Chapter Two

Of course, Ana wakes up alone. A moment later she remembers why she's in the playroom bed, for once decorated with white sheets, and blushes a little at the memory. There's a kimono-style silk robe hanging on a bedpost; hand-painted cherry blossoms on an azure background. Smiling her gratitude for the consideration, because Christian must have put it there while she slept, Ana dons only this perfect creation before heading downstairs to their bedroom, but he isn't there, either. Unconcerned, she visits the bathroom. Contact between the toilet seat and her tender backside is a little unpleasant. After washing her hands, she checks out the damage in the mirror, to see that her ass is still a vivid pink, though with no other sign that she readily enjoyed several strokes of the belt. Running her hand over her glowing, warm cheeks as she remembers Christian's uncharacteristic shyness last night in the playroom, Ana realizes that it really turned out perfect for their first time as man and wife. Of course, his trepidation had lasted only until he noticed how much Ana was enjoying the belt this time, and Dominant Christian had eagerly taken over the evening's entertainment, until they'd fallen asleep in each other's arms, too tired even to make it to their bedroom. Remembering what he'd said about cameras in the corridors, Ana again tightens the sash around her waist and is smiling at pleasant memories as she goes in search of her husband.

She finds Christian in his study, apparently showered and dressed and, not for the first time, she wonders how he always seems so full of energy when he hardly sleeps. He's not on the phone, so she announces her presence with a soft, staccato knock on the door as she enters. He looks up from the computer screen and his harried look melts away on seeing her, to be replaced by a huge smile, and he says, "You don't have to knock, baby."

With a shrug, Ana explains, "You're always so focused when you're working, and it doesn't seem right to sneak up on you." Christian has swiveled his chair to face her, so Ana taps his knee and he spreads his legs, permitting her entry into his personal space and his arms. Leaning against him, her arms behind his head, luxuriating in the feel of his hands roaming over the sliver of silk covering her back, Ana kisses him and then says, "Good morning, husband. Did you sleep at all?"

His hands coming to rest on her hips, Christian says, "Morning, wife. I did; very well, in fact. I think that married life agrees with me."

Ana grins and says, "Or maybe it was fucking until exhaustion and then falling asleep in my arms?"

Christian chuckles, sending wonderfully warm vibrations through Ana's chest where it rests against his, and he acknowledges, "Or that." And then he slides his hands around to gently cup her buttocks as he asks, "Okay?"

Wriggling her ass against his hands, Ana says, "Not too bad, but it's probably just as well we're not going to England, because I wouldn't want to sit down that long."

"We're taking the jet. You can spend the whole time reclining in bed, if you wish. We'll have dinner on the plane, hopefully get some sleep, and arrive first thing in the morning, then take a seaplane for the last leg."

Ana guesses, "Hawaii?" When Christian only smiles in that infuriatingly smug way, Ana kisses him again and gently accuses, "Bastard." Not genuinely upset, she quickly adds, "I like this robe, thank you."

Running his hands over her ass and upper thighs, Christian huskily declares, "Me, too." With a sigh, he reluctantly brings his hands back to her hips and asks, "You okay with Taylor packing for you?"

Standing up enough that she's no longer melded against him, but still in his arms, Ana says, "Uh, I'd appreciate that, because I'm heading into work for a short time this morning."

Everything about him immediately on guard, Christian merely raises one eyebrow and says, "Oh?"

Debating for a second whether to step out of his arms for this conversation, Ana finds her courage and, with a resigned sigh, explains, "I'm quitting, and David has been good to me, so I didn't want to do it via email."

Too shocked to immediately be angry, Christian protests, "You can't fucking resign, Ana, you own the company."

Knowing that the storm is coming, Ana's heartbeat is loud in her ears when she says, "Except that I haven't agreed to it, and that wasn't one of the papers I signed on Friday night, so it's not yet official." Swallowing her fear, concerned when the reflex is clearly audible, Ana lifts her chin in defiance and continues, "And, if you force it on me, I'll sell it."

When Christian then closes his eyes, Ana wonders if he's silently counting to ten and back again. For some ridiculous reason, she then does exactly that. She's back to three when Christian opens his eyes, to reveal that they're the color of storm clouds, and gives her a gift when he says only, "Why?"

