Chapter Thirteen

"Yellow!"

Dropping the riding crop as if it's suddenly poisonous, Christian lifts the scarf from Ana's eyes as he says, "What's wrong?"

Naked but for the improvised blindfold, standing with her back against the inside of their closed bedroom door, wrists and ankles bound to each corner, Ana says, through gritted teeth, "Bad pain. I'm sorry, Christian, but you said…."

Immediately cradling her body in support as he opens the door to facilitate her release, Christian says, "Hey, it's okay. You did the right thing." When she's free, he lifts Ana in his arms, placing her on the bed as he asks, "Too much, baby?"

Curling into something like a fetal position, to ease her strained muscles, Ana laughs a little and says, "No, that was exactly right. But I think perhaps we shouldn't have attempted this the same day I spent hours on horseback."

Looking as if he's the one in pain, Christian kneels next to her and asks, "Where does it hurt?"

"Uh, it already feels better now that I'm not strung up, but pretty much everywhere, from my knees to my neck. I'm so sorry."

Shaking his head to negate her apology, Christian says, "Can you comfortably lie on your stomach?"

Turning to obey, Ana says, "I think so. Massage?"

"Yes, and then some time in the hot tub."

Glad that he doesn't seem offended, Ana jokes, "Well, it's not foreplay with bondage and riding crop, but I guess it'll have to do."

Christian chuckles and kisses between her shoulder blades before saying, "Thank you, for using the safe word, baby. It's a load off my mind knowing that I can trust you even in this. Now pull back the covers, I don't want to get oil all over the comforter."

Keen for the feel of his hands on her body, under any circumstance, Ana pulls back the bedcovers and again lies on her stomach. As the wonderfully appetizing scent of the Drift Away massage oil fills the room, Ana's muscles relax further in anticipation and she says, "Mmm…you're welcome, husband. But we're still going to have sex, right?"

Christian laughs again as his skilled fingers seek out the knots in her muscles, and he says, "Assuming you're still awake after I've eased my conscience with a suitable amount of pampering, yes."

Confused, Ana says, "You feel guilty about this? I'm not sure how it escaped your notice, Christian, but I was an extremely willing, even eager participant."

She feels the shrug through his hands and then he says, "True. But it's my job to look after you. I should have considered the fact that you haven't ridden for years."

"Mmm…that's good, thank you. Uh, but you can't think of everything, Christian. And I should have known that it would be too much, because I was in a little discomfort even before we started. But…well, you know."

Christian leans down enough to kiss her shoulder and says, "Yeah, baby, I know. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could just get away from everything and everyone? We could fuck eighteen hours a day, eat just enough to keep us going and fall asleep in each other's arms every night."

"Sounds like heaven…actually, kind of sounds like the past few days." Ana's thoughts then move on to what Christian might want to get away from, and she says, "I'll miss you tomorrow."

His hands still for a second and Christian warily asks, "Going somewhere, wife?"

Ana laughs at the misunderstanding and says, "No, darling…well, no further than town, anyway. I thought I'd do some more shopping while I have the time. But you'll be in CEO mode and it will seem as if you're far away, so I'll miss you."

"I won't be all day. I promise. Thanks, again, for being so understanding."

Ana dreamily says, "Well, I figure you'll probably make it up to me."

"After hours trying to sort out this fucking mess? Only a word from you could keep me from doing so, baby."

Other than unintelligible utterances of encouragement, Ana is quiet for a while, and then she asks, "Oh, what if I run into Jacque again?"

Sounding deadly serious, Christian says only, "Have Prescott shoot him."

"We'll call that Plan B. How about, instead, I continue being polite, but remember not to trust him?" When Christian only quietly chuckles, Ana asks, "What?"

"Oh, I'm just surprised that you're asking me how to behave. But I like it."

"No, I'm just…" Her brain catching up with what she said, Ana thinks about it for a few seconds and then turns to look at him, effectively ending the massage, as she says, "Well, it's my job, as your wife, to look after you, too. I know that we won't always be able to avoid it, but I never want to add to your anxiety."

Stretching out beside her, Christian embraces Ana and says, "I appreciate the thought, baby. But you can't take on that responsibility. If something makes me anxious, that's on me." With a rueful grin, he continues, "I'll probably forget that the next time your drive me crazy, but I'll remember it again when I calm down, okay?"

Confused, Ana says, "I can't not care about you, Christian."

With a grin, Christian says, "I'm very glad to hear it. But that's different than wondering if every action you're about to undertake will upset me. Am I making sense? This is another thing I've never had to discuss with a woman in the past."

Ana considers and says, "I think so. But I'd feel better if we had some way…oh, like when you reminded me last night that you trust me; then I knew that you'd be okay with whatever decision I made…that I could then trust you not to blow up at me."

Christian slowly nods his understanding and then says, "Often, in Dom/sub relationships, there are unspoken cues. We could use something like that as a reminder of the trust we have for each other?"

Smiling, Ana says, "They have those in vanilla relationships, too. And I think it's a wonderful idea. What do you suggest?"

With a wide grin, Christian taps her shoulder, twice, and then says, "How about that?"

