Chapter Eighteen

On boarding the yacht with Ana and Christian, Taylor immediately checks on Felice, reclining on deck with her injured foot resting on a cushion and Jacque hovering nearby sporting an apparently permanent expression of rue. After a cursory examination of the wound and a few questions, Taylor says, "Looks fine. The black dots are just coloring from the spines. Keep an eye on it, but I doubt you'll need a doctor."

"Thank you." Then glancing at Jacque, Felice smiles and says, "Now you can stop mothering me."

Finally able to smile, Jacque says, "And, when you're fully healed, I will."

Felice rolls her eyes and says, "Time for dinner, I think."

They all enjoy a lovely meal, with Ana grateful that it's less sumptuous this time. Though it's still better than she'd expect, given that it was cooked on a boat. By unspoken mutual consent, none of them let Felice walk on her injured foot. She puts up with all the attention in good humor, until Jacque insists on carrying her when she excuses herself to visit the bathroom. Holding up a hand as he moves towards her, she says, "No. If you don't bang by head on a door frame, you'll probably drop me going down the stairs."

Pouting a little, Jacque protests, "I won't drop you."

Christian smiles and says, "There's no point, Pretorius. Believe me; I know something of stubborn, independent women. You can't win." Of course, he then has to dodge Ana's tickling fingers. Having captured the offending digits, he kisses them in apology and then suggests, "Baby, perhaps you could assist?"

When Felice merely shrugs, Ana nods and says, "Okay."

It's slow going, with Felice walking on her heel, to keep the still slightly swollen ball of her foot from the deck. But they make it to the master bedroom without mishap and she says, "Thanks. I can manage from here."

"Of course you can. But I'd better wait for you or Jacque will have a fit." When Felice says nothing and looks away, Ana gently asks, "Want to talk about it, yet?"

Her expression pure sorrow, Felice says, "There's no point. He'll leave, and I'll just have to get over it." With an obviously forced grin, she adds, "I'm stronger than I look."

Having already offered assistance, Ana says only, "Clearly. I'll be here."

With a nod, somehow expressing sorrow even with that simple gesture, Felice heads towards the bathroom, but then stops and turns, saying, "Oh, I'm sorry if I scared you earlier." At Ana's confusion, she continues, "When I warned you to be careful; Christian is nothing like Phil. I've never seen a man so in love."

Smiling at this confirmation, Ana says, "Thank you. But you didn't scare me." With a small laugh, she adds, "Though the whole idea has freaked out Christian a little. He spent quite a bit of time this afternoon researching symptoms of abusive husbands." When Felice looks surprised, Ana explains, "He's…we…" Worried about betraying secrets that aren't hers alone, Ana takes a deep breath to collect her thoughts and then reveals, "He's my first. So I didn't know to stop him from exceeding my limits, and he hurt me enough that I left him. Now he's terrified of repeating that mistake."

Felice nods as she digests this information, and then says, "That's it, isn't it? Fear of repeating our mistakes is probably the big one."

Sensing that Felice is finally ready to talk, Ana says, "Go pee, and then we can chat."

When Ana and Felice eventually emerge on deck, Christian stops his conversation with Jacque to ask, "What the fuck took you so long? We were about to alert the coastguard."

He doesn't seem genuinely upset, so Ana grins and reveals, "Secret women's business." At the sudden fear on both men's faces, Ana laughs and says to Felice, "Apparently, words guaranteed to strike terror into the heart of any man." Then presenting the guitar, from its inadequate place of concealment behind her back, Ana asks Jacque, "Do you mind?"

Standing to accept the instrument, Jacque kisses Felice on the cheek and murmurs, "Not too tired?"

Smiling up at him, Felice shakes her head and says, "No. Please, Jacque."

Jacque frowns for a second, but then he helps Felice to her seat and tunes the guitar before playing. When he's done, Christian bothers to politely applaud, soon joined by the women, and then he asks, "Know any Fauré?"

Jacque considers for a moment and then begins. Utterly content, Ana lifts Christian's arm so that she can snuggle against him, and lets the music carry her away. By the end of the fifth tune, Felice is yawning and Jacque says, "Enough for you."

At first shaking her head, Felice then says, "You're right." To Ana and Christian, she says, "Sorry; big day. But it was fun, thank you."

Christian grins and says, "Shouldn't we be saying that to you?" And then he offers his hand as he adds, "Lovely evening; thank you. Take it easy until you're well, okay?"

Jacque interjects, "I'll make sure of it."

