeko ay.kPleasekletkhimkbeko ay. k Wellk nowksoonkenough,kAna,kJosksayskgently.kIknodkandkta ekanotherksip.kIkt a ekmykseatkagainkbesidekhim.kWekwaitk.k.k.kandkwait.kMr.kRodriguezkwithkhiskeye skclosed,kprayingkIkthin ,kandkJoskholdingkmykhandkandksqueezingkitkeveryknowkand kthen.kIkslowlyksipkmyktea.kItsknotkTwinings,kbutksomekcheapknastykbrand,kandkitk tasteskdisgusting. k IkrememberktheklastktimekIkwaitedkforknews.kTheklastktimekIkthoughtkallk wasklostkwhenkCharliekTangokwentkmissing.kClosingkmykeyes,kIkofferkupkaksilentkp rayerkforktheksafekpassagekofkmykhusband.kIkglancekatkmykwatch:k2:15kp.m.kHeksho uldkbekhereksoon.kMykteakiskcoldk.k.k.kUgh! k Ikstandkupkandkpacekthenksitkdownkagain.kWhykhaventkthekdoctorskbeenktoks eekme?kIkta ekJosskhand,kandkhekgiveskminekanotherkreassuringksqueeze.kPleasekletk himkbeko ay.kPleasekletkhimkbeko ay. k Timekcrawlsksokslowly. k Suddenlykthekdoorkopens,kandkwekallkglancekupkexpectantly,kmykstomachk n otting.kIskthiskit? k Christiankstrideskin.kHiskfacekdar enskmomentarilykwhenkheknoticeskmykha ndkinkJoss. k Christian!kIkgaspkandkleapkup,kthan ingkGodkheskarrivedksafely.kThenkImkwrap pedkinkhiskarms,khisknosekinkmykhair,kandkImkinhalingkhiskscent,khiskwarmth,khisk love.kAksmallkpartkofkmekfeelskcalmer,kstronger,kandkmorekresilientkbecausekheskh ere.kOh,kthekdifferencekhiskpresencekma esktokmykpeacekofkmind. k Anyknews? k Iksha ekmykhead,kunablektokspea . k Jos.kHeknodskakgreeting. k Christian,kthiskiskmykfather,kJoskSenior. k Mr.kRodriguezwekmetkatkthekwedding.kIkta ekitkyoukwerekinkthekaccident,kto o? k Joskbrieflykretellskthekstory. k Arekyoukbothkwellkenoughktokbekhere?kChristiankas s. k Wekdontkwantktokbekanywherekelse,kMr.kRodriguezksays,khiskvoicekquietkandkl acedkwithkpain.kChristianknods.kTa ingkmykhand,kheksitskmekdownkthenkta eskaksea tkbesidekme. k Havekyoukeaten?khekas s. k Iksha ekmykhead. k Arekyoukhungry? k Iksha ekmykhead. k Butkyourekcold?khekas s,keyeingkJosskjac et. k Iknod.kHekshiftskinkhiskchair,kbutkwiselyksaysknothing. k Thekdoorkopenskagain,kandkakyoungkdoctorkinkbrightkbluekscrubskenters.kH ekloo skexhaustedkandkharrowed. k AllkthekbloodkdisappearskfromkmykheadkaskIkstumblektokmykfeet. k RaykSteele,kIkwhisperkaskChristiankstandskbesidekme,kputtingkhiskarmkaroun dkmykwaist. k Yourekhisknextkofk in?kthekdoctorkas s.kHiskbrightkbluekeyeskalmostkmatchkh iskscrubs,kandkunderkanykotherkcircumstanceskIkwouldkhavekfoundkhimkattractive. k Imkhiskdaughter,kAna. k MisskSteele k Mrs.kGrey,kChristiankinterruptskhim. k Mykapologies,kthekdoctorkstammers,kandkforkakmomentkIkwantktok ic kChristi an.kImkDoctorkCrowe.kYourkfatherkiskstable,kbutkinkakcriticalkcondition. k Whatkdoeskthatkmean?kMyk neeskbuc lekbeneathkme,kandkonlykChristiansksupp ortingkarmkpreventskmekfromkfallingktokthekfloor. k Heksufferedkseverekinternalkinjuries,kDr.kCroweksays,kprincipallyktokhiskdi aphragm,kbutkwevekmanagedktokrepairkthem,kandkwekwerekablektoksavekhiskspleen.kUn fortunately,kheksufferedkakcardiackarrestkduringkthekoperationkbecausekofkbloodk loss.kWekmanagedktokgetkhiskheartkgoingkagain,kbutkthiskremainskakconcern.kHowev er,kourkgravestkconcernkiskthatkheksufferedkseverekcontusionsktokthekhead,kandkt hekMRIkshowskthatkhekhaskswellingkinkhiskbrain.kWevekinducedkakcomaktok eepkhimkq

uietkandkstillkwhilekwekmonitorkthekbrainkswelling. k Brainkdamage?kNo. k Itskstandardkprocedurekinkthesekcases.kForknow,kwekjustkhavektokwaitkandks ee. k Andkwhatskthekprognosis?kChristiankas skcoolly. k Mr.kGrey,kitskdifficultktoksaykatkthekmoment.kItskpossiblekhekcouldkma ekak completekrecovery,kbutkthatskinkGodskhandsknow. k Howklongkwillkyouk eepkhimkinkakcoma? k Thatkdependskonkhowkhiskbrainkresponds.kUsuallykseventy-twoktokninety-six khours. k Oh,ksoklong!kCankIkseekhim?kIkwhisper. k Yes,kyoukshouldkbekablektokseekhimkinkaboutkhalfkankhour.kHeskbeenkta enkt okthekICUkonktheksixthkfloor. k Than kyou,kDoctor. k Dr.kCroweknods,kturnskandkleaveskus. k Well,kheskalive,kIkwhisperktokChristian.kAndkthektearskstartktokrollkdownkm ykfacekoncekmore. k Sitkdown,kChristiankorderskgently. k Papa,kIkthin kwekshouldkgo.kYoukneedktokrest.kWekwontk nowkanythingkforkak while,kJoskmurmursktokMr.kRodriguezkwhokgazeskblan lykatkhiskson.kWekcankcomekbac k thiskevening,kafterkyouvekrested.kThatsko ay,kisntkit,kAna?kJoskturns,kimploringkme. k Ofkcourse. k ArekyoukstayingkinkPortland?kChristiankas s.kJosknods. k Dokyoukneedkakridekhome? k Joskfrowns.kIkwaskgoingktokorderkakcab. k Lu ekcankta ekyou. k Sawyerkstands,kandkJoskloo skconfused. k Lu ekSawyer,kIkmurmurkinkclarification. k Ohk.k.k.kSure.kYeah,kwedkappreciatekit.kThan s,kChristian. k Standing,kIkhugkMr.kRodriguezkandkJoskinkquic ksuccession. k Staykstrong,kAna,kJoskwhisperskinkmykear.kHeskakfitkandkhealthykman.kThekodds karekinkhiskfavor. k Ikhopekso.kIkhugkhimkhard.kThen,kreleasingkhim,kIkshrugkoffkhiskjac etkhan dkitkbac ktokhim. k Keepkit,kifkyourekstillkcold. k No,kImko ay.kThan s.kGlancingknervouslykupkatkChristian,kIkseekthatkheskrega rdingkuskimpassively.kChristiankta eskmykhand. k Ifkthereskanykchange,kIllkletkyouk nowkrightkaway,kIksaykaskJoskpusheskhiskfa therskwheelchairktowardkthekdoorkSawyerkiskholdingkopen. k Mr.kRodriguezkraiseskhiskhand,kandktheykpausekinkthekdoorway.kHellkbekinkm ykprayers,kAna.kHiskvoicekwavers.kItskbeenksokgoodktokreconnectkwithkhimkafterkallk thesekyears.kHeskbecomekakgoodkfriend. k Ik now. k Andkwithkthatktheykleave.kChristiankandkIkarekalone.kHekcaresseskmykchee .kYourekpale.kComekhere.kHeksitskdownkonkthekchairkandkpullskmekonktokhisklap,kfol dingkmekintokhiskarmskagain,kandkIkgokwillingly.kIksnugglekupkagainstkhim,kfeeli ngkoppressedkbykmykstepfatherskmisfortune,kbutkgratefulkthatkmykhusbandkiskherekt okcomfortkme.kHekgentlykstro eskmykhairkandkholdskmykhand. k HowkwaskCharliekTango?kIkas . k Hekgrins.kOh,kshekwaskyar,kheksays,kquietkpridekinkhiskvoice.kItkma eskmek smilekproperlykforkthekfirstktimekinkseveralkhours,kandkIkglancekatkhim,kpuzzled . k Yar? k ItskaklinekfromkThekPhiladelphiakStory.kGraceskfavoritekfilm. k Ikdontk nowkit. k Ikthin kIkhavekitkonkBlu-Raykatkhome.kWekcankwatchkitkandkma ekout.kHek is seskmykhairkandkIksmilekoncekmore. k CankIkpersuadekyouktokeatksomething?khekas s. k Myksmilekdisappears.kNotknow.kIkwantktokseekRaykfirst. k Hiskshoulderskslump,kbutkhekdoesntkpushkme.

k HowkwerekthekTaiwanese? k Amenable,kheksays. k Amenablekhow? k TheykletkmykbuyktheirkshipyardkforklesskthankthekpricekIkwaskwillingktokp ay. k Heskboughtkakshipyard?kThatskgood? k Yes.kThatskgood. k ButkIkthoughtkyoukhadkakshipyard,koverkhere. k Ikdo.kWerekgoingktokusekthatktokdokthekfitting-out.kBuildkthekhullskinkthe kFarkEast.kItskcheaper. k Oh.kWhatkaboutkthekwor forcekatkthekshipyardkhere? k Wellkredeploy.kWekshouldkbekablektok eepkredundanciesktokakminimum.kHek iss eskmykhair.kShallkwekchec konkRay?khekas s,khiskvoiceksoft. k ThekICUkonktheksixthkfloorkiskakstar ,ksterile,kfunctionalkwardkwithkwhi speredkvoiceskandkbleepingkmachinery.kFourkpatientskarekeachkhousedkinktheirkown kseparatekhi-techkarea.kRaykiskatkthekfarkend. k Daddy. k Hekloo sksoksmallkinkhisklargekbed,ksurroundedkbykallkthisktechnology.kI tskakshoc .kMykdadkhaskneverkbeenksokdiminished.kThereskaktubekinkhiskmouth,kandkv ariousklineskpasskthroughkdripskintokakneedlekinkeachkarm.kAksmallkclampkiskatta chedktokhiskfinger.kIkwonderkvaguelykwhatkthatskfor.kHisklegkiskonktopkofkthekshe ets,kencasedkinkakbluekcast.kAkmonitorkdisplayskhiskheartkrate:kbeep,kbeep,kbeep .kItskbeatingkstrongkandksteady.kThiskIk now.kIkmovekslowlyktowardkhim.kHiskchest kiskcoveredkinkaklarge,kpristinekbandagekthatkdisappearskbeneathkthekthinksheetk thatkprotectskhiskmodesty. k Daddy. k Ikrealizekthatkthektubekpullingkatkthekrightkcornerkofkhiskmouthkleadskt okakventilator.kItsknoisekiskweavingkwithkthekbeep,kbeep,kbeepkofkhiskheartkmoni torkintokakpercussivekrhythmickbeat.kSuc ing,kexpelling,ksuc ing,kexpelling,ksuc ing,kexpellingkinktimekwithkthekbeeps.kTherekarekfourklineskonkthekscreenkofkhi skheartkmonitor,keachkmovingksteadilykacross,kdemonstratingkclearlykthatkRaykisk stillkwithkus. k Oh,kDaddy. k Evenkthoughkhiskmouthkiskdistortedkbykthekventilatorktube,khekloo skpeac eful,klyingktherekfastkasleep. k Akpetitekyoungknursekstandsktokonekside,kchec ingkhiskmonitors. k CankIktouchkhim?kIkas kher,ktentativelykreachingkforkhiskhand. k Yes.kSheksmilesk indly.kHerkbadgeksayskKelliekRN,kandkshekmustkbekinkherkt wenties.kSheskblondekwithkdar ,kdar keyes. k Christiankstandskatkthekendkofkthekbed,kwatchingkmekcarefullykaskIkclasp kRayskhand.kItsksurprisinglykwarm,kandkthatskmykundoing.kIksin konktokthekchairkbyk thekbed,kplacekmykheadkgentlykagainstkRayskarm,kandkstartktoksob. k Oh,kDaddy.kPleasekgetkbetter,kIkwhisper.kPlease. k Christiankputskhiskhandkonkmykshoulderkandkgiveskitkakreassuringksqueeze . k AllkMr.kSteeleskvitalskarekgood,kNursekKellieksayskquietly. k Than kyou,kChristiankmurmurs.kIkglancekupkinktimektokseekherkgape.kSheskfin allykgottenkakgoodkloo katkmykhusband.kIkdontkcare.kShekcankgapekatkChristiankall kshekli eskasklongkaskshekma eskmykfatherkwellkagain. k Cankhekhearkme?kIkas . k Heskinkakdeepksleep.kButkwhok nows? k CankIksitkforkakwhile? k Surekthing.kSheksmileskatkme,kherkchee skpin kfromkaktelltalekblush.kIncon gruously,kIkfindkmyselfkthin ingkblondkisknotkherktruekcolor. k Christiankgazeskdownkatkme,kignoringkher.kIkneedktokma ekakcall.kIllkbekou tside.kIllkgivekyouksomekalonektimekwithkyourkdad.Iknod.kHek isseskmykhairkandkwal skoutkofkthekroom.kIkholdkRayskhand,kmarvelingkatkthekironykthatkitskonlyknowkwhe nkheskunconsciouskandkcantkhearkmekthatkIkreallykwantktoktellkhimkhowkmuchkIklovek him.kThiskmankhaskbeenkmykconstant.kMykroc .kAndkIvekneverkthoughtkaboutkitkuntil know.kImknotkfleshkofkhiskflesh,kbutkheskmykdad,kandkIklovekhimksokverykmuch.kMykt

earsktrailkdownkmykchee s.kPlease,kpleasekgetkbetter. k Verykquietly,ksokasknotktokdisturbkanyone,kIktellkhimkaboutkourkwee endk inkAspenkandkaboutklastkwee endkwhenkwekwereksoaringkandksailingkaboardkThekGrac e.kIktellkhimkaboutkourknewkhouse,kourkplans,kaboutkhowkwekhopektokma ekitkecolo gicallyksustainable.kIkpromisektokta ekhimkwithkusktokAspenksokhekcankgokfishing kwithkChristiankandkassurekhimkthatkMr.kRodriguezkandkJoskwillkbothkbekwelcome,kt oo.kPleasekbekherektokdokthat,kDaddy.kPlease. k Raykremainskimmobile,kthekventilatorksuc ingkandkexpellingkandkthekmonot onouskbutkreassuringkbeep,kbeep,kbeepkofkhiskheartkmonitorkhiskonlykresponse. k WhenkIkloo kup,kChristiankisksittingkquietlykatkthekendkofkthekbed.kIkdo ntk nowkhowklongkheskbeenkthere. k Hi,kheksays,khiskeyeskglowingkwithkcompassionkandkconcern. k Hi. k So,kImkgoingkfishingkwithkyourkdad,kMr.kRodriguez,kandkJos?khekas s. k Iknod. k O ay.kLetskgokeat.kLetkhimksleep. k Ikfrown.kIkdontkwantktokleavekhim. k Ana,kheskinkakcoma.kIvekgivenkourkcellknumbersktoktheknurseskhere.kIfktheres kanykchange,ktheyllkcallkus.kWellkeat,kchec kintokakhotel,krestkup,kthenkcomekbac kthiskevening. k TheksuitekatkthekHeathmankloo skjustkaskIkrememberkit.kHowkoftenkhavekIk thoughtkaboutkthatkfirstknightkandkmorningkIkspentkwithkChristiankGrey?kIkstandk inkthekentrancektoktheksuite,kparalyzed.kJeez,kitkallkstartedkhere. k Homekawaykfromkhome,ksayskChristian,khiskvoiceksoft,kputtingkmykbriefcasek downkbesidekonekofkthekoverstuffedkcouches. k Dokyoukwantkakshower?kAkbath?kWhatkdokyoukneed,kAna?kChristiankgazeskatkme ,kandkIk nowkheskrudderlessmyklostkboykdealingkwithkeventskbeyondkhiskcontrol.kHesk beenkwithdrawnkandkcontemplativekallkafternoon.kThiskiskaksituationkhekcannotkma nipulatekandkpredict.kThiskiskrealklifekinkthekraw,kandkhesk eptkhimselfkfromktha tkforksoklong,kheskexposedkandkhelplessknow.kMyksweet,kshelteredkFiftykShades. k Akbath.kIdkli ekakbath.kIkmurmur,kawarekthatk eepingkhimkbusykwillkma ekhim kfeelkbetter,kusefulkeven.kOh,kChristianImknumbkandkImkcoldkandkImkscared,kbutkImksok gladkyourekherekwithkme. k Bath.kGood.kYes.kHekstrideskintokthekbedroomkandkoutkofksightkintokthekpal atialkbathroom.kAkfewkmomentsklater,kthekroarkofkwaterkgushingktokfillkthektubke choeskfromkthekroom. k Finally,kIkgalvanizekmyselfktokfollowkhimkintokthekbedroom.kImkdismayedkt okseekseveralkbagskfromkNordstromkonkthekbed.kChristiankreenters,ksleeveskrolled kup,ktiekandkjac etkdiscarded. k IksentkTaylorktokgetksomekthings.kNightwear.kYouk now,kheksays,keyeingkmek warily. k Ofkcoursekhekdid.kIknodkmykapprovalktokma ekhimkfeelkbetter.kWherekiskTa ylor? k Oh,kAna,kChristiankmurmurs.kIveknotkseenkyoukli ekthis.kYoureknormallyksokbra vekandkstrong. k Ikdontk nowkwhatktoksay.kIkmerelykgazekwide-eyedkatkhim.kIkhaveknothingkt okgivekrightknow.kIkthin kImkinkshoc .kIkwrapkmykarmskaroundkmyself,ktryingktok e epkthekpervadingkcoldkatkbay,kevenkthoughkIk nowkitskakfruitlessktas kaskthiskcol dkcomeskfromkwithin.kChristiankpullskmekintokhiskarms. k Baby,kheskalive.kHiskvitalksignskarekgood.kWekjustkhavektokbekpatient,khekm urmurs.kCome.kHekta eskmykhandkandkleadskmekintokthekbathroom.kGently,khekslipskmy kjac etkoffkmykshoulderskandkplaceskitkonkthekbathroomkchair,kthenkturningkbac , khekundoeskthekbuttonskonkmykshirt. k Thekwaterkiskdeliciouslykwarmkandkfragrant,ktheksmellkofklotuskblossomkh eavykinkthekwarm,ksultrykairkofkthekbathroom.kIkliekbetweenkChristiansklegs,kmykb ac ktokhiskfront,kmykfeetkrestingkonktopkofkhis.kWerekbothkquietkandkintrospectiv e,kandkImkfinallykfeelingkwarm.kIntermittentlykChristiank isseskmykhairkaskIkabse ntmindedlykpopkthekbubbleskinkthekfoam.kHiskarmkiskwrappedkaroundkmykshoulders. k YoukdidntkgetkintokthekbathkwithkLeila,kdidkyou?kThatktimekyoukbathedkher?k Ikas .

k Hekstiffenskandksnorts,khiskhandktighteningkonkmykshoulderkwherekitkrest s.kUmk.k.k.kno.kHeksoundskastounded. k Ikthoughtkso.kGood. k Hektugskgentlykatkmykhairk nottedkinkakcrudekbun,ktiltingkmykheadkaround ksokhekcankseekmykface.kWhykdokyoukas ? k Ikshrug.kMorbidkcuriosity.kIkdontk nowk.k.k.kseeingkherkthiskwee . k Hiskfacekhardens.kIksee.kLesskofkthekmorbid.kHisktonekiskreproachful. k Howklongkarekyoukgoingktoksupportkher? k Untilksheskonkherkfeet.kIkdontk now.kHekshrugs.kWhy? k Arektherekothers? k Others? k Exeskwhokyouksupport. k Therekwaskone,kyes.kNoklongerkthough. k Oh? k Shekwaskstudyingktokbekakdoctor.kSheskqualifiedknowkandkhasksomeonekelse. k AnotherkDominant? k Yes. k Leilaksayskyoukhavektwokofkherkpaintings,kIkwhisper. k Ikusedkto.kIkdidntkreallykcarekforkthem.kTheykhadktechnicalkmerit,kbutkthe ykwerektookcolorfulkforkme.kIkthin kElliotkhaskthem.kAskwek now,khekhasknoktaste . k Ikgiggle,kandkhekwrapskhiskotherkarmkaroundkme,ksloshingkwaterkoverkthek sidekofkthekbath. k Thatskbetter,khekwhisperskandk isseskmyktemple. k Heskmarryingkmykbestkfriend. k ThenkIdkbetterkshutkmykmouth,kheksays. k Ikfeelkmorekrelaxedkafterkourkbath.kWrappedkinkmyksoftkHeathmankrobe,kIk gazekatkthekvariouskbagskonkthekbed.kJeez,kthiskmustkbekmorekthanknightwear.kTen tatively,kIkpee kintokone.kAkpairkofkjeanskandkakpalekbluekhoodedksweatshirt,kmy ksize.kHolykcowk.k.k.kTaylorskboughtkakwholekwee endskworthkofkclothes,kandkhek no wskwhatkIkli e.kIksmile,krememberingkthiskisknotkthekfirstktimekheskshoppedkforkc lotheskforkmekwhenkIkwaskatkthekHeathman. k ApartkfromkharassingkmekatkClaytons,khavekyoukeverkactuallykgonekintokakst orekandkjustkboughtkstuff? k Harassingkyou? k Yes.kHarassingkme. k Youkwerekflustered,kifkIkrecall.kAndkthatkyoungkboykwaskallkoverkyou.kWha tkwaskhiskname? k Paul. k Onekofkyourkmanykadmirers. k Ikrollkmykeyes,kandkheksmileskakrelieved,kgenuineksmilekandk isseskme. k Thereskmykgirl,khekwhispers.kGetkdressed.kIkdontkwantkyoukgettingkcoldkagain. k Ready,kIkmurmur.kChristiankiskwor ingkonkthekMackinkthekstudykareakofkthek suite.kHeskdressedkinkblac kjeanskandkakgraykcable- nitksweater,kandkImkwearingkth ekjeans,kthekhoodie,kandkakwhitekT-shirt. k Youkloo ksokyoung,kChristianksaysksoftly,kglancingkup,khiskeyeskglowing.kAn dktokthin kyoullkbekakwholekyearkolderktomorrow.kHiskvoicekiskwistful.kIkgivekhimk aksadksmile. k Ikdontkfeelkmuchkli ekcelebrating.kCankwekgokseekRayknow? k Sure.kIkwishkyoudkeatksomething.kYoukbarelyktouchedkyourkfood. k Christian,kplease.kImkjustknotkhungry.kMaybekafterkwevekseenkRay.kIkwantkto kwishkhimkgoodnight. k AskwekarrivekatkthekICU,kwekmeetkJoskleaving.kHeskalone. k Ana,kChristian,khi. k Whereskyourkdad? k Hekwasktooktiredktokcomekbac .kHekwaskinkakcarkaccidentkthiskmorning,kJoskg rinskruefully.kAndkhiskpain illerskhavek ic edkin.kHekwaskoutkforkthekcount.kIkha dktokfightktokgetkinktokseekRayksincekImknotknextkofk in. k And?kIkas kanxiously. k Heskgood,kAna.kSamek.k.k.kbutkallkgood.

k Reliefkfloodskmyksystem.kNoknewskiskgoodknews. k Seekyouktomorrow,kbirthdaykgirl? k Sure.kWellkbekhere. k JoskeyeskChristiankquic lykthenkpullskmekintokakbriefkhug.kMaana. k Goodnight,kJos. k Good-bye,kJos,kChristianksays.kJosknodskandkwal skdownkthekcorridor.kHeskstill knutskaboutkyou,kChristianksayskquietly. k Nokhesknot.kAndkevenkifkhekisk.k.k.kIkshrugkbecausekrightknowkIkjustkdontkca re. k Christiankgiveskmekaktightksmile,kandkmykheartkmelts. k Wellkdone,kIkmurmur. k Hekfrowns. k Forknotkfrothingkatkthekmouth. k Hekgapeskatkme,kwoundedbutkamused,ktoo.kIvekneverkfrothed.kLetskseekyourkdad .kIkhavekaksurprisekforkyou. k Surprise?kMykeyeskwidenkinkalarm. k Come.kChristiankta eskmykhand,kandkwekpushkopenkthekdoublekdoorskofkthekIC U. k StandingkatkthekendkofkRayskbedkiskGrace,kdeepkinkdiscussionkwithkCroweka ndkaksecondkdoctor,kakwomankIveknotkseenkbefore.kSeeingkus,kGracekgrins. k Oh,kthan kheavens. k Christian.kShek isseskhiskchee ,kthenkturnsktokmekandkfoldskmekinkherkwarm kembrace. k Ana.kHowkarekyoukholdingkup? k Imkfine.kItskmykfatherkImkworriedkabout. k Heskinkgoodkhands.kDoctorkSluderkiskankexpertkinkherkfield.kWektrainedktog etherkatkYale. k Ohk.k.k. k Mrs.kGrey,kDr.kSluderkgreetskmekverykformally.kSheskshort-hairedkandkelfink withkakshyksmilekandkaksoftksouthernkaccent.kAskthekleadkphysiciankforkyourkfathe r,kImkpleasedktoktellkyoukthatkallkiskonktrac .kHiskvitalksignskarekstablekandkst rong.kWekhavekeverykfaithkthatkhellkma ekakcompletekrecovery.kThekbrainkswellingk haskstopped,kandkshowsksignskofkdecreasing.kThiskiskverykencouragingkafterksuchk akshortktime. k Thatskgoodknews,kIkmurmur. k Sheksmileskwarmlykatkme.kItkis,kMrs.kGrey.kWerekta ingkrealkgoodkcarekofkh im. k Greatktokseekyoukagain,kGrace. k Graceksmiles.kLi ewise,kLorraina. k Dr.kCrowe,kletskleavekthesekgoodkpeoplektokvisitkwithkMr.kSteele.kCrowekfol lowskinkDr.kSluderskwa ektokthekexit. k IkglancekoverkatkRay,kandkforkthekfirstktimeksincekhiskaccident,kIkfeelk morekhopeful.kDr.kSluderkandkGracesk indkwordskhavekre indledkmykhope. k Gracekta eskmykhandkandksqueezeskgently.kAna,ksweetheart,ksitkwithkhim.kT al ktokhim.kItskallkgood.kIllkvisitkwithkChristiankinkthekwaitingkroom. k Iknod.kChristianksmileskhiskreassurance,kandkhekandkhiskmotherkleavekmek withkmykbelovedkfatherksleepingkpeacefullyktokthekgentleklullabykofkhiskventilat orkandkheartkmonitor. k IkslipkChristianskwhitekT-shirtkonkandkgetkintokbed. k Youkseemkbrighter,kChristianksayskcautiouslykaskhekpullskonkhiskpajamas. k Yes.kIkthin ktal ingktokDr.kSluderkandkyourkmomkmadekakbigkdifference.kDi dkyoukas kGracektokcomekhere? k Christiankslideskintokbedkandkpullskmekintokhiskarms,kturningkmektokface kawaykfromkhim. k No.kShekwantedktokcomekandkchec konkyourkdadkherself. k Howkdidkshek now? k Ikcalledkherkthiskmorning. k Oh. k Baby,kyourekexhausted.kYoukshouldksleep. k Hmm,kIkmurmurkinkagreement.kHeskright.kImksoktired.kItskbeenkankemotionalkday

.kIkcranekmykheadkaroundkandkgazekatkhimkakbeat.kWereknotkgoingktokma eklove?kAnd kImkrelieved.kInkfact,kheskhadkaktotallykhands-offkapproachkwithkmekallkday.kIkwon derkifkIkshouldkbekalarmedkbykthiskturnkofkevents,kbutksincekmykinnerkgoddesskha skleftkthekbuildingkandkta enkmyklibidokwithkher,kIllkthin kaboutkitkinkthekmorni ng.kIkturnkoverkandksnugglekagainstkChristian,kwrappingkmyklegkoverkhis. k Promisekmeksomething,kheksaysksoftly. k Hmm?kItskakquestionkthatkIkamktooktiredktokarticulate. k Promisekmekyoullkeatksomethingktomorrow.kIkcankjustkaboutktoleratekyoukwea ringkanotherkmanskjac etkwithoutkfrothingkatkthekmouth,kbut,kAnak.k.k.kyoukmustke at.kPlease. k Hmm,kIkacquiesce.kHek isseskmykhair.kThan kyoukforkbeingkhere,kIkmumblekandk sleepilyk isskhiskchest. k WherekelsekwouldkIkbe?kIkwantktokbekwhereverkyoukare,kAna.kBeingkherekma eskmekthin kofkhowkfarkwevekcome.kAndktheknightkIkfirstksleptkwithkyou.kWhatkakni ghtkthatkwas.kIkwatchedkyoukforkhours.kYoukwerekjustk.k.k.kyar,khekbreathes.kIksm ilekagainstkhiskchest. k Sleep,khekmurmurs,kandkitskakcommand.kIkclosekmykeyeskandkdrift. k k k kkk k Ikstir,kopeningkmykeyesktokakbrightkSeptemberkmorning.kWarmkandkcomforta blekbetweenkclean,kcrispksheets,kIkta ekakmomentktokorientatekmyselfkandkamkover whelmedkbykaksensekofkdjakvu.kOfkcourse,kImkatkthekHeathman. k Shit!kDaddy!kIkgaspkoutkloud,krecallingkwithkakgut-wrenchingksurgekofkappr ehensionkthatktwistskmykheartkandkstartskitkpoundingkwhykImkinkPortland. k Hey.kChristiankisksittingkonkthekedgekofkthekbed.kHekstro eskmykchee kwith khisk nuc les,kinstantlykcalmingkme.kIkcalledkthekICUkthiskmorning.kRaykhadkakgoo dknight.kItskallkgood,kheksayskreassuringly. k Oh,kgood.kThan kyou,kIkmutter,ksittingkup. k Hekleanskinkandkpresseskhisklipsktokmykforehead.kGoodkmorning,kAna,khekwhi sperskandk isseskmyktemple. k Hi,kIkmutter.kHeskupkandkdressedkinkakblac kT-shirtkandkbluekjeans. k Hi,khekreplies,khiskeyesksoftkandkwarm.kIkwantktokwishkyoukhappykbirthday.k Iskthatko ay? k Ikofferkhimkaktentativeksmilekandkcaresskhiskchee .kYes,kofkcourse.kThan kyou.kForkeverything. k Hiskbrowkfurrows.kEverything? k Everything. k Hekloo skmomentarilykconfused,kbutkitskfleetingkandkhiskeyeskwidenkwithka nticipation.kHere.kHekhandskmekaksmall,kexquisitelykwrappedkboxkwithkaktinykgiftkc ard. k InkspitekofkthekworrykIkfeelkaboutkmykfather,kIksensekChristianskanxietyk andkexcitement,kandkitskinfectious.kIkreadkthekcard. k k k k k k k k kkk kkk

k k k kkk

k Ohkmy,khowksweetkiskthat?kIklovekyou,ktoo,kIkmurmur,ksmilingkatkhim. k Hekgrins.kOpenkit. k Unwrappingkthekpaperkcarefullyksokitkdoesntktear,kIkfindkakbeautifulkredk leatherkbox.kCartier.kItskfamiliar,kthan sktokmyksecond-chancekearringskandkmykwa tch.kCautiously,kIkopenkthekboxktokdiscoverkakdelicatekcharmkbraceletkofksilver, korkplatinumkorkwhitekgoldIkdontk now,kbutkitskabsolutelykenchanting.kAttachedktoki tkarekseveralkcharms:kthekEiffelkTower,kakLondonkblac kcab,kakhelicopterCharliekT ango,kakglidertheksoaring,kakcatamaranThekGrace,kakbed,kandkankicekcreamkcone?kIkl oo kupkatkhim,kbemused. k Vanilla?kHekshrugskapologetically,kandkIkcantkhelpkbutklaugh.kOfkcourse. k Christian,kthiskiskbeautiful.kThan kyou.kItskyar. k Hekgrins. k Mykfavoritekiskthekheart.kItskakloc et. k Youkcankputkakpicturekorkwhateverkinkthat. k Akpicturekofkyou.kIkglancekatkhimkthroughkmyklashes.kAlwayskinkmykheart. k Heksmileskhisklovely,kheartbrea inglykshyksmile. k Ikfondlektheklastktwokcharms:kakletterkCohkyes,kIkwaskhiskfirstkgirlfrien dktokusekhiskfirstkname.kIksmilekatkthekthought.kAndkfinally,kthereskak ey. k Tokmykheartkandksoul,khekwhispers. k Tearskpric kmykeyes.kIklaunchkmyselfkatkhim,kcurlingkmykarmskaroundkhisk nec kandksettlingkintokhisklap.kItsksuchkakthoughtfulkpresent.kIklovekit.kThan kyo u,kIkmurmurkagainstkhiskear.kOh,kheksmellsksokgoodclean,kofkfreshklinen,kbodykwash ,kandkChristian.kLi ekhome,kmykhome.kMykthreatenedktearskbeginktokfall. k Hekgroansksoftlykandkenfoldskmekinkhiskembrace. k Ikdontk nowkwhatkIdkdokwithoutkyou.kMykvoicekcrac skaskIktryktokholdkbac kth ekoverwhelmingkswellkofkemotion. k Hekswallowskhardkandktightenskhiskholdkonkme.kPleasekdontkcry. k Iksniffkinkakratherkunladyli ekway.kImksorry.kImkjustksokhappykandksadkandk anxiouskatktheksamektime.kItskbittersweet. k Hey.kHiskvoicekiskfeatherksoft.kTippingkmykheadkbac ,khekplantskakgentlek isskonkmyklips.kIkunderstand. k Ik now,kIkwhisper,kandkImkrewardedkwithkhiskshyksmilekagain. k Ikwishkwekwerekinkhappierkcircumstanceskandkatkhome.kButkwerekhere.kHekshru gskapologeticallykoncekmore.kCome,kupkyoukgo.kAfterkbrea fast,kwellkchec konkRay. k OncekdressedkinkmyknewkjeanskandkT-shirt,kmykappetitekma eskakbriefkbutk welcomekreturnkduringkbrea fastkinkourksuite.kIk nowkChristiankiskpleasedktoksee kmekeatingkmykgranolakandkGree kyogurt. k Than kyoukforkorderingkmykfavoritekbrea fast. k Itskyourkbirthday,kChristianksaysksoftly.kAndkyoukhavektokstopkthan ingkme.kH ekrollskhiskeyeskinkexasperation,kbutkfondly,kIkthin . k Ikjustkwantkyouktok nowkthatkIkappreciatekit. k Anastasia,kitskwhatkIkdo.kHiskexpressionkiskseriousofkcourse,kChristiankinkc ommandkandkcontrol.kHowkcouldkIkforgetk.k.k.kWouldkIkwantkhimkanykotherkway? k Iksmile.kYes,kitkis. k Hekgiveskmekakpuzzledkloo kthenksha eskhiskhead.kShallkwekgo? k Illkjustkbrushkmykteeth. k Heksmir s.kO ay. k Whykiskheksmir ing?kThekthoughtknagskmekaskIkheadkintokthekenksuite.kAkm emorykspringskunbiddenktokmykmind.kIkusedkhisktoothbrushkafterkIkfirstkspentkthe knightkwithkhim.kIksmir kandkgrabkhisktoothbrushkinkhomagektokthatkfirstktime.kG azingkatkmyselfkaskIkbrushkmykteeth,kImkpale,ktookpale.kButkthenkImkalwayskpale.kT heklastktimekIkwaskherekIkwasksingle,kandknowkImkmarriedkatktwenty-two!kImkgetting kold.kIkrinsekoutkmykmouth. k Holdingkupkmykwrist,kIksha ekit,kandkthekcharmskonkmykbraceletkgivekaksa

tisfyingkrattle.kHowkdoeskmyksweetkFiftykalwaysk nowkexactlykthekrightkthingktok givekme?kIkta ekakdeepkbreath,kattemptingktokstemkthekemotionkstillklur ingkinkm yksystem,kandkgazekdownkatkthekbraceletkoncekmore.kIkbetkitkcostkakfortune.kAhk. k.k.kwell.kHekcankaffordkit. k Askwekwal ktokthekelevators,kChristiankta eskmykhandkandk isseskmyk nuc les,khiskthumbkbrushingkoverkCharliekTangokonkmykbracelet.kYoukli e? k Morekthankli e.kIklovekit.kVerykmuch.kLi ekyou. k Heksmileskandk isseskmyk nuc leskoncekmore.kIkfeelklighterkthankIkdidkye sterday.kPerhapskbecausekitskmorningkandkthekworldkalwayskseemskakmorekhopefulkpl acekthankitkdoeskinkthekdeadkofknight.kOrkmaybekitskmykhusbandsksweetkwa e-up.kOrk maybekitsk nowingkthatkRaykisknokworse. k Askwekstepkintokthekemptykelevator,kIkglancekupkatkChristian.kHiskeyeskf lic erkquic lykdownktokmine,kandkheksmir skagain. k Dont,khekwhisperskaskthekdoorskshut. k Dontkwhat? k Loo katkmekli ekthat. k Fuc kthekpaperwor ,kIkmutter,kgrinning. k Heklaughs,kandkitsksuchkakcarefree,kboyishksound.kHektugskmekintokhiskarm skandktiltskmykheadkup.kSomeday,kIllkrentkthiskelevatorkforkakwholekafternoon. k Justkthekafternoon?kIkarchkmykbrow. k Mrs.kGrey,kyoukarekgreedy. k Whenkitkcomesktokyou,kIkam. k Imkverykgladktokhearkit.kHek isseskmekgently. k AndkIkdontk nowkifkitskbecausekwekarekinkthiskelevatorkorkbecausekhesknotkt ouchedkmekinkoverktwenty-fourkhourskorkifkheskjustkmykintoxicatingkhusband,kbutkd esirekunwindskandkstretchesklazilykdeepkinkmykbelly.kIkrunkmykfingerskintokhiskh airkandkdeepenkthek iss,kpushingkhimkagainstkthekwallkandkbringingkmykbodykflush kagainstkhis. k Hekgroanskintokmykmouthkandkcupskmykhead,kcradlingkmekaskwek issreallyk i ss,kourktongueskexploringkthekoh-so-familiarkbutkstillkoh-so-new,koh-so-exciting kterritorykthatkiskthekotherskmouth.kMykinnerkgoddesskswoons,kbringingkmyklibidok bac kfromkpurdah.kIkcaresskhiskdear,kdearkfacekinkmykhands. k Ana,khekbreathes. k Iklovekyou,kChristiankGrey.kDontkforgetkthat,kIkwhisperkaskIkgazekintokdar eningkgraykeyes. k Thekelevatorkcomesksmoothlyktokakhaltkandkthekdoorskopen. k LetskgokandkseekyourkfatherkbeforekIkdecidektokrentkthisktoday.kHek isseskm ekquic ly,kta eskmykhand,kandkleadskmekintoktheklobby. k Askwekwal kpastkthekconcierge,kChristiankgiveskakdiscreetksignalktokthek indlykmiddle-agedkmankstandingkbehindkthekdes .kHeknodskandkpic skupkhiskphone. kIkglancekquestioninglykatkChristian,kandkhekgiveskmekhisksecretksmile.kIkfrownk atkhim,kandkforkakmomentkhekloo sknervous. k WhereskTaylor?kIkas . k Wellkseekhimkshortly. k Ofkcourse,kheskprobablykfetchingkthekcar.kSawyer? k Runningkerrands. k Whatkerrands? k Christiankavoidskthekrevolvingkdoor,kandkIk nowkitsksokhekdoesntkhavektokr eleasekmykhand.kThekthoughtkwarmskme.kOutsidekitskakmildklate-summerkmorning,kbut kthekscentkofkthekcomingkfallkiskinkthekbreeze.kIkglancekaround,kloo ingkforkthe kAudikSUVkandkTaylor.kNoksign.kChristianskhandktightenskaroundkmine,kandkIkloo ku pkatkhim.kHekseemskanxious. k Whatkiskit? k Hekshrugs.kThekhumkofkankapproachingkcarkenginekdistractskme.kItskthroaty k.k.k.kfamiliar.kAskIkturnktokfindktheksourcekofktheknoise,kitkstopsksuddenly.kT aylorkiskclimbingkoutkofkakslee kwhiteksportskcarkpar edkinkfrontkofkus. k Ohkshit!kItskankR8.kIkwhipkmykheadkbac ktokChristian,kwhoskwatchingkmekwar ily.kYoukcankbuykmekonekforkmykbirthdayk.k.k.kakwhitekone,kIkthin . k Happykbirthday,kheksays,kandkIk nowkheskgaugingkmykreaction.kIkgapekatkhimk becausekthatskallkIkcankdo.kHekholdskoutkak ey.

k Youkarekcompletelykoverkthektop,kIkwhisper.kHeskboughtkmekakfuc ingkAudikR8 !kHolykshit.kJustkli ekIkas ed!kMykfaceksplitskinkakhugekgrin,kandkmykinnerkgodd esskdoeskakbac flipkoffkthekhighkdive.kIkjumpkupkandkdownkonkthekspotkinkakmomen tkofkunguardedkandkunbridledkoverexcitement.kChristianskexpressionkmirrorskmine,k andkIkdancekforwardkintokhiskwaitingkarms.kHekswingskmekaround. k Youkhavekmorekmoneykthanksense!kIkwhoop.kIklovekit!kThan kyou.kHekstopskandk dipskmeklowksuddenly,kstartlingkme,ksokthatkIkhavektokgraspkhiskupperkarms. k Anythingkforkyou,kMrs.kGrey.kHekgrinskdownkatkme.kOhkmy.kWhatkakverykpubli ckdisplaykofkaffection.kHekbendskandk isseskme.kCome.kLetskgokseekyourkdad. k Yes.kAndkIkgetktokdrive? k Hekgrinskdownkatkme.kOfkcourse.kItskyours.kHekstandskmekupkandkreleaseskme, kandkIkhurrykaroundktokthekdriverskdoor. k Taylorkopenskitkforkme,ksmilingkbroadly.kHappykbirthday,kMrs.kGrey. k Than kyou,kTaylor.kIkstartlekhimkbykgivingkhimkakswiftkhug,kwhichkhekretur nskaw wardly.kHeskstillkblushingkwhenkIkclimbkintokthekcar,kandkhekcloseskthekdoo rkpromptlykoncekImkinside. k Driveksafe,kMrs.kGrey,kheksayskgruffly.kIkbeamkupkatkhim,kbarelykablektokc ontainkmykexcitement. k Willkdo.kIkpromise,kputtingkthek eykinkthekignitionkaskChristiankstretches koutkbesidekme. k Ta ekitkeasy.kNobodykchasingkusknow,khekwarns.kWhenkIkturnkthek ey,ktheken ginekthundersktoklife.kIkchec kthekrearviewkandksidekmirrors,kandkspottingkakrar ekmomentkofkclearktraffic,kexecutekakhugekperfectkU-turnkandkroarkoffkinkthekdir ectionkofkOSHU. k Whoa!kChristiankexclaims,kalarmed. k What? k IkdontkwantkyoukinkthekICUkbesidekyourkfather.kSlowkdown,khekgrowls,knotkto kbekarguedkwith.kIkeasekoffkthekacceleratorkandkgrinkatkhim. k Better? k Much,khekmutters,ktryingkhardktokloo ksternandkfailingkmiserably. k Rayskconditionkisktheksame.kSeeingkhimkgroundskmekafterkthekheadykroadktr ipkhere.kIkreallykshouldkdrivekmorekcarefully.kYoukcantklegislatekforkeverykdrun kdriverkinkthiskworld.kIkmustkas kChristiankwhatskbecomekofkthekassholekwhokhitkR ayImksurekhek nows.kInkspitekofkthektubes,kmykfatherkloo skcomfortable,kandkIkthin khekhaskaklittlekmorekcolorkinkhiskchee s.kWhilekIktellkhimkaboutkmykmorning,kC hristiankwanderskoffktokthekwaitingkroomktokma ekphonekcalls. k NursekKelliekhovers,kchec ingkRaysklineskandkma ingknoteskonkhiskchart.kAl lkhisksignskarekgood,kMrs.kGrey.kSheksmilesk indlykatkme. k Thatskverykencouraging. k AklittleklaterkDr.kCrowekappearskwithktwoknursingkassistantskandksayskwa rmly,kMrs.kGrey,ktimektokta ekyourkfatherkupktokradiology.kWerekgivingkhimkakCTksc an.kTokseekhowkhiskbrainkiskdoing. k Willkyoukbeklong? k Upktokankhour. k Illkwait.kIdkli ektok now. k Surekthing,kMrs.kGrey. k Ikwanderkintokthekthan fullykemptykwaitingkroomkwherekChristiankisktal i ngkonkthekphone,kpacing.kAskhekspea s,khekgazeskoutkofkthekwindowkatkthekpanoram ickviewkofkPortland.kHekturnsktokmekwhenkIkshutkthekdoor,kandkhekloo skangry. k Howkfarkabovektheklimit?k.k.k.kIkseek.k.k.kAllkcharges,keverything.kAnaskf atherkiskinkthekICUIkwantkyouktokthrowkthekfuc ingkboo katkhim,kDadk.k.k.kGood.kK eepkmekinformed.kHekhangskup. k Thekotherkdriver? k Heknods.kSomekdrun enktrailerktrashkfromkSoutheastkPortland.kHeksneers,kan dkImkshoc edkbykhiskterminologykandkhiskderisoryktone.kHekwal skoverktokme,kandkh isktoneksoftens. k FinishedkwithkRay?kDokyoukwantktokgo? k Umk.k.k.kno.kIkpeerkupkatkhim,kstillkreelingkatkhiskdisplaykofkcontempt. k Whatskwrong? k Nothing.kRayskbeingkta enktokradiologykforkakCTkscanktokchec kthekswelling

kinkhiskbrain.kIdkli ektokwaitkforkthekresults. k O ay.kWellkwait.kHeksitskdownkandkholdskoutkhiskarms.kAskwerekalone,kIkgokwi llinglykandkcurlkupkinkhisklap. k ThiskisknotkhowkIkenvisagedkspendingktoday,kChristiankmurmurskintokmykhair . k Mekneither,kbutkImkfeelingkmorekpositiveknow.kYourkmomkwaskverykreassuring .kItkwask indkofkherktokcomeklastknight. k Christiankstro eskmykbac kandkrestskhiskchinkonkmykhead.kMykmomkiskankama zingkwoman. k Shekis.kYourekverykluc yktokhavekher. k Christianknods. k Ikshouldkcallkmykmom.kTellkherkaboutkRay,kIkmurmurkandkChristiankstiffens. kImksurprisedkshekhasntkcalledkme.kIkfrownkinkakmomentkofkrealization.kInkfact,kIkfe elkhurt.kItskmykbirthdaykafterkall,kandkshekwasktherekwhenkIkwaskborn.kWhykhasntks hekcalled? k Maybekshekdid,kChristianksays.kIkfishkmykBlac Berrykoutkofkmykpoc et.kItks howsknokmissedkcalls,kbutkquitekakfewktexts:khappykbirthdayskfromkKate,kJos,kMia, kandkEthan.kNothingkfromkmykmother.kIksha ekmykheadkdespondently. k Callkherknow,kheksaysksoftly.kIkdo,kbutktheresknokreply,kjustkthekanswering kmachine.kIkdontkleavekakmessage.kHowkcankmykownkmotherkforgetkmykbirthday? k Shesknotkthere.kIllkcallklaterkwhenkIk nowkthekresultskofkthekbrainkscan. k Christianktightenskhiskarmskaroundkme,knuzzlingkmykhairkoncekmore,kandkw iselykma esknokcommentkonkmykmothersklac kofkmaternalkconcern.kIkfeelkratherkthan khearkthekbuzzkofkhiskBlac Berry.kHekdoesntkletkmekstandkupkbutkfisheskitkaw ward lykoutkofkhiskpoc et. k Andrea,kheksnaps,kbusinessli ekagain.kIkma ekanotherkmovektokstandkandkhek stopskme,kfrowningkandkholdingkmektightlykaroundkmykwaist.kIknestlekbac kagainst khiskchestkandklistenktokthekone-sidedkconversation. k Goodk.k.k.kETAkiskwhatktime?k.k.k.kAndkthekother,kumk.k.k.kpac ages?kChris tiankglanceskatkhiskwatch.kDoeskthekHeathmankhavekallkthekdetails?k.k.k.kGoodk.k. k.kYes.kItkcankholdkuntilkMondaykmorning,kbutke-mailkitkjustkinkcaseIllkprint,ksig n,kandkscankitkbac ktokyouk.k.k.kTheykcankwait.kGokhome,kAndreak.k.k.kNo,kwerekgo od,kthan kyou.kHekhangskup. k Everythingko ay? k Yes. k IskthiskyourkTaiwankthing? k Yes.kHekshiftskbeneathkme. k AmkIktookheavy? k Heksnorts.kNo,kbaby. k ArekyoukworriedkaboutkthekTaiwankthing? k No. k Ikthoughtkitkwaskimportant. k Itkis.kThekshipyardkherekdependskonkit.kTherekareklotskofkjobskatksta e. k Oh! k Wekjustkhavektoksellkitktokthekunions.kThatskSamkandkRosskjob.kButkthekwayk thekeconomyskheading,knonekofkuskhavekaklotkofkchoice. k Ikyawn. k AmkIkboringkyou,kMrs.kGrey?kHeknuzzleskmykhairkagain,kamused. k No!kNeverk.k.k.kImkjustkverykcomfortablekonkyourklap.kIkli ekhearingkabout kyourkbusiness. k Youkdo?kHeksoundsksurprised. k Ofkcourse.kIkleankbac ktokgazekdirectlykatkhim.kIkli ekhearingkanykbitkofki nformationkyoukdeignktoksharekwithkme.kIksmir ,kandkhekregardskmekwithkamusementk andksha eskhiskhead. k Alwayskhungrykforkmorekinformation,kMrs.kGrey. k Tellkme.kIkurgekhimkaskIksnugglekupkagainstkhiskchestkagain. k Tellkyoukwhat? k Whykyoukdokit. k Dokwhat? k Wor kthekwaykyoukdo.

k Akguyskgotktokearnkakliving.kHeskamused. k Christian,kyoukearnkmorekthankakliving.kMykvoicekiskfullkofkirony.kHekfrow nskandkiskquietkforkakmoment.kIkthin khesknotkgoingktokdivulgekanyksecrets,kbutkh eksurpriseskme. k Ikdontkwantktokbekpoor,kheksays,khiskvoiceklow.kIvekdonekthat.kImknotkgoingkba c ktherekagain.kBesidesk.k.k.kitskakgame,khekmurmurs.kItskaboutkwinning.kAkgamekIveka lwayskfoundkverykeasy. k Unli eklife,kIkmurmurktokmyself.kThenkIkrealizekIksaidkthekwordskoutkloud. k Yes,kIksuppose.kHekfrowns.kThoughkitskeasierkwithkyou. k Easierkwithkme?kIkhugkhimktightly.kItkcantkallkbekakgame.kYourekverykphilan thropic. k Hekshrugs,kandkIk nowkheskgrowingkuncomfortable.kAboutksomekthings,kmaybe,k heksayskquietly. k IklovekphilanthropickChristian,kIkmurmur. k Justkhim? k Oh,kIklovekmegalomaniackChristian,ktoo,kandkcontrol-frea kChristian,ksexp ertisekChristian,k in ykChristian,kromantickChristian,kshykChristiank.k.k.kthekl istkiskendless. k ThatskakwholeklotkofkChristians. k Idksaykatkleastkfifty. k Heklaughs.kFiftykShades,khekmurmurskintokmykhair. k MykFiftykShades. k Hekshifts,ktippingkmykheadkbac ,kandk isseskme.kWell,kMrs.kShades,kletskse ekhowkyourkdadkiskdoing. k O ay. k Cankwekgokforkakdrive? k ChristiankandkIkarekbac kinkthekR8,kandkImkfeelingkgiddilykbuoyant.kRayskb rainkiskbac ktoknormalallkswellingkgone.kDr.kSluderkhaskdecidedktokwa ekhimkfromk hiskcomaktomorrow.kSheksaysksheskpleasedkwithkhiskprogress. k Sure.kChristiankgrinskatkme.kItskyourkbirthdaywekcankdokanythingkyoukwant. k Oh!kHisktonekma eskmekturnkandkgazekatkhim.kHiskeyeskarekdar . k Anything? k Anything. k Howkmuchkpromisekcankhekloadkintokonekword?kWell,kIkwantktokdrive. k Thenkdrive,kbaby.kHekgrins,kandkIkgrinkbac . k Mykcarkhandleskli ekakdream,kandkaskwekhitkthekI-5,kIksubtlykputkmykfoot kdown,kforcingkuskbothkbac kinkourkseats. k Steady,kbaby,kChristiankwarns. k Askwekdrivekbac kintokPortland,kankideakoccursktokme. k Havekyoukplannedklunch?kIkas kChristianktentatively. k No.kYourekhungry?kHeksoundskhopeful. k Yes. k Wherekdokyoukwantktokgo?kItskyourkday,kAna. k Ik nowkjustkthekplace. k IkpullkupknearkthekgallerykwherekJoskexhibitedkhiskwor kandkpar krightkou tsidekthekLekPicotinkrestaurantkwherekwekwentkafterkJosskshow. k Christiankgrins.kForkonekminutekIkthoughtkyoukwerekgoingktokta ekmektokth atkdreadfulkbarkyoukdrun kdialedkmekfrom. k WhykwouldkIkdokthat? k Tokchec kthekazaleaskarekstillkalive.kHekarcheskaksardonickbrow. k Ikblush.kDontkremindkme!kBesidesk.k.k.kyoukstillktoo kmektokyourkhotelkroo m.kIksmir . k BestkdecisionkIkeverkmade,kheksays,khiskeyesksoftkandkwarm. k Yes.kItkwas.kIkleankoverkandk isskhim. k Dokyoukthin kthatksuperciliouskfuc erkiskstillkwaitingktables?kChristianka s s. k Supercilious?kIkthoughtkhekwaskfine. k Hekwasktryingktokimpresskyou. k Well,kheksucceeded. k Christianskmouthktwistskinkamusedkdisgust.

k Shallkwekgoksee?kIkoffer. k Leadkon,kMrs.kGrey. k Afterklunchkandkakquic kdetourktokthekHeathmanktokpic kupkChristiansklapt op,kwekreturnktokthekhospital.kIkspendkthekafternoonkwithkRay,kreadingkaloudkfro mkonekofkthekmanuscriptskIvekbeenksent.kMykonlykaccompanimentkisktheksoundkofkthe kmachineryk eepingkhimkalive,k eepingkhimkwithkme.kNowkthatkIk nowkheskma ingkpro gress,kIkcankbreathekaklittlekeasierkandkrelax.kImkhopeful.kHekjustkneedsktimekto kgetkwell.kIvekgotktimeIkcankgivekhimkthat.kIkwonderkidlykifkIkshouldktrykcallingk Momkagain,kbutkdecidektokdokitklater.kIkholdkRayskhandklooselykaskIkreadktokhim,k squeezingkitkoccasionally,kwillingkhimktokbekwell.kHiskfingerskfeelksoftkandkwar mkbeneathkmyktouch.kHekstillkhaskthekindentationkonkhiskfingerkwherekhekworekhis kweddingkringevenkafterkallkthisktime. k Ankhourkorktwoklater,kIkdontk nowkhowklong,kIkglancekupktokseekChristian, klaptopkinkhand,kstandingkatkthekendkofkRayskbedkwithkNursekKellie. k Itsktimektokgo,kAna. k Oh.kIkclaspkRayskhandktightly.kIkdontkwantktokleavekhim. k Ikwantktokfeedkyou.kCome.kItsklate.kChristianksoundskinsistent. k ImkaboutktokgivekMr.kSteelekakspongekbath,kNursekKellieksays. k O ay.kIkconcede.kWellkbekbac ktomorrowkmorning. k Ik isskRaykonkhiskchee ,kfeelingkhiskunfamiliarkstubblekbeneathkmyklips. kIkdontkli ekit.kKeepkgettingkbetter,kDaddy.kIklovekyou. k k Ikthoughtkwedkdinekdownstairs.kInkakprivatekroom,kChristianksays,kakgleamki nkhiskeyekaskhekopenskthekdoorktokourksuite. k Really?kFinishkwhatkyoukstartedkakfewkmonthskago? k Heksmir s.kIfkyourekverykluc y,kMrs.kGrey. k Iklaugh.kChristian,kIkdontkhavekanythingkdressyktokwear. k Heksmiles,kholdskoutkhiskhand,kandkleadskmekintokthekbedroom.kHekopenskt hekwardrobektokrevealkaklargekwhitekdresskbagkhangingkinside. k Taylor?kIkas . k Christian,khekreplies,kforcefulkandkwoundedkatkonce.kHisktonekma eskmeklau gh.kUnzippingkthekbag,kIkfindkaknavyksatinkdresskandkeasekitkout.kItskgorgeousfitt edkwithkthinkstraps.kItkloo sksmall. k Itsklovely.kThan kyou.kIkhopekitkfits. k Itkwill,kheksayskconfidently.kAndkherehekpic skupkakshoeboxshoesktokmatch.kHe veskmekakwolfishksmile. k Youkthin kofkeverything.kThan kyou.kIkstretchkupkandk isskhim. k Ikdo.kHekhandskmekyetkanotherkbag. k Ikgazekatkhimkquizzically.kInsidekiskakblac kstraplesskbodysuitkwithkakc entralkpanelkofklace.kHekcaresseskmykface,ktiltskmykchin,kandk isseskme. k Ikloo kforwardktokta ingkthiskoffkyouklater. k Freshkoutkofkmykbath,kwashed,kshavedkandkfeelingkpampered,kIksitkonkthek edgekofkthekbedkandkstartkupkthekhairkdryer.kChristiankwanderskintokthekbedroom. kIkthin kheskbeenkwor ing. k Here,kletkme,kheksays,kpointingktokthekchairkinkfrontkofkthekdressingktabl e. k Drykmykhair? k Heknods.kIkblin katkhim. k Come,kheksays,kregardingkmekintently.kIk nowkthatkexpression,kandkIk nowkb etterkthanktokdisobey.kSlowlykandkmethodicallykhekdrieskmykhair,konekloc katkakt ime.kHeskobviouslykdonekthiskbeforek.k.k.koften. k Youreknokstrangerktokthis,kIkmurmur.kHisksmilekiskreflectedkinkthekmirror,k butkheksaysknothingkandkcontinuesktokbrushkthroughkmykhair.kHmmk.k.k.kitskverykre laxing. k Whenkwekstepkintokthekelevatorkonkourkwayktokdinner,kwekareknotkalone.kC hristiankloo skdeliciouskinkhisksignaturekwhiteklinenkshirt,kblac kjeanskandkjac et.kNoktie.kThektwokwomenkinsidekshootkadmiringkglanceskatkhimkandklesskgenerou skoneskatkme.kIkhidekmyksmile.kYes,kladies,kheskmine.kChristiankta eskmykhandkand kpullskmekclosekaskwektravelkinksilencekdownktokthekmezzanineklevel. k Itskbusy,kfullkofkpeoplekdressedkupkforkthekevening,ksittingkaroundkchatt

ingkandkdrin ing,kstartingktheirkSaturdayknight.kIkamkgratefulkthatkIkfitkin.kTh ekdresskhugskme,ks immingkoverkmykcurveskandkholdingkeverythingkinkplace.kIkhave ktoksay,kIkfeelk.k.k.kattractivekwearingkit.kIk nowkChristiankapproves. k Atkfirst,kIkthin kwerekheadingkforkthekprivatekdiningkroomkwherekwekfirst kdiscussedkthekcontract,kbutkhekleadskmekpastkthatkdoorwaykandkonktokthekfarkend kwherekhekopenskthekdoorktokanotherkwoodkpaneledkroom. k Surprise! k Oh,kmy.kKatekandkElliot,kMiakandkEthan,kCarric kandkGrace,kMr.kRodriguez kandkJos,kandkmykmotherkandkBobkarekallktherekraisingktheirkglasses.kIkstandkgapi ngkatkthem,kspeechless.kHow?kWhen?kIkturnkinkconsternationktokChristian,kandkhek squeezeskmykhand.kMykmomkstepskforwardkandkwrapskherkarmskaroundkme.kOh,kMom! k Darling,kyoukloo kbeautiful.kHappykbirthday. k Mom!kIksob,kembracingkher.kOhkMommy.kTearskstreamkdownkmykfacekdespitekthe kaudience,kandkIkburykmykfacekinkherknec . k Honey,kdarling.kDontkcry.kRaykwillkbeko ay.kHesksuchkakstrongkman.kDontkcry. kNotkonkyourkbirthday.kHerkvoicekcrac s,kbutkshekmaintainskherkcomposure.kShekgra spskmykfacekinkherkhandskandkwithkherkthumbskwipeskawaykmyktears. k Ikthoughtkyoudkforgotten. k Oh,kAna!kHowkcouldkI?kSeventeenkhourskofklaborkisknotksomethingkyoukeasil ykforget. k Ikgigglekthroughkmyktears,kandksheksmiles. k Drykyourkeyes,khoney.kLotskofkpeoplekarekherektoksharekyourkspecialkday. k Iksniffle,knotkwantingktokloo katkanyonekelsekinkthekroom,kembarrassedka ndkthrilledkthatkeveryonekhaskmadeksuchkankeffortktokcomekandkseekme. k Howkdidkyoukgetkhere?kWhenkdidkyoukarrive? k Yourkhusbandksentkhiskplane,kdarling.kShekgrins,kimpressed. k AndkIklaugh.kThan kyoukforkcoming,kMom.kShekwipeskmyknosekwithkaktissuekas konlykakmotherkwould.kMom!kIkscold,kcomposingkmyself. k Thatskbetter.kHappykbirthday,kdarling.kShekstepskasidekwhilekeveryoneklines kupktokhugkmekandkwishkmekhappykbirthday. k Heskdoingkwell,kAna.kDr.kSluderkiskthekonekofkthekbestkinkthekcountry.kHap pykbirthday,kAngel.kGracekhugskme. k Youkcrykallkyoukwantkto,kAnaitskyourkparty.kJoskembraceskme. k Happykbirthday,kdarlingkgirl.kCarric ksmiles,kcuppingkmykface. k Supkbabe?kYourkoldkmankwillkbekfine.kElliotkenfoldskmekinkhiskarms.kHappykbi rthday. k O ay.kTa ingkmykhand,kChristiankpullskmekfromkElliotskembrace.kEnoughkfondli ngkmykwife.kGokfondlekyourkfiance. k Elliotkgrinskwic edlykatkhimkandkwin skatkKate. k AkwaiterkIkhadntknoticedkbeforekpresentskChristiankandkmekwithkglasseskof kpin kchampagne. k Christiankclearskhiskthroat.kThiskwouldkbekakperfectkdaykifkRaykwerekhere kwithkus,kbutkhesknotkfarkaway.kHeskdoingkwell,kandkIk nowkhedkli ekyouktokenjoykyo urself,kAna.kTokallkofkyou,kthan kyoukforkcomingktoksharekmykbeautifulkwifeskbirt hday,kthekfirstkofkmanyktokcome.kHappykbirthday,kmyklove.kChristiankraiseskhiskgl assktokmekamidkakchoruskofkhappykbirthdays,kandkIkhavektokfightkagainktok eepkmy ktearskatkbay. k Ikwatchkthekanimatedkconversationskaroundkthekdinnerktable.kItskstrangekt okbekcocoonedkinkthekbosomkofkmykfamily,k nowingkthekmankIkconsiderkmykfatherkis konkaklifeksupportkmachinekinkthekcoldkclinicalkenvironskofkthekICU.kImkdetachedk fromkthekproceedingskbutkgratefulkthatktheyrekallkhere.kWatchingktheksparringkbet weenkElliotkandkChristian,kJosskreadykwarmkwit,kMiaskexcitementkandkherkenthusiasmk forkthekfood,kEthankslylykwatchingkher.kIkthin khekli eskherk.k.k.kthoughkitskhar dktoktell.kMr.kRodriguezkisksittingkbac ,kli ekme,kenjoyingkthekconversations.kH ekloo skbetter.kRested.kJoskiskverykattentivektokhim,kcuttingkhiskfood,k eepingkh iskglasskfilled.kHavingkhisksurvivingkparentkcomeksokclosektokdeathkhaskmadekJosk appreciatekMr.kRodriguezkmorek.k.k.kIk now. k IkgazekatkMom.kSheskinkherkelement,kcharming,kwitty,kandkwarm.kIklovekher ksokmuch.kIkmustkrememberktoktellkher.kLifekisksokprecious,kIkrealizekthatknow. k Youko ay?kKatekas skinkankuncharacteristicallykgentlekvoice.

