Dynasty Series 12: Blood Lines

by ss9

Continuation from Series 11: Full Circle. Can Blake win Alexis back or will Dex Dexter and a certain South American Tycoon out for revenge get in his way? Dynasty Series Starring John Forsythe as Blake Carrington and Joan Collins as Alexis Colby.

1. Episode 1: Takeover

Series 12: Blood Lines

Episode 1: Takeover

Part 1:

When Blake Carrington opened his eyes early on an unusually dull Thursday morning for mid July, the sound of heavy rain splattering against the windowpanes, any onlooker would have been surprised by the broad smile that stretched across the Carrington Patriarch's face and lit up those glittering dark eyes. After all Blake Carrington was a man on the brink of loosing everything, or at least that was what the financial papers had printed only that very morning.

He had been betrayed by one of the few people he would never have thought would ever, could ever, double cross him. His beloved Denver Carrington was on the brink of being forcibly taken over by a merciless, faceless corporation, assisted by one of the scum of society, a man with no friends and even fewer scruples. Frank Dobson seemed determined to see Blake destroyed and took great personal pleasure in being the one to do it.

Yet all these troubles weren't enough to damper Blake's buoyant mood, nothing could, not after last night.

Which was hardly surprising considering that fact that Blake had spent a good portion of it wrapt in the arms of the woman he loved. The woman that had responded to his kisses, who held him just as tightly as he had clung to her and the very woman he had made finally made love to after months of separation. A separation that was wholly attributable to Blake's own stupidity and before the reconciliation in Alexis's office, a separation that Blake had almost convinced himself was permanent, that it was too late and he had lost Alexis forever.

Then in his desperation he had turned to Alexis for help with Dobson, had swallowed his famous Carrington pride and offered her Denver Carrington on a platter; the last resort to keeping his life's work out of Dobson's greedy little hands. He had expected Alexis to make him grovel and beg for her help, and Blake was prepared to do whatever it took to convince her to help him. But Alexis hadn't humiliated him, she had comforted him and they talked and somehow he ended up kissing her. Desperate kisses that had turned into much more and before Blake could even believe it himself they were making love as if they had never been apart.

It had turned out to be one of the most intimate and intoxicating experiences of his life. Sighing Blake refused to dwell on all the troubles today would bring him; instead he lingered on the precious memories of the night before.

Alexis lying soft and sated in his arms, her gentle breath teasing his neck as she dozed contentedly whilst Blake's wandering fingertips stroked and explored the slope of her bare back. This had to be a dream, a wonderful, heartbreaking dream. Pressing kisses to her brow, neck, shoulder, collarbone, in fact every spare bare inch of skin he could find.

Then her lips, those damn fine tempting lips, Blake covered those too, relishing the way Alexis moaned into his open mouth as his tongue teased hers and his hands reached down to stroke between them, once more stoking the fire that had cooled to burning embers.

"Blake it's late…"Alexis had feebly protested when Blake pulled her to him and rolled her slender body back underneath his own. "Fallon will be wondering where I am…"

"It is still early, why is that a Lark I hear?"

"No love it is the Nightingale." Alexis quoted back unable to resist a snigger at his mangling of Shakespeare to further his own aims. "It would have to be very very late to be a Lark Blake and I would rather limit any more illusions to Romeo and Juliet, as I recall things ended rather badly for them."

"Then perhaps you should stop me from speaking at all." Blake teased and this time when he kissed her Alexis didn't even try to stop him, melting into him as he pulled her close, allowing him to make love to her again.

Then as they lay still, panting in the quiet office, their cries of pleasure now fallen silent Blake had known it was time to address the elephant in the room. After all Alexis knew how he felt, he had told her often enough, had cursed himself for his foolish actions, had begged forgiveness for things he wished he could take back. It was time now to talk about them, about Dexter as damn awkward as that would be, about how they felt and if…no not if but how they could move forward from here together. Yet there was one thing Blake needed to say, needed to say and have her hear it and believe it.

"I love you Alexis." Blake whispered reverently watching the silent woman in his arms for any reaction no matter how minute. So when Alexis lifted her head and gazed into his eyes her emeralds troubled and conflicted Blake knew it was going to be more complicated than he had first hoped?

"Blake I…"

The sharp ring of the telephone cut Alexis off before she could answer and ignoring Blake's protest Alexis slipped from his arms gathering her clothing as she crossed the room to answer it.

"Yes?...Oh sorry Mark…Yes I had forgotten the time." Alexis spoke into the receiver juggling the phone between her chin and shoulder as she hurriedly tried to dress herself a fact made decidedly more difficult by Blake as he deliberately sabotaged her efforts. A kiss on her bare shoulder, his fingers running down the curve of her spine before sliding inside a half fastened blouse to cup and fondle her breast, pinching a nipple and causing Alexis to start and squeak slightly.

"No nothing is wrong just stubbed my toe." Alexis replied turning to shoot Blake a death glare over her shoulder. "Yes tell Eric I will be down in a few moments." She added barely putting down the receiver before Blake was pulling her too him and covering her lips in a blinding kiss.

"Blake no…" Alexis gasped pulling her lips away as she struggled to catch her breathe. "I need to be going. It is late and I need to head home."

"An excellent idea." Blake muttered leaning forward to place a kiss above her pulse point, relishing the way Alexis's heartbeat seemed to jump at the contact. "My place or yours? I really don't think my poor back could cope with spending the night on that couch."

"Blake I don't think…"

"Yours would be best I think." Blake added with a slightly predatory smile. "Besides you haven't yet given me a tour of Colby Acres and I think you should remedy that, the personal tour…starting with your bedroom; of course if we start there I doubt I will get to see anything else." He added kissing her neck as Alexis fumbled with the remaining buttons of her blouse.

"Blake I think it is for the best it I go home alone."

"But…"

"Please let me finish this time." Alexis added cutting Blake off her sharp tone softening slightly at the look of confusion in Blake's eyes. "I am just so confused right now, so much has changed in the last twenty-four hours and I need to time to think things through and accept it on my own terms. Besides I do need to get up early and sort out everything so we will be able to complete on our deal in time; I will need my rest tonight."

Sighing Blake had to admit that in that Alexis had a point, and perhaps it would be best if he gave her a little space, even though his entire being screamed at him not to let her out of his arms. "I do hate it when you are right."

"Well it does happen occasionally Mr Carrington." Alexis retorted playfully.

"And you will at least celebrate with me tomorrow…Providing everything goes to plan I mean." Blake added seeing Alexis open her mouth as if to protest. "Please Alexis, we can go somewhere quiet and talk, or not talk at all if you prefer, I just want to be close to you."

If Alexis's smile was slightly too tight and perhaps a little forced Blake chose to overlook it considering the fact that she nodded. "Providing nothing else comes up…I don't see why not."

"Thank you." Blake muttered leaning forward and kissing her gently. "Now milady your chariot awaits, never be said Blake Carrington would deliberately keep a lady from her beauty sleep."

Perhaps it was a touch arrogant but Blake was confident that eventually Alexis would come to the same conclusion that he had himself reached. Despite everything that life threw at them the two of them were always drawn back to the other, they seemed to be meant for each other and no one else. Alexis had said as much to him in the past and now Blake couldn't help but see the wisdom in her words that years ago he had dismiss far too hastily. How many years could they have salvaged if only he had listened to her all years ago when she had first returned to Denver?

Of course he wouldn't have Krystina and so it wasn't as though he would willingly go back and change the past even if he could, but that didn't mean he couldn't change the future.

So it was with barely contained excitement that Blake threw back the covers and headed into the bathroom. He showered and shave with great care, tutting over the slightly darker circles under his eyes that made him look older than normal, yet the excitement of knowing he would see Alexis today put a twinkle in his dark eyes that managed to balance them out. He dressed with particular care, selecting a tailored dark blue pinstripe suit, a crisp white shirt and a lighter blue tie, which he fashioned in the oxford style about his throat.

Catching his reflection in the long mirror before he left the bedroom Blake had to admit he looked near his best and so it was with a light heart and whistle that he headed down to breakfast. Nodding politely and offering cheerful greetings to the staff members he passed who nodded back and whose eyes followed him in surprise.

It was still early when Blake arrived in the dining room yet it was surprisingly full and all eyes turned to view the unusually chipper Carrington patriarch as he arrived, whistling a merry tune.

"Good Morning all." Blake greeted his family brightly oblivious to the questioning glances that passed between Jeff and Krystle or the concerned frown that marred Steven's brow.

Picking up the paper Blake's jovial mood didn't even slip when he caught sight of the headline. 'Denver Carrington in grip of hostile takeover.' Shows what Gordon Wales thinks he knows, Blake mentally commented a smirk tugging on his lips.

"Blake is everything alright?" Jeff couldn't help but ask. Of all the reactions from his father-in-law after the revelations of the last few days, a happy cheerful smile was certainly not one of them; unless of course Blake knew something that the rest of them didn't or the strain had finally sent him round the bend?

