Chapter Six

Ana is nestled against Christian's side, one hand resting on his bare chest, basking in the post-coital glow, and she says, "I like it when you call me ma'am."

Christian chuckles and says, "Evidently. You were quite forceful about showing your appreciation. I think there's some Domme in you, Anastasia."

"Does that mean there's some sub in you, Mr. Grey?"

"Well, I did just perform your bidding for an hour or so."

Ana laughs and says, "Only because every suggestion resulted in immediate pleasure for you."

"Exactly. That's what it's all about."

Ana caresses his chest as she warmly agrees "Pleasure," and then smiles when she feels his heart beat faster under her palm.

She's quiet for a while, lost in thought, until Christian asks, "Okay, babe?"

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine. I was just trying to remember who I was before I met you. I've already changed so much that I barely recognize myself."

Tensing, Christian says, "That wasn't my intention."

Snuggling closer to reassure him, Ana says, "Relax, Grey. I didn't say it was a bad thing. But, along with the obvious physical side effects of being your lover, I…well, like earlier today; can you imagine old Ana calmly telling you to back down?"

Christian laughs and says, "No. You were like a mouse when I met you, but still with that spark…God, I love that spark."

Ana lifts her face to his for a kiss, and then says, "Good, because we're stuck with it." After a moment, she continues, "It's as if I'm becoming more confident and yet more yielding at the same time. Is this making any sense?"

"It is, and…permission to broach the forbidden subject?"

Ana giggles at his formal request and says, "Granted."

"The women I've chosen in the past, they were of course all submissive, but they also had something like that spark. I had very specific physical requirements back then, as you know. But that alone was never enough. I'd meet with them and only if they challenged me in some way would I consent to a trial run. Submissive doesn't mean passive, Ana. You're living proof of that. And, if you do decide that domestic discipline is for you…for us, then you'll find that it won't make you less confident, rather the opposite. Am I explaining this right? I've never had to put it into words before."

Lifting herself up onto one elbow, to meet his gaze, Ana says, "Yeah, I think so. Because that's kind of what I was trying to say." With a grin, she adds, "Of course, knowing that you find me irresistible helps my self-confidence, too."

Christian kisses her again and then says, "I'm glad, but that's not strictly true, Anastasia; I resist you for several hours each day."

Ana's only reply is to kiss his chest and rest against him again. After a while she says, "It's kind of like taking an unbroken colt and getting it to willingly accept the bit isn't it?"

Humor in his voice, Christian says, "And what do you know about breaking horses, Anastasia?"

With a shrug, Ana says, "From when I lived in Nevada. There was a guy who'd let me watch him with the horses."

"I'll bet he did."

Ana gently slaps his chest and says, "Not like that; he was in his fifties and had been training horses for most of his life."

"And lusting after young women for longer than that."

"You can't seriously be jealous of Sid? He was nothing but a gentleman to me."

"No, not jealous. But I don't like reminders of how unlikely it is that you waited for me. I'm not sure I'd cope well if you hadn't been a virgin when we met."

Becoming more confident of how far she can take it and keep things fun, Ana dares, "Well, he did have an impressive array of whips and riding crops."

Ana smiles as the familiar thrill goes through her when Christian suddenly flips both of them so that she's on her back and pinned by his body, her arms stretched above her head and he growls, "Take it back."

Ecstatic that he's remaining playful, Ana laughs, "No."

Adjusting his grip, so that her hands are imprisoned in one of his, Christian trails one finger teasingly over her ribs as a threat when he repeats, "Take it back."

Her flesh crawling in anticipation of his too gentle fingertips on her sensitive ribs, Ana nevertheless repeats, "No." Only seconds later she's gasping with laughter and finds the strength to exclaim, "Okay, I take it back."

Christian immediately releases her and commands, "Say that you're mine."

Somehow exhausted and invigorated at the same time, Ana smiles up at him and says, "I've only ever been yours, Christian, and will only ever be yours."

Smiling his gratitude, Christian reminisces, "For the rest of your life."

Blissfully happy, Ana promises, "Longer, if possible."

Christian kisses her and says, "Good." And then he relaxes somewhat, so that his body isn't quite covering Ana's, and explains, "I like your analogy, except that I'm not trying to break you, rather I'm hoping it will help make you whole, just like you're doing for me."

