Chapter Thirty-five

The next morning, when Christian admits Bree into the suite, she then steps aside, so that he can leave. Instead, he turns to Ana and asks, "You sure, baby?"

With a nervous smile, Ana assures him, "It's fine. I promise."

Clearly reluctant, Christian nevertheless nods and leaves. Bree puts her bag down and asks, "Something wrong, Ana?"

"Not exactly." Hesitating only a moment, Ana explains, "I, uh, have some red marks on my wrists and ankles. I wanted to tell you before we proceed, because you're bound to notice, and I need you to understand that…what caused them was entirely consensual."

Bree's eyebrows express her surprise, but she only asks, "Marks elsewhere, too?"

Blushing, Ana confesses, "Uh, well, my…do I have to go into detail?"

Her solicitous nurse smiles and says, "No, I guess not. Did you experience any of the symptoms of high blood pressure that I told you to watch out for?"

"Uh, no. I felt a little dizzy at one point." Finally relaxing a little, Ana smiles and says, "But that's not unusual, under the circumstances."

"And…I'm sorry, Ana, but this one is necessary; did any of the marks break the skin?"

Her face again suffused with acutely-uncomfortable red, Ana reveals, "No. He's extremely careful about that."

"I'm glad to hear it. Any other concerns?"

Surprised that the matter is already apparently concluded, Ana says, "Uh, no. That's it. I feel fine."

Her eyes sparkling with humor, Bree asks, "Just 'fine'?"

Ana giggles and says, "Okay; wonderful. Thank you, for making this easy for me."

"No problem, dear. Thank you, for trusting me; the more information I have, the better I can care for you. As you were nervous about telling me, we'll do the exercises first, and check your vitals when you're relaxed."

Satisfied that Ana and the baby are well, Bree says goodbye for now, to find Christian leaning on the wall in the corridor. He stands straight as she shuts the door, asking, "Well?"

Deliberately misunderstanding him, Bree smiles and says, "Yes, they're both well." Checking that they're alone, she quietly continues, "You're aware that intense fear and pain…"

Christian nods and interrupts, "Could raise her blood pressure? Yes, we're careful." Running a hand through his hair, his gaze also darts around them before he reveals, "I've resisted since the surgery, but Ana…well, she's…" With a weak laugh, he concludes, "Hard to resist."

Bree smiles and says, "So it would seem. You'll be late again?"

"Not today." With a grin, Christian jokes, "She wore me out."

"All right. I'll see you downstairs."

"Thank you, for understanding."

"Your wife's health is my only concern and, considering how well she seems today, I'd say whatever you two got up to last night did her the power of good." As she passes by Christian on the way to her room, Bree quietly adds, "Also, just as well these walls are thick."

Christian can't quite manage a disapproving tone as he warns, "You know, I'm pretty sure I could find another nurse just as qualified as you."

Bree doesn't even look around to cheerfully reply, "If you say so, sir."

Despite the sad end of their blue-sky days, the weather is still relatively kind to them, though very cold. After a tour of Poole's Cavern; stunning limestone caves, and the short walk to Solomon's Temple; a Victorian folly offering spectacular panoramic views of Buxton and the surrounding landscape – Christian being the one to spot the hedgehog that lingers long enough for a couple of photos before it vanishes into the undergrowth – they're once again in the car and heading northwest when Lea informs Christian, "Five minutes until the turnoff, sir."

Christian leans forward, offering a scarf to Carla, and says, "Your turn for the blindfold, I'm afraid."

Clearly confused, Carla looks to Ana, asking, "What's going on?"

Ana shrugs and says, "No idea, Mom. But it'll be for your benefit."

Still wary, Carla complies as she says, "I hope so."

Ana, of course, sees the signpost that reveals their intended location, Lyme Park, but still doesn't know what's going on. Looking to Christian for the answer, she's cheerfully informed, "If your mother can trust me, I think you can, too."

Still sounding a little uncomfortable, Carla counters, "It's Ana I trust, not you."

Christian merely laughs and says, "Fair enough."