"Everything is fine Jeff, just fine." Blake added pleasantly folding the paper back up and buttering two pieces of toast before once more glancing at his watch. If he left a little earlier than normal then he might just be able to slip in a little errand… "If you'll excuse me I really need to be heading off to the office."

"Oh if you wait for me to get my briefcase I can come with you…" Jeff began glancing at Steven who also went to rise from his seat.

"Oh no you two enjoy your breakfast, I have to run a few errands on the way in." Blake hedged smiling tightly as he caught Steven's eye.

In all that had happened in the last twenty-four hours Blake still hadn't had time to truly process his son's betrayal. On one hand he could understand how Steven had felt compelled to punish him for hurting Alexis and yet on the other hand surely as his father he deserved a certain amount of loyalty? To hurt him personally was one thing, but to use Denver Carrington hurt more than Blake, it hurt the entire family, and all the families of the people Blake employed. That betrayal was the one that was going to be difficult to get over; Blake had always assumed his son was a far better man than that.

Feeling a sharp tug on his sleeve Blake glanced down to his right where a silent Krystina was staring up at him quizzingly. On seeing his little angel Blake's mood lightened once again and he bent down placing a kiss on her forehead. "Have a wonderful day princess, and wish Daddy luck for today."

Then picking up his paper and taking a bite of his toast before setting it back down, his stomach far too excited for him to eat any more; Blake accepted his briefcase from Gerard and left his family to finish their breakfast without him, his cheerful whistling echoing down the corridor.

"Is Mr Dexter available?…No…Yes can you please tell him Alexis Colby called, he can reach me at home until 8.30 am, after that Colby Co for most of the morning…Yes just that if he needs to talk to someone, if he needs me to call me back no matter what the hour." The Dexter housekeeper reassured Alexis yet again that she would indeed pass on her message just as soon as Mr Dexter returned from the hospital.

Alexis reluctantly sat down her phone and stared guiltily at the other side of her large bed. At the space normally occupied by Dex and whose only current inhabitant was a rather too happy Mr Kensington who was thrilled to be allowed into a room he was normally barred from.

"What am I going to do huh?" Alexis asked the dog, who simply wagged his tail and crawled forward to lick Alexis's outstretched hand. "Oh you are no help." Alexis muttered yet she was glad the dog was there and that she wasn't completely alone with her turmoil.

Dear god what was wrong with her?

Dex had barely left Denver and she fallen back into Blake's arms. If Dex ever found out he would never forgive her. True he had been the one to walk out on her but Dex had walked out in the past when he was angry and it hadn't, it didn't mean they were over. He just had so much to deal with right now that he couldn't understand why Alexis couldn't drop everything just to run off to Wyoming on a whim…

Except that his dying father was hardly a whim and Alexis couldn't contain the stirrings of guilt. Couldn't she have gone with him as he asked? True he had wanted her to leave everything else she loved for him, but surely that had just been the fear and grief talking? Dex was hardly happy in Wyoming himself, surely he would have wanted to return to Denver eventually?

It was just so confusing, her thoughts and feelings bubbling up all over the place. Last night with Blake had been wonderful and terrible at the same time. Part of her was set free in his arms, his kiss and touch had healed a gaping wound that Alexis had kept hidden from everyone as best she could.

His rejection had shattered her into so many pieces, her heart had taken a beating Alexis hadn't been sure she could recover from but her pride had been irrevocably dented. Tossed aside again for that dumb blonde, Alexis had been humiliated. Sex with Blake had soothed that perpetual ache. He did still want her, no matter what he had once claimed, and the fact that Blake now seemed determined to pursue her no matter what the cost was more than a little flattering for her wounded ego.

Yet there was more to a relationship than sex, or even love and Alexis knew she still loved Blake, that wasn't the question and it wasn't the issue not really…

How could she ever trust a man who had shredded her so brutally, not once but twice?

Right now Alexis wasn't certain she ever could and that was the crux of the matter.

There was Dex and there was Blake and she loved them both, wanted them both but she couldn't have both. She was going to have to choose. Eventually Blake would lose his patience with her putting him off, he would keep telling her that he loved her and would expect her to reply. Yet could she give up Dex and Jack for Blake, risk everything again for Blake Carrington a man who had proven time and time again that when push came to shove he would put himself before them?

Or could she find it within herself to pay the price that Dex demanded?

Could she leave behind the life she had built here for a chance at a brighter future with him and Jack, put Blake Carrington truly behind her for once?

Shaking her head Alexis caught the illuminated display of her bedside clock, gasping when it already showed 8.15am. She had been daydreaming for over half an hour and today she couldn't be late, there was simply too much to do. Darting from her bed as Mr Kensington yapped excitedly at her heels as she dashed about the bedroom Alexis resolved to put her personal dilemmas to one side for now, to not think of Blake or Dex for the rest of the morning. After all Denver Carrington was not going to pay for itself.

Part 2:

"Good Morning Mr Carrington." Mr Jergen's greeting was polite but Blake could make out the hint of surprise in the florist's voice as he pulled up the shutters on his shop only to see a familiar face waiting for him to open.

"And how can Jergen's be of assistance today, some Freesia's perhaps?" The Florist guessed, after all the gossip grapevine did still place the Carrington Tycoon with the lovely Krystle Carrington. Although of course if Mr Jergen had a choice in the matter he would have preferred Mrs Colby; at least from a business perspective, after all two-dozen lavender roses brought him a tidier profit.

Coughing Blake cleared his throat awkwardly and for a moment he found himself avoiding the elderly florist's eye. Up until this moment Blake had been so wrapped in the euphoria of the night before that other people's reactions had not even entered his thoughts, yet he could only begin to imagine the amusement people would find at his expense. Would people speculate that Blake Carrington was loosing his marbles? Or perhaps that is was simply unable to make a decision, first Alexis then Krystle then back to Alexis again... "I was thinking more along the lines of roses…"

"Oh of course…Red, pink, yellow or white?"

Swallowing down his embarrassment and ignoring the awkward blush that he was undoubtedly sporting Blake replied, "No lavender if possible."

For a moment old Mr Jergen stared at Carrington in amazement his mind still quick enough despite his senior years to calculate just how much this little titbit of gossip would be worth to certain tabloids. Yet he recovered enough to answer the question, after all as a florist he was privy to many many secret liaisons that successful businessmen would prefer to keep hidden. It wasn't like he had ever let on about that mistress the late Cecil Colby had kept down by the park, or the dozen red roses that were Mr Colby's standard weekly order.

"I don't have any personally in stock but I do know a specialist in the trade who might be able to help us…Just let me make a few calls, two dozen?"

"Three and a little extra for your trouble." Blake insisted laying two hundred dollar bills down on the counter before eyeing the old florist and laying another two down. "And a little something for your continued discretion."

"Ahhh of course, I take it these are not to be delivered to the Mansion?" Jergens asked innocently as he pocketed three of the four crisp bills, only one would ever appear in the till and in his records; an old man had to feather his retirement fund somehow. "Colby Acres perhaps?"

"Colby Co if you can manage it this morning." Blake muttered his hands reached for a blank card, which he filled out with a flourish and slipped inside a little white envelope sealing it before handing it over to the florist. "As always your speedy service and discretion are appreciated."

Accepting the card Jergen warred with the impulse to open it the moment Carrington left and confirm that his initial suspicions were in fact correct but then he reminded himself that if he played his cards right there could be far bigger things on the horizon then a miserly few hundred from a gossip columnist.

Alexis Colby spent hundreds of dollars a week on flowers, just to adorn her house and office. Mr Jergen could only salivate at the thought of just how much money a lady like that would spend on flowers for her own wedding. So if he could help facilitate a little reconciliation between two of the leading business tycoons so much the better for them, and more importantly so much the better for his bank balance.

"I'm sorry the number you have dialled is not available at the moment please try again later."

Cursing his own bad luck Dex slammed the receiver back into the cradle cursing louder still when the damn hospital payphone decided to eat the change he had steadfastly fed into, not caring that the little old lady waiting for the phone behind him tutted at his coarse language.

He had only intended to phone the homestead to check on his son when the housekeeper had informed him that he had several messages from a Mrs Alexis Colby all asking him to ring her. At first Dex had rejected the idea, his pride still stung from Alexis's refusal to accompany him, and even the thought of her made his broken heart ache. Why should he phone her now, hadn't she already made her feelings clear? Alexis clearly didn't love him enough to come here with him when he needed her…

Yet another part of him was relieved that she had called; that she had called meant Alexis was at least thinking about him, perhaps worried that he was all right. Part of him wanted her to worry, to suffer because he was ignoring her, just as much as he was suffering right now without her here. The other part of him just wanted to hear her voice, to swallow his pride and take comfort from whatever part of her he could reach even if it was only down the phone.

His father was dying.

After all the near misses over the years Dex had almost come to believe that Sam Dexter was as close to immortal as any man could get. Yet as he watched the man that was lying in that hospital bed, every breath seemingly a struggle, Dex knew that this time there would be no miraculous recovery.

His father was really dying and honestly Dex didn't know how he felt about it.

