Chapter Two

After another fulfilling but tiring day in her newly-appointed job as Copy Editor – the promotion most suited to her current abilities – Ana is heading home, reading a manuscript in the back seat as the SUV crawls through rush hour traffic. With Christian still in New York until at least tomorrow evening, she's brought home enough work to keep her occupied. The familiar, uniformed security guard at the entrance to the parking garage is approaching. He usually just waves an acknowledgement, so a curious Ana is paying attention when Sawyer winds the window down enough to hear the guard say, "Anonymous letter arrived at the front desk for Mrs. Grey. It's with your man, Ryan, now."

Ana can practically feel the tension in Sawyer at these words. But he merely mutters a thankyou and parks the car before saying, "Please wait here, ma'am, while I contact Ryan."

His reversion to "ma'am" instead of her first name, even though it's just the two of them, confirms how upset he is. Confused, Ana asks, "What's going on? My name is Grey, now. And I do live here."

His phone in his hand, Sawyer takes the time to explain, "No mail comes directly here; not for you or Mr. Grey. It first goes through the Postal Service's security measures before one of us picks it up. I presume it's now been scanned and cleared, or Ryan would have already contacted me. But I'd like to make sure."

Afraid, and without knowing exactly why, Ana hands are actually trembling as she meekly says, "Okay."

The phone call lasts only seconds and a much more relaxed Sawyer says, "We're right to proceed. Sorry if I scared you."

"Yes, you did. But I'll assume you have good reason to do so. Has there ever been an attack on Christian this way?" At the return of tension to his shoulders, Ana says, "Never mind. I'm sorry. I probably don't want to know, anyway."

Again relaxing as he follows procedure for getting Ana safely into the apartment, Sawyer says, "Thank you, Ana."

"That's okay. I know everything you do is for me or Christian, no matter how challenging your methods are. I presume Ryan will want to see me?"

Sawyer nods and says, "He's in Taylor's office, but there's no hurry."

As they enter the elevator, Ana says, "Except that I'm very curious about this letter." On seeing that reflexive tightening of his shoulders yet again, Ana says, "Luke, relax, or you're going to implode. Just talk to me, okay?"

With a heavy sigh, Sawyer says, "Ryan thinks it's most likely from one of Mr. Grey's former…women. He won't open it without your permission. But he'd very much like to be the first person to read it."

Suddenly nauseous at the implications, Ana gasps, "Oh." When she's recovered enough to form real words, she asks, "Blackmail?"

Sawyer inclines his head and says, "Possibly. Or just trying to make trouble. Some of them were extremely reluctant to leave him."

Ana manages a laugh, though even to her ears it sounds forced, and says, "Well, I can understand that." Trying to expel the tension from her body with a deep breath, she then says, "Okay, I'll let Ryan know he can open it."

As the elevator pings their arrival at the apartment, Sawyer again says, "Thank you, Ana. I'll see you in the morning."

Despite it never being discussed, Ana knows that the young bachelor often lingers for a home-cooked meal from Gail, so she says, "Oh, you're not staying?"

With a grimace, Sawyer says, "The envelope should not have had a chance to be left downstairs. So I think I'll pass, tonight."

"Ryan won't take it out on you, though."

"Still, I'd rather not hang around."

Smiling at one of her favorite bodyguards, Ana accuses, "Wuss."

Pressing the button for the ground floor, Sawyer also smiles, saying, "Yes, ma'am."

Ana hasn't got very far towards Taylor's office when she encounters Ryan and tries to alleviate his pain with, "Anything interesting in the mail today?"

But it's only enough to elicit a tight, grim smile from the man and he says, "Sawyer told you?"

Letting him carry her briefcase, Ana says, "He told me it's most likely from one of Christian's subs, though he was too polite to use that term. How about you check it out and then we formulate a plan before calling Christian?"

Finally relaxing a little, Ryan says, "I think that's an excellent idea. If I'm right, he is not going to like this."

As they now head towards the master bedroom, Ana asks, "So, no idea who left it?"

"No, ma'am. They wore concealing clothing and waited until the desk was momentarily vacant, and the lobby security guard occupied, before leaving the envelope. Looking at the footage, it doesn't look like a female. But that doesn't mean much."

At the bedroom door, Ana gratefully accepts the briefcase and again tries for humor, saying, "Well, look on the bright side; it could have been a bomb." When Ryan only looks horrified, she lightly punches his shoulder and says, "Will you lighten up? We'll sort this out, okay?"

