Phoebe has turned two years old at our villa in Greece and we have had a perfect day at the beach, enjoying the sunshine. It has stuck around 35 degrees for most of the day and Christian's shoulders look burnt. Our two and four year old are both enjoying splashing in the pool, Christian carefully holding Phoebe in her water wings.
I'm relaxed on a lounge chair at the side of the pool. Teddy is splashing in his water wings as well as Christian keeps a close eye on him. I set my book down on the table beside me and sit up to get a better look. I reach for my Polaroid, taking a couple of photos. I can already picture them on the notice board by my desk.
I walk over to the side of the pool and dangle my legs in. "You know we should probably think about getting some dinner," I smile as Teddy looks immediately disappointed.
"Mommy, 10 more minutes!" He says firmly as I laugh.
"How about 5, Ted?" I suggest as he shakes his head, his messy copper hair splashing water at me.
"15," he grins. Ted's counting has come on so well now and at four years old, he's developing his bargaining tools just like his father.
I laugh, splashing some water his direction as he giggles loudly. Christian moves a little closer, ever protective of his son, guiding Phoebe through the water. "Daddy, throw me in the air," Teddy says grabbing his father's arm as Christian passes Phoebe to me.
I laugh as Christian throws Teddy in the air and catches him before he hits the water. Teddy is shrieking in joy. His father is his idol and everything Christian does in front of him is copied by Ted. I love watching my two men together. Christian helps Teddy swim a lap of the pool before guiding him to the ladder. "Come on then, Ted," he says helping it out. It's been nowhere near ten minutes but Teddy listens intently to his father, climbing out.
Our nanny, Hope, appears to wrap them both in towels and take the two children inside as Christian wraps himself up in a large beach towel, kissing my head.
"I gotta take a shower," he says taking my hand as we walk upstairs to our mezzanine bedroom. My mouth turns up as I think about the night we enjoyed in here last night. Christian strolls through to the bathroom, switching on the waterfall shower before stripping off his swim trunks and climbing in.
I dress myself in a cute white linen dress, brushing my hair and splashing water on my face. Grey stands behind me, dripping wet, his mouth quirked in a smile.
"You are beautiful," he breathes, placing a kiss on my bare shoulder.
"And you are sunburnt," I tease, turning to look at his red shoulders. Christian reaches down, tilting my chin up and placing a kiss to my lips. He's gloriously naked. The water dripping onto the floor.
Christian walks through to the bedroom, air drying as I grab some after sun. He sits on the side of the bed and I sit up behind him, slowly rubbing the cream into his shoulders. I think back to how he would never have allowed this when we first met and my stomach clenches deliciously. He thanks me before standing and pulling on boxers, chino shorts and a polo, generously spraying himself with Hugo Boss aftershave.
I pick up my sandals and walk downstairs as he follows me, casual trainers on, his hair still dripping wet.
Our two children are chasing each other around the living area, loud as ever. Hope is smiling as she watches them affectionately. "Take the night off, I think we've got this," I tell her warmly as she thanks us both and Christian scopes Phoebe up as I take Ted's hand.
Taylor is ready for us as ever, waiting with the hired Mercedes. He opens the door as I climb in, buckling Ted into his car seat while Christian settles Phoebe, sitting next to her. Taylor slides the door of the SUV closed behind us. I spot Sawyer coming round and climbing in the front with Taylor. Christian never let our security detail step back after everything with Hyde and now we have kids, I'm secretly glad.
Christian is lent forward, discussing directions with Jason and Luke as we set off into the town. The villa is located outside of town, allowing us plenty of privacy. But Taylor chose well with a completely remote area, no paparazzi have followed us and we have been able to enjoy time just as a family. Nowhere here is as expensive as we're used to, but it's a small price to pay for the privacy it affords us.
Sawyer opens up the door to the SUV as we park outside an Italian restaurant, Christian climbing out first with his daughter in his arms. Phoebe has brown hair that is up in a small ponytail currently. Her father's grey eyes dominate her pale face. She holds her father's shoulder firmly, my husband walking a few steps ahead of Teddy and I while the security follow us. We're seated a few tables away from Jason and Luke.
The meal we enjoy is simple but full of flavour. Both Christian and I have been keen to introduce our children to many different cuisines and flavours and they're both great at trying everything. I wouldn't describe Christian as overly strict with his children, but he won't let them waste food.
Once we're back home, we settle the kids ourselves in the nursery, Christian reading to them until they are both asleep.