Her heart swelling with love that he's again chosen her over everything his past has taught him, Ana nervously licks her lips and considers for a moment how to explain without making things worse, and then she says, "I love books. I always have. They got me through Mom being too busy, too sad, or just preoccupied with whatever guy she was currently head over heels in love with. Books helped me cope when she and Ray were arguing all the time, and when he kind of fell to pieces after she left." After a long sigh, shedding those painful memories, she continues, "I still remember when I heard that there was a job where I could read new books…ones that hadn't even been released yet, and I could help make them perfect. Since then all I've wanted to be is an editor. I don't want to run a company, Christian. Even if I did, I'm not ready."

Practically humming with his need to react in some way other than conversation, Christian again closes his eyes for a few seconds, and then opens them to say, "I told you, Wintershoven can take care of things until you're ready."

Fully aware of the effort he's making to keep his anger in check, Ana wishes she could leave it at that. But, even as she opens her mouth to speak, she becomes more certain, and says, "The point is that I may never be ready and, even if publishing does become a goal of mine, you won't be able to leave it alone in the meantime. Your need to have everything perfect for me will make you interfere, make you push, until I end up in a job that makes me miserable, and I…I'm worried that I'll resent you for it. I think that our love can survive anything except that."

She knows that Christian has really heard her when he looks at her as if she's something strange and then says, "You tried to tell me this."

Almost unable to breathe, for fear that any action on her part might disrupt this apparent calm in the eye of the storm, Ana says only, "Yes."

"You're refusing my wedding gift?"

It takes Ana a full two seconds to comprehend that he's talking about SIP, and she says, "I thought that the earrings and necklace were my wedding gift?"

His voice kind, Christian says, "No. I bought those because your possessions should have some hope of competing with your natural beauty."

On the verge of tears, because she knows that she'd do anything for Christian when he speaks to her like this, Ana tries to back out of his embrace, but he easily prevents her with his legs and arms. Unable to meet his eyes, for fear that any sign of compassion in them will start her weeping, Ana stares at her clasped hands and says, "Please let me go."

His voice empty of threat, holding only love, Christian vows, "Never." And then he takes a deep breath and says, "You'll accept Grey's Publishing, because to do otherwise would make you an ungrateful wretch, but it will be in name only. You'll keep your current position until Wintershoven thinks you're ready for promotion. He'll become publisher, as discussed, because he does want to run the company. I will never visit the office again, unless you invite me. And the only people outside the business who'll take an interest in it are our accountants and the tax department." Not sure if she's heard right, because it sounds too good to be true, Ana lifts her gaze to Christian's as he concludes, "Deal?"

Still wary, Ana asks, "No surprise visits?"

With the hint of a smile, Christian says, "None."

"And you'll let me remain an editorial assistant?"

"Will you let Wintershoven decide when you're ready for promotion?"

"Of course."

"Then, yes." When Ana silently contemplates her options, Christian complains, "Come on, Ana, it's a good deal and I'm hungry."

Only now realizing that he's delayed breakfast so that he can share it with her, Ana is once again fighting tears when she rests her palms on Christian's chest and says, "Deal."

"Your solemn vow that you accept my terms?"

Wary of the sudden, predatory gleam in his eye, Ana scans his earlier words for anything to be afraid of and finds nothing, so she says, "Uh, not sure I have anything to be solemn about, but I'll stand by my decision."

With a triumphant smile, Christian says, "Congratulations on your promotion."

At first only confused, Ana then understands that Christian must have discussed this with David. Still, she protests, "But…it's only been weeks. I'm not ready."

Still grinning, Christian says, "Clearly, you are. A man with many years' experience of the job says so. Actually, he thinks that you're a natural, and was quite glowing in his praise. If I didn't know that he's happily married I'd probably have to go down there and punch him in the nose."

Thrilled to have weathered the storm, despite the fact that Christian has outwitted her yet again, Ana smiles and says, "Except that you won't be setting foot in the building."

Apparently unable to stop smiling, Christian says, "Well, except for that. We're okay?"

Throwing her arms around him and burying her face against his neck, Ana declares, "We're perfect. Thank you." When Christian's stomach then rumbles, she laughs and says, "Time for breakfast, I think." But she's again held captive and, with a smile, asks, "Not time for breakfast?"

