Total pages in book: 171
Estimated words: 177137 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 886(@200wpm)___ 709(@250wpm)___ 590(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 177137 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 886(@200wpm)___ 709(@250wpm)___ 590(@300wpm)
Spanking occurs in vanilla relationships, too, you know. Usually consensually and in a sexual context…but I am more than happy to make an exception.
You’ll be relieved to know that Dr. Flynn also enjoys my sense of humor.
Now, please go to sleep, as you won’t get much tomorrow.
Incidentally—you will beg, trust me. And I look forward to it.
Christian Grey
Tense CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
I watch my phone, waiting for her reply. I know that she won’t let this go. And, sure enough, her response appears.
* * *
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Good Night, Sweet Dreams
Date: June 10 2011 00:12
To: Christian Grey
Well, since you ask so nicely, and I like your delicious threat, I shall curl up with the iPad that you have so kindly given me and fall asleep browsing in the British Library, listening to the music that says it for you.
A xxx
She likes my threat? Lord, she’s confusing. Then I remember her squirming in the car while we talked of spanking.
Oh, baby, it’s not a threat. It’s a promise.
I get up and wander into my closet to take off my jacket while I think of something to say.
She wants a softer approach; surely I can think of something.
And then it comes to me.
* * *
From: Christian Grey
Subject: One more request
Date: June 10 2011 00:15
To: Anastasia Steele
Dream of me.
x
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
Yes. Dream of me. I want to be the only one in her head. Not that photographer. Not her boss. Just me. I change quickly into PJ bottoms and brush my teeth.
As I slip into bed, I check my phone once more, but there’s nothing from Miss Steele. She must be asleep. When I close my eyes it occurs to me that I’ve not thought about Leila all evening. Anastasia has been so diverting, beautiful, funny…
THE RADIO ALARM WAKES me for the first time since she left me. I’ve slept a soundless and dreamless sleep and I awake refreshed. My first thought is of Ana. How is she this morning? Has she changed her mind?
No. Stay positive.
Okay.
I wonder what her morning routine is?
Better.
And I get to see her this evening. I bound out of bed and into my sweats. My run will take me on my usual route to check on her building. But this time, I won’t linger. I’m a stalker no more.
MY FEET POUND THE pavement. The sun is peeping through the buildings as I make my way to Ana’s street. It’s still quiet, but I have the Foo Fighters turned up loud and proud as I run. I wonder if I should be listening to something that’s more in sync with my mood. Maybe “Feeling Good.” Nina Simone’s version.
Too sappy, Grey. Keep running.
I dash past Ana’s building, and I don’t have to stop. I’ll see her later today. All of her. Feeling particularly pleased with myself, I wonder if perhaps we’ll end up here tonight.
Whatever we do, it will be up to Ana. We’re doing this her way.
I run up Wall Street, back home to begin my day.
“GOOD MORNING, GAIL.” Even to my own ears I sound unusually hearty. Gail stops in her tracks in front of the stove and stares at me as if I’ve grown three heads. “I’ll have scrambled eggs and toast this morning,” I add, and wink at her as I head toward my study. Her chin drops, but she says nothing.
Ah, speechless Mrs. Jones. This is novel.
In my study, I check e-mails on my computer and there’s nothing that can’t wait until I get into the office. My thoughts stray to Ana and I wonder if she’s had breakfast.
* * *
From: Christian Grey
Subject: So Help Me…
Date: June 10 2011 08:05
To: Anastasia Steele
I do hope you’ve had breakfast.
I missed you last night.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
In the car, on the way to the office, I get a response.
* * *
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Old books…
Date: June 10 2011 08:33
To: Christian Grey
I am eating a banana as I type. I have not had breakfast for several days, so it is a step forward. I love the British Library app—I started rereading Robinson Crusoe…and, of course, I love you.
Now leave me alone—I am trying to work.
Anastasia Steele
Assistant to Jack Hyde, Editor, SIP
Robinson Crusoe? A man alone, stranded on a deserted island. Is she trying to tell me something?
And she loves me.
Loves. Me. And I’m surprised that those words are getting easier to hear…but not that easy.
So I shift my focus to what irritates me most about her e-mail.
* * *
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Is that all you’ve eaten?
Date: June 10 2011 08:36
To: Anastasia Steele
You can do better than that. You’re going to need your energy for begging.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
Taylor pulls up at the curb in front of Grey House.
“Sir, I’ll take the Audi to Miss Steele’s this morning.”
“Great. Until later, Taylor. Thank you.”