Chapter Twenty-two

Only seconds after they enter the rainforest, Christian calls Ana to a halt, saying, "Stay perfectly still." After taking a photo of her, he turns the camera to show her the result – a stunning blue butterfly perched on her head – and comments, "Clever of you to find one that matches your eyes."

Ana giggles and says, "Can I move, now?"

His face stern, Christian commands, "No." Moving in, he steals a kiss from her willing lips, then reveals that the butterfly is now perched on his right index finger, saying, "Reminds me of you." At Ana's confusion, and in that loving tone that actually causes her something like physical pain, he explains, "Poor thing can't see its wings, so doesn't know how beautiful it is."

Blinking away the sudden need to cry, Ana says, "You know, considering you don't like seeing my tears, you certainly cause them a lot."

Beaming at her, Christian lies, "Sorry." Once Ana has examined the hitchhiker, he gently shakes his hand and they watch it fly away. A peaceful smile on his face, he says, "Now you can move."

Captivated, but unsurprised, by his gentle compassion for the creature, Ana smiles and says, "Have I mentioned that I love you?"

His smile remains when Christian says, "Frequently. But I haven't yet got tired of hearing it." Taking her hand in his, he adds, "Come on. In the time we've been standing here you've acquired several more passengers."

Looking at her dress, Ana spots the "offenders" and laughs for pure joy before carefully accompanying Christian along the path.

When Ana and Christian finally emerge from the Butterfly Garden, he carrying several bags of merchandise, Prescott sees the couple safely inside the car and stows the bags in the trunk before taking the wheel. When they're ready to go, she asks Christian, "As scheduled, sir?"

"Yes, thank you." As the privacy screen closes, Christian explains to Ana, "A look around the town, maybe some more shopping and then an early lunch before the surprise that you foolishly agreed to."

As they head into the center of Charlotte Amelie, Ana asks, "Why a limousine this time?"

With a slight grimace, Christian says, "I'm afraid we haven't quite remained anonymous. It was okay while we were on St. John, but we're more likely to be recognized and followed here. So Taylor is being careful." When Ana says nothing, he asks, "Problem?"

Giving his hand a reassuring squeeze, Ana says, "No, not that. It's just…I'd forgotten."

Studying her reaction, Christian says, "Yes. I'm afraid that you'll be thrown in at the deep end when we get home."

Determined to not let it ruin their last day, Ana manages a smile and says, "Well, I'm used to that since I met you, Mr. Grey."

Christian laughs and says, "True enough." Then, his expression solemn, he tenderly kisses her and says, "We've already discussed this, so I'm going to resist the urge to apologize."

Recognizing that his words are, in fact, an apology, Ana says, "Being famous is not my favorite part of the Christian Grey package, but I'll get used to it."

A twinkle in his eyes, Christian silkily asks, "And what is your favorite part of the Grey package?"

Ana giggles and says, "Your money, obviously."

Christian's eyes narrow and he says, "That's another one, baby."

Confused, Ana asks, "Another reason to punish me?" At his nod, Ana grins and purrs, "Darling, you don't need a reason to spank me, so long as you then fuck me."

Christian groans and says, "That's three. Does the fact that it's driving me crazy mean you're seriously considering it?"

Delighted to be discussing something so serious in this playful manner, Ana says, "I told you that I'm doing so. I just need to talk to Dr. Brandt first. It helps that you really seem fine with whatever choice I make."

"I am. Oh, but you understand that I'm still hoping you'll choose domestic discipline?"

Wondering when she stopped being afraid of the idea, Ana smiles and says, "They'd finally strip you of your Dom title if you weren't." Suddenly serious, she asks, "So, if you don't need it, why are you so keen, given that you already get to spank me?"

"I told you, baby, I think this is who you are. What we have now is wonderful, and I'd be content to go on like this for the rest of our lives. But I honestly believe that life will be easier and more pleasurable for both of us if you just let me take over."

Smiling, Ana says, "Surely you mean more than you already do? I didn't actually realize how much you're running things until I had to deal with Kim yesterday."

Also smiling, Christian says, "Yes. I'm surprised and pleased that you're being so amenable about my controlling ways."

With a shrug, Ana says, "It seems like everything you do is for my benefit. So I'd be horribly ungrateful if I had a problem with it. Oh, but I will be holding you to that promise to stay out of my career."

"Deal. Anything else?"

He seems in earnest, so Ana gives it some thought before saying, "When we finally have kids, I won't be just blindly following your wishes about their upbringing. It's too important to leave the decisions to one parent."