k Iknodkandkclaspkherkhand.kYes.kThan skforkcoming. k Youkthin kMr.kMegabuc skcouldk eepkmekawaykfromkyoukonkyourkbirthday?kWek gotktokflykinkthekhelicopter!kShekgrins. k Really? k Yes.kAllkofkus.kAndktokthin kChristiankcankflykit. k Iknod. k Thatsk indakhot. k Yeah,kIkthin kso. k Wekgrin. k Arekyoukstayingkherektonight?kIkas . k Yes.kWekallkare,kIkthin .kYouk newknothingkaboutkthis? k Iksha ekmykhead. k Smooth,kisntkhe? k Iknod. k Whatkdidkhekgetkyoukforkyourkbirthday? k This.kIkholdkupkmykbracelet. k Oh,kcute! k Yes. k London,kParisk.k.k.kicekcream? k Youkdontkwantktok now. k Ikcankguess. k Weklaugh,kandkIkblush,krecallingkBenk&kJerrysk&kAna. k Ohk.k.k.kandkankR8. k Katekspitskherkwinekratherkunattractivelykdownkherkchin,kma ingkuskbothk laughksomekmore. k Overkthektopkbastard,kisntkhe?kShekgiggles. k ForkdessertkIkamkpresentedkwithkaksumptuouskchocolatekca ekblazingkwithk twenty-twoksilverkcandleskandkakrousingkchoruskofkHappykBirthday.kGracekwatcheskCh ristianksingingkwithkthekrestkofkmykfriendskandkfamily,kandkherkeyeskshinekwithk love.kCatchingkmykeye,kshekblowskmekak iss. k Ma ekakwish,kChristiankwhispersktokme.kInkonekbreathkIkblowkoutkallkthekca ndles,kferventlykwillingkmykfatherkbetter.kDaddy,kgetkwell.kPleasekgetkwell.kIkl ovekyoukso. k Atkmidnight,kMr.kRodriguezkandkJoskta ektheirkleave. k Than kyouksokmuchkforkcoming.kIkhugkJosktightly. k Wouldntkmisskitkforkthekworld.kGladkRayskheadingkinkthekrightkdirection. k Yes.kYou,kMr.kRodriguez,kandkRaykhavektokcomekfishingkwithkChristiankinkA spen. k Yeah?kSoundskcool.kJoskgrinskbeforekhekleavesktokfetchkhiskfatherskcoat,kand kIkcrouchkdownktoksaykgood-byektokMr.kRodriguez. k Youk nowkAna,ktherekwaskaktimek.k.k.kwell,kIkthoughtkyoukandkJosk.k.k.kHisk voicekfades,kandkhekgazeskatkme,khiskdar kgazekintensekbutkloving. k Ohkno. k Imkverykfondkofkyourkson,kMr.kRodriguez,kbutkheskli ekakbrotherktokme. k Youkwouldkhavekmadekonekfinekdaughter-in-law.kAndkyoukdo.kTokthekGreys.kHe ksmileskwistfullykandkIkblush. k Ikhopekyoullksettlekforkfriend. k Ofkcourse.kYourkhusbandkiskakfinekman.kYoukchosekwell,kAna. k Ikthin kso,kIkwhisper.kIklovekhimkso.kIkhugkMr.kRodriguez. k Treatkhimkgood,kAna. k Ikwill,kIkpromise. k Christiankcloseskthekdoorktokourksuite. k Alonekatklast,khekmurmurs,kleaningkbac kagainstkthekdoor,kwatchingkme. k Ikstepktowardkhimkandkrunkmykfingerskoverktheklapelskofkhiskjac et.kThan kyoukforkakwonderfulkbirthday.kYoukreallykarekthekmostkthoughtful,kconsiderate,k generouskhusband. k Mykpleasure. k Yesk.k.k.kyourkpleasure.kLetskdoksomethingkaboutkthat,kIkwhisper.kTightenin gkmykhandskaroundkhisklapels,kIkpullkhisklipsktokmine. k kkk

k Afterkakcommunalkbrea fast,kIkopenkallkmykpresentskthenkgivekakserieskof kcheerykgood-byesktokallkthekGreyskandkthekKavanaghskwhokwillkbekreturningktokSe attlekviakCharliekTango.kMykmom,kChristian,kandkIkheadkupktokthekhospitalkwithkT aylorkdrivingksincekthekthreekofkuskwouldknotkfitkintokmykR8.kBobkhaskdeclinedkt okvisit,kandkImksecretlykglad.kItdkbekjustktookweird,kandkImksurekRaykwouldntkapprec iatekBobkseeingkhimkatkanythingklesskthankhiskbest. k Raykloo skmuchktheksame.kHairier.kMomkiskshoc edkwhenkshekseeskhim,kandk togetherkwekcrykaklittlekmore. k Oh,kRay.kSheksqueezeskhiskhandkandkgentlykstro eskhiskface,kandkImkmovedkto kseekherklovekforkherkex-husband.kImkgladkIkhavektissueskinkmykpurse.kWeksitkbesi dekhim,kmekholdingkherkhandkwhilekshekholdskhis. k Ana,ktherekwaskaktimekwhenkthiskmankwaskthekcenterkofkmykworld.kTheksunkr osekandksetkwithkhim.kIllkalwaysklovekhim.kHeskta enksuchkgoodkcarekofkyou. k MomkIkcho ekandkshekstro eskmykfacekandktuc skakloc kofkmykhairkbehindkmyke ar. k Youk nowkIllkalwaysklovekRay.kWekjustkdriftedkapart.kSheksighs.kAndkIkjustkc ouldntklivekwithkhim.kShekgazeskdownkatkherkfingers,kandkIkwonderkifksheskthin ingk aboutkSteve,kHusbandkNumberkThree,kwhokwekdontktal kabout. k Ik nowkyouklovekRay,kIkwhisper,kdryingkmykeyes.kTheyrekgoingktokbringkhimkou tkofkhiskcomaktoday. k Good.kImksurekhellkbekfine.kHesksokstubborn.kIkthin kyouklearnedkitkfromkhim . k Iksmile.kHavekyoukbeenktal ingktokChristian? k Doeskhekthin kyourekstubborn? k Ikbelievekso. k Illktellkhimkitskakfamilyktrait.kYoukloo ksokgoodktogether,kAna.kSokhappy. k Wekare,kIkthin .kGettingkthere,kanyway.kIklovekhim.kHeskthekcenterkofkmykw orld.kTheksunkriseskandksetskwithkhimkforkme,ktoo. k Hekobviouslykadoreskyou,kdarling. k AndkIkadorekhim. k Ma eksurekyouktellkhim.kMenkneedktokhearkthatkstuffkjustkli ekwekdo. k k IkinsistkonkgoingktokthekairportkwithkMomkandkBobktoksaykgood-bye.kTaylo rkfollowskinkthekR8,kandkChristiankdriveskthekSUV.kImksorryktheykcantkstayklonger, kbutktheykhavektokgetkbac ktokSavannah.kItskaktearfulkgood-bye. k Ta ekgoodkcarekofkher,kBob,kIkwhisperkaskhekhugskme. k Surekwill,kAna.kAndkyoukloo kafterkyourself. k Willkdo.kIkturnktokmykmother.kGood-bye,kMom.kThan kyoukforkcoming,kIkwhisper ,kmykvoicekhoarse.kIklovekyouksokmuch. k Ohkmykdarlingkgirl,kIklovekyou,ktoo.kAndkRaykwillkbekfine.kHesknotkreadykt okshufflekoffkhiskmortalkcoilkjustkyet.kThereskprobablykakMarinerskgamekhekcantkmi ss. k Ikgiggle.kSheskright.kIkresolvektokreadktheksportskpageskofkthekSundaykne wspaperktokRaykthatkevening.kIkwatchkherkandkBobkclimbkthekstepskintokthekGEHkje t.kShekgiveskmekaktearfulkwave,kthenksheskgone.kChristiankwrapskhiskarmkaroundkmy kshoulder. k Letskheadkbac ,kbaby,khekmurmurs k Willkyoukdrive? k Sure. k Whenkwekreturnktokthekhospitalkthatkevening,kRaykloo skdifferent.kItkta eskmekakmomentktokrealizekthatktheksuc kandkpushkofkthekventilatorkhaskvanished. kRaykiskbreathingkonkhiskown.kReliefkfloodskthroughkme.kIkstro ekhiskstubblykfac e,kandkta ingkoutkaktissuektokgentlykwipe,kthekspittlekfromkhiskmouth. k Christiankstal skoffktokfindkDr.kSluderkorkDr.kCrowekforkankupdate,kwhil ekIkta ekmykfamiliarkseatkbesidekhiskbedktok eepkakwatchfulkvigil. k IkunfoldktheksportsksectionkofkthekSundaykOregoniankandkconscientiouslyk beginkreadingkoutkthekreportkaboutkthekSoundersksoccerkgamekagainstkRealkSaltkLa e.kBykallkaccounts,kitkwaskakwildkgame,kbutkthekSounderskwerekdefeatedkbykankow nkgoalkfromkKaseykKeller.kIkgripkRayskhandkfirmlykinkminekaskIkreadkitkthrough.

kkk

k Tearskstreamkdownkmykface.kHeskbac .kMykdaddykiskbac . k Dontkcry,kAnnie.kRayskvoicekiskhoarse.kWhatskhappening? k Ikta ekupkhiskhandkinkbothkofkminekandkcradlekitkagainstkmykface.kYouvekbe enkinkankaccident.kYourekinkthekhospitalkinkPortland. k Raykfrowns,kandkIkdontk nowkifkitskbecausekheskuncomfortablekwithkmykunchar acteristickdisplaykofkaffection,korkthatkhekcantkrememberkthekaccident. k Dokyoukwantksomekwater?kIkas ,kthoughkImknotksurekifkImkallowedktokgivekhimk any.kHeknods,kbewildered.kMykheartkswells.kIkstandkupkandkleankoverkhim,k issing khiskforehead.kIklovekyou,kDaddy.kWelcomekbac . k Hekwaveskhiskhand,kembarrassed.kMe,ktoo,kAnnie.kWater.kIkrunkthekshortkdis tancektoktheknurseskstation. k Mykdadheskawa e!kIkbeamkatkNursekKellie,kwhoksmileskbac . k PagekDr.kSluder,ksheksaysktokherkcolleaguekandkhurriedlykma eskherkwaykaro undkthekdes . k Hekwantskwater. k Illkbringkhimksome. k Iks ipkbac ktokmykfatherskbed,kIkfeelksoklight-hearted.kHiskeyeskarekclos edkwhenkIkreachkhim,kandkIkimmediatelykworrykthatkheskslippedkbac kintokakcoma. k Daddy? k Imkhere,khekmutterskandkhiskeyeskflutterkopenkaskNursekKelliekappearskwithk akjugkofkicekchipskandkakglass. k Hello,kMr.kSteele.kImkKellie,kyourknurse.kYourkdaughterktellskmekyourekthir sty. k Inkthekwaitingkroom,kChristiankiskstaringkfixedlykatkhisklaptop,kdeepkin kconcentration.kHekglanceskupkwhenkIkclosekthekdoor. k Heskawa e,kIkannounce.kHeksmiles,kandkthektensionkaroundkhiskeyeskvanishes. kOhk.k.k.kIkhadntknoticedkbefore.kHaskhekbeenktensekallkthisktime?kHeksetskhiskla ptopkaside,kstands,kandkembraceskme. k Howkiskhe?khekas skaskIkwrapkmykarmskaroundkhim. k Tal ing,kthirsty,kbewildered.kHekdoesntkrememberkthekaccidentkatkall. k Thatskunderstandable.kNowkthatkheskawa e,kIkwantktokgetkhimkmovedktokSeattl e.kThenkwekcankgokhome,kandkmykmomkcank eepkankeyekonkhim. k Already? k Imknotksurekheskwellkenoughktokbekmoved. k Illktal ktokDr.kSluder.kGetkherkopinion. k Youkmisskhome? k Yes. k O ay. k Youkhaventkstoppedksmiling,kChristianksayskaskIkpullkupkoutsidekthekHeathma n. k Imkverykrelieved.kAndkhappy. k Christiankgrins.kGood. k Theklightkiskfading,kandkIkshiverkaskIkstepkoutkintokthekcool,kcrispkeve ningkandkhandkmyk eyktokthekpar ingkvalet.kHeskeyeingkmykcarkwithklust,kandkIkdont kblamekhim.kChristiankputskhiskarmkaroundkme. k Shallkwekcelebrate?khekas skaskwekenterkthekfoyer. k Celebrate? k Yourkdad. k Ikgiggle.kOh,khim. k Ivekmissedkthatksound.kChristiank isseskmykhair. k Cankwekjustkeatkinkourkroom?kYouk now,khavekakquietknightkin? k Sure.kCome.kTa ingkmykhand,khekleadskmektokthekelevators. k Thatkwaskdelicious,kIkmurmurkwithksatisfactionkaskIkpushkmykplatekaway,kre

k k k k k k

Andkthekfinalkscore,kSoundersk1,kRealkSaltkLa ek2. Hey,kAnnie,kweklost?kNo!kRaykrasps,kandkheksqueezeskmykhand. Daddy!

pletekforkthekfirstktimekinkages.kTheyksurek nowkhowktokma ekakfinektartekTatinkh ere. k IkamkfreshlykbathedkandkwearingkonlykChristianskT-shirtkandkmykpanties.kI nkthekbac ground,kChristianskiPodkiskonkshufflekandkDidokiskwarblingkonkaboutkwhi tekflags. k Christiankeyeskmekspeculatively.kHiskhairkiskstillkdampkfromkourkbath,ka ndkheskwearingkjustkhiskblac kT-shirtkandkjeans.kThatskthekmostkIvekseenkyoukeatkthe kentirektimekwevekbeenkhere,kheksays. k Ikwaskhungry. k Hekleanskbac kinkhiskchairkwithkakself-satisfiedksmir kandkta eskaksipko fkhiskwhitekwine.kWhatkwouldkyoukli ektokdoknow?kHiskvoicekisksoft. k Whatkdokyoukwantktokdo? k Hekraiseskankeyebrow,kamused.kWhatkIkalwayskwantktokdo. k Andkthatkis? k Mrs.kGrey,kdontkbekcoy. k Reachingkacrosskthekdiningktable,kIkgraspkhiskhand,kturnkitkover,kandks imkmykindexkfingerkoverkhiskpalm.kIdkli ekyouktoktouchkmekwithkthis.kIkrunkmykfinge rkupkhiskindexkfinger. k Hekshiftskinkhiskchair.kJustkthat?kHiskeyeskdar enkandkheatkatkonce. k Maybekthis?kIkrunkmykfingerkupkhiskmiddlekfingerkandkbac ktokhiskpalm.kAndk this.kMyknailktraceskhiskringkfinger.kDefinitelykthis.kMykfingerkstopskatkhiskweddi ngkring.kThiskiskveryksexy. k Iskit,know? k Itksurekis.kItksayskthiskmankiskmine.kAndkIks imktheksmallkcallouskthatkha skalreadykformedkonkhiskpalmkbeneathkthekring.kHekleanskforwardkandkcupskmykchin kwithkhiskotherkhand. k Mrs.kGrey,karekyoukseducingkme? k Ikhopekso. k Anastasia,kImkakgiven.kHiskvoicekisklow.kComekhere.kHektugskmykhand,kpullingk mekontokhisklap.kIkli ekhavingkunfetteredkaccessktokyou.kHekrunskakhandkupkmykthig hktokmykbehind.kHekgraspsktheknapekofkmyknec kwithkhiskotherkhandkandk isseskme, kholdingkmekfirmlykinkplace. k HektasteskofkwhitekwinekandkapplekpiekandkChristian.kIkrunkmykfingerskth roughkhiskhair,kholdingkhimktokmekwhilekourktongueskexplorekandkcurlkandktwistka roundkeachkother,kmykbloodkheatingkinkmykveins.kWerekbreathlesskwhenkChristiankpu llskaway. k Letskgoktokbed,khekmurmurskagainstkmyklips. k Bed? k Hekpullskbac kfurtherkandktugskmykhairksokIkamkloo ingkupkatkhim.kWherekw ouldkyoukprefer,kMrs.kGrey? k MykinnerkgoddesskstopskstuffingkherkfacekwithktartekTatin.kIkshrug,kfeig ningkindifference.kSurprisekme. k Heksmir s.kYourekfeistykthiskevening.kHekrunskhisknosekalongkmine. k MaybekIkneedktokbekrestrained. k Maybekyoukdo.kYourekgettingkmightykbossykinkyourkoldkage.kHeknarrowskhiskey es,kbutkcantkdisguisektheklatentkhumorkthere. k Whatkarekyoukgoingktokdokaboutkit?kIkchallenge. k Hiskeyeskglitter.kIk nowkwhatkIdkli ektokdokaboutkit.kDependskifkyourekupkt okit. k Oh,kMr.kGrey,kyouvekbeenkverykgentlekwithkmektheseklastkcouplekofkdays.kImk notkmadekofkglass,kyouk now. k Youkdontkli ekgentle? k Withkyou,kofkcourse.kButkyouk nowk.k.k.kvarietykiskthekspicekofklife.kIkba tkmyklasheskatkhim. k Yourekafterksomethingklesskgentle? k Somethingklife-affirming. k Hekraiseskhiskbrowskinksurprise.kLife-affirming,khekrepeats,kastonishedkhu morkinkhiskvoice. k Iknod.kHekgazeskatkmekforkakmoment.kDontkbitekyourklip,khekwhisperskthenkri sesksuddenlykwithkmekinkhiskarms.kIkgaspkandkgrabkhiskbiceps,kfearfulkthatkhellkd

ropkme.kHekwal skoverktoktheksmallestkofkthekthreekcoucheskandkdepositskmekonkto kit. k Waitkhere.kDontkmove.kHekgiveskmekakbriefkhot,kintensekloo kandkturnskonkhi skheel,kstal ingktowardkthekbedroom.kOhk.k.k.kChristiankbarefoot.kWhykarekhiskfe etksokhot?kHeskbac kakfewkmomentsklater,kta ingkmekbyksurprisekaskhekleanskoverkm ekfromkbehind. k Ikthin kwellkdispensekwithkthis.kHekgrabskmykT-shirtkandkdragskitkoverkmykh ead,kleavingkmekna edkexceptkforkmykpanties.kHekpullskmykponytailkbac kandk isse skme. k Standkup,khekorderskagainstkmyklipskandkreleaseskme.kIkcomplykimmediately. kHeklayskaktowelkoutkonktheksofa. k Towel? k Ta ekyourkpantieskoff. k IkswallowkbutkdokaskImktold,kdiscardingkthemkbyktheksofa. k Sit.kHekgrabskmykponytailkagainkandkpullskmykheadkbac .kYoullktellkmektoksto pkifkthiskgetsktookmuch,kyes? k Iknod. k Saykit.kHiskvoicekiskstern. k Yes,kIksquea . k Heksmir s.kGood.kSo,kMrs.kGreyk.k.k.kbykpopularkdemand,kImkgoingktokrestra inkyou.kHiskvoicekdropsktokakbreathlesskwhisper.kDesirekstrea skthroughkmykbodykl i eklightningksimplykatkthosekwords.kOh,kmyksweetkFiftyonktheksofa? k Bringkyourk neeskup,khekcommandsksoftly.kAndksitkrightkbac . k Ikrestkmykfeetkonkthekedgekofktheksofa,kmyk neeskupkinkfrontkofkme.kHekr eacheskforkmykleftkleg,kandkta ingkthekbeltkfromkonekofkthekbathroomkrobes,khekt ieskonekendkabovekmyk nee. k Bathrobes? k Imkimprovising.kHeksmir skagainkandkfastenskthekslip notkabovekmyk neekandk tieskthekotherkendkofktheksoftkbeltkaroundkthekfinialkatkthekbac kcornerkofkthek sofa,keffectivelykpartingkmyklegs. k Dontkmove,khekwarnskandkrepeatskthekprocesskwithkmykrightkleg,ktyingkthekse condkcordktokthekotherkfinial. k Ohkmyk.k.k.kIkamksittingkup,ksplayedkoutkonktheksofa,klegskspreadkwide. k O ay?kChristiankas sksoftly,kgazingkdownkatkmekfromkbehindktheksofa. k Iknod,kexpectingkhimktoktiekmykhands,ktoo.kButkhekrefrains.kHekbendskand k isseskme. k Youkhaveknokideakhowkhotkyoukloo krightknow,khekmurmurskandkrubskhisknosek againstkmine.kChangekofkmusic,kIkthin .kHekstandskandkstrollskcasuallykoverktokthe kiPodkdoc . k Howkdoeskhekdokthis?kHerekIkam,ktrussedkupkandkhornykaskhell,kwhilekhesks okcoolkandkcalm.kHeskjustkinkmykfieldkofkvision,kandkIkwatchkthekflexkandkpullkof kthekmuscleskofkhiskbac kunderkhiskT-shirtkaskhekchangesktheksong.kImmediately,k aksweet,kalmostkchildli ekfemalekvoicekstartsktoksingkaboutkwatchingkme. k Oh,kIkli ekthisksong. k Christiankturnskandkhiskeyeskloc konkminekaskhekmoveskaroundktokthekfron tkofktheksofakandksin skgracefullyktokhisk neeskinkfrontkofkme. k Suddenly,kIkfeelkverykexposed. k Exposed?kVulnerable?khekas skwithkhiskuncannykabilityktokvoicekmykunspo en kwords.kHiskhandskarekonkhisk nees.kIknod. k Whykdoesntkhektouchkme? k Good,khekmurmurs.kHoldkoutkyourkhands.kIkcantkloo kawaykfromkhiskmesmerizingk eyeskaskIkdokwhatkhekas s.kChristiankpourskaklittlekoilykliquidkontokeachkpalmkf romkaksmallkclearkbottle.kItskscentedakrich,kmus y,ksensuouskscentkthatkIkcantkplac e. k Rubkyourkhands.kIksquirmkbeneathkhiskhot,kheavykgaze.kKeepkstill,khekwarns. k Ohkmy. k Now,kAnastasia,kIkwantkyouktoktouchkyourself. k Holykcow. k Startkatkyourkthroatkandkwor kdown. k Ikhesitate.

k Dontkbekshy,kAna.kCome.kDokit.kThekhumorkandkchallengekinkhiskexpressionkis kplainktokseekalongkwithkhiskdesire. k Theksweetkvoiceksingskthatktheresknothingksweetkaboutkher.kIkplacekmykhan dskagainstkmykthroatkandkletkthemkslidekdownktokthektopkofkmykbreasts.kThekoilkm a eskthemkglidekeffortlesslykoverkmyks in.kMykhandskarekwarm. k Lower,kChristiankmurmurs,khiskeyeskdar ening.kHekdoesntktouchkme. k Mykhandskcupkmykbreasts. k Teasekyourself. k Ohkmy.kIktugkgentlykonkmyknipples. k Harder,kChristiankurges.kHeksitskimmobilekbetweenkmykthighs,kjustkwatching kme.kLi ekIkwould,khekadds,khiskeyeskshiningkdar ly.kMykmuscleskclenchkdeepkinkmyk belly.kIkgroankinkresponsekandkpullkharderkonkmyknipples,kfeelingkthemkstiffenka ndklengthenkbeneathkmyktouch. k Yes.kLi ekthat.kAgain. k ClosingkmykeyeskIkpullkhard,krollingkandktwistingkthemkbetweenkmykfinger s.kIkmoan. k Openkyourkeyes. k Ikblin kupkatkhim. k Again.kIkwantktokseekyou.kSeekyoukenjoykyourktouch. k Ohkfuc .kIkrepeatkthekprocess.kThiskisksok.k.k.kerotic. k Hands.kLower. k Iksquirm. k Keepkstill,kAna.kAbsorbkthekpleasure.kLower.kHiskvoicekisklowkandkhus y,kt emptingkandkbeguilingkatkonce. k Youkdokit,kIkwhisper. k Oh,kIkwillsoon.kYou.kLower.kNow.kChristian,kexudingksensuality,krunskhiskto nguekalongkhiskteethkHolykfuc k.k.k.kIkwrithe,kpullingkonkthekrestraints. k Heksha eskhiskhead,kslowly.kStill.kHekrestskhiskhandskonkmyk nees,kholding kmekinkplace.kComekon,kAnalower. k Mykhandskglidekoverkmykstomachkdownkoverkmykbelly. k Lower,khekmouths,kandkhekiskcarnalitykpersonified. k Christian,kplease. k Hiskhandskglidekdownkfromkmyk nees,ks immingkmykthighs,ktowardkmyksex.kCo mekon,kAna.kTouchkyourself. k Mykleftkhandks imskoverkmyksex,kandkIkrubkinkakslowkcircle,kmykmouthkank OkaskIkpant. k Again,khekwhispers. k Ikgroanklouderkandkrepeatkthekmovekandktipkmykheadkbac ,kgasping. k Again. k Ikmoankloudly,kandkChristiankinhalesksharply.kGrabbingkmykhands,khekbend skdown,krunningkhisknosekthenkhisktonguekbac kandkforthkatkthekapexkofkmykthighs . k Ah! k Ikwantktoktouchkhim,kbutkwhenkIktryktokmovekmykhands,khiskfingersktighte nkaroundkmykwrists. k Illkrestrainkthese,ktoo.kKeepkstill. k Ikgroan.kHekreleaseskmekthenkeaseskhiskmiddlektwokfingerskinsidekme,kthe kheelkofkhiskhandkrestingkagainstkmykclitoris. k Imkgoingktokma ekyoukcomekquic ly,kAna.kReady? k Yes.kIkpant. k Hekstartsktokmovekhiskfingers,khiskhand,kupkandkdown,krapidly,kassaultin gkbothkthatksweetkspotkinsidekmekandkmykclitoriskatktheksamektime.kAh!kThekfeeli ngkiskintensereallykintense.kPleasurekbuildskandkspi eskthroughoutktheklowerkhalf kofkmykbody.kIkwantktokstretchkmyklegs,kbutkIkcant.kMykhandskclawkatkthektowelkbe neathkme. k Surrender,kChristiankwhispers. k Ikexplodekaroundkhiskfingers,kcryingkoutkincoherently.kHekpresseskthekhe elkofkhiskhandkagainstkmykclitoriskaskthekaftershoc skrunkthroughkmykbody,kprolo ngingkthekdeliciouskagony.kVaguely,kImkawarekthatkheskuntyingkmyklegs. k Mykturn,khekmurmurs,kandkflipskmekoverksokIkamkfacekdownkonktheksofakwithk

myk neeskonkthekfloor.kHekspreadskmyklegskandkslapskmekhardkacrosskmykbehind. k Ah!kIkyelpkandkhekslamskintokme. k Oh,kAna,khekhisseskthroughkclenchedkteethkaskhekstartsktokmove.kHiskfinger skgripkmekhardkaroundkmykhipskaskhekgrindskintokmekoverkandkover.kAndkImkbuilding kagain.kNok.k.k.kAhk.k.k. k Comekon,kAna!kChristiankshouts,kandkIkshatterkoncekmore,kpulsingkaroundkhi mkandkcryingkoutkaskIkcome. k Life-affirmingkenoughkforkyou?kChristiank isseskmykhair. k Oh,kyes,kIkmurmur,kgazingkupkatkthekceiling.kIkamklyingkonkmykhusband,kmyk bac ktokhiskfront,kbothkofkuskonkthekfloorkbesidektheksofa.kHeskstillkdressed. k Ikthin kwekshouldkgokagain.kNokclotheskforkyoukthisktime. k Christ,kAna.kGivekakmankakchance. k Ikgigglekandkhekchuc les.kImkgladkRayskconscious.kSeemskallkyourkappetitesk arekbac ,kheksays,knotkdisguisingktheksmilekinkhiskvoice. k Ikturnkoverkandkscowlkatkhim.kArekyoukforgettingkaboutklastknightkandkthi skmorning?kIkpout. k Nothingkforgettablekaboutkeitherkofkthose.kHekgrins,kandkwhenkhekdoes,khek loo sksokyoungkandkcarefreekandkhappy.kHekcupskmykbehind.kYoukhavekakfantastickas s,kMrs.kGrey. k Sokdokyou.kIkarchkakbrowkatkhim.kThoughkyourskiskstillkunderkcover. k Andkwhatkarekyoukgoingktokdokaboutkthat,kMrs.kGrey? k Why,kImkgoingktokundresskyou,kMr.kGrey.kAllkofkyou. k Hekgrins. k AndkIkthin kthereskaklotkthatsksweetkaboutkyou,kIkmurmur,kreferringktoktheks ongkstillkplayingkonkrepeat.kHisksmilekfades. k Ohkno. k Youkare,kIkwhisper.kIkleankdownkandk isskthekcornerkofkhiskmouth.kHekclose skhiskeyeskandktightenskhiskarmskaroundkme. k Christian,kyoukare.kYoukmadekthiskwee endksokspecialinkspitekofkwhatkhappe nedktokRay.kThan kyou. k Hekopenskhisklarge,kseriouskgraykeyes,kandkhiskexpressionktugskatkmykhea rt. k BecausekIklovekyou,khekmurmurs. k Ik now.kIklovekyou,ktoo.kIkcaresskhiskface.kAndkyourekpreciousktokme,ktoo.kY oukdok nowkthat,kdontkyou? k Hiskstills,kloo ingklost. k Oh,kChristiank.k.k.kmyksweetkFifty. k Believekme,kIkwhisper. k Itsknotkeasy.kHiskvoicekiskalmostkinaudible. k Try.kTrykhard,kbecausekitsktrue.kIkstro ekhiskfacekoncekmore,kmykfingerskbr ushingkagainstkhisksideburns.kHiskeyeskarekgraykoceanskofklosskandkhurtkandkpain .kIkwantktokclimbkintokhiskbodykandkholdkhim.kAnythingktokstopkthatkloo .kWhenkw illkhekrealizekthatkhekmeanskthekworldktokme?kThatkheskmorekthankworthykofkmyklov e,ktheklovekofkhiskparentshisksiblings?kIkhavektoldkhimkoverkandkover,kandkyetkhe rekwekarekaskChristiankgiveskmekhisklost,kabandonedkloo .kTime.kItkwillkjustkta ektime. k Youllkgetkcold.kCome.kHekriseskgracefullyktokhiskfeetkandkpullskmekupktokst andkbesidekhim.kIkslipkmykarmkaroundkhiskwaistkaskwekwanderkbac kintokthekbedroo m.kIkwontkpushkhim,kbutksincekRayskaccident,kitskbecomekmorekimportantktokmekthatkh ek nowskhowkmuchkIklovekhim. k Askwekenterkthekbedroom,kIkfrown,kdesperatektokrecoverkthekverykwelcomek lightheartedkmoodkofkonlykakfewkmomentskago. k ShallkwekwatchkTV?kIkas . k Christianksnorts.kIkwaskhopingkforkroundktwo.kAndkmykmercurialkFiftykiskba c .kIkarchkmykbrowkandkstopkbykthekbed. k Well,kinkthatkcase,kIkthin kIllkbekinkcharge. k Hekgapeskatkme,kandkIkpushkhimkontokthekbedkandkquic lykstraddlekhim,kpi nningkhiskhandskdownkbesidekhiskhead. k Hekgrinskupkatkme.kWell,kMrs.kGrey,knowkthatkyouvekgotkme,kwhatkarekyoukgo ingktokdokwithkme?

k Ikleankdownkandkwhisperkinkhiskear,kIkamkgoingktokfuc kyoukwithkmykmouth. k Hekcloseskhiskeyes,kinhalingksharply,kandkIkrunkmykteethkgentlykalongkhi skjaw. k kkk k Christiankiskwor ingkatkthekcomputer.kItskakbrightkearlykmorning,kandkhesk tappingkoutkanke-mail,kIkthin . k Goodkmorning,kIkmurmurkshylykfromkthekdoorway.kHekturnskandksmileskatkme. k Mrs.kGrey.kYourekupkearly.kHekholdskopenkhiskarms. k Ikboltkacrossktheksuitekandkcurlkintokhisklap.kAskarekyou. k Ikwaskjustkwor ing.kHekshiftskaskhek isseskmykhair. k What?kIkas ,ksensingksomethingkwrong. k Heksighs.kIkgotkanke-mailkfromkDetectivekClar .kHekwantsktoktal ktokyouka boutkthatkfuc erkHyde. k Really?kIksitkbac ktokgazekatkChristian. k Yes.kIktoldkhimkyourekinkPortlandkforkthektimekbeing,ksokhellkhavektokwait. kButkheksayskhedkli ektokinterviewkyoukhere. k Heskcomingkhere? k Apparentlykso.kChristiankloo skbemused. k Ikfrown.kWhatsksokimportantkthatkcantkwait? k Exactly. k Whenskhekcoming? k Today.kIllke-mailkhimkbac . k Ikhaveknothingktokhide.kIkwonderkwhatkhekwantsktok now? k Wellkfindkoutkwhenkhekgetskhere.kImkintrigued,ktoo.kChristiankshiftskagain.kB rea fastkwillkbekherekshortly.kLetskeat,kthenkwekcankgokandkseekyourkdad. k Iknod.kYoukcankstaykherekifkyoukwant.kIkcankseekyourekbusy. k Hekscowls.kNo,kIkwantktokcomekwithkyou. k O ay.kIkgrin,kandkwrapkmykarmskaroundkhisknec kandk isskhim. k k Raykiskbad-tempered.kItskakjoy.kHeskitchy,kscratchy,kimpatient,kandkuncomf ortable. k Dad,kyouvekbeenkinkakmajorkcarkaccident.kItkwillkta ektimektokheal.kChrist iankandkIkwantktokmovekyouktokSeattle. k Ikdontk nowkwhykyourekbotheringkwithkme.kIllkbekfinekherekonkmykown. k Dontkbekridiculous.kIksqueezekhiskhandkfondly,kandkhekhaskthekgracektoksmil ekatkme. k Dokyoukneedkanything? k Ikcouldkmurderkakdoughnut,kAnnie. k Ikgrinkindulgentlykatkhim.kIllkgetkyoukakdoughnutkorktwo.kWellkgoktokVoodoo . k Great! k Youkwantksomekdecentkcoffee,ktoo? k Hellkyeah! k O ay,kIllkgokgetksome. k Christiankiskoncekmorekinkthekwaitingkroom,ktal ingkonkthekphone.kHekrea llykshouldksetkupkofficekinkhere.kWeirdly,kheskbykhimself,kalthoughkthekotherkICU kbedskarekoccupied.kIkwonderkifkChristianskfrightenedkoffkthekotherkvisitors.kHek hangskup. k Clar kwillkbekherekatkfourkthiskafternoon. k Ikfrown.kWhatkcouldkbeksokurgent?kO ay.kRaykwantskcoffeekandkdoughnuts. k Christianklaughs.kIkthin kIkwouldktookifkIdkbeenkinkankaccident.kAs kTaylo rktokgo. k No,kIllkgo. k Ta ekTaylorkwithkyou.kHiskvoicekiskstern. k O ay.kIkrollkmykeyeskandkhekglares.kThenkheksmir skandkcoc skhiskheadktoko nekside. k Theresknokonekhere.kHiskvoicekiskdeliciouslyklow,kandkIk nowkheskthreatening ktokspan kme.kIkamkaboutktokdarekhim,kwhenkakyoungkcouplekenterskthekroom.kSheki skweepingksoftly.

k IkshrugkapologeticallykatkChristian,kandkheknods.kHekpic skupkhisklaptop ,kta eskmykhand,kandkleadskmekoutkofkthekroom.kTheykneedkthekprivacykmorekthankwe kdo,kChristiankmurmurs.kWellkhavekourkfunklater. k OutsidekTaylorkiskwaitingkpatiently.kLetskallkgokgetkcoffeekandkdoughnuts. k kkk k Atkfourkocloc kpreciselykthereskak noc konktheksuitekdoor.kTaylorkusherski nkDetectivekClar ,kwhokloo skmorekbad-temperedkthankusual.kHekalwayskseemsktoklo o kbad-tempered.kPerhapskitskthekwaykhiskfacekiskset. k Mr.kGrey,kMrs.kGrey,kthan kyoukforkseeingkme. k DetectivekClar .kChristianksha eskhiskhandkandkdirectskhimktokakseat.kIksi tkdownkonktheksofakwherekIkenjoyedkmyselfksokmuchklastknight.kThekthoughtkma esk mekblush. k ItskMrs.kGreykIkwishktoksee,kClar ksayskpointedlyktokChristiankandktokTaylo rkstationedkbesidekthekdoor.kChristiankglanceskthenknodskalmostkimperceptiblykat kTaylorkwhokturnskandkleaves,kshuttingkthekdoorkbehindkhim. k Anythingkyoukwishktoksayktokmykwifekyoukcanksaykinkfrontkofkme.kChristiansk voicekiskcoolkandkbusinessli e.kDetectivekClar kturnsktokme. k Arekyouksurekyoudkli ekyourkhusbandktokbekpresent? k Ikfrownkatkhim.kOfkcourse.kIkhaveknothingktokhide.kYoukarekjustkinterview ingkme? k Yes,kmaam. k Idkli ekmykhusbandktokstay. k Christianksitskbesidekme,kradiatingktension. k Allkright,kmurmurskClar ,kresigned.kHekclearskhiskthroat.kMrs.kGrey,kMr.kHy dekmaintainskthatkyouksexuallykharassedkhimkandkmadekseveralklewdkadvancesktowar dkhim. k Oh!kIkalmostkburstkoutklaughing,kbutkputkmykhandkonkChristianskthighktokr estrainkhimkaskhekshiftskforwardkinkhiskseat. k Thatskpreposterous,kChristianksplutters.kIksqueezekChristiansklegktoksilence khim. k Thatsknotktrue,kIkstatekcalmly.kInkfact,kitkwaskthekotherkwaykaround.kHekpro positionedkmekinkakverykaggressivekmanner,kandkhekwaskfired. k DetectivekClar skmouthkflattenskbrieflykintokakthinklinekbeforekhekcontin ues. k Hydekallegeskthatkyoukfabricatedkaktalekaboutksexualkharassmentkinkorderk tokgetkhimkfired.kHeksayskthatkyoukdidkthiskbecausekhekrefusedkyourkadvanceskand kbecausekyoukwantedkhiskjob. k Ikfrown.kHolykcrap.kJac kiskevenkmorekdelusionalkthankIkthought.Thatsknotk true.kIksha ekmykhead. k Detective,kpleasekdontktellkmekyoukhavekdrivenkallkthiskwayktokharasskmykw ifekwithkthesekridiculouskaccusations. k DetectivekClar kturnskhisksteelykbluekglarekonkChristian.kIkneedktokheark thiskfromkMrs.kGrey,ksir,kheksayskwithkquietkrestraint.kIksqueezekChristiansklegko ncekmore,ksilentlykimploringkhimktok eepkhiskcool. k Youkdontkhavektoklistenktokthiskshit,kAna. k Ikthin kIkshouldkletkDetectivekClar k nowkwhatkhappened. k Christiankgazeskatkmekimpassivelykforkakbeatkthenkwaveskhiskhandkinkakge sturekofkresignation. k WhatkHydeksayskisksimplyknotktrue.kMykvoiceksoundskcalm,kalthoughkIkfeelka nythingkbut.kImkbewilderedkbykthesekaccusationskandknervouskthatkChristiankmightk explode.kWhatskJac skgame?kMr.kHydekaccostedkmekinkthekofficek itchenkonekevening.k Hektoldkmekthatkitkwaskthan sktokhimkthatkIkhadkbeenkhiredkandkthatkhekexpectedk sexualkfavorskinkreturn.kHektriedktokblac mailkme,kusingke-mailskthatkIdksentktok Christian,kwhokwasntkmykhusbandkthen.kIkdidntk nowkHydekhadkbeenkmonitoringkmyke-m ails.kHeskdelusionalhekevenkaccusedkmekofkbeingkakspyksentkbykChristian,kpresumabl yktokhelpkhimkta ekoverkthekcompany.kHekdidntk nowkthatkChristiankhadkalreadykbou ghtkSIP.kIksha ekmykheadkaskIkrecallkmykdistressing,ktensekencounterkwithkHyde. k Inkthekend,kI-Iktoo khimkdown. k Clar skeyebrowskrisekinksurprise.kToo khimkdown?

k Mykfatherkiskex-army.kHydek.k.k.kum,ktouchedkme,kandkIk nowkhowktokdefend kmyself. k Christiankglanceskatkmekwithkakbriefkloo kofkpride. k Iksee.kClar kleanskbac konktheksofa,ksighingkheavily. k Havekyoukspo enktokanykofkHydeskformerkPAs?kChristiankas skalmostkgenially. k Yes,kwekhave.kButkthektruthkiskwekcantkgetkanykofkhiskassistantsktoktal kt okus.kTheykallksaykhekwaskankexemplarykboss,kevenkthoughknonekofkthemklastedkmor ekthankthreekmonths. k Wevekhadkthatkproblem,ktoo,kChristiankmurmurs. k Oh?kIkgapekatkChristiankaskdoeskDetectivekClar . k Myksecuritykchief.kHeskinterviewedkHydeskpastkfivekPAs. k Andkwhyskthat? k Christiankgiveskhimkaksteelykglare.kBecausekmykwifekwor edkforkhim,kandkI krunksecuritykchec skonkanyonekmykwifekwor skwith. k DetectivekClar kflushes.kIkshrugkapologeticallykatkhimkwithkakwelcome-to -my-worldksmile. k Iksee,kClar kmurmurs.kIkthin kthereskmorektokthiskthankmeetskthekeye,kMr.kGr ey.kWekarekconductingkakmorekthoroughksearchkofkhiskapartmentktomorrow,ksokmaybe ksomethingkwillkpresentkitselfkthen.kThoughkbykallkaccountskhekhasntklivedktherek forksomektime. k Youveksearchedkalready? k Yes.kWerekdoingkitkagain.kAkfingertipksearchkthisktime. k YouvekstillknotkchargedkhimkwithkthekattemptedkmurderkofkRoskBaileykandkmy self?kChristianksaysksoftly. k What? k Werekhopingktokfindkmorekevidencekinkregardktoktheksabotagekofkyourkaircra ft,kMr.kGrey.kWekneedkmorekthankakpartialkprint,kandkwhilekheskinkcustody,kwekcan kbuildkakcase. k Iskthiskallkyoukcamekdownkherekfor? k Clar kbristles.kYes,kMr.kGrey,kitkis,kunlesskyouvekhadkanykfurtherkthought skaboutktheknote? k Note?kWhatknote? k No.kIktoldkyou.kItkmeansknothingktokme.kChristiankcannotkhidekhiskirritati on.kAndkIkdontkseekwhykwekcouldntkhavekdonekthiskoverkthekphone. k Ikthin kIktoldkyoukIkpreferkakhands-onkapproach.kAndkImkvisitingkmykgreatauntkwhokliveskinkPortlandtwokbirdsk.k.k.konekstone.kClar kremainskstonykfacedkand kunfazedkbykmykhusbandskbadktemper. k Well,kifkwerekallkdone,kIkhavekwor ktokattendkto.kChristiankstandskandkDete ctivekClar kfollowskhiskcue. k Than kyoukforkyourktime,kMrs.kGrey,kheksayskpolitely. k Iknod. k Mr.kGrey.kChristiankopenskthekdoor,kandkClar kleaves. k Iksagkintoktheksofa. k Cankyoukbelievekthatkasshole?kChristiankexplodes. k Clar ? k No.kThatkfuc er,kHyde. k No,kIkcant. k Whatskhiskfuc ingkgame?kChristiankwhisperskthroughkgrittedkteeth. k Ikdontk now.kDokyoukthin kClar kbelievedkme? k Ofkcoursekhekdid.kHek nowskHydekiskakfuc ed-upkasshole. k Yourekveryksweary. k Sweary?kChristianksmir s.kIskthatkevenkakword? k Itkisknow. k Unexpectedlykhekgrinskandksitskdownkbesidekme,kpullingkmekintokhiskarms. k Dontkthin kaboutkthatkfuc er.kLetskgokseekyourkdadkandktryktoktal kaboutkth ekmovektomorrow. k HekwaskadamantkthatkhekwantedktokstaykinkPortlandkandknotkbekakbother. k Illktal ktokhim. k Ikwantktoktravelkwithkhim. k Christiankgazeskatkme,kandkforkakmoment,kIkthin kheskgoingktoksaykno.kO ay

.kIllkcome,ktoo.kSawyerkandkTaylorkcankta ekthekcars.kIllkletkSawyerkdrivekyourkR8 ktonight. k kkk k ThekfollowingkdaykRaykiskexaminingkhisknewksurroundingsankairy,klight,kro omkinkthekrehabilitationkcenterkofkNorthwestkHospitalkinkSeattle.kItsknoon,kandkh ekloo sksleepy.kThekjourney,kviakhelicopterknokless,khaskexhaustedkhim. k TellkChristiankIkappreciatekthis,kheksayskquietly. k Youkcanktellkhimkyourself.kHellkbekalongkthiskevening. k Arentkyoukgoingktokwor ? k Probably.kIkjustkwantktokma eksurekyoureksettledkinkhere. k Youkgetkalong.kYoukdontkneedktokworrykaboutkme. k Ikli ekworryingkaboutkyou.kMykBlac Berrykbuzzes.kIkchec ktheknumberitsknotk onekIkrecognize. k Youkgoingktokanswerkthat?kRaykas s. k No.kIkdontk nowkwhokitkis.kThekvoicekmailkcankta ekitkforkme.kIkbroughtkyo uksomethingktokread.kIkindicatekthekpilekofksportskmagazineskonkhiskbedsidektable . k Than s,kAnnie. k Yourektired,karentkyou? k Heknods. k Illkletkyoukgetksomeksleep.kIk isskhiskforehead.kLaters,kDaddy,kIkmurmur. k Illkseekyouklater,khoney.kAndkthan kyou.kRaykcatcheskmykhandkandksqueezeski tkgently.kIkli ekthatkyoukcallkmekDaddy.kTa eskmekbac . k Oh,kDaddy.kIkreturnkhisksqueeze. k k AskIkheadkoutkthekmainkdoorsktowardkthekSUVkwherekSawyerkiskwaiting,kIkh earkmyknamekbeingkcalled. k Mrs.kGrey!kMrs.kGrey! k Turning,kIkseekDr.kGreenekhurryingktowardkme,kloo ingkherkusualkimmacula tekself,kifkaklittlekflustered. k Mrs.kGrey,khowkarekyou?kDidkyoukgetkmykmessage?kIkcalledkearlier. k No.kMykscalpkpric les. k Well,kIkwaskwonderingkwhykyoudkcancelledkfourkappointments. k Fourkappointments?kIkgapekatkher.kIvekmissedkfourkappointments!kHow? k Perhapskwekshouldktal kaboutkthiskinkmykoffice.kIkwaskgoingkoutkforklunchd okyoukhavektimekrightknow? k Iknodkmee ly.kSure.kIk.k.k.kWordskfailkme.kIvekmissedkfourkappointments?kImk latekforkmykshot.kShit. k Ikfollowkherkinkakdazekbac kintokthekhospitalkandkupktokherkoffice.kHowk didkIkmisskfourkappointments?kIkvaguelykrememberkonekbeingkmovedHannahkmentionedk itbutkfour?kHowkcouldkIkmisskfour? k Dr.kGreeneskofficekiskspacious,kminimalistic,kandkwellkappointed. k ImksokgratefulkyoukcaughtkmekbeforekIkleft,kIkmumble,kstillkshell-shoc ed.kM ykfatherskbeenkinkakcarkaccident,kandkwevekjustkmovedkhimkherekfromkPortland. k Oh,kImksoksorry.kHowskhekdoing? k Heskdoingko ay,kthan kyou.kOnkthekmend. k Thatskgood.kAndkitkexplainskwhykyoukcancelledkonkFriday. k Dr.kGreenekwiggleskthekmousekonkherkdes ,kandkherkcomputerkcomesktoklife . k Yesk.k.k.kitskbeenkoverkthirteenkwee s.kYourekcuttingkitkakbitkclose.kWedkbe tterkdokaktestkbeforekwekgivekyoukanotherkshot. k Aktest?kIkwhisper,kallkthekbloodkrushingkfromkmykhead. k Akpregnancyktest. k Oh,kno. k Shekreacheskintokthekdrawerkofkherkdes .kYouk nowkwhatktokdokwithkthis.kSh ekhandskmekaksmallkcontainer.kThekrestroomkiskjustkoutsidekmykoffice. k Ikgetkupkaskifkinkaktrance,kmykwholekbodykoperatingkaskifkonkautomatickp ilotkandkIkstumblektokthekrestroom. k Shit,kshit,kshit,kshit,kshit.kHowkcouldkIkhavekletkthiskhappenk.k.k.kaga

in?kIksuddenlykfeelksic kandkofferkaksilentkprayer.kPleasekno.kPleasekno.kItsktoo ksoon.kItsktooksoon.kItsktooksoon. k WhenkIkreenterkDr.kGreeneskoffice,kshekgiveskmekaktightksmilekandkwaveskm ektokthekseatkinkfrontkofkherkdes .kIksitkdownkandkwordlesslykhandkherkmyksample .kShekdipskaksmallkwhitekstic kintokitkandkwatches.kShekraiseskherkeyebrowskaski tkturnskpalekblue. k Whatkdoeskbluekmean?kThektensionkiskalmostkcho ingkme. k Shekloo skupkatkme,kherkeyeskserious.kWell,kMrs.kGrey,kitkmeanskyourekpreg nant. k What?kNo.kNo.kNo.kFuc . k k k kkk k IkgapekatkDr.kGreene,kmykworldkcollapsingkaroundkme.kAkbaby.kAkbaby.kIkd ontkwantkakbabyk.k.k.knotkyet.kFuc .kAndkIk nowkdeepkdownkthatkChristiankiskgoing ktokfrea . k Mrs.kGrey,kyourekverykpale.kWouldkyoukli ekakglasskofkwater? k Please.kMykvoicekiskakbarelykaudible.kMykmindkiskracing.kPregnant?kWhen? k Ikta ekitkyoureksurprised. k Iknodkmutelykatkthekgoodkdoctorkaskshekhandskmekakglasskofkwaterkfromkhe rkconvenientlykplacedkwaterkcooler.kIkta ekakwelcomeksip.kShoc ed,kIkwhisper. k Wekcouldkdokankultrasoundktokseekhowkadvancedkthekpregnancykis.kJudgingkb ykyourkreaction,kIksuspectkyourekjustkakcouplekofkwee skorksokfromkconceptionfourk orkfivekwee skpregnant.kIkta ekitkyoukhaventkbeenksufferingkanykotherksymptoms? k Iksha ekmykheadkmutely.kSymptoms?kIkdontkthin kso.kIkthoughtk.k.k.kIkthoug htkthiskwaskakreliablekformkofkcontraceptive. k Dr.kGreenekarcheskakbrow.kItknormallykis,kwhenkyoukrememberktokhavektheks hot,ksheksayskcoolly. k Ikmustkhaveklostktrac kofktime.kChristiankiskgoingktokfrea .kIk nowkit. k Havekyoukbeenkbleedingkatkall? k Ikfrown.kNo. k ThatsknormalkforkthekDepo.kLetskdokankultrasoundkshallkwe?kIkhavektime. k Iknod,kbewildered,kandkDr.kGreenekdirectskmektowardkakblac kleatherkexam ktablekbehindkakscreen. k Ifkyoullkjustkslipkoffkyourks irt,kunderwear,kandkcoverkyourselfkwithkthek blan etkonkthektable,kwellkgokfromkthere,ksheksayskbris ly. k Underwear?kIkwaskexpectingkankultrasoundkscankoverkmykbelly.kWhykdokIkne edktokremovekmykpanties?kIkshrugkinkconsternationkthenkquic lykdokasksheksayskan dkliekdownkbeneathktheksoftkwhitekblan et. k Thatskgood.kDr.kGreenekappearskatkthekendkofkthektable,kpullingkthekultraso undkmachinekcloser.kItskakhi-techkstac kofkcomputers.kSittingkdown,kshekpositions kthekscreenksokthatkwekcankbothkseekitkandkjogskthektrac ballkonkthek eyboard.kT hekscreenkpingskintoklife. k Ifkyoukcouldkliftkandkbendkyourk nees,kthenkpartkthemkwide,ksheksayskmatte r-of-factly. k Ikfrownkwarily. k Thiskiskaktransvaginalkultrasound.kIfkyourekonlykjustkpregnant,kwekshouldk bekablektokfindkthekbabykwithkthis.kShekholdskupkaklongkwhitekprobe. k Oh,kyoukhavekgotktokbek idding! k O ay,kIkmutter,kmortified,kandkdokasksheksays.kGreenekpullskakcondomkoverk thekwandkandklubricateskitkwithkclearkgel. k Mrs.kGrey,kifkyoukcouldkrelax. k Relax?kImkpregnant,kdamnkit!kHowkdokyoukexpectkmektokrelax?kIkblush,kandk endeavorktokfindkmykhappykplacek.k.k.kwhichkhaskrelocatedksomewhereknearktheklos tkIslandkofkAtlantis. k Slowlykandkgentlykshekinsertskthekprobe. k Holykfuc ! k AllkIkcankseekonkthekscreenkiskthekvisualkequivalentkofkwhiteknoisealthou ghkitskmoreksepiakinkcolor.kSlowly,kDr.kGreenekmoveskthekprobekabout,kandkitskvery

kdisconcerting. k There,kshekmurmurs.kShekpresseskakbutton,kfreezingkthekpicturekonkthekscre en,kandkpointsktokaktinykblipkinktheksepiakstorm. k Itskaklittlekblip.kThereskaktinyklittlekblipkinkmykbelly.kTiny.kWow.kIkfor getkmykdiscomfortkaskIkstarekshell-shoc edkatkthekblip. k Itsktookearlyktokseekthekheartbeat,kbutkyes,kyourekdefinitelykpregnant.kFou rkorkfivekwee s,kIkwouldksay.kShekfrowns.kLoo skli ekthekshotkrankoutkearly.kOhkwe ll,kthatkhappensksometimes. k Ikamktookstunnedktoksaykanything.kTheklittlekblipkiskakbaby.kAkrealkhone stktokgoodnesskbaby.kChristianskbaby.kMykbaby.kHolykcow.kAkbaby! k Wouldkyoukli ekmektokprintkoutkakpicturekforkyou? k Iknod,kstillkunablektokspea ,kandkDr.kGreenekpresseskakbutton.kThenkshek gentlykremoveskthekwandkandkhandskmekakpaperktowelktokcleankmyself. k Congratulations,kMrs.kGrey,ksheksayskaskIksitkup.kWellkneedktokma ekanotherk appointment.kIksuggestkinkfourkwee sktime.kThenkwekcankascertainkthekexactkagekof kyourkbabykandksetkakli elykduekdate.kYoukcankgetkdressedknow. k O ay.kImkreelingkandkIkdresskhurriedly.kIkhavekakblip,kaklittlekblip.kWhenk Ikemergekfromkbehindkthekscreen,kDr.kGreenekiskbac katkherkdes . k Inkthekmeantime,kIdkli ekyouktokstartkthiskcoursekofkfolickacidkandkprenat alkvitamins.kHereskakleafletkofkdoskandkdonts. k Askshekhandskmekakpac agekofkpillskandkakleaflet,kshekcontinuesktoktal k atkme,kbutkImknotklistening.kImkinkshoc .kOverwhelmed.kSurelykIkshouldkbekhappy.kS urelykIkshouldkbekthirtyk.k.k.katkleast.kThiskisktooksoonfarktooksoon.kIktryktokq uellkmykrisingksensekofkpanic. k IkwishkDr.kGreenekakpolitekgood-byekandkheadkinkakdazekbac kdownktokthek exitkandkoutkintokthekcoolkfallkafternoon.kImkgrippedksuddenlykbykakcreepingkcold kandkdeepksensekofkforeboding.kChristiankiskgoingktokfrea ,kIk now,kbutkhowkmuch kandkhowkfar,kIkhaveknokidea.kHiskwordskhauntkme.kImknotkreadyktoksharekyoukyet.kIk pullkmykjac etktighterkaroundkme,ktryingktoksha ekoffkthekcold. k SawyerkleapskoutkofkthekSUVkandkholdskopenkthekdoor.kHekfrownskwhenkheks eeskmykface,kbutkIkignorekhiskconcernedkexpression. k Wherekto,kMrs.kGrey?khekas skgently. k SIP.kIknestlekintokthekbac seatkofkthekcar,kclosingkmykeyeskandkleaningkmy kheadkonkthekheadrest.kIkshouldkbekhappy.kIk nowkIkshouldkbekhappy.kButkImknot.kT hiskisktookearly.kFarktookearly.kWhatkaboutkmykjob?kWhatkaboutkSIP?kWhatkaboutkC hristiankandkme?kNo.kNo.kNo.kWellkbekfine.kHellkbekfine.kHeklovedkbabykMiaIkremembe rkCarric ktellingkmehekdoteskonkherknow.kPerhapskIkshouldkwarnkFlynnk.k.k.kPerhap skIkshouldntktellkChristian.kPerhapskIk.k.k.kperhapskIkshouldkendkthis.kIkhaltkmy kthoughtskonkthatkdar kpath,kalarmedkatkthekdirectionktheyrekta ing.kInstinctivel ykmykhandksweepskdownktokrestkprotectivelykoverkmykbelly.kNo.kMyklittlekBlip.kTe arskspringktokmykeyes.kWhatkamkIkgoingktokdo? k Akvisionkofkaklittlekboykwithkcopper-coloredkhairkandkbrightkgraykeyes,k runningkthroughkthekmeadowkatktheknewkhousekinvadeskmykthoughts,kteasingkandktan talizingkmekwithkpossibilities.kHeskgigglingkandksquealingkwithkdelightkaskChrist iankandkIkchasekhim.kChristiankswingskhimkhighkinkhiskarmskandkcarrieskhimkonkhi skhipkaskwekwal khandkinkhandkbac ktokthekhouse. k MykvisionkmorphskintokChristiankturningkawaykfromkmekinkdisgust.kImkfatka ndkaw ward,kheavykwithkchild.kHekpacesktheklongkhallkofkmirrors,kawaykfromkme,kt heksoundkofkhiskfootstepskechoingkoffktheksilveredkglass,kwalls,kandkfloor.kChri stiank.k.k. k Ikjer kawa e.kNo.kHeskgoingktokfrea kout. k WhenkSawyerkpullskupkoutsidekSIP,kIkleapkoutkandkheadkintokthekbuilding. k Ana,kgreatktokseekyou.kHowskyourkdad?kHannahkas skasksoonkaskIkreachkmykoff ice.kIkregardkherkcoolly. k Heskbetter,kthan kyou.kCankIkseekyoukinkmykoffice? k Sure.kShekloo sksurprisedkaskshekfollowskmekin.kIskeverythingko ay? k Ikneedktok nowkifkyouvekmovedkorkcancelledkanykappointmentskwithkDr.kGreen e. k Dr.kGreene?kYes,kIkhave.kAboutktwokorkthreekofkthem.kMostlykbecausekyoukw erekinkotherkmeetingskorkrunningklate.kWhy?

k BecauseknowkImkfuc ingkpregnant!kIkscreamkatkherkinkmykhead.kIkta ekakdee p,ksteadyingkbreath.kIfkyoukmovekanykappointments,kwillkyoukma eksurekIk now?kIkd ontkalwayskchec kmykcalendar. k Sure,kHannahksayskquietly.kImksorry.kHavekIkdoneksomethingkwrong? k Iksha ekmykheadkandksighkloudly.kCankyoukma ekmeksomektea?kThenkletskdiscu sskwhatskbeenkhappeningkwhilekIvekbeenkaway. k Sure.kIllkjumpktokit.kBrightening,kshekheadskoutkofkthekoffice. k Ikgazekafterkherkdepartingkfigure.kYoukseekthatkwoman?kIktal kquietlyktokt hekBlip.kShekmightkbekthekreasonkyourekhere.kIkpatkmykbellykthenkfeelkli ekakcomple tekidiot,kbecausekIkamktal ingktokthekblip.kMyktinyklittlekBlip.kIksha ekmykhead ,kexasperatedkatkmyselfkandkatkHannahk.k.k.kthoughkdeepkdownkIk nowkIkcantkreally kblamekHannah.kDespondentlykIkswitchkonkmykcomputer.kThereskanke-mailkfromkChrist ian. k kkk k From:kChristiankGrey k k k Subject:kMissingkYou Date:kSeptemberk13,k2011k13:58 To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Mrs.kGrey kIvekbeenkbac kinkthekofficekforkonlykthreekhours,kandkImkmissingkyoukalready. kHopekRaykhasksettledkintokhisknewkroomko ay.kMomkiskgoingktokseekhimkthiskafter noonkandkchec kupkonkhim. kIllkcollectkyoukaroundksixkthiskevening,kandkwekcankgokandkseekhimkbeforekheadin gkhome. kSoundkgood? kYourklovingkhusband k ChristiankGrey kCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc.

k k k k kx

Subject:kMissingkYou Date:kSeptemberk13,k2011k14:10 To:kChristiankGrey Sure.

k AnastasiakGrey kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k k k k k k kkk From:kChristiankGrey Subject:kMissingkYou Date:kSeptemberk13,k2011k14:14 To:kAnastasiakGrey

k k k

Iktypekakquic kresponse. kkk From:kAnastasiakGrey

k ChristiankGrey kCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k No,kChristian,kImknot.kImkfrea ingkoutkaboutkyoukfrea ingkout.kIkdontk nowk whatktokdo.kButkIkamknotkgoingktoktellkyoukviake-mail. k kkk k From:kAnastasiakGrey k k k Subject:kMissingkYou Date:kSeptemberk13,k2011k14:17 To:kChristiankGrey

k Fine.kJustkbusy. kSeekyoukatksix. kx k AnastasiakGrey kCommissioningkEditor,kSIP k WhenkwillkIktellkhim?kTonight?kMaybekafterksex?kMaybekduringksex.kNo,kth atkmightkbekdangerouskforkbothkofkus.kWhenkheskasleep?kIkputkmykheadkinkmykhands. kWhatkthekhellkamkIkgoingktokdo? k kkk k Hi,kChristianksayskwarilykaskIkclimbkintokthekSUV. k Hi,kIkmurmur. k Whatskwrong?kHekfrowns.kIksha ekmykheadkaskTaylorksetskoffktowardkthekhospi tal. k Nothing.kMaybeknow?kIkcouldktellkhimknowkwhenkwerekinkakcontainedkspacekand kTaylorkiskwithkus. k Iskwor kallkright?kChristiankcontinuesktokprobe. k Yes.kFine.kThan s. k Ana,kwhatskwrong?kHisktonekiskaklittlekmorekforceful,kandkIkchic enkout. k Ivekjustkmissedkyou,kthatskall.kAndkIvekbeenkworriedkaboutkRay. k Christiankvisiblykrelaxes.kRayskgood.kIkspo ektokMomkthiskafternoonkandksh eskimpressedkwithkhiskprogress.kChristiankgraspskmykhand.kBoy,kyourkhandkiskcold.kH avekyoukeatenktoday? k Ikblush. k Ana,kChristiankscoldskme,kannoyed. k Well,kIkhaventkeatenkbecausekIk nowkyourekgoingktokgokbat-shitkcrazykwhenk IktellkyoukImkpregnant. k Illkeatkthiskevening.kIkhaventkreallykhadktime. k Heksha eskhiskheadkinkfrustration.kDokyoukwantkmektokaddkfeedkmykwifektokth eksecuritykdetailsklistkofkduties? k Imksorry.kIllkeat.kItskjustkbeenkakweirdkday.kYouk now,kmovingkDadkandkall. k Hisklipskpresskintokakhardkline,kbutkheksaysknothing.kIkgazekoutkthekwin dow.kTellkhim!kMyksubconsciouskhisses.kNo.kImkakcoward. k Christiankinterruptskmykreverie.kIkmaykhavektokgoktokTaiwan. k Oh.kWhen? k Laterkthiskwee .kMaybeknextkwee . k O ay. k Ikwantkyouktokcomekwithkme. k Ikswallow.kChristian,kplease.kIkhavekmykjob.kLetsknotkrehashkthiskargument kagain. k Heksighskandkpoutskli ekaksul ykteenager.kThoughtkIdkas ,khekmutterskpetula ntly.

