Author's note: Thanks, again, for all those lovely Guest comments, and all you silent followers. I'm still in awe at the response to my stories. And I remain convinced that awed gratitude is the appropriate reaction.

Chapter Eight

When Taylor again hears cries coming from the cabin, he catches the skipper's eye and they exchange knowing grins. It absolutely sucks listening to Ana and Christian's almost constant sounds of sex when he's stuck here without Gail, but he's glad they're able to enjoy their honeymoon. Lost in happy thoughts about his lover, his many years of training mean that he's already on his feet before Ana's voice finishes desperately calling his name, and he races to their assistance.

Thankfully, they haven't locked the door. When he bursts in, relieved to see that they're not naked, Christian is groggily sitting up, obviously just waking, and exclaims, "What the fuck, Taylor?"

Automatically coming to a halt when he realizes that his boss only had one of his nightmares, Taylor is explaining "Uh, I thought I heard…," when he sees the smear of blood on Ana's rapidly swelling lip and realizes that Christian must have hit her while asleep. Immediately concerned, he ignores Christian's horrified string of expletives and asks Ana, "Did you black out, even for a second?"

Wide-eyed with shock, Ana shakes her head and her swollen lip causes a slight lisp when she says, "No. But Christian wouldn't wake up. I got scared."

Taylor's hands aren't clean, so he instructs, "Test your teeth with your tongue, for any that are loose."

Grateful that Christian has calmed down enough to silently watch, Taylor waits while Ana tentatively does as she's told, and then she says, "No, all good. I'm sorry that I worried you. I'm okay now."

"Just keep it clean. You'll be fine." When Taylor glances at Christian, the poor guy is staring at his wife with a mixture of shame and horror at what he's done. There's nothing he can do about that except downplay the incident, so he says, "Sir?" It's enough to bring Christian's shattered gaze to his, and Taylor suggests, "Check yourself for contusions. If you find any, wash them well and slap on some antiseptic cream." With an apologetic glance at Ana, he concludes, "Nasty places; peoples' mouths."

Amazingly, Christian relaxes a little and says only, "Thanks, Jason." Recognizing it as a dismissal, Taylor leaves them to it. When he's gone, Ana is quick enough getting her hand over Christian's mouth that all he says is, "Baby, I'm so sor…"

When she's certain that he's not going to apologize, she removes her hand and says, "You already have enough guilt. Let's not starting adding stuff you do while you're unconscious, okay?"

With a weak laugh, Christian agrees, "Okay. Are you sure you're all right?"

Pointing to the healing cut on his lip, Ana smiles and says, "Of course I am; we match now." And then she sobers to ask, "Are you all right? Was it the shark again?"

Christian expression clouds over with something she doesn't recognize, and then he shakes his head to banish it, saying, "Let's get you cleaned up first." When Ana, still on her knees facing him, merely folds her arms, he mutters, "Lord, save me from stubborn women." With a deep sigh, he explains, "It's an old one; I'm trapped, unable to move anything but my head. And it's dark; black dark. I try to scream, but nothing comes out. And then I'm falling backwards into myself, until I begin to feel as if I don't even exist."

Her expression at first only sorrow, Ana then frowns and says, "And this is from your childhood?"

"Yes. I haven't had that particular dream for ages, but it's always been with me. Not sure what the fuck brought it up now. I swear that I'm having a good time, Ana; the best. This usually only happens when I'm really stressed out."

Ana smiles kindly and says, "Christian, eleven days ago you were single and today you're on your honeymoon. Plus there're the takeover bids. I don't know how much was actually stressful, but you can't deny that you've had a lot on your plate recently."

"Yeah, I guess so." When Ana says nothing and appears lost in thought, Christian asks, "What is it?"

As if remembering where she is, Ana says, "Huh? Oh, I was just thinking…" When she then nervously bites her lip for a second before remembering that it bothers him, he knows that it's big. She gestures to the scars on his chest as she asks, "Why only seven?"

His heart beating faster at her question, because he knows exactly what she means, Christian reveals, "Yeah, Flynn thinks that, too." Trying to lighten the mood, not knowing if it's for his sake, or for hers, he then grins and says, "Seriously, baby, you could open your own practice."

Indulging him enough to smile, Ana says, "Except that I would only ever want you on my consulting couch." And then she loses the grin to ask, "What does Flynn think?"

It hurts just as much as last time he discussed it to explain, "Flynn thinks that she…my birth mother, sometimes drugged me and hid me, bound and gagged, in an attempt to protect me from the beatings." With a shrug, he continues, "I guess that sometimes she didn't drug me enough and I woke up." When Ana starts trembling, he knows that she's fighting the urge to weep, so he begs, "Baby, please don't cry for me."

