Author's note: Again, thank you. You've inspired me to keep writing a story that I'm very much enjoying, and have made the wait for Castle, Season 5 much more bearable.

On the Rocks: Chapter Seven

Slinging Ana over his shoulder, while he unlocks the playroom door, Christian leaves her in place as he enters, easily preventing her squirming, and then he throws her onto the bed. Ana squeals in surprise as she bounces on the mattress, then laughs and says, "Christian, you're a caveman."

In a chillingly calm monotone, barely recognizable as the same man who was just playing Need for Speed, Christian says, "Have you forgotten where you are, Miss Steele?"

Immediately torn between her trust for the man she loves and the sudden, cold clench of fear in her belly at the threat of violence in his voice, Ana gulps and says, "No, Sir."

Apparently satisfied with her reply, Christian growls, "Good." Next, he grabs Ana's ankles and slides her towards him, then unbuckles her belt and removes it so quickly that Ana is lifted slightly off the bed and the leather cracks like a whip as it snakes through the air.

Even though she trusts him, that sound evokes all Ana's memories of the last time they were in this room and she's suddenly truly afraid. She's seriously reconsidering the whole idea when Christian stretches out beside her and gently tugs at her chin until she releases her bottom lip from her teeth. Not realizing that she'd been doing that, Ana says, "Sorry."

His face and voice once again kind, Christian says, "Change your mind?" When Ana hesitates and then shakes her head, he suggests, "But you're afraid?"

Worried about offending him, Ana hesitates again and then says, "Maybe a little."

Christian's face splits with a wide grin and he says, "Then my skills have suffered in your absence, because you're supposed to be quaking in your boots."

Confused, Ana says, "You want me to be scared of you?"

With a quiet smile, Christian says, "Ana, you've been provoking me all day. Now it's payback time. But this is a play room, sweetheart. You're not in any danger here unless you again forget to tell me when I'm pushing you too far. Promise me, baby, that you'll stop me if it's getting too much for you?"

Her nerves in tatters at so many conflicting emotions, Ana can only say, "You called me sweetheart."

Christian's face registers his surprise, and then he laughs and says, "So I did. Another first, Miss Steele. But you'd probably better not get used to it."

"You've never called anyone that?"

With a bemused grin, Christian says, "Why would I? You're the only woman I've ever been in love with."

Finally able to relax, Ana sighs her contentment and says, "I'm ready, Sir."

Frowning in concern, Christian says, "You're sure?"

Suddenly ready for anything, Ana's voice is serene as she declares, "One hundred percent, Mr. Grey."

Still wary, Christian asks, "What will happen if you ask me to stop?"

Resisting the urge to run her hands through his hair, Ana's voice is filled with love when she says, "You'll comfort me and carry me to your bed, then fuck me senseless and fall asleep in my arms."

Christian's gaze darkens with desire at her words, and then he says, "Another excellent plan, Miss Steele. In fact, I think we'll do that even if you don't ask me to stop."

With everything south of her navel clenching in response to his lustful promise, Ana can only utter, "Okay."

Christian laughs at her response and then stands up, dragging her with him as he says, "Now, strip down to your panties, and tie your hair up out of the way."

Confused, and a little dizzy after being so suddenly hauled to her feet, Ana says, "I thought you were going to do that?"

In a menacing growl that almost makes Ana's hair stand on end, Christian commands, "On your knees. Now!"

As if she literally has no choice in the matter, Ana drops to her knees and, finally sensitive of Christian's needs, automatically rests her hands and forearms on her parted thighs, her head bowed as she says, "Yes, Sir."

His voice only slightly softer, Christian says, "Do you want to be here?"

Too surprised by the question to do anything but tell the complete truth, Ana exclaims, "Very much!" And then she winces and adds, "Sir."

Ana is sure that the sound she hears is Christian running his hands through his hair and then he angrily says, "Then stop second-guessing everything I say and, just this once, do as you're fucking told."