"Done."

With Christian avidly waiting for more, Ana casts her mind forward for another example and says, "My family; you don't get to decide when and where I see them."

A flicker of hurt passes over Christian's face before he says, "I wouldn't."

Immediately contrite, Ana says, "I'm sorry, baby. But you asked for examples and…"

Christian interrupts with, "Hey, it's okay; that stung a little, but only around a two. Please, go on. This is important."

"Okay…uh, I can't think of anything right now."

"So we have career, diet, apparel, offspring and your family. May I suggest an amendment?" At Ana's wary nod, Christian says, "If you let me discipline you, we can add a request clause; meaning that, if you're having trouble achieving a goal, I and my twitching palm can motivate you."

Struggling to understand, Ana ponders this and then says, "Like, if I skip lunch, I'd…what, confess to you?"

Smiling, Christian's cheerful tone contradicts his words when he says, "Exactly. I would remonstrate with you most severely and schedule your punishment at our earliest convenience."

Giggling at the dichotomy, Ana says, "How would that work? I like it when you spank me."

"These would not be foreplay, Ana."

Suddenly understanding, Ana says, "Oh. That might work, but it doesn't sound very fun for you."

With a shrug, Christian says, "I told you; I'll do anything, even not fucking you, if necessary."

With a cheeky grin, Ana jokes, "You're practically a saint, Mr. Grey."

Caressing the side of her face, Christian lovingly murmurs, "We established long ago that I'm the sinner in this relationship." The car is coming to a stop, so he leans back and says, "You'll remember to mention this when you speak with your shrink?"

"Yes." Realizing something, Ana says, "You wouldn't have done this with your subs?"

"No. It was always about immediate gratification with them."

As Prescott opens her door, Ana whispers, "Or immediate punishment."

With a knowing smile, Christian quickly kisses her and says, "You obviously need to think about this some more, or you'd know that they are one and the same."

Like fireworks going off inside her, Ana suddenly understands everything he's been trying to explain and says to Prescott, "Just one minute, please."

With only a "Ma'am," their guard gently shuts the door.

Turning back to Christian, Ana's heart is pounding loud when she says, "Okay."

His grateful smile at odds with his reply, Christian adamantly declares, "No. You're not ready."

Hesitant only moments ago about the idea, Ana is now hurt by his refusal and pouts, "I am. I've thought about this, Christian."

Christian laughs, saying, "And you accuse me of mood swings." Then serious, he continues, "Talk to Brandt. After that, if you still want to proceed, we'll immediately commence a month's trial, okay? In the meantime, you need to give serious thought to what other areas of your life need to be excluded from the punishments." When Ana only silently fumes, he adds, "You're not actually going to spend our last day sulking because I won't put my hand to your ass?"

He's right, of course, so Ana shrugs off her pettiness and kisses him before saying, "Thank you, for being so patient with me."

With a brilliant smile, Christian says, "No, thank you, for always been worth the wait."

After a lovely lunch and a visit to the local museum, coincidentally housed in a building still known as Fort Christian, the honeymooners are back in the relative privacy of their limousine, this time with Taylor driving. They head out of town for about ten minutes and then Ana, eagerly scanning ahead for clues, spies the answer in the road signs. Laughing, she says, "Golf? You're taking me to play golf."

Christian smiles and says, "Unless you want to back out? You ever played?"

"No, I don't want to back out. And, no, I've never played." Raising one eyebrow, she says, "Maybe I can find a hot, young instructor for some private lessons?"

Still with a hint of a smile, Christian says, "Oh, you're definitely testing me, now."

Ana giggles, delighted with this new game, and confesses, "Yes." Realizing something, Ana asks, "How long does it take to play…is it called a round of golf?"

"The course will take about four hours, and will be our last activity before we head back. If you've changed your mind, it's okay, Ana. So long as we're together, I don't give a fuck what we do."

Clutching his arm and leaning on his shoulder, Ana says, "No, I'm sure it'll be fun if I'm with you. I'll just be sad to leave. This really has been a perfect honeymoon, thank you."

Lifting her face to his with a hand under her chin, Christian kisses her and says, "You're welcome, baby. So, you'd like to come back some time?"

Her melancholy evaporating at the thought, Ana smiles and says, "Yes, please." Appraising Christian's resulting expression, she adds, "You've already bought the villa, haven't you?"

His grin widening, Christian reveals, "We're in negotiation. I'm afraid they're being very stubborn about it."

