Chapter Nineteen

The sport fishing boat is waiting at the end of the jetty. Christian helps Ana onboard and they meet their guide and skipper, Warren; a sun-bronzed man in his mid-thirties. When Ana asks if he's okay with a woman along, given the ancient superstition, he "solemnly" informs her that he has never considered women bad luck under any circumstances, except for his ex-wife who proved to be bad luck under all circumstances. When she laughs at his comical expression, Christian's gaze darkens with what can only be jealousy. But, other than reasserting his claim with an arm around Ana's shoulder when they sit down, he doesn't act on it as they hurtle across the water on their way to a supposedly secret fishing spot, which turns out to be known by at least two other skippers. But there's room for all to fish in relative privacy. Ana sits down under the canopy with a magazine on her lap and music in her ears to watch the show.

Warren proves himself worthy of whatever he's been paid when the fish soon start biting. When Christian lands the first one - a large red snapper - it flops around on the deck gasping out the last moments of its life. Having been freshwater fishing with her Dad, Ana is used to the sight, but somehow it seems so much worse in a larger creature, and she fancies that its staring eye is pleading with her. She looks up to see that Christian is watching her intently. Just as she's done with Ray in the past, she quietly begs, "Please don't let it suffer."

Having overheard, Warren wordlessly hands Christian what looks like a screwdriver with the tip sharpened to a point. Steadying the dying fish with one hand, Christian dispatches it with a precise blow and looks to Ana for reassurance that he's done the right thing. Managing a weak smile, she says, "Thank you. I always thought it must be like drowning for us."

Returning the Iki Jime to Warren, and keeping his now filthy hands from touching Ana, Christian approaches and kisses her cheek, saying, "Strongest."

Blushing at the praise, Ana is at first confused, but then says, "Because I didn't look away?"

"Exactly."

With a shrug, Ana says, "Everything dies. I'd just rather it were painless."

"So, you're okay?"

Looking at the now lifeless fish, Ana says, "Yes. It's just someone's dinner now. Do you mind always doing that?"

Looking to Warren, who nods, Christian says, "Sure, baby. We can do that."

Warren smiles kindly at Ana and says, "They taste better if you kill 'em quick, too."

Christian is still regarding Ana with some concern, so she manages a proper smile and gently nudges his shoulder as she says, "Go. I'm fine."

Satisfied that she's not still distressed, Christian does as bid. It's not long before he hooks another big fish. On catching a glimpse of it, he asks Warren, "Barracuda?"

Shaking his head, their guide says, "Wahoo. He'll fight you."

Sure enough, Christian has a fight on his hands landing the fish. Giving up on reading her magazine, Ana instead moves close enough that she can be in on the action without hampering him. When the fish finally becomes completely visible beneath the crystal clear water, Ana exclaims, "God, it's as big as me."

Grunting with effort, Christian doesn't look at her when he says, "Just as stubborn, too."

Moving behind Christian and resting her hands lightly on his ribs, Ana warns, "I wouldn't say such things if I were you, Mr. Grey."

Laughing, Christian squirms as he says, "Okay, baby, I take it back. Stow your twitching fingers."

Ana immediately backs off, but the damage is done and Christian's momentary lapse in concentration loses him the prize. Wondering just how much trouble she's in, Ana puts as much distance between them as the boat will permit as she protests, "Hey, you started it!"

Putting the rod aside, Christian begins stalking her, a feral grin distorting his face with perilous intent. Out the corner of her eye, Ana sees the other men exchange smiles, so she knows not to expect help from either of them. As he approaches, Christian warns, "You might want to put your iPod aside."

Glancing at the water, Ana protests, "We're fishing, Christian, there are probably hungry sharks beneath this boat."

Christian looks to Warren, who shrugs and says, "Probably." With a grin, he adds, "So you'd better be quick."

Ana can see that her safety conscious husband is torn, so she takes her chance and says, "I'm sorry that I lost you the fish. How about I cook dinner tonight?"

Pouting, Christian says, "And?"

Daring to approach and kiss him, Ana then whispers, "And I'll make it up to you."

Christian's sudden, passionate gaze confirms that he's pleased with her promise and he says, "Okay, but no more distracting me, or you're shark food."

Her body humming with excitement at their impromptu game, Ana slowly and precisely traces a cross over her heart as she says, "I swear."

She knows that Christian is just as effected as she is by their short-lived pursuit when he needs a long breath to again regain control of his reactions. Shaking his head, he kisses her and murmurs, "No more deliberate distracting, anyway." As he turns back to his station, he asks Warren, "What were you saying about women not being bad luck?"

