Chapter Twelve

Ana and Christian are getting ready for dinner at the villa. On noticing her staring at him, he says, "What?"

Trying not to smile, lest he think she's laughing at him, Ana gestures to his outfit; deep V-neck almond-colored linen sweater, white shorts and strap sandals, and says, "I just never expected to see Christian Grey, CEO, wear shorts to dinner."

With a grin, Christian says, "I told you; it's the Caribbean." With a shrug, he adds, "Besides, these are Armani, so that makes it okay."

With him in a relaxed mood, Ana doesn't hesitate to approach and run her fingers over the visible chest hair as she says, "And this? I can practically see your nipples. What would you do if I went out showing that much cleavage?"

Gently caressing her bare shoulders, sending tendrils of pleasure through her body, despite the fact that they've just had sex, Christian breathes a laugh and says, "Trust me, baby, that is not going to happen."

Ana knows he's playing, but she also knows that there's some truth in his declaration, and the part of her that can't turn away from a fight asks, "Are you saying that you forbid me to go out in public wearing anything that has a plunging neckline?"

Immediately wary of her tone, Christian's hands still on her shoulders for a second, and then he explains, "What I'm saying is that if anyone but me or Dr. Greene ever sees your nipples I would fucking lose it, and you're considerate enough to ensure that never happens."

Appeased by his careful words, Ana relaxes and says, "You're right. I'm sorry. I get…"

One eyebrow arched in amusement, Christian finishes, "Defiant?"

Ana giggles and says, "Yes." And then she glances down at her breasts, snug in the sweetheart neckline of her gown, and says, "No danger of a wardrobe malfunction tonight."

Christian traces the curves of her cleavage with the tips of his fingers as he passionately promises, "Well, I wouldn't go that far; it could happen any moment now."

Warm pleasure coursing through her body at his touch, Ana takes a step back as she says, "God, Grey; we've just had sex, and I'm starving."

Shaking his head, Christian says, with a smile, "Sorry, baby. But you're more delicious than anything this island has to offer."

As they resume their preparations, Ana says, "I'm surprised that you're okay with even a doctor seeing my breasts."

"I'm not. But your health and safety are paramount to me. So I presume it will eventually be necessary…oh, probably best not to tell me about it."

Ana again has to fight a smile and says, "You got it."

They're ready to go and Christian has summoned their security team when Ana suddenly says, "I'm not sure I'm too keen on the waxed look." At Christian's frown, she quickly adds, "I mean it was nice not to have to worry about stray, loose hairs and I really appreciate you thinking of me, but…are you mad?"

Christian laughs and says, "No, baby. I'd be happy to never go through that again." Gathering her in his embrace, he continues, "How about we settle for a light trim from now on?"

Glad that he's not offended, Ana smiles and says, "Perfect. Thank you. I'm surprised that you're okay with this. It doesn't seem like…because you're a Dom, it doesn't seem like something you'd…ugh; I'm not making sense."

Christian kisses her and says, "You are. I've not considered it in the past, because the whole point was that it was about me, with due deference to the woman's needs. I never offered and none of them ever asked." With a grin, he adds, "It does kind of look like a plucked chicken neck down there, doesn't it?"

Ana bursts out laughing and says, "Yes." Happy to have avoided upsetting him, she adds, "Well, more like a goose, or some equally large bird."

Christian manages to keep a straight face as he says, "Thank you."

Ana lightly touches one of the two scars currently visible on his chest and says, "You don't mind that someone might see?"

"Too fucking hot and humid to wear a shirt under it. Besides, it's night and the staff at the restaurant aren't going to tell anyone."

At first wondering how he can have such faith in strangers, his supremely confident air supplies the clue, and Ana asks, "You didn't have them sign an NDA?"

"The proprietors, yes; all of them have…oh, except for Miss Vie. You surprised me with that one."

Stunned at this indication of just how far his need for control extends, Ana asks, "The spa today?"