Part of him was numb, reacting on instinct ever since he had driven through the night to get here arriving a little after dawn to hand his sleeping son off to their startled housekeeper who he had gotten out of bed with his frantic knocking. Dex had headed straight to the hospital and had been here ever since, surviving on no sleep and hospital coffee to keep him going.

The atmosphere in his father's room was damn near oppressive, the darkened room, the smell of urine and other bodily fluids as his father' body began to shut down was hard enough. The interminable waiting with only his fuming sister for company made it worse.

Marin hadn't accepted his apologies and explanations instead she had turned her back on him, focusing her attention on her father, which was hardly surprising since they had hardly gotten along even when younger. Dex supposed almost a ten-year age gap would do that to siblings. Perhaps things would have been different in his family if he had more siblings, if his poor mother hadn't miscarried three children after him before finally presenting his father with a daughter shortly before passing away herself.

Marin had always been Daddy's little girl, had been the centre of his world and as such had gotten away with murder whilst Dex had to work for every ounce of praise. If it hadn't have been for his grandfather stepping in during his teenage years Dex could only imagine the wrong turns his life could have taken.

Yet stuck in that room with his angry sister and a dying old man who was already past understanding Dex had needed Alexis. Needed her love and reassurance, needed her arms around him, some form of comfort that he had only ever found in her.

So he had called Colby Co; first Alexis's private line which had proven to be engaged and then desperate to speak to her now that he had made up his mind Dex had even tried her secretary, which was why the damn out of order message made no sense…

"Young Man if you are quite finished abusing the facilities…" The little old lady snapped behind him her deep-set hazel eyes squinting maliciously at him.

"In a minute." Dex retorted perhaps more sharply than he normally would but the lack of sleep and worry for his father combined with the conflicted emotions over Alexis made him rather testy.

Digging his hands into the pockets of his jeans Dex cursed when his search came up bare, he had used all of his change. Turning to sheepishly face the scowling woman behind him Dex gathered his courage. "Look I'm sorry I shouldn't have snapped…I don't suppose you have any change I can borrow I promise to pay you back…"

"Oh a likely story!" The old woman snapped smacking his leg with her walking stick as she showed surprising strength in pushing Dex to one side. "Now if you don't mind those of us who can afford it would like to use the telephone."

"Ma'am please…"

"DEX!" Hearing his name shouted Dex turned in the direction of the voice his bad mood only worsening as his sister Marin bore down on him, her normally attractive face screwed up in anger. "What the hell are you doing out here, the doctors want to talk to us so move it."

"Marin I'm coming I just needed to make some calls first. Look can you stop yelling long enough to lend me some change?" Dex answered trying to keep his tone even as he met his younger sister's impatient gaze.

"That depends on who you are calling, if it is that woman…" Marin added flicking her light brown hair over her shoulder, her voice curdling in disgust at the mere illusion of Alexis.

"She has a name." Dex retorted hotly. "And I happen to love her, it is my life…"

"Yes I know I have heard this argument before remember." Marin snapped back as she rolled her own dark eyes, one of their only shared features from their mother. "How many times have I heard it, honestly Dex I am quite bored of it by now but if you think I am going to lend you money to waste on talking to your whore whilst our father is dying…"

"She is not a whore." Dex hissed his dark eyes narrowing. "You shouldn't talk about things you don't understand."

"Oh I understand only to well. I've had to sit there bored out of my mind whilst you and Dad argued about it." Marin sneered glancing at her watch as if already bored. "The answer is no Dex, now we have somewhere else to be, unless of course you would rather stand here and beg for change off of strangers to talk to that woman, rather than be by your dying father's bedside?" Marin added pointedly before turning on her heel and striding off down the corridor.

With one longing look at the telephone Dex could only follow her, after all Alexis would still be there later and there was a good chance Sam Dexter would not; it wasn't like there really was any choice.

"No Tom that simply isn't good enough I need you to liquidate it all… yes you heard me the whole portfolio…Tomorrow isn't good enough, look I don't care do it now! Don't bother ringing back until it is done, done as in yesterday!" Alexis snapped setting the phone down with a little more force than really was necessary. Already her morning had been challenging enough.

Why today of all days the damn electricity company had decided to start shopping up the road in the business district. The city streets leading to Colby Co and the traffic backlog had caused her to be late for work, something which this morning was inexcusable.

However despite her personal frustration Alexis did have to admit it gave her the perfect cover for her little act of sabotage.

Knowing Frank Dobson now for the kind of scum that he really was Alexis could only imagine he had little spies dotted throughout her company; Alexis knew she did herself, it was the only way to keep on top of who was really up to what in such a large organisation. Alexis couldn't risk the knowledge of what she was really up to leaking out before she was ready to announce it. Her cold little dip into the world of hostile takeovers with Dirk Maurier and Trueville Industries had at least taught her that lesson in a way she was unlikely ever to forget; loosing several million on the stock market had the habit of doing that.

So in any other circumstances having the Colby Co switchboard mysteriously go down would have been a disaster not to mention highly suspicious, yet with the chaos outside Alexis could smugly blame it on the electricity company. The potential loss in business was offset by having all calls forwarded to the New York office and being able to send non-essential staff home, on half pay, so overall Colby Co was hardly worse off in the long run.

The fact was that there was no real problem with the phones; well none that her in house maintenance man couldn't fix in a jiffy and Alexis had him under strict surveillance until this was a done deal. There was only one working line in the whole building and that was the Alexis's private line. Of course that had the draw back that only Alexis could handle all the necessary transactions personally which could only explain her rising stress levels considering some of in the incompetents she had already spoken to; this was what she paid for lackeys for in the first place!

Already she had smoked five cigarettes and it wasn't even eleven and the longer she spent on the telephone yelling at idiots the more tempting the decanter of whiskey was becoming and she still was only half way through her lists of tasks. Tapping her fingernails on her desktop Alexis tore her gaze away from the alcohol surprised when her office door opened and an apologetic Mark stuck his head through.

"Mrs Colby…"

"Mark I told you…"

"Mother!" Adam exclaimed pushing past an irritated Mark who tried to bodily block the door from an impatient Adam Carrington. "For god sakes Mark let me through I am an executive at this company not a door to door salesman!"

"Adam I am very busy, I have lots of paperwork to catch up…"

"Mother no one is busy." Adam snapped his blue eyes narrowing on Alexis. "What with this damn phone business, I've half a mind to call it a day and take some reports home to read up on?"

"Why don't you just take the day off Adam, so many other's are doing so, why not take Dana out for lunch, perhaps go somewhere special for the afternoon?" Alexis suggested walking from behind her desk to take her son's arm and usher him back towards the door. "I think it would do you good."

"Well what about you…" Adam began his handsome face creased in concern, concern that quickly morphed in confusion and then suspicion as on Alexis's mahogany desk her phone began to ring. "Mother your phone…Are they fixed?"

"Ummm they must be." Alexis replied smiling sweetly as she rushed over to pick it up. "Oh…Tom yes well that is good to know…Yes thank you for telling me." Alexis muttered setting the phone back on the pedestal. "It seems some of the phones are working, they are having to reboot the whole system, it could take hours…Darling you really are better off heading home why don't you…"

"You're lying." Adam stated flatly as he crossed the room to lean on his mother's desk. "Why are you lying to me of all people, I'm a senior executive in this company if something is going on then I ought to know about it!"

"I am afraid it is need to know only Adam."

"I'm your son!" Adam retorted sharply his handsome face contorted painfully as his mother's distrust cut him deep. "You should trust me above anyone else."

"Trust you." Alexis snorted sarcastically unable to stop herself, the resentment she had haphazardly buried after her confrontation with Frank spilling out of her now. "After what you did, selling me out to the highest bidder, spilling my secrets to scum like Dobson and for what Adam? Tell me I am so curious what did he offer you to make you give up that secret, money, power? Well I hope it was worth it Adam?"

Stunned by Alexis's attack Adam could only shake his head, inwardly cursing Dobson with every breath, the bastard had ratted him out and for what to score points? "Mother it wasn't like…"

"Don't try and justify it, not to me." Alexis snapped unwilling to hear excuses not when she had far more important things to concentrate on.

"Now you please just go, nothing you could say could explain this betrayal not after everything I have done for you; I have forgiven you every indiscretion against me Adam but I don't know if I can forgive this. But you can start trying to earn back my trust my honouring my wishes. Go home, take the day off, if anyone asks you anything then you know nothing! Because if I find out you have talked to anyone about this then I mean it Adam this time we will really be through!" Alexis added unable to contain the very real anger in her voice and Adam drew back as if slapped, edging towards the door reaching for it as it was opened from the other side and once more an apologetic Mark stood in the doorway.

Yet this time his arms were not trying to block the doorway but full of a beautiful flower arrangement, with somewhat distinctive looking roses.

"They were just delivered." Mark added glancing between a flushed Alexis and an ashen-faced Adam whose quick eyes scanned the flowers, and flickered towards the card before turning back to his mother who had suddenly gone rather pink on seeing them.

"It seems I am not the only who has some explaining to do."

Part 3:

It was wet.

