"Is he --" I gasp, unable to finish the sentence and gazing wide-eyed and terrified at Ryan. I can't even look at the prone figure on the floor.

My heart is pounding and blood thrums loudly in my eardrums; the alcohol flowing through my system amplifies the sound.

"No, ma'am. Just knocked out cold."

Relief floods through me. Oh, thank God.

"He put up one hell of a fight, but I'm okay, Mrs. Grey." He smiles reassuringly. If I knew him better, I'd say he looked a little smug.

"I'm here, Ana." Glancing behind me, I see she's in a nightdress and robe, her hair loose, her face ashen and her eyes wide -- like mine, I imagine.

"And you?" I ask, gazing at Ryan. I realize I don't know his first name. He's panting as if he's run a marathon. He wipes the corner of his mouth, removing the trace of blood, and a faint bruise is forming on his cheek.

"Ryan woke me. Insisted I come in here." She points behind her into Taylor's office. "I'm fine. Are you okay?"

"And Gail? Mrs. Jones?" Oh no… is she okay? Has she been harmed?

A creak from the door to the foyer distracts me. It's hanging off its hinges. What the hell happened to that?

I nod briskly and realize she's probably just come out of the panic room that adjoins Taylor's office. Who knew we'd need it so soon? Christian had insisted on its installation shortly after our engagement -- and I had rolled my eyes. Now, seeing Gail standing in the doorway, I'm grateful for his foresight.

"Was he alone?" I ask Ryan.

"How did he get in?" I ask, ignoring his tone.

"Yes, ma'am. You wouldn't be standing here if he wasn't, I can assure you." Ryan sounds vaguely affronted.

"Through the service elevator. He's got quite a pair, ma'am."

I stare down at Jack's slumped figure. He's wearing a uniform of sorts -- coveralls, I think.

"About ten minutes ago. I caught him on the security monitor. He was wearing gloves… kinda strange in August. I recognized him and decided to give him access. That way I knew we'd have him. You weren't here and Gail was safe, so I figured it was now or never." Ryan looks very pleased with himself once more, and Sawyer scowls at him in disapproval.

"When?"

"We need to secure him," Ryan replies.

When I return, Mrs. Jones is surveying the mess in the foyer and Miss Prescott has joined the security team. I hand the ties to Sawyer, who slowly, and with unnecessary care, ties Hyde's hands behind his back. Mrs. Jones disappears into the kitchen and returns with a first aid kit. She takes Ryan's arm, leads him into the doorway of the great room, and starts tending to the cut above his eye. He flinches as she dabs it with an antiseptic wipe. Then I notice the Glock on the floor with a silencer attached. Holy shit! Jack was armed? Bile rises in my throat and I fight it down.

"What do you need?" asks Mrs. Jones, stepping forward. She's recovered her composure.

"Secure him?"

"I have something. Cable ties. Will they do?"

"In case he wakes." Ryan glances at Sawyer.

"Something to restrain him -- cord or rope," Ryan replies.

"What now?" I try to dismiss the ramifications from my mind.

Cable ties. I flush as memories of the night before invade my mind. Reflexively, I rub my wrists and glance quickly down at them. No, no bruising. Good.

All eyes turn to me.

"Yes, ma'am. Perfect," Sawyer says, serious and straight-faced. I want the floor to swallow me up, but I turn and head for our bedroom. Sometimes you just have to brazen things out. Perhaps it's the combination of fear and alcohol making me audacious.

Gloves? The thought distracts me, and I glance once more at Jack. Yes, he's wearing brown leather gloves. Creepy.

"I'll take care of that, Mrs. Grey," he says.

"Don't touch, Mrs. Grey," says Prescott when I bend to pick it up. Sawyer emerges from Taylor's office wearing latex gloves.

"Mr. Grey would expect it, ma'am." Sawyer slides the gun into a Ziploc bag then squats to pat down Jack. He pauses and partially pulls a roll of duct tape from the man's pocket. Sawyer blanches and pushes the tape back into Hyde's pocket.

"Should you be doing that?" I ask.

"Yes, ma'am," says Ryan, wincing once more from Mrs. Jones's ministrations. Holy crap. Ryan fought an armed man in my home. I shudder at the thought. Sawyer bends and gingerly picks up the Glock.

