On the Rocks: Chapter Eleven

Despite Ana alternately cajoling, bribing and threatening him, Christian flat-out refuses to attend a hospital; contenting himself with Taylor's first-aid training as treatment. Genuinely concerned that the injury might be worse than he thinks, Ana is quiet on the way back to Escala and once again sits beside Christian, clutching his arm and resting her head on his shoulder. Eventually, her quiet compassion proves too much and Christian gets out his phone to arrange for a doctor to meet him at the apartment. When he's done, he looks down at Ana's shining face and says, "Happy?"

"Yes, thank you."

"You're welcome. Though it's going to cost me a small fortune just so he can confirm that I have a sprained ankle." Christian is about to put his phone away when he says, "Oh, forgot to show you my new screensaver."

Ana peers at the screen in his hand and then looks at him in confusion, saying, "Your company logo?"

Christian grins and says, "Look closer."

Ana does so and sees, beneath the logo and in Christian's elegant script, the words, "Property of Grey Enterprises." And she suddenly understands why the colors look familiar; they match the candles that had been in the playroom yesterday. Despite there being nothing in the pic to confirm it, Ana is absolutely certain that she's looking at her own back. She makes a grab for the phone, but Christian is far too quick, so she demands, "Give me the phone."

Christian only puts it in a far pocket and grins as he says, "Uh, uh."

Ana tries a few more times to get at the phone, to no avail. Trying to stay angry is difficult with Christian in such a playful mood. But Ana manages to keep a straight face as she says, "Grey, I'm serious. Give me the phone."

Grinning like a kid, Christian mocks, "Steele, I'm serious. You're not getting my phone."

Intimidation is obviously not going to work, especially when Ana is only half angry at his audacity. After all, there are only two people in the world who'd know the picture is of her, and she's confident that Christian will keep it that way. But the fact that he would fuck her after effectively branding her is enough to keep a quiet resentment simmering within her and she says, "Fine. Just let me look at it again."

Christian only raises one eyebrow and says, "You weren't fast enough last time. What's changed?"

He's right, of course, so Ana says, "Taylor, would you please pull over?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Only when the car stops and Ana opens the door does Christian nervously ask, "Ana?"

Realizing what it must look like, Ana reassures him, "Not running; sulking. And I can do that better from the front seat."

Christian's smug grin returns almost immediately and he says, "You punishing me, Miss Steele? Because that could be a very dangerous game."

Ana can see the spark of passion in his eyes and feels an answering fire ignite within her. Ignoring her racing heart, she exits the car as she says, "We'll see, Grey. We'll see."

Once Ana is in the front seat and belted, she says, "Thank you, Taylor."

For once not concealing his smile very well, Taylor returns to the highway as he says, "You're welcome, Miss Steele."

Without Christian's company, the journey back to the apartment seems to take forever. But Ana resolutely refuses to turn or even glance in the side mirror for a glimpse of him. They're almost to the apartment when Taylor quietly says, "He's asleep, ma'am."

Ana turns to see that Christian is now sprawled across the back, so that he can rest his bandaged ankle on the seat, and does appear to be asleep. He looks so beautiful that Ana has to clasp her hands together or reach out and touch him. Not even realizing that she's used exactly the same words before, Ana whispers, "What am I going to do with him?"

Taylor smiles and quietly says, "From where I sit, Miss Steele, it's pretty obvious that you're going to love him."

Ana nods and says, "You said that he's a good man, but you were wrong."

Clearly confused, Taylor says only, "Miss Steele?"

"Not a good man; the best man. He's the best man I know."

Taylor smiles indulgently and says, "Yes, Miss Steele."

Ana's still staring at Christian as the car enters the parking garage. He stirs in his sleep when the car slows, so Ana returns her eyes to the front, determined to keep playing whatever game she's started, because she senses that invalid Christian will need almost constant entertainment.