No scratch that it was raining cats and dogs out there, which for mid July was highly unusually and so Jackson gratefully dumped his wet weather gear the moment he stepped back inside the ranch house. The damn rain had even penetrated through and his clothing stuck uncomfortably to his body as he stalked towards his bedroom to change, not caring that he was slowly leaving puddles of water along Alexis's floor after all what else did she pay all these damn staff for if not to clear up after her houseguests?

Although…. Jackson paused winking at one of the new prettier housemaids who blushed furiously as he sauntered towards her….Perhaps certain members could be persuaded to do a little extra for their pay packet?

"I don't think we've met Miss…"

"Susan Mr Hobbs."

"Sweet Sue, do you mind if I call you Sue?" Jackson teased reaching over and catching the housemaid's hand bringing it swiftly to his lips. "Now what is a lovely looking young lady like yourself doing here?"

"Not doing the work I assigned her apparently." A curt voice added and Jackson was unable to quell a grimace as Patrick the butler suddenly appeared; now that was one staff member who already did more than enough for his salary.

"Now Mr Hobbs are these your things?" Patrick added holding out Jackson's wet and muddy Jacket and riding boots that Jackson had abandoned by the back door. "I found them blocking the rear entrance."

"Well unless there is another stud walking about the place Pat my man, then yes they are mine, now be an old sport and have them cleaned up for me would you?" Jackson retorted slapping the English butler hard on the shoulder, ducking past before the butler could protest and escaping down the hall towards the sanctuary of his bedroom.

Pushing open his bedroom door Jackson was already tugging his wet shirt off over his head as his free hand unfastened his jeans and dropped them to the floor. Sighing as he kicked the wet clothing aside Jackson relaxed as the warm air hit his naked skin.

"Tell me Jackson do you often just walk rooms and drop your clothes?"

"Depends whether there is a beautiful woman waiting for me?" Jackson retorted smoothly doing his best to cover the momentary jolt of adrenaline that coursed through his frame and the years of training that a millisecond before he recognised the speaker had him ready to tuck and roll for cover.

He was getting sloppy.

His old commander would have him down on the floor doing a hundred press-ups whilst he lectured him solidly on how inattention to your surroundings could get your sorry arse loaded full of bullets.

When had he gotten so relaxed in this house that he didn't even scope a room before entering it, even his own? Was he really so out of practice that he didn't even notice when there someone else in the room?

A very naked someone?

Quirking an eyebrow as a pleasantly surprised smile lit his face Jackson strode towards the bed where Fallon Carrington Colby was stretched out across his comforter, naked as the day she was born save for the cowboy hat that was perched atop her auburn curls.

"It seems I am not the only who has this problem Fallon, do you think we should form a support group?"

"Oh I think a grouping of some sort may be in order." Fallon teased tilting her hat back so she could catch Jackson's gaze, unable to keep the warmth from spreading down her porcelain skin as Jackson's hot gaze took in every exposed inch of her.

"And here I thought you were ignoring me." Jackson pouted. "After that little misunderstanding with Colby…"

"Little misunderstanding, he practically caught us red-handed." Fallon scoffed. "Look I know I took it out on you unfairly, Jeff and I…Look I don't want to get into that right now, that is not why I am here."

"So why are you here Fallon?" Jackson teased his eyes narrowing playfully as Fallon squirmed uncomfortably. "To talk about the weather, it's not rained this much in July…"

"You know very well why I am here Jackson." Fallon retorted hotly refusing to join this maddening man in his little games, he was not going to make her beg for it again. She was a Carrington born, they didn't beg for anything. "The last few days have been rather stressful so I thought why not take the morning off and…"

"De-stress?" Jackson teased as he leant forward running his rough fingertips along Fallon's arm, watching her flesh broke out in goosebumps at even that innocent little touch and Fallon closed her eyes sighing in contentment as his caress grew bolder.

"Well I am a busy man Fallon; I suppose I might be able to fit you into my schedule if you ask me nicely." Jackson added smugly withdrawing his teasing touch and crossing his arms as he leant back against the wall watching closely as Fallon's eyes opened and flashed with temper.

"How nicely?" Fallon teased the angry fire in her blue eyes turning mischievous as she realised two could play this game and that she might have a way of making Jackson Hobbs beg before she was through.

"Really really nicely." Jackson added his pulse suddenly racing as Fallon returned his smirk before biting her bottom lip temptingly.

"Oh I think I might have just the thing for you Mr Hobbs if your man enough to stand it?"

"Lady I can handle whatever you throw at me." Jackson responded confidently yet even he felt his confidence ebb slightly as Fallon's quick little hand reached out and caught a part of him that was paying close attention to the developing situation, her grip tighter than he expected.

Smirking as Jackson couldn't suppress a start of surprise Fallon enjoyed having the upper hand, after all she had a lesson to teach and it was nice for once to have a willing and able student. "Well we'll have to see about that now won't we?"

She wasn't looking at them.

It was just Mark had put them on the cabinet that happened to sit directly opposite her desk and whilst she was waiting for people to call her back there was very little that Alexis could do except think and stare into space.

And if her gaze happened to end up resting on those roses then it was just coincidence and nothing more.

It wasn't as though she had even read the card. Not that she needed to. One glance at the large arrangement of distinct lavender roses told her everything she needed about who had sent them and why. Those particular roses had always been special for the two of them ever since that first night when he had brought her flowers stolen from his mother's prize-winning bushes.

Adam had known something the moment his eyes landed on the delivery. Yet if Alexis had been unwilling to confide in her son about the deal to snatch Denver Carrington from Dobson's grubby little hands then admitting to their eldest son that his parents 'relationship' had developed another layer of complexity, well that was truly unthinkable.

Tearing her eyes away Alexis tried to focus on the pad in front of her, on the total funds raised that presently were still a good few million short of the sum she needed. Yet it wasn't so easy to ignore her feelings at it was Blake's flowers.

It was almost as though in the last forty-eight she had been on an emotional rollercoaster and now the ride had momentarily come to a halt she was still buzzing from the overload. First the painful exchange with Dex, having to bring up all the terrible memories of that night with Blake in her office when he seemed to loose his mind. Then suffering through loosing both Dex and Jack only to come full circle and end last night in Blake's arms.

Was it any wonder that her poor nerves were almost numb from the shock of it all and only now she was alone could Alexis even begin to process it all?

In some ways Alexis almost wished that the last two days had never happened, that she could just go home to Dex and Jack and her family, safe in the knowledge that she was loved and could love back with any complications; well if she ignored Blake's declaration completely. Yet the last night with Blake had healed some deep-set wounds that Alexis had never thought could be healed. That she loved Blake Alexis had come to terms with years ago, he was part of her that no matter what she did or whom else she loved would always be there but was that really enough?

Alexis was so engrossed in her dilema that she didn't hear the door to her office open and it wasn't until an apologetic Mark blurted out. "I tried to tell her you were busy Mrs Colby but she insisted it was urgent and…"

"I wouldn't take no for an answer. Good afternoon Alexis." A cool clipped voice announced calmly and for a moment Alexis could only blink at her in surprise, the other side of their love-triangle or was it love-diamond now?

"Krystle, what can I do for you? I am very busy so if this is a social call…"

"I came to ask for your help Alexis." Krystle cut in, she had always been a woman who had not minced her words or played games. Krystle's parents had instilled in her from a young age the importance of being clear and honest when she spoke, to temper her words with kindest and consideration but never to try and hide her motives; it showed a lack of respect for the people you interacted with.

"My Help?" Alexis spluttered. Of all the things in the world she was expecting, Krystle to demand she leave Blake alone, or Krystina or hell even Denver would have been more likely. "Why on earth would you need my help?"

"With Krystina…I realise now that I was wrong to accuse you of kidnapping her back at the hospital and I apologise. I also realise that as much as it pains me to admit it that you were there for Krystina when I couldn't be and that she came to care for and respect you." Krystle added forcing herself to meet Alexis's gaze.

"As much as the two of us have always disliked each other I didn't have the right to accuse you of being a bad mother. You love your children and would do anything for them and… the older Krystina becomes the more I begin to realise that sometimes as a mother you can fail your children not because you don't care enough but sometimes because you care so deeply that it becomes difficult to see past your maternal need to protect them from any sign of danger."

"Thank you." Alexis muttered his emerald eyes narrowing when Krystle fidgeted awkwardly. "I don't imagine that was easy for you to say and I doubt you want to be here so lets cut to the chase, what would you like my help with?"

Taking a deep sigh Krystle girded herself to answer, if apologising to Alexis was hard then admitting this was a true test of her resolve. "Krystina won't talk to me, not about running away, not at all she is refusing to talk to anyone."

"And you would like me to try?"

"I would consider it a personal favour if you would yes." Krystle replied through gritted teeth. "She seemed to be more like herself after she came back from LB's party and I thought if she spent some time at Colby Acres with the other children it would give you a chance to talk to her, to get her to confide in you if possible about what is troubling her."