"We have the best kids," he says as he closes the book, placing it on Teddy's bedside table.
"I think we've completed our family now," I agree with him.
"Our two are perfect," Christian nods. Our kids are sleeping so peacefully. So calm for once.
I sigh. "Christian, the thing is. I want to stop taking my shot," I say quietly.
"What? We just agreed?" He bristles at once. Christian goes from lovingly watching his kids to scowling at me in an instant. Old Mr Mercurial.
"I'm not saying I want another baby," I say quietly, walking out of the room as he follows me. I don't want to immediately wake them.
"What are you saying then?" He asks, his hands on his hips as we stand in the living area.
"The hormones make me feel tired all the time. I feel like I'm constantly trying to lose weight. They're not doing me any good," I look up to his face. He shows a flash of concern but then back to his pout.
"But Anastasia. We run the risk of a third child," he states plainly. He makes it sound like such a burden.
"Not if you use protection," I say slowly as Christian scowls. He hates using condoms. He's very much a believer that sex does not feel as good using protection. But I have made the sacrifice for four years now. Surely he can take some of that sacrifice?
"Anastasia… I hate those things," he tells me firmly. His face is not impressed.
"I know you do. But it's a few moments of inconvenience. This makes me feel lethargic all the time," I gesture at my body and Christian pushes his hand through his hair. He looks away, his reflection in the glass that is the entirety of the front of the villa.
"Can't you try another form of contraception?" He asks me eventually.
"I have, I tried the mini pill. I felt the same. Can't we try for a bit?" I ask him hopefully. Gosh can he not compromise a little?
"It makes intercourse far less pleasurable for me," he says firmly. "Ana, I'm not willing to do that."
"Could we maybe do a year on, a year off?" I ask him hopefully. "And it's not like you need it for anal or oral," I add as Christian shakes his head.
"Anastasia, you're asking a lot. You knew how I felt about this from the start," he's irritable now. How old is he? Surely a 32 year old man can use a condom to let his wife take a break from contraceptives?
"I know. It was part of your contract," I add bitterly. Wow, he really cares about this.
Christian puts his hands through his hair again. "Ana, we have no contract. You know that. Just be reasonable."
"I have been, for a long time. Come on, Christian," I say desperately as he rolls his eyes. "I'm not your submissive."
"Believe me, I know that," he says darkly, not looking at me again. He's looking the other way and I can no longer see his expression in the window.
"What is that supposed to mean?" I say, immediately agitated. "I'm the mother of your children!"
"Yes you are! And the way you're talking, you'll be the mother of about ten of my children. Who are we, the Von Trapps?" He snaps at me.
I laugh at him. "Use a condom," I snap before stalking upstairs.
"It's a lot fucking easier for you. It doesn't take all the enjoyment out of sex for you!" He snaps, shouting at me from downstairs. I turn at the top of the stairs.
"No but it makes me feel ill all the time! I thought we could have a mature conversation! Looks like you'll be having a lot of sex with your hand!" I shout down at him, forgetting this villa is relatively small and Luke and Taylor have definitely heard every word.
"Fuck you, Ana," he snaps, walking off to the kitchen and I know he's gone for a drink. I shake my head, changing into pyjamas and climbing into bed, turning up the air conditioning and pulling the thin sheet over me, laying on my side to sleep. Christian never compromises anymore. At the start, he sacrificed so much of what he wanted to give me what I want. But now, less and less so.
I fall into a troubled sleep and I'm aware of him climbing into bed at some point in the night, although he doesn't cuddle me and sticks to his side. I wake around 5am, sunlight creeping in as I lay back on the bed. Christian is asleep on his back beside me. With each breath I get a lingering smell of bourbon and I know he's had more than one drink last night.
I glance over at him. I don't want to ruin this holiday with a fight. We haven't had a break in so long. I rub his chest and he doesn't wake but I notice him stir in his boxer shorts. I smirk running my hands down his body, enjoying his reaction. He lets out a small groan in his sleep as I carefully graze my fingers down his happy trail. His hips involuntarily buck as I reach into his boxers, his dick hardening against my skin.
Christian slowly opens his eyes. "Good morning," he murmurs as he notices what I'm doing. I watch his lips quirk upwards, his thoughts on the fight clearly forgotten as he bucks his hips again. I still as his eyes darken. "Please don't stop on my account," he grins.