Arekyouko ay?

k Howklongkwillkyoukgokfor? k Notkmorekthankakcouplekofkdays.kIkwishkyoudktellkmekwhatskbotheringkyou. k Howkcankhektell?kWell,knowkthatkmykbelovedkhusbandkiskgoingkawayk.k.k. k Christiank isseskmyk nuc les.kIkwontkbekawaykforklong. k Good.kIksmilekwea lykatkhim. k Raykiskmuchkbrighterkandkaklotklesskgrumpykwhenkwekseekhim.kImktouchedkby khiskquietkgratitudektokChristian,kandkforkakmomentkIkforgetkaboutkmykimpendingk newskaskIksitkandklistenktokthemktal kfishingkandkthekMariners.kButkhektireskeas ily. k Daddy,kwellkleavekyouktoksleep. k Than s,kAnakhoney.kIkli ekthatkyoukdropkby.kSawkyourkmomktoday,ktoo,kChri stian.kShekwaskverykreassuring.kAndksheskakMarinerskfan. k Shesknotkcrazykaboutkfishing,kthough,kChristianksayskwrylykaskhekrises. k Dontk nowkmanykwomenkwhokare,keh?kRaykgrins. k Illkseekyouktomorrow,ko ay?kIk isskhim.kMyksubconsciouskpurseskherklips.kTh atskprovidedkChristiankhasntkloc edkyoukawayk.k.k.korkworse.kMykspiritskta ekaknos edive. k Come.kChristiankholdskoutkhiskhand,kfrowningkatkme.kIkta ekitkandkwekleave kthekhospital. k Ikpic katkmykfood.kItskMrs.kJonesskchic enkchasseur,kbutkImkjustknotkhungry .kMykstomachkisk nottedkinkaktightkballkofkanxiety. k Damnkit!kAna,kwillkyouktellkmekwhatskwrong?kChristiankpusheskhiskemptykplat ekaway,kirritated.kIkgazekatkhim.kPlease.kYourekdrivingkmekcrazy. k Ikswallowkandktryktoksubduekthekpanickrisingkinkmykthroat.kIkta ekakdeep ksteadyingkbreath.kItsknowkorknever.kImkpregnant. k Hekstills,kandkverykslowlykallkthekcolorkdrainskfromkhiskface.kWhat?khekwh ispers,kashen. k Imkpregnant. k Hiskbrowkfurrowskwithkincomprehension.kHow? k Howk.k.k.khow?kWhatksortkofkridiculouskquestionkiskthat?kIkblush,kandkgi vekhimkakquizzicalkhow-do-you-thin kloo . k Hiskstancekchangeskimmediately,khiskeyeskhardeningktokflint.kYourkshot?khe ksnarls. k Ohkshit. k Didkyoukforgetkyourkshot? k Ikjustkgazekatkhimkunablektokspea .kJeez,kheskmadreallykmad. k Christ,kAna!kHekbangskhiskfistkonkthektable,kma ingkmekjump,kandkstandskso kabruptlykhekalmostk noc skthekdiningkchairkover.kYoukhavekonekthing,konekthingkt okremember.kShit!kIkdontkfuc ingkbelievekit.kHowkcouldkyoukbeksokstupid? k Stupid!kIkgasp.kShit.kIkwantktoktellkhimkthatkthekshotkwaskineffective,k butkwordskfailkme.kIkgazekdownkatkmykfingers.kImksorry,kIkwhisper. k Sorry?kFuc !kheksayskagain. k Ik nowkthektimingsknotkverykgood. k Notkverykgood!khekshouts.kWevek nownkeachkotherkfivekfuc ingkminutes.kIkwant edktokshowkyoukthekfuc ingkworldkandknowk.k.k.kFuc .kDiaperskandkvomitkandkshit!k Hekcloseskhiskeyes.kIkthin khesktryingktokcontainkhisktemperkandklosingkthekbattl e. k Didkyoukforget?kTellkme.kOrkdidkyoukdokthiskonkpurpose?kHiskeyeskblazekand kangerkemanateskoffkhimkli ekakforcekfield. k No,kIkwhisper.kIkcantktellkhimkaboutkHannahhedkfirekher.kIk now. k Ikthoughtkwedkagreedkonkthis!khekshouts. k Ik now.kWekhad.kImksorry. k Hekignoreskme.kThiskiskwhy.kThiskiskwhykIkli ekcontrol.kSokshitkli ekthis kdoesntkcomekalongkandkfuc keverythingkup. k Nok.k.k.kLittlekBlip.kChristian,kpleasekdontkshoutkatkme.kTearskstartktoksl ipkdownkmykface. k Dontkstartkwithkwaterwor sknow,kheksnaps.kFuc .kHekrunskakhandkthroughkhiskha ir,kpullingkatkitkaskhekdoes.kYoukthin kImkreadyktokbekakfather?kHiskvoicekcatches, kandkitskakmixturekofkragekandkpanic. k Andkitkallkbecomeskclear,kthekfearkandkloathingkwritklargekinkhiskeyeshis

kragekiskthatkofkakpowerlesskadolescent.kOh,kFifty,kIkamksoksorry.kItskakshoc kfo rkme,ktoo. k Ik nowkneitherkonekofkuskiskreadykforkthis,kbutkIkthin kyoullkma ekakwonde rfulkfather,kIkcho e.kWellkfigurekitkout. k Howkthekfuc kdokyouk now!khekshouts,klouderkthisktime.kTellkmekhow!kHiskgray keyeskburn,kandksokmanykemotionskcrosskhiskface.kItskfearkthatskmostkprominent. k Ohkfuc kthis!kChristiankbellowskdismissivelykandkholdskhiskhandskupkinkakg esturekofkdefeat.kHekturnskonkhiskheelkandkstal sktowardkthekfoyer,kgrabbingkhis kjac etkaskhekleaveskthekgreatkroom.kHiskfootstepskechokoffkthekwoodenkfloor,kan dkhekdisappearskthroughkthekdoublekdoorskintokthekfoyer,kslammingkthekdoorkbehin dkhimkandkma ingkmekjumpkoncekmore. k Ikamkalonekwithktheksilencethekstill,ksilentkemptinesskofkthekgreatkroom. kIkshudderkinvoluntarilykaskIkgazeknumblykatkthekclosedkdoors.kHeskwal edkoutkonk me.kShit!kHiskreactionkiskfarkworsekthankIkcouldkeverkhavekimagined.kIkpushkmykp latekawaykandkfoldkmykarmskonkthektable,klettingkmykheadksin kintokthemkwhilekIk weep. k Ana,kdear.kMrs.kJoneskiskhoveringkbesidekme. k Iksitkupkquic ly,kdashingkthektearskfromkmykface. k Ikheard.kImksorry,ksheksayskgently.kWouldkyoukli ekankherbalkteakorksomethin g? k Idkli ekakglasskofkwhitekwine. k Mrs.kJoneskpauseskforkakfractionkofkaksecond,kandkIkrememberkBlip.kNowkI kcantkdrin kalcohol.kCankI?kIkmustkstudykthekdoskandkdontskDr.kGreenekgavekme. k Illkgetkyoukakglass. k Actually,kIllkhavekakcupkofktea,kplease.kIkwipekmyknose.kSheksmilesk indly. k Cupkofkteakcomingkup.kShekclearskourkplateskandkheadskoverktokthek itchenk area.kIkfollowkherkandkperchkonkakstool,kwatchingkherkpreparekmyktea. k Shekplaceskaksteamingkmugkinkfrontkofkme.kIsktherekanythingkelsekIkcankge tkforkyou,kAna? k No,kthiskiskfine,kthan kyou. k Arekyouksure?kYoukdidntkeatkmuch. k Ikgazekupkatkher.kImkjustknotkhungry. k Ana,kyoukshouldkeat.kItsknotkjustkyoukanymore.kPleasekletkmekfixkyouksomet hing.kWhatkwouldkyoukli e?kShekloo sksokhopefullykatkme.kButkreally,kIkcantkfaceka nything. k Mykhusbandkhaskjustkwal edkoutkonkmekbecausekImkpregnant,kmykfatherkhaskb eenkinkakmajorkcarkaccident,kandkthereskJac kHydektheknutcasektryingktokma ekoutk thatkIksexuallykharassedkhim.kIksuddenlykhavekankuncontrollablekurgektokgiggle.k Seekwhatkyouvekdonektokme,kLittlekBlip!kIkcaresskmykbelly. k Mrs.kJonesksmileskindulgentlykatkme.kDokyouk nowkhowkfarkyoukare?kshekas s ksoftly. k Veryknewlykpregnant.kFourkorkfivekwee s,kthekdoctorkisntksure. k Ifkyoukwontkeat,kthenkatkleastkyoukshouldkrest. k Iknod,kandkta ingkmyktea,kIkheadkintoktheklibrary.kItskmykrefuge.kIkdigkm ykBlac BerrykoutkofkmykpursekandkcontemplatekcallingkChristian.kIk nowkitskakshoc kforkhimbutkhekreallykdidkoverreact.kWhenkdoeskheknotkoverreact?kMyksubconscious karcheskakfinelykpluc edkbrowkatkme.kIksigh.kFiftykShadeskofkfuc edkup. k Yes,kthatskyourkdaddy,kLittlekBlip.kHopefullykhellkcoolkoffkandkcomekbac k. k.k.ksoon. k Ikpullkoutkthekleafletkofkdoskandkdontskandksitkdownktokread. k Ikcantkconcentrate.kChristianskneverkwal edkoutkonkmekbefore.kHeskbeenksokt houghtfulkandk indkoverktheklastkfewkdays,ksoklovingkandknowk.k.k.kSupposekhekne verkcomeskbac ?kShit!kPerhapskIkshouldkcallkFlynn.kIkdontk nowkwhatktokdo.kImkatka kloss.kHesksokfragilekinksokmanykways,kandkIk newkhedkreactkbadlyktoktheknews.kHek wasksoksweetkthiskwee end.kAllkthosekcircumstanceskwaykbeyondkhiskcontrol,kyetkh ekmanagedkfine.kButkthisknewskwasktookmuch. k EverksincekIkmetkhim,kmyklifekhaskbeenkcomplicated.kIskitkhim?kIskitkthe ktwokofkusktogether?kSupposekhekdoesntkgetkpastkthis?kSupposekhekwantskakdivorce? kBilekriseskinkmykthroat.kNo.kIkmustntkthin kthiskway.kHellkbekbac .kHekwill.kIk n owkhekwill.kIk nowkregardlesskofkthekshoutingkandkhiskharshkwordskhekloveskmek.k

.k.kyes.kAndkhellklovekyou,ktoo,kLittlekBlip. k Leaningkbac kinkmykchair,kIkstartktokdoze. k Ikwa ekcoldkandkdisorientated.kShiveringkIkchec kmykwatch;kelevenkinkthe kevening.kOhkyesk.k.k.kYou.kIkpatkmykbelly.kWhereskChristian?kIskhekbac ?kStiffly kIkeasekoutkofkthekarmchairkandkgokinksearchkofkmykhusband. k Fivekminutesklater,kIkrealizekhesknotkhome.kIkhopeknothingskhappenedktokhi m.kMemorieskofktheklongkwaitkwhenkCharliekTangokwentkmissingkfloodkbac . k No,kno,kno.kStopkthin ingkli ekthis.kHeskprobablykgonektok.k.k.kwhere?kWh okwouldkhekgokandksee?kElliot?kOrkmaybekheskwithkFlynn.kIkhopekso.kIkfindkmykBlac Berrykbac kinktheklibrary,kandkIktextkhim. k *Wherekarekyou?*

k Ikheadkintokthekbathroomkandkrunkmyselfkakbath.kIkamksokcold. k HekstillkhasntkreturnedkwhenkIkclimbkoutkofkthekbath.kIkchangekintokoneko fkmyk1930s-styleksatinknightdresseskandkmykrobekandkheadktokthekgreatkroom.kOnkt hekway,kIkpopkintoktheksparekbedroom.kPerhapskthiskcouldkbekLittlekBlipskroom.kIk amkstartledkbykthekthoughtkandkstandkinkthekdoorway,kcontemplatingkthiskreality. kWillkwekpaintkitkbluekorkpin ?kTheksweetkthoughtkisksouredkbykthekfactkthatkmyk errantkhusbandkisksokpissedkatkthekidea.kGrabbingkthekduvetkfromktheksparekbed,k Ikheadkintokthekgreatkroomktok eepkvigil. k Somethingkwa eskme.kAksound. k Shit! k ItskChristiankinkthekfoyer.kIkhearkthektablekscrapekacrosskthekfloorkagai n. k Shit!khekrepeats,kmorekmuffledkthisktime. k Ikscramblekupkinktimektokseekhimkstaggerkthroughkthekdoublekdoors.kHeskdr un .kMykscalpkpric les.kShit,kChristiankdrun ?kIk nowkhowkmuchkhekhateskdrun s.k Ikleapkupkandkrunktowardkhim. k Christian,karekyouko ay? k Hekleanskagainstkthekjambkofkthekfoyerkdoors.kMrs.kGrey,khekslurs. k Crap.kHeskverykdrun .kIkdontk nowkwhatktokdo. k Ohk.k.k.kyoukloo kmightykfine,kAnastasia. k Wherekhavekyoukbeen? k Hekputskhiskfingersktokhisklipskandksmileskcroo edlykatkme.kShh! k Ikthin kyoudkbetterkcomektokbed. k Withkyouk.k.k.kHeksnic ers. k Snic ering!kFrowning,kIkgentlykputkmykarmkaroundkhiskwaistkbecausekhekca nkhardlykstand,kletkalonekwal .kWherekhaskhekbeen?kHowkdidkhekgetkhome? k Letkmekhelpkyouktokbed.kLeankonkme. k Youkarekverykbeautiful,kAna.kHekleanskontokmekandksniffskmykhair,kalmostk noc ingkbothkofkuskover. k Christian,kwal .kIkamkgoingktokputkyouktokbed. k O ay,kheksayskaskifkhesktryingktokconcentrate. k Wekstumblekdownkthekcorridorkandkfinallykma ekitkintokthekbedroom. k Bed,kheksays,kgrinning. k Yes,kbed.kIkmaneuverkhimktokthekedge,kbutkhekholdskme. k Joinkme,kheksays. k Christian,kIkthin kyoukneedksomeksleep. k Andksokitkbegins.kIvekheardkaboutkthis. k Ikfrown.kHeardkaboutkwhat? k Babieskmeanknoksex. k Imksurekthatsknotktrue.kOtherwisekwedkallkcomekfromkone-childkfamilies. k Hekgazeskdownkatkme.kYourekfunny. k Yourekdrun . k Yes.kHeksmiles,kbutkhisksmilekchangeskaskhekthin skaboutkit,kandkakhaunted kexpressionkcrosseskhiskface,kakloo kthatkchillskmektokthekbone. k Comekon,kChristian,kIksaykgently.kIkhatekhiskexpression.kItkspea skofkhorr id,kuglykmemorieskthatknokchildkshouldksee.kLetskgetkyoukintokbed.kIkpushkhimkgentl y,kandkhekflopskdownkontokthekmattress,ksprawlingkinkallkdirectionskandkgrinning kupkatkme,khiskhauntedkexpressionkgone.

k Joinkme,khekslurs. k Letskgetkyoukundressedkfirst. k Hekgrinskwidely,kdrun enly.kNowkyourektal ing. k Holykcow.kDrun kChristiankiskcutekandkplayful.kIllkta ekhimkoverkmad-as-h ellkChristiankanytime. k Sitkup.kLetkmekta ekyourkjac etkoff. k Thekroomkiskspinning. k Shitk.k.k.kiskhekgoingktokthrowkup?kChristian,ksitkup! k Heksmir skupkatkme.kMrs.kGrey,kyoukarekakbossyklittlekthingk.k.k. k Yes.kDokaskyourektoldkandksitkup.kIkputkmykhandskonkmykhips.kHekgrinskagain ,kstruggleskupkontokhiskelbowskthenksitskupkinkakmostkunChristian-li e,kgaw ykfa shion.kBeforekhekcankflopkdownkagain,kIkgrabkhisktiekandkwrestlekhimkoutkofkhisk graykjac et,konekarmkatkaktime. k Youksmellkgood. k Youksmellkofkhardkliquor. k Yesk.k.k.kbour-bon.kHekpronouncesktheksyllableskwithksuchkexaggerationktha tkIkhavektokstiflekakgiggle.kDiscardingkhiskjac etkonkthekfloorkbesidekme,kIkma ekakstartkonkhisktie.kHekrestskhiskhandskonkmykhips. k Ikli ekthekfeelkofkthiskfabrickonkyou,kAnastay-shia,kheksays,kslurringkhis kwords.kYoukshouldkalwayskbekinksatinkorksil .kHekrunskhiskhandskupkandkdownkmykhi pskthenkjer skmekforward,kpressingkhiskmouthkagainstkmykbelly. k Andkwekhavekankinvaderkinkhere. k Ikstopkbreathing.kHolykcow.kHesktal ingktokLittlekBlip. k Yourekgoingktok eepkmekawa e,karentkyou?kheksaysktokmykbelly. k Ohkmy.kChristiankloo skupkatkmekthroughkhisklongkdar klashes,kgraykeyesk blurredkandkcloudy.kMykheartkconstricts. k Youllkchoosekhimkoverkme,kheksaysksadly. k Christian,kyoukdontk nowkwhatkyourektal ingkabout.kDontkbekridiculousIkamknot kchoosingkanyonekoverkanyone.kAndkhekmightkbekakshe. k Hekfrowns.kAkshek.k.k.kOh,kGod.kHekflopskbac kdownkonktokthekbedkandkcover skhiskeyeskwithkhiskarm.kIkhavekmanagedktokloosenkhisktie.kIkundokonekshoelaceka ndkyan koffkhiskshoekandksoc ,kthenkthekother.kWhenkIkstand,kIkseekwhykIvekmetkno kresistanceChristiankhaskpassedkoutkcompletely.kHesksoundkasleepkandksnoringksoftl y. k Ikstarekatkhim.kHesksokgoddamnedkbeautiful,kevenkdrun kandksnoring.kHisks culpturedklipskparted,konekarmkabovekhiskhead,krufflingkhiskmessykhair,khiskface krelaxed.kHekloo skyoungbutkthenkhekiskyoung;kmykyoung,kstressedkout,kdrun ,kunha ppykhusband.kThekthoughtkrestskheavykinkmykheart. k Well,katkleastkheskhome.kIkwonderkwherekhekwent.kImknotksurekIkhavektheken ergykorkthekstrengthktokmovekhimkorkundresskhimkanykfurther.kHeskonktopkofkthekdu vet,ktoo.kHeadingkbac kintokthekgreatkroom,kIkpic kupkthekduvetkIkwaskusingkandk bringkitkbac ktokourkbedroom. k Heskstillkfastkasleep,kstillkwearingkhisktiekandkhiskbelt.kIkclimbkontokt hekbedkbesidekhim,kremovekhisktie,kandkgentlykundokthektopkbuttonkofkhiskshirt.k Hekmumblesksomethingkincoherentlykinkhisksleep,kbutkhekdoesntkwa e.kCarefully,kIk unbuc lekhiskbeltkandkpullkitkthroughkthekbeltkloops,kandkafterksomekdifficultyk itskoff.kHiskshirtkhaskcomekdislodgedkfromkhiskpants,krevealingkakhintkofkhiskhap pyktrail.kIkcantkresist.kIkbendkandk isskit.kHekshifts,kflexingkhiskhipskforward, kbutkstayskasleep. k Iksitkupkandkgazekatkhimkagain.kOh,kFifty,kFifty,kFiftyk.k.k.kwhatkamkIk goingktokdokwithkyou?kIkbrushkmykfingerskthroughkhiskhair.kItsksoksoftkandk isskh isktemple. k Iklovekyou,kChristian.kEvenkwhenkyourekdrun kandkyouvekbeenkoutkGodk nowskw here,kIklovekyou.kIllkalwaysklovekyou. k Hmm,khekmurmurs.kIk isskhisktemplekoncekmore,kthenkgetkoffkthekbed,kandkco verkhimkupkwithktheksparekduvet.kIkcanksleepkbesidekhim,ksidewayskacrosskthekbed k.k.k.kYes,kIllkdokthat. k FirstkIllksortkoutkhiskclothes,kthough.kIksha ekmykheadkandkpic kupkhisks oc skandktie,kandkfoldkhiskjac etkoverkmykarm.kAskIkdo,khiskBlac Berrykfallsktok thekfloor.kIkpic kitkupkandkinadvertentlykunloc kit.kItkopenskonkthektextskscree

n.kIkcankseekmyktext,kandkabovekit,kanother. k Fuc .kMykscalpkpric les. k *Itkwaskgoodktokseekyou.kIkunderstandknow.

k k k k k k k k

Itskfromkher.kMrs.kElenakBitchkTrollkRobinson. Shit.kThatskwherekhekwent.kHeskbeenktokseekher.

kkk

k Ikgapekatkthektextkthenkloo kupkatktheksleepingkformkofkmykhusband.kHeskb eenkoutkuntilkonekthirtykinkthekmorningkdrin ingwithkher!kHeksnoresksoftly,ksleep ingktheksleepkofkakseeminglykinnocent,kobliviouskdrun .kHekloo sksokserene. k Ohkno,kno,kno.kMyklegskturnktokjelly,kandkIksin kslowlyktokthekchairkbes idekthekbedkinkdisbelief.kRaw,kbitter,khumiliatingkbetrayalklanceskthroughkme.kH owkcouldkhe?kHowkcouldkhekgoktokher?kScalding,kangryktearskoozekdownkmykchee s.k Hiskwrathkandkfear,khiskneedktoklashkoutkatkmekIkcankunderstand,kandkforgivejust. kButkthisk.k.k.kthisktreacherykisktookmuch.kIkpullkmyk neeskupkagainstkmykchestk andkwrapkmykarmskaroundkthem,kprotectingkmekandkprotectingkmykLittlekBlip.kIkroc ktokandkfro,kweepingksoftly. k WhatkdidkIkexpect?kIkmarriedkthiskmanktookquic ly.kIk newkitIk newkitkwou ldkcomektokthis.kWhy.kWhy.kWhy?kHowkcouldkhekdokthisktokme?kHek nowskhowkIkfeelk aboutkthatkwoman.kHowkcouldkhekturnktokher?kHow?kThek nifektwistskslowlykandkpai nfullykdeepkinkmykheart,klaceratingkme.kWillkitkalwayskbekthiskway? k Throughkmyktears,khiskprostratekfigurekblurskandkshimmers.kOh,kChristian .kIkmarriedkhimkbecausekIklovekhim,kandkdeepkdownkIk nowkthatkhekloveskme.kIk no wkhekdoes.kHiskachinglyksweetkbirthdaykpresentkcomesktokmind. k Forkallkourkfirstskonkyourkfirstkbirthdaykaskmykbelovedkwife.kIklovekyou .kCkx k No,kno,knoIkcantkbelievekthatkitkwillkalwayskbekthiskway,ktwokstepskforwar dkandkthreekstepskbac .kButkthatskhowkitskalwayskbeenkwithkhim.kAfterkeachksetbac ,kwekmovekforward,kinchkbykinch.kHekwillkcomekaroundk.k.k.khekwill.kButkwillkI?k WillkIkrecoverkfromkthisk.k.k.kfromkthisktreachery?kIkthin kaboutkhowkheskbeenkth isklast,khorrible,kwonderfulkwee end.kHiskquietkstrengthkwhilekmykstepdadklaykbr o enkandkcomatosekinkthekICUk.k.k.kmyksurprisekparty,kbringingkmykfamilykandkfri endsktogetherk.k.k.kdippingkmekdownklowkoutsidekthekHeathmankandk issingkmekinkf ullkpublickview.kOh,kChristian,kyoukstrainkallkmyktrust,kallkmykfaithk.k.k.kandk Iklovekyou. k Butkitsknotkjustkmeknow.kIkplacekmykhandkonkmykbelly.kNo,kIkwillknotkletk himkdokthisktokmekandkourkBlip.kDr.kFlynnksaidkIkshouldkgivekhimkthekbenefitkofk thekdoubtwell,knotkthisktime.kIkdashkthektearskfromkmykeyeskandkwipekmyknosekwith kthekbac kofkmykhand. k Christiankstirskandkrollskover,kpullingkhisklegskupkfromktheksidekofkthe kbed,kandkcurlskupkbeneathkthekduvet.kHekstretcheskoutkakhandkaskifksearchingkfo rksomething,kthenkgrumbleskandkfrownskbutksettleskbac ktoksleep,khiskarmkoutstre tched. k Oh,kFifty.kWhatkamkIkgoingktokdokwithkyou?kAndkwhatkthekhellkwerekyoukdo ingkwithkthekBitchkTroll?kIkneedktok now. k Ikglancekoncekmorekatkthekoffendingktextkandkquic lykhatchkakplan.kTa in gkakdeepkbreath,kIkforwardkthektextktokmykBlac Berry.kStepkonekcomplete.kIkquic lykchec kthekotherkrecentktexts,kbutkcankonlykseekmessageskfromkElliot,kAndrea,k Taylor,kRos,kandkme.kNonekfromkElena.kGood,kIkthin .kIkexitkthektextkscreen,krel ievedkthatkhekhasntkbeenktextingkher,kandkmykheartklurcheskintokmykthroat.kOhkmy.

Dontkfret.kYoullkma ekakwonderfulkfather.*

kThekwallpaperkonkhiskphonekiskphotographkuponkphotographkofkme,kakpatchwor kofk tinykAnastasiaskinkvariouskposesourkhoneymoon,kourkrecentkwee endksailingkandksoa ring,kandkakfewkofkJosskphotos,ktoo.kWhenkdidkhekdokthis?kItkmustkhavekbeenkrecent ly. k Iknoticekhiske-mailkicon,kandkankideakslitherskenticinglykintokmykmindk. k.k.kIkcouldkreadkChristianske-mails.kSeekifkheskbeenktal ingktokher.kShouldkI?kSh eathedkinkjade-greenksil ,kmykinnerkgoddessknodskemphatically,kherkmouthksetkink akscowl.kBeforekIkcankstopkmyself,kIkinvadekhiskprivacy. k Therekarekhundredskandkhundredskofke-mails.kIkspinkdownkthroughkthem,kan dktheykloo kdullkaskditchwaterk.k.k.kmostlykfromkRos,kAndreakandkme,kandkvarious kexecutiveskinkhiskcompany.kNonekfromkBitchkTroll.kWhilekImkatkit,kImkrelievedktok seektherekareknonekfromkLeilakeither. k Oneke-mailkcatcheskmykeye.kItskfromkBarneykSullivan,kChristianskITkguy,kan dktheksubjectklinekis:kJac kHyde.kIkglancekguiltilykatkChristian,kbutkheskstillks noringkgently.kIvekneverkheardkhimksnore.kIkopenktheke-mail. k kkk k From:kBarneykSullivan

k k

Date:kSeptemberk13,k2011k14:09 To:kChristiankGrey

k CCTVkaroundkSeattlektrac skthekwhitekvankfromkSouthkIrvingkStreet.kBefor ekthatkIkcankfindknoktrace,ksokHydekmustkhavekbeenkbasedkinkthatkarea. kAskWelchkhasktoldkyoukthekunsubkcarkwaskrentedkwithkakfalseklicensekbykankun no wnkfemale,kthoughknothingkthatktieskitktokthekSouthkIrvingkStreetkarea. kDetailskofk nownkGEHkandkSIPkemployeeskwhoklivekinkthekareakarekinkthekattached kfile,kwhichkIkhavekforwardedktokWelch,ktoo. k k er. TherekwasknothingkonkHydeskSIPkcomputerkaboutkhiskformerkPAs. Askakreminder,kherekiskaklistkofkwhatkwaskretrievedkfromkHydeskSIPkcomput

k GreyskHomekAddresses: FivekpropertieskinkSeattle kTwokpropertieskinkDetroit k DetailedkResumskfor: Carric kGrey kElliotkGrey kChristiankGrey kDr.kGracekTrevelyan kAnastasiakSteele kMiakGrey k Newspaperkandkonlinekarticleskrelatingkto: Dr.kGracekTrevelyan kCarric kGrey kChristiankGrey kElliotkGrey k Photographs: Carric kGrey kDr.kGracekTrevelyan kChristiankGrey kElliotkGrey kMiakGrey

Subject:kJac kHyde

Illkcontinuekmykinvestigation,kseekwhatkelsekIkcankfind.

k BkSullivan kHeadkofkIT,kGEH k Thiskoddke-mailkmomentarilyksidetrac skmekfromkmyknightkofkwoe.kIkclic k onkthekattachmentktokchec kthroughktheknameskonktheklist,kbutkitskobviouslykhuge, ktookbigktokopenkonkthekBlac Berry. k WhatkamkIkdoing?kItsklate.kIvekhadkaktiringkday.kTherekareknoke-mailskfrom kthekBitchkTrollkorkLeilakWilliams,kandkIkta eksomekcoldkcomfortkfromkthat.kIkgl ancekquic lykatkthekalarmkcloc :kitskjustkafterktwokinkthekmorning.kTodaykhaskbee nkakdaykofkrevelations.kIkamktokbekakmother,kandkmykhusbandkhaskbeenkfraternizin gkwithkthekenemy.kWell,kletkhimkstew.kIkamknotksleepingkherekwithkhim.kHekcankwa ekupkalonektomorrow.kAfterkplacingkhiskBlac Berrykonkthekbedsidektable,kIkretri evekmykpursekfromkbesidekthekbedkand,kafterkoneklastkloo katkmykangelic,ksleepin gkJudas,kIkleavekthekbedroom. k Theksparekplayroomk eykiskinkitskusualkplacekinkthekcabinetkinkthekutili tykroom.kIkgrabkitkandkscootkupstairs.kFromktheklinenkcloset,kIkretrievekakpillo w,kduvetkandksheet,kthenkunloc kthekplayroomkdoorkandkenter,kswitchingktheklight sktokdim.kOddkthatkIkfindktheksmellkandkambiencekofkthiskroomksokcomforting,kcon sideringkIksafekwordedktheklastktimekwekwerekinkhere.kIkloc kthekdoorkbehindkme, kleavingkthek eykinkthekloc .kIk nowkthatktomorrowkmorningkChristiankwillkbekfra nticktokfindkme,kandkIkdontkthin khellkloo kinkherekifkthekdoorskloc ed.kWell,kitkw illkservekhimkright. k IkcurlkupkonkthekChesterfieldkcouch,kwrapkmyselfkinkthekduvetkandkdragkm ykBlac Berrykfromkmykpurse.kChec ingkmyktexts,kIkfindkthekonekfromkthekevilkBitc hkTrollkthatkIkforwardedkfromkChristianskphone.kIkpresskForwardkandktype: k *WOULDkYOUkLIKEkMRS.kLINCOLNkTOkJOINkUSkWHENkWEkEVENTUALLYkDISCUSSkTHISk TEXTkSHEkSENTkTOkYOU?kITkWILLkSAVEkYOUkRUNNINGkTOkHERkAFTERWARD.kYOURkWIFE* k IkpresskSendkandkswitchkthekvolumektokmute.kIkhuddlekunderkmykduvet.kFor kallkmykbravado,kImkoverwhelmedkbykthekenormitykofkChristianskdeceit.kThiskshouldk bekakhappyktime.kJeez,kwerekgoingktokbekparents.kBriefly,kIkrelivektellingkChrist iankthatkImkpregnantkandkfantasizekthatkhekfallsktokhisk neeskwithkjoykinkfrontko fkme,kpullingkmekintokhiskarmskandktellingkmekhowkmuchkhekloveskmekandkourkLittl ekBlip. k YetkherekIkam,kalonekandkcoldkinkakBDSMkfantasykplayroom.kSuddenlykIkfee lkold,kolderkthankmykyears.kTa ingkonkChristiankwaskalwayskgoingktokbekakchallen ge,kbutkhekreallykhasksurpassedkhimselfkthisktime.kWhatkwaskhekthin ing?kWell,ki fkhekwantskakfight,kIllkgivekhimkakfight.kNokwaykamkIkgoingktokletkhimkgetkawaykw ithkrunningkoffktokseekthatkmonstrouskwomankwheneverkwekhavekakproblem.kHeskgoing ktokhavektokchooseherkorkmekandkourkLittlekBlip.kIksniffleksoftly,kbutkbecausekImk sokexhausted,kIksoonkfallkasleep. k Ikwa ekwithkakstart,kmomentarilykdisorientatedk.k.k.kOhkyesImkinkthekplayr oom.kBecausektherekareknokwindows,kIkhaveknokideakwhatktimekitkis.kThekdoorkhand lekrattles. k Ana!kChristiankshoutskfromkoutsidekthekdoor.kIkfreeze,kbutkhekdoesntkcomeki n.kIkhearkmuffledkvoices,kbutktheykmovekaway.kIkexhalekandkchec kthektimekonkmyk Blac Berry.kItsksevenkfifty,kandkIkhavekfourkmissedkcallskandktwokvoicekmessages. kThekmissedkcallskarekmostlykfromkChristian,kbutkthereskalsokonekfromkKate.kOh,kn o.kHekmustkhavekcalledkher.kIkdontkhavektimektoklistenktokthem.kIkdontkwantktokbek latekforkwor . k Ikwrapkthekduvetkaroundkmekandkpic kupkmykpursekbeforekma ingkmykwayktok thekdoor.kUnloc ingkitkslowly,kIkpee koutside.kNoksignkofkanyone.kOhkshitk.k.k.k Perhapskthiskiskakbitkmelodramatic.kIkrollkmykeyeskatkmyself,kta ekakdeepkbreath ,kandkheadkdownstairs. k Taylor,kSawyer,kRyan,kMrs.kJones,kandkChristiankarekallkstandingkinkthek entrancektokthekgreatkroom,kandkChristiankiskissuingkrapid-firekinstructions.kAs konektheykallkturnkandkgapekatkme.kChristiankiskstillkwearingkthekclotheskheksle

ptkinklastknight.kHekloo skdisheveled,kpale,kandkheart-stoppinglykbeautiful.kHis klargekgraykeyeskarekwide,kandkIkdontk nowkifkheskfearfulkorkangry.kItskdifficultkt oktell. k Sawyer,kIllkbekreadyktokleavekinkaboutktwentykminutes,kIkmutter,kwrappingkt hekduvetktighterkaroundkmekforkprotection. k Heknods,kandkallkeyeskturnktokChristian,kwhokiskstillkstaringkintenselyk atkme. k Wouldkyoukli eksomekbrea fast,kMrs.kGrey?kMrs.kJoneskas s.kIksha ekmykhead . k Imknotkhungry,kthan kyou.kShekpurseskherklipskbutksaysknothing. k Wherekwerekyou?kChristiankas s,khiskvoiceklowkandkhus y.kSuddenlykSawyer,k Taylor,kRyankandkMrs.kJoneskscatter,kscurryingkintokTaylorskoffice,kintokthekfoye r,kandkintokthek itchenkli ekterrifiedkratskfromkaksin ingkship. k IkignorekChristiankandkmarchktowardkourkbedroom. k Ana,khekcallskafterkme,kanswerkme.kIkhearkhiskfootstepskbehindkmekaskIkwal k intokthekbedroomkandkcontinuekintokourkbathroom.kQuic ly,kIkloc kthekdoor. k Ana!kChristiankpoundskonkthekdoor.kIkturnkonkthekshower.kThekdoorkrattles. kAna,kopenkthekdamnedkdoor. k Gokaway! k Imknotkgoingkanywhere. k Suitkyourself. k Ana,kplease. k Ikclimbkintokthekshower,keffectivelykbloc ingkhimkout.kOh,kitskwarm.kThek healingkwaterkcascadeskoverkme,kcleansingkthekexhaustionkofktheknightkoffkmyks i n.kOhkmy.kThiskfeelsksokgood.kForkakmoment,kforkonekshortkmoment,kIkcankpretendk allkiskwell.kIkwashkmykhairkandkbykthektimekIvekfinished,kIkfeelkbetter,kstronger ,kreadyktokfacekthekfreightktrainkthatkiskChristiankGrey.kIkwrapkmykhairkinkakto wel,kbris lykdrykmyselfkwithkanotherktowel,kandkwrapkitkaroundkme. k Ikunloc kthekdoorkandkopenkitkandkfindkChristiankiskleaningkagainstkthek wallkopposite,khiskhandskbehindkhiskbac .kHiskexpressionkiskwary,kthatkofkakhunt edkpredator.kIkstridekpastkhimkandkintokourkwal -inkcloset. k Arekyoukignoringkme?kChristiankas skinkdisbeliefkaskhekstandskonkthekthres holdkofkthekcloset. k Perceptive,karentkyou?kIkmurmurkabsentmindedlykaskIksearchkforksomethingkto kwear.kAh,kyesmykplumkdress.kIkslidekitkoffkthekhanger,kchoosekmykhighkblac kstil ettokboots,kandkheadkforkthekbedroom.kIkpausekforkChristianktokstepkoutkofkmykwa y,kwhichkhekdoes,keventuallyhiskintrinsickgoodkmannerskta ingkover.kIksensekhiske yeskboringkintokmekaskIkwal koverktokmykchestkofkdrawers,kandkIkpee katkhimkinkt hekmirror,kstandingkmotionlesskinkthekdoorway,kwatchingkme.kInkankactkworthykofk ankOscarkwinner,kIkletkmyktowelkfallktokthekfloorkandkpretendkthatkIkamkobliviou sktokmykna edkbody.kIkhearkhiskrestrainedkgaspkandkignorekit. k Whykarekyoukdoingkthis?khekas s.kHiskvoicekisklow. k Whykdokyoukthin ?kMykvoicekiskvelvetksoftkaskIkpullkoutkakprettykpairkofkb lac klacekLakPerlakpanties. k AnakHekstopskaskIkshimmykintokthem. k Gokas kyourkMrs.kRobinson.kImksurekshellkhavekankexplanationkforkyou,kIkmutt erkaskIksearchkforkthekmatchingkbra. k Ana,kIvektoldkyoukbefore,kshesknotkmy k Ikdontkwantktokhearkit,kChristian.kIkwavekmykhandkdismissively.kThektimekfor ktal ingkwaskyesterday,kbutkinsteadkyoukdecidedktokrantkandkgetkdrun kwithkthekw omankwhokabusedkyoukforkyears.kGivekherkakcall.kIkamksurekshellkbekmorekthankwill ingktoklistenktokyouknow.kIkfindkthekmatchingkbrakandkslowlykpullkitkonkandkfaste nkit.kChristiankwal skfurtherkintokthekbedroomkandkplaceskhiskhandskonkhiskhips. k Whykwerekyouksnoopingkonkme?kheksays. k InkspitekofkmykresolvekIkflush.kThatsknotkthekpoint,kChristian,kIksnapkatkh im.kFactkis,kgoingkgetsktoughkandkyoukrunktokher. k Hiskmouthksettleskintokakgrimkline.kItkwasntkli ekthat. k Imknotkinterested.kPic ingkakpairkofkblac kthigh-highskwithklaceyktops,kIkr etreatktokthekbed.kIksit,kpointkmyktoe,kandkgentlykeasekthekgossamerkmaterialkup ktokmykthigh.

k Wherekwerekyou?khekas s,khiskeyeskfollowingkmykhandskupkmyklegs,kbutkIkcon tinuektokignorekhimkaskIkslowlykrollkonkthekotherkstoc ing.kStanding,kIkbendktok towel-drykmykhair.kThroughkmykpartedkthighs,kIkcankseekhiskbarekfeet,kandkIksens ekhiskintensekgaze.kWhenkIvekfinished,kIkstandkandkstepkbac ktokthekchestkofkdraw erskwherekIkgrabkmykhairdryer. k Answerkme.kChristianskvoicekisklowkandkhus y. k IkswitchkonkthekhairdryerksokIkcanknoklongerkhearkhimkandkwatchkhimkthro ughkmyklasheskinkthekmirrorkaskIkfingerkdrykmykhair.kHekglareskatkme,keyesknarro wkandkcool,kchillingkeven.kIkloo kaway,kfocusingkonkthektas katkhandkandktryingk toksuppresskthekshiverkthatkrunskthroughkme.kIkswallowkhardkandkconcentratekonkd ryingkmykhair.kHeskstillkmad.kHekgoeskoutkwithkthatkdamnedkwoman,kandkheskmadkatkm e?kHowkdarekhe!kWhenkmykhairkloo skwildkandkuntamed,kIkstop.kYesk.k.k.kIkli ekit .kIkswitchkoffkthekhairdryer. k Wherekwerekyou?khekwhispers,khisktonekarctic. k Whatkdokyoukcare? k Ana,kstopkthis.kNow. k Ikshrug,kandkChristiankmoveskquic lykacrosskthekroomktowardkme.kIkwhirlk around,ksteppingkbac kaskhekreacheskout. k Dontktouchkme,kIkhisskandkhekfreezes. k Wherekwerekyou?khekdemands.kHiskhandskfistkatkhiskside. k Ikwasntkoutkgettingkdrun kwithkmykex,kIkseethe.kDidkyouksleepkwithkher? k Hekgasps.kWhat?kNo!kHekgapeskatkmekandkhaskthekgallktokloo kwoundedkandkan grykatktheksamektime.kMyksubconsciouskbreatheskaksmall,kwelcomeksighkofkrelief. k Youkthin kIdkcheatkonkyou?kHisktonekiskonekofkmoralkoutrage. k Youkdid,kIksnarl.kBykta ingkourkverykprivateklifekandkspillingkyourkspinele sskgutsktokthatkwoman. k Hiskmouthkdropskopen.kSpineless.kThatskwhatkyoukthin ?kHiskeyeskblaze. k Christian,kIksawkthektext.kThatskwhatkIk now. k Thatktextkwasknotkmeantkforkyou,khekgrowls. k Well,kfactkiskIksawkitkwhenkyourkBlac Berrykfellkoutkofkyourkjac etkwhile kIkwaskundressingkyoukbecausekyoukwerektookdrun ktokundresskyourself.kDokyoukhav ekanykideakhowkmuchkyouvekhurtkmekbykgoingktokseekthatkwoman? k Hekpaleskmomentarily,kbutkImkonkakroll,kmykinnerkbitchkunleashed. k Dokyoukrememberklastknightkwhenkyoukcamekhome?kRememberkwhatkyouksaid? k Hekstareskatkmekblan ly,khiskfacekfrozen. k Well,kyoukwerekright.kIkdokchoosekthiskdefenselesskbabykoverkyou.kThatskwh atkanyklovingkparentkdoes.kThatskwhatkyourkmotherkshouldkhavekdonekforkyou.kAndkI kamksorrykthatkshekdidntbecausekwekwouldntkbekhavingkthiskconversationkrightknowkif kshekhad.kButkyourekankadultknowyoukneedktokgrowkupkandksmellkthekfuc ingkcoffeeka ndkstopkbehavingkli ekakpetulantkadolescent. k Youkmayknotkbekhappykaboutkthiskbaby.kImknotkecstatic,kgivenkthektimingkan dkyourkless-than-lu ewarmkreceptionktokthisknewklife,kthiskfleshkofkyourkflesh.k Butkyoukcankeitherkdokthiskwithkme,korkIllkdokitkonkmykown.kThekdecisionkiskyours . k Whilekyoukwallowkinkyourkpitkofkself-pitykandkself-loathing,kImkgoingktokw or .kAndkwhenkIkreturnkIllkbekmovingkmykbelongingsktokthekroomkupstairs. k Hekblin skatkme,kshoc ed. k Now,kifkyoullkexcusekme,kIdkli ektokfinishkgettingkdressed.kIkamkbreathingkh ard. k Verykslowly,kChristiankretreatskonekstep,khiskdemeanorkhardening.kIskthat kwhatkyoukwant?khekwhispers. k Ikdontk nowkwhatkIkwantkanykmore.kMyktonekmirrorskhis,kandkitkta eskakmonum entalkeffortktokfeignkdisinterestkwhilekIkcasuallykdipkthektipskofkmykfingerskin tokmykmoisturizerkandksmoothkitkgentlykoverkmykface.kIkpeerkatkmyselfkinkthekmir ror.kBluekeyeskwide,kfacekpale,kbutkchee skflushed.kYourekdoingkgreat.kDontkbac kd ownknow.kDontkbac kdownknow. k Youkdontkwantkme?khekwhispers. k Ohnok.k.k.kohknokyoukdont,kGrey. k ImkstillkherekarentkI?kIksnap.kTa ingkmykmascara,kIkapplyksomekfirstktokmykr ightkeye.

k Youvekthoughtkaboutkleaving?kHiskwordskarekbarelykaudible. k Whenkoneskhusbandkpreferskthekcompanykofkhiskex-mistress,kitskusuallyknotka kgoodksign.kIkpitchkthekdisdainkatkjustkthekrightklevel,kevadingkhiskquestion.kLi pkglossknow.kIkpoutkmykshinyklipskatkthekimagekinkthekmirror.kStaykstrong,kSteel ek.k.k.kumGrey.kHolykfuc ,kIkcantkevenkrememberkmykname.kIkpic kupkmykboots,kstrid ekoverktokthekbedkoncekmore,kandkquic lykputkthemkon,ktuggingkthemkupkoverkmyk n ees.kYep.kIkloo khotkjustkinkunderwearkandkboots.kIk now.kStanding,kIkgazekdispa ssionatelykatkhim.kHekblin skatkme,kandkhiskeyesktravelkswiftlykandkgreedilykdow nkmykbody. k Ik nowkwhatkyourekdoingkhere,khekmurmurs,kandkhiskvoicekhaskacquiredkakwarm ,kseductivekedge. k Dokyou?kAndkmykvoicekcrac s.kNo,kAnak.k.k.kholdkon. k Hekswallowskandkta eskakstepkforward.kIkstepkbac kandkholdkmykhandskup. k Dontkevenkthin kaboutkit,kGrey,kIkwhisperkmenacingly. k Yourekmykwife,kheksaysksoftly,kthreateningly. k Imkthekpregnantkwomankyoukabandonedkyesterday,kandkifkyouktouchkmekIkwillk screamkthekplacekdown. k Hiskeyebrowskrisekinkdisbelief.kYoudkscream? k Bloodykmurder.kIknarrowkmykeyes. k Nokonekwouldkhearkyou,khekmurmurs,khiskgazekintense,kandkbrieflykImkreminde dkofkourkmorningkinkAspen.kNo.kNo.kNo. k Arekyouktryingktokfrightenkme?kIkmutterkbreathless,kdeliberatelyktryingkto kderailkhim. k Itkwor s.kHekstillskandkswallows.kThatkwasntkmykintention.kHekfrowns. k Ikcankbarelykbreathe.kIfkhektoucheskme,kIkwillksuccumb.kIk nowkthekpower khekwieldskoverkmekandkoverkmyktraitorouskbody.kIk now.kIkhangkonktokmykanger. k Ikhadkakdrin kwithksomeonekIkusedktokbekclosekto.kWekclearedkthekair.kIka mknotkgoingktokseekherkagain. k Youksoughtkherkout? k Notkatkfirst.kIktriedktokseekFlynn.kButkIkfoundkmyselfkatktheksalon. k Andkyoukexpectkmektokbelievekyoureknotkgoingktokseekherkagain?kIkcannotkcon tainkmykfurykaskIkhisskatkhim.kWhatkaboutktheknextktimekIkstepkacrossksomekimagin arykline?kThiskisktheksamekargumentkwekhavekoverkandkoverkagain.kLi ekwerekonksom ekIxionskwheel.kIfkIkfuc kupkagain,karekyoukgoingktokrunkbac ktokher? k Ikamknotkgoingktokseekherkagain,kheksayskwithkakchillingkfinality.kShekfina llykunderstandskhowkIkfeel. k Ikblin katkhim.kWhatkdoeskthatkmean? k Hekstraightenskandkrunskakhandkthroughkhiskhair,kexasperatedkandkangryka ndkmute.kIktrykakdifferentktac . k Whykcankyouktal ktokherkandknotktokme? k Ikwaskmadkatkyou.kLi ekIkamknow. k Youkdontksay!kIksnap.kWellkIkamkmadkatkyoukrightknow.kMadkatkyoukforkbeingks okcoldkandkcallouskyesterdaykwhenkIkneededkyou.kMadkatkyoukforksayingkIkgotk noc edkupkdeliberately,kwhenkIkdidnt.kMadkatkyoukforkbetrayingkme.kIkmanagektoksuppre sskaksob.kHiskmouthkdropskopenkinkshoc ,kandkhekcloseskhiskeyeskbrieflykaskifkIdk slappedkhim.kIkswallow.kCalmkdown,kAnastasia. k Ikshouldkhavek eptkbetterktrac kofkmykshots.kButkIkdidntkdokitkonkpurpose. kThiskpregnancykiskakshoc ktokme,ktoo.kIkmutter,ktryingkforkakmodicumkofkcivility .kItkcouldkbekthatkthekshotkfailed. k Hekglareskatkme,ksilent. k Youkreallykfuc edkupkyesterday,kIkwhisper,kmykangerkboilingkover.kIvekhadkak lotktokdealkwithkoverktheklastkfewkwee s. k Youkreallykfuc edkupkthreekorkfourkwee skago.kOrkwheneverkyoukforgotkyour kshot. k Well,kGodkforbidkIkshouldkbekperfectkli ekyou! k Ohkstop,kstop,kstop.kWekstandkgloweringkatkeachkother. k Thiskiskquitekakperformance,kMrs.kGrey,khekwhispers. k Well,kImkgladkthatkevenk noc edkupkImkentertaining. k Hekstareskatkmekblan ly.kIkneedkakshower,khekmurmurs. k AndkIvekprovidedkenoughkofkakfloorkshow.

k Itskakmightykfinekfloorkshow,khekwhispers.kHekstepskforward,kandkIkstepkbac kagain. k Dont. k Ikhatekthatkyoukwontkletkmektouchkyou. k Ironic,khuh? k Hiskeyesknarrowkoncekmore.kWekhaventkresolvedkmuch,khavekwe? k Idksayknot.kExceptkthatkImkmovingkoutkofkthiskbedroom. k Hiskeyeskflarekandkwidenkbriefly.kShekdoesntkmeankanythingktokme. k Exceptkwhenkyoukneedkher. k Ikdontkneedkher.kIkneedkyou. k Youkdidntkyesterday.kThatkwomankiskakhardklimitkforkme,kChristian. k Sheskoutkofkmyklife. k IkwishkIkcouldkbelievekyou. k Forkfuc sksa e,kAna. k Pleasekletkmekgetkdressed. k Heksighskandkrunskakhandkthroughkhiskhairkoncekmore.kIllkseekyoukthiskeven ing,kheksays,khiskvoicekblea kandkdevoidkofkfeeling.kAndkforkakbriefkmomentkIkwan tktokta ekhimkinkmykarmskandksoothekhimk.k.k.kbutkIkresistkbecausekImkjustktookma d.kHekturnskandkheadskforkthekbathroom.kIkstandkfrozenkuntilkIkhearkthekdoorkclo se. k Ikstaggerktokthekbedkandkflopkdownkonktokit.kMykinnerkgoddesskandkmyksub consciouskarekbothkgivingkmekakstandingkovation.kIkdidknotkresortktoktears,kshou ting,korkmurder,knorkdidkIksuccumbktokhisksexpertise.kIkdeservekakCongressionalk MedalkofkHonor,kbutkIkfeelksoklow.kShit.kWekresolvedknothing.kWerekonkthekedgekof kakprecipice.kIskourkmarriagekiskatksta ekhere?kWhykcantkhekseekwhatkakcompleteka ndkutterkasskheskbeenkrunningktokthatkwoman?kAndkwhatkdoeskhekmeankwhenkheksayskh ellkneverkseekherkagain?kHowkonkearthkamkIksupposedktokbelievekthat?kIkglancekatk thekradiokalarmeightkthirty.kShit!kIllkdontkwantktokbeklate.kIkta ekakdeepkbreath. k RoundkTwokwaskakstalemate,kLittlekBlip,kIkwhisper,kpattingkmykbelly.kDaddyk maykbekaklostkcause,kbutkIkhopeknot.kWhy,kohkwhy,kdidkyoukcomeksokearly,kLittlek Blip?kThingskwerekjustkgettingkgood.kMyklipktrembles,kbutkIkta ekakdeepkcleansing kbreathkandkbringkmykrollingkemotionskunderkcontrol. k Comekon.kLetskgok ic kasskatkwor . k Ikdontksaykgood-byektokChristian.kHeskstillkinkthekshowerkwhenkSawyerkandk Ikleave.kAskIkgazekoutkofkthekdar enedkwindowskofkthekSUV,kmykcomposurekslipskan dkmykeyeskwater.kMykmoodkiskreflectedkinkthekgray,kdrearyks y,kandkIkfeelkakstra ngeksensekofkforeboding.kWekdidntkactuallykdiscusskthekbaby.kIkhavekhadklesskthan ktwenty-fourkhoursktokassimilatektheknewskofkLittlekBlip.kChristiankhaskhadkeven klessktime.kHekdoesntkevenk nowkyourkname.kIkcaresskmykbellykandkwipektearskfromkmy kface. k Mrs.kGrey.kSawyerkinterruptskmykreverie.kWerekhere. k Oh.kThan s,kSawyer. k Imkgoingktokma ekakrunktokthekdeli,kmaam.kCankIkgetkyoukanything? k No.kThan kyou,kno.kImknotkhungry. k Hannahkhaskmyklattekwaitingkforkme.kIkta ekoneksniffkofkitkandkmykstomac hkroils. k Umk.k.k.cankIkhavektea,kplease?kIkmutter,kembarrassed.kIk newktherekwaskak reasonkIkneverkreallykli edkcoffee.kJeez,kitksmellskfoul. k Youko ay,kAna? k Iknodkandkscurrykintoktheksafetykofkmykoffice.kMykBlac Berrykbuzzes.kItsk Kate. k WhykwaskChristiankloo ingkforkyou?kshekas skwithknokpreamblekatkall. k Goodkmorning,kKate.kHowkarekyou? k Cutkthekcrap,kSteele.kWhatkgives?kThekKatherinekKavanaghkInquisitionkbegin s. k ChristiankandkIkhadkakfight,kthatskall. k Didkhekhurtkyou? k Ikrollkmykeyes.kYes,kbutknotkthekwaykyourekthin ing.kIkcannotkdealkwithkKat ekatkthekmoment.kIk nowkIkwillkcry,kandkrightknowkIkamksokproudkofkmyselfkforkno tkbrea ingkdownkthiskmorning.kKate,kIkhavekakmeeting.kIllkcallkyoukbac .

k Good.kYourekallkright? k Yes.kNo.kIllkcallkyouklater,ko ay? k O ay,kAna,khavekitkyourkownkway.kImkherekforkyou. k Ik now,kIkwhisperkandkfightkthekbac lashkofkemotionkatkherk indkwords.kIka mknotkgoingktokcry.kIkamknotkgoingktokcry. k Rayko ay? k Yes,kIkwhisperkthekword. k Oh,kAna,kshekwhispers. k Dont. k O ay.kTal klater. k Yes. k Duringkthekcoursekofkthekmorning,kIksporadicallykchec kmyke-mails,khopin gkforkwordkfromkChristian.kButktheresknothing.kAskthekdaykwearskon,kIkrealizektha tkhesknotkgoingktokcontactkmekatkallkandkthatkheskstillkmad.kWell,kImkstillkmad,kto o.kIkthrowkmyselfkintokmykwor ,kpausingkonlykatklunchtimekforkakcreamkcheesekand ksalmonkbagel.kItskextraordinarykhowkmuchkbetterkIkfeelkoncekIvekeatenksomething. k Atkfivekocloc kSawyerkandkIksetkoffkforkthekhospitalktokseekRay.kSawyerki skextrakvigilant,kandkevenkoversolicitous.kItskirritating.kAskwekapproachkRayskroo m,khekhoverskoverkme. k ShallkIkgetkyouksomekteakwhilekyoukvisitkwithkyourkfather?khekas s. k Nokthan s,kSawyer.kIllkbekfine. k Illkwaitkoutside.kHekopenskthekdoorkforkme,kandkImkgratefulktokgetkawaykfrom khimkforkakmoment.kRaykisksittingkupkinkbedkreadingkakmagazine.kHeskshaved,kweari ngkakpajamaktophekloo skli ekhiskoldkself. k Hey,kAnnie.kHekgrins.kAndkhiskfacekfalls. k Oh,kDaddyk.k.k.kIkrushktokhiskside,kandkinkakverykuncharacteristickmove,kh ekopenskhiskarmskwidekandkhugskme. k Annie?khekwhispers.kWhatkiskit?kHekholdskmektightkandk isseskmykhair.kAskImki nkhiskarms,kIkrealizekhowkrarekthesekmomentskbetweenkuskhavekbeen.kWhykiskthat?k IskthatkwhykIkli ektokcrawlkintokChristiansklap?kAfterkakmoment,kIkpullkawaykfrom khimkandksitkdownkinkthekchairkbesidekthekbed.kRayskbrowkiskfurrowedkwithkconcern . k Tellkyourkoldkman. k Iksha ekmykhead.kHekdoesntkneedkmykproblemskrightknow. k Itsknothing,kDad.kYoukloo kwell.kIkclaspkhiskhand. k Feelingkmorekli ekmyself,kthoughkthisklegkinkakcastkiskbitchin. k Bitchin?kHiskwordkpromptskmyksmile. k Heksmileskbac .kBitchinksoundskbetterkthankitchin. k Oh,kDad,kIkamksokgladkyoureko ay. k Me,ktoo,kAnnie.kIdkli ektokbounceksomekgrandchildrenkonkthiskbitchink neeko nekday.kWouldntkwantktokmisskthatkforkthekworld. k Ikblin katkhim.kShit.kDoeskhek now?kAndkIkfightkthektearskthatkpric kthe kcornerskofkmykeyes. k YoukandkChristiankgettingkalong? k Wekhadkakfight,kIkwhisper,ktryingktokspea kpastkthek notkinkmykthroat.kWellk wor kitkout. k Heknods.kHeskakfinekman,kyourkhusband,kRayksayskreassuringly. k Hekhaskhiskmoments.kWhatkdidkthekdoctorsksay?kIkdontkwantktoktal kaboutkmyk husbandkrightknow;kheskakpainfulktopickofkconversation. k Bac katkEscala,kChristiankisknotkhome. k Christiankcalledkandksaidkthatkhedkbekwor ingklate,kMrs.kJoneskinformskmeka pologetically. k Oh.kThan skforklettingkmek now.kWhykcouldntkhektellkme?kJeez,khekreallykisk ta ingkhisksul ktokakwholeknewklevel.kIkamkbrieflykremindedkofkthekfightkoverkou rkweddingkvowskandkthekmajorktantrumkhekhadkthen.kButkImkthekaggrievedkonekhere. k Whatkwouldkyoukli ektokeat?kMrs.kJoneskhaskakdetermined,ksteelykglintkinkh erkeye. k Pasta. k Sheksmiles.kSpaghetti,kpenne,kfusilli? k Spaghetti,kyourkBolognese.

