Chapter 27 (1/2)

”Hey, I can walk,” I protest sleepily.

He snorts. ”I need to carry you over the threshold.”

I put my arms around his neck. ”Up all thirty floors?” I give him a challenging smile.

”Mrs. Grey, I am very pleased to announce that you've put on some weight.”

”What?”

He grins. ”So if you don't mind, we'll use the elevator.” He narrows his eyes at me, though I know he's teasing.

Taylor opens the doors to the Escala lobby and smiles. ”Welcome home Mr. Grey, Mrs. Grey.”

”Thanks, Taylor,” says Christian.

I give Taylor the briefest of smiles and watch him head back to the Audi where Sawyer waits at the wheel.

”What do you mean I've put on weight?” I glare at Christian. His grin broadens, and he clasps me closer to his chest as he carries me across the lobby.

”Not much,” he assures me but his face darkens suddenly. Oh no . . . what now?

”What is it?” I breathe, trying to control the alarm I hear in my own voice.

”You've put on some of the weight you lost when you left me,” he explains quietly as he summons the elevator. A bleak expression crosses his face.

No! His sudden, surprising anguish tugs at my heart.

”Hey.” I curl my fingers around his face and into his hair, pulling him toward me. He comes willingly. ”If I hadn't gone, would you be standing here, like this, now?” I whisper. His eyes melt, the color of a storm cloud, and he smiles his shy smile, my favorite smile.

”No,” he says quietly and steps into the elevator still holding me. He leans down and kisses me gently. ”No, Mrs. Grey, I wouldn't. But I would know I could keep you safe, because you wouldn't defy me.”

He sounds vaguely regretful . . . Shit.