When Nigel parks the car, Christian practically leaps out to open Carla's door, giving constant instructions as he helps her exit and walks her a few, trepidatious steps before saying, "Okay, now you can remove the blindfold."

Carla does so, looks around her at the many tourists, and expansive grounds nearby. Then her eyes alight on the mansion in the background and she gasps, "Pemberley."

Smiling at her reaction, Christian explains, "Yes. Bob told me that Pride and Prejudice is one of your favorites; the book and the mini-series. I'm afraid we can't stay very long, and the interior of the mansion was filmed somewhere else, but I thought…"

He's interrupted by Carla swaying almost into his embrace, before she seems to remember that he won't like it, and clutches at his hands instead. Christian's lingering fear of physical contact, especially when he's not the one who initiates it, means that he can't stop his body from tensing at her heartfelt attempt at grateful affection. But he only hesitates a moment before embracing Carla long enough for her to breathe, "Thank you. I wasn't expecting that."

Beaming, that his gift was so well received, Christian says, "Exactly; not nearly as much fun if you were."

As an almost girlishly excited Carla runs to fetch her camera, Christian warily approaches Ana and asks, "Okay?"

Blinking away the unnecessary tears, Ana lovingly pronounces, "Perfect."

With every possible photo opportunity taken advantage of, they're once again on the move, with Carla unusually quiet as she emails her husband. Christian and Ana are, of course, holding hands. On noticing that she's staring at him, he raises an eyebrow in question. Motioning him closer, she whispers, "I kind of want to fuck you right now."

Christian's sudden outburst of laughter causes a small ripple of interest, but everyone almost immediately returns to what they were doing, and he whispers, "Me being nice to your mother does it for you? And you call me kinky."

Her face shining with love for him, she replies, "You are." When he's done kissing her, still awkward inside the car, Ana asks, "I suppose you're not going to tell me where we'll stop next?"

Leaning back in his seat, Christian reveals, "Actually, I don't know. My next choice is over two hours away, so I asked our driver to pick a secure location halfway, because either your pregnant bladder or stomach – probably both – will be demanding attention by then."

Resisting the urge to apologize for being a nuisance, since he obviously doesn't see it that way, Ana settles for, "Thank you."

After their mystery lunch break, which turns out to be a Beefeater restaurant off the Preston bypass, where Ana eats a steak that would satisfy even her husband, she once again can't keep her eyes open and wakes about thirty minutes later to Christian explaining, "Good timing, baby. We entered the Lake District a little while ago, but you haven't missed much yet."

When they cross a small river, Christian points to the right and says, "Lake Windermere is somewhere that way."

Guessing part of their itinerary, Ana asks, "We're going on a cruise?"

Smiling at her enthusiasm, Christian reveals, "Late tomorrow morning, assuming the weather holds; private charter, so we can go wherever you wish."

This time keeping any feelings of unworthiness to herself, and the ensuing guilt those feeling elicit, Ana returns her attention to the scenery as she says, "Wonderful."

Suddenly, Christian's voice is by her ear and he murmurs, "I know what you're thinking, Mrs. Grey. Just remember; together, okay?"

Amazingly, this is enough to improve her mood, and she kisses him before agreeing, "Together."

They travel for a while through picturesque pasture and woodland, lightly dusted with recent snowfall, along adorable lanes framed by ancient stone walls, past exquisite cottages and inns, with occasional glimpses of Lake Windermere in the distance. When the car slows to make a turn, this time Ana recognizes the signpost, Hill Top, and excitedly asks, "Beatrix Potter's farm?"

Grinning, Christian confirms, "Uh, huh. After this we'll head into Hawkshead and visit the gallery, too. In the meantime you can see where Peter Rabbit was created and go nuts in the souvenir shop. Oh, but anything they have here is also available online. So don't spend all afternoon buying stuff for Junior; we can do that from home."

Trusting him to understand how grateful she is, Ana grins and counters, "Blip."

Still smiling, Christian argues, "Blips can't eat, baby, not even from a bowl with a rabbit running around the outside."

Yet again too happy for words, Ana is laughing as Christian helps her from the car. After exploring the farmhouse and garden, both looking at if Miss Potter has just stepped out for a moment, they spend too much money on souvenirs, then head into Hawkshead, to learn about this amazing woman's life.

