Chapter Nine

Ana and Christian finally make it to the restaurant, only ninety minutes late. Thankfully, he's paid the proprietors enough that they've held the few tables for them. As usual, when Christian has chosen where they'll dine, the service is good, the food delicious and the wine excellent. And the swelling on Ana's lip has settled down enough that she doesn't feel too self-conscious.

Only as they're leaving does Ana notice Christian's furtive glance towards the grand piano, standing quietly in one corner, and she wonders how many times he's looked at it and she just didn't notice. Hand in hand as they leave, he turns to her with a questioning frown when Ana stops, and she says, "Why didn't you tell me that you're missing it? I love hearing you play." When he appears reluctant, she adds, "It can't always be about my pleasure, Christian. I want you to have a good time, too."

With a dazzling smile, Christian draws her into his arms and says, "Baby, does it seem like I'm not having a good time?"

Blushing at the memory of Christian's blindfolded exploration of her body only hours ago, Ana says, "Well, no, I didn't mean...but you love music."

Looking around at the few lingering patrons and the ever-present staff, Christian says, "Yes, but I don't care for an audience."

"Okay."

Christian eyes her suspiciously and says, "That's it? No arguments or attempts at manipulation?"

Managing to keep a straight face, Ana says, "Of course not. I mean, if you're too scared, it's probably best just to forget about it."

Christian's eyes narrow and he warns, "A dangerous game, baby."

Unafraid, Ana whispers, "Not when I know you won't punish me."

Christian kisses her and murmurs, "Then we'll have to call it revenge, instead. I'm sure that's how regular couples do it."

Ana smiles and says, "Isn't it a bit late to try being a regular couple?"

With a ready grin, confirming that he's not genuinely angry, Christian says, "Yeah, I guess you're right. Okay, baby, but if I'm going to be an organ grinder's monkey, then you have to sing."

Horrified, Ana says, "What? No. I'm not very good, Christian. Don't make me sing."

His eyes sparkling with mirth, Christian says, "Well, if you're too scared…." When Ana still hesitates, Christian says, "One song; your choice. It's only fair, if you're going to make me perform."

Of course, he's right, so Ana considers a moment and says, "What about 'Drift Away'? I think that I can manage to not fuck that one up."

Mindful of her cut lip, Christian kisses Ana and leads her towards the piano as he says, "Good choice."

Still nervous, Ana suggests, "Uh, shouldn't we ask them if we can use it?"

Without a flicker of doubt, Christian merely says, "Pianos are meant to be played, baby. Trust me." When she still looks afraid as he sits down, he adds, "Just look at me, you'll be fine."

Somehow just knowing that he thinks she can do it lends Ana confidence. So she's smiling as Christian begins to play. Intent on his face, she watches his lips silently count her in, and then he nods as she begins, "Day after day I'm more confused..."

By the time Ana reaches the chorus, she becomes dimly aware that others have joined her. But it's not enough to drag her gaze from Christian, as he looks at her with such love that it almost hurts. She finishes with several voices accompanying her, including Christian's, and then the room erupts in appreciative applause. Despite having the confidence to sing in public for the first time, Ana blushes and lowers her head, embarrassed to have garnered so much attention. Christian lifts her chin and insists, "Hey, you did great. Now be polite and acknowledge your audience."

Still beet red, Ana turns to see that not only the patrons at the tables and bar, but the waiting staff as well, are watching. She offers them a small bow and they applaud again, demanding more. Only slightly less afraid at the idea, she looks to Christian, who says, "So, Ray taught you everything from the seventies?"

"Uh, huh. Well, more played them so often that I learned some by heart."

Christian nods and says, "Same with Carrick. He maintains that nothing worthwhile has been written since." He studies her face for a second and then asks, "Want me to take it from here?"

Incredibly relieved and more than a little curious what he might choose, Ana says only, "Please."

By the time he's finished "Maybe I'm Amazed" Ana is filled with such love she again wonders how it's possible to sustain such happiness. Christian takes a moment to acknowledge the applause before asking Ana, "One more?"

Just glad that he's not asking her to sing again, Ana eagerly nods, but knows she's in trouble when she recognizes the music, and then Christian's perfect voice begins the soulful opening lines of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face".

Only as he finishes does Ana notice the tears streaming unheeded down her face, and their small audience is silent. Christian stands and embraces her, tenderly wiping away the tears and kissing her before asking, "Time to go?" At her nod he steers Ana towards the door with a comforting arm around her shoulders. Only then does the applause break out, and Christian acknowledges them with a wave of his hand as he leaves.

Ana is quiet on way back to the villa, nestled against Christian in the back seat of the jeep. Finally, he asks, "Okay, babe?"

