fifty shades darker by E.L. James Read Free Book Online Page A

to thank him. I leap off my bed to fetch the mean machine.
    Coldplay continues as I sit cross-legged on my bed. The Mac powers up and I log in.
    From: Anastasia Steele
    Subject: IPAD
    Date: June 9, 2011 23:56
    To: Christian Grey
    You’ve made me cry again.
    I love the iPad.
    I love the songs.
    I love the British Library App.
    I love you.
    Thank you.
    Goodnight.
    Ana xx

    From: Christian Grey
    Subject: iPad
    Date: June 10, 2011 00:03
    To: Anastasia Steele
    I’m glad you like it. I bought one for myself.
    Now, if I were there, I would kiss away your tears.
    But I’m not—so go to sleep.
    Christian Grey
    CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
    His response makes me smile, still so bossy, still so Christian. Will that change, too? And I realize in that moment that I hope not. I like him like this—commanding—as long as I can stand up to him without fear of punishment.
    From: Anastasia Steele
    Subject: Mr. Grumpy
    Date: June 10, 2011 00:07
    To: Christian Grey
    You sound your usual bossy and possibly tense, possibly grumpy self, Mr. Grey.
    I know something that could ease that. But then, you’re not here—you wouldn’t let me stay, and you expect me to beg . . .
    Dream on, Sir.
    Ana xx
    PS: I also note that you included the Stalker’s Anthem, “Every Breath You Take.” I do enjoy your sense of humor, but does Dr. Flynn know?
    From: Christian Grey
    Subject: Zen-Like Calm
    Date: June 10, 2011 00.10
    To: Anastasia Steele
    My Dearest Miss Steele
    Spanking occurs in vanilla relationships, too, you know. Usually consensually and in a sexual context . . . but I am more than happy to make an exception.
    You’ll be relieved to know that Dr. Flynn also enjoys my sense of humor.
    Now, please go to sleep as you won’t get much tomorrow.

    Incidentally—you will beg, trust me. And I look forward to it.
    Christian Grey
    Tense CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
    From: Anastasia Steele
    Subject: Goodnight, Sweet Dreams
    Date: June 10, 2011 00:12
    To: Christian Grey
    Well, since you ask so nicely, and I like your delicious threat, I shall curl up with the iPad that you have so kindly given me and fall asleep browsing in the British Library, listening to the music that says it for you.
    A xxx
    From: Christian Grey
    Subject: One more request
    Date: June 10, 2011 00:15
    To: Anastasia Steele
    Dream of me.
    x
    Christian Grey
    CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
    Dream of you, Christian Grey? Always.
    I change quickly into my pajamas, brush my teeth, and slip into bed. Putting my ear buds in, I pull the flattened Charlie Tango balloon from underneath my pillow and hug it to me.
    I am brimming with joy, a stupid, widemouthed grin on my face. What a difference a day can make. How am I ever going to sleep?
    José Gonzalez starts to sing a soothing melody with a hypnotic guitar riff, and I drift slowly into sleep, marveling how the world has righted itself in one evening and wondering idly if I should make a playlist for Christian.

    The one good thing about being car-less is that on the bus on my way to work, I can plug my headphones into my iPad while it’s safely in my purse and listen to all the wonderful tunes Christian has given me. By the time I arrive at the office, I have the most ludicrous grin on my face.
    Jack glances up at me and does a double take.
    “Good morning, Ana. You look . . . radiant.” His remark flusters me. How inappropriate! “I slept well, thank you, Jack. Good morning.”
    His brow crinkles.
    “Can you read these for me and have reports on them by lunchtime, please?” He hands me four manuscripts. At my horrified expression, he adds, “Just first chapters.”
    “Sure,” I smile with relief, and he gives me a broad smile in return.
    I switch on the computer to start work, finishing my latte and eating a banana. There’s an e-mail from Christian.

    From: Christian Grey
    Subject: So Help Me . . .
    Date: June 10, 2011 08:05
    To: Anastasia Steele
    I do hope you’ve had breakfast.
    I missed you last