Chapter 1

It was early February, Anna sat in her suite at the Metro Court thinking about everything that had been happening lately. The holidays had been wonderful, Robin was now home with her family where she belongs and Anna couldn't be happier about having her back. Every time she saw Emma with Robin she felt such joy she thought she would burst. So much had happened in the last three months of the past year, from Robert finally waking up, to them finding Robin alive, then there was the secret of what she and Robert had done. Duke had been there for her but lately, she started to get this feeling she couldn't shake that he was up to something. That he was keeping things from her again. Was that why he was acting differently? When Robert had told her that Derek Wells was actually Julian Jerome she couldn't believe that Duke had once again been working for him. Duke never would have if he'd known who he really was. Thankfully, he wasn't working for him anymore.

Over the holidays they had all spent time together. It had been great being around family and the fact Patrick came home for Christmas had made it so much better. On New Year's Eve, she had gone out with Duke like they had planned but she found herself thinking about Robert that night. She had seen him a few times throughout the evening, he was in a tux. Oh, she still loved how he looked in a tux. Who was she kidding she always thinks he looked good? She would find herself smiling thinking about him, then remember who she was with. She had enjoyed dancing with Duke and they'd had a great time, at midnight they had kissed it was a wonderful night but after midnight she found herself looked around for Robert hoping to get a moment alone with him but hadn't seen him anywhere.

Then Anna started thinking about Robert again. He had made all the arrangement they needed to deal with a certain individual and she was grateful. Anna knew there was more to why she was thinking about him. While they had been locked in that lab together they had talked about so many things, admitting things they hadn't before. She felt so close to him, they were still so connected to each other and she knew they always would be. She smiled thinking about it, she liked that it was Robert she had gotten locked up with and Anna knew if she had been single she wouldn't have been when they left. The problem was she wasn't single, she and Duke were a couple. When they finally got out she knew Robert understood that and that he was not going to interfere. They had both agreed not to talk about what had happened between them while they were alone together. Lately, she found herself thinking about Robert more than Duke though and that both worried and excited her.

That brought her thoughts back to Duke. Once Duke knew who Derek Wells really was he had quit his job and gotten a new one, although he wouldn't tell Anna much about what it was. She knew he was working for another businessman and he was often required to go with him to business meetings, but that was about all he would tell her. When she would ask Duke about work he would usually tell her she didn't want to hear about all that boring stuff. Anna thought he might be working as an assistant and just didn't want her to know because he felt he should be doing something more. Whatever it was she was just happy it had nothing to do with the mob.

Anna had stayed late at the station again, she was so far behind on everything but had to deal with a delicate case at the moment, and that was taking up a lot of her time. She had plans with Duke later that evening but she wasn't really excited about going out, she just wanted to stay in and relax. When Duke got there he gave her a quick kiss then took her arm, they were going to eat at the Metro Court and she hoped that would be all he had planned so she could go get some much-needed rest. After they had ordered Anna couldn't help but notice that Duke was very distracted this evening, she would have to repeat herself even if he was looking right at her as she spoke. When they were done eating Duke seemed to be in a real hurry to leave. They walked back to her room Anna was about to invite him in when he looked at her watch and stated he had better leave, he gave Anna another quick kiss then he hurried off down the hallway. Anna was happy she'd get to go to bed but wondered what was going on with Duke. He was still new at his job, maybe that was why he was so distracted tonight.

...

The next three times they went out the same type of thing had happened. Duke was so distracted he would hardly talk to Anna. It didn't matter what they were doing or where they were either he would excuse himself to take calls that had to do with work. When Anna would ask him about his new job he would change the subject or avoid her questions. She was getting so frustrated that Duke wouldn't talk to her. The only topic that seemed to interest him was Robert and why he was still in Port Charles. He would barely offer anything to their conversations other than to complain about Robert and by the end of the dates, Anna would feel like it couldn't end fast enough. She didn't understand his odd behaviour or why he was so upset by the fact Robert was around. She only saw him once in a while, sometimes they bumped into each other at the Metro Court and Robin would invite them both over for dinners and things like that, but she wasn't going out of her way to see him.

Duke had even managed to ruined Valentines day for them, he had told her he had the entire evening planned, he had promised her romance and an evening devoted to her, but halfway through their meal he got a call and ended up having to leave. There was no real explanation just a promise to make it up to her later. After having a few bad dates the next time Duke called Anna thought getting caught up on some of her work would be a better use of her time and decided to pass on the invitation. Now it had been over a week since she had seen him. They were both busy and just couldn't seem to find time to get together.

...

"Is there a reason Robert is still in Port Charles?" Anna looked up, Duke was in her office at headquarters. He had come to talk to her because he believed she was behaving differently lately and was sure it had a lot to do with Robert. He knew he'd been busy but felt she should make time for him, it was the least she could do.