With a nod, she says, "Yes. I'm just…sometimes I don't understand how I can be so lucky as to have found you."

She's shocked when Christian bursts out laughing, and he quickly says, "Sorry, baby. It's just that I'm pretty sure I'm the lucky one."

Reassured, Ana smiles and says, "Well, I guess it's good that we both feel that way. But don't you think it's…the odds against it must be astronomical."

Christian grin confirms that he's joking when he asks, "Are you trying to give me an anxiety attack?" When Ana only manages a strained smile, he continues, "You're overthinking it, baby. Take it from an expert, that's never a good idea." With a smile, he adds, "Hey, do you know 'Stay Awhile' by The Bells?"

Reeling a little from the change of subject, Ana says, "Uh, yeah…not well enough to sing it."

Christian takes out his phone and it's only a matter of minutes to find a video of the song, complete with subtitles, and he persuades Ana to play the female lead. When they're done, he asks for a suggestion. It's Taylor who says, "The Way You Look Tonight."

Fighting the urge to giggle, Ana glances at Christian to see that he's also amused at the idea of their bodyguard being such a romantic and he says, "We were angling for seventies' hits, but I'll allow it. And will you join us, Jason?"

"Yes, sir."

When they're done, Christian says, "Rachel?"

Without hesitation, Prescott says, "Waiting for a Girl Like You."

With Taylor taking his time along partly dirt roads, illuminated only by the headlights, they have time for several songs before their impromptu karaoke session is brought to an end by him turning into the driveway of the main villa. Ana and Christian wait in each other's arms while Taylor clears the building and then they all say goodnight.

As Ana and Christian get ready for bed, she's still very quiet. Christian takes the toothbrush from her hand and puts it aside. Gathering her in his arms, he says, "Baby, please tell me what's wrong?"

Valiantly struggling against more tears, Ana reveals, "Nothing's wrong. I just don't want this day to end."

Glancing at his watch, Christian says, "Technically, it already has." When this does nothing to alter her mood, he suggests, "How about we sit up in bed and wait for the sunrise?" When Ana's expression finally brightens at the idea, he adds, "I'd suggest the balcony or the beach, but you know how appealing I am to mosquitoes."

Finally able to smile, Ana asks, "Can we move the bed closer to the window?"

Returning her toothbrush, Christian says, "Sure, baby."

Ana is still in the en suite when she hears Christian moving the bed. Smiling at the thought of staying awake until dawn with him, she enters the bedroom to see that he's on the phone. She's curious, given the late hour. He finishes with "See you then," and puts the phone on the nightstand as he explains, "Just letting Taylor know that it will be a late start tomorrow."

That hadn't even occurred to her, and Ana says, "You really do think of everything, don't you?"

With a shrug, Christian says, "I try to."

Moving into his arms, Ana says, "And everyone."

Smiling down at her, Christian lies, "Nope; incredibly selfish."

Also smiling, Ana says, "Oh? So, right now you're not wondering how you can cheer me up?"

Adamantly shaking his head, Christian again lies, "Just wondering how long I have to wait before you're in the mood to fuck."

Again amazed at how he can know her thoughts even before she does, Ana says, "I'm sorry, but you're right; I don't want to just now."

Shaking his head slightly, Christian says, "It's okay, baby. I have no complaints about the quantity or quality of our lovemaking, and I told you; I like that you'll only ever comply if it's right for both of us." Quickly kissing her, he adds, "Come on. Let's get into bed."

Sitting up against a couple of pillows, nestled against Christian's chest, Ana is thinking back over their perfect day when she realizes something and asks, "Why didn't you spank me today?"

With a shrug, Christian says, "So we can go horse-riding."

"So…what, we're just going to have vanilla sex for the rest of our honeymoon?"

Christian chuckles and kisses her forehead, then says, "Listen to the outrage. No, you should be fine by morning, if you're not already." Ana feels his smile against her skin before he asks, "Need me to check?"`

Laughing, Ana says, "No." And then she asks, "You'd really come horse-riding with me?"

She feels him smile again and he says, "How else am I going to get my hands on a riding crop?"

Her body thrilling a little at the thought, despite her melancholy, Ana says, "We're kind of restricted to my butt while I'm wearing a bikini every day, aren't we?"

His voice deep with desire, Christian reminds her, "And your breasts, sweetheart."

"Okay, now I'm a little turned on."

Christian laughs; a rumbling, contented sound, and then he says, "I'm very glad to hear it. Do you know what's upsetting you? Other than you don't want the day to end?"

Ana ponders it for a moment and then, her voice small, says, "We have to go back soon."

