Eti nini that shirt? I ask. Since Thursday morning. He gives me a crooked smile. Taylor exits.

Taylors real pissed at you, too, Christian adds grumpily, unscrewing the lid of the thermos and pouring creamy chicken soup into the bowl. Taylor, too! But I dont dwell on that as my chicken soup distracts me. It smells delicious, and steam curls invitingly from its surface. I take a taste and its everything it promised to be. Good? Christian asks, perching on the bed again. I nod enthusiastically and dont stop. My hunger is primal. I pause only to wipe my mouth with the linen napkin. Tell me what happenedafter you realized what was going on. Christian runs his hand through his hair and shakes his head. Oh, Ana, its good to see you eat. Im hungry. Tell me. He frowns. Well, after the bank called and I thought my world had completely fallen apart He cant hide the pain in his voice. I stop eating. Oh shit. Dont stop eating, or Ill stop talking, he whispers, his tone adamant as he glares at me. I continue with my soup. Okay, okay Damn, it tastes good. Christians gaze softens and after a beat, he resumes. Anyway, shortly after you and I had nished our conversation, Taylor informed me that Hyde had been granted bail. How, I dont know, I thought wed managed to thwart any attempts at bail. But that gave me a moment to think about what youd said and I knew something was seriously wrong. something was seriously wrong. It was never about the money, I snap suddenly, an unexpected surge of anger aring in my belly. My voice rises. How could you even think that? Its never been about your fucking money! My head starts to pound and I wince. Christian gapes at me for a split second, surprised by my vehemence. He narrows his eyes. Mind your language, he growls. Calm down and eat. I glare mutinously at him. Ana, he warns. That hurt me more than anything, Christian, I whisper. Almost as much as you seeing that woman. He inhales sharply, as if Ive slapped him, and all of a sudden, he looks exhausted. Closing his eyes briey, he shakes his head, resigned. I know. He sighs. And Im sorry. More than you know. His eyes are luminous with contrition. Please, eat. While your soup is still hot. His voice is soft and compelling, and I do as he asks. He breathes a sigh of relief. Go on, I whisper, between bites of the illicit fresh white bread roll. We didnt know Mia was missing. I thought maybe he was blackmailing you or something. I called you back, but you didnt answer. He scowls. I left you a message and then called Sawyer. Taylor started tracking your cell. I knew you were at the bank, so we headed straight there. I dont know how Sawyer found me. Was he tracking my cell, too? The Saab is tted with a tracking device. All our cars are. By the time we got near the bank, you were already on the move, and we followed. Why are you smiling? On some level I knew youd be stalking me. And that is amusing because? he asks. Jack had instructed me to get rid of my cell. So I borrowed Whelans cell, and thats the one I threw away. I put mine into one of the duel bags so you could track your money. Christian sighs. Our money, Ana, he says quietly. Eat. I wipe my soup bowl with the last of my bread and pop it into my mouth. For the rst time in a long while, I feel replete in spite of our conversation. Finished. Good girl. Theres a knock on the door and Nurse Nora enters once more, carrying a small paper cup. Christian clears away my plate and starts putting all the items back into the box. Pain relief. Nora smiles, showing me the white pill in the paper cup. Is this okay to take? You knowwith the baby? Yes, Mrs. Grey. Its Lortabits ne; it wont aect the baby. I nod gratefully. My head is pounding. I swallow it down with a sip of water. You ought to rest, Mrs. Grey. Nurse Nora looks pointedly at Christian. He nods. No! Youre going? I exclaim, panic setting in. Dont goweve just started talking! Christian snorts. If you think for one moment Im going to let you out of my sight, Mrs. Grey, you are very much mistaken. Nora hus but hovers over me and readjusts my pillows so that I

have to lie down. Good night, Mrs. Grey, she says, and with one last censorious glance at Christian, she leaves. He raises an eyebrow as she closes the door. I dont think Nurse Nora approves of me. He stands by the bed, looking tired, and despite the fact that I want him to stay, I know I should try to persuade him to go home. You need rest, too, Christian. Go home. You look exhausted. Im not leaving you. Ill doze in this armchair. I scowl at him, then shift onto my side. Sleep with me. Sleep with me. He frowns. No. I cant. Why not? I dont want to hurt you. You wont hurt me. Please, Christian. You have an IV. Christian. Please. He gazes at me, and I can tell hes tempt