k Comingkup.kAndkAnak.k.k.kyoukshouldk nowkMr.kGreykwaskfrantickthiskmornin gkwhenkhekthoughtkyoudkleft.kHekwaskbesidekhimself.kSheksmileskfondly. k Ohk.k.k. k k Heskstillknotkhomekbyknine.kIkamksittingkatkmykdes kinktheklibrary,kwonde ringkwherekhekis.kIkcallkhim. k Ana,kheksays,khiskvoicekcool. k Hi. k Hekinhalesksoftly.kHi,kheksays,khiskvoiceklower. k Arekyoukcomingkhome? k Later. k Arekyoukinkthekoffice? k Yes.kWherekdidkyoukexpectkmektokbe? k Withkher.kIllkletkyoukgo. k Wekbothkhangkonkthekline,ktheksilencekstretchingkandktighteningkbetweenk us. k Goodnight,kAna,kheksayskeventually. k Goodnight,kChristian. k Hekhangskup. k Ohkshit.kIkgazekatkmykBlac Berry.kIkdontk nowkwhatkhekexpectskmektokdo.kIm knotkgoingktokletkhimkwal kallkoverkme.kYes,kheskmad,kfairkenough.kImkmad.kButkwek arekwherekwekare.kIkhaventkrunkoffkloose-lippedktokmykex-paedoklover.kIkwantkhimk tokac nowledgekthatkthatkisknotkankacceptablekwayktokbehave. k Iksitkbac kinkmykchair,kgazingkatkthekbilliardktablekinktheklibrary,kand krecallkfunktimeskplayingksnoo er.kIkplacekmykhandkonkmykbelly.kMaybekitskjustkto okearly.kMaybekthiskisknotkmeantktokbek.k.k.kAndkevenkaskIkthin kthat,kmyksubcon sciouskiskscreamingkno!kIfkIkterminatekthiskpregnancy,kIkwillkneverkforgivekmyse lforkChristian.kOh,kBlip,kwhatkhavekyoukdonektokus?kIkcantkfacektal ingktokKate.kIkc antkfacektal ingktokanyone.kIktextkher,kpromisingktokcallksoon. k Bykeleven,kIkcanknoklongerk eepkmykeyelidskopen.kResigned,kIkheadkupktok mykoldkroom.kCurlingkupkbeneathkthekduvet,kIkfinallykletkmyselfkgo,ksobbingkinto kmykpillow,kgreatkheavingkunladyli eksobskofkgriefk.k.k. k MykheadkiskheavykwhenkIkwa e.kCrispkfallklightkshineskthroughkthekgreatk windowskofkmykroom.kGlancingkatkmykalarmkIkseekitsksevenkthirty.kMykimmediatektho ughtkiskwhereskChristian?kIksitkupkandkswingkmyklegskoutkofkbed.kOnkthekfloorkbes idekthekbedkiskChristiansksilver-grayktie,kmykfavorite.kItkwasntktherekwhenkIkwent ktokbedklastknight.kIkpic kitkupkandkstarekatkit,kcaressingktheksil ykmaterialkb etweenkmykthumbskandkforefingers,kthenkhugkitkagainstkmykchee .kHekwaskhere,kwat chingkmeksleep.kAndkakglimmerkofkhopekspar skdeepkinsidekme. k Mrs.kJoneskiskbusykinkthek itchenkwhenkIkarrivekdownstairs. k Goodkmorning,ksheksayskbrightly. k Morning.kChristian?kIkas . k Herkfacekfalls.kHeskalreadykleft. k Sokhekdidkcomekhome?kIkneedktokchec ,kevenkthoughkIkhavekhisktiekaskeviden ce. k Hekdid,kshekpauses,kAna,kpleasekforgivekmekforkspea ingkoutkofkturn,kbutkdo ntkgivekupkonkhim.kHeskakstubbornkman. k Iknodkandkshekstops.kImksurekmykexpressionktellskherkIkdoknotkwantktokdis cusskmykerrantkhusbandkrightknow. k WhenkIkarrivekatkwor ,kIkchec kmyke-mails.kMykheartkleapskintokoverdrive kwhenkIkseekthereskonekfromkChristian. k kkk k From:kChristiankGrey k k k Subject:kPortland Date:kSeptemberk15,k2011k06:45 To:kAnastasiakGrey

Ana,

k IkamkflyingkdownktokPortlandktoday. kIkhaveksomekbusinessktokconcludekwithkWSU. kIkthoughtkyoukwouldkwantktok now. k ChristiankGrey kCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k Oh.kTearskpric kmykeyes.kThatskit?kMykstomachkflips.kShit!kIkamkgoingktok beksic .kIkracektokthekpowderkroomkandkma ekitkjustkinktime,kdepositingkmykbrea fastkintokthektoilet.kIksin ktokthekfloorkofkthekcubiclekandkputkmykheadkinkmykh ands.kCouldkIkbekanykmorekmiserable?kAfterkakwhile,kthereskakgentlek noc konkthek door. k Ana?kItskHannah. k Fuc .kYes? k Arekyouko ay? k Illkbekoutkinkakmoment. k BoycekFoxkiskherektokseekyou. k Shit.kShowkhimkintokthekmeetingkroom.kIllkbektherekinkakminute. k Dokyoukwantksomektea? k Please. k Afterkmyklunchanotherkcreamkcheesekandksalmonkbagel,kwhichkIkmanagektok e epkdownIksitkstaringklistlesslykatkmykcomputer,kloo ingkforkinspirationkandkwonde ringkhowkChristiankandkIkarekgoingktokresolvekthiskhugekproblem. k MykBlac Berrykbuzzes,kma ingkmekjump.kIkglancekatkthekscreenitskMia.kJeez, kthatskallkIkneed,kherkgushingkandkenthusiasm.kIkhesitate,kwonderingkifkIkcouldkj ustkignorekit,kbutkcourtesykwinskout. k Mia,kIkanswerkbrightly. k Well,khellokthere,kAnalongktimeknokspea .kThekmalekvoicekiskfamiliar.kFuc ! k Mykscalpkpric leskandkallkthekhairkonkmykbodykstandsktokattentionkaskadr enalinekfloodskthroughkmyksystemkandkmykworldkstopskspinning. k ItskJac kHyde. k k k kkk k Jac .kMykvoicekhaskdisappeared,kcho edkbykfear.kHowkiskhekoutkofkjail?kWhy kdoeskhekhavekMiaskphone?kThekbloodkdrainskfromkmykface,kandkIkfeelkdizzy. k Youkdokrememberkme,kheksays,khisktoneksoft.kIksensekhiskbitterksmile. k Yes.kOfkcourse.kMykanswerkiskautomatickaskmykmindkraces. k YourekprobablykwonderingkwhykIkcalledkyou. k Yes. k Hangkup. k Dontkhangkup.kIvekbeenkhavingkakchatkwithkyourklittleksister-in-law. k What?kMia!kNo!kWhatkhavekyoukdone?kIkwhisper,ktryingktokquellkmykfear. k Listenkhere,kyoukpric -teasing,kgold-diggingkwhore.kYoukfuc edkupkmyklife .kGreykfuc edkupkmyklife.kYoukowekme.kIkhavektheklittlekbitchkwithkmeknow.kAndky ou,kthatkcoc -suc erkyoukmarried,kandkhiskwholekfuc ingkfamilykarekgoingktokpay. k Hydeskcontemptkandkbilekshoc kme.kHiskfamily?kWhatkthekhell? k Whatkdokyoukwant? k Ikwantkhiskmoney.kIkreallykwantkhiskfuc ingkmoney.kIfkthingskhadkbeenkdif ferent,kitkcouldkhavekbeenkme.kSokyourekgoingktokgetkitkforkme.kIkwantkfivekmilli onkdollars,ktoday. k Jac ,kIkdontkhavekaccessktokthatk indkofkmoney. k Heksnortskhiskderision.kYoukhavektwokhoursktokgetkit.kThatskittwokhours.kTe llknokonekorkthisklittlekbitchkgetskit.kNotkthekcops.kNotkyourkpric kofkakhusban d.kNotkhisksecuritykteam.kIkwillk nowkifkyoukdo.kUnderstand?kHekpauseskandkIktryk tokrespond,kbutkpanickandkfearksealkmykthroat. k Youkunderstand!khekshouts.

k Yes,kIkwhisper. k OrkIkwillk illkher. k Ikgasp. k Keepkyourkphonekwithkyou.kTellknokonekorkIllkfuc kherkupkbeforekIk illkher .kYoukhavektwokhours. k Jac ,kIkneedklonger.kThreekhours.kHowkdokIk nowkthatkyoukhavekher? k Theklinekgoeskdead.kIkgapekinkhorrorkatkthekphone,kmykmouthkparchedkwith kfear,kleavingktheknastykmetallicktastekofkterror.kMia,khekhaskMia.kOrkdoeskhe?k Mykmindkwhirrskatkthekobscenekpossibility,kandkmykstomachkroilskagain.kIkthin kIm kgoingktokbeksic ,kbutkIkinhalekdeeply,ktryingktoksteadykmykpanic,kandktheknause akpasses.kMykmindkroc etskthroughkthekpossibilities.kTellkChristian?kTellkTaylor ?kCallkthekpolice?kHowkwillkJac k now?kDoeskhekactuallykhavekMia?kIkneedktime,kt imektokthin butkIkcankonlykaccomplishkthatkbykfollowingkhiskinstructions.kIkgrabk mykpursekandkheadkforkthekdoor. k Hannah,kIkhavektokgokout.kIkamknotksurekhowklongkIllkbe.kCancelkmykappoint mentskthiskafternoon.kLetkElizabethk nowkIkhavektokdealkwithkankemergency. k Sure,kAna.kEverythingko ay?kHannahkfrowns,kconcernketchedkonkherkfacekasks hekwatcheskmekflee. k Yes,kIkcallkbac kdistractedly,khurryingktowardkreceptionkwherekSawyerkiskw aiting. k Sawyer.kHekleapskupkfromkthekarmchairkatktheksoundkofkmykvoice,kandkfrowns kwhenkhekseeskmykface. k Imknotkfeelingkwell.kPleasekta ekmekhome. k Sure,kmaam.kDokyoukwantktokwaitkherekwhilekIkgetkthekcar? k No,kIllkcomekwithkyou.kImkinkakhurryktokgetkhome. k Ikgazekoutkthekwindowkinkstar kterrorkaskIkgokoverkmykplan.kGetkhome.kCh ange.kFindkchec boo .kEscapekfromkRyankandkSawyerksomehow.kGoktokban .kHell,khow kmuchkroomkdoeskfivekmillionkdollarskta ekup?kWhatkwillkitkweigh?kWillkIkneedkak suitcase?kShouldkIktelephonekthekban kinkadvance?kMia.kMia.kWhatkifkhekdoesntkhav ekMia?kHowkcankIkchec ?kIfkIkcallkGracekitkwillkraisekherksuspicions,kandkpossib lykendangerkMia.kHeksaidkhekwouldk now.kIkglancekoutkthekbac kwindowkofkthekSUV. kAmkIkbeingkfollowed?kMykheartkraceskaskIkexaminekthekcarskfollowingkus.kTheyklo o kinnocuouskenough.kOh,kSawyer,kdrivekfaster.kPlease.kMykeyeskflic erktokmeetkh iskinkthekrearviewkmirrorkandkhiskbrowkcreases. k SawyerkpresseskakbuttonkonkhiskBluetoothkheadsetktokanswerkakcall.kTk.k.k .kIkwantedktokletkyouk nowkMrs.kGreykiskwithkme.kSawyerskeyeskmeetkminekoncekmorek beforekhekloo skbac katkthekroadkandkcontinues.kSheskunwell.kImkta ingkherkbac ktok Escalak.k.k.kIkseek.k.k.kSir.kSawyerskeyeskflic kfromkthekroadktokminekinkthekrear viewkmirrorkagain.kYes,khekagreeskandkhangskup. k Taylor?kIkwhisper. k Heknods. k HeskwithkMr.kGrey? k Yes,kmaam.kSawyerskloo ksoftenskinksympathy. k ArektheykstillkinkPortland? k Yes,kmaam. k Good.kIkhavektok eepkChristianksafe.kMykhandkstrayskdownktokmykbelly,kan dkIkrubkitkconsciously.kAndkyou,kLittlekBlip.kKeepkyoukbothksafe. k Cankwekhurrykplease?kImknotkfeelingkwell. k Yes,kmaam.kSawyerkpresseskthekacceleratorkandkourkcarkglideskthroughkthektr affic. k Mrs.kJoneskisknowherektokbekseenkwhenkSawyerkandkIkarrivekatkthekapartme nt.kSincekherkcarkiskmissingkfromkthekgarage,kIkassumeksheskrunningkerrandskwithk Ryan.kSawyerkheadskforkTaylorskofficekwhilekIkboltktokChristianskstudy.kStumblingk inkpanickaroundkhiskdes ,kIkwrenchkopenkthekdrawerktokfindkthekchec boo s.kLeilas kgunkslideskforwardkintokview.kIkfeelkankincongruousktwingekofkannoyancekthatkCh ristiankhasknotksecuredkthiskweapon.kHek nowsknothingkaboutkguns.kJeez,khekcould kgetkhurt. k Afterkakmomentskhesitation,kIkgrabkthekpistol,kchec ktokensurekitskloaded, kandktuc kitkintokthekwaistbandkofkmykblac kslac s.kIkmaykneedkit.kIkswallowkhar d.kIvekonlykeverkpracticedkonktargets.kIvekneverkfiredkakgunkatkanyone;kIkhopekRay

kwillkforgivekme.kIkturnkmykattentionktoktrac ingkdownkthekrightkchec boo .kTher ekarekfive,kandkonlykonekiskinktheknameskofkC.kGreykandkMrs.kA.kGrey.kIkhavekabo utkfifty-fourkthousandkdollarskinkmykownkaccount.kIkhaveknokideakhowkmuchkmoneyk iskinkthiskone.kButkChristiankmustkbekgoodkforkfivekmillionkdollars,ksurely.kPer hapskthereskmoneykinktheksafe?kCrap.kIkhaveknokideakofktheknumber.kDidntkhekmentio nkthekcombinationkwaskitkhiskfilingkcabinet?kIktrykthekcabinet,kbutkitskloc ed.kS hit.kIllkhavektokstic ktokplankA. k Ikta ekakdeepkbreathkand,kinkakmorekcomposedkbutkdeterminedkmanner,kstri dektokourkbedroom.kThekbedkhaskbeenkmade,kandkforkakmoment,kIkfeelkakpang.kPerha pskIkshouldkhaveksleptkhereklastknight.kWhatkiskthekpointkofkarguingkwithksomeon ekwho,kbyktheirkownkadmission,kiskFiftykShades?kHesknotkevenktal ingktokmeknow.kN oIkdoknotkhavektimektokthin kaboutkthis. k Quic ly,kIkchangekoutkofkmykslac s,kpullingkonkjeans,kakhoodedksweatshir t,kandkakpairkofksnea erskandkputkthekgunkinkthekwaistbandkofkmykjeans,katkmykba c .kFromkthekclosetkIkfishkoutkaklargeksoftkdufflekbag.kWillkfivekmillionkdollar skfitkintokthis?kChristianskgymkbagkisklyingktherekonkthekfloor.kIkopenkit,kexpec tingktokfindkitkfullkofkdirtyklaundry,kbutknohiskgymk itkiskcleankandkfresh.kMrs. kJoneskdoeskindeedkgetkeverywhere.kIkdumpkthekcontentskontokthekfloorkandkstuffk hiskgymkbagkintokmykduffle.kThere,kthatkshouldkdokit.kIkchec kthatkIkhavekmykdri versklicensekaskidentificationkforkthekban kandkchec kthektime.kItskbeenkthirty-on ekminutesksincekJac kcalled.kNowkIkjustkhavektokgetkoutkofkEscalakwithoutkSawyer kseeingkme. k Ikma ekmykwaykslowlykandkquietlyktokthekfoyer,kawarekofkthekCCTVkcamerak whichkisktrainedkonkthekelevator.kIkthin kSawyerskstillkinkTaylorskoffice.kCautiou sly,kIkopenkthekfoyerkdoor,kma ingkasklittleknoisekaskpossible.kShuttingkitkquie tlykbehindkme,kIkstandkonkthekverykthreshold,kupkagainstkthekdoor,koutkofkthekvi ewkofkthekCCTVklens.kIkfishkmykcellkphonekoutkofkmykpursekandkcallkSawyer. k Mrs.kGrey. k Sawyer,kImkinkthekroomkupstairs,kwillkyoukgivekmekakhandkwithksomething?kIk eepkmykvoiceklow,k nowingkheskjustkdownkthekhallwaykonkthekotherksidekofkthiskdo or. k Illkbekrightkwithkyou,kmaam,kheksays,kandkIkhearkhiskconfusion.kIvekneverktel ephonedkhimkforkhelpkbefore.kMykheartkiskinkmykthroat,kpoundingkinkakjarring,kfr enetickrhythm.kWillkthiskwor ?kIkhangkupkandklistenkaskhiskfootstepskcrosskthekh allwaykandkgokupkthekstairs.kIkta ekanotherkdeepksteadyingkbreathkandkbrieflykco ntemplatekthekironykofkescapingkfromkmykownkhomekli ekakfelon. k OncekSawyerskreachedkthekupstairsklanding,kIkracektokthekelevatorkandkpun chkthekcallkbutton.kThekdoorskslidekopenkwithkthektoo-loudkpingkthatkannounceskt hekelevatorkiskready.kIkdashkinsidekandkfranticallykstabkthekbuttonkforkthekbase mentkgarage.kAfterkankagonizingkpause,kthekdoorskslowlykstartktokslidekshut,kand kasktheykdokIkhearkSawyerskcries. k Mrs.kGrey!kJustkaskthekelevatorkdoorskclose,kIkseekhimks idkintokthekfoyer .kAna!khekshoutskinkdisbelief.kButkhesktooklate,kandkhekdisappearskfromkview. k Thekelevatorksin sksmoothlykdownktokthekgarageklevel.kIkhavekakcouplekof kminuteskstartkonkSawyer,kandkIk nowkhellktryktokstopkme.kIkglanceklonginglykatkmy kR8kaskIkrushktokthekSaab,kopenkthekdoor,ktosskthekduffelkbagkontokthekpassenger kseat,kandkslidekintokthekdriverskseat. k Ikstartkthekcar,kandkthektiresksquealkaskIkracektokthekentrancekandkwait kelevenkagonizingksecondskforkthekbarrierktoklift.kThekinstantkitskclearkIkdrivek out,kcatchingksightkofkSawyerkinkmykrearviewkmirrorkaskhekdasheskoutkofkservicek elevatorkintokthekgarage.kHiskbewildered,kinjuredkexpressionkhauntskmekaskIkturn koffkthekrampkontokFourthkAvenue. k Ikletkoutkmyklongkheldkbreath.kIk nowkSawyerkwillkcallkChristiankorkTayl or,kbutkIllkdealkwithkthatkwhenkIkhavektoIkdontkhavektimektokdwellkonkitknow.kIksqu irmkuncomfortablykinkmykseat,k nowingkinkmykheartkofkheartskthatkSawyerskprobably klostkhiskjob.kDontkdwell.kIkhavektoksavekMia.kIkhavektokgetktokthekban kandkcoll ectkfivekmillionkdollars.kIkglancekinkthekrearviewkmirror,knervouslykanticipatin gktheksightkofkthekSUVkburstingkforthkfromkthekgarage,kbutkaskIkdrivekaway,kther esknoksignkofkSawyer. k Thekban kiskslee ,kmodern,kandkunderstated.kTherekarekhushedktones,kecho

ingkfloors,kandkpalekgreenketchedkglasskeverywhere.kIkstridektokthekinformationk des . k MaykIkhelpkyou,kmaam?kThekyoungkwomankgiveskmekakbright,kinsincereksmile,ka ndkforkakmomentkIkregretkchangingkintokjeans. k Idkli ektokwithdrawkaklargeksumkofkmoney. k Ms.kInsincerekSmilekarcheskankevenkmorekinsincerekeyebrow. k Youkhavekankaccountkwithkus?kShekfailsktokhidekherksarcasm. k Yes,kIksnap.kMykhusbandkandkIkhavekseveralkaccountskhere.kHisknamekiskChris tiankGrey. k Herkeyeskwidenkfractionallykandkinsinceritykgiveskwayktokshoc .kHerkeyes ksweepkupkandkdownkmekoncekmore,kthisktimekwithkakcombinationkofkdisbeliefkandka we. k Thiskway,kmaam,kshekwhispers,kandkleadskmektokaksmall,ksparselykfurnishedko fficekwalledkwithkmorekgreen-etchedkglass. k Pleasekta ekakseat.kShekgesturesktokakblac kleatherkchairkbykakglasskdes k bearingkakstate-of-the-artkcomputerkandkphone.kHowkmuchkwillkyoukbekwithdrawingkt oday,kMrs.kGrey?kshekas skpleasantly. k Fivekmillionkdollars.kIkloo kherkstraightkinkthekeyekaskifkIkas kforkthisk amountkofkcashkeverykday. k Shekblanches.kIksee.kIllkfetchkthekmanager.kOh,kforgivekmekforkas ing,kbut kdokyoukhavekID? k Ikdo.kButkIdkli ektokspea ktokthekmanager. k Ofkcourse,kMrs.kGrey.kShekscurrieskout.kIksin kintokthekseat,kandkakwaveko fknauseakwasheskoverkmekaskthekgunkpresseskuncomfortablykintoktheksmallkofkmykba c .kNotknow.kIkcantkbeksic know.kIkta ekakdeepkcleansingkbreath,kandkthekwavekpas ses.kNervously,kIkchec kmykwatch.kTwenty-fivekpastktwo. k Akmiddle-agedkmankenterskthekroom.kHekhaskakrecedingkhairline,kbutkwears kaksharp,kexpensivekcharcoalksuitkandkmatchingktie.kHekholdskoutkhiskhand. k Mrs.kGrey.kImkTroykWhelan.kHeksmiles,kweksha e,kandkheksitskdownkatkthekdes koppositekme. k Mykcolleaguektellskmekyoudkli ektokwithdrawkaklargekamountkofkmoney. k Thatskcorrect.kFivekmillionkdollars. k Hekturnsktokhiskslee kcomputerkandktapskinkakfewknumbers. k Weknormallykas kforksomeknoticekforklargekamountskofkmoney.kHekpauses,kand kflasheskmekakreassuringkbutksuperciliousksmile.kFortunately,khowever,kwekholdkth ekcashkreservekforkthekentirekPacifickNorthwest,khekboasts.kJeez,kiskhektryingkto kimpresskme? k Mr.kWhelan,kImkinkakhurry.kWhatkdokIkneedktokdo?kIkhavekmykdriversklicense, kandkourkjointkaccountkchec boo .kDokIkjustkwritekakchec ? k Firstkthingskfirst,kMrs.kGrey.kMaykIkseekthekID?kHekswitcheskfromkjovialks how-offktokseriouskban er. k Here.kIkhandkoverkmyklicense. k Mrs.kGreyk.k.k.kthisksayskAnastasiakSteele. k Ohkshit. k Ohk.k.k.kyes.kUm. k IllkcallkMr.kGrey. k Ohkno,kthatkwontkbeknecessary.kShit!kIkmustkhaveksomethingkwithkmykmarriedkn ame.kIkriflekthroughkmykpurse.kWhatkdokIkhavekwithkmyknamekonkit?kIkpullkoutkmykw allet,kopenkitkandkfindkakphotographkofkChristiankandkme,konkthekbedkinkFairkLad yskcabin.kIkcantkshowkhimkthat!kIkdigkoutkmykblac kAmex. k Here. k Mrs.kAnastasiakGrey,kWhelankreads.kYes,kthatkshouldkdo.kHekfrowns.kThiskiskhi ghlykirregular,kMrs.kGrey. k Dokyoukwantkmektokletkmykhusbandk nowkthatkyourkban khaskbeenklesskthankc ooperative?kIksquarekmykshoulderskandkgivekhimkmykmostkforbiddingkstare. k Hekpauses,kmomentarilykreassessingkme,kIkthin .kYoullkneedktokwritekakchec ,kMrs.kGrey. k Sure.kThiskaccount?kIkshowkhimkmykchec boo ,ktryingktokquellkmykpoundingkh eart k Thatllkbekfine.kIllkalsokneedkyouktokcompleteksomekadditionalkpaperwor .kIf

kyoullkexcusekmekforkakmoment? k Iknod,kandkhekriseskandkstal skoutkofkthekoffice.kAgain,kIkreleasekmykhe ldkbreath.kIkhadknokideakthiskwouldkbeksokdifficult.kClumsily,kIkopenkmykchec bo o kandkpullkakpenkoutkofkmykpurse.kDokIkjustkma ekitkoutktokcash?kIkhaveknokidea .kWithksha ingkfingerskIkwrite:kFivekmillionkdollars.k$5,000,000. k OhkGod,kIkhopekImkdoingkthekrightkthing.kMia,kthin kofkMia.kIkcantktellkan yone. k Jac skchilling,krepugnantkwordskhauntkme.kTellknokonekorkIllkfuc kherkupkbe forekIk illkher. k Mr.kWhelankreturns,kpale-facedkandksheepish. k Mrs.kGrey?kYourkhusbandkwantsktokspea kwithkyou,khekmurmurskandkpointsktok thekphonekonkthekglassktablekbetweenkus. k What?kNo. k Heskonklinekone.kJustkpresskthekbutton.kIllkbekoutside.kHekhaskthekgracektok loo kembarrassed.kBenedictkArnoldkhasknothingkonkWhelan.kIkscowlkatkhim,kfeeling kthekbloodkdrainkfromkmykfacekagainkaskhekshuffleskoutkofkthekoffice. k Shit!kShit!kShit!kWhatkamkIkgoingktoksayktokChristian?kHellk now.kHellkint ervene.kHeskakdangerktokhisksister.kMykhandktrembleskaskIkreachkforkthekphone.kIk holdkitkagainstkmykear,ktryingktokcalmkmykerratickbreathing,kandkpresskthekbutto nkforklinekone. k Hi,kIkmurmur,ktryingkinkvainktoksteadykmyknerves. k Yourekleavingkme?kChristianskwordskarekankagonized,kbreathlesskwhisper. k What? k No!kMykvoicekmirrorskhis.kOhkno.kOhkno.kOhknohowkcankhekthin kthat?kThekmon ey?kHekthin skImkgoingkbecausekofkthekmoney?kAndkinkmomentkofkhorrifickclarity,kI krealizekthekonlykwaykImkgoingktok eepkChristiankatkarmsklength,koutkofkharmskway,k andktoksavekhisksisterk.k.k.kisktoklie. k Yes,kIkwhisper.kAndksearingkpainklanceskthroughkme,ktearskspringingktokmyk eyes. k Hekgasps,kalmostkaksob.kAna,kIkHekcho es. k No!kMykhandkclutcheskmykmouthkaskIkstiflekmykwarringkemotions.kChristian, kplease.kDont.kIkfightkbac ktears. k Yourekgoing?kheksays. k Yes. k Butkwhykthekcash?kWaskitkalwayskthekmoney?kHisktorturedkvoicekiskbarelykau dible. k No!kTearskrollkdownkmykface.kNo,kIkwhisper. k Iskfivekmillionkenough? k Ohkplease,kstop! k Yes. k Andkthekbaby?kHiskvoicekiskakbreathlesskecho. k What?kMykhandkmoveskfromkmykmouthktokmykbelly.kIllkta ekcarekofkthekbaby,kI kmurmur.kMykLittlekBlipk.k.k.kourkLittlekBlip. k Thiskiskwhatkyoukwant? k No! k Yes. k Hekinhalesksharply.kTa ekitkall,khekhisses. k Christian,kIksob.kItskforkyou.kForkyourkfamily.kPlease.kDont. k Ta ekitkall,kAnastasia. k ChristiankAndkIknearlykcave.kNearlyktellkhimaboutkJac ,kaboutkMia,kaboutkthe kransom.kJustktrustkme,kplease!kIksilentlykbegkhim. k Illkalwaysklovekyou.kHiskvoicekiskhoarse.kHekhangskup. k Christian!kNok.k.k.kIklovekyou,ktoo.kAndkallkthekstupidkshitkthatkwekputke achkotherkthroughkoverktheklastkfewkdayskfadeskintokinsignificance.kIkpromisedkId kneverkleavekhim.kIkamknotkleavingkyou.kIkamksavingkyourksister.kIkslumpkintokth ekchair,kweepingkcopiouslykintokmykhands. k Ikamkinterruptedkbykaktimidk noc konkthekdoor.kWhelankenters,kthoughkIkh aventkac nowledgedkhim.kHekloo skeverywherekbutkatkme.kHeskmortified. k Youkcalledkhim,kyoukbastard!kIkglarekatkhim. k Youkhavekcartekblanche,kMrs.kGrey,kheksays.kMr.kGreykhaskagreedktokliquefyk

somekofkhiskassets.kHeksayskyoukcankhavekwhateverkyoukneed. k Ikjustkneedkfivekmillionkdollars,kIkmutterkthroughkgrittedkteeth. k Yeskmaam.kArekyoukallkright? k DokIkloo kallkright?kIksnap. k Imksorry,kmaam.kSomekwater? k Iknod,ksullenly.kIkhavekjustkleftkmykhusband.kWell,kChristiankthin skIkh ave.kMyksubconsciouskpurseskherklips.kBecausekyouktoldkhimkso. k IllkhavekmykcolleaguekbringkyouksomekwhilekIkpreparekthekmoney.kIfkyoukcou ldkjustksignkhere,kmaamk.k.k.kandkma ekthekchec koutktokcashkandksignkthat,ktoo. k Hekplaceskakformkonkthektable.kIkscrawlkmyksignaturekalongkthekdottedkli nekofkthekchec ,kthenkthekform.kAnastasiakGrey.kTeardropskfallkonkthekdes ,knarr owlykmissingkthekpaperwor . k Illkta ekthose,kmaam.kItkwillkta ekuskaboutkhalfkankhourktokpreparekthekmon ey. k Ikquic lykchec kmykwatch.kJac ksaidktwokhoursthatkshouldkta ekusktoktwokh ours.kIknodktokWhelan,kandkhektiptoeskoutkofkthekoffice,kleavingkmektokmykmisery . k Akfewkmoments,kminutes,khoursklaterIkdontk nowMisskInsincerekSmilekreenters kwithkakcarafekofkwaterkandkakglass. k Mrs.kGrey,ksheksaysksoftlykaskshekplaceskthekglasskonkthekdes kandkfillski t. k Than kyou.kIkta ekthekglasskandkdrin kgratefully.kShekexits,kleavingkmekwi thkmykjumbled,kfrightenedkthoughts.kIkwillkfixkthingskwithkChristianksomehowk.k. k.kifkitsknotktooklate.kAtkleastkheskoutkofkthekpicture.kRightknowkIkhavektokconce ntratekonkMia.kSupposekJac kisklying?kSupposekhekdoesntkhavekher?kSurelykIkshould kcallkthekpolice. k TellknokonekorkIllkfuc kherkupkbeforekIk illkher.kIkcant.kIksitkbac kinkthek chair,kfeelingkthekreassuringkpresencekofkLeilaskpistolkatkmykwaist,kdiggingkinto kmykbac .kWhokwouldkhavekthoughtkIdkeverkfeelkgratefulkthatkLeilakoncekpulledkakg unkonkme?kOh,kRay,kImksokgladkyouktaughtkmekhowktokshoot. k Ray!kIkgasp.kHellkbekexpectingkmektokvisitkthiskevening.kPerhapskIkcanksi mplykdumpkthekmoneykwithkJac .kHekcankrunkwhilekIkta ekMiakhome.kOh,kthisksounds kabsurd! k MykBlac Berrykjumpsktoklife,kYourkLovekiskKingkfillingkthekroom.kOhkno!kWh atkdoeskChristiankwant?kToktwistkthek nifekinkmykwounds? k Waskitkalwayskthekmoney? k Oh,kChristianhowkcouldkyoukthin kthat?kAngerkflareskinkmykgut.kYes,kanger .kItkhelps.kIksendkthekcallktokvoicekmail.kIllkdealkwithkmykhusbandklater. k Thereskak noc konkthekdoor. k Mrs.kGrey.kItskWhelan.kThekmoneykiskready. k Than kyou.kIkstandkupkandkthekroomkspinskmomentarily.kIkclutchkthekchair. k Mrs.kGrey,karekyoukfeelingko ay? k Iknodkandkgivekhimkakbac -off-now-misterkstare.kIkta ekanotherkdeepkcalm ingkbreath.kIkhavektokdokthis.kIkhavektokdokthis.kIkmustksavekMia.kIkpullkthekhe mkofkmykhoodedksweatshirtkdown,kconcealingkthekbuttkofkthekpistolkinkthekbac kof kmykjeans. k Mr.kWhelankfrownskbutkholdskopenkthekdoor,kandkIkpropelkmyselfkforwardko nkmyksha ingklimbs. k Sawyerkiskwaitingkatkthekentrance,kscanningkthekpublickarea.kShit!kOurke yeskmeet,kandkhekfrownskatkme,kgaugingkmykreaction.kOh,kheskmad.kIkholdkupkmykind exkfingerkinkakwith-you-in-a-minutekgesture.kHeknodskandkanswerskakcallkonkhiskc ellkphone.kShit!kIkbetkthatskChristian.kIkturnkabruptly,kalmostkcollidingkwithkWh elankrightkbehindkme,kandkboltkbac kintoktheklittlekoffice. k Mrs.kGrey?kWhelanksoundskconfusedkaskhekfollowskmekbac kin. k Sawyerkcouldkblowkthiskwholekplan.kIkgazekupkatkWhelan. k TheresksomeonekoutktherekIkdontkwantktoksee.kSomeonekfollowingkme. k Whelanskeyeskwiden. k Dokyoukwantkmektokcallkthekpolice? k No!kHolykfuc ,kno.kWhatkamkIkgoingktokdo?kIkglancekatkmykwatch.kItsknearlyk threekfifteen.kJac kwillkcallkanykmoment.kThin ,kAna,kthin !kWhelankgazeskatkmek

inkgrowingkdesperationkandkbewilderment.kHekmustkthin kImkcrazy.kYoukarekcrazy,km yksubconsciousksnaps. k Ikneedktokma ekakcall.kCouldkyoukgivekmeksomekprivacy,kplease? k Certainly,kWhelankanswersgrateful,kIkthin ,ktokleavekthekroom.kWhenkheskclos edkthekdoor,kIkcallkMiaskcellkphonekwithktremblingkfingers. k Well,kifkitkisntkmykpaychec ,kJac kanswerskscornfully. k Ikdontkhavektimekforkhiskbullshit.kIkhavekakproblem. k Ik now.kYourksecuritykfollowedkyouktokthekban . k What?kHowkthekhellkdoeskhek now? k Youllkhavektoklosekhim.kIkhavekakcarkwaitingkatkthekbac kofkthekban .kBlac kSUV,kakDodge.kYoukhavekthreekminutesktokgetkthere.kThekDodge! k Itkmaykta eklongerkthankthreekminutes.kMykheartkleapskintokmykthroatkoncek more. k Yourekbrightkforkakgold-diggingkwhore,kGrey.kYoukfigurekitkout.kAndkdumpky ourkcellkphonekoncekyoukreachkthekvehicle.kGotkit,kbitch? k Yes.Saykit!kheksnaps. k Ivekgotkit. k Hekhangskup. k Shit!kIkopenkthekdoorktokfindkWhelankwaitingkpatientlykoutside. k Mr.kWhelan,kIllkneedksomekhelpkta ingkthekbagsktokmykcar.kItskpar edkoutsid e,katkthekbac kofkthekban .kDokyoukhavekankexitkatkthekrear? k Hekfrowns. k Wekdo,kyes.kForkstaff. k Cankwekleavekthatkway?kIkcankavoidkthekunwelcomekattentionkatkthekdoor. k Askyoukwish,kMrs.kGrey.kIllkhavektwokcler skhelpkwithkthekbagskandktwoksec uritykguardsktoksupervise.kIfkyoukcouldkfollowkme? k Ikhavekonekmorekfavorktokas kyou. k Bykallkmeans,kMrs.kGrey. k TwokminutesklaterkmykentouragekandkIkarekoutkonkthekstreet,kheadingkover ktokthekDodge.kItskwindowskarekblac edkout,kandkIkcantktellkwhoskatkthekwheel.kBut kaskwekapproach,kthekdriverskdoorkswingskopen,kandkakwomankcladkinkblac kwithkakb lac kcapkpulledklowkoverkherkfacekclimbskgracefullykoutkofkthekcar.kElizabeth!kS hekmovesktokthekrearkofkthekSUVkandkopenskthektrun .kThektwokyoungkban kcler skc arryingkthekmoneykslingkthekheavykbagskintokthekbac . k Mrs.kGrey.kShekhasktheknervektoksmilekaskifkwekarekoffkonkakfriendlykjaunt . k Elizabeth.kMykgreetingkiskarctic.kNicektokseekyoukoutsidekwor . k Mr.kWhelankclearskthiskthroat. k Well,kitskbeenkankinterestingkafternoon,kMrs.kGrey,kheksays.kAndkIkamkforce dktokobservektheksocialknicetieskofksha ingkhiskhandkandkthan ingkhimkwhilekmykm indkreels.kElizabeth?kWhatkthekhell?kWhykiskshekmixedkupkwithkJac ?kWhelankandkh iskteamkdisappearkbac kintokthekban ,kleavingkmekalonekwithkthekheadkofkpersonne lkatkSIPkwhoskinvolvedkink idnapping,kextortion,kandkverykpossiblykotherkfelonies .kWhy? k Elizabethkopenskthekrearkpassengerkdoorkandkusherskmekin. k Yourkphone,kMrs.kGrey?kshekas s,kwatchingkmekwarily.kIkhandkitktokher,kand kshektosseskitkintokaknearbyktrashcan. k Thatkwillkthrowkthekdogskoffkthekscent,ksheksaysksmugly. k Whokiskthiskwoman?kElizabethkslamskmykdoorkshutkandkclimbskintokthekdriv erskseat.kIkglancekanxiouslykbehindkmekaskshekpullskoutkintokthektraffic,kgoingke ast.kSawyerkisknowherektokbekseen. k Elizabeth,kyoukhavekthekmoney.kCallkJac .kTellkhimktokletkMiakgo. k Ikthin khekwantsktokthan kyoukinkperson. k Shit!kIkglarekatkherkstonilykinkthekrearviewkmirror. k Shekpaleskandkankanxiouskscowlkmarskherkotherwiseklovelykface. k Whykarekyoukdoingkthis,kElizabeth?kIkthoughtkyoukdidntkli ekJac . k Shekglanceskatkmekagainkbrieflykinkthekmirror,kandkIkseekakfleetingkloo kofkpainkinkherkeyes. k Ana,kwellkgetkalongkjustkfinekifkyouk eepkyourkmouthkshut. k Butkyoukcantkdokthis.kThiskisksokwrong.

k Quiet,ksheksays,kbutkIksensekherkunease. k Doeskhekhaveksomek indkofkholdkonkyou?kIkas .kHerkeyeskshootktokminekandks hekslamskonkthekbra es,kthrowingkmekforwardksokhardkIkhitkmykfacekagainstkthekhe adrestkofkthekfrontkseat. k Iksaidkbekquiet,ksheksnarls.kAndkIksuggestkyoukputkonkyourkseatbelt. k AndkinkthatkmomentkIk nowkthatkhekdoes.kSomethingksokawfulkthatksheskprep aredktokdokthiskforkhim.kIkwonderkbrieflykwhatkthatkcouldkbe.kTheftkfromkthekcom pany?kSomethingkfromkherkprivateklife?kSomethingksexual?kIkshudderkatkthekthough t.kChristianksaidkthatknonekofkJac skPAskwouldktal .kPerhapskitsktheksamekstorykwi thkallkofkthem.kThatskwhykhekwantedktokfuc kme,ktoo.kBilekriseskinkmykthroatkwith krevulsionkatkthekthought. k ElizabethkheadskawaykfromkdowntownkSeattlekandkupkintokthekhillsktokthek east.kBeforeklongkwerekdrivingkthroughkresidentialkstreets.kIkcatchksightkofkonek ofkthekstreetksigns:kSouthkIrvingkStreet.kShekta eskaksharpkleftkontokakdeserted kstreetkwithkakdilapidatedkchildrenskplaygroundkonkoneksidekandkaklargekconcretek par ingklotkflan edkbykakrowkofksquat,kemptykbric kbuildingskonkthekother.kEliza bethkpullskintokthekpar ingklotkandkstopskoutsidektheklastkofkthekbric kunits. k Shekturnsktokme.kShowtime,kshekmurmurs. k Mykscalpkpric leskaskfearkandkadrenalinekcoursekthroughkmykbody. k Youkdontkhavektokdokthis,kIkwhisperkbac .kHerkmouthkflattenskintokakgrimkli ne,kandkshekclimbskoutkofkthekcar. k ThiskiskforkMia.kThiskiskforkMia.kIkquic lykpray,kPleasekletkherkbeko ay ,kpleasekletkherkbeko ay. k Getkout,kElizabethksnaps,kyan ingkthekrearkpassengerkdoorkopen. k Shit.kAskIkclamberkout,kmyklegskareksha ingksokhardkIkwonderkifkIkcankst and.kThekcoolklate-afternoonkbreezekcarrieskthekscentkofkthekcomingkfallkandkthe kchal y,kdustyksmellkofkderelictkbuildings. k Well,kloo eekhere.kJac kemergeskfromkaksmall,kboarded-upkdoorwaykonkthekle ftkofkthekbuilding.kHiskhairkiskshort.kHeskremovedkhiskearringskandkheskwearingkak suit.kAksuit?kHekamblesktowardkme,koozingkarrogancekandkhate.kMykheartkratekspi es. k WhereskMia?kIkstammer,kmykmouthksokdrykIkcankhardlykformkthekwords. k Firstkthingskfirst,kbitch,kJac ksneers,kcomingktokakhaltkinkfrontkofkme.kI kcankpracticallyktastekhiskcontempt.kThekmoney? k Elizabethkiskchec ingkthekbagskinkthektrun .kThereskakhellkofkaklotkofkcas hkhere,ksheksayskinkawe,kzippingkandkunzippingkeachkbag. k Andkherkcell? k Inkthektrash. k Good,kJac ksnarls,kandkfromknowherekheklasheskout,kbac handingkmekhardkacr osskthekface.kThekferocious,kunprovo edkblowk noc skmektokthekground,kandkmykhea dkbounceskwithkaksic eningkthudkoffkthekconcrete.kPainkexplodeskinkmykhead,kmyke yeskfillkwithktears,kandkmykvisionkblurskaskthekshoc kofkthekimpactkresonates,ku nleashingkagonykthatkpulseskthroughkmyks ull. k Ikscreamkaksilentkcrykofksufferingkandkshoc edkterror.kOhknoLittlekBlip.k Jac kfollowskthroughkwithkakswift,kviciousk ic ktokmykribs,kandkmykbreathkiskbla stedkfromkmyklungskbykthekforcekofkthekblow.kScrunchingkmykeyesktightly,kIktrykt okfightktheknauseakandkpain,ktokfightkforkakpreciouskbreath.kLittlekBlip,kLittle kBlip,kohkmykLittlekBlip k ThatskforkSIP,kyoukfuc ingkbitch!kJac kscreams. k Ikpullkmyklegskup,khuddlingkintokakballkandkanticipatingktheknextkblow.k No.kNo.kNo. k Jac !kElizabethkscreeches.kNotkhere.kNotkinkbroadkdaylightkforkfuc sksa e! k Hekpauses. k Thekbitchkdeserveskit!khekgloatsktokElizabeth.kAndkitkgiveskmekonekpreciou sksecondktokreachkaroundkandkpullkthekgunkfromkthekwaistbandkofkmykjeans.kSha il y,kIkaimkatkhim,ksqueezekthektrigger,kandkfire.kThekbulletkhitskhimkjustkabovekt hek nee,kandkhekcollapseskinkfrontkofkme,kcryingkoutkinkagony,kclutchingkhiskthi ghkaskhiskfingerskreddenkwithkhiskblood. k Fuc !kJac kbellows.kIkturnktokfacekElizabeth,kandksheskgapingkatkmekinkhorr orkandkraisingkherkhandskabovekherkhead.kShekblursk.k.k.kdar nesskcloseskin.kShi

tk.k.k.kSheskatkthekendkofkaktunnel.kDar nesskconsumingkher.kConsumingkme.kFromkf arkaway,kallkhellkbrea skloose.kCarskscreechingk.k.k.kbra esk.k.k.kdoorsk.k.k.ks houtingk.k.k.krunningk.k.k.kfootsteps.kThekgunkdropskfromkmykhand. k Ana!kChristianskvoicek.k.k.kChristianskvoicek.k.k.kChristianskagonizedkvoice. kMiak.k.k.ksavekMia. k ANA! k Dar nessk.k.k.kpeace. k k k k kkk k Therekiskonlykpain.kMykhead,kmykchestk.k.k.kburningkpain.kMykside,kmykar m.kPain.kPainkandkhushedkwordskinkthekgloom.kWherekamkI?kThoughkIktry,kIkcannotk openkmykeyes.kThekwhisperedkwordskbecomekclearerk.k.k.kakbeaconkinkthekdar ness. k Herkribskarekbruised,kMr.kGrey,kandkshekhaskakhairlinekfracturektokherks ull,kbutkherkvitalksignskarekstablekandkstrong. k Whykiskshekstillkunconscious? k Mrs.kGreykhaskhadkakmajorkcontusionktokherkhead.kButkherkbrainkactivityki sknormal,kandkshekhasknokcerebralkswelling.kShellkwa ekwhenksheskready.kJustkgivek herksomektime. k Andkthekbaby?kThekwordskarekanguished,kbreathless. k Thekbabyskfine,kMr.kGrey. k Oh,kthan kGod.kThekwordskarekaklitanyk.k.k.kakprayer.kOh,kthan kGod. k Ohkmy.kHeskworriedkaboutkthekbabyk.k.k.kthekbaby?k.k.k.kLittlekBlip.kOfkc ourse.kMykLittlekBlip.kIktrykinkvainktokmovekmykhandktokmykbelly.kNothingkmoves, knothingkresponds. k Andkthekbaby?k.k.k.kOh,kthan kGod. k LittlekBlipkisksafe. k Andkthekbaby?k.k.k.kOh,kthan kGod. k Hekcareskaboutkthekbaby. k Andkthekbaby?k.k.k.kOh,kthan kGod. k Hekwantskthekbaby.kOhkthan kGod.kIkrelax,kandkunconsciousnesskclaimskmek oncekmore,kstealingkmekawaykfromkthekpain. k Everythingkiskheavykandkaching:klimbs,khead,keyelids,knothingkwillkmove. kMykeyeskandkmouthkarekresolutelykshut,kunwillingktokopen,kleavingkmekblindkandk mutekandkaching.kAskIksurfacekfromkthekfog,kconsciousnesskhovers,kakseductiveksi renkjustkoutkofkreach.kSoundskbecomekvoices. k Imknotkleavingkher. k Christian!kHeskherek.k.k.kIkwillkmyselfktokwa ehiskvoicekiskstrained,kanka gonizedkwhisper. k Christian,kyoukshouldksleep. k No,kDad.kIkwantktokbekherekwhenkshekwa eskup. k Illksitkwithkher.kItskthekleastkIkcankdokafterksheksavedkmykdaughter. k Mia! k HowskMia? k Sheskgroggyk.k.k.kscaredkandkangry.kItllkbekakfewkhourskbeforekthekRohypnol kiskcompletelykoutkofkherksystem. k Christ. k Ik now.kImkfeelingksevenk indskofkfoolishkforkrelentingkonkherksecurity.kY oukwarnedkme,kbutkMiakisksokstubborn.kIfkitkwasntkforkAnakherek.k.k. k WekallkthoughtkHydekwaskoutkofkthekpicture.kAndkmykcrazy,kstupidkwifeWhykd idntkshektellkme?kChristianskvoicekiskfullkofkanguish. k Christian,kcalmkdown.kAnaskakremar ablekyoungkwoman.kShekwaskincrediblykbr ave. k Bravekandkheadstrongkandkstubbornkandkstupid.kHiskvoicekcrac s. k Hey,kCarric kmurmurs,kdontkbeksokhardkonkher,korkyourself,ksonk.k.k.kIdkbette rkgetkbac ktokyourkmom.kItskafterkthreekinkthekmorning,kChristian.kYoukreallyksho uldktryktoksleep. k Thekfogkcloseskin.

k ThekfogkliftskbutkIkhaveknoksensekofktime. k Ifkyoukdontkta ekherkacrosskyourk nee,kIksurekaskhellkwill.kWhatkthekhellk waskshekthin ing? k Trustkme,kRay,kIkjustkmightkdokthat. k Dad!kHeskhere.kIkfightkthekfogk.k.k.kfightk.k.k.kButkIkspiralkdownkoncekm orekintokoblivion.kNok.k.k. k Detective,kaskyoukcanksee,kmykwifekisknokstatektokanswerkanykofkyourkques tions.kChristiankiskangry. k Sheskakheadstrongkyoungkwoman,kMr.kGrey. k Ikwishkshedk illedkthekfuc er. k Thatkwouldkhavekmeantkmorekpaperwor kforkme,kMr.kGreyk.k.k. k MisskMorgankisksingingkli ekthekproverbialkcanary.kHydeskakrealktwistedkso nkofkakbitch.kHekhaskakseriouskgrudgekagainstkyourkfatherkandkyouk.k.k. k Thekfogksurroundskmekoncekmore,kandkImkdraggedkdownk.k.k.kdown.kNo! k Whatkdokyoukmeankyoukwerentktal ing?kItskGrace.kSheksoundskangry.kIktryktokm ovekmykhead,kbutkImkmetkwithkakresounding,klistlessksilencekfromkmykbody. k Whatkdidkyoukdo? k Mom k Christian!kWhatkdidkyoukdo? k Ikwasksokangry.kItskalmostkaksobk.k.k.kNo. k Heyk.k.k. k ThekworldkdipskandkblurskandkImkgone. k Ikhearksoftkgarbledkvoices. k Youktoldkmekyoudkcutkallkties.kGracekisktal ing.kHerkvoicekiskquiet,kadmoni shing. k Ik now.kChristianksoundskresigned.kButkseeingkherkfinallykputkitkallkinkper spectivekforkme.kYouk nowk.k.k.kwithkthekchild.kForkthekfirstktimekIkfeltk.k.k.k Whatkwekdidk.k.k.kitkwaskwrong. k Whatkshekdidkdarlingk.k.k.kChildrenkwillkdokthatktokyou.kMa ekyoukloo kat kthekworldkinkakdifferentklight. k Shekfinallykgotkthekmessagek.k.k.kandksokdidkIk.k.k.kIkhurtkAna,khekwhispe rs. k Wekalwayskhurtkthekoneskweklove,kdarling.kYoullkhavektoktellkherkyoureksorr y.kAndkmeankitkandkgivekherktime. k Sheksaidkshekwaskleavingkme. k No.kNo.kNo! k Didkyoukbelievekher? k Atkfirst,kyes. k Darling,kyoukalwayskbelievekthekworstkofkeveryone,kincludingkyourself.kYo ukalwayskhave.kAnakloveskyoukverykmuch,kandkitskobviouskyouklovekher. k Shekwaskmadkatkme. k Imksurekshekwas.kImkprettykmadkatkyoukrightknow.kIkthin kyoukcankonlykbektr ulykmadkatksomeonekyoukreallyklove. k Ikthoughtkaboutkit,kandksheskshownkmekoverkandkoverkhowkmuchkshekloveskmek .k.k.ktokthekpointkofkputtingkherkownklifekinkdanger. k Yes,kshekhas,kdarling. k Oh,kMom,kwhykwontkshekwa ekup?kHiskvoicekcrac s.kIknearlyklostkher. k Christian!kTherekarekmuffledksobs.kNok.k.k. k Ohk.k.k.kthekdar nesskcloseskin.kNo k Itskta enktwenty-fourkyearskforkyouktokletkmekholdkyoukli ekthisk.k.k. k Ik now,kMomk.k.k.kImkgladkwektal ed. k Mektoo,kdarling.kImkalwayskhere.kIkcantkbelievekImkgoingktokbekakgrandmother . k Grandma! k Sweetkoblivionkbec ons. k Hmm.kHiskstubbleksoftlykscrapeskthekbac kofkmykhandkaskheksqueezeskmykfi ngers. k Oh,kbaby,kpleasekcomekbac ktokme.kImksorry.kSorrykforkeverything.kJustkwa ekup.kIkmisskyou.kIklovekyouk.k.k. k Iktry.kIktry.kIkwantktokseekhim.kButkmykbodykdisobeyskme,kandkIkfallkasl

eepkoncekmore. k Ikhavekakpressingkneedktokpee.kIkopenkmykeyes.kImkinkthekclean,ksterileke nvironmentkofkakhospitalkroom.kItskdar kexceptkforkaksidelight,kandkallkiskquiet. kMykheadkandkmykchestkache,kbutkmorekthankthat,kmykbladderkiskbursting.kIkneedkt okpee.kIktestkmyklimbs.kMykrightkarmksmarts,kandkIknoticekthekIVkattachedktokitk onkthekinsidekofkmykelbow.kIkshutkmykeyeskquic ly.kTurningkmykheadImkpleasedkthatk itkrespondsktokmykwillIkopenkmykeyeskagain.kChristiankiskasleep,ksittingkbesidekm ekandkleaningkonkmykbedkwithkhiskheadkonkhiskfoldedkarms.kIkreachkout,kgratefulk oncekmorekthatkmykbodykresponds,kandkrunkmykfingerskthroughkhisksoftkhair. k Hekstartleskawa e,kraisingkhiskheadksoksuddenlykmykhandkfallskwea lykbac kontokthekbed. k Hi,kIkcroa . k Oh,kAna.kHiskvoicekiskcho edkandkrelieved.kHekgraspskmykhand,ksqueezingkit ktightlykandkholdingkitkupkagainstkhiskrough,kstubbledkchee . k Ikneedktokusekthekbathroom,kIkwhisper. k Hekgapeskthenkfrownskatkmekforkakmoment.kO ay. k Ikstrugglektoksitkup. k Ana,kstaykstill.kIllkcallkaknurse.kHekquic lykstands,kalarmed,kandkreachesk forkakbuzzerkonkthekbedside. k Please,kIkwhisper.kWhykdokIkachekeverywhere?kIkneedktokgetkup.kJeez,kIkfeelk sokwea . k Willkyoukdokaskyourektoldkforkonce?kheksnaps,kexasperated. k Ikreallykneedktokpee,kIkrasp.kMykthroatkandkmouthkareksokdry. k Aknursekbustleskintokthekroom.kShekmustkbekinkherkfifties,kthoughkherkha irkiskjetkblac .kShekwearskoverlargekpearlkearrings. k Mrs.kGreykwelcomekbac .kIllkletkDr.kBartleyk nowkyourekawa e.kShekma eskherk wayktokmykbedside.kMyknamekiskNora.kDokyouk nowkwherekyoukare? k Yes.kHospital.kIkneedktokpee. k Youkhavekakcatheter. k What?kOhkthiskiskgross.kIkglancekanxiouslykatkChristiankthenkbac ktokthe knurse. k Please.kIkwantktokgetkup. k Mrs.kGrey. k Please. k Ana,kChristiankwarns.kIkstrugglektoksitkupkoncekmore. k Letkmekremovekyourkcatheter.kMr.kGreykIkamksurekMrs.kGreykwouldkli eksome kprivacy.kShekloo skpointedlykatkChristian,kdismissingkhim. k Imknotkgoingkanywhere.kHekglareskbac katkher. k Christian,kplease,kIkwhisper,kreachingkoutkandkgraspingkhiskhand.kBrieflyk heksqueezeskmykhandkthenkgiveskmekankexasperatedkloo .kPlease,kIkbeg. k Fine!kheksnapskandkrunskhiskhandkthroughkhiskhair.kYoukhavektwokminutes,khek hisseskatktheknurse,kandkhekleanskdownkandk isseskmykforeheadkbeforekturningkonk hiskheelkandkleavingkthekroom. k Christiankburstskbac kintokthekroomktwokminutesklaterkaskNursekNorakiskh elpingkmekoutkofkbed.kImkdressedkinkakthinkhospitalkgown.kIkdontkrememberkbeingkst ripped. k Letkmekta ekher,kheksayskandkstridesktowardkus. k Mr.kGrey,kIkcankmanage.kNursekNorakscoldskhim. k Hekgiveskherkakhostilekglare.kDammit,ksheskmykwife.kIllkta ekher.kHeksayskth roughkgrittedkteethkaskhekmoveskthekIVkstandkoutkofkhiskway. k Mr.kGrey!kshekprotests. k Hekignoreskher,kleanskdown,kandkgentlykliftskmekoffkthekbed.kIkwrapkmyka rmskaroundkhisknec ,kmykbodykcomplaining.kJeez,kIkachekeverywhere.kHekcarrieskme ktokthekenksuitekbathroomkwhilekNursekNorakfollowskus,kpushingkthekIVkstand. k Mrs.kGrey,kyourektooklight,khekmutterskdisapprovinglykaskheksetskmekgentlyk onkmykfeet.kIksway.kMyklegskfeelkli ekJell-O.kChristiankflipsktheklightkswitch,k andkImkmomentarilykblindedkbykthekfluorescentklampkthatkpingskandkflic ersktoklif e. k Sitkbeforekyoukfall,kheksnaps,kstillkholdingkme. k Tentatively,kIksitkdownkonkthektoilet.

k Go.kIktryktokwavekhimkout. k No.kJustkpee,kAna. k Couldkthiskbekanykmorekembarrassing?kIkcant,knotkwithkyoukhere. k Youkmightkfall. k Mr.kGrey! k Wekbothkignorektheknurse. k Please,kIkbeg. k Hekraiseskhiskhandskinkdefeat.kIllkstandkoutside,kdoorkopen.kHekta eskakcou plekofkpaceskbac kuntilkheskstandingkjustkoutsidekthekdoorkwithkthekangryknurse. k Turnkaround,kplease,kIkas .kWhykdokIkfeelksokridiculouslykshykwithkthiskma n?kHekrollskhiskeyeskbutkcomplies.kAndkwhenkhiskbac kiskturnedk.k.k.kIkletkgo,ka ndksavorkthekrelief. k Ikta ekstoc kofkmykinjuries.kMykheadkhurts,kmykchestkacheskwherekJac k i c edkme,kandkmyksidekthrobskwherekhekpushedkmektokthekground.kPluskImkthirstykand khungry.kJeez,kreallykhungry.kIkfinishkup,kthan fulkthatkIkdontkhavektokgetkupkto kwashkmykhands,kasktheksin kiskclose.kIkjustkdontkhavekthekstrengthktokstand. k Imkdone,kIkcall,kdryingkmykhandskonkthektowel. k Christiankturnskandkcomeskbac kinkandkbeforekIk nowkit,kImkinkhiskarmskag ain.kIkhavekmissedkthesekarms.kHekpauseskandkburieskhisknosekinkmykhair. k Oh,kIvekmissedkyou,kMrs.kGrey,khekwhispers,kandkwithkNursekNorakfussingkbeh indkhim,kheklayskmekbac konkthekbedkandkreleaseskmereluctantly,kIkthin . k Ifkyouvekquitekfinished,kMr.kGrey,kIdkli ektokchec koverkMrs.kGreyknow.kNurs ekNorakiskmad. k Hekstandskbac .kSheskallkyours,kheksayskinkakmorekmeasuredktone. k Shekhuffskatkhimkthenkturnskherkattentionkbac ktokme. k Exasperatingkisntkhe? k Howkdokyoukfeel?kshekas skmekherkvoiceklacedkwithksympathykandkaktracekofk irritation,kwhichkIksuspectkiskforkChristianskbenefit. k Sorekandkthirsty.kVerykthirsty,kIkwhisper. k IllkfetchkyouksomekwaterkoncekIvekchec edkyourkvitalskandkDr.kBartleykhaske xaminedkyou. k Shekreacheskforkakbloodkpressurekcuffkandkwrapskitkaroundkmykupperkarm.k IkglancekanxiouslykupkatkChristian.kHekloo skdreadfulhaunted,kevenaskifkhekhasntksl eptkforkdays.kHiskhairkiskakmess,khekhasntkshavedkforkaklongktime,kandkhiskshirtk iskbadlykwrin led.kIkfrown. k Howkarekyoukfeeling?kIgnoringktheknurse,kheksitskdownkonkthekbedkoutkofkar mskreach. k Confused.kAchy.kHungry. k Hungry?kHekblin skinksurprise. k Iknod. k Whatkdokyoukwantktokeat? k Anything.kSoup. k Mr.kGrey,kyoullkneedkthekdoctorskapprovalkbeforekMrs.kGreykcankeat. k Hekgazeskatkherkimpassivelykforkakmomentkthenkta eskhiskBlac Berrykoutko fkhiskpantskpoc etkandkpresseskaknumber. k Anakwantskchic enksoupk.k.k.kGoodk.k.k.kThan kyou.kHekhangskup. k IkglancekatkNorakwhosekeyesknarrowkatkChristian. k Taylor?kIkas kquic ly. k Christianknods. k Yourkbloodkpressurekisknormal,kMrs.kGrey.kIllkfetchkthekdoctor.kShekremoves kthekcuffkand,kwithoutksokmuchkaskanotherkword,kstal skoutkofkthekroom,kradiatin gkdisapproval. k Ikthin kyoukmadekNursekNorakmad. k Ikhavekthatkeffectkonkwomen.kHeksmir s. k Iklaugh,kthenkstopksuddenlykaskpainkradiateskthroughkmykchest.kYes,kyoukd o. k Oh,kAna,kIklovektokhearkyouklaugh. k Norakreturnskwithkakpitcherkofkwater.kWekbothkfallksilent,kgazingkatkeac hkotherkaskshekpourskoutkakglasskandkhandskitktokme. k Smallksipsknow,kshekwarns.

