CHAPTERS 11 & 12

 

Author's note: Last time you saw flashbacks of Alexis and Sonny, Sonny had hijacked Alexis and taken her to his farmhouse to get the truth out of her. Here's an excerpt of the last flashback:

Flashback (chapter 119 of PC 1999)

Alexis lets her blouse fall to the floor and raises her hands to capture his face and pull it towards hers for a hard demanding kiss. "Very.... nice. And what are you thinking about, Mr Corinthos?"

Sonny shifts her body and leans her back against the soft throw pillows on the floor. He stretches out his body on top of hers and captures her mouth again with his, pausing long enough to say, "I think I'm going to enjoy making love to you, Baby. And I'm going to keep on making love to you until you admit you love me."

Alexis threads her fingers through his hair and smiles up at him. "Now that could take a while."

"I'm hoping it will, Sweetheart. I'm hoping it will."


Now on with the show......

 

Chapter 13: Special Valentine's Edition

In her penthouse, Alexis sits alone on the couch cradling a picture of Sonny. Her thoughts wander to the first time they told each other they loved each other....

FLASHBACK June 1998

The morning following the last flashback, Alexis is dressing quietly in the living room, hoping not to wake Sonny who she left sacked out on the bed. She has her skirt on and her blouse half buttoned when she hears a sound behind her.

"Hoping to skip out on me while I was asleep?" Sonny says in a lazy drawl behind her. "Kinda hard to do without shoes."

Alexis whirls around and finds Sonny, dressed only in a pair of black slacks, propped up in the doorway. "I.. I didn't want to wake you."

"I just bet." Sonny pushes off the doorjamb and walks purposefully towards her, his eyes never leaving hers. The predatory look in his eyes causes her to back up until finally he has her pinned against the wall with his arms on either side of her head.

"You're angry," Alexis manages to squeak out.

Sonny grins. "Nope, we just have some unfinished business." His mouth is an inch from hers, hovering.

Alexis gulps. "What's that?"

Sonny's mouth covers hers in a long melting kiss. "You never told me you loved me."

Alexis lets out the breath she was holding. "Oh, that."

"Yes, that." Sonny trails kisses along the base of her neck in a slow purposeful seduction that causes Alexis knees to buckle and her eyes to close.

Her hand splay against his leanly muscled chest "I.. I told you... it might take a while," Alexis says between gasps, losing the battle with herself and kissing him back passionately.

Sonny buries his hands in her hair while cupping her cheeks at the same time. "Yes, I know, but I'm not going stop kissing you until you say the words, Sweetheart." His mouth covers hers in hot kiss after hot kiss.

Alexis whimpers in protest. "You don't play fair."

Sonny chuckles deeply. "I never play fair, that's what you love about me. Tell me you love me, Alexis."

The sweet passion of his kisses combined with his simple plea breaks down the last wall of resistance. "I love you, Sonny," She murmurs into his mouth.

Sonny abruptly stopping kissing her to look into her eyes intensely. "Say it again."

Alexis looks back at him steadily, her eyes not wavering. "I love you, Sonny. I think I've known it for months, but I couldn't bring myself face it.'"

Never letting his gaze leave her eyes, he goes down on one knee. "I love you, Alexis. Marry me."

Alexis looks at him like he's crazy. "I can't! The fact that we love each other doesn't change anything, it would be insane for us to marry. We'd get ourselves killed."

Sonny rises and leads her to the couch for a talk. "I've been dodging bullets since I was a kid on the streets. I've seen people I love die right in front of me. I've even faced my own mortality. And after the fiasco with Brenda and leaving her at the altar, I've had to take a long hard look at what I want out of life. I want a lover, a partner who understands who I am and who she is, and who not only can accept the life I lead but can watch my back if necessary. You are that woman, Alexis. The woman I want to spend the rest of my life making happy."

"I'm thrilled you love me, Sonny, I truly am," Alexis replies with a voice tight with emotion. "But I'm sure given some time to think rationally, you'll see that I'm right about this. The fact is Helena will have us killed if we get married. She's already shot you once as a warning to me and would have succeeded if she really wanted to kill you. I can't be responsible for your death."

"Trust me to protect us, I know how to do it. Now that I know what the score is I can take steps to ensure our safety. Add extra body guards and tighten security wherever we are." Sonny brings her hand to her lips. "You know how tenacious I can be, Alexis. Even if you won't marry me, I'm not going away. Helena's going to take her best shot at me anyway. Now that I know you love me, I'm not going anywhere."

