“But I want more, Master.”
“I can’t give you more. You know this.”
“I see.” She raises her face to look at me, her amber eyes scrutinizing me. She’s broken the fourth wall—she has never looked at me without permission. But I don’t scold her.
“I can’t. It’s not within me.” I’ve always been honest with her. This is nothing that she doesn’t know.
“It is within you, Sir. But maybe I’m not the person to make you realize it.” She sounds sad. She looks back down at her clean plate. “I’d like to terminate our relationship.”
She’s caught me by surprise. “Are you sure? Leila, this is a big step. I’d like to continue our arrangement.”
“I can’t do this anymore, Master.” Her voice cracks on the last word, and I don’t know what to say. “I can’t,” she whispers, clearing her throat.
“Leila—” I stop, bewildered by the emotion I hear in her voice. She’s been an impeccable sub. I thought we were compatible. “I’ll be sorry to see you go,” I say, because it’s true. “I’ve really enjoyed our time together. I hope you have, too.”
“I’ll be sorry, too, Sir. I’ve more than enjoyed everything. I had hoped…” Her voice trails off and she gives me a sad smile.
“I wish I felt differently.” But I don’t. I have no need of a permanent relationship.
“You’ve never given me any indication that you would.” Her voice is quiet.
“I’m sorry. You’re right. Let’s end this as you wish. It’s for the best, especially if you’ve developed feelings for me.”
TAYLOR AND THE SECURITY team arrive back in the kitchen. “There’s no sign of Leila in the apartment, sir,” Taylor says.
“I didn’t think there would be, but I appreciate you checking. Thanks.”
“We’re going to monitor the cameras in turn. Ryan first. Sawyer and Reynolds are going to sleep.”
“Good. As you should.”
“Yes, Mr. Grey. Gentlemen.” Taylor dismisses the three men.
“Good night.”
Once they’ve left, Taylor turns to me. “The car’s a mess, sir.”
“Write-off?”
“I think so. She’s done a real number on it.”
“That’s if it’s Leila.”
“I’ll speak to the building security in the morning and check their CCTV. Do you want to involve the police?”
“Not yet.”
“Okay.” Taylor nods.
“I’ll need to get Ana another car. Can you talk to Audi tomorrow?”
“Yes, sir. I’ll have the wreck collected in the morning.”
“Thanks.”
“Is there anything else, Mr. Grey?”
“No. Thanks. Get some rest.”
“Good night, sir.”
“Good night.”
Taylor leaves and I head into my study. I’m wired. I can’t possibly sleep. I contemplate calling Welch just to keep him up-to-date, but it is too late. Slipping off my jacket, I hang it on my chair, then sit down at my computer and write him an e-mail.
As I press send my phone buzzes. Elena Lincoln’s name flashes up on the screen.
What now?
I answer. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Christian!” She’s surprised.
“I don’t know why you’re calling at this hour. I have nothing to say to you.”
She sighs. “I just wanted to tell you—” She stops and changes tack. “I was hoping to leave a message.”
“Well, you can tell me now. You don’t have to leave a message.” I’m finding it impossible to keep my composure.
“You’re angry. I can tell. If it’s about the note, listen—”
“No, you listen. I asked you, and now I am telling you. Leave her alone. She has nothing to do with you. Do you understand?”
“Christian, I only have your best interests at heart.”
“I know you do. But I mean it, Elena. Leave her the fuck alone. Do I need to put it in triplicate for you? Are you hearing me?”
“Yes. Yes. I’m sorry.” I’ve never heard her so contrite. It goes some way to cooling my anger.
“Good. Good night.” I slam my phone down on the desk. Interfering woman. I put my head in my hands.
I’m so fucking tired.
There’s a knock on my door.
“What?” I shout. I look up. It’s Ana. She’s dressed in my T-shirt, and she’s all legs and big fearful eyes. She’s bearding the lion in his den.
Oh, Ana.
“You should be in satin or silk, Anastasia. But even in my T-shirt you look beautiful.”
“I missed you. Come to bed.” Her voice is sexy and cajoling.
How can I sleep with all this shit going on? I stand and walk around my desk to gaze down at her. What if Leila wants to hurt her? What if she succeeds? How could I live with that?
“Do you know what you mean to me? If something happened to you, because of me…” I’m overwhelmed by a familiar, uncomfortable feeling that expands in my chest, becoming a lump in my throat that I have to swallow.
“Nothing’s going to happen to me,” she says in a soothing tone. She strokes my cheek, her fingers scratching my stubble. “Your beard grows quickly.” There’s wonder in her voice. I love her tender touch on my cheek. It’s soothing and sensual. It tames the darkness. She caresses my bottom lip with her thumb, her eyes following her fingers. Her pupils are large and the small v has appeared between her brows as she concentrates. She traces a line from my bottom lip, down my chin, down my throat, to the base of my neck, where my shirt is open.