k Yes,kmaam,kIkmutterkandkta ekakwelcomeksipkofkcoolkwater.kOhkmy.kItktastesk perfect.kIkta ekanother,kandkChristiankwatcheskmekintently. k Mia?kIkas . k Shesksafe.kThan sktokyou. k Theykdidkhavekher? k Yes. k Allkthekmadnesskwaskforkakreason.kReliefkspiralskthroughkmykbody.kThan k God,kthan kGod,kthan kGodkshesko ay.kIkfrown. k Howkdidktheykgetkher? k ElizabethkMorgan,kheksaysksimply. k No! k Heknods.kShekpic edkherkupkatkMiaskgym. k Ikfrown,kstillknotkunderstanding. k Ana,kIllkfillkyoukinkonkthekdetailsklater.kMiakiskfine,kallkthingskconside red.kShekwaskdrugged.kSheskgroggyknowkandksha enkup,kbutkbyksomekmiraclekshekwasnt kharmed.kChristianskjawkclenches.kWhatkyoukdidhekrunskhiskhandkthroughkhiskhairwaskinc ediblykbravekandkincrediblykstupid.kYoukcouldkhavekbeenk illed.kHiskeyeskblazekak blea ,kchillingkgray,kandkIk nowkheskrestrainingkhiskanger. k Ikdidntk nowkwhatkelsektokdo,kIkwhisper. k Youkcouldkhavektoldkme!kheksayskvehemently,kfistingkhiskhandskinkhisklap. k Heksaidkhedk illkherkifkIktoldkanyone.kIkcouldntkta ekthatkris . k Christiankcloseskhiskeyes,kdreadketchedkinkhiskface. k IkhavekdiedkakthousandkdeathsksincekThursday. k Thursday? k Whatkdaykiskit? k ItskalmostkSaturday,kheksays,kchec ingkhiskwatch.kYouvekbeenkunconsciouskfork overktwenty-fourkhours. k Oh. k AndkJac kandkElizabeth? k Inkpolicekcustody.kAlthoughkHydekiskherekunderkguard.kTheykhadktokremovek thekbulletkyoukleftkinkhim,kChristianksayskbitterly.kIkdontk nowkwherekinkthiskhosp italkhekis,kfortunately,korkIdkprobablyk illkhimkmyself.kHiskfacekdar ens. k Ohkshit.kJac kiskhere? k ThatskforkSIPkyoukfuc ingkbitch!kIkpale.kMykemptykstomachkconvulses,ktearsk pric kmykeyes,kandkakdeepkshudderkrunskthroughkme. k Hey.kChristiankscootskforward,khiskvoicekfilledkwithkconcern.kTa ingkthekg lasskfromkmykhand,khektenderlykfoldskmekintokhiskarms.kYoureksafeknow,khekmurmurska gainstkmykhair,khiskvoicekhoarse. k Christian,kImksoksorry.kMyktearskstartktokfall. k Hush.kHekstro eskmykhair,kandkIkweepkintokhisknec . k WhatkIksaid.kIkwaskneverkgoingktokleavekyou. k Hush,kbaby,kIk now. k Youkdo?kHiskadmissionkhaltskmyktears. k Ikwor edkitkout.kEventually.kHonestly,kAna,kwhatkwerekyoukthin ing?kHiskto nekiskstrained. k Youktoo kmekbyksurprise,kIkmutterkintokhiskshirtkcollar.kWhenkwekspo ekatkt hekban .kThin ingkIkwaskleavingkyou.kIkthoughtkyouk newkmekbetter.kIveksaidktokyo ukoverkandkoverkIkwouldkneverkleave. k ButkafterkthekappallingkwaykIvekbehavedkHiskvoicekiskbarelykaudible,kandkhis karmsktightenkaroundkme.kIkthoughtkforkakshortktimekthatkIdklostkyou. k No,kChristian.kNever.kIkdidntkwantkyouktokinterfere,kandkputkMiasklifekinkd anger. k Heksighs,kandkIkdontk nowkifkitskfromkanger,kexasperation,korkhurt. k Howkdidkyoukwor kitkout?kIkas kquic lyktokdistractkhimkfromkhisklinekofkth ought. k Hektuc skmykhairkbehindkmykear.kIdkjustktouchedkdownkinkSeattlekwhenkthekb an kcalled.kLastkIdkheard,kyoukwerekillkandkgoingkhome. k SokyoukwerekinkPortlandkwhenkSawyerkcalledkyoukfromkthekcar? k Wekwerekjustkaboutktokta ekoff.kIkwaskworriedkaboutkyou,kheksaysksoftly. k Youkwere?

k Hekfrowns.kOfkcoursekIkwas.kHeks irtskhiskthumbkoverkmykbottomklip.kIkspend kmyklifekworryingkaboutkyou.kYouk nowkthat. k Oh,kChristian! k Jac kcalledkmekatkthekoffice,kIkmurmur.kHekgavekmektwokhoursktokgetkthekmon ey.kIkshrug.kIkhadktokleave,kandkitkjustkseemedkthekbestkexcuse. k Christianskmouthkpresseskintokakhardkline.kAndkyoukgavekSawyerkthekslip.kH eskmadkatkyou,kaskwell. k Askwell? k Askwellkaskme. k Iktentativelyktouchkhiskface,krunningkmykfingerskoverkhiskstubble.kHekcl oseskhiskeyes,kleaningkintokmykfingers. k Dontkbekmadkatkme.kPlease,kIkwhisper. k Ikamksokmadkatkyou.kWhatkyoukdidkwaskmonumentallykstupid.kBorderingkonkin sane. k Iktoldkyou,kIkdidntk nowkwhatkelsektokdo. k Youkdontkseemktokhavekanykregardkforkyourkpersonalksafety.kAndkitsknotkjust kyouknow,khekaddskangrily. k Myklipktrembles.kHeskthin ingkaboutkourkLittlekBlip. k Thekdoorkopens,kstartlingkuskboth,kandkakyoungkAfrican-Americankwomankin kakwhitekcoatkoverkgraykscrubskstrideskin. k Goodkevening,kMrs.kGrey.kImkDr.kBartley. k Shekstartsktokexaminekmekthoroughly,kshiningkaklightkinkmykeyes,kma ingk mektouchkherkfingers,kthenkmyknosekwhilekclosingkfirstkonekeyekandkthenkthekothe r,kandkchec ingkallkmykreflexes.kButkherkvoicekisksoftkandkherktouchkgentle;kshe khaskakwarmkbedsidekmanner.kNursekNorakjoinskher,kandkChristiankwandersktokthekc ornerkofkthekroomkandkma esksomekcallskwhilekthektwokofkthemktendktokme.kItskhard ktokconcentratekonkDr.kBartley,kNursekNora,kandkChristiankatktheksamektime,kbutk Ikhearkhimkcallkhiskfather,kmykmother,kandkKatektoksaykImkawa e.kFinally,khekleav eskakmessagekforkRay. k Ray.kOhkshitk.k.k.kAkvaguekmemorykofkhiskvoicekcomeskbac ktokme.kHekwask hereyes,kwhilekIkwaskstillkunconscious. k Dr.kBartleykchec skmykribs,kherkfingerskprobingkgentlykbutkfirmly. k Ikwince. k Thesekarekbruised,knotkcrac edkorkbro en.kYoukwerekverykluc y,kMrs.kGrey. k Ikscowl.kLuc y?kNotkthekwordkIkwouldkhavekchosen.kChristiankglowerskatkh er,ktoo.kHekmouthsksomethingkatkme.kIkthin kitskfoolhardy,kbutkImknotksure. k Illkprescribeksomekpain illers.kYoullkneedkthemkforkthiskandkforkthekheadac hekyoukmustkhave.kButkallskloo ingkaskitkshould,kMrs.kGrey.kIksuggestkyoukgetksom eksleep.kDependingkonkhowkyoukfeelkinkthekmorning,kwekmaykletkyoukgokhome.kMykco lleaguekDr.kSinghkwillkbekattendingkyoukthen. k Than kyou. k Thereskak noc konkthekdoor,kandkTaylorkenterskbearingkakblac kcardboardkb oxkwithkFairmontkOlympickemblazonedkinkcreamkonkthekside. k Holykcow! k Food?kDr.kBartleyksaysksurprised. k Mrs.kGreykiskhungry,kChristianksays.kThiskiskchic enksoup. k Dr.kBartleyksmiles.kSoupkwillkbekfine,kjustkthekbroth.kNothingkheavy.kShek loo skpointedlykatkbothkofkuskthenkexitskthekroomkwithkNursekNora. k Christiankpullskthekwheeledktraykoverktokme,kandkTaylorkplaceskthekboxko nkit. k Welcomekbac ,kMrs.kGrey. k Hello,kTaylor.kThan kyou. k Yourekmostkwelcome,kmaam.kIkthin khekwantsktoksaykmore,kbutkhekholdskoff. k Christiankiskunpac ingkthekbox,kproducingkakthermos,ksoupkbowl,ksidekpla te,klinenknap in,ksoupspoon,kaksmallkbas etkofkbreadkrolls,ksilverksaltkandkpepp erksha ersk.k.k.kThekOlympickhaskgonekall-out. k Thiskiskgreat,kTaylor.kMykstomachkiskrumbling.kIkamkfamished. k Willkthatkbekall?khekas s. k Yes,kthan s,kChristianksays,kdismissingkhim. k Taylorknods.

k Taylor,kthan kyou. k AnythingkelsekIkcankgetkyou,kMrs.kGrey? k IkglancekatkChristian.kJustksomekcleankclotheskforkChristian. k Taylorksmiles.kYes,kmaam. k Christiankglanceskdownkatkhiskshirt,kbemused. k Howklongkhavekyoukbeenkwearingkthatkshirt?kIkas . k SincekThursdaykmorning.kHekgiveskmekakcroo edksmile. k Taylorkexits. k Taylorskrealkpissedkatkyou,ktoo,kChristiankaddskgrumpily,kunscrewingkthekli dkofkthekthermoskandkpouringkcreamykchic enksoupkintokthekbowl. k Taylor,ktoo!kButkIkdontkdwellkonkthatkaskmykchic enksoupkdistractskme.kIt ksmellskdelicious,kandksteamkcurlskinvitinglykfromkitsksurface.kIkta ekaktasteka ndkitskeverythingkitkpromisedktokbe. k Good?kChristiankas s,kperchingkonkthekbedkagain. k Iknodkenthusiasticallykandkdontkstop.kMykhungerkiskprimal.kIkpausekonlykt okwipekmykmouthkwithktheklinenknap in. k Tellkmekwhatkhappenedafterkyoukrealizedkwhatkwaskgoingkon. k Christiankrunskhiskhandkthroughkhiskhairkandksha eskhiskhead.kOh,kAna,kits kgoodktokseekyoukeat. k Imkhungry.kTellkme. k Hekfrowns.kWell,kafterkthekban kcalledkandkIkthoughtkmykworldkhadkcomplet elykfallenkapartkHekcantkhidekthekpainkinkhiskvoice. k Ikstopkeating.kOhkshit. k Dontkstopkeating,korkIllkstopktal ing,khekwhispers,khisktonekadamantkaskhekg lareskatkme.kIkcontinuekwithkmyksoup.kO ay,ko ayk.k.k.kDamn,kitktasteskgood.kChr istianskgazeksoftenskandkafterkakbeat,khekresumes. k Anyway,kshortlykafterkyoukandkIkhadkfinishedkourkconversation,kTaylorkinf ormedkmekthatkHydekhadkbeenkgrantedkbail.kHow,kIkdontk now,kIkthoughtkwedkmanagedk tokthwartkanykattemptskatkbail.kButkthatkgavekmekakmomentktokthin kaboutkwhatkyo udksaidk.k.k.kandkIk newksomethingkwaskseriouslykwrong. k Itkwaskneverkaboutkthekmoney,kIksnapksuddenly,kankunexpectedksurgekofkange rkflaringkinkmykbelly.kMykvoicekrises.kHowkcouldkyoukevenkthin kthat?kItskneverkbe enkaboutkyourkfuc ingkmoney!kMykheadkstartsktokpoundkandkIkwince.kChristiankgapes katkmekforkaksplitksecond,ksurprisedkbykmykvehemence.kHeknarrowskhiskeyes. k Mindkyourklanguage,khekgrowls.kCalmkdownkandkeat.Ikglarekmutinouslykatkhim. k Ana,khekwarns. k Thatkhurtkmekmorekthankanything,kChristian,kIkwhisper.kAlmostkaskmuchkaskyo ukseeingkthatkwoman. k HekinhalesksharplykaskifkIvekslappedkhimkandkallkofkaksudden,khekloo skex hausted.kClosingkhiskeyeskbriefly,kheksha eskhiskhead,kresigned. k Ik now.kHeksighs.kAndkImksorry.kMorekthankyouk now.kHiskeyeskarekluminouskwit hkcontrition.kPlease,keat.kWhilekyourksoupkiskstillkhot.kHiskvoicekisksoftkandkcom pelling,kandkIkdokaskhekas s.kHekbreatheskaksighkofkrelief. k Gokon,kIkwhisper,kbetweenkbiteskofkthekillicitkfreshkwhitekbreadkroll. k Wekdidntk nowkMiakwaskmissing.kIkthoughtkmaybekhekwaskblac mailingkyoukork something.kIkcalledkyoukbac ,kbutkyoukdidntkanswer.kHekscowls.kIkleftkyoukakmessage kthenkcalledkSawyer.kTaylorkstartedktrac ingkyourkcell.kIk newkyoukwerekatkthekb an ,ksokwekheadedkstraightkthere. k Ikdontk nowkhowkSawyerkfoundkme.kWaskhektrac ingkmykcell,ktoo? k ThekSaabkiskfittedkwithkaktrac ingkdevice.kAllkourkcarskare.kBykthektimek wekgotknearkthekban ,kyoukwerekalreadykonkthekmove,kandkwekfollowed.kWhykarekyou ksmiling? k OnksomeklevelkIk newkyoudkbekstal ingkme. k Andkthatkiskamusingkbecause?khekas s. k Jac khadkinstructedkmektokgetkridkofkmykcell.kSokIkborrowedkWhelanskcell,k andkthatskthekonekIkthrewkaway.kIkputkminekintokonekofkthekdufflekbagsksokyoukcou ldktrac kyourkmoney. k Christianksighs.kOurkmoney,kAna,kheksayskquietly.kEat. k Ikwipekmyksoupkbowlkwithktheklastkofkmykbreadkandkpopkitkintokmykmouth.k Forkthekfirstktimekinkaklongkwhile,kIkfeelkrepletekinkspitekofkourkconversation.

k Finished. k Goodkgirl. k Thereskak noc konkthekdoorkandkNursekNorakenterskoncekmore,kcarryingkaksm allkpaperkcup.kChristiankclearskawaykmykplate,kandkstartskputtingkallkthekitemsk bac kintokthekbox. k Painkrelief.kNoraksmiles,kshowingkmekthekwhitekpillkinkthekpaperkcup. k Iskthisko ayktokta e?kYouk nowwithkthekbaby? k Yes,kMrs.kGrey.kItskLortabitskfine;kitkwontkaffectkthekbaby. k Iknodkgratefully.kMykheadkiskpounding.kIkswallowkitkdownkwithkaksipkofkw ater. k Youkoughtktokrest,kMrs.kGrey.kNursekNorakloo skpointedlykatkChristian. k Heknods. k No!kYourekgoing?kIkexclaim,kpanicksettingkin.kDontkgowevekjustkstartedktal ing ! k Christianksnorts.kIfkyoukthin kforkonekmomentkImkgoingktokletkyoukoutkofkm yksight,kMrs.kGrey,kyoukarekverykmuchkmista en. k NorakhuffskbutkhoverskoverkmekandkreadjustskmykpillowsksokthatkIkhavekto kliekdown. k Goodnight,kMrs.kGrey,ksheksays,kandkwithkoneklastkcensoriouskglancekatkChr istian,kshekleaves. k Hekraiseskankeyebrowkaskshekcloseskthekdoor. k Ikdontkthin kNursekNorakapproveskofkme. k Hekstandskbykthekbed,kloo ingktired,kandkdespitekthekfactkthatkIkwantkhi mktokstay,kIk nowkIkshouldktryktokpersuadekhimktokgokhome. k Youkneedkrest,ktoo,kChristian.kGokhome.kYoukloo kexhausted. k Imknotkleavingkyou.kIllkdozekinkthiskarmchair. k Ikscowlkatkhimkthenkshiftkontokmykside. k Sleepkwithkme. k Hekfrowns.kNo.kIkcant. k Whyknot? k Ikdontkwantktokhurtkyou. k Youkwontkhurtkme.kPlease,kChristian. k YoukhavekankIV. k Christian.kPlease. k Hekgazeskatkme,kandkIkcanktellkhesktempted. k Please.kIkliftkupkthekblan ets,kinvitingkhimkintokthekbed. k Fuc kit.kHekslipskoffkhiskshoeskandksoc s,kandkgingerlykclimbskinkbesidekm e.kGently,khekwrapskhiskarmkaroundkme,kandkIklaykmykheadkonkhiskchest.kHek isses kmykhair. k Ikdontkthin kNursekNorakwillkbekverykhappykwithkthiskarrangement,khekwhispe rskconspiratorially. k Ikgiggle,kthenkstopkaskpainklanceskthroughkmykchest.kDontkma ekmeklaugh.kI tkhurts. k Oh,kbutkIklovekthatksound,kheksayskaklittleksadly,khiskvoiceklow.kImksorry,k baby,kso,ksoksorry.kHek isseskmykhairkagainkandkinhaleskdeeply,kandkIkdontk nowkwh atkheskapologizingkfork.k.k.kma ingkmeklaugh?kOrkthekmesskwerekin?kIkrestkmykhandk overkhiskheart,kandkhekgentlykplaceskhiskhandkonkmine.kWekarekbothksilentkforkak moment. k Whykdidkyoukgokseekthatkwoman? k Oh,kAna.kHekgroans.kYoukwantktokdiscusskthatknow?kCantkwekdropkthis?kIkregre tkit,ko ay? k Ikneedktok now. k Illktellkyouktomorrow,khekmutters,kirritated.kOh,kandkDetectivekClar kwantsk toktal ktokyou.kJustkroutine.kNowkgoktoksleep. k Hek isseskmykhair.kIksighkheavily.kIkneedktok nowkwhy.kAtkleastkheksaysk hekregretskit.kThatsksomething,kmyksubconsciouskagrees.kSheskinkankagreeablekmoodk today,kitkseems.kUgh,kDetectivekClar .kIkshudderkatkthekthoughtkofkrelivingkThur sdayskeventskforkhim. k Dokwek nowkwhykJac kwaskdoingkallkthis? k Hmm,kChristiankmurmurs.kImksoothedkbykthekslowkrisekandkfallkofkhiskchest,k

gentlykroc ingkmykhead,klullingkmektoksleepkaskhiskbreathingkslows.kAndkwhilekIk driftkIktryktokma eksensekofkthekfragmentskofkconversationskIkheardkwhilekIkwask onkthekedgekofkconsciousness,kbutktheykslitherkthroughkmykmind,kremainingksteadf astlykelusive,ktauntingkmekfromkthekedgeskofkmykmemory.kOh,kitskfrustratingkandke xhaustingk.k.k.kandk.k.k. k NursekNoraskmouthkiskpursedkandkherkarmskfoldedkinkhostility.kIkholdkmykf ingerkupktokmyklips. k Pleasekletkhimksleep,kIkwhisper,ksquintingkinkthekearlykmorningklight. k Thiskiskyourkbed.kNotkhis,kshekhissesksternly. k Iksleptkbetterkbecausekhekwaskhere.kIkinsist,krushingktokmykhusbandskdefens e.kBesides,kitsktrue.kChristiankstirs,kandkNursekNorakandkIkfreeze. k Hekmumbleskinkhisksleep,kDontktouchkme.kNokmore.kOnlykAna. k Ikfrown.kIkhavekrarelykheardkChristianktal kinkhisksleep.kAdmittedly,kth atkmightkbekbecausekheksleepsklesskthankIkdo.kIvekonlykeverkheardkhisknightmares. kHiskarmsktightenkaroundkme,ksqueezingkme,kandkIkwince. k Mrs.kGreykNursekNorakglowers. k Please,kIkbeg. k Sheksha eskherkhead,kturnskonkherkheelkandkleaves,kandkIksnugglekupkagai nstkChristiankagain. k WhenkIkwa e,kChristiankisknowherektokbekseen.kTheksunkiskblazingkthrough kthekwindows,kandkIkcanknowkreallykappreciatekthekroom.kIkhavekflowers!kIkdidntkn oticekthemktheknightkbefore.kSeveralkbouquets.kIkwonderkidlykwhoktheyrekfrom. k Aksoftk noc kdistractskme,kandkCarric kpee skaroundkthekdoor.kHekbeamskw henkhekseeskthatkImkawa e. k MaykIkcomekin?khekas s. k Ofkcourse. k Hekstrideskintokthekroomkandkoverktokme,khisksoft,kgentlekbluekeyeskasse ssingkmekshrewdly.kHeskwearingkakdar ksuithekmustkbekwor ing.kHeksurpriseskmekbykl eaningkdownkandk issingkmykforehead. k MaykIksit? k Iknod,kandkhekpercheskonkthekedgekofkthekbedkandkta eskmykhand. k Ikdontk nowkhowktokthan kyoukforkmykdaughter,kyoukcrazy,kbrave,kdarlingkgi rl.kWhatkyoukdidkprobablyksavedkherklife.kIkwillkbekforeverkinkyourkdebt.kHiskvoi cekwavers,kfilledkwithkgratitudekandkcompassion. k Ohk.k.k.kIkdontk nowkwhatktoksay.kIksqueezekhiskhandkbutkremainkmute. k Howkarekyoukfeeling? k Better.kSore.kIksay,kforkhonestysksa e. k Havektheykgivenkyoukmedskforkthekpain? k Lork.k.k.ksomething. k Good.kWhereskChristian? k Ikdontk now.kWhenkIkwo ekup,khekwaskgone. k Hekwontkbekfarkaway,kImksure.kHekwouldntkleavekyoukwhilekyoukwerekunconsciou s. k Ik now. k Heskaklittlekmadkatkyou,kaskhekshouldkbe.kCarric ksmir s.kAh,kthiskiskwhere kChristiankgetskitkfrom. k Christiankiskalwayskmadkatkme. k Iskhe?kCarric ksmiles,kpleasedaskifkthiskiskakgoodkthing.kHisksmilekiskinfe ctious. k HowskMia? k Hiskeyeskcloudkandkhisksmilekvanishes.kSheskbetter.kMadkaskhell.kIkthin ka ngerkiskakhealthykreactionktokwhatkhappenedktokher. k Iskshekhere? k No,ksheskbac katkhome.kIkdontkthin kGracekwillkletkherkoutkofkherksight. k Ik nowkhowkthatkfeels. k Youkneedkwatching,ktoo,khekadmonishes.kIkdontkwantkyoukta ingkanymoreksillyk ris skwithkyourklifekorktheklifekofkmykgrandchild. k Ikflush.kHek nows! k Gracekreadkyourkchart.kShektoldkme.kCongratulations. k Umk.k.k.kthan kyou.

k Hekgazeskdownkatkme,kandkhiskeyesksoften,kthoughkhekfrownskatkmykexpress ion. k Christiankwillkcomekaround,kheksayskgently.kThiskwillkbekthekbestkthingkfor khim.kJustk.k.k.kgivekhimksomektime. k Iknod.kOhk.k.k.kTheyvekspo en. k Idkbetterkgo.kImkduekinkcourt.kHeksmileskandkrises.kIllkchec kinkonkyouklater. kGracekspea skhighlykofkDr.kSinghkandkDr.kBartley.kTheyk nowkwhatktheyrekdoing. k Hekleanskdownkandk isseskmekoncekmore.kIkmeankit,kAna.kIkcankneverkrepayk whatkyouvekdonekforkus.kThan kyou. k Ikloo kupkatkhim,kblin ingkbac ktears,ksuddenlykoverwhelmed,kandkhekstro eskmykchee kaffectionately.kThenkhekturnskonkhiskheelkandkleaves. k Ohkmy.kImkreelingkfromkhiskgratitude.kPerhapsknowkIkcankletkthekprenupkde baclekgo.kMyksubconsciousknodsksagelykinkagreementkwithkmekyetkagain.kIksha ekmy kheadkandkgingerlykgetkoutkofkbed.kImkrelievedktokfindkthatkIkamkmuchksteadierkon kmykfeetkthankyesterday.kInkspitekofkChristianksharingkthekbed,kIkhaveksleptkwel lkandkfeelkrefreshed.kMykheadkstillkaches,kbutkitskakdullknaggingkpain,knothingkl i ekthekpoundingkyesterday.kImkstiffkandksore,kbutkIkjustkneedkakbath.kIkfeelkgri my.kIkheadkintokthekenksuite. k Ana!kChristiankshouts. k Imkinkthekbathroom,kIkcallkaskIkfinishkbrushingkmykteeth.kThatkfeelskbetter .kIkignorekmykreflectionkinkthekmirror.kJeez,kIkloo kakmess.kWhenkIkopenkthekdoo r,kChristiankiskbykthekbed,kholdingkaktraykofkfood.kHesktransformed.kDressedkenti relykinkblac ,kheskshaved,kshowered,kandkloo skwellkrested. k Goodkmorning,kMrs.kGrey,kheksayskbrightly.kIkhavekyourkbrea fast.kHekloo sks okboyishkandkmuchkhappier. k Wow.kIksmilekbroadlykaskIkclimbkbac kintokbed.kHekpullskoverkthektraykon kwheelskandkliftskthekcoverktokrevealkmykbrea fast:koatmealkwithkdriedkfruits,kp anca eskwithkmapleksyrup,kbacon,korangekjuice,kandkTwiningskEnglishkbrea fastkte a.kMykmouthkwaters;kImksokhungry.kIkdownkthekorangekjuicekinkakfewkgulpskandkdigk intokthekoatmeal.kChristianksitskdownkonkthekedgekofkthekbedktokwatch.kHeksmir s . k What?kIkas kwithkmykmouthkfull. k Ikli ektokwatchkyoukeat,kheksays.kButkIkdontkthin kthatskwhatkhesksmir ingkab out.kHowkarekyoukfeeling? k Better,kIkmutterkbetweenkmouthfuls. k Ivekneverkseenkyoukeatkli ekthis. k Ikglancekupkatkhim,kandkmykheartksin s.kWekhavektokaddresskthekveryktiny kelephantkinkthekroom.kItskbecausekImkpregnant,kChristian. k Heksnorts,kandkhiskmouthktwistskintokankironicksmile.kIfkIk newkgettingky ouk noc edkupkwaskgoingktokma ekyoukeat,kIkmightkhavekdonekitkearlier. k ChristiankGrey!kIkgaspkandksetkthekoatmealkdown. k Dontkstopkeating,khekwarns. k Christian,kwekneedktoktal kaboutkthis. k Hekstills.kWhatsktherektoksay?kWerekgoingktokbekparents.kHekshrugs,kdesperat elyktryingktokloo knonchalant,kbutkallkIkcankseekiskhiskfear.kPushingkthektrayka side,kIkcrawlkdownkthekbedktokhimkandkta ekhiskhandskinkmine. k Yourekscared,kIkwhisper.kIkgetkit. k Hekgazeskatkme,kimpassive,khiskeyeskwidekandkallkhiskearlierkboyishnessk strippedkaway. k Ikam,ktoo.kThatsknormal,kIkwhisper. k Whatk indkofkfatherkcouldkIkpossiblykbe?kHiskvoicekiskhoarse,kbarelykaudib le. k Oh,kChristian.kIkstiflekaksob.kOnekthatktrieskhiskbest.kThatskallkanykofkusk cankdo. k AnaIkdontk nowkifkIkcank.k.k. k Ofkcoursekyoukcan.kYourekloving,kyourekfun,kyourekstrong,kyoullksetkboundarie s.kOurkchildkwillkwantkforknothing. k Heskfrozen,kstaringkatkme,kdoubtketchedkonkhiskbeautifulkface. k Yes,kitkwouldkhavekbeenkidealktokhavekwaited.kTokhaveklonger,kjustkthektw okofkus.kButkwellkbekthreekofkus,kandkwellkallkgrowkupktogether.kWellkbekakfamily.k

Ourkownkfamily.kAndkyourkchildkwillklovekyoukunconditionally,kli ekIkdo.kTearsksp ringktokmykeyes. k Oh,kAna,kChristiankwhispers,khiskvoicekanguishedkandkpained.kIkthoughtkIdklo stkyou.kThenkIkthoughtkIdklostkyoukagain.kSeeingkyouklyingkonkthekground,kpalekan dkcoldkandkunconsciousitkwaskallkmykworstkfearskrealized.kAndknowkherekyoukarebrav ekandkstrongk.k.k.kgivingkmekhope.kLovingkmekafterkallkthatkIvekdone. k Yes,kIkdoklovekyou,kChristian,kdesperately.kIkalwayskwill. k Gentlykta ingkmykheadkbetweenkhiskhands,khekwipeskmyktearskawaykwithkhis kthumbs.kHekgazeskintokmykeyes,kgrayktokblue,kandkallkIkseekiskhiskfearkandkwond erkandklove. k Iklovekyou,ktoo,khekbreathes.kAndkhek isseskmeksweetly,ktenderlykli ekakma nkwhokadoreskhiskwife.kIllktryktokbekakgoodkfather,khekwhisperskagainstkmyklips. k Youllktry,kandkyoullksucceed.kAndkletskfacekit;kyoukdontkhavekmuchkchoicekink thekmatter,kbecausekBlipkandkIkareknotkgoingkanywhere. k Blip? k Blip. k Hekraiseskhiskeyebrows.kIkhadktheknamekJuniorkinkmykhead. k Juniorkitkis,kthen. k ButkIkli ekBlip.kHeksmileskhiskshyksmilekandk isseskmekoncekmore. k k k kkk k MuchkaskIdkli ektok isskyoukallkday,kyourkbrea fastkiskgettingkcold,kChrist iankmurmurskagainstkmyklips.kHekgazeskdownkatkme,knowkamused,kexceptkhiskeyeskar ekdar er,ksensual.kHolykcow,kheskswitchedkagain.kMykMr.kMercurial. k Eat,khekorders,khiskvoiceksoft.kIkswallow,kakreactionktokhisksmolderingklo o ,kandkcrawlkbac kintokbed,kavoidingksnaggingkmykIVkline.kHekpusheskthektraykin kfrontkofkme.kThekoatmealkiskcold,kbutkthekpanca eskunderkthekcoverkarekfineinkfa ct,ktheyrekmouthwatering. k Youk now,kIkmutterkbetweenkmouthfuls,kBlipkmightkbekakgirl. k Christiankrunskhiskhandkthroughkhiskhair.kTwokwomen,keh?kAlarmkflasheskacr osskhiskface,kandkhiskdar kloo kvanishes. k Ohkcrap.kDokyoukhavekakpreference? k Preference? k Boykorkgirl. k Hekfrowns.kHealthykwillkdo,kheksayskquietlykclearlykdisconcertedkbykthekqu estion.kEat,kheksnaps,kandkIk nowkhesktryingktokavoidktheksubject. k Imkeating,kImkeatingk.k.k.kJeez,k eepkyourkhairkon,kGrey.kIkwatchkhimkcarefu lly.kThekcornerskofkhiskeyeskarekcrin ledkwithkworry.kHesksaidkhellktry,kbutkIk no wkheskstillkfrea edkoutkbykthekbaby.kOh,kChristian,ksokamkI.kHeksitskdownkinkthek armchairkbesidekme,kpic ingkupkthekSeattlekTimes. k Youkmadekthekpaperskagain,kMrs.kGrey.kHiskisktonekbitter. k Again? k Thekhac skarekjustkrehashingkyesterdayskstory,kbutkitkseemskfactuallykaccu rate.kYoukwantktokreadkit? k Iksha ekmykhead.kReadkitktokme.kImkeating. k Heksmir skandkproceedsktokreadkthekarticlekaloud.kItskakreportkonkJac kan dkElizabeth,kdepictingkthemkaskakmodern-daykBonniekandkClyde.kItkbrieflykcoversk Miask idnapping,kmykinvolvementkinkMiaskrescue,kandkthekfactkthatkbothkJac kandkIk arekinktheksamekhospital.kHowkdoeskthekpresskgetkallkthiskinformation?kIkmustkas kKate. k WhenkChristiankfinishes,kIksay,kPleasekreadksomethingkelse.kIkli eklisten ingktokyou. k Hekobligeskandkreadskmekakreportkaboutkakboomingkbagelkbusinesskandkthek factkthatkBoeingkhaskhadktokcancelktheklaunchkofksomekplane.kChristiankfrownskas khekreads.kButklisteningktokhisksoothingkvoicekaskIkeat,ksecurekinkthek nowledge kthatkIkamkfine,kMiakisksafekandkmykLittlekBlipkisksafe,kIkfeelkakpreciouskmomen tkofkpeacekdespitekallkthatkhaskhappenedkoverktheklastkfewkdays. k IkunderstandkthatkChristiankiskscaredkaboutkthekbaby,kbutkIkdontkundersta

ndkthekdepthkofkhiskfear.kIkresolvektoktal ktokhimksomekmorekaboutkthis.kSeekifk Ikcankputkhiskmindkatkease.kWhatkpuzzleskmekiskthatkhekhasntklac edkforkpositivek rolekmodelskaskparents.kBothkGracekandkCarric karekexemplarykparents,korksokthey kseem.kMaybekitkwaskthekBitchkTrollskinterferencekthatkdamagedkhimksokbadly.kIdkli ektokthin kso.kButkinktruthkIkthin kitkgoeskbac ktokhiskbirthkmom,kthoughkImksur ekMrs.kRobinsonkdidntkhelp.kIkhaltkmykthoughtskaskIknearlykrecallkakwhisperedkcon versation.kDamn!kItkhoverskonkthekedgekofkmykmemorykfromkwhenkIkwaskunconscious. kChristianktal ingkwithkGrace.kItkmeltskawaykintokthekshadowskofkmykmind.kOh,kits ksokfrustrating. k IkwonderkifkChristiankwillkeverkvolunteerkthekreasonkhekwentktokseekherk orkifkIllkhavektokpushkhim.kImkaboutktokas kwhenkthereskak noc konkthekdoor. k DetectivekClar kma eskankapologetickentrykintokthekroom.kHeskrightktokbek apologeticmykheartksin skwhenkIkseekhim. k Mr.kGrey,kMrs.kGrey.kAmkIkinterrupting? k Yes,ksnapskChristian. k Clar kignoreskhim.kGladktokseekyourekawa e,kMrs.kGrey.kIkneedktokas kyouka kfewkquestionskaboutkThursdaykafternoon.kJustkroutine.kIsknowkakconvenientktime? k Sure,kIkmumble,kbutkIkdoknotkwantktokrelivekThursdayskevents. k Mykwifekshouldkbekresting.kChristiankbristles. k Illkbekbrief,kMr.kGrey.kAndkitkmeanskIllkbekoutkofkyourkhairksoonerkratherk thanklater. k ChristiankstandskandkofferskClar khiskchair,kthenksitskdownkbesidekmekon kthekbed,kta eskmykhand,kandksqueezeskitkreassuringly. k Halfkankhourklater,kClar kiskdone.kIveklearnedknothingknew,kbutkIkhavekre countedkthekeventskofkThursdayktokhimkinkakhalting,kquietkvoice,kwatchingkChrist iankgokpalekandkgrimacekatksomekparts. k Ikwishkyoudkaimedkhigher,kChristiankmutters. k Mightkhavekdonekwoman indkakservicekifkMrs.kGreykhad.kClar kagrees. k What? k Than kyou,kMrs.kGrey.kThatskallkforknow. k Youkwontkletkhimkoutkagain,kwillkyou? k Ikdontkthin khellkma ekbailkthisktime,kmaam. k Dokwek nowkwhokpostedkhiskbail?kChristiankas s. k Noksir.kItkwaskconfidential. k Christiankfrowns,kbutkIkthin khekhaskhisksuspicions.kClar krisesktokleav ekjustkaskDr.kSinghkandktwokinternskenterkthekroom. k Afterkakthoroughkexamination,kDr.kSinghkdeclareskmekfitktokgokhome.kChri stianksagskwithkrelief. k Mrs.kGrey,kyoullkhavektokwatchkforkworseningkheadacheskandkblurrykvision.k Ifkthatkoccurskyoukmustkreturnktokthekhospitalkimmediately. k Iknod,ktryingktokcontainkmykdelightkatkgoingkhome. k AskDr.kSinghkleaves,kChristiankas skherkforkakquic kwordkinkthekcorridor .kHek eepskthekdoorkajarkaskhekas skherkakquestion.kSheksmiles. k Yes,kMr.kGrey,kthatskfine. k Hekgrinskandkreturnsktokthekroomkakhappierkman. k Whatkwaskallkthatkabout? k Sex,kheksays,kflashingkakwic edkgrin. k Oh.kIkblush.kAnd? k Yourekgoodktokgo.kHeksmir s. k Oh,kChristian! k Ikhavekakheadache.kIksmir krightkbac . k Ik now.kYoullkbekoffklimitskforkakwhile.kIkwaskjustkchec ing. k Offklimits?kIkfrownkatkthekmomentarykstabkofkdisappointmentkIkfeel.kImkno tksurekIkwantktokbekoffklimits. k NursekNorakjoinskusktokremovekmykIV.kShekglareskatkChristian.kIkthin ksh eskonekofkthekfewkwomenkIvekmetkwhokiskobliviousktokhiskcharms.kIkthan kherkwhenks hekleaveskwithkmykIVkstand. k ShallkIkta ekyoukhome?kChristiankas s. k Idkli ektokseekRaykfirst. k Sure.

k Doeskhek nowkaboutkthekbaby? k Ikthoughtkyoudkwantktokbekthekonektoktellkhim.kIkhaventktoldkyourkmomkeithe r. k Than kyou.kIksmile,kgratefulkthatkhekhasntkstolenkmykthunder. k Mykmomk nows,kChristiankadds.kSheksawkyourkchart.kIktoldkmykdadkbutknokonek else.kMomksaidkcouplesknormallykwaitkforktwelvekwee skorksok.k.k.ktokbeksure.kHek shrugs. k ImknotksurekImkreadyktoktellkRay. k Ikshouldkwarnkyou,kheskmadkaskhell.kSaidkIkshouldkspan kyou. k What?kChristianklaughskatkmykappalledkexpression.kIktoldkhimkIdkbekonlykto okwillingktokoblige. k Youkdidnt!kIkgasp,kthoughkankechokofkakwhisperedkconversationktantalizeskmy kmemory.kYes,kRaykwaskherekwhilekIkwaskunconsciousk.k.k. k Hekwin skatkme.kHere,kTaylorkbroughtkyouksomekcleankclothes.kIllkhelpkyouk dress. k AskChristiankpredicted,kRaykiskfurious.kIkdontkeverkrememberkhimkbeingkth iskmad.kChristiankhaskwiselykdecidedktokleavekuskalone.kForksuchkaktaciturnkman, kRaykfillskhiskhospitalkroomkwithkhiskinvective,kberatingkmekforkmykirresponsibl ekbehavior.kIkamktwelvekyearskoldkagain. k Oh,kDad,kpleasekcalmkdown.kYourkbloodkpressurekisknotkupktokthis. k AndkIvekhadktokdealkwithkyourkmother,khekgrumbles,kwavingkbothkofkhiskhands kinkexasperation. k Dad,kImksorry. k AndkpoorkChristian!kIvekneverkseenkhimkli ekthat.kHeskaged.kWevekbothkagedky earskoverktheklastkcouplekofkdays. k Ray,kImksorry. k Yourkmotherkiskwaitingkforkyourkcall,kheksayskinkakmorekmeasuredktone. k Ik isskhiskchee ,kandkfinallykhekrelentskfromkhisktirade. k Illkcallkher.kIkreallykamksorry.kButkthan kyoukforkteachingkmektokshoot. k Forkakmoment,khekregardskmekwithkill-concealedkpaternalkpride.kImkgladkyou kcankshootkstraight,kheksays,khiskvoicekgruff.kNowkgokonkhomekandkgetksomekrest. k Youkloo kwell,kDad.kIktryktokchangektheksubject. k Youkloo kpale.kHiskfearkisksuddenlykevident.kHiskloo kmirrorskChristianskfr omklastknight,kandkIkgraspkhiskhand. k Imko ay.kIkpromisekIkwontkdokanythingkli ekthatkagain. k Heksqueezeskmykhandkandkpullskmekintokakhug.kIfkanythingkhappenedktokyou,k hekwhispers,khiskvoicekhoarsekandklow.kTearskpric kmykeyes.kIkamknotkusedktokdis playskofkemotionkfromkmykstepfather. k Dad,kImkgood.kNothingkthatkakhotkshowerkwontkcure. k Wekleavekthroughkthekrearkexitkofkthekhospitalktokavoidkthekpaparazzikga theredkatkthekentrance.kTaylorkleadskusktokthekwaitingkinkthekSUV. k ChristiankiskquietkaskSawyerkdriveskuskhome.kIkavoidkSawyerskgazekinkthek rearviewkmirror,kembarrassedkthatktheklastktimekIksawkhimkwaskatkthekban kwhenkI kgavekhimkthekslip.kIkcallkmykmom,kwhoksobskandksobs.kItkta eskmostkofkthekjourn eykhomektokcalmkherkdown,kbutkIksucceedkbykpromisingkthatkwellkvisitksoon.kThroug houtkmykconversationkwithkher,kChristiankholdskmykhand,kbrushingkhiskthumbkacros skmyk nuc les.kHesknervousk.k.k.ksomethingskhappened. k Whatskwrong?kIkas kwhenkImkfinallykfreekfromkmykmother. k Welchkwantsktokseekme. k Welch?kWhy? k Heskfoundksomethingkoutkaboutkthatkfuc erkHyde.kChristiansklipkcurlskintokak snarl,kandkakfrissonkofkfearkpasseskthroughkme.kHekdidntkwantktoktellkmekonkthekph one. k Oh. k HeskcomingkherekthiskafternoonkfromkDetroit. k Youkthin kheskfoundkakconnection? k Christianknods. k Whatkdokyoukthin kitkis? k Ikhaveknokidea.kChristianskbrowkfurrows,kperplexed. k TaylorkpullskintokthekgaragekatkEscalakandkstopskbykthekelevatorktokletk

uskoutkbeforekhekpar s.kInkthekgarage,kwekcankavoidkthekattentionkofkthekwaiting kphotographers.kChristiankusherskmekoutkofkthekcar.kKeepingkhiskarmkaroundkmykwa ist,khekleadskmektokthekwaitingkelevator. k Gladktokbekhome?khekas s. k Yes,kIkwhisper.kButkaskIkstandkinkthekfamiliarksurroundingskofkthekelevato r,kthekenormitykofkwhatkIvekbeenkthroughkcrasheskoverkme,kandkIkstartktoksha e. k HeykChristiankwrapskhiskarmskaroundkmekandkpullskmekclose.kYourekhome.kYoureks afe,kheksays,k issingkmykhair. k Oh,kChristian.kAkdamkIkdidntkevenk nowkwaskinkplacekbursts,kandkIkstartktok sob. k Hushknow,kChristiankwhispers,kcradlingkmykheadkagainstkhiskchest. k Butkitsktooklate.kIkweep,koverwhelmed,kintokhiskT-shirt,krecallingkJac skv iciouskattac ThatskforkSIP,kyoukfuc ingkbitch!tellingkChristiankIkwaskleavingYourekle ngkme?andkmykfear,kmykgut-wrenchingkfearkforkMia,kforkmyself,kandkforkLittlekBlip. k Whenkthekdoorskofkthekelevatorkslidekopen,kChristiankpic skmekupkli ekak childkandkcarrieskmekintokthekfoyer.kIkwrapkmykarmskaroundkhisknec kandkclingkto khim,k eeningkquietly. k Hekcarrieskmekthroughktokourkbathroomkandkgentlyksettleskmekonkthekchair .kBath?khekas s. k Iksha ekmykhead.kNok.k.k.knok.k.k.knotkli ekLeila. k Shower?kHiskvoicekiskcho edkwithkconcern. k Throughkmyktears,kIknod.kIkwantktokwashkawaykthekgrimekofktheklastkfewkd ays,kwashkawaykthekmemorykofkJac skattac .kYoukgoldkdiggingkwhore.kIksobkintokmykha ndskasktheksoundkofkthekwaterkcascadingkfromkthekshowerkechoeskoffkthekwalls. k Hey,kChristiankcroons.kKneelingkinkfrontkofkme,khekpullskmykhandskawaykfro mkmyktearstainedkchee skandkcupskmykfacekinkhiskhands.kIkgazekatkhim,kblin ingka waykmyktears. k Youreksafe.kYoukbothkare,khekwhispers. k Blipkandkme.kMykeyeskbrimkwithktearskagain. k Stop,know.kIkcantkbearkitkwhenkyoukcry.kHiskvoicekiskhoarse.kHiskthumbskwip ekmykchee s,kbutkmyktearskstillkflow. k Imksorry,kChristian.kJustksorrykforkeverything.kForkma ingkyoukworry,kfork ris ingkeverythingforkthekthingskIksaid. k Hush,kbaby,kplease.kHek isseskmykforehead.kImksorry.kItkta esktwoktoktango,k Ana.kHekgiveskmekakcroo edksmile.kWell,kthatskwhatkmykmomkalwaysksays.kIksaidkthing skandkdidkthingskImknotkproudkof.kHiskgraykeyeskarekblea kbutkpenitent.kLetskgetkyou kundressed.kHiskvoicekisksoft.kIkwipekmyknosekwithkthekbac kofkmykhand,kandkhek i sseskmykforeheadkoncekmore. k Bris lykhekstripskme,kta ingkparticularkcarekaskhekpullskmykT-shirtkover kmykhead.kButkmykheadkisknotktooksore.kLeadingkmektokthekshower,khekpeelskoffkhi skownkclothingkinkrecordktimekbeforeksteppingkintokthekwelcomekhotkwaterkwithkme .kHekpullskmekintokhiskarmskandkholdskme,kholdskmekforktheklongestktime,kaskthek waterkgusheskoverkus,ksoothingkuskboth. k Hekletskmekcrykintokhiskchest.kOccasionallykhek isseskmykhair,kbutkhekdo esntkletkgo,khekjustkroc skmekgentlykbeneathkthekwarmkwater.kTokfeelkhisks inkaga instkmine,khiskchestkhairkagainstkmykchee k.k.k.kthiskmankIklove,kthiskself-doub ting,kbeautifulkman,kthekmankIkcouldkhaveklostkthroughkmykownkrec lessness.kIkfe elkemptykandkachingkatkthekthoughtkbutkgratefulkthatkheskhere,kstillkheredespiteke verythingkthatskhappened. k Hekhasksomekexplainingktokdo,kbutkrightknowkIkwantktokrevelkinkthekfeelk ofkhiskcomforting,kprotectivekarmskaroundkme.kAndkinkthatkmomentkitkoccursktokme ;kanykexplanationskonkhiskpartkhavektokcomekfromkhim.kIkcantkforcekhimheskgotktokwa ntktoktellkme.kIkwontkbekcastkasktheknaggingkwife,kconstantlyktryingktokwheedleki nformationkoutkofkherkhusband.kItskjustkexhausting.kIk nowkhekloveskme.kIk nowkhe kloveskmekmorekthankheskeverklovedkanyone,kandkforknow,kthatskenough.kThekrealizat ionkiskliberating.kIkstopkcryingkandkstepkbac . k Better?khekas s. k Iknod. k Good.kLetkmekloo katkyou,kheksays,kandkforkakmomentkIkdontk nowkwhatkhekmea ns.kButkhekta eskmykhandkandkexamineskthekarmkIkfellkonkwhenkJac khitkme.kTherek

arekbruiseskonkmykshoulderkandkscrapeskatkmykelbowkandkwrist.kHek isseskeachkofk them.kHekgrabskakwashclothkandkshowerkgelkfromkthekrac ,kandktheksweetkfamiliark scentkofkjasminekfillskmyknostrils. k Turnkaround.kGently,khekproceedsktokwashkmykinjuredkarm,kthenkmyknec ,kmyk shoulders,kmykbac ,kandkmykotherkarm.kHekturnskmeksideways,kandktraceskhisklongk fingerskdownkmykside.kIkwincekasktheyks atekoverktheklargekbruisekatkmykhip.kChr istianskeyeskhardenkandkhisklipskthin.kHiskangerkiskpalpablekaskhekwhistleskthrou ghkhiskteeth. k Itkdoesntkhurt,kIkmurmurktokreassurekhim. k Blazingkgraykeyeskmeetkmine.kIkwantktok illkhim.kIknearlykdid,khekwhispers kcryptically.kIkfrownkthenkshiverkatkhiskblea kexpression.kHeksquirtskmorekshowe rkgelkonkthekwashclothkandkwithktender,kachingkgentleness,khekwasheskmyksidekand kmykbehind,kthen,k neeling,kmoveskdownkmyklegs.kHekpausesktokexaminekmyk nee.kHe klipskbrushkoverkthekbruisekbeforekhekreturnsktokwashingkmyklegskandkmykfeet.kRe achingkdown,kIkcaresskhiskhead,krunningkmykfingerskthroughkhiskwetkhair.kHekstan ds,kandkhiskfingersktracekthekoutlinekofkthekbruisekonkmykribskwherekJac k ic ed kme. k Oh,kbaby,khekgroans,khiskvoicekfilledkwithkanguish,khiskeyeskdar kwithkfur y. k Imko ay.kIkpullkhiskheadkdownktokminekandk isskhisklips.kHeskhesitantktokrec iprocate,kbutkaskmyktonguekmeetskhis,khiskbodykstirskagainstkme. k No,khekwhisperskagainstkmyklips,kandkhekpullskbac .kLetskgetkyoukclean. k Hiskfacekiskserious.kDamnk.k.k.kHekmeanskit.kIkpout,kandkthekatmospherek betweenkusklightenskinkankinstant.kHekgrinskandk isseskmekbriefly. k Clean,khekemphasizes.kNotkdirty. k Ikli ekdirty. k Me,ktoo,kMrs.kGrey.kButknotknow,knotkhere.kHekgrabskthekshampoo,kandkbefor ekIkcankpersuadekhimkotherwise,kheskwashingkmykhair. k Iklovekclean,ktoo.kIkfeelkrefreshedkandkreinvigorated,kandkIkdontk nowkif kitskfromkthekshower,kthekcrying,korkmykdecisionktokstopkhasslingkChristiankabout keverything.kHekwrapskmekinkaklargektowelkandkdrapeskonekaroundkhiskhipskwhilekI kgingerlykdrykmykhair.kMykheadkaches,kbutkitskakdullkpersistentkpainkthatkiskmore kthankmanageable.kIkhaveksomekpain illerskfromkDr.kSingh,kbutksheskas edkmeknotkt okusekthemkunlesskIkhavekto. k AskIkdrykmykhair,kIkthin kaboutkElizabeth. k IkstillkdontkunderstandkwhykElizabethkwaskinvolvedkwithkJac . k Ikdo,kChristiankmutterskdar ly. k Thiskisknews.kIkfrownkupkatkhim,kbutkImkdistracted.kHeskdryingkhiskhairkwi thkaktowel,khiskchestkandkshoulderskstillkwetkwithkbeadskofkwaterkthatkglintkben eathkthekhalogens.kHekpauseskandksmir s. k Enjoyingkthekview? k Howkdokyouk now?kIkas ,ktryingktokignorekthatkIvekbeenkcaughtkstaringkatkmy kownkhusband. k Thatkyourekenjoyingkthekview?khekteases. k No,kIkscold.kAboutkElizabeth. k DetectivekClar khintedkatkit. k Ikgivekhimkmyktell-me-morekexpression,kandkanotherknaggingkmemorykfromkw henkIkwaskunconsciouskresurfaces.kClar kwaskinkmykroom.kIkwishkIkcouldkrememberk whatkheksaid. k Hydekhadkvideos.kVideoskofkallkofkthem.kOnkseveralkUSBkflashkdrives. k What?kIkfrown,kmyks inktighteningkacrosskmykforehead. k Videoskofkhimkfuc ingkherkandkfuc ingkallkhiskPAs. k Oh! k Exactly.kBlac mailkmaterial.kHekli eskitkrough.kChristiankfrowns,kandkIkwa tchkconfusionkfollowedkbykdisgustkcrosskhiskface.kHekpaleskaskhiskdisgustkturnsk tokself-loathing.kOfkcourseChristiankli eskitkrough,ktoo. k Dont.kThekwordkiskoutkofkmykmouthkbeforekIkcankstopkit. k Hiskfrownkdeepens.kDontkwhat?kHekstillskandkregardskmekwithkapprehension. k Youkarentkanythingkli ekhim. k Christianskeyeskharden,kbutkheksaysknothing,kconfirmingkthatskexactlykwhat

kheskthin ing. k Youreknot.kMykvoicekiskadamant. k Werekcutkfromktheksamekcloth. k No,kyoureknot,kIksnap,kthoughkIkunderstandkwhykhekmightkthin kso.kHiskdadkdi edkinkakbrawlkinkakbar.kHiskmotherkdran kherselfkintokoblivion.kHekwaskinkandkou tkofkfosterkhomeskaskak id,kinkandkoutkofktrouble,ktoomainlykboostingkcars.kSpent ktimekinkjuvie.kIkrecallkthekinformationkChristiankrevealedkonkthekplanektokAspen . k Youkbothkhavektroubledkpasts,kandkyoukwerekbothkbornkinkDetroit.kThatskit, kChristian.kIkfistkmykhandskonkmykhips. k Ana,kyourkfaithkinkmekisktouching,kespeciallykinklightkofktheklastkfewkda ys.kWellk nowkmorekwhenkWelchkiskhere.kHeskdismissingktheksubject. k Christian k Hekstopskmekwithkak iss.kEnough,khekbreathes,kandkIkrememberkthekpromisekI kmadektokmyselfknotktokhoundkhimkforkinformation. k Andkdontkpout,khekadds.kCome.kLetkmekdrykyourkhair. k AndkIk nowktheksubjectkiskclosed. k AfterkdressingkinksweatpantskandkakT-shirt,kIksitkbetweenkChristiansklegs kaskhekdrieskmykhair. k SokdidkClar ktellkyoukanythingkelsekwhilekIkwaskunconscious? k NotkthatkIkrecall. k Ikheardkakfewkofkyourkconversations. k Thekhairbrushkstillskinkmykhair. k Didkyou?khekas s,khisktoneknonchalant. k Yes.kMykdad,kyourkdad,kDetectivekClar k.k.k.kyourkmom. k AndkKate? k Katekwaskthere? k Briefly,kyes.kSheskmadkatkyou,ktoo. k Ikturnkinkhisklap.kStopkwithkthekeveryonekiskmadkatkAnakcrap,ko ay? k Justktellingkyoukthektruth,kChristianksays,kbemusedkbykmykoutburst. k Yes,kitkwaskrec less,kbutkyouk now,kyourksisterkwaskinkdanger. k Hiskfacekfalls.kYes.kShekwas.kSwitchingkoffkthekhairdryer,khekputskitkdown konkthekbedkbesidekhim.kHekgraspskmykchin. k Than kyou,kheksays,ksurprisingkme.kButknokmorekrec lessness.kBecauseknextkt ime,kIkwillkspan ktheklivingkshitkoutkofkyou. k Ikgasp. k Youkwouldnt! k Ikwould.kHeskserious.kHolykcow.kDeadlykserious.kIkhavekyourkstepfatherskpermi ssion.kHeksmir s.kHeskteasingkme!kOrkiskhe?kIklaunchkmyselfkatkhim,kandkhektwistsk sokthatkIkfallkontokthekbedkandkintokhiskarms.kAskIkland,kpainkfromkmykribskshoo tskthroughkmekandkIkwince. k Christiankpales.kBehave!khekadmonishes,kandkforkakmomentkheskangry. k Sorry,kIkmumble,kcaressingkhiskchee . k Heknuzzleskmykhandkandk isseskitkgently.kHonestly,kAna,kyoukreallykhavekn okregardkforkyourkownksafety.kHektugskupkthekhemkofkmykT-shirtkthenkrestskhiskfin gerskonkmykbelly.kIkstopkbreathing.kItsknotkjustkyoukanymore,khekwhispers,ktrailing khiskfingertipskalongkthekwaistbandkofkmyksweats,kcaressingkmyks in.kDesirekexpl odeskunexpected,khot,kandkheavykinkmykblood.kIkgaspkandkChristianktenses,khaltin gkhiskfingerskandkgazingkdownkatkme.kHekmoveskhiskhandkupkandktuc skakstraykloc kofkhairkbehindkmykear. k No,khekwhispers. k What? k Dontkloo katkmekli ekthat.kIvekseenkthekbruises.kAndkthekanswerskno.kHiskvoic ekiskfirm,kandkhek isseskmykforehead. k Iksquirm.kChristian,kIkwhine. k No.kGetkintokbed.kHeksitskup. k Bed? k Youkneedkrest. k Ikneedkyou. k Hekcloseskhiskeyeskandksha eskhiskheadkaskifkitskakgreatkeffortkofkwill.k

