Fifty Shades Darker (book 5) novel Chapter 118

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

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

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

Isn’t it?

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

I’ve had some amazing times in here…

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

I like your kinky fuckery.

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

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

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

“John, thanks for calling me.”

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

“I asked Ana to marry me.”

John says nothing.

“You’re surprised?” I ask.

“Frankly, no.”

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

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

“She wants to talk to you.”

“She’s not my patient, Christian.”

“But I am, and I’m asking you.”

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

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

“If that’s what you wish.”

“I do. How’s Leila?”

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

“Good.”

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

“I know.”

“Are you sure that’s what you want?”

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

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

Rainbows? Unicorns? What the hell!

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

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

“Thanks.”