From there it's only a short drive to yet another picture-perfect town; Wordsworth's beloved Grasmere. They spend some time at Dove cottage, formerly his home for a time, now faithfully preserved as a museum and tribute to his life. The light is waning and the weather is closing in by the time they reach Rydal Mount; Wordsworth's last home, where he wrote in the extensive and beautiful gardens (designed by the poet) that he called his "office", until his death in 1850.

Finally arriving at the Cranleigh hotel, after the early sunset – not that they saw it with the sun concealed behind ominous, gray clouds – the foot-sore travelers are gushing over the grand, ultra-modern interior of the (from the outside) unprepossessing but dignified old building, while Christian oversees the details of checking in. Not really listening, Ana overhears him asking for a 6am wakeup call. When he eventually saunters over to her, keycards in hand, she asks, "Early start?"

"If we want to see why so many people, including your Miss Potter, fought to preserve this area; yes." Handing Carla her card, he continues, "Don't worry; Bob told me that hiking the wilderness isn't your thing. I've booked you into their day spa at a more leisurely time; for whatever treatments you can cram in before eleven. All the details are in your suite, and we'll catch up with you before we head to the marina for our cruise. For now, you have about an hour to freshen up before dinner; smart casual will be fine. We're walking, but it's only a hundred yards to the restaurant."

Her slight concern transforming to obvious delight, Carla says, "Thank you, Christian."

When Christian nods to the nearby porter, the young man smiles and says "If you'll follow me, you'll be in the lap of luxury in no time."

On entering their deluxe suite – opulent and tastefully coordinated chocolate and bronze furnishings, subtle and evocative mood lighting, welcoming fire in the modern hearth, mirrors and room dividers creating the illusion of even more space than there already is – Ana is first struck by the delicious scent of roses, and soon sees why; a trail of red petals leads from the door to the opulent king-size bed. More petals festoon the covers, on which rests a welcoming teddy bear, apparently clutching a single, intact rose. The door to the palatial en suite is open, revealing floor to ceiling marble tiles, and several lit candles surround the enormous sunken hot tub; already filled and gently bubbling away. A freestanding brass ice bucket by the bed contains a bottle of (presumably non-alcoholic) sparkling wine. And a plate of strawberries, half-coated in chocolate, rests on a nightstand, along with a couple of champagne flutes. Overwhelmed by this elaborate and extravagant cliché of hedonistic seduction, Ana giggles and says, "You asked for the romance package, didn't you?"

Unashamed, Christian beams at her and says, "Yes, ma'am. Is it working?"

Laughing again, Ana moves into his arms as she warmly declares, "Not necessary, darling. But, yes, it's working. Do we have time?"

Nodding towards the en suite, he says, "We have time to fuck in the bath. Later, I thought we might leisurely make love surrounded by rose petals."

Her body warmed by more than the heat from the fire, Ana's groin muscles clench as if on his command as she says, "Excellent plan, Mr. Grey."

When Ana and Christian meet up with Carla in the foyer, she exclaims, "Wow! This place is even nicer than your apartment. Did you put me in the best suite they have?"

Smiling, Christian says, "Certainly one of the best. I'm glad you like it. Though I object to your assessment; Escala is definitely better."

Proving that she understands he's playing, Carla laughs and says, "My mistake. So, where are we dining?"

Offering her his free elbow – Ana, of course, has the other – Christian guides them out into the chilly night as he says, "The Porto restaurant. It's affiliated with the hotel, and offers an extensive à la carte menu, eclipsed only by their wine list. Remember, you're drinking for three on this trip."

"I hadn't thought of it that way, but you're right. Ana hardly drinks, though. So I'm not sure it counts."

A twinkle in his eye, Christian looks at Ana as he says, "Oh, that's not always true."

Ana is ineffectively threatening Christian's ticklish ribs through several layers of clothing when Carla asks, "Oh, really? Something you haven't told me, Anastasia?"

Ana laughs and says to Christian, "Remember I told you that, before you, only my Mom called me that, and only when she's upset with me?"