Sawyer is waiting by the elevator in the garage and opens the door as the car stops, to help Christian from the car. Ana notices, with some concern, that Christian's ankle appears to be worse; his limp is more pronounced and he's quite pale. All games forgotten, she asks Sawyer, "Haven't you got a wheelchair?"

Christian snorts and says, "Wouldn't do him any good if he did. I wouldn't use it." Unable to endure the idea of Christian being in pain, Ana takes his other arm, so she and Sawyer can walk him to the elevator. At first surprised when she appears at his side, Christian then asks, "Done sulking?"

Ana nods once and concedes, "For now."

Christian chuckles and says, "Pity. I quite like the shape of your mouth when you pout."

Embarrassed at such talk when Sawyer is with them, Ana cautions, "Behave yourself, or I'll go back to sulking and I'll do it where you can't see my mouth."

Christian only laughs, clearly unconcerned, but he stops flirting with Ana and tolerates their assistance all the way to the living room. Once his boss is comfortable, Sawyer says, "The Doc will be here asap. Can I get you anything?"

Without preamble, Christian says, "Lunch. I'm starving."

Ana says, "It's all right, Sawyer. I'll take care of it, thank you."

When Sawyer is gone, Ana looks at Christian to ask what he'd like for lunch. But, at his smug grin, says, "What?"

"You're feeling sorry for me."

Fighting a smile, Ana lies, "No, I'm not. Now, what do you want for lunch?"

Still wearing a slight smile, Christian says, "Whatever will get you back here the quickest."

Careful not to bump his ankle, Ana kisses him and says, "Sandwich it is, then."

As if she hadn't even spoken, Christian says, "You're feeling sorry for me and you're considering staying one more night."

Only then does Ana realize that Christian is right, but the idea hadn't yet become a conscious thought. Stunned at his ability to apparently read her mind, she says, "How do you do that?"

Before she recovers, Christian takes one of Ana's hands and puts it over his heart, even as he puts his palm against hers. Fighting the urge to cry, Ana says, "It doesn't mean that I'll definitely stay. I really do have work in the morning."

Beaming at her, Christian removes his hands and says, "I know. But you're considering it and I will persuade you by the end of the day." And then he slaps her ass and says, "Now fetch me my lunch."

Glaring at his impudence, Ana says, "You only get a free ride while you're injured, Christian. Next weekend is payback time."

Rubbing her stinging butt, Ana heads for the kitchen to the sound of Christian's joyous laughter. After exploring the contents of his refrigerator, Ana quickly fills a serving tray with food and heads back to Christian. He's leaning back in the chair, eyes closed and Ana wonders if he's again asleep. But he opens his eyes as she approaches and his sudden, blazing smile almost makes Ana drop the tray. And then he says, "I missed you."

With trembling hands, Ana puts the tray on the coffee table and then wordlessly climbs onto Christian's lap to kiss him. His hand is already under her blouse, questing for remembered delights when Sawyer politely coughs, giving them time to disengage, and then he says, "Ms. Forbes is here for your appointment, Miss Steele."

At Ana's confused look, Christian says, "Diana." When Ana shakes her head, reluctant to leave him, Christian says to Sawyer, "Have her set up in here."

Ana protests, "No, I'm fine. I don't need a massage."

Christian nods to Sawyer, dismissing him and then says, "Yes, you do. If not for your underdeveloped muscles, then for the emotional release."

Concerned, Ana asks, "Emotional release?"

Surprised, Christian says, "You've never had a massage, either? What have you been doing with your life, Ana?"

Ana grins and says, "I told you; waiting for you."

Christian is leaning to kiss Ana again when a woman's voice says, "Christian Grey, what have you done now?"

Ana turns to see a tall, muscular Caucasian woman, perhaps late thirties to early forties, followed by Sawyer apparently carrying Diana's gear, even as Christian says, "Sprained my ankle kicking massage therapists. So watch your mouth."

Despite their words, Ana can hear that it's friendly banter. So she stands and readily offers her hand in greeting as she says, "I'm Ana."

For some reason she's ridiculously pleased when Christian immediately says, "My girlfriend."