Ana, Christian and even Taylor make their farewells before heading back to shore. Taylor stays only long enough to check the main villa before retiring. When they're alone, Christian slides his arms around Ana's waist and asks, "Women's business?"

Ana laughs and rests her arms on his shoulders, toying with the curls at the back of his neck as she says, "I thought it was weird when you left that alone. Yes, she's in love with him and needed to vent."

"Then those two really need to talk."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. I asked him the secret; how he gets the women to believe that he's in love with them."

Having already suspected it, Ana smiles and says, "There is no secret." At Christian's nod, she adds, "Good."

Immediately wary, Christian says, "What have you done?"

"Me? Nothing." When Christian raises one eyebrow, Ana explains, "But Felice is going to make Jacque a very rich man. Their deal is that she's to pay him an amount that reflects how happy she is with his…services, for lack of a better word. And she's going to give him half of her fortune."

Shocked, Christian is quiet for a few seconds and then whistles in admiration and says, "She's got balls, I'll give her that."

Ana laughs and says, "You realize that most women don't actually feel that phrase is a compliment?"

Christian shrugs and says, "Still, we mean it as such."

Leaning her head against his chest, Ana says, "Yes. Do you think I have balls?"

Christian kisses the top of her head and solemnly vows, "Of solid rock, baby."

Ana giggles and says, "You're such a sweet talker, Mr. Grey."

His voice deep, Christian says, "Then perhaps you'd like to discuss my balls, instead?"

Locking her fingers behind his head, Ana suddenly lifts her feet off the ground, knowing that Christian will catch her in his arms, and says, "Husband, I thought you'd never ask."

Ana is woken by Christian alternately kissing her and saying, "Wake up, sleepyhead."

With a groan, she turns away, protesting, "Christian, it's still night. When you said that you'd wake me for the sunrise, I assumed you meant at dawn."

With a sharp smack on her butt, Christian says, "Come on, baby. There's a hill above Coral Bay that will give us spectacular views of the harbor as the sun hits it. But we have to go now."

Sitting up while trying to bring some semblance of order to her hair, Ana says, "Okay, okay. I'll just have a quick shower."

Gently pushing her out of the bed, Christian says, "No time. Jason's waiting outside. Just pee and get dressed. We'll have breakfast when we get back."

Finally waking up and catching some of his enthusiasm, Ana heads to the en suite as she says, "This view had better be good."

With a grateful smile, Christian says, "Money back guarantee."

Taylor is waiting by one of the jeeps and cheerfully says, "Good morning, Mrs. Grey."

Smiling to lessen the impact, Ana says, "God, not another morning person."

Chuckling, Taylor climbs in the driver's seat and waits until they're belted before heading off. It's still dark when they reach the currently deserted top of the hill above the bay. Christian grabs the canvas bag he brought from the villa and says, "Let's sit on the hood."

With Taylor leaving the parking lights on for now, there's enough light to see Christian remove a thermos from the bag and fill a cup with the steaming contents before handing it to Ana. It has barely any smell, so she assumes it's water. With a grin and a flourish, Christian reaches inside his shirt pocket and produces a teabag. Genuinely touched by the consideration, Ana accepts it as she says, "Thank you."

Apparently pleased with her reaction, Christian beams at her as he says, "You're welcome, baby. If you get hungry, I've got granola bars as well."

Not really feeling very cold, something about sipping the hot tea elicits a shiver from Ana. With a wordless gesture back at Taylor, Christian produces a blanket and puts it around her shoulders as he asks, "Better?"

Feeling so loved that it's almost a physical pain, Ana is fighting back tears as she says, "Much, thank you."

Frowning, Christian asks, "Okay, baby?"

"Yeah, I just…I'm still not used to being so spoiled."

Understanding transforms Christian's face and he promises, "You'll get used to it."

Smiling her love for him, Ana says, "I hope not. I want it to always feel this special."

Mindful of the hot tea in her hands, Christian tenderly kisses Ana and then rests an arm around her shoulders as they wait for the dawn. As the night begins its retreat, he fetches a camera from the bag. Marveling, yet again, that he seems to think of everything, Ana smiles and focuses on the splendor unfolding before them. As if by magic, the morning sun transforms the cornrows of clouds into an apparent sea of fire. The mirror-flat water of the harbor below them is also aflame, making the black silhouettes of the countless yachts stand out in sharp contrast. And then Ana can only stare in breathless wonder as the scene is slowly filled with spectacular blues, vibrant purples, delicate pinks and her new favorite; complex grays.