Shaking her head as the tears fall, Ana reveals, "These aren't for you. They're for her."

Whatever the reason, when Christian holds out his arms to her, Ana readily enters his embrace until the weeping subsides, and then she mumbles, "Sorry."

Just relieved that she's not blaming him for any of it, Christian gently admonishes, "If I'm not allowed to apologize, you shouldn't, either."

With a laugh that is more sob, Ana says, "I guess that's fair enough."

Christian holds her for a while and then says, "You feel sorry for her?"

With a sigh, Ana says, "You would too if you hadn't spent so long hating her. What she must have endured, to become so desperate. I mean, you must have been literally the only person she could rely on, and you were a child, little more than a baby."

It's several seconds before Christian says, "I've never thought of it like that, before."

Ana manages a real laugh and then says, "Seriously, Christian, how much do you pay Flynn?"

Grateful that she's feeling better, Christian says, "Not his fault. You know how reluctant I am to talk about this stuff."

"But you will, now."

Christian laughs and says, "You could have the decency to phrase it as a question. But, yes. I'll discuss all this with Flynn when we get back." And then he pushes all concerns from his mind and continues, "For now, I'm hungry and covered in sea salt and sweat, so another shower before lunch."

"Is there enough water for another shower?"

"A craft this size would carry over a hundred gallons, and the showers are very efficient." With a grin, Christian adds, "But we can share if you're concerned?"

Her smile proving that she's also chosen to banish all negative thoughts, Ana says, "It seems like the right thing to do." As Christian helps her stand, Ana remembers and exclaims, "Oh; contusions."

Christian shows his slightly sore left elbow as he says, "I'm guessing this is the culprit."

Ana checks to see a small cut almost on the apex of the joint and kisses it before saying, "You'll live."

The restrictive size of the shower cubicle keeping things literally and figuratively clean, Ana and Christian again dress and apply sunscreen to protect their Seattle skin from the sun before heading out on deck. Christian exchanges a few words with Alphonse, and the man only nods. Ana wonders what their skipper and Kevin are thinking, because their mood seems altered. She knows that Taylor would have only told them the minimum necessary to explain her cut lip.

After a while, Christian says something else in French. Ana has no idea what is said, but Kevin blushes, Alphonse chuckles and Taylor almost chokes in shock, before his expression settles on a knowing grin. So she has to ask Christian, "What the hell did you just say?"

Beaming with pride, Christian confesses, "I merely suggested that perhaps I should tell people you like it rough." Ana is still frozen in shock when he leans forward and closes her mouth before tenderly kissing her swollen lip, and then he asks, "What do you think?"

Unable to stay angry with Christian, when he looks so pleased with himself, Ana's smile eventually wins and she says, "You're incorrigible."

Putting an arm around her, Christian says only, "Thank you."

Again blissfully content, Ana asks only for water when Kevin takes their drinks order. After a while she asks Christian, "Am I the only person here who doesn't speak French?"

"Actually, Taylor can mostly understand it, but only speaks a few words. Incidentally, he has that knack with about seven languages; a handy ability for a security officer."

Ana can see that they're heading for a secluded cove with an almost blindingly white beach. Kevin drops the spinnaker and then the mainsail as they approach, so she asks, "Lunch?"

With a grin, Christian nods and says, "Hopefully gigolo free."

Managing a pout, Ana says, "Spoilsport."

Christian's eyes widen at her friendly taunt, and then he leans close to whisper, "If your lip was intact, I'd kiss you hard enough to make you sorry for that."

Her senses coming alive at the thought, Ana whispers back, "No one's stopping you, Mr. Grey." She knows that she's won the round when Christian's only reply is to slowly release his breath in an effort to control his desire. Magnanimous in victory, Ana smiles and says, "I love you, Christian."

Apologetically caressing her wounded lip with his thumb, his hand tenderly cupping her cheek, Christian says, "Evidently."

After dropping anchor, Kevin soon has the dinghy in the water. Christian helps Ana onboard. When Taylor then follows, Ana looks at Christian in question, and he says, "Just to check it out. Then you'll have me all to yourself."

Taylor unloads their supplies and then investigates the tiny island. Finding nothing to concern him, he leaves a walkie-talkie with Christian as he says, "No cell reception here. I'll test it when I get onboard. Then you won't hear from me unless there's a problem. Let me know when you're ready to head back."

Christian only nods his understanding, already apparently lost in Ana's eyes. Smiling at the sight of his boss so completely besotted, Taylor heads back to the catamaran. When he then hails Christian over the radio, asking if it's working, the strong and clear reply is, "Yes. Now, fuck off."