With a huge grin, Warren says, "Day's not over yet, Mr. Grey."

As it turns out, Warren is right, because Christian lands fish after fish, until his sweat soaked t-shirt becomes a map of his exertions. As his most recent catch is humanely dispatched and stored on ice he stretches out his aching back muscles and says to Taylor, "Your turn?" When the big man hesitates, Christian says, "Unless you hook a marlin and it skewers one of us, I'm pretty sure we're okay out here."

Relenting, Taylor rolls up his sleeves and accepts the rod belt, quickly strapping it around his waist before picking up the fishing rod and expertly casting far out into the water, prompting Christian to comment, "Just don't show me up too much, or there'll be consequences."

Without looking around, Taylor says, "Fired, sir?"

"You got it." Clapping Taylor on the shoulder, Christian adds "Enjoy," before turning to Ana. She's waiting in the shade, offering him an opened bottle of cold water. He smiles and sits beside her as he says, "Thank you, baby. Where's yours?"

Her lascivious grin confirming that she's aware of the effect it will have on him, Ana warmly suggests, "I thought we'd share."

With a glance back at the men, currently focused on whatever Taylor has already hooked, Christian leans closer and calmly asks, "Are you absolutely certain that I won't try anything while on this boat?"

Suddenly unsure of herself, Ana thinks about it for a second, noticing the resulting look of victory on Christian's face. But she knows full well his dislike of an audience, rivaled only by his need for her safety. So she stubbornly sticks out her chin and says, "Yes."

Christian beams his pride at her and leans in for a kiss, then says "You're wonderful," as he pours a little of the ice-cold drink down her cleavage. Ana's resulting shriek gets everyone's attention. Christian blocks the men's view of her now slightly damp t-shirt as he says, "We're fine."

Grabbing a nearby towel, Ana does her best to dry her shirt as she hisses, "Not nice, Grey."

Daring to steal another kiss, Christian says, "No. But you love me."

Recalling that, not so long ago, he didn't actually believe it, Ana forgives him everything and reminisces, "Beyond any hope of redemption. I'm glad you're having fun."

Lithely rising to his feet and handing Ana the bottle, now only half full, Christian says, "And sweating like a pig." Removing his sunglasses and shedding his t-shirt, he bows his head down before her. Warily, she takes the hint and pours some water over his head. When there is no protest, she empties the bottle, thoroughly wetting his hair. Suddenly standing up straight, spluttering as the water then runs down his face and back, Christian tames his sodden curls with both hands as he gratefully pronounces, "Much better, thank you."

Her mouth and eyes open wide at the glorious sight before her, Ana eventually manages to articulate, "Except that I'm still thirsty and you're wearing my drink."

With a gleeful grin, Christian leans forward, resting a hand either side of her as he purrs, "Be my guest." When Ana nervously tries to look around him, he quietly says, "They're not looking, and couldn't see if they were."

Concerned about Christian overreacting to her attentions, Ana pauses for a second and then hesitantly darts forward to lick a drop of moisture from his body. Christian closes his eyes and a shudder goes through him, but he says nothing. When he opens his eyes, they're shining with love and lust, and he says, "I think you can do better than that."

Satisfied that he's in control, Ana grins and takes a long "drink" from his chest before licking her lips and saying, "Mmm, salty."

Grinning like a boy, and breathing a little faster than normal, Christian fetches another bottle of water from the ice box and cracks the seal before handing it to Ana as he says, "I don't recall fishing ever being quite this much fun."

Ana giggles and says, "Me, neither. But then I've never been deep-sea fishing before. Is it always like this?"

Also laughing, Christian says, "Sure as fuck not when I've been out with Elliot."

After resting with Ana for a while, Christian kisses her and then dons his sunglasses before heading over to watch Taylor land his fish; another large wahoo. Even from her sheltered position, Ana can see water splashing up from the animal's struggle and she hears Christian's admiring, "Whoa, it's a big fucker!"

When the fish is finally on the deck, it's easily the catch of the day. Ana watches in fascination, as if studying a different species, when all the men share in Taylor's victory, with Christian loudly declaring "You are so fired," as he slaps his bodyguard's raised palm in celebration. Once the creature is killed and stored, with some difficulty, Christian says, "All right; step aside, you lucky bastard."

Looking happier than Ana has ever seen him, Taylor relinquishes the rod belt as he says, "Yes, sir."

Spotting the detail that has escaped them all, Ana says, "Christian?"