When Christian touches Ana's arm to get her attention, she can see the same wonder written plainly on his face. After handing the camera to Taylor, he jumps down and offers Ana assistance as he says, "Time for a couples shot, I think."

Taylor takes several photos of the honeymooners posed against the stunning background, and then Christian smiles at Ana and says, "Hungry?" When Ana blushes and lowers her gaze, Christian leans closer to whisper, "For me?"

Hearing a noise, Ana notices that an ever-discreet Taylor is heading back to the car. She stands on tiptoes and puts her lips by Christian's ear to reply, "Only for you, Sir."

With a strangled moan, almost a whimper, Christian crushes Ana to him, then lifts her face with a hand on her chin and kisses her, long but tender. Finally ending it, he shakes his head and says, "God, woman. What I would endure for how you make me feel. I truly would do anything for you."

Pleased with the result of her flirting, Ana smiles, saying, "And all you had to do was make me a cup of tea."

Christian laughs, kisses her again and says, "Oh, I love you. Let's get back so I can show you how much."

After checking the main villa, noticing that Cynthia has already prepared the scheduled light breakfast for the couple, Taylor secures the jeep and enters his temporary home. Prescott is preparing for the morning's hike and he says, "No hurry. There'll be a slight delay."

Prescott rolls her eyes and says, "Do you suppose everyone is like this on their honeymoon?"

With a grin, Taylor says, "I can't speak for everyone, but I sure as hell was. You've never marr…? Oh, shit. Sorry, Rae."

Waving it away, Prescott says, "Not your fault. And it's more from lack of opportunity than lack of friendly legislation."

Reassured, Taylor says, "And how is the fair Helena this morning?"

With a huge smile, Prescott says, "Last I heard, extremely satisfied."

Taylor chuckles and pours himself a coffee as he asks, "You're seeing her this afternoon?"

"Yeah. You sure you're okay with taking the lion's share today?"

Taylor laughs again and says, "You have to hike the same trail you checked out yesterday and I get to sit in a boat all afternoon." Patting his belly, he continues, "I'm only worried how much weight I've put on this week. But I'll go for a run after I drop you off." Sitting down with his coffee and the newspaper, he adds, "Oh, watch Ana, won't you? She's not too good at monitoring her food and water intake. And remind them about the Manchineel tree."

Clearly not very upset, Prescott says, "Telling me how to do my job now, Jay?"

Holding up both hands in defense of her mock outrage, Taylor says, "Just doing mine."

"You really do care for them, don't you?"

"You don't?"

After considering for a second, Prescott says, "I'm starting to. Grey's certainly making an effort at the moment."

A flicker of concern passes over his face before Taylor says, "Yeah; not much stress here. But his temper's not gone, and we need to watch out for it."

"You don't really think he'd hit her in anger, do you? The guy is completely besotted with her."

"No, I don't. But rage makes him reckless and, in my experience, such recklessness leads to a mess that I'll have to clean up."

"You know I can help with that, right? I still have connections and the NDA you had me sign is nothing compared to what's required to protect even the President's pooch."

"That's really a gig?" When Prescott only touches a finger on the side of her nose to indicate that she'll never tell, Taylor laughs and says, "Well played. Okay, thanks, Rae; hopefully it won't be necessary, but you can help me if there's a mess."

Of course, Prescott is ready to go by the time Christian calls. Taylor drives them to the start of the hiking trail and helps unload the supplies before leaving. When Christian hands Ana her backpack, she protests, "Why is my pack so much smaller than yours?"

"Because you are so much smaller, baby." When Ana then gestures to their escort, who is only a few inches taller than Ana, he smiles and says, "Because Prescott can do eighty pushups in a minute."

"Actually, sir, last count was seventy-three."

Ana is still staring at the woman in open-mouthed shock when Christian says, "I stand corrected." And then he grins at Ana and asks, "Any other complaints?"

Shaking her head, Ana shrugs her pack on as she says, "No, I'm fine. How many can you do?"

"Taylor timed me once and I did a hundred and two, though he maintains that at least three of them weren't perfect." And then he gestures to the trail and says, "After you, baby."

Surprised to be allowed to lead their small party, Ana is then stung by the realization that it's only because both of her hiking companions could easily outdistance her. Without even understanding why, she decides to show them what she's capable of and forges ahead at a cracking pace, ignoring Christian's gentle warning, "Easy, Ana; we're sightseeing, not competing."

