Author's note: Forgot to mention; Pebble Beach (or Pebble Cove) villa actually exists. As do any businesses or towns I mention in the story. But, other than established proprietors, people's names are fictional.

Chapter Four

Christian emerges from the en suite, towel drying his hair, to see that Ana is exactly where he left her; face down on the bed. Smiling, he bends down and kisses her baby-pink butt, then says, "You planning on staying there all day?"

Stretching like a cat, Ana says, "I've had a yummy breakfast and even yummier sex. What possible incentive could there be for me to get out of this bed?"

Resisting the urge to laugh, Christian jokes, "Okay, baby, I'll see you later."

Ana whirls around, asking, "What? Where are you going?" On seeing that he's naked, she relaxes and says, "You're not going anywhere like that."

One eyebrow raised, Christian suggests, "Maybe down to the beach? I did tell you that clothing is optional." He watches, utterly captivated, as Ana's sudden desire becomes evident, not only on her face, but her entire body, and she literally squirms in anticipation of being naked outdoors with him. Smiling down at her, he says, "Well, that's a promising reaction. But not even I can perform right after sex. For now, I'm going exploring. If you're quick, I'll let you drive the jeep. Oh, and put on a bikini under your clothes, just in case we want to go for a swim."

Ana practically leaps out of bed, bothering only with a quick, cool shower. She emerges from the cubicle to find Christian, now dressed in t-shirt and board shorts, plastering sunscreen on his arms. He sheepishly explains, "It's the red hair again. I won't be much good to you as a lobster."

Determined not to make him feel bad about being sensible, Ana reaches for a towel as she says, "Would you leave it out for me, please? I only want to be a lobster if we're a couple."

Apparently reassured, Christian finishes, leaving the bottle on the counter as he says, "Mr. and Mrs. Lobster; table for two."

Now dry, Ana wraps a towel around her hair as she says, "Mr. and Mrs. Lobster and all their little…what are baby lobsters called?"

"No fucking idea."

They're both grinning when Ana then says, "Strange name."

After a lingering kiss, apparently just because he wants to, Christian leaves her to it. Ana dons a bikini and then smears sunscreen on every exposed piece of skin she can reach before adding a blouse and shorts, then putting a few things in a handbag and heading to the living room. Christian is on the phone, saying, "Yeah, soon as you're ready."

When he hangs up, Ana asks, "Not alone for exploring?"

With a grimace, Christian reveals, "Not quite. Despite looking like paradise, the island has just as much problem with crime as anywhere else, but a smaller police force. Our dynamic duo will follow in another vehicle, and escort us if we go into town. Oh, and though we'll be eating out almost every night, you won't be able to spend all night clubbing; too dangerous roaming the streets after midnight."

Unconcerned, Ana approaches and puts her arms around Christian's waist, loving that he automatically returns the embrace, and she says, "Why can't we be the dynamic duo? And my plans for after midnight pretty much just include you."

Christian starts to say, "Thanks, baby, I…" His gratitude switches almost instantly to arousal as his hands find the open back of her blouse. Ana feels his erection growing between them as his hands continue their exploration and he says, "I forgot about this one. It looked good in the store, but even better on you."

Delighted with his reaction, joyful laughter erupts from Ana before she says, "Only good if I do want to be a lobster, though. Would you please rub lotion all over my back?"

Her carefully worded request means that Christian's eyes widen even further as he says, "If you insist." Ana retrieves the bottle from her bag and hands it over before turning her back to him. Of course, Christian first assesses the expanse of skin with his hand before beginning the task, tweaking but resisting undoing her bikini top. They're both enjoying the process very much when he kisses her neck and then exclaims, "Okay, that's unpleasant; you taste like..." Ana turns to see that he's reading from the bottle and he concludes, "Zinc oxide and aminobenzoic acid, among other unpronounceable things."

Ana laughs, touches her lips and says, "Only vanilla lip-gloss here."

Christian is closing on her as he says "Mmm, vanilla," but the knock on the door announces their escort, and he jokes, "His timing doesn't improve, does it?"

With a quick peck on her vanilla lips, Christian opens the door, to see that Taylor's only concession to the heat is that he has shed the jacket from his unofficial uniform, but not the tie. Prescott is almost identically dressed, but with a slightly more feminine blouse and no tie, and Ana mutters, "At least we won't be conspicuous."

