really cares. My heart swells with hope.
The song ends and tears spring to my eyes. I quickly scroll to another—“The Scientist”
by Coldplay—one of Kate’s favorite bands. I know the track, but I’ve never really listened
to the lyrics before. I close my eyes and let the words wash over and through me.
My tears start to flow. I can’t stem them. If this isn’t an apology, what is it? Oh, Chris-
tian.Or is this an invitation? Will he answer my questions? Am I reading too much into this?
I am probably reading too much into this.My subconscious nods at me, trying to hide her
pity.I dash my tears away. I have to e-mail him 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 inappropri-
ate!“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 night.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
From:Anastasia Steele
Subject:Old books . . .
Date:June 10, 2011 08:33
To:Christian Grey
I am eating a banana as I type. I have not had breakfast for several days, so it is a step
forward. I love the British Library App—I started rereading Robinson Crusoe . . . and of
course, I love you.
Now leave me alone—I am trying to work.
Anastasia Steele
Assistant to Jack Hyde, Commissioning Editor, SIP
From:Christian Grey
Subject:Is that all you’ve eaten?
Date:June 10, 2011 08:36
To:Anastasia Steele
You can do better than that. You’re going to need your energy for begging.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
From:Anastasia Steele
Subject:Pest
Date:June 10, 2011 08:39
To:Christian Grey
Mr. Grey—I am trying to work for a living—and it’s you that will be begging.
Anastasia Steele
Assistant to Jack Hyde, Commissioning Editor, SIP
From:Christian Grey
Subject:Bring it On!
Date:June 10, 2011 08:36
To:Anastasia Steele
Why Miss Steele, I love a challenge . . .
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
I sit grinning at the screen like an idiot. But I need to read these chapters for Jack and write
reports on all of them. Placing the manuscripts on my desk, I begin.
At lunchtime I head to the deli for a pastrami sandwich and listen to the playlist on my