Duct tape? My mind idly registers as I watch the proceedings with fascination and an odd detachment. Then bile rises to my throat again as I realize the implications. Rapidly, I dismiss them from my head. Don't go there, Ana!

"Should we call the police?" I mutter, trying to hide my fear. I want Hyde out of my home, sooner rather than later.

"It's his?" I ask.

Ryan and Sawyer glance at each other.

"I've just tried Taylor, and he's not answering his cell. Maybe he's asleep." Sawyer checks his watch. "It's one forty-five in the morning on the East Coast."

Oh no.

"Have you called Christian?" I whisper.

"I think we should call the police," I say, rather more forcefully, wondering what's going on between Ryan and Sawyer.

"No, ma'am."

Part of me bristles. This man -- I glance down at Hyde again -- has invaded my home, and he needs to be removed by the police. But looking at the four of them, into their anxious eyes, I decide I must be missing something, so I decide to call Christian. My scalp prickles. I know he's mad at me -- really, really mad at me -- and I falter at the thought of what he'll say. And how he'll stress because he's not here and can't be here until tomorrow evening. I know I've worried him enough this evening. Perhaps I shouldn't call him. And then it occurs to me. Shit. What if I'd been here? I pale at the thought. Thank heavens I was out. Maybe I won't be in so much trouble after all.

Sawyer looks momentarily embarrassed. "Yes, ma'am."

"Were you calling Taylor for instructions?"

I reach into my purse and pull out my BlackBerry, and before I can give too much thought to the extent of Christian's anger, I dial his number. It goes straight to voice mail. He must have switched it off because he's so mad. I cannot think what to say. Turning away, I walk down the hallway a little, away from everyone.

"He'll have an aching skull when he wakes," Ryan says, gazing down at Jack with contempt. "But we need paramedics here to make sure."

"Is he okay?" I ask, pointing at Jack.

"Hi. It's me. Please don't be mad. We've had an incident at the apartment. But it's under control, so don't worry. No one is hurt. Call me." I hang up.

"Call the police," I tell Sawyer. He nods, takes out his cell, and makes the call.

Officer Skinner is deep in conversation with Ryan at the dining room table. Officer Walker is with Sawyer in Taylor's office. I don't know where Prescott is, perhaps in Taylor's office. Detective Clark is barking questions at me as we sit on the couch in the great room. He's tall, dark, and would be good-looking if it weren't for his permanent scowl. I suspect he's been woken and dragged from his warm bed because the home of one of Seattle's most influential and wealthy businessmen has been breached.

"Yes."

"He used to be your boss?" Clark asks tersely.

I am tired -- beyond tired -- and I want to go to bed. I still haven't heard from Christian. On the plus side, the paramedics have removed Hyde. Mrs. Jones hands Detective Clark and me each a cup of tea.

"Thanks." Clark turns to me. "And where is Mr. Grey?"

"New York. On business. He'll be back tomorrow evening -- I mean this evening." It's after midnight.

"Mrs. Grey, may I suggest you go to bed?" Mrs. Jones says, her voice warm and full of concern.

"Hyde is known to us," Detective Clark murmurs. "I'll need you to come down to the station to make a statement. But that can wait. It's late and there are a couple of reporters camped out on the sidewalk. Do you mind if I look around?"

"Of course not," I offer, relieved his questioning is finished. I shudder at the thought of the photographers outside. Well, they won't be a problem until tomorrow. I remind myself to call Mom and Ray just in case they hear anything and worry.

Looking into her warm, kind eyes, I suddenly feel an overwhelming need to cry. She reaches over and rubs my shoulder.

She smiles broadly. "Sandwich and some milk?"

"We're safe now," she murmurs. "This will all look better in the morning, once you've had some sleep. And Mr. Grey will be back tomorrow evening."

I nod with gratitude, and she heads into the kitchen. Ryan is still with Officer Skinner. In the foyer, Detective Clark is examining the mess outside the elevator. He looks thoughtful, despite his scowl. And suddenly I feel homesick -- homesick for Christian. Holding my head in my hands, I wish fervently that he were here. He'd know what to do. What an evening. I want to crawl into his lap, have him hold me and tell me that he loves me, even though I don't do as I'm told -- but that won't be possible until this evening. Inwardly I roll my eyes… Why didn't he tell me about the increased security for everyone? What exactly is on Jack's computer? He's so frustrating, but right now, I just don't care. I want my husband. I miss him.