Some unspoken conversation then occurs between the two men before Christian nods and Taylor says to Ana, "The point is to be conspicuous. By tonight every crook on the island will know that Christian has enough money to rent these two villas at short notice. The only way we can prevent an attempted mugging or burglary, is to prove that we're ready to combat any threat." And then he says to Christian, "To that end, I'd like your permission to carry our regular sidearms; a visible display of force." When Christian hesitates, Taylor adds, "One day might be enough."

With a nod, Christian says, "One day, then keep them out of my sight."

Nodding his obeisance, Taylor then holds out two chunky, black watches and says, "Tracking is on. They're fully functional, waterproof watches, and you need to hold the button down for five seconds to activate the alarm. Unlike the panic buttons in the house, these will alert not just us, but local emergency services, so only use them if you're really in trouble."

Without a word, Christian hands one to Ana and they both don their new jewelry, though Ana can't resist holding out her arm and commenting, "I'm not sure it suits me."

Grateful that she's cooperating, Christian takes her hand and kisses it, then says, "Perhaps not, but you wear it well." Picking up the large, canvas bag at his feet, he adds, "Let's go."

They're almost to the black jeep Wrangler when Ana says, "Uh, darling, the keys?"

Hesitating, though he'd promised she could drive, Christian asks, "Do you know where you're going?"

"Do you?"

With a grin, Christian points his thumb east and says "Ocean, and not much else," then points west and says, "Towns. The rest is national park."

Holding out her hand, Ana says, "I'm pretty sure I got it."

Smiling, Christian hands over the keys and throws the bag in the back as he says, "Okay, but if we end up in the ocean, you're in big trouble."

Once they're both seated and belted, Ana deliberately spins the wheels in the gravel as she takes off and is rewarded by Christian reflexively grabbing the roll cage and growling, "Ana."

After a moment's hesitation at the main road, Ana heads east, with their escort following behind in a matching car. Only a few minutes down the road, Ana spots a sign; "Vie's Snack Shack."

A questioning glance at Christian brings a shrug, so she parks the car to investigate. Only Taylor follows them on foot, and he now has a Glock pistol holstered on his hip. Ana looks him up and down, noticing the Ray Bans, and says, "Nice; very intimidating." Taylor breaks his bodyguard persona long enough to flash a brilliant smile.

The weather-beaten, middle aged woman behind the counter of what really is just a shack brightly greets them and confirms that she's Vie, then asks, "What can I get you?"

Ana says, "Uh, nothing, really. We're just exploring." Glancing over the menu, she continues, "Though this all looks good," and then glances at Christian to ask, "Can we come back here for lunch?"

Before Christian can speak, Vie explains, "If you do, I can set up a couple of chairs for you on the beach…for a small fee. My family owns the beach and it's as good as any on the island."

Christian is looking only at Ana's open, pleading face when he says, "Sure. Sounds good." And then he looks at Vie to request, "How about a couple of iced teas to tide us over?"

Moving to obey, Vie says, "Yes, sir; two iced teas. Oh, uh, any idea what you might like for lunch? So I can make sure that it's available."

As he opens his wallet, Christian says, "Everything. We'll try the lot." And then he smiles at Ana and suggests, "I got this, baby."

Something about the way he says it makes Ana certain that he wants to talk to Vie alone. Trusting that it will be for her benefit, she offers them both a smile and heads back to the car.

When Christian returns with the drinks, Ana thanks him and says, "Why don't you like guns? Is it linked to your childhood?"

With a shrug, Christian says, "Not as far as I know. I don't like guns because they make it too easy to kill."

They're quiet for a while as they drink, and Ana says, "This is very good. Hopefully the food will be just as delicious."

Christian points to the nearby, shaded tables and says, "So long as you don't mind sharing your meal."

Ana looks where he points, to see chickens and cats milling around the outdoor dining area, and she coos over them before saying, "Do you think they'll be on the beach, too?"

Christian laughs and says, "I hope not."

They finish their drinks and Christian disposes of the rubbish. When he's belted, Ana starts the engine and says, "Ready?"

Taking a moment to brace his feet and grab the roll cage, Christian grins at her and says, "No."

Delighted that he's maintaining the playful mood, Ana jokes, "You're going to be very sorry that you did that, Mr. Grey."

