Fifty Shades Darker (book 5) novel Chapter 119

“I’ll e-mail you.”

“From your BlackBerry,” I emphasize.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Laters, baby.”

“Bye.”

I glance up and see the elevator is climbing to the executive floor. The mayor is on his way.

“Hang up,” she says, and I hear the smile in her voice.

“I wish you’d never gone to work this morning.”

“Me, too. But I am busy. Hang up.”

“You hang up.” I grin.

“We’ve been here before,” she says in that teasing tone she has.

“You’re biting your lip.”

She inhales, quickly.

“You see, you think I don’t know you, Anastasia. But I know you better than you think.”

“Christian, I’ll talk to you later. Right now, I really wish I hadn’t left this morning, too.”

“I’ll wait for your e-mail, Miss Steele.”

“Good day, Mr. Grey.”

She hangs up as the elevator doors open.

BY 3:45 I’M BACK in my office. The mayor’s visit was a success and a PR windfall for GEH. Andrea buzzes me.

“Yes?”

“I have Mia Grey on the line for you.”

“Put her through.”

“Christian?”

“Hi.”

“We’re having a party for your birthday on Saturday and I want to invite Anastasia.”

“Whatever happened to ‘Hello? How are you?’ ”

Mia makes a dismissive noise. “Spare me one of your lectures, big brother.”

“I’m busy on Saturday.”

“Cancel it. It’s happening.”

“Mia!”

“No ifs or buts. What’s Ana’s number?”

I sigh and stay silent.

“Christian!” she shouts down the phone.

Jesus. “I’ll text it to you.”

“No bailing. You’ll disappoint Mom and Dad and me and Elliot!”

I sigh. “Whatever, Mia.”

“Great! See you then. Bye.” She hangs up and I stare at the phone with frustrated amusement. My sister is a pain in the ass. I hate birthdays. Well, my birthday. Reluctantly, I text Mia Ana’s number, knowing that I’m unleashing the force that is my little sister on an unsuspecting victim.

I go back to reading a report.

When I finish, I check my e-mail and there’s one from Ana.

* * *

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, Editor, SIP

Mia is as good as her word. She hasn’t wasted any time. I have some fun with my response.

* * *

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 birthday.

x

Christian Grey

Deaf as a Post CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

* * *

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: Hmmm.

Date: June 15 2011 16:24

To: Christian Grey

Dear Mr. Grey