Whenkhekopenskthemkagain,khiskeyeskarekbrightkwithkhiskresolve.kJustkdokaskyourekt old,kAna. k Imktemptedktokta ekoffkallkmykclothes,kbutkthenkIkrememberkthekbruiseskan dk nowkIkwontkwinkthatkway. k Reluctantly,kIknod.kO ay.kIkdeliberatelykgivekhimkankexaggeratedkpout. k Hekgrins,kamused.kIllkbringkyouksomeklunch. k Yourekgoingktokcoo ?kIknearlykexpire. k Hekhaskthekgracektoklaugh.kImkgoingktokheatksomethingkup.kMrs.kJoneskhaskb eenkbusy. k Christian,kIllkdokit.kImkfine.kJeez,kIkwantksexIkcankcertainlykcoo .kIksitkup kaw wardly,ktryingktokhidekmykflinchkfromkmyksmartingkribs. k Bed!kChristianskeyeskflash,kandkhekpointsktokthekpillow. k Joinkme,kIkmurmur,kwishingkIkwerekwearingksomethingkaklittlekmorekalluring kthanksweatpantskandkakT-shirt. k Ana,kgetkintokbed.kNow.Ikscowl,kstandkup,kandkletkmykpantskdropkunceremoni ouslyktokthekfloor,kglaringkatkhimkthekwholektime.kHiskmouthktwitcheskwithkhumor kaskhekpullskthekduvetkbac . k YoukheardkDr.kSingh.kSheksaidkrest.kHiskvoicekiskgentler.kIkslipkintokbedk andkfoldkmykarmskinkfrustration.kStay,kheksayskclearlykenjoyingkhimself. k Mykscowlkdeepens. k Mrs.kJonesskchic enkstewkis,kwithoutkdoubt,konekofkmykfavoritekdishes.kCh ristiankeatskwithkme,ksittingkcross-leggedkinkthekmiddlekofkthekbed. k Thatkwaskverykwellkheated.kIksmir kandkhekgrins.kImkrepletekandksleepy.kWas kthiskhiskplan? k Youkloo ktired.kHekpic skupkmyktray. k Ikam. k Good.kSleep.kHek isseskme.kIkhaveksomekwor kIkneedktokdo.kIllkdokitkinkherek ifkthatsko aykwithkyou. k Iknodk.k.k.kfightingkaklosingkbattlekwithkmykeyelids.kIkhadknokideakchic enkstewkcouldkbeksokexhausting. k Itskdus kwhenkIkwa e.kPalekpin klightkfloodskthekroom.kChristiankisksitti ngkinkthekarmchair,kwatchingkme,kgraykeyeskluminouskinkthekambientklight.kHeskclu tchingksomekpapers.kHiskfacekiskashen. k Holykcow!kWhatskwrong?kIkas kimmediately,ksittingkupkandkignoringkmykprotes tingkribs. k Welchkhaskjustkleft. k Ohkshit.kAnd? k Iklivedkwithkthekfuc er,khekwhispers. k Lived?kWithkJac ? k Heknods,keyeskwide. k Yourekrelated? k No.kGoodkGod,kno. k Ikshufflekoverkandkpullkthekduvetkbac ,kinvitingkhimkintokbedkbesidekme, kandktokmyksurprisekhekdoesntkhesitate.kHek ic skoffkhiskshoeskandkslideskinkalon gsidekme.kWrappingkonekarmkaroundkme,khekcurlskup,krestingkhiskheadkinkmyklap.kIm kstunned.kWhatskthis? k Ikdontkunderstand,kIkmurmur,krunningkmykfingerskthroughkhiskhairkandkgazing kdownkatkhim.kChristiankcloseskhiskeyeskandkfurrowskhiskbrowkaskifkheskstrainingk tokremember. k AfterkIkwaskfoundkwithkthekcrac kwhore,kbeforekIkwentktoklivekwithkCarric kandkGrace,kIkwaskinkthekcarekofkMichigankState.kIklivedkinkakfosterkhome.kButk Ikcantkrememberkanythingkaboutkthatktime. k Mykmindkreels.kAkfosterkhome?kThiskisknewsktokbothkofkus. k Forkhowklong?kIkwhisper. k Twokmonthskorkso.kIkhaveknokrecollection. k Havekyoukspo enktokyourkmomkandkdadkaboutkit? k No. k Perhapskyoukshould.kMaybektheykcouldkfillkinkthekblan s. k Hekhugskmektightly.kHere.kHekhandskmekthekpapers,kwhichkturnkoutktokbektwo kphotographs.kIkreachkoverkandkswitchkonkthekbedsideklightksokIkcankexaminekthem

kinkdetail.kThekfirstkphotokiskofkakshabbykhousekwithkakyellowkfrontkdoorkandkak largekgabledkwindowkinkthekroof.kItkhaskakporchkandkaksmallkfrontkyard.kItskankun remar ablekhouse. k Theksecondkphotokiskofkakfamilyatkfirstkglance,kankordinarykblue-collarkf amilyakmankandkhiskwife,kIkthin ,kandktheirkchildren.kThekadultskarekbothkdressed kinkdowdy,koverwashedkbluekT-shirts.kTheykmustkbekinktheirkforties.kThekwomankha skscraped-bac kblondkhair,kandkthekmankakseverekbuzz-cut,kbutktheykarekbothksmil ingkwarmlykatkthekcamera.kThekmankhaskhiskhandkdrapedkoverkthekshoulderskofkaksu llenkteenagekgirl.kIkgazekatkeachkofkthekchildren:ktwokboysidenticalktwins,kabout ktwelvebothkwithksandykblondkhair,kgrinningkbroadlykatkthekcamera;kthereskanotherk boy,kwhosksmaller,kwithkreddishkblondkhair,kscowling;kandkhidingkbehindkhim,kakco pper-hairedkgray-eyedklittlekboy.kWide-eyedkandkscared,kdressedkinkmismatchedkcl othes,kandkclutchingkakchildskdirtykblan et. k Fuc .kThiskiskyou,kIkwhisper,kmykheartklurchingkintokmykthroat.kIk nowkChr istiankwaskfourkwhenkhiskmotherkdied.kButkthiskchildkloo skmuchkyounger.kHekmust khavekbeenkseverelykmalnourished.kIkstiflekaksobkasktearskspringktokmykeyes.kOh, kmyksweetkFifty. k Christianknods.kThatskme. k Welchkbroughtkthesekphotos? k Yes.kIkdontkrememberkanykofkthis.kHiskvoicekiskflatkandklifeless. k Rememberkbeingkwithkfosterkparents?kWhykshouldkyou?kChristian,kitkwaskakl ongktimekago.kIskthiskwhatskworryingkyou? k Ikrememberkotherkthings,kfromkbeforekandkafter.kWhenkIkmetkmykmomkandkdad .kButkthisk.k.k.kItskli ekthereskakhugekchasm. k Mykheartktwistskandkunderstandingkdawns.kMykdarlingkcontrolkfrea kli esk everythingkinkitskplace,kandknowkhesklearnedkheskmissingkpartkofkthekjigsaw. k IskJac kinkthiskpicture? k Yes,kheskthekolderk id.kChristianskeyeskarekstillkscrewedkshut,kandkheskcling ingktokmekaskifkImkaklifekraft.kIkrunkmykfingerskthroughkhiskhairkwhilekIkgazekat kthekolderkboykwhokiskglaring,kdefiantkandkarrogant,katkthekcamera.kIkcankseekits kJac .kButkheskjustkak id,kaksadkeight-korknine-year-old,khidingkhiskfearkbehindk hiskhostility.kAkthoughtkoccursktokme. k WhenkJac kcalledktoktellkmekhekhadkMia,kheksaidkifkthingskhadkbeenkdiffer ent,kitkcouldkhavekbeenkhim. k Christiankcloseskhiskeyeskandkshudders.kThatkfuc er! k Youkthin khekdidkallkthiskbecausekthekGreyskadoptedkyoukinsteadkofkhim? k Whok nows?kChristiansktonekiskbitter.kIkdontkgivekakfuc kaboutkhim. k Perhapskhek newkwekwerekseeingkeachkotherkwhenkIkwentkforkthatkjobkinterv iew.kPerhapskhekplannedktokseducekmekallkalong.kBilekriseskinkmykthroat. k Ikdontkthin kso,kChristiankmutters,khiskeyesknowkopen.kTheksearcheskhekdidko nkmykfamilykdidntkstartkuntilkakwee korksokafterkyoukbegankyourkjobkatkSIP.kBarne yk nowskthekexactkdates.kAnd,kAna,khekfuc edkallkhiskassistantskandktapedkthem.kC hristiankcloseskhiskeyeskandktightenskhiskgripkonkmekoncekmore. k Suppressingkthektremorkthatkrunskthroughkme,kIktryktokrecallkmykvariousk conversationskwithkJac kwhenkIkfirstkstartedkatkSIP.kIk newkdeepkdownkhekwaskbad knews,kyetkIkignoredkallkmykinstincts.kChristianskrightIkhaveknokregardkforkmykown ksafety.kIkrememberkthekfightkwekhadkaboutkmekgoingktokNewkYor kwithkJac .kJeezIk couldkhavekendedkupkonksomeksordidksexktape.kThekthoughtkisknauseating.kAndkinkt hatkmomentkIkrecallkthekphotographskChristiank eptkofkhisksubmissives. k Ohkshit.kWerekcutkfromktheksamekcloth.kNo,kChristian,kyoureknot,kyoureknothin gkli ekhim.kHeskstillkcurledkaroundkmekli ekaksmallkboy. k Christian,kIkthin kyoukshouldktal ktokyourkmomkandkdad.kIkamkreluctantktok movekhim,ksokIkshiftkandkslidekbac kintokthekbedkuntilkwekarekeyektokeye. k Akbewilderedkgraykgazekmeetskmine,kremindingkmekofkthekchildkinkthekphot ograph. k Letkmekcallkthem,kIkwhisper.kHeksha eskhiskhead.kPlease.kIkbeg.kChristiankst areskatkme,kpainkandkself-doubtkreflectedkinkhiskeyeskaskhekconsiderskmykrequest .kOh,kChristian,kplease! k Illkcallkthem,khekwhispers. k Good.kWekcankgokandkseekthemktogether,korkyoukcankgo.kWhicheverkyoukprefe

r. k No.kTheykcankcomekhere. k Why? k Ikdontkwantkyoukgoingkanywhere. k Christian,kImkupkforkakcarkjourney. k No.kHiskvoicekiskfirm,kbutkhekgiveskmekankironicksmile.kAnyway,kitskSaturday knight,ktheyrekprobablykatksomekfunction. k Callkthem.kThisknewskhaskobviouslykupsetkyou.kTheykmightkbekablektokshedk someklight.kIkglancekatkthekradiokalarm.kItskalmostksevenkinkthekevening.kHekregar dskmekimpassivelykforkakmoment. k O ay,kheksayskaskifkIvekissuedkhimkwithkakchallenge.kSittingkup,khekpic sku pkthekbedsidekphone. k Ikwrapkmykarmkaroundkhimkandkrestkmykheadkonkhiskchestkaskhekma eskthekc all. k Dad?kIkregisterkhisksurprisekthatkCarric khaskansweredkthekphone.kAnaskgood. kWerekhome.kWelchkhaskjustkleft.kHekfoundkoutkthekconnectionk.k.k.kthekfosterkhom ekinkDetroitk.k.k.kIkdontkrememberkanykofkthat.kChristianskvoicekiskalmostkinaudibl ekaskhekmuttersktheklastksentence.kMykheartkconstrictskoncekmore.kIkhugkhim,kand kheksqueezeskmykshoulder. k Yeahk.k.k.kYoukwill?k.k.k.kGreat.kHekhangskup.kTheyrekonktheirkway.kHeksounds ksurprised,kandkIkrealizekthatkheskprobablykneverkas edkthemkforkhelp. k Good.kIkshouldkgetkdressed. k Christianskarmktightenskaroundkme.kDontkgo. k O ay.kIksnugglekintokhisksidekagain,kstunnedkbykthekfactkthatkheskjustktold kmekakgreatkdealkaboutkhimselfentirelykvoluntarily. k Askwekstandkatkthekthresholdktokthekgreatkroom,kGracekwrapskmekgentlykin kherkarms. k Ana,kAna,kdarlingkAna,kshekwhispers.kSavingktwokofkmykchildren.kHowkcankIke verkthan kyou? k Ikblush,ktouchedkandkembarrassedkinkequalkmeasurekbykherkwords.kCarric k hugskme,ktoo,k issingkmykforehead. k ThenkMiakgrabskme,ksquashingkmykribs.kIkwincekandkgasp,kbutkshekdoesntkno tice.kThan kyoukforksavingkmekfromkthosekassholes. k Christiankscowlskatkher.kMia!kCareful!kSheskinkpain. k Oh!kSorry. k Imkgood,kIkmutter,krelievedkwhenkshekreleaseskme. k Shekloo skfine.kImpeccablykdressedkinktightkblac kjeanskandkakpalekpin k frillykblouse.kImkgladkImkwearingkmykcomfortablekwrapkdresskandkflats.kAtkleastkIk loo kreasonablykpresentable. k RacingkoverktokChristian,kMiakcurlskherkarmkaroundkhiskwaist. k Wordlessly,khekhandskGracekthekphoto.kShekgasps,kherkhandkflyingktokherk mouthktokcontainkherkemotionkaskshekinstantlykrecognizeskChristian.kCarric kwrap skhiskarmkaroundkherkshoulderkaskhe,ktoo,kexamineskit. k Oh,kdarling.kGracekcaresseskChristianskchee . k Taylorkappears.kMr.kGrey?kMisskKavanagh,kherkbrother,kandkyourkbrotherkar ekcomingkup,ksir. k Christiankfrowns.kThan kyou,kTaylor,khekmutters,kbemused. k IkcalledkElliotkandktoldkhimkwekwerekcomingkover.kMiakgrins.kItskakwelcome-h omekparty. k Iksnea kaksympathetickglancekatkmykpoorkhusbandkaskbothkGracekandkCarric kglarekatkMiakinkexasperation. k Wedkbetterkgetksomekfoodktogether,kIkdeclare.kMia,kwillkyoukgivekmekakhand? k Oh,kIdklovekto. k Ikusherkherktowardkthek itchenkareakaskChristiankleadskhiskparentskintok hiskstudy. k Katekiskapoplectickwithkrighteouskindignationkthatskaimedkatkme,kChristia n,kbutkmostkofkallkJac kandkElizabeth. k Whatkwerekyoukthin ing,kAna?kshekshoutskaskshekconfrontskmekinkthek itchen ,kcausingkallkeyeskinkthekroomktokturnkandkstare. k Kate,kplease.kIvekhadktheksameklecturekfromkeveryone!kIksnapkbac .kShekglar

eskatkme,kandkforkonekminutekIkthin kImkgoingktokbeksubjectedktokakKatherinekKava naghkhow-not-to-succumb-to- idnappersklecture,kbutkinsteadkshekfoldskmekinkherka rms. k Jeezsometimeskyoukdontkhavekthekbrainskyoukwerekbornkwith,kSteele,kshekwhisp ers.kAskshek isseskmykchee ,ktherekarektearskinkherkeyes.kKate!kIvekbeenksokworrie dkaboutkyou. k Dontkcry.kYoullksetkmekoff. k Shekstandskbac kandkwipeskherkeyes,kembarrassed,kthenkta eskakdeepkbreat hkandkcomposeskherself.kOnkakmorekpositiveknote,kweveksetkakdatekforkourkwedding.k WekthoughtknextkMay?kAndkofkcoursekIkwantkyouktokbekmykmatronkofkhonor. k Ohk.k.k.kKatek.k.k.kWow.kCongratulations!kCrapLittlekBlipk.k.k.kJunior! k Whatkiskit?kshekas s,kmisinterpretingkmykalarm. k Umk.k.k.kImkjustksokhappykforkyou.kSomekgoodknewskforkakchange.kIkwrapkmyka rmskaroundkherkandkpullkherkintokakhug.kShit,kshit,kshit.kWhenkiskBlipkdue?kMent allykIkcalculatekmykduekdate.kDr.kGreeneksaidkIkwaskfourkorkfivekwee s.kSosometim ekinkMay?kShit. k Elliotkhandskmekakglasskofkchampagne. k Oh.kShit. k Christiankemergeskfromkhiskstudy,kloo ingkashen,kandkfollowskhiskparents kintokthekgreatkroom.kHiskeyeskwidenkwhenkhekseeskthekglasskinkmykhand. k Kate,khekgreetskherkcoolly. k Christian.kShekiskequallykcool.kIksigh. k Yourkmeds,kMrs.kGrey.kHekeyeskthekglasskinkmykhand. k Iknarrowkmykeyes.kDammit.kIkwantkakdrin .kGraceksmileskaskshekjoinskmeki nkthek itchen,kcollectingkakglasskfromkElliotkonkthekway. k Aksipkwillkbekfine,kshekwhisperskwithkakconspiratorialkwin katkme,kandklif tskherkglassktokclin kmine.kChristiankscowlskatkbothkofkus,kuntilkElliotkdistrac tskhimkwithknewskofktheklatestkmatchkbetweenkthekMarinerskandkthekRangers. k Carric kjoinskus,kputtingkhiskarmskaroundkuskboth,kandkGracek isseskhisk chee kbeforekjoiningkMiakonktheksofa. k Howkiskhe?kIkwhisperktokCarric kaskhekandkIkstandkinkthek itchenkwatchingk thekfamilykloungekonktheksofa.kIknotekwithksurprisekthatkMiakandkEthankarekholdi ngkhands. k Sha en,kCarric kmurmursktokme,khiskbrowkfurrowing,khiskfacekserious.kHekrem embersksokmuchkofkhisklifekwithkhiskbirthkmother;kmanykthingskIkwishkhekdidnt.kBu tkthiskHekstops.kIkhopekwevekhelped.kImkgladkhekcalledkus.kHeksaidkyouktoldkhimkto.kCa rric skgazeksoftens.kIkshrugkandkta ekakhastyksipkofkchampagne. k Yourekverykgoodkforkhim.kHekdoesntklistenktokanyonekelse. k Ikfrown.kIkdontkthin kthatsktrue.kThekunwelcomekspecterkofkthekBitchkTroll kloomsklargekinkmykmind.kIk nowkChristianktal sktokGrace,ktoo.kIkheardkhim.kAgai nkIkfeelkakmomentskfrustrationkaskIktryktokfathomktheirkconversationkinkthekhospi tal,kbutkitkstillkeludeskme. k Comekandksitkdown,kAna.kYoukloo ktired.kImksurekyoukwerentkexpectingkallkof kuskherekthiskevening. k Itskgreatktokseekeveryone.kIksmile.kBecausekitsktrue,kitkiskgreat.kImkankonly kchildkwhokhaskmarriedkintokaklargekandkgregariouskfamily,kandkIklovekit.kIksnug glekupknextktokChristian. k Oneksip,khekhisseskatkmekandkta eskmykglasskfromkmykhand. k Yes,kSir.kIkbatkmyklashes,kdisarmingkhimkcompletely.kHekputskhiskarmkaroun dkmykshoulderskandkreturnsktokhiskbaseballkconversationkwithkElliotkandkEthan. k Mykparentskthin kyoukwal konkwater,kChristiankmutterskaskhekdragskoffkhisk T-shirt. k Imkcurledkupkinkbedkwatchingkthekfloorshow.kGoodkthingkyouk nowkdifferentl y.kIksnort. k Oh,kIkdontk now.kHekslipskoutkofkhiskjeans. k Didktheykfillkinkthekgapskforkyou? k Some.kIklivedkwithkthekCollierskforktwokmonthskwhilekMomkandkDadkwaitedkf orkthekpaperwor .kTheykwerekalreadykapprovedkforkadoptionkbecausekofkElliot,kbut kthekwaitskrequiredkbyklawktokseekifkIkhadkanyklivingkrelativeskwhokwantedktokcla imkme.

k Howkdokyoukfeelkaboutkthat?kIkwhisper. k Hekfrowns.kAboutkhavingknoklivingkrelatives?kFuc kthat.kIfktheykwerekanyt hingkli ekthekcrac kwhorek.k.k.kHeksha eskhiskheadkinkdisgust. k Oh,kChristian!kYoukwerekakchild,kandkyouklovedkyourkmom. k Hekslideskonkhiskpajamas,kclimbskintokbed,kandkgentlykpullskmekintokhisk arms. k Itskcomingkbac ktokme.kIkrememberkthekfood.kMrs.kCollierkcouldkcoo .kAndka tkleastkwek nowknowkwhykthatkfuc erkisksokhungkupkonkmykfamily.kHekrunskhiskfreek handkthroughkhiskhair.kFuc !kheksaysksuddenlykturningktokgapekatkme. k What? k Itkma esksenseknow!kHiskeyeskarekfullkofkrecognizance. k What? k BabykBird.kMrs.kCollierkusedktokcallkmekBabykBird. k Ikfrown.kThatkma esksense? k Theknote,kheksayskgazingkatkme.kThekransomknotekthatkfuc erkleft.kItkwentks omethingkli ekDokyouk nowkwhokIkam?kBecausekIk nowkwhokyoukare,kBabykBird.k k Thiskma esknoksensektokmekatkall. k Itskfromkak idskboo .kChrist.kThekCollierskhadkit.kItkwaskcalledk.k.k.kArekY oukMykMother?kShit.kHiskeyeskwiden.kIklovedkthatkboo . k Oh.kIk nowkthatkboo .kMykheartklurchesFifty! k Mrs.kCollierkusedktokreadkitktokme. k Ikamkatkaklosskwhatktoksay. k Christ.kHek newk.k.k.kthatkfuc erk new. k Willkyouktellkthekpolice? k Yes.kIkwill.kChristk nowskwhatkClar kwillkdokwithkthatkinformation.kChrist ianksha eskhiskheadkaskifktryingktokclearkhiskthoughts.kAnyway,kthan kyoukforkthi skevening. k Whoa.kGearkchange.kForkwhat? k Cateringkforkmykfamilykatkakmomentsknotice. k Dontkthan kme,kthan kMiakandkMrs.kJones.kShek eepskthekpantrykwellkstoc ed . k Heksha eskhiskheadkaskifkinkexasperation.kAtkme?kWhy? k Howkarekyoukfeeling,kMrs.kGrey? k Good.kHowkarekyoukfeeling? k Imkfine.kHekfrownsk.k.k.knotkunderstandingkmykconcern. k Ohk.k.k.kinkthatkcase.kIktrailkmykfingerskdownkhiskstomachktokhiskoh-sohappyktrail. k Heklaughskandkgrabskmykhand.kOhkno.kDontkgetkanykideas. k Ikpout,kandkheksighs.kAna,kAna,kAna,kwhatkamkIkgoingktokdokwithkyou?kHek i sseskmykhair. k Ikhaveksomekideas.kIksquirmkbesidekhimkandkwincekaskpainkradiateskthroughk mykupperkbodykfromkmykbruisedkribs. k Baby,kyouvekbeenkthroughkenough.kBesides,kIkhavekakbedtimekstorykforkyou. k Oh? k Youkwantedktok nowk.k.k.kHektrailskoff,kcloseskhiskeyeskandkswallows. k Allkofkthekhairkonkmykbodykstandskonkend.kShit. k Hekbeginskinkaksoftkvoice.kPicturekthis,kankadolescentkboykloo ingktokear nksomekextrakmoneyksokhekcankcontinuekhisksecretkdrin ingkhabit.kHekshiftskontokh isksideksokthatkwereklyingkfacingkeachkotherkandkheskgazingkintokmykeyes. k SokIkwaskinkthekbac yardkatkthekLincolns,kclearingksomekrubblekandktrashkf romkthekextensionkMr.kLincolnkhadkjustkaddedktoktheirkplacek.k.k. k Holykfuc k.k.k.khesktal ing. k k k k k k kkk k Ikcankbarelykbreathe.kDokIkwantktokhearkthis?kChristiankcloseskhiskeyesk

andkswallows.kWhenkhekopenskthemkagain,ktheykarekbrightkbutkdiffident,kfullkofkd isquietingkmemories. k Itkwaskakhotksummerkday.kIkwaskwor ingkhard.kHeksnortskandksha eskhiskhead ,ksuddenlykamused.kItkwaskbac brea ingkwor kshiftingkthatkrubble.kIkwaskonkmykown ,kandkEleMrs.kLincolnkappearedkoutkofknowherekandkbroughtkmeksomeklemonade.kWekex changedksmallktal ,kandkIkmadeksomeksmart-asskremar k.k.k.kandkshekslappedkme.kS hekslappedkmeksokhard.kUnconsciously,khiskhandkmovesktokhiskfacekandkhekcaressesk hiskchee ,khiskeyeskcloudingkatkthekmemory.kHolykshit! k Butkthenkshek issedkme.kAndkwhenkshekfinished,kshekslappedkmekagain.kHekbl in s,kseeminglykstillkconfoundedkevenkafterkallkthisktime. k Idkneverkbeenk issedkbeforekorkhitkli ekthat. k Oh.kShekpounced.kOnkak id. k Dokyoukwantktokhearkthis?kChristianskas s. k Yesk.k.k.kNok.k.k. k Onlykifkyoukwantktoktellkme.kMykvoicekisksmallkaskIkliekfacingkhim,kmykmin dkreeling. k Imktryingktokgivekyouksomekcontext. k IknodkinkwhatkIkhopekiskankencouragingkmanner.kButkIksuspectkIkmaykloo k li ekakstatue,kfrozenkandkwide-eyedkwithkshoc . k Hekfrowns,khiskeyesksearchingkmine,ktryingktokgaugekmykreaction.kThenkhe kturnskontokhiskbac kandkstareskupkatkthekceiling. k Well,knaturally,kIkwaskconfusedkandkangrykandkhornykaskhell.kIkmean,kakho tkolderkwomankcomeskonktokyoukli ekthatkHeksha eskhiskheadkaskifkhekstillkcantkbeli evekit. k Hot?kIkfeelkqueasy. k Shekwentkbac kintokthekhouse,kleavingkmekinkthekbac yard.kShekactedkaskif knothingkhadkhappened.kIkwaskatkaktotalkloss.kSokIkwentkbac ktokwor ,kloadingkth ekrubblekintokthekdumpster.kWhenkIkleftkthatkevening,kshekas edkmektokcomekbac k theknextkday.kShekdidntkmentionkwhatkhadkhappened.kSoktheknextkdaykIkwentkbac .kI kcouldntkwaitktokseekherkagain,khekwhisperskaskifkitskakdar kconfessionk.k.k.kbecau sekfran lykitkis. k Shekdidntktouchkmekwhenkshek issedkme,khekmurmurskandkturnskhiskheadktokgaz ekatkme.kYoukhavektokunderstandk.k.k.kmyklifekwaskhellkonkearth.kIkwaskakwal ingk hard-on,kfifteenkyearskold,ktallkforkmykage,khormoneskraging.kThekgirlskatkschoo lkHekstops,kbutkIvekgotkthekpicture:kakscared,klonely,kbutkattractivekadolescent.kM ykheartktwists. k Ikwaskangry,ksokfuc ingkangrykatkeveryone,katkmyself,kmykfol s.kIkhadknok friends.kMyktherapistkatkthektimekwaskaktotalkasshole.kMykfol s,ktheyk eptkmekon kaktightkleash;ktheykdidntkunderstand.kHekstareskbac kupkatkthekceilingkandkrunska khandkthroughkhiskhair.kIkitchktokrunkmykfingerskthroughkhiskhair,ktoo,kbutkIkst aykstill. k Ikjustkcouldntkbearkanyonektoktouchkme.kIkcouldnt.kCouldntkbearkanyonekneark me.kIkusedktokfightk.k.k.kfuc ,kdidkIkfight.kIkgotkintoksomekgod-awfulkbrawls.kI kwaskexpelledkfromkakcouplekofkschools.kButkitkwaskakwayktokletkoffksteam.kTokto lerateksomek indkofkphysicalkcontact.kHekstopskagain.kWell,kyoukgetkthekidea.kAndk whenkshek issedkme,kshekonlykgrabbedkmykface.kShekdidntktouchkme.kHiskvoicekiskbar elykaudible. k Shekmustkhavek nown.kPerhapskGracekhadktoldkher.kOh,kmykpoorkFifty.kIkha vektokfoldkmykhandskbeneathkmykpillowkandkrestkmykheadkonkitkinkorderktokresistk thekurgektokholdkhim. k Well,ktheknextkdaykIkwentkbac ktokthekhouse,knotk nowingkwhatktokexpect.k AndkIllksparekyoukthekgorykdetails,kbutktherekwaskmorekofktheksame.kAndkthatskhowk ourkrelationshipkstarted. k Oh,kfuc ,kthiskiskpainfulktokhear. k Hekshiftskagainkontokhisksideksokheskfacingkme. k Andkyouk nowksomething,kAna?kMykworldkcamekintokfocus.kSharpkandkclear.kE verything.kItkwaskexactlykwhatkIkneeded.kShekwaskakbreathkofkfreshkair.kMa ingkt hekdecisions,kta ingkallkthatkshitkawaykfromkme,klettingkmekbreathe. k Holykshit. k Andkevenkwhenkitkwaskover,kmykworldkstayedkinkfocuskbecausekofkher.kAndki

tkstayedkthatkwaykuntilkIkmetkyou. k WhatkthekhellkamkIksupposedktoksayktokthat?kTentatively,kheksmootheskaks traykloc kofkmykhairkbehindkmykear. k Youkturnedkmykworldkonkitskhead.kHekcloseskhiskeyes,kandkwhenkhekopenskthe mkagain,ktheykarekraw.kMykworldkwaskordered,kcalmkandkcontrolled,kthenkyoukcameki ntokmyklifekwithkyourksmartkmouth,kyourkinnocence,kyourkbeauty,kandkyourkquietkt emerityk.k.k.kandkeverythingkbeforekyoukwaskjustkdull,kempty,kmediocrek.k.k.kitk wasknothing. k Oh,kmy. k Ikfellkinklove,khekwhispers. k Ikstopkbreathing.kHekcaresseskmykchee . k SokdidkI,kIkmurmurkwithktheklittlekbreathkIkhavekleft. k Hiskeyesksoften.kIk now,khekmouths. k Youkdo? k Yes. k Hallelujah!kIksmilekshylykatkhim.kFinally,kIkwhisper. k Heknods.kAndkitskputkeverythingkintokperspectivekforkme.kWhenkIkwaskyounge r,kElenakwaskthekcenterkofkmykworld.kTherekwasknothingkIkwouldntkdokforkher.kAndk shekdidkaklotkforkme.kShekstoppedkmykdrin ing.kMadekmekwor khardkatkschoolk.k.k. kYouk now,kshekgavekmekakcopingkmechanismkIkhadntkhadkbefore,kallowedkmektokexper iencekthingskthatkIkneverkthoughtkIkcould. k Touch,kIkwhisper. k Heknods.kAfterkakfashion. k Ikfrown,kwonderingkwhatkhekmeans. k Hekhesitateskatkmykreaction. k Tellkme!kIkwillkhim. k Ifkyoukgrowkupkwithkakwhollyknegativekself-image,kthin ingkyoureksomek ind kofkreject,kankunlovableksavage,kyoukthin kyoukdeservektokbekbeaten. k Christiank.k.k.kyoukareknonekofkthosekthings. k Hekpauseskandkrunskhiskhandkthroughkhiskhair.kAna,kitskmuchkeasierktokwear kyourkpainkonkthekoutsidek.k.k.kAgain,kitskakconfession. k Oh. k Shekchanneledkmykanger.kHiskmouthkpressesktogetherkinkakblea kline.kMostlyk inwardIkrealizekthatknow.kDr.kFlynnskbeenkonkandkonkaboutkthiskforksomektime.kItkw askonlykrecentlykthatkIksawkourkrelationshipkforkwhatkitkwas.kYouk nowk.k.k.konk mykbirthday. k IkshudderkaskthekunwelcomekmemorykofkElenakandkChristiankverballykevisce ratingkeachkotherkatkChristianskbirthdaykpartyksurfaceskunwelcomekinkmykmind. k Forkherkthatksidekofkourkrelationshipkwaskaboutksexkandkcontrolkandkaklon elykwomankfindingksomek indkofkcomfortkwithkherkboyktoy. k Butkyoukli ekcontrol,kIkwhisper. k Yes.kIkdo.kIkalwayskwill,kAna.kItskwhokIkam.kIksurrenderedkitkforkakbriefk while.kLetksomeonekma ekallkmykdecisionskforkme.kIkcouldntkdokitkmyselfIkwasntkinka kfitkstate.kButkthroughkmyksubmissionktokher,kIkfoundkmyselfkandkfoundkthekstren gthktokta ekchargekofkmyklifek.k.k.kta ekcontrolkandkma ekmykownkdecisions. k BecomekakDom? k Yes. k Yourkdecision? k Yes. k DroppingkoutkofkHarvard? k Mykdecision,kandkitkwaskthekbestkdecisionkIkeverkmade.kUntilkIkmetkyou. k Me? k Yes.kHisklipskquir kupkinkaksoftksmile.kThekbestkdecisionkIkeverkmadekwaskm arryingkyou. k Ohkmy.kNotkstartingkyourkcompany? k Heksha eskhiskhead. k Notklearningktokfly? k Heksha eskhiskhead.kYou,khekmouths.kHekcaresseskmykchee kwithkhisk nuc les .kShek new,khekwhispers. k Ikfrown.kShek newkwhat?

k ThatkIkwaskheadkoverkheelskinklovekwithkyou.kShekencouragedkmektokgokdown ktokGeorgiaktokseekyou,kandkImkgladkshekdid.kShekthoughtkyoudkfrea koutkandkleave. kWhichkyoukdid. k Ikpale.kIdkratherknotkthin kaboutkthat. k ShekthoughtkIkneededkallkthektrappingskofktheklifestylekIkenjoyed. k ThekDom?kIkwhisper. k Heknods.kItkenabledkmektok eepkeveryonekatkarmsklength,kgavekmekcontrol,ka ndk eptkmekdetached,korksokIkthought.kImksurekyouvekwor edkoutkwhy,khekaddsksoftly. k Yourkbirthkmom? k Ikdidntkwantktokbekhurtkagain.kAndkthenkyoukleftkme.kHiskwordskarekbarelyka udible.kAndkIkwaskakmess. k Oh,kno. k IvekavoidedkintimacykforksoklongIkdontk nowkhowktokdokthis. k Yourekdoingkfine,kIkmurmur.kIktracekhisklipskwithkmykindexkfinger.kHekpurse skthemkintokak iss.kYourektal ingktokme. k Dokyoukmisskit?kIkwhisper. k Misskit? k Thatklifestyle. k Yes,kIkdo. k Oh! k ButkonlykinsofarkaskIkmisskthekcontrolkitkbrings.kAndkfran ly,kyourkstupi dkstunthekstopsthatksavedkmyksister,khekwhispers,khiskwordskfullkofkrelief,kawe,kandk disbelief.kThatskhowkIk now. k Know? k Reallyk nowkthatkyouklovekme. k Ikfrown.kYoukdo? k Yes.kBecausekyoukris edksokmuchk.k.k.kforkme,kforkmykfamily. k Mykfrownkdeepens.kHekreacheskoverkandktraceskhiskfingerkoverkthekmiddlek ofkmykbrowkabovekmyknose. k YoukhavekakVkherekwhenkyoukfrown,khekmurmurs.kItskveryksoftktok iss.kIkcankb ehaveksokbadlyk.k.k.kandkyetkyourekstillkhere. k WhykarekyouksurprisedkImkstillkhere?kIktoldkyoukIkwasntkgoingktokleavekyou. k BecausekofkthekwaykthatkIkbehavedkwhenkyouktoldkmekyoukwerekpregnant.kHekr unskhiskfingerkdownkmykchee .kYoukwerekright.kIkamkankadolescent. k Ohkshitk.k.k.kIkdidksaykthat.kMyksubconsciouskglareskatkme.kHiskdoctorks aidkthat! k Christian,kIksaidksomekawfulkthings.kHekputskhiskindexkfingerkoverkmyklips . k Hush.kIkdeservedktokhearkthem.kBesideskthiskiskmykbedtimekstory.kHekrollsk ontokhiskbac kagain. k WhenkyouktoldkmekyoukwerekpregnantkHekstops.kIdkthoughtkitkwouldkbekjustkyouk andkmekforkakwhile.kIdkconsideredkchildren,kbutkonlykinkthekabstract.kIkhadkthisk vaguekideakwedkhavekakchildksometimekinkthekfuture. k Justkone?kNok.k.k.kNotkankonlykchild.kNotkli ekme.kPerhapsknowsknotkthekb estktimektokbringkthatkup. k Youkarekstillksokyoung,kandkIk nowkyourekquietlykambitious. k Ambitious?kMe? k Well,kyoukpulledkthekrugkfromkunderkme.kChrist,kwaskthatkunexpected.kNeve rkinkakmillionkyears,kwhenkIkas edkyoukwhatkwaskwrong,kdidkIkexpectkyouktokbekpr egnant.kHeksighs.kIkwasksokmad.kMadkatkyou.kMadkatkmyself.kMadkatkeveryone.kAndkit ktoo kmekbac ,kthatkfeelingkofknothingkbeingkinkmykcontrol.kIkhadktokgetkout.kIk wentktokseekFlynn,kbutkhekwaskatksomekschoolkparentskevening.kChristiankpauseskand karcheskankeyebrow. k Ironic,kIkwhisper.kChristianksmir skinkagreement. k SokIkwal edkandkwal edkandkwal ed,kandkIkjustk.k.k.kfoundkmyselfkatktheks alon.kElenakwaskleaving.kShekwasksurprisedktokseekme.kAnd,ktruthkbektold,kIkwask surprisedktokfindkmyselfkthere.kShekcouldktellkIkwaskmadkandkas edkmekifkIkwante dkakdrin . k Ohkshit.kWevekcutktokthekchase.kMykheartkdoubleskinkspeed.kDokIkreallykwa ntktok nowkthis?kMyksubconsciouskglareskatkme,kakpluc edkeyebrowkraisedkinkwarni

ng. k WekwentktokakquietkbarkIk nowkandkhadkakbottlekofkwine.kShekapologizedkfo rkthekwaykshekbehavedktheklastktimeksheksawkus.kSheskhurtkthatkmykmomkwillkhavekn othingktokdokwithkherkanykmoreitsknarrowedkherksocialkcirclebutkshekunderstands.kWe ktal edkaboutkthekbusiness,kwhichkiskdoingkfine,kinkspitekofkthekrecessionk.k.k. kIkmentionedkthatkyoukwantedk ids. k Ikfrown.kIkthoughtkyoukletkherk nowkIkwaskpregnant. k Hekregardskme,khiskfacekguileless.kNo,kIkdidnt. k Whykdidntkyouktellkmekthat? k Hekshrugs.kIkneverkgotkthekchance. k Yes,kyoukdid. k Ikcouldntkfindkyouktheknextkmorning,kAna.kAndkwhenkIkdid,kyoukwereksokmadk atkmek.k.k. k Oh,kyes.kIkwas. k Anyway,katksomekpointkinkthekeveningaboutkhalfwaykthroughktheksecondkbottl eshekleanedkoverktoktouchkme.kAndkIkfroze,khekwhispers,kthrowingkhiskarmkoverkhisk eyes. k Mykscalpktingles.kWhatskthis? k SheksawkthatkIkrecoiledkfromkher.kItkshoc edkbothkofkus.kHiskvoicekisklow, ktooklow. k Christiankloo katkme!kIktugkatkhiskarmkandkheklowerskit,kturningktokgaze kintokmykeyes.kShit.kHiskfacekiskpale,khiskeyeskwide. k What?kIkbreathe. k Hekfrowns,kandkswallows. k Ohk.k.k.kwhatkisntkhektellingkme?kDokIkwantktok now? k Shekmadekakpasskatkme.kHeskshoc ed,kIkcanktell. k Allkthekbreathkisksuc edkfromkmykbody.kIkfeelkwinded,kandkIkthin kmykhea rtkhaskstopped.kThatkfuc ingkbitchktroll! k Itkwaskakmoment,ksuspendedkinktime.kSheksawkmykexpression,kandkshekrealiz edkhowkfarkshedkcrossedkthekline.kIksaidk.k.k.kno.kIkhaventkthoughtkofkherkli ekth atkforkyears,kandkbesideshekswallowsIklovekyou.kIktoldkher,kIklovekmykwife. k Ikgazekatkhim.kIkdontk nowkwhatktoksay. k Shekbac edkrightkoff.kApologizedkagain,kmadekitkseemkli ekakjo e.kIkmean, ksheksaidksheskhappykwithkIsaackandkwithkthekbusinesskandkshekdoesntkbearkeitherko fkuskanykillkwill.kSheksaidkshekmissedkmykfriendship,kbutkshekcouldkseekthatkmyk lifekwaskwithkyouknow.kAndkhowkaw wardkthatkwas,kgivenkwhatkhappenedklastktimekw ekwerekallkinktheksamekroom.kIkcouldntkhavekagreedkwithkherkmore.kWeksaidkourkgoo d-byesourkfinalkgood-byes.kIksaidkIkwouldntkseekherkagain,kandkshekwentkonkherkway . k Ikswallow,kfearkgrippingkmykheart.kDidkyouk iss? k No!kheksnorts.kIkcouldntkbearktokbekthatkclosektokher. k Oh.kGood. k Ikwaskmiserable.kIkwantedktokcomekhomektokyou.kButk.k.k.kIk newkIdkbehaved kbadly.kIkstayedkandkfinishedkthekbottle,kthenkstartedkonkthekbourbon.kWhilekIkw askdrin ing,kIkrememberkyouksayingktokmeksomektimekago,kIfkthatkwaskmyksonk.k.k.kA ndkIkgotktokthin ingkaboutkJuniorkandkaboutkhowkElenakandkIkstarted.kAndkitkmade kmekfeelk.k.k.kuncomfortable.kIdkneverkthoughtkofkitkli ekthatkbefore. k AkmemorykblossomskinkmykmindakwhisperedkconversationkfromkwhenkIkwaskhalf kconsciousChristianskvoice:kButkseeingkherkfinallykputkitkallkinkperspectivekforkme .kYouk nowk.k.k.kwithkthekchild.kForkthekfirstktimekIkfeltk.k.k.kWhatkwekdidk.k. k.kitkwaskwrong.kHedkbeenkspea ingktokGrace. k Thatskit? k Prettykmuch. k Oh. k Oh? k Itskover? k Yes.kItskbeenkoverksincekIklaidkeyeskonkyou.kIkfinallykrealizedkitkthatkni ghtkandksokdidkshe. k Imksorry,kIkmutter. k Hekfrowns.kWhatkfor?

k Beingksokangryktheknextkday. k Heksnorts.kBaby,kIkunderstandkangry.kHekpauseskthenksighs.kYouksee,kAna,kIk wantkyouktokmyself.kIkdontkwantktoksharekyou.kWhatkwekhave,kIvekneverkhadkbefore.k Ikwantktokbekthekcenterkofkyourkuniverse,kforkakwhilekatkleast. k Oh,kChristian.kYoukare.kThatsknotkgoingktokchange. k Hekgiveskmekankindulgent,ksad,kresignedksmile.kAna,khekwhispers.kThatskjustk notktrue. k Tearskpric kmykeyes. k Howkcankitkbe?khekmurmurs. k Oh,kno. k Shitdontkcry,kAna.kPlease,kdontkcry.kHekcaresseskmykface. k Imksorry.kMyklowerklipktrembles,kandkhekbrusheskhiskthumbkoverkit,ksoothing kme. k No,kAna,kno.kDontkbeksorry.kYoullkhaveksomeonekelsektoklovekaskwell.kAndkyo urekright.kThatskhowkitkshouldkbe. k Blipkwillklovekyou,ktoo.kYoullkbekthekcenterkofkBlipsJuniorskworld,kIkwhisper. kChildrenklovektheirkparentskunconditionally,kChristian.kThatskhowktheykcomekintok thekworld.kProgrammedktoklove.kAllkbabiesk.k.k.kevenkyou.kThin kaboutkthatkchild renskboo kyoukli edkwhenkyoukwereksmall.kYoukstillkwantedkyourkmom.kYouklovedkher . k Hekfurrowskhiskbrowkandkwithdrawskhiskhand,kfistingkitkagainstkhiskchin. k No,khekwhispers. k Yes.kYoukdid.kMyktearskflowkfreelyknow.kOfkcoursekyoukdid.kItkwasntkankoptio n.kThatskwhykyoureksokhurt. k Hekstareskatkme,khiskexpressionkraw. k Thatskwhykyourekablektoklovekme,kIkmurmur.kForgivekher.kShekhadkherkownkworld kofkpainktokdealkwith.kShekwaskakshittykmother,kandkyouklovedkher. k Hekgazeskatkme,ksayingknothing,keyeskhauntedbykmemorieskIkcantkbeginktokfa thom. k Oh,kpleasekdontkstopktal ing. k Eventuallykheksays,kIkusedktokbrushkherkhair.kShekwaskpretty. k Onekloo katkyoukandknokonekwouldkdoubtkthat. k Shekwaskakshittykmother.kHiskvoicekiskbarelykaudible. k Iknodkandkhekcloseskhiskeyes.kImkscaredkIllkbekakshittykfather. k Ikstro ekhiskdearkface.kOh,kmykFifty,kFifty,kFifty.kChristian,kdokyoukthi n kforkonekminutekIdkletkyoukbekakshittykfather? k Hekopenskhiskeyeskandkgazeskatkmekforkwhatkfeelskli ekanketernity.kHeksm ileskaskreliefkslowlykilluminateskhiskface.kNo,kIkdontkthin kyoukwould.kHekcaresses kmykfacekwithkthekbac kofkhisk nuc les,kgazingkatkmekinkwonder.kGod,kyourekstrong, kMrs.kGrey.kIklovekyouksokmuch.kHek isseskmykforehead.kIkdidntk nowkIkcould. k Oh,kChristian,kIkwhisper,ktryingktokcontainkmykemotions. k Now,kthatskthekendkofkyourkbedtimekstory. k Thatsksomekbedsidekstoryk.k.k. k Heksmileskwistfully,kbutkIkthin kheskrelieved.kHowskyourkhead? k Mykhead?kActually,kitskaboutktokexplodekwithkallkyouvektoldkme! k Doeskitkhurt? k No. k Good.kIkthin kyoukshouldksleepknow. k Sleep!kHowkcankIksleepkafterkallkthat? k Sleep,kheksaysksternly.kYoukneedkit. k Ikpout.kIkhavekonekquestion. k Oh?kWhat?kHekeyeskmekwarily. k Whykhavekyouksuddenlykbecomekallk.k.k.kforthcoming,kforkwantkofkakbetterk word? k Hekfrowns. k Yourektellingkmekallkthis,kwhenkgettingkinformationkoutkofkyoukisknormally kakprettykharrowingkandktryingkexperience. k Itkis? k Youk nowkitkis. k WhykamkIkbeingkforthcoming?kIkcantksay.kSeeingkyoukpracticallykdeadkonkthe

kcoldkconcrete,kmaybe.kThekfactkImkgoingktokbekakfather.kIkdontk now.kYouksaidkyou kwantedktok now,kandkIkdontkwantkElenaktokcomekbetweenkus.kShekcant.kSheskthekpast, kandkIveksaidkthatktokyouksokmanyktimes. k Ifkshekhadntkmadekakpasskatkyouk.k.k.kwouldkyoukstillkbekfriends? k Thatskmorekthankonekquestion. k Sorry.kYoukdontkhavektoktellkme.kIkflush.kYouvekalreadykvolunteeredkmorekthan kIkeverkthoughtkyoukwould. k Hiskgazeksoftens.kNo,kIkdontkthin kso,kbutksheskfeltkli ekunfinishedkbusine ssksincekmykbirthday.kSheksteppedkoverkthekline,kandkImkdone.kPlease,kbelievekme. kImknotkgoingktokseekherkagain.kYouksaidksheskakhardklimitkforkyou.kThatskaktermkIk understand,kheksayskwithkquietksincerity. k O ay.kImkgoingktokletkthiskgoknow.kMyksubconsciousksagskintokherkarmchair .kFinally! k Goodnight,kChristian.kThan kyoukforkthekenlighteningkbedtimekstory.kIklean koverktok isskhim,kandkourklipsktouchkbriefly,kbutkhekpullskbac kwhenkIktryktokd eepenkthek iss. k Dont,khekwhispers.kIkamkdesperatektokma eklovektokyou. k Thenkdo. k No,kyoukneedktokrest,kandkitsklate.kGoktoksleep.kHekswitcheskoffkthekbedsid eklight,kplungingkuskintokdar ness. k Iklovekyoukunconditionally,kChristian,kIkmurmurkaskIkcuddlekintokhiskside. k Ik now,khekwhispers,kandkIksensekhiskshyksmile. k kkk k Ikwa ekwithkakstart.kLightkiskfloodingkthekroom,kandkChristiankisknotkin kbed.kIkglancekatkthekcloc kandkseekitsksevenkfifty-three.kIkta ekakdeepkbreathka ndkwincekaskmykribsksmartkthoughknotkaskbadlykaskyesterday.kIkthin kIkcouldkgokt okwor .kWor Yes.kIkwantktokgoktokwor . k ItskMonday,kandkIkspentkallkofkyesterdaykloungingkaboutkinkbed.kChristian konlykletkmekgokoutkbrieflyktokseekRay.kHonestly,kheskstillksuchkakcontrolkfrea . kIksmilekfondly.kMykcontrolkfrea .kHeskbeenkattentivekandklovingkandkchattyk.k.k. kandkhands-offksincekIkarrivedkhome.kIkscowl.kIkamkgoingktokhavektokdoksomething kaboutkthis.kMykheadkdoesntkhurt,kthekpainkaroundkmykribskhaskeasedthough,kadmitte dly,klaughingkhasktokbekunderta enkwithkcautionbutkImkfrustrated.kIkthin kthiskisk theklongestkIvekgonekwithoutksexksincek.k.k.kwell,ksincekthekfirstktime. k Ikthin kwevekbothkrecoveredkourkequilibrium.kChristiankiskmuchkmorekrelax ed;khisklongkbedtimekstorykseemsktokhaveklaidksomekghostsktokrest,kforkhimkandkf orkme.kWellksee. k Ikshowerkquic ly,kandkoncekImkdry,kIkbrowsekcarefullykthroughkmykclothes. kIkwantksomethingksexy.kSomethingkthatkmightkgalvanizekChristiankintokaction.kWh okwouldkhavekthoughtksuchkankinsatiablekmankcouldkactuallykexerciseksokmuchkself -control?kIkdontkreallykwantktokdwellkonkhowkChristianklearnedksuchkdisciplinekov erkhiskbody.kWekhaventkspo enkofkthekBitchkTrollkonceksincekhiskconfessional.kIkh opekwekneverkdo.kTokmeksheskdeadkandkburied. k Ikchoosekankalmostkindecentlykshortkblac ks irtkandkakwhiteksil kblousek withkakfrill.kIkslidekonkthigh-highskwithklacyktopskandkmykblac kLouboutinkpumps .kAklittlekmascarakandklipkglosskforkaknaturalkloo ,kandkafterkakferociouskbrush ing,kIkleavekmykhairkloose.kYes.kThiskshouldkdokit. k Christiankiskeatingkatkthekbrea fastkbar.kHiskfor fulkofkomeletkstopskin kmidairkwhenkhekseeskme.kHekfrowns. k Goodkmorning,kMrs.kGrey.kGoingksomewhere? k Wor .kIksmileksweetly. k Ikdontkthin kso.kChristianksnortskwithkamusedkderision.kDr.kSinghksaidkakwee koff. k Christian,kIkamknotkspendingkthekdaykloungingkinkbedkonkmykown.kSokIkmayk askwellkgoktokwor .kGoodkmorning,kGail. k Mrs.kGrey.kMrs.kJonesktriesktokhidekaksmile.kWouldkyoukli eksomekbrea fast? k Please. k Granola? k Idkpreferkscrambledkeggskwithkwholekwheatktoast.

k Mrs.kJoneskgrinskandkChristiankregisterskhisksurprise. k Verykgood,kMrs.kGrey,kMrs.kJonesksays. k Ana,kyoukareknotkgoingktokwor . k But k No.kItsksimple.kDontkargue.kChristiankiskadamant.kIkglarekatkhim,kandkonlykt henkdokIknoticekthatkheskinktheksamekpajamakbottomskandkT-shirtkhekwaskwearingkla stknight. k Arekyoukgoingktokwor ?kIkas . k No. k AmkIkgoingkcrazy?kItkiskMonday,kright? k Heksmiles.kLastktimekIkloo ed. k Iknarrowkmykeyes.kArekyoukplayingkhoo y? k Imknotkleavingkyoukherekonkyourkownktokgetkintoktrouble.kAndkDr.kSinghksai dkitkwouldkbekakwee kbeforekyoukcouldkgokbac ktokwor .kRemember? k Ikslidekontokakbarkstoolkbesidekhimkandkhoistkmyks irtkupkaklittle.kMrs. kJoneskplaceskakcupkofkteakinkfrontkofkme.Youkloo kgood,kChristianksays.kIkcrosskm yklegs.kVerykgood.kEspeciallykhere.kHektraceskakfingerkoverkthekbarekfleshkthatksh owskabovekmykthigh-highs.kMykpulsekquic enskaskhiskfingerkrunskacrosskmyks in.kTh isks irtkiskverykshort,khekmurmurs,kvaguekdisapprovalkinkhiskvoicekaskhiskeyeskfo llowkhiskfinger. k Iskit?kIkhadntknoticed. k Christiankgazeskatkme,kmouthktwistedkinkankamusedkyetkexasperatedksmir . k Really,kMrs.kGrey? k Ikblush. k Imknotksurekthiskloo kisksuitablekforkthekwor place,khekmurmurs. k Well,ksincekImknotkgoingktokwor ,kthatskakmootkpoint. k Moot? k Moot,kIkmouth. k Christianksmir skagainkandkresumeskeatingkhiskomelet.kIkhavekakbetterkide a. k Youkdo? k Hekglanceskatkmekthroughklongklashes,kgraykeyeskdar ening.kIkinhalekshar ply.kOh,kmy.kAboutktime. k WekcankgokseekhowkElliotskgettingkonkwithkthekhouse. k What?kOh!kTease!kIkvaguelykrememberkwekwereksupposedktokdokthatkbeforekR aykwaskinjured. k Idklovekto. k Good.kHekgrins. k Dontkyoukhavektokwor ? k No.kRoskiskbac kfromkTaiwan.kThatkallkwentkwell.kToday,keverythingskfine. k IkthoughtkyoukwerekgoingktokTaiwan. k Heksnortskagain.kAna,kyoukwerekinkthekhospital. k Oh. k Yeahoh.kSoktodaykImkspendingksomekqualityktimekwithkmykwife.kHeksmac skhiskl ipsktogetherkaskhekta eskaksipkofkcoffee. k Qualityktime?kIkcantkdisguisekthekhopekinkmykvoice. k Mrs.kJoneskplaceskmykscrambledkeggskinkfrontkofkme,kagainkfailingktokhid ekherksmile. k Christianksmir s.kQualityktime.kHeknods. k Ikamktookhungryktokflirtkanymorekwithkmykhusband. k Itskgoodktokseekyoukeat,khekmurmurs.kRising,khekleanskoverkandk isseskmykha ir.kImkgoingktokshower. k Umk.k.k.kcankIkcomekandkscrubkyourkbac ?kIkmumblekthroughkakmouthkfullkofk toastkandkscrambledkegg. k No.kEat. k Leavingkthekbrea fastkbar,khektugskhiskT-shirtkoverkhiskhead,ktreatingkm ektoktheksightkofkhiskfinelyksculpturedkshoulderskandkna edkbac kaskheksauntersk outkofkthekgreatkroom.kIkstopkmid-chew.kHeskdoingkthiskonkpurpose.kWhy? k Christiankiskrelaxedkonkthekdriveknorth.kWevekjustkleftkRaykandkMr.kRodri guezkwatchingksoccerkonktheknewkflat-screenktelevisionkthatkIksuspectkChristiank

haskboughtkforkRayskhospitalkroom. k Christiankhaskbeenklaidkbac keverksincekthektal .kItskaskifkakweightkhaskbe enklifted;kMrs.kRobinsonskshadowknoklongerkloomsksoklargekoverkus,kmaybekbecausek Ivekdecidedktokletkitkgoorkbecausekhekhas,kIkdontk now.kButkIkfeelkcloserktokhimkno wkthankIkeverkhavekbefore.kPerhapskbecausekheskfinallykconfidedkinkme.kIkhopekhek continuesktokdokso.kAndkheskmorekacceptingkofkthekbaby,ktoo.kHekhasntkgonekoutkand kboughtkakcribkyet,kbutkIkhavekhighkhopes. k Ikgazekatkhim,kdrin ingkhimkinkaskhekdrives.kHekloo skcasual,kcoolk.k.k. ksexykwithkhisktousledkhair,kRay-Bans,kpinstripekjac et,kwhiteklinenkshirt,kandk jeans. k Hekglanceskatkmekandkclaspskmyklegkabovekthek nee,khiskfingerskstro ingk gently.kImkgladkyoukdidntkchange. k Ikdidkslipkonkakdenimkjac etkandkchangektokflats,kbutkImkstillkwearingkth ekshortks irt.kHiskhandklingerskabovekmyk nee.kIkputkmykhandkonkhis. k Arekyoukgoingktokcontinuektokteasekme? k Maybe.kChristianksmiles. k Why? k BecausekIkcan.kHekgrins,kboyishkaskever. k Twokcankplaykatkthatkgame,kIkwhisper. k Hiskfingerskmovektantalizinglykupkmykthigh.kBringkitkon,kMrs.kGrey.kHiskgr inkbroadens. k Ikpic kupkhiskhandkandkputkitkbac konkhisk nee.kWell,kyoukcank eepkyourkh andsktokyourself. k Heksmir s.kAskyoukwish,kMrs.kGrey. k Dammit.kThiskgamekiskgoingktokbac firekonkme. k Christiankturnskintokthekdrivewaykofkourknewkhouse.kHekstopskatkthek eyp adkandkpuncheskinkaknumber,kandkthekornatekwhitekmetalkgateskswingkopen.kWekroar kupkthektree-linedklanekunderkleaveskthatkarekakblendkofkgreen,kyellow,kandkburn ishedkcopper.kThektallkgrasskinkthekmeadowkiskturningkgold,kbutktherekarekstillk akfewkyellowkwildflowerskdottedkamongkthekgrass.kItskakbeautifulkday.kTheksunkisk shining,kandktheksaltyktangkofkthekSoundkiskinkthekairkmixedkwithkthekscentkofkt hekcomingkfall.kThiskisksuchkaktranquilkandkbeautifulkplace.kAndktokthin kwerekgo ingktokma ekourkhomekhere. k Theklanekcurveskaround,kandkourkhousekcomeskintokview.kSeveralklargektru c s,ksideskemblazonedkwithkGreykConstruction,karekpar edkoutkfront.kThekhousekis kdec edkinkscaffolding,kandkseveralkwor menkinkhardkhatskarekbusykonkthekroof. k Christiankpullskupkoutsidekthekporticokandkswitcheskoffkthekengine.kIkca nksensekhiskexcitement. k LetskgokfindkElliot. k Iskhekhere? k Ikhopekso.kImkpayingkhimkenough. k Iksnort,kandkChristiankgrinskaskwekgetkoutkofkthekcar. k Yo,kBro!kElliotkshoutskfromksomewhere.kWekbothkglancekaround. k Upkhere!kHeskupkonkthekroof,kwavingkdownkatkuskandkbeamingkfromkearktokear. kAboutktimekweksawkyoukhere.kStaykwherekyoukare.kIllkbekrightkdown. k IkglancekatkChristian,kwhokshrugs.kAkfewkminutesklater,kElliotkappearska tkthekfrontkdoor. k Hey,kbro.kHeksha eskChristianskhand.kAndkhowkarekyou,klittleklady?kHekpic skm ekupkandkswingskmekaround. k Better,kthan s,kIkgigglekbreathlessly,kmykribskprotesting.kChristiankfrown skatkhim,kbutkElliotkignoreskhim. k Letskheadkoverktoktheksitekoffice.kYoullkneedkonekofkthese.kHektapskhiskhard khat. k k Thekhousekiskakshell.kThekfloorskarekcoveredkinkakhardkfibrouskmaterialk thatkloo skli ekburlap;ksomekofkthekoriginalkwallskhavekdisappearedkandknewkones khavekta enktheirkplace.kElliotkleadskuskthrough,kexplainingkwhatskhappening,kwhi lekmenandkakfewkwomenwor keverywherekaroundkus.kImkrelievedktokseekthekstonekstairc asekwithkitskintricatekironkbalustradekiskstillkinkplacekandkdrapedkcompletelyki nkwhitekdustsheets.

k Inkthekmainklivingkarea,kthekbac kwallkhaskbeenkremovedktokma ekwaykfork Giaskglasskwall,kandkwor kiskbeginningkonkthekterrace.kInkspitekofkthekmess,kthek viewkiskstillkstunning.kTheknewkwor kisksympathetickandkink eepingkwithkthekoldworldkcharmkofkthekhousek.k.k.kGiaskdonekwell.kElliotkpatientlykexplainskthekproc esseskandkgiveskuskakroughktimeframekforkeach.kHeskhopingkwekcankbekinkbykChristm as,kalthoughkChristiankthin skthiskiskoptimistic. k HolykcowChristmaskoverloo ingkthekSound.kIkcantkwait.kAkbubblekofkexciteme ntkbloomskinsidekme.kIkhavekvisionskofkusktrimmingkankenormousktreekwhilekakcopp er-hairedklittlekboykloo skonkinkwonder. k Elliotkfinisheskourktourkinkthek itchen.kIllkleavekyouktwoktokroam.kBekcar eful.kThiskiskakbuildingksite. k Sure.kThan s,kElliot,kChristiankmurmurs,kta ingkmykhand.kHappy?khekas skonce kElliotkhaskleftkuskalone.kIkamkgazingkatkthiskemptykshellkofkakroomkandkwonderi ngkwherekIkwillkhangkthekpepperkpictureskthatkwekboughtkinkFrance. k Very.kIklovekit.kYou? k Ditto.kHekgrins. k Good.kIkwaskthin ingkofkthekpepperkpictureskinkhere. k Christianknods.kIkwantktokputkupkJosskportraitskofkyoukinkthiskhouse.kYoukn eedktokdecidekwherektheykshouldkgo. k Ikblush.kSomewherekIkwontkseekthemkoften. k Dontkbekli ekthat.kHekscoldskme,kbrushingkhiskthumbkacrosskmykbottomklip.kTh eyrekmykfavoritekpictures.kIklovekthekonekinkmykoffice. k Ikhaveknokideakwhy,kIkmurmurkandk isskthekpadkofkhiskthumb. k Worsekthingsktokdokthankloo katkyourkbeautifulksmilingkfacekallkday.kHung ry?khekas s. k Hungrykforkwhat?kIkwhisper. k Heksmir s,khiskeyeskdar ening.kHopekandkdesirekunfurlkinkmykveins. k Food,kMrs.kGrey.kAndkhekplantskakswiftk isskonkmyklips. k Ikgivekhimkmykfauxkpoutkandksigh.kYes.kThesekdayskImkalwayskhungry. k Thekthreekofkuskcankhavekakpicnic. k Threekofkus?kIsksomeonekjoiningkus? k Christiankcoc skhiskheadktokonekside.kInkaboutksevenkorkeightkmonths. k Ohk.k.k.kBlip.kIkgrinkgoofilykatkhim. k Ikthoughtkyoukmightkli ektokeatkalkfresco. k Inkthekmeadow?kIkas . k Heknods. k Sure.kIkgrin. k Thiskwillkbekakgreatkplacektokraisekakfamily,khekmurmurs,kgazingkdownkatkm e. k Family!kMorekthankone?kDarekIkmentionkthisknow? k Hekspreadskhiskfingerskoverkmykbelly.kHolykshit.kIkholdkmykbreathkandkpl acekmykhandkoverkhis. k Itskhardktokbelieve,khekwhispers,kandkforkthekfirstktimekIkhearkwonderkinkh iskvoice. k Ik now.kOhhere,kIkhavekevidence.kAkpicture. k Youkdo?kBabyskfirstksmile? k IkpullkoutkthekultrasoundkofkBlipkfromkmykwallet. k See? k Christiankexamineskitkclosely,kstaringkforkseveralkseconds.kOhk.k.k.kBlip .kYeah,kIksee.kHeksoundskdistracted,kawed. k Yourkchild,kIkwhisper. k Ourkchild.kHekcounters. k Firstkofkmany. k Many?kChristianskeyeskwidenkwithkalarm. k Atkleastktwo. k Two?kHektestskthekword.kCankwekjustkta ekthiskonekchildkatkaktime? k Ikgrin.kSure. k Wekheadkbac koutsidekintokthekwarmkfallkafternoon. k Whenkarekyoukgoingktoktellkyourkfol s?kChristiankas s. k Soon,kIkmurmur.kIkthoughtkaboutktellingkRaykthiskmorning,kbutkMr.kRodriguez

kwaskthere.kIkshrug. k ChristianknodskandkopenskthekhoodkofkthekR8.kInsidekarekakwic erkpicnick bas etkandkthektartankblan etkwekboughtkinkLondon. k Come,kheksays,kta ingkthekbas etkandkblan etkinkonekhandkandkholdingktheko therkoutktokme.kTogetherkwekwal kintokthekmeadow. k Sure,kRos,kgokforkit.kChristiankhangskup.kThatskthekthirdkcallkheskta enkdur ingkourkpicnic.kHesk ic edkoffkhiskshoeskandksoc s,kandkiskwatchingkme,karmskonkh iskraisedk nees.kHiskjac etklieskdiscardedkonktopkofkmine,kaskwerekwarmkinktheksu n.kIkliekbesidekhim,kstretchedkoutkonkthekpicnickblan et,kbothkofkusksurroundedk byktallkgoldenkandkgreenkgrasskfarkfromktheknoisekatkthekhousekandkhiddenkfromkt hekpryingkeyeskofkthekconstructionkwor ers.kWekarekinkourkownkbucolickhaven.kHek feedskmekanotherkstrawberry,kandkIkchewkandksuc kitkgratefully,kgazingkatkhiskda r eningkeyes. k Tasty?khekwhispers. k Very. k Hadkenough? k Ofkstrawberries,kyes. k Hiskeyeskglitterkdangerously,kandkhekgrins.kMrs.kJoneskpac skakmightykfin ekpicnic,kheksays. k Thatkshekdoes,kIkwhisper. k Shiftingksuddenly,kheklieskdownksokhiskheadkiskrestingkonkmykbelly.kHekc loseskhiskeyeskandkseemskcontent.kIktanglekmykfingerskinkhiskhair. k Heksighskheavily,kthenkscowlskandkchec sktheknumberkonkthekscreenkofkhis kbuzzingkBlac Berry.kHekrollskhiskeyeskandkta eskthekcall. k Welch,kheksnaps.kHektenses,klistenskforkaksecondkorktwo,kthenksuddenlykbol tskupright. k 24-7k.k.k.kThan s,kheksayskthroughkgrittedkteethkandkhangskup.kThekchangek inkhiskmoodkiskinstant.kGonekiskmykteasing,kflirtatiouskhusband,kreplacedkbykakc old,kcalculatingkmasterkofkthekuniverse.kHeknarrowskhiskeyeskforkakmomentkthenkg iveskmekakcool,kchillingksmile.kAkshiverkrunskdownkmykbac .kHekpic skupkhiskBlac Berrykandkpresseskakspeedkdial. k Ros,khowkmuchkstoc kdokwekownkinkLincolnkTimber?kHek neelskup. k Mykscalpkpric les.kOhkno,kwhatskthis? k So,kconsolidatekthekshareskintokGEH,kthenkfirekthekboardk.k.k.kexceptkthe kCEOk.k.k.kIkdontkgivekakfuc k.k.k.kIkhearkyou,kjustkdokitk.k.k.kthan kyouk.k.k.k eepkmekinformed.kHekhangskup,kandkgazeskatkmekimpassivelykforkakmoment. k Holykshit!kChristiankiskmad. k Whatskhappened? k Linc,khekmurmurs. k Linc?kElenaskex? k Theksame.kHeskthekonekwhokpostedkHydeskbail. k IkgapekatkChristiankinkshoc .kHiskmouthkiskpressedkinkakhardkline. k Wellhellkloo kli ekankidiot,kIkmurmur,kdismayed.kIkmean,kHydekcommittedkanoth erkcrimekwhilekoutkonkbail. k Christianskeyesknarrowkandkheksmir s.kFairkpointkwellkmade,kMrs.kGrey. k Whatkdidkyoukjustkdo?kIk neel,kfacingkhim. k Ikfuc edkhimkover. k Oh!kUmk.k.k.kthatkseemskaklittlekimpulsive,kIkmurmur. k Imkankin-the-momentk indkofkguy. k Imkawarekofkthat. k Hiskeyesknarrowkandkhisklipskthin.kIvekhadkthiskplankinkmykbac kpoc etkfor kakwhile,kheksayskdryly. k Ikfrown.kOh? k Hekpauses,kseemingktokweighksomethingkinkhiskmind,kthenkta eskakdeepkbre ath. k Severalkyearskbac ,kwhenkIkwasktwenty-one,kLinckbeatkhiskwifektokakpulp.k Hekbro ekherkjaw,kherkleftkarm,kandkfourkofkherkribskbecausekshekwaskfuc ingkme.k Hiskeyeskharden.kAndknowkIklearnkhekpostedkbailkforkakmankwhoktriedktok illkme,k idnappedkmyksister,kandkfracturedkmykwifesks ull.kIvekhadkenough.kIkthin kitskpayba c ktime.