Of course, so close to the Snack Shack, Ana doesn't spin the wheels, instead driving off carefully, and she can't help a carefree laugh when Christian visibly relaxes. A bit further down the road they find Sloop Jones' store, offering everything from coffee mugs to clothing, hand painted in a style that reflects the island and surrounds. Ana goes a bit nuts buying things, even persuading Christian to don a green, short sleeved shirt that he at first criticizes as "hippy wear," but then obligingly removes his t-shirt to try on. He's grinning at Ana's obvious and intense approval of him in only board shorts and then says, "Need to head back, baby?"

With a deep, trembling sigh, Ana says, "No, not yet. But maybe you'd better drive for a while."

Christian dons the multihued shirt and then asks, "How do I look?"

Ana smiles and says, "Good, but I think that, if we go into the rainforest, we'll lose you."

With a grin, Christian merely taps the GPS locator watch, and then pays for all Ana's purchases and carries them to the car. Ana hands over the keys and Christian asks, "Still east?"

Blissfully content with how things are going, Ana says, "If that's what you want, Sir."

Christian's eyes brighten for a second and then he leans close to Ana and declares "You're what I want," before kissing her. He reluctantly ends the kiss and says, "Maybe neither of us should drive."

Despite his words, Christian then starts the car and heads west. Given that it's too early for lunch, Ana wonders why he parks at Vie's shack, until she notices that the hand painted sign on the gate to the private beach now reads, "Closed."

A glance at Christian's smug grin confirms that he's rented the beach for the day, and Ana asks, "Clothing optional?"

Christian is exiting the jeep as he says, "I'm afraid not. The cove and reef are pretty enough that there'll almost certainly be yachts anchored just offshore, and we'll probably be sharing the water. But the guys can hang back here and, if Vie is telling the truth about the beach, we'll have one of the prettiest stretches of sand to ourselves for a few hours." And then he adds, "Wait here a sec, okay?"

Ready to do anything he asks of her, Ana says, "Okay."

When Christian returns it's with a young man whose skin is even darker than Vie's; almost black, and Christian says, "This is Neville; Vie's nephew. He'll be our waiter, and has recommended that we start with a fresh lemonade."

Ana shakes hands with the lad and says, "Sounds perfect, thank you."

With only a polite "Ma'am," their waiter shows them to the stunning beach, where there are not only table and chairs waiting in the shade of a large leafed tree, but a couple of sun lounges by the water, too.

The water lapping against the shore is so clear that Ana can see every grain of sand. She's stock still, mesmerized by the beauty, when Taylor walks past her. When she looks at Christian, he explains, "He's just checking for opportunistic assassins."

Confused, Ana says, "Wouldn't they also have to be psychic, since even we didn't know we'd be coming here?"

Christian shrugs and says, "It's his job." With a nod, he dismisses Neville, and then draws Ana into his arms and asks, "Nice surprise?"

Her arms around his waist, Ana glances at the perfection around them and says, "Wonderful surprise, thank you." And then she peers around him at the bag he's carried from the car and says, "So, what's in your bag of tricks?"

Following her gaze, Christian says, "Not my usual props, that's for sure; snorkels, dive masks, water shoes, towels and cameras."

Taylor is approaching them. Christian turns to face him, keeping one arm around Ana, and Taylor says, "All clear. Have you discussed the sea urchins, yet?"

"Just about to, but go ahead."

Taylor looks at Ana to explain, "You'll see the black urchins everywhere. Their spines hold a mild toxin, so don't touch them and always wear shoes in the water, okay?"

"Okay." When he doesn't continue, Ana says, "That's it?"

"Yes, ma'am. If you remember to look but don't touch you should be fine. Most of St. John's dangers are onshore. Enjoy your afternoon."

With a nod, he's gone and they're alone. Christian again gathers Ana in his arms and says, "Ever been snorkeling?"

"Nope. I presume you're an expert at it?"

With a slight smile, Christian says, "Not expert, but good enough to teach you."

Just then, Neville arrives with their drinks. After putting them on the table, he asks, "One hour for lunch?"

Christian glances at the water and says, "Make it two."

After Neville has gone, they're sipping their drinks, grinning at each other, and then Ana says, "When do Taylor and Prescott eat? I've never seen a single one of them eat a meal."