Ana giggles at this reminder of his compulsion, then taps her fingertips twice on his chest and says, "Perfect." Eager, as ever, for information about her husband, Ana then asks, "You used something like this with your subs?"

And, as ever, wary about discussing his past even with his wife, Christian hesitates a moment before saying only, "Yes."

Smiling at his reticence, Ana says, "More information, please."

With a shrug, Christian explains, "Oh, for positions, and a reminder when they were getting out of hand. It's an incredible rush, as a Dom, to be able to control someone without even speaking."

Ana giggles and says "I'll bet," and then asks, "Positions?"

Slicing the air with his index and middle finger extended, Christian says, "This is 'kneel'. You know the pose I'm referring to." With a wide grin, he adds "Or my personal favorite," before slowly spreading those same two fingers apart, while holding his hand horizontal.

Ana giggles and lies on her back, slowly spreading her legs as she says, "Something like this?"

Recognizing it as an answer and an invitation, Christian levers himself up onto one elbow as he asks, "You sure? You're not still sore?"

Even as he speaks, Christian's hand is wandering over her body, as if independent of his will. Smiling up at him, Ana puts her hand on his and taps twice. Beaming his gratitude, he says, "Okay, baby, but on your side. No more pain for you, tonight."

Somehow knowing that he'll like it, Ana lowers her chin, so that she's looking up at him through her upper lashes and begs, "Not even a little, Sir?"

Christian's breath hitches and then he smiles as he shakes his head and says, "God, woman, what you make me feel. Now, turn over."

Her groin tightening almost painfully in delicious anticipation, Ana eagerly complies. She's barely settled into position when Christian grasps her hip and enters her in one, swift move. Ana cries out in surprise and pleasure, her body still very sensitive from her earlier orgasm under the flick of the riding crop. When she's regained some semblance of control over her body, she gasps, "Thank you, Sir."

Without a word, Christian starts moving within her, gradually picking up the pace until Ana feels like she's going to explode, and then she kind of does, as such intense pleasure courses through her body that it almost feels white hot. As she comes back down off the orgasmic high, she realizes that Christian is also done, and is clutching her to him with every limb, as if trying to make their two bodies one. Reaching up behind her, to run her fingers through his hair, Ana says, "And again; thank you, Sir."

Christian chuckles, causing delicious sensations for both of them, and kisses her shoulder, saying, "You're welcome, baby. Sleep or hot tub?"

"Sleep, please. I couldn't move a muscle even if you begged me."

Reaching for the sheet and covering them without leaving her body, Christian says, "Fortunately, I also have no intention of moving. Sleep now, baby."

"Like this?"

"What's wrong with this?"

"Nothing, except that, if we're not asleep in minutes, you'll have another erection."

"So we'll fuck again, until one or both of us falls asleep."

Ana giggles and says, "Excellent plan, Mr. Grey. I love you."

Christian kisses her cheek and says, "I love you, too, Mrs. Grey. Sweet dreams."

They're quiet for a few seconds, and then Ana says, "Can you teach me those gestures?"

His voice heavy with sleep, Christian murmurs, "Sure, baby. You want to incorporate them in our play?"

"Yeah; it sounds like fun. And we already know you'd enjoy it. Oh, but you understand that, if you ever try them in public, I'll have a few gestures of my own for you."

Christian laughs and says, "Understood. Oh, except for playtime, of course."

When Ana is then quiet for several seconds, he twice taps her midriff where his hand has come to rest. It's enough to remind her that she can trust him, so she covers his hand with one of hers and says, "Thank you. Okay, yes; except for playtime." When Christian's waning erection soon comes to life within her, Ana giggles and says, "Well, I don't need three guesses to know what you're thinking about, do I?"

Despite his earlier words about again having sex, Christian withdraws from her as he kisses her shoulder, then he says, "Something along the lines of silently commanding you to spread your legs and let me pleasure you under the table at a restaurant?"

Her own version of an erection spreading pleasure within, Ana says, "Oh, my. Yes, a lot like that. God, Christian, you're turning me into some sort of nympho."

Turning Ana to face him, Christian tenderly kisses her and earnestly declares, "Good." After wrapping her in his embrace, he instructs, "Now, sleep."

"Uh, I would, but the moisture trickling down my thighs will make that difficult."

Christian chuckles and releases her as he says, "Sorry, baby; a little distracted here."

When Ana returns from the en suite, Christian is asleep. Marveling at how the sight is still somewhat foreign for her, she just stares at him for several seconds. In sleep he finally looks his age, rather than some harried businessman in his thirties. With only a sheet covering his body, she can see that he's still erect. She has to stifle a giggle then, simply because the term "nocturnal penile tumescence" is giggle-worthy. One arm is resting across his stomach, the other casually flung over his eyes; a gesture she recognizes from the few times she's seen him sleep, and she wonders if it's instinct, or a deeper, psychological fear of the light. This turns her thoughts inward, to worrying about whether he'll ever be free of the self-loathing, paranoia and other burdens that he carries from his past. Determined not to let anything ruin her mood, Ana banishes such concerns with a shake of her head and, instead, again focusses on how exquisitely beautiful her husband is, and how lucky she is that they found each other.

