Fifty Shades Darker Book 2 - Chapter 22 Part 4
“It’s not your fault, Christian. Why was she here?” He gazes down at me, and his mouth curls apologetically. “She’s a family friend.” I try not to react. “Not any more. How’s your mom?” “Mom is pretty fucking mad at me right now. I’m really glad you’re here, and that we’re in the middle of a party. Otherwise I might be breathing my last.” “That bad, huh?” He nods, his eyes serious, and I sense his bewilderment at her reaction. “Can you blame her?” My voice is quiet, cajoling. He hugs me tightly and he seems uncertain, processing his thoughts. Finally he answers. “No.” Whoa! Breakthrough. “Can we sit?” I ask. “Sure. Here?” I nod and we both sit at the top of the stairs. “So, how do you feel?” I ask, anxiously clutching his hand and gazing at his sad, serious face. He sighs. “I feel liberated.” He shrugs, then beams—a glorious, carefree Christian smile, and the weariness and strain present moments ago have vanished. “Really?” I beam back. Wow, I’d crawl over broken glass for that smile. “Our business …