Taylor enjoys a peaceful lunch with Alphonse and Kevin. The food is good enough to make him again miss Gail. He's concerned when Alphonse has a beer, but then relaxes when it's only one. After helping clean up, he sits where he can see the beach, but isn't comfortable enough to fall asleep. Despite this precaution, the thrumming heat and his full belly work their magic and he dozes a few seconds at a time, snapping awake and cursing himself each time.

At one point he sees that Ana and Christian are in the water, and wonders why that never occurred to him. With only guys onboard, he doesn't hesitate to strip down to his boxers and dive off the back of the boat. When he climbs back onboard, Kevin is there with a towel and he politely thanks the lad for the consideration. The boy is staring at Taylor's scars and blushes when he's caught out, so the veteran points to the biggest, ugliest one on his left calf and says, "Sarajevo; mortar shell."

Kevin's young eyes widen at the thought, and then Alphonse lifts up his t-shirt enough to reveal a small, round scar and then swivels enough to show the puckered mess that must have been the exit wound as he says, "Rebel bullet, Zaire."

Taylor nods and says, "Marine."

With an identical gesture, Alphonse says, "Legionnaire."

It doesn't matter that they're from different countries, or that their differing ages mean they probably never fought in the same conflict; the two men now have a bond that wasn't there only minutes ago. And they pass the remaining time comparing scars and discussing battle stories, with Kevin listening in wide-eyed admiration. The sun is low on the horizon when the walkie-talkie blares, "Taylor. Time."

Almost sad for this day to end, Taylor replies, "Yes, sir."

He's hurriedly donning his shoes and socks, having only bothered with pants and shirt, when Alphonse says, "Monsieur Grey is not a soldier."

Reluctant as ever to discuss his boss's private life, Taylor knows that Alphonse is asking about Christian's scars. He considers for a moment and then says, "Not all enemies are on foreign soil, and we're never enough to protect all the innocents, are we?"

It's not much of a reply, but it appears to satisfy Alphonse, who merely nods and orders Kevin to fetch the newlyweds. When he's gone, the older warrior extends his hand and says, "Always faithful."

Surprised to hear the English version of the Marine motto, especially in a French accent, Taylor is nevertheless moved by the gesture and quickly scans his memory for a suitable reply before clasping the man's forearm and saying, "March or die." It's not the official motto of the Legion, but it brings a smile to the skipper's face and the two men go about their duties.

With Ana and Christian back onboard, the sails are unfurled and they head back to St. John. After again checking the main villa, noting that Cynthia has not only cleaned but turned on the air conditioner for the couple, Taylor stays only long enough to confirm their dinner plans before leaving them alone.

On entering his villa, it's to find Prescott with a cold beer for him, and she knows enough to say, "Light."

Grateful for the consideration, Taylor chinks his bottle against hers and says, "Thanks." They sit on the sofa and, after a long draught of the ice-cold beverage, he asks, "Any problems?"

"Nothing. Despite the reports we heard about crime on the island, this place is incredibly peaceful during the day. All the action must happen in the few hours before dawn. Oh, and Cynthia is with her family. But she'll be back later tonight, so she can be up in time to prepare their breakfast."

Taylor only nods at this, looking forward to a quiet evening. After another drink, he realizes something and, with a grin, says, "You got laid."

Prescott almost chokes on her beer and says, "Now how the hell could you know that?"

With a shrug, Taylor reveals, "You usually have a morbid curiosity about their sex life. But you haven't even asked about them. Is she a local?"

With a quiet smile, Prescott says, "No. She's from LA."

Happy for his colleague, Taylor says, "Well, that's not too far."

Still smiling, Prescott says, "Not too far at all. She's here for a couple of weeks, but wants to hook up when she gets back."

"So; details?" At her shocked look, Taylor rolls his eyes and says, "Of the woman, Rae, not the sex." With a cheeky grin, he adds, "Though that's okay with me, too."

Prescott halfheartedly attacks him with the nearest cushion, and then says, "She's thirty four and owns a small chain of florists. She manages the Glendale store."

A little surprised, Taylor teases, "So, a girly girl, huh?"

Prescott glares at him and says, "You saying that I'm not?"

Taylor laughs, confident that she's not offended, and says, "Rae, you're more butch than most of the guys."

Confirming that the glare was faked, Prescott smiles and says, "Yeah, well, if there's any trouble you'll be glad that I'm more familiar with a Glock than a gladioli."

Taylor laughs and says, "True enough." Finishing his drink, he continues, "Well, we've got some time before they head into Cruz Bay. I'm gonna have a shower and call my girls. Oh, what's her name?"

Again that quiet smile and Prescott says, "Helena."

