Mia is making introductions—Ethan, then Kate. Elliot, too, hugs Mrs. Bentley.
As Taylor unloads the van, Christian takes my hand and leads me to the front
door.
“Welcome back, Mr. Grey.” Mrs. Bentley smiles.
“Carmella, this is my wife, Anastasia,” Christian says proudly. His tongue
caresses my name, making my heart stutter.
“Mrs. Grey,” Mrs. Bentley nods a respectful greeting. I hold out my hand and
we shake. It’s no surprise to me that she’s much more formal with Christian
than the rest of the family.
“I hope you’ve had a pleasant flight. The weather is supposed to be fine all
weekend, though I’m not sure.” She eyes the graying clouds behind us.
“Lunch is ready whenever you want.” She smiles again, her dark eyes
twinkling, and I warm to her immediately.
“Here.” Christian grabs me and lifts me off my feet.
“What are you doing?” I squeal.
“Carrying you over yet another threshold, Mrs. Grey.”
I grin at him as he carries me into the wide hallway, and after a brief kiss, he
sets me gently down onto the hardwood floor. The interior décor is stark and
reminds me of the great room at Escala—all white walls, dark wood, and
contemporary abstract art. The hallway opens up into a large sitting area
where three off-white leather couches surround a stone fireplace that
dominates the room. The only color is from the soft cushions scattered on the
couches. Mia grabs Ethan’s hand and drags him farther into the house.
Christian narrows his eyes at their departing figures, his mouth thinning. He
shakes his head then turns to me.
Kate whistles loudly. “Nice place.”
I glance around to see Elliot helping Taylor with our luggage. I wonder again
if she knows that Gia had a hand in this place.
“Tour?” Christian asks me, and whatever was going through his mind about
Mia and Ethan has gone. He’s radiating excitement—or is it anxiety? It’s
difficult to tell.
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E L JAMES
“Sure.” Once again I’m overwhelmed by the wealth. How much did this place
cost . . . ? And I ha一ve contributed n
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