"Good. They're not supposed to when they're actually watching over us. I asked Vie to feed them. I presume that, as we speak, Jason is stuffing his face with conch fritters."

Wondering what else he asked of Vie, Ana says, "And I presume that table service isn't offered to everyone?"

Suddenly reticent, Christian says only, "No."

Ana ponders how much Christian must have spent on this one meal, and then asks, "Are you going to let me pay for anything while we're here?"

With a wide grin, Christian says, "Technically, we're both paying. But, no." And then his smile is replaced with a frown when he asks, "Still freaks you out?"

With a shrug, Ana says, "I've gone almost overnight from struggling student to billionaire. It's so far beyond what I thought possible that I…yes, a little. But I'll get over it." With a smile, she adds, "Thank you."

"For?"

"Everything. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this is better, and you can be quite charming when you put your mind to it."

With a grin, Christian jokes, "Don't worry; I'm sure the façade will slip soon enough. You ready?"

Sipping the last of the refreshing drink, Ana says, "Ready."

Under Christian's tutelage, Ana soon gets the hang of the top-of-the-line snorkel. She's delighted to find that it will permit her to dive while her breath holds, and a camera incorporated in the dive mask lets her easily record what she's looking at. The water shoes are webbed just enough to make swimming almost effortless, and it's not long before Ana is accustomed to the strangeness of it all, and really begins to enjoy herself.

They're lost in an underwater world of stunning colors and exquisite creatures, taking pictures as they go, when Christian gets her attention and points towards the distant but unmistakable shape of a large shark in the water. In her shock, Ana spits out the mouthpiece, inhaling some water in the process. As she surfaces, choking and gasping, Christian's arms already supporting her and patting her back as she recovers, he spits out his snorkel and points to the tip of the fin disappearing as he says, "Look, he's already leaving. You scared the poor guy."

When her coughing fit subsides, Ana gasps, "Scared him? I nearly shit myself."

Christian lifts his mask off his eyes as he says, "Fuck, you're trembling. Want to get out?"

Gradually calming down, Ana says, "No. No, I'm good. You weren't scared?"

With a shrug, Christian explains, "It's like Jason said; the dangers are onshore. That was a nurse shark. They're rarely aggressive, and don't usually come this close to shore. We were lucky to have seen it." And then he chuckles and says, "Though perhaps I should have had the camera on you, not our gray friend."

Ana slaps his shoulder and complains, "Not funny. I could have drowned."

"Now you know that I wouldn't let that happen." And then Christian releases her as he says, "Come on; only about twenty minutes before Neville returns." When Ana nervously eyes the water, he adds, "We're safer here than in the jeep…especially while you were driving."

His taunt is enough to shift Ana's focus and awaken her courage. Retrieving the mask and attached snorkel from where she'd discarded them in her panic, she wordlessly resumes her exploration to the sound of Christian's laughter.

All too soon they can see Neville setting out their lunch. Almost reluctantly, despite her now rumbling stomach, Ana carefully exits the water with Christian, mindful of the sea urchins. After a feast of conch fritters, garlic chicken, johnny cakes and beef patties, topped by Vie's amazing pineapple and coconut tart and washed down with ice-cold beer, Ana says, "Best lunch ever."

Having eaten enough for two, Christian rubs his distended belly and says, "Agreed, but if you want some afternoon delight, you'll have to manage it alone."

Confident that he can take it, Ana teases, "Oh, I'm sure that, even on such a small island, I can find someone to oblige me."

Christian's eyes narrow for a second and then he says, "If I could move, I'd make you sorry you said that."

At this confirmation that he's now able to take a joke, Ana laughs and promises, "Later." And then she eyes the sun lounges and says, "Time for doing nothing, I think."

Reluctantly rising to his feet, Christian says, "Excellent plan, though we'd better put them in the shade." And then he remembers and says, "Oh, baby lobsters are called bugs, or at least they are by lobstermen."

Following him to drag her chair into the shade, Ana says, "Vie told you?"

"No, baby, I checked online."

"We have internet?"

"At the house and on your phone. I put it on Roaming before we left."

Surprisingly at ease with the idea of Christian again tampering with her phone, presumably while she slept, Ana says only, "Oh. Thank you."

Putting their lounges as close together as possible, and lining them with their towels, Christian says, "You're welcome, baby. But don't try and use it for work. Wintershoven has promised to leave you alone until we get back."

