Author's note: Thirty-nine chapters of "On the Rocks", eleven of this one; by my count that's fifty chapters. I think a celebration is in order! My daughter suggested an erotic cake, but I don't enjoy baking and no way is my eighteen year old making a penis cake for me. No, I think a chilled white wine, some massage oil and my husband will do just fine. Thanks, for reading.

Chapter Eleven

Prescott, almost dozing in the shade while standing to prevent such an eventuality, snaps to attention when she hears her bosses returning. They're on foot, leading the horses, holding each other's free hand and quietly chatting as if nothing else exists in the world. And it occurs to Prescott that, for them, that's probably true. Both their shirts are open and, as they approach, she sees Christian's scars for the first time, offering a silent thanks to Taylor for warning her about them, so she can avoid staring. Still, she's distracted enough by wondering what the hell happened to him, that she misses his command and has to ask, "Uh, sorry, sir?"

His slight grin making her wonder if he read her mind, Christian says, "You up for some horse-sitting?"

"Yes, sir." Showing where she's put the full buckets of water, Prescott continues, "I don't know much about horses, but I assumed you'd want to leave them here while you have lunch."

Christian doesn't thank her, and she wasn't expecting it, though he does kindly ask, "Have you eaten?"

"Yes, sir."

With only a nod, Christian heads towards the back of the jeep, and fetches the picnic basket. By then Ana has somehow removed the bit part of the bridles, leaving what now amounts to a halter on each horse. She hands the reins and bits to Prescott and says, "Tie them to adjacent, flexible branches in the shade, and make sure they always have access to the water, okay? If they're together, I doubt they'll give you any trouble. But, if they do get away from you…" She grins then and concludes, "Well, it's a small island."

Steadfastly not looking at the lime green bikini top, Prescott says only, "Yes, ma'am."

"Thanks, Rachel. I really appreciate you thinking of them. I know this isn't part of your job description."

Unused to such praise, Prescott stammers, "Uh, yes, ma'am…I mean, you're welcome, ma'am."

Prescott is shocked that she then feels a blush on her cheeks when Ana smiles and says, "That's a lot of ma'ams."

Christian walks past, carrying the hamper, and cheerfully says, "Ana, stop harassing the staff." To Prescott, he offers a lopsided grin and apologizes, "Sorry, she's new."

Grateful for the rescue, Prescott smiles and again says, "Yes, sir."

His arms full, Christian extends one elbow to Ana and she slips her arm through his, smiling up at him. As they head back towards the beach, Prescott watches them for a few seconds and then shakes her head at how ridiculously nice they both are. Remembering Taylor's many cautions about Christian's famous temper, she wonders where it went, even as she knows the answer; Ana.

After a short, probably pointless chat with the horses about what she expects from them, Prescott lets them have a long drink before tying them as Ana instructed, making sure that they can reach each other and a bucket. They don't give her any problems, mostly dozing in the shade. She has to top up the water once before she again hears the newlyweds returning.

Ana's horse whinnies and excitedly bobs his head several times, prompting Christian to complain, "Fuck, woman, even horses can't resist your charms."

Laughing at him, Ana says, "I told you he's a Christian." To Prescott, she adds, "Don't you think he's a lot like my husband?"

Prescott is again rescued by Christian when he says to Ana, "Only anatomically."

Ana laughs again and says, "Speaking of which; how's your pastern?" At his obvious confusion, she points to his injured ankle and says, "Your pastern. Do you need to ride back in the jeep?"

Christian shoots a dark glance at Prescott, who has enough sense to wordlessly take the hamper from his arms and busy herself with loading the jeep. Without listening, she hears Ana quietly ask, "Everything is back to being a weakness when there's an audience?"

Christian's terse answer is only, "Apparently."

"I'm sorry, Christian. I didn't know."

His voice softer, Christian says, "It's okay, baby; neither did I. We're still working this stuff out. But we're getting there, right?"

Moving into his embrace, Ana says, "Yes, we are. I'm quite proud of us, actually. We've gone from fighting several times a day to being sickeningly agreeable."

Christian kisses her and teases, "And it should stay that way, so long as you remember to obey my every…"

The sentence remains incomplete when he then has to defend against Ana's attack on his sensitive ribs, and she accuses, "Bad Christian."