"And if she tells me something you won't want to hear?" Alexis retorted. "I mean it is hardly my fault if she is unhappy because of your and Blake's fighting…"

"Whatever the reason." Krystle cut in. "I just want her to talk to someone…"

"Even someone like me." Alexis finished for her lifting her eyes to meet Krystle's level gaze. "Alright I'll help, I am sure you would be more comfortable making the arrangements with Fallon."

Sighing in relief Krystle nodded, the heavy burden she had been carrying since that night in the hospital when her own child turned away from her finally lightening slightly. "Thank you."

"Oh don't thank me yet I haven't accomplished anything. Now if you don't mind, I do have a company to run…"

Taking the less than subtle hint to get the hell out now that the pleasantries were over Krystle turned back to the door yet not before the startlingly beautiful floral display caught her eyes and she paused to admire the unusual roses.

Following Krystle's gaze Alexis froze in her seat. Surely Krystle couldn't know what or more to the point who those flowers came from. The only people who might know were her children and unless they had been talking… and Alexis wasn't ready for that knowledge to become public, not yet, not until she had at least made up her own mind.

"They're lovely I've never seen roses that shade before." Krystle muttered glancing back over her shoulder at Alexis, surprised that the dark haired woman seemed almost struck mute.

"They're a specialist breed." Alexis finally muttered tearing her gaze away as she shuffled the papers on her desk. "Now if you don't mind, I have better things to be doing with my time than educating you about botany Krystle!"

Feeling her hackles rise Krystle realised it was better to leave before their surprisingly neutral discussion descended into their unusual mud slinging. Yet as her hand closed in the door handle she couldn't help but remember Blake's unusually chipper mood that morning and despite her better judgement that screamed at her to open the door and keep on walking, Krystle couldn't help the question that slipped from her lips.

"Alexis I know that is really none of my business, not anymore in any case, but I need to know…Do you still feel the same way you said you did about Blake all those months ago, that you would never take him back because you could never trust him again?"

Slapping her papers down on her desktop Alexis felt her patience come quickly to an end. "Look Krystle you may have nothing better to do with you time than swan about Denver making dramatic entrances and poking your nose into other people's lives but I do. However if it will get you to leave, I am with Dex now and things are just as over between Blake and I now as they were back then. Happy? Now will you please go?"

Frowning Krystle shook her head unable to unpick the truth from among the complicated construct of Alexis's performance. "I never know when you are telling the truth or lying Alexis you are too good an actress."

"Well frankly I don't give a damn, I know that I am telling the truth." Alexis snapped back lifting her gaze to glare at the blonde bimbo who had the nerve to come into her inner sanctum and try and pick apart her private life. "But you were right on one thing it isn't your business."

"Do you know the truth Alexis, with all the lies you weave can you really keep track? I know I would get lost trying to follow all the twists in your spider web but somehow this time I doubt I am only the one."

Stunned by the ex-stenographer's insight into her current turmoil Alexis could only watch as Krystle opened the door before she recovered her composure enough to bluff a response. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Yet Krystle didn't justify her question with a reply and they both knew one really wasn't necessary and despite their little exchange Alexis was really no closer to a decision.

Slumping into her chair Alexis's fingers reached for another cigarette, quickly lighting is and inhaling a lungful of soothing smoke her eyes automatically drifting to settle on the flowers opposite. Sooner rather than later she would need to sort this mess out but for right now she didn't have the time or the clarity of thought to think clearly. But until then she wasn't going to stare at those damn roses until they drove her mad.

Crossing the room Alexis gather the display in her arms storming across to the door, which she managed to open somehow, marching over to a stunned Mark's desk and dumping the flowers on top of it.

"Just put them somewhere…anywhere else…I can't concentrate with the damn things in the room." Alexis spat before turning on her heel and retreating back to her office, trying to convince herself with every step that she wasn't acting like a coward, not really.

After all it was only cowardice if you really weren't at risk of being hurt, just like it wasn't paranoia if they are really out to get you…And given her track record Alexis knew damn well she was going to end up getting hurt again, it was really only a question of when and how badly.

Part 4:

Sighing as he picked up the last box Steven moved over to the sideboard and retrieved the photographs of his family. Pictures of Danny at assorted ages made their way into his box until Steven's hand landed on the last picture, one that had been hidden away at the back and for a moment Steven had to blink in surprise before he remembered when he had gotten it.

It had been a present from his mother, a new years gift.

Each of his siblings had been given one, and Steven's eyes lingered on the group shot of his entire family that had been taken at Christmas. Was this the last time he could remember being happy and sure of his place in the world?

Honestly Steven couldn't be certain if he had ever really fit his family, not truly fit, not since he had been a little boy and his world had been turned upside down by his mother's departure. He had tried to change. He had tried to ignore the lingering feelings of being out of place and for a while pretending had been enough. He had been happy mainly because everyone else had been happy.

Still his fingers lingered on his parent's smiling faces, his father had his arm around Alexis's waist and the brightness of his mother's smile could only be rivalled by the shine from her diamond engagement ring that was on prominent display.

"So you are just going to slope off after everything you've done."

"Jeff." Steven started in surprise practically dropping the last picture into the box and turning to face his brother-in-law. "I didn't hear you knock?"

"Probably because I didn't." Jeff retorted before shutting the door behind him, his blue eyes taking the measure of the man before him before he slammed two folders down on the desk.

"I couldn't believe it you know. I thought that you were exaggerating your involvement. I mean the Steven Carrington I grew up with would never deliberately sabotage the company that once meant everything to him, so I had them pull the files and then had Charleston fax over a copy of the originals." Jeff added shaking his head in disgust. "How could you do it Steven, stand there and lie to your own father?"

"It is complicated."

"Then explain it to me."

"Why Jeff what difference will it make now?" Steven snapped running his hand through his blond hair and ruffling it slightly. "I made a decision, looking back now it was a mistake but at the time…"

"So you admit it was wrong?"

"Look Jeff this is between me and my father, I have already answered to him, I don't have to explain myself to you."

"Yes you do, in case you have forgotten I am still a significant shareholder in this company. Blake wasn't the only one you stabbed in the back." Jeff replied hotly. "What is more you used my recommendation and my friend to enact your petty revenge and for what, does it make it you happy to see everything your father worked himself to the bone for falling apart around him?"

"None of this makes me happy." Steven retorted bitterly. "But I really had no idea what Dobson and his clique were really up to…"

"Ignorance does not excuse you!"

"What more do you want?" Steven all but yelled at him. "I already feel terrible, I was a mistake…Coming back here in the first place was a mistake, I should have stayed in Washington at least there I was achieving something. I was my own man and not merely Blake Carrington's embarrassment."

Snorting Jeff shook his head. "All Blake's son's are an embarrassment, Adam, what a piece of work he is, the only reason he isn't locked up serving life imprisonment for his many heinous crimes is because Mummy and Daddy keep bailing him out and you…I really thought you were different Steven, the closest thing to a brother I ever thought I could have." Jeff broke off his face contorting with contempt. "Blake doesn't need a son like you."

"Why would he?" Steven snapped back his own slow burning fuse finally catching as Jeff pushed at an already sore point. "I mean how can his real children possibly compete when there is such a shining bastion of all things good and perfect in you to take our place. Honestly Jeff sometimes I don't know how you can see so clearly, the light from your halo must be blinding!"

"Why you little…" Jeff hissed his hand darting out and grasping Steven's collar.

"Go on hit me." Steven goaded. "You know you want to, I mean I've destroyed everything haven't I…I deserve it don't I? Go on hit me, prove in yet another way how much more of a man you are then me, how much better a Carrington you would make. Dear god if I didn't know better sometimes the only reason I think you keep re-marrying Fallon is because it gives you the excuse to call Blake father. Come to think of it why don't you just forgo the charade, have him adopt you, I'd quite willingly give up my space in the family tree."

Even though he had goaded him Steven still reeled in surprise when Jeff's fist lashed out and caught him on the chin knocking him back off of his feet and into the desk. Not resisting in the slightest as another punch followed. He deserved it after all. He deserved to be punished for what he had done and since there was no way he could ever make up for such a betrayal Steven was more than happy to take a beating for it. So Steven chose not to lift a hand to defend himself even when Jeff's right hook connected with his stomach and he tasted bile and blood in his mouth.

Pulling back panting Jeff stared down in horror at the crumpled man at his feet. "Oh god what did I…"

"You call that a punch." Steven mocked wiping away the blood that seeped from his cut lip coughing as he tried to shift the foul taste from his mouth. "Seems like that is one lesson Dad hasn't got round to teaching you after all. I am sure he will find the time soon enough."

"Steven I didn't mean…"

"Yes you did and I deserved it so no hard feelings." Steven spat hauling himself to his feet using the edge of his desk as he suddenly felt a little dizzy. "However right now I want to pack and leave before Dobson's lackeys come to throw us out. I have a little pride left Jeff."

He couldn't wait any longer, all he had done most of the day was stare at the clock and avoid the pitying glances of those around him. He needed to talk to her, just to hear her voice would be enough to sooth the almost constant state of agitation that seemed to have overcome him. It was just this interminable waiting, nothing that he could do to influence anything, it was out of his hands now and that was the hardest thing to swallow.