Clearly confused at her harsh tone, Christian says, "You think I'd let someone wax my balls without one?"

"And the day cruise? You made Alphonse sign one?"

"I can't make anyone sign. They choose to do so in return for my patronage."

"And how does that ensure that even our waiter won't surreptitiously take photos of your chest and post them online?"

With a grin and a glance over her body, Christian says, "Well, unless he's gay, he won't even notice my chest. Plus, the wording in the documents is scary enough to put the fear of God into them, so our waiter's boss will have made sure to tell him to look after us and behave him-fucking-self."

"And this works?"

"You're the one who interviewed me. How much personal information did Miss Kavanagh have on me?"

"Not much." And then Ana smiles at memories and says, "She was beside herself when you agreed to the photo shoot."

Christian also smiles and lovingly reminisces, "I had to see you again."

Ana nods and says, "I think maybe I felt the same way, though I couldn't admit it to myself; I was scared of you and drawn to you at the same time."

"As it turns out, fear was the appropriate response."

Concerned at the bitter edge to his words, Ana says, "You're not still feeling guilty over me leaving you?"

"I can't believe that you were in my life and I fucked up so completely as to drive you from me."

"Christian, please tell me that you're not still worried I'm going to leave you? We sorted that out; it was at least partly my fault, anyway."

Gently touching the tip of his thumb to the healing cut on her lip, Christian bleakly says, "We'll never make that particular mistake again. But I have no idea where my neuroses will take us."

Determined not to let him sink into self-loathing, Ana brightly says, "Unfortunately for me, I love you, Christian Grey, neuroses and all. So you're stuck with me." Taking his left hand in hers and holding them up, palms together, so that their wedding bands are touching, she adds, "Also, legally obligated to hang around for a while."

She knows Christian is okay when his face transforms with that dazzling smile and he asks, "For a while?"

"Forever."

They're still kissing when a knock on the door announces their security detail. Her lips almost touching his, Ana says, "Never mind about firing him. Let's kill him."

Christian's lips quirk in a lazy smile and he says, "Good plan. We will, of course, have to wait until he sleeps, and I'm not sure that he does."

Nestled against Christian in the back seat of the jeep on the way to Cruz Bay, Ana says, "Another perfect day."

His arm around her shoulders, Christian kisses her and huskily promises, "Still not over, baby. Remember, I have after dinner plans."

Wondering how she could have forgotten about the riding crop, Ana squirms in her seat, unable to keep still with all the anticipatory pleasure flowing through her body. Christian's gaze darkens with sympathetic passion, and he says, "God, I love you."

With a glance to their protectors, who are of course studiously facing forward, Ana rests her hand for a second on the bulge in Christian's shorts when she murmurs, "Wrong 'L' word again, Mr. Grey."

This time no one interrupts their kiss. When Christian finally ends it, he says, "That, too."

This evening, the town of Cruz Bay is abuzz with activity. Before they can ask, Taylor volunteers, "It's the final day of the St. John Festival. The place was a nightmare this morning, with a parade and street performers everywhere. Fireworks over the harbor are scheduled about an hour from now, so it'll get loud."

One look at Ana's shining face and Christian informs Taylor, "We'll be dining el fresco this evening."

Taylor's shoulders stiffen in protest at the sudden change to their plans, and he says, "Might not be able to secure all adjacent tables at such short notice."

Looking only at Ana's grateful smile, Christian says, "So be it."

Of course, despite the fact that there are other couples, even a family dining around them on the balcony of the restaurant, no one bothers the newlyweds. The noise from the constant, festive throng below them makes conversation difficult, but Ana doesn't even mind that, because Christian's adoring gaze speaks volumes. They're sipping a delicious white wine while they wait for the first course, their free hands joined across the table. Ana squeezes his hand to get his attention. When he leans in to listen, she says only, "Thank you."

Christian lifts her hand to his lips for a second and then says, "You're welcome, baby."