Clearly unconvinced, Ryan only says, "Yes, ma'am. I'll let you know what I find."

Despite her bravado in front of the security team, Ana is an emotional wreck and prays that Christian doesn't call her early tonight, before she has a chance to calm down. She even notices Gail giving her furtive glances over dinner – the women often eating together while their men are away – and says, "So, you know?"

Surprised to be asked, Gail says, "I know you received a letter. And I know that Jason has cautioned me several times to never open mail delivered here."

"I'm thinking details and/or photos plus a demand for money?"

Slowly nodding, Gail warily says, "Sounds about right. I presume it's addressed to you because they think you're weaker than Mr. Grey." With a grin, she adds, "Their first mistake."

Somehow, it works, and Ana is finally able to relax, saying, "You've got that right. Thanks, Gail." Pushing her mostly untouched plate of food away from her, Ana continues, "Would you wrap this up for me? I can't do it justice until I know what we're dealing with."

"Of course. Do you want me there, too?"

After a moment, Ana says, "No, thank you. You don't need to get mixed up in this. And Christian will feel better the less people who see it."

Already moving to cover Ana's meal, Gail says, "I'm sure it'll be fine. Ryan was in the FBI for several years. He'll know what to do."

Smiling at the memory, Ana says, "Luke lit out of here with his tail between his legs. But Ryan has barely shown any emotion in front of me; certainly never anger."

"Well, I guess – just like Jason – his biggest fear is not being enough. But he's very good at his job, or he wouldn't be here."

Ana nods and says, "And I'm stalling. Would it violate workplace guidelines if you just give me a hug before I go in there?"

Her face the very definition of compassion, Gail does so without hesitation, and says, "It'll be okay, Ana."

Too moved for words, Ana draws what strength she can from the older woman's embrace and then nods before going to Taylor's office. Ryan is standing almost at attention when she enters, reminding her that there are cameras in every corridor. Not wanting to delay any longer, Ana says, "What's in the letter and what do we do about it?"

Clearly surprised at her businesslike manner, Ryan says, "Uh, it's transcripts of a blog…a very detailed blog. There's also a demand for money."

"How much?"

"Fifty thousand dollars."

Confused, Ana says, "That doesn't seem like much…I mean, it's a fortune to me. But it's nothing to Christian, right?"

With a shrug, Ryan says, "Either they're stupid; my best guess, or they're gambling on you being willing to pay such a small amount just to stop the letters."

"You expect more?"

"Yes, ma'am; if you pay."

Considering for a second, Ana asks, "Why 'stupid'?"

"I did some digging and found the original blog. It doesn't feature Mr. Grey's name in any context. Someone added his name after downloading."

"So, even if they're willing to violate the terms of their contract and risk public exposure, they can't actually prove that it's him?"

"Exactly."

"So, why are you still nervous?"

"Uh, because…ma'am, I'd advise that you never read the letter."

Incredibly relieved, Ana laughs and offers her hand, saying, "Done. I already know far too much about his past." With both of them now a little more relaxed, she asks, "So, what next? Do you want me to tell Christian?"

"Thank you, ma'am. But I think that would make things worse. I'd prefer to call Taylor and he will brief Mr. Grey. Though I'd expect a phone call soon afterwards, just to check that you're okay." Shaking his head a little, he reveals, "If it's not impertinent to suggest it, ma'am, you're handling this very well."

"It doesn't seem impertinent, thank you. It helps that you're not freaking out about it. You're enough." At his confusion, she says, "Gail says you and Jason are afraid of not being enough."

Actually laughing a little, for the first time since she's known him, Ryan says, "Oh. Yes, she's probably right. Thank you, ma'am."

Guessing that it's a polite dismissal, Ana says, "Well, I'm going to finish my dinner and let you get on with ruining Taylor's day." Again shaking his hand, she adds, "Thanks, for taking such good care of me."

With genuine warmth, Ryan replies, "Thanks, for making it worthwhile."

After finishing her dinner, and updating Gail on what's happening, Ana is of course reading when Christian calls, saying, "Hey, baby. You okay?"

Ana knows that he'll be blaming himself for any distress she feels, so she deliberately keeps the mood light, saying, "Other than missing you, I'm fine. Taylor talked to you?"

"Yes. So, you're not angry?"

"At the blackmailer? Yes. At you? No. You've done nothing wrong."

