Fifty Shades Darker(212)

What else does he have hidden away? Quickly I ferret through the museum chest, take what I need, and lock the playroom door behind me. Wouldn't do for Jose to discover this!

I hand the keys back to Mrs. Jones and sit down to devour my breakfast, feeling odd that Christian is absent. The photograph image dances unwelcome around my mind. I wonder who it was? Leila perhaps?

On my drive in to work, I debate whether or not to tell Christian I found his photographs.

No, screams my subconscious, her Edvard Munch face on. I decide she's probably right.

As I sit down at my desk, my Blackberry buzzes.

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Surfaces

Date: June 17, 2011 08:59

To: Anastasia Steele

I calculate that there are at least 30 surfaces to go. I am looking forward to each and every one of them. Then there's the floors, the walls - and let's not forget the balcony.

After that there's my office...

Miss you. x

Christian Grey

Priapic CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.

His e-mail makes me smile, and all my earlier reservations evaporate. It's me he wants now, and memories of last night's sexcapades flood my mind... the elevator, the foyer, the bed. Priapic is right. I wonder idly what the female equivalent might be?

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: Romance?

Date: June 17, 2011 09:03

To: Christian Grey

Mr. GreyYou have a one-track mind.

I missed you at breakfast

But Mrs. Jones was very accommodating.

Ax

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Intrigued

Date: June 17, 2011 09:07

To: Anastasia Steele

What was Mrs. Jones accommodating about?

What are you up to Miss Steele?

Christian Grey

Curious CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.

How does he know?

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: Tapping Nose

Date: June 17, 2011 09:10

To: Christian Grey

Wait and see - it's a surprise.

I need to work... let me be.

Love you.

A x

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Frustrated

Date: June 17, 2011 09:12

To: Anastasia Steele

I hate it when you keep things from me.

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.

I stare at the small screen of my Blackberry. The vehemence implicit in his e-mail takes me by surprise. Why does he feel like this? It's not like I'm hiding erotic photographs of my exes.

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: Indulging you

Date: June 17, 2011 09:14

To: Christian Grey

It's for your birthday.

Another surprise.

Don't be so petulant.

A x

He doesn't reply immediately, and I'm called into a meeting so I can't dwell on it for too long.

When I next glance at my Blackberry, to my horror I realize it's four in the afternoon.

Where has the day gone? Still no message from Christian. I decide to e-mail him again.

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: Hello

Date: June 17, 2011 16:03

To: Christian Grey

Are you not talking to me?

Don't forget I am going for a drink with Jose, and that he's staying with us tonight.

Please rethink about joining us.

A x

He doesn't reply, and I feel a frisson of unease. I hope he's okay. Calling his mobile, I get his voicemail. The announcement simply says Grey, leave a message in his most clipped tone."Hi... um... it's me. Ana. Are you okay? Call me," I stutter through my message.