Diana shakes Ana's hand and says, "Diana Forbes." Looking at Christian, she adds, "A sweet, but patently unnecessary statement, Christian; she was in your lap."

Eyes sparkling with humor, Christian says, "Ana, sweetheart, would you kick her for me?"

Ana laughs at how easy they are with each other and says, "No."

Sawyer has finished setting up the massage table and accepts Diana's gratitude before leaving. After asking Ana a few, clinical questions, Diana says, "As this is your first time, I'll start easy and gradually work deeper into the muscles until you say when, okay?"

After a nervous glance at Christian, Ana says, "Okay."

Diana frowns and says, "Would you rather do this in private?"

Christian intercedes, "She's worried about becoming emotional."

Relieved, Diana says, "Oh, well that doesn't happen every time. And, if it does, I'll hand you a Kleenex and ask if you want to pause or stop."

Reassured, Ana smiles her relief and says, "Thank you."

Diana nods and says, "No problem. I'm going to visit the little girl's room and wash my hands. This would be your cue to strip down to your level of comfort and lie face down on the table, with your face in the face-shaped hole. I'll knock before I enter."

Back to being nervous, Ana says only, "Thank you."

When Diana leaves, shutting the door on her way out, Ana starts stripping as she says, "I like her."

Christian says, "I'm glad." And then he adds, "It's just occurred to me that this might not have been a good idea."

Ana knows that tone and looks at him to confirm that he's turned on. Shaking her head, she says, "God, Christian, it's therapeutic massage, not a porn film."

Christians raises one eyebrow and asks, "You've watched porn?"

"Of course not. But I've heard the clichés." And then Ana shakes her head again and complains, "Christian, I don't think that I can do this if you're going to sit there lusting after me."

"Ana, I'm always lusting after you. And, even if I weren't, in a few minutes you'll be naked while a woman massages your bare flesh for at least an hour with her oiled hands. It'll be a miracle if I don't come."

With a grin, Ana says, "What happened to control, Mr. Grey?"

With a flicker of guilt, Christian says, "If we've learned anything today, Miss Steele, it's that you naked is enough to make me lose all control."

Worried about Christian sinking back into melancholy, Ana tilts her head and asks, "Are you going to delete that picture from your phone?"

Christian smiles and says, "Never."

Slowly removing her blouse and bra while keeping her gaze fixed on his, Ana says, "Then, Mr. Grey, you're on your own."

Momentarily hypnotized by her performance, Christian then says, "More games, Anastasia?"

Struggling with her own control issues at the sound of her name from his lips, Ana makes the decision to leave her panties on and climbs onto the table as she says, "We really only ever play one game, Mr. Grey."

Christian chuckles and says, "You're so right, Miss Steele, and I'm enjoying every moment of it, thank you."

At Diana's soft knock on the door, Ana says, "Come in."

When the universe suddenly gets very quiet, Ana looks up to see why, but freezes when Christian snaps, "Don't move!" In an equally angry tone, he says, "Yes?"

Ana is mortified to hear Taylor, sounding almost in pain, say, "Uh, the doctor's here, Mr. Grey."

After a second, Christian's voice is only a little calmer when he says, "Fuck! You'll have to help me."

When Ana moves to obey, Christian says, "Not you, Ana, for fuck's sake."

Having caught a glimpse of Christian stooped over in pain as he struggles to his feet, Ana knows that Taylor is still behind her. Confident that he'll be steadfastly not looking at her, she resumes her position on the table and silently prays for the floor to open up and swallow her whole.

Ana guesses that Diana has returned when Christian says, "You'll have to manage without an audience today."

Sure enough, the therapist's voice says, "Probably for the best anyway. Tuesday, Grey? I won't be able to work on that ankle before then."

"Tuesday."

And then the door blessedly closes and Diana says, "Well, that was awkward. Are you okay?"

Ana laughs and says, "Yeah, I think so."

"Lord, you're trembling. Do you need anything? A glass of water, maybe?"

