Fifty Shades Darker(113)

"You didn't. I was just getting ready to run," I quip.

"Run?" Christian eyes widen.

"I'm joking!" Oh jeez.

He leads me out of the closet, and I take a moment to calm down. Adrenaline is still coursing through my body. A fight with Fifty is not to be undertaken lightly.

He gives me a tour of the apartment, showing me the various rooms. Along with the playroom and three spare bedrooms upstairs, I'm intrigued to find that Taylor and Mrs.

Jones have a wing to themselves - a kitchen, spacious living area, and a bedroom each.

Mrs. Jones has not yet returned from visiting her sister who lives in Portland.

Downstairs, the room that catches my eye is opposite his study - a TV room with a too-large plasma screen and assorted games consoles. It's cozy.

"So you do have an Xbox?" I smirk.

"Yes, but I'm crap at it. Elliot always beats me. That was funny, when you thought I meant this room was my playroom." He grins down at me his snit-fit forgotten. Thank heavens he's recovered his good mood.

"I'm glad you find me amusing, Mr. Grey," I respond haughtily.

"That you are, Miss Steele - when you're not being exasperating, of course."

"I'm usually exasperating when you're being unreasonable."

"Me? Unreasonable?"

"Yes, Mr. Grey. Unreasonable could be your middle name."

"I don't have a middle name."

"Unreasonable would suit then."

"I think that's a matter of opinion, Miss Steele."

"I would be interested in Dr. Flynn's professional opinion."

Christian smirks.

"I thought Trevelyan was your middle name."

"No. Surname."

"But you don't use it."

"It's too long. Come," he commands. I follow him out of the TV room through the great room to the main corridor past the utility room and an impressive wine cellar and into Taylor's own large, well-equipped office. Taylor stands when we enter. There's room in here for a meeting table that seats six. Above one desk is a bank of monitors. I had no idea the apartment had CCTV. It appears to monitor the balcony, stairwell, service elevator, and foyer.

"Hi, Taylor. I'm just giving Anastasia a tour."

Taylor nods but doesn't smile. I wonder if he's been told off, too, and why is he still working? When I smile at him, he nods politely. Christian grabs my hand once more and leads me to the library.

"And, of course, you've been in here." Christian opens the door. I spy the green baize of the billiard table.

"Shall we play?" I ask. Christian smiles, surprised.

"Okay. Have you played before?"

"A few times," I lie, and he narrows his eyes, cocking his head to one side.

"You're a hopeless liar, Anastasia. Either you've never played before or - "

I lick my lips. "Frightened of a little competition?"

"Frightened of a little girl like you?" Christian scoffs good-naturedly.

"A wager, Mr. Grey."

"You're that confident, Miss Steele?" He smirks, amused and incredulous at once.

"What would you like to wager?"

"If I win, you'll take me back into the playroom."

He gazes at me as if he can't quite comprehend what I've said. "And if I win?" he asks after several shell-shocked beats.

"Then it's your choice."

His mouth twists as he contemplates his answer. "Okay, deal." He smirks. "Do you want to play pool, English snooker or carom billiards?"