I glance nervously up at her, keeping my tears at bay. Christian is going to be so mad.

"Can I get you anything before you go to bed?" she asks.

I realize how hungry I am. "I'd love something to eat."

I wake with a start. It's light and my head is aching, throbbing at my temples. Oh no. I hope I don't have a hangover. Cautiously, I open my eyes and notice the bedroom chair has moved, and Christian is sitting in it. He's wearing his tux, and the end of his bow tie is peeping out of the breast pocket. I wonder if I'm dreaming. His left arm is draped over the chair, and in his hand he holds a cut-glass tumbler of amber liquid. Brandy? Whiskey? I have no idea. One long leg is crossed at the ankle over his knee. He's wearing black socks and dress shoes. His right elbow rests on the arm of the chair, his hand up to his chin, and he's slowly running his index finger rhythmically back and forth over his lower lip. In the early morning light, his eyes burn with grave intensity, but his general expression is completely unreadable.

"Here you are, Ana dear." Mrs. Jones interrupts my inner turmoil. When I glance up at her, she hands me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, her eyes twinkling. I haven't had one of these for years. I smile shyly and dig in.

When I finally crawl into bed, I curl up on Christian's side, dressed in his T-shirt. Both his pillow and his T-shirt smell of him, and as I drift off I silently wish him safe passage home… and a good mood.

"It would appear so."

"Long enough."

"You're still mad." I can hardly speak the words.

Slowly I pull myself up into a sitting position, not taking my eyes off him. My mouth is dry. "How long have you been sitting there watching me sleep?"

My heart almost stops. He's here. How did he get here? He must have left New York last night. How long has he been here watching me sleep?

"You're back."

He regards me coolly, and my heart stutters once more. Oh no. He moves his long fingers away from his mouth, tosses back the remainder of his drink, and places the glass on the bedside table. I half expect him to kiss me, but he doesn't. He sits back, continuing to regard me, his expression impassive.

"Hi," I whisper.

"Hello," he says finally, his voice hushed. And I know he's still mad. Really mad.

He gazes at me, as if considering his response. "Mad," he says, as if testing the word, weighing up its nuances, its meaning. "No, Ana. I am way, way beyond mad."

Holy crap. I try to swallow, but it's hard with a dry mouth.

Oh… okay. What to do? Defense -- the best form of attack. "I'm sorry I stayed out."

"I know," he says icily.

"Ryan caught Jack." I try a different tack, and I place my glass beside his on the bedside table.

He gazes at me, completely impassive, and doesn't respond. A stark silence stretches between us. I reach over to my glass of water and take a welcome sip, trying to bring my erratic heart rate under control.

"Why say it then?"

"I think Detective Clark wants to talk to you."

"Are you?"

"No," I mutter after a pause, because it's true.

Of course, he knows. "Are you going to be monosyllabic for long?"

"Because I don't want you to be mad at me."

His eyebrows move fractionally, registering his surprise as if he hadn't expected this question. "Yes," he says finally.

He sighs heavily, as if he's been holding this tension for a thousand hours, and runs his hand through his hair. He looks beautiful. Mad, but beautiful. I drink him in -- Christian's back -- angry, but in one piece.

"Way beyond mad… that doesn't sound good."

"Please what?"

"Don't be so cold."

"I'm sure he does."

"How much have you had to drink?"

"Oh, Mrs. Grey. What am I going to do with you?" He kisses the top of my head. I close my eyes, relishing the contact with him.

"Christian, please…"

His eyebrows rise in surprise once more. "Anastasia, cold is not what I'm feeling at the moment. I'm burning. Burning with rage. I don't know how to deal with these"-- he waves his hand, searching for the word --"feelings." His tone is bitter.

Oh shit. His honesty disarms me. All I want to do is crawl into his lap. It's all I've wanted to do since I came home last night. To hell with this. I move, taking him by surprise and climbing awkwardly into his lap, where I curl up. He doesn't push me away, which is what I'd feared. After a beat, he folds his arms around me and buries his nose in my hair. He smells of whiskey. How much did he drink? He smells of body wash, too. He smells of Christian. I wrap my arms around his neck and nuzzle his throat, and he sighs once more, deeply this time.