Having captured her arms, Christian again kisses her, and then warmly declares, "Yes." With a sigh, he continues, "Come on. We'd better get these beasts home."

When they're again in the saddle and following the path back up into the hills, with Prescott at a safe distance behind them, Ana says, "So, Grey Enterprises is a private company?"

Christian's heads snaps in her direction, and then he warily says only, "Yes. Why?"

"You said that there've been takeover bids since you eased back on your hours. But you would have made sure that you retained at least fifty-one percent of the shares, right?"

"Quite a bit more than that, actually. But, yes, I'd never be able to let others have control of my company. Where's this coming from?"

With a shrug, Ana says, "I told you; I want all of you. And I figure the only way to get you to tell me what's bothering you is to find out more about the business, so I've been doing non-kink related research." Frowning, she shakes her head and confesses, "Though I still don't know the difference between 'incorporated' and 'limited'."

Christian barks a laugh and says, "No one does. Actually, that's more a difference between the US and the UK. It basically means that, if these efforts to take me down succeed, we keep Escala and my parents keep their house."

Ana nods her understanding and says, "Of course, Grace and Carrick would hold shares."

"Yes. I've done better than most. But it's mean a tough time for everyone, and I needed some cash. It took some doing, but I managed to get them to accept shares as payment." With a proud smile, Christian continues, "They've done all right on their investment."

They're both quiet for a few seconds and then Ana reluctantly asks, "So, who else owns a piece of our company?"

Having guessed why she's nervous, Christian says, "Yes, Elena owns a fair chunk, though not as much as my parents. Battle?"

Ana considers for a moment and then says, "I'm not sure, yet. I'd like to think that I can keep business and personal matters separate, like you seem to, but…can we put that one aside for now?"

Grinning, Christian says, "Forever, if necessary." And then he sobers and continues, "Ros, you've spoken to on the phone, I think; she's my representative in the field and someone I trust implicitly, so she's next down the line. Dan, my newly appointed COO, is close behind her and will probably overtake her. A few others of my most trusted staff, because I've used shares as part of a loyalty-based incentive scheme. It's worked very well. I don't believe that any of them are behind these attacks. Did your research cover the 'holdings' part of the title?"

Finally understanding, Ana says, "Oh, so someone is buying shares of public companies in which you own a controlling stake?"

Christian grins and says, "Now, how is that sentence sexy?"

Ana laughs and says, "I guess it's the same thing as you knowing my favorite books well enough to quote from them."

"I guess so." Shaking his head, Christian then explains, "Yes. It's a mess to sort out. At the moment I don't even know if it's one attacker, or several. But they're gradually nipping away at me; a slow, agonizing death if they succeed. There have also been anonymous bids for shares of the parent company, at highly inflated prices. But as far as I know, none have succeeded, because those who were approached told me about the offers, so I don't think they fell for it." Again with obvious pride, he adds, "They know that I'm the safest bet in the long run."

"And this would all be common knowledge?"

"The attacks, yes. Not so much the anonymous bids. You're asking about New York?" At Ana's nod, Christian continues, "Yes, just the knowledge that someone, anyone, thinks I'm vulnerable is giving people the jitters, so Ros thinks that I need to actually show my face or this deal could fall through."

Suddenly confused, just when she thought that she was beginning to understand, Ana says, "But…wouldn't you acting out of character kind of confirm their suspicions that you're in trouble?"

With a wide grin, Christian says, "You'd think so, wouldn't you? But I can be quite persuasive in person."

Ana laughs and says, "Of course. The poor bastards don't stand a chance once you shake their hand and look them in the eye." Again serious, Ana continues, "Thank you, for discussing this with me. I wasn't sure if you'd be okay with it."

With a shrug, Christian says, "I presume that, if you try telling me how to run the business, we'll have a problem. But this is surprisingly therapeutic, thank you. It already feels like less of a burden just knowing that you're not afraid."

With a self-satisfied grin, Ana says, "Hey, it's only billions of dollars, right?"

"And thousands of jobs."

The smile is wiped of Ana's face as if by magic. She reflexively swallows at the enormous burden that she now shares with Christian, and then says, "Oh, right. Should I go back to being afraid?"