Ana laughs and says, "Well, yes, that's what I was trying to explain before you tackled me. The horses would start out as…nothing, really; no personality except mistrust of humans. Sid would take them in hand and gently force them to his will without damaging theirs. He'd even talk to them, asking them to show him who they are. I never got tired of watching him. When he was done, the animal would be compliant enough to be trusted with children, but retain enough spirit to challenge the most adventurous rider."

With a grin, Christian asks, "Is this your roundabout way of telling me that you want to try Pony Play?"

"What? No. I was just…." Ana relaxes and says, "You're teasing me."

His grin widening, Christian says, "Well, it was my turn." And then he asks, "So, you can ride?"

"Yes. Why?"

"They have horse riding on the island. It might be a fun way to see the national park."

Ana laughs and says, "Christian, my butt's still red from earlier today. I doubt that sitting a horse for a few hours would result in good pain." When Christian looks relieved, she adds, "You don't ride, do you?"

Christian sheepishly says, "I can stay in the saddle. But I don't find it enjoyable. Horses are too unpredictable." At Ana's laugh, he asks, "What?"

Taking the precaution of covering her ticklish ribs, Ana says, "That, and machines are easier to control."

Smiling, Christian agrees, "And that." Suddenly sitting up, he says, "Come on. We'd better get going if you want to see Coral Bay."

Also sitting up, Ana asks, "Dress code?"

"Whatever you like, baby, it's the Caribbean."

Having been informed that Ana and Christian are ready to head into town and that they're only taking one car, Taylor and Prescott are ready and waiting by the jeep when the couple emerges from their villa. When his colleague groans as if in pain, Taylor breathes a laugh and says, "Focus, Rae."

Transfixed by the sight of Ana in a white, diaphanous full-length gown that immediately catches the evening breeze, looking like it could fly from her body at any moment, Prescott quietly says, "Oh, I'm focused, believe me. How the hell am I supposed to keep people from bothering her when she looks like that?"

"Swap?"

Prescott considers for a moment and then says, "No. Grey listens to you. We'll stick with your plan."

With the newlyweds now close enough to hear what is said, the security officers shut up and everyone gets in the car, with Taylor driving. It's only a matter of minutes before they're in town. Taylor parks the car where he can see it and then the four of them hit the shops.

They've been meandering in and out of stores for a while. Christian, now carrying several bags full of Ana's purchases, is inside a store while she's checking out the merchandise just outside the door when a scruffy stranger approaches her, saying, "Good evening, lovely lady, would you like…"

He doesn't get closer before Prescott stops him with a hand on his chest and firmly says, "No, she wouldn't."

The man's too bright eyes taking in everything about the bodyguard's appearance, from the out-of-place attire to the gun on her hip, and he backs off with his hands raised in defense, saying, "Hey, peace, baby. Just making a living."

Prescott watches him go while still keeping her charge in sight. When he's gone, Ana asks, "Drugs?"

"That'd be my guess."

"And what if I wanted some?" When Prescott's shocked gaze flicks to hers, Ana smiles and says, "Got you."

Prescott blushes and lowers her gaze as she says, "Yes, ma'am."

Mortified to have apparently upset her protector, Ana says, "I'm sorry. I was just teasing. Thank you, for that."

Her ever vigilant gaze constantly scanning the area, barely resting on Ana for a second, Prescott says only, "You're welcome."

Wondering how to get past Prescott's nervousness, Ana pretends to study a postcard as she asks, "So, do you have a girlfriend?"

Ana can practically feel the woman's sudden stare and then Prescott says, "No, ma'am, not for a while now."

It's a promising enough response that Ana looks at her to ask, "Why not? If you don't mind me asking?"

Prescott hesitates for a second and then says, "I don't mind, Mrs. Grey. But I'm working right now."

Cursing herself for apparently making things worse, Ana says, "Oh, right. Sorry."

"It's all right, ma'am."

Christian joins them only seconds later and, noticing Ana's disquiet, asks, "You okay, baby?"

Prescott answers, saying, "A man tried to approach; I think selling drugs."

Immediately concerned, Christian says, "But he didn't get near her?"

"No, sir."

The conversation apparently over, Christian then asks Ana, "Hungry?"

Grateful for the reprieve, Ana says, "Famished." When Christian takes her hand to lead her back to the waiting car, Ana takes her moment to mouth "Thank you," to Prescott, and receives her first genuine smile from the woman.

Dinner is delicious and blissfully uneventful, and they watch the sun set over the bay as they dine. Christian has, of course, paid for every adjacent table. So they enjoy a lovely evening, other than Prescott, effectively alone. They're walking back to Taylor and the car, Christian with one arm around Ana, and the other clutching what's left of the Pinot Gris that accompanied their meal, when a distressingly familiar voice says, "Well, it really is a small island, isn't it?"