Almost too happy, Ana says, "I can't blame them. If I owned it, I wouldn't want to part with it, either."

With a shrug, Christian says, "Well, I'll also look into other opportunities. But there's not much available with most of St. John being national park."

"We could just arrange to rent it this time every year?"

"True. But…"

Smiling, Ana interrupts with, "But you like to own things."

His expression suddenly passionate, Christian says, "Yes, I do." Kissing her deeply as the car comes to a stop, he then adds, "I can't wait until we're alone on the jet."

Ana giggles and says, "You didn't wait. You fucked me in a cloud of butterflies, remember?"

His voice warm, Christian says, "Oh, I remember. When I'm so old I've forgotten my own name, I'll still remember that experience."

As Taylor opens her door, Ana laughs again and says, "Me, too."

When Taylor doesn't follow them towards the clubhouse, Ana asks, "Alone, again?"

"Except for other players, yes. This place is relatively secure, so I persuaded Jason to give us these last few hours." With a lecherous grin, Christian leans close and murmurs, "Hopefully, we'll add sex on a golf course as yet another first."

Unable to stop smiling, Ana says, "Fine by me."

Once they're heading to the first tee in a golf cart, Ana asks, "So, what's special about this course?"

Glancing at her, Christian says, "You're very clever." With his eyes back on the task of driving, he explains, "Holes thirteen through fifteen are so challenging that they're known as the Devil's Triangle. Any player who completes them without penalty receives a certificate from the pro shop."

"Penalty is like if you hit the ball out of bounds, or something?"

"Well, in this case, it usually means into the ocean."

"You really want this, don't you?"

Flashing a ferocious grin, Christian says, "Gates and Clinton both played here and bombed out. Yes, I want it."

"So, it's true; all you rich guys hang out together?"

"No, never met them…well, I shook Clinton's hand at some fundraiser once. This was from research." When Ana groans, Christian asks, "Okay, baby?"

"Yes. But I just realized that, given your addiction to research, you're going to be impossible to live with when we decide to start a family."

"I've already agreed to cooperate on that, baby. I know only the wrong way to raise a child, so I'm more than happy to hear your views."

"No, I mean when I'm pregnant. You'll set the standard for control freaks everywhere."

Christian laughs and says, "You're probably right. The idea still terrifies me, so it's possible that I'll be a little protective."

Ana smiles and reveals, "Flynn says you have a gift for understatement."

Stopping at the first tee, Christian looks at Ana and warmly entreats, "When I'm freaking out, you'll remember it's because I love you, right?"

Quickly kissing him before exiting the cart, Ana says, "And, for the same reason, you'll forgive me when I defy you."

There are several other golfers, but not enough to create any friction. Under Christian's expert and extremely flirtatious direction, Ana soon gets the hang of the game enough that they make slow and steady progress to the thirteenth hole, where they are greeted by the placard warning them about the Devil's Triangle, complete with skull and crossbones. Christian points it out and jokes, "I told you, baby, it's serious."

Ana laughs and says, "Oh, yes; very serious. How about I just watch you for these few, so you can focus?"

Christian considers for a second, staring out over the fairway, and then says, "Okay, baby, thanks." With a grin, he adds, "Watching you play is a little distracting."

"Same here; you're very good at this."

"Thank you, baby." Leaning in, Christian adds, "For luck? It worked with fishing."

Taking his face in her hands, Ana thoroughly kisses him and says, "Oscar Wilde says that we are each our own devil, which means these holes are yours, Christian."

His expression one of blissful contentment, Christian says, "Wow, you make even Wilde sound sexy."

He's moving in for another kiss when Ana, fighting laughter, steers him towards the tee, fully aware that it's only possible to manhandle him because he permits it, as she says, "Go on, before you distract both of us."

Despite not quite making par, Christian does complete the three holes without incurring a penalty shot, to the quiet applause of other players, and is rewarded by another very thorough kiss from his wife. Glancing at his watch, he says, "That better do us. Jason will have brought a change of clothes with him. We can make ourselves a little more presentable; even have a shower, if you wish. Though I'm afraid it will have to be separately. Then we'll enjoy a leisurely dinner in town and even have time for a couple of drinks at the ice bar before the jet is ready to go."

"Ice bar?"

"Magic Ice; it's filled with ice sculptures. I thought it might be a good idea to remind us what we're heading back to, though the forecast for Seattle is seventy-five, so it shouldn't be too much of a shock."

Shaking her head in awe, Ana says, "You really do think of everything, don't you?"