"No, baby. I can handle this. But I might have to put in some hours tomorrow."

It's not exactly the most polite of requests, but Ana knows how much it costs her Fifty to ask this of her, so she summons a smile and says, "Of course. It's been so long since I've ridden that, by tomorrow morning, my legs won't be much use for anything except sunbathing."

Beaming his gratitude, Christian says, "Mine, too. How about, after a shower, we head to a local day spa for a couples massage and whatever other pampering you require?"

Answering his smile with one just as radiant, Ana says, "I think that would make this the best day of my life."

Still smiling, Christian again promises, "No, it's not." And then he asks, "Oh, your ligature marks?"

Ana brings her horse close enough to his that she can show that the red marks on her wrists have vanished, and says, "Anything left on my ankles will looks like marks from the boots. I'm glad you're good at this."

"I hope not only because I rarely leave welts or burns?"

Laughing at the outrage in his voice, Ana says, "No. I'm also glad because the sex is frequently mind-blowing."

"Only frequently?"

Putting a hand on his horse's neck to signal him to stop, Ana leans in for a kiss, and then they resume their journey as she says, "You're right. I misspoke; always mind-blowing, okay?"

Grinning at her as they let the horses set a relaxed pace up the hill, Christian says, "Now, was that so hard?"

The ride back to Carolina Corral is pleasant and uneventful. They leave the horses with the groom, Ana reluctantly saying goodbye to Lucas, and then head back to the villa. Within an hour, cleaner and in fresh, casual outfits, they head into the town of Cruz Bay, this time with Taylor driving. Together in the back seat of the jeep, Christian has his arm around Ana's shoulders, and she asks, "So, where are we going?"

"Drift Away."

Smiling, Ana says, "That's why you were so pleased with my song choice last night."

Also smiling, Christian says, "That, and it's a good song. You were amazing."

Suddenly shy, Ana blushes and says, "I can't believe I let you talk me into that. I don't have a singing voice."

"I like it."

There's that tone of voice again, confirming that listening to her sing turned him on, and Ana says, "You really mean that, don't you? But seriously, Christian, even I can tell that you have a much better voice. How can you like mine so much?"

"I don't know, baby, but I do. I could listen to you all day." And then his expression displays a light bulb moment and he says, "Oh, like today; you're a better rider than I am, but I could tell that you liked watching me ride."

Ana smiles at the memory and says, "Must be all that leather. And you were a little modest when you described your abilities. You did just fine."

His eyes widen at the passion in her voice, and he says, "Maybe I should have got the masseurs to come to the villa. It would be quicker."

Smiling at his apparently insatiable appetite for sex, Ana says, "If that's possible, it might be a good idea for tomorrow. Our muscles will really be protesting by then." When Christian frowns slightly and says nothing, Ana guesses why and whispers, "The riding crop?"

"Yeah. If we play tonight, I'm not sure the marks will be gone by tomorrow afternoon."

With a shrug, Ana says, "So I'll wear a t-shirt like you've done in the past."

His expression brightening, Christian says, "That could work." And then he kisses Ana and declares, "You're brilliant."

Ana smiles and says, "And just as keen as you are."

Christian kisses her again, then gently caresses the cut on her lip with his thumb, as if with regret, when he says, "I seriously doubt that, baby. God, I love you."

With a cheeky grin, Ana says, "I'm sure you meant to say 'lust', darling." When Christian gasps at her words and then removes his arm from her shoulders, she asks, "You okay?"

Taking one of her hands in his, Christian says, in clipped tones, "Fine. Just rather not have a stranger massage me while my dick is standing to attention."

Ana laughs yet again, delighted at the effect she has on him, then says, "Well, that was always a possibility. I wonder how often that happens."

"During a regular massage? I've no idea. Certainly never to me. You're well acquainted with the reasons why even therapeutic massage has not been a pleasant experience for me."

Ana is about to say something when Taylor suddenly slams on the brakes, throwing all of them forward against their seatbelts. Christian flings an arm across Ana's body in an attempt to protect her from the as yet unknown danger, and both men exclaim, "Fuck!"

