Fifty Shades Darker (book 5) novel Chapter 135

Lovers? Leila? Susannah? Madison? Each of my submissives comes to mind.

“No. They were sexual partners. You’re my only lover. And I want you to be more.”

“I know. I just need some time, Christian. To get my head around these last few days.”

I look over at her.

Why didn’t she say that earlier?

I can live with that.

Of course I can give her some time.

I’d wait until time stands still, for her.

I RELAX AND ENJOY the drive. We’re in the suburbs of Seattle, but heading west toward the Sound. I think I’ve timed this appointment just right and we’ll catch the sunset over Puget Sound.

“Where are we going?” she asks.

“Surprise.”

She gives me a curious smile and turns to take in our surroundings through the window.

Ten minutes later I spy the corroded white metal gates that I recognize from the photograph I’ve seen online. I pull in at the bottom of an impressive driveway and punch the security code into the keypad. With a creaky groan, the heavy gates swing open.

I glance at Ana.

Will she like this place?

“What is it?” she asks.

“An idea.” I steer the Saab through the gates.

The driveway is longer than I thought. To one side there’s an overgrown meadow. It’s big enough to install a tennis court or basketball court—or both.

“Hey bro, let’s shoot some hoops.”

“Elliot, I’m reading.”

“Reading is not going to get you laid.”

“Fuck off.”

“Hoops. Come on, man,” he whines.

Reluctantly, I abandon my tattered copy of Oliver Twist and follow him out to the yard.

ANA LOOKS STUNNED AS we arrive at the grand entrance portico and I park beside a BMW sedan. The house is sprawling and actually quite imposing from the outside.

I cut the engine, and Ana’s baffled.

“Will you keep an open mind?” I ask.

She arches a brow. “Christian, I’ve needed an open mind since the day I met you.”

And I can’t disagree. She’s right. As ever.