Quickly kissing her before climbing back in the cart, Christian says, "I try to. And, thank you, for noticing."

They're within sight of the clubhouse when there is the unmistakable smell of burning plastic and a tendril of smoke climbs from beneath their seat. Christian immediately stops as he exclaims, "Fuck!" With a sheepish grin, he asks, "What were you saying about thinking of everything, baby?" They quickly climb out and he reaches for the strategically placed fire extinguisher as he says, "Just stand back baby. I'll get this under control before we head back."

Doing as bid, Ana cautions, "Maybe you'd better leave it, Christian? Someone will be by soon, I'm sure, and the management can take care of it."

Not even looking up from his task, Christian says, "Just a small electrical fire, sweetheart. But it could take hold if we leave it."

When he lifts the seat cover, more smoke is revealed, but soon dissipates in the slight breeze, revealing the row of batteries. Much later, when she's describing the incident for the police report, Ana will recall that one of them seemed to be bulging, as if she were viewing it through a heat haze. But, in this moment, the only thing she's aware of is the clanging of alarm bells in her mind. And she screams Christian's name in warning, just as the battery ruptures with a sound like a gunshot, showering him with acid and knocking him backwards, where he rolls on the ground, clutching his face and howling in pain.

Rushing to Christian's aid, not even sure what she can do to help him, it takes Ana a full two seconds to realize that the peeling sound she can hear is her screams. Tears streaming down her face, she tries to pull Christian's hands from his face as she says, "Let me see. Baby, please let me see."

Suddenly, she's almost knocked off her feet as a blur of a figure pushes her aside, emptying a bottle of water over Christian's head, as a man's voice says, "Water! Get as much as you can."

On trembling legs, Ana moves to obey, only remembering, when she reaches for the bottles, the ugly watch that's been around her wrist for most of her waking hours this past week. Wondering why five seconds is taking so fucking long, she holds down the button until it signals that the alarm has been sent, even as she rushes back to Christian with all the water they have left. The man, who she can now see is in his fifties, doesn't even acknowledge her as he grabs the bottles and commands Christian, "Lower your hands, so I can rinse off the acid."

Unable to stifle a cry of dismay at the sight of Christian's face scalded red by the sulfuric acid, Ana nevertheless retains enough presence of mind to say, "Baby, help is on the way. I activated the alarm."

That, at least, brings a glance from their rescuer. But he still says nothing to Ana as he again pours water over Christian's burns. He then hands a bottle to Ana, and says, "Just keep doing that. I'll get more."

Spluttering a little and blinking his eyes as the water runs over his nose and mouth, Christian makes no complaint. Only when they're alone does he confess, "Ana? Baby, I can barely see a fucking thing."

No idea if she's telling the truth, Ana ignores the tears streaming down her face to say, "It's okay, Christian. It'll be okay. Just relax." It takes her a second to realize why music is playing. She's about to answer her phone when she sees Taylor, charging across the grass towards them, even as he pockets his phone on seeing them. As he nears them, Ana notes with curiosity that her voice is a little shrill when she explains, "A battery exploded. A man went to get more water." Taylor drops to his knees beside Christian and assesses the damage. Ana's tears start flowing anew and she can't finish her sentence when she begins, "His eyes…."

Taylor's voice is unnaturally calm when he says, "Christian, look at me."

Blinking furiously, Christian does as bid and Ana can finally see the damage; his eyes are almost completely bloodshot and partly covered by a pale, white opaqueness. Suddenly fighting a powerful urge to throw up, she covers her mouth with both hands to prevent it. By then their rescuer has returned with more bottles of water. Taylor brusquely explains his presence and the stranger reveals that he's a doctor. Christian barks a laugh and says, "Of course you are. It's Sunday afternoon on a golf course. The place is probably fucking crawling with doctors." Ana tries to laugh, but it sounds more like a sob, and Christian reaches a hand towards her. Kneeling by his head, uncaring that the ground is now wet, Ana clasps his hand in both of hers as the two men continue gently rinsing his injuries.

They haven't got through all the water when the paramedics arrive and the doctor quickly explains the situation even as the technicians get to work. Forced to let go of Christian's hand and stand aside, Ana watches in a kind of detached horror as they put drops in Christian's eyes and then bandage them closed. One of them is then speaking to her, but only Taylor's voice by her ear gives her the courage to say, "I'm sorry. What did you say?"

With a kind smile, the paramedic again explains, "The nearest burns unit is in Ponce, Puerto Rico. The chopper will be here in a few minutes to transport your husband. You'll be able to visit him there."