"Then let's hope she doesn't live up to her name." At Prescott's confused frown, he says, "It's from Helen of Troy. If your Helena launches a thousand ships, you'll be sick as a dog."

"Only if I'm on them."

Disposing of the empty bottle, Taylor says, "Either way, I'm happy for you, Rae." He's almost inside his bedroom when he adds, "Because now you can stop mooning over Ana." Unsurprised, he merely chuckles when a cushion thuds into the wall near his head.

After her third shower for the day, Ana checks her emails while she's waiting for her hair to dry, and finds one from José, entitled, "Wedding photos."

Excited to see them, there's no point opening it on the tiny screen, so she forwards it to Christian and then finds him, of course at his computer, and asks, "I forwarded you an email from José. Can we look at it now?"

Distracted by whatever he's doing, Christian looks up as he says, "Hmm?"

And then his expression almost instantly changes to one of desire. Ana chastises him, "Christian, focus."

Smiling, he says, "Baby, you're wearing only your Blackberry." Shaking his head, he asks, "What did you say?"

"Email from José."

After a quick check, Christian finds and opens the relevant email. Ana puts her phone aside and watches from over his shoulder to see a note that explains, "I'm still working on the album, but thought you might like these in the meantime."

The first pic is of Ana's delighted surprise on seeing the wedding cake, and she kisses Christian's temple as she says, "It really was perfect, thank you."

"You're welcome, baby. I like books, too." Christian scrolls down to reveal that the second is of him carrying Ana across the lawn, she snuggled against him with one hand on his chest and him smiling down at her, and he says, "I didn't know he even took this one."

"Me, neither."

For the last photo, José has captured the moment when Christian, waiting for his bride, had stepped forward to offer his hand. Somehow, both their faces are visible in the picture, his expressing only love and hers one of naked adoration. Christian clears his throat and says, "I still don't trust him, but he's good."

Christian is automatically scrolling down for the next photo when Ana sees a line of dialogue appearing at the bottom of the screen. In panic, not knowing what it might say, she covers Christian's eyes with one hand. He immediately tenses and says, "Baby, I know that I've been tolerant of you covering my mouth, but what you're doing right now is a monumentally bad idea."

Ana removes her hand as if stung, saying, "God, I'm sorry Christian…because of the nightmare?"

Turning to look at her, Christian says, "That's possibly part of it, but you do recall that I have a dominant personality, right?"

Glad that he's not holding a grudge, Ana smiles and says, "How could I forget? Wherever we go, people obey you as if they were born to do it."

Suddenly, she's on his lap and Christian holds her tight against him with one arm as he scrolls down the page, saying, "Let's see what the photographer has to say."

Ana knows him well enough to realize that protesting at this stage would be pointless, so she waits for the words to appear and silently reads, "Ana, I know that I expressed concern. But I can see now that he really does love you. I hope you two will be happy. And that we can remain friends."

Christian's only comment is an angry, "Expressed concern?"

Ana laughs and says, "Surely you're not going to hold that against him? Christian, everyone I know cautioned me against marrying you. And I'm guessing Elena tried to gatecrash to offer you the same courtesy?"

Christian blinks in surprise and comments, "You said her name. Are you finally relaxed about Elena?"

Shaking her head, Ana says, "Nope. Still hate her. But perhaps a little less so since you said that you looked like an adult at fifteen. And, are you more relaxed about José now?"

Christian considers and says, "Well, I'll confess to a slightly diminished urge to punch him. Why were you worried about what he might say?"

Ana shrugs and says, "I dunno, but he has had a crush on me, so I…you just get so jealous, and I panicked. I'm sorry that I covered your eyes. That was rude."

"Do it now."

Surprised, Ana only stares at him for a second. When Christian then nods, confirming his command, she tentatively does as instructed; a little worried that he's setting her up. She finally understands his intent when his free hand starts roaming over her body, immediately awakening her desire, and she observes, "You've never fucked me in the dark."

When Christian suddenly stands with her in his arms, Ana is surprised enough to drop her hand from his eyes, and he growls, "Put it back."

Her body thrilling at the thought, Ana quickly covers his eyes, even as she protests, "Christian, you can't carry me while you're blind. And how can we maintain this position throughout?"

"You're right. But keep your hand in place. We're going for a dishtowel."

Fighting the urge to giggle, Ana directs Christian's slow progress to the kitchen. When she reaches for the towel, she sees that his eyes are closed and knows that he's also enjoying this fun, new game. Quickly blindfolding him, Ana then says, "We're going to be late for dinner, aren't we?"

With a wide grin, Christian says, "Don't worry, baby. By the time I've rediscovered the delights of your body without my sight, we'll have forgotten all about food."