k Ikblanch.kHolykshit.kFairkpointkwellkmade,kMr.kGrey,kIkwhisper. k Ana,kthiskiskwhatkIkdo.kImknotkusuallykmotivatedkbykrevenge,kbutkIkcannotk letkhimkgetkawaykwithkthis.kWhatkhekdidktokElenak.k.k.kwell,kshekshouldkhavekpre ssedkcharges,kbutkshekdidnt.kThatkwaskherkprerogative. k ButkheskseriouslykcrossedktheklinekwithkHyde.kLincskmadekthiskpersonalkbykg oingkafterkmykfamily.kImkgoingktokcrushkhim,kbrea kupkhiskcompanykrightkunderkhis knose,kandksellkthekpiecesktokthekhighestkbidder.kIkamkgoingktokban ruptkhim. k Ohk.k.k. k Besides.kChristianksmir s.kWellkma ekgoodkmoneykoutkofkthekdeal. k Ikstarekintokblazingkgraykeyeskthatksoftenksuddenly. k Ikdidntkmeanktokfrightenkyou,khekwhispers. k Youkdidnt,kIklie. k Hekarcheskakbrow,kamused. k Youkjustktoo kmekbyksurprise,kIkwhisper,kthenkswallow.kChristiankiskreally kquitekscaryksometimes. k Hekbrusheskhisklipskagainstkmine.kIkwillkdokanythingktok eepkyouksafe.kKe epkmykfamilyksafe.kKeepkthisklittlekoneksafe,khekmurmurskandksplayskhiskhandkoutk overkmykbellykinkakgentlekcaress. k Ohk.k.k.kIkstopkbreathing.kChristiankgazeskdownkatkme,khiskeyeskdar enin g.kHisklipskpartkaskhekinhaleskand,kinkakdeliberatekmove,kthektipskofkhiskfinger skbrushkagainstkmyksex. k Holykshit.kDesirekdetonateskli ekankincendiarykdevicekignitingkmykbloods tream.kIkgraspkhiskhead,kmykfingerskweavingkintokhiskhair,kandktugkhardksokmykli pskfindkhis.kHekgasps,ksurprisedkbykmykassault,kgivingkmyktonguekfreekpassagekin tokhiskmouth.kHekgroanskandk isseskmekbac ,khisklipskandktonguekhungrykforkmine, kandkforkakmomentkwekconsumekeachkother,klostkinktongueskandklipskandkbreathskan dksweet,ksweetksensationkaskwekrediscoverkeachkother. k Oh,kIkwantkthiskman.kItskbeenktooklong.kIkwantkhimkhere,know,kinkthekopen kair,kinkourkmeadow. k Ana,khekbreathes,kentranced,kandkhiskhandks imskoverkmykbac sidektokthekhe mkofkmyks irt.kIkscramblektokunbuttonkhiskshirt,kallkfingerskandkthumbs. k Whoa,kAnastop.kHekpullskbac ,khiskjawkclenched,kandkgrabskmykhands. k No.kMykteethkclampkgentlykaroundkhisklowerklipkandkIktug.kNo,kIkmurmurkagain ,kgazingkatkhim.kIkreleasekhim.kIkwantkyou. k Hekinhalesksharply.kHesktorn,khiskindecisionkwritklargekinkluminouskgrayk eyes. k Please,kIkneedkyou.kEverykporekofkmykbeingkiskbegging.kThiskiskwhatkwekdo. k Hekgroanskinkdefeatkaskhiskmouthkfindskmine,kmoldingkmyklipsktokhis.kOne khandkcradleskmykheadkwhilekthekotherks imskdownkmykbodyktokmykwaist,kandkhekeas eskmekontokmykbac kandkstretcheskoutkbesidekme,kneverkbrea ingkcontactkwithkmykm outh. k Hekpullskbac ,khoveringkoverkmekandkgazingkdown.kYoukareksokbeautiful,kMr s.kGrey. k Ikcaresskhisklovelykface.kSokarekyou,kMr.kGrey.kInsidekandkout. k Hekfrowns,kandkmykfingersktracekthekfurrowkinkhiskbrow. k Dontkfrown.kYoukarektokme,kevenkwhenkyourekangry,kIkwhisper. k Hekgroanskoncekmore,kandkhiskmouthkcaptureskmine,kpushingkmekintokthekso ftkgrasskbeneathkthekblan et. k Ivekmissedkyou,khekwhispers,kandkhiskteethkgrazekmykjaw.kMykheartksoars. k Ivekmissedkyou,ktoo.kOh,kChristian.kIkfistkonekhandkinkhiskhairkandkclutchk hiskshoulderkwithkthekother. k Hisklipskmovektokmykthroat,kleavingktenderk isseskinktheirkwa e,kandkhis kfingerskfollow,kdeftlykundoingkeachkbuttonkofkmykblouse.kTuggingkmykblousekapar t,khek issesktheksoftkswellkofkmykbreasts.kHekmurmurskappreciatively,klowkinkhis kthroat,kandktheksoundkechoeskthroughkmykbodyktokmykdeepkdar kplaces. k Yourkbodyskchanging,khekwhispers.kHiskthumbkteaseskmyknipplekuntilkitskerect kandkstrainingkagainstkmykbra.kIkli e,khekadds.kIkwatchkhisktonguektastekandktrace ktheklinekbetweenkmykbrakandkmykbreast,ktantalizingkandkteasingkme.kTa ingkmykbr akcupkdelicatelykbetweenkhiskteeth,khekpullskitkdown,kfreeingkmykbreastkandknuzz lingkmyknipplekwithkhisknosekinkthekprocess.kItkpuc erskatkhisktouchkandkfromkth

ekchillkofkthekgentlekfallkbreeze.kHisklipskclosekaroundkme,kandkheksuc sklongka ndkhard. k Ah!kIkgroan,kinhalingksharplykthenkwincingkaskpainkradiateskoutwardkfromkm ykbruisedkribs. k Ana!kChristiankexclaimskandkglareskdownkatkme,kconcernketchedkonkhiskface. kThiskiskwhatkImktal ingkabout,khekadmonishes.kYourklac kofkself-preservation.kIkdont kwantktokhurtkyou. k Nok.k.k.kdontkstop,kIkwhimper.kHekstareskatkme,kwarringkwithkhimself.kPlease . k Here.kAbruptlykhekmoves,kandkImksittingkastridekhim,kmykshortks irtknowkbun chedkupkaroundkmykhips.kHiskhandskglidekoverkthektopkofkmykthigh-highs. k There.kThatskbetter,kandkIkcankenjoykthekview.kHekreacheskupkandkhoo skhisk longkindexkfingerkintokmykotherkbrakcup,kfreeingkthatkbreast,ktoo.kHekgraspskbot hkofkmykbreasts,kandkIkthrowkmykheadkbac ,kpushingkthemkintokhiskwelcome,kexpert khands.kHekteaseskme,ktuggingkandkrollingkmyknippleskuntilkIkcrykout,kthenksitsk upksokwereknosektoknose,khiskgreedykgraykeyeskonkmine.kHek isseskme,khiskfingersk stillkteasingkme.kIkscramblekforkhiskshirt,kundoingkthekfirstktwokbuttons,kandki tskli eksensorykoverloadIkwantktokbek issingkhimkeverywhere,kundressingkhim,kma in gklovekwithkhimkallkatkonce. k HeykHekgentlykgraspskmykheadkandkpullskbac ,keyeskdar kandkfullkofksensualk promise.kTheresknokrush.kTa ekitkslow.kIkwantktoksavorkyou. k Christian,kitskbeenksoklong.kImkpanting. k Slow,khekwhispers,kandkitskakcommand.kHek isseskthekrightkcornerkofkmykmout h.kSlow.kHek isseskthekleftkcorner.kSlow,kbaby.kHektugskmykbottomklipkwithkhiskteeth .kLetskta ekthiskslow.kHekunfurlskhiskfingerskinkmykhair,k eepingkmekinkplacekaskhi sktonguekinvadeskmykmouth,ksee ing,ktasting,kcalmingk.k.k.kinflaming.kOh,kmykman kcank iss. k Ikcaresskhiskface,kmykfingerskmovingktentativelykdownktokhiskchinkthenkt okhiskthroat,kandkIkstartkagainkonkthekbuttonskofkhiskshirt,kta ingkmyktime,kask hekcontinuesktok isskme.kSlowlykIkpullkhiskshirtkapart,kmykfingersktrailingkover khiskclavicles,kfeelingktheirkwaykacrosskhiskwarm,ksil yks in.kIkpushkhimkgently kbac kuntilkhesklyingkbeneathkme.kSittingkup,kIkgazekdownkatkhim,kawarekthatkImksq uirmingkagainstkhiskgrowingkerection.kHmm.kIktracekmykfingerskacrosskhisklipskto khiskjawkthenkdownkhisknec ,koverkhiskAdamskapplektokthatklittlekdipkatkthekbasek ofkhiskthroat.kMykbeautifulkman.kIkleankdown,kandkmyk isseskfollowkthektipskofkm ykfingers.kMykteethkgrazekhiskjawkandk isskhiskthroat.kHekcloseskhiskeyes. k Ah.kHekgroanskandktiltskhiskheadkbac ,kgivingkmekeasierkaccessktokthekbase kofkhiskthroat,khiskmouthkslac kandkopenkinksilentkveneration.kChristianklostkan dkarousedkiskjustksokexhilaratingk.k.k.kandksokarousingktokme. k Myktonguektrailskdownkhisksternum,ktwirlingkthroughkhiskchestkhair.kHmm. kHektastesksokgood.kHeksmellsksokgood.kIntoxicating.kIk isskfirstkone,kthenktwok ofkhisksmallkroundkscars,kandkhekgraspskmykhips,ksokmykfingerskhaltkonkhiskchest kaskIkgazekdownkatkhim.kHiskbreathingkiskharsh. k Youkwantkthis?kHere?khekbreathes,khiskeyeskhoodedkwithkakheadykcombination kofklovekandklust. k Yes,kIkmurmur,kandkmyklipskandktonguekgrazekacrosskhiskchestktokhisknipple .kIkpullkandkrollkitkgentlykwithkmykteeth. k Oh,kAna,khekwhisperskandkcirclingkmykwaistkhekliftskme,ktuggingkatkhiskbut tonkandkflyksokhekspringskfree.kHeksitskmekdownkagain,kandkIkpushkagainstkhim,kd elightingkinkthekfeelkofkhimkhotkandkhardkbeneathkme.kHekrunskhiskhandskupkmykth ighs,kpausingkwherekmykthigh-highskstopkandkmykfleshkbegins,khiskhandskrunningks mallkteasingkcircleskatkthektopkofkmykthighsksokthatkthektipskofkhiskthumbsktouc hkmek.k.k.ktouchkmekwherekIkwantktokbektouched.kIkgasp. k Ikhopekyoureknotkattachedktokyourkunderwear,khekmurmurs,khiskeyeskwildkandk bright.kHiskfingersktracekthekelastickalongkmykbellykthenkslidekinside,kteasingk me,kbeforekgrabbingkmykpantiesktightlykandkpushingkhiskthumbskthroughkthekdelica tekmaterial.kMykpantieskdisintegrate.kHiskhandsksplaykoutkonkmykthighs,kandkhisk thumbskbrushkagainstkmyksexkoncekmore.kHekflexeskhiskhipsksokhiskerectionkrubska gainstkme. k Ikcankfeelkhowkwetkyoukare.kHiskvoicekisktingedkwithkcarnalkappreciation,k

andkheksuddenlyksitskup,khiskarmkaroundkmykwaistkagain,ksokwereknosektoknose.kHek rubskhisknosekagainstkmine. k Werekgoingktokta ekthiskslow,kMrs.kGrey.kIkwantktokfeelkallkofkyou.kHeklift skme,kandkwithkexquisite,kfrustrating,kslowkease,klowerskmekontokhim.kIkfeelkeac hkblessedkinchkofkhimkfillkme. k AhkIkmoankincoherentlykaskIkreachkoutktokclaspkhiskarms.kIktryktokliftkmyse lfkoffkhimkforksomekwelcomekfriction,kbutkhekholdskmekinkplace. k Allkofkme,khekwhisperskandktiltskhiskpelvis,kpushingkhimselfkintokmekallkt hekway.kIkthrowkmykheadkbac kandkletkoutkakstrangledkcrykofkpurekpleasure. k Letkmekhearkyou,khekmurmurs.kNodontkmove,kjustkfeel. k Ikopenkmykeyes,kmykmouthkfrozenkinkaksilentkAh!kAndkheskgazingkatkme,khoo ded,klicentiouskgraykeyeskintokdazedkblue.kHekshifts,krollingkhiskhips,kbutkhold skmekinkplace. k Ikgroan.kHisklipskarekatkmykthroat,k issingkme. k Thiskiskmykfavoritekplace.kBuriedkinkyou,khekmurmurskagainstkmyks in. k Please,kmove,kIkplead. k Slow,kMrs.kGrey.kHekflexeskhiskhipskagainkandkpleasurekradiateskthroughkme .kIkcupkhiskfacekandk isskhim,kconsumingkhim. k Lovekme.kPlease,kChristian. k Hiskteethks imkmykjawkupktokmykear.kGo,khekwhispers,kandkhekliftskmekupkan dkdown.kMykinnerkgoddesskiskunleashed,kandkIkpushkhimkdownkonkthekgroundkandksta rtktokmove,ksavoringkthekfeelingkofkhimkinsidekmek.k.k.kridingkhimk.k.k.kridingk himkhard.kWithkhiskhandskaroundkmykwaistkhekmatcheskmykrhythm.kIkhavekmissedkthi sk.k.k.kthekheadykfeelingkofkhimkbeneathkme,kinsidekmek.k.k.ktheksunkonkmykbac , ktheksweetksmellkofkfallkinkthekair,kthekgentlekautumnalkbreeze.kItskakheadykfusi onkofksenses:ktouch,ktaste,ksmell,kandktheksightkofkmykbelovedkhusbandkbeneathkm e. k Oh,kAna.kHekgroans,keyeskclosed,kheadkbac ,kmouthkopen. k Ahk.k.k.kIklovekthis.kAndkinside,kImkbuildingk.k.k.kbuildingk.k.k.kclimbi ngk.k.k.khigher.kChristianskhandskmovektokmykthighs,kandkdelicatelykhiskthumbskpr esskatktheirkapex,kandkIkexplodekaroundkhimkoverkandkoverkandkoverkandkover,kand kIkcollapse,ksprawledkonkhiskchestkaskhekcrieskoutkinkturn,klettingkgokandkcalli ngkoutkmyknamekwithklovekandkjoy. k Hekcuddleskmekagainstkhiskchest,kcradlingkmykhead.kHmm.kClosingkmykeyes, kIksavorkthekfeelkofkhiskarmskaroundkme.kMykhandkiskonkhiskchest,kfeelingkthekst eadykbeatkofkhiskheartkaskitkslowskandkcalms.kIk isskandknuzzlekhim,kandkmarvelk brieflykthatknotklongkagokhekwouldknotkhavekletkmekdokthis. k Better?khekwhispers.kIkraisekmykhead.kHeskgrinningkbroadly. k Much.kYou?kMykansweringkgrinkreflectskhis. k Ivekmissedkyou,kMrs.kGrey.kHeskseriouskforkakmoment. k Me,ktoo. k Nokmorekheroics,keh? k No,kIkpromise. k Youkshouldkalwaysktal ktokme,khekwhispers. k Bac katkyou,kGrey. k Heksmir s.kFairkpointkwellkmade.kIllktry.kHek isseskmykhair. k Ikthin kwerekgoingktokbekhappykhere,kIkwhisper,kclosingkmykeyeskagain. k Yep.kYou,kmekandk.k.k.kBlip.kHowkdokyoukfeel,kincidentally? k Fine.kRelaxed.kHappy. k Good. k You? k Yeah,kallkthosekthings,khekmurmurs. k Ikloo kupkatkhim,ktryingktokgaugekhiskexpression. k What?khekas s. k Youk now,kyourekverykbossykwhenkwekhaveksex. k Arekyoukcomplaining? k No.kImkjustkwonderingk.k.k.kyouksaidkyoukmissedkit. k Hekstills,kgazingkatkme.kSometimes,khekwhispers. k Oh.kWell,kwellkhavektokseekwhatkwekcankdokaboutkthat,kIkmurmurkandk isskhim klightlykonkhisklips,kcurlingkaroundkhimkli ekakvine.kImageskofkusktogether,kink

thekplayroom;kthekTallis,kthektable,konkthekcross,kshac ledktokthekbedk.k.k.kIkl ovekhisk in ykfuc eryourk in ykfuc ery.kYes.kIkcankdokthatkstuff.kIkcankdokthatkf orkhim,kwithkhim.kIkcankdokthatkforkme.kMyks inktingleskaskIkrememberkthekriding kcrop. k Ikli ektokplay,ktoo,kIkmurmur,kandkglancingkup,kImktreatedktokhiskshyksmile . k Youk now,kIdkreallykli ektoktestkyourklimits,khekwhispers. k Myklimitskforkwhat? k Pleasure. k Oh,kIkthin kIdkli ekthat.kMykinnerkgoddesskdropskintokakdeadkfaint. k Well,kmaybekwhenkwekgetkhome,khekwhispers,kleavingkthatkpromisekhangingkbe tweenkus. k Iknuzzlekhimkoncekmore.kIklovekhimkso. k kkk k Itskbeenktwokdaysksincekourkpicnic.kTwokdaysksincekthekpromisekofkwell,km aybekwhenkwekgetkhomekwaskmade.kChristiankiskstillktreatingkmekli ekImkmadekofkgl ass.kHekstillkwontkletkmekgoktokwor ,ksokIkhavekbeenkwor ingkfromkhome.kIkputkthe kstac kofkquerykletterskIvekbeenkreadingkasidekonkmykdes kandksigh.kChristiankand kIkhaventkbeenkbac kinkthekplayroomksincekIksafekworded.kAndkhesksaidkhekmisseskit .kWell,ksokdokIk.k.k.kespeciallyknowkthatkhekwantsktokexplorekmyklimits.kIkflush ,kthin ingkwhatkthatkcouldkpossiblykentail.kIkglancekatkthekbilliardktablek.k.k. kYeskIkcantkwaitktokexplorekthose. k Mykthoughtskarekinterruptedkbyksoft,klyricalkmusickthatkfillskthekapartm ent.kChristiankiskplayingkthekpiano;knotkonekofkhiskusualklamentskbutkaksweetkme lody,kakhopefulkmelodyonekthatkIkrecognize,kbutkhavekneverkheardkhimkplay. k IktiptoektokthekarchwaykofkthekgreatkroomkandkwatchkChristiankatkthekpia no.kItskdus .kTheks ykiskankopulentkpin ,kandktheklightkiskreflectedkoffkhiskburn ishedkcopperkhair.kHekloo skhiskbeautifulkbreathta ingkself,kconcentratingkaskhe kplays,kunawarekofkmykpresence.kHeskbeenksokforthcomingkoverktheklastkfewkdays,ks okattentiveofferingksmallkinsightskintokhiskday,khiskthoughts,khiskplans.kItskaski fkheskbreachedkakdamkandkstartedktal ing. k Ik nowkhellkcomektokchec konkmekinkakfewkminutes,kandkitkgiveskmekankidea .kExcited,kIkstealkaway,khopingkthatkhekstillkhasntknoticedkme,kandkracektokourkr oom,kstrippingkoffkmykclotheskaskIkgo,kuntilkImkwearingknothingkbutkpalekblueklac ekpanties.kIkfindkakpalekbluekcamisolekandkslipkintokitkquic ly.kItkwillkhidekmy kbruise.kDivingkintokthekcloset,kIkpullkoutkChristianskfadedkjeanshiskplayroomkjea ns,kmykfavoritekjeansfromkthekdrawer.kFromkmykbedsidektablekIkpic kupkmykBlac Ber ry,kfoldkthekjeanskneatly,kandk neelkbykthekbedroomkdoor.kThekdoorkiskajar,kandk Ikcankhearkthekstrainskofkanotherkpiece,konekIkdontk now.kButkitskanotherkhopefulk tune;kitsklovely.kQuic lykIktypekankemail. k kkk k From:kAnastasiakGrey k k k Subject:kMykHusbandskPleasure Date:kSeptemberk21,k2011k20:45 To:kChristiankGrey

k Sir kIkawaitkyourkinstructions. k Yourskalways kMrs.kGkx k Ikpressksend. k Akfewkmomentsklaterkthekmusickstopskabruptly.kMykheartklurcheskandkstart skpounding.kIkwaitkandkwaitkandkeventuallykmykBlac Berrykbuzzes. k kkk

k k k k

From:kChristiankGrey Subject:kMykHusbandskPleasurek<---klovekthisktitlekbaby Date:kSeptemberk21,k2011k20:48 To:kAnastasiakGrey

k Mrs.kG kImkintrigued.kIllkcomekfindkyou. kBekready. k ChristiankGrey kAnticipativekCEO,kGreykEnterpriseskHoldingskInc. k Bekready!kMykheartkstartsktokpoundkandkIkbeginktokcount.kThirty-sevenkse condsklaterkthekdoorkopens.kImkloo ingkdownkatkhiskbarekfeetkasktheykpausekonkthe kthreshold.kHmm.kHeksaysknothing.kForkageskheksaysknothing.kOhkshit.kIkresistkth ekurgektokloo kupkatkhimkandk eepkmykeyeskdowncast. k Finally,khekreacheskdownkandkpic skupkhiskjeans.kHekstaysksilentkbutkhea dskintokthekwal -inkclosetkwhilekIkremainkstoc -still.kOhkmyk.k.k.kthiskiskit.kM ykheartkiskthundering,kandkIkrelishkthekrushkofkadrenalinekthatkspi eskthroughkm ykbody.kIksquirmkaskmykexcitementkbuilds.kWhatkwillkhekdoktokme?kAkfewkmomentskl aterkheskbac ,kwearingkthekjeans. k Sokyoukwantktokplay?khekmurmurs. k Yes. k Heksaysknothing,kandkIkris kakquic kglancek.k.k.kupkhiskjeans,khiskdenim kcladkthighs,ktheksoftkbulgekatkhiskfly,kthekopenkbuttonkatkthekwaist,khiskhappy ktrail,khisknavel,khiskchiseledkabdomen,khiskchestkhair,khiskgraykeyeskblazing,k andkhiskheadkcoc edktokonekside.kHeskarchingkankeyebrow.kOhkshit. k Yeskwhat?khekwhispers. k Oh. k Yes,kSir. k Hiskeyesksoften.kGoodkgirl,khekmurmurs,kandkhekcaresseskmykhead.kIkthin kwed kbetterkgetkyoukupstairsknow,khekadds.kMykinsideskliquefy,kandkmykbellykclenchesk inkthatkdeliciouskway. k Hekta eskmykhandkandkIkfollowkhimkthroughkthekapartmentkandkupkthekstair s.kOutsidekthekplayroomkdoor,khekhaltskandkbendskandk isseskmekgentlykbeforekgra spingkmykhairkhard. k Youk now,kyourektoppingkfromkthekbottom,khekmurmurskagainstkmyklips. k What?kIkdontkunderstandkwhatkhesktal ingkabout. k Dontkworry.kIllklivekwithkit,khekwhispers,kamused,kandkhekrunskhisknosekalon gkmykjawkandkgentlykbiteskmykear.kOncekinside,k neel,kli ekIvekshownkyou. k Yesk.k.k.kSir. k Hekgazeskdownkatkme,keyeskshiningkwithklove,kwonder,kandkwic edkthoughts . k Jeezk.k.k.kLifekiskneverkgoingktokbekboringkwithkChristian,kandkImkinkthi skforktheklongkhaul.kIklovekthiskman:kmykhusband,kmyklover,kfatherkofkmykchild,k myksometimeskDominantk.k.k.kmykFiftykShades. k k k kkk k ThekBigkHouse,kMayk2014 k Ikliekonkourktartankpicnickblan etkandkgazekupkatkthekclear,kblue,ksumme rks y,kmykviewkframedkbykmeadowkflowerskandktallkgreenkgrasses.kThekheatkofkthek afternoonksummerksunkwarmskmyks in,kmykboneskandkmykbelly,kandkIkrelax,kmykbodyk turningktokJell-O.kThiskiskcomfortable.kHellknok.k.k.kthiskiskwonderful.kIksavor kthekmoment,kakmomentkofkpeace,kakmomentkofkpurekandkutterkcontentment.kIkshould kfeelkguiltykforkfeelingkthiskjoy,kthiskcompleteness,kbutkIkdont.kLifekrightkhere

krightknowkiskgood,kandkIveklearnedktokappreciatekitkandklivekinkthekmomentkli ek mykhusband.kIksmilekandksquirmkaskmykmindkdriftsktokthekdeliciouskmemorykofklast knightkatkourkhomekinkEscalak.k.k. k kkk k Thekstrandskofkthekfloggerks imkacrosskmykswollenkbellykatkankaching,kla nguorouskpace. k Havekyoukhadkenoughkyet,kAna?kChristiankwhisperskinkmykear. k Oh,kplease.kIkbeg,kpullingkonkthekrestraintskabovekmykheadkaskIkstandkblin dfoldedkandktetheredktokthekgridkinkthekplayroom. k Thekfloggersksweetkstingkbiteskintokmykbehind. k Pleasekwhat? k Ikgasp.kPlease,kSir. k Christiankplaceskhiskhandkoverkmykringingks inkandkrubskgently. k There.kThere.kThere.kHiskwordskareksoft.kHiskhandkmovesksouthkandkaround,k andkhiskfingerskslidekinsidekme. k Ikgroan. k Mrs.kGrey,khekbreathes,kandkhiskteethkpullkonkmykearlobe.kYoureksokready. k Hiskfingerskslidekinkandkoutkofkme,khittingkthatkspot,kthatksweet,ksweet kspotkagain.kThekfloggerkclatterskontokthekfloorkandkhiskhandkmoveskoverkmykbell ykandkupktokmykbreasts.kIktense.kTheykareksensitive. k Hush,kChristianksays,kcuppingkone,kandkhekgentlykbrusheskhiskthumbkoverkmy knipple. k Ah. k Hiskfingerskarekgentlekandkenticing,kandkpleasurekspiralskoutkfromkmykbr east,kdown,kdownk.k.k.kdeepkdown.kIktiltkmykheadkbac ,kpushingkmyknipplekintokhi skpalm,kandkmoankoncekmore. k Ikli ektokhearkyou,kChristiankwhispers.kHiskerectionkiskatkmykhip,kthekbut tonskofkhiskflykpressingkintokmykfleshkaskhiskfingerskcontinuektheirkrelentlessk assault:kin,kout,kin,kout eepingkakrhythm.kShallkIkma ekyoukcomekli ekthis?khekas s . k No. k Hiskfingerskstopkmovingkinsidekme. k Really,kMrs.kGrey?kIskitkupktokyou?kHiskfingersktightenkaroundkmyknipple. k Nok.k.k.kNo,kSir. k Thatskbetter. k Ah.kPlease,kIkbeg. k Whatkdokyoukwant,kAnastasia? k You.kAlways. k Hekinhalesksharply. k Allkofkyou,kIkadd,kbreathless. k Hekeaseskhiskfingerskoutkofkme,kpullskmekaroundktokfacekhim,kandkremoves kthekblindfold.kIkblin kupkintokdar eningkgraykeyeskthatkburnkintokmine.kHiskind exkfingersktracekmykbottomklip,kandkhekpusheskhiskindexkandkmiddlekfingerskintok mykmouth,klettingkmektastektheksaltyktangkofkmykarousal. k Suc ,khekwhispers.kIkswirlkmyktonguekaroundkandkbetweenkhiskfingers. k Hmmk.k.k.kevenkIktastekgoodkonkhiskfingers. k Hiskhandsks imkupkmykarmsktokthekcuffskabovekmykhead,kandkhekunclipskthe m,kfreeingkme.kTurningkmekaroundksokImkfacingkthekwall,khektugskonkmykbraid,kpull ingkmekintokhiskarms.kHekangleskmykheadktokoneksidekandks imskhisklipskupkmykthr oatktokmykearkwhilekholdingkmekflushkagainstkhim. k Ikwantkinkyourkmouth.kHiskvoicekisksoftkandkseductive.kMykbody,kripekandkr eady,kclencheskdeepkinside.kThekpleasurekisksweetkandksharp. k Ikmoan.kTurningktokfacekhim,kIkpullkhiskheadkdownktokminekandk isskhimkh ard,kmyktonguekinvadingkhiskmouth,ktastingkandksavoringkhim.kHekgroans,kplaceskh iskhandskonkmykbehindkandktugskmekagainstkhim,kbutkonlykmykpregnantkbellyktouche skhim.kIkbitekhiskjawkandktrailk isseskdownkhiskthroatkandkrunkmykfingerskdownkt okhiskjeans.kHektiltskhiskheadkbac ,kexposingkmorekofkhiskthroatktokme,kandkIkru nkmyktonguekdownktokhiskchestkandkthroughkhiskchestkhair. k Ah.

k Iktugkthekwaistbandkofkhiskjeans,kthekbuttonskpopping,kandkhekgraspskmyk shoulderskaskIksin ktokmyk neeskinkfrontkofkhim. k AskIkgazekupkatkhimkthroughkmyklashes,khekstareskdownkatkme.kHiskeyeskar ekdar ,khisklipskparted,kandkhekinhaleskdeeplykwhenkIkfreekhimkandkensnarekhimkw ithkmykmouth.kIklovekdoingkthisktokChristian.kWatchingkhimkcomekapart,khearingkh iskbreathkhitch,kandktheksoftkmoanskhekma eskdeepkinkhiskthroat.kIkclosekmykeyes kandksuc khard,kpressingkdownkonkhim,krelishingkhisktastekandkhiskbreathlesskgas p. k Hekgraspskmykhead,kstillingkme,kandkIksheathkmykteethkwithkmyklipskandkp ushkhimkdeeperkintokmykmouth. k Openkyourkeyeskandkloo katkme,khekorders,khiskvoiceklow. k Blazingkeyeskmeetkminekandkhekflexeskhiskhips,kfillingkmykmouthktokthekb ac kofkmykthroatkthenkwithdrawingkquic ly.kHekpusheskintokmekagainkandkIkreachku pktokgrabkhim.kHekstopskandkholdskmekinkplace. k DontktouchkorkIllkcuffkyoukagain.kIkjustkwantkyourkmouth,khekgrowls. k Ohkmy.kLi ekthatkiskit?kIkputkmykhandskbehindkmykbac kandkgazekupkatkhim kinnocentlykwithkmykmouthkfull. k Goodkgirl,kheksays,ksmir ingkdownkatkme,khiskvoicekhoarse.kHekeaseskbac ,k andkholdingkmekgentlykbutkfirmly,khekpusheskintokmekagain.kYoukhaveksuchkakfuc ab lekmouth,kMrs.kGrey.kHekcloseskhiskeyeskandkeaseskintokmykmouthkaskIksqueezekhimk betweenkmyklips,krunningkmyktonguekoverkandkaroundkhim.kIkta ekhimkdeeperkandkwi thdraw,kagainkandkagainkandkagain,kthekairkhissingkbetweenkhiskteeth. k Ah!kStop,kheksays,kandkhekpullskoutkofkme,kleavingkmekwantingkmore.kHekgra spskmykshoulderskandkpullskmektokmykfeet.kGrabbingkmykbraid,khek isseskmekhard,k hiskpersistentktonguekgreedykandkgivingkatkonce.kSuddenlykhekreleaseskme,kandkbe forekIk nowkit,kheskliftedkmekintokhiskarmskandkmovedkoverktokthekfour-poster.kGe ntly,kheklayskmekdownksokthatkmykbehindkiskjustkonkthekedgekofkthekbed. k Wrapkyourklegskaroundkmykwaist,khekorders.kIkdokandkpullkhimktowardkme.kHe kleanskdown,khandskeitherksidekofkmykhead,kandkstillkstanding,kverykslowlykeases khimselfkintokme. k Oh,kthatkfeelsksokgood.kIkclosekmykeyeskandkrevelkinkhiskslowkpossession . k O ay?khekas s,khiskconcernkevidentkinkhisktone. k Oh,kGod,kChristian.kYes.kYes.kPlease.kIktightenkmyklegskaroundkhimkandkpus hkagainstkhim.kHekgroans.kIkclaspkhiskarms,kandkhekflexeskhiskhipskslowlykatkfir st,kin,kout. k Christian,kplease.kHarderIkwontkbrea . k Hekgroanskandkstartsktokmove,kreallykmove,kpoundingkintokmekagainkandkag ain.kOh,kitskheavenly. k Yes,kIkgasp,ktighteningkmykholdkonkhimkaskIkstartktokbuildk.k.k.kHekmoans, kgrindingkintokmekwithkrenewedkdeterminationk.k.k.kandkImkclose.kOh,kplease.kDontk stop. k Comekon,kAna,khekgroanskthroughkgrittedkteeth,kandkIkexplodekaroundkhim,km ykorgasmkgoingkonkandkonkandkon.kIkcallkoutkhisknamekandkChristiankstills,kgroan ingkloudly,kaskhekclimaxeskinsidekme. k Ana,khekcries. k Christianklieskbesidekme,khiskhandkcaressingkmykbelly,khisklongkfingersk splayedkoutkwide. k Howskmykdaughter? k Sheskdancing.kIklaugh. k Dancing?kOhkyes!kWow.kIkcankfeelkher.kHekgrinskaskBlipkTwoksomersaultskins idekme. k Ikthin kshekli esksexkalready. k Christiankfrowns.kReally?kheksayskdryly.kHekmovesksokhisklipskarekagainstk mykbump.kTherellkbeknonekofkthatkuntilkyourekthirty,kyoungklady. k Ikgiggle.kOh,kChristian,kyoukareksuchkakhypocrite. k No,kImkankanxiouskfather.kHekgazeskupkatkme,khiskbrowkfurrowed,kbetrayingkh iskanxiety. k Yourekakwonderfulkfather,kaskIk newkyoukwouldkbe.kIkcaresskhisklovelykface, kandkhekgiveskmekhiskshyksmile.

k Ikli ekthis,khekmurmurs,kstro ingkthenk issingkmykbelly.kThereskmorekofkyou. k Ikpout.kIkdontkli ekmorekofkme. k Itskgreatkwhenkyoukcome. k Christian! k AndkImkloo ingkforwardktokthektastekofkbreastkmil kagain. k Christian!kYoukareksuchkak in y k Hekswoopskonkmeksuddenly,k issingkmekhard,kthrowingkhisklegkoverkmine,ka ndkgrabbingkmykhandsksoktheykarekabovekmykhead.kYouklovekthek in ykfuc ery,khekwhi spers,kandkhekrunskhisknosekdownkmine. k Ikgrin,kcaughtkinkhiskinfectious,kwic edksmile.kYes,kIklovekthek in ykfuc ery.kAndkIklovekyou.kVerykmuch. k kkk

k Ikjer kawa e,kwo enkbykakhigh-pitchedksquealkofkdelightkfromkmykson,kand kevenkthoughkIkcantkseekhimkorkChristian,kIkgrinkli ekankidiotkwithkmykglee.kTedk haskwo enkfromkhisknap,kandkhekandkChristiankarekrompingknearby.kIkliekquietly,k stillkmarvelingkatkChristianskcapacitykforkplay.kHiskpatiencekwithkTeddykiskextra ordinarymuchkmoreksokthankwithkme.kIksnort.kButkthen,kthatskhowkitkshouldkbe.kAndk mykbeautifulklittlekboy,kthekapplekofkhiskmotherkandkfatherskeyes,k nowsknokfear. kChristian,konkthekotherkhand,kiskstillktookoverprotectiveofkbothkofkus.kMyksweet ,kmercurial,kcontrollingkFifty. k LetskfindkMommy.kSheskherekinkthekmeadowksomewhere. k TedksaysksomethingkIkdontkhear,kandkChristianklaughskfreely,khappily.kItsk akmagicalksound,kfilledkwithkhiskpaternalkjoy.kIkcantkresist.kIkstrugglekupkontok mykelbowsktokspykonkthemkfromkmykhidingkplacekinktheklongkgrass. k ChristiankiskswingingkTedkaroundkandkaround,kma ingkhimksquealkoncekmore kinkdelight.kHekstops,klauncheskhimkhighkintokthekairIkstopkbreathingthenkhekcatch eskhim.kTedkshrie skwithkchildishkabandonkandkIkbreathekaksighkofkrelief.kOhkmyk littlekman,kmykdarlingklittlekman,kalwayskonkthekgo. k kGain,kDaddy!kheksqueals.kChristiankobliges,kandkmykheartkleapskintokmykmou thkoncekmorekaskhektosseskTeddykintokthekairkthenkcatcheskhimkagain,kclutchingkh imkclose.kChristiank isseskTedskcopper-coloredkhair,kandkblowskak isskonkhiskchee ,kthenktic leskhimkmercilesslykforkakmoment.kTeddykhowlskwithklaughter,ksquirmi ngkandkpushingkagainstkChristianskchest,kwantingkoutkofkhiskarms.kGrinning,kChris tianksetskhimkonkthekground. k LetskfindkMommy.kSheskhidingkinkthekgrass. k Tedkbeams,kenjoyingkthekgame,kandkloo skaroundkthekmeadow.kGraspingkChri stianskhand,khekpointsktoksomewherekImknot,kandkitkma eskmekgiggle.kIkliekbac kdow nkquic ly,kdelightingkinkthiskgame. k Ted,kIkheardkMommy.kDidkyoukhearkher? k Mommy! k Ikgiggle-snortkatkTedskimperiousktone.kJeezsokli ekhiskdad,kandkheskonlyktw o. k Teddy!kIkcallkbac ,kgazingkupktheks ykwithkakridiculouskgrinkonkmykface. k Mommy! k AllktooksoonkIkhearktheirkfootstepsktramplingkthroughkthekmeadow,kandkfi rstkTedkthenkChristiankburstskthroughktheklongkgrass. k Mommy!kTedkscreecheskaskifkheskfoundktheklostktreasurekofkthekSierrakMadre, kandkhekleapskontokme. k Hey,kbabykboy!kIkcradlekhimkagainstkmekandk isskhiskchubbykchee .kHekgiggl eskandk isseskmekinkreturn,kthenkstruggleskoutkofkmykarms. k Hello,kMommy.kChristianksmileskdownkatkme. k Hello,kDaddy.kIkgrin,kandkhekpic skTedkup,kandksitskdownkbesidekmekwithkou rksonkinkhisklap. k GentlykwithkMommy,khekadmonisheskTed.kIksmir thekironykisknotklostkonkme.kF romkhiskpoc et,kChristiankproduceskhiskBlac BerrykandkgiveskitktokTed.kThiskwill kprobablykwinkuskfivekminuteskofkpeace,kmaximum.kTeddykstudieskit,khisklittlekbr owkfurrowed.kHekloo sksokserious,kbluekeyeskconcentratingkhard,kjustkli ekhiskda ddykdoeskwhenkhekreadskhiske-mails.kChristianknuzzleskTedskhair,kandkmykheartkswe llsktokloo katkthemkboth.kTwokpeaskinkakpod:kmyksonksittingkquietlyforkakfewkmome

ntskatkleastinkmykhusbandsklap.kMyktwokfavoritekmenkinkthekwholekworld. k Ofkcourse,kTedkiskthekmostkbeautifulkandktalentedkchildkonkthekplanet,kb utkthenkIkamkhiskmotherksokIkwouldkthin kthat.kAndkChristiankisk.k.k.kwell,kChri stiankiskjustkhimself.kInkwhitekT-shirtkandkjeans,khekloo skaskhotkaskusual.kWha tkdidkIkdoktokwinksuchkakprize? k Youkloo kwell,kMrs.kGrey. k Askdokyou,kMr.kGrey. k IsntkMommykpretty?kChristiankwhisperskinkTedskear.kTedkswatskhimkaway,kmorek interestedkinkDaddyskBlac Berry. k Ikgiggle.kYoukcantkgetkaroundkhim. k Ik now.kChristiankgrinskandk isseskTedskhair.kIkcantkbelievekhellkbektwoktomor row.kHisktonekiskwistful.kReachingkacross,khekspreadskhiskhandkoverkmykbump.kLetskh aveklotskofkchildren,kheksays. k Onekmorekatkleast.kIkgrin,kandkhekcaresseskmykbelly. k Howkiskmykdaughter? k Sheskgood.kAsleep,kIkthin . k Hello,kMr.kGrey.kHi,kAna. k WekbothkturnktokseekSophie,kTaylorskten-year-oldkdaughter,kappearkoutkofk theklongkgrass. k Soeee,kTedksquealskwithkdelightedkrecognition.kHekstruggleskoutkofkChristi ansklap,kdiscardingkthekBlac Berry. k IkhaveksomekpopsicleskfromkGail,kSophieksays.kCankIkgivekonektokTed? k Sure,kIksay.kOhkdear,kthiskiskgoingktokbekmessy. k Pop!kTedkholdskoutkhiskhandskandkSophiekpasseskonektokhim.kItskdrippingkalr eady. k HereletkMommyksee.kIksitkup,kta ekthekpopsiclekfromkTed,kandkquic lykslipki tkintokmykmouth,klic ingkoffkthekexcesskjuice.kHmmk.k.k.kcranberry,kcoolkandkdel icious. k Mine!kTedkprotests,khiskvoicekringingkwithkindignation. k Herekyoukgo.kIkhandkhimkbac kakslightlyklesskrunnykpopsicle,kandkitkgoesks traightkintokhiskmouth.kHekgrins. k CankTedkandkIkgokforkakwal ?kSophiekas s. k Sure. k Dontkgoktookfar. k No,kMr.kGrey.kSophieskhazelkeyeskarekwidekandkserious.kIkthin ksheskaklittle kfrightenedkofkChristian.kShekholdskherkhandkout,kandkTeddykta eskitkwillingly.k Theyktrudgekawayktogetherkthroughktheklongkgrass. k Christiankwatcheskthem. k Theyllkbekfine,kChristian.kWhatkharmkcouldkcomektokthemkhere?kHekfrownskatk mekmomentarily,kandkIkcrawlkoverkandkintokhisklap. k Besides,kTedkiskcompletelyksmittenkwithkSophie. k Christianksnortskandknuzzleskmykhair.kSheskakdelightfulkchild. k Shekis.kSokpretty,ktoo.kAkblondekangel. k Christiankstillskandkplaceskhiskhandskonkmykbelly.kGirls,keh?kThereskakhint kofktrepidationkinkhiskvoice.kIkcurlkmykhandkbehindkhiskhead. k Youkdontkhavektokworrykaboutkyourkdaughterkforkatkleastkanotherkthreekmont hs.kIkhavekherkcoveredkhere.kO ay? k Hek isseskmekbehindkmykearkandkscrapeskhiskteethkaroundkthekedgektokthek lobe. k Whateverkyouksay,kMrs.kGrey.kThenkhekbiteskme.kIkyelp. k Ikenjoyedklastknight,kheksays.kWekshouldkdokthatkmorekoften. k Me,ktoo. k Andkwekcould,kifkyoukstoppedkwor ingk.k.k. k Ikrollkmykeyeskandkhektightenskhiskarmskaroundkmekandkgrinskintokmyknec . k ArekyoukrollingkyourkeyeskatkmekMrs.kGrey?kHiskthreatkiskimplicitkbutksens ual,kma ingkmeksquirm,kbutkaskwerekinkthekmiddlekofkthekmeadowkwithkthek idsknear by,kIkignorekhiskinvitation. k GreykPublishingkhaskankauthorkonkthekNewkYor kTimeskBestkSellersBoycekFoxsk saleskarekphenomenal,ktheke-boo ksidekofkourkbusinesskhaskexploded,kandkIkfinall

ykhavekthekteamkIkwantkaroundkme. k Andkyourekma ingkmoneykinkthesekdifficultktimes,kChristiankadds,khiskvoicek reflectingkhiskpride.kButk.k.k.kIkli ekyoukbarefootkandkpregnantkandkinkmyk itche n. k Ikleankbac ksokIkcankseekhiskface.kHekgazeskdownkatkme,keyeskbright. k Ikli ekthat,ktoo,kIkmurmur,kandkhek isseskme,khiskhandskstillkspreadkacros skmykbump. k Seeingkheskinkakgoodkmood,kIkdecidektokbroachkakdelicateksubject.kHavekyou kthoughtkanykmorekaboutkmyksuggestion? k Hekstills.kAna,kthekanswerkiskno. k ButkEllakisksuchkaklovelykname. k Ikamknotknamingkmykdaughterkafterkmykmother.kNo.kEndkofkdiscussion. k Arekyouksure? k Yes.kGraspingkmykchin,khekgazeskearnestlykdownkatkme,kradiatingkexasperati on.kAna,kgivekitkup.kIkdontkwantkmykdaughterktaintedkbykmykpast. k O ay.kImksorry.kShitk.k.k.kIkdontkwantktokangerkhim. k Thatskbetter.kStopktryingktokfixkit,khekmutters.kYoukgotkmektokadmitkIkloved kher,kyoukdraggedkmektokherkgrave.kEnough. k Ohkno.kIktwistkinkhisklapktokstraddlekhimkandkgraspkhiskheadkinkmykhands . k Imksorry.kReally.kDontkbekangrykwithkme,kplease.kIk isskhim,kthenk isskthekc ornerkofkhiskmouth.kAfterkakbeat,khekpointsktokthekotherkcorner,kandkIksmilekand k isskit.kHekpointsktokhisknose.kIk isskthat.kHekgrinskandkplaceskhiskhandskonkm ykbac side. k Oh,kMrs.kGreywhatkamkIkgoingktokdokwithkyou? k Imksurekyoullkthin kofksomething,kIkmurmur.kHekgrinskand,ktwistingksuddenly, khekpusheskmekdownkontokthekblan et. k HowkaboutkIkdokitknow?khekwhisperskwithkaksalaciousksmile. k Christian!kIkgasp. k Suddenlykthereskakhigh-pitchedkcrykfromkTed.kChristiankleapsktokhiskfeetk withkakpantherskeasykgracekandkracesktowardktheksourcekofktheksound.kIkfollowkatk akmorekleisurelykpace.kSecretly,kImknotkaskconcernedkaskChristianitkwasknotkakcryk thatkwouldkma ekmekta ekthekstairsktwokatkaktimektokfindkoutkwhatskwrong. k ChristiankswingskTeddykupkintokhiskarms.kOurklittlekboykiskcryingkincons olablykandkpointingktokthekground,kwherekthekremainskofkhiskpopsiclekliekinkakso ggykmess,kmeltingkintokthekgrass. k Hekdroppedkit,kSophieksays,ksadly.kHekcouldkhavekhadkmine,kbutkIvekfinishedk it. k Oh,kSophiekdarling,kdontkworry.kIkstro ekherkhair. k Mommy!kTedkwails,kholdingkhiskhandskoutktokme.kChristiankreluctantlykletsk himkgokaskIkreachkforkhim. k There,kthere. k Pop,kheksobs. k Ik now,kbabykboy.kWellkgokseekMrs.kTaylorkandkgetkanotherkone.kIk isskhiskh eadk.k.k.koh,kheksmellsksokgood.kHeksmellskofkmykbabykboy. k Pop,kheksniffs.kIkta ekhiskhandkandk isskhiskstic ykfingers. k Ikcanktastekyourkpopsiclekherekonkyourkfingers. k Tedkstopskcryingkandkexamineskhiskhand. k Putkyourkfingerskinkyourkmouth. k Hekdoes.kPop! k Yes.kPopsicle. k Hekgrins.kMykmercurialklittlekboy,kjustkli ekhiskdad.kWell,katkleastkhek haskankexcuseheskonlyktwo. k ShallkwekgokseekMrs.kTaylor?kHeknods,ksmilingkhiskbeautifulkbabyksmile.kWil lkyoukletkDaddykcarrykyou?kHeksha eskhiskheadkandkwrapskhiskarmskaroundkmyknec ,k huggingkmektightly,khiskfacekpressedkagainstkmykthroat. k Ikthin kDaddykwantsktoktastekpopsicle,ktoo,kIkwhisperkinkTedsklittlekear.kT edkfrownskatkme,kthenkloo skatkhiskhandkandkholdskitkoutktokChristian.kChristian ksmileskandkputskTedskfingerskinkhiskmouth. k Hmmk.k.k.ktasty.

k Tedkgiggleskandkreacheskup,kwantingkChristianktokholdkhim.kChristiankgri nskatkmekandkta eskTedkinkhiskarms,ksettlingkhimkonkhiskhip. k Sophie,kwhereskGail? k Shekwaskinkthekbigkhouse. k IkglancekatkChristian.kHisksmilekhaskturnedkbittersweet,kandkIkwonderkwh atkheskthin ing. k Youreksokgoodkwithkhim,khekmurmurs. k Thisklittlekone?kIkrufflekTedskhair.kItskonlykbecausekIkhavekthekmeasurekofky oukGreykmen.kIksmir katkmykhusband. k Heklaughs.kYes,kyoukdo,kMrs.kGrey. k TeddyksquirmskoutkofkChristianskhold.kNowkhekwantsktokwal ,kmykstubbornkl ittlekman.kIkta ekonekofkhiskhands,kandkhiskdadkta eskthekother,kandktogetherkwe kswingkTeddykbetweenkuskallkthekwaykbac ktokthekhouse,kSophieks ippingkalongkink frontkofkus. k IkwavektokTaylorkwho,konkakrarekday-off,kiskoutsidekthekgarage,kdressedk inkjeanskandkakwife-beater,kaskhektin erskwithkankoldkmotorbi e. k kkk k IkpausekoutsidekthekdoorktokTedskroomkandklistenkaskChristiankreadsktokTe d.kIkamkthekLorax!kIkspea kforkthektreesk.k.k.1 k WhenkIkpee kin,kTeddykiskfastkasleepkwhilekChristiankcontinuesktokread.k HekglanceskupkwhenkIkopenkthekdoorkandkcloseskthekboo .kHekputskhiskfingerktokhi sklipskandkswitcheskonkthekbabykmonitorkbesidekTedskcrib.kHekadjustskTedskbedcloth es,kstro eskhiskchee ,kthenkstraightenskup,kandktiptoeskoverktokmekwithoutkma in gkaksound.kItskhardknotktokgigglekatkhim. k Outkinkthekhallway,kChristiankpullskmekintokhiskembrace.kGod,kIklovekhim, kbutkitskgreatkwhenkheskasleep,khekmurmurskagainstkmyklips. k Ikcouldntkagreekwithkyoukmore. k Hekgazeskdownkatkme,keyesksoft.kIkcankhardlykbelievekheskbeenkwithkuskfork twokyears. k Ik now.kIk isskhim,kandkforkakmoment,kImktransportedkbac ktokTeddyskbirth:kt hekemergencykcaesarian,kChristianskcripplingkanxiety,kDr.kGreeneskno-nonsensekcalm kwhenkmykLittlekBlipkwaskinkdistress.kIkshudderkinwardlykatkthekmemory. k kkk k Mrs.kGrey,kyouvekbeenkinklaborkforkfifteenkhoursknow.kYourkcontractionskha vekslowedkinkspitekofkthekPitocin.kWekneedktokdokakC-sectionthekbabykiskinkdistre ss.kDr.kGreenekiskadamant. k Aboutkfuc ingktime!kChristiankgrowlskatkher.kDr.kGreenekignoreskhim. k Christian,kquiet.kIksqueezekhiskhand.kMykvoicekisklowkandkwea kandkeveryth ingkiskfuzzythekwalls,kthekmachines,kthekgreen-gownedkpeoplek.k.k.kIkjustkwantkto kgoktoksleep.kButkIkhaveksomethingkimportantktokdokfirstk.k.k.kOhkyes.kIkwantedkt okpushkhimkoutkmyself. k Mrs.kGrey,kplease.kC-section. k Please,kAna,kChristiankpleads. k CankIksleepkthen? k Yes,kbaby,kyes.kItskalmostkaksob,kandkChristiank isseskmykforehead. k IkwantktokseekthekLilkBlip. k Youkwill. k O ay,kIkwhisper. k Finally,kDr.kGreenekmutters.kNurse,kpagekthekanesthesiologist.kDr.kMiller,k prepkforkakC-section.kMrs.kGrey,kwekarekgoingktokmovekyouktokthekOR. k Move?kChristiankandkIkspea katkonce. k Yes.kNow. k Andksuddenlykwerekmovingquic ly,ktheklightskonkthekceilingkblurringkintoko neklongkbrightkstripkaskImkwhis edkacrosskthekcorridor. k Mr.kGrey,kyoullkneedktokchangekintokscrubs. k What? k Now,kMr.kGrey. k Heksqueezeskmykhandkandkreleaseskme.

k Christian,kIkcall,kpanicksettingkin. k Wekarekthroughkanotherksetkofkdoors,kandkinknoktimekaknursekisksettingku pkakscreenkacrosskmykchest.kThekdoorkopenskandkcloses,kandktheresksokmanykpeoplek inkthekroom.kItsksokloudk.k.k.kIkwantktokgokhome. k Christian?kIksearchkthekfaceskinkthekroomkforkmykhusband. k Hellkbekwithkyoukinkakmoment,kMrs.kGrey. k Akmomentklater,kheskbesidekme,kinkbluekscrubs,kandkIkreachkforkhiskhand. k Imkfrightened,kIkwhisper. k No,kbaby,kno.kImkhere.kDontkbekfrightened.kNotkmykstrongkAna.kHek isseskmykf orehead,kandkIkcanktellkbykthektonekofkhiskvoicekthatksomethingskwrong. k Whatkiskit? k What? k Whatskwrong? k Nothingskwrong.kEverythingskfine.kBaby,kyourekjustkexhausted.kHiskeyeskburnkw ithkfear. k Mrs.kGrey,kthekanesthesiologistkiskhere.kHeskgoingktokadjustkyourkepidural ,kandkthenkwekcankproceed. k Sheskhavingkanotherkcontraction. k Everythingktightenskli ekaksteelkbandkaroundkmykbelly.kShit!kIkcrushkChr istianskhandkaskIkridekitkout.kThiskiskwhatsktiringenduringkthiskpain.kIkamksoktire d.kIkcankfeelktheknumbingkliquidkspreadk.k.k.kspreadkdown.kIkconcentratekonkChri stianskface.kOnkthekfurrowkbetweenkhiskbrows.kHesktense.kHeskworried.kWhykiskhekwor ried? k Cankyoukfeelkthis,kMrs.kGrey?kDr.kGreeneskdisembodiedkvoicekiskcomingkfromk behindkthekcurtain. k Feelkwhat? k Youkcantkfeelkit. k No. k Good.kDr.kMiller,kletskgo. k Yourekdoingkwell,kAna. k Christiankiskpale.kTherekisksweatkonkhiskbrow.kHeskscared.kDontkbekscared, kChristian.kDontkbekscared. k Iklovekyou,kIkwhisper. k Oh,kAna,kheksobs.kIklovekyou,ktoo,ksokmuch. k Ikfeelkakstrangekpullingkdeepkinside.kLi eknothingkIvekfeltkbefore.kChris tiankloo skoverkthekscreenkandkblanches,kbutkstares,kfascinated. k Whatskhappening? k Suction!kGoodk.k.k. k Suddenly,kthereskakpiercingkangrykcry. k Youkhavekakboy,kMrs.kGrey.kChec khiskApgar. k Apgarkisknine. k CankIkseekhim?kIkgasp. k Christiankdisappearskfromkviewkforkaksecondkandkreappearskakmomentklater ,kholdingkmykson,kswathedkinkblue.kHiskfacekiskpin ,kandkcoveredkinkwhitekmushka ndkblood.kMykbaby.kMykBlipk.k.k.kTheodorekRaymondkGrey. k WhenkIkglancekatkChristian,khekhasktearskinkhiskeyes. k Hereskyourkson,kMrs.kGrey,khekwhispers,khiskvoicekstrainedkandkhoarse. k Ourkson,kIkbreathe.kHeskbeautiful. k Hekis,kChristianksayskandkplantskak isskonkourkbeautifulkboyskforeheadkbene athkakshoc kofkdar khair.kTheodorekRaymondkGreykiskoblivious.kEyeskclosed,khiske arlierkcryingkforgotten,kheskasleep.kHekiskthekmostkbeautifulksightkIkhavekeverks een.kSokbeautiful,kIkbeginktokweep. k Than kyou,kAna,kChristiankwhispers,kandktherekarektearskinkhiskeyesktoo. k kkk

k k k k k

Whatkiskit?kChristianktiltskmykchinkbac . IkwaskjustkrememberingkTedskbirth. Christiankblancheskandkcupskmykbelly. Ikamknotkgoingkthroughkthatkagain.kElectivekcaesariankthisktime. Christian,kI

k No,kAna.kYouknearlykfuc ingkdiedklastktime.kNo. k Ikdidknotknearlykdie. k No.kHeskemphatickandknotktokbekarguedkwith,kbutkaskhekgazeskdownkatkme,khis keyesksoften.kIkli ektheknamekPhoebe,khekwhispers,kandkrunskhisknosekdownkmine. k PhoebekGrey?kPhoebek.k.k.kYes.kIkli ekthat,ktoo.kIkgrinkupkatkhim. k Good.kIkwantktoksetkupkTedskpresent.kHekta eskmykhand,kandkwekheadkdownstai rs.kHiskexcitementkradiateskoffkhim;kChristiankhaskbeenkwaitingkforkthiskmomentk allkday. k Dokyoukthin khellkli ekit?kHiskapprehensivekgazekmeetskmine. k Hellklovekit.kForkaboutktwokminutes.kChristian,kheskonlyktwo. k ChristiankhaskfinishedksettingkupkthekwoodenktrainksetkhekboughtkTeddykf orkhiskbirthday.kHeskhadkBarneykatkthekofficekconvertktwokofktheklittlekengineskt okrunkonksolarkpowerkli ekthekhelicopterkIkgavekChristiankakfewkyearskago.kChris tiankseemskanxiouskforktheksunktokrise.kIksuspectkthatskbecausekhekwantsktokplayk withkthektrainksetkhimself.kTheklayoutkcoverskmostkofkthekstonekfloorkofkourkout doorkroom. k TomorrowkwekwillkhavekakfamilykpartykforkTed.kRaykandkJoskwillkbekcomingk andkallkthekGreys,kincludingkTedsknewkcousinkAva,kKatekandkElliotsktwo-month-oldkda ughter.kIkloo kforwardktokcatchingkupkwithkKatekandkseeingkhowkmotherhoodkiskagr eeingkwithkher. k Ikgazekupkatkthekviewkasktheksunksin skbehindkthekOlympickPeninsula.kItsk everythingkChristiankpromisedkitkwouldkbe,kandkIkgetktheksamekjoyfulkthrillkseei ngkitknowkaskIkdidkthekfirstktime.kItsksimplykstunning:ktwilightkoverkthekSound.k Christiankpullskmekintokhiskarms. k Itskquitekakview. k Itkis,kChristiankanswers,kandkwhenkIkturnktokloo katkhim,kheskgazingkatkme. kHekplantskaksoftk isskonkmyklips.kItskakbeautifulkview,khekmurmurs.kMykfavorite. k Itskhome. k Hekgrinskandk isseskmekagain.kIklovekyou,kMrs.kGrey. k Iklovekyou,ktoo,kChristian.kAlways. k ThekEnd k k k k k k k k k