Christian laughs and says, "Yes." To Carla, he vows, "I can assure you, Carla, that Anastasia has never, whilst in my company, consumed enough alcohol to become inebriated."

Clearly untrusting of his carefully worded promise, Carla nevertheless lets the matter drop. After a few seconds, she changes the subject with, "When does Bree eat? I mean, I know she eats; I've seen her. But what happens tonight? When does she have dinner?"

Sounding a little confused, Christian replies, "Whenever she wishes; such expenses are covered under her contract. Why?"

With a nervous glance at their unobtrusive minders, Carla says, "Oh, I'm just not used to this having servants thing. It feels weird not having her with us."

"Would you like me to invite her to join us from now on? She's not actually a servant, so I will not make it an order. But I can tolerate her presence during dinner, if you and Ana would prefer it."

Ana chimes in with, "I'd like that. She's fun." To Carla, she adds, "I know exactly what you mean, Mom. When I met Christian, he wasn't even on a first name basis with Jason and Gail; and they live with us."

Again with that nervous glance at Lea and Nigel, Carla lowers her voice to say, "Yeah. It seems so Upstairs, Downstairs." Noticing Christian's frown, she quickly adds, "Oh, not that I'm saying it's wrong…just…weird, like I said."

Christian pauses and asks their bodyguards, "Would you both care to dine with us from now on?"

Obviously confused, Nigel shoots a glance at his sister before replying, "Uh, I thought you're familiar with standard procedures, sir?"

"I am. But I fear that Mrs. Adams feels I'm being somewhat rude by not including you."

With a kind smile at Carla, Nigel explains, "It's all right, ma'am; we'd prefer to dine at another time. I really like my food, so there's no way I can adequately protect you if I'm hungry and someone plonks a decent meal in front of me."

Christian dismisses Nigel with a nod and again guides his women towards the restaurant as he explains, "See? Sometimes it's about efficiency, not snobbery."

"I never said you were a snob…okay, I implied it. I'm sorry."

Clearly not offended, Christian replies, "It's all right, Carla. You weren't completely wrong. Before I met Ana, I actually believed that simply paying above award wages was enough; that I didn't have to also show my employees courtesy. If she hadn't insisted on destroying the barriers between me and those who work for me, I would never have learned how many of them stay with me out of loyalty, not because I pay well." Then looking only at his wife, he concludes, "I'm a better boss, and a better man, because of your daughter."

Beaming her pleasure at both of them, Carla jokes, "Maybe I should eat at another time, too?"

Not even breaking stride to kiss Carla's cheek, Christian then says, "That's all right. Mostly I can tolerate your presence, too."

When Carla then wordlessly removes her arm from his and moves around to take Ana's free arm, Christian is still laughing when they arrive at the restaurant.

After dinner, Ana and Christian walk Carla to her door and say goodnight before heading, hand in hand, to their suite. On the way, Ana says, "You like her."

Bemused, Christian says, "I told you that, months ago."

"Yes, but you're teasing her a lot now."

"Oh; that. Well, she seems to like it."

Leaning her head on Christian's shoulder as Lea checks the suite, Ana says, "Thank you."

"No problem, baby." Then lowering his voice, Christian adds, "Now, no more talk of your mother once we're through that door, okay?"

Remembering his promise to make love surrounded by rose petals, Ana giggles and says, "Fair enough."

When they're finally alone, the delicate fragrance of rose still in the air, Ana notices a few changes; bed turned down, plush toweling robes on the bed, a chocolate on each pillow, and she presumes that the ice bucket now contains fresh ice, as they didn't touch that bottle before dinner, finding its twin in the en suite when they had sex in the spacious bathtub.

Guessing that Christian won't want to wait…he rarely does, Ana deliberately lowers her gaze, awaiting his instructions on how to proceed. Even as she does so – ostensibly giving up control of even her actions – his sharp intake of breath, as her submission turns him on, fans the flames of her desire with that feeling of power that comes from giving herself completely to this beautiful man…her man, so that she's quivering with need when, after several seconds, Christian approaches and begins wordlessly undressing her.