There is a knock at the door, it's Joseph. Sonny waves him in. "What's up, Joseph?"

Joseph shifts uncomfortably, obviously embarrassed at interrupting them during an emotional moment. "I wouldn't have disturbed you, Sir, but Luke Spencer was frantic to find you. He says his baby girl, Lulu, has disappeared."



In the present, Alexis cradles Sonny's picture with tears streaming down her face. "I know this is very selfish, but I'm thankful for every minute I had with you, Sonny. I still miss you so much."

Early Morning at Wyndemere. As has become custom, Stefan lies awake, holding a still sleeping Laura in his arms, who has long since given up her attempts to fight her own inclinations. As she begins to wake, Stefan lowers his head to brush his lips against hers tenderly. Surprised when she responds, he deepens the kiss, parting her lips to caress her tongue.

With a soft moan, she cups his cheek with her hand and pulls away. "You're making it hard for me to resist you, Stefan." She admits reluctantly. "Especially when you catch me half asleep."

Stefan turns his head to kiss the hand cupping his cheek. "That is the general idea. You are so beautiful when you sleep. I find it difficult to keep myself from kissing you awake."

Laura gets an odd look on her face and sits up quickly. "Oh!"

Stefan bolts upright. "What is it? Is it the baby?"

Laura holds her hand to her stomach, her eyes filled with wonder. "I think the baby just kicked. It's just a flutter really. Oh! there it is again." She takes his hand and places it on her round stomach. "See if you can feel it too."

Stefan frowns with concentration, then his eyes light up with delight as he feels the fluttery kick. "I did feel it! That has to be the most astonishing thing I have ever felt." He rubs her stomach lovingly, possessively, intimately. "So tiny and yet already so strong. Our child."

Laura eyes turn sad. "I'm sorry you never got to feel Nikolas kick, Stavros was so possessive after he found out I was pregnant."

Stefan rubs her stomach thoughtfully. "I know, and I was careful not to give him any reason to suspect either of us. All our lives depended on it. But this time..." Stefan voice wavers with emotion. "This time I can savor every milestone with you."

They smile at each other joyfully, reveling in the wonder of their child, feeling the growing connection between them. And when Stefan lowers his mouth again to kiss Laura, she wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him back without hesitation.

At Nikolas and Gina's request, the family gathers in the living room of Wyndemere. Nikolas stands before them anxiously waiting for them to all sit down. "Very well, Nikolas," Stefan says finally. "You have summoned us and now we are all present. What is it that you wish to announce?"

Nikolas shifts from one foot to the other as he stammers. "Well, uh... Gina and I have known for couple of weeks, but we wanted some time to get used to the news ourselves before telling anyone. But we decided that with today being Valentine's Day, it would be the perfect time to tell you."

"Please don't keep us in suspense any longer, Nikolas," Laura urges.

Nikolas pulls Gina to him and blurts out the news. "Gina's pregnant! She's due in August." They both beam expectantly at their family.

After a moment of stunned silence, Laura struggles to her feet and embraces them joyfully. "This is wonderful news! Oh, Nikolas, Gina, I'm so happy for you!"

"Wow, the house is going to be full of babies!" Lulu adds.

Nikolas laughs and tousles his little sister's head. "That's right, and you'll get to boss them all around."

After lots of embracing, Nikolas and Stefan finally face each other. "You haven't said anything," Nikolas comments.

Stefan reaches out his hand and cups the back of Nikolas' neck, bringing his head in contact with Nikolas'. "I am without words. The news is too astounding."

"Are you happy for me?" Nikolas asks, sounding very much like the teenage boy he was a few years ago who craved Stefan's approval.

"More than I can put into words," Stefan replies with a quavering voice. "This signals a turning point for our family, the time when we can finally leave the past behind us and look to the future. And you and your children are the future of the Cassadine family."

 

Chapter 14: On Location

Late evening in Puerto Rico. Benny Baird Sr and his wife smile at Carly and their son, Benny. "You two go on and have a nice walk on the beach," Benny Sr urges. "We'll look after the little tyke if he wakes up."

Carly bites her lip nervously. "Are you sure? I don't want to impose..."

Benny's mother smiles at them indulgently. "Nonsense. Your son is an angel and you deserve a break. This is your vacation after all. I doubt your son will wake up, and if he does, we're more than capable of handling him. Go on and have fun."