Between the main course and dessert, Taylor approaches to inform them, "Any minute."

Excited, Ana asks him, "Safe to watch from the railing?"

With a glance at Prescott, Taylor actually checks the solidity of the barrier before saying, "Yes, ma'am."

Her belly roiling with overactive butterflies, as it always does just before she watches fireworks, Ana is practically on tiptoes with excitement at the edge of the balcony when Christian puts a wineglass in her hand and then rests an arm around her waist, pulling her body snug against his, and he says, "You're adorable, Mrs. Grey."

He's not quite directly behind her, but close enough to it that Ana can feel his erection pressing on her hip, so she giggles and quietly says, "And you're horny, Mr. Grey."

Chinking his glass against hers, Christian proudly declares, "Practically my middle name."

With a glance at their minders, discreetly vigilant nearby, Ana asks, "Why sometimes both of them for dinner, but not always?"

"Depends if they can find secure parking for the car."

Confused, Ana says, "They're worried someone will steal…" His wary expression solves that mystery before she finishes the sentence. She reflexively swallows her fear and nervously asks, "You've had bomb threats?"

Christian's only answer is a shrug, and then he explains, "And they don't have to be that inventive; just tampering with the brakes could be enough."

Not brave enough to ask any more questions on the subject, Ana leans against Christian and says, "Then I'm glad they're here."

"Yeah, me too. I haven't always made Taylor's job easy, but I've never actually regretted hiring him, especially now that I have you."

They're quiet for a while, lost in maudlin thoughts, and then the unmistakable hiss of a fireworks rocket taking off almost silences the crowd. When it explodes in an array of colors, reflecting in the millpond calm water of the harbor and the windows of surrounding buildings, countless people join Ana in an exclamation of awe.

Of course, the impressive display ends far too quickly, as it always does. But Ana's heart is again full of almost too much happiness. She ignores her still healing lip to reward Christian with a grateful kiss, and then says, "That was amazing, thank you."

Amused, Christian says, "You're still welcome, baby. But I didn't put on the show."

"No, but you made sure I could watch it."

Their desserts are waiting when they return to the table. It's not the best zabaglione Ana's had since meeting Christian, but it's good enough to content her taste buds and she almost greedily devours it. She then becomes aware of Christian's amused stare and asks, "What?"

"I like what the sea air does to your appetite. I haven't had to nag you once since we got here."

It's still noisy enough that Ana doesn't have to lower her voice much to tell only him, "Could be the sea air, though I suspect the constant fucking has something to do with it."

His eyes bright with desire, Christian grins and says, "If I'd known that was all I had to do to get you to eat…."

Her gaze locked on his, Ana reaches across the table and steals what remains of his dessert. Watching the passion increase in his eyes, she ostentatiously savors every morsel, and then says, "Mmm…good."

His delighted smile confirming that he's not in the least upset by her crime, Christian shakes his head and says, "Yes, you are. And I think it's time to go." At her sudden apprehension, he asks, "Okay, baby?"

"Yeah, I'm…please don't think that I'm a tease, but can we join in the festivities for a bit?"

Christian chuckles and says, "You're hardly a tease, Ana. But how long is a bit?"

"Oh, I don't know; half an hour, maybe?"

Christian motions Taylor closer and says, "My wife would like to immerse herself in the local culture."

Somehow recognizing it as a question, Taylor considers for a moment, then says, "Low risk, but your wallets won't be safe in that crowd."

Without a word, Christian hands over his wallet. When he then looks at Ana, she hands Taylor her clutch and says, "No money; the purse is worth more than anything in it, I suspect."

Christian chuckles and says, "Unless it's full of diamonds, yes."

Feeling too good to be bothered even by this shocking revelation, Ana says, "Okay, hit me with it."

Christian understands immediately and, his head cocked to one side, smilingly asks, "You sure, baby?"

Clenching her fists and squeezing her eyes shut as if actually waiting for a blow, Ana nods and says, "Uh, huh."