Alerted by her concerned tone, Christian approaches as he asks, "Okay, baby?"

Worried about how to broach the subject with her dominant husband, especially in front of the other men, Ana considers for a moment and then picks up the sunscreen as she quietly reminds him, "Table for two?"

Understanding immediately, Christian smiles and kisses her before offering his back as he says, "You had we worried, baby. And nicely done." While Ana rubs the lotion over his skin, he adds, "Still having fun?"

Ana laughs and says, "Yes. It's fascinating seeing this many cavemen in one place. I presume that impressive display of machismo was more like what you're used to?"

"Yeah, except that I hate it when Elliot wins."

"But you're okay with Taylor doing so?"

With a short laugh, Christian uses Warren's words from earlier, saying, "Day's not over yet, baby."

When Ana finishes and Christian turns to face her, she hands him the bottle and he says, "Don't want to do it?"

With a nervous glance at their shipmates, currently studiously ignoring the couple, Ana says, "If you're sure it's okay?"

Christian's brow furrows for a second and then he accepts the bottle as he quietly says, "You're right. Fishing would be uncomfortable with a raging hard-on, anyway."

Suddenly beyond happy, Ana smiles and says, "I'm really enjoying this, thank you."

"Watching me fish?"

Unable to keep from smiling, Ana reveals, "Seeing you have a good time. I don't think that anything in my life has delighted me more than seeing you so happy."

Stilled by her words, Christian then kisses her and warmly says, "I know exactly what you mean. I love you, Anastasia, and I only ever want to see a smile on your face." Resuming his task, Christian continues, "And I may have a deal for you. We're spending the afternoon on St. Thomas tomorrow, so we can be ready for the jet when it lands. I've got one surprise planned. But, if you like seeing me have fun…"

Eager to pamper Christian for a change, Ana interrupts, "Yes. Let's do it."

Christian chuckles and says, "Would you like to know what you so recklessly agreed to?"

"Do you want to tell me?"

Snapping shut the lid on the bottle of sunscreen, Christian says, "I think we'll add that to the surprise. Now kiss me, for luck."

Still unable to keep the smile from her face at his playful mood, Ana asks, "So, you don't believe that old superstition after all?"

Leaning closer, until his lips are only inches from hers, Christian says, "Baby, you're by far the best thing that's ever happened to me. Even I did believe, there's nothing that could persuade me you're anything but good luck."

After a lingering kiss, Ana smiles up at him and says, "Go get 'em, caveman."

The two men having apparently emptied the Caribbean Sea of fish, there's a lull in the activity. Ana's thoughts are miles away when she's snapped out of her reverie by Christian exclaiming, "Got one, and it's a fucking monster."

Glad that he has something to celebrate, Ana watches for a while, but the fish doesn't seem to come any closer to the boat, despite Christian's hard work and Warren's constant words of encouragement, so she returns to her cache of literature and music. When she next surfaces from her private world, Christian still hasn't landed his catch. Glancing at the time, she realizes that the struggle has raged for over an hour. Every muscle in Christian's back is bulging with effort and, whether from the exertion or the sun, his skin is a dusky red. Grabbing his discarded tee, Ana soaks it with cold water. She approaches so that Christian can see her in his periphery, and suggests, "Something cold and wet for your neck?"

With his Ray Bans firmly in place, it's impossible to tell whether or not he's pleased with her interruption. But then he nods and says, "And could you get me a drink, baby? You'll have to help."

Carefully announcing every step she takes, so as not to startle him, Ana places the shirt around his neck. By the time she's done and turns, Taylor is standing by with an open bottle of water. With a nod of thanks, she again stands where Christian can see her. Furiously reeling in the fish, the rod permanently bent from the strain and the line repeatedly hissing as the struggle continues, Christian eventually finds the opportunity to instruct, "Now." Praying that her seemingly innate clumsiness recedes for the next few moments, Ana holds the bottle to Christian's mouth and focusses all her attention on the task. Despite that, he wears as much as he drinks, but then pulls his head back, saying "Thanks," and resumes the fight.

Now well and truly hooked on the drama, Ana moves back and asks Warren, "Is it another…did you call it 'wahoo'?"

His eyes only on the struggle between man and beast, Warren grins without any humor and says, "Yellowfin tuna; maybe two hundred and fifty pounds, and it does not want to die."

Shocked, Ana's eyes flick to her already exhausted husband as she says, "But Christian can't weigh that much. How will he get it in the boat?"

"Don't worry. I'll help."