He stills. "Why?"

"This is my second glass. I've had a trying night, Anastasia. Give a man a break."

"I'm okay."

"I'm okay. We're all okay. A bit shaken. But Gail is fine. Ryan is fine. And Jack is gone."

I smile. "If you insist, Mr. Grey," I breathe into his neck. "You smell heavenly. I slept on your side of the bed because your pillow smells of you."

"When I think of what might have happened…" His voice is barely a whisper. Broken, raw.

His hand rhythmically strokes my back.

"You don't normally drink hard liquor."

He pauses. "And what, pray, have I done to deserve your ire?"

"Oh, Ana." It's almost a sob.

"And I'm mad at you," I whisper.

"I'll tell you later when you're no longer burning with rage." I kiss his throat. He closes his eyes and leans into my kiss but makes no move to kiss me back. His arms tighten around me, squeezing me.

He shakes his head. "No thanks to you," he mutters.

He nuzzles my hair. "Did you now? I wondered why you were on this side. I'm still mad at you."

"I know."

What? I lean back and glare at him. "What do you mean?"

"I hope not."

"I'll go back to sleep, then."

"I don't want to argue about it right now, Ana."

My heart leaps into my mouth. Fuck. "I know," I whisper as my scalp prickles.

"Yes."

"I could accuse you of many things, Mr. Grey, but being a saint isn't one of them."

He hugs me tighter. "Ana, Ana, Ana. You'd try the patience of a saint."

"Lie down with me?"

"Back to bed. You had a late night, too." He moves quickly, picking me up and depositing me back on the bed.

"Maybe I will."

Finally I am blessed with his reluctant chuckle. "Fair point well made as ever, Mrs. Grey." He kisses my forehead and shifts.

"No. I have things to do." He reaches down and collects the glass. "Go back to sleep. I'll wake you in a couple of hours."

"Are you still mad at me?"

I blink. Well, maybe I do, but I decide against it. At least he's talking to me. I nestle into him once more. His fingers move to my hair and start playing with it.

"I want to punish you," he whispers. "Really beat the shit out of you," he adds.

"Good." He pulls the duvet over me and kisses my forehead once more. "Sleep."

And because I'm so groggy from the night before, relieved that he's back, and emotionally fatigued by our early morning encounter, I do exactly as I'm told. As I drift off, I'm curious though grateful, given the nasty taste in my mouth, to know why he hasn't deployed his usual coping mechanism and leaped on me to have his wicked way.

"There's some orange juice for you here," Christian says, and my eyes flutter open again. I have had the most restful two hours of sleep I can remember, and I wake refreshed, my head no longer throbbing. The orange juice is a welcome sight -- as is my husband. He's in his sweats. And I'm momentarily zapped back to the Heathman Hotel and the first time I ever woke up with him. His gray tank top is damp with his sweat. Either he's been working out in the basement gym or he's been for a run, but he shouldn't look this good after a workout.

"I'm going to take a shower," he murmurs and disappears into the bathroom. I frown. He's still distant. He's either distracted by all that's happened, or still mad, or… what? I sit up and reach for the orange juice, drinking it down too quickly. It's delicious, ice cold, and it makes my mouth a much better place. I clamber out of bed, anxious to close the distance -- real and metaphysical -- between my husband and me. I glance quickly at the alarm. It's eight o'clock. I strip off Christian's T-shirt and follow him into the bathroom. He's in the shower, washing his hair, and I don't hesitate. I slip in behind him, and he stiffens the moment I wrap my arms around him -- my front to his wet, muscular back. I ignore his reaction, holding him tightly, and press my cheek flat against him, closing my eyes. After a moment, he shifts so we are both under the cascade of hot water and carries on washing his hair. I let the water wash over me as I cradle the man I love. I think of all the times he's fucked me and all the times he's made love to me in here. I frown. He's never been this quiet. Turning my head, I start to trail kisses across his back. His body stiffens again.

"Ana," he warns.

"Hmm."

My hands travel slowly down over his taut stomach to his belly. He places both his hands on mine and brings them to an abrupt halt. He shakes his head. "Don't," he warns.

