Chapter 98 (2/2)

”Everything okay?” I ask.

He nods distractedly as he climbs into bed.

”I'm not looking forward to going back to reality,” I murmur.

”No?”

I shake my head and reach up to caress his lovely face. ”I had a wonderful weekend. Thank you.”

He smiles softly. ”You're my reality, Ana,” he murmurs, leans forward, and kisses me.

”Do you miss it?”

”Miss what?” he asks, perplexed.

”You know. The caning . . . and stuff,” I whisper, embarrassed. He stares at me, his gaze impassive. Then doubt crosses his face, his where-is-she-going-with-this look.

”No Anastasia, I don't.” His voice is steady and quiet. He caresses my cheek. ”Dr. Flynn said something to me when you left, something that's stayed with me. He said I couldn't be that way, if you weren't so inclined. It was a revelation.” He stops, and frowns. ”I didn't know any other way, Ana. Now I do. It's been educational.”

”Me, educate you?” I scoff.

His eyes soften. ”Do you miss it?” he asks.

Oh!

”I don't want you to hurt me, but I like to play, Christian. You know that. If you wanted to do something . . .” I shrug, gazing at him.

”Something?”

”You know, with a flogger or your crop - ” I stop, blushing. He raises his brow, surprised. ”Well . . . we'll see. Right now, I'd like some good old-fashioned vanilla.” His thumb skirts my bottom lip, and he kisses me once more.

From: Anastasia Grey

Subject: Good Morning

Date: August 29, 2011 09:14

To: Christian Grey

Mr. Grey

I just wanted to tell you that I love you.

That is all.

Yours Always