Without even glancing in their direction, Christian growls, "The fuck you will. He's mine."

Clearly not offended, Warren laughs and says to Ana, "With great difficulty."

Still without turning, Christian says, "Baby, would you get the camera? Elliot isn't going to fucking believe this without proof."

Moving to obey, Ana says, "You sure he'll accept video evidence?"

Christian grunts a laugh and says, "No. But he might if you shoot it."

Ana fetches the camera and, careful to stay out of Christian's way, does her best to get footage of him and the tuna, now clearly visible only yards from the boat. For a while, the only sounds that come from Christian are gasps and grunts as he and the huge fish truly become exhausted, and then he urgently says, "Ana!"

Now taking still shots when she can, Ana says, "I'm here."

"Come stand by my left, baby. And when I tell you, take this rod from me, okay?"

Ana hands the camera to Taylor and says "Okay," as she gets into position, silently praying that she doesn't let Christian down.

As if he's also been given detailed instructions, Warren moves in on Christian's right, holding a long gaff, and says, "Ready when you are, Mr. Grey; it's all yours."

Still, it's another ten minutes before the fish finally gives up the fight and signals it's surrender by letting it's nose touch the side of the boat. From where she is, Ana can see Christian's face and guesses why he then pauses, just staring into the eye of his adversary, and she quietly says, "It's no use, baby. It'd be torn to pieces if you let it go now."

It doesn't seem like Christian has heard her, but then he suddenly nods even as he squares his shoulders and makes sure the tension on the line is strong before saying, "Now, Ana."

Taking a moment to steady her footing, Ana accepts the rod from him. Staggering under the weight of an almost dead fish, she wonders how one man could have beaten it, even a man as strong as her husband. Despite the strain, she manages to hold her ground and stay out of Christian's way as he snatches the gaff pole from Warren and deftly hooks the tuna. Then it's only a matter of moments before, with an enormous effort, he hauls the animal over the edge of the boat and lets it fall onto the deck. And there it stays, barely moving, having used up all its energy resisting this very moment. Utterly spent, and still breathing hard, Christian is staring at his prize when Warren passes him the Iki Jime. With a nod, he accepts it and deals the killing blow. The gills flare for a moment and color flows through the creature, as if it's coming to life, but everyone knows that the opposite is true.

Uncaring of the blood and sweat on her husband, Ana puts the now useless fishing rod aside and almost throws herself at him, quickly kissing him before exclaiming, "Elliot is going to die!"

Her enthusiasm tips the solemn mood towards jubilation and the men move in to offer their rowdy congratulations, with Christian managing a weary smile. By the time the couple is under the canopy, Christian celebrating with an energy drink, Warren is doing what he can to secure and preserve the massive tuna. After a while, he approaches with a plate containing what looks like slivers of raw meat. At Christian's confusion, he explains, "You said it was your first yellowfin. Tradition is that you eat the heart, so you'll catch more in the future. Now, usually, you'd eat the whole thing. But, given the size, I thought a taste with some wasabi would be close enough."

Looking a little wary, Christian says, "You don't really believe that shit, do you?"

With a shrug, Warren maintains, "It's tradition."

Christian looks at Ana and says, "After you, baby."

"Me? Why me?"

Grinning at her comical shock, Christian says, "You helped."

Suddenly the center of attention, as all three men stare at her, their expressions confirming that they expect her to decline, Ana says, "Well, how come Taylor doesn't have to eat the heart of the fish he caught?"

Without hesitation, Taylor takes a sliver of heart, dips it in the bright green paste and pops it in his mouth. After a few seconds, he opens his mouth to show that it's empty and then says, "I've eaten worse."

Looking at Christian, to see that he's now gazing at her with the same pride he showed earlier, Ana says, "How do you do that?"

"Do what, baby?"

Reaching for a piece of heart sashimi, Ana says, "Know what I've decided before I do?"

Also reaching for a morsel, Christian offers it to Ana as he says, "Strongest."

When Christian puts the tuna strip in her mouth, even as she does the same for him, Ana's gag reflex threatens to ruin the moment. But it passes almost immediately and she finds the courage to chew the flesh before swallowing it. Christian offers her some of his drink to wash it down, but she declines, saying, "Not too bad. If it weren't still slightly warm, it might even be nice."

Taylor laughs his appreciation and says, "Like I said, there are worse things to eat."

Queasy author's note: I debated overnight whether or not to include that last scene. But, as I've said in the past, I will always try to find the courage to follow where the story takes me. Did I mention that I'm a vegetarian?