Chapter 12


    Thank fuck.


    She’s here. With me.


    I blow out a long, steadying breath as I try to clear my head.


    What the hell was that about?


    I rarely dream about Elena, much less about that horrific moment in our shared history. I shudder as I


    lie staring at the ceiling, and I know I’m too wired to get back to sleep. I contemte waking Ana—


    wanting to lose myself in her once more—but I know that’s not fair. Last night she more than proved


    her stamina; she has to workter today and she needs her sleep. Besides, I’m ill at ease, my skin’s


    crawling, and the nightmare has left a sour taste in my mouth. It must be the severing of my friendship


    and business rtionship with Elena that’s haunting my psyche. After all, Mrs. Lincoln has been my


    lodestar for over a decade.


    Shit.


    It had to be done.


    It’s over. All of that is over.


    Sitting up I run my hand through my hair, careful not to disturb Ana. It’s early—5:05—and right now, I


    need a ss of water.


    I swivel out of bed and find I’m standing on my tie, discarded afterst night’s diverting shenanigans. A


    delicious memory of Ana invades my senses, her hands bound above her head, her body rigid, her


    head tipped back in ecstasy as she clutches the pale gray ts of the headboard, while Ivish my


    attention on her clitoris with my tongue. It’s a much more pleasing recollection than the remnants of my


    nightmare. I pick up my tie, fold it, and ce it on the nightstand.


    It’s unusual for me to have nightmares when Ana is sleeping beside me. I hope it’s a one-off. I’m


    grateful that I have an appointment with Flynnter today so I can dissect this new development with


    him.


    Pulling on my PJ pants, I grab my phone and exit the bedroom. Perhaps some Chopin or Bach will


    soothe me.


    As I sit down at the piano, I check my messages, and there’s one from Welch, left at midnight, that


    catches my eye.


    Welch


    Sabotage suspected.


    Initial report first thing this morning.


    Fuck. My scalp tingles as the blood drains from my head.


    My fears have been confirmed. Someone wants me dead.


    Who?


    My mind rolls through the few business associates I’ve outyed over the years.


    Woods? Stevens? Carver? Who else? Waring?


    Would they stoop to this?


    They all made money; lots of money. They just lost theirpanies. I can’t believe this could be


    connected to mymercial activities.


    Perhaps it’s personal?


    There’s only one person who loomsrge in that regard and it’s Linc. But Elena’s ex-husband already


    took his revenge on her, and that was years ago. Why would he act now?


    Perhaps it’s someone else. A disgruntled employee? An ex? I can’t think of anyone who would do this.


    Apart from Le, they’re all doing well.


    I need to process this.


    Ana! Shit!


    If they’reing after me, they could hurt her. Fear steals through me like a ghost, leaving goose


    bumps in its wake. I have to protect Ana at all costs. I text Welch.


    Meet this morning.


    8 am Grey House


    Welch


    Copy


    I text Andrea so she can clear any meetings I may have, then e-mail Taylor.


    From: Christian Grey


    Subject: Sabotage


    Date: June 21 2011 05:18


    To: J B Taylor


    Welch has informed me that Charlie Tango may have been sabotaged. The initial report will be with us


    Reinstate Reynolds and Ryan if they’re still avable. I want Ana apanied at all times. Sawyer can


    stay with her today.


    Thanks.


    Christian Grey


    CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.


    I need to release all my pent-up nervous energy and decide on a workout. Sneaking into my closet, I


    change quickly and quietly, not wanting to wake Ana.


    While I run on the treadmill, I watch the markets on TV, listen to the Foo Fighters, and wonder who the


    hell wants to kill me.


    Ana smells of sleep and sex and a fragrant orchard in the fall. For a moment I’m transported to a


    happier time, when I’m hassle free, and it’s just me and my girl. “Hey, baby, wake up.” I nuzzle her ear.


    She opens her eyes, and her face, already soft from sleep, glows like a golden dawn. “Good morning,”


    she says, and runs her thumb across my lips, then gives me a chaste kiss.


    “Sleep well?” I ask.


    “Hmm…you smell so good. You look so good.”


    I grin. It’s just a well-tailored suit. “I have to go into the office early.”


    She sits up. “Already?” She nces at the radio rm. It’s 7:08.


    “Something’se up. Sawyer will stick close today and keep the press at bay. You okay with that?”


    She nods.


    Good. I don’t want to frighten her with the news about Charlie Tango.


    “I’ll see youter.” I kiss her forehead and leave before I’m tempted to stay.


    The report is brief.


    FAA ident and Incident Reporting System (AIRS)


    GENERAL INFORMATION


    Data Source: ACCIDENT AND INCIDENT DATABASE


    Report Number: 20110453923


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