Chapter Ten

Naked in each other's arms on the almost bare mattress, Ana and Christian just hold each other until their breathing settles down, and then he says, "Considering that we had to improvise, I thought that went pretty well."

Ana giggles and runs her hand across his abdomen as she says, "Very well. I wonder if mattress manufacturers know about this?"

"I presume some of them do." And then Christian captures her hand and examines the red mark on her wrist before kissing it and saying, "Looks like long sleeves this afternoon."

Extending one leg straight up in the air, revealing that her ankle is also ringed with red from the restraints, Ana says, "And pants." With a shrug, she lowers her leg and continues, "Which will work out well for horseback riding. Last chance to back out, Grey."

With a wild grin, Christian says, "Not on your life. I have to see this."

Ana knows that voice, and that grin, so she smiles and says, "The thought of me riding is a turn-on?"

"Baby, you doing just about anything is a turn-on. But I suspect that you're graceful on horseback, so…well, neither wild nor domesticated equines could keep me from your side this afternoon, Mrs. Grey."

Ana smiles, a little turned on herself at the thought of Christian in the saddle, and then something occurs to her and she looks down at the almost ever-present elastic bandage around his injured ankle and asks, "Oh, do you have that rigid brace? Otherwise, you'll make it worse."

With a grimace, Christian says, "I brought it. But I'll sweat like a pig under that if I wear it."

Trying not to sound too patronizing, even though he's behaving like a child, Ana says, "Wouldn't that be better than spraining it again and being restricted to the sofa for the rest of our honeymoon?"

With a grin, Christian asks, "Would you be with me on the sofa?"

Laughing at his one-track mind, Ana says, "No."

Clearly still reluctant, Christian pouts, "Okay, I'll wear it. But I'll want sex as a reward."

Unable to resist Christian when he's so playful, Ana giggles and lifts her head to kiss him, then says, "Christian, you'll want sex no matter what happens."

Beaming at her, Christian agrees, "True." And then he smacks her ass and says, "Come on. Time to get ready."

They're getting dressed when Ana asks, "Do you think that's what she was smiling about?" At Christian's confusion, she says, "The Mona Lisa; do you think she was smiling because her lover needs to check the knots twice?"

Christian laughs and says, "I hope so, baby."

Remembering his cheeky grin as he'd tied her to the bed and permitted his compulsion to control him, Ana says, "It didn't seem to bother you."

With a shrug, Christian says, "Everything is different with you. Somehow, knowing that you're okay with it means that I'm already beginning to not think of it as a weakness."

Busting with pride in both of them, Ana says, "It's not. I guess that's the trust?"

"I guess so. Hey, Flynn is going to be amused how I found out." At Ana's obvious confusion, Christian explains, "If you hadn't liked it so much, betraying your secret with that Mona Lisa smile, I might never have known about it."

Ana laughs and says, "I see your point. He was highly amused when I asked him about it."

"Oh?"

Blushing a little at the memory, Ana reveals, "Yeah, he thought it was hysterical that, of all your peccadillos and predilections, that was the only thing concerning me." Christian is laughing before she's finished speaking, and doesn't stop for several seconds. By then Ana is bright red, and complains, "Fuck, Christian, it's not that funny."

Moving around the bed to placate her with an embrace, Christian says, "Oh, but it is, sweetheart. You've enthusiastically let me fuck you any way I wish, and perform all manner of abuses on your willing flesh, yet you were worried enough about this to ask Flynn for advice? That's quite possibly the funniest thing I've ever heard."

Becoming genuinely upset, Ana holds her forearms against his still bare chest, keeping some distance between them, as she says, "I only mentioned it because he asked if I had any questions. Anything else, I'd just ask you, but you were obviously unaware of it, so I wasn't sure what to do."

Suddenly serious, Christian says, "I'm sorry that you had any cause for concern. I hope you see now that we can discuss anything?" With only a shrug as admission of any guilt, he continues, "And I'll do my best to behave like an adult from now on, okay?"