Picking up the phone he dialled the familiar number relieved when it began to ring. Holding his breath until it was answered he felt it catch as a familiar voice answered.

"Alexis Colby…Hello…Look who the hell is this I am busy and expecting some important calls."

Unable to contain a chuckle as Alexis's familiar voice echoed down the line he took a deep breath and spoke softly. "Good Afternoon Alexis..."

"Good Afternoon Carrington."

"Dobson." Adam grunted his reply not looking up from his glass as Frank had the nerve to settle himself in the seat next to him at The Carlton's bar. "I don't recall inviting you to join me."

"Oh come now we are old friends." Frank teased his grey eyes glinting teasingly. "Now come on and join me in a drink I am celebrating…A bottle of champagne…No make that a magnum, you'll join me won't you Carrington?"

"I think I would rather drink arsenic." Adam muttered bitterly not even looking up from his drink to glance at his smug companion. "Besides isn't this a little presumptive you don't have Denver Carrington yet."

"Oh that is simply a formality, Blake Carrington has used up all of his nine lives, there is no way he can come up with the sort of funds he needs in such a short time." Frank insisted almost pompously as he accepted a glass of champagne from the pretty barmaid. "And one for my friend."

"I am not your friend." Adam spat. "Now if you don't mind…"

Tutting Frank leaned over and patted Adam on the back, his smirk only increasing as Adam shifted away from the casual friendly contact. "Come now Carrington we are on the same side after all."

"Are we?" Adam sneered finally lifting his gaze from this whiskey to glare at Frank. "I thought we had an understanding but then you went and stabbed me in the back, I told you what I did in confidence and what did you do you ran straight to Alexis and told her everything."

Sipping on his champagne Frank's eyes narrowed on a sullen Adam. "Oh so that is why you are here sulking instead of working, did Mummy give you a talking to or perhaps she put you over her knee and sent you up to bed without supper?"

"My relationship with my mother is none of your concern." Adam snapped downing his whiskey in one swift shot before moving to leave. "Now if you will excuse me…"

"Wait one second Carrington." Frank insisted his quick hand reaching out and catching Adam's sleeve. "That was personal, your loose tongue forced my hand, it was necessary to remind you just who was in change in our little arrangement. Now we have to look the future, a very bright future I think we can both agree."

"If you manage to pull off your end." Adam retorted bitterly pushing Frank's hand off of him as if Frank was somehow contagious.

"Oh I am going to take Denver Carrington lock stock and barrel you have my word on that." Frank insisted retaining his smug smirk until Adam had disappeared from view, then it dissolved and for a moment there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "It has to work…God have mercy on me if it doesn't."

The familiar voice caused Alexis to freeze slightly. She had finally been able to put her personal problems out of her mind and concentrate on the business of raising $150 million by four O'clock. Throwing herself into her work had managed to sooth her nerves slightly and then she picked up the phone and instead of it being her banker like she expected there was another very different person at the end of the phone.

"Blake I thought we agreed not to contact each other…we need the element of surprise if we are going to pull this off."

"Alexis relax my office is shut down and providing you don't tell anyone on your end." Blake replied before adding softly. "Besides I missed you."

"Blake…"

"Can't I even say that now?" Blake retorted teasingly. "Heaven help me then if I let it slip that I love you as well."

Sighing Alexis refused to let his sweet words move her. "Blake I have work to do, I am waiting for an important call from my bankers and if I miss it…"

"You are going to be able to get all of the money?" Blake asked sudden fear gripping his heart. "Alexis you can't let me down, I can't let Dobson and his cronies get their hands on Denver Carrington."

"Blake I will have the money but not if you keep me from my work." Alexis muttered testily. "Now please…"

"Alright I'll let you go, just make sure you're at Denver Carrington before five, Dobson will be here to evict me and we need to have a cashiers cheque to pay him."

"I will, now I have to go." Alexis insisted glancing at her watch, it was already three pm and she still had to call at the bank to get the cheques.

"Alexis wait…" Blake added his voice slightly roughened as he twirled the telephone cord around his fingers imaging that it Alexis's former curls. "Did you get my roses?"

"Blake…"

"I was only asking a simple question Alexis."

"Yes I did…They are beautiful Blake." Alexis added guiltily glancing across at her empty sideboard. "Thank you."

Smiling Blake couldn't help but feel a flush of satisfaction, Alexis liked his flowers, and that was only the starting point. Sitting here in his office with nothing better to do but wait as the axe hung above his head Blake had spent his time in the only productive way he could, planning the most romantic evening he could. Letting his voice drop he added gravelly unable to keep his happiness from his voice. "They pale in comparison I am sure."

"Blake don't, you promised to give me space, business discussions are one thing but I just can't handle this right now."

Something in her voice set Blake's teeth on edge and made his confidence falter slightly. He was just so close, last night everything had been perfect and everything he had ever wanted had been literally within his grasp. Now it seemed as though in the light of day things were slipping away and so Blake tightened his grip desperately. "Alexis we can talk later can't we? After dealing with Dobson, we are still going out to celebrate together aren't we? I was thinking since you wanted privacy we could head out of town, perhaps take the helicopter out to the cabin up in the mountains. The view should be spectacular and we would be alone… Alexis please we cannot simply pretend last night never happened and I wouldn't want to in any case. "

"Alexis…" Blake added his fear only mounting, as there was silence down the phone. "Darling are you still there?"

Closing her eyes Alexis couldn't suppress a shiver as Blake's velvet voice caressed her ears with an endearment she thought never would directed at her again and perhaps that was what made her waiver. "I heard you Blake and what I said last night still stands. Providing nothing else comes up…I don't see why not, the cabin should be fine, I am sure the scenery will be lovely."

Finally releasing the breath he had been holding Blake sighed in relief. "Wonderful I will see you in a few hours…And Alexis thank you, really thank you I can't say it enough." Hearing Alexis set down her phone Blake felt his anxiety return.

Glancing quickly at his watch Blake counted down the time. In a few hours it would all be over, Dobson would be thwarted and he would be with Alexis but Denver Carrington would no longer be his to command. In all of this plotting that was one thing Blake had purposefully not thought about. That the company he had built up from nothing would no longer be his and somehow that thought managed to sour all the others.

If only there was some other way…Some way of beating Dobson without loosing Denver Carrington in the process.

Part 5:

The minute hand on the clock ticked round and Blake's eyes were locked on every single tiny movement. It was ten minutes to five and Alexis still hadn't arrived.

"Determined to cling on the bitter end Carrington." A mocking voice commented from the door to the conference room. "I do hope you have already packed up your personal belongings and are ready to leave with no fuss, I would hate to have my new security staff have to drag you off the premises."

Clenching his jaw Blake's gaze remained locked on the clock and he steepled his fingers together as his eyes bore into it willing time to slow or freeze altogether.

Alexis had given him her word

They had shook on it.

She wouldn't let him down.

Not like he had let her down Blake's conscience supplied mockingly. Of course this would be the perfect revenge for her, she could punish him without even having to lift a finger, see his life work destroyed without having to take any of the blame. After all who could blame Alexis is she somehow failed to raise $150 million?

No…No… Blake refused to give that thought serious consideration. Alexis couldn't…Alexis wouldn't do that to him, she had to be here, she would be here because she gave him her word.

"Oh too good to converse with the likes of me." Frank sneered moving from the door to take a seat at the conference table before glancing at his watch. "Five minutes left Carrington, can you hear the bells tolling your doom yet? Why don't we just get on with it, then you can crawl off somewhere to drown your sorrows?" Frank drawled rolling his eyes as Blake stubbornly shook his head not even glancing up from the clock.

"You really are the most stubborn man I have ever met." Frank muttered under his breath. "Two minutes…" Frank began when suddenly the conference door opened and in rushed a pink-cheeked Alexis. "Alexis what are you doing here?" Frank demanded yet Alexis seemed not to hear him.

"Sorry damn traffic wasn't moving, I had to half run the last two blocks." Alexis wheezed slamming her briefcase down on the table before reaching down to pull off one of her heels. "Look at them practically ruined, you owe me a new pair Blake and Louboutin's aren't cheap."

"Alexis I will buy you the whole damn shop now do you have the cheque?"

"In my briefcase." Alexis muttered waving towards the case on the table as she continued to massage her abused feet.

"Will someone please tell me what the hell is going on here?" Frank insisted glancing between a scowling Alexis and a suddenly exuberant Blake a sick realisation slowly beginning to creep over him.

"Oh I will tell you what is going on Mr Dobson." Blake insisted clicking open Alexis's briefcase and retrieving the cashier's cheque that sat on the top lifting it out he slapped it down on the conference table in front of Frank watching in delight as all the blood seemed to drain from Dobson's face.

"No you…You can't…How could you have…" Frank babbled before breaking off and turning to glare at Alexis. "You gave it to him, dear god woman have you got no pride the man damn near destroys you and then all he has to do is lift his little finger and you come rushing back…Well it won't do any good, my superiors still own close to 35% of Denver Carrington shares they will make your life hell Carrington by the time we are through with you your own board will be throwing your off! After all why would they want to keep a CEO who has brought all of this down on their head?"