She can practically feel his relief and then Christian says, "Thank you. I'm so sorry. I want to fucking kill them for putting you through this."

"I'm fine, really. I think the guys overreacted a little. It's not as if I was in any danger. I would like a couple of reassurances from you, though."

"Oh?"

Ignoring his wariness, Ana says, "Yes. Please promise me that, if there's anything I can personally do to sort this out, you'll ask me. And, please, please, Christian, don't do anything illegal? We're going to raise a family one day and I don't want to do that with bars between us, okay?"

Laughing in relief, Christian says, "Okay, baby. I can do that. Though, I'm part of the richest one percent, so it's more likely to be Perspex than bars."

"Perspex, then. I don't want any barriers between us, physical or emotional."

Sounding suspiciously like he's now laughing at her, Christian says, "No barriers; got it."

"What's funny?"

"Just picturing the conjugal visits."

Filled with love for him, Ana says, "Mr. Grey, you're insatiable."

"Not actually. I haven't had sex for fifty-four hours."

Delighted that he seems okay when this could have been a very tense conversation, Ana smiles and says, "Sounds serious, baby. Are you taking anything for it?"

"Yeah, cold showers. But I have a feeling that phone sex will prove much more effective."

Suddenly nervous, given that they've never tried this, even as her body warms to the idea, Ana says, "Uh, okay. But we know from that questionnaire that there are only a few things that turn me on, and none of them are in this room."

Christian chuckles and says, "Baby, I didn't need a questionnaire for that. You come like a freight train when I tie you up and spank you. But it takes several minutes when you're on top and unbound. Hell, a seatbelt is enough to get you hot, if I'm nearby. And even Brad knows how much you like a five-point harness."

Remembering her gaff at that first driving lesson, when she'd been so turned on by Christian's expert handling of the Porsche, Ana is blushing as she says, "Not nice, Grey. Okay, how are we going to do this?"

"Uh, no idea, baby."

"What; no research?"

"I am working here. Not twiddling my thumbs and jerking off…well, not twiddling my thumbs. How about the traditional; what are you wearing?"

"See, am I meant to tell you that I'm just wearing a t-shirt, or describe some black, lacy negligee?"

"I'm thinking that technical questions won't do the trick, but t-shirt works for me, baby."

"Really? Why?"

In a lustful purr, Christian says, "Access."

His voice alone working wonders on her libido, Ana puts the manuscript aside and says, "So, if I mention that I'm in bed and slowly pulling the t-shirt up to expose my milky-white thighs, that works for you, too?"

Christian groans and says, "Fuck, yes. But loan me your right hand."

"Loan it to you?"

"When I give you a command, it's for your right hand. Keep your other hand on the phone."

"Wouldn't speakerphone work better?"

"Not for us. You need some sort of restriction. Keeping your left hand by your ear might be enough, and I don't want to waste another second on preparations. I'm going to fuck you with your right hand."

Gasping at the raw lust in his voice, Ana's body is aflame with desire when she says, "Oh, God. Yes, that could work. Do I need to ask what your right hand is doing?"

Grunting a little, Christian says, "Currently unbuttoning my jeans as fast as it fucking can. Thanks, for this, baby. I need you tonight."

"No more than I need you, husband."

At first confused, Ana realizes it's the message alert on her phone that has woken her. Checking the time, she notices that she's overslept and guesses that she forgot to set the alarm. Remembering why she was distracted last night means she's already smiling as she reads the text from Christian, "Slept like a log. No nightmares. Thank you, my love. XX"

Smiling that he's signed off with kisses for the first time, Ana thinks for a moment and is grinning when she replies, "No, thank U…talking to my right hand, of course."

Only seconds later, her phone beeps with the message, "Don't get too fucking attached to it. Your orgasms are MINE!"

Not even noticing that she's nervously biting her bottom lip at the thought of prodding the tiger, Ana dares, with slightly trembling fingers, to type the words, "Except that you're not here."

She finally releases the breath that she'd been holding when Christian almost immediately replies, "When I get home tonight, I won't know what to do first; punish you or fuck you!"

This desperate ache deep in her body, too acute to be mere physical need, leads Ana to suggest, "How about both? The flogger will be under your pillow."

"In our bedroom?"

"Yes, Sir. Ok with U?"

"Okay? Fuck, Ana. I'm in a meeting and my dick just lifted the table!"

Giggling with delight that he's so pleased with her idea, Ana concludes, "Gotta go. I'm late. SxYS!"