His sincerity washing away her pique as if it never existed, Ana slides her hands up his chest to his hair as she stands on tiptoes for a kiss. And then they laugh again when they both say "Thank you," at the same time.

Soon after they're ready, Taylor knocks on the door. With their usual minimalist approach to communication the two men load a picnic hamper and other supplies into the car. Knowing that they won't allow her to lift a finger, Ana climbs in the back seat of the jeep, saying hello to Prescott in the driver's seat as she does so. The woman returns her greeting and then quietly says, "Ask me again."

"Sorry?"

"Ask me again if I have a girlfriend."

Having guessed the answer, Ana smilingly asks, "So, do you have a girlfriend?"

"Yes, I think maybe I do."

Still smiling, delighted to have finally made a connection with the woman responsible for her safety, Ana teases, "Wow, you work fast."

Clearly not offended, Prescott smiles and says, "Well, my career has always meant crazy hours, so I have to make the most of my time off."

Ana can see Christian presumably bidding Taylor goodbye with a handshake, and she concludes, "Well, I'm happy for you…uh, okay if I call you Rachel?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Using the roll bar, Christian gracefully swings into the seat beside Ana, and she observes, "You're in a good mood."

Apparently uncaring of their audience, he kisses her and says, "Well, I had a delightful start to my day." Christian catches Prescott's eye in the rear vision mirror and, with only a nod, they're away.

It's only a matter of minutes before they arrive at Carolina Corral. The small ranch appears to be the unofficial halfway house for all manner of creatures, from parrots to donkeys. While Christian negotiates with the owner, Ana squats down and acquaints herself with some overfriendly dogs that apparently have free run of the place. Somehow sensing his return, she turns to see him regarding her with amused affection, so she says, "What? They're cute."

With a grin, Christian says, "Right; they're cute." And then he holds out his hand to her and says, "Come on. I've convinced them that you know horses, so you get to pick your mount."

Excited, Ana accepts his help to stand as she says, "Any I want?"

"Apart from their racehorse, yes."

It doesn't take long for Ana to single out a small, bay gelding as her choice. Watching the animal prance around the corral, clearly eager for the world beyond the fence, Christian says, "Are you sure?"

Amused by his trepidation, Ana smiles and says "Pretty sure," then climbs the fence, ignoring his warning.

Proving just how used to humans they are, the horses either ignore Ana or wander towards her in search of food. When the bay approaches, scattering other horses, she lets him work out that she means no harm. Within seconds he tolerates her touch, so Ana grabs a handful of mane and vaults onto his back as Christian exclaims, "Ana, for fuck's sake; you're not wearing a helmet!"

Surprised to see that he's followed her, gently fending off curious horses as he walks, Ana smiles and says, "It's okay. I won't go above a trot, I promise. We're just getting used to each other."

Christian's expression softens a little at her words, but he still says, "Baby, please be careful."

Just glad to be on horseback again, Ana grins and says, "He's restless, domineering, slow to trust and hard to control. What could possibly go wrong?"

Smiling at the comparison, Christian nevertheless cautions, "Baby, there are over two hundred bones in your body. I'd prefer it if all of them stay intact."

"Then you're too late. I fractured my collarbone when I was seventeen." As she clenches her knees enough to get the horse to a trot, she adds, "Riding."

True to her word, Ana keeps the bay to a trot when he tries to canter. After a couple of circuits around the fence line, she stops beside Christian and swings her leg over the horse's neck to face him and then instructs, "Catch me." Of course, he does. But then he holds Ana's body against his, her feet off the ground. At first assuming that he's playing, Ana notices his frown and understands that he was genuinely concerned for her, so she says, "See? I'm fine."

Christian's mouth is a taught, flat line of anger and he says only, "This time."

When he makes no move to release her, Ana asks, "Are you going to let me go?"

"Yes. When you promise to never do that again."

"Ride bareback?"

"Without a helmet."

"It's okay, Christian. I've done it hundreds of times. If he'd tried to bolt I would have just jumped off." When he remains silent and shows no sign of releasing her, Ana gently runs her fingers through the hair at his temples and asks, "Battle?"