Christian suddenly releases her and says, "I think you know what time it is. Go shut the door and then get your pink ass back here."

Incredibly grateful to him for being so amenable, Ana says, "Can we make it about you this time?"

One eyebrow raised, Christian's voice holds a hint of humor when he says, "You're trying to take control even of playtime, now?"

With a grin and an adamant shake of her head, Ana leaves the decision with him when she says only, "No, Sir."

Clearly fighting a smile, Christian says, "Good. Now, go do as you're told."

When Ana turns back from shutting and locking the door, Christian has retrieved one of the cushions from the nearby chaise lounge and put it between his feet. Of course, Ana can guess why, and is grateful that he's yet again respecting her wishes. But she's also beginning to understand what it does for Christian when she lets him direct the scene. So she deliberately avoids looking at the cushion when she approaches and stands before him to ask, "Sir?"

Without a word, Christian leans forward enough to untie the bow at her waist. His expression dark and intense, he drinks in the sight of her body as he slowly pulls the edges of the robe apart. Ana has to stifle a moan when he then rests his hands on her hips and lets only the tips of his thumbs caress the sensitive flesh either side of the love heart still decorating her groin. Her body already quivering slightly in response to his gentle touch, a shudder of desire goes through her when Christian deftly pushes the robe off her shoulders, letting the delicate material fall with a sigh to the floor. Somehow, Christian now holds the sash and his voice is strained when he commands, "Turn around."

When Ana has complied he pulls her hands together behind her back and quickly ties them together. Confident that he can't see her, Ana can't help a slight smile when he, as usual, checks the knot twice. Somehow even this quirk of his ongoing struggle to overcome the horrors of his childhood makes her love him even more, because the compulsion reminds her how much courage and strength it must require, every single day, just for him to function; yet, somehow, he even manages to excel. Almost overwhelmed with her feelings for him, Ana can actually hear the love in her voice when she then says, "Thank you, Sir."

Christian gasps at her words and is motionless for so long that Ana wonders if playtime is over. But then he affectionately squeezes her bound hands before letting go of them as he says, "Look at me." Worried that she's ruined the mood, Ana turns to face Christian to see that, if anything, the desire in his eyes has increased. Thrilled that he's still willing to play, her knees bend as if directly under his control when he then commands, "Kneel." When Christian shuffles enough in the chair to free his erection, Ana wishes only that she wasn't bound, so that she could use her hands, too. Smiling at her eager expression, Christian hooks his ankles around her hips and says, "Well, you've got your wish; make it about me."

Frustrated to only be permitted use of her mouth, Ana does her best and is soon rewarded by Christian's sighs and moans of pleasure as his dick swells in response to her efforts. Eyes closed, intent on her quest for his orgasm, Ana is surprised when Christian pulls on her hair to stop her, and then he grabs her arms and lifts her. Without a word, he clears a section of the always tidy desk and bends her over it. Ana gasps as her erect nipples make contact with the black, tempered glass and she can't help but exclaim, "Cold."

Christian chuckles and says, "Sorry, babe." But then the Dom is back in his voice when he commands "Don't come," before entering her in one, swift move.

As the delicious friction of their bodies pushes her towards orgasm, Ana distracts herself by studying the objects on his desk and, only seconds later, Christian's grasp on her hips becomes almost painful as he holds himself against her and silently climaxes. Almost immediately, he frees her hands. Grateful for the consideration, as his desk isn't the most comfortable place to rest, Ana levers herself up onto her elbows as she says, "Thank you, Sir."

Christian withdraws from her as he kisses her back, and then says, "No, baby, thank you, for a very pleasant start to my day."

When Christian's body is no longer touching her, Ana stands and turns to see that he's holding the robe, so she lets him assist her. Only when he's tied the sash around her waist does Christian kiss her, and then he says, "Why don't you have a quick shower while I prepare breakfast?"

Confused, Ana asks, "No Gail?"

"No. Since I'm stealing Taylor for the week, I've given them both the morning off." With a grin, he adds, "I presume their start to the day is fairly similar to ours, though I suspect Jason is the…not quite so dominant one in that relationship."

