Chapter Fourteen

Having received strict instructions from Christian to just put every purchase on credit, so that he can pay for it all later, and a reminder that their security team are there for her protection and not to "lug around your fucking purchases", Ana waits only for Prescott's knock on the door before heading into town for a shopping spree. Almost to the jeep, she asks, "What are your current instructions about me?"

Clearly confused, Prescott answers, "Uh, your safety, ma'am."

"No, I mean the other instructions; under what circumstances are you to call Christian?"

"No other instructions, ma'am. I'm to keep you safe and follow your orders where they don't put you in direct danger. If I'm concerned, I'll contact Taylor, who'll make the decision whether or not to contact Mr. Grey for further instruction."

Surprised, but pleased, that Christian is finally content to leave her safety to the professionals, Ana smiles and holds out her hand as she says, "In that case; keys, please."

Also smiling, Prescott hands over the keys as she says, "Remember to keep left."

Thrilled at the possibility of even the illusion of freedom, Ana almost leaps into the driver's seat as she says, "Yes, ma'am."

Other than having to brake for an apparently suicidal mongoose that darts across the road, they arrive at Cruz Bay without incident. Ana follows Prescott's advice on where to park and then they hit the shops. She has a gift for most of the people she cares about, and very sore feet, when this time she sees Jacque Pretorius before hearing him, similarly burdened with several shopping bags. His attention is consumed by an older woman, though not as old as Ana had been imagining; perhaps in her forties, petite, blonde hair and stylishly but casually dressed. Jacque spots Ana and that dazzling, gigolo smile blazes across his face before he says something to the woman. They approach then and he says, "Anastasia…sorry; Ana, may I introduce Felice." With a grin and a glance at Felice, he adds, "My not-aunt."

Ana notes with some interest the absence of surnames, and idly wonders if it's for her benefit or Felice's. They exchange polite greetings, with Ana following Jacques's lead about ignoring Prescott, despite the fact that it feels awkward to do so. With a twinkle in his eye, Jacque then asks, "And where is your extremely attentive husband this morning?"

Trying to convey a warning with her eyes, Ana says, "I'm afraid that his business couldn't leave him alone for a whole week, so he's working today. But will hopefully be done by the time I'm shopped out."

There is only courtesy in her voice when Felice then suggests, "We were just considering a coffee break. Would you care to join us?"

If Jacque had asked, Ana might have declined, but this apparently darling woman seems genuinely nice. With a glance at Prescott, who merely shrugs in answer to the unspoken question, Ana says, "Thank you. That'd be lovely. My feet were about to go on strike."

At Jacque's suggestion, they settle on a first floor balcony table at a nearby café, with a view of the harbor. They talk about their vacation experiences, the weather and life on the island, carefully avoiding anything too personal or controversial. Ana begins to relax and actually enjoys this respite in the middle of a busy morning. After tea, a blueberry muffin and pleasant conversation, she excuses herself to visit the bathroom and isn't very surprised when Felice says that she'll join her. Jacque offers to mind all the purchases and, given the logistics problem of peeing while holding several bags, Ana acquiesces. Now used to Prescott accompanying her to the bathroom, Ana thinks nothing of it until she notices Felice's nervous glance, so she says, "Rachel is very discreet."

Obviously used to the nervous reaction, Prescott smiles pleasantly at Felice and says, "Just pretend I'm not here, ma'am."

As if they've rehearsed it, the women choose stalls at opposite ends of the room. Ana doesn't find the experience as excruciating as she has in the past, and wonders if she has Christian's bullying to thank for that. As they emerge to wash their hands, Ana comments, "I'm surprised that you don't have your own security. I saw your yacht; you must be able to afford a bodyguard."

With a shrug, Felice says, "Perhaps I should. Jacque has suggested as much. My husband had a team of people protecting him and our home, but I've never…I don't think he considered me valuable enough to need protecting."

Ana means every word when she says, "Then I sincerely hope he's your ex-husband?"

Felice laughs and says, "Yes." And then she's serious when she asks, "Jacque hasn't told you anything?"

"No. Not that I asked. But he also appears discreet." When Felice then shoots another nervous glance at Prescott, Ana asks her minder, "Would you please wait outside?"

When Prescott hesitates, Ana actually holds her breath, worried that perhaps she has no freedom after all, but then the woman snaps her head forward in a curt nod and leaves them. Satisfied that they're alone, Felice says, "You know the nature of my relationship with Jacque?"

"Again, he hasn't said anything, but I gather that…well, my husband called him a gigolo. But you know that doesn't matter to me, right? It's none of my business."

With another, warm smile, Felice says, "Thank you. And, yes, he is an escort whose clients are always wealthy women. After my divorce, I was having trouble getting back into the dating scene…well, had little experience of it, to tell you the truth, as I'd married quite young and…anyway, a friend recommended Jacque. I was shocked at the idea, at first, but then realized it might be the perfect way to find my feet, with no drama and no fear that he might be after my divorce settlement."

A little confused, Ana says, "Uh, okay, but I'm not sure why you're telling me this."