I give him a playful smile back before easing off his boxers, letting his full length spring free. He's still growing as I reach down and kiss his tip. "Ah," he murmurs. I carefully sheath my teeth before swirling my tongue over the tip and sucking him into my mouth. He lets out a breath as I push him back, letting him hit the back of my mouth. His hips involuntarily buck.
I ease my mouth back before swallowing him again. He circles his hips, pushing his dick in further as I work up and down his length, my tongue tasting his saltiness. "Uh," he moans. "Ana you're going to unman me," he murmurs, trying to pull back.
"I want you to come in my mouth," I say with a grin before returning to my ministrations, letting him thrust into my mouth. I tighten my lips around his length and this is his undoing. The warm, salty liquid fills my mouth. I swallow and watch him as he opens his eyes. They are full of his release as he relaxes back on the bed.
I sit up, watching him. He gives me a grin. "See, you can still enjoy that without me being on my shot," I point out to him and his face changes at once. He's pissed.
He sits up abruptly, pushing his sweaty hair back before standing up. I think he thinks I tricked him. "Where are you going?" I ask him.
"For a swim," he says pulling on a clean pair of trunks, grabbing his Ray Bans and storming downstairs. I sigh, flopping back on the bed. Both frustrated with my husband and sexually frustrated.
I eventually get up, pulling on a bikini and putting a cover up over the top. I walk downstairs. I can see Christian through the glass window. He's stood in the pool, leant on the side, on his phone, presumably trying to negotiate some business deal although who is up in Seattle I'm not sure. He glares at me as he spots me. I shake my head, no time for this.
I open the glass door and he hangs up promptly. "What do you want?" He asks petulantly.
"Come on, Christian. Don't ruin this trip by sulking," I say, walking over to where he is stood in the pool. He turns to look at me, his eyes barely visible beneath his dark glasses.
"You tried to play me," he mutters, setting his phone on his towel on the side of the pool. I pick it up and he eyes me cautiously as I place it on a table by the sun lounger, away from water damage.
"And you've never done that to me?" I ask him as he opens and closes his mouth. "Why won't you consider it?"
"I'll consider it, Ana,' he says irritably, swimming out of my reach as I sit on the side of the pool.
"So now I can't touch you?" I check as he looks to me.
"I just want some time to myself," Christian sighs as I nod. I get up and walk back inside, leaving my husband to sulk outside. The kids are up and Hope is entertaining them in the nursery. Phoebe runs over to me and I scoop her up with ease as Teddy gives me a broad grin.
"Is daddy up?" He asks, always all about his dad.
I give him a smile. "He will be soon," I say gently. "How about breakfast?" I suggest as the kids follow me through to the kitchen. I make them eggs and toast, letting Teddy have a little screen time on my phone as Phoebe tucks in right away.
"What are we doing today?" Teddy asks me once he has finished his piece of toast, grabbing a napkin for his fingers. He's so well mannered already. He is exactly like his father in this way.
"Daddy has hired a boat and he's going to show you how to fish, Ted," I say with a broad smile as Teddy matches mine.
"That is gonna be so cool!" My son agrees as my husband walks in, wrapping himself in yet another towel. He gives me a kiss on the cheek.
"Sorry," he whispers in my ear as I pass him eggs and toast. I give him a quick smile as I tell Christian what I've just told Teddy.
"Oh yes, Ted. We should catch some big ones I think," Christian tells Teddy who looks excited.
The boat is around 30 minutes away. We meet the captain, Nik, who is going to take us out of sea and we settle on the deck, Phoebe on my lap, Christian pointing things out to Ted. Christian insists both me and the kids wear life jackets, whilst he strolls around in just plain black swim trunks, his burn already turning into a gorgeous tan.
Ted is peering over the side, Christian's arm firmly around his waist as we arrive far enough out to fish. I get out a colouring book for Phoebe, letting her sit at the small table as Christian shows Teddy how to put bait on the line. The back of the boat is opened up and Grey and Teddy carefully go to sit near the back. Taylor is watching them both like a hawk while Sawyer is at the front, talking with the captain.
Christian lets Teddy cast, which is initially a disaster, but our boy quickly gets the hang of it, sitting on his dad's lap holding the line. I get my camera again to take some photos. Christian looks away shyly, and I know how much he hates getting his picture taken. I focus on our eldest, who's concentration is clear in his face.
It's almost 30 minutes before they catch a fish but Teddy is delighted when it happens. I instruct the captain to deal with it, I don't want our children to see this bit after Teddy has had the customary photo with his first catch. I let Sawyer sit with Phoebe and colour while I have a swim in the sea.
