Fifty Shades Trilogy 02 - Fifty Shades Darker

feel deserving of any love. Given his history and his predilections, I have an inkling of his self-loathing—that’s why he’s never let anyone in. Can I get past this ?
    He said once that I couldn’t begin to understand the depths of his depravity. Well, he’s told me now, and given the first few years of his life, it doesn’t surprise me. Though it was still a shock to hear it out loud. At least he’s told me—and he seems happier now that he has. I know everything.  
    Does it devalue his love for me?   No, I don’t think so. He’s never felt this way before and neither have I.   In truth we’ve both come so far.
    Tears prick and pool in my eyes as I recall his final barriers crumbling last night when he let me touch him. Jeez, it took Leila and all her crazy to get us to there.  
    Perhaps I should be grateful. The fact that he bathed her is not quite such a bitter taste on my tongue now. I wonder which clothes he gave her. I hope it wasn’t the plum dress. I liked that.
    So can I love this man with all his issues unconditionally? Because he deserves nothing less. He still needs to learn boundaries and little things like empathy, and to be less controlling. He says he no longer feels the compulsion to hurt me; perhaps Dr. Flynn will be able to cast some light on that.  
    Fundamentally, that’s what concerns me most—that he needs that and has always found like-minded women who need it, too. I frown. Yes, this is the reassurance I need. I want to be all things to this man, his Alpha and his Omega and all things in between because he is to me.
    I hope Flynn will have the answers, and maybe then I can say yes. Christian and I can find our own slice of heaven close to the sun.
    I gaze out at bustling, lunchtime Seattle. Mrs. Christian Grey—who would have thought? I glance at my watch. Shit! I leap up from my seat and dash to the door—a whole hour of just sitting—where did the time go? Jack is going to go ballistic!

    I slink back to my desk. Fortunately, he’s not in his office. It looks like I’ve got away with it. I gaze intently at my computer screen, unseeing, trying to reassemble my thoughts into work mode.
    “Where were you?”
    I jump. Jack is standing, arms folded, behind me.
    “I was in the basement, photocopying,” I lie. Jack lips press into a thin, uncompromising line.
    “I’m leaving for my plane at six thirty. I need you to stay until then.”
    “Okay.” I smile as sweetly as I can manage.
    “I’d like my itinerary for New York printed out and photocopied ten times. And get the brochures packaged up. And get me some coffee!” he snarls and stalks into his office.
    I breathe a sigh of relief and stick my tongue out at him as he closes the door. Bastard.

    At four o’clock, Claire rings from reception.
    “I have Mia Grey for you.”
    Mia? I hope she doesn’t want to hang at the mall.
    “Hi, Mia!”
    “Ana, hi. How are you?” Her excitement is stifling.
    “Good. Busy today. You?”
    “I am so bored! I need to find something to do, so I’m arranging a birthday party for Christian.”
    Christian’s birthday? Jeez, I had no idea. “When is it?”
    “I knew it. I knew he wouldn’t tell you. It’s on Saturday. Mom and Dad want everyone over for a meal to celebrate. I’m officially inviting you.”
    “Oh, that’s lovely. Thank you, Mia.”
    “I’ve already called Christian and told him, and he gave me your number here.”
    “Cool.” My mind is in a flat spin—what the hell am I going to get Christian for his birthday? What do you buy the man who has everything?
    “And maybe next week, we can go out one lunchtime?”
    “Sure. How about tomorrow? My boss is away in New York.”
    “Oh, that would be cool, Ana. What time?”
    “Say, twelve forty-five?”
    “I’ll be there. Bye, Ana.”
    “Bye.” I hang up.
    Christian. Birthday. What on earth should I get him?

    From:  Anastasia Steele
    Subject:  Antediluvian
    Date:  June 15, 2011 16:11
    To:  Christian Grey

    Dear Mr. Grey
    When, exactly, were you going to tell me?
    What shall I get my old man for his birthday?
    Perhaps some new batteries for his hearing aid?
    A x
    Anastasia Steele
    Assistant to Jack Hyde, Commissioning Editor, SIP

    From:  Christian Grey
    Subject:  Prehistoric
    Date:  June 15, 2011 16:20
    To:  Anastasia Steele

    Don’t mock the elderly.
    Glad you are alive and kicking.
    And that Mia has been in touch.
    Batteries are always useful.
    I don’t like celebrating my