She laughs again at his final reply, "FckYS!"

Ana hasn't yet finished breakfast when Ryan finds her and says, "Uh, ma'am; Mr. Grey has requested extra security measures until this blackmailer is apprehended."

Mystified, given that she's accompanied almost everywhere, Ana says, "Extra? I don't take a step out of this apartment without one of you shadowing me. What more can you do?"

With a slightly pained expression, Ryan reveals, "Shadow you everywhere."

"You're talking about Grey Publishing; you want to have someone follow me even inside the building."

"Yes, ma'am."

Reminding herself that the loyal employee standing before her is just following orders, Ana manages to almost keep the anger from her voice when she says, "I'm going to talk to my husband, and then you and I will discuss this again."

Inclining his head in obeisance, Ryan's feet are already pointing towards the nearest exit as he again says, "Yes, ma'am."

Remembering that Christian is working, Ana texts him, "Urgent, but NOT emergency. Please call me when you're free."

She's barely finished eating when Christian calls back, saying, "If you're going to fight me on this, baby, we may have a problem."

Willing her ire to manageable levels, Ana politely asks, "Whom does our security team work for?"

She actually counts a three second pause before Christian reluctantly snaps, "Us. But your safety is paramount above even that consideration."

As if he hadn't spoken, Ana asks, "And did you, or did you not, promise to let me decide what happens in my workplace?"

Still apparently unwilling to yield, Christian is all CEO when he calmly says, "Yes. But, again, your safety overrides even that. I can't have you in danger, Ana."

"How do you know I'm in danger?" When he doesn't reply for several seconds, she remembers another promise and says, "My feet hurt."

"Fuck!"

"And put it on speaker, or give him the phone."

Finally sounding a little relaxed, Christian says, "You don't trust me, baby?"

"Not about this. Thank you, for being reasonable."

The next voice Ana hears is Taylor's and he asks, "Ma'am?"

"Hello, Taylor. I'm glad you'll be home, soon. Gail has been missing you."

"Thank you, ma'am. I'm missing her, too. Can I help you?"

"Christian has agreed to let you decide whether or not additional measures are necessary while we sort this mess out. I think one bodyguard in the building and two security guards at the front door is enough. I don't want to be followed everywhere while I'm working."

While she waits for his reply, Ana wonders how it's come to this; an employee deciding how much freedom she has. Finally, Taylor says, "How would you feel about additional uniformed guards on all the exits?"

Breathing a sigh of relief, Ana says, "I can live with that, thank you. Did Christian hear that?"

She can guess that her overprotective husband isn't happy with the idea when Taylor wearily says, "Yes, ma'am. I'll contact Ryan and have him set it up."

Then Christian's voice snaps, "Happy?"

Wondering how upset he is, Ana says, "Quite, thank you." She can't stop herself from asking, "Sure you're okay with this?"

"No! Thanks, for fucking asking. But I will be." There's a pause during which Ana can imagine him running a hand through his hair in frustration, and then Christian says, "Please be careful, Ana."

"You, too. You're not the only one who worries about their spouse."

"I promise. I have to go."

"How's it going?"

"Bad news, I'm afraid. We're about to move up Forbes' list of richest couples."

It takes a moment for Ana to realize that it's in fact good news, and she laughs before saying, "Just as well; I'm kind of getting used to being rich."

"I'm glad. I love you, baby. Stay safe."

"I will. I love you, too."

It's another few seconds before Christian finds the strength to hang up. Several seconds after that, Ana is still staring at her phone. But then she wipes the few tears from her eyes and goes about her day.

Despite Christian's concerns, no mystery blackmailer in a hoodie tries to storm Grey Publishing. Sawyer remains present but unobtrusive, so Ana is able to get a lot of work done. With Christian not due to land at SeaTac until at least midnight, she again brings home some bound manuscripts to distract her while she waits for him. Ryan greets her with good news, "They've caught them, Mrs. Grey. Behind bars as we speak."

"Them?"

"Yes, uh, the man who delivered the letter is the woman's current lover. She let slip about her previous relationship with Mr. Grey, and the guy thought he could make it work for him."

"Christian knows all this?"

"Yes, ma'am. He's the reason we tracked them down so quickly."

At first confused, Ana then says, "Oh. He recognized her from the details on the blog."

Suddenly wary, Ryan says, "Yes, ma'am. You okay?"