Ana giggles and says, "No, no, I'm fine. Just…Christian would not have liked that."

Diana chuckles and says, "I don't imagine Jason found it very comfortable, either."

As they again laugh together, Ana relaxes and then says, "Thank you."

Diana laughs yet again and says, "Hold that thought when my thumbs find the muscles that are holding all that stress."

Surprised, Ana says, "I seem stressed to you?"

Diana's warm, oiled hands start at Ana's shoulders as she says, "You're dating Christian Grey. He even makes me nervous, and I'm not a woman who is easily intimidated."

"No doubt." And then Ana frowns and says, "But you two seem so at ease with each other."

Working her way down Ana's back, Diana says, "Part of my job is putting people at ease."

Luxuriating in the woman's expert touch, Ana says, "You're good at it."

"Thank you." They're both silent for a while, as Diana steadily increases the pressure of the massage. And then Ana suddenly says, "Wait, you massage Christian? But…"

When Ana doesn't continue, Diana gently reveals, "He wears a t-shirt at all times and it's a no-go area. He's never said why and I've never asked. Now, how about you try to put Christian Grey out of your head for the next hour, so we can focus on Ana? Because every time you say his name, your muscles clench enough that you're going to undo all my hard work."

Suitably chastised, and more than a little embarrassed, Ana says only, "I'll try."

Ana wakes as Diana is rubbing her back with a towel. It feels good, so she murmurs, "Mmm…nice."

Laughter in his voice, Christian says, "Couldn't agree more, Miss Steele."

Ana whirls around, instinctively grabbing at the towel as cover and almost falling off the table, to see that Christian is supporting himself with crutches under both arms. Still confused, Ana asks, "Diana?"

With a grin, Christian says, "Left some time ago after covering you with the bath sheet and ordering me to let you rest." At her glare, he explains, "But…watching you sleep; I suddenly couldn't wait any longer to see your smile."

Thinking it's incredibly unfair that his words can so affect her, Ana gulps at the power of her sudden desire for him and says, "No?"

Smiling his pleasure at her dynamic reaction, Christian starts to slowly slide the towel from her hands as he confirms, "No."

Struggling to form coherent thoughts, Ana grabs at the towel, pulling it back over her as she says, "Wait. What did the doctor say?"

Christian says only "Sprained ankle," and then resumes unveiling her.

Desperate for more information, Ana smacks at his hand and says, "What, specifically, did he say?"

The flash of anger in Christian's eyes confirms that Ana will pay for thwarting him. But he gives up the fight and leans on the crutches as he explains, "That I should spend as little time on my feet as possible, while the joint is swollen, and see a physiotherapist once a week until it's completely healed." With a grin, he lies, "Oh, and that constant fucking will greatly aid my recovery."

Satisfied that he'll be okay, and confident that nothing short of Armageddon will bring Taylor through the door today, Ana slides off the far side of the table and then turns to face Christian, letting the towel fall to the floor as she says, "Well, assuming that you get off your feet, it would be my pleasure to aid your recovery."

If asked, Ana would swear that she can actually feel Christian's ever-darkening gaze sweep over her body. After several seconds of an examination intense enough to accelerate Ana's breathing and heart rate, Christian says, "Love to, babe. But you need to eat, and your lunch is waiting in the kitchen."

Embarrassed, confused and a little hurt at being rejected, Ana says only, "Oh, okay."

Ana quickly dresses, and follows Christian as she says, "I'm sorry, about before."

Christian shakes his head and says, "Not your fault."

Still concerned, Ana says, "Not Taylor's either."

"Then I've fired him for nothing."

Stunned, Ana stops and says, "Not really?"

Christian stop and turns to face her, saying, "He works for me, not you. He should have waited until he heard my voice before entering the room."

Horrified, Ana says, "Christian, please tell me you're joking."

"Do I look like I'm joking?"

Scanning his face for any sign of hope, Ana finds none and says, "But…that's insane. You can't fire him over this."