When the consequences of her pettiness occur, they do so very fast. As Ana misjudges her footing going downhill and can do nothing but watch the ground rush towards her, Prescott yells, "Sir!"

But that's not what alerts Christian to Ana's predicament, because he's already moving, and manages to grab her wrist, wrenching her shoulder a little as all her body weight is taken up by the limb. And then she's in his arms and his frantic, irate voice is saying, "What the fuck are you playing at, Ana? You could have broken your fucking neck! There's no reason to go that fast."

Tears are stinging Ana's eyes, and she still doesn't understand her actions. Clutching her sore arm to her body, all she can think to say is, "I'm sorry."

Prescott is by their side and gently removes Ana's backpack before getting her to run through a few positions with the arm, then pronounces, "Just strained. Mention it to the masseuse this evening and take it easy for a while. You should be fine." To Christian, she says, "Sir, I think it might be better if I go first from now on."

Christian's attention is wholly consumed by Ana when he says, "Give us a minute."

With only a clipped "Sir," Prescott moves ahead; out of earshot, but not out of sight.

Lifting Ana's face so that he can see her eyes, Christian gently asks, "Wanna tell me what's going on? Why are you so hell-bent on hurting yourself?"

As if his tender concern is permission, the tears fall and Ana shakes her head as she says, "I don't know. When I realized that you were letting me go first because I'm the slowest, I just got…I had to prove you wrong. I'm sorry, Christian. I know you're just trying to make sure I have a good time…." Trailing off, still bewildered and hurt, knowing it's her own fault, she sighs and says, "Why am I so stubborn?"

With a genuine laugh, Christian says, "You think I have the answer? Sweetheart, I've been asking that question ever since we met." Handing her a Kleenex, he continues, "For now, fix your face and we can get going, with me in the lead this time."

Resting a hand on his arm in entreaty, Ana says, "No, please, I'll go slower. I can do this."

Frowning in confusion, Christian says, "Baby, you don't need to prove anything here. This is meant to be fun." And then he cocks his head to one side and asks, "Are you under the impression that I think you're weak?"

Considering for a moment while she dries her eyes, Ana then says, "It feels like the truth when you say it, but that doesn't make any sense. You're said more than once that you think I'm one of the strongest people you've met."

Christian smiles and says, "The strongest, baby. You're amazing. Could this have anything to do with the sexism you've no doubt encountered in your life?"

Giving it some more thought, Ana then says, "Maybe. Something about being shorter than average, too. People were always assuming I couldn't do anything physical…being clumsy didn't help, either. I'm sorry, Christian."

Glaring at her, Christian says, "Stop apologizing, or I really will get angry."

"I'm sor…I just meant…I know you're not like that. This is not really anything to do with you, yet I've hurt you."

"Hurt me?"

Flexing her shoulder, wincing a little as she does so, Ana says, "Yeah, because you had to hurt me to keep me from kissing the dirt."

His jaw clenching for a second, Christian then shrugs and says, "Well at least it kept my anger in check." With a sigh, he adds, "To recap; your impressive display of suicidal hiking was a reaction to prejudice you faced before you ever met me, and despite the fact that you know I don't share those misconceptions?"

Hearing how ridiculous that sounds, Ana grimaces and says, "Can I apologize now?"

Grinning, Christian says, "No. Every saint has a past, remember? There's not much point apologizing for it." Picking up Ana's pack, he slings it over his shoulder and says, "Come on. Prove how strong you are by ignoring all those lies you've been taught; act within your limits."

About to ask that she be allowed to still carry her pack, Ana realizes she's doing exactly the same thing they just discussed. Instead, she says, "Okay, but turn around for a sec, so I can stow my pack inside yours."

Christian does exactly as instructed, bobbing down a little so she can reach. When she's done, she pats his back and says, "There; now you have both hands free for catching weak women."

Christian turns to her, laughing as he does so, and says, "Assuming, of course, I could find any on this trail."

Grateful for his patience and understanding, Ana stands on a nearby rock, so that she's just a little taller than Christian. Taking the hint, he moves in for a lingering kiss. When they come up for air, Ana says, "This is different. I like it."

With a grin, Christian lifts her down and teases, "Pity, then, that you're merely a woman; a, weak, clumsy, short woman."

The resulting attack on his ribs by Ana's tickling fingers results in another, more passionate kiss, and then she says, "Thank you, Christian."

"For goading you?"

"For not believing any of it."