So he won't worry, Ana manages a smile and says, "I will be. I can cope with knowing about his past. But I don't much like these reminders. Will it happen again?"

"Well, that's one of the reasons Mr. Grey insisted on filing charges; to deter others."

"But you don't know for sure?"

"No ma'am. I'd like to thank you again for your cooperation. This could have been much more unpleasant if you'd made a fuss."

Quietly proud of herself for apparently giving the appearance of calm, Ana smiles and says, "I don't see how that would have helped. Here's hoping it's a one-off."

"Amen. I'll be in the office if you need anything."

After a relaxing dinner with Gail, Ana curls up on the sofa, listening to tunes that she's heard Christian play on piano and poring over manuscripts until she can barely keep her eyes open. It's gone midnight and still no text from Christian to say that he's landed. So she gets ready for bed like a robot. But smiles on seeing her t-shirt and chooses, instead, to get into bed naked.

Almost too late, she remembers her promise and wearily gets out of bed to don her robe and fetch the flogger, idly wondering what Ryan will think of her midnight mission if he's still watching the cameras. Placing the now cherished whip gently under his pillow, and despite the exhaustion gripping her, Ana feels a thrill at the thought of Christian's "punishment" when he finally arrives. She leaves soft lighting on so he'll more easily find his way to her side. Despite her entire body now humming with delicious anticipation, Ana is asleep within minutes.

She wakes as Christian is climbing into bed. Suddenly, all Ana's courage leaves her, because she doesn't need it when he's with her. Moving into his welcoming arms, she cannot stop the tears falling. Fatigue evident in his voice, Christian says, "Hey, it's okay, baby. Please don't cry. It's all over."

Looking up at him, touching one hand to his cheek as if to make sure he's real, Ana says, "I know. I'm just…I'm very glad you're home."

Kissing her hand and then gently wiping the tears from her face, Christian smiles and says, "Me, too. I'm so sorry that you had to deal with this alone."

Smiling, Ana says, "I didn't. Luke and Ryan were wonderful and Gail has been keeping me company while you were gone."

"Ryan is very impressed with you. If he weren't happily married, I'd be worried."

Wondering how even his jealous streak now makes her feel loved, Ana says, "Shouldn't you be kissing me by now, Mr. Grey?"

Ana wakes to the sound of music. At first confused, she works out that Christian found her "Missing him" playlist and set it as her alarm in the iPod dock. At the sound, the man in questions appears from the bathroom, naked as the day he was born and brushing his teeth. Pulling the brush from his mouth for a moment, Christian grins and says, "Missed me, huh?"

Wondering how the hell he can still look sexy with traces of white foam around his mouth, Ana teases, "What makes you think it's about you?"

His eyes narrowing, Christian scrubs his mouth clean with one hand and approaches, saying, "This is the tone you want to set for my first morning back, Mrs. Grey?"

Recognizing that he's not actually angry, Ana offers no resistance as he covers her body with his, the bedding between them. Brazenly sliding her hands down to rest on his butt, she purrs, "Abso-fucking-lutely."

Unable to maintain his glower, Christian grins and says, "You stole my line." Quickly kissing her with too-minty breath, he suddenly rolls off her, saying, "Turn over."

Knowing that, as always, he'll be concerned about whether or not he went too far last night, Ana sighs and says, "It's fine, Christian. I'm sure that, by now, I'd be able to feel if there was any actual damage."

Tossing the toothbrush aside, Christian shrugs and says, "Still…."

Rolling her eyes at his overprotectiveness, Ana does as bid, saying, "I sincerely hope you'll eventually get over this. I'm not made of glass, Christian."

Dragging the covers from her body, Christian tenderly kisses her back and says, "No, more like fine crystal; exquisitely beautiful and surprisingly durable, but ultimately fragile and to be handled with great care."

As Christian continues the inspection with his lips on her skin, apparently kissing every pink stripe, Ana giggles and says, "Mmm…I guess I can live with that." Her toes curling in response to the pleasure spreading through her body, she adds, "Not that I'm complaining, but we're going to be late for work if you keep doing that."

Again covering her body with his, Christian's lips are by her ear when he softly growls, "Then you shouldn't have rolled your fucking eyes at me."

This is him; her lover. She knows him by the delicious threat in his voice, this iron grip on her wrists as he immobilizes her arms, the overwhelming strength of his legs entwining and capturing hers like a python ensnares its prey, and the promise of his erection pressing against where she most wants him to be. Well on her way to climax just at the aggressiveness of his foreplay, Ana moans, "Please, darling, please."