Apparently soothed by her caress, Christian's expression softens, but he still declares, "Battle."

Ana kisses his frown and says, "Okay, baby; helmet from now on."

Christian says "Thank you," and gently lets her feet touch the ground. Taking one of her hands, he leads her towards the stables. As he's helping her over the fence, he says, "You called me 'baby'."

Pausing for a second, Ana says, "So I did. You okay with that?"

Easily climbing over the rails, to drop to his feet beside her, Christian says, "I feel as if I shouldn't be. But, yes, I liked it."

"More than 'darling'?"

"No, not more. It just feels different." With a grin, Christian says, "But then maybe I'd like it no matter what you called me."

Moving into his arms, Ana says, "Well, you do like it when I insult you."

Enclosing her in his embrace, Christian says, "Actually, my dick likes that. I'm always shocked and appalled."

Accepting his kiss, Ana then says, "Christian, I doubt you've ever been shocked and appalled."

Again at ease with each other, they're both smiling as Christian confirms, "Not for a very long time." And then he kisses her and says, "Let's go. Prescott bought some gear for you yesterday."

With a wicked grin, Ana asks, "Including a riding crop?"

Deadpan, Christian says, "It's entirely possible."

With a glance back at "her" horse, Ana says, "Well, I certainly won't need it for him."

Losing the battle with his smile, Christian says, "Then I'll just put it aside for a special occasion."

On the way back to the car, Christian stops at the stables and informs the groom of Ana's choice. By the times they're both outfitted in brand new boots, gloves and helmet their horses are ready to go; Ana's choice and a mustang mare for Christian. On seeing that there are only two horses, Ana asks Christian, "No Prescott?"

"She'll follow in the jeep."

Becoming used to the ways of the Grey, Ana then asks, "And I suppose that they don't usually just let people borrow the horses?"

With a self-satisfied smile, Christian says, "No. Usually, they run guided group tours. We've got a few hours before the next one starts. Until then we have run of the island, except for the larger beaches, where horses are forbidden because of the National Park." Gesturing to the canvas bag under the animals' tails, he adds, "But the diapers and the map I have mean we can all cool down at a small, hopefully private beach at some point."

Smiling, Ana says, "Sounds wonderful, Christian, thank you."

Thanking the groom, Ana finds that her horse's name is "Lucas", before swinging into the saddle. By then, Christian is also ready to go. When he then only stares at her, Ana wonders if he's already turned on, and she reminds him, "You've got the map."

Shaking his head, as if clearing his thoughts, Christian says "Oh, right," as he leads the way. The track wends its way up into the hills of the park, providing some stunning views of the island and the town of Coral Bay, now far below them. Thankfully, the weather is kind and it's not very hot. Christian calls a break, and reveals that part of the supplies in the jeep is water for the horses. Ana makes sure to remove their bits, so they can easily drink their fill, and then takes several pictures while they rest.

When the animals are refreshed, they mount up and head downhill, following a dirt track south from Bordeaux Mountain. As the track gets narrower, Ana can hear the jeep straining to keep up, but the horses have no trouble on the uneven ground. Soon enough, she can hear a nearby beach, and they emerge from the forest into an improvised parking area, thankfully empty. Christian stops in the shade. As Ana stops beside him and then the jeep parks nearby, he says, "Prescott will have to check the beach."

Familiar with the routine by now, Ana shrugs and says, "That's okay." And then she guides a now much calmer Lucas alongside Christian's horse and rests her hand on her husband's thigh as she says, "I really hope she doesn't find anyone."

Whatever reply Christian was about to make is cut off when, as his body tenses in response to the undisguised lust in her tone, the mare takes it as a command and startles forward a couple of steps. Christian quickly reins her in and, looking back at Ana with a wry grin, says only, "Oops."

Somehow finding the combination of Christian at the whim of the beast, but also still in charge, incredibly sexy, Ana again sidles up next to him and leans towards him for a kiss. She deliberately echoes the words he used that Saturday morning when he appeared on her doorstep to win her back, as she says, "You need to use a firm hand."

