Freed (Fifty Shades as Told by Christian #3) - E.L. James Page 0,250

my hair, choosing my words carefully, and trying to hang on to my temper—“was incredibly brave and incredibly stupid. You could have been killed.”

“I didn’t know what else to do,” she whispers, and glances down at her fingers.

“You could have told me!”

“He said he’d kill her if I told anyone. I couldn’t take that risk.”

I close my eyes as I imagine the most awful outcome. No Mia. No Ana. “I have died a thousand deaths since Thursday.” My voice is hoarse.

“What day is it?”

“It’s almost Saturday.” I check my watch. “You’ve been unconscious for more than twenty-four hours.”

“And Jack, and Elizabeth?”

“In police custody. Although Hyde is here under guard. They had to remove the bullet you left in him.” Once more I wish she’d ended him. “I don’t know where in this hospital he is, fortunately, or I’d probably kill him myself.”

Ana’s eyes grow wide, and she shudders, her fear evident as her shoulders tense and tears prick her eyes.

“Hey.” I move forward, taking the glass from her hand, placing it on the nightstand, and gently folding her into my arms. “You’re safe now.”

“Christian, I’m so sorry.” She starts to cry.

No. Ana. You’re safe. “Hush.” I stroke her hair and let her weep.

“What I said. I was never going to leave you.”

“Hush, baby, I know.”

“You do?” She pulls away and studies me through her tears.

“I worked it out. Eventually. Honestly, Ana, what were you thinking?”

She places her head on my shoulder. “You took me by surprise. When we spoke at the bank. Thinking I was leaving you. I thought you knew me better. I’ve said to you over and over I would never leave.”

Slowly, I blow out a breath. “But after the appalling way I’ve behaved—” I tighten my arms around her. “I thought for a short time that I’d lost you.”

“No, Christian. Never. I didn’t want you to interfere and put Mia’s life in danger.”

Interfere!

“How did you work it out?” she asks.

I tuck her hair behind her ear. “I’d just touched down in Seattle when the bank called. Last I’d heard, you were ill and going home.”

“So, you were in Portland when Sawyer called you from the car?”

“We were just about to take off. I was worried about you.”

“You were?”

“Of course I was.” I skim her lower lip with my thumb. “I spend my life worrying about you. You know that.”

This earns me a half smile. That’s something. “Jack called me at the office,” she says, her eyes wide once more. “He gave me two hours to get the money.” She shrugs. “I had to leave, and it just seemed the best excuse.”

Fucking Hyde. “And you gave Sawyer the slip. He’s mad at you, as well,” I mutter.

“As well?”

“As well as me.”

She raises her hand, her fingertips once more caressing my face. Closing my eyes, I lean in to her touch, savoring the feel of her fingers skating over my stubble. “Don’t be mad at me. Please,” she whispers.

“I am so mad at you. What you did was monumentally stupid. Bordering on insane.”

“I told you, I didn’t know what else to do.”

“You don’t seem to have any regard for your personal safety. And it’s not just you now.”

But before she or I can say anything further, the door opens and Dr. Bartley strides in. “Good evening, Mrs. Grey. I’m Dr. Bartley.”

I give her a nod and step away so she has room to examine my wife. While she’s doing that, I call Dad to let him know that Ana is awake.

“Oh, that’s great news, son.” He pauses, and I know he’s listening to Grace. “Your mother says to apologize.”

“I’ll do that, Dad.”

“Why? What’s happened?” Carrick sounds confused.

“It’s a long story.”

“Okay. Give Ana our love. We’ll come see her tomorrow.”

I call Carla to give her the good news.

“Thank you, Christian!” she sobs through her tears.

Next, Kavanagh. “Thank God,” Kate says. “And I hope you two have made up.”

“Yeah,” I mutter, though it’s none of her fucking business. “I’ve got to call Ray.”

“Okay,” Kate says. “And tell Ana no more chasing kidnappers.”

“Will do.”

Ray is so relieved, he’s silent for several seconds while he gathers himself. Eventually he says, “I appreciate the call, Christian. Tell Annie I love her.”

“Will do, Ray.”

When I finish my call to my father-in-law, Dr. Bartley is prodding my wife’s ribs. Ana winces. “These are bruised, not cracked or broken. You were very lucky, Mrs. Grey.”

Ana glances at me. “Foolhardy,” I mouth.

I’m still fucking angry with you, Ana.

“I’ll prescribe some painkillers. You’ll need them for this, and for