Of course, he's right; after begging him to play, Ana is already forgetting to trust him and she's a little ashamed of herself as she meekly says, "Yes, Sir."

Christian is silent for several seconds and Ana begins to worry that she's ruined everything. But then his imposing voice is back when he orders, "Strip down to your panties and put your hair up, then wait for me by the door. If you move even an inch, I'll punish you and, I promise you, Ana, you won't like it."

Fighting the urge to apologize, Ana does exactly as instructed. Other than the steadily increasing pain in her untrained muscles, there's no way of telling how long she waits on her knees by the door, while Christian moves around the room, presumably making preparations. Finally, she hears his bare feet unhurriedly padding in her direction. Making sure that her posture is correct, Ana says nothing, not even when Christian's feet appear before her and she sees that her blue, leather belt is hanging from his hand. And then he says, "This is to remind you to obey."

Ana knows that he won't hit her with the belt, not after last time. So she's mystified as to what Christian could possibly intend when the belt suddenly loops around her neck and tightens. Ana gasps and almost lifts her head. But she remembers Christian's earlier caution and instead focusses on the feel of the leather around her throat. It's not actually tight enough to restrict breathing or blood flow, just unfamiliar and undeniably scary. Forcing her panic back down where it came from, Ana calms her breathing and then says, "Yes, Sir."

Ana can hear the pride in Christian's voice when he says, "Good girl." And then he tugs gently on the belt, so that it presses on the back of her neck, as he says, "Stand up."

Given that she's been on her knees for quite a while, that simple task proves difficult. Christian helps her with one hand under her arm and then says, "This is why you need to start working out."

His gentle tone reassures Ana enough that she dares a glance at him. He looks like her Christian, so she says, "I think you're right, Mr. Grey."

Christian smiles and says, "Yes, I definitely enjoy you compliant like this, no matter how much I love your smart mouth." And then his posture straightens as if whatever he's thinking makes him uncomfortable and he says, "Given what happened last time you were in this room, I'm breaking with tradition enough to give you a glimpse of what's in store for you. If you still want to proceed, I'll then blindfold you, because it will enhance your experience, okay?"

Suddenly haunted by some of the more disturbing images she found online when Christian asked her to research his unconventional sexual practices, Ana nevertheless says, "Okay."

Apparently satisfied with that answer, Christian walks towards the bed, his grasp on the belt around her neck forcing Ana to follow. The first thing she notices is the smell; something sweet that she can't quite place. And then she's disturbed to see that the bed is covered by a cotton drop cloth and her gaze whips to Christian's. He looks slightly nervous and says, "Too much?"

Realizing that she hasn't even given the scene a chance, Ana drags her eyes back to the bed, pausing only a second at the blindfold and what looks like a black, cloth bag. And then, on the dresser, she spots the small crockpot, several lit candles of different colors, a bottle of massage oil and a couple of other things that she cannot identify. The pieces finally fall into place and she says, "Waxplay?"

Christian smiles and says, "You've been doing your homework." And then his face is full of concern as he asks, "You okay?"

Trying to remember what she knows of the practice, Ana says, "The site said that there's a danger of scarring."

Christian nods and says, "Yes, if it's not done properly."

Ana recognizes that Christian is asking her to trust him and then realizes that she does; completely. So she smiles and says, "Then it's just as well that you know what you're doing."

Christian beams his gratitude and then pulls gently on the belt, saying, "Do we need this anymore?"

In a moment of inspiration, Ana says, "Surely that's up to you, Mr. Grey."

Christian's eyes widen in delight at her answer, and then he removes the belt and drops it on the bed. Next, he reaches for the blindfold, fits it over Ana's eyes and says, "See anything?"

"No, Sir."

Now effectively blind, Ana cannot know what's coming next. So she's back to afraid when what can only be the black bag is dropped over her head. At her gasp, Christian explains, "There's a mesh grid over your nose and mouth. You'll be able to breathe almost normally. So it'll be scary and uncomfortable, but ultimately sexy as hell if you stay in the moment and just go with it." There's laughter in his voice when he adds, "Also, it'll ensure that we don't have to comb wax out of your beautiful hair, okay?"