Never one to give in too easily, Christian torturously slowly enters her and almost gently starts moving inside her, even as he teases her neck and shoulders with his mouth, sending shudders of pleasure rippling through her entire body, until it's almost too much. Finally giving in to urges that have driven men since before they walked upright, Christian adjusts his position and slams into her captive body, even as his teeth close on her already sensitive flesh. Ana screams in ecstasy as he hits that spot deep within her that is meant only for him. That primal sound is enough to shatter what remains of his control and the man disappears, leaving only the animal.

Only seconds later, they're both spent and collapse, gasping, until Christian seems to remember where he is. Immediately relaxing his vice-like grip on her limbs and lifting some of his weight from her body, he asks, "Okay?"

Surprised that it obeys her command, given that her entire body feels as if the bones have melted, Ana reaches one hand behind her to touch the side of his face, saying, "You need to stop asking that. I'm better than okay; I'm blissful."

Removing himself and dropping on his side next to her, even as Ana turns to face him, Christian grins and says, "I told you we didn't need that questionnaire; like a freight train…an express freight train."

Ana slaps his chest in reproof and says, "Not nice. I'm glad you're back."

Still with a self-satisfied smile, Christian says, "Yes, you said."

"At 3am I was glad that my husband is back from New York. I'm talking about my Fifty Shades now." At his obvious confusion, Ana explains, "Again, not a complaint, but you've been scarily nice for a long time now; pretty much since we got back together. But you're becoming him again; the man I fell in love with."

"I hope not. I didn't really like him all that much."

"I know, baby. But I love him. And I think you know what I'm talking about; nice Christian wouldn't have dared take me like you just did."

That achingly familiar gesture of shame in the twitch of his shoulders and Christian says, "Yeah, I guess so. I think it's that I'm no longer terrified of you leaving. Though I did have a ball-shriveling, sweat-inducing nightmare to that effect while I was away, so the fear lingers." At her immediate concern, he quickly adds, "Hey, I sleep better now than I ever have, thanks to you. Please don't stress about that."

Actually reassured, Ana says, "Okay, thank you. Anything I can do to make the fear go away forever?"

Only love in his eyes, Christian says, "Keep doing what you're doing. I'm astounded that you're still here after all you've endured because of me…and apparently will continue to endure, if this week is anything to go by. I'm so sor..."

Resting her fingertips on his lips to forestall yet another apology, Ana says, "Sshh. Please, baby, it's not your fault. I can cope with anything if you're on my side."

Finding and kissing the platinum bands on her left hand, Christian vows, "Always." Suddenly reaching around to slap her butt, Christian commands, "Now get your pink ass in the shower. I want to have breakfast with my wife before I go to work."

Already moving to obey, Ana "protests", "Of course, there was a lot to be said for Nice Christian. He didn't smack me as much, for one thing."

Retrieving his toothbrush, Christian heads back into the bathroom as he says, "Sounds incredibly boring. I'm glad he's gone."

Over an admittedly hurried breakfast, Ana remembers and says, "Oh, Mia called while you were away. She guessed that I'd be feeling bad about missing your birthday, so…" When Christian groans and drops his head to the table, Ana laughs and continues, "I'm afraid so; a small party at your parents' place this Saturday evening." With a twinge of guilt, she adds, "Mia said you wouldn't even see anyone on your birthday."

Reaching across the table for her hand, Christian says, "Hey, if I'm not allowed to apologize, you mustn't either. It's in the past."

Forcing a smile for his sake, Ana says, "Fair enough. So, you'll cooperate?"

Another groan and Christian says, "If Mia's running the show, I'll have little choice. For now, we'd better make a move. If you're quick brushing your teeth, I'll walk you down."

As they're heading to the bedroom, Ana asks, "How come before breakfast?"

"My dentist said it's a good idea. Yours doesn't?"

"I haven't been in years. My teeth are fine."

"Your teeth are perfect. But you should still visit the dentist. I'll set up an appointment."

"Yes, Sir."

Glaring at her, Christian cautions, "Don't start, or we really will be late."

Her body pleasantly aching from their mid-morning and early morning love-making, Ana realizes that she really does need a break, so resists the urge to further provoke him. After managing to keep their hands off each other even in the elevator, they part ways with a tender kiss; Ana leaving with Sawyer and Christian with Reynolds. Before getting in the R8, Christian blows Ana a kiss. Happier than she ever thought possible, she returns the gesture.