"Oh. You're welcome, baby. But we need to get you into a fitness program when we get back, so people can really underestimate you." Mirroring her resulting smile, Christian then wordlessly gives her permission to go first. As they approach Prescott, she starts to head off, but Christian says, "Ana leads."

Her spine stiffening in protest, Prescott says, "Sir?"

Christian's mouth straightens into a harsh line at her mutinous response, and he says only, "You heard me."

Worried about damaging the trust she has with her bodyguard, Ana takes Christian's hand and taps it twice, so he won't interfere, and then says to Prescott, "I'm sorry that I forgot my limits and put myself in danger, making your job more difficult. I won't do that again."

Prescott's eyes widen in surprise at the apology, and then she steps aside as she says, "Ma'am."

Taylor is preparing lunch when Prescott returns and he greets her with, "Just in time. Omelet okay?"

"Perfect, thanks. But shower first. It's already hot as Hades out there."

"Just as well you started early then. Any problems?"

Already on her way to the bathroom, Prescott again says, "Shower first."

Taylor has served lunch by the time Prescott returns, practically diving on the lite beer as she says, "Thanks."

When she stops for a breath, Taylor prompts, "Problems?"

Holding up one finger, Prescott says, "Problem, and only a minor one. Ana took the lead, as per Grey's wishes, and she lost her footing downhill through some rocks."

Tensing, Taylor asks, "She okay?"

"Fine, other than a strained deltoid from where Grey yanked her back. God, he's fast."

"How'd he take it?"

"He was pissed as hell that she'd risked herself. But it was like the flick of a switch when he realized that he'd inadvertently hurt her. He calmed right down. I can't imagine what he'd be like if anyone deliberately caused her harm."

Clearly in earnest, Taylor vows, "They won't."

Less certain, Prescott says, "So long as they let us do our job. Oh, but she apologized for being so reckless. I think maybe she's getting the hang of having a detail around."

"Well, that was fast. Good. Are they still going fishing?"

Prescott shrugs as she begins her meal, then says, "Far as I know. This is good, thanks."

Grinning, Taylor says, "I'm not just a pretty face."

Lifting her drink in toast to him, Prescott teases, "Not even."

Frowning a little, Christian says, "Are you sure about this? We can still cancel."

Holding up the daypack in support of her words, Ana says, "I've got music and something to read. Plus, I'll enjoy watching you being all Great White Hunter."

Christian chuckles and says, "Well, hopefully I won't actually land a great white, because I don't want to be in a thirty foot boat with one."

Putting the pack aside, Ana moves into his ready embrace as she says, "I'm glad you're not feeling guilty about my shoulder, because it wasn't your fault."

With only a slight flicker of guilt, Christian says, "Yeah, I know; it's the fault of every person who ever insinuated that you aren't an incredibly smart, strong, talented woman."

Ana smiles and says, "Actually, I meant that I'm more to blame for the injury than you are. But, thank you, for saying that." Her brow crinkling in confusion, she continues, "You're something of an enigma, Mr. Grey." At his raised eyebrow, she explains, "You're not sexist, yet you're incredibly turned on when I submit to you. If you weren't still freaked out about being a father, I imagine your ideal would be me, barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen, cooking your favorite dinner in a floral print dress with lace-edged apron and sans panties."

With a lecherous grin, Christian says, "Now that is a very pretty image." But then he more seriously explains, "One has nothing to do with the other, baby. If I were gay, except for the obvious difference, I'd feel the same."

With a grin, Ana says, "And you might know your way around a kitchen a little better."

Also grinning, Christian says, "Now who's being prejudiced? Some of the best meals I've ever had were prepared by straight men."

Ana laughs and says, "Good point. Oh, what is your favorite meal?"

Without hesitation, Christian says, "Mac 'n cheese."

"Truly? When you've eaten in what I would assume are excellent restaurants all over the world?"

With a shrug, Christian says, "Well, you can dress it up and call it penne ai quattro formaggi, if you like. But it's still mac 'n cheese, and it always makes me feel good." At the knock on the door, he moves to answer it as he says, "Incidentally, our favorite security officer does a very good version. Oh, but don't tell Gail I said that."

Grabbing her pack, Ana follows him, "locking" her lips as she does so.

Author's note: Do we want the details of the fishing trip? I'm worried that this story is becoming an ad campaign for the United States Virgin Islands (nothing against them, obviously, but it's a bit boring to list every attraction on St. John), so I skipped the details of their hike. But it occurs to me that some of you might find an account of Christian Grey landing a 274 lb yellowfin tuna a turn on. I'm fine either way, so long as I get to write.