Looking ahead, Ana can see that one of the island's ubiquitous goats had decided to leap onto the road just as the jeep passed the herd. Quickly recovering and proceeding slowly forward as he leans on the horn, Taylor says, "Sorry about that."

After silently asking if Ana is okay, and receiving her nod, Christian says to Taylor, "Save your apology for if you actually hit one."

Taylor laughs nervously and says, "Yes, sir."

When her heart rate has settled down, Ana quietly asks Christian, "Has he ever hit anything?"

Obviously, it wasn't quiet enough, because Taylor answers, "Only on purpose, ma'am."

Ana mouths at Christian, "For real?"

With a quiet smile, Christian replies, "For real. I told you that the paparazzi sometimes get aggressive."

Slipping an arm through one of Christian's and leaning on his shoulder, Ana says, "I'm glad they're not here."

Christian kisses her temple and says, "Me, too. But the week's not over yet, baby. We need to be vigilant, okay?"

"Of course. I understand. But I'm always with you, Christian, so it'll be fine."

"Not tomorrow. Not unless you want to watch me sending emails and yelling into the phone."

"Oh. Well, in that case I'll always be with Taylor or Prescott, right?"

Only then does Christian relax and say, "Thank you."

Lifting her head to look at him, Ana says, "What; did you think I was going to go exploring on my own?" She can see by his guilty look he'd been thinking exactly that and, a little wounded, asks, "Why?"

Christian shrugs and says, "Women get funny when I ignore them."

"Funny?"

"Yeah; deliberately break the rules to provoke me."

Now hurt and confused, Ana reminds him, "Christian, other than our marriage vows, we don't have any rules."

Another shrug and Christian says only, "Hence my concern."

Finally understanding, Ana says, "You have a real problem with just asking a favor of me, don't you?"

Christian groans and says, "Apparently."

Ana considers for a moment whether to just let him off the hook, as she has in the past, but then says, "Then you need the practice."

As if a switch has been thrown, Christian is suddenly angry when he demands, "Are you telling me you won't cooperate unless I beg you?"

A little surprised by the vehemence of his response, Ana already knows that matching his anger won't help, so she calmly says, "No. I meant exactly what I said."

Immediately relaxing, the speed of it giving Ana an instant headache, Christian hesitates only a moment before saying, "Anastasia, would you please ensure that either Taylor or Prescott accompany you if you step outside the villa?"

"Yes, Christian."

They both breathe a sigh of relief and Christian says, "Thank you." When Ana leans her head back against his shoulder and says nothing, he asks, "We okay?"

"We're fine. But your mood swings make my head hurt." When he opens his mouth to apologize, Ana's hand covers his lips and she adds, "You're doing your best, I know."

Christian kisses her fingers and then takes her hand and holds her palm against his chest as he says, "Hopefully, a relaxing massage should ease all your pain."

In fact, the massage proves so relaxing that Ana falls asleep towards the end of it. She wakes to see Christian, now dressed and seated nearby, of course doing something on his phone. He looks up and smiles, then says, "Hey, baby. How's the head?"

Glancing around, to see that they're alone, Ana sits up as she says, "Much better, thank you. I really should do this more often."

"And you will, baby. Diana can come to Escala whenever you wish." Stowing his phone, Christian stands and approaches her as he asks, "For now, anything else you want; manicure, pedicure, facial?"

Reaching for the spa's toweling robe, Ana says, "Uh, what time is it?"

"Almost six."

"God, how long was I asleep?"

Christian prevents her tying the sash on the robe with his hands on hers, pushing them behind her back and pressing her against the table as he says, "Long enough that my erection came back watching you sleep, knowing that you were wearing only panties under that thin, cotton sheet."

Ana can certainly feel that he's telling the truth, and she teases, "So, about twenty seconds?"

Christian releases her hands, knowing that she'll keep them behind her back, and slips his hands inside her robe to caress her hips and butt as he says, "Sounds about right." He leaves a trail of kisses up her neck to her ear and then says, "If I didn't have exhaustive and exhausting after-dinner plans, I'd take you on this table."

Her body, as always, reacting as if really is his to control, Ana moans and says, "No one's stopping you, Mr. Grey."

