Freed (Fifty Shades as Told by Christian #3) - E.L. James Page 0,255

to me. I’m eating.”

Anything to keep you eating, wife.

I read the article out loud as Ana tucks into her breakfast. She doesn’t comment on what’s been written, but asks me to read more. “I like listening to you.”

Her words warm my soul.

She finishes her breakfast, sits back, and listens as I continue, but we’re interrupted by a knock on the door. My spirits sink when Detective Clark shambles in. “Mr. Grey, Mrs. Grey. Am I interrupting?”

“Yes,” I snap. He’s the last person I want to see.

Clark ignores me, which sets my teeth on edge, the arrogant asshole. “Glad to see you’re awake, Mrs. Grey,” he says. “I need to ask you a few questions about Thursday afternoon. Just routine. Is now a convenient time?”

“Sure,” Ana mumbles, but she looks wary.

“My wife should be resting.”

“I’ll be brief, Mr. Grey. And it means I’ll be out of your hair sooner rather than later.” He has a point. Giving Ana an apologetic look, reluctantly I stand and offer him my chair, then perch on the other side of her bed and take Ana’s hand. I listen quietly as Clark lets my wife tell her side of Hyde’s kidnapping and extortion horror story; the words are at odds with her soft, sweet voice. Occasionally, I tighten my grip on her hand as I rein in my anger, and I’m relieved when it’s over. Ana’s done well to remember so many details.

“That’s great, Mrs. Grey.” Clark seems pleased.

“I wish you’d aimed higher,” I mutter.

“Might have done womankind a service if Mrs. Grey had,” he agrees.

Ana’s puzzled look skims from Clark to me. She doesn’t know what we’re talking about, but I’m not going to explain that right now.

“Thank you, Mrs. Grey. That’s all for now.” Clark shifts in his seat, ready to leave.

“You won’t let him out again, will you?” Ana flinches, visibly at the thought.

“I don’t think he’ll make bail this time, ma’am.”

“Do we know who posted his bail?” I ask.

“No, sir. It was confidential.”

I’ll chase Welch for an update to see if he’s found Hyde’s benefactor. Clark rises to leave just as Dr. Singh and two interns enter the room, and I follow the detective out, taking Ana’s tray with me.

“Good day, Mr. Grey,” Clark says, saluting me, then walks on up the corridor.

Taylor rises from his chair outside Ana’s room and follows me into the nurses’ kitchen, where I deposit the tray. “Sir, I’ll take care of that.”

“Thanks.” I leave him to wash up and return to Ana’s room, where I hang back while Dr. Singh completes her examination.

“You’re good. I think you can go home,” she says, with a pleasant smile to Ana.

Thank God.

“Mrs. Grey, you’ll have to watch for worsening headaches and blurry vision. If that occurs, you must return to the hospital immediately.”

Ana nods, beaming, clearly as grateful as I am that she’s being discharged.

“Dr. Singh, can I have a word?”

“Of course.”

We step into the corridor, and I’m relieved that Taylor is still away from his station on the chair outside. “My wife… Um—”

“Yes, Mr. Grey?”

“Her injuries… Will they stop us…”

Dr. Singh frowns.

“Sexual act—”

She interrupts me, finally understanding my gist. “Yes, Mr. Grey, that’s fine.” She smiles and adds in a quieter tone, “Provided your wife is…you know. Willing.”

I give her a broad smile.

“What was all that about?” Ana asks as I close the door.

“Sex!” I give her a wicked grin.

Ana colors. “And?”

“You’re good to go.”

Ana can’t hide her amusement. “I have a headache.” Her teasing smirk makes me doubt if she’s being entirely truthful.

“I know. You’ll be off-limits for a while. I was just checking.”

She frowns, and if I’m interpreting her look correctly, I’d say she’s disappointed. Nurse Nora bustles into the room, and after a haughty glance at me, she removes Ana’s IV.

Ana thanks her and Nora exits. I smile as she leaves. I don’t begrudge her at all; she’s taken good care of my wife. I resolve to make a substantial donation to the hospital staff appreciation fund.

“Shall I take you home?” I turn to Ana.

“I’d like to see Ray first.”

Grey, of course, she wants to see her dad! “Sure.”

“Does he know about the baby?”

“I thought you’d want to be the one to tell him. I haven’t told your mom, either.”

“Thank you.”

“My mom knows. She saw your chart. I told my dad, but no one else. Mom said couples normally wait for twelve weeks or so to be sure.” I shrug. This is her decision.

“I’m not sure I’m ready to tell Ray.”

That’s probably a good idea.