Christian again heads for the kitchen as he says, "I can, and I have."

Ana rushes to block his path, fighting tears as she says, "Well, unfire him! You can't do this, Christian."

At her acute distress, Christian awkwardly tries to comfort her despite the crutches and says, "Hey, easy, baby. I fire Jason about once a week. He just proves that I can't live without him and then goes about his duties."

Struggling to process his words, Ana frowns in confusion and says, "Taylor isn't fired?"

"Well, I told him he is. But he knows better than to pay attention to such an order."

Shocked, Ana says, "Wha…why would you do that to me?"

Looking a little ashamed, Christian says, "Well, it was fun, at first. I didn't think you'd get this upset."

"You didn't think I'd…" Trembling with rage, Ana spins on her heel and storms to the kitchen. She's still looking for the promised lunch when Christian enters and says, "The oven warmer. Taylor made you an apology quiche."

Without a word, Ana fetches the pie and puts a small portion on a plate before eating. Christian hobbles over to the counter and perches on a barstool, leaning his crutches beside him. The quiche really is very good and Ana is savoring the experience when Christian says, "I'm sorry."

Still fuming, Ana shakes her head and says, "Just leave me in peace, Grey."

Christian only manages to stay silent for a few seconds before saying, "Well, can I have some quiche, at least? I'm starving."

"You didn't have lunch?"

Christian shakes his head and says, "No. The doc arrived before I could eat. I didn't want anything other than the meal you'd made for me, but I was reluctant to disturb your massage, and the sandwich had gone all soggy by the time I got in there, so…what?"

Ana shakes her head again, this time in wonder, and says, "How…it's not fair that you can do that to me."

Sensing that he's forgiven, Christian smiles and says, "So, can I have some quiche?"

Ana silently serves Christian a large portion and then says, "You're a bastard."

Christian smiles and says, "So we've established." Holding up a portion of the quiche on his fork, he adds, "Thank you." They eat in silence for a while, and then Christian pleads, "When you're writing out your list, would you please remember that I'm still new to this whole girlfriend thing?"

Utterly confused, Ana asks, "What list?"

"Well, given that I sent you a blank contract and you filled it with notes, I presume it will be an actual handwritten epic, presumably entitled pros and cons, to help you decide whether or not to return on Friday."

Frustrated that he still doesn't believe her, Ana says, "I'm coming back, Christian. I told you that."

"Oh, I believe that you intend to. But you're not absolutely certain." At her continued exasperation, Christian explains, "If you were certain, you wouldn't need five days apart to think about things and you wouldn't have got so angry about Taylor fetching your things." Ana's expression changes as she considers his words, and he concludes, "If you were one hundred percent certain that you'll return on Friday, we'd already be living together."

Ana is quiet for several seconds while she gives his words serious thought, and then she says, "You're right." And then she realizes something and says, "When did you work this out?"

"While you were with Diana."

Having confirmed why Christian had seemed upset after the massage, Ana says, "I thought you were jealous over the…misunderstanding with Taylor."

"Oh, I was jealous…insanely so. Fortunately, it was a temporary insanity. I know it wasn't really his fault." And then Christian smiles and says, "Poor bastard was so embarrassed that my anger disappeared almost immediately."

"Should I…apologize or something to him?"

"I think he'd be eternally grateful if the incident is never, ever mentioned."

Ana nods and says, "Fine with me." Curious, she then asks, "How does he prove that you can't live without him?"

With a sheepish grin, Christian says, "He, uh, asks for my secretary's name so that he can give her the relevant paperwork."

Catching on, Ana says, "Christian! You don't know your secretary's name? That's appalling."

Still embarrassed, Christian confesses, "Not always. They change every couple of months or so. I can't keep track of them."

Shocked, Ana echoes, "Couple of months?"

Christian smiles and says, "Apparently, I'm rather demanding. If they last more than a week, Taylor gives them an excellent reference." And then he sobers and says, "Have you deliberately changed the subject, or are we meandering?"