Noticing that he's right, she can breathe with only a little effort, Ana nods and says, "Yes, Sir."

Christian's tone once again brooks no refusal when he commands, "On the bed, face down, with your arms above your head."

As Ana complies, unfamiliar music swells and fills the room. Only able to guess if she's in the correct position, Ana does her best to comply and turns her head to the side so that she can breathe. The hood makes even that task difficult enough that she's constantly on the edge of panic and Ana wonders if that is exactly what Christian wants. Suddenly, he's grabbing her hands, binding her wrists together and stretching them towards the head of the bed. Just as suddenly, he's gone. Not knowing what he's going to do next is simultaneously nerve-wracking and incredibly stimulating.

Christian next makes his presence known with a hand on her right ankle. He stretches her leg to the side and cuffs it to the bed. Ana tests it a little and finds that she can already barely move as Christian quickly and expertly shackles her other ankle. And then he excruciatingly slowly drags his fingernails in tiny circles around the tender flesh behind her left knee as he says, "I'm going to start right here. As you can feel, it's highly sensitive. If you can tolerate that, you'll be fine with anything else I do." He hasn't asked a question, so Ana only nods her hooded head to show that she's understood. Christian chuckles a little and says, "That's my girl."

Ana is left alone for a few seconds, just enough time to try and imagine how much it will hurt having hot wax dripped on her tender skin. She's at first confused when she detects the familiar, musky scent of Christian's massage oil. And then everything else but the exquisite feel of Christian's gentle touch is forced from her mind as he caresses her left leg, his hands slick with oil, and he explains, "This will ensure an easy cleanup, and it's kind of nice, don't you think?"

Squirming against her bonds as his hands glide tantalizingly close to the top of her thigh, Ana groans, "Yes, Sir, very nice."

After what seems like far too short a time, Christian removes his hands. Then he kisses the hollow at the back of her knee and says, "Keep still."

Only a moment later Ana wonders how she'll be able to comply when Christian is back and apparently painting the back of her leg with hot wax. It's both painful and tenderly sensual and Ana can't help a shocked gasp at the conflicting sensations. And then the smell wafts past her nose and her brain isn't quick enough to stop her from exclaiming, "Vanilla!"

Without pausing, Christian softly laughs and says, "It seemed appropriate." And then he stops and, a moment later, stretches his body out along her back. Ana can feel that he's still wearing his jeans and is very aroused. She can't stifle a gasp when his chest hairs travel the length of her back and he murmurs, "God, you're beautiful like this." She's stunned at the feel of his lips through the mesh when he quickly kisses her and, before he moves away for the next stage, whispers in her ear, "By the way, that's your favorite belt that you can feel tight around your wrists." His slight emphasis on the word "tight" makes Ana certain that Christian knows it acts as an order on her muscles and everything clenches in response. Her suspicions are confirmed when Christian then chuckles and says, "You sure are fun to play with, Miss Steele."

Christian moves away for a few seconds and then hot pain centers behind her knee. Ana's not quick enough to stifle a shocked gasp and her limbs automatically strain against their bonds. Gasping for air, with the hood making it difficult, Ana feels like she's suffocating and starts spiraling towards panic. But then Christian's palm is tracing calming circles on her back and his voice holds only concern as he says, "Breathe, baby. Just breathe."

As if by magic, Ana starts to calm down. And then she realizes that, in fact, the suffocating feeling was all in her mind or she would have passed out by now, and that the pain of the wax wasn't that bad…more shocking than anything else. Remembering to trust Christian, Ana banishes the last of her panic and says, "I'm ready, Sir."

Christian's hand on her back stills for a second and then Ana feels the mattress dip as Christian stretches out beside her. He removes the hood and her blindfold. While Ana blinks, as her eyes become acclimatized to the dim light of the playroom, he says, "I think that's enough for today."

