Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as Told by Christian Read Online Free PDF Page B

she says. With reluctance I release her and turn to the persistent Miss Kavanagh. She’s tall, striking, and well groomed, like her father, but she has her mother’s eyes, and I have her to thank for my introduction to the delightful Miss Steele. That thought makes me feel a little more benevolent toward her.
    “The tenacious Miss Kavanagh. How do you do? I trust you’re feeling better? Anastasia said you were unwell last week.”
    “I’m fine, thank you, Mr. Grey.”
    She has a firm, confident handshake, and I doubt she’s ever faced a day of hardship in her privileged life. I wonder why these women are friends. They have nothing in common.
    “Thank you for taking the time to do this,” Katherine says.
    “It’s a pleasure,” I reply, and glance at Anastasia, who rewards me with her telltale flush.
    Is it just me who makes her blush? The thought pleases me.
    “This is José Rodriguez, our photographer,” Anastasia says, and her face lights up as she introduces him.
    Shit. Is this the boyfriend?
    Rodriguez blooms under Ana’s sweet smile.
    Are they fucking?
    “Mr. Grey.” Rodriguez gives me a dark look as we shake hands. It’s a warning. He’s telling me to back off. He likes her. He likes her a lot.
    Well, game on, kid.
    “Mr. Rodriguez, where would you like me?” My tone is a challenge, and he hears it, but Katherine intervenes and waves me toward a chair. Ah. She likes to be in charge. The thought amuses me as I sit. Another young man who appears to be working with Rodriguez switches on the lights, and momentarily I’m blinded.
    Hell!
    As the glare recedes I search out the lovely Miss Steele. She’s standing at the back of the room, observing the proceedings. Does she always shy away like this? Maybe that’s why she and Kavanagh are friends; she’s content to be in the background and let Katherine take center stage.
    Hmm…a natural submissive.
    The photographer appears professional enough and absorbed in the job he’s been assigned to do. I regard Miss Steele as she watches both of us. Our eyes meet; hers are honest and innocent, and for a moment I reconsider my plan. But then she bites her lip and my breath catches in my throat.
    Back down, Anastasia. I will her to stop staring, and as if she can hear me, she’s the first to look away.
    Good girl.
    Katherine asks me to stand as Rodriguez continues to take snaps. Then we’re done and this is my chance.
    “Thank you again, Mr. Grey.” Katherine surges forward and shakes my hand, followed by the photographer, who regards me with ill-concealed disapproval. His antagonism makes me smile.
    Oh, man…you have no idea.
    “I look forward to reading the article, Miss Kavanagh,” I say, giving her a brief polite nod. It’s Ana I want to talk to. “Will you walk with me, Miss Steele?” I ask, when I reach her by the door.
    “Sure,” she says with surprise.
    Seize the day, Grey.
    I mutter some platitude to those still in the room and usher her out the door, wanting to put some distance between her and Rodriguez. In the corridor she stands fiddling with her hair, then her fingers, as Taylor follows me out.
    “I’ll call you, Taylor,” I say, and when he’s almost out of earshot I ask Ana to join me for coffee, my breath held for her response.
    Her long lashes flicker over her eyes. “I have to drive everyone home,” she says with dismay.
    “Taylor,” I call after him, making her jump. I must make her nervous and I don’t know if this is good or bad. And she can’t stop fidgeting. Thinking about all the ways I could make her stop is distracting.
    “Are they based at the university?” She nods and I ask Taylor to take her friends home.
    “There. Now can you join me for coffee?”
    “Um—Mr. Grey, er—this really…” She stops.
    Shit. It’s a “no.” I’m going to lose this deal. She looks directly at me, eyes bright. “Look, Taylor doesn’t have to drive them home. I’ll swap vehicles with Kate, if you give me a moment.”
    My