"Oh, sorry…meandering, I think. Uh, you want to talk about me not being one hundred percent certain?"

"Yes, but finish your lunch first. I need to be somewhere I can put this ankle up."

Ashamed that she'd forgotten about Christian's current needs, Ana quickly finishes her lunch and cleans up before accompanying him back to the living room. When he's comfortable, Ana says, "Are you in much pain?"

"One of the few good things about enduring childhood abuse is that it can build up an extraordinary tolerance for pain."

Shocked by the sentence, and Christian's calm delivery of it, Ana's mouth drops open and then she shakes her head to banish the tears and says, "That's…horrible, Christian." When he only shrugs, she adds, "And you didn't answer my question."

"Yes, I'm in pain. But I can mostly ignore it if I don't focus on it, so perhaps we could move on?"

Her heart aching for the boy he was and the man he is, Ana crawls into his lap and says, "If you promise not to try any delaying tactics in the morning, I'll stay one more night, okay?"

Christian kisses her and then says, "Thank you. And I so promise." And then he grins and declares, "I knew you were feeling sorry for me."

"Yes, you're very clever. Now, what did you want to know?"

"Actually, I think it's more about what you want to know. Because I already know that I want to live with you." When Ana is then silent for several seconds, Christian asks, "Need a pen and paper?"

Ana laughs and says, "No. I just…okay…do you still feel an urge to beat women like you used to?" At his pained expression, Ana quickly adds, "I know you only want to do what gives us both pleasure, but…I'm sorry, Christian, I don't even understand this enough to know how to ask about it."

After a moment, Christian says, "You haven't watched porn, but you must have read some raunchy scenes?"

Embarrassed, Ana says, "Well, yes."

"And which ones floated your boat?"

Blushing, Ana says, "I'm not discussing that with you."

With a quiet smile, Christian says, "You can suck my cock, but you can't talk about sex scenes?"

Blushing further, Ana says, "Hey, I'm coping with your cargo hold of emotional baggage, and I think I'm doing pretty well. The least you can do is not laugh at mine."

Christian wipes the smile from his face and "seriously" says, "Point well made, as ever, Miss Steele. So; sex scene. What's your favorite?"

Ana can't quite meet Christian's eye and her scarlet color remains as she says, "It's not really a scene...a poem." When Christian merely waits for more information, Ana murmurs, "Sappho; a translation by Ambrose Phillips."

"Tell me." At Ana's obvious reluctance, Christian gently lifts her gaze to his with a hand on her cheek and softly pleads, "Tell me."

After one, deep breath, Ana recites, "In dewy damps my limbs were chilled, my blood with gentle horrors thrilled, my feeble pulse forgot to play; I fainted, sunk, and died away." When Christian doesn't laugh and, instead looks at her with renewed passion, Ana finds the courage to explain, "There's more, but that's the bit that…it's what I imagined it would feel like if I ever fell in love. Every time I read it I…"

Christian interrupts with, "Want to fuck a sexually confused female Greek poet?"

Angry that he's mocking her again, Ana snaps, "Of course not, it only…" And then the penny drops and she says, "Oh. So, when you remember beating women, it makes you want me?"

With a grin, Christian says, "Almost everything makes me want you, baby. And I haven't actually thought of beating women for quite a while. But that's pretty much how it works, yes."

Still confused, Ana asks, "You'll always find the idea of hurting receptive women a turn-on?"

"I imagine so. I hope so."

"You hope so?"

With a knowing smile, Christian says, "You don't enjoy it?"

Ana blushes yet again as she says, "You know I do."

Christian's smile broadens and he says, "Like I said; I hope so. I'd consider giving you that pleasure even if it weren't a passion of mine. The fact that I find it sexy as hell is just a bonus." And then he sobers and continues, "While we're on the subject, I wish you'd reconsider about leaving the limits up to me, Ana. I just…I'm still worried that I'll try something and it will scare you off again."

