Freed (Fifty Shades as Told by Christian #3) - E.L. James Page 0,99

worry you. I’ll let you go.”

“Thanks for checking in, Dad.”

“Christian. I’m here for you. Always. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” He hangs up, and I wonder what he’s going to do with the information I’ve just given him. I don’t dwell on it, but call Ros for an update.

I’m still on the phone when Ana pops her head around the door later. She blows a kiss at me and leaves me to my conversation with Andrea, who is sorting our flights back to Seattle.

Ana is curled up asleep when I return to our cabin. I slip into bed beside her and pull her into my arms without waking her. I kiss her hair and close my eyes.

I have to keep her safe. I have to keep her safe…

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Through the lens, I watch my wife sleep soundly at last. Earlier, Ana was talking, begging someone in her dreams not to go. I wonder who? Me? Where would I go without her? She’s been plagued by nightmares since the arson at Grey House was confirmed. She’s even taken to sucking her thumb on the odd occasion while she sleeps. I wonder if it might have been better for us to fly home earlier. But I was reluctant to leave the tranquility of Fair Lady, and so was Ana. And at least I’ve been able to comfort her after her night terrors—hold her. Soothe her. Like she holds me, when I have mine.

We have to catch this asshole.

How dare he, or she, frighten my wife.

I’ve taken my father’s advice and we’re flying commercial. It’s been a while for me, but Ana has never flown international first class, so it will be a new experience for her. We’re leaving out of London, and I’ve grounded the jet in Nice until it’s had a thorough inspection. I’m not taking any chances, not with my crew and not with my wife.

Apart from the nightmares, the remaining days of our honeymoon have been blissful. Reading. Eating. Swimming. Sunbathing on board. Making love. These have been magical days. There’s just one more activity I want to do, before we go.

I push the shutter and hope that the sound won’t wake her. The camera’s been a welcome gift, and I’ve rediscovered my passion for photography. We’re in such a splendid, photogenic setting after all; the Fair Lady is yar.

Ana stirs and stretches her hand out, to my side of the bed, looking for me. The gesture warms my heart.

I’m not far away, baby.

She opens her eyes, startled, I think, so I put the camera on the floor and quickly lie down beside her. “Hey, don’t panic. Everything’s fine,” I whisper. I hate her wary look. I push her hair off her face. “You’ve been so jumpy these last couple of days.”

“I’m okay, Christian,” she lies. Her forced smile is for my sake. “Were you watching me sleep?”

“Yes. You were talking.”

“Oh?” Her eyes widen.

“You’re worried.” I kiss the soft spot above her nose to try to reassure her. “When you frown, a little v forms just here. It’s soft to kiss. Don’t worry, baby, I’ll look after you.”

“It’s not me I’m worried about, it’s you,” she grumbles. “Who’s looking after you?”

“I’m big enough and ugly enough to look after myself. Come. Get up. There’s one thing I’d like to do before we head home.”

Something fun.

I slap her ass, and I’m rewarded with a gratifying squeal.

I bound off the bed, and she follows.

“Shower later. Put your swimsuit on.”

“Okay.”

The crew have lowered the Jet Ski into the water. My life vest is on, and I’m helping Ana into hers. I strap the ignition key and kill cord to her wrist.

“You want me to drive?” she asks, incredulous.

“Yes.” I grin. “That’s not too tight?”

“It’s fine. Is that why you’re wearing a life jacket?” She arches a brow, unimpressed.

“Yes.”

“Such confidence in my driving capabilities, Mr. Grey.”

“As ever, Mrs. Grey.”

“Well, don’t lecture me,” she warns, and I know she’s talking from bitter experience.

I hold up my palms in surrender. “Would I dare?”

“Yes, you would, and yes, you do, and we can’t pull over and argue on the sidewalk here.”

“Fair point well made, Mrs. Grey. Are we going to stand on this platform all day debating your driving skills, or are we going to have some fun?”

“Fair point well made, Mr. Grey.” She climbs onto the craft, and I slide on behind her and look up to find we’ve attracted a small audience on deck: the crew, our French security, and Taylor.