Christian is on his side, resting on one elbow so that he can look Ana in the eye, and she can't understand why he looks afraid, so she says, "Did something go wrong? Did it scar my leg?"

Christian smiles a little at that and says, "No, baby. I wouldn't let that happen."

In a moment of clarity, Ana says, "You're scared that it'll be too much and I'll run again."

Christian hesitates and then confesses, "Scared is putting it mildly. It destroyed me when I realized how much I'd hurt you."

"Christian, I won't run and it's not too much, I swear, just…new and, okay, a little frightening and painful, but also exciting and astonishingly erotic. The feelings…it's like I'm permanently in danger, but also in the safest place in the world, because you're in control." Ana can see that Christian is a little reassured, so she pleads, "Don't stop. Not yet. I want to know more."

"About waxplay?"

Confident that she's found the right words, Ana smiles and says, "About me."

Something; desire or excitement, maybe both, flares in Christian's eyes and then he says, "All right, Miss Steele, on to the main event. There won't be any intermission or explanations from now on. Because the whole point is to keep things escalating until you almost can't stand it. So I won't desist when you gasp, groan or whimper, only if you ask me to stop, okay?"

Momentarily distracted by the word "whimper", Ana then confidently declares, "Okay."

Despite her bound arms making it difficult, Christian bothers to tenderly kiss Ana before replacing the blindfold and hood, then moving away from her. A few seconds later he's astride her and apparently naked, his legs clutching her hips and erection hard against her buttocks. Imagining Christian straddling her when she's tied to the bed actually removes Ana's ability to breathe for a few seconds and then she gasps as liquid suddenly splashes onto the middle of her back. Expecting it to be hot, she's surprised when it's room temperature and then smells that it's the massage oil. Without a word, Christian quickly spreads the oil over her back. And then he really starts to massage it in, riding back and forth over her panties as his strong, warm hands mold the curves of her back all the way up to her shoulders. Ana moans as her groin almost painfully tightens in response to his caress. Christian chuckles and says, "You like that, Miss Steele?"

Ana swallows, trying to get some moisture to her mouth, and says, "God, yes…Sir. Please, would you remove my panties?"

"No, baby. If you like what we do today, we can talk about options for next time. But, I seriously doubt that you'll ever develop a taste for hot wax in your anus." Of course, Ana's ass clenches in protest at the notion and Christian laughs, saying, "Yeah, that's what I thought."

When Ana then feels Christian lean to one side, she guesses that he's reaching for the vanilla scented wax and her level of awareness jumps up a notch as she simultaneously longs for the feel of the soft paintbrush while dreading the pain of the hot wax. When the brush touches her skin, Ana finds out that Christian had, as usual, been telling the literal truth; the pain isn't quite as bad as it was on the back of her knee. So, she's able to focus more on the sensual delight of Christian painting her back in long, confident strokes. Soon enough, Ana realizes what the slight pain is doing, as her skin becomes more sensitive with every second.

When Christian pauses for a second, Ana knows that the hotter candle wax is next and her entire body tenses at the thought. But then she remembers Christian's advice to be in the moment and forces every muscle to relax. Next, she explores every sensation, from the hood over her head, to the slight tickle of the cooling wax behind her left knee and then, underlying everything, her body is almost humming with excitement and arousal. Worried that Christian will still be concerned for her, Ana smiles and says, "This is kind of hot…and kind of hot."

Christian chuckles and says, "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, Miss Steele. Maybe next time I'll let you lie on your back and fuck you while I ladle wax onto your nipples."

It takes Ana's brain a second to catch up with what Christian says, and then she groans and says, "Oh, God, please."

Christian laughs and says, "Next time, Miss Steele."

