Christ, I’m confused. Nothing is simple where Ana is concerned; I should know that by now. She’s mad because I shouted at her and left, and she’s mad because I saw Elena.
That woman is a hard limit for me, Christian.
Elena has been a thorn in Ana’s side from the beginning. And now, because of that careless fucking text, she’s a thorn in mine. Last night should have put an end to it. All of it. But she had to send that text.
Elena’s words haunt me. Maybe I could make you feel better? I’m sure you miss it.
I shudder at the memory.
Shit, what a mess.
When I emerge from the bathroom, Ana’s gone. I’m not sure if I’m relieved or disappointed.
Disappointed.
With a heavy heart, I dress, choosing my favorite tie as a talisman for the day. It’s brought me luck before.
In the kitchen, Mrs. Jones is still emitting glacial disapproval. It’s irritating and chastening at the same time. However, she’s prepared a substantial fried breakfast for me.
“Thank you,” I mutter. Her only reply is a tight smile. I suspect she heard Ana and me fighting last night.
Grey, you were shouting.
Everyone heard you.
Shit.
I stare out of the car window as Taylor drives through the morning rush-hour traffic. Ana didn’t even say good-bye; she just fucking left, with Sawyer. “Taylor, tell Sawyer I want him to stick to Mrs. Grey like glue. I need to know if she’s eating.”
“Yes, sir.” His words are clipped. Even Taylor is frosty this morning.
I wonder if Ana will follow through with her threat to move upstairs.
I hope not.
She fucks up her contraception, saddling us with a child before we’re ready, before we’ve done anything—and I’m in the fucking doghouse? I don’t even know how pregnant she is. I resolve to call Dr. Greene when I get to the office. Maybe she can shed some light on how my wife came to miss her shot.
My phone buzzes, and immediately my heart starts pounding. Ana? No, it’s Ros.
“Grey,” I snap.
“You’re bright and breezy this morning, Christian.”
“What is it, Ros?” I snap again.
She pauses for a nanosecond, then she’s all business. “Hansell from the shipyard wants a meeting. And Senator Blandino, too.”
Damn. The unions and the politicians. Could this day get any better?
“They have wind of the Taiwan deal already?”
“So it would seem, and they want to talk.”
“Okay, this afternoon. Set it up. I want you and Samir there, too.”
“Will do, Christian.”
“That’s all?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” I hang up.
What am I going to do about my wife? Truth is, I’m still smarting from angry Anastasia. Who knew she had such gumption? I don’t think anyone’s bawled me out like that since…forever. Apart from my mother and father—at my own birthday party, no less. And that was because of fucking Elena, as well. I snort at the irony. Yeah, fucking Elena.
I shake my head in disgust. Why did I seek her out? Why?
The Advil has kicked in, and Mrs. Jones’s fried breakfast has helped. I feel almost human, but miserable…utterly miserable.
What is Ana doing now? I picture her in her tiny office, wearing her purple dress. Perhaps she’s sent me an e-mail. I scramble for my phone, but there’s nothing.
Is she thinking about me like I’m thinking about her? I hope so. I want to be in her thoughts, always.
Taylor pulls up outside GEH, and I brace myself for a long day.
“Good morning, Mr. Grey.” Andrea smiles as I step out of the elevator, but her smile fades when she sees my expression.
“Get me Dr. Greene on the line and tell Sarah to bring me some coffee.”
“Yes, sir.”
“After I’ve finished with Greene, I need to talk to Flynn. Then you can bring in my schedule for the day. Has Ros spoken to you about Hansell and Blandino?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
“Dr. Flynn left for a conference in New York early this morning.”
Fuck! “I forgot. See if he can find a moment for me on the phone.”
“Will do. The flat screen you requested for Mr. Steele will be installed this afternoon.”
“And the additional PT?”
“That will start tomorrow.”
“Okay. Put Dr. Greene through when you have her.” I don’t wait for an answer, but stalk into my office and sit down, under the watchful gaze of my wife. I let out a long, slow breath, wondering if her photographer friend ever witnessed her the way she was this morning. From Aphrodite to Athena, goddess of war—a scolding, angry, alluring Athena.
My phone buzzes. “I have Dr. Greene for you.”
“Thanks, Andrea. Dr. Greene?”
“Mr. Grey, what can I do for you?”
“I thought the shot was a reliable form of contraceptive,” I hiss. There’s a prolonged silence on the other end of the line. “Dr. Greene?”
“Mr. Grey, no form of contraception is one hundred percent effective. That would be abstinence, or sterilization for yourself or your wife.” Her tone is icy. “I can send you some literature if you’d like to read up on it.”
I sigh. “No. That won’t be necessary.”
“What can I do for you, Mr. Grey?”
“I would like to know how pregnant my wife is.”
“Can’t Mrs. Grey tell you that herself?”
What is this? Just answer the question!
“I’m asking you, Dr. Greene. That’s what I pay you for.”
“My patient is Mrs. Grey. I suggest you talk to your wife, and she can give you the details. Is there anything else you need?”
My temper reaches boiling point.
Take a deep breath, Grey.
“Please,” I ask through gritted teeth.
“Mr. Grey. Talk to your wife. Good day.” She hangs up, and I glare at the phone, expecting it to shrivel to ashes under my gaze; some bedside manner she has.
There’s a knock at my door and Sarah appears with my coffee. “Thanks,” I mutter, trying to rein in my fury at the goddamned, officious, unhelpful so-called doctor. “Ask Andrea to come in—I want to go through my schedule.”