Christian holds her a little tighter and says, "Far too soon; all the more reason to enjoy every minute of it."

With a deep sigh, breathing away all her concerns, Ana says, "You're right. I'm sorry, Christian."

"No need. It really was a good day, wasn't it?"

"The best day of my life."

"You've said that before, baby."

Ana remembers and says, "And you told me that it wasn't. You were right."

"Well, I prefer to think of it as you were wrong. But, yes. And I sincerely hope that you're wrong every time you say it."

Christian is saying something else, so Ana struggles back through the fog of sleep shrouding her to utter, "Hmm?"

Laughter in his voice, Christian says, "I asked if you want me to wake you for the sunrise?"

Settling down into the bed, silently encouraging Christian to do the same, Ana murmurs, "Don't need the sunrise. I have you."

When Cynthia knocks on the front door, there's no answer, so she lets herself in with her key and quietly goes about cooking breakfast. After a few minutes, she hears movement in the master bedroom and Christian soon emerges, in sweatpants and a t-shirt, trying to stifle a yawn as he says, "Morning, Miss Cynthia. Sorry, I overslept."

"Good morning, Mr. Grey. That's okay; Jason mentioned that you might be sleeping late this morning. Why don't you go back to bed? I can bring it in when I'm done."

Looking a little surprised, Christian says, "Breakfast in bed? Sounds wonderful, thank you." Spying the fresh-squeezed jug of orange juice, he gestures to it as he says, "And I think we'll start with that."

Quickly putting the jug and a couple of glasses on a tray, Cynthia smiles and hands it over as she says, "I won't be long."

Heading back into the bedroom, Christian sees that Ana is just stirring and he asks, "Ever had breakfast in bed?"

In her sleepy state, struggling to process what is said, Ana asks, "You haven't?"

"When would I have had breakfast in bed, baby?"

"But…seriously; never? What about when you were sick, or it was your birthday?"

With a shrug, Christian says, "I've never really been a fan of sleeping. I think the last time I slept this late I was about eight years old."

Sill utterly confused, Ana says, "What? How can anyone not be a fan of sleeping?"

As if he's reading from the financial pages, Christian reveals, "The nightmares. They used to be much worse."

Finally, truly awake, Ana shakes her head in an effort to erase the memory of his words as she says, "Christian, please, it's too early to cry."

Forcing a smile, Christian says, "Sorry, babe." And then he puts down the tray and starts to fill the glasses as he instructs, "Go pee. Your juice will be waiting when you get back."

When Ana returns, now wearing her robe, Christian has not only poured her juice, but put the bed back against the wall. Only then does she realize and exclaims, "Oh, we missed the sunrise!"

Handing her the glass, Christian says, "You did. It was lovely. The entire cove turns gold for a minute."

"Why didn't you wake me?"

Clearly amused, Christian says, "You asked me not to, citing the fact that you have me as reason enough to skip the arrival of the sun."

"I don't think that I would have said that."

"Well, I suspect that you were barely awake at the time. But you do say the sweetest things when you're asleep."

He's mentioned it before, and it still makes Ana nervous, but she merely lifts the glass and says, "Thank you."

Smirking a little, Christian says, "So, you're not going to ask me what else you said?"

Immediately afraid that she might have let slip about his compulsion of doing things by twos, Ana realizes in the next breath that he'd already be freaking out about it, so she smiles and says, "You're teasing me."

Christian leans in for a kiss and then says, "Yes, but after breakfast we're going to have a discussion about what you were thinking just now."

Hoping to distract him, as she's done in the past, Ana says, "I thought we were going horse-riding?"

His expression a little too calm for comfort, Christian says, "Oh, I'm pretty sure we've got time for both."

Worried that any further discussion will cement the idea in his mind, Ana says only, "Good juice."

When Christian only smiles and sips his drink, Ana knows that she's in trouble. However, that doesn't spoil their breakfast, soon served on separate trays. Cynthia stays long enough to make sure that they're happy with the meal and then leaves them to it. Ana stalls, knowing that Christian is unlikely to have forgotten his promise. So he finishes well before her and, after putting the tray aside, watches her eat. Eventually, it proves too much for Ana and she complains, "I can't eat with you staring at me, Christian."

Laughter in his voice, Christians says "Sorry, baby," as he alters his gaze only enough that he's now staring out the window as he waits.

Resigned, Ana puts the tray aside and says, "Go ahead."

Smiling his triumph, Christian turns to her and asks, "What are you keeping from me?"

With a deep sigh, Ana says, "Something that is private and I choose not to reveal to you."

A little taken aback by her declaration, Christian says, "I'm serious, Ana."