He removes her coat, beanie and scarf, then walks away. Daring a glance in his direction, Ana sees that he's hanging them up, and risks a smile at his perpetual need for tidiness. He also hangs up his coat, along with his dinner jacket, and kicks off his black brogues, leaving only the white dress shirt, gray tie and black suit pants; the very image of a sexy CEO…albeit a little casual without his shoes. Filing the image away as a reminder, she's once again deferentially staring at the floor when Christian returns to stand before her. Having finally come to accept that his apparent appreciation of her ever-expanding body was not feigned, somewhere along the way, Ana shed her dislike of her new shape and now relishes any opportunity to display her curvaceous figure in the designer maternity wear he'd lovingly supplied.

This evening she's also dressed for warmth; a latte and charcoal merino wool dress by Sabatini, combined with Stella & Minx patterned tights and knee-high Zoe Kratzmann boots. As Christian helps Ana out of the dress, he comments, "Wasn't too sure about this one, but it really suits you." When Ana says nothing, he kisses the top of her lowered head and gently says, "Tonight, I'm Christian."

Much as she enjoys the thrill of playing his dutiful sub in the bedroom, this is still one of Ana's favorite games; being themselves. So she lifts her head, smiles her pleasure, and says, "Hello, Christian. I'm Ana." Remembering the thought she'd had only moments ago, she gestures to his outfit and asks, "Oh, if we're us, could you…would you, consider sometimes wearing this when we play?"

Christian looks surprised, at first, then his gaze darkens and he hisses, "Fuck."

Distressed at having so upset him, Ana blushes and says, "Stupid idea. I'm sorry."

Offering a reassuring pressure on her shoulders, Christian bitterly explains, "Not angry with you, baby." Releasing her, he spreads his hands wide in supplication and continues, "All my talk about respect and I forgot one of the basics. You seemed to like the jeans so much that it never even occurred…it was never an issue with my subs, because…fuck, I'm sorry."

Utterly confused, Ana asks, "You're sorry?"

Smiling at her bewilderment, he says, "Yes. Before you, I didn't really care about this shit. But dressing well enough to honor the gift of your submission should have been the first fucking thing I did before taking you into the playroom. I apologize, humbly and sincerely, that you had to ask this of me; I should have known better…I do know better. I just…fuck."

This last delivered with a look of such helpless entreaty that Ana's chest aches with love for him. She smiles and says, "Apology accepted. Not that it was really necessary; I do like the jeans…there's something…raw about you in them. Please don't throw them out just yet?"

Gathering her in his embrace, Christian says, "Okay, baby. Though I don't imagine they'll last forever; not the way we play." Then kissing her and suddenly stepping back, he again spreads his arms wide and asks, "So, just like this? I know that some Doms go for the clichéd 'power' look of black shirt, pants and combat boots." A corner of his mouth lifting in a cheeky grin, he adds, "But I prefer barefoot, so I can sneak up on you."

Ana giggles and says, "I like that, too." Then resting a hand on her chin and saying "Hmm," to give his outfit a proper appraisal, she says, "Yes, I think, just like that. Oh, but can you roll up your sleeves after I've seen you?"

With a salacious grin, Christian asks, "Like I really mean business?"

Her breath catching at the threat/promise contained in those few words, Ana needs a moment to recover the power of speech, then utters, "God, yes."

Christian chuckles at her reaction, then suggests, "Okay, baby. I'll also ditch the tie after I enter, so it doesn't get in the way." Again wrapping her in his arms, he adds, "Thanks, for bringing this up; good timing, too, because we'll have to rethink everything we do after we move into the house."

"I thought you said that we're not going with a playroom; instead keeping Escala for date nights?"

"Yes. But our bedroom will be effectively soundproof and I'm not fucking waiting until we can organize a babysitter every time I want to spank my wife."

Ana smiles at his vehemence, then thinks of something else and asks, "If it's soundproof, how will we hear when someone knocks on the door?"

"Someone like a little boy who wakes up and needs his Mommy in the middle of the night?"

Blushing, that he can read her so easily, yet glad that he seems at ease with the idea, Ana admits, "Yes."