Slowly enunciating every word, laughter in his voice, Christian says, "Two thousand, two hundred and ninety five dollars." When Ana's only response is a groan, he chuckles and asks, "Would you like to know how much that gown cost?"

Ana opens her eyes and takes his hand as she says, "No, that's all I can take in one night."

Still highly amused, Christian steers her towards the door as he says, "What happened to 'it's only billions of dollars'?"

"Somehow it's worse when the numbers are small enough that I can imagine them; I mean, that clutch purse could go a long way to paying off my student loans."

Smiling down at her, Christian says, "Sweetheart, you don't have any student loans."

Shocked into stillness just outside the restaurant, Ana looks at him to ask, "You paid off my loans?"

"We paid of your loans, baby. What's mine is yours." With a grin, he adds, "I'm pretty sure that I said something to that effect just before we became man and wife."

"Yes, you did. But I'm still coming to terms with your generosity. Thank you."

"You're welcome, baby. Now, which way?"

Looking around her, Ana decides to follow the music and points as she says, "The band." As they make their way through the crowd, she asks, "What do I do if we get separated?"

Holding up their joined hands as evidence, Christian says, "We won't. But, if you do get lost, Prescott will be with you."

"Perhaps you'll be the one who is lost."

Fighting a grin, Christian says, "Wife, don't you know by now that I'm the center of the universe? I can't get lost."

Ana is still laughing when Christian takes her in his arms and starts dancing in what little space is available to them. After a while, Ana leans her head against him and says, "You're the center of my universe."

She's knows that Christian is pleased with this appraisal when he groans and asks, "Can we go now?"

Ana laughs at his impatience and says, "No, you promised."

Actually pouting, Christian protests, "A promise unfairly extracted."

Though she suspects, Ana asks, "How so?"

"You stole my custard. You must have known what that would do to me."

All "innocence", Ana says, "What did it do to you, Mr. Grey?"

In answer, Christian holds her a little tighter and the feel of his erection pressing almost painfully into her groin means that Ana's legs become a little unsteady for dancing. Thankfully, she's in no danger of falling while in Christian's arms. He soon relents and again maintains an appropriate distance between them. Desire coursing through her body, Ana is seriously reconsidering holding Christian to the thirty minutes when a depressingly familiar voice says, "Well, if it isn't the honeymooners. Good evening." When she turns to look at Jacque Pretorius, he's holding out one hand and asks, "May I have this dance?"

This close to Christian, Ana feels his body tense into a wall of resistance at the very idea, so she says, "I don't think so, Jacque. But, thank you, for asking."

Unfazed, Jacque laughs lightly and says to Christian, "Come on, man, you can spare her for a few seconds." Putting his arms behind his back, he smilingly adds, "Look, no hands."

Ana is about to suggest that they just leave when Christian suddenly kisses her cheek and whispers "I trust you," as he releases her and then more loudly declares, "It's not up to me, Pretorius."

Amazed at this display of faith, Ana can only stare at Christian for a second, and then says, "One dance." With a forced smile, she says to Jacque, "We are on our honeymoon, after all."

True to his word, Jacque makes no move to touch even her hand as he finds enough space nearby for both of them to dance. As they move to the music, he says, "Thank you, Anastasia."

"Please call me Ana." She can see that he thinks it's an overture of friendship, when really she just doesn't like the sound of her full name from his lips, because Christian says it so much better. None of this plays out on her face when she asks, "How do you know we're on our honeymoon?"

With what should be a dazzling smile, but again seems a pale imitation of her husband's, Jacque reveals, "I'm afraid you're the talk of the island." At Ana's frown, he quickly adds, "Oh, but not from me." With a nod towards Prescott, hovering nearby, he explains, "It's more along the lines of, 'Did you see those newlyweds who always travel everywhere with armed guards?' than, 'Did you hear about that idiot who rubbed sunscreen on some guy's wife?' I really am sorry for that, by the way."