Christian's face reflects his sudden desire, but this time he doesn't transfer his tension to the horse. He kisses Ana, and then says, "You're a wicked woman, Anastasia."

"Only since I met you, Mr. Grey."

Prescott soon returns and says, "All clear, and apparently deserted. Just yell out if you need me."

Christian nods his thanks and leads the way down the narrow track to the beach. It's small and partly pebbled, but having never ridden on a beach, Ana thinks it's perfect. With a grateful smile at Christian, she asks, "Will you cope if I let him gallop along the water's edge?" When his brow immediately furrows in concern, she adds, "Soft landing, if necessary."

"We'll test the route, first. There could be quicksand, or other concealed obstacles that might be dangerous for the horses."

Amused at him describing the small stretch of gray sand as "the route", Ana knows that it's the best she can hope for, given his obsession with safety, and the rational part of her agrees that it's a good idea. With only a nod in reply, she walks Lucas along the length of the beach, with Christian and the mare by her side. It's the flattest patch of land they've been on since leaving the corral, and Ana can feel the horse's eagerness to really run as he playfully stamps at the water, throwing his head around in a halfhearted bid to wrest control from her.

Of course, it doesn't take long to reach the rocky outcrop at the other end. Having complied with Christian's request, Ana doesn't ask again, instead she says, "I'm going to let him have his head, now."

With a curt nod and a creased brow, confirming that he's still afraid for her, Christian says, "I'll be right behind you."

Drawing up the reins, to get Lucas' attention, Ana says, "Well, you sure as shit won't get in front of us."

Grinning his acceptance of her challenge, Christian spurs his horse into a gallop just before Ana does the same. They race across the sand, water spraying up from every impact of the animals' hooves; the droplets glinting like gems in the sunlight. Despite Christian being on the slightly bigger horse, Ana's faith in Lucas is confirmed when he not only catches his stable mate, but overtakes her. Laughing from pure joy, Ana races past her husband. Of course, they soon have to rein in, but it's enough that her heart is singing and she says, "Christian, thank you. I didn't know how much I'd missed riding until today."

As if they've discussed it, they both let the reins go slack, so their horses can cool down at their own pace, and Christian says, "You're welcome, baby. Though perhaps I shouldn't have let you choose your horse."

Ana laughs at him and says, "Don't like losing, huh?"

They both laugh this time when, as one, they say, "It's a Dominant thing."

Left effectively to their own devices, both horses gravitate towards each other and move into the water until the waves are lapping at their bellies, Lucas still occasionally stamping at the water as if it's a playmate, or perhaps an adversary.

When Christian positions the mustang so that he can grab the reins of her horse, Ana releases them to him. She watches in amusement as he then ties Lucas' reins to the pommel of his saddle and slides back onto the mustang's rump, causing her ears to flatten in warning for a second. Having guessed his plan, Ana has swung her legs to one side and, with the aid of Christian's strong arms, easily transfers to his saddle, so that she's facing him. And she says, "Well, this is another first for me."

Already unbuttoning her blouse, his expression intense and his voice deep, Christian says, "For me, too."

When he's undone enough of her buttons to reveal her lime green bikini, Christian rests his free hand between her breasts as he gently touches his lips to hers, then says, "I love you, Anastasia."

Gasping at the intensity of his words, Ana recovers and says, "And I love you, Christian. Another perfect day."

As he replaces his hand with his lips, Christian says, "Day's not over, yet." Kissing his way up to her neck, he murmurs, "Mmm…salty."

Fast becoming lost in the feelings that his touch elicits within her body, Ana laughs and says, "I probably smell like horseflesh."

His lips just touching her earlobe, Christian says, "And leather."

The raw lust contained in those two words, so close to her sensitive ear, sends a jolt of pleasure through Ana, and she says, "God, Christian, it's not fair that you can do this to me."

With a delighted chuckle, Christian says, "Baby, what the fuck do you think this is doing to me? I'd say it's completely fair."