This, at least, Ana is certain of and she confidently explains, "There were a few things on that BDSM website that scare me…more than a few, if I'm honest. But it's an uneducated fear. Not that long ago the playroom terrified me and now it's one of my favorite places on earth. And you already know me better than I know myself. That and your vast experience make you the person most qualified to know what will please me. If you really want me to, I'll reconsider, but I'd rather not."

Christian smiles his gratitude and says, "I've suddenly a very strong urge to share my vast experience with you. But I guess we'll have to wait until this ankle improves."

"Oh, I hadn't even thought of that." And then Ana grins and says, "We'll work something out."

At the look on her face, Christian has to take a deep, calming breath before asking, "Any other concerns?"

"The song you were playing today. Why did you choose that one?"

"Uh, I don't know. I woke up with that in my head, so I played it." And then Christian deduces why Ana is concerned and says, "You're worried that I find us hard work?" Suddenly afraid, he asks, "Is that how you feel?"

"No, not at all. It's more…the few weeks without you…suddenly nothing about my life makes any sense unless you're in it."

In slightly hushed tones, Christian says, "I feel the same way. Being with you…only breathing is easier. I can be me when we're together. You have no idea how rare that's been in my life."

"So why the song?"

Christian considers for a few seconds and says, "Uh, I'm not sure. The line I woke with was the one about four walls, so…" He runs a hand through his hair and says, "I'm sorry, Ana. Can we circle back to this one? I truly do want to address all your concerns. But I have to sort it out in my head first."

Ana rests her hand on his cheek for a second and says, "Of course. This was a good idea, thank you."

Surprised, Christian says, "That's it?"

"That's it."

"No questions about my jealousy, control issues, stalker tendencies?"

Ana tilts her head and says, "Aren't they all the same thing? And, besides, you're aware that they bother me and have agreed to work on improving. I don't think that anyone could expect more."

"What about the money issue?"

"I've been thinking about that, because it doesn't bother me when we're on our time, only when I'm on my time. And, if I were the one with the obscene amount of money, I'd want to share it with you. So I don't think that will be a problem if I move in here."

"And the sex is working for you? Because I'm prepared to work on improving that, too."

Ana laughs and has to kiss him again, then says, "Darling, if you improved that, it would probably kill me."

Christian's eyes widen in surprised delight and then he pouts and says, "Fucking bird!"

All her concerns having fallen away, Ana laughs and says, "Feeling friskier than your ankle will permit, Mr. Grey?" When Christian only silently sulks, Ana suggests, "Playtime?"

"I'd love to, babe. But I don't see that working until I can at least put weight on the ankle."

With a lascivious grin, Ana says, "Have you no imagination at all, Mr. Grey?"

Christian's eyes flare with carnal hunger at her challenge and, after a moment, he says, "The massage table."

Ana frowns and says, "I don't know, Christian…using her table doesn't seem fair to Diana, and that door doesn't have a lock on it."

"You know very well that no one is opening that door without written permission from me, in triplicate. And the table is mine. No one has lain on it, ever, but you and I." At Ana's sudden, obvious desire, Christian smiles and says, "I know. Why is that so sexy?"

Ana stands up and offers Christian assistance as she says, "Let's find out."

Christian makes no move to stand. Instead, he fishes his keys out of his pocket and singles out the playroom key, saying, "First, go choose my weapon."

Suddenly confused and afraid, Ana can only say, "Weapon?"

Avidly watching her reaction to his words, Christian slowly nods and says, "You said nothing harsher than my hand for punishments. But we're in playtime now, so you're mine to do with as I wish, and you refused me after the massage."

Admittedly turned on by his declaration, Ana's fear of pain remains strong enough that she protests, "And you refused me. I don't get to punish you?"

Christian's smile is kind when he gently admonishes, "Baby, you're doing it right now."

Suddenly understanding a little more about this man she loves, Ana releases all her fear with a deep, trembling breath. And then she takes the keys from Christian's fingers as she says, "Sorry, Sir."

Where credit's due: Sappho –translation mentioned is entitled "Ode to a Loved One"