Fifty Shades Darker (book 5) novel Chapter 90

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

Her response is almost as immediate.

* * *

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: Grown Up

Date: June 13 2011 10:48

To: Christian Grey

Christian

I don’t need protecting from my own boss.

He may make a pass at me, but I would say no.

You cannot interfere. It’s wrong and controlling on so many levels.

Anastasia Steele

Assistant to Jack Hyde, Editor, SIP

“Controlling” is my middle name, Ana. I think I’ve told you this already, along with “unreasonable” and “weird.”

* * *

From: Christian Grey

Subject: The Answer is NO

Date: June 13 2011 10:50

To: Anastasia Steele

Ana

I have seen how “effective” you are at fighting off unwanted attention. I remember that’s how I had the pleasure of spending my first night with you. At least the photographer has feelings for you. The sleazeball, on the other hand, does not. He is a serial philanderer, and he will try to seduce you. Ask him what happened to his previous PA and the one before that.

I don’t want to fight about this.

If you want to go to New York, I’ll take you. We can go this weekend. I have an apartment there.

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

She doesn’t reply immediately, and I distract myself with phone calls.

Welch has nothing new on Leila. We discuss whether or not to involve the police at this stage; I’m still reluctant to do it.

“She’s close, Mr. Grey,” Welch says.

“She’s clever. She’s managed to evade us so far.”

“We’re watching your place, SIP, Grey House. She won’t slip past us again.”

“I hope she doesn’t. And thanks for the report on Hyde.”

“You’re welcome. I can dig deeper if you wish.”

“It’s fine for now. But I may get back to you.”

“Okay, sir.”

“Bye.” I hang up.

My phone buzzes before I’ve let go of the receiver. “I have your mother on the line,” Montana chirps in a singsong voice.

Shit. That’s all I need. I’m still a little pissed at my mom and her comment about Ana being after my money.

“Put her through,” I mutter.

“Christian, darling,” Grace says.

“Hello, Mother.”

“Darling, I just wanted to apologize for what I said on Saturday. You know I think the world of Ana, it’s just…all of this is so sudden.”

“It’s fine.” But it’s not fine.

She’s quiet for a moment and I think she’s doubting the sincerity of my response.

However, I’m already arguing with one woman in my life; I don’t want to argue with another. “Grace?”

“Sorry, darling. It’s your birthday on Saturday and we wanted to organize a party.”

On my computer screen an e-mail from Ana appears.

“Mom, I can’t talk now. I have to go.”

“Okay, call me.” She sounds melancholy, but I don’t have time for her right now.