"Does it seem like I'm not?"

Still wary of her mood, Christian commands, "Tell me."

"No."

"Are you waiting for me to beg? Because you'll be waiting a long fucking time."

"No, Christian, I'm waiting for you to give up."

"Well, that's even less fucking likely, isn't it? Just fucking tell me."

"No."

Christian regards her for several seconds and then says, "You're not afraid of me at all, are you?"

Relaxing a little, but still on her guard, Ana says, "No, darling, I'm not. And I'd really appreciate it if you just trust me that this is nothing to worry about."

Again, Christian silently studies her, and then he sighs and says, "I'm afraid that worrying is one of the things I do best, baby. And, whatever it is you're hiding from me, I'm probably imagining something far worse. But I do trust you, and I can let this go if you're certain that it's best for both of us."

With a groan, Ana says, "Everything you just said is the literal truth, isn't it?"

"Yes, baby. There are possibly scenarios in which I'd lie to you, in order to keep you safe, but this isn't one of them. I can let this go, but my illness will not permit me to do so without cost."

With another groan, Ana says, "I'll tell you if you promise not to freak out. It's nothing bad or anything, but I'm worried that you'll see it as…just…can you please keep your cool, okay?"

Everything about him exhibiting calm, Christian says, "As you've pointed out, I have issues with anxiety, but I'll do my best. Good enough?"

Daring to slide across the bed towards him, Ana is grateful when Christian readily welcomes her into his embrace. Once there, safe, with a hand on his chest, feeling his too fast heartbeat through the fabric of his t-shirt, Ana begins, "It's really not that big a deal, so I didn't want to bother you with it. You have a thing with the number two. John said that it's nothing to worry about."

She knows that it's a bad start when the pressure of Christian's heart beating presses against her palm and he rasps, "Flynn knows?"

Not game to move her hand when he's so vulnerable, Ana settles for pressing against Christian's chest as if she can manually soothe his heart, and she says, "Yes, because you're obviously unaware of it, and I didn't know what to do. Please don't get upset." When, with a monumental effort, Christian calms down enough that she can feel the result of his efforts through the thin fabric, Ana continues, "When you restrain me, you always check the bonds twice."

When she says nothing else, Christian asks, "That's it?"

"Well, there are a few other things you do twice. That's how I noticed it. But, essentially, yeah. I told you it's nothing to worry about."

Christian is quiet for a few seconds and then says, "This is why you sometimes have that Mona Lisa smile, as if you have a secret that pleases you?"

"Yes. I'm sorry, Christian. I did what I thought was right."

"I seriously doubt you ever do anything else, Anastasia. So, it doesn't bother you?"

Adamantly shaking her head, Ana says, "No. If anything, it makes me love you more, because it's a reminder of how far you've come; a testament to your strength and courage."

"You know that I can only see this as a weakness?"

"Yes, darling. I don't agree, but I know you well enough to understand that much. That's part of the reason why I didn't tell you. I suppose it will disappear now that you're aware of it?"

"You sound sad about that."

"I am. Apart from the fact that I'm now so used to it, I've actually enjoyed having this part of you that was just for me."

In an acrid tone, Christian says, "You and Flynn."

Thinking that she should have known Christian would be most upset about her sharing the secret, Ana asks, "In my defense, I assumed that he already knew. And whom do you suggest I should have confided in?"

Though she can't see his face, Ana knows that Christian's expression is petulant when he declares, "Me."

Unwilling to let his adolescent narcissism gain the upper hand, Ana says, "You the guy who almost raped me when I said that I wasn't moving in right away, or you the guy who threatened to beat me when I called him needy?"

She knows that they're going to be okay when Christian laughs and says, "I'm glad to see that being married hasn't removed your ability to irrefutably argue your case." With a deep sigh, releasing what remains of his anxiety, he asks, "What other things?"

"Uh, when you tap your toothbrush on the sink, teaspoon on a cup, and your shoelaces. If there's anything else, I'm unaware of it. But you might notice some I've missed."

Christian is again quiet for a while. Understanding that this is a difficult conversation for him, Ana patiently waits until he asks, "Do you think anyone else ever noticed?"

Somehow guessing that he's talking about his subs, Ana says, "Did any of them see you in a domestic situation?"

"Other than the evening meal, no. Oh, occasionally I'd let them sit with me in the evening, if they'd pleased me, but you're the only person who's ever seen me brush my teeth or tie my shoelaces."

"Then who taught you?"

"No one. I've made a lifetime habit of watching people, so that I can know how to behave like one." With a harsh laugh, Christian adds, "Seems I fucked that up, too."