"I'm still fucking mad at you," he says, his voice quiet and serious. Shit! Leaning down, he rests his forehead against mine, closing his eyes. I reach up and caress his face.

I release him, immediately. He's saying no? My mind goes into free fall -- has this ever happened before? My subconscious shakes her head, her lips pursed. She glares at me over her half-moon glasses, wearing her you've-really-fucked-up-this-time look. I feel like I've been slapped, hard. Rejected. And a lifetime of insecurity spawns the ugly thought that he doesn't want me anymore. I gasp as the pain sears through me. Christian turns, and I'm relieved to see he's not completely oblivious to my charms. Grasping my chin, he tilts my head back, and I find myself gazing into his wary, gray eyes.

"Don't be mad at me, please. I think you're overreacting," I whisper.

"Overreacting?" he snarls. "Some fucking lunatic gets into my apartment to kidnap my wife, and you think I'm overreacting!" The restrained menace in his voice is frightening, and his eyes blaze as he stares at me as if I'm the fucking lunatic.

He straightens, blanching. My hand falls free to my side.

"No… um, that's not what I was referring to. I thought this was about me staying out."

He closes his eyes once more as if in pain and shakes his head.

"Christian, I wasn't here." I try to appease and reassure him.

Then the significance of what he's just said dawns on me. Kidnap? Fuck. Jack wanted to kidnap me? I recall the duct tape and not wanting to think too deeply about why Jack had it. Does Christian have more information? Hurriedly I wash myself, then shampoo and rinse my hair. I want to know. I need to know. I am not going to let him keep me in the dark about this.

"I know," he whispers, opening his eyes. "And all because you can't follow a simple, fucking request." His tone is bitter and it's my turn to blanch. "I don't want to discuss this now, in the shower. I am still fucking mad at you, Anastasia. You're making me question my judgment." He turns and promptly leaves the shower, grabbing a towel on the way and stalking out of the bathroom, leaving me bereft and chilled under the hot water.

Crap. Crap. Crap.

"Tea?"

"Mr. Grey's in his study."

"Morning." I smile broadly at her. I am Ana again!

"Has he had breakfast?" I glance at the two places set on the breakfast bar.

"And cheese."

Christian is nowhere to be seen in the great room. Mrs. Jones is busying herself in the kitchen.

Christian's not in the bedroom when I come out. Jeez, he dresses quickly. I do the same, throwing on my favorite plum dress and black sandals, and I'm conscious that I've chosen this outfit because Christian likes it. I vigorously towel-dry my hair, then braid it and wind it into a bun. Fitting diamond studs into my ears, I dash to the bathroom to apply a little mascara and glance at myself in the mirror. I'm pale. I'm always pale. I take a deep steadying breath. I need to face the consequences of my rash decision to actually enjoy myself with my friend. I sigh, knowing that Christian won't see it that way.

"With mushrooms and spinach?"

"Anything to eat?"

"Please."

"Coming up."

"Where's Christian?"

"Good morning, Ana," she says sweetly.

"Please. I'd like an omelet this morning."

"Good morning, Mrs. Grey," he replies, and I hear the sympathy in those four words. I smile compassionately back at him, knowing he had to endure an angry, frustrated Christian returning to Seattle way ahead of schedule.

"Thanks."

"How was the flight?" I dare to ask.

"Long, Mrs. Grey." His brevity speaks volumes. "May I ask how you are?" he adds, his tone softening.

"Morning, Taylor," I murmur, trying to gauge his mood and see if he'll offer me any visual cues about what has been going on.

Christian is on the phone, dressed in a white shirt with no tie, looking every bit the relaxed CEO. How deceptive appearances can be. Perhaps he's not going into the office after all. He glances up when I appear in the doorway but shakes his head at me, indicating that I am not welcome. Shit… I turn and wander dejectedly back to the breakfast bar. Taylor appears, snappily dressed in a somber suit, looking like he's had eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.

"I'm good."

"No, ma'am."

He nods. "If you'll excuse me." He heads toward Christian's study. Hmm. Taylor's allowed in, but not me.

By the time I've finished what I can of my breakfast, Christian has still not emerged from his study. Is he avoiding me?