Benny kisses Carly's temple. "Would it be so bad to be alone with me?" He whispers with a hint of humor in his voice.

Carly smirks at him. "Of course not, silly." Then she turns to his parents to thank them. "Thank you, I really do appreciate this."

Benny's parents shove them out the door, waving at young couple as they descend to the beach. Benny Sr kisses his wife behind the ear and drags her inside. "Finally! I thought they'd never leave."

Down on the beach, Benny challenges Carly to a race. Even with the generous lead he gives her, Benny passes her easily, swatting her bottom playfully as he does. Carly collapses on the sand with a fit of laughter and exhaustion. "Foul play, Benny! It was supposed to be a no contact sport!"

Benny jogs back to Carly and flops down beside her, panting slightly. "No contact?" He kisses her deeply. "Are you sure? I don't remember agreeing not to touch you..."

Carly pulls him on top of her and wraps her arms around his neck. "Woman's prerogative. I get to change the rules..." She trails teasing kisses along the line of his jaw. "Mmmm, you taste nice..."

Benny closes his eyes, clearly enjoying her seduction. "I'm glad you think so....much as I enjoy this, I have a better idea..." Suddenly he breaks away and leaps to his feet, bringing her with him.

"What?" Carly asks in confusion. "Don't you want to..?"

Benny guides her to a trailing path that leads them away from the beach. "I do... but bear with me... Close your eyes."

"How will I be able to see where I'm going?" Carly protests.

Benny kisses her eyes shut. "You'll have to trust me to take care of you. Do you trust me?"

Carly sighs, both frustrated an intrigued. "Of course I trust you..."

"Good," Benny interrupts. He takes her hand and slowly leads her down the path, careful to avoid any obstacles that would trip her. "We're almost there..." He stops her. "Okay, open your eyes."

Carly opens her eyes and is astonished by what she sees. He has lead her to a secluded alcove. Soft blankets cover the sand and the candles surrounding the alcove give it a romantic glow. In the distance the waves can be heard pounding the sand. "Oh Benny..."

"Do you like it?" Benny asks softly.

"No.. I LOVE it!" Carly turns to Benny with tears glistening in her eyes. "No one, I mean NO ONE has gone to so much trouble for me. Why? Why are you doing this for me?"

Benny pulls her into his arms and kisses her on the forehead. "Because you deserve to be cherished, Caroline. And I want to be the one to cherish you, to spoil you. I want to make love to you tonight, Caroline, and I want it to be special."

Carly chokes back a sob. "No one but you calls me Caroline anymore."

Benny kisses top of her head gently. "Have I made you sad?"

Carly shakes her head and wraps her arms around him. "No, on the contrary, you've made me happier than I can ever remember being. Make love to me."

Benny frames her face with his hands and lifts her face to shower her with kisses.. on her cheeks, her eyelids, finally capturing her mouth with his. "You are so beautiful, Carly. Inside and out. Don't let anyone convince you any different..." He strokes her parted lips with his tongue.

Carly's knees buckle at his tender caresses, and instead of holding her up, he eases her onto the blankets. With deft fingers, he removes her cotton blouse, trailing kisses down her neck while his hands move lower to remove her shorts.

Carly moans and draws him closer, her hands frantically fighting with his tee shirt before finally succeeding in removing it. "Oh God, Benny, I've wanted this for so long.. since that first night you kissed me in the hallway."

"I remember vividly..." Benny whispers into her ear, his hands roaming her body freely. "I wanted you so much, at times I've kicked myself for not making love to you that night. But now... now I'm glad we waited."

Carly kneads his leanly muscled chest, smiling when she hears his sharp intake when her fingernails graze him. "For a computer nerd, you sure are in shape..." She teases, biting his shoulder playfully.

Benny pins her arms above her head. "Like to play rough, do you?" He smiles devilishly. "I can play that game..." He covers her mouth in a devouring kiss, causing her to arch against him helplessly. Their playfulness turns serious as their passion burns out of control; they make love.