Relaxing in the car as Sawyer drives her to GP, Ana ponders out loud, "This is as close to normal as we can expect, isn't it?"

"Uh, you and Mr. Grey? Yes, I guess so. Neither of you will ever be ordinary."

Smiling, Ana says, "Luke, did you just pay me a compliment?"

Also smiling, Sawyer says, "I wouldn't dare."

Amazingly carefree, despite knowing that it's probably fleeting, given who she's married to, Ana jokes, "Don't worry; I won't tell Christian."

A small nod with his gaze meeting hers in the rear vision mirror, and Sawyer says, "In that case, Ana, I think you're extraordinary; we all do."

The sincerity in his voice wasn't what she was expecting and Ana says, "Oh. Well, thank you…to all of you."

"You're welcome, Ana."

Still happy, but a little subdued, Ana lets Sawyer run through protocol for getting her safely to her office. It's not yet lunchtime when Adam calls, saying, "Bad news, I'm afraid. Some cop leaked an arrest warrant, citing extortion and defamation of character, that lists Christian Grey as the complainant."

Silently running through the worst curse words she knows, Ana says, "Have you talked to him?"

"Yes. He's concerned that you might be harassed by the press and asked me to run you through procedure."

"Procedure?"

"Well, it can barely be called that; basically, you utter 'No comment' to anyone who asks you about it and we hope it goes away."

"And, if it doesn't?"

"I consult with GEH public relations team as to whether it's worth putting you or Christian in front of a camera, or just issue a press statement."

Her phone alerts her to an incoming call, so Ana says, "Uh, that's probably Christian trying to get through. Anything else?"

"No, that'll do for now. Just remember 'no comment'."

"Got it. Thanks, Adam."

Quickly permitting the other call, Ana isn't surprised to hear Christian's voice saying, "Did Garth call you?"

"No comment."

Proving that he's understood, Christian chuckles and says, "That's my girl. Am I allowed to apologize for this?"

"No. Still not your fault. You're doing the best you can."

"I'm glad you realize that. Mostly it seems like I keep fucking up. But I am trying to make your life as easy as possible."

Soothed just by the sound of his voice, Ana says, "Everything is easier with you. Nothing seemed to work properly while you were gone."

In an awestruck tone, Christian reveals, "I know what you mean. I couldn't…I was off my game when I got to New York. If I hadn't been able to talk to you every day, I think that I would have folded and come home with my tail between my legs. Everything you do seems like it should make me weaker, but somehow it makes me stronger."

"I know, baby, I know. You're my strength, too."

Christian groans and says, "You know, I probably have enough money that I could buy a tropical island somewhere and we could live for several years without seeing another fucking person."

Smiling at the delightful image, Ana says, "Let's call that Plan C. For now, we both need to get back to work."

"What's Plan B?"

Surprised that he's forgotten, Ana says, "Chaining me to the wall of your dungeon."

"Oh, great; now I have to get back to work with that incredibly distracting image in my head."

Ana giggles and says, "If you're trying to tell me that your thoughts weren't already along those lines, I'll have to call you a liar."

Christian chuckles and says, "Yeah, fair enough. Fuck you soon, baby."

"Not very romantic, Mr. Grey."

"Mrs. Grey, if you're telling me that you'd prefer it any other way, I'll have to call you a liar."

"You're right. Do you have time for lunch?"

Suddenly in CEO mode, Christian says, "Not today. Hopefully next week. And I have to go. I'll see you tonight."

"Oh, what time; ballpark figure?"

"Not sure, baby. I'll call you when I'm leaving, okay?"

"Okay. At which point I will go into the playroom and chain myself to that cross thingy, wearing only high heels and lacy panties, so you'd better not be late."

Another groan and Christian says, "God, fucking save me. How am I supposed to…? You're a very cruel woman."

Joyful laughter threatening to drown out her words, Ana says, "I love you, too. I'll see you tonight."

"Until tonight, my love."

Author's note: I won't write the upcoming birthday party, because EL James already did so. If you need a recap, skip to Chapter Twenty-two of Fifty Shades Darker and ignore the references to Hyde or the helicopter crash, because neither are in my version. I'll remind you in a note on the next installment, that Christian is supposedly done with Elena and his parents now know about his past. Do not expect a vengeful, murderous Elena with apparently limitless powers. I don't see her that way. But she'll be back.