Freed: Fifty Shades Freed as told by Christian (Fifty Shades 6)

“What’s wrong?”

She shakes her head as Taylor pulls into traffic. “Nothing.”

I don’t think that’s true. “Is work all right?”

“Yes. Fine. Thanks.” Her tone is clipped.

Tell me! “Ana, what’s wrong?” My words are harsher than I intend, as they’re loaded with my anxiety.

“I’ve just missed you, that’s all. And I’ve been worried about Ray.”

Oh, of course. Thank God. I brighten immediately. “Ray’s good.” I try to reassure her. “I spoke to Mom this afternoon, and she’s impressed with his progress.” I reach for her hand. It’s freezing. “Boy, your hand is cold. Have you eaten today?”

She flushes.

“Ana.” Why does she do this?

“I’ll eat this evening. I haven’t really had time.”

I rub her hand in an attempt to warm it. “Do you want me to add ‘feed my wife’ to the security detail’s list of duties?” I catch Taylor’s eye in the rearview mirror.

“I’m sorry. I’ll eat. It’s just been a weird day. You know, moving Dad and all.”

I guess. She turns away and stares out the window, leaving me to flounder.

Something’s not right.

It has been a weird day.

Take her at her word, Grey.

I give her my news to test the water. “I may have to go to Taiwan.”

“Oh. When?” This gets her attention.

“Later this week. Maybe next week.”

“Okay.”

“I want you to come with me.”

Her lips thin. “Christian, please. I have my job. Let’s not rehash this argument again.”

I blow out a breath, unable to conceal my disappointment. “Thought I’d ask.”

“How long will you go for?” Ana’s voice is soft, but distracted.

This is not my girl. She’s too quiet and hesitant.

“Not more than a couple of days. I wish you’d tell me what’s bothering you.”

“Well, now that my beloved husband is going away…” Her voice fades as I raise her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles.

“I won’t be away for long.”

“Good.” She gives me a thin smile, but I know she’s preoccupied.

I gaze out the window and go through several scenarios that might be bothering Ana. Only one rings true: her father has just been in a major accident and his recovery will take some time.

Yes.

That’s it.

Grey, get a grip.

Raymond Steele is happy to see us. “Can’t thank you enough for organizing all this.” He waves at the airy room, his dark eyes full of quiet sincerity.

“Ray, you’re most welcome.” Uncomfortable with his gratitude, I change the subject. “I see you have a stack of sports magazines.”

“From Annie. I’ve been reading about the Mariners, and the season they’ve been having.” Ray launches into a diatribe about how disappointed he is with the M’s this year. I have to say, I’m with him; it’s not been a stellar season. Our conversation moves on to fishing. He’s sorry to miss out on his angling trip in Astoria, and I mention my recent fishing expedition in Aspen.

“Roaring Fork—I know it,” he says.

“You should come and stay. Maybe for a weekend, once you’re up and about.”

“I’d appreciate that, Christian.”

Throughout our discussion Ana is quiet.

Too quiet. She’s tuning out and going elsewhere.

It’s frustrating. Ana. What’s wrong?

Ray yawns. Ana glances at me, and I know it’s time to go. “Daddy, we’ll leave you to sleep.”

“Thanks, Ana honey. I like that you drop by. Saw your mom today, too, Christian. She was very reassuring. And she’s a Mariners fan!”

“She’s not crazy about fishing, though.”

“Don’t know many women who are, eh?” Ray’s smile is weary. He needs to rest.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” Ana kisses his forehead, and there’s a trace of sadness in her voice.

Hell. Why is she sad? “Come.” I hold out my hand. Is she tired? Maybe what she needs is an early night.

Ana was quiet in the car and quiet when we got home, and now she’s just chasing her food around her plate with her fork, taciturn and distracted. My anxiety has climbed to DEFCON 1.

“Damn it! Ana, will you tell me what’s wrong?” I push my empty plate away. “Please. You’re driving me crazy.”

She turns apprehensive eyes to mine.

“I’m pregnant.”

What? I stare at her as a frisson of disbelief skitters down my spine, and for some unknown reason, I’m suddenly at the door of the skydiving plane, hanging over the world without a parachute, about to leap out.

Into the air.

Into nothing.

“What?” I don’t recognize my voice.

“I’m pregnant.”

That’s what I thought you said.

But I thought we took care of this.

“How?”

She tilts her head to one side and raises a brow.

Fuck. Anger like I’ve never felt before erupts inside me. “Your shot?” I snarl. “Did you forget your shot?”

She just stares at me, eyes glassy, as if she’s looking right through me, and says nothing.

I don’t want kids.

Not yet.

Not now. Panic knots in my chest and tightens around my throat, feeding my fury. “Christ, Ana!” I bang my fist on the table and stand. “You have one thing, one thing to remember. Shit! I don’t fucking believe it. How could you be so stupid?”