Flipping from grateful to resentful in a breath, Ana says, "How come you get to work and I don't?" Even as the words leave her mouth, she feels guilty, remembering the takeover bids he'd mentioned and she quickly adds, "I'm sorry, Christian, I just meant…"

Christian ends her apology with a kiss and then says, "It's all right, baby. I'm glad you enjoy your job enough to miss it. Let's just have a good time while we can, okay?"

Relieved that he's so determined to keep drama from their week, Ana lies down to face him and idly caresses his torso as she says, "You're dry."

Also on his side, so that he can look at her, Christian runs his hand along her arm as he says, "So are you. I love you, Anastasia."

Ana's breath catches at the raw emotion in his voice and she moves into his arms as she echoes, "I love you."

Their overfull bellies and the dotted yachts in the cove keep them from getting carried away. But the kiss is enough that Ana then molds her body to his and falls into a peaceful sleep.

She's woken by Christian moving about and the smell of sunscreen cloying her nostrils, so she sleepily groans in protest. He chuckles and says, "Too damn hot for cuddling. I'm heading back in. You coming with?"

Preciously unused muscles making their irate presence known after snorkeling for the first time, Ana says, "Not right now. But I'll stay here, I promise."

"Okay, baby. But do my back, would you?"

When Ana is sitting up, Christian hands her the sunscreen and turns away. Remembering what he said earlier about her tasting like chemicals, Ana takes the precaution of kissing him first, and comments, "Mmm…salty." Wakening, from the groin up, she then starts planting kisses over his back, rewarding each scar with her lips.

With a groan, Christian cautions, "Ana, we have an audience."

A glance at the water confirms that there are now a few people snorkeling over the reef, so Ana says, "Rain check, then. But you owe me sex, Mr. Grey."

Christian laughs again and says, "A debt that I'll be more than happy to pay, when I have you all to myself."

Rubbing lotion on his skin, Ana says, "My research indicates that some Doms like to share."

"Yes, I'm aware. I presume it's about the feeling of power it gives them to have their sub willing to pimp themselves out to please their master. You're not worried that I'm like that?"

Ana scoffs and says, "Hardly. You're barely able to tolerate anyone looking at me. No, I'm just making kinky conversation. It's all still pretty new for me."

"Any concerns?"

"Other than the subject you're now carefully avoiding, no. And, thank you, for that."

Turning enough to quickly kiss her, Christian says, "You're welcome, baby. I'll answer any questions you have as honestly as possible. But I meant it when I said that it's up to you. I am blissfully content with how things are between us. It's almost unfathomable to me how completely you surrender to me during sex, when you are, without a doubt, the most strong-willed woman I've ever known. You're amazing." When Ana's expression changes from affection to desire, he grins and adds, "Change your mind about joining me?"

Ana considers a moment and says, "No. I'd better take it easy for the rest of the day, so that I can do some more surrendering tonight."

With a brilliant smile, Christian says "Good plan," before quickly kissing her and heading to the water. And watches him go for a while, warm pleasure flowing through her at the sight of his back and leg muscles rippling as he walks across the sand. Her breath catches at the beauty of him extending his arms to dive under the gentle waves. She tries to keep sight of him as he surfaces and strikes out away from the shore, but the dot of his body quickly blends with the others now on the water. So she lowers the back of the lounge and lies down on her stomach, and is asleep again within minutes.

Dozing on and off, some part of Ana's consciousness becomes aware of the sun beating down on her body, but she's too cozy to do anything about it. Thankfully, Christian soon returns, and she says, "Darling, would you do my back, now? The shade appears to have migrated." Ana smiles when he only chuckles and sets to the task, and then she comments, "Mmm…your hands are nice and cool."

A voice that is definitely not her husband's says, "And your skin is nice and warm."

Ana almost falls off the lounge in her haste to turn around, frantically clutching at the towel as she does so, to see a grinning, handsome young man, perhaps a little older than her; walnut brown eyes and skin, his dark, curly hair slightly bleached as if by sun and surf, and she stammers, "What? How? You shouldn't be here."

He says something then; some insincere platitude to explain his presence and lack of manners, but Ana hears none of it above the clamoring of alarm bells in her mind. Because she can see, beyond her overfamiliar visitor, Christian, emerging from the ocean like a vengeful god.