Croatia.

Ana thought she'd never be somewhere so luxurious, especially with a man like Christian Grey but here she was. After a long flight and a ride on a yacht that Christian also owned, they pulled up to the end of a dock.

"Are you ready?" Christian asked touching Ana on her shoulder. Ana turned around and smiled, not realizing she'd been staring at the long dock, which led to a row of impressive-looking homes facing the sea.

"Yes, I am."

"Good," he said offering a smile. She was going to collect her bag but he grabbed her hand and pulled her off the yacht.

"Later. I want to show you my home."

Ana's eyebrows rose to her hairline as she let him pull her off the grand yacht. She nodded to several people who passed them, and she gasped when Christian turned left to the largest home on the row.

"Wow," she said when he pulled out a key and opened the door. Stepping into the French doors He stopped in the center of the room and dropped her hand. Ana turned slightly and took in the white furniture, clear tall windows that faced the expansive water. When Ana turned to face him, she saw this saddened look that came across his face and frowned before stepping into his view.

"Is everything alright Christian?"

He seemed to shake himself out of his melancholy before offering her a genuine smile.

"Yes. I just, I never truly stopped to take in the view. It's beautiful isn't it?"

Ana nodded before reaching up and cupping his cheek.

"It is." She noted the fatigue in his eyes and entire countenance and pulled him closer.

"You look beat. You should get some rest."

"Is that your way of saying you don't want to have sex right now?" He asked brow raised. Ana snorted.

"Christian. Get some sleep. We will have plenty of time for that later."

Something wasn't sitting right with Grace.

She knew what her son had told her, almost two days ago, but she just didn't believe his visit went as smoothly as Christian relayed to her. Walking out of her office, she went to find Christian's doctor and a friend of hers. Ten minutes later found her in front of Kensington's office. She knocked and smiled when the man glanced up.

"Rory. You busy?" she asked. He smiled before gesturing for her to come inside.

"Never too busy for you Grace." She smiled before closing the door quietly behind her.

"What can I do for you?" he asked. Grace smiled before settling into one of his plush chairs.

"Just trying to prepare for Christian is all," she said off-handedly seeing what the man would say. When he took off his glasses and nodded Grace's heart lurched in her throat. You couldn't tell however by looking at her.

"At least you are. I told Christian that he really should consider chemotherapy again. Like the first time, we have the advantage of catching it early. If he waits any longer I can't guarantee the success of this," Kensington stated. Grace smiled but it didn't reach her eyes.

"I understand. He is an adult man. The only thing I can do is try to counsel him on the best route to take. It's ultimately up to him."

"I know," Rory smirked at her.

"Gosh, why did we have to get old and be parents? I know my kids are driving up a wall with the stupid choices they make, but you know Lauren is always telling me that they have to make them so they can grow and learn."

Grace giggled at that.

"I tell Carrick the same thing. It's time I heeded my own advice. How about I take you out for lunch?" Rory stood.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea. Just let me speak with the front desk. I may not come in the rest of the day."

"Okay. I'll be here."

"Great. Give me fifteen minutes."

As soon as the man left, Grace pulled out her phone and left a voicemail. She spoke to Elliott who informed her that Christian left with Ana to his house in Croatia, so she knew where to leave the message.

It was three a.m. and Christian woke up from his nap refreshed and ready to sex Ana up. So, it was no surprise to anyone but Ana that when she came from the bathroom, Christian Grey was sitting on the edge of the bed waiting for her.

That was about twenty minutes ago.

"Oh my god, Christian!"

Ana was splayed out on the bedroom floor naked and Christian was between her legs eating her out. She'd never been devoured in such a way on a plush bedroom floor, but she found that she quite liked it.

Very much so.

Her eyes rolled in the back of her head and she gripped at his hair as he proceeded to lick, suck, and bite at her sensitive skin. Ana bit her lip and moaned loudly when he slid one, two, then three fingers inside of her, rhythmically stroking her insides to match the sucking he was doing on her clit.

"Christian, I can't, Christian!"

She felt herself coming, and right as she was about to let go, he pulled away. She blinked her eyes open watching as his glistening lips smirked at her before kissing up her body. Before she could even process it, he was sliding into her, causing both of them to moan out their pleasure.

"You feel so good, Ana. So tight," he muttered out. Ana whimpered when he hit that particular spot inside of her causing her toes to curl and her voice to rise in pitch.

"Christian, please," she begged. Gripping her hips Christian's lips hovered over her own before he spoke.

"Please, what?"

"Please let me come!" she shouted. Christian pulled out only to slam back in satisfaction to see her out of her mind with pleasure. He loved watching her flushed skin, and breasts bounce with every thrust he made into her body. He loved Ana's natural beauty especially in the throes of passion. Sliding out of her, Christian stroked himself before barking at her.