"Thanks, Mrs. Jones," I murmur, sliding off the barstool and making my way to the bathroom to clean my teeth. As I brush them, I'm reminded of Christian's sulk over the wedding vows. He holed up in his study then, too. Is that what this is? Him sulking? I shudder as I recall his subsequent nightmare. Will that happen again? We really need to talk. I need to know about Jack and about the increased security for the Greys -- all the details that have been kept from me, but not from Kate. Obviously Elliot talks to her.

I glance at my watch. It's eight fifty -- I'm late for work. I finish brushing my teeth, apply a little lip gloss, grab my lightweight black jacket, and head back to the great room. I am relieved to see Christian there, eating his breakfast.

"Here you go." Mrs. Jones places my breakfast in front of me. My appetite has vanished, but I eat anyway, not wishing to offend her.

"You're going?" he says when he sees me.

His mouth pops open with dismay. "Calmed down?" His voice is eerily soft.

"No, Anastasia, I don't know what you mean."

"But --" He stops and rakes his hand through his hair. Mrs. Jones walks quietly out of the room. Discreet, Gail, discreet.

"I know we have a great deal to talk about. Perhaps if you've calmed down, we can do it this evening."

He blinks. He was obviously expecting a fight. "Prescott will accompany you." His tone is slightly less belligerent.

"Okay." I acquiesce immediately.

"Christian, we've hardly been back a week. I have to go to work."

I remember my mom's "words of wisdom" talk the day before my wedding. Ana, honey, you really have to choose your battles. It'll be the same with your kids when you have them. Well, at least he's letting me go to work.

"No. You can't," he snaps.

"I don't want to fight. I was coming to ask you if I could take my car."

Damn it, not Prescott. I want to pout and protest but decide against it. Surely now that Jack has been caught we can cut back on our security.

I flush. "You know what I mean."

"To work? Yes, of course." Bravely, I walk toward him and rest my hands on the edge of the breakfast bar. He gazes at me blankly.

"Okay," I mutter. And because I don't want to leave him like this with so much unresolved and so much tension between us, I step tentatively toward him. He stiffens, his eyes widening, and for a moment he looks so vulnerable it pulls at some deep, dark place in my heart. Oh, Christian, I'm so sorry. I kiss him chastely on the side of his mouth. He closes his eyes as if relishing my touch.

"Don't hate me," I whisper.

"You haven't kissed me," I whisper.

I'm desperate to ask him why, but I'm not sure I want to know the answer. Abruptly he stands and grabs my face between his hands, and in a flash his lips are hard on mine. I gasp with surprise, inadvertently granting his tongue access. He takes full advantage, invading my mouth, claiming me, and just as I'm beginning to respond he releases me, his breathing quickening.

He eyes me suspiciously. "I know," he mutters.

"Taylor will take you and Prescott to SIP," he says, his eyes flaring with need. "Taylor!" he calls. I flush, trying to recover some composure.

He grabs my hand. "I don't hate you."

"Tell Prescott Mrs. Grey is going to work. Can you drive them, please?"

"Certainly." Turning on his heel, Taylor disappears.

"Sir." Taylor is standing in the doorway.

"I'll see what I can do." I smile sweetly. A reluctant half smile tugs at Christian's lips, but he doesn't give in to it.

"If you could try to stay out of trouble today, I would appreciate it," Christian mutters.

"Laters," I whisper.

"I'll see you later, then," he says coolly.

Prescott and I take the service elevator down to the basement garage in order to avoid the media outside. Jack's arrest and the fact that he was apprehended in our apartment are now public knowledge. As I settle into the Audi, I wonder if there will be more paparazzi waiting at SIP like the day our engagement was announced.

We drive a while in silence, until I remember to call first Ray and then my mom to reassure them that Christian and I are safe. Mercifully, both calls are short, and I hang up just as we arrive outside SIP. As I feared, there's a small crowd of reporters and photographers lying in wait. They turn as one, looking expectantly at the Audi.

"Are you sure you want to do this, Mrs. Grey?" Taylor asks. Part of me just wants to go home, but that means spending the day with Mr. Burning Rage. I hope that with a little time, he will gain some perspective. Jack is in police custody, so Fifty should be happy, but he's not. Part of me understands why; too much of this is out of his control, including me, but I don't have time to think about this now.