Praying that Christian can't hear her, Ana whispers, "His sight?"

This lowers the professional's guard long enough that a flicker of pity crosses their face, but then their compassionate dispassion returns with, "I'm afraid that I can't tell you that. They'll be able to answer all your questions at the Hospital San Lucas."

Ana is about to press the matter when Taylor's hand on her arm stops her, so she knows that there's no point. Instead, she says only, "Thank you."

Prescott soon arrives, for once casually dressed. By then a small crowd has gathered to watch the show, though they're kept under control by members of the local police force who somehow arrived without Ana's notice. Taylor quickly apprises his colleague of the situation, and then hands over keys as he says, "The limo. There are spare clothes in the trunk."

Confused, Ana watches Prescott sprint towards the clubrooms as she says, "I don't think they'll care what clothes he's wearing, Jason."

Gesturing to her dress, Taylor says, "For you, Ana."

Wondering how it's possible that she didn't notice, Ana finally sees the small holes in her dress. And only then does she become aware of the slight burning sensation accompanying them. Lifting up the hem a little she finds a faint, red dot above her knee. The trembling returns to her legs and nausea again threatens as she clasps Taylor's arm to hiss, "That's in his eyes."

Drawing her into his embrace, Taylor holds her tight as he murmurs, "Hey, it's not too bad. The doc did the right thing, and I've seen guys recover from much worse, believe me."

Somehow resisting the urge to again weep, Ana waits until the trembling recedes and then steps out of his embrace, letting a hand linger on his arm for a second as she says, "Thank you. I'm all right, now."

Christian is calling her name. Asking permission of the paramedics with a glance, Ana then kneels by his body and takes his hand as she says, "Yes, darling?"

"Are we okay, baby?"

A silent howl of distress rages inside Ana, that Christian could possibly feel guilty for the accident, and it takes every ounce of strength remaining in her to not break down. Tenderly smoothing his sopping hair from his forehead, she says, "Yes, darling, we're okay. But Jason is pissed as hell."

Haven't heard the exchange, Taylor appears in earnest when he says, "You're fired."

As if he doesn't have a care in the world, Christian laughs long and hard, then says, "Can you kiss me?"

Looking at the paramedics and receiving a nod in reply, Ana makes all of them laugh when she asks, "Me, or Jason?"

Despite the fact that his eyes are covered, and with an accuracy born of habit, Christian threads a hand through Ana's hair and draws her in for a long, tender kiss. All else forgotten for a second, Ana eventually lifts her head to the sound of an approaching helicopter. By the time it lands nearby, Prescott has returned. As if they'd rehearsed it, the crowd parts, allowing room for Christian and his tiny entourage to approach the chopper. Once he's aboard, they're informed that there's room for one more. Ana is already stepping forward when Christian says, "Rachel, you're with me. Jason, stay with Ana."

Handing over the clothes, Prescott moves to obey, but Taylor says, "Uh, sir?"

Apparently desperate, Christian begs, "Jason, please. I need to know she's safe." Turning his head in the direction he last heard Ana, he adds, "Baby, stay with Jason, okay?"

With no fight left in her, Ana can only manage, "Okay."

Christian sighs with relief and settles back in his seat as the paramedics buckle him in. Ana wonders why those incredibly reliable alarm bells are again ringing in her mind. Only as the door slams shut does she realize why; his right shoulder had twitched in that subconscious expression of guilt that she's become so used to. Suddenly comprehending his "crime", she frantically bangs on the glass, shouting for them to open up. But Taylor is dragging her backwards, offering soothing words that she cannot hear. Only as the chopper lifts off, taking her husband away from her, does Ana become aware that the big guy is saying, "It's okay, Ana. The jet's already at the airport. Soon as we're cleared, we can take off and catch up with him at the hospital."

Wondering why he hasn't worked it out, Ana's legs are threatening to give out, and her voice rises as if from a tomb to say, "You don't understand; if the damage to his eyes is permanent, he'll never let me near him."

Even if she weren't certain, Taylor confirms her deduction when his face immediately registers shocked comprehension, and he turns to watch the helicopter fly away as he carefully articulates, "Motherfucker."

Giggling at the uncharacteristic sound of Jason Taylor cursing, wondering if she's going into shock, Ana's legs finally fail and she drops to her knees where the nausea ultimately wins.

Author's disclaimer: It's apparently true that Gates and Clinton played at Mahogany Run Golf Course, but I don't think they "bombed out".