"Because I'm hoping that you'll have lunch with us on the boat. I can't…it's all still new to me, so I don't feel comfortable being in public with Jacque. But when he told me that you seemed to understand and were apparently okay with…anyway, please think about it. I know you're on your honeymoon, but…well, you decide."

No alarm bells are ringing inside Ana's head at the thought. But just imagining telling Christian about it makes her stomach churn. After an almost embarrassing delay, Ana says, "Sounds good, but I'll want to get Rachel's opinion before deciding."

With a hopeful smile, Felice says, "Of course." She fishes a business card from her purse and hands it over as she says, "Whatever you decide, it was a pleasure meeting you, Ana."

Ana stows the card without looking at it and says, "Yes, likewise. I can't exactly make conversation with my security detail, because they're always on duty. So this has been nice."

On returning to the table, Ana notices that Jacque stands up to greet them, but again has eyes only for Felice. Somehow he knows that their time together is at an end, and has even paid the bill, politely but consistently refusing Ana's attempts to contribute. On gathering her bags, it seems to Ana that they've been moved slightly. When she looks at Jacque, he's grinning at her and, with a casual shrug of his shoulders, suddenly reminding her of Christian, he says, "Morbid curiosity, sorry."

Nothing about his insincere apology appears sinister, but she teases, "You don't look it."

She's barely finished speaking when Felice chastises Jacque, "What have you done now?"

Holding up his hands in defense, Jacque says, "Hey, you know I get bored easily and you were gone for ages. I didn't touch anything, I swear."

Apparently genuinely embarrassed, Felice says to Ana, "I'm so sorry. Sometimes it seems that he has no manners at all. But I assure you that he'll behave if you join us for lunch. Of course, your husband is welcome, too, if he's free by then."

Ana knows that Christian joining them would make the lunch less than pleasant, but all she says is, "I think he'll probably just grab a sandwich, if he remembers to eat at all."

Not very upset with Jacque, as it seems fairly innocent, Ana says goodbye to the couple and is about to pick up the rest of her bags when Prescott says, "Ma'am? May I?"

Understanding that Prescott wants to check the bags, Ana says, "You don't really think that he's put anything dangerous in there, do you?"

"I've no idea, ma'am. But it's my job to find out."

Her slight emphasis on the word "job" gets Ana's attention, because she really doesn't want to be a problem client, so she hands over everything as she says, "Be my guest." When the deed is done, Ana accepts all the bags and they head out as she asks, "Felice wants me to join them for lunch on her yacht. What do you think of the idea?"

After a moment, Prescott says, "I think that Mr. Grey would not like it one little bit."

Ana resists rolling her eyes at this obvious fact and says, "Well, yes. But I was more interested in whether you consider that I'd be unsafe on that boat?"

"I don't think so, ma'am. But I'd want myself or Taylor to check it out before giving a definite answer."

"You don't really think that they're plotting to assassinate or kidnap me, do you?"

"No ma'am. But they don't need to do either to end my career. All they have to do is get a picture of you in a bikini and sell it to a reporter."

Surprised that she hadn't thought of that possibility, Ana says, "Okay, Jacque might do that. I'm sorry, Rachel; like Christian said, I'm new."

"It's all right, ma'am. I appreciate you asking my opinion."

Satisfied that their relationship is intact, Ana smiles and says, "Well, I appreciate you being prepared to risk your life for me…you are, right?"

With a quiet smile, Prescott says, "We'll see, ma'am. We'll see."

Ana laughs and says "Fair enough," before getting back to shopping so that Prescott can do her job.

She's almost done when her phone beeps a message alert. It's from Christian and reads, "How goes the gift shopping?"

Finding a quiet corner, Ana stands still to reply, "Good. How goes the…what do you do again?"

"Make money. Stuck here for a few hours yet. Did you take a break?"

"Yes, Sir. Morning tea with Jacque and his lady friend." Ana is waiting for Christian's irate reply when her phone rings out "Your Love is King". With a deep breath to gather her courage, she answers it with, "Hello, darling."

"What did that fucker want?"

"Uh, as I recall he had a latte and an apricot Danish."

"Ana!"

Another calming breath and Ana says, "Felice is very sweet and has invited me to lunch on her yacht."

"No. Absolutely not."

"Christian, I haven't yet decided. But I'm not asking your permission. I'm only telling you so that you can have some time to get used to the idea, in case I go ahead with it. Prescott doesn't think that…"

"I don't give a fuck what she thinks, Ana. You're not setting foot on that yacht. Now get back here." When this is met with only silence, Christian says, "Ana?"

"I'm still here; just waiting for the rest of that sentence."

Proving just how smart he is, and how far he's come in his efforts to be what Ana needs, Christian's sigh is audible and then he says, "Baby, would you please get the fuck back here so we can discuss this?"

"Of course, darling. I just have to find something for Bob and then I'll comply with your polite request."

Christian manages a laugh, though it holds no joy, and he says, "You know that you'll be the death of me, don't you?"

"Yes, Sir. And you do recall that I love you beyond any hope of redemption?"

"Yes, but I still don't like this."

Retrieving the business card from her pocket for the details, Ana says, "I know. But you said just last night that I can't let your anxiety determine my actions, and you're right. In the meantime, why don't you get Taylor to research Felice Dendry?"