"On your knees. Now," he said causing her to shiver. Ana assumed the position before looking at him over her shoulder. He groaned when she arched her back higher and bit her lip. He slapped at her backside before gripping her hips and thrusting back inside of her. Ana gasped, then began to shake as Christian was sliding directly over her g-spot.

"Christian, I can't, I'm coming!"

He leaned over her and picked up the pace.

"Come for me, Anastasia Steele. Come right now," he demanded. Ana tightened around him before screaming out his name. Her body was shaking and Christian groaned before coming seconds later. The two collapsed onto the floor, breathless and completely satisfied. Christian gently pulled out of her before pulling her close to his body and kissing her now bed hair.

"I take it you slept well?" Ana asked still trying to catch her breath. Christian chuckled before kissing her hair again.

"You could say that."

"That's good."

"But now I'm hungry," he said before sliding a bit on the floor until he was eye-level with her. Ana smirked.

"Is that supposed to mean something to me?"

He slapped her butt causing her to squeal.

"Yes. I flew you across the world. I expect you to at least earn your stay here," he said eyes twinkling with mischief. Ana's eyes widened in mock horror before she pushed at his chest.

"You do realize I could poison your food, right?"

"Nah, you're too good for that," he said. She smiled before shaking her head.

"What do you think so far?" he asked.

She smiled before reaching up and running her hand through his hair.

"I like it here. It's really beautiful. And peaceful. Not at all where I'd think you'd take me." His eyes were closed and he hummed as she massaged his scalp.

"I actually prefer quiet. It's nice to go out and have fun, enjoy city life, but it's also nice to take a step back and enjoy the natural beauty of the world. This place is where I do that. Later on today I want to take you into town and to the market. You'll love it. Besides, I want you to read over the contract agreement for when you take the job next week as one of my company's chief lawyer," he said lightly. Ana's eyes narrowed and she was about to speak when he leaned over and kissed her lips softly. She sighed and only when Ana kissed him back did he pull away.

"Christian-"

"Yes?" he asked. She looked into his eyes and when he looked at her with his boyish charm she ended up laughing.

"You're crazy. But I'm starting to get used to your madness."

"Good."

Ana sat up and kneeled before leaning over and kissing his lips.

"I'm going to make some breakfast. I assume your kitchen has everything required to make the meal?"

"Yes. I made sure the place was stocked before her arrived."

"Hmm."

Ana kissed him once more before standing and grabbing her robe at the end of the bed. Once it was tied she giggled when he stood and opened the sash so it hung open on her body.

"You don't need to close it. It's just you and I."

She blushed even as she silently agreed. The way he looked at her only made her feel sexier. She'd never felt this way in her life.

"I'm going to get cleaned up. I'll meet you downstairs."

Once he left her in the room and went into the bathroom she grinned before she turned and headed down the stairs to the kitchen. Ana had to admit that she loved this house. It was the perfect mix of old and new. Walking into the kitchen she was surprised when the lights automatically came on and a voice operating system answered her.

"Good morning. The temperature is going to be sixty degrees and cloudy until noon when temperatures will warm up. You also have one voicemail. Retrieving now."

"Figures the man would have technology in his house," she said wryly. As she opened the stuffed fridge, Ana pulled out the eggs and listened as two messages were from his brother and another from Ros. The last one however caused her throat to tighten.

"Christian, hi. This is your mother. I had a bad feeling after you spoke with me about your doctor's appointment. I know you're an adult man, but sweetie, I know. No, Dr. Kensington didn't tell me, I guessed and he unknowingly revealed your condition. Christian, just because the cancer is back doesn't mean that you won't make it. You are older, wiser, and have so much more love to give, and a life to live. You won't lose your family, and if you're worried about losing Ana, I don't think you have to worry about that account. She's not Leila. Dr. Kensington told me that if you start chemo now, you can catch it early, and the chances of it coming back this time will be non-existent. But you have to do it now. Before it's too late. I left the message here because I didn't want you to delete it on your cell phone. I love you, your family loves you, and we are here for you. But don't run. Stand and fight this. I love you, my sweet boy." after that message there was silence in the kitchen. Ana couldn't believe it. She dropped the carton of eggs on the counter before pulling out a stool and sitting on it. Christian had cancer? It had come back? Was that the reason he wanted to suddenly get out and leave the country for a week? Was he just going to quietly die?

Suddenly, Ana heard his footsteps before he entered the kitchen.

"Ana, I was wondering if you wanted to-Ana? Is everything alright?" With tearful eyes, she glanced up at him.

"I don't know, is it?"

Christian frowned before standing in front of her.

"What are you talking about?"

"When were you going to tell me that your cancer came back? On your deathbed?"