Here we go again she thought, why did he care so much that Robert was here, Anna looked at him from behind her desk, "You mean besides the fact his only daughter and only granddaughter live here, that we believed Robin was dead for two years, or the fact he spent almost a year in a coma." Anna shook her head in disbelief, "His family is here and he's on medical leave from work why shouldn't he be here?"

"I just wish he was somewhere else." Anna could hear the bitterness in his voice.

"Is there a reason you stopped in, I didn't miss a lunch date did I?" she knew she had blown him off a couple times but didn't remember having plans today. "I'm due in court in about twenty-five minutes."

"No we didn't have plans but I wanted to see you, I haven't seen you much lately."

"I am sorry about that, I've been spending a lot of time with Robin and work has just been crazy. We should get together later tonight, if not for dinner for a drink at least."

Under his breath, "Not to busy for Robert." He had seen them talking outside of her suite the night before, they had both been laughing about something. He was bitter, why was she making time for him?

"What was that," she had heard him but wanted to see if he'd actually repeat it.

"You seem to have time for Robert, I saw you two last night."

"Are you following me? Yes, I saw Robert last night. I gave him a lift, and he was telling me about his afternoon with Emma. Are you seriously upset that we were talking about our granddaughter?"

"It looked like you were really enjoying yourselves. I'm amazed you didn't invite him in."

"Excuse me? Why would it matter if I did invite Robert into my suite? We have been alone together before."

"Yeah, how's your self-control?"

Anna's had enough of this, she had more important things to do then get into an argument with him right now. "I stopped by Robin's after work, Robert was there. I offered him a ride back to the Metro Court, while we drove he started telling me about his day. We were laughing about a craft project Emma had tried to make but ended up gluing it to the two of them. It was a funny story grandparents were sharing. We talking outside my suite for maybe five minutes then he went to his room. That's it, now if you don't mind I have to get to court." Anna walked out of her office leaving Duke there, she was in no mood for his jealousy.

Duke watched her leave, he was sure there was more to it than that. He knew if there wasn't already something going on between her and Robert, Anna wanted there to be. Duke stood there feeling infuriated, the last night they had been together was playing in his head again. Duke lay awake in Anna's bed staring at the ceiling, they'd made love then Anna had fallen asleep. He couldn't fall asleep because he was worried about Anna safety, he knew Julian would be willing to harm her. He was also keeping the fact he was working for Sonny Corinthos from her. He didn't like lying to her but he felt he had no other choice. Then Anna started to move a little beside him, then she moaned in her sleep, "Oh, Robert," he looked over at her, there was a smile on her lips, "Mmmm yes," then she moaned again, "Robert!" It wasn't bad enough she was dreaming about Robert she was dreaming about having sex with him. Duke quietly got out of bed then left. He hadn't spent the night with her since. Now all they seemed to do is fight.

They might not be getting along right now but he had important plans and some of them included knowing what Anna was up to. Sonny wanted him to keep tabs on her and any investigation she might be conducting into his business, but how could he do that if he kept annoying her? He walked out of her office with his head down, since Scorpio had come back into their lives everything was a complete mess with Anna.

...

Anna tried calling Duke when she was about to leave for the day but he didn't answer, she thought that he could be in a meeting. When she got back to her suite she just wanted to put her feet up and not think about anything, it had been another long day. She called Duke again but still got no answer. So Anna made herself a cup of tea then kicked off her shoes and curled up on the couch. Why was Duke acting like this, it was like he was trying to push her away? She kept telling herself they're together, and it doesn't matter what other feelings she might be dealing with right now she was with Duke. The big problem with that was the more he acted like this more she questioned why she was still with him at all.

Anna picked up her book and started reading, she didn't know how long she had been reading before she had fallen asleep but was awoken by someone knocking at her door. She stretched and checked her phone it was 9:30, she didn't have any missed calls or texts. Maybe it was Duke coming for that drink after all. She went and answered the door but it wasn't Duke, "Robert, hi what brings you here?"

"I was just sitting alone in my room and thought I'd take a chance that you might want to go get a drink with me." He leaned on the door frame, "I'm bored, I'm not allowed to work and could really use some good conversation."

"You know what? That sounds great, come in. Give me a few minutes to freshen up." He followed her inside, she left him alone in the main room so he took a seat on the couch. Robert noticed her shoes, the book laying on the floor and a half-finished cup of tea. "Alright, are you ready?" she asked when she came back into the room.

"Did I wake you up, I can go if you need to rest."

"I shouldn't have been sleeping anyway. Now I'll have a heck of a time getting any sleep tonight. It was just a long day." She put her shoes back on, "K let's go, I might need to eat as well I haven't had anything since lunch."

"I think that can be arranged." Robert opened the door, holding it opened for her, then they walked down the hall together talking about her day. When they got to the restaurant they got a table and continued talking. "As much fun as spending the day with Emma can be it's nice to have a real conversation, thanks for agreeing to join me."

