Chapter 34 (1/2)
”Female?”
”Apparently so.” He sighs, turns into the underground garage at Escala, and punches the access code into the security keypad. The gate swings open and he drives on, smoothly parking the R8 in its designated space.
”I really like this car,” I murmur.
”Me too. And I like how you handled it - and how you managed not to break it.”
”You can buy me one for my birthday,” I smirk at him. Christian's mouth drops open as I climb out of the car.
”A white one, I think,” I add, leaning down and smirking at him. He smiles. ”Anastasia Grey, you never cease to amaze me.”
I shut the door and walk to the end of the car to wait for him. Gracefully he climbs out, watching me with that look . . . that look that calls to something deep inside me. I know this look well. Once he's in front of me, he leans down and whispers, ”You like the car. I like the car. I've f**ked you in it . . . perhaps I should f**k you on it.”
I gasp. And a sleek silver BMW pulls into the garage. Christian glances at it anxiously, then with annoyance and smirks down at me.
”But it looks like we have company. Come.” He grabs my hand and heads for the garage elevator. He pushes the call button and as we wait, the driver of the BMW joins us. He's young, casually dressed, with long, layered, dark hair. He looks like he works in the media.
”Hi,” he says, smiling warmly at us.
Christian puts his arm around me and nods politely.
”I've just moved in. Apartment sixteen.”
”Hello.” I return his smile. He has kind, soft brown eyes. The elevator arrives and we all walk in. Christian glances down at me, his expression unreadable.
”You're Christian Grey,” the young man says.
Christian gives him a tight smile.
”Paul Harrison.” He holds out his hand. Reluctantly, Christian takes it. ”Which floor?” Paul asks.
”I have to input a code.”
”Oh.”
”Penthouse.”
”Oh.” Paul smiles broadly. ”Of course.” He presses the button for the eighth floor and the doors close. ”Mrs. Grey, I presume.”
”Yes.” I give him a polite smile and we shake hands. Paul flushes a little as he gazes at me a fraction too long. Oh no. I mirror his flush and Christian's arm tightens around me.
”When did you move in?” I ask.
”Last weekend. I love the place.”
There's an awkward pause before the elevator stops at Paul's floor.
”Great to meet you both,” he says sounding relieved and steps out. The doors close silently behind him. Christian taps in the entry code and the elevator ascends again.
”He seemed nice,” I murmur. ”I've never met any of the neighbors before.”
Christian scowls. ”I prefer it that way.”
”That's because you're a hermit. I thought he was pleasant enough.”