1kDr.kSeuss.kThekLorax.kNewkYor :kRandomkHouse,k1971.

kkk

k Ikamkawarekthatktodaykyoukcannotkwal kintokankAmericankban kandkwithdraw kfivekmillionkdollars.kThekconversationkAnakdidknotkhearkwentkli ekthis: k TroykWhelan. k ItskChristiankGrey.kIvekspo enktokmykwife.kGivekherkthekmoney.kWhateverkshe kwants. k Mr.kGrey,kIkcantk.k.k. k Liquidatekfivekmillionkofkmykassets.kOffkthektopkofkmykhead:kGeorges,kPKC ,kAtlantiskCorps,kFerriskandkUmatic.kAkmillionkfromkeach. k Mr.kGrey,kthiskiskhighlykirregular.kIllkhavektokconsultkwithkMr.kForlines. k Imkplayingkgolfkwithkhimknextkwee ,kIkhiss.kJustkfuc ingkdokit,kWhelan.kFind kakway,korkIllkclosekallkthekaccountskandkmovekGEHskbusinesskelsewhere.kUnderstand ? k Hesksilentkonkthekendkofkthekphone. k Wellksortkthekfuc ingkpaperwor koutklater,kIkadd,kmorekconciliatory. k Yes,kMr.kGrey. k k

k k

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kstro eskmykhair. k Shallkwekputkthekbellkonkthektree? k Mykheadksayskyes. k Christian,kyoukmustktellkmekwhenkyourekhungry.kYoukcankdokthat.kYoukcankta ekMommyskhandkandkleadkMommyktokthek itchenkandkpoint.kShekpointskherklongkfinger katkme.kHerknailkiskshinykandkpin .kItkiskpretty.kButkIkdontk nowkifkmyknewkmommy kiskmadkorknot.kIkhavekfinishedkallkmykdinner.kMacaronikandkcheese.kItktasteskgo od. k Ikdontkwantkyouktokbekhungry,kdarling.kO ay?kNowkwouldkyoukli eksomekicekc ream? k Mykheadksayskyes!kMommyksmileskatkme.kIkli ekherksmiles.kTheykarekbetter kthankmacaronikandkcheese. k Thektreekiskpretty.kIkstandkandkloo katkitkandkhugkmykblan ie.kTheklight sktwin lekandkarekallkdifferentkcolors,kandkthekorn-a-mentskarekallkdifferentkco lors.kIkli ekthekbluekones.kAndkonkthektopkofkthektreekiskakbigkstar.kDaddykheld kLelliotkup,kandkLelliotkputkthekstarkonkthektree.kLelliotkli eskputtingktheksta rkonkthektree.kIkwantktokputkthekstarkonkthektreek.k.k.kbutkIkdontkwantkDaddyktok holdkmekupkhigh.kIkdontkwantkhimktokholdkme.kThekstarkiskspar lykandkbright. k Besidekthektreekiskthekpiano.kMyknewkmommykletskmektouchkthekblac kandkt hekwhitekonkthekpiano.kBlac kandkwhite.kIkli ekthekwhiteksounds.kThekblac ksound kiskwrong.kButkIkli ekthekblac ksound,ktoo.kIkgokwhitektokblac .kWhitektokblac . kBlac ktokwhite.kWhite,kwhite,kwhite,kwhite.kBlac ,kblac ,kblac ,kblac .kIkli ek theksound.kIkli ektheksoundkaklot. k Dokyoukwantkmektokplaykforkyou,kChristian? k Myknewkmommyksitskdown.kShektoucheskthekwhitekandkthekblac ,kandkthekson gskcome.kShekpresseskthekpedalskunderneath.kSometimeskitskloudkandksometimeskitskq uiet.kTheksongkiskhappy.kLelliotkli eskMommyktoksing,ktoo.kMommyksingskaboutkank uglykduc ling.kMommykma eskakfunnykquac ingknoise.kLelliotkma eskthekfunnykquac ingknoise,kandkhekma eskhiskarmskli ekwingskandkflapskthemkupkandkdownkli ekakbi rd.kLelliotkiskfunny. k Mommyklaughs.kLelliotklaughs.kIklaugh. k Youkli ekthisksong,kChristian?kAndkMommykhaskherksad-happykface. k Ikhavekakstoc -ing.kItkiskredkandkitkhaskakpicturekofkakmankwithkakredkh atkandkakbigkwhitekbeard.kHekiskSanta.kSantakbringskpresents.kIkhavekseenkpictur eskofkSanta.kButkSantakneverkbroughtkmekpresentskbefore.kIkwaskbad.kSantakdoesntk bringkpresentsktokboyskwhokarekbad.kNowkIkamkgood.kMyknewkmommyksayskIkamkgood,k verykgood.kNewkMommykdoesntk now.kIkmustkneverktellkNewkMommyk.k.k.kbutkIkamkbad. kIkdontkwantkNewkMommyktok nowkthat. k Daddykhangskthekstoc -ingkoverkthekfireplace.kLelliotkhaskakstoc ing,kto o.kLelliotkcankreadkthekwordkonkhiskstoc -ing.kItksayskLelliot.kTherekiskakwordk onkmykstoc -ing.kChristian.kNewkMommykspellskitkout.kC-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N. k Daddyksitskonkmykbed.kHekreadsktokme.kIkholdkmykblan ie.kIkhavekakbigkro om.kSometimeskthekroomkiskdar kandkIkhavekbadkdreams.kBadkdreamskaboutkbefore.kM yknewkmommykcomesktokbedkwithkmekwhenkIkhavekthekbadkdreams.kSheklieskdownkandks heksingsksoftksongskandkIkgoktoksleep.kSheksmellskofksoftkandknewkandklovely.kMy knewkmommykisknotkcold.kNotkli ek.k.k.knotkli ek.k.k.kAndkmykbadkdreamskgokwhenk shekisktherekasleepkwithkme. k Santakhaskbeenkhere.kSantakdoesknotk nowkIkhavekbeenkbad.kIkamkgladkSant akdoesknotk now.kIkhavekaktrainkandkakplanekandkakhelicopterkandkakcarkandkakhel icopter.kMykhelicopterkcankfly.kMykhelicopterkiskblue.kItkflieskaroundkthekChris tmasktree.kItkflieskoverkthekpianokandklandskinkthekmiddlekofkthekwhite.kItkflie skoverkMommykandkflieskoverkDaddykandkflieskoverkLelliotkaskhekplayskwithkthekLe go.kThekhelicopterkflieskthroughkthekhouse,kthroughkthekdiningkroom,kthroughkthe k itchen.kHekflieskpastkthekdoorktokDaddyskstudykandkupstairskinkmykbedroom,kinkL elliotskbedroom,kMommykandkDaddyskbedroom.kHekflieskthroughkthekhouse,kbecausekitsk mykhouse.kMykhousekwherekIklive. k k k

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k Monday,kMayk9,k2011 k Tomorrow,kIkmutter,kdismissingkClaudekBastillekaskhekstandskonkthekthresho ldkofkmykoffice. k Golf,kthiskwee ,kGrey.kBastillekgrinskwithkeasykarrogance,k nowingkthatkhi skvictorykonkthekgolfkcoursekiskassured. k Ikscowlkafterkhimkaskhekturnskandkleaves.kHiskpartingkwordskrubksaltkint okmykwoundskbecausekdespitekmykheroickattemptskinkthekgymkthiskmorning,kmykperso nalktrainerkhask ic edkmykass.kBastillekiskthekonlykonekwhokcankbeatkme,kandknow khekwantskanotherkpoundkofkfleshkonkthekgolfkcourse.kIkdetestkgolf,kbutksokmuchk businesskiskdonekonkthekfairwayskIkhavektokendurekhisklessonsktherektook.k.k.kan dkthoughkIkhatektokadmitkit,kBastillekdoeskgoksomekwayktokimprovingkmykgame. k AskIkstarekoutkatkthekSeattleks yline,kthekfamiliarkennuikseepskintokmyk consciousness.kMykmoodkiskaskflatkandkgraykaskthekweather.kMykdayskarekblendingk togetherkwithknokdistinction,kandkIkneedksomek indkofkdiversion.kIvekwor edkallkw ee endkandknow,kinkthekcontinuedkconfineskofkmykoffice,kImkrestless.kIkshouldntkfe elkthiskway,knotkafterkseveralkboutskwithkBastille.kButkIkdo. k Ikfrown.kTheksoberingktruthkiskthatkthekonlykthingktokcapturekmykinteres tkrecentlykhaskbeenkmykdecisionktoksendktwokfreighterskofkcargoktokSudan.kThiskr emindskmeRoskisksupposedktokcomekbac ktokmekwithknumberskandklogistics.kWhatkthek hellkisk eepingkher?kIntentkonkfindingkoutkwhatksheskplayingkat,kIkglancekatkmyks chedulekandkreachkforkthekphone. k Oh,kChrist!kIkhavektokendurekankinterviewkwithkthekpersistentkMisskKavan aghkforkthekWSUkstudentkmagazine.kWhykthekfuc kdidkIkagreektokthis?kIkloathekint erviewsinanekquestionskfromkinane,kill-informed,kvacuouskidiots.kThekphonekbuzzes . k Yes,kIksnapkatkAndreakaskifkshesktokblame.kAtkleastkIkcank eepkthiskintervi ewkshort. k MisskAnastasiakSteelekiskherektokseekyou,kMr.kGrey. k Steele?kIkwaskexpectingkKatherinekKavanagh. k ItskMisskAnastasiakSteelekwhoskhere,ksir. k Ikscowl.kIkhatekthekunexpected.kShowkherkin,kIkmutter,kawarekthatkIksoundk li ekaksul ykteenkbutknotkgivingkakfuc . k Well,kwellk.k.k.kMisskKavanaghkiskunavailable.kIk nowkherkfather,kthekow nerkofkKavanaghkMedia.kWevekdonekbusinessktogether,kandkhekseemskli ekakshrewdkop eratorkandkakrationalkhumankbeing.kThiskinterviewkiskakfavorktokhimonekthatkIkmea nktokcashkinklaterkwhenkitksuitskme.kAndkIkhavektokadmitkIkwaskvaguelykcuriouska boutkhiskdaughter,kinterestedktokseekifkthekapplekhadkfallenkfarkfromkthektree. k Akcommotionkatkthekdoorkbringskmektokmykfeetkaskakwhirlkofklongkchestnut khair,kpaleklimbs,kandkbrownkbootskdiveskheadkfirstkintokmykoffice.kIkrollkmykey eskandkrepresskmyknaturalkannoyancekatksuchkclumsinesskaskIkhurrykoverktokthekgi rlkwhokhasklandedkonkherkhandskandk neeskonkthekfloor.kClaspingkherkslimkshoulde rs,kIkhelpkherktokherkfeet. k Clear,kbright-blue,kembarrassedkeyeskmeetkminekandkhaltkmekinkmyktrac s. kTheykarekthekmostkextraordinarykcolorguileless,kpowder-blueandkforkonekawfulkmome nt,kIkthin kshekcankseekrightkthroughkme.kIkfeelk.k.k.kexposed.kThekthoughtkisku nnerving.kShekhaskaksmall,ksweetkfacekthatkiskblushingknow,kankinnocentkpalekros e.kIkwonderkbrieflykifkallkherks inkiskli ekthatflawlessandkwhatkitkwouldkloo kli ekpin kandkwarmedkfromkthekbitekofkakcane.kFuc .kIkstopkmykwaywardkthoughts,kala rmedkatktheirkdirection.kWhatkthekfuc karekyoukthin ing,kGrey.kThiskgirlkiskmuch ktookyoung.kShekgapeskatkme,kandkIkalmostkrollkmykeyeskagain.kYeah,kyeah,kbaby,k itskjustkakface,kandkthekbeautykiskonlyks in-deep.kIkwantktokdispelkthatkunguarde d,kadmiringkloo kfromkthosekbigkbluekeyes. k Showtime,kGrey.kLetskhaveksomekfun.kMisskKavanagh?kImkChristiankGrey.kAreky oukallkright?kWouldkyoukli ektoksit? k Thereskthatkblushkagain.kInkcommandkoncekmore,kIkstudykher.kSheskquitekatt ractive,kinkakgauchekwayslight,kpale,kwithkakmanekofkmahoganykhairkbarelykcontain edkbykakhairktie.kAkbrunette.kYeah,ksheskattractive.kIkextendkmykhand,kandkshekst

utterskthekbeginningkofkakmortifiedkapologykandkplaceskherksmallkhandkinkmine.kH erks inkiskcoolkandksoft,kbutkherkhandsha eksurprisinglykfirm. k MisskKavanaghkiskindisposed,ksoksheksentkme.kIkhopekyoukdontkmind,kMr.kGre y.kHerkvoicekiskquietkwithkakhesitantkmusicality,kandkshekblin skerratically,klon gklasheskflutteringkoverkthosekbigkbluekeyes. k Unablektok eepkthekamusementkfromkmykvoicekaskIkrecallkherkless-than-ele gantkentrancekintokmykoffice,kIkas kwhokshekis. k AnastasiakSteele.kImkstudyingkEnglishkLiteraturekwithkKate,kumk.k.k.kKathe rinek.k.k.kumk.k.k.kMisskKavanaghkatkWashingtonkState. k Aknervous,kbashful,kboo ishktype,keh?kShekloo skit;khideouslykdressed,kh idingkherkslightkframekbeneathkakshapelessksweaterkandkankA-linekbrownks irt.kCh rist,kdoeskshekhaveknokdressksensekatkall?kShekloo sknervouslykaroundkmykofficeev erywherekbutkatkme,kIknotekwithkamusedkirony. k Howkcankthiskyoungkwomankbekakjournalist?kShekdoesntkhavekankassertivekbo nekinkherkbody.kSheskallkcharminglykflustered,kmee ,kmildk.k.k.ksubmissive.kIksha ekmykhead,kbemusedkatkwherekmykinappropriatekthoughtskarekgoing.kMutteringksome kplatitude,kIkas kherktoksit,kthenknoticekherkdiscerningkgazekappraisingkmykoffi cekpaintings.kBeforekIkcankstopkmyself,kIkfindkImkexplainingkthem.kAklocalkartist. kTrouton. k Theyreklovely.kRaisingkthekordinaryktokextraordinary,ksheksayskdreamily,klo stkinkthekexquisite,kfinekartistrykofkmykpaintings.kHerkprofilekiskdelicateankupt urnedknose,ksoft,kfullklipsandkinkherkwordskshekhaskmirroredkmyksentimentskexactl y.kThekordinarykraisedktokextraordinary.kItskak eenkobservation.kMisskSteelekiskbri ght. k Ikmutterkmykagreementkandkwatchkthatkflushkcreepkslowlykoverkherks inkon cekmore.kAskIksitkdownkoppositekher,kIktryktokbridlekmykthoughts. k Shekfisheskakcrumpledksheetkofkpaperkandkakmini-disckrecorderkoutkofkher koverlyklargekbag.kMini-disckrecorder?kDidntkthosekgokoutkwithkVHSktapes?kChristsh eskallkthumbs,kdroppingkthekdamnedkthingktwicekonkmykBauhauskcoffeektable.kSheskob viouslykneverkdonekthiskbefore,kbutkforksomekreasonkIkcantkfathom,kIkfindkitkamus ing.kNormallykthisk indkofkfumblingkmaladroitnesskirritateskthekfuc koutkofkme,k butknowkIkhidekmyksmilekbeneathkmykindexkfingerkandkresistkthekurgektoksetkitkup kforkherkmyself. k Askshekgrowskmorekandkmorekflustered,kitkoccursktokmekthatkIkcouldkrefin ekherkmotorks illskwithkthekaidkofkakridingkcrop.kAdeptlykusedkitkcankbringkeven kthekmostks ittishktokheel.kThekerrantkthoughtkma eskmekshiftkinkmykchair.kShekp ee skupkatkmekandkbiteskdownkonkherkfullkbottomklip.kFuc kme!kHowkdidkIknotknoti cekthatkmouthkbefore? k Sorry,kImknotkusedktokthis. k Ikcanktell,kbabymykthoughtkiskironicbutkrightknowkIkdontkgivekakfuc ,kbecau sekIkcantkta ekmykeyeskoffkyourkmouth. k Ta ekallkthektimekyoukneed,kMisskSteele.kIkneedkyetkanotherkmomentktokmars halkmykwaywardkthoughts.kGreyk.k.k.kstopkthis,know. k DokyoukmindkifkIkrecordkyourkanswers?kshekas s,kherkfacekcandidkandkexpect ant. k Ikwantktoklaugh.kOh,kthan kChrist. k Afterkyouvekta enksokmuchktroublektoksetkupkthekrecorder,kyoukas kmeknow?kS hekblin s,kherkeyesklargekandklostkforkakmoment,kandkIkfeelkankunfamiliarktwinge kofkguilt.kStopkbeingksuchkakshit,kGrey. k No,kIkdontkmind,kIkmutter,knotkwantingktokbekresponsiblekforkthatkloo . k DidkKateIkmeankMisskKavanaghexplainkwhatkthekinterviewkwaskfor? k Yes,ktokappearkinkthekgraduationkissuekofkthekstudentknewspaperkaskIkshal lkbekconferringkthekdegreeskatkthiskyearskgraduationkceremony.kWhykthekfuc kIvekagr eedktokdokthat,kIkdontk now.kSamkinkPRktellskmekitskankhonor,kandkthekenvironmenta lksciencekdepartmentkinkVancouverkneedskthekpublicitykinkorderktokattractkadditi onalkfundingktokmatchkthekgrantkIvekgivenkthem. k MisskSteelekblin s,kallkbigkbluekeyeskoncekmore,kaskifkmykwordskarekaksu rprisekandkfuc shekloo skdisapproving!kHasntkshekdonekanykbac groundkwor kforkthis kinterview?kShekshouldk nowkthis.kThekthoughtkcoolskmykblood.kItsk.k.k.kdispleasi ng,knotkwhatkIkexpectkfromkherkorkanyonekIkgivekmyktimekto.

k Good.kIkhaveksomekquestions,kMr.kGrey.kShektuc skakloc kofkhairkbehindkher kear,kdistractingkmekfromkmykannoyance. k Ikthoughtkyoukmight,kIkmutterkdryly.kLetskma ekherksquirm.kObliginglyksheks quirms,kthenkpullskherselfktogether,ksittingkupkstraightkandksquaringkherksmallk shoulders.kLeaningkforwardkshekpresseskthekstartkbuttonkonkthekmini-disc,kandkfr ownskaskshekglanceskdownkatkherkcrumpledknotes. k Yourekverykyoungktokhavekamassedksuchkankempire.kTokwhatkdokyoukowekyourks uccess? k OhkChrist!kSurelykshekcankdokbetterkthankthis?kWhatkakfuc ingkdullkquest ion.kNotkonekiotakofkoriginality.kItskdisappointing.kIktrotkoutkmykusualkresponse kaboutkhavingkexceptionalkpeoplekinkthekU.S.kwor ingkforkme.kPeoplekIktrust,kins ofarkaskIktrustkanyone,kandkpaykwellblah,kblah,kblahk.k.k.kButkMisskSteele,ktheks implekfactkis,kImkakfuc ingkgeniuskatkwhatkIkdo.kForkmekitskli ekfallingkoffkaklog .kBuyingkailing,kmismanagedkcompanieskandkfixingkthem,korkifktheyrekreallykbro en ,kstrippingktheirkassetskandksellingkthemkoffktokthekhighestkbidder.kItsksimplyka kquestionkofk nowingkthekdifferencekbetweenkthektwo,kandkinvariablykitkcomeskdow nktokthekpeoplekinkcharge.kToksucceedkinkbusinesskyoukneedkgoodkpeople,kandkIkca nkjudgekakperson,kbetterkthankmost. k Maybekyourekjustkluc y,ksheksayskquietly. k Luc y?kAkfrissonkofkannoyancekrunskthroughkme.kLuc y?kNokfuc ingkluc kin volvedkhere,kMisskSteele.kShekloo skunassumingkandkquiet,kbutkthiskquestion?kNok onekhaskeverkas edkmekifkIkwaskluc y.kHardkwor ,kbringingkpeoplekwithkme,k eepin gkakclosekwatchkonkthem,ksecond-guessingkthemkifkIkneedkto;kandkifktheykarentkupk tokthektas ,kruthlesslykditchingkthem.kThatskwhatkIkdo,kandkIkdokitkwell.kItsknoth ingktokdokwithkluc !kWell,kfuc kthat.kFlauntingkmykerudition,kIkquotekthekwordsk ofkmykfavoritekAmericankindustrialistktokher. k Youksoundkli ekakcontrolkfrea ,ksheksays,kandksheskperfectlykserious. k Whatkthekfuc ? k Maybekthosekguilelesskeyeskcankseekthoughkme.kControlkiskmykmiddlekname. k Ikglarekatkher.kOh,kIkexercisekcontrolkinkallkthings,kMisskSteele.kAndkIdkl i ektokexercisekitkoverkyou,krightkhere,krightknow. k Herkeyeskwiden.kThatkattractivekblushkstealskacrosskherkfacekoncekmore,k andkshekbiteskthatklipkagain.kIkramblekon,ktryingktokdistractkmyselfkfromkherkmo uth. k Besides,kimmensekpowerkiskacquiredkbykassuringkyourself,kinkyourksecretkr everies,kthatkyoukwerekbornktokcontrolkthings. k Dokyoukfeelkthatkyoukhavekimmensekpower?kshekas skinkaksoftksoothingkvoice ,kbutkshekarcheskherkdelicatekbrow,krevealingkthekcensurekinkherkeyes.kMykannoya ncekgrows.kIskshekdeliberatelyktryingktokgoadkme?kIskitkherkquestions,kherkattit ude,korkthekfactkthatkIkfindkherkattractivekthatskpissingkmekoff? k Ikemploykoverkfortykthousandkpeople,kMisskSteele.kThatkgiveskmekakcertain ksensekofkresponsibilitypower,kifkyoukwill.kIfkIkwerektokdecidekIkwasknoklongerki nterestedkinkthektelecommunicationskbusinesskandksellkup,ktwentykthousandkpeople kwouldkstrugglektokma ektheirkmortgagekpaymentskafterkakmonthkorkso. k Herkmouthkpopskopenkatkmykresponse.kThatskmorekli ekit.kSuc kitkup,kMissk Steele.kIkfeelkmykequilibriumkreturning. k Dontkyoukhavekakboardktokanswerkto? k Ikownkmykcompany.kIkdontkanswerktokakboard,kIkrespondksharply.kShekshouldk nowkthis.kIkraisekakquestioningkbrow. k Andkdokyoukhavekanykinterestskoutsidekofkyourkwor ?kshekcontinueskhastily, kcorrectlykgaugingkmykreaction.kShek nowskImkpissed,kandkforksomekinexplicablekre asonkthiskpleaseskmekenormously. k Ikhavekvariedkinterests,kMisskSteele.kVerykvaried.kIksmile.kImageskofkherk inkassortedkpositionskinkmykplayroomkflashkthroughkmykmind:kshac ledkonkthekcros s,kspread-eaglekonkthekfour-poster,ksplayedkoverkthekwhippingkbench.kFuc ingkhel l!kWherekiskthiskcomingkfrom?kAndkbeholdthereskthatkblushkagain.kItskli ekakdefense kmechanism.kCalmkdown,kGrey. k Butkifkyoukwor ksokhard,kwhatkdokyoukdoktokchillkout? k Chillkout?kIkgrin,kthosekwordskoutkofkherksmartkmouthksoundkodd.kBesideskw henkdokIkgetktimektokchillkout?kHasksheknokideakofktheknumberkofkcompanieskIkcon

trol?kButkshekloo skatkmekwithkthosekingenuouskbluekeyes,kandktokmyksurprisekIkf indkmyselfkconsideringkherkquestion.kWhatkdokIkdoktokchillkout?kSailing,kflying, kfuc ingk.k.k.ktestingktheklimitskofklittlekbrown-hairedkgirlskli ekher,kandkbri ngingkthemktokheelk.k.k.kThekthoughtkma eskmekshiftkinkmykseat,kbutkIkanswerkher ksmoothly,komittingkmyktwokfavoritekhobbies. k Youkinvestkinkmanufacturing.kWhy,kspecifically? k Herkquestionkdragskmekrudelykbac ktokthekpresent. k Ikli ektokbuildkthings.kIkli ektok nowkhowkthingskwor ,kwhatkma eskthings ktic ,khowktokconstructkandkdeconstruct.kAndkIkhavekaklovekofkships.kWhatkcankIk say?kTheykdistributekfoodkaroundkthekplanetta ingkgoodskfromkthekhavesktokthekhave -notskandkbac kagain.kWhatsknotktokli e? k Thatksoundskli ekyourkheartktal ing,kratherkthanklogickandkfacts. k Heart?kMe?kOhkno,kbaby.kMykheartkwasksavagedkbeyondkrecognitionkaklongkt imekago.kPossibly,kthoughktherekarekpeoplekwhodksaykIkdontkhavekakheart. k Whykwouldktheyksaykthat? k Becausektheyk nowkmekwell.kIkgivekherkakwryksmile.kInkfactknokonek nowskme kthatkwell,kexceptkmaybekElena.kIkwonderkwhatkshekwouldkma ekofklittlekMisskStee lekhere.kThekgirlkiskakmasskofkcontradictions:kshy,kuneasy,kobviouslykbright,kan dkarousingkaskhell.kYes,ko ay,kIkadmitkit.kSheskankalluringklittlekpiece. k Shekrecitesktheknextkquestionkbykrote. k Wouldkyourkfriendsksaykyourekeasyktokgetktok now? k Imkakverykprivatekperson,kMisskSteele.kIkgokaklongkwayktokprotectkmykpriva cy.kIkdontkoftenkgivekinterviews.kDoingkwhatkIkdo,klivingktheklifekIvekchosen,kIkne edkmykprivacy. k Whykdidkyoukagreektokdokthiskone? k BecausekImkakbenefactorkofkthekuniversity,kandkforkallkintentskandkpurpose s,kIkcouldntkgetkMisskKavanaghkoffkmykbac .kShekbadgeredkandkbadgeredkmykPRkpeopl e,kandkIkadmirekthatk indkofktenacity.kButkImkgladkitskyoukwhokturnedkupkandknotkhe r. k Youkalsokinvestkinkfarmingktechnologies.kWhykarekyoukinterestedkinkthiska rea? k Wekcantkeatkmoney,kMisskSteele,kandktherekarektookmanykpeoplekonkthiskplan etkwhokdontkhavekenoughktokeat.kIkstarekatkher,kpo er-faced. k Thatksoundskverykphilanthropic.kIskthatksomethingkyoukfeelkpassionatelyka bout?kFeedingkthekworldskpoor?kShekregardskmekwithkakquizzicalkexpressionkaskifkImk somek indkofkconundrumkforkherktoksolve,kbutktherekisknokwaykIkwantkthosekbigkbl uekeyeskseeingkintokmykdar ksoul.kThiskisknotkankareakopenktokdiscussion.kEver. k Itskshrewdkbusiness.kIkshrug,kfeigningkboredom,kandkIkimaginekfuc ingkherks martkmouthktokdistractkmyselfkfromkallkthoughtskofkhunger.kYes,kthatkmouthkneeds ktraining.kNowkthatkthoughtkiskappealing,kandkIkletkmyselfkimaginekherkonkherk n eeskbeforekme. k Dokyoukhavekakphilosophy?kIfkso,kwhatkiskit?kshekreciteskbykrotekagain. k Ikdontkhavekakphilosophykasksuch.kMaybekakguidingkprinciple,kCarnegieskAkman kwhokacquireskthekabilityktokta ekfullkpossessionkofkhiskownkmindkmaykta ekposse ssionkofkanythingkelsektokwhichkhekiskjustlykentitled.kImkveryksingular,kdriven.kI kli ekcontrolk.k.k.kofkmyselfkandkthosekaroundkme. k Sokyoukwantktokpossesskthings?kHerkeyeskwiden. k Yes,kbaby.kYou,kforkone. k Ikwantktokdeservektokpossesskthem,kbutkyes,kbottomkline,kIkdo. k Youksoundkli ekthekultimatekconsumer.kHerkvoicekisktingedkwithkdisapproval ,kpissingkmekoffkagain.kSheksoundskli ekakrichk idkwhoskhadkallkshekeverkwanted,k butkaskIkta ekakcloserkloo katkherkclothessheskdressedkinkWalmart,korkOldkNavykpos siblyIk nowkthatkisntkit.kShekhasntkgrownkupkinkankaffluentkhousehold. k Ikcouldkreallykta ekcarekofkyou. k Shit,kwherekthekfuc kdidkthatkcomekfrom?kAlthough,knowkthatkIkconsiderki t,kIkdokneedkaknewksub.kItskbeen,kwhattwokmonthsksincekSusannah?kAndkherekIkam,ksa livatingkoverkthiskbrown-hairedkgirl.kIktrykaksmilekandkagreekwithkher.kNothingk wrongkwithkconsumptionafterkall,kitkdriveskwhatskleftkofkthekAmericankeconomy. k Youkwerekadopted.kHowkfarkdokyoukthin kthatskshapedkthekwaykyoukare? k Whatkthekfuc kdoeskthiskhavektokdokwithkthekpricekofkoil?kIkscowlkatkher

.kWhatkakridiculouskquestion.kIfkIdkstayedkwithkthekcrac kwhore,kIdkprobablykbekde ad.kIkblowkherkoffkwithkaknon-answer,ktryingktok eepkmykvoiceklevel,kbutkshekpus heskme,kdemandingktok nowkmykhowkoldkIkwaskwhenkIkwaskadopted.kShutkherkdown,kGr ey! k Thatskakmatterkofkpublickrecord,kMisskSteele.kMykvoicekiskarctic.kShekshoul dk nowkthiskshit.kNowkshekloo skcontrite.kGood. k Youvekhadktoksacrificekakfamilyklifekforkyourkwor . k Thatsknotkakquestion,kIksnap. k Shekblusheskagainkandkbiteskdownkonkthatkdamnedklip.kButkshekhaskthekgra cektokapologize. k Havekyoukhadktoksacrificekakfamilyklifekforkyourkwor ? k WhatkdokIkwantkwithkakfuc ingkfamily? k Ikhavekakfamily.kIkhavekakbrotherkandkaksisterkandktwoklovingkparents.kImk notkinterestedkinkextendingkmykfamilykbeyondkthat. k Arekyoukgay,kMr.kGrey? k Whatkthekfuc !kIkcannotkbelievekshesksaidkthatkoutkloud!kThekunspo enkque stionkthatkmykownkfamilykdaresknotkas ,kmuchktokmykamusement.kHowkdarekshe!kIkha vektokfightkdownkthekurgektokdragkherkoutkofkherkseat,kbendkherkacrosskmyk nee,k andkspan ktheklivingkshitkoutkofkher,kthenkfuc kherkoverkmykdes kwithkherkhandsk tiedktightlykbehindkherkbac .kThatkwouldkanswerkherkquestion.kHowkfrustratingkis kthiskfemale?kIkta ekakdeepkcalmingkbreath.kTokmykvindictivekdelight,kshekappear sktokbekacutelykembarrassedkbykherkownkquestion. k No,kAnastasia,kImknot.kIkraisekmykeyebrows,kbutk eepkmykexpressionkimpassiv e.kAnastasia.kItkiskaklovelykname.kIkli ekthekwaykmyktonguekrollskaroundkit. k Ikapologize.kItskumk.k.k.kwrittenkhere.kNervously,kshektuc skherkhairkbehin dkherkear. k Shekdoesntk nowkherkownkquestions?kPerhapsktheyreknotkhers.kIkas kher,kand kshekpales.kFuc ,kshekreallykiskverykattractive,kinkankunderstatedksortkofkway.k Ikwouldkevenkgoksokfarkasktoksaykshekiskbeautiful. k Erk.k.k.kno.kKateMisskKavanaghshekcompiledkthekquestions. k Arekyoukcolleagueskonkthekstudentkpaper? k No,ksheskmykroommate. k Nokwonderkshekiskallkoverkthekplace.kIkscratchkmykchin,kdebatingkwhether ktokgivekherkakreally,kreallykhardktime. k Didkyoukvolunteerktokdokthiskinterview?kIkas ,kandkImkrewardedkwithkherksub missivekloo :keyesklarge,knervouskaboutkmykreaction.kIkli ekthekeffectkIkhavekon kher. k Ikwaskdrafted.kShesknotkwell,ksheksaysksoftly. k Thatkexplainskakgreatkdeal. k Thereskak noc katkthekdoor,kandkAndreakappears.kMr.kGrey,kforgivekmekforki nterrupting,kbutkyourknextkmeetingkiskinktwokminutes. k Wereknotkfinishedkhere,kAndrea.kPleasekcancelkmyknextkmeeting. k Andreakhesitates,kgapingkatkme.kIkstarekatkher.kOut!kNow!kImkbusykwithkLi ttlekMisskSteelekhere.kAndreakblusheskscarlet,kbutkrecoverskquic ly. k Verykwell,kMr.kGrey,ksheksays,kandkturningkonkherkheel,kshekleaveskus. k Ikturnkmykattentionkbac ktokthekintriguing,kfrustratingkcreaturekonkmykc ouch.kWherekwerekwe,kMisskSteele? k Pleasekdontkletkmek eepkyoukfromkanything. k Ohkno,kbaby.kItskmykturnknow.kIkwantktok nowkifktherekarekanyksecretsktok uncoverkbehindkthosekbeautifulkeyes. k Ikwantktok nowkaboutkyou.kIkthin kthatskonlykfair.kAskIkleankbac kandkpress kmykfingersktokmyklips,kherkeyeskflic ktokmykmouthkandkshekswallows.kOh,kyestheku sualkeffect.kAndkitkiskgratifyingktok nowkshekisntkcompletelykobliviousktokmykcha rms. k Theresknotkmuchktok now,ksheksays,kherkblushkreturning.kImkintimidatingkher. kGood. k Whatkarekyourkplanskafterkyoukgraduate? k Shekshrugs.kIkhaventkmadekanykplans,kMr.kGrey.kIkjustkneedktokgetkthroughk mykfinalkexams. k Wekrunkankexcellentkinternshipkprogramkhere.kFuc .kWhatkpossessedkmektoksa

ykthat?kImkbrea ingkakgoldenkrulenever,keverkfuc kthekstaff.kButkGrey,kyoureknotkfu c ingkthiskgirl.kShekloo sksurprised,kandkherkteethksin kintokthatklipkagain.kWh ykiskthatksokarousing? k Oh.kIllkbearkthatkinkmind,kshekmumbles.kThenkaskankafterthoughtksheksays,kTh oughkImknotksurekIdkfitkinkhere. k Whykthekhellknot?kWhatskwrongkwithkmykcompany? k Whykdokyouksaykthat?kIkas . k Well,kitskobvious,kisntkit? k Notktokme.kImkconfoundedkbykherkresponse. k Sheskflusteredkagainkaskshekreacheskforkthekmini-disckrecorder.kShit,kshes kgoing.kMentallykIkrunkthroughkmykschedulekforkthatkafternoontherekisknothingktha tkwontk eep. k Wouldkyoukli ekmektokshowkyoukaround? k Imksurekyourekfarktookbusy,kMr.kGrey,kandkIkdokhavekaklongkdrive.Yourekdriving kbac ktokWSUkinkVancouver?kIkglancekoutkthekwindow.kItskonekhellkofkakdrive,kandki tskraining.kShit.kShekshouldntkbekdrivingkinkthiskweather,kbutkIkcantkforbidkher.kT hekthoughtkirritateskme.kWell,kyoudkbetterkdrivekcarefully.kMykvoicekisksternerktha nkIkintend. k Shekfumbleskwithkthekmini-disc.kShekwantskoutkofkmykoffice,kandkforksome kreasonkIkcantkexplain,kIkdontkwantkherktokgo. k Didkyoukgetkeverythingkyoukneed?kIkaddkinkaktransparentkeffortktokprolongk herkstay. k Yes,ksir,ksheksayskquietly. k Herkresponsekfloorskmethekwaykthosekwordsksound,kcomingkoutkofkthatksmart kmouthandkbrieflykIkimaginekthatkmouthkatkmykbec kandkcall. k Than kyoukforkthekinterview,kMr.kGrey. k Thekpleasureskbeenkallkmine,kIkrespondtruthfully,kbecausekIkhaventkbeenkthisk fascinatedkbykanyonekinkaklongkwhile.kThekthoughtkiskunsettling. k ShekstandskandkIkextendkmykhand,keagerktoktouchkher. k Untilkwekmeetkagain,kMisskSteele.kMykvoicekisklowkaskshekplaceskherksmallk handkinkmine.kYes,kIkwantktokflogkandkfuc kthiskgirlkinkmykplayroom.kHavekherkbo undkandkwantingk.k.k.kneedingkme,ktrustingkme.kIkswallow.kItkaintkgoingktokhappen ,kGrey. k Mr.kGrey.kSheknodskandkwithdrawskherkhandkquic lyk.k.k.ktookquic ly. k Shit,kIkcantkletkherkgokli ekthis.kItskobviouskshekiskdesperatektokleave.k IrritationkandkinspirationkhitkmeksimultaneouslykaskIkseekherkout. k Justkensuringkyoukma ekitkthroughkthekdoor,kMisskSteele. k Shekblusheskonkcue,kherkdeliciouskshadekofkpin . k Thatskverykconsiderate,kMr.kGrey,ksheksnaps. k MisskSteelekhaskteeth!kIkgrinkbehindkherkaskshekexits,kandkIkfollowkinkh erkwa e.kBothkAndreakandkOliviakloo kupkinkshoc .kYeah,kyeah.kImkjustkseeingkthek girlkout. k Didkyoukhavekakcoat?kIkas . k Yes. k IkscowlkatksimperingkOlivia,kwhokimmediatelykleapskupktokretrievekaknavy kcoat.kTa ingkit,kIkglarekatkherktoksitkdown.kChrist,kOliviakiskannoyingmooningko verkmekallkthektime. k Hmm.kThekcoatkiskfromkWalmart.kMisskAnastasiakSteelekshouldkbekbetterkdr essed.kIkholdkitkupkforkher,kandkaskIkpullkitkoverkherkslimkshoulders,kIktouchkt heks inkatkthekbasekofkherknec .kShekstillskatkthekcontactkandkpales.kYes!kSheki skaffectedkbykme.kThek nowledgekiskimmenselykpleasing.kStrollingkoverktokthekele vator,kIkpresskthekcallkbuttonkwhilekshekstandskfidgetingkbesidekme. k Oh,kIkcouldksokstopkyourkfidgeting,kbaby. k Thekdoorskopenkandkshekscurrieskinkthenkturnsktokfacekme. k Anastasia,kIkmurmur,ksayingkgood-bye. k Christian,kshekwhispers.kAndkthekelevatorkdoorskclose,kleavingkmyknamekhan gingkinkthekair,ksoundingkodd,kunfamiliar,kbutksexykaskhell. k Well,kfuc kme.kWhatkwaskthat? k Ikneedktok nowkmorekaboutkthiskgirl.kAndrea,kIksnapkaskIkstal kbac kintokm ykoffice.kGetkmekWelchkonkthekline,know.

k AskIksitkatkmykdes kandkwaitkforkthekcall,kIkloo katkthekpaintingskonkth ekwallkofkmykoffice,kandkMisskSteeleskwordskdriftkbac ktokme.kRaisingkthekordinary ktokextraordinary.kShekcouldksokeasilykhavekbeenkdescribingkherself. k Mykphonekbuzzes. k IkhavekMr.kWelchkonktheklinekforkyou. k Putkhimkthrough. k Yes,ksir. k Welch,kIkneedkakbac groundkchec . k k k Saturday,kMayk14,k2011 k k kkk k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k k k k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k

k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k k kkk k IkporekoverkthekexecutiveksummarykforkthekhundredthktimeksincekIkreceive dkitktwokdayskago,kloo ingkforksomekinsightkintokthekenigmatickMisskAnastasiakRo sekSteele.kIkcannotkgetkthekdamnedkwomankoutkofkmykmind,kandkitskseriouslykbeginn ingktokpisskmekoff.kThiskpastkwee ,kduringkparticularlykdullkmeetings,kIvekfoundk myselfkreplayingkthekinterviewkinkmykhead.kHerkfumblingkfingerskonkthekrecorder, kthekwaykshektuc edkherkhairkbehindkherkear,ktheklipkbiting.kYes.kThekfuc ingkli pkbitingkgetskmekeveryktime. k Andknow,kherekIkam,kpar edkoutsidekClaytons,kthekmodestkhardwarekstorekon kthekouts irtskofkPortlandkwherekshekwor s. k Yourekakfool,kGrey.kWhykarekyoukhere? k Ik newkitkwouldkleadktokthis.kAllkwee k.k.k.kIk newkIdkhavektokseekherkag ain.kIdk nownkitksincekshekutteredkmyknamekinkthekelevatorkandkdisappearedkintokt hekdepthskofkmykbuilding.kIdktriedktokresist.kIdkwaitedkfivekdays,kfivekfuc ingkda ysktokseekifkIdkforgetkaboutkher.kAndkIkdontkdokwaiting.kIkhatekwaitingk.k.k.kfork anything.kIvekneverkactivelykpursuedkakwomankbefore.kThekwomenkIvekhadkunderstoodk whatkIkexpectedkofkthem.kMykfearknowkiskthatkMisskSteelekiskjustktookyoungkandkt hatkshekwontkbekinterestedkinkwhatkIkhavektokofferk.k.k.kwillkshe?kWillkshekevenk ma ekakgoodksubmissive?kIksha ekmykhead.kThereskonlykonekwayktokfindkoutk.k.k.kso kherekIkam,kakfuc ingkass,ksittingkinkaksuburbankpar ingklotkinkakdrearykpartkof kPortland. k Herkbac groundkchec khaskproducedknothingkremar ableexceptktheklastkfact, kwhichkhaskbeenkatkthekforefrontkofkmykmind.kItskthekreasonkImkhere.kWhyknokboyfri end,kMisskSteele?kSexualkorientationkun nownperhapsksheskgay.kIksnort,kthin ingkth atkunli ely.kIkrecallkthekquestionkshekas edkduringkthekinterview,kherkacutekemb arrassment,kthekwaykherks inkflushedkakpalekrosek.k.k.kShit.kIvekbeenksufferingkf romkthesekludicrouskthoughtsksincekIkmetkher. k Thatskwhykyourekhere. k Imkitchingktokseekherkagainthosekbluekeyeskhavekhauntedkme,kevenkinkmykdre ams.kIkhaventkmentionedkherktokFlynn,kandkImkgladkbecausekImknowkbehavingkli ekakst al er.kPerhapskIkshouldkletkhimk now.kIkrollkmykeyesIkdontkwantkhimkhoundingkmekab outkhisklatestksolution-basedkshit.kIkjustkneedkakdistractionk.k.k.kandkrightkno wkthekonlykdistractionkIkwantkiskwor ingkaskaksalescler kinkakhardwarekstore. k Youvekcomekallkthiskway.kLetskseekifklittlekMisskSteelekiskaskappealingkas kyoukremember.kShowtime,kGrey.kIkclimbkoutkofkthekcarkandkstrollkacrossktheklotk tokthekfrontkdoor.kAkbellkchimeskakflatkelectronicknotekaskIkwal kin. k Thekstorekiskmuchkbiggerkthankitkloo skfromkthekoutside,kandkalthoughkit kiskalmostklunchtimekthekplacekiskquiet,kforkakSaturday.kTherekarekaisleskandkai sleskofkthekusualkcrapkyoudkexpect.kIdkforgottenkthekpossibilitieskthatkakhardware kstorekcouldkpresentktoksomeonekli ekme.kIkmainlykshopkonlinekforkmykneeds,kbutk whilekImkhere,kmaybekIllkstoc kupkonkakfewkitemsk.k.k.kVelcro,ksplitkringsYeah.kIllk findkthekdelectablekMisskSteelekandkhaveksomekfun. k Itkta eskmekallkofkthreeksecondsktokspotkher.kSheskhunchedkoverkthekcount er,kstaringkintentlykatkakcomputerkscreenkandkpic ingkatkherklunchakbagel.kUnthin ing,kshekwipeskakcrumbkfromkthekcornerkofkherklipskandkintokherkmouthkandksuc s konkherkfinger.kMykcoc ktwitcheskinkresponse.kFuc !kWhatkamkI,kfourteen?kMykreac tionkiskfuc ingkirritating.kMaybekthiskadolescentkresponsekwillkstopkifkIkfetter ,kfuc ,kandkflogkherk.k.k.kandknotknecessarilykinkthatkorder.kYeah.kThatskwhatkIk

need. k Shekiskthoroughlykabsorbedkinkherktas ,kandkitkgiveskmekankopportunitykt okstudykher.kSalaciouskthoughtskaside,kshekiskattractive,kseriouslykattractive.k Ivekrememberedkherkwell. k Shekglanceskupkandkfreezes,kpinningkmekwithkintelligent,kdiscerningkeyest hekbluestkofkbluekthatkseemktokseekrightkthroughkme.kItskaskunnervingkaskthekfirs tktimekIkmetkher.kShekjustkstares,kshoc edkIkthin ,kandkIkdontk nowkifkthiskiskak goodkresponsekorkakbadkresponse. k MisskSteele.kWhatkakpleasantksurprise. k Mr.kGrey,kshekwhispers,kbreathykandkflustered.kAhk.k.k.kakgoodkresponse. k Ikwaskinkthekarea.kIkneedktokstoc kupkonkakfewkthings.kItskakpleasurektoks eekyoukagain,kMisskSteele.kAkrealkpleasure.kSheskdressedkinktightkT-shirtkandkjean s,knotkthekshapelesskshitkshekwaskwearingkearlierkthiskwee .kSheskallklongklegs,k smallkwaist,kandkperfectktits.kShekcontinuesktokgape,kandkIkhavektokresistktheku rgektokreachkoutkandktipkherkchinkupktokclosekherkmouth.kIvekflownkfromkSeattlekj ustktokseekyou,kandkthekwaykyoukloo krightknow,kitkwaskworthkthekjourney. k Ana.kMyknameskAna.kWhatkcankIkhelpkyoukwith,kMr.kGrey?kShekta eskakdeepkbre ath,ksquareskherkshoulderskli ekshekdidkinkthekinterview,kandkgiveskmekakfa eksm ilekthatkImksurekshekreserveskforkcustomers. k Gamekon,kMisskSteele. k TherekarekakfewkitemskIkneed.kTokstartkwith,kIdkli eksomekcablekties. k Herklipskpartkaskshekinhalesksharply. k YoudkbekamazedkwhatkIkcankdokwithkakfewkcablekties,kMisskSteele. k Wekstoc kvariousklengths.kShallkIkshowkyou? k Please.kLeadkthekway,kMisskSteele. k Shekstepskoutkfromkbehindkthekcounterkandkgesturesktowardkonekofkthekais les.kSheskwearingkchuc s.kIdlykIkwonderkwhatkshedkloo kli ekinks yscraperkheels.kL aboutinsk.k.k.knothingkbutkLaboutins. k Theyrekinkwithkthekelectricalkgoods,kaislekeight.kHerkvoicekwaverskandkshek blushesk.k.k.kagain. k Shekiskaffectedkbykme.kHopekbloomskinkmykchest.kNotkgaykthen.kIksmir . k Afterkyou,kIkmurmur,kholdingkmykhandkoutkforkherktokleadkthekway.kLettingk herkwal kaheadkgiveskmekthekspacekandktimektokadmirekherkfantastickass.kShekreal lykiskthekwholekpac age:ksweet,kpolite,kandkbeautifulkwithkallkthekphysicalkattr ibuteskIkvaluekinkaksubmissive.kButkthekmillion-dollarkquestionkis,kcouldkshekbe kaksubmissive?kShekprobablyk nowsknothingkofktheklifestylemyklifestylebutkIkverykm uchkwantktokintroducekherktokit.kYoukarekgettingkwaykaheadkofkyourselfkonkthiskd eal,kGrey. k ArekyoukinkPortlandkonkbusiness?kshekas s,kinterruptingkmykthoughts.kHerkv oicekiskhigh,ktryingktokfeignkdisinterest.kItkma eskmekwantktoklaugh,kwhichkiskr efreshing.kWomenkrarelykma ekmeklaugh. k IkwaskvisitingkthekWSUkfarmingkdivisionkbasedkinkVancouver.kIklie.kActuall ykImkherektokseekyou,kMisskSteele. k Shekflushes,kandkIkfeelkli ekakshit. k Imkcurrentlykfundingksomekresearchktherekinkcropkrotationkandksoilkscience .kThat,katkleast,kisktrue. k Allkpartkofkyourkfeed-the-worldkplan?kHerklipskshiftktokakhalf-smile. k Somethingkli ekthat.kIkmutter.kIsksheklaughingkatkme?kOhkIdklovektokputkaks topktokthatkifkshekis.kButkhowktokstart?kMaybekwithkdinner,kratherkthankthekusua lkinterviewk.k.k.knowkthatkwouldkbeknovel;kta ingkakprospectkoutktokdinner. k Wekarrivekatkthekcablekties,kwhichkarekarrangedkinkankassortmentkofkleng thskandkcolors.kAbsentmindedlykmykfingersktracekoverkthekpac ets.kIkcouldkjustka s kherkoutkforkdinner.kLi ekonkakdate?kWouldkshekcome?kWhenkIkglancekatkherkshesk examiningkherk nottedkfingers.kShekcantkloo katkmek.k.k.kthiskiskpromising.kIksel ectktheklongerkties.kTheykarekmorekflexiblekafterkalltheykcankaccommodatektwokan leskandktwokwristskatkonce. k Thesekwillkdo,kIkmurmur,kandkshekblushes,kagain. k Isktherekanythingkelse?ksheksayskquic lyeitherksheskbeingksuperkattentivekor kshekwantsktokgetkmekoutkofkthekstore,kIkdontk nowkwhich. k Idkli eksomekmas ingktape.

k Arekyoukredecorating? k Iksuppresskmyksnort.kNo,knotkredecorating.kIkhaventkheldkakpaintbrushkinkak longktime.kThekthoughtkma eskmeksmile,kIkhavekpeoplektokdokallkthatkshit. k Thiskway,kshekmurmurs,kloo ingkchagrined.kMas ingktapekiskinkthekdecorating kaisle. k ComekonkGrey.kYoukdontkhaveklong.kEngagekherkinksomekconversation.kHavekyo ukwor edkhereklong?kOfkcourse,kIkalreadyk nowkthekanswer.kUnli eksomekpeople,kIkd okmykresearch.kShekblusheskoncekmoreChrist,kthiskgirlkiskshy.kIkdontkhavekakhopeki nkhell.kShekturnskquic lykandkwal skdownkthekaislektowardktheksectionklabeledkDe corating.kIkfollowkherkeagerly.kWhatkamkI,kakfuc ingkpuppy? k Fourkyears,kshekmumbleskaskwekreachkthekmas ingktape.kShekbendskdownkandkg raspsktwokrolls,keachkakdifferentkwidth. k Illkta ekthatkone,kIksay.kThekwiderktapekiskmuchkmorekeffectivekaskakgag.kA skshekpasseskitktokme,kthektipskofkourkfingersktouch,kbriefly.kItkresonateskinkm ykgroin.kFuc ! k Shekpales.kAnythingkelse?kHerkvoicekisksoftkandkhus y. k Christ,kImkhavingktheksamekeffectkonkherkthatkshekhaskonkme.kMaybek.k.k. k Somekrope,kIkthin . k Thiskway.kShekquic lykscootskupkthekaisle,kgivingkmekanotherkchancektokapp reciatekherkfinekass. k Whatksortkwerekyoukafter?kWekhaveksynthetickandknaturalkfilamentkropek.k. k.ktwinek.k.k.kcablekcordk.k.k. k Shitstop.kIkgroankinwardly,ktryingktokchasekawaykthekimagekofkherksuspend edkfromkthekceilingkinkmykplayroom. k Illkta ekfivekyardskofktheknaturalkfilamentkrope,kplease.kItskcoarserkandkch afeskmorekifkyoukstrugglekagainstkitk.k.k.kmykropekofkchoice. k Aktremorkrunskthroughkherkfingers,kbutkshekefficientlykmeasureskoutkfive kyards.kPullingkakutilityk nifekfromkherkrightkpoc et,kshekcutskthekropekinkonek swiftkgesture,kcoilskitkneatly,kandktieskitkoffkwithkakslip not.kImpressive. k WerekyoukakGirlkScout? k Organizedkgroupkactivitieskarentkreallykmykthing,kMr.kGrey. k Whatkiskyourkthing,kAnastasia?kIkcatchkherkgaze,kandkherkiriseskdilatekask Ikstare.kYes! k Boo s,kshekwhispers. k Whatk indkofkboo s? k Oh,kyouk now.kThekusual.kThekclassics.kBritishkliterature,kmainly. k Britishkliterature?kBrontekandkAusten,kIkbet.kAllkthosekromantickheartsk andkflowersktypes.kFuc .kThatsknotkgood. k Anythingkelsekyoukneed? k Ikdontk now.kWhatkelsekwouldkyoukrecommend?kIkwantktokseekherkreaction. k Forkakdo-it-yourselfer?kshekas s,ksurprised. k Ikwantktokhootkwithklaughter.kOhkbaby,kDIYkisknotkmykthing.kIknod,kstifl ingkmykmirth.kHerkeyeskflic kdownkmykbodykandkIktense.kShekiskchec ingkmekout!kF uc kme. k Coveralls,kshekblurtskout. k ItskthekmostkunexpectedkthingkIvekheardkoutkofkherksweet,ksmartkmouthksinc ekthekarekyoukgaykquestion. k Youkwouldntkwantktokruinkyourkclothing.kShekgesturesktokmykjeans,kembarrass edkoncekmore. k Ikcantkresist.kIkcouldkalwayskta ekthemkoff. k Um.kShekflusheskbeetkredkandkgazeskdownkatkthekfloor. k Illkta eksomekcoveralls.kHeavenkforbidkIkshouldkruinkanykclothing,kIkmurmur ktokputkherkoutkofkherkmisery.kWithoutkakword,kshekturnskandkwal skbris lykupkth ekaisle,kandkoncekagainkIkfollowkinkherkenticingkwa e. k Dokyoukneedkanythingkelse?ksheksayskbreathlessly,khandingkmekakpairkofkblu ekcoveralls.kSheskmortified,keyeskstillkcastkdown,kfacekflushed.kChrist,kshekdoes kthingsktokme. k Howskthekarticlekcomingkalong?kIkas kinkthekhopekshekmightkrelaxkaklittle. k Shekloo skupkandkgiveskmekakbriefkrelievedksmile.kFinally.kImknotkwritingk it,kKatherinekis.kMisskKavanagh.kMykroommate,ksheskthekwriter.kSheskverykhappykwit

hkit.kSheskthekeditorkofkthekmagazine,kandkshekwaskdevastatedkthatkshekcouldntkdok thekinterviewkinkperson. k Itsktheklongestksentenceksheskaddressedktokmeksincekwekfirstkmet,kandkshesk tal ingkaboutksomeonekelse,knotkherself.kInteresting. k BeforekIkcankcomment,kshekadds,kHerkonlykconcernkiskthatkshekdoesntkhaveka nykoriginalkphotographskofkyou. k ThektenaciouskMisskKavanaghkwantskphotographs.kPublicitykstills,keh?kIkc ankdokthat.kItkwillkallowkmektokspendksomekmorektimekwithkthekdelectablekMisskSt eele. k Whatksortkofkphotographskdoeskshekwant? k Shekgazeskatkmekforkakmoment,kthenksha eskherkhead. k Well,kImkaround.kTomorrow,kperhapsk.k.k.kIkcankstaykinkPortland.kWor kfromk akhotel.kAkroomkatkthekHeathman,kperhaps.kIllkneedkTaylorktokcomekdown,kbringkmyk laptopkandksomekclothes.kOrkElliotunlesskheskscrewingkaround,kwhichkiskhiskusualkM Okoverkthekwee end. k Youdkbekwillingktokattendkakphotokshoot?kShekcannotkcontainkherksurprise. k Ikgivekherkakbriefknod.kYoudkbekamazedkwhatkIdkdoktokspendkmorektimekwithk you,kMisskSteelek.k.k.kinkfact,ksokamkI. k Katekwillkbekdelightedifkwekcankfindkakphotographer.kSheksmileskandkherkfac eklightskupkli ekaksummerkdawn.kChrist,ksheskbreathta ing. k Letkmek nowkaboutktomorrow.kIkpullkmykcardkoutkofkmykwallet.kItkhaskmykcell knumberkonkit.kYoullkneedktokcallkbeforektenkinkthekmorning.kAndkifkshekdoesnt,kIllk headkonkbac ktokSeattlekandkforgetkaboutkthiskstupidkventure.kThekthoughtkdepres seskme. k O ay.kShekcontinuesktokgrin. k Ana!kWekbothkturnkaskakyoungkman,kcasuallykbutkexpensivelykdressed,kappear skatkthekfarkendkofkthekaisle.kHeskallkfuc ingksmileskforkMisskAnastasiakSteele.k Whokthekhellkiskthiskpric ? k Erk.k.k.kexcusekmekforkakmoment,kMr.kGrey.kShekwal sktowardkhim,kandkthekf uc erkengulfskherkinkakgorilla-li ekhug.kMykbloodkrunskcold.kItskakprimalkrespons e.kGetkyourkmotherfuc ingkpawskoffkher.kIkfistkmykhandskandkamkonlykslightlykmol lifiedkwhenkIkseekherkma eknokmovektokhugkhimkbac . k Theykfallkintokakwhisperedkconversation.kShit,kmaybekWelchskfactskwerekwr ong.kMaybekthiskguykiskherkboyfriend.kHekloo skthekrightkage,kandkhekcantkta ekhi skgreedyklittlekeyeskoffkher.kHekholdskherkforkakmomentkatkarmsklength,kexamining kher,kthenkstandskwithkhiskarmkleisurelykrestingkonkherkshoulder.kItskakseemingly kcasualkgesture,kbutkIk nowkhesksta ingkakclaimkandktellingkmektokbac koff.kSheks eemskembarrassed,kshiftingkfromkfootktokfoot. k Shit.kIkshouldkgo.kThenksheksaysksomethingkelsektokhimkandkmoveskoutkofk hiskreach,ktouchingkhiskarm,knotkhiskhand.kItskclearktheykarentkclose.kGood. k Erk.k.k.kPaul,kthiskiskChristiankGrey.kMr.kGrey,kthiskiskPaulkClayton.kHi skbrotherkownskthekplace.kShekgiveskmekankoddkloo kthatkIkdontkunderstandkandkcont inues,kIvek nownkPaulkeverksincekIvekwor edkhere,kthoughkwekdontkseekeachkotherkthat koften.kHeskbac kfromkPrincetonkwherekheskstudyingkbusinesskadministration. k Thekbossskbrother,knotkakboyfriend.kThekextentkofkthekreliefkIkfeelkiskun expected,kandkitkma eskmekfrown.kThiskwomankhaskreallykgottenkunderkmyks in. k Mr.kClayton.kMyktonekiskdeliberatelykclipped. k Mr.kGrey.kHeksha eskmykhandklimply.kWetkfuc er.kWaitkupnotkthekChristiankGre ykofkGreykEnterpriseskHoldings?kInkakheartbeatkIkwatchkhimkmorphkfromkterritorial ktokobsequious. k Yeah,kthatskme,kyoukpric . k WowisktherekanythingkIkcankgetkyou? k Anastasiakhaskitkcovered,kMr.kClayton.kSheskbeenkverykattentive.kNowkfuc ko ff. k Cool,khekgusheskallkwide-eyedkandkdeferential.kCatchkyouklater,kAna. k Sure,kPaul,ksheksays,kandkhekambleskoff,kthan kChrist.kIkwatchkhimkdisappe arktowardkthekbac kofkthekstore. k Anythingkelse,kMr.kGrey? k Justkthesekitems,kIkmutter.kShit,kImkoutkofktime,kandkIkstillkdontk nowkifkIm kgoingktokseekherkagain.kIkhavektok nowkwhetherkthereskakhopekinkhellkshekmightkc

onsiderkwhatkIkhavekinkmind.kHowkcankIkas kher?kAmkIkreadyktokta ekonkaknewksubm issive,konekwhok nowsknothing?kShit.kSheskgoingktokneedksubstantialktraining.kIkg roankinwardlykatkallkthekinterestingkpossibilitieskthiskpresentsk.k.k.fuc kme,kg ettingktherekiskgoingktokbekhalfkthekfun.kWillkshekevenkbekinterested?kOrkdokIkh avekthiskallkwrong? k Shekheadskbac ktokthekcashierskdes kandkringskupkmykpurchases,kallkthekwh ilek eepingkherkgazekcastkdown.kLoo katkme,kdammit!kIkwantktokseekherkbeautifulk bluekeyeskagainkandkgaugekwhatksheskthin ing. k Finallykshekraiseskherkhead.kThatkwillkbekforty-threekdollars,kplease. k Iskthatkall? k Wouldkyoukli ekakbag?kshekas s,kslippingkintoksalescler kmodekaskIkpasskhe rkmykAmex. k Please,kAnastasia.kHerknameakbeautifulknamekforkakbeautifulkgirlrollskoffkmy ktongue. k Shekpac skthekitemskbris lykandkefficientlykintokthekcarrier.kThiskiskit .kIkhavektokgo. k Youllkcallkmekifkyoukwantkmektokdokthekphotokshoot? k Sheknodskaskshekhandskbac kmykchargekcard. k Good.kUntilktomorrow,kperhaps.kIkcantkjustkleave.kIkhavektokletkherk nowkImk interested.kOh,kandkAnastasia?kImkgladkMisskKavanaghkcouldntkdokthekinterview.kDelig htingkinkherkstunnedkexpression,kIkslingkthekbagkoverkmykshoulderkandksaunterkou tkofkthekstore. k Yes,kagainstkmykbetterkjudgment,kIkwantkher.kNowkIkhavektokwaitk.k.k.kfu c ingkwaitk.k.k.kagain. k k k k k k k k k k k k k kkk kkk kkk