Christian and Teddy come to join me, Christian holding our son carefully, Teddy's arm draped around his father's neck. I know Christian feels bad because he smooches me straight away and our son giggles.
"You two are so yucky!" He says laughing as I kiss our son on his forehead. Christian passes Teddy to me as he has a swim around in the sea. Sawyer lets Phoebe stand at the side to watch up, holding her carefully. I'm aware Taylor is also keeping a close eye on us, although fully clothed I'm not sure what rescue mission he would be planning to pull off.
When it is time to get on the boat, Christian helps Teddy up the ladder first, letting Taylor take him before Christian insists on getting me up and then following me up the ladder. He gives me a long cuddle on the deck and I see Luke and Sawyer try to look anywhere else as Christian peppers my face with kisses. He really does feel bad.
The trip ends all too soon and we are on the jet back to Seattle. The kids are sleeping and I am reading as my husband busies himself with work. This has been one of his most engaged trips and I am impressed at how much he has managed to leave the work behind him, but I am unsurprised when he works on the plane.
I feel his foot rubbing my lower leg and I look down. He hasn't looked up from his laptop but his trainer is working its way up my leg. I see his lips curl up a little as he types an email. I set my book down, watching him as a smirk forms on his face. I take my shoes off, placing one of my feet in his lap.
He still doesn't look up from the computer but slowly starts to massage my foot, working his way over my ankle and to my lower leg. His touch is electric as he rubs his thumb in circles. He's still reading but his grey eyes are alight with arousal. I move my foot in his lap and can feel an erection forming. As my toes brush it a small o falls on his face.
His eyes finally break from his screen and meeting mine, gives me a lascivious grin. "You know what this plane does to me since our honeymoon," he smirks at me. I match his look, my eyes full of want. Christian stands abruptly, taking my hand and moving to kiss my lips. His erection is digging into my stomach, the fabric of his jeans rubbing against me. Taylor is stoically ignoring us
He grabs my hand firmer and guides me through to the bedroom, closing the door and pushing me onto the bed, practically falling on top of me. "Anastasia," he groans against me. "I want you. So much," he grinds his dick with each word to drive the point home. My legs are either side of his hips and his dick is against my heat. I let out a moan.
Christian sits up, pulling my jeans and panties down before lifting up my t shirt. He grins at my plain black bra before pulling it down, exposing my breasts with a natural ease. He makes an appreciative noise before standing and kicking off his trainers, working my jeans off my ankles and discarding them with his trainers. He's stood over me, fully clothed, his eyes hooded.
He pulls my t shirt right up, tying it around my arms and gives me a satisfied grin. He's back on the bed and his mouth is on my left nipple. I moan as it puckers against his warm tongue. He works his tongue around it slowly, his right hand playing with my other breast, pinching and tugging at my nipple. I let out a whimper. He swaps and then leaves both nipples hard and exposed to the cool air.
His face is laced with concentration as his tongue works down my body, stopping at my belly button before working down to there. He flicks me with his tongue and I cry out. He looks up, a grin covering his face. He slides a finger inside me, finding me already wet for him. He adds a second before moving to suck my clitoris. I'm so close, my hips are bucking and he stops. He sits up, sucking his fingers. I whimper, my hands tied in my t shirt.
Christian stands again, pulling off his t shirt. His body is a temple. His pecs perfectly matched, his own nipples hard. The light chest hair and the happy trail leading to the promised land. My eyes don't fixate on the scars. He unbuckles his jeans, working down his button fly slowly as he watches me roll my hips. "So needy, Anastasia," he whispers.
He's stood there in his boxers, a damp patch already forming at the front and he sits down on the edge of the bed, massaging my feet again, clearly quite content.
"You're so cruel," I tease him and this spurs him on. He's pulled his dick through his boxers and is inside me within seconds.
"Yes," he hisses as he thrusts straight in. "Fuck, Anastasia." I match him, crying out in pleasure. Grey props his elbows either side of my shoulders and starts to thrust, his hips heavy on mine as I match his pace.
His pumping picks up and I can see he is getting close. "Come for me," he whispers as I explode around him, pushing him over the edge. "Anastasia," he cries as he comes, falling directly on top of me as he does.
Christian rolls off a minute later. I can feel his heart racing as he lays on his back. We slowly dress and take our time, walking back through to the main cabin around half an hour later. Taylor hasn't moved and doesn't meet our eyes.