Suddenly, Ana feels first one, hot drop and then another. Somehow she knows that Christian has put the first drops in line with her nipples and then wonders if he's deliberately done that to distract her from the initial shock of the wax. Of course, it works and her nipples harden to points as she imagines the wax running down her breasts. As if he'd been waiting for her ensuing moan of desire, Christian continues in an apparently random pattern, alternating between dripping the wax and drawing shapes across her back. Not knowing when or where the sensual assault will occur next means that Ana is soon a quivering mess and she begs, "Christian, please, I just want you inside me."

Laughter in his voice, Christian says, "Do you trust me?"

"You know I do."

"Good."

When Ana hears the unmistakable sound of a camera shutter, she tenses and says, "What was that?"

Christian climbs off her as he says, "I'll show you later." Only seconds later Christian removes the hood, then frees Ana's ankles and massages her legs as he says, "Do they work?"

Ana flexes her legs a little and says, "Yeah, I think so."

Without a word, Christian removes her panties and then lifts Ana so that she's on her knees and elbows. Ana knows what happens next and her overwrought nerves are alight with anticipation when she hears the familiar sound of a condom being opened and then feels Christian position himself between her. And then his voice is icy when he says, "Now, what was it you spelled out in Semaphore?"

Wondering if she'll ever get used to Christian's lightning fast mood changes, Ana guesses that this anger is mainly for show, so she lies, "I have no idea what you're talking about, Mr. Grey."

Without a word, Christian begins slowly raking his fingernails down Ana's ribs, peeling wax away as he goes. With her skin already over-sensitive from the wax and constant level of arousal, Ana knows that she cannot endure much of this torture. However, guessing that Christian is enjoying himself, she resolves to hold out as long as possible and bites her lip to stifle a moan, though she can't stop her body writhing in response to his aggressive caress. After several seconds of this tantalizing torment, Christian again asks, "What did you spell out with the Semaphore?"

Not trusting herself to speak, Ana keeps her bottom lip between her teeth and merely shakes her head. When Christian again starts dragging his nails down her delicate flesh, Ana feels as if she's drowning in sensation. After a few more seconds, she no longer has the strength to avoid vocalizing her need and then realizes that, as promised, she's actually whimpering. Christian stops at the sound and Ana gathers enough wits to beg, "Please, Christian, please." When Christian's only response is to reach along her back, readying for more of the same, Ana breaks and cries out, "Bastard! I called you a bastard."

His voice almost breathless with lust, Christian traces a zigzag pattern through the wax as he commands, "Say it again."

Now truly meaning it, Ana hisses, "Bastard!" She's barely finished enunciating the word when Christian slams into her, filling her as much as physically possible and Ana screams in exultation as she finally gets exactly what she wants. After hours of foreplay, Ana knows that her climax isn't far away and she moves against Christian, even as he almost viciously pushes into her. But only when he reaches around to caress both her nipples with one hand, does Ana gasp and, only seconds later, moan and tremble through an orgasm that seems to have no end. Ana is still riding the waves of pleasure when Christian grasps her hips and slams into her one more time, holding her tight against him as he finds his own release.

Ana is wondering how she'll manage to stay conscious when, almost in one movement, Christian exits her body and spins her onto her back. Next, he kneels beside her and unties her belt from the bedhead. Only then does Ana notice that the loop around her wrists is wrapped in a hand towel, presumably to protect her skin. For some reason, the fact that she hadn't even noticed is suddenly very funny and she starts giggling. Christian removes the belt and massages her wrists, a slight smile on his face as he says, "Something funny, Miss Steele."

Shaking her head and fighting the urge to laugh, Ana says, "No, Sir."

Christian's smile widens and he says, "We're done, sweetheart. You don't have to call me Sir anymore."

Ana can't help another giggle and then says, "You called me sweetheart again." And then she notices that something is amiss and asks, "Did I do something wrong?" At Christian's confused frown, she explains, "You're usually holding me by now."

Christian's eyes and voice express only love as he says, "Someone has to clean your back and, if I hold you right now, I'm not going to let you go."