"That bit was easy; any vibration of the door will make a blue light flash several times inside the room. I'll show you when we get back." With a grimace, Christian quickly continues, "The difficult part has been putting up with Elliot's constant ribbing about why we might need a soundproof bedroom."

Amused and appalled at the same time, Ana asks, "Does he suspect? I mean, I know Grace, and presumably by now, Carrick, sort of know what we get up to…"

Christian interrupts, "No. As usual, my brother doesn't know a goddamn thing. He's just a fucking pain in the ass." Then fetching the "Hers" bathrobe, Christian helps Ana into it, saying, "Come on. Let's brush our teeth. By then I should have forgiven myself for not considering a Dom uniform and can get started on making up for it."

Ana knows that there's no point trying to ease Christian's guilt when he feels that he's let her down, so she merely smiles and says, "I'd like that."

As they – now minty fresh – walk back towards the bed, Christian steps behind Ana and deftly unties the sash at her waist before removing her robe. The moves of this "dance" pleasingly familiar to Ana, she doesn't turn; instead waiting the few seconds it takes for Christian to presumably hang up her robe and then return. Sliding his arms around her waist from behind, he affectionately nuzzles her neck as he murmurs, "I like this cat burglar look, but I honestly think that you're wearing too many clothes, Mrs. Grey."

Leaning into his caress, her blood burning with need for him, Ana just as quietly asks, "What do you intend to do about it, Mr. Grey?"

His hands roaming over her curves, prominent under the black, thermal sweater she'd worn beneath her dress, Christian doesn't immediately reply, instead kissing her neck and then her ear until Ana's breathing is erratic. Suddenly, he steps back, saying, "Strip and get into bed."

It doesn't take long. Ana sheds her sweater, tights and underwear in record time. By then, Christian has pulled the covers almost off the bed and removes the teddy bear as he mutters, "Sorry, little guy." Seeing that Ana is ready, he instructs, "Lie down and keep your eyes shut. Think you can manage that?"

"Uh, I guess so, but you know I won't mind if you blindfold me."

Christian shakes his head and says, "No. Tonight I want you naked, in body and soul."

At ease with his atheism, just as he respects her beliefs, Ana gently teases, "Soul?"

Christian rolls his eyes and says, "Fuck, woman; I'm trying to be romantic here. You know what I mean."

Stepping closer, still amazed at how graceful she feels in these moments, Ana takes the liberty of loosening his tie a little as she says, "Yes, darling, I know what you mean. And, for a guy who insisted he didn't have a heart when I met him, you're incredibly romantic." Then taking his hand and placing it over her heart, even as she does the same for him – a gesture they've not needed for a long time, not since they became secure in their love – Ana means every word when she says, "My soul belongs as much to you as it does to God."

Obviously pleased with her vow, Christian's pout transforms into a beatific smile, and then he says, "Not that I'm complaining about being in such exultant company, but isn't there some rule against that sort of thing? Shouldn't your God always come first?"

"I think that's only if I'm a nun."

Christian's eyes widen at the thought and he says, "Don't even joke about that." Then grinning like a little boy, he adds, "Although…did you give any more thought to adding costumes to play? You asked about that one time."

"Oh, no; not a nun costume. I'm pretty sure there must be rules against that."

Christian shrugs and says, "Oh well; worth a try." Suddenly lifting Ana in his arms and placing her on the bed, he adds, "Guess I'll just have to settle for your soul."

Happiness bubbling within her, even as her body still hums with desire, Ana giggles and jokes, "It's yours. Though I claim your soul as payment."

Bending over her, so that his face is only inches from hers, but without touching any part of her body, Christian warmly declares, "Baby, if I have a soul, it's been yours since we met."

Author's note: As usual, place names, business names and brand names are real, unless I tell you different. In case you're wondering after reading this; I'm not religious, but Ana is (mentioned in the books), so I'm writing her like that and will try to show the proper respect anyone deserves for living by a code of beliefs, even ones I don't agree with. On an unrelated topic, I think it's time for a sex scene, but I ran out of week before writing it, sorry...next chapter. Thank you, for reading.