This reminder that she's also in control lends Ana courage and she unbuttons Christian's shirt as she says, "Now it's fair." She admires him for a few seconds, noting that the slight tan he's already received makes the scars seem paler. Somehow, the fact that this evidence of his past is more prominent makes her love him even more, when she wouldn't have thought that was possible. As she then rests her palms on his still very sensitive chest, Ana cautions, "Remember that you're on a horse, okay?"

His eyes glazing over at the tumult of emotions that always result from her caress, Christian says, "I'll try."

Her lips only an inch from one of his scars, Ana prompts, "One thing you love about me?"

Moaning in anticipation, Christian says, "The way you ride a horse; you're fearless."

Ana kisses and then teases the scar with her tongue, and Christian moans again at the powerful feelings stirred up by her touch. Lifting her head, to see that his eyes are closed, she says, "Your turn."

Christian's eyes flicker open and he offers a blissful smile as he says, "I love that you're becoming more confident with strangers."

Ana is at first shocked by his words. But, thinking back over the past couple of days, she realizes that he's right, and she smiles her love for him as she says, "All part of your plan?"

"Yes. But shouldn't you be kissing my chest right now, wife?"

Smiling at his eagerness, knowing that when they met he would have seen even that as a weakness, Ana says "I'm sorry, darling," before giving another of his scars her undivided attention. When she lifts her head this time, Christian doesn't bother to open his eyes as he gasps, "Your tongue; God, how I love your tongue."

Ana's lips are still on his chest when Christian starts trembling. The horse beneath them, sensing his disquiet, nervously sidesteps, jolting the humans back to reality, and Ana suggests, "Might be time to move this to solid ground."

One deep breath is all it takes for Christian to regain control of his body's responses, and then he says, "I think perhaps you're right." With a grin, he adds, "How about we leave the horses with Prescott. I don't want them to get jealous."

Ana laughs and says, "So you think they're a couple? Your girl certainly seems to have a calming effect on him."

Still smiling, Christian says, "Well, your guy's had his incentive removed. But, if he had his balls and opposable thumbs, I think he'd definitely tie her to a stall and fuck her brains out."

Beaming at him, Ana says, "Mr. Grey, you have an almost lyrical way of describing the act of making love."

Christian guides both horses back to dry land as he says, "I try." When they're clear of the water, he asks Ana, "Saddle or ground?"

"Ground. If we're going to fuck, I'll need to stretch my legs for a while."

After helping her off the horse, Christian slides off the mare's rump and says, "Good point."

As they lead the animals to the parking area, Christian takes Ana's hand. Smiling up at him, she says, "Maybe I should call him 'Christian'." When a half-hearted glare is his only response, she teases, "Perhaps even 'Chrissy Boy'?"

His tone confirming that he's not very angry, Christian cautions, "I wouldn't."

Blissfully happy, Ana says, "Thank you, for being okay with me galloping him."

Smiling back at her, Christian says, "You're welcome, baby. Thank you for asking me, first. If we keep going like this, I might never be angry with you again."

Well aware how much they both enjoy it when she provokes him, Ana grins and promises, "Don't worry, Chrissy Boy, I'll think of something."

Christian's only reaction is a momentary hitch in his step, and then he shakes his head and says, "Oh, I'm going to enjoy reacquainting you with a riding crop."

Her groin muscles tightening with pleasure at the idea, Ana asks only, "Now?"

Christian ponders for a few seconds and then reluctantly says, "No. Too public. It's not just my reputation we have to worry about now."

Resigned, knowing that he's right, Ana sheds her disappointment and says, "Well, it never was, right? You've been worried what it would do to your family if your fondness for kink became news."

Again shaking his head, Christian stops and faces her, asking, "How can you know such things about me? I've never discussed that with anyone."

Ana moves into his one-armed embrace and accepts his kiss before saying, "I know you, husband. You are quite possibly the most selfless person I've ever met."

With only love in his voice, Christian says, "Well, no one's ever accused me of that before." And then he again claims her hand, leading her up the hill as he says, "Come on; let's ditch Ana and Chrissy Boy, so that I can fuck you on a beach again."