"Dendry?"

"Uh, huh. You know her?"

"I know him; her husband. He's in prison. The fucker beat her for years. It only became known when he nearly killed her. She finally got the courage to not only divorce him, but press charges. There was a prenup, but a judge overturned it and she got the lot. Ana, she's richer than us."

"Oh. Well, she seems really nice."

"You like her."

"Well, I barely know her. But, yes, she's sweet. Oh, and you were totally right about Jacque; he's a professional escort. And I can understand now why Felice said that she was nervous about dating since her divorce."

"Yeah, it's a wonder she can stand any man around her. Pretorius must be good at his job." With another sigh, Christian then says, "I have to go, baby. I'll see you soon."

"Okay. Oh, why did you contact me?"

"I was feeling needy."

The fact that he can now admit it fills Ana's heart with love for him and she says, "Me, too. It's almost embarrassing how much I miss you right now."

With no malice, Christian growls, "Then get your ass back here."

Glad that he's taking it so well, Ana giggles and says, "Yes, Sir." She's sure that Christian sighs once more before hanging up. Only when the phone call is finished does Prescott approach, with a wary expression. Smiling at the woman's concern, Ana says, "He actually took it better than expected. I've got one more gift to buy and then we'll head back so he can try and talk me out of lunching on the yacht."

"So, you're going?"

"Yes, I think so. You have my permission to throw Jacque overboard if he misbehaves, okay?"

With a wide grin, Prescott says, "Thank you, ma'am. I'll do that."

Ana settles on a novelty ashtray for Bob; not much, but her Mom's current husband is always tricky to buy for, because they barely know each other. A little tired, she lets Prescott drive back to the villa, the security officer seeing her safely to the door before retiring to the other villa. Christian is, of course, still at his laptop, but stands to greet Ana with a tender kiss, taking the bags from her as he asks, "And did you buy anything for yourself?"

"Uh, no. I don't need anything."

Christian shakes his head and quietly chastises, "Then it's just as well you have me."

The flick of his glance to the table shows Ana the wrapped gift, about the size and shape of a book. At her excited glance, he nods, so she walks over and picks it up, then says, "When did you have time to buy me anything?"

"I didn't. This is from our library, so technically you own it." With a smile, Christian adds, "But I like giving you gifts."

"You brought it from home?"

"No. I had it couriered after something you said the other day. It arrived this morning."

Now very curious, Ana opens it to find a copy of The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter. With a smile, she says, "The Courtship of Mr. Lyon?"

Also smiling, Christian says, "Close. There's a page bookmarked."

Ana investigates to find that a page from The Tiger's Bride holds a card on which is written, in Christian's hand, "The tiger will never lie down with the lamb; he acknowledges no pact that is not reciprocal. The lamb must learn to run with the tigers."

"You think I'm a lamb?"

Shocked by Christian's sudden laughter, Ana is still recovering when he approaches and wraps her in his embrace as he says, "Hardly, sweetheart. I've seen your stripes and only an hour ago I felt your claws. You've been living as a lamb, but you've always been a tiger. I saw it the second I met you."

"Because you're also a tiger."

"Yes."

Retreating from his embrace, surprised when he readily lets her, Ana says, "Yet you would have me behave like a lamb; meekly following your wishes and accepting punishment."

His expression wary, Christian calmly says, "No, baby. We've been through this; any obeisance on your part is a gift freely given and I will always treasure it as such."

Unknowing and uncaring whether it's his words or his calm manner that brings her back from the edge of rebellion, Ana smiles and says, "I'm terrible at accepting gifts, aren't I?"

Recognizing it as permission, Christian again embraces her as he says, "Well, I'm unused to giving them, too. That's why I prefer to be elsewhere when they're opened, but I'm learning to love it…though this could have gone better."

"I'm sorry Christian. I guess that I was expecting a fight when I got here. You're okay with me having lunch with Felice and Jacque, now?"

"Not even a little. But I've talked to Taylor and we've come up with something I can accept. Ms. Dendry's yacht should be in the cove within the hour."

Immediately angry that he's proceeded without discussing it, Ana demands, "You called her?" All it takes is for Christian to tap her shoulder twice and Ana blushes, saying, "I'm sorry. What's your plan?"

"Actually, that's pretty much the extent of it. I've called Ms. Dendry and accepted the invitation on your behalf. Taylor and Prescott will accompany you…" As Ana opens her mouth to protest, Christian continues, "While I will stay here with the doors locked until I can get away, and then I'll join you."

Ana doesn't have to consider his proposal very long before saying, "I can live with that. Thank you." With a grin, she adds, "I guess the tricky bit is when two tigers disagree?"

Mirroring her grin, Christian says, "Exactly; always the chance that fur will fly."

With harmony restored, Ana asks, "Do you have time to lick the skin off me?"

With a blindingly brilliant smile, Christian lifts her in his arms and heads for the bedroom as he says, "Well, I can give it a damn good try."

Where credit's due: To AriadneInNaxos, for telling me about the quote from The Tiger's Bride, which is by Angela Carter.