"I think I needed to talk too, I've been so busy at work and Duke is being impossible right now. It seems like every time we talk he either isn't engaged in the conversation or trying to pick a fight, and I just don't understand why."

"Is it because I'm here? Maybe we shouldn't have come here after all," she had already told Robert about Duke wanting to know why he was staying in Port Charles.

"Robert, don't be silly. It would seem a lot worse if we were tucked away in one of our rooms. Here people can see us and if he asks me I'll tell him exactly what we're doing." Anna paused and looked at Robert for a moment, "He was questioning why you're here again earlier today, I guess he saw us talking last night by my suite."

"I'm here to spend time with my family."

"I know and that's what I've told him, over and over. There's more to it than that though, I just don't know what it is. He's been on edge for weeks now." The waitress brought over a bottle of wine and took their order. "Robert, you don't think he's jealous do you?"

"Of us? Should he be?" Robert looked her in the eyes. "You keep telling me the two of you are together, I'm respecting that."

"I know you are, but that doesn't mean he's not threatened by you being here." She took a sip of her wine, trying to make sense of her own thoughts. "He saw us talking yesterday, and because we were laughing together he said he was amazed I didn't invite you in."

Robert looked down before answering, "He's jealous Anna. Did you tell him we were talking about Emma?" She nodded then he reached out and touched her hand, "I won't do anything to cause problems in your relationship, but you know there is a lot going on here."

"I know and we can't talk about that." Anna picked up her glass and finished it, so Robert refilled it. "We should talk about something else, what did you do today?" she asked as the food arrived.

"Nothing, I watched a little TV, went for a walk on the docks, went back to my room. I hate not have anything to do, Anna."

"I have too much work and you don't have enough, that doesn't seem fair at all," she said with a smile.

"Well, at least I get to spend tomorrow with Emma, that gives me something to look forward to."

"Now I am jealous," Anna said with a little laugh, "I'd love to spend the day with Emma, not buried in paperwork. A lot piled up while I was busy with other things."

"Well isn't this cozy, a late night rendezvous with your lover," Duke accused as he came over to their table. "You don't seem interested in me anymore, and I guess I know why."

"Have you been drinking?" Anna looked up at Duke, he didn't need to answer, she knew he had. "We are having a meal, talking about our days. I asked you if you wanted to join me this evening, I called you when I was done work, but you never called me back. When Robert asked me to join him for a drink I agreed."

"Did you have that story worked out in case I showed up?"

"Duke you should leave and try talking to me when you've sobered up some."

"Don't let me keep you, I'm sure you can't wait to get back to his room." Duke turned and almost walked into the next table before stumbling away.

Anna put her head in her hands, "Do you see what I mean, yeah he's drunk but that just emphasizes the way he's been behaving."

"I'm not going to stop talking to you. If he can't handle the fact we're friends that's his problem. Let's finish eating then maybe we should call it a night," Robert suggested. Anna agreed and they finished their meal mostly in silence, then he walked her back to her room. "You should try and get some sleep, Luv." Robert took her hand, "I'll make you a deal, you go get some sleep and I'll bring Emma to your office so we can take you out for lunch," Robert offered.

"Bring me lunch so we can just hang out there and you have a deal, Scorpio."

"Deal," he shook her hand then leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Goodnight," he turned and left to go back to his own room. As Robert walked away he started to feel he had been right about keeping a little distance between himself and Anna. He knew she was with Duke and that she wanted to give that relationship a real chance, but that didn't stop him from thinking about her, about them.

Robert thought back New Year's Eve, he had agreed to go out on because it sounded better than sitting in his room alone. It was going fine until Anna walked in, he could hardly look away, she looked stunning in a black evening gown that showed off her form beautifully. At one point she had looked over and caught him staring, but she only smiled and watched him look her over again, then he smiled back and mouthed 'hot' she smiled again then turned and walked away. He hadn't minded though he'd liked that view as well. Robert mostly stayed at the bar after that, but he was careful, for every drink he had a glass of water. There were nights when it was harder to keep to the agreement with Anna, and he knew he had to keep a clear head that night or make a mess of everything. He had talked to Duke and Anna but only briefly, he got the impression Anna needed the space that night as well. If she was struggling like he was then maybe there was a chance for them yet. As it got closer to midnight he found himself wanting to go ask her to dance, just to hold her in his arms but decided against it, then when he saw them on the dance floor just before midnight he left. He decided being alone in his room was better than the party after all. Ever since that night, he had been thinking about her often, so he was trying to keep a little distance but sometimes, like tonight, he just needed to see her.

Anna watched him walk away then went into her suite, she got ready for bed quickly then crawled into her waiting bed. Even though she'd napped she was surprised to find she was still very tired. She closed her eyes and started to fall asleep, a smile on her lips. She was thinking about a man, but it was the one that had taken her out for dinner, not the one she's dating.