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.

When we finish up, she asks for a word. We wait for the others to leave.

“Hassan would like you to go to New York,” she says. “Morale is low because of how Woods left. He wasn’t well liked, and because he kicked up a fuss in the press, the tech team is skittish. We don’t want to lose any of them. They’re all good people.”

“Hassan can’t reassure them?”

“He can only do so much, Christian. Your visit would signal real support. You’re good at rallying the troops.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll let him know you’ll be there Thursday.”

“Thanks.”

“Oh, and Gwen is pregnant.”

“Wow. Congratulations!”

I wonder how all that works, but I don’t want to pry.

“Yes. She’s at twelve weeks, so we’re telling people.”

“Three kids! Wow!”

“Yes. We’ll probably stop there.”

I grin. “Well, congratulations once more.”

When I get back to my desk, I call Welch for an update. He’s viewed the footage from outside Escala. “Mr. Grey, I’d like to talk to Hyde’s former assistants again. See if they’ll talk this time.”

“Couldn’t do any harm.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

“Let me know how you get on.”

“Will do.”

I hang up and let Ana know I’m off to New York.

From: Christian Grey

Subject: The Big Apple

Date: August 23 2011 12:59

To: Anastasia Grey

Dearest Wife

My empire requires that I go to NYC on Thursday.

I’ll be back on Friday evening.

Are you sure I can’t persuade you to come with me?

Your boss’s boss’s boss needs you.

Christian Grey

CEO, Breast & Ass man, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

From: Anastasia Grey

Subject: NYC NoNo

Date: August 23 2011 13:02

To: Christian Grey

I think my boss’s boss’s boss can manage a night without me

and my breasts and ass!

As they say, absence makes the…heart grow fonder.

I’ll behave. I promise.

Anastasia Grey

Editor, SIP

Thursday, August 25, 2011

It’s pre-dawn, and my wife is curled up beneath the covers. Beside her on the floor is the remains of a cable tie. I pick it up, smirking, remembering last night, and slip it into my pants pocket.

Fun times.

Leaning over her, I catch a hint of her scent. Ana and sex; the most seductive perfume in the world. I plant a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“Too early,” she grumbles.

Damn. I’ve woken her, and I know from experience that Ana is not a fan of the early morning. “I’ll see you tomorrow night,” I whisper.

“Don’t go,” she says sleepily, and she’s so tempting.

“I have to.” I stroke her cheek. “Miss me.”

“I will.” She gives me a sleepy smile and puckers her lips.

I grin. An early morning good-bye kiss from my girl. “Bye,” I whisper against her lips, and reluctantly, I leave her to sleep.

From the back of the car I send Ana an e-mail while Ryan drives Taylor and me to Boeing Field.

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Miss You Already

Date: August 25 2011 04:32

To: Anastasia Grey

Mrs. Grey

You were adorable this morning.

Behave while I’m away.