Smoke hangs in the air of the dark bar like a thick cloud, making the atmosphere hazy. Lucky and Leo sit at a table drinking beer in companionable silence. Lucky watches with casual interest as the pretty waitress glides from table to table, always with a pleasant smile for the customers. He gauges her age to be a few more than his own. Everything about her speaks of her Indian heritage.. the moccasins on her feet, the silver bells tied around her ankle, tinkling when she walks, and finally her long silky black hair tied back with a silver and turquoise clasp. Her high cheekbones and dark skin accentuate her unusual green eyes. Her dress is simple.. a jeans skirt and blue chambray shirt that complements her petite figure. What strikes Lucky most is that she is the first woman to pique his interest since leaving Port Charles over a month ago.

Emily. The old ache returns with full force, causing Lucky to down his beer quickly and wave the waitress down for another. Leo raises an eyebrow. "You are not planning a repeat of last week, are you?"

"Nah," Lucky replies with a drawl. "I don't want the headache that comes the next morning. Thanks for getting me out of that bar before I did something really stupid."

"Don't mention it," Leo replies with a smile. "So what is our next destination? We've been in Pine Ridge for a few days and I can't imagine you want to stay much longer."

Lucky shares a flirtatious wink with the pretty waitress when she brings him his next beer, then turns back to Leo. "I was looking at the map while you were in the shower, and I figure we'll continue on our southwest course...head towards Colorado."

Their conversation is interrupted by a loud commotion at the bar. Lucky sees one of the men at the bar grab the pretty young waitress by the wrist and drag her forcefully into his lap. "Hey there, Bethy, stop being so bashful and give me a kiss."

The waitress elbows him sharply in the ribs and tries to jump off his lap. The bartender and the man's friends laugh loudly. "Hey, Joe. I don't think she wants to kiss you. Maybe she'd like me better," jeers one of his friends.

Lucky starts to get off his seat but Leo holds him back and whispers. "Do you really think you can combat him and all of his associates? All of the other patrons have already departed because it's closing time."

"I have to do something, he's mauling her!" Lucky whispers back.

Joe forces the waitress to into a kiss despite her violent struggles, she's clearly no match for his strength. Joe smiles in triumph. "She just needs a firm hand. Besides I like 'em wild."

His friends cackle and the barkeep smirks. "Take it from me, rez sluts like her are hardly worth the trouble, Joe. But if you insist on bedding her, get a room. You're making a spectacle."

The waitress's responds by kicking Joe in the shins as hard as she can and making a run for the door. Joe easily catches her and throws her over his shoulders. "'Night, Guys. Sorry you all can't be so lucky."

Lucky follows the two in hot pursuit. He catches them struggling in the parking lot. "Hey, Man. Let the lady go or you'll have to deal with me."

Joe, with the waitress still slung over his shoulder, turns around and smirks at Lucky. "C'mon, kid. You can't be serious. You're half my size. Go home and have your mommy wipe your nose. This is none of your business."

"I said let the lady go, NOW," Lucky demands angrily, his fists clenched at his sides as he advances on Joe.

Joe laughs and puts the waitress down. "I think pounding you into the ground could be as fun as bedding her. And maybe I can have both..." Joe takes a swing at Lucky who ducks and lands a double punch in Joe's gut and jumps back. Joe doubles over, grunting in pain. The waitress takes off.

Joe swings at Lucky's head again and Lucky darts out of the way, causing Joe to stumble off balance. Lucky clamps his hands together in a double fist and hits him in the back of the head, knocking him onto the ground unconscious.

Leo appears from out of the shadows, a crowbar in hand. "Very impressive. You will have to teach me your technique."

Lucky scowls at him. "You mean you've been there the whole time and didn't bother to help?"

Leo shrugs his shoulders. "I thought the element of surprise might come in handy If you needed me. But as it turned out, you handled him quite ably on your own."

The waitress emerges from the shadows and kicks the unconscious Joe in the stomach and curses him in her native American language... then she kicks him again.

"Are you okay?" Lucky asks her gently. "He didn't hurt you...?"

The waitress smiles at him shakily. "No, I'm fine, thanks to you." She extends her hand to Lucky. "My name is Elizabeth. You were very brave to defend me like that."

Lucky grins back and shakes her hand. "I'm Lucky... Lucky Spencer."

"Perhaps rather than exchanging pleasantries we should decide what to do with this cretin," Leo interrupts. "He won't be unconscious for very long and his friends are in the tavern..."

"Right..." Lucky digs into his pocket for the car keys. "I've got some rope in the car. Leo, you go buy rounds for the guys in the bar and keep them happy. I'll take care of Joe here and drive Elizabeth home."

"I'd appreciate that," Elizabeth replies gratefully. "Thank you."