"Take me around to the delivery entrance, please, Taylor."

"Sure," I mutter, surprised at her unscheduled visit.

It's one o'clock and I've managed to immerse myself in work all morning. There's a knock and Elizabeth pops her head around the door.

She enters and sits down, tossing her long black hair over her shoulder. "I just wanted to check you're okay. Roach asked me to pay you a visit," she adds hurriedly as her face reddens. "I mean with all that went on last night."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Can I have a moment?" she asks brightly.

Jack Hyde's arrest is all over the newspapers, but no one seems to have made the connection yet with the fire at GEH.

To: Anastasia Grey

Date: August 26 2011 13:04

Subject: Statement

"Will do."

From: Christian Grey

That has to have been the briefest, most pointless meeting in the Western Hemisphere today. Why did Roach send her here? Perhaps he's worried, given I'm his boss's wife. I shake off the dark thoughts and reach for my BlackBerry in the hope that there might be a message from Christian. As I do, my work e-mail pings.

====================

I glance quickly at my e-mail. There's still nothing from him. I don't know if I were to send him an e-mail, whether I'd just be provoking Mr. Burning Rage further.

"Um… thanks."

"Good," Elizabeth answers, and her smile actually touches her eyes for a change. "If there's anything I can do -- anything you need -- let me know."

Elizabeth stands. "I know how busy you are, Ana. I'll let you get back to it."

"I'm fine," I answer, trying not to think too deeply about how I feel. Jack wanted to harm me. Well, that's not news. He's tried before. It's Christian I'm more concerned about.

Okay.

Editor, SIP

I gaze at his e-mail for a full five minutes, trying to think of a light and witty response to lift his mood. I draw a complete blank, and opt for brevity instead.

Anastasia

Date: August 26 2011 13:12

A x

Subject: Statement

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

From: Anastasia Grey

====================

I stare at the screen for another five minutes, anxious for his response, but there's nothing. Christian is not in the mood to play today.

Anastasia Grey

Detective Clark will be visiting your office today at 3 pm to take your statement.

To: Christian Grey

Christian Grey

I sit back. Can I blame him? My poor Fifty was probably frantic, back in the early hours of this morning. Then a thought occurs to me. He was in his tux when I woke this morning. What time did he decide to come back from New York? He normally leaves functions between ten and eleven. Last night at that hour, I was still at large with Kate.

I have insisted that he should come to you, as I don't want you going to the police station.

====================

Subject: Your Flight

From: Anastasia Grey

To: Christian Grey

Date: August 26 2011 13:24

I have to know -- did he come back because of Cocktailgate or because of the fucking lunatic?

Subject: Your Flight

What time did you decide to come back to Seattle yesterday?

Editor, SIP

====================

From: Christian Grey

Anastasia Grey

Did Christian come home because I was out or because of the Jack incident? If he left because I was out having a good time, he would have had no idea about Jack, about the police, nothing -- until he landed in Seattle. It's suddenly very important to me to find out. If Christian came back merely because I was out, then he was overreacting. My subconscious sucks her teeth, wearing her harpy face. Okay, I'm glad he's back, so maybe it's irrelevant. But still -- Christian must have had one hell of a shock when he landed. No wonder he's so confused today. His earlier words come back to me. "I am still fucking mad at you, Anastasia. You're making me question my judgment."

====================

From: Anastasia Grey

Christian Grey

From: Anastasia Grey

To: Christian Grey

From: Anastasia Grey

Subject: Huh?

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Why?

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Curiosity killed the cat.

To: Anastasia Grey

Date: August 26 2011 13:35

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

To: Christian Grey

Did you decide to return because I went out for a drink with my friend after you asked me not to, or did you return because a madman was in your apartment?

Date: August 26 2011 13:26

Editor, SIP

I stare at my screen. There's no response. I glance at the clock on my computer. One forty-five and still no response.

What is that oblique reference to? Another threat?

You know where I am going with this, don't you?

Subject: Your Flight

Christian Grey

Editor, SIP

Date: August 26 2011 13:32

Date: August 26 2011 13:29

Anastasia Grey

Subject: Your Flight

Anastasia Grey

Call it curiosity.