"Oh I didn't lend him the money Mr Dobson." Alexis couldn't help but gloat. "I bought Blake's Denver Carrington shares, from now on the Denver Carrington board will be dealing with me. Now as this building belongs to me I would kindly request that you remove yourself from it just like I have taken steps to remove you from Colby Co's board, your business in Denver is over Mr Dobson I suggest you leave before you are thrown out permanently."

Shaking slightly as his hand closed on the cashier's cheque Frank could only imagine how his superiors were going to react. They were not going to be happy and that was an understatement, Frank could only hope that he managed to survive it.

"I think this calls for some champagne." Blake insisted his smile only growing now that he had seen Dobson escorted from the building.

"Personally I would kill for a cup of tea." Alexis muttered. "That and a new pair of shoes." She added bitterly massaging her sore feet before slipping them back into her heels. "Oh before I forget there is another cheque in my briefcase, for the remainder of the balance."

Snorting as he found the other cheque Blake shook his head, $50 million. To most people it represented unimaginable wealth but for Blake it wasn't much to represent a life's work.

"I have something else for you as well." Alexis said softly reaching into her briefcase and retrieving another folded document. Running her fingers along the crease she paused for a moment, fuelling Blake's curiosity so that when she finally handed the paper over he was well and truly intrigued.

Opening it he scanned the first few lines, dropping the paper onto the conference table as if scolded.

"You can't be serious?" Blake gasped, glancing up at a deadly serious Alexis.

Retrieving the contract Alexis began to read aloud.

"I Alexis Colby, the undersigned, do formally agree to allow the seller, Blake Carrington, the period of one year from the below date to repurchase the stock, stated below, sold to the undersigned on the below date. The purchase price will be set for the period of one year, at the sum of $150 million.

The undersigned also stipulates that in the management of the stock, and as such controlling interest in Denver Carrington, hence after know as the company, the undersigned will endeavour to keep the company as a separate and solvent entity and will not enter into negotiations or any undertakings that would merge the company with any other corporations or that would lead to a significant devaluation in the company's holdings….

Well I think that seems rather straight forward to me." She added drolly.

Unable to believe what he was hearing Blake retrieved the contract shaking his head as he confirmed her words. "You are certifiable."

Smiling at his choice of words Alexis nudged him with her shoulder, and leant against the conference table. "Well I've certainly driven you crazy from time to time."

"Oh yes…But this is too much Alexis…"

Laughing at his conceit Alexis quickly corrected him. "You seem very sure of yourself Mr Carrington, you only have a year to turn that $50 million into $150 million. I am only giving you a sporting chance, not handing you your stock back tied up in a nice red bow."

"You think I can't do it?" Blake scoffed feeling the thrill of a challenge bring out his fighting spirit, his dark eyes lighting up and suddenly he looked ten years younger.

Just a few hours ago he had reconciled himself to spending his last few years looking after his youngest child and trying his best to win Alexis back. Yet now with a finishing line in his sight and a trophy to aim for Blake felt as though retiring was the last thing he wanted. What had he been thinking?

"Very well Mrs Colby I accept your little challenge."

Beaming as the man she knew and loved finally re-emerged from the ashes of his latest defeat Alexis picked up her silver ballpoint pen; biting her lip playfully she passed the slender pen between her fingers before offering it to Blake. "Then sign on the dotted line Mr Carrington."

Snatching the pen as Alexis waved it teasingly under his nose Blake bent over and after scanning the document one last time he signed his name.

"One last thing!" Alexis added the moment he had signed both copies.

Raising an eyebrow Blake teasingly replied. "Now you tell me."

Laughing at his worried tone Alexis rubbed his arm. "So suspicious Mr Carrington… No there is no hidden trap I would just prefer if this little agreement remained between the two of us, I think it's better that the children don't become involved; besides this is supposed to be a challenge for you."

"Blake Carrington against the world!" Blake quipped causing Alexis to laugh.

"Well it wouldn't be the first time would it?" Alexis answered softly. "You were determined to do it by yourself once before, I think it's only fitting that you reclaim your empire the same way; don't you?"

"Well last time I also had you in my corner." Blake commented wryly enjoying the banter between them.

"I'll always be there for you Blake, you know that."

Blushing slightly at the intense way she said that Blake realised now might be a good time to finally discuss the 'Pink elephant in the room.' "Alexis about last night…"

Yet as he started Blake discovered he had not a clue what to say. Last night in her office seemed like a world away from here and now. A precious perfect memory that discussing could only taint; their empathy had been so complete then, she had known what he needed without a word being spoken. Could that still be the case, did he even need to explain just how close to the edge he had felt until she had pulled him back, rescuing him from himself?

"What about it?" Alexis asked warily, unable to meet his intense gaze, dreading the conversation that was coming. Yet she had avoided it for as long as she could and somehow here with Blake it was easier to push her doubts aside, just like when she was in his arms the night before. Until the phone had rang Alexis had been lost in their own little world.

"Thank you. I was close to the edge last night and you…somehow you managed to bring me back to life Alexis if it hadn't been for you…" Blake whispered softly his voice breaking towards the end. "Darling I can never thank you enough."

Alexis's head jerked up and their gazes met, she was surprised to find no pretence in his eyes just boundless affection and Alexis felt her resistance melting. "You're welcome."

Snorting at her smug reply Blake slipped his arm round her waist leaning in to place a kiss on her cheek, a kiss that lingered as he nuzzled against her skin. She just smelt so good, felt so strong in his arms; it lit something alight in him that he thought had died. Alexis didn't need protecting, not from the world and certainly not from him; there was no need to second guess his every gesture. She made him feel alive, like the man he used to be. Like a drug, a drug he could quickly become addicted to.

"Blake…" Alexis teased him playfully trying to push him away turning her face away from his kiss, pleasantly surprised when his grip on her tightened and he tried unsuccessfully to capture her lips, his butterfly kisses moving across her alabaster cheek.

Kissing the corner of her mouth Blake felt her smile and the warmth of her breath on his face as she chuckled at his attempt to claim her.

"Behave Blake."

Sliding down to nuzzle the underside of her jaw, Blake felt her pulse quicken as he sucked at the soft skin just above her artery. "Give me a reason why I should?" He murmured against her skin, relishing the way she moaned and goosebumps broke out across her exposed flesh, his hands moving to touch as much of it as possible.

Moaning Alexis lifted her chin giving him as much access as he needed her emerald eyes widening as she heard the door to the conference room open and a pair of astonished blue eyes took in the scene before her.

Smirking victoriously Alexis slid her hand into Blake's hair tilting his mouth back up to hers, allowing him to finally claim her lips for his own. Yet her eyes remained locked on their horrified silent onlooker, it had taken ten years to achieve this victory, and it was just as sweet as she had always hoped it would be.

Part 6:

He was floating on air.

Alexis's hair was still as soft as he remembered as it slid between his fingers, a little too short but that was all that had changed. Her lips were still as pliant and passionate and her body…The warmth of the woman in his arms always amazed Blake as did her responsiveness, it was like he was lost in one of his vivid dreams and Blake was finding it increasingly difficult to retain control.

"God Alexis I want you." Blake gasped as they broke apart both breathing heavily, his hands practically shaking as they slid down Alexis's back pulling her so close they were practically one as in his eagerness he pressed her towards the boardroom table his joy turning to horror as Alexis's suddenly froze before panicking wildly, her palms beating at his chest.

"Blake no…not….here…not like…" Alexis insisted pressing both her hands against Blake's chest, pushing him away as she tried to rein in the sudden upsurge of blind panic and make sense of her wildly vacillating thoughts.

It wasn't rational but it was there clawing at her throat, the urge to scream and back into a corner, it was just too close to that other encounter and Alexis went with her instincts the ones that screamed at her to move. It was only when she was safely free from Blake's embrace her shaking hands resting on the smooth expanse of polished oak that now stood between them that Alexis could even bring her breathing back under control.

Just what the hell had she been thinking?

Nothing at all it had seemed.

At first she had been carried away in the moment, her and Blake together against the world, the way it should have been all along a part of her still insisted. In some ways it still felt so right, his loving arms wrapped around her, comforting her. However if Alexis was honest there had also been a baser motive, after all even though she hadn't pushed Blake away when he kissed her cheek she hadn't actively returned his attentions until she became aware of their audience.

All those years of being made to feel second best, of having her nose rubbed in their 'oh so perfect love affair', of having to stomach the fact that although her own children loved her they undoubtedly 'liked' Krystle better. God it had felt good to finally be able to prove to Blake's ex-stenographer that in the end Alexis was the victor. That if she wanted to Blake was right there for the taking and that nothing Krystle could do would be able to change that.

Yet when a broken Krystle had simply vanished without so much as a whimper something had died inside Alexis souring any joy in her hollow victory and so she had tried to push that feeling aside by throwing herself into Blake's kisses and it had worked for a while. Blake's kisses were just as skilful and passionate as ever, just as thrilling and tender but when she felt the hard edge of the table against her back Alexis hadn't been able to contain her reaction.