Ana quickly takes the precaution of prying the bottle from Christian's hand as she kisses his cheek and whispers "Trust me," before turning to face Jacque Pretorius.

Prescott is already moving to block Jacque's approach, but she backs off a little when Christian says, "Evening, Pretorius."

Too much alcohol can be heard in his voice when Jacque drawls, "So formal, Grey. You're not still upset about that little misunderstanding today, are you?" When the only reply is the sound of Christian's teeth grinding together, Jacque looks to Ana, and says, "Then I must appeal to you, Anastasia." With a slightly wobbly bow, he extends his hand and pleads, "Forgiven?"

Deciding to trust Christian, Ana accepts, saying, "Of course." When it's evident that Jacque intends to kiss the back of her hand, Ana withdraws from his grasp, and then says, "Well, we were just heading back to the house. Goodnight."

A little taken aback by the cool reception, Jacque stands up straight and says, "Right. Well, goodnight, Anastasia." To Christian, he nods his head and adds, "Grey."

Ana isn't even a little surprised that Christian puts an arm around her shoulders and kisses her as they walk away, reinforcing his prior claim. When they're out of earshot, she asks him, "Okay?"

Without glancing back, Christian says, "Well, I still want to punch that smug fucking grin off his face. But, yeah, I'm okay. Thanks for not letting his lips touch your hand."

Recalling his reluctance to touch her back this afternoon, knowing that another man's hands had been on her, Ana giggles and says, "You're not going to insist I take another shower, are you?"

Christian grins and says, "I think that a thorough soaking in Lysol of the afflicted appendage should be enough."

Ana laughs again and says, "Deal." They're almost to the car, so Ana moves out of his embrace as she adds, "Thank you, Christian."

With a quick kiss before helping her into the car, Christian says, "You're welcome, baby."

Only then does he notice that he's holding the same hand that Jacque did, and he jokes, "Well, now I have to soak in Lysol, too."

"You're not going to make this a regular evening ritual, are you? Because that would just be weird."

Thinking about what a regular evening is like for them, means that they're in each other's arms and grinning like teenagers as Taylor heads back to the villa. They wait in the jeep while Prescott scans the villa before permitting them entry, and then they say goodnight to their minders. When they're gone, Taylor parks the jeep while Prescott unlocks the door to the opulent staff quarters. She's already put the kettle on when her colleague joins her, and she asks, "Think they're fucking again?" When Taylor's nervous gaze flicks around the villa, she reveals, "Cynthia's tucked in bed, quietly snoring, and she's cleaning for them, Jay."

Taylor smiles at the reminder that the temporary housekeeper knows more than she'll ever reveal, and then replies, "Probably. And you really need to get laid."

As she automatically makes two cups of coffee, Prescott says, "Fine by me. Has he always been like this?"

"If you mean horny, then yes. Anything else is new, because Ana is the first woman he's really fallen for."

Passing him the now full mug, Prescott heads for the sofa with hers as she says, "She's different."

"But you never saw his other women."

"No, I mean…when I joined the detail, she'd always…it was as if she was trying to be invisible. But now…it's not just the clothes, she's somehow more solid; more corporeal."

Taylor smiles and says, "Yeah, I know what you mean. It scared the shit out of me when she fell for him, because she was so innocent and…well, you know he's not. But they're good for each other. I can see that now."

With a shrug, Prescott clicks on the TV as she says, "Not a damn thing we could do about it if they weren't, of course."

Taylor is quiet for a while as his counterpart scans the channels, and then he asks, "Is this thing you have for Ana going to be a problem?"

"For three times my regular pay, nothing is going to be a problem."

"I'm serious, Rae."

Having found nothing worth watching, Prescott clicks off the TV and turns to face him when she says, "No, Jay, I swear. And please tell me you had this talk with Sawyer and Reynolds?"

Reassured, Taylor grins and says, "Well, as of last Friday, Luke has a new girl. But, yes. They were even less subtle about it than you are."

Prescott reaches for the nearby deck of cards and is quiet for a while as she deals their first hand, and then says, "She asked me today if I have a girlfriend."

Taylor nods and they start playing as he says, "She's probably just trying to be your friend. I've tried to discourage it, but I'm afraid that's just how she is. How did you handle it?"

