Fifty Shades Darker(122)

From: Christian Grey

Subject: No YOU haven't seen shouty yet.

Date: June 13, 2011 09:50

To: Anastasia Steele

Anastasia

It's not my f*cking knickers I am worried about.

The answer is NO.

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.

"No!" I shout at my computer, causing the entire office to come to a standstill and stare at me. Jack peers out from his office.

"Everything all right, Ana?"

"Yes. Sorry," I mutter. "I er... just didn't save a document." I am scarlet with embarrassment. He smiles at me but with a puzzled expression. I take several deep breaths and quickly type a response. I am so mad.

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: Fifty Shades

Date: June 13, 2011 09:55

To: Christian Grey

Christian

You need to get a grip.

I am NOT going to sleep with Jack - not for all the tea in China.

I LOVE you. That's what happens when people love each other.

They TRUST each other.

I don't think you are going to SLEEP WITH, SPANK, FUCK, or WHIP anyone else. I have FAITH and TRUST in you.

Please extend the same COURTESY to me.

Ana

Anastasia Steele

Assistant to Jack Hyde, Commissioning Editor, SIP

I sit waiting for his response. Nothing arrives. I call the airline and book a ticket for myself, ensuring I am on the same flight as Jack. I hear the ping of new mail.

From: Lincoln, Elena

Subject: Lunch Date

Date: June 13, 2011 10:15

To: Anastasia Steele

Dear Anastasia

I would really like to have lunch with you. I think we got off on the wrong foot, and I'd like to make that right. Are you free sometime this week?

Elena Lincoln

Holy crap - not Mrs. Robinson! How the hell did she find out my e-mail address? I put my head in my hands. Can this day get any worse?

My phone rings and wearily I lift my head from my hands and answer, glancing at the clock. It is only ten twenty, and already I wish I hadn't left Christian's bed.

"Jack Hyde's office, Ana Steele speaking."

An achingly familiar voice snarls at me, "Will you please delete the last e-mail you sent me and try to be a little more circumspect in the language you use in your work e-mail?

I told you, the system is monitored. I shall endeavor to do some damage limitation from here." He hangs up.

Holy f*ck... I sit staring at the phone. Christian hung up on me. That man is stomping all over my fledgling career, and he hangs up on me? I glare at the receiver, and if it wasn't completely inanimate, I know it would shrivel in horror under my withering stare.

I open my e-mails and delete the one I sent him. It's not that bad. I just mention spanking and well, whipping. Jeez, if he's so ashamed of it, he damn well shouldn't do it. I pick up my Blackberry and call his mobile.

"What?" he snaps.

"I am going to New York whether you like it or not," I hiss.

"Don't count - "

I hang up, cutting him off mid-sentence. Adrenaline is coursing through my body.

There - that told him. I am so mad.

I take a deep breath, trying to compose myself. Closing my eyes, I imagine that I am in my happy place. Hmm... a boat cabin with Christian. I shake the image off as I am too mad at Fifty right now for him to be anywhere near my happy place.

Opening my eyes, I calmly reach for my notebook and carefully run through my to do list. I take a long, deep breath, my equilibrium restored.