"Yes, you said."

"Yes, but last time I said it I'd been drinking, so now I'm apologizing properly." With a slight frown, he asks, "Do I need to apologize for anything I said the other night?"

Somewhat appeased by his apparently genuine contrition, Ana smiles and says, "No. You were very polite."

With a slight frown, Jacque asks, "Are you okay?" At her confusion, he adds, "Your lip."

Ana had forgotten breaking open the cut when she kissed Christian earlier that evening. Touching a finger to the site, to find that it's again dry, she shrugs says, "Boating accident. We went swimming with dolphins yesterday."

Jacque's eyes light up and he says, "The resort in Tortola?"

Not knowing that name, Ana guesses he must be talking about captive dolphins and says, "Uh, no; they were wild and just followed us to a cove."

"Oh, wonderful. I've been hoping for just such an experience. Where was that?"

"I'm sorry. I have no idea. But our skipper was Alphonse." Only now realizing that she has none of the details, Ana continues, "Christian will know more."

For some reason this is a conversation killer, and they dance opposite each other without words for several seconds until Ana, with a glance around at the crowd, asks, "And where is your aunt this evening?"

With a grin, Jacque says, "Oh, I'm pretty sure that you know she's not my aunt. That's just the line she's asked me to feed strangers. Felice was feeling a little tired, so she turned in early." They dance for a while without conversation, and then he asks, "And how's the villa at Pebble Cove?"

Ana's mouth is open to answer when she notices that he's waiting a little too keenly for her answer. Instead, she says, "More gossip?"

Concealing his disappointment with a shrug, Jacque says, "Something like that. Hey, would you to like to meet Felice tomorrow? We could all take a tour of the islands on the yacht."

"Honeymoon, Jacque."

He chuckles and says, "Oh, right. Sorry." The song is ending and Jacque asks, "So, I'm forgiven?"

Seeing no reason to hold a grudge, Ana says, "Forgiven."

In the almost quiet between songs, Jacque bows slightly and says, "Well, thanks for the dance and for being such a good sport. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay."

"Thank you, Jacque. I hope you and your not-aunt enjoy your stay, too."

With a delighted laugh, he accompanies her the short distance to a waiting, glowering Christian as he says, "Not-aunt; she'll like that."

Back with Christian, Ana puts a reassuring arm around his waist as she says to Jacque, "Thanks, for the dance. Goodnight."

This time Jacque doesn't look surprised at the dismissal. Instead, he bows to both of them and says, "Congratulations on your marriage. I hope you'll be very happy together. Goodnight."

Christian watches him meld into the crowd and then says, "Seemed to behave himself."

Ana knows that Christian will understand, because he's told her that no such thing exists, when she says, "Yes, he was a perfect gentleman."

Smiling his pride of her, Christian says, "So, you agree that he's not to be trusted?"

Ana smiles up at him and says, "I preferred the real shark." Shaking her head, she continues, "You're amazing." At his confusion, she explains, "You let me dance with him, even though you don't trust him. When I first met you, that would have been impossible."

Obviously pleased with himself, Christian beams at her and reaffirms, "I trust you."

With a grin, Ana asks, "So you didn't order Prescott to break him in two if he tried anything?"

Somehow expressing even more smugness, Christian says only, "I may have. But not because I don't trust you."

Standing on tiptoe, Ana puts her lips by his ear to reward him with the simple phrase, "Thank you, Sir."

Proving how much the exercise in trust has cost him, Christian crushes Ana's body to his, burying his face against her neck as he again asks, "Can we go now?"

Ecstatic with joy, it's as if nothing exists for Ana but this man, and her intuition again serves her well when she says, "Only if you carry me to the car."

She knew he'd go for it. But Ana is still surprised at the speed with which she's suddenly in Christian's arms and on her way back to the jeep.

Author's note: Hopefully, I'll post again before Christmas Day. But things are getting mad here. So, in case I don't; Happy Holidays!