Novel Update
Chapter 131
Chapter 131
Communicate and compromise.
She shrugs, and I have no idea what she’s thinking. About Leila? Maybe Ana needs reassuring. “I’m
keeping tabs on her,” I say, “checking that she stays on her side of the continent. She’s better, Ana. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
Flynn has referred her to a shrink in New Haven, and all the reports are very positive. She’s always
been interested in art, so…” I stop, trying to find a clue in Ana’s face as to what she’s thinking. “Don’t
sweat this, Anastasia.” I squeeze her hand, and I’m heartened when she returns the gesture.
“Nice haircut, Mr. Grey.” Barry is effusive as he opens the glass door to Grey House.
“Er, thank you, Barry.”
Well, that’s a first.
“How’s your boy?” I ask.
“He’s great, sir. Doing well at school.” Barry glows with paternal pride.
I can’t help my smile. “Good to hear it.”
Ros and Sam are in the elevator.
“Haircut?” Ros asks.
“Yes. Thanks.”
“Looks good.”
“Yes,” says Sam.
“Thanks.”
What the hell has gotten into my staff?
After my update with Barney on the tablet prototype, I send an e-mail to Ana. I take a gamble that she’s
managed to have her e-mail name changed.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Flattery
Date: August 23 2011 09:54
To: Anastasia Grey
Mrs. Grey
I have received three compliments on my new haircut. Compliments from my staff are new. It must be
the ridiculous smile I’m wearing whenever I think about last night. You are indeed a wonderful, talented,
beautiful woman.
And all mine.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
I’m delighted when it doesn’t bounce, though I don’t get an immediate answer.
I’m between meetings when her response arrives.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Trying to Concentrate Here
Date: August 23 2011 10:48
To: Christian Grey
Mr. Grey
I am trying to work and don’t want to be distracted by delicious memories.
Is now the time to confess that I used to cut Ray’s hair regularly? I had no idea it would be such useful
training.
And yes, I am yours and you, my dear, overbearing husband who refuses to exercise his constitutional
right under the Second Amendment to bear arms, are mine. But don’t worry because I shall protect
you. Always.
Anastasia Grey
Editor, SIP
She used to cut Ray’s hair. Well, damn it, that’s why she did such a good job. And she’s going to
protect me.
Of course, she is. I turn to my computer and Google “gun phobia.”
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Annie Oakley
Date: August 23 2011 10:53
To: Anastasia Grey
Mrs. Grey
I am delighted to see you have spoken to the IT dept and changed your name. :D
I shall sleep safe in my bed knowing that my gun-toting wife sleeps beside me.
Christian Grey
CEO & Hoplophobe, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Long Words
Date: August 23 2011 10:58
To: Christian Grey
Mr. Grey
Once more you dazzle me with your linguistic prowess.
In fact, your prowess in general, and I think you know what I’m referring to.
Anastasia Grey
Editor, SIP
Her reply makes me grin.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Gasp!
Date: August 23 2011 11:01
To: Anastasia Grey
Mrs. Grey
Are you flirting with me?
Christian Grey
Shocked CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Would you rather…
Date: August 23 2011 11:04
To: Christian Grey
I flirted with someone else?
Anastasia Grey
Brave Editor, SIP
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Grrrrr
Date: August 23 2011 11:09
To: Anastasia Grey
NO!
Christian Grey
Possessive CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Wow…
Date: August 23 2011 11:14
To: Christian Grey
Are you growling at me? ’Cause that’s kinda hot.
Anastasia Grey
Squirming (in a good way) Editor, SIP
I love making her squirm via e-mail.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Beware
Date: August 23 2011 11:16
To: Anastasia Grey
Flirting and toying with me, Mrs. Grey?
I may pay you a visit this afternoon.
Christian Grey
Priapic CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Oh No!
Date: August 23 2011 11:20
To: Christian Grey
I’ll behave. I wouldn’t want my boss’s boss’s boss getting on top of me at work. ;)
Now let me get on with my job. My boss’s boss’s boss may fire my ass.
Anastasia Grey
Editor, SIP
From: Christian Grey
Subject: &*%$&*&*
Date: August 23 2011 11:23
To: Anastasia Grey
Believe me when I say there are a great many things he’d like to do to your ass right now. Firing you is
not one of them.
Christian Grey
CEO & Ass man, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Go Away!
Date: August 23 2011 11:26
To: Christian Grey
Don’t you have an empire to run?
Stop bothering me.
My next appointment is here.
I thought you were a breast man…
Think about my ass, and I’ll think about yours…
ILY x
Anastasia Grey
Now Moist Editor, SIP
Moist? There’s that word again. I shake my head. I like her wet. Moist doesn’t do it for me, at all. But
sadly, I must cease, as my meeting with Marco and his team starts in four minutes.
It’s a great meeting. Marco has gone aggressively after Geolumara and our bid has been successful.
This acquisition will take us into a new area of green energy, via a cheaper and easier-to-manufacture
solar panel.
It’s also looking likely that either I’ll have to go to Taiwan or the shipyard owners will come to us. But
first they want a phone conference. Ros is arranging a time.
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