With a shrug, Prescott says, "Politely reminded her that I was working. Any suggestions?"

"I'm afraid not. She's already on first name terms with Luke, even when he's working. So far I'm leaving it up to everyone's judgment how best to handle it. Christian seems tolerant, so long as we all keep it professional. But don't expect that sort of treatment from him. He's had a detail on him since the first death threat, years ago."

"Anyone get close?"

"Not actually. And I'm more worried about his past women than former clients."

Prescott laughs and says, "A woman scorned."

"Exactly. Once word gets out that he's married…well, there were a few of them who tried to get back in his life."

"Does he know about that?"

"Christian pretty much knows everything, Rae."

With a grimace, Prescott says, "So, he knows that I think his wife's hot?"

Taylor chuckles and says, "Almost certainly. Don't worry. If he didn't trust you, there's no way you'd be protecting Ana."

"That Pretorius guy accosted us just outside the restaurant."

Pausing for a moment, as he reaches for another card, Taylor says, "Oh?"

"Nothing happened. He was drunk and apologized again for whatever happened on the beach. Mrs. Grey accepted his apology and then dismissed him. He looked surprised. I don't imagine he's used to women rebuffing him so completely, even married women. He's a good-looking bastard."

"Christian was okay?"

"Surprisingly so. I saw Ana have a quiet word to him just before she greeted Pretorius." With a grin, she adds, "I told you that you're underestimating her power over him."

With a shrug, Taylor says, "Maybe so, if she can keep his temper in check." And then he smiles and adds, "That should make our job a lot easier. He was a bit wild when I started this job."

"But you don't regret it."

Though it's not really a question, Taylor warmly declares, "No. I have Gail, now. And I can afford to send my daughter to the best school in the state. I'm a lucky man."

They smile and quietly play cards for a while, then Prescott says, "Gail's kind of hot, too."

Taylor knows she's teasing, but he nevertheless growls, "Rae."

With a triumphant smile, Prescott's only answer is to show her cards as she says, "Gin."

At first unaware what has woken her, Ana quickly realizes that Christian is thrashing about in the throes of a nightmare. He's mentioned them, but she's never seen one. Of course, in the moment, she can't recall what she's supposed to do, but settles for holding him as best she can and running her fingers through his hair as she offers what she hopes are soothing words.

Only seconds later, he settles down. She knows that he then wakes, because he returns her embrace and snuggles into her, as if desperate for the comfort of her flesh, and she says, "Christian? Are you okay?"

With a deep, shuddering sigh, he says, "I will be. Sorry about that."

Gently pulling on his hair, until he's looking at her, Ana then resumes her caress of his unruly locks as she says, "Don't ever be sorry for this, Christian, please. I want all of you, okay?"

Apparently reassured, Christian says "Okay," before settling back against her chest.

Clutching him to her, despite the fact he's clammy with sweat, Ana asks, "Was it your childhood?"

Christian hesitates a moment and says, "Not this time. You were being pursued by a shark, and I couldn't get to you. I was swimming as hard as I could, but I never got any closer."

"Well, I don't think we need Flynn to decipher this one, do we?"

With a dry laugh, Christian says, "No. It scared the shit out of me when I saw that fucker standing over you."

"But you understand that I wasn't in any real danger, right? He had no weapon. He didn't threaten me. And, if he had, Dad taught me enough that I also could have removed his testicles and pummeled his face, if necessary."

"Yeah, I know. And the rational part of my brain understands that I can't keep you safe twenty-four hours a day. But, as we've established, I'm not always rational. So I will occasionally freak out for a while yet, especially in the middle of the night."

Glancing at the clock, Ana says, "Actually, it's nearly dawn. Do you need to fuck?"

Christian chuckles and says, "You're such a romantic, Mrs. Grey. Thank you, for the thought, but I'm exhausted after all that swimming through the sheets, and you need sleep."

Content either way, Ana adjusts her position against him for comfort and then sighs her pleasure and says, "Only sweet dreams, darling, okay?"

Smiling against her chest, he again says, "Yes, ma'am."

That particular phrase bringing to mind their lovemaking this afternoon, when Christian had let her be in control, Ana is still wide awake when his lips and hands start meandering over her skin. Her body coming to life under his caress, Ana says, "I thought you didn't need to fuck?"

Stilling his attentions for a moment, Christian says, "I don't. I do, however, have an overwhelming need to make love with my wife, if that's okay with you?"

As his lips close around one nipple, Ana moans and says, "Yes, that's okay with me."