In a moment she had been back in her office and all the associated feelings of hurt, pain and fear had come crashing down, every feeling of helplessness that she had suppressed since then, refusing to give into such a thing as irrational fear; all of that swept over her like a tsunami.

"Alexis…Darling are you alright?" Blake asked softly edging cautiously towards her like he would a startled filly liable to bolt.

"I can't do this." Alexis whispered yet her strangled reply carried in the quiet room.

"Can't do what?"

"This…Us…I just can't. I can't give you what you want Blake." Alexis added raising her large emerald eyes to stare pleadingly into Blake's horrified dark orbs. "I need to leave…You need to let me go…" Alexis added not caring that she was babbling as she reached for her briefcase.

"No wait please wait." Blake pleaded. "Just tell me what is wrong, did I do something, say something? Just tell me whatever I did I can fix it, I can change, we can fix this Alexis, just tell me what to do."

"Not this you can't." Alexis insisted dragging her briefcase closer to her body as she edged around the table her eyes flickering between Blake and the door before she even realised what she was doing.

Stepping between her and the door Blake lifted his hands reassuringly. "I am not going to hurt you Alexis, I just want to talk to you, whatever reassurances you need…"

"Won't mean a thing."

"Alexis I am not going to make the same mistakes again, I know deep in my bones that we belong together we always had I was just too stupid and too stubborn to admit it before." Blake whispered soothingly yet Alexis couldn't be soothed by his soft plea. "Darling I love you, no matter what you need I can be the one to give it to you."

Logically Alexis knew Blake wasn't going to hurt her, he hadn't hurt her the night before after all but somehow that had been so very different. Blake had been a broken man last night and Alexis the one in a powerful position; he had needed her not the other way around. Making love to him then had seemed to flow naturally, it had felt right, it had been the perfect culmination of their emotional openness; they had been so close mentally and so in sync emotionally that the physical had just happened.

Yet last night hadn't changed everything. Deep down where it mattered Alexis wasn't sure she could trust Blake, the hurt ran too deep to be washed away by a few pretty words or loving kisses. Even if she wanted to lie to Blake or even to herself, to fall back into his arms and their life like nothing had happened Alexis knew now it would not be so simple as that.

That was without even considering Dex in all of this. After all last night Alexis had cheated on him and she had felt guilty afterwards, she had hardly slept a wink, tossing and turning in her bed as she stared at Dex's accusing empty pillow. Yet she could in a way justify that one time, could find a way to live with her actions it had been so removed from normal life.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't say that." Blake snapped regretting his sharp words when Alexis seemed flinch. "You don't need to apologise, I know this is my fault, all I do is hurt you even when I don't mean to."

"Then let me go…Just give me some space Blake please." Alexis added refusing to beg yet realising her voice was wavering dangerously. "It is just too much."

Sighing Blake felt his bright future unravel, the threads ripped from his fingers as his eyes remained locked on Alexis's downcast face. Yet even in his despair he felt a flicker of hope remain as an old adage his mother used to repeat suddenly popped into his head and he mumbled it aloud without even realising "If you love something set it free…"

"If it comes back…" Alexis added her emerald eyes flickering up to meet Blake's gaze as he added softly. "Then it's yours."

Swallowing as she stared into Blake's dark eyes Alexis couldn't help but continue sadly, her words faltering at the end, "But if it doesn't…" Tearing her gaze away Alexis suddenly felt anxious to be anywhere but here... anywhere but staring into Blake's broken face.

Clenching his fists together Blake could only watch as the love of his life walked towards the door as the end of that sentence screamed in his mind. "it never was."

No this wasn't happening…It couldn't be happening.

Not after everything…Not after all the meticulous planning.

How could things have gone so very wrong?

Standing frozen as the telephone receiver slipped from his suddenly slack grip Charles stared lifelessly out of the large panoramic veranda window, yet his gaze was far from the spectacular view of crashing surf down on the beach below or even the merrily dancing palm trees. Instead his attention was further a field, his imagination locked somewhere on a boardroom in Denver Colorado of all places where everything that he had been plotting had suddenly and disastrously gone up in smoke.

It was so unbelievable that despite Dobson breaking all their careful rules about making direct contact Charles still couldn't believe it.

He had planned everything so meticulously. He had with his father's help laid out so well laid a maze with the perfect enticements that Carrington hadn't even noticed he was being led by the nose to his doom. Their plots had been so detailed with back ups for almost all possible scenarios, all Dobson had to do was follow out their instructions…

Yet Charles realised crucially in their arrogances they had made one key mistake. They had grossly underestimated either Blake Carrington's persuasive abilities and natural luck or Alexis Colby's depth of feeling for her first husband.

It was not a mistake Charles Davenport would ever be making again.

This time the gloves would be coming off…This time there would be no holds barred…No one would be safe.

They had thought they could simply beat Carrington at his own game on his own turf by only bending the rules when in order to win Charles was quickly realising they would need to throw the rulebook out of the window. This time it wouldn't be enough to try and isolate Carrington from his former supporters, this time they would need to decimate that support first if they wanted to destroy the man.

Shaking his head Charles couldn't begin to wonder what was special about Carrington that he could inspire such loyalty in some and such loathing in others. Eventually the man had to be made accountable for his crimes and the Davenports had hardly shirked from attacking any innocent victims in their path if it cleared their way. He could barely contain his snort of irritation and perverse amusement as he wondered just how Alexis Colby would react to the knowledge that bailing out Carrington had finally placed her front and centre in their sights, somewhere that in Charles opinion she should have been all along…However his father…

"Charles was that news from Denver? Is it ours, is Denver Carrington finally ours?"

Swallowing nervously Charles pushed his anger at Alexis Colby aside and made his way into his father's room, staring down at the sick old man in the bed who was clinging to his oxygen mask like it was his only lifeline, Charles pushing aside the realisation that in some ways it literally was. Wishing with all his might that this was the one report he didn't have to deliver personally.

"We lost it…Blake sold his stock enough to cover his loan." Charles muttered wincing as his elderly father began to shake, his long fingers gripping his coverlet so tight his knuckles turned white. "We were beaten to the punch and now Carrington doesn't even own Denver Carrington anymore."

"No…NO!"

"Father calm down please….The doctors…"

"Who?" The old man gasped his breathing heavy and erratic. "How?"

Gritting his teeth Charles did nothing to contain the contempt that tinged his voice, contempt that normally he kept hidden out of respect for his father. "Alexis Colby that's how."

The bark of sudden laughter caught Charles by surprise. "Father what…?"

"She did it…Finally…" He gasped his breathing speeding up as the old man chuckled and snorted. "After all these years…" He added and Charles had to shake his head in disbelief. "She finally fulfilled her promise, to get Blake…"

"Father what are you…" Charles began again his confusion turning quickly to panic as the heart monitor to his right quickly began to bleep as his father's heart rate shot through the roof, yet instead of nice steady spikes the cardiogram seemed to shoot all over the place like a child's etchasketch.

"Father!" Charles snapped turning to slam his hand on the emergency button yet his father's surprisingly firm grip stopped him.

"No…it's time…" The old man gasped forcing a smile despite his pain. "Be strong…my son."

"You can't leave we still have so much to finish, you promised to help me." Charles practically yelled trying to pry the old man's hand from his sleeve. "We still have scores to settle both yours and mine."

"You don't…my help…Finish your…Me proud…"

"I need you here." Charles pleaded watching as a fond smile lit up the old man's aristocratic features and his blue eyes twinkled fondly.

Yet that light suddenly diminished and his grip went slack allowing Charles to dart forward and slam the emergency button, which scrambled the doctor and nurse that were stationed down the hall. However before they had even slammed the doors open Charles knew it was too late, the man he had called been privileged to call father for twenty five years of his life had gone, slipped away on his own terms just as he had lived.

The doctor and nurse futilely tried to revive him and Charles stepped back to let them try whilst knowing in his heart that it was too late. After a few minutes they gave up turning to Charles apologetically yet he dismissed them with barely a glance and with a sneer at their insincere platitudes of commiserations. They didn't mean it, none of them ever did. The Davenports were hardly noted for being generous or kind employers but since they were the only employers hereabout that hardly mattered and Charles didn't care for their false pity.

Only when he was finally alone did he step over to the bed and reach over to close his father's eyelids, closing his own out of respect for the man who had shaped the world as he chose. The man who defied traditional conventions, and laughed in the face of death; who had been many different men over the years as necessity had demanded it, shedding names and identities as easily as a snake did it's skin.

Charles Davenport Snr as he would be buried…Logan Rhinewood that had shaped the world to his will and had taken a young Charles under his wing…Cecil Baldwin Colby that the world had once thought they had known.

Well Charles was finally through with hiding, no longer did his father's recognisable face make it a necessity to act through shady intermediaries. This time he would take care of his business himself, because when he dealt the deathblow to Blake Carrington and Alexis Colby he wanted to be there in person to see the realisation in their eyes that this was all of their own making. This game was far from over; in fact in many ways it had only just begun.