Smiling at his careful avoidance of the "s" word, Ana quickly kisses him and says, "Shower sounds good, thank you. Oh, and thank you for being so reasonable about SIP."

A warning in his tone, Christian says, "Grey's Publishing."

Now unafraid of anything, least of all her husband, Ana smiles her love for him and agrees, "Grey's Publishing."

She's almost to the door when Christian says, "Anastasia?"

Turning to see what he wants, Ana is delighted when he blows her a kiss. She returns the gesture and again stalks through the corridors with a smile on her face. Not wanting to waste a minute of their honeymoon, Ana doesn't linger in the shower and quickly dons a comfortable but classy outfit before striding to the kitchen. Christian is sitting at the breakfast counter reading a newspaper. He looks up and smiles on hearing her approach. Ana climbs onto the barstool next to him and kisses him before saying, "I'm surprised you bother with a newspaper. I would have figured you for the type of guy who prefers his news as it happens."

With a shrug, Christian reveals, "I stay in touch online, too. But I like the feel of paper."

Ana nods her understanding and agreement, saying, "That's why I always volunteer to check the bound manuscripts. We receive a lot online now, but…anyway, you understand." At Christian's faraway look, she asks, "What is it?"

"Oh, I was just thinking that, despite seeming very different, we actually have a lot in common."

Ana smiles at the thought and says, "Sounds like a good thing."

Christian also smiles and says, "Yeah, we might still have a chance at a relationship when we no longer want sex."

Ana laughs and says, "And when would this extremely unlikely event occur?"

Still smiling, Christian says, "Oh, some time in our eighties, I presume."

They just grin at each other for a while and then Ana says, "There was some talk of breakfast?"

Christian folds his newspaper and walks to the oven as he says, "You know, Mrs. Grey, since I finally gave in and married you, I've noticed that you've become very demanding, 'Fetch my breakfast. Let me suck your cock.' It's relentless."

So Ana knows that he's very happy and she's forced to admit that just knowing he's pleased gives her pleasure in return. Lost in thought as she considers what that says about her, Ana looks up at Christian's curse to see that he's tried to take their plates out of the oven without mitts. Stifling her laugh, Ana says, "Need a hand?"

Sucking his burnt finger as he reaches for a tea towel, Christian growls, "No. I got it." He places the plates of bacon, scrambled eggs and waffles on the bench and says "Mind, they're hot," before sitting next to her.

He's surprised when Ana takes his hand. She inspects the apparently minor damage and kisses the wound before saying, "Thank you."

With a brilliant, carefree smile, Christian says, "You're welcome, baby."

They eat for a while in silence and then Ana says, "You didn't cook this."

Christian grins and says, "You're far too clever. Gail must have sneaked in here early this morning. I opened the fridge to find these plates and almost insultingly elaborate instructions."

Trying to hide her smile, Ana dares, "Oven mitts weren't part of the instructions?"

Clearly not very upset, Christian tugs her hair in reproach and says, "You're brave when I've put a halt on punishments, aren't you?"

Ana hesitates a moment and then says, "About that; what if I wanted to try it for a while? Oh, but I don't mean today."

Christian considers for a few seconds and then says, "We can do that. But it would need to be long enough to give it a fair go. We've only really toyed with domestic discipline before now, so what you're used to isn't really a true indication of what it would be like."

"How about a month? That's what you used to start with when you had a new sub, right?"

Christian nods slowly and says, "Okay, Ana; a month, but no paperwork. I think we know what to expect from each other by now. When did you want to try this?"

"Uh, not for a while, if at all. I want to at least meet with Dr. Brandt before I make any decisions like that." On seeing that Christian is immediately wary at the name, she quickly adds, "Hey, you have Flynn."

Christian shakes his head and says, "I'm fine with you seeing a shrink. I just don't trust her, is all."

Delighted that he's being so cooperative, Ana smiles and says, "Christian, you don't completely trust anyone."

With a look that envelops her in its warm embrace, Christian says, "Not true, Anastasia."

After a deep, trembling sigh, Ana says, "Darling, if you don't want me to cry, you can't say things like that."

With a self-satisfied smile, Christian says, "Okay, go ahead and cry. I'll just have to cope."

"Well, now I don't need to."

Closing on her for a kiss, Christian lovingly murmurs, "Always defiant."