With a shaky sigh, as her love for him becomes almost too much, Ana tiptoes around the bed to pick up the improvised bonds and riding crop from where Christian had discarded them in his haste to free her. Confident that Cynthia won't look there, she stows the whip in her suitcase; the sashes and neckties in the laundry hamper. When she then joins her husband in the bed, he mumbles something in his sleep and automatically seeks out the comfort of her body. Once again safe in his arms, Ana quickly falls into a peaceful sleep.

Someone is placing feather light kisses all over her face and neck. So Ana wakes smiling and, without opening her eyes, says, "Mmm…good morning, husband."

Christian laughs, a soft, contented sound, and says, "Good morning, wife. Would you like breakfast in bed again?"

Finally opening her eyes to find Christian's smiling face is only inches from hers, Ana sees that he's wearing his navy, pinstripe suit and she asks, "Why are you dressed for the office?"

"Video conference. I could hardly talk to Korean business tycoons in my pajamas. Breakfast?"

"You've eaten?"

"Yeah, sorry. But you were sleeping so soundly that I didn't want to wake you. But it'll get cold if you wait much longer."

"Can I eat near you?"

Sitting up to give her room, Christian says, "Sure, baby. I'm just replying to emails at the moment. I'll set a place for you."

Ana grabs his sleeve as he moves to stand up. When he looks at her, she says, "Still like my morning breath?"

Almost containing his smile, Christian says, "Hmm, let's see." He tenderly kisses her, only just breaching the barrier of her lips with his tongue, and then says, "Yep, still delicious."

Grinning like an idiot in response to his playfulness, Ana threads her fingers through his hair and pulls his head towards her as she says, "Then kiss me properly."

Finally ending it, pulling back from Ana's mouth despite her grip on his hair, Christian groans and says, "Come on, or you'll lose your appetite for food altogether."

Immediately releasing him, Ana laughs and says, "Might be too late for that, already. But I'll eat."

She's out the other side of the bed when Christian, almost to the door, says, "Oh, did you pick up after me last night?"

Wondering if she did something wrong, Ana says, "Uh, yeah."

Offering a dazzling smile, Christian says, "Thank you, baby. I was a little worried that I'd actually started tidying in my sleep." Running a hand through his hair, he adds, "I really don't need another symptom at this stage."

Smiling, Ana says, "No, I think you have just enough."

The phrase is delivered with enough affection that Christian's sudden desire is plainly written on his face. He shakes his head and says, "You'd better have breakfast and get out of here, or I'll forget that I need to work today."

Confident that she could actually persuade him to choose her over work, Ana knows that he'd only regret it later. Still, she can't resist testing his control just a little, so she curtsies, holding the hem of an imaginary dress as she says, "Yes, Sir."

Christian's gaze darkens still further and he looks around the room, saying, "Right! Where's that riding crop?"

Giggling like a little girl, Ana flees to the en suite. Thankfully, and perhaps regretfully, Christian doesn't follow her. After taking care of essentials, she bothers only with an oversize t-shirt before entering the living area. Christian has set up his temporary office at the small dining table. Opposite him is a covered plate, tea and an orange juice. He looks up and smiles as she enters. Ana quickly kisses him and says "Thank you," before sitting down to dine.

They don't say anything as Ana eats and Christian works. Every now and then they glance at each other and smile. Ana is almost done when he says, "This is…I think it's fair to say, not something I would have ever imagined doing."

"Watching your wife eat?"

Christian smiles and says, "That, too. But this whole, incredibly domestic scene; I can't believe how much I'm enjoying this. I'll miss you, today."

Without a hint of bitterness, Ana says, "Only until you become immersed in the work. You love your job."

Reaching across the table to take her hand, Christian says, "No, sweetheart, I love you. I just really like my job. But I'm glad you're not jealous."

Gathering up her dishes and heading to the kitchenette, stopping for a quick kiss on the way, Ana says, "Well, I know you'll be thinking of me every now and then."

She stands up from loading the dishwasher, only to be grabbed from behind and Christian says by her ear, "This is me thinking of you now."

Ana can feel his erection hard against her butt and she says, "Wow, you really like your job."

Lifting up the hem of her tee to run his hands over her body, Christian chuckles and says, "Now, you know very well that spreadsheets don't get me hard like this. But you bending over in only a t-shirt will work every time."

Delighted with this unexpected turn of events, Ana laughs and says, "Christian, you couldn't even see me. You were on the other side of the counter."

With a shrug, he says, "I didn't need to see you to know exactly how luscious you looked. You got time?"

Her body thrilling at his touch, Ana sighs her pleasure and says, "Yes, darling. I'm all yours." When Christian's strangled, passionate moan is his only reply, Ana realizes that those five words are probably the sexiest she could say to him. Understanding how difficult it was for him to ask for this time to remedy his problems at work, Ana then suggests, "Just fuck me, Christian. We can take our time tonight."

Spinning her to face him, Christian lifts Ana onto the counter and does exactly as he's told.