She can see that he's tempted, but then Christian releases her, closing the robe and tying the sash as he says, "Tempting, but I have a surprise for you, and it can wait until tonight."

Not very disappointed, because she knows that Christian's scenes always result in her blissful, exhausted satiation, Ana remembers a similar conversation they had the night before their wedding and jokes, "Wouldn't have anything to do with hot wax, would it?" At his crestfallen expression, she says, "Not really?"

With a shrug, Christian sheepishly says, "It seemed only fair, given that you afforded me the same courtesy."

As if the slight flush on his cheeks wasn't confirmation enough, Christian's formal turn of phrase confirms that he's embarrassed to discuss it, so Ana guesses, "First time?"

"Yeah. I got bored waiting for you to wake up and the girl suggested it. I don't know what came over me."

Determined to not make him regret it, Ana asks only, "And how was it?"

"Fucking excruciating; how do you think? And I had to help her."

"Help?"

"Yeah; it's not like for a woman. I had to hold my dick out of the way and stretch the skin tight on my balls, so she wouldn't remove a layer of skin with the wax strip."

Ana puts both hands over her mouth, to prevent her giggle, while Christian glares daggers at her, practically daring her to laugh at him. And then her brain catches up with what he said and she asks, "You've watched women get a bikini wax?"

"Not only watched, I've done it. Actually, I'm pretty good at it, though a little rusty. So, if you're ever too busy to arrange an appointment with Natalya, I can help you out."

Letting herself laugh, Ana says, "And how is you waxing my groin going to save me time?"

Christian also laughs and says, "Good point. You know damn well that I wouldn't be able to leave you alone after that."

Putting one hand on the front of his jeans, gently cupping his denuded testicles through the denim, Ana says, "Just like I won't be able to leave you alone tonight."

Christian's eyes widen in surprise, then he beams at her and says, "I had a feeling you'd make it worth the effort." With an affectionate tug on the lapels of her robe, he adds, "Get dressed. We'll shower and change at the house, then head back here for dinner."

Ana and Christian walk to the car, him carrying a small bag with the spa's logo on it. At Ana's questioning look, he grins and says, "I like the feel of that massage oil on your skin."

Looking at the size of the bag he places on the floor of the car as they enter and don their seatbelts, Ana asks, "How many bottles did you buy?"

As Taylor starts the engine and heads back to the villa, Christian grins and says, "An even dozen; should last until we get back."

Ana laughs and says, "Unless we drink it, yes. You do remember that you've decided to work tomorrow, right?"

With a grimace, Christian says, "Yes, but I'm pretending that I haven't, so we can enjoy our evening."

Smiling her love for him, thrilled that, with all the work drama, he's still trying to make this the perfect honeymoon, Ana says, "Good plan. I'll do the same. What should I wear tonight?"

"I told you, baby, anything you like."

Knowing the effect it will have on him, Ana can't keep the desire from her voice when she says, "What I would like is to wear something that pleases you."

Christian's eyebrow's shoot up in surprise at her words, and then his gaze darkens and his lips part slightly to accommodate the sudden escalation in his breathing. He calms his body's response with a long exhale and says, "Well, as you know, I'm literally content with you draped in a plain, cotton sheet. But I think that strapless, frothy silk creation by Alexander McQueen."

Ana thinks for a moment what clothes are hanging in her wardrobe, chosen by Christian and packed by Taylor, and then asks, "Coral pink dress with the floral print?"

"Actually, it's jellyfish. Yes. And the Jimmy Choo, peep-toe pumps would suit, I think." At Ana's grin, he asks, "What?"

With Christian in such a good mood, Ana dares, "Oh, it's just that the only men I've met who know so much about women's fashion are…you know."

Playing along, Christian can't quite curb his smile as he asks, "No. What?"

"Gay."

Leaning in close, Christian murmurs, "I think that, after dinner, I'll open the first bottle of massage oil and remind you just how inaccurate that assessment is."

Imagining Christian caressing the fruit-scented oil over the curves of her body means that Ana has to bite her lip to stop a moan of desire, further fuelling his passion. Christian then suddenly sits up and takes out his phone. Stunned by the apparent mood shift Ana can only say, "Christian?"

His voice strained, Christian explains, "Just letting the restaurant know we'll be late."