Stunned by the warmth shining from his gaze, Ana silently mouths, "Oh."

Christian smiles and says, "So, it is possible to render you speechless." When she then glares at him, he chuckles and says, "On your front."

Stretching out her aching muscles like a cat, Ana does as instructed and says, "You really are a bastard."

Ana gasps when Christian's lips touch the back of her neck and then he says, "You probably shouldn't have said that before finding out how I have to clean your back."

Ana tenses, worried that it might mean more pain and then she relaxes and says, "You're messing with me."

Christian laughs and says, "Yes, baby." And then he explains, "Now, sometimes, this can be part of the play. But, considering how well you did, I'm just going to make it as quick and painless as possible, okay?"

Already feeling sleepy, as her body recovers from its sensory overload, Ana closes her eyes and can only manage, "Mm hmm."

When Christian first starts scraping the layer of wax from her back, Ana spends some seconds trying to picture how he's doing it, because it feels softer than his nails, but harder than his hand. But she's too tired to lift her head and check. After a while, she knows that most of the wax is gone when Christian starts scrubbing her skin with a washcloth. The feeling is so exquisite that Ana can't help a purr of contentment and Christian says, "I thought you might like that. Your skin will be too sensitive for another shower, so I'll clean you with oil for now, okay?"

Now utterly spent, Ana can only say, "Mmm."

When Ana wakes, Christian is carrying her in his arms. On seeing that they're heading for his bedroom, she murmurs, "You going to fuck me senseless now?"

Christian smiles and kisses her forehead, saying, "Ana, you're already senseless and, right now, there's nothing I would rather do than fall asleep in your arms."

Moving slowly enough that he can stop her if he wishes, Ana reaches one hand towards Christian's chest. When he only tenses, but says nothing, she rests her palm against his always warm skin and says, "I think your heart is sweet."

Christian gasps and then shakes his head, saying, "Dark as slate, Miss Steele."

Ana removes her hand and mumbles against his shoulder, "Well, slate is gray, so that works for me."

They've entered the bedroom and Christian says, "Bathroom or bed?"

Cursing the frailties of her body, Ana says, "Bathroom, please."

Christian actually carries her to the toilet and places her on the seat, then grins and says, "Still shy?"

Ana glares at him and says, "If you mean, do I still have the normal, human reservations about peeing while someone is staring at me, then yes."

Chuckling, Christian leaves her to it, shutting the door on his way out. While Ana takes care of pressing matters, she can hear Christian brushing his teeth. After washing her hands, she joins him and only then notices that the unused spare washbasin is now surrounded by a fresh toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant (her brand, of course) and a hairbrush, almost identical to hers. She's staring at the tableau, absentmindedly caressing the hairbrush, when Christian says, "Hope it's okay. Obviously, you can add whatever you wish. I just thought that, if you're going to spend so much time here, you should be comfortable." When Ana lifts her grateful gaze to his, he pleads, "Oh, Ana, please don't cry. It's just toiletries."

Trying, in vain, to banish the tears, Ana reaches up over his shoulders to his glorious hair and pulls his face towards hers for a kiss. And then there's nothing else to say but, "I love you."

Gently wiping her tears away with one hand, Christian shakes his head and says, "You really are the strangest girl; you won't accept a million dollars from me and you cry over a cheap, plastic hairbrush."

Now calming down, Ana says, "Well, it's been a big day."

Christian laughs in delight and says, "Yes. Yes, it has." And then his voice is subdued as he asks, "A good day?"

So Ana has to kiss him again and then says, "The best day of my life."

With a smile so radiant that it actually hurts Ana's chest, he promises, "No, it's not."

Author's other note: Two things; never having played with wax like this, I'd be curious to know what I got right and what I got wrong. You can comment here, or find my email, if you're shy. Second; do we want to know how they spend their Sunday, or shall I click on "complete" button? I've a couple of other story ideas for Ana and Christian, but would be just as happy to find out what happens next in this one.