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To: Anastasia Grey

From: Christian Grey

I will take your silence as an admission that you did indeed return to Seattle because I CHANGED MY MIND. I am an adult female and went for a drink with my friend. I did not understand the security ramifications of CHANGING MY MIND because YOU NEVER TELL ME ANYTHING. I found out from Kate that security has, in fact, been stepped up for all the Greys, not just us. I think you generally overreact where my safety is concerned, and I understand why, but you're like the boy crying wolf.

Subject: Here's the Thing…

Date: August 26 2011 13:56

To: Christian Grey

I never have a clue about what is a real concern or merely something that is perceived as a concern by you. I had two of the security detail with me. I thought both Kate and I would be safe. Fact is, we were safer in that bar than at the apartment. Had I been FULLY INFORMED of the situation, I would have taken a different course of action.

I understand your concerns are something to do with material that was on Jack's computer here -- or so Kate believes. Do you know how annoying it is to find out my best friend knows more about what's going on with you than I do? And I am your WIFE. So are you going to tell me? Or will you continue to treat me like a child, guaranteeing that I continue to behave like one?

Date: August 26 2011 13:59

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

Perhaps we can discuss this when you get home to OUR apartment.

I hit "send." There -- stick that in your pipe and smoke it, Grey. I take a deep breath. I have worked myself up into quite a rage. Here I was feeling sorry and guilty for behaving badly. Well, no longer.

====================

Subject: Here's the Thing…

To: Anastasia Grey

My meeting with detective Clark is uneventful. He is less growly than the night before, maybe because he's managed some sleep. Or maybe he just prefers working during the day.

You should watch your language. I am still fucking pissed, too.

As ever, Mrs. Grey, you are forthright and challenging in e-mail.

Anastasia Grey

Editor, SIP

Christian Grey

Ana

Watch my language! I scowl at my computer, realizing this is getting me nowhere. I don't respond, but pick up a manuscript recently received from a promising new author and begin to read.

From: Christian Grey

You are not the only one who is fucking pissed. Okay?

"Yes, ma'am. He was released from the hospital earlier this morning. With what he's charged with, he should be with us for a while." He smiles, his dark eyes crinkling in the corners.

"Thank you for your statement, Mrs. Grey."

As he leaves, I wonder exactly what Hyde has been charged with. No doubt Christian won't tell me. I purse my lips.

"Good. This has been an anxious time for my husband and me."

"Thank you, Detective. I'll do that."

"I spoke at length with Mr. Grey this morning. He's very relieved. Interesting man, your husband."

"Good day to you, Mrs. Grey."

"You're welcome, Detective. Is Hyde in police custody yet?"

"Yes, I think so." I offer him a polite smile, and he knows he's being dismissed.

You have no idea.

"If you think of anything, you can call me. Here's my card." He wrestles a card out of his wallet and hands it to me.

"Good day."

We ride in silence to Escala. Sawyer is driving this time, Prescott at his side, and my heart grows heavier and heavier as we head back. I know Christian and I are going to have an almighty fight, and I don't know if I have the energy.

The elevator doors slide open, revealing the foyer, and it's once more neat and tidy. The table is upright and a new vase is in place with a gorgeous array of pale pink and white peonies. I quickly check the paintings as we wander through -- the Madonnas all look to be intact. The broken foyer door is fixed and operational once more, and Prescott kindly opens it for me. She's been so quiet today. I think I prefer her this way.

I drop my briefcase in the hall and head into the great room. I stop. Holy fuck.

"Good to have you home. I've been waiting for you."

"Good evening, Mrs. Grey," Christian says softly. He's standing by the piano, dressed in a tight black T-shirt and jeans… those jeans -- the ones he wore in the playroom. Oh my. They are overwashed pale blue denim, snug, ripped at the knee, and hot. He saunters over to me, his feet bare, the top button of the jeans undone, his smoldering eyes never leaving mine.

As I ride in the elevator from the garage with Prescott beside me, I try to marshal my thoughts. What do I want to say? I think I said it all in my e-mail. Perhaps he'll give me some answers. I hope so. I can't help my nerves. My heart is pounding, my mouth is dry, and my palms are sweaty. I don't want to fight. But sometimes he's so difficult, and I need to stand my ground.