Chapter 25


    Anastasia is fast asleep. The early morning light shimmers through the portholes skimming over her


    tousled hair so that it gleams, burnished and beautiful. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, I ce a


    cup of tea on the nightstand, as The Grace bobs gently on the water in Bowman Bay. I lean over and


    nt a tender kiss on her cheek.


    “Wake up, sleepy head. I’m lonely.”


    She groans, but her expression softens. I kiss her again and her eyes flutter open, and her face shines


    with a breathtaking smile. Reaching up, she caresses my cheek.


    “Good morning, husband-to-be.”


    “Good morning, wife-to-be. I’ve made you tea.”


    She chuckles, in disbelief, I think. “You dear man,” she says. “This belongs on the list of firsts!”


    “I believe it does.”


    “And I can tell you’re very pleased with yourself.” Her grin mirrors mine.


    “Miss Steele. I am. I make an excellent cup of tea.”


    She sits up, and to my disappointment pulls up the covers to conceal her naked breasts. She can’t


    seem to stop grinning. “I’m so impressed. It’s such aplicated process.”


    “Indeed, it is,” I reply. “I had to boil the water and everything.”


    Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    “And dip the tea bag. Mr. Grey, you are sopetent.”


    Iugh and narrow my eyes. “Are you belittling my tea-making skills?”


    She gasps in mock horror and clutches imaginary pearls. “I wouldn’t dare,” she says and, reaching


    over, takes the cup.


    “Just checking—”


    A knock on my office door brings me back to the now. Andrea pops her head around the door. “Mr.


    Grey, your tailor is here.”


    “Oh, great. Show him in.”


    I need a new suit for the wedding.


    Marco handles thepany portfolio as well as our Mergers and Acquisitions. This morning he’s taking


    the senior team through GEH’stest additions to our shareholdings. “We now own twenty-five percent


    of Blue Cee Tech, thirty-four percent of FifteenGenFour, and sixty-six percent of Lincoln Timber.” I’ve


    been listening with half an ear, but my attention is momentarily piqued by thatst piece of news. This


    is a long-term project of mine, and I’m pleased we now own a majority stake in Lincoln Timber through


    one of our shellpanies. Linc must need the money. Interesting.


    Revenge is a dish…


    Enough, Grey. Concentrate.


    Marco moves on to histest list of potential acquisitions. There are twopanies that he is


    especially keen to pursue. He’s running through the pros while my mind strays to the weekend and


    Ana.


    Ana is at the helm of The Grace as we glide over the sparkling ocean, past Admiralty Head on Whidbey


    Ind. Her hair is flying in the wind and glinting in the sun. Her smile could melt the hardest of hearts.


    It thawed mine.


    She looks beautiful. Rxed. Free.


    “Hold her steady,” I shout over the rush of the sea.


    “Aye-aye, Captain. I mean, Sir.” Ana bites her lip, and I know she’s teasing me, as usual. She salutes


    when I give her a bogus scowl, and I go back to tightening the bowline, unable to hide my smile.


    Marco mentions a sr energypany that’s struggling to find investment.


    An enticing aroma of batter and bacon wees me with open arms as I enter the galley. My girl is


    making pancakes. She’s dressed in a T-shirt and far-too-short denim shorts, and her hair is in pigtails.


    “Good morning.” I wrap my arms around her, pressing her back to my front, and skim my lips down her


    neck. She smells so good, of soap and warmth and sweet, sweet Ana.


    “Good morning, Mr. Grey.” She angles her head, giving me better ess to her throat.


    “This takes me back,” I murmur against her skin, and tug one of her pigtails.


    She giggles. “That seems a lifetime ago. These, however, are not cherry-popped-by-would-be-


    Dominant pancakes. These are Independence Day pancakes. Happy Fourth of July.”


    “There’s no other way I’d like to celebrate than with pancakes.” I kiss her beneath her earlobe. “Well, I


    can think of one way.” I gently tug her pigtail once more. “You always get an A.”


    “Christian,” Ros says, her tone abrupt. Seven pairs of eyes are all directed at me. Shit. I stare nkly


    back at Ros, ignoring everyone else, and tilt my head to one side.


    “What do you think?” She’s barely disguising her irritation, and I assume this is not the first time she’s


    asked.


    Come clean, Grey. “I’m sorry, I was miles away.”


    Her lips form a thin line and she nces at Marco, who gives me a warm smile and proceeds to give


    me an executive summary of what he’s just outlined.


    “Okay,” I respond when he’s finished. “Let’s go after Geolumara. They could be a worthwhile addition to


    the energy division. We need to widen our footprint in green energy.”


    “The others?”


    I shake my head. “We should consolidate. Let’s concentrate on Geolumara. Send me all the details.”


    “Will do.”


    “We need a decision on the Taiwan shipyard. They are eager for a response from us.” Ros looks


    pointedly at me.


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