Fifty Shades of Grey(176)

"I like you sore." His eyes smolder. "Reminds you where I've been, and only me."

He grabs my chin and kisses me roughly, then stands and holds his hand out to help me up. I glance down at the foil packet beside me.

"Always prepared," I murmur.

He looks at me confused as he redoes his fly. I hold up the empty packet.

"A man can hope, Anastasia, dream even, and sometimes his dreams come true."

He sounds so odd, his eyes burning. I just don't understand. My post coital glow is fading fast. What is his problem?

"So, on your desk, that's been a dream?" I ask dryly, trying humor to lighten the atmosphere between us.

He smiles an enigmatic smile that doesn't reach his eyes, and I know immediately this is not the first time he's had sex on his desk. The thought is unwelcome. I squirm uncomfortably as my post coital glow evaporates.

"I'd better go and have a shower." I stand and make to move past him.

He frowns and runs a hand through his hair.

"I've got a couple more calls to make. I'll join you for breakfast once you're out of the shower. I think Mrs. Jones has laundered your clothes from yesterday. They're in the closet."

What When the hell did she do thatJeez, could she hear usI flush.

"Thank you," I mutter.

"You're most welcome," he replies automatically, but there's an edge to his voice.

I'm not saying thank you for f*cking me. Although, it was very...

"What?" he asks, and I realize I'm frowning.

"What's wrong?" I ask softly.

"What do you mean?"

"Well... you're being more weird than usual."

"You find me weird?" He tries to stifle a smile.

I blush.

"Sometimes."

He regards me for a moment, his eyes speculative.

"As ever, I'm surprised by you, Miss Steele."

"Surprised how?"

"Let's just say that was an unexpected treat."

"We aim to please, Mr. Grey." I cock my head to one side like he often does to me and give his words back to him.

"And please me you do," he says, but he looks uneasy. "I thought you were going to have a shower."

Oh, he's dismissing me.

"Yes... um, I'll see you in a moment." I scurry out of his office completely dumbfounded.

He seemed confused. Why I have to say as physical experiences go, that was very satisfying. But emotionally - well, I'm rattled by his reaction, and that was about as emotionally enriching as cotton candy is nutritious.

Mrs. Jones is still in the kitchen.

"Would you like your tea now, Miss Steele?"

"I'll have a shower first, thank you," I mutter and take my blazing face quickly out of the room.

In the shower, I try to figure out what's up with Christian. He is the most complicated person I know, and I cannot understand his ever-changing moods. He seemed fine when I went into his study. We had sex... and then he wasn't. No, I don't get it. I look to my subconscious. She's whistling with her hands behind her back and looking anywhere but at me. She hasn't got a clue, and my inner goddess is still basking in a remnant of post-coital glow. No - we're all clueless.

I towel-dry my hair, comb it through with Christian's one and only hair implement, and put my hair up in bun. Kate's plum dress hangs laundered and ironed in the closet along with my clean bra and panties. Mrs. Jones is a marvel. Slipping on Kate's shoes, I straighten my dress, take a deep breath, and head back out to the great room.