Daring to put her hand over his mouth, Ana lifts her gaze to his as she begs, "Please don't talk like that. It hurts me. You're not only as good as anyone I know, you're better. They don't know how much courage it takes, every single day, just for you to get out of bed."

When she releases his lips, Christian holds her a little tighter and says, "Well, I'm certainly disinclined to move right now."

"Are we okay?"

Capturing her chin with one hand, Christian kisses her and then says, "I'd prefer you'd told me before now. But, yes, we're okay. I understand why you were afraid to tell me." With a grin, he adds, "Could have been worse, I guess; what if the number was seven?"

Incredibly relieved that he's taking it so well, Ana laughs and says, "Yeah, that would be bad, though I seriously doubt your subconscious would permit such an ostentatious symptom, if only because it would make bondage rather impractical."

One eyebrow raised, Christian says, "Speaking of bondage, I suddenly have a pressing need to tie you to this bed and fuck you."

Her body coming to life at the suggestion, Ana glances at the solid, wooden headboard and asks only, "How?"

Quickly kissing her and releasing her, Christian says, "Get off the bed and I'll show you." When they're clear, he removes all the covers in one, swift move as he says, "Ta da."

Looking over the bed, Ana says, "Uh, still not seeing it."

With a self-satisfied grin, Christian points out the mattress handholds on the sides as he says, "I wasn't always a billionaire with access to expensive toys. A young deviant has to improvise."

Smiling at his obvious pride, Ana suggests, "How about we do this properly?"

"Properly?"

"Yeah. If you take our breakfast trays out to the kitchen, and take your time, I could be ready by the door when you get back."

His blinding smile confirming that he approves, Christian moves to obey as he says, "Wife, sometimes you have the most wonderful ideas. Be ready in ten minutes. Oh, and put down a towel, so I don't get in trouble with Miss Cynthia."

"Why do you call her that?"

With a shrug, Christian says, "I've noticed that it's a common form of address here on the island and…she won't tell me her last name."

Suppressing her giggle, Ana says, "You don't already know?"

"No. Taylor arranged it, with Gail's help."

Suddenly comprehending, Ana says, "And you can't ask him, because that would be admitting defeat."

"Yes."

He's almost out the door, laden with stacked trays and dishes, when Ana says, "Thank you, Christian."

"For not freaking out?"

"And for meaning it when you say that you trust me. But mainly for sharing with me the traits that you consider weaknesses."

Flashing a ready grin, further confirming that he's okay with her revelation, Christian says, "Seems as if I have little choice; apparently you're very observant."

"Well, either way, I'm grateful. I literally can't get enough of you, husband. I'm always greedy for more."

Desire flaring in his eyes at her words, Christian says, "Soon enough you'll get to prove it. Now, get ready."

Untying the sash at her waist, Ana lets the robe fall apart to reveal her body, and then giggles when Christian's surprise causes the dishes in his arms to rattle. Next, she shrugs the material from her shoulders, letting it cascade to the floor as she says, "Yes, Sir."

Christian dumps the trays by the door as he says, "Fuck waiting. Get over here."

Delighted that he's just as keen as she is to reconnect via this physical expression of love that they do so well, Ana walks across the mattress on her knees. His legs against the edge of the bed, Christian knots one hand in her hair, pulling her head back to gently press his lips to hers, and he says, "I'll be glad when I can do that properly."

Ana knows that he's worried about reopening the wound on her lip. And she suddenly remembers what it felt like when they shared his blood in their mouths. As she's done in the past, she smiles and says, "No one's stopping you, Mr. Grey."

With a groan, Christian shakes his head and says, "Putting aside the fact that I dread causing you permanent damage, I doubt that a visit from the local police keen to arrest me for domestic violence would enhance our honeymoon experience."

Ana laughs and says, "I guess not." And then something occurs to her and she asks, "Oh, could you make sure one of those panic buttons is where I can reach it?"

"Why? You worried that I'm a candidate for a heart attack?"

"Possibly in ten years, if you don't slow down. But, no…uh, you're going to try and override your compulsion, and we don't know what will happen."

Christian's eyebrows shoot up in surprise and then he laughs and says, "You're right. I do want to try that, but hadn't realized it." He kisses her again and declares, "You're a witch, Anastasia." After a moment, he nods and promises, "I won't mess with the pattern until I've talked to Flynn, okay?"

Breathing a sigh of relief, Ana says, "Thank you. I mean, you'll probably be fine. But there's usually a reason for such compulsions, and we don't really know what's behind yours."

"Nothing good, I suspect."

Before he sinks into melancholy, Ana smiles up at him